Insider's Guide to GFA

Insider’s Guide to

A welcome handbook for new families

Welcome to Greens Farms Academy!

At GFA, we know that choosing the right school for your child is of utmost importance and we are honored you are joining this special community. Joining a new environment, for students and their families, is a big transition and one that we have all been through. What better way is there to live by our school’s motto ​Quisque Pro Omnibus - Each for All​ than to welcome those joining us in the best way we know how.

We know how important feeling connected and informed is at this time and in addition to the myriad “get to know you” events, we hope this Insider’s Guide to GFA helps you hit your stride in no time. No handbook can take the place of forming new relationships and we so look forward to answering any questions you have along the way!

The Insider’s Guide to GFA tackles many of the questions we have learned new families have when joining the community from “where do I park”, to “what really is the uniform?” to “how do I get the GFA calendar on my phone?” and “how can I get more involved?” The GFA Glossary should give you a leg up on some of our Dragon phrases and traditions. This handbook should be viewed as a complement to the ​GFA Source,​ an annual publication that covers the nuts and bolts of all three divisions.

In an effort to keep you as informed as possible, GFA sends out a great deal of information by email and snail mail, so be sure to provide us with an accurate email address. You can learn a lot about what’s going on by reading your emails (including the weekly eNote, which comes out every Friday afternoon) and checking the website (​www.gfacademy.org​) on a regular basis. If you aren’t sure if we have your email address, contact Mariken Wolfenbuttel (​mwolfenbuttel@gfacademy.org​). The school also has a strong social media presence, so be sure to follow us on Facebook (@gfadragons) and Instagram (@greensfarmsacademy) and our flicker page on the website for a steady stream of photos of your students throughout the year.

This is an exciting time for your family, and we know your first few days as a Dragon will be positive. We encourage you to attend the New Family events and the parent coffees and receptions to meet members of this community. If you have any questions once you’ve read through this guide, you’ll know just who to call.

We make one promise to you: your kids will be known and loved. We hope our families feel the same. Welcome. We are glad you are here. Now, let’s have a great school year!

Ann Miller, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Alex Russell, Associate Director of Enrollment Michelle Levi Noe, Associate Director of Development, Director of Marketing Frances Moore, Director of Communications 2

Some Words We Live By GFA Mission Statement: GFA engages students as partners in an innovative, inclusive and globally minded community to prepare them for a life of purpose.

The GFA mission statement is used widely throughout campus, and you will hear Bob Whelan, Head of School, faculty, and staff refer to it throughout the year. Indeed, some students have even memorized it. (Bob would love to hear your child pop by his office and recite it!)

Our core values coincide with our mission: Passion, Integrity, Empathy, Curiosity, and Excellence.

Some Words About that Crazy Calendar!

KEY SCHOOL EVENTS GFA hosts events throughout the year that encourage our well-established sense of community. We encourage you to attend as many events, performances, conferences, etc. as you can. We also invite parents to become active volunteers and to share their time and talents with the school community. Parental involvement gives vitality and strength to the School and helps parents develop a better understanding of GFA. We also know that parents have busy lives outside of GFA, and it is difficult for all parents to attend every single event. So the question for new parents is often “which of these events are not to be missed?” It would be difficult to articulate this but perhaps this month-to-month guide may help.

Be sure to rely on the GFA calendar and the weekly “Enote,” which is sent on Friday afternoons. Events and dates could change, and it is best to double-check as time or place many have changed.

One more note about the calendar - our school calendar, for the purposes of class schedules, is divided into Red and Blue weeks. These designations will not impact the events for adults but do determine your child’s class schedule and when activities occur.

Here is a calendar tip - if you go to the GFA calendar, you can personalize the calendar to show only events you would like to attend. Since this calendar is a living, breathing tool that is updated frequently, it is wise to rely on this tool for the latest time and place information.

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The 2019-2020 School Year Month-by-Month August: ● Preseason ● Orientation for all students ● Tryouts for US production of “Oliver!” ● Dragon shop open during pre-season September: ● Back to school ● MS and US Trips ● Class Photos ● Parent coffees (great events for new parents - determined by division and scheduled at 8:00 on the front terrace) ● PreK, K and grade 1 will have earlier dismissals at the beginning of the school year ● Technology orientation for all 6th grade students and parents and new 7th and 8th grade students and parents. ● Parent potluck dinners - a great opportunity to meet other GFA parents ● Convocation - formal opening of school - formal dress for all students - generally not a parent event ● College Nights - typically for parents of Upper School students ● Parent Visiting Nights ● All Parent Party ● Rosh Hashanah (no school) October: ● New Parent Reception ● Coyle Scholar - Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D ● Technology talk for 3rd grade students and parents - Tuesday, October 8 ● Yom Kippur - (no school) ● Columbus Day - school open ● Parent Connection Meeting ● Homecoming ● Coyle Scholar ● Halloween parade and carnival- Lower School November: ● Parent-Teacher conferences - no classes ● Veteran’s Day - school closed ● Book Fair at Barnes and Noble - Lower School ● Fall Athletic Banquet - Upper School ● Parent Connection Meetings ● Upper School Musical - Oliver! ● Student and Parent College Night ● Lower School Thanksgiving Assembly 4

