The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024 by Dwight-Englewood School

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

THE LOWER SCHOOL H ANDBOOK 2023 - 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS A MESSAGE FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ��3 MISSION STATEMENT ��4 PROFILE OF A GRADUATE ��4 PROFILE OF A TEACHER ��4 DIVERSITY VALUES ��4 DWIGHT-ENGLEWOOD CORE VALUES ��4 A BRIEF HISTORY ��5 ADMINISTRATION ��5 LOWER SCHOOL DROP-OFF AND DISMISSAL TIMES ��6

Dwight-Englewood School

ACADEMIC PROGRAM �� 7 BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS ��9 COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILIES �� 10 SAFETY AND SECURITY �� 11 ATTENDANCE INFORMATION �� 12 HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION �� 13 SPECIAL PROGRAMS/RESOURCES �� 15 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION �� 16

A MESSAGE FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year! On behalf of the Lower School faculty, staff, and administration, I extend greetings of warmth as we embark on a new school year. The Lower School at Dwight-Englewood School is a vibrant and loving place. Each classroom is filled with children and adults from very diverse families and experiences. Our primary focus is on the academic, social-emotional, and physical growth and success of the children in our care. Daily, the dedicated faculty and staff at Dwight-Englewood School work to foster an environment of engagement that allows our students to encounter rich academic tasks. The students also have the opportunity to explore and to learn with, and from, one another. Each day our children are astir with great ideas and perspectives about the work that they encounter throughout the school day. These lessons and experiences seek to draw on each child’s creativity. At various times during the school day, students are provided with opportunities to think critically and to receive guidance and support as they demonstrate perseverance through challenging tasks. The full experience in the Lower School helps our students to know that they can, and will, make a difference in our ever-changing world.

I encourage all to review and discuss the full content of the Lower School Handbook. Each year the information is updated; and there are times when new information is added. Please access the handbook and refer back to it when needed as the year progresses. Looking forward to a wonderful school year! Sincerely, Preeti Fibiger Lower School Principal fibigp@d-e.org (201) 227-3221

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

The school’s Mission Statement, Profile of a Teacher, Profile of a Graduate, Diversity Values Statement, and Core Values -- our foundation documents -- are listed on the following pages of this handbook. These statements draw our focus back to the reasons why we became members of this school community. The remainder of the handbook flows from those statements and contains descriptors of other critical elements necessary for a successful school year. General information regarding the academic program, methods of communication between school and home, along with information about health and medical procedures are clearly outlined. The entire document serves to facilitate a strong partnership between home and school that will ensure that our students feel the support and love from the adults in their lives.

MISSION STATEMENT

DIVERSITY VALUES

As a community of learners, Dwight-Englewood School strives to foster in each student a passion for life-long learning.We seek excellence, honor integrity, and embrace diversity in order to develop the skills, values, and courage to meet the challenges of a changing world and make it better.

As a community of life-long learners, Dwight-Englewood School is committed to the ongoing growth and development of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that acknowledges, affirms, and protects the dignity of all people.

PROFILE OF A GRADUATE

Dwight-Englewood School

These four criteria describe those qualities, skills, and habits of mind & body that we strive to instill in our students. The faculty believes strongly that they emanate directly from the mission statement and represent worthy behaviors towards which all members of our community can and should aspire. 1. Inspired by a rich and challenging program, our graduates will explore ideas critically, communicate effectively, and lead active intellectual lives. 2. With the confidence fostered by their experiences here, our graduates will continue to cultivate their talents and pursue their passions. 3. Through understanding born of a diverse and caring community, our graduates will engage creatively and compassionately in the world. 4. Guided by the values nurtured in their years at DwightEnglewood School, our graduates will think clearly, decide wisely, and live honestly.

PROFILE OF A TEACHER We are here because we care for our students as learners, and as people. We look to the School’s mission for guidance in all aspects of our work. We guide our students in developing the skills, understanding, and habits of mind to become independent learners and transfer their learning to new and unfamiliar situations. We engage in the full life of our school, educating, supporting, and knowing our students beyond their academic experience. We continue to grow as professionals, deepening our knowledge and improving our practice at a pace consistent with our changing world.

Because we nurture and celebrate the unique sense of belonging of each community member, it is expected that we all partner in our commitment to inspire one another to live in a diverse world with confidence, competence, empathy, and kindness. In partnership with our mission, and with the firm conviction that our efforts will benefit all members of our community, we commit to: Ê Building and sustaining a vibrant and inclusive community by employing recruitment and retention efforts to attract, retain, and nurture a diverse student, parent, faculty, staff, and trustee population. Ê An ongoing review of our school policies and procedures to ensure an inclusive and equitable campus climate. Ê A consistent and steady revision of our curriculum and teaching practices to provide students and adults alike with educational experiences that both accurately reflect and critically examine the world for which we are preparing them.

DWIGHT-ENGLEWOOD CORE VALUES At Dwight-Englewood we all come to grow. We seek growth in respect, honesty, judgment, commitment, courage, and community and expect each of us to work towards living these, our shared values.We believe that the opportunity to grow is a precious gift, one that brings out our best selves. Respect. Respect takes many forms: respect for others, respect for the environment, and respect for self. We show our respect for others by being considerate and attentive to their needs and wishes. In a diverse community such as ours, it is especially important to respect our differences and celebrate our diversity. We show respect for the environment by taking good care of the world around us. We act to preserve the beauty and resources of our campus, our community, and our planet. Finally, we show respect for ourselves by appreciating our strengths, taking care of our bodies and minds, and doing what we know to be right. Honesty. Honesty is the bedrock of knowledge, trust, and selfrespect.Any community depends on honesty so that its members can trust one another. In an academic community, the role of

honesty is especially critical. Without honesty, science becomes speculation; history becomes fiction. Without honesty, it is impossible to see the world clearly. Whether on the playing field or in the classroom, one can feel accomplished only when an achievement is truly one’s own, an honest effort. Honesty is a responsibility to one’s self and the world.

is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and The New Jersey Association of Independent Schools.The school combines the strengths of three former schools, Dwight School, the Englewood School for Boys, and the Bede School, each with a history and tradition extending many years into the past.

