Harpeth Hall Student Handbook 2020-2021

HARPETH HALL

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES 2020 — 2021

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Harpeth Hall Handbook 2020-2021 Souby Hall – Administrative Offices 615-297-9543 Fax: 615-297-0480 Middle School Office 615-297-8578 Fax: 615-647-0735 msoffice@harpethhall.org Upper School Office 615-298-8184 Fax: 615-298-8186 usoffice@harpethhall.org Health Clinic 615-301-9284 Library 615-346-0132 Security 615-207-1269

Leadership Team Jess Hill Head of School Jessica Bliss Director of Marketing and Communications Jenny Byers Director of College Counseling Armistead Lemon Director of the Upper School Susan Moll Director of Advancement Tom Murphy Director of Finance and Operations Judi O’Brien Director of the Middle School Molly Rumsey Director of Information Services Jessica Viner Director of Admission and Financial Aid 2

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Table of Contents

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Table of Contents Mission Statement..................................................................................................................................... 12 Faculty Core Purpose............................................................................................................................... 12 Values Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion................................................................................................................. 12 School Memberships ............................................................................................................................... 12 Board of Trustees 2020-2021..................................................................................................................... 13 School History and Traditions................................................................................................................... 14 • • • • • •

Alma Mater School Motto School Colors School Mascot History of Harpeth Hall School Traditions

All School Information.............................................................................................................................. 17 SECTION I: BEHAVIOR and RESPECT......................................................................................................... 18 • • • • • • • • • • •

Alcohol and Drug Policy Athletic Student/Parent Handbook Bullying Code of Conduct Cyber-bullying and Social Media Conduct Harassment Policy Language Policy Off-Campus Behavior: Student and Parent Responsibility Social Aggression Social Media Use with Faculty Video and Camera Policy

SECTION II: HONOR SYSTEM...................................................................................................................... 21 • Honor System • Middle School Honor Education Committee (HEC) • Upper School Honor Council

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SECTION III: CONNECT and SUPPORT...................................................................................................... 23 • • • • •

• •

• • • •

Advisors and Advisory Groups Bear Cave (technology support) Confidentiality Counseling Services Dining Services • Dining Hall • The Max • Snacks Faculty Office Hours/Extra Help Learning Resources • Middle School Learning Specialist • Upper School Learning Specialist Library Meditation Room Transcripts Tutors

SECTION IV: SAFETY and SECURITY........................................................................................................... 25 • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Campus Security Carpool Etiquette and Traffic Safety Carpool Procedures for Middle School Carpool Procedures for Upper School Firearms/Weapons Policy Lanyard and Security Access ID Card Parking • Accessible Parking • Student Parking • Visitor Parking Pets on Campus Prospective Students and Guests on Campus Security Cameras Valuables Left in Cars Visitors to Campus

SECTION V: ATTENDANCE POLICIES.......................................................................................................... 26 • • • •

Arrival and Dismissal Times Attendance Whom to Call if Absent or Late Late Arrivals • Middle School Late Arrivals • Upper School Late Arrivals • Attendance Prior to/after School Holidays • Attendance During AP Examinations • Required Attendance • Classes and Study Halls • Community Time • Behavior during Community Time • Late Arrivals/Skipping • Types of Assemblies and Meeting during Community Time

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• Special Event Attendance • Middle School Honor Day • Step Singing and Upper School Graduation SECTION VI: ABSENCE POLICIES............................................................................................................... 28 • Absences and Co-Curricular Participation • Leaving During the School Day • Excused Planned Absences, Forms, and Procedures • Middle School Planned Absence Form and Procedure • Upper School Planned Absence Form and Procedure • Types of Excused Planned Absences • College Visits • Religious Holidays • Extraordinary Circumstances • Excessive Absences • Illness/Injury/Family Emergency • Unexcused Absences • Make-Up Assignments and Tests • Middle School Policies • Upper School Policies SECTION VII: HEALTH POLICIES and INFORMATION................................................................................ 30 • • • • • • • • •

Allergies Head Lice Policy Health Clinic Health Forms Illness or Injury at School Medical Leave of Absence Policy/Information Regarding Medical Leaves Student Injury When to Keep Your Child at Home Health and Safety Measures during COVID-19

SECTION VIII: UNIFORM............................................................................................................................. 33 • • • • • • •

Daily Uniform Dress Uniform Guidelines Face Masks/Coverings during COVID-19 Lanyard and Security Access ID Card Purchasing Uniforms Purchasing Outerwear and T-shirts

P.E., Dance, and Fitness Uniforms • • • •

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Dress for Middle School Dance Classes Dress for Middle School P.E. Classes Dress for Upper School Fitness and Strength and Conditioning Classes Dress for Upper School Yoga Classes

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Dress Code Guidelines for Special Circumstances/Events • • • • •

Casual Day Attire Dress Code Variance Field Trip Uniform Senior Dress-Up Days/Off-Campus Lunch White Dresses • Eighth Grade Honor Day Dress Guidelines • Senior Recognition Assembly Dress Guidelines • Step Singing Dress Guidelines • Upper School Graduation Day Dress Guidelines

SECTION IX: RESPONSIBILITY and RESILIENCE.......................................................................................... 36 • Calling Home • Campus Care/Cleanup • Cell Phones, Messages, and Telephones • Cell Phones • Messaging Students During the School Day • Telephones for Student Use • Computers: Responsible Use Policy for Computers • Copy Machine • Email • Food and Drinks • Forgotten Items • Lockers, Books, and Personal Belongings • Lost and Found • Lunch • Sportsmanship and Fair Play • Use of Fitness Center

SECTION X: COMMUNICATION........................................................................................................... 39 Communication Resources for Students • Daily Announcements • Email • PowerSchool Communication Resources for Parents • • • • • • • • •

Conference Days Emergency Communication System Inclement Weather/Snow Days and School Closures Grade-Level Parent Meetings Hallways Magazine Harpeth Hall Directory for Students and Families Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families Meet the Teachers Nights Newsletters • @HarpethHall Weekly Parent E-Newsletter • HHPA Parent E-Newsletter • Social Media Channels • Veracross • Website and Current Families Page

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SECTION XI: EXPENSES and FINANCIAL RESOURCES..................................................................... 41 Expenses • • • • •

Tuition Smart Tuition Timely Payment of Tuition Expenses Beyond Tuition Optional Expenses

Financial Resources for Expenses Beyond Tuition • • • • •

The Adeline Fund The College Counseling Fund The Elizabeth Bond Davis ’74 International Exchange Fund The Olivia Fund The Winterim Travel Fund

SECTION XII: GIFTS and GIVING......................................................................................................... 42 Gifts to Faculty and Staff Policy Charitable Giving to Harpeth Hall • The Annual Fund • Capital Campaigns and Endowment • Planned Giving

Daugh W. Smith Middle School SECTION XIII: MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMICS.......................................................................................... 44 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Academic Honors Academic Probation Extra Help for Middle School Students Grading Scale Homework Laptops Late Start Wednesdays for Middle School Students Middle School Learning Specialist Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Access to Grades Scholars Engaged in Extending Knowledge (SEEK) Standardized Testing Study Hall Privilege for 8th Grade Students Middle School Schedule

SECTION XIV: MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES............................................................................ 49 • Expectations for Middle School Students • Demerits

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SECTION XV: MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.................................................................. 50 • Middle School Leadership Program • Middle School Leadership Opportunities SECTION XVI: EXTENDED CARE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS.......................................................... 50 • Early Care • After Care SECTION XVII: MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, and ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES........................................................................................................... 51 SECTION XVIII: MIDDLE SCHOOL GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................... 53

Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School SECTION XIX: UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMICS.............................................................................................54 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Academic Probation Adding or Dropping a Class AP Exams Assignments Awards College Counselors Course Load Cumulative Grade Point Average Examinations Examination Exemptions Extra Help for Upper School Students Free Periods Global Scholars Program Grading Scale Graduation Requirements Homework Honor Roll Laptops Late-Start Wednesdays for Upper School Students One Schoolhouse ( formerly Online School for Girls) Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Access to Grades Required Study Hall Study Away Programs for Semester or Year Summer School Test Schedule Transfer Students Upper School Learning Specialist Weighting Grades Winterim Requirements Upper School Schedule

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SECTION XX: UPPER SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES....................................................................... 61 • • • • • •

Demerits and Saturday School Discipline Committee Disciplinary Warning/Probation In-School Suspension Suspension and Expulsion Suspension Procedures

SECTION XXI: UPPER SCHOOL GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................... 63 SECTION XXII: UPPER SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT......................................................... 64 • Upper School Leadership Program • Co-curricular Clubs, Societies, and Organizatiosns

SECTION XXIII: DISTANCE LEARNING MODELS AND GUIDELINES DURING COVID-19................................................................................................................................. 66 • Learning Models • Distance Learning Model • Hybrid Learning Model • On-Campus Learning Model • Distance Learning Guidelines • Student Expectations • Attendance Policy • Absence Policy • A Positive Distance Learning Experience Includes Good Study Habits • Zoom Meeting Etiquette

SECTION XIV: HARPETH HALL PARENTS ASSOCIATION (HHPA)..................................................... 68 • • • • • • • • •

Mission Statement Executive Board Dads Network Facebook Group HHPA Newsletter HHPA Resources Page The Main Event Middle School Parent Council (MSPC) Volunteers

HARPETH HALL CAMPUS........................................................................................................................ 70

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Harpeth Hall Handbook 2020-2021

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Harpeth Hall MISSION STATEMENT Harpeth Hall is an independent college preparatory school for young women where each student realizes her highest intellectual ability in the sciences, the humanities, and the arts, and discovers her creative and athletic talents. Harpeth Hall develops responsible citizens who have global perspectives and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. With a tradition of excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning, Harpeth Hall educates young women to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.

FACULTY CORE PURPOSE Our faculty core purpose is to nurture a sense of wonder; to instill a will and facility for learning; and to promote cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and service to others. The pursuit of these goals will inspire students and faculty to combine knowledge with goodness and reflection with action.

VALUES STATEMENT The Harpeth Hall community— students and faculty — has chosen respect, integrity, individuality, and trust to be its guiding principles. These values reflect our reverence for expressing kindness toward and acceptance of others; our commitment to diversity, forgiveness, and achieving one’s personal best; and our dedication to the service of others.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION The Harpeth Hall Values Statement identifies respect, integrity, individuality, and trust as the guiding principles in our work educating girls. These values reflect our commitment to providing a rewarding and equitable experience for all students, families, faculty, and staff. The population growth in Nashville and outreach efforts of Harpeth Hall’s admission team have contributed to the diversity of our applicant pool and student population. Our school community is enriched by diversity as defined by age, ability, race and ethnicity, gender, religion, spirituality, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

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The school works to advance the dialogue around equity and inclusion. Professional development opportunities have been offered both on and off campus to empower all members of the Harpeth Hall community to grow in their cultural competence. The Committee on Equity and Inclusion co-chaired by the Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion.