● Thanksgiving break begins at the end of school on Tuesday, November 26 ● Von Kohorn Address - Formal Dress (MS and US) December: ● Holiday concerts - by division ● Winter Break celebrations ● Winter break January: ● Freedom from Chemical Dependency for MS students and parents (events throughout the week) ● MLK Assembly (formal dress for all) ● State of the School (evening event for parents) ● MLK Jr. BD (school closed) ● Pack the House ● Lower School Parents’ Visiting Day ● Lower School Skating Party ● Theatre Showcase (US) ● Movie and Pizza Night (MS) February ● LS STEAM Night ● MS and US Coffee Houses ● Re-enrollment March ● Middle School Musical ● Parent-Teacher Conferences- no classes for Lower and Middle Schools ● 8th grade trip to Washington, DC ● 4th grade musical ● Seniors v. Faculty Basketball game ● Spring break trips ● Spring Sports Teams trips April ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Lower School Talent Show Lower School Mini-Term World Perspectives Symposium Dragon Dash Grandparents and Special Friends Day Lower School Art Show US Spring Play - Romeo and Juliet

May ● GFA Puzzle Hunt ● PA Crossover Meeting ● Middle and Upper School May Term 5

● Lower School World Peace Games ● MS Hole in the Wall Gang Fundraiser June ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Lower School Moving Up MS Closing Assembly 4th Grade Moving Up Senior Trip Class Day Commencement GFA Camps

* A full list of GFA Basic Dates for 2019-2020 is available in ​The Source​.

Key Events and Traditions at GFA Dragon Shop​: This is the school store, located right outside the cafeteria. Your child can purchase a number of items, and you are welcome to stop in and find school swag and other items. The store is open during pre-season, from 11:30 - 2 most days, and during Parent/Teacher conferences.

Trips​: At the beginning of the school year, many of the middle schoolers and all Upper Schools will participate in grade-level trips, aimed at building community and having fun!

Parent Coffees​: You will see there are three different Parent meetings throughout the year. Parent Coffees are generally at the beginning of the year. You will meet key GFA administrators, the class parents and Parents’ Association leadership, and most other parents in your child's’ grade. This is an important meeting to attend if possible.

Parent Connection Meetings​: These meetings occur throughout the year, in both the morning and evening, and are general conversations led by the division head. They provide an opportunity to learn about the curriculum, child development and other matters in your child’s grade.

Parents Association Meetings​: These larger meetings are for all members of the Parents Association and invite all GFA to attend. You will learn about volunteer opportunities and upcoming events at the school.

Lower School Parent Association Meetings:​ From time to time, the Lower School Parents Association will have meetings as well.

Back to School Nights​: These meetings, which are posted on the GFA calendar and announced in ENotes, are a great opportunity to meet each of your child’s teacher and advisor.

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Parent-Teacher Conferences​: In November, all GFA parents have an opportunity for a conference with your child’s teacher. School is not in session during these days.

Sign-up is online and watch for notices in E-notes. In March, all Lower and Middle School parents have the opportunity for another conference.

Pants Day​: Middle and Upper School relaxed dress code (comes from the days we were a girl's school and pants were allowed).

NUT Day​: Lower School relaxed dress code (No Uniform Today).

Coyle Scholar program​: A visiting speaker program, endowed in honor of former head Jim Coyle. Students will hear from this year’s Coyle Scholar - Tina Payne Bryson during the day, and parents are invited to an evening speaking event.

Homecoming​: A school-wide celebration in October featuring athletic games, a carnival for the little ones, many Parents’ Association activities, an alumni/student soccer game, and a general festive celebration of GFA. The afternoon before, the Upper School holds a pep rally, and a dance and bonfire that night.

Halloween​: A great celebration at GFA. Lower school students are invited to don their costumes at the end of the day, and parade through the school, and end up at a carnival sponsored by the Middle School advisories. Parents are welcome to come to see the parade. You don’t want to miss “Super Cooper” and “Big Bird”.

Book Fair​: A lower-school PA fundraiser featuring GFA LS teachers reading stories.

Held at Barnes and Noble in Westport.

Athletic Banquets​: Held three times a year for US athletes and their parents.

Von Korn Address​: An endowed speaking program dedicated to a member of the faculty who is invited to address the entire Middle and Upper School.

Holiday Concerts​: There are concerts during the holiday time for each division. Mark the dates (and the snow-dates) for a great chance to see your child perform on the stage of the Hartwell Performing Arts Theatre.

School Vacations​: We strongly encourage you to plan your vacation departures after school dismisses, and plan to return in time to be back in school on the first day back.

Holiday Sing-Along​: This beloved traditional for Upper and Middle School students features lots of silly holiday outfits, singing, and good fun right before school dismisses for winter break.