Judgment. Judgment means making good decisions on important questions. It is called upon in a wide range of situations, from choosing friends to writing an essay, from selecting a college to voting. Judgment often involves questions of right and wrong. We form judgments about our individual actions, as well as the actions of others. Good judgment depends upon an objective, careful consideration of the facts, the ability to weigh conflicting views, and a clear sense of the standards and values that underlie our decisions.

In 1889, Dwight School was founded as an independent school for girls. One of its most influential headmistresses was Miss Frances Leggett, who served from 1928-1948.The main classroom building for grades nine through twelve bears her name. The Englewood School for Boys was founded in 1928.The main classroom building for grades six through eight is named in honor of Marshall L. Umpleby, who, as Headmaster from 1934-1965, led the school during its major period of growth.

Courage. Courage is needed to bridge the gap between knowing the right thing to do and actually doing it. In most ethical dilemmas the difficult problem is not knowing what we should do, but rather having the strength of character to follow through on our convictions. It takes courage to refrain from a wrongful action. It takes even greater courage to admit when we have done something wrong and make amends. It takes exceptional courage to stand against the harmful actions of others. Community. Community means not only taking responsibility for ourselves, but also caring for those around us.We build community when we show kindness and consideration for one another. We strengthen our community as we work together toward a common goal, whether in the classroom or in extracurricular activities. Finally, service to others, both on campus and off, expresses our dedication to community. Though we all have our own individual needs and wishes, we do not try to satisfy them at the expense of others. Indeed, we realize our personal dreams more fully when we all give one another strength and support.

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1993, Dwight-Englewood added a preschool through sixthgrade program as a result of a merger with the Bede School.The Bede School was incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1963 as a school in which the Montessori method of education was used. In 1970, Bede began an expansion program, which eventually provided classes for children through the sixth grade.The school was named after an English Benedictine monk, the Venerable Bede, who was an ecclesiastical historian. He lived from 673 to 735 A.D. Today, the Lower School houses Dwight-Englewood’s preschool through fifth-grade program in Drapkin Hall.

ADMINISTRATION Head of School ��Jeremy Gregersen Lower School Principal �� Preeti Fibiger Lower School Assistant Principal ��Susan Abramson Lower School Assistant Principal ��Julia Calantone Admin. Asst. to Lower School Principal �� Dorothy Bryan Director of DEIB �� Dr. Marcus Ingram Director of D-E 360° ��Sherronda Brown, Ed. D. Director of Operations ��Jordan Massei Director of Technology �� Trevor Shaw Director of Communications & Publications �� Elizabeth Tausner

Dwight-Englewood School is a coeducational, college preparatory school for students in preschool through the twelfth grade. It 5

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

Commitment. Commitment means setting goals and striving diligently to achieve them: it also means accepting responsibility for our own progress. We show our commitment in all areas of our lives at the school: academic, athletic, and creative. Whether in a lead or a supporting role, as a star athlete or a substitute, on minor as well as major assignments, we always aim toward excellence and take pride in our achievement.Whatever our level of talent or accomplishment, we are committed to doing the best we can.

Located on neighboring properties, the two schools in 1962 cooperated in the construction of two buildings for joint use, the Generoso Pope Science Building and the building housing the Lillian Pitkin Schenck Auditorium. Classes and activities were increasingly shared by the two schools, culminating in a merger in 1973. The Athletic Complex was opened in 1978, the John C. Swartley Arts Center in 1982, the Arthur E. Imperatore Library in 1988, and the Klein Campus Center in 2006, and the Hajjar STEM Center in 2015.

LOWER SCHOOL DROP-OFF AND DISMISSAL TIMES The roads contiguous to our campus are heavily traveled and can be dangerous. Lower School children should not walk, roller blade, roller skate, or bicycle unaccompanied to or from school.

Dwight-Englewood School

PRESCHOOL

DROP-OFF

CLASSES BEGIN

DISMISSAL AT LS BLDG

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

2:30

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

2:45

1ST

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

3:00

2ND

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

3:00

3RD

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

3:00

4TH

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

3:00

5TH

7:55 - 8:15

8:15

3:00

MORNING DROP-OFF Ê Families and caregivers dropping off children at the Lower School are asked to enter the campus in front of Graham House off Lincoln Street. Ê Students may arrive at school as early as 7:30 a.m., where they will be supervised until classroom doors open at 8:05 a.m. As no supervision will be available before 7:30 a.m., students may not be dropped off before that time. Ê Each morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., teachers will be available to greet and assist children as they disembark from their buses and cars. Ê Families and caregivers are asked to bring their children to school on time. Late arrivals cause children to miss the beginning of lessons and disturb ongoing class activity. Students arriving after 8:20 a.m. must be escorted into the building by an adult. Students in Grades 3-5 arriving after class has begun (8:15 a.m.) are required to sign in at the Lower School office. Ê Cars should not be left unattended in marked fire lanes, even for a few minutes, as this makes it impossible for emergency vehicles to respond in the event of an emergency. The town fire marshal regularly tickets unattended vehicles.