Committee members include faculty, administrators, and staff. The group facilitates conversations and initiatives around the following three areas: • Community • Curriculum • Recruitment and Retention

SCHOOL MEMBERSHIPS • Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools • College Board • Council for the Advancement and Support of Education • Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education • Education Advisory Board • Enrollment Management Association • INDEX Benchmarking Group • National Association for College Admission Counseling • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) • National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls • National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) • Southern Association for College Admission Counseling • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) • Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) • Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) • Tennessee Girls Lacrosse Association • Tennessee Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association • Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-2021 Chair and President: Jane Berry Jacques ’72 Vice Chair: Trudy Ward Carpenter ’76 Vice Chair: David T. Vandewater Treasurer: Noni Nielsen ’93 Secretary: Jackie Glover Thompson ’64 • Jane Allen • Greg Averbuch • Melanie Patterson Blank ’82 • Michelle Gaskin Brown ’01 • Brie Brown Buchanan ’99 • Craig Buffkin • Trudy Ward Carpenter ’76 • Mary Britton Thompson Cummings ’93 • Adelaide Grace Davis ’79 • Patty Litton Delony ’66 • David Fitzgerald • Elizabeth Robbins Hawkins ’82 • Whitson Lowe, M.D. • Frank Majors • Jon Meacham • Lauren Melkus ’96 • Matthew Miller • Amit Misra, Ph.D. Katie Groos Nelson ’80 • Carol Len Portis • Jay Sangervasi • Rachel Reeves Settle ’94 • Dana Deaton Verner ’94 • Jack Wallace • Chris Whitson • Crissy Wieck ’96 • Tammy Wolcott ’81 • Mandy Haynes Young ’85

Ex-Officio Members • Jess Hill, Head of School • Bekah Hassell, Faculty Representative • Kate Sherrard Chinn ’93, Alumnae Board President • Leigh Fitts ’91, Alumnae Board President-Elect • Barbara Keith Brown Payne ’85, Parents Association President • Elizabeth Sullivan, Parents Association President-Elect • Ellen Maguire Vick ’89, National Advisory Council Chair 2020-21

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ALMA MATER O Harpeth Hall, O place beloved, Thy beauty crowns the hills; In strength and grace thy walls arise Above the woodland still.

Our voices ring with happiness, Our hearts are filled with pride, As here each girl finds for herself The joys that will abide.

So light of heart and free, we pledge Allegiance through the years.

As old girls with the new girls share The pleasure that endears.

Thy standard from the hilltop waves In dark magnolia green And of thy destiny so fair Proud privilege to sing!

Written by Martha Corwin Gregory (former faculty member)

SCHOOL MOTTO Let us lift up the mind and spirit.

SCHOOL COLORS Magnolia Green and Silver Gray

SCHOOL MASCOT Honeybear

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History of Harpeth Hall

H

arpeth Hall’s story begins in 1865 with the founding of Ward Seminary for Young Ladies, six-months after the end of the Civil War. The school merged with Belmont College for Young Women in 1913 and formed the Ward-Belmont School, a high school and junior college for women. In the spring of 1951, Ward-Belmont closed, and local community leaders organized to ensure that college preparatory all-girls education continued in Nashville. This group purchased the Estes Estate in Green Hills and renamed the school Harpeth Hall, based on the nearby Harpeth River Valley.

In 1951, the new campus opened with 161 students in Grades 9-12, most of whom transferred from WardBelmont. The first head of school, Susan Souby, was the former high school principal at Ward-Belmont.

Additionally, nearly all of the founding faculty members previously taught at Ward-Belmont. The next year, Harpeth Hall received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Several of the traditions established at Ward-Belmont were carried over to Harpeth Hall.

an all-girls school and to strengthen Harpeth Hall’s resources that included new technology, marketing, and fundraising. Ann Teaff was appointed in 1998, leading as head of school for 16 years. She transformed the campus through two major capital campaigns that led to the building of the Ann Scott Carell Library, a new Daugh W. Smith Middle School building, the Patton Visual Arts building, renovation of the Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School, and an Athletic and Wellness Center.

The origin of Step Singing and Lady of the Hall evolved from the traditional May Day festival. Harpeth Hall also maintains four intramural clubs that were part of the club system at Ward-Belmont: Ariston, Eccowasin, Triad, and Angkor.

Stephanie Balmer’s tenure as head of school began in 2014 with a focus on the social and emotional health of students and the establishment of a school garden.

With ties to Ward Seminary, founded in 1865, Harpeth Hall celebrated 150 years of educating young women in 2015. Following Dr. Balmer’s passing in 2018, Jess Hill was appointed head of school. She began her teaching career at Harpeth Hall in 1985 and served as Director of the Upper School from 2005 to 2017.

Jess Hill’s collaborative leadership style, vision for leading-edge programs, and sense of community remains central to Harpeth Hall’s role as a national leader in girls’ education.

Idanelle “Sam” McMurry became head of school in 1963 and served until 1978. The Daugh W. Smith Middle School opened in the fall of 1968. In 1973, McMurry introduced Winterim — one of Harpeth Hall’s signature programs. For three weeks each January, Winterim allows students to explore in-depth areas of interest through special coursework, internships, academic trips, and independent study.

Polly Fessey, middle school director, served as interim head of school from 1978 to 1980. David Wood assumed the position as head of school in 1980 and led the school until 1991. Wood implemented an honor code and established institutional membership in Cum Laude. Leah Rhys served as head of school from 1991 to 1998 with the charge to affirm the school’s mission as

Today, the Harpeth Hall campus comprises nearly 44 acres with enrollment of 720 students projected for 2020-21. The school has 88 full-time and six part-time teaching faculty and employs a total of 154 professionals.

Harpeth Hall and its predecessor schools share a history of excellence in educating young women.

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School Traditions Lady of the Hall

Sunday on Souby

The Lady of the Hall is the most cherished award that a senior can receive. Selected without nomination by the entire Upper School faculty, staff, and student body, this young woman exemplifies the highest ideals of Harpeth Hall — integrity, kindness, and loyalty to others and to her school. Her character is as strong as her intellect. One student in each grade is selected by her classmates as a Crownbearer, Herald, or Class Representative to represent the class on the Lady of the Hall Court at Step Singing.

Sunday on Souby is Harpeth Hall’s community fall festival presented by the HHPA and Head’s Young Alumnae Council (HYAC) that brings together past, current, and new families, as well as extended family, alumnae, and neighbors. This free annual event is an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy student entertainment, carnival inflatables, games, and food. Faculty attendance is encouraged, but not required.

Middle School Awards Assembly

Each year, Upper School students and faculty come together to celebrate the end of the school year at Awards Day. Intramural Clubs compete in a club song competition, students receive awards for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, athletics, fine arts, and school spirit, and the Lady of the Hall and Court are announced.

The Middle School holds an awards assembly at the end of the school year to recognize girls for their participation and achievement in the many aspects of school life such as academics, athletics, and leadership. Parents of students receiving awards will be notified.

Spirit Clubs Angkor, Ariston, Eccowasin and Triad are Harpeth Hall’s four spirit clubs originating from our predecessor school, Ward-Belmont. Each student belongs to one of these clubs and participates in friendly athletic and academic competitions with the others.

Students are randomly assigned to clubs unless the student has a family member who attended Harpeth Hall or Ward-Belmont and was in a specific club.

Step Singing Held the Sunday before Upper School Graduation, Step Singing is a year-end event when the leadership of the school is passed from the 12th grade class to the 11th grade class. At this ceremony, which was brought to Harpeth Hall from Ward-Belmont, the 11th and 12th grade classes sing their class songs on the steps of the Library and honor the Lady of the Hall and the Court.

All Upper School students are required to attend Step Singing, and Middle School students are encouraged to attend.

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Upper School Awards Day

Winterim Begun in 1973, Winterim is a three-week term in January that offers Upper School students experiential learning opportunities. Students in Grades 9 and 10 return to campus after Winter Break with an alternative schedule that allows them to take courses that expand the Harpeth Hall curriculum. Examples include: finance, neuroscience, medical robotics, CSI - forensic science, sketch comedy and the female voice, the royal family, ukulele, and fencing. Students in Grades 11 and 12 participate in a range of experiences including academic travel to places such as India, Chile, Kenya, and Great Britain; internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Nashville; language immersion trips in France, Italy, and Spain; and independent study opportunities.

All School Information

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All School Information SECTION I: BEHAVIOR and RESPECT Harpeth Hall is a community of learning whose foundations are honesty, respect, personal responsibility, and caring. Students at Harpeth Hall are responsible for maintaining these qualities in all their actions and abiding by the following policies.

Alcohol and Drug Policy The use of drugs and alcohol by students is a violation of the law, is detrimental to the health and welfare of our students, and is not in keeping with The Harpeth Hall School’s Mission and Values Statements. For these reasons, the School reserves the right to discipline, up to and including removal from the school, a student who possesses or engages in the use, sale, distribution, or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs and/or the possession of drug paraphernalia. Harpeth Hall’s Alcohol and Drug Policy also includes the consumption or possession of prescription drugs for which the student does not have a current and valid prescription.

This includes the distribution or acceptance of any sort of medical product, either prescription or over the counter. All medication must be administered by the School Nurse and should never be in the possession of the student. In addition to disciplinary action, the school recognizes that alcohol and drug abuse can be a serious health concern and thus reserves the right to require students to seek medical and other professional evaluation and care as a condition of continued enrollment.

wallets, or coats, are subject to search at any time.

Failure or refusal to submit to a request for a search will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

It is expected that all Harpeth Hall students and families will abide by the following policies on alcohol and drug use:

A parent or guardian may accompany the student to the test site. Failure or refusal to participate in the alcohol/drug screening or treatment in accordance with the school’s instructions and in a timely manner may result in expulsion.

1. Any student who possesses drug paraphernalia or possesses or engages in the use, sale, distribution, or consumption of alcohol or illegal and prescription drugs for which the student does not have a current and valid prescription, or the possession of drug paraphernalia while on or off campus during the hours and days when school is in session and/or while attending or participating in school-sponsored or school-affiliated functions or trips is subject to suspension and/or expulsion.

Any student who witnesses such behavior is also subject to disciplinary action and is encouraged to come forward to report such activity.

2. Student lockers, automobiles parked on or in the vicinity of campus, and all personal possessions including but not limited to purses, backpacks, 18

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3. Student use or possession of cigarettes, any vaping products, or any other tobacco or similar product on campus or at a school-affiliated function or trip is prohibited. Any student who violates this rule is subject to disciplinary action by the school, up to and including suspension or expulsion.

4. If a student is suspected of alcohol or drug abuse, the school reserves the right to remove the student from school and to require a medical evaluation, including alcohol and/or drug screening at a site and time designated by the school, and/or participation in a drug/alcohol rehabilitation program, before the student is allowed to return to campus. Open communications with Harpeth Hall’s Counseling Department and the testing/treatment center is also a requirement of this process.

5. A student suspected of alcohol or drug abuse may be required for continued enrollment to meet the following conditions, which may include, but are not limited to, regular counseling, treatment, assessments, and random follow-up alcohol and drug screenings.

6. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on campus or off campus that comes to the school’s knowledge may also be reported to appropriate legal authorities. Any illegal substance found in any student’s possession may be turned over to the appropriate authorities.

7. As stated in the Off-Campus Behavior section of this handbook, actions related to alcohol and drug

use that reflect poorly on the student body and/or the school are subject to disciplinary action. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to, the use and/or sale of alcohol and drugs, and any intent to purchase or distribute alcohol or drugs.

Athletic Student/Parent Handbook In addition to the policies stated in the Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families, student-athletes will also receive a copy of the Athletic Student/Parent Handbook from their coaches at the beginning of each season.

Bullying In support of our Mission and Values Statements, Harpeth Hall does not tolerate bullying. Bullying is not a specific event but rather a pattern of behavior that is aggressive, intentional, or deliberately hostile. Bullying happens when a person with more power or perceived power (e.g., physical strength, social skill, or verbal ability) repeatedly and unfairly intimidates someone with less power. All students and faculty are to be treated with dignity and respect. Bullying can be faceto-face or through other methods of communication including, but not limited to, emailing, texting, social networks, or blogs. The prohibition against bullying and harassment applies to all students, employees, and volunteers at school or at any time while representing the school.

Harpeth Hall does not tolerate or condone bullying, which means that any and all witnessed or reported incidents of bullying will be addressed appropriately and thoroughly. Before action is taken, information will be gathered from all sides.

The action taken may include conferences with students, and/or parents, requirement of outside counseling, and disciplinary action as warranted by the severity of the situation.

Code of Conduct As a member of the Harpeth Hall student body, each student is expected to live a life that is in keeping with the school’s motto to “lift up the mind and spirit” and its mission “to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.”

Each Harpeth Hall student must be mindful that her behavior, both on and off campus as well as online, is a reflection on the entire school community. Because Harpeth Hall is an honorable community, there are certain standards of behavior that all students are asked to observe at all times. These standards have to

do with respect for one’s self and respect for our faculty and fellow students.

Our code of conduct includes respect for another community member’s feelings, rights, property, and welfare.

Students must behave in a manner befitting a school and work environment at all times; therefore, inappropriate or unwanted physical contact is not allowed on campus at any time.

Cyber-bullying and Social Media Conduct This type of bullying includes, but is not limited to, offending, harassing, or threatening others using technology, including email, messaging apps, social media, web pages, blogs, video and images, and/or text messages. It is considered inappropriate when it involves: • Using obscene, profane, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful messages; • Posting information that could cause damage, danger, or disruption of the educational process; • Posing as another person online or misrepresenting one’s identity to another; • Making a personal attack, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks; • Posting false or defamatory information about a person; • Using technological communication to intimidate, bully, harass, target, intentionally exclude, or embarrass others in any area included in this policy Please note: A student’s home and personal use of technology can have an impact on the school and on other students. If a student’s personal expression involving technology—such as sending derogatory or threatening messages to another student or accessing a violent website— creates a disruption of the educational process, the student may face school discipline.

Harpeth Hall encourages parents to speak regularly with their daughters about their social media presence.

Healthy habits require communication and clear expectations at home and at school.

Harassment Policy It is Harpeth Hall’s policy to prohibit any type of harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, parent, or fellow student at Harpeth Hall or by any contractor or service provider or their employees on 2020-21

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Any and all sexual advances between teachers and students is prohibited.

Off-Campus Behavior: Student and Parent Responsibility Harpeth Hall’s greatest pride is in its students, and we expect all students to recognize their responsibility to the school itself and to their fellow students in maintaining acceptable and appropriate behavior at all times. In addition, Harpeth Hall looks to its parents to be partners in upholding the mission of the school, teaching our students “to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.” While the school acknowledges that it is primarily the responsibility of parents to regulate and monitor their daughters’ off-campus behaviors, the school reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a student for off-campus actions, especially those that are harmful to the student, reflect poorly on the school, or violate our code of conduct. Such behaviors that could be subject to disciplinary action include but are not limited to: • Alcohol and illegal drug use • Sale of alcohol and drugs • Purchase or intent to purchase alcohol and drugs • Theft • Harassment or abusive conduct toward another person (in person or through social media) • Damage to property • Illegal action of any kind • Inappropriate use of social media • Participation in the display of sexually explicit images • Actions that reflect poorly on the student body and/or the school Any facts known to the school or ascertained during an investigation involving illegal action may be reported to the appropriate legal authorities. A student could also face consequences from Harpeth Hall for her off-campus behavior.

Language Policy Students are expected to use appropriate and respectful language at all times. Inappropriate or offensive language includes obscene, profane, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening words or slang that may negatively impact others in the community.

Use of articulate speech and appropriate language is consistent with the school’s emphasis on clear communication, effective presentation skills, confident leadership, and honorable behavior. Use of inappropriate language, including language used in electronic communication and social media, may result in disciplinary action.

Social Aggression All Harpeth Hall students and faculty are to be treated with dignity and respect. Social aggression is any unkind behavior or action, which happens as a result of a specific incident or someone else’s social aggression.

This socially aggressive or unkind behavior can be faceto-face or through other methods of communication including, but not limited to, emailing, texting, social media, or blogs. Given our commitment to fostering a respectful and kind community, behaviors described as unkind or aggressive will be addressed. This policy applies to any student, employee, or volunteer at any time while representing the school.

campus or at any school-sponsored event. The school is committed to maintaining an environment free from any form of harassment, including that based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, disability, or marital status or any protected category under state or federal law.

Any student who feels she has been subject to harassment should immediately report the matter to a counselor, Dean of Students, or Division Director.

Administrative personnel will investigate and take appropriate corrective action when warranted. The school will prohibit retaliation or harassment of the student reporting the violation, and will protect the student’s confidentiality to the fullest extent possible. Violation of the harassment policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion of students or termination of employment of employees of the school.

If a parent of a student engages in inappropriate or harassing behavior toward a student or employee, harassment in person, on the telephone, in email, on blogs, on social networks, in text messages or messaging apps, the school may take whatever action is necessary to eliminate the harassing activity, including a ban of the parent from the campus or, in extreme circumstances, the required withdrawal of the parent’s child from the school.

Harassment involves repeated unwanted behavior and may involve sexual harassment between students and adults or between two students or two adults.

Any and all unwanted sexual advances among students is prohibited.

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This behavior includes, but is not limited to: • Name calling • Making fun of someone • Deliberately excluding someone • Making someone feel bad • Using derogatory words or photographs in email, on social media, or any other form of communication • Spreading false rumors • Hazing of any kind (including initiation into any co-curricular club or athletic team in which a student is asked to do something she does not want to do) Harpeth Hall is an institution that celebrates a range of developmental milestones during a student’s tenure. Learning how to interact with others, handle challenging social dynamics, disagree respectfully, and appropriately self-advocate are all essential skills.

Harpeth Hall recognizes that there are some components of social aggression that may appear during a student’s development and will work with teachers, counselors, parents, and other necessary parties to appropriately address these instances.

Social Media Use with Faculty Harpeth Hall does not allow students to “friend” or participate in social networking sites with faculty.

School employees may not “friend” a current student or participate in social networking sites of current students. Participating in social media with a former student should not happen until the former student has reached 21 years of age.

Video and Camera Policy Students and parents may not take photos or record video on campus of other Harpeth Hall students or faculty without the permission of an administrator.

SECTION II: HONOR SYSTEM Your honor and your integrity are your most valuable possessions.

Harpeth Hall students are committed to an Honor System that holds to the traditional concepts of honor, and they assume that every Harpeth Hall girl is honorable. The term “honorable” means that a girl can be trusted to follow the rules in her academic work, to respect others and their property, and to tell the truth.

The Honor System is the foundation of the community of learners at Harpeth Hall. It can exist only if everyone believes in it and works for its success.

Each Harpeth Hall student will observe at all times the principles of honor and integrity. She will not lie, steal, cheat, or engage in any other dishonest acts, such as plagiarism (i.e., intentional use of others’ words or ideas without documentation), nor will she assist others in the commission of these acts. Common sense will guide students in determining what is and is not an honor offense. The Honor System is in effect during any activity on the school campus and on any school outing and school trip.

Each Harpeth Hall student will adhere to the spirit of the following statement: As a student at Harpeth Hall, I hereby pledge my full and hearty support to the Honor System. I pledge to be honest myself, and in order that the spirit and integrity of the Honor System may endure, I pledge that I will give no unauthorized assistance to other students.

Inherent in this pledge is a commitment to the Values Statement. All girls subscribe to the Honor Pledge which states: I have neither given nor received help on this work, and I will not discuss it until all students have completed it.

Each student signs the pledge upon completing a pledged assignment. A student should understand that any work turned into a teacher with her name on it is assumed to have been done following the instructions of the teacher.

Students learn how to work within the framework of an Honor System that presumes responsibility not only for one’s self but for one’s peers. The Honor System expects each girl to realize that any infraction jeopardizes trust.

Infractions of any sort are extremely serious and may result in disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion.

If a girl has violated the Honor System or has seen any other student violate it, she should instantly report this to the teacher, to her advisor, or to the Division Director. The object of reporting another girl is not to betray, punish, or embarrass her, but to help her realize the implications of her behavior and to realize the importance of upholding the respect and trust of her peers.

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Middle School Honor Education Committee (HEC) The Middle School student organization devoted to the Honor System is the Honor Education Committee (HEC). As part of the Middle School student leadership team, this committee of 8th grade students translates the ideals of honor into relevant and relatable terms for their Middle School peers and makes recommendations to the faculty to ensure that our honor code is central to life in our school and that it enriches our community.

Upper School Honor Council The Upper School student organization devoted to the Honor System is the Honor Council. If a question arises about whether a student has violated the Honor Code, our Honor Council is entrusted with hearing the case.

The 13-member Honor Council includes five 12th grade students, five 11th grade students, and three 10th grade students, all chosen by their classmates. The Director of the Upper School is the faculty sponsor. A student whose case is being heard has the option of having her advisor accompany her during the investigation phase of the hearing. With that exception, the hearings are closed to others from the outside. Parents and attorneys may not participate in any phase of the Honor Council process.

When a possible honor offense is brought to the attention of the Director of the Upper School, the Director meets with the student and her advisor. At that time, the Director determines if the case should proceed to the Honor Council. The Honor Council’s first task in a hearing is to determine whether a student has violated the Honor Code. Typically the student will tell the Council what happened in her own words. Next, the Council will question the student. In some cases, the Honor Council may call students and/or teachers as witnesses. After gathering information, the Honor Council may determine (1) that the student is innocent of the charges; or (2) that the student is guilty of the charges; or (3) that, while important questions about the charges remain unresolved, the student is at least “guilty of negligence” in allowing the situation to arise.

The Honor Council determines this by a majority vote of the members of the Honor Council. The consequences are decided in the same manner.

If the student is found guilty of any charge, the Honor Council then proceeds to the penalty phase.

Only then will the student’s past record be taken into account.