State of the School​: An evening event for all GFA parents to come together and hear from school leadership about the school. A great way to connect with other GFA parents and generally celebrate the good news about the school.

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Pack the House​: A fun community event, generally on a Friday after school, that features a number of athletic events (girls and boys basketball, wrestling) and a huge bake sale. All proceeds in support of a charity chosen by the Community Service club.

Your kids of all ages will enjoy the camaraderie of this event.

Re-enrollment​: In February, you will receive an email from Bob Whelan inviting you to re-enroll your child for next year. Please pay attention to the re-enrollment deadlines.

Global Travel​: Students in the Middle and Upper School will hear about the World Perspectives trips, which are typically led in the spring, during spring break, and also in the summer. There are scholarships and financial aid available for those trips. If you have questions, contact Ann Miller (amiller@gfacademy.org) or Ward Abel (​wabel@gfacademy.org​).

May Term​: The Middle and Upper School dedicate class days during which students can ​pick one class from​ ​a wide variety of subjects​, de​signed to allow them to engage deeply in dynamic topics while collaborating with faculty and peers from different grades.​ This May Term is part of the graduation requirement, and students receive a teacher comment following the class.

Mini Term​: This is a similar program in the Lower School with an age-appropriate approach.

World Perspective Symposium​: This is a day in April in which classes in the Upper School are canceled and students who are involved in senior research projects present their work to Upper School students.

Dragon Dash​: A 5K race (and fun run) sponsored by the Parents Association, which serves as a fundraiser for a community charity.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day​: This highly anticipated day, by our Lower School community, invites grandparents and special friends to spend time in the classroom. Lower School dismisses at noon that day.

LS World Peace Games​: End of the year celebration featuring great field games and healthy competition among “countries”.

MS Hole in the Wall Gang Fundraiser​: a long-held MS tradition in which the entire Middle School community determines a fun outdoor activity/game that brings the student community together while raising money for a great cause.

End of Year Events​: Depending on the age of your child, you will find that there is some tradition that caps the school year with ceremony and celebration. Class parents and GFA will communicate carefully with you about these events. Generally, parents, friends, and grandparents are involved in most of these events.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Whom do I contact when I have a question?

Many of your questions can be answered by going to the website, www.gfacademy.org​, including school calendars, sports schedules, and emergency school closings. Be sure to log in to the Parent Portal as well. You should have your login credentials by now, and if you do not or need help, please contact the Technology Department at 203-256-7565 or email ​mybackpack@gfacademy.org​.

School Directory: ​ At the beginning of the school year, you will receive a school directory. This will be an extremely helpful tool for you, and you may even want to get two - one for the car and one for the kitchen. Here’s what you will find in the Directory: ● Basic department phone numbers:​ This is a helpful list if you don’t know the name of the person to call, but have a question. If you do know the person you wish to contact, the best way is to send an email. The email nomenclature for GFA is firstinitiallastname@gfacademy.org​. ● Board of Trustees list: ​ The GFA Board provides guidance and leadership to the Head of School and has fiduciary responsibility for the School. In some cases, they are current parents, and you will likely meet them at parent events. ● Parents Association leadership: ​ Every parent is a member of the GFA Parents Association. The group meets frequently, and you will receive emails about those meetings. This listing provides a great example of the types of volunteer opportunities available for parents to get involved. You should feel free to reach out to any of the parents listed here for any reason. There is also a separate Lower School Parents Association. ● Class Parents:​ Similarly, every class has a few parents who serve as coordinator of parent activities in the class. You will note in the directory that there is one person in each class responsible for communication, and that would be a good person to contact with questions. ● Horizons Staff: ​GFA hosts a program for students primarily from the Bridgeport, CT area who are in underperforming schools. The students are at GFA for six weeks in the summer and Saturdays during the year for academic enrichment. Many GFA students volunteer for this program during the summer and at the Saturday academies. ● Faculty listing (alpha and division): ​Feel free to be in touch with teachers through this directory. Remember that the best way is through email: firstinitiallastname@gfacademy.org​. It is the GFA policy that emails will be returned within 24 hours.

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● Student listing (with contact info): ​The student listing was developed as of August 1. Students enrolled after August 1 will not appear in the Directory.

However, the class parent should likely share with others in the class students who enroll after the deadline for the directory. You can also access the student directory through My Backpack, the same portal you use to enroll, update your data, and check your child’s grades. ● Class lists: ​This is a great tool to use as a checklist of sorts. ● Carpool buddies: ​Families who chose to be listed as interested in participating in a carpool were invited to make note on the transportation form. ● School closing information:​ GFA generally posts closing information on our website: ​www.gfacademy.org​. We also use the Honeywell alert system for emergency announcements. You can log-in at ​http://instantalert.honeywell.com​ to sign up.

You should also update your information annually. ● Dragon shop information: ​The Dragon Shop is the GFA school store. Run by parent volunteers, all proceeds go to the Parents Association. The hours are listed in the directory, but generally, it is open during lunchtime from 11 - 2 p.m. The school will also be open during the pre-season sessions on August 19 - 29. ● School year calendar at a glance:​ There are many ways to build your family calendar. This provides basic school dates. The GFA calendar is the very best way to follow GFA calendar events. This calendar can be found at the GFA website and allows you to personalize which calendars you follow.