AFTERNOON DISMISSAL Ê To help ensure a safe and efficient dismissal, Families and caregivers are asked to arrive at school on time (not before) for their child’s scheduled dismissal time and to remain in their cars in the right-hand lane of the dismissal line. It is the recommendation of our insurance provider that DwightEnglewood empoyees refrain from buckling children into car seats. Drivers or supervising adults can remain in the car line and take their time to safely buckle children in before leaving the car line and campus. 6

Ê Due to our staggered dismissal process, if one arrives early, please find another place off campus or in a vacant parking spot to wait until the designated dismissal time.To allow access for emergency vehicles, it is essential not to leave your vehicle unattended or to cause the queuing to occur in two lanes. Ê To make the dismissal process as smooth as possible, please use the School Pass app, and display your child’s visor sign on the passenger side of your car. Ê A student’s after-school or alternative pick-up plans should be made in advance and should not be changed during the day. If your child will be attending the AfterCare program on a particular day, the Lower School office and the D-E 360° office must receive a telephone call or an email advising us of this by noon of that day. Pre- registration for after care is encouraged. Ê Cars should not be left unattended in marked fire lanes, even for a few minutes. Ê Please do not load your child into your car from the lefthand (outside) lane.This puts everyone in danger. Ê Students who ride private buses will depart at 3:35 p.m. Students on Dwight-Englewood or town buses will depart at 3:40 p.m. Ê Students who are not picked up within the dismissal window will be sent to the D-E 360˚ LS AfterCare and Enrichment program. A fee is attached to the ACE program. See the AfterCare & Enrichment brochure for more information. Ê Supervision of all students participating in the AfterCare program will begin directly after dismissal and end at 6:15 p.m. Late fees apply to families picking up children past 6:15 p.m. Ê If you arrive early for dismissal or would like to walk in to pick up your children, it’s important that you park in a spot.There are typically spots available on the upper part of campus in the afternoon. Parking in the fire lane would make it very difficult to move cars and tend to a possible emergency, should one arise during our dismissal. SCHOOL CLOSING OR DELAYED OPENINGS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Should bad weather warrant closing, or delaying the opening of school, the School will use the Emergency Notification System to send a recorded message to each home. The opening of school may be delayed by one or two hours. If there is a one hour delay, buses will pick up exactly one hour later than on a normal day. If there is a two hour delay, buses will pickup exactly two hours later than on a normal day. School would end at its regular time. No one will be on campus to receive your child until the newly scheduled arrival time, so please do not arrive earlier.

It is possible that the decision to use a delayed opening, which is made by 5:30 a.m., could change to a closing if weather conditions warrant the change. This decision would be made before 7:30 a.m. and communicated by a second emergency notification message. You can also check the website or call the main school switchboard for a message about school closings and any cancelled or postponed events. Dwight-Englewood will make every effort to ensure that our other transportation providers comply with our delayed openings. CANCELLATION OF EVENTS In cases of inclement weather or other emergencies that require the cancellation of the Lower School AfterCare & Enrichment programs, or other school events, families may go online or phone the Lower School office or the main switchboard for information.

BIRTHDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS Birthdays are celebrated with special activities rather than food. Classes create a list of special activities, for example, birthday recess or a special project. Students select an activity from the list to celebrate their birthday with the class. Please do not send invitations, gifts, goodie bags, food or toys to school. If you are hosting an event outside of school, there is no expectation that all of the students in the class or grade are invited. We do ask that if children and families invite a small group of friends to celebrate, conversations about the celebration are kept outside of school. It is perfectly fine to have a small group of friends with whom we share special days - at the same time, it’s important to be sensitive to those who are not included. There is, however, one instance in which we hope you will extend the invitation to the whole class or group: if your invite list includes all but one or two children in the class, please consider inviting the whole group.

CLASS PLACEMENT Being part of a classroom community means working, playing and learning with a diverse group of people, including those who might not necessarily be our closest friends. Creating classroom communities takes many factors into consideration, including not only the needs of the individual but also the needs of the community. When we create classes, we consider the profile of each student and create opportunities to nurture healthy learning communities. We hope families place trust in our faculty, administration and process. Because of the many variables at play, we do not accept requests for class placement or consider requests for a placement change. We hope students will respond to their placement with a sense of excitement and anticipation, however, it is to be expected that some will express disappointment.We hope families will keep in mind that disappointment over a class placement is an age-appropriate experience and emotion. And, protecting or removing children from disappointment is not helpful - in fact managing disappointment is necessary to develop life skills such as resilience, coping and perspective taking. If children express disappointment about their placement, we hope families see this as an opportunity to help children strengthen those skills. HOMEWORK Teachers assign the amount of homework considered developmentally appropriate at each grade level. Homework begins in first grade and increases incrementally from grade to grade and during the year. Homework may be assigned on Monday through Thursday nights.There is no homework over the weekend or during holidays. The amount of homework should not be used as a measure of the academic rigor of the program. Homework is given in the Lower School for the following reasons: Ê Practice: This is an extension of work that has been introduced in class. It is designed to help strengthen the student’s skills in different areas. Ê Projects and Research:These assignments are given over an extended time period and foster the development of timemanagement skills.These are often assignments that contain a creative component. Projects, such as interviews, which require family member participation, will always be assigned over several days. Ê Unfinished Work: This is work that was not completed in class and that the student is capable of completing at home. Ê Review: Time spent studying for tests and reviewing in-class work. 7

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

LUNCH PROCEDURES Students in Grades 1 through 5 have the option of purchasing lunch for the school year. These contracts are sent home with the first billing in June. Questions about the Lower School lunch program should be directed to the Advancement Office to the attention of Alice Rollo at rolloa@d-e.org. Preschool and kindergarten children, and all other students who bring their lunch from home, should bring it in a lunch box labeled with their name. Families are requested to emphasize good nutrition by sending fruit, cheese, crackers, etc., and milk or juice in nonbreakable, recyclable containers. Gum, candy and soda are not allowed in school. There can be no provisions made for heating or refrigerating lunches brought from home. Families are asked not to deliver lunch for their children from fast food restaurants, as this causes too great a disruption in the classroom.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Please help your child to establish a homework routine and realistic time-management goals for long-term assignments. Some children do better completing their homework in one sitting; others do better with a break. Some work best when they first come home from school; others need time to play and unwind beforehand. Homework assignments are to be completed with a minimum of assistance. If your child does not understand an assignment, please contact their teacher so that the teacher can review the concept for better understanding.