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If it is a student’s first offense of academic honor (i.e., a student who has lied or plagiarized on a written assignment or cheated on a test or other pledged assignment for the first time), she will receive a zero on the work. The Honor Council also may recommend additional consequences, including writing a paper, sending an apology, attending Saturday School, performing service to the school, losing privileges, serving a term of suspension or other consequences they believe are fair and appropriate to the offense.

If it is a student’s second or third offense of academic honor, the consequences will be more serious and could include expulsion.

The Honor Council is a recommending body which passes its recommendations to the Director of the Upper School for final approval or, in the most serious cases, to the Head of School. In especially serious or complicated cases, the Honor Council may recommend expulsion, and some serious issues will be referred to the Discipline Committee. The Director of the Upper School is a non-voting member of the Honor Council and is also chair of the Faculty Disciplinary Committee.

This dual role ensures continuity in all Honor Council proceedings.

Serving on the Honor Council is considered an esteemed and well-respected position among teachers and students. Members participate in all decisions and recommendations, and they must be able to practice sound judgment and a fair and open approach to all cases. All members are expected to maintain absolute discretion about what transpires in the hearings. If a member of the Honor Council does not maintain confidentiality or if a member of the Honor Council has been found guilty of an honor offense, she will be asked to step down from the Honor Council for the remainder of her time at Harpeth Hall, in addition to receiving any other consequences for her actions.

SECTION III: CONNECT and SUPPORT We are here to help CONNECT and SUPPORT your daughter in the following ways.

Advisors and Advisory Groups Middle School students are assigned an advisor every year, and Upper School students are assigned advisors for two years. The advisor may serve as an academic counselor, student advocate, or a liaison between the student, parent, or another faculty member. Middle School students begin each day in advisory groups and also will meet once during the seven-day rotation.

Upper School students meet with their advisory groups once a week during Community Time. Parents have conferences with their daughter’s advisor on designated conference days.

Bear Cave The Bear Cave (technology support) is located on the lower level of the Library and is open every school day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when school is in session on campus. Students may take their laptops to the Bear Cave for repair, troubleshooting, or questions.

Most repairs will take place within the same day (often within the hour). In the event that a laptop requires more extensive repair, the student will be provided with a loaner laptop until hers can be returned.

Confidentiality In an effort to provide a safe place to discuss concerns, confidentiality is extended to each individual who talks to a counselor. All group or individual counseling sessions are confidential, except where noted below.

Exceptions include the following: • Situations that present the possibility of physical or emotional harm to self or others; • Situations where there is reason to suspect that there is or has been a threat of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse If your daughter has social-emotional concerns, notifying a school counselor is extremely helpful. This information is kept in confidence and only serves to deepen our understanding of how best to care for your daughter during the school day.

Counseling Services Full-time, licensed counselors comprise the Counseling Department at Harpeth Hall. They are available during school hours to address family, individual, and group counseling needs of our students. If a teacher or parent refers a student to a school counselor, or if a student expresses a desire to speak with a counselor, the

student may be seen by a counselor.

The goal of Harpeth Hall’s Counseling Department is to provide a safe environment in which students can develop as a whole person. We seek to support all members of the Harpeth Hall community, primarily the students and their families. The counselors work closely with administrators and faculty to help determine services needed for students. The counselors may provide these services or refer the students to professionals outside the school.

Dining Services • Dining Hall All students participate in our lunch plan through SAGE Dining. While operating during the time of COVID-19, the school will communicate a lunch plan, including hours, menu, and dining locations when classes are held on campus.

When operating under normal conditions, a variety of options is available in the servery each day for lunch, and menus and allergen information are available on our website by clicking the Lunch Menu link found at the bottom of every page in the footer section. Additionally, SAGE’s mobile app, “Touch of SAGE”, can be downloaded and allows viewers to see daily menus and additional information.

Students may not bring outside food into any eating area due to allergy concerns unless they or their parents have spoken with the Dean of Students.

• The Max The Max café in the Dining Hall offers healthy options for purchase before and after school.

Purchases can be made with cash or credit/debit cards. Additionally, students may fund a declining balance (debit) account which can be used to purchase items from The Max. Please note: The Max will be closed at the start of the 2020-21 school year. Plans to safely re-open The Max will be evaluated later in the semester. Students should bring their own peanut-free snacks each day.

• Snacks Students are permitted to bring snacks to school, but should be aware of the restriction against bringing any peanut products.

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Faculty Office Hours/Extra Help Harpeth Hall teachers are dedicated to their craft and to their students. They are your first “go to” with questions or concerns. Students may meet with teachers to ask questions about course material, homework, or class projects. Specific information may be found in these division sections: • Middle School: See Extra Help for Middle School Students section on p. 45.

• Upper School: See Extra Help for Upper School Students section on p. 57.

Learning Specialists The Middle School Learning Specialist and Upper School Learning Specialist work in collaboration with faculty, advisors, parents, and students to support learning in the school environment.

The Learning Specialists act as a resource to recommend evaluations, develop individual learning plans, and facilitate that plan’s accommodations and supports for students. They offer opportunities for reinforcement of the skills necessary for success at Harpeth Hall.

These skills include, but are not limited to, academic planning, time management, organizational skills and strategies for note taking, reading, studying, test taking, essay writing, and research paper writing. In addition, Learning Specialists offer opportunities for intellectual growth and academic enrichment.

Students, teachers, or parents may request a meeting with the Learning Specialists. Available times for students include break, Community Time, free periods, or after school. A student may be recommended by a teacher or may request assistance themselves in these areas.

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Middle School students may study in the Library after school until 4:45 p.m. They must sign in when they arrive and be signed out by a parent/guardian or go to After Care in the Dining Hall. Upper School students may study in the Library until 5 p.m. There is no food allowed in the Library. Students may have covered drinks.

Study rooms are available for use by Upper School students throughout the day. There is one free copy machine available for student use.

Meditation Room The Meditation Room is located off the Marnie Sheridan Gallery to the left of the Frances Bond Davis Theatre. This space is for individual reverent use and meditation. It is not to be used for social or study purposes. Food and drink are never allowed in the Meditation Room. Students may not store their belongings in this room. Students must inform an adult if they are in this space.

Transcripts The Harpeth Hall transcript includes semester grades for coursework completed at Harpeth Hall. The Upper School transcript also includes the student’s weighted cumulative GPA. A student’s parent or legal guardian (documentation may be requested) can contact the Middle School Office or Upper School Office to request a copy of the student’s academic records. For students in good financial standing, Harpeth Hall will send the requested information to the designated person or place. The contact information for the institution or program must be provided.

All 9th grade students will attend a 40-minute study hall with the Learning Specialist one time in a rotation for the entire year. This study hall is designed to help support the student’s transition to the Upper School and promote success in the learning process.

The College Counseling Office handles all transcript requests for summer programs, scholarship applications, and the college application process.

Library The Ann Scott Carell Library serves all students in Grades 5-12 and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school is in session on campus. There are extended hours during Upper School exam weeks. Three professional librarians are available throughout the day to teach research skills and offer reading guidance. Students may check out books for up to eight weeks. Students are notified of overdue items and are asked to either return or renew them. Students’ security access ID cards also serve as their library cards.

Tutors Harpeth Hall students are encouraged to use all the resources at school, including classroom teachers, peer tutors, advisors, and the Learning Specialists, before using outside tutors. All teachers are available for extra help each morning from 7:30 to 8 a.m. when school is in session on campus, as well as other times throughout the day and after school until 3:30 p.m. When teachers and parents decide that a tutor is needed, they should make sure the tutor is in contact with the Learning Specialist and the student’s classroom teacher.

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Transcripts and documents from other institutions are the property of Harpeth Hall School.

Students are not allowed to leave campus during the school day to meet with a tutor. Outside tutors are not allowed on campus at any time except in the event of an approved long-term medical leave of absence and

with permission from the Division Director. A faculty member may not accept remuneration from a Harpeth Hall student or her family for tutoring during the school year.

SECTION IV: SAFETY and SECURITY Student SAFETY is of utmost importance to us every minute of the day.

Campus Security Harpeth Hall employs three armed security officers who cover the campus in shifts from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and during on-campus events on the weekend. All buildings are locked, and every student, teacher, and staff member wears a lanyard and security access ID card to gain access to our buildings. The on-call security officer can be reached at 615-207-1269.

Carpool Etiquette and Traffic Safety • Refrain from cell phone use while driving on campus.

• Security officers ensure everyone’s safety.

Watch for their signals!

• Observe campus entrances and exits.

• Observe all directional signs and marked crosswalks.

• Observe 10 mph speed limit on campus.

• Yield to all pedestrians.

• Leave handicapped spaces free for people with disabilities. Cars parked in these locations should have visible handicap or disabled placards.

• When entering and leaving campus from either exit, observe the 15 mph Metro speed limit while in our school zone.

Carpool Procedures for Middle School • Enter the Hobbs Road entrance.

• Morning carpool runs from 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.

• Afternoon carpool begins at 3:10 p.m.

• Post carpool sign in visible location.

• Students load in/out both lanes between orange cones only.

• Cars may exit only onto Estes Road during morning and afternoon carpool.

• At 8 a.m., the driveway behind the Middle School will close. Parents who arrive after that time must follow the signage to exit through the Hobbs Road parking lot. This part of the driveway will be reopened for afternoon carpool.

Carpool Procedures for Upper School • Enter the Esteswood Road entrance.

• Morning carpool runs from 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.

• Afternoon carpool begins at 3:10 p.m.

• Be mindful of student drivers who will be entering/exiting their assigned parking spots during carpool.

Firearms/Weapons Policy Students may not bring firearms or weapons of any kind on campus. Violations of this policy could result in expulsion. Members of the rifle team who need to transport air rifles to and from practice or competitions should follow the protocol of the rifle team.

Lanyard and Security Access ID Card All students, faculty, and staff are expected to wear their lanyard and security access ID card visibly around the neck at all times while on campus. If a student forgets her card, she may check out a temporary card from the Middle School or Upper School Office and must return the card by 3:30 p.m. the same day.

Damaged cards will be replaced free of charge. The replacement fee for lost cards is $5.00. Contact the Middle School or Upper School Office if you need a replacement card.

Parking • Accessible Parking: Parking spaces for people with disabilities are available in the Esteswood parking lot by the entrance to McMurry, by the flagpole, and in visitor parking by Souby Hall.

Leave handicapped spaces free for people with disabilities. Cars parked in these locations should have visible handicap or disabled placards.

• Student Parking: Students who wish to use our parking lots must register their cars online prior to the beginning of school. Students are allowed to park on campus only in their reserved parking space. Students are never allowed to park in faculty parking spaces. Students who violate parking rules may lose parking privileges.

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Students in 11th and 12th grade have priority parking on campus. Due to construction and other campus considerations this year, traditional parking spaces will be more limited. Students in 11th grade and some 10th grade students will be able to park in the gravel lot. Parking spaces will not be available for 9th grade students regardless of driving age.

• Visitor Parking: There are visitor parking spaces available in the Esteswood parking lot by Souby Hall and one visitor parking space available in the Hobbs Road parking lot by the crosswalk. Visitors may also briefly park by the Middle School flagpole for quick visits/drop offs of less than 5-10 minutes.