The Source: ​You will have received this document in late August, and will have been asked to review general policies with your child and sign a document stating that you have reviewed. The Source could become your encyclopedia for everything GFA. It includes a very thorough description of all aspects of the life of the GFA community.

This New Family Guide is primarily designed not to replicate The Source, but to serve as a compendium to The Source and the Directory.

If you would prefer to speak to someone at school, here are a few suggestions: The Front Lobby: Kathy Orefice​ - 203-256-0717, ​korefice@gfacademy.org​. ​Kathy runs the front desk/lobby and is a great resource. Your child will need to check in with Kathy if they arrive late to school. What Kathy doesn’t know, she’ll find out! If you come to the school after 3:00 p.m., you will find the equally helpful ​Linda Martino​ 203-256-0717, ​lmartino@gfacademy.org​. Linda takes over the reception desk at 3:00 PM. During school hours, Linda also works in the Business Office as an Accounts Payable specialist.

Division Heads ​- If you have a question regarding School policy, curriculum, behavior, or safety, you are welcome to be in touch with the Division Heads. This would be a great stop if you have not been able to resolve the matter with your child’s 10

homeroom teacher (LS) or grade dean and/or advisor (MS and US). They are ably supported by the administrative assistant.

Head of Lower School - Aléwa Cooper​, 203-256-7562, ​acooper@gfacademy.org​.

Assistant: Maureen Fracassini​, 203-256-7563, mfracassini@gfacademy.org​.

Head of Middle School - Drew Meyer​, 203-256-7569, ​ameyer@gfacademy.org​.

Assistant: Carolyn Skiba​, 203-256-7512, ​cskiba@gfacademy.org​.

Head of Upper School - Andrew Jones, ​203-256-7570, ​ajones@gfacademy.org​.

Assistant: Teresa Furegno​, 203-256-7584, ​tfuregno@gfacademy.org​.

Grade Deans - Middle School Grade Five and Six: Meghan Chew, 203-349-7302, ​mchew@gfacdemy.org​.

Grade Seven and Eight: Kathleen Nicholson, 203-349-7316, ​knicholson@gfacademy.org Grade Deans - Upper School Grade Nine - Sue Teyan, 203-349-7404, ​steyan@gfacademy.org.

Grade Ten - Melanie Haas, 203-349-7438, ​mhaas@gfacademy.org.

Grade Eleven - Kate Morrison, 203.349-7427, kmorrison@gfacademy.org Grade Twelve - Victor Llanque Zonta, 203-349-7403, ​vllanque@gfacademy.org.

Teachers​ - It is our belief that a child’s education is best served by a partnership between the school and home. In order to facilitate this relationship, we believe in regular communication between the teachers and parents. Formal communication through Parent Conferences will happen in the fall and the spring, and also through end-of-semester written reports. Additional communication can take place at other times either directly with your child’s teacher, advisor, or grade dean. Please remember that at pick-up and drop-off, teachers are in the process of managing a lot in their classrooms so, for more substantive conversations, you should email or call to schedule a time to speak.

To reach your child’s teacher, advisor, or dean, you can email him or her. All teacher contact information is available on the website (​www.gfacademy.org​) and in the printed directory; you can also try firstinitiallastname@gfacademy.org, which is generally each teacher’s email. Teachers check both email and voicemail regularly and, in most cases, will reply within 24 hours of receiving a message.

Nurse​: ​Kathleen Raby ​(203-256-7518) ​kraby@gfacademy.org​ is the school nurse, supported by ​Karyl McGill, ​the Health Assistant. If your child has allergies, or you have other health issues you would like for Kathleen to be aware of, you are welcome to email her or call.

If your child is ill during the day, his or her teacher will have her see the nurse and you will likely be called to pick her up.

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What do I need to know for the opening days of school?

New parents are invited to an orientation program as listed below: Upper School: Wednesday, August 28 - 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. McGrath Gallery (lobby of theatre) Middle School: Thursday, August 29 - 1 - 2:00 p.m. McGrath Gallery (lobby of theatre) Lower School: Tuesday, September 3 - 9:30 a.m. (lower school courtyard) Children should follow the dress code during the beginning of the school year. Monday, September 9 is Opening Convocation. This is the time we celebrate the opening of school. This is an event for students and faculty, where your child should be in formal dress. Formal dress is outlined in The Source, but generally, it includes blue blazer with GFA emblem, white dress shirt, khaki pants and belt, plaid kilts, loafers, boat shoes, dress shoes or flats, dark socks, tights or knee socks, and school tie.

Please refer to correspondence from Division Heads regarding orientation. If you can’t find the email you would have received in early August, you will find those letters in the parent portal.

There are comprehensive, and extensive, calendars for each division on the website.