Dwight-Englewood School

Students are expected to complete homework by the due date assigned. If your child has persistent challenges with completing homework assignments on time, you will be notified by their teacher so the challenge can be addressed in partnership. STANDARDIZED TESTING Standardized testing is administered to third, fourth and fifth grade students in the spring. This team includes literacy and math specialist, the lower school psychologist, and lower school administrators who meet weekly. The standardized tests currently used for each grade level are: THIRD GRADE:

.ERB Comprehensive Testing Program 5

FOURTH GRADE:

.ERB Comprehensive Testing Program 5

FIFTH GRADE:

.ERB Comprehensive Testing Program 5

Families will receive the results of the testing from the ERB assessments at the beginning of the summer. All requests for special accommodations must be based upon an educational and psychological evaluation completed within the past three years or a medical evaluation completed within the past year. See also (ACCOMMODATIONS FOR VARIOUS LEARNERS) TUTORING The Lower School takes a measured approach to tutoring.When gaps are observed, we first try to address gaps internally. Lower School teachers do not tutor Lower School students, but when tutors are recommended we draw from a pool of experienced tutors who are familiar with our community. There are times when families may want to provide extra support to the child from a tutor. It is strongly encouraged that if families wish to initiate tutoring, they should consult the classroom teacher, one of the learning specialists, or the Lower School administration. In all cases, tutors should communicate with the school to develop a consistent and effective tutoring plan. Tutoring may be recommended by the Lower School learning specialists, or Principal, in cases of prolonged absence or in situations where remediation is required to address difficulty with skill acquisition. 8

STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM Our Student Support Team combines expertise to provide a support system to students, families, faculty and staff, to ensure students can be successful in the Lower School. This team includes literacy and math specialist, the lower school psychologist, and lower school administrators who meet weekly. Concerns about your child should be addressed to your child’s teacher, any of the specialists, the school psychologist, and/or the two Assistant Principals and Principal. Members of the Student Support Team work proactively and collaboratively with faculty in order to support the whole child. Members of the Student Support Team may observe students or work with them in order to create a learning plan that will address the individual needs of the student. Members of the Student Support Team may facilitate groups to respond to particular academic or social-emotional needs. The preschool years are a time period of tremendous growth during which the children develop articulation and language skills, which form the foundation for effective communication. When challenges are identified and addressed at an early age, the prognosis for improvement is greatly enhanced. For this reason, the Lower School conducts speech screenings at no additional charge to families through our relationship with Bergen County Special Services School District. Identified students are screened in the spring upon turning five years old and again in kindergarten. Older students may be screened upon teacher or family member request. Families will be contacted if the screening indicates the need for follow-up. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR VARIOUS LEARNERS Within the context of our academic program, daily schedule and educational philosophy, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are provided to support full and effective participation in school activities. Accommodations do not fundamentally alter or lower the standards or expectations of the course or assessments, but are designed to make learning accessible for all students. All requests for special accommodations must be based upon an educational and psychological evaluation completed within the past three years or a medical evaluation for a physical disability completed within the past year. A private evaluator can assess a child or Bergen County Special Services School District can evaluate a student at no cost. Contact a member of the Student Support Team to initiate this process.

Once the evaluation process has been completed, please follow the steps below to ensure that you are aware of the accommodations that your child can receive during the school day. STEP 1: Share the evaluation with the Lower School Principal or Lower School Psychologist. STEP 2: Schedule a meeting with the Lower School Principal or Lower School Psychologist to review your child’s evaluation and performance in school. At that meeting a plan (Learning Profile) will be created to support your child, including appropriate accommodations. STEP 3: Review the plan periodically to determine if the student continues to benefit from these accommodations. STEP 4: Complete a re-evaluation every three years in order to reassess the appropriateness of accommodations and better meet the students’ needs.

For additional information regarding this process contact the Lower School Principal or the Lower School Psychologist.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS As children grow and learn, various behaviors will emerge. Many behaviors will be celebrated while others may need to be addressed and redirected. Everyone should be able to work, play and learn in a community that is safe, fair, inclusive and respectful. Creating this community begins with clear expectations about what it means to be part of our community. We teach and discuss values and class expectations along with skills such as taking turns, respecting boundaries and managing emotions such as frustration and disappointment. We strive for clarity when we discuss behavior expectations with students. For even the most well-behaved students, there can be misunderstandings and mistakes. These are to be expected and are typically addressed by the teacher/adult with a reminder, sometimes a consequence and perhaps re-teaching a skill.

“Bullying” is often used by students and families to describe types of interpersonal conflicts that may or may not meet the definition of bullying.When conflict occurs between students, we hear from those involved, as well as adults who observed, to get a complete picture. Once the chain of events is established, we determine next steps. Some - but not all - conflict is co-created with both (or multiple) students sharing responsibility. In these cases next steps might include contacting families, providing consequences or - if appropriate - asking students to consider how they contributed to the conflict - and how they can amends. We listen carefully and look for patterns to distinguish between conflict that is co-created and situations where a student is on the receiving end of unprovoked, negative behavior. When there is severe or repeated unkind, disrespectful and/or unsafe behavior, families are contacted. We make a plan that maintains student’s privacy while holding them accountable for their words and actions. Consequences in these cases might include time away from school. There are some situations where families do not partner with us and/or behavior does not improve. In these cases, the school might not offer a contract for the subsequent year, or the current contract might be terminated. RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM APPROACH The Responsive Classroom approach is a program that we use across the division. With its emphasis on promoting social and emotional growth and its daily “morning meetings,” it provides a safe environment for class groups to have meaningful discussions about many issues like hurt or angry feelings and conflict resolution. As two classes and multiple grades have recess together, situations often arise that provide opportunities for large group, small group or individual discussions involving the faculty, support staff or administrators. Often the best lessons are learned during these teachable moments. One goal is for children to learn about their feelings and how they can deal with them in ways that are positive both for themselves and those around them. The second goal is to have children internalize the self-controls that come from this understanding.