Pets on Campus Our goal is to promote a safe and healthy atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on our campus. As such, we do not allow pets on campus grounds. Exposure to pets on campus may pose risks of animal bites and excessive noise or disruption, as well as pose a risk to those individuals with allergies or asthma. Pets on campus may also cause damage to grounds and property.

Prospective Students and Guests on Campus (when not following COVID-19 protocols) In order to preserve the student experience, classroom visits are limited to prospective students and must be arranged through the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. We are unable to accommodate guests, other than prospective students, lunch during the school day.

All prospective students/guests must check in at the Middle School Office or Souby Hall. Prospective students/guests for the Upper School must first check in at Souby Hall.

Security Cameras Students, parents, and guests should be aware that Harpeth Hall has video cameras that record on-campus activity. Authorized personnel review and may take action based on video footage.

Valuables Left in Cars Students should not leave any valuables, including purses, wallets, cell phones, etc. in their cars at any time.

Visitors to Campus (when not following COVID-19 protocols) Campus visitors/volunteers are required to check in at Souby Hall or the Middle School Office. All visitors/ volunteers will receive an ID badge following a brief security check. Visitors/ volunteers to the Upper School must first check in at Souby Hall.

SECTION V: ATTENDANCE POLICIES Arrival and Dismissal Times • The Middle School school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m.

• The Upper School school day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.

Attendance Regular daily attendance in every class is necessary for a successful academic experience. Harpeth Hall strongly discourages discretionary absences on school days. Students are expected to be in school for a full day except in cases of illness or injury, family emergencies, special family celebrations, and religious holidays (see Absence Policies on pp. 28-30).

Note: Students who miss school for part of the day, other than for a doctor’s appointment, are not permitted to take any assessments scheduled for that day or participate in any after-school activity or event without special permission.

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Whom to Call if Absent or Late • Middle School: 615-297-8578 or msoffice@harpethhall.org • Upper School: 615-298-8184 or usoffice@harpethhall.org Each day that a student is sick or otherwise unavoidably absent, a parent/guardian must email or call the Middle School or Upper School Office no later than 8 a.m. Without proper notification, the school will contact the parent/guardian to determine the cause of the absence. It is very helpful to email or leave a message as soon as you know your daughter will be absent. In cases of extended illness, a physician’s note may be requested.

Late Arrivals • Any student arriving after 8:45 a.m. due to illness (or oversleeping) may not attend school that same day without special permission from

the Division Director or School Nurse. This is to prevent students from attending school if they are unwell. If a student has a chronic health problem that prohibits her from coming to school on time, please contact the School Nurse so that special arrangements may be considered.

• Middle School Late Arrivals: Middle School students who arrive late to school must go immediately to the Middle School Office to check in and receive a tardy slip before going to class.

Students must be signed in by a parent/guardian.

Please note: When operating under COVID-19 protocols, an adjusted plan for signing students in/out will be communicated to parents/guardians.

• Upper School Late Arrivals: Upper School students who arrive late to school unexpectedly (without having followed the planned absence forms and procedures outlined on pp. 28-30) must sign in with the Upper School Dean of Students before going to class. Students are not permitted to go to class without checking in first. An unexcused late arrival to school earns a demerit.

Consideration will be made for extraordinary traffic or weather.

Upper School students with no first period class or required study hall are required to sign in at the Upper School Office no later than 8 a.m.

Attendance Prior to/after School Holidays Harpeth Hall respectfully asks that you make all travel arrangements, including travel time, outside of the academic day. Early dismissals or late arrivals before or after a school holiday are difficult on faculty and staff who have prepared a full day of instructional material, and missing class can be disruptive to your daughter’s success. Upper School students who miss the day, or part of a day, before or after a school holiday, will receive demerits, and may incur academic penalties.

Approved college visit days for students in Grades 11and 12 are the exception to this policy. Please contact the Upper School Dean of Students with questions.

Attendance During AP Examinations During the two weeks of AP exams, we expect Upper School students who are in AP classes to still attend their regular classes. Students who have a morning AP exam on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday are excused the afternoon before their AP exam so they can study.

Students who have an afternoon AP exam are excused the morning of their AP exam so they can study. Students must sign out in the Upper School Office before leaving

campus. Students may wear casual clothes, no shorts, to take AP exams.

Required Attendance Classes and Study Halls Attendance is required for all classes, whether they are traditional in-person classes or distance learning classes, as well as all study halls.

Community Time Community Time is a block of time during each school day that is designated for assemblies and meetings.

Students are required to attend all assemblies and meetings that take place during Community Time.

• Middle School Community Time: 45-minute block during the seven-day rotation • Upper School Community Time: 55-minute block during the seven-day rotation Behavior during Community Time Students must sit in their assigned seats in the Theatre or designated meeting area. Students may not bring water bottles, papers, books, etc. to assemblies or meetings and are expected to be attentive during the programs and courteous to the speakers. At Harpeth Hall, instead of clapping when visitors are introduced, we stand at our seats after the speaker says “Please give a warm Harpeth Hall welcome.” Students should sit up straight and keep feet off of the chairs. We give our full attention to those who are speaking.

Late Arrivals/Skipping Students who arrive late for assemblies or meetings may walk quietly to their assigned seat unless otherwise instructed by a faculty member. Upper School students who arrive late may incur a demerit. Students who skip any of these will receive demerits. Intentionally skipping a class, either on or off campus, will result in consequences determined by the Division Directors and Deans of Students..

Types of Assemblies and Meetings during Community Time* • Advisory (MS and US advisory groups) • All School Assembly (ASA) (MS and US students/faculty) • Class Meeting (grade-level classes/MS grade-level teams and/or US faculty sponsors) • Middle School Meeting (MSM) (MS students/faculty) 2020-21

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• Morning Meeting (MS designated groups) • Upper School Club or Student Government Meetings (US students/faculty sponsors) • Upper School Meeting (US students/faculty) *When following COVID-19 protocols, all gatherings will follow proper social distancing requirements. Assemblies may be held outside or live-streamed.

Special Event Attendance • Middle School Honor Day is an important end-of-the-year tradition honoring our 8th grade students’ transition from Middle School to Upper School. All Middle School students are required to attend. A student may be excused only in the case of illness, family emergency, special family celebration, or other such extraordinary occasions.

Absences must be approved by the Director of the Middle School or Middle School Dean of Students.

• Step Singing and Upper School Graduation are important end-of-the-year traditions. All Upper School students are required to attend. Middle School students are encouraged to attend. A student may be excused from Step Singing and/or Graduation only in the case of illness, family emergency, special family celebration, or other such extraordinary occasions. Absences must be approved by the Director of the Upper School or Upper School Dean of Students. All students in Grades 11 and 12 are required to attend Step Singing rehearsal and wear a white dress to Step Singing. Students in Grades 9 and 10 will process in dress uniform at Step Singing. Students in Grade 12 are also required to attend Graduation rehearsal and wear a white dress to Graduation. Students in Grades 9-11 will process in dress uniform at Graduation (see p. 34). The dates and times of rehearsals for Grades 11 and 12 are on the Harpeth Hall calendar.

SECTION VI: ABSENCE POLICIES Absences and Co-Curricular Participation Students who miss school for part of the day due to illness or any other type of unexcused absence are not permitted to participate in any after-school activity or school function scheduled for that day without special permission.

Leaving During the School Day: Please make every effort to schedule appointments outside of the academic day (before or after school or during lunch).

The parent/guardian must notify the Middle School or Upper School Office at least 24 hours before and include the date, time, and reason for the appointment.

• Any Middle School student being dismissed early or leaving for and returning from an appointment must be signed in/out of the Middle School Office by a parent/guardian. Please note: When operating under COVID-19 protocols, an adjusted plan for signing students in/out will be communicated to parents/guardians.

• Any Upper School student being dismissed early or leaving for and returning from an appointment will be permitted to sign herself in/out as long as her parent/guardian has notified the Upper School Office ahead of time. If notification has not been made, the student will need to contact her parent/guardian from the Upper School Office before she is permitted to leave campus.

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Excused Planned Absences, Forms, and Procedures Requests for excusable planned absences due to college visits, religious holidays, extraordinary family circumstances, and other discretionary absences should be made in writing to the Division Director, Dean of Students, or College Counselor as indicated.

Before any excused planned absence, the student will obtain a Planned Absence Form from the Middle School or Upper School Office and have it signed by her teachers. Students are responsible for all assignments and should arrange with her teachers to have work completed before or upon her return.

• Middle School Planned Absence Form and Procedure For each absence/dismissal, a parent/guardian must notify the Middle School Office by phone or email. Please indicate the dates, reason for the absence, and time of the dismissal/return.

1. A discussion with the Director of the Middle School and/or Middle School Dean of Students may be advised if necessary.

2. A Planned Absence Form will be prepared by the Middle School Administrative Assistant AFTER the Middle School Administrative Assistant receives notification from a parent/guardian.

3. The student will pick up the prepared form from the assistant’s desk.

4. The student takes the form to be signed by the teacher of each class she will miss. In addition to the teacher’s signature, missed assignments may also be recorded on this form by the teacher. The student will keep this form for reference as she completes any missed work during her planned absence. Note: The teacher’s signature and written assignments on the Planned Absence Form signifies her/his awareness that the student will be absent.

This procedure encourages the student to plan ahead and develop responsible academic habits. These missed assignments should be completed upon her return to school.

• Upper School Planned Absence Form and Procedure 1. For each absence/dismissal, a parent/guardian must notify the Upper School Office by phone or email. Please indicate the dates, reason for the absence, and time of the dismissal/return.

2. The student must complete a Planned Absence Form and have it signed by the teacher of each class she will miss. Note: The teacher’s signature and written assignments on the Planned Absence Form signifies her/his awareness that the student will be absent. This procedure encourages the student to plan ahead and develop responsible academic habits. These missed assignments should be completed upon her return to school.

3. The student must turn in the Planned Absence Form to the Upper School Office before signing out and leaving campus.

4. The student is required to sign out at the Upper School Office upon her dismissal from campus. She must also sign back in at the Upper School Office upon her return to campus and before she goes to class.

Types of Excused Planned Absences • College Visits: When possible, Harpeth Hall encourages students to visit colleges as part of their college search and before making a final decision about where they will enroll. Students in Grade 11 are allotted two excused college visit days.

Seniors are allotted three excused college visit days. Students in Grades 10 and 11 are not excused from class for college visits. When possible, absences should be arranged to miss the minimum number of classes and assessments. College visit days may not be used during the week preceding each semester exam period or during exams.

Students in Grades 11 and 12 can obtain a College

Visit Absence Form from their College Counselor once a parent/guardian has sent an email at least three days in advance including the day of the visit and the specific college(s) the student is visiting.

The student will then take the form to her teachers to sign, and she will turn in the signed form to the Upper School Office before the absence.

Please note that due to COVID-19, virtual college visits are recommended for the safety of all and unnecessary travel this fall to see colleges is not encouraged.