You are best served by referring to the GFA calendar for the most up-to-date information about orientation activities. If you have any questions or are unclear, you should call the Division Administrative Assistants (see above).

A note from​ ​Aléwa Cooper, Head of the Lower School​: The first day of school (and the anticipation leading up to it) for any child, whether new or returning, can be a time of anxiety. Please be assured that our teachers are aware of your child's potential worries and will be extremely sensitive and supportive at that time, as well as throughout the year. There are several ways you can support your child at home.

You could encourage your child to: ● Go to bed earlier than usual on Tuesday evening. Fatigue can greatly add to the sensation of disorientation many children feel in new surroundings. ● Eat a full breakfast that morning, even though they may have “lost” their appetites. A hungry child is less able to deal as effectively as (s)he otherwise might with emotional issues surrounding change. ● Come up with a checklist of “things to do” for the first day of school. A child who knows the night before that he or she will have “needed” items like sneakers for recess will feel much more confident. ● Talk about their feelings in anticipation of the start of school. Sometimes particular questions or worries can easily be addressed.

Please be assured that as difficult as it may be for your child to leave the car (or let go of your hand) at 8:00 AM on the first day of school, soon after you leave your child will be 12

fine. If you would like to check-in, you are welcome to call Maureen Fracassini at 203-256-7563 and she can help you know how things are going.

Teachers, sensitive to children’s needs and experienced with transitions, will gently and deftly apply “the magic” that changes tears into laughter. We take pride at GFA in our community and how we welcome new students and families. You can join us in this effort by reaching out throughout the year to new students and families to make sure they are included in activities outside of school.

MIDDLE SCHOOL and UPPER SCHOOL Middle School students will have an orientation period and Upper School students will have orientation for all 9th graders and new students, and athletic pre-season for all fall season athletes.

You will receive correspondence from your child’s Division Head before the beginning of the school year, and you can refer to the ​GFA ​calendar. You may always access the school calendar through the website, and you have the capability of selecting types of calendars you wish to see (Academic, Athletic).

Backpacks:​ Any backpack or bookbag is acceptable. In the Lower School, students will usually only carry a reading book and their homework folder, with a few worksheets, back and forth to school. Middle and Upper School students will have ordered their textbooks during the summer, and may want to bring them all to school to keep in their locker, and bring home the supplies they need for that evening. All GFA students (grades 2 - 12) will have lockers, which will not have locks on them.

School Supplies: ​In the Lower School, all supplies will be provided by your child’s homeroom teacher. The Middle School supply list can be found in the ​Parent Portal.

Upper School students will learn on the first day of school of any special supplies needed.

Lunch:​ the GFA Dining Service is run by Flik Dining Services, one of the leaders of food service at independent schools in the area. We are proud of how sensitive and thoughtful this service is, led by Scott Santoro (​ssantoro@gfacademy.org​ or 203-349-7112). If you have any questions about food service for your child, Scott would welcome hearing from you. If your concern is about allergies, you should go directly to Kathleen Raby (see above and in the directory).

Lunch is included in the tuition. Lower School students eat in grade groupings for grades preK and K, and grades 1-4 eat family style at assigned seats with a teacher.

Middle and Upper School students do not have assigned seating. The cafeteria offers several hot menu items, as well as sandwich fixings and a full salad bar daily. Milk, juice and water are the drinks of choice, and MS and US students may take advantage of the many panini makers available.

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Snacks are also available for sale at the beginning and end of the school day. Please refer to the Parent Portal for the forms to populate your child’s account with funds so they can purchase food before the beginning of school and after school at the Flik Snack Bar. Athletics and Athletic Attire: ​The Source will have detailed information about everything athletics. Except for formal uniform days, all students in the Lower School wear athletic sneakers to school and will therefore be prepared for P.E. class, beginning with the first day of school. In addition, students in grades PreK-3 are expected to wear clothing appropriate to the weather for any outdoor P.E. class. Students in grade 4 will change into a GFA athletic uniform for their P.E. classes.

For much more detailed information regarding Athletics in the Lower, Middle, and Upper School, please refer to The Source or the orientation material you will receive at the beginning of the year.

What do I do if my child will be absent?

You can simply send an email to the appropriate divisional email address. ● USattendance@gfacademy.org ● MSattendance@gfacademy.org ● LSattendance@gfacademy.org What time does school begin and end each day, and where is pickup?

Drop-off and pickup vary by grade. A general guideline follows.

Lower School School begins for all students at 8:00am. On Thursdays, school begins at 8:55 a.m. The doors to the Lower Campus do not open until 7:30 a.m. so please don’t drop your child off earlier. You will notice that Bob Whelan is standing at the entrance to the Lower School. He is eager to greet your child. As well, a number of adults will be at the curb to help your child get out of the car.

You will receive a specific correspondence regarding the pick-up procedure in a separate communication. If you are confused, just follow the direction you receive from the adults outside helping your child into the car. The carpool pick up line can be tedious and takes patience, but we work hard to make sure that it is a cheerful time for the kids!