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

Evaluations are confidential and kept in a file separate from the student’s academic file. During the meeting to create a plan, we will discuss how the information is shared with faculty so that they can best support the individual needs of a student.

Frequent misbehavior impacts the community negatively. In these cases, school administration enters the conversation. We look at behavior across the day and in different settings. We try to get at the source of misbehavior while also holding students accountable. If misbehavior continues, interventions are put in place. Should misbehavior continue despite interventions, we expect families will partner with us to address the misbehavior.

FIELD TRIPS The New York metropolitan area is a valuable resource for both the academic program and the extracurricular activities of the school. Trips to museums, historic sites, places of scientific interest, and cultural and sports events are available to students often as part of the regular school program and sometimes as optional voluntary trips. All Lower School trips are covered by tuition and fees. Students must use the school transportation provided for the trip. While under the school’s jurisdiction, whether on or off campus, students are representatives of the school, and their behavior is expected to reflect positively on the school. All school rules will be in effect, and disciplinary procedures will be the same as those for students on campus during a normal school day.

Dwight-Englewood School

Dwight-Englewood School buses meet all federally-mandated Safety requirements. FAMILIES AS CHAPERONES For many field trips, family member volunteers will be asked to serve as chaperones. In fairness to the children, and to assure that all families have the opportunity to chaperone, families will usually be asked to accompany only one trip. Expectations for chaperones include: Ê Being on time/adhering to schedules; Ê Refraining from bringing younger siblings or other children on the trip; Ê Wearing a watch or other device that will help with keeping track of time; Ê Staying with the students at all times; Ê Using appropriate language; Ê Bringing a cell phone (for emergency use only); Ê Taking student attendance often; Ê Following bus regulations; Ê Enforcing the teacher’s rules; and Ê Refraining from loaning money or purchasing treats for students while on the trip. DRESS CODE Families are requested to help their children gain independence and self-reliance by selecting manageable and practical clothes. Shoes should be strong, safe, and easily tied or buckled. On days when students have health and wellness classes, it is important that they wear appropriate clothing and footwear, such as sneakers with good support and grip.

COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILIES Our students get the very best when all the caring adults in their lives work together closely. It is important to develop and maintain a strong school/family partnership.With this in mind, families are encouraged to reach out at any time to the Lower School staff with questions or concerns. It is preferred that families email teachers to set up an appointment for a phone call. Brief email messages are preferred as email does not always communicate the nuances of voice to voice or person to person communication. Families receive weekly communication via email. Just the Facts is a weekly listing of events and notices. Lower School Notes is a biweekly newsletter showcasing what is happening here at school. Lower School Notes features photos, videos, student work and articles written by Lower School faculty. FAMILY MEMBER CONFERENCES / PROGRESS REPORTS The Lower School communicates a child’s progress four times a year: two family member conferences and two written comment reports. Family member conferences are scheduled in November and March, while comment reports are written for all students in January and at the end of the school year. Comment reports are only available online after login to the School’s website. ACCESS TO STUDENT INFORMATION It is the policy at Dwight-Englewood School that, absent a court order directing otherwise, student records are available to both families or the guardian and that standard school mailings be sent home to both families or the guardian.A student’s personal record is confidential, and details are not made available to any other person without written consent by that student’s family member or guardian. Both families also have the right to request conferences with teachers and administrators unless the Head of School has received a court order indicating otherwise. Each year the school requires a custody form to be on file in the Head of School’s office for all students not living with both families. In matters of the daily operation of the school (e.g., trip notices, medical emergencies, etc.), school personnel will deal routinely with the custodial family member only. COMMUNICATING INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD If there are any changes in a child’s routine or daily home life, it is helpful for us to be informed as these changes can impact on how the child presents at school. In turn, the school will share observations about atypical behavior on the part of the student if the behavior appears to impact their experience at school.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES Faculty and staff are strongly discouraged from connecting with families of students they work with on social media. Communication should be conducted over school email and phones. Similarly, faculty and staff are prohibited from working for families of students they work with outside of school in roles such as babysitting, tutoring, house-sitting, or pet-sitting. Please do not request current faculty and staff to perform this type of work. If the school recommends tutoring, we will provide names of tutors we have vetted and worked with.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

It is the policy of the school to take every reasonable precaution for the safety of students, employees, visitors, and all others having business with the school. Safety education and accident prevention are important to everyone concerned, not only as a protective measure during school hours but also as an instructional means of developing an appropriate mode of behavior. Evacuation and other emergency drills are conducted on a regular basis throughout the school year, and students are expected to learn and to comply with school procedures. All buildings on campus are equipped with an alarm system and an emergency public-address system. In the event of a drill or a real emergency, students are to stay with their class and follow instructions from their teacher in a quiet and orderly manner.At that time, they will be accounted for on the class roll and await the further instructions of a school administrator or a fire or police officer. All visitors to the Lower School should sign in at the front desk. STUDENT USE OF TECHNOLOGY It is important for families of Lower School students work with us and establish a clear understanding about the potential negative use of cell phones, text-messaging, e-mail, and other means of electronic communication. Insensitive or intentionally hurtful remarks are easily shared and are surprisingly persistent. Student reaction to inappropriate messages can cause a great deal of upset and can be disruptive to our learning environment.We advise that families establish clear guidelines and limitations for their children and provide appropriate oversight.