• Religious Holidays: Teachers will make every effort to ensure protected time with family without assignments for these absences. Parents should communicate the upcoming absence in a timely manner to the appropriate person in each division: • Middle School: Middle School Administrative Assistant • Upper School: Upper School Dean of Students Students should email/communicate with their teachers about their absence.

• Extraordinary Circumstances: Parents should communicate absences due to extraordinary family circumstances and other discretionary absences in a timely manner to the appropriate person in each division: • Middle School: Middle School Administrative Assistant •Upper School: Upper School Dean of Students These requests may be communicated to the Division Director for discussion/approval. Students will be expected to complete a Planned Absence Form with her teachers, clarifying assignments, due dates, and expectations while the student is absent. The Planned Absence Form should be filled out as soon as possible before the absence.

Excessive Absences A student who misses more than eight class periods in a specific course per semester (excluding religious holidays or illness due to COVID-19) is required to meet with her parents and the Division Director, Learning Specialist, and/or school counselor to discuss her absences and design a plan for the remainder of the semester. For Upper School students, the Director of the Upper School will decide whether academic credit should be withheld. Seniors and all AP students with excessive absences ( five or more) may not be exempt from spring exams, regardless of their grade in the 2020-21

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course and regardless of whether or not the course is an AP course.

Illness/Injury/Family Emergency In the case of sickness or injury to the student or in the case of family emergencies involving illness, injury, or death, parents should notify the Middle School or Upper School Office, before 8 a.m. on the day of the absence.

Unexcused Absences Parents are strongly discouraged from allowing their daughters to miss school unnecessarily. When absences do not meet our definition of excused (see p. 29) but are deemed essential by the parents, the absence will be considered unexcused. Students may incur natural academic consequences for unexcused absences.

Students should be aware that teachers are not obligated to provide extra help or to allow students to make up work (including quizzes and tests) for unexcused absences.

Make-Up Assignments and Tests • Middle School Policies: When a student is absent for only one day, regularly scheduled tests and quizzes should be taken upon return, if possible.

When a student has been out for two or more days, the teacher will work with the student to arrange a

suitable time for make-up work. The general guideline for making up work is two days for every one day missed. If a student misses three or more days of school, the scope of the work required by the student will be based on teacher discretion.

The student’s advisor will help the student prioritize and schedule make-up work when necessary. If a student cannot schedule a make-up test or quiz during the school day, she must take it after school.

• Upper School Policies: When a student is absent for one day, regularly scheduled tests may be taken ahead of time or upon her return to school.

Students are encouraged to make up all work during morning help, free blocks, Community Time, and proctored study halls. If it is not possible impossible to schedule makeup work before or during the school day, then students will be required to complete their work after school at a time that is mutually agreeable for the student and teacher. When a student is absent for any length of time, she is responsible for contacting her teachers and initiating a plan for making up her work. Her advisor will help her prioritize and schedule makeup work if needed.

SECTION VII: HEALTH POLICIES and INFORMATION Note: In addition to the content provided in this section, families should refer to the Health and Safety Measures on the Reopening Plan for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 protocols.

Allergies Harpeth Hall is a peanut-free campus. Faculty, staff, coaches, parents, and students are not allowed to bring snacks or food that contain peanuts or peanut products on campus. This policy applies to all activities before, during, and after school. Although we cannot guarantee the absence of all residual peanut proteins, our goal is to eliminate the presence of any products containing peanuts on our campus.

Head Lice Policy Head lice do not pose a serious health risk, but they are a nuisance and can result in unwanted absences from school. Therefore, students will be screened for head lice during school hours only if there is a reported or suspected case of lice. The head lice screening will be performed by the School Nurse. If a student is found to have live lice, a parent will be asked to pick up the student. If a student is diagnosed, her parents are encouraged to notify other families that have come in close contact with their daughter in the past three 30

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weeks. We also ask that parents notify the School Nurse if live lice or nits are found on their daughter outside of school. Students are allowed to return to school following the first treatment with an assessment and clearance by our School Nurse. Additionally, as a precaution, our nurse will perform a head lice check one week following a student’s return to school. We will not disclose the names of affected students to other parents and guardians, as this is a violation of FERPA/ HIPPA. A student’s teachers may be notified of the case so that proper monitoring and prevention may occur.

Health Clinic Harpeth Hall employs full-time licensed nurses who operate the Health Clinic, which is located on the first floor of the Athletic and Wellness Center.

Health Forms All students (Grades 5-12) are required to submit the following health forms annually: Harpeth Hall Physician’s Report Form and State of Tennessee

Immunization Record (Immunization Record provided by your child’s pediatrician).

support systems, simplify re-entry into the institution, and provide structure during a stressful period of time.

Please note: Only the Harpeth Hall Physician’s Report Form and the State of Tennessee Immunization Record will be accepted. A link to the Physician’s Report Form is on the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website.

In the event of a serious physical or mental health crisis, a student may request, or Harpeth Hall may require that the student be placed on a Medical Leave of Absence when, in the school’s opinion, the student:

Illness or Injury at School When a student is sick or injured, her parent/guardian should notify the Middle School Office, Upper School Office, or School Nurse as soon as possible by phone or email. If your child becomes sick or injured while at school, a parent/guardian will be notified immediately by phone or email. Students are required to meet with the School Nurse before they are dismissed from school.

Please note: • A parent/guardian is required to pick up a sick student immediately.

• If Harpeth Hall is unable to reach a parent/ guardian, the emergency contacts will be contacted.

• Students must be fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

• If medication is needed at school, it must be kept in the Health Clinic at all times. All medication will be kept in a locked cabinet and dispensed with supervision.

• A parent/guardian must provide needed medication in the original container with dosing instructions noted. Prescription medication must have the prescription attached and the physician’s name clearly noted.

• If a child is unable to participate in P.E. class, a note from the parent/guardian is required for the first day. Following the first day of non-participation, a physician’s note is required.

Medical Leave of Absence Policy/ Information Regarding Medical Leaves The Harpeth Hall School cares for its students and, while there are a number of supports in place for students at school, it is important to recognize that Harpeth Hall is not a therapeutic community and, at times, cannot effectively maintain a student on campus.

Therefore, when medical emergencies arise that impede the ability of the student to function in relation to academics and/or the school community, policies and procedures may be implemented that offer safeguards both for the student and the Harpeth Hall community at large. These procedures are designed to develop

1. Experiences illness or injury that precludes completion of coursework; 2. Engages or threatens to engage in behavior that poses a danger of causing harm to one’s self or others; 3. Engages or threatens to engage in behavior that creates a health (physical or mental) risk or major disruption of the learning environment; and/or 4. Experiences emotional and psychological difficulties that interfere with her well-being and with her ability to perform adequately at school, or when her behavior has become a significant disturbance to others.

When an Extended Absence/Medical Leave is granted due to a mental health concern, the Harpeth Hall Counseling Department will work with the student, family, and the student’s teachers regarding the student’s safe return to school. Before the student may return to school, a release form must be signed to allow communication between the Counseling Department and anyone in the student’s outside treatment team including, but not limited to, their psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor/therapist, and pediatrician. The information shared will remain confidential; however, it enables the Counseling Department to assist in the transition back to school and ensure the safety of all students. In addition, a transition plan will be created by the Counseling Department with guidance from outside treatment professional(s) and communicated to the student and family prior to the student’s return to school.

The transition plan will include a meeting with the parents, Counseling Department, Learning Specialist, and Division Director upon the student’s return to school in order to best identify and meet the student’s needs upon her reentry.

Student Injury The primary goal of the school is to ensure the safety of all students. Unfortunately, during the hours and days when school is in session and/or while students are attending or participating in school-sponsored and supervised activities on or off campus, injuries sometimes occur. In the vast majority of situations, the faculty and staff are immediately aware of all injuries.

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as to whether the school is aware of the injury, it is imperative that parents and students notify a school administrator of the incident.

When to Keep Your Child at Home There may be times when you are not sure whether you should keep your child out of school. Below are some guidelines that should help you know when your child should stay at home.

• If your child has a fever of 100.4°F degrees or more currently or within the past 24 hours (without fever-reducing medications), she should stay at home.

• If your child has vomited or has diarrhea on the evening before or morning of school, please allow her to rest at home. She is not allowed to attend school and must not return until 24 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

• If your child has a blistery sore or rash, especially if accompanied by a fever, it may be chickenpox. If it is chickenpox, the student will need to stay home until all areas are scabbed over, usually 5-7 days.

• If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious bacterial infection such as strep throat, pink eye, or impetigo, she must be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

• If your child requires narcotic pain medication, she should not attend school.

• During flu season, it is very important to keep your child at home if she has the following symptoms: fever, body aches, chills and sweats, persistent cough, fatigue/weakness, and nasal congestion. Harpeth Hall requires a physician’s statement for a child to return to school following this flu diagnosis.

Health and Safety Measures During COVID-19 Health and Wellness Partnership We ask all families to assiduously follow the health and safety protocols in place for our community. Families must agree to keep children home when they are not feeling well, have COVID-like symptoms, or have been potentially exposed.

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• Have you had an unusual cough or shortness of breath?

• Have you had a sore throat or other flu-like symptoms?

• Have you had a fever of 100.4°F or greater in the past 72 hours?

• Have you had recent loss of taste or smell?

• Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?

If a student answers yes to any of the questions above, she should stay home and participate in online classes to the extent she feels well enough to do so.

If someone in our school community tests positive for COVID-19: Members of a Household If a member of your household tests positive for COVID-19, is awaiting test results, or is experiencing COVID-like symptoms, please keep your student home, call your doctor, and inform the School Nurse at nurse@harpethhall.org.

Contact Tracing Should a student or faculty/staff member test positive for COVID-19, the school will notify individuals who may have come in contact with them.

Student or Faculty/Staff Exposure to COVID-19 * If a student or faculty/staff member has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, they should remain at home from school in quarantine for at least 14 days. Exposure, according to the CDC, is defined as having close contact (less than 6 feet) with an individual for 15 minutes or more.

Student or Faculty/Staff Tests Positive for COVID-19 * If a student or faculty/staff member tests positive, he or she should remain at home for at least 14 days in quarantine and until he or she receives a negative test result.

Health Screening and Monitoring Each student, faculty, and staff member will complete a daily health screening questionnaire available on our website. Parents/guardians will receive a daily email reminder with a link to the form, which will include the following questions:

Requirements for Face Coverings Consistent with recommendations from public health officials to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Harpeth Hall requires that all individuals wear masks or face coverings that cover the mouth and nose while on campus. Exceptions include when eating lunch and when alone in a private office or classroom. This policy is subject to re-evaluation based on the most current recommendations.

• Have you been in close contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?

Students should bring two clean face masks to school each day. Since masks need to be washed after each

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use, it will be helpful for students to have a generous supply on hand. Acceptable masks include washable cotton masks or disposable masks.

In certain classes, face shields may also be required depending on the nature of the assignment. In those

situations, the school will provide the face shield. *Reminder: Families should refer to the complete Health and Safety Measures on the Reopening Plan for the most up-to-date information on our COVID-19 protocols and quarantine guidelines.

SECTION VIII: UNIFORM Our Harpeth Hall UNIFORM is representative of our dedication to equity, scholarship, and school spirit.