Middle and Upper School Upper School students should plan to be in their class before 8:00, 8:55 a.m on Thursdays. If your child has free period the first period of the day, they should sign in at the sign-in sheet outside the Nurse’s office by 8:10 AM. Otherwise, attendance is taken in class. Children are welcome to be dropped off by 7:00 a.m. They can hang out in the Cafeteria (and get a snack) or catch up on homework. Most teachers are in their classrooms by 7:45.

Most Upper Schooers have after school commitments of various kinds. You can expect your child to be able to give you clear pick up times, either from campus or the train 14

stations. If, for some reason, you are unclear, or need help locating your child, you can be in touch with either the Division Administrative Assistants or Kathy or Linda at the front desk. You can reach them at 203-256-0717.

What is the drop off procedure?

Children get to school via train (nearly 200 students take the Metro North train), a number take community bus service, and others are driven or drive. If you are driving your child, please follow the directions as you enter school. Cars in the drop-off line take the right lane as you pull into school, while faculty and students who park stay in the left lane. As you pull up to the entrance of the school, you’ll see a number of Administrators and other staff helping your child safely get out of their car.

Getting 715 students and 180 faculty and staff into our building between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. requires careful planning, well-tested routines, and following the directions of those running the drop off. We encourage you to model the GFA community spirit by following those directions as you approach the drop-off line.

What do I do if I need to pick my child up early?

Please refer to The Source for an extensive explanation about absences. There are different check-out procedures for each division. We want your child to be in school, and every day is important in building our mission and meeting our goals for your families. Of course children get sick and in that case should stay home until they are able to actively participate in class. For doctor’s appointments, if at all possible, please schedule those appointments around the time school is in session.

We strongly encourage families to be mindful of dismissal times around holidays, and make any travel plans outside of when school breaks begin and end.

What should my child do if he or she is not feeling well at school?

Students in all divisions should tell their teacher and go directly to the nurses office, who will then contact you. Students should not contact you first, as this can create confusion about the severity of the illness and lead to communication issues.

How do I get homework if my child is absent from school?

The most important thing you can do if your child is sick is to help them rest and get well. Depending on their age, if they miss more than one day, you are welcome to be in touch with the teacher, grade dean, or advisor to determine best next steps. In the case of Upper School students, they have access to teachers’ websites through PowerSchool Learning, which should allow them to know how to get caught up. Teachers are also happy to hear from US students directly about their plans to make up any missing work, once they feel better.

How do I find out if school is cancelled, dismissed early, or delayed?

GFA historically follows the direction of the Westport Police Department District regarding cancellation of classes or early dismissal due to weather. There are many ways that you can find out about a school closure.

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The Honeywell automated phone and email system will send a recorded message/email/text to you when there is a change in schedule. If you wish to modify your contact information for this service, or have questions about it, please contact Mariken Wolfenbuttel in the Business office via email at mwolfenbuttel@gfacademy.org.

The School website (www.gfacademy.org) which will have an announcement on the homepage.

Early Dismissal Procedures In the event that school is let out early, the Honeywell automated phone system will also be deployed and will send an automated message to the phone numbers you have provided at the beginning of the year. You may also check the website for early dismissal announcements – which will include a message along the bottom of the homepage. To keep phone lines open, please refrain from calling the School, if at all possible.

When school is dismissed early for all students, this puts an added strain on the pick-up line. While tempting, please do not “meet” your child at the squash courts rather than wait in the carpool line. Cars exiting from the squash court side of the parking lot will be asked to wait while buses and those in the carpool line exit the campus. If you have a child in the Upper School, and they are comfortable taking the train to a closer location, or waiting 30 minutes after release time, you may find the pick up process easier.

Sports Cancellation The Honeywell notification system will let you know if a game is cancelled that day.

Your child will likely hear from the coach as well. Finally, you will see updates on the GFA webpage.

What is the School uniform?

This is the most frequent question that new parents ask, and with good reason. Who wants to send their child to school on the first day dressed inappropriately? The first thing you need to know is that, in the spirit of knowing and loving your child, we would never make them in any way uncomfortable about dress code. If you want to understand the details of the dress code, the best place to turn is The Source for each division. It is important to share that the goal of dress code, school uniform, and formal dress, are to accomplish specific goals at specific times in the year.

You will receive emails from division heads about dress required at the opening school events. After that, you will have The Source, and orientation information from your Division heads, regarding dress code.

We also host NUT (No Uniform Today) day (LS) and Pants Day (MS and US). On these beloved days, no dress code or uniform must be followed. Of course, some common sense rules apply! Pants Day is a throwback to the days GFA was the Katherine Laycock School for Girls and girls were allowed to wear pants.

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The message you should have is that we are so glad your child is with us, and we would never make dress an issue when they are with us at the beginning of the school year.

When can I come into school?