If behavior outside of school (either on social media, over text, or in face-to-face interactions) impacts students or the community, we will respond on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind that we cannot realistically monitor what students are doing when they are not in our care. We hope families will pay attention to how children are engaging and interacting with one another outside of school. We also hope families help children navigate friendships and independence in a manner consistent with school values. Many students bring cellular phones or smart watches to school, and we understand the logistical reasons for this. Cell phones and smart watches should be left in backpacks during the school day. Students will not be reachable on their personal devices during the school day. If students have personal devices on school buses, they should follow the directions given by the bus driver and/or bus chaperones and be used in a safe and respectful manner. FAMILY USE OF TECHNOLOGY Similarly to our guidance regarding student use of technology, we hope adults in our community use social media, group chats and other forms of group communication to foster positive interactions, engagement and to share logistical information.These groups can serve a purpose; however, for questions and concerns that could have a negative impact on others or on the community, we hope you will consider the possible implications of a public discussion and instead reach out to Lower School administration. PERSONAL PROPERTY Students are required to place all personal belongings (i.e., book bags and coats) in either their lockers or cubbies. Expensive items, large sums of money, and items of high personal value should not be brought to school. Cell phones and smartwatches may be brought to school but must be turned off and stored in student lockers or cubbies while in the building unless an adult gives permission. The School cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen articles. Educational items such as plant life, insects, books, etc. may be brought into school to show and share with classmates. Pets may be allowed only at the discretion of the Principal in consultation with the school nurse.

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

The safety, health, and well being of all students, faculty, and staff are the first concern of the school. Safety will always take precedence over expediency or shortcuts. It is expected that everyone will work together to obtain the common goal of accident prevention. It is the responsibility of all personnel – from administrators to students – to comply with this policy. Families and students may address specific concerns about campus safety and security issues to the Lower School Principal.

Given that virtually every social media platform has a minimum user age of 13, we do not condone social media accounts for Lower School students.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION ABSENCES AND LATENESS When a student stays home from school due to a medical absence, there is no expectation that school work needs to be picked up and/or completed while recovering. Our hope is that when students stay home, they take the necessary time to rest, recover and feel better. Families are asked to phone the Lower School Office at 201-2273220 by 9:00 a.m. to report an absence and to give the reason for the absence. Also, if families know that their child will be arriving late to school, they should notify the school by 8:20 a.m. Students in Grades 3 through 5 have to sign in with Ms. Bryan. Students who are in preschool through 2nd should be walked into the building by the adult bringing them to school.

Dwight-Englewood School

When families are out of town, they must notify the school of the name and phone number of the temporary guardian of the student. EXCESSIVE ABSENCE In all grades, students who are absent for more than 20 days are considered to have excessive absences. In such cases, the school reserves the right to revoke the student’s contract for the following year. In cases such as extended serious illness, the school may waive this policy after consultation with the student’s doctor and satisfactory completion of a home tutoring program. EXTENDED ABSENCES In case of any circumstance that requires students to be absent for an extended period of time, collaboration with the nurse faculty members and LS Administration is encouraged in order to create a plan that will best support the child’s health and considers the necessary accommodations. Although the School discourages frequent absences, rest as part of proper treatment can sometimes be the best way to hasten recovery. Issues that may require extended absences vary but can include illness (such as pneumonia or mononucleosis), injury (such as a concussion), and surgery.

bottom floor of Drapkin Hall near the preschool classrooms.The Middle/Upper School Nurses Team is here daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.The Middle and Upper School nurse(s) operate out of two offices, one located adjacent to the Wharton Lessin Dining Hall and the other adjacent to the Imperatore Library (ground floor). The nurses work closely together and therefore either nurse may tend to your child’s health issues. The school nurses work proactively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and families to support the whole child. We believe that the health and wellness of students is important in order for them to learn successfully and participate in sports and activities. ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REPORT FORM All students are required to have an annual physical examination and to return the current and complete form to the Lower School nurse by August 1, 2023. The exam must have been completed after January 1, 2023. A physician, other than the child’s family member, must sign the Physical Examination Report Form. No student will be allowed to attend classes without a current form on file. All inoculations must be up-to-date, and dates must be complete on the form. Emergency Contact Information is also needed for all students in order to participate in athletics or attend class trips. This information should be updated through the My D-E portal. PROCEDURES FOR THE CARE OF SICK OR INJURED STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY In cases of a minor injury that does not require the services of a physician, the nurse will administer first aid and send the student back to class. In cases of serious injury or illness, the nurse will give emergency first aid, and efforts will be made to notify families immediately. If a family member cannot be located using the emergency numbers on file, the nurse will call 911 and the student will be taken to the emergency room of Englewood Hospital.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

MEDICATION The nurse should be given all prescription drugs that the student needs to take during the day. For the school nurse to administer any medication safely, a “Request for Medication” form should be completed by the doctor and co-signed by the student’s guardian. All prescription medication needs to be sent in its original pharmacy container and labeled with the student’s name, the name of the medicine, the dose, route, and time of administration. A doctor’s order must accompany all prescription medications.

SCHOOL NURSE There are three nurses on campus. The Lower School nurse is on campus between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and is located on the

Over the counter drugs should be administered by the nurse if families fill out the medication permission sheet and have it signed by a doctor. Over the counter medications need to be in their

COVID HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES For the most current COVID Health and Safety Guidelines, please refer to the School’s Start of School 2021 website: https://startofschool.d-e.org/

original container.The nurse will not dispense medication without written permission, including Tylenol and Motrin. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES, SERIOUS ILLNESS OR INJURY In case of any circumstance that requires students to be absent for an extended period of time, collaboration with the nurse and/or teacher is encouraged in order to create a plan that will best support your child’s health and considers the necessary accommodations. Although the school discourages frequent absences, at times rest and treatment is the best way to hasten recovery. By returning to school too soon, recuperation may be delayed and will impact the child’s ability to complete academic tasks to their fullest ability. Issues that may require extended absences vary but can include illness (such as pneumonia or mononucleosis), injury (such as a concussion), and surgery.

SEASONAL FLU-RELATED ILLNESSES If there are indications of any flu-like symptoms in your child, please keep them at home. Flu-like symptoms include: Ê Fever Ê Body aches Ê Tiredness Ê Cough Ê Headache Ê Vomiting Ê Sore throat Ê Chills Ê Diarrhea

If a child presents with these symptoms, we may ask them to wear a mask until you arrive to pick your child up.We do this because the flu is highly contagious, and we must be especially cautious to limit the spread of germs. The adult caring for the child may also wear a mask. If your child is sent home with symptoms of influenza, please call your child’s physician for further advice on whether your child should be seen in their office. Children with flu-like symptoms should remain home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). We are following the guidelines of the CDC, which is recommending that students not get a physician’s note to return to school.This may change during the year. However, we do need guardians to indicate that their child has flu-like symptoms when they call the school to indicate that they will be out sick.