The uniform is an important part of the tradition at Harpeth Hall, and students are expected to wear it correctly and with pride at all times during school.

When a Harpeth Hall student is in uniform, she should be in full uniform whether on or off campus. Our uniform is designed to present a consistently attractive impression, to encourage concentration on learning, and to reduce the tendency to use clothing for social competition. We expect students to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the uniform.

School uniforms must be worn each school day unless an exception has been cleared through the Middle School or Upper School Office at the beginning of the day or on a Casual Day. Daily Uniform The daily uniform consists of the following required items: • Cloth face mask or facial covering • Lanyard and security access ID card • Shirt: Long- or short-sleeve white, green, or gray polo shirt with HH logo • Shoes: White or gray athletic shoes with white or gray shoelaces • Skirt: Dress Campbell Plaid skirt (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee) • Socks: Tall or calf-length white socks (no vertical or horizontal stripes; no ankle socks) Please note: Students have the option this fall to wear any Harpeth Hall t-shirt as a uniform shirt. Students may still choose to wear the short- or long-sleeve polo shirt or the short- or long-sleeve dress uniform button-down shirt.

The Harpeth Hall t-shirt option allows for students to be at their most comfortable during P.E. classes since students will not be able to change for P.E. Harpeth Hall tshirts may be purchased from the Bear Necessities Store, Hang-Up Sale, or online Sideline Store. In addition, Harpeth Hall t-shirts such as Sunday on Souby, HH Summer Camps, and Spirit Clubs may also be worn this fall.

Dress Uniform The dress uniform should be worn every Day 2 and on other designated days that are announced in advance.

• Cloth face mask or facial covering Lanyard and security access ID card Shirt: Long- or short-sleeve white button-down shirt with HH logo (Note: students may also wear the dress uniform shirt as part of the daily uniform if desired) • Shoes: White or gray athletic shoes with white or gray shoelaces • Skirt: Dress Campbell Plaid skirt (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee) • Socks: Tall or calf-length white socks (no vertical or horizontal stripes; no ankle socks) Note: wearing the official HH blazer is an Upper School privilege.

The following items are considered part of acceptable school dress and may be worn with the daily or dress uniform: • Approved HH outerwear including white, green, or gray sweatshirts in gray, green, with HH logo, seal, or wordmark; gray or green sweater with HH logo; gray sweater vest with HH logo; jackets with HH logo • Leggings or tights in black only may be worn under the skirt on cold days and must go all the way to the ankle (no capri length).

• Shorts may be worn under uniform skirts as long as they do not show below the hem of the skirt.

Guidelines • Hats may not be worn during the school day.

The exception to this rule is that 12th grade students may be permitted to wear their Senior Hats on designated days.

• Outerwear: During the school day, students may wear approved HH outerwear only. Uniform shirts must be worn under sweatshirts and sweaters.

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own winter coat to school and when moving from building to building; however, only HH outerwear may be worn inside the buildings. Outerwear may not include any non-Harpeth Hall sweatshirts, flannel shirts, or clothing with other logos.

• Scarves may not be worn during the school day.

• Shirttails on the polo shirt may be worn outside the skirt, but must be longer than the undershirts and shorter than the skirt.

• Sweatshirts with speciality designs such as “HH Spring Break” may be worn when approved by the school.

• T-shirts may not be worn with the uniform skirt.

The exception to this rule is that HH t-shirts will be allowed when we are following COVID-19 protocols.

• Undershirt sleeves must be shorter than the uniform shirt sleeves. Only solid white undershirts may be worn; undershirts may not have writing that shows through the uniform shirt; bras must not be visible through the uniform shirt.

• Uniforms may not have writing on them.

• Uniforms must be clean and pressed.

• Uniform violations result in demerits.

• When a Harpeth Hall student is in uniform, she should be in full uniform whether on or off campus.

Face Masks/Coverings during COVID-19 Consistent with recommendations from public health officials to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Harpeth Hall requires that all individuals wear masks or face coverings that cover the mouth and nose while on campus. Exceptions include when eating lunch and when alone in a private office or classroom. This policy is subject to re-evaluation based on the most current recommendations.

Students should bring two clean face masks to school each day. Since masks need to be washed after each use, it will be helpful for students to have a generous supply on hand. Acceptable masks include washable cotton masks or disposable masks.

Lanyard and Security Access ID Card All students, faculty, and staff are expected to wear their lanyard and security access ID card visibly around the neck at all times while on campus. If a student forgets her card, she may check out a temporary card from the Middle School or Upper School Office and must return the card by 3:30 p.m. the same day.

Damaged cards will be replaced free of charge. The replacement fee for lost cards is $5.00.

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Purchasing Uniforms Typically, a complete uniform for a new student consists of two skirts, two dress uniform shirts, and three polo shirts at an expense of about $250. We find that our girls wear their skirts multiple times and often settle on a favorite color polo.

For those who receive financial assistance, The Olivia Fund and The Adeline Fund are available to help offset the expense of uniform items. To learn more, please contact Jessica Viner, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, at jessica.viner@harpethhall.org.

Mills Uniform Company The official uniform supplier for Harpeth Hall is Mills Uniform Company, 204 Ward Circle, Suite 400, Brentwood, TN 37027 or www.millswear.com. Use Harpeth Hall school code 3816 for online purchases. The Mills Customer Service phone number is 1-800-541-1850.

Hang-Up Sale The Harpeth Hall Parents Association sells gently-worn uniforms at its Hang-Up Sale. Sale dates are on the school calendar and promoted in the @HarpethHall weekly e-newsletter. Information about Cash for Plaid and intake procedures for gently-worn uniforms to be sold at the Hang-Up Sale can be found on the HHPA Resources Page which you may access via the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website.

Purchasing Outerwear and T-Shirts Approved Harpeth Hall outerwear and t-shirts may be purchased from the following: • Bear Necessities Store: When operating under normal conditions, the official school store is open every Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note: The physical Bear Necessities Store will be closed at the start of the 2020-21 school year. Plans to safely re-open the BNS will be evaluated later in the semester. Phone/email orders will be fulfilled and placed in student lockers. To place an order, email Emily Runzo at emily.runzo@harpethhall.org with your request.

• Hang-Up Sale • Sideline Store (online): The Sideline Store operates in partnership with LIDS Team Sports. A portion of every sale supports the school. This online store offers outerwear, athletic, and spirit apparel in a variety of designs that can be personalized.

P.E., Dance, and Fitness Uniforms When school is operating under normal conditions, P.E., dance, and fitness clothes should not be worn in the halls, pods, etc. and students will change clothes in locker rooms, not in pods or lobbies.

Dress for Middle School Dance Classes Middle School students in Grades 5, 6, and 8 wear black leggings and a HH logo P.E. t-shirt for classes. Seventh grade students do not change clothes, and the school supplies tap shoes if a student does not have her own.

Dress for Middle School P.E. Classes The required P.E. uniform for all Middle School students includes a white t-shirt and athletic shorts with the HH logo. P.E. uniforms can only be purchased in the Bear Necessities Store in Souby Hall or the Hang-Up Sale.

Students should wear athletic shoes with appropriate arch support and white socks. Students may wear black leggings under their shorts or any approved Harpeth Hall sweatpants or outerwear purchased from the Bear Necessities Store. Note: Students are required to dress out in regular P.E. attire on Casual Days.

Dress for Upper School Fitness and Strength and Conditioning Classes Upper School students may wear clothing with HH logo purchased from the Bear Necessities Store or athletic department issued clothing with HH logo in school colors.

Dress for Upper School Yoga Classes Teacher will advise.

Dress Code for Special Circumstances/Events Casual Day Attire Our Harpeth Hall uniform is representative of our dedication to equity, scholarship, and school spirit.

Approximately, once a month, there is an appointed Casual Day in which students, faculty, and staff may wear clothing outside of our daily dress expectations.

Casual Day attire should reflect that Harpeth Hall is, first and foremost, a place of business and academic pursuits, and should offer as much, or more, coverage than the daily uniform. This means that necklines must be modest, and skirt length appropriate. In the event students choose to wear leggings, the paired top must be fingertip length. Clothing may not be distracting, revealing, or contain any language or imagery that is not in keeping with our mission as a school. P.E. uniforms are always required in that class.

The following items are not permitted as Casual Day attire: shorts, tennis skirts, rompers, open-back shirts, spaghetti-strap tank tops, and pajamas.

Dress Code Variance Allowances will be made for special articles of clothing relevant to a specific religious tradition or medical necessity. Please contact the Division Directors and/or Deans of Students in these instances.

Field Trip Uniform Field trip uniform includes jeans or pants in good condition, comfortable and appropriate shoes, and any combination of uniform tops. Field trip uniform is for field trips that may include hiking and time outdoors.

Senior Dress-Up Days/Off-Campus Brunch Once a month, seniors are allowed to dress up and go off campus for brunch. Students are expected to dress appropriately in regards to necklines and skirt/dress length. Casual Day attire guidelines pertain to Senior Dress-Up Days/Off-Campus Brunch. Students are encouraged to dress nicely for this special occasion with the intention of representing Harpeth Hall well off campus.

White Dresses Students in Grades 8, 11, and 12 follow the long established tradition of wearing white dresses for the Eighth Grade Honor day in May, Senior Recognition Day in September, and Step Singing and Upper School Graduation in May. These are academic ceremonies and the dresses should be tasteful and not revealing. We encourage you to select a dress that is more garden party than evening wear.

The emphasis should be on the girls and the ceremony, not the dresses. Dresses should be simple and hopefully not a major expense. We encourage the girls to consider wearing the same white dress to more than one event.

Girls often borrow white dresses as well.

If there are questions or concerns about attire, a student should check in advance with a counselor, the Dean of Students, or the Division Director. We want every student to feel comfortable and are happy to work in advance of the event with any student regarding attire or issues they may have due to religious, cultural, or personal reasons. Each year, we will have a selection of white sweaters on hand at all events if we feel that attire does not provide appropriate coverage.

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Please avoid: • plunging necklines • strapless dresses • off-the-shoulder dresses • one-shoulder dresses with spaghetti straps (unless covered by a white sweater or jacket) • backless dresses • side slits or cut-outs • tight-fitting dresses Dress guidelines for these events are as follows: Eighth Grade Honor Day Dress Guidelines Honor Day is the culminating event of the school year, celebrating 8th grade students’ completion of the Daugh W. Smith Middle School program. Eighth grade students should adhere to the following guidelines for Honor Day dresses: • White or off-white in color • No shorter than 3 inches above the top of the knee • Avoid backless, strapless, and dresses with cut-outs • Fabric and style appropriate for a morning occasion; floor-length dresses are not recommended •White or neutral colored shoes (beige, silver, or gold) with no higher than a two-inch heel • Dresses and shoes should allow students to go upstairs and across the floor easily — shoes should be brought to Honor Day practice.

NOTE: Middle School students wear dress uniform.

Attendance is required.