Greens Farms Academy is a warm and welcoming place where you will often see parents on campus throughout the day. Although most teachers are happy to talk to you briefly without an appointment, to do justice to your concern, the Head of School, Division Heads, and all administrators and teachers welcome a more in-depth conversation by appointment. Please refrain from calling on teachers unannounced before the start of the school day, a time when faculty are meeting, working with children, or assembling materials for the day’s activities. If you have any concerns at all, or need to advise the School about a situation at home that may be affecting your child, then the School is always receptive to a phone call or email, from which a meeting can be arranged.

What is the electronics/cell phone policy?

Each division has a different policy about cell phones, and you and your child will receive instructions about this at the beginning of the school year. Generally, cell phones are not allowed in Lower School, are collected in the morning in Middle School, and are allowed with certain restrictions in Upper School.

How much homework is there?

GFA believes that grade appropriate work done outside the classroom is a good way to reinforce learning. You will find a very detailed explanation of homework, by division, in The Source.

Middle School and Upper School students also have time during the day to get much of their homework completed. You may find that your child takes a few months to get used to the free time and study hall periods during the day, and that is to be expected. If you or your child finds homework to be an unusual burden at home in the evening, you should get in touch with the homeroom teacher or advisor.

How are students graded?

You will receive both grades and comments at least twice a year. If you are not familiar with comments, you will find them extremely comprehensive and a reflection, in many cases, of what you are seeing at home. These comments are written thoughtfully and carefully, with the goal of both rewarding the student for their good work, and helping the parent and student gain insight into areas for focus going forward.

In the middle and upper school, teachers work directly with students to keep track of their grades and their progress. The GFA faculty believes that this partnership is the best way to help students keep on track. For that reason, we do not provide constant access to grades electronically. Students are encouraged to meet with their teacher and/or advisor.

How do I find out about my child’s academic progress?

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Teacher Conferences Conferences are held in the fall (MS and US) and spring (LS and MS only) and school is closed for that division on those days. You will receive an email about how to sign up for conferences, and teachers will be ready to share with you “snapshot grades” of where your child stands at that point.

Conferences provide parents with an overview of what teachers are covering, an assessment of how their child is doing, and an opportunity to ask questions. Parents of children in PreK through four meet with head classroom teachers for both fall and spring conferences. Parents of children in grades five through twelve meet with all subject teachers during fall and spring conferences.

You will receive an email to give you the opportunity to sign up for conferences online.

If you have any trouble signing up, please be in touch with the divisional administrative assistants.

Written Assessments/Comments In addition to the teacher conferences, you will have an opportunity twice a year to hear from your child’s teacher. Depending on the division, these reports will come from different adults in our community, but they will surely reflect your child’s place in our community and reflect on how we can best support that child going forward.

Many families report that teacher comments often reflect what parents are observing at home. Of course, depending on the age, you should decide what parts of the teacher comments you will share with your children. Of course, if there are areas of concern, you will have been in touch with the grade dean, the advisor, the learning specialist, or someone who can best support your child.

Learning Resource Center and Supplementary Help A full time learning specialist and counselor are available in all three divisions to help students with a number of learning and other challenges. These resources are available to students and partner with parents to support their child.

GFA also has a Writing and Math Center, staffed by a faculty member and supported with Upper School student volunteers, to help MS and US students clarify questions or refresh on topics, or in the case of the Writing Center, get help starting, or finishing a project.

In general, GFA believes that the first stop for a child who is struggling in a subject is the teacher. In the Middle and Upper School in particular, we believe the lessons a child learns by conferencing with their teacher to understand and clarify issues solidifies the learning more significantly the with an outside tutor. If you do decide to have your child work with a tutor, it is best if it is in partnership with the learning specialist in that division, and your child’s Division Head.

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BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY Is there an after school program?

After School Care is offered five days per week, from 2:50-5:30PM, for students in grades PreK-4 for a reasonable fee. In addition to indoor and outdoor games and activities, students will be given time for snack, homework, and reading. Interested families should commit to one to five days per week prior to the opening of the school year so we can plan accordingly. All questions should be referred to the After Care Director, Lauren Muller, at ​lmuller@gfacademy.org​.

What is the athletic requirement for Middle and Upper School?

Athletics are a key component of Greens Farms Academy school life, and all students are required to participate in school sports. Through the athletics program, students not only learn valuable athletic skills and the importance of physical fitness, but they also learn what it means to be part of a team.

In fifth and sixth grade, all students participate in a sport in each of the three seasons. In addition to developing their skills and learning the rules and strategies of their chosen sport, students begin competing against other schools within the Fairchester Athletic Association, such as Greenwich Academy, Brunswick, Rye Country Day, St. Luke’s, and more. Required practices take place year round, from 1:25-2:30PM Tuesday-Thursday, with games taking place primarily on Mondays and Tuesdays.

In seventh and eighth grade, students are required to participate in the GFA athletic program all three seasons, participating on a team in at least two of those seasons.

Practices are year round, from 2:30-3:35 Tuesday-Thursday, with games primarily on Wednesday and Thursdays.