1. If your child has an infection and is put on an antibiotic, they should not come back to school for 24 hours after the first dose of the antibiotic. 2. Any child with a fever (i.e. a temperature greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) should not attend school.The child should remain at home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. 3. If your child vomits at night or in the morning before school, they should not attend school that day. 4. A child who wakes up with an itchy, crusty, red eye should not come back to school without first seeing a doctor to rule out “pink eye.” If “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) is diagnosed, 24 hours is needed for medication to begin fighting the infection. 5. If your child has “chicken pox” (varicella), they should remain home until the last crop of pox has scabbed over, generally five to six days.The period of highest contagion is the two days prior to eruption of the first pox. 6. If your child has a runny nose, please do not send them to school if the mucous is not clear.Yellowish or green mucous is an indication that there is an infection and that the child is contagious. ACCIDENT INSURANCE Academic year accident insurance is mandatory for all students and is included in the school’s tuition billing. This insurance is in excess of the family’s primary insurance. Students are covered for any injury while on the school premises during the hours and days when classes are in session and while participating in or attending any school activity, including athletics and afterschool programs. Students are also covered while away from the school premises if participating in a school-sponsored activity including athletics and field trips. Students are also covered when commuting to and from school or to and from any school-sponsored activity in a school vehicle. Information regarding claims should be directed to the school nurse. NOTIFICATIONS The school is in compliance with Title 40 CFR part 73 Subpart E (AHERA), concerning asbestos, whereby a copy of the school’s AHERA plan is available for inspection in the maintenance office. This management plan contains information regarding inspections, response actions and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspections and surveillance activities that are planned 13

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

In case of absences due to non-contagious illness or serious injury lasting three days or more, the families must supply a doctor’s note upon the student’s return to school.

CONDITIONS FOR WHICH A CHILD SHOULD REMAIN AT HOME The amount of time that a child should remain at home from school varies from child to child. However please note the following guidelines:

or in progress. Should you wish to review the AHERA management plan, please contact the Director of Facilities at 201-227-3135.

Dwight-Englewood School

Dwight-Englewood School has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the State of NJ. The school’s IPM program uses low impact pesticides, which do not pose any unreasonable risk to human health or our environment. Information on the IPM program and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any IPM products used on our campus is available in our facility office. For more information please contact Michael Burns, Director of Facilities at 201-227-3138. PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE) The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend exclusion from school or mass screening of students due to head lice. If a case of lice is reported,we will send an email to the families of the students in that classroom. Families will be advised to continue checking over the next two weeks. If a student develops lice, families should contact their child’s pediatrician for treatment options and additional information and also notify the school nurse. Any child found to have live lice while in school will go home for appropriate treatment. FOOD ALLERGIES We ask that all Lower School families review this section even if your child DOES NOT have food or nut allergies. Families should not send in food for the class. Preschool and kindergarten students are provided with a small snack by the school. Otherwise, faculty and staff will not provide food, candy or treats to students. Once a week our school lunch caterer provides dessert to students signed up for the lunch program. Because allergies emerge throughout childhood, and we have no way of knowing what allergies children may have developed, the desert is limited to students who are enrolled in the lunch program. All Lower School students have a snack period during the day, and we require nut-free snacks and lunches. HEALTH AND WELLNESS Preparation for class and participation are key components for students to build confidence and self-esteem through skill development. For health and safety reasons, all students are required to wear clothing appropriate for the activity in which they are participating. Each student is expected to have sneakers or rubber-soled shoes (no slip-ons) and sports attire. On days where students wear street shoes or boots, they should bring sneakers to change into for class. Students are required to participate in physical education classes unless they have been excused by the school nurse. 14

If you feel your child is unable to take health and wellness class on a particular day, please inform the nurse on that day.Your child may be excused from health and wellness class only with the nurse’s permission. RECESS Students in all grades have recess every day, and whenever possible recess is held outdoors. On rare occasions, for example when it’s raining heavily or there is a combination of wind chill and cold temperatures, students stay indoors for recess. On snowy days, we encourage students to play in the snow and enjoy the natural elements of our play spaces, so please send them prepared with appropriate clothing. Students with weather-sensitive health concerns (e.g., severe allergies, asthma, and upper respiratory tract conditions) and medical clearance are provided with an equitable indoor recess option. Students are supervised at recess by a combination of classroom teachers and recess coaches.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS/RESOURCES APIARY D-E School maintains an apiary with two colonies of Italian honeybees, located in a wooded area adjacent to Collins House (the residence of the Head of School). The honeybee colonies are registered with the NJ State Department of Agriculture via our State Apiarist. Classroom and/or field instruction may include visits to the apiary. Questions about the bees may be directed to the attention of Tara Weinstein, Chair, D-E Science Department. D-E 360° AFTERCARE & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS The D-E 360° LS AfterCare and Enrichment programs serve children and families whose needs extend beyond the regular school day, bridging the gap between school and home. The structured homework support, activities, nutritious snacks, and playtime we provide are essential components of the support and service we offer to the families of the Dwight-Englewood School community. The program operates daily during the school year from dismissal until 6:15 pm.Activities include science fun, sports basics, and chess with opportunities for homework help, indoor games, and outdoor play. For more information, visit the D-E 360° website (de360.d-e.org). EXTRACURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAMS Individual paid music lessons are available to students in Grades 1-5. These lessons are arranged through the Arts Department and are given at the School. They are offered by experienced professionals and are reserved on a contractual basis. Fees are announced during the summer and are for a full year. Additional information and contract forms are posted on the website in August.