In the Upper School, athletic requirements vary by grade, and you should check The Source for more detailed information. The teams practice after school, five days a week; practice times vary, but generally run until 5:30PM. Games are scheduled weekly throughout each season and are a fun way to connect with the School and other parents. GFA encourages all parents to attend games to both heighten the importance of athletics in a child’s life and also as a means of generating School spirit. As a parent, it is great fun to watch your child play in a game and score that unexpected goal, make that surprising catch, or succeed at that spectacular high jump. So, encourage your children to actively participate. Athletics are a requirement, so please do not schedule outside appointments during sports time and games. It’s important to note that, because of the size of our School, the absence of just one or two members of a team compromises the experience of the entire group.

Every team game is posted on the ​GFA calendar​, which includes directions to the game.

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Identification and Security on Campus Creating the safe and nurturing environment we value and seek to preserve is of the utmost importance to GFA. All​ ​employees and adult visitors to campus will be required to wear a GFA-issued, color-coded lanyard between 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We ask that all parent visitors to our school please check in at the front security window where they will receive a lanyard to be returned upon leaving the premises. Current GFA parents will simply show an ID and will be handed a lanyard, which should be visible at all times during the visit and returned to the security window before leaving campus. We recognize that there are times parents quickly need to drop off or pick up. You can escort your child(ren) to the main entrance without a lanyard.

You can pick your child up from the Nurse’s Office without a lanyard.

Some Words on the GFA Parents Association At GFA you will find that the parents are an integral part of our community. The more connected you are to GFA, the richer the experience will be for both you and your children.​ We are fortunate to have an active and involved parent body that gives generously of its time and talents. The GFA Parents Association is the volunteer organization that coordinates regular meetings, key speakers, cherished events, Homecoming and class parties -- and, by being a GFA parent or guardian you are automatically a member! Each year, parent-sponsored events enrich our students' lives and help fund special programs, and enhancements to the school and scholarships.

You will see on the school calendar Divisional PA meetings in the beginning of the year.

This would be an important meeting to attend because you will meet the PA leadership, including the Grade parents, as well as hear about volunteers opportunities which you could get involved in.

Lower School Parent Coffee - Wednesday, September 4 - 8:00 a.m Front Terrace Middle School Parent Coffee - Friday, September 6 - 8:00 a.m. Front Terrace Upper School Parent Coffee - Tuesday, September 10 - 8:00 a.m. Front Terrace Throughout the year, you will be notified of Parent Association meeting, generally held in the early morning, right after drop off.

In additional to Parent Association meetings, and the aforementioned Parent Coffees, throughout the year we hold Parent Connection meetings. These are generally grade specific, although sometimes division specific and are also held at 8 a.m. in the Oak Room. These meetings are hosted by the Division Head and will include teachers to discuss certain aspects of the curriculum. As a new parent, you will find these meetings very informative and serve as a great time to get your questions answered.

We encourage you to attend one of our many meetings and get involved! If you have any questions about the Parents Association please reach out to this year’s co-presidents 20

Amy Sarbinowski (​amysarbinowski@gmail.com​) and Kristen Schadt (kschadt@me.com).

Some Words on Giving at GFA Each year all families will be asked to support the Annual Fund. As tuition alone does not cover the full investment GFA makes in each student, the school relies on the Annual Fund to provide 7% of the operating budget each year.

From time to time GFA will conduct a capital campaign. Capital giving funds major strategic objectives, including new facilities, program, and endowment.

Donations to Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

School Publications GFA is proud of the many tools we use to communicate school life. Here are a number of those tools: Social media: The GFA communications office (Frances Moore, Director of Communications fmoore@gfacademy) manages the GFA social media presence, including Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and the GFA website. Through these sites you will learn about sports updates, see blogs from Bob Whelan and others, read news stories, and likely see great pictures about our community. Be sure to bookmark the website, follow us on social media, and sign up for RSS feed on the website.

ENotes: Every Friday afternoon, you will receive ENotes via email. This divisional newsletter features a reflection by the division head, as well as division and school-wide notices about upcoming events. Don’t miss this communication - it’s a great way to receive timely snapshots of life at GFA. GFA Magazine: Twice a year we publish a magazine featuring updates about our community, including alumnae news and reflections by various school leaders.

Yearbooks: Both the Middle School and Upper School publish a yearbook which is available at the end of the school year. Families of seniors are invited to purchase ads for their graduating senior. Individual school photos, which are taken at the beginning of the school year, are printed in the yearbook.

Literary Magazines: We publish literary magazines in both Middle and Upper School. These are available at the end of the school year, and children are encouraged to contribute to these magazines.

As mentioned throughout this guide, we also publish the School Directory and The Source.

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Greens Farms Academy 35 Beachside Avenue PO Box 998 Westport, CT 06880 General School Number: 203.256.0717 Nurse’s Office: Kathleen Raby - 203.256.7535 Head of School: Bob Whelan - 203.256.7551 Email: firstinitiallastname@gfacademy.org Website: www.gfacademy.org

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35 BEACHSIDE AVENUE WESTPORT, CT 06880-9906

We empower your kids to do the hard, thrilling, essential work of shaping their own world, of building their own future.

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