Students in Grades 1-5 can enroll in the Lower School String Program, which consists of individual lessons and playing in an ensemble. Fees and enrollment material will be posted online in August. Participation in the Lower School Chorus is available for any student in Grades 3-5. Chorus students are required to attend a weekly rehearsal after school and be available for performances scheduled throughout the year. LIBRARY FACILITIES In addition to classroom libraries, the Lower School library houses a collection of reference, fiction, and non-fiction books.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING TRANSPORTATION Dwight-Englewood offers transportation for its students at all grade levels. There will be a separate fee billed to families for this service. Students may sign up for transportation only for the full academic year and one-way transportation is available at 75% of the two-way cost. Buses and vans pick up students for arrival at school between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m., and they depart from school promptly at 3:40 p.m. each day. Reservations for this service must be made by June 15 each year. Capacity is limited, and seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. DwightEnglewood’s school buses meet all federally mandated safety regulations. Payment is made in advance, and there are no refunds for withdrawal during the year. All questions should be directed to the business office. Students must behave in a responsible manner on all school vehicles. Those who do not will be required to arrange for their own transportation, and no refund will be made for the balance of the year. Families may also arrange for bus service through private contracts with an outside bus company. As a safety precaution, all carpool arrangements must be registered with the Lower School office. The school encourages carpooling to minimize traffic and to encourage out-of-school communication between families and students. Any changes in routine should be reported

Certain school districts provide transportation (or provide a cash grant in lieu of service) to students who live in that district but attend another school. Information about the availability of such transportation may be obtained through the school district in which the student resides. Families are requested to direct all questions to the transportation officer of their local school board. For Dwight-Englewood School employees to be able to respond appropriately in an emergency, it is important that families provide accurate information to the school on their child’s travel plans to and from school on the form required regarding dismissal information that is due upon the opening of school in September. FAMILIES PARKING ON CAMPUS Due to the limited parking available on campus, it is not possible for families to attend classroom activities on a routine basis. However, for major presentations and performances, the school makes special arrangements for parking, and families are notified in advance of these events and of the parking arrangements. The visitor parking spots should be used if you are walking a child to the classroom in the morning. Entrance to the school grounds or to the roadway in front of the Lower School may be restricted after drop-off and pick-up to assure the safety of all members of our community. Under no circumstances may unattended vehicles be left by areas marked as “Fire Lanes.” These areas must be kept clear and available to emergency vehicles at all times. Cars left in these areas are ticketed regularly by the Englewood Fire Department.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION LOST AND FOUND At the end of each semester, any unclaimed articles will be donated. To facilitate the return of lost items, families are asked to label clothing (e.g., coats, sweatshirts, sweaters, hats), lunchboxes, and backpacks with their child’s name.

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024

COMPUTER FACILITIES The Lower School has carts of ipads, Mac and Chrome books which are shared amongst the classes.All 4th and 5th graders who have read and signed an external e-mail/Internet user’s agreement and whose families have countersigned, have individual e-mail addresses and access to approved sites on the Internet. There is wireless access to the school’s network throughout the Lower School.

in writing, via email or phone message to the Lower School office. On inclement-weather days, private bus companies may arrive at school before the end of the day to pick up children who are contracted to ride with them. The school will not release any child to a bus driver before the end of the school day unless the Lower School administrative assistant and/or the classroom teacher has received permission from the child’s family member or a guardian in the home. If families have children who ride on buses, they must be sure to stay in contact with the school on inclement weather days.

REPORTING TO THE DIVISION OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (DYFS) All faculty and staff members of Dwight-Englewood School are legally required to follow New Jersey state law when they suspect any abuse or neglect of a child. New Jersey state law states: “Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected shall report it immediately to DYFS” (N.J.S.A. 9.6-8.10).

PROCEDURES FOR FUNDRAISING As an educational institution, we strive to involve our students in the decision-making process for events that directly affect them. The opportunity to raise funds or goods for a worthy organization outside of Dwight-Englewood is a privilege and should be done in a way that involves members of the student body in leadership positions, educates our students, and promotes service and a real connection to others.

NON-DWIGHT-ENGLEWOOD STUDENTS ON CAMPUS The Lower School is not able to accommodate requests for a student to bring another student to spend the day with them at school.

To best manage and organize the growing number of fundraising activities, we have established The Fundraising Council. The Fundraising Council will have oversight for all fund-raising initiatives that involve our student body. The council will meet to hear proposals from students for campaigns to be run during the school year and will approve campaigns for designated time periods. Faculty advisors for each initiative are encouraged and may be required.The Director of Student Activities will also work with students and faculty advisors on these projects. Lower School students are encouraged to consider fundraising ideas. They will share their ideas with the Lower School Principal, a Lower School faculty advisor, and members of the US Fundraising Council before implementing the fundraiser.

Dwight-Englewood School

The school hosts many special events outside of school hours.At times, your child may want to bring a friend to an event. In these cases, all children must be under the direct supervision of a Lower School family. Please refer to invitations and announcements for events in case there are particular circumstances to be aware of. GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY The school does not promote the sale or advertisement of any commercial product or services offered by an individual.Also, the use of space on campus by any outside group for meetings or for the distribution of materials must be approved by the Head of School or the Business Director. Use of the school directory is intended solely for communication of school-related matters among members of the school community. Its use for any other purpose is prohibited. GIFTS TO SCHOOL EMPLOYEES We discourage giving gifts to school employees beyond those of token value. Gifts honoring particular employees may always be made to the faculty and staff endowment fund, to the annual fund, or to libraries. Please contact the Director of Advancement.

ARTWORK SHARING & OPT-OUT: D-E families are advised that all student artwork created in D-E Art & Design classes is reproducible. This means that student artwork may be shared both within the D-E community and promoted publicly, via online or other media. To opt-out of this, please communicate in writing with Marisol Diaz, Art & Design Chair, at: diazm@d-e.org.

The Lower School Handbook 2023-2024