Senior Recognition Assembly Dress Guidelines On the day of Senior Recognition Assembly, all 12th grade students wear a white dress (no shorter than 3 inches above the top of the knee) and shoes or sandals, which are white or neutral in color.

Step Singing Dress Guidelines Step Singing is a Harpeth Hall tradition that celebrates the Lady of the Hall, one of the highest honors bestowed on a senior by her peers. Each class from 5th through 12th grade elects a girl in the class who best exemplifies the ideals of Harpeth Hall. These girls participate in the Step Singing Ceremony that takes place on Souby Lawn on the Sunday before Upper School Graduation.

• Students in Grades 11 and 12 wear a white dress (knee-length or longer) or white skirt (knee-length or longer) and white blouse. Students must also wear shoes or sandals, which are white or neutral in color.

• Students in Grades 10 and 11 wear dress uniform.

Attendance is required.

• Middle School students are encouraged to attend, but attendance is not required.

Upper School Graduation Dress Guidelines • Students in Grade 12 wear a white dress (ankle or floor length). Students are asked to also wear shoes or sandals, which are white or neutral in color.

• Students in Grades 9-11 wear dress uniform.

Attendance is required.

• Students in Grades 5-8 are encouraged to attend, but attendance is not required.

SECTION IX: RESPONSIBILITY and RESILIENCE At Harpeth Hall, we are committed to our partnership with you and to cultivating RESPONSIBILITY and RESILIENCE in your daughters.

Calling Home Before calling home, we encourage all of our students to problem solve with the capable faculty and staff at Harpeth Hall.

Campus Care/Cleanup Students are expected to cooperate in preserving the natural beauty of the campus by not walking through flower beds, picking flowers, or breaking shrubbery and trees. In addition, students take a role in keeping the school tidy and free of trash. In this way, each girl can contribute to the operation of the school and can take pride in the school’s appearance.

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Cell Phones, Messages, and Telephones • Cell Phones, including smart watches, are not allowed during the school day.

• Middle School students must have cell phones turned off and placed in lockers from 7:30 a.m to 3:05 p.m. Violations result in four demerits.

Students can pick up phones from the Middle School Dean of Students.

•Upper School student violations result in three demerits as well as requiring that students take their phones to the Upper School Dean of Students for three consecutive school days.

• Messaging Students During the School Day If parents need to communicate with their daughters during the school day, we ask that you do so via email. If parents do not have email access, they can call or email the Middle or Upper School Office, and the Administrative Assistants will be happy to forward messages from you to your daughter via our email system. Parents should not call or text their daughter’s cell phone during the school day. Emergencies will be handled through the Middle and Upper School Offices.

• Telephones for Student Use • Middle School students may use the telephone in the Middle School Office with permission from the Administrative Assistant.

• Upper School students may use the telephone in the stairwell of Massey Center for Mathematics and Science. If a student needs to place a call in a more private location during the school day, she may do so in the Upper School Office.

• Students may not be late for class because they are using the telephone.

Computers: Responsible Use Policy for Computers Technology is to be used on campus for educational purposes only. It is a privilege, not a right, to use the school’s technology resources. Harpeth Hall expects students to access the school’s resources, including the Internet, responsibly and ethically. Students are expected to use school-issued laptops for school work while on campus. Personal devices are not supported and may not have access to the school network.

Students are expected to take care of their laptops.

While laptops the students use are covered by warranty and accidental damage protection, there is a limit to the amount of repair that can be done on a machine with no additional cost to the school. Parents may be contacted if there is excessive/repeated damage due to drops, spills, or intentional neglect. If a laptop or its accessories are stolen or lost, families are responsible for the replacement cost.

The Responsible Use Policy for Computers is outlined below: • Honesty: To comply with copyright laws, I will not use, copy, or share images, videos, music or other media that are not my own without permission from the creator, my teacher, and/or proper citation. I will not plagiarize.

• Applications: I will not install any software on a school-owned laptop without permission from a teacher or member of the technology staff.

• Respect: • I will respect my teachers by staying on task and not message/chat, shop/browse, play games, view or post to social media during class.

• I will not provide any personal identifying information about myself, my family, or other people in the school.

• I will not create, request, send, download, or distribute anything that could be perceived as abusive, hateful, obscene, or that violates the School’s bullying policies in the Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families.

• I will be careful when I search the internet, avoiding any sites that are profane, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

• I will, on a daily basis, read, and respond to all email and other electronic communications sent by teachers.

• I will send email to large groups or classes only if it is school-related.

• I will not use school email to sell any products or request donations without permission from the Division Director or Dean of Students.

• Passwords and Privacy: • I will not give out my password to anyone (other than my parents or a member of the technology team), and I will never use or share anyone else’s username and password. On occasion, Harpeth Hall will test users to educate them and ensure that passwords are kept secure.

• I will not record or share pictures or videos of students, teachers, or staff without permission.

• I understand that nothing on my laptop or the network is totally private. Harpeth Hall and my parents have the right to access my files, email, network/internet activity, school accounts, or any accounts connected with my school email.

• Everything Works: • I must bring my laptop to school each day in working order and fully charged.

• I will take my laptop to the Bear Cave if it is not working properly or if it needs repair.

• I will keep my laptop in a safe place when I am not using it. If my laptop or its accessories (stylus, power cord, etc.) are lost or stolen, my family is responsible for the cost to the Bear Cave to replace it.

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• Take Care of My Work: • It is my responsibility to save school-related files to Google Drive.

• I will never use computer problems as an excuse for not having assignments when due unless I have tried my best to get them resolved by taking my laptop to the Bear Cave.

• Honor: I understand that Harpeth Hall’s Honor Code applies to the use of technology on campus.

I will honor this policy and follow the rules as well as all policies in the Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families that could apply to the use of the laptop and the internet. I understand I will face appropriate consequences if I do not.

Copy Machine A copy machine is available in the Ann Scott Carell Library for student use. Students may not use the copy machines in the faculty workrooms without permission from a faculty member.

Email In an effort to streamline our communication process with students, we use email as our primary message service. Each student will be asked to check her email frequently during the day and to pay particular attention to emails from teachers and administrators.

• Middle School students are allowed to check email during afternoon break, for the first five minutes of study hall, or with teacher permission.

Students must respond to teacher and administrator emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends), or two demerits will be administered.

In class meetings, all students will be advised of proper email etiquette, which they should use at all times. No mass student emails can be sent unless approved by a teacher .

• Upper School students will incur three demerits for failure to respond to teachers or administrators in a timely manner.

Food and Drinks Food and drinks can be consumed in the Dining Hall, outside the buildings, or in specifically designated areas. Students are responsible for throwing away all trash. Chewing gum is not allowed at any time.

Students may use water bottles in class with the teacher’s permission. Water bottles are not allowed in the Theatre. Water bottles are allowed in the Library.

Glass water bottles are not permitted.

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Forgotten Items In an effort to encourage independence and promote responsibility, we encourage parents to refrain from bringing forgotten items to their daughters at school.

Allowing girls to work out solutions to their challenges on their own, or with a caring adult at school, builds confidence and resilience. There are times when this is unavoidable, however, and you may bring items to the Middle School Office or Souby Hall. We ask that you not go to your daughter’s locker during the school day.

Lockers, Books, and Personal Belongings Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year for her personal belongings and books.

• For safety and appearance, books, laptops, bags, and personal belongings must not be left in the halls, in stairwells, pods, or in front of doors at any time.

• Students should respect the privacy of another’s locker and should not take anything from another student’s locker without permission.

• Student names will be visibly displayed on locker doors.

• Students are responsible for valuables left in their lockers.

• Lockers are the property of the school, and the school reserves the right to search any student’s locker or belongings at any time.

Lost and Found Lost and found items are stored in both the Middle and Upper Schools. If students have lost personal items, they should look in the Lost and Found locations first and check in the Middle or Upper School Office. Lost items not claimed will be donated to charity. Valuable items such as purses, cameras, and jewelry will be kept in the Middle or Upper School Office.

• Middle School Lost and Found Location: closet between 7th and 8th grade pods • Upper School Lost and Found Location: closet beside Public Purpose Office Lunch (when not following COVID-19 protocols) Lunch, which is included in tuition, is available to all students. We are unable to host visiting friends or family members for lunch. Students may bring their lunch. Eating on the patio is a privilege for Grades 8-12.

To make lunch a pleasant and relaxing part of the day, students should follow these guidelines:

• Leave tables clean. All trays, paper products, and food should be put in the proper place.

• Chairs should not be rearranged.

• Voices should be at a conversational level • Students in Grades 5-7 have assigned lunch tables.

Students should remain at their assigned tables until they are dismissed by a teacher.

• To ensure a positive lunch experience for all, running and/or physical pushing or shoving is not allowed.

• Students in Grades 8-12 are permitted to eat on outdoor patios.

Sportsmanship and Fair Play Spectators, students, athletes, and coaches must recognize that their conduct plays an important role in establishing the reputation of their school and that

their positive actions can contribute directly to the success of their teams. During home contests, the Harpeth Hall community serves as host to visiting team members, students, and adult spectators who are considered guests of our school. They are to be treated accordingly and should be extended every courtesy and consideration. When Harpeth Hall teams are visiting another school, athletes, students, and spectators are expected to act as invited guests, using the home school’s facilities with care and respect while also abiding by the rules and customs of the home school.

Officials are to be treated with respect at all times both on and off the court or the playing field.

Use of Fitness Center Students are not allowed to use the fitness center in the AWC during school hours unless they are participating in a physical education or strength and conditioning class.

SECTION X: COMMUNICATION Communication is the key to staying informed.

Communication Resources for Students • Daily Announcements are daily emails sent by the division Deans of Students to students and faculty in their respective division. Daily Announcements emails are sent between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. each school day for the following school day and contain critical logistical information and a few other updates. The most recent Daily Announcements emails can be found on the Current Families Page under NEWS. (Please note: You may find a link to Current Families Page located at top right of the Harpeth Hall website.)

• Email is our primary message service. Each student will be asked to check and respond to her email frequently during the day and to pay particular attention from teachers and administrators.

• PowerSchool PowerSchool is our online learning management system where students can access resources and assignments posted by teachers.

Communication Resources for Parents • Conference Days In the Middle School, specific conference days are set in the fall and winter. Middle School students do not attend classes on the fall conference day,

and parents will meet with their daughter’s advisor. Middle School students do attend and lead the winter conference. The Upper School has one conference day in the fall. Parents of 9th grade students will meet with their daughter’s advisor.

Parents of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students will meet with their daughter and her advisor.

In the Middle School, specific days are set in the fall and winter for parent/advisor conferences.

Middle School students do not attend classes on the fall conference day; however, students do attend and lead the winter conference. The Upper School has one parent/student/advisor conference in the fall.

• Emergency Communication System In the event of a campus emergency, snow, ice, or other inclement weather that may delay the opening of school, close school, or cancel after school activities, the Harpeth Hall Communications Department posts information on the Harpeth Hall website (HarpethHall.org) and notifies parents through email, voicemail, and text. The Emergency Communication systems contacts every phone number listed in our database for each family.

Family household updates (including all contact numbers) are collected each August through our electronic Back-to-School Forms.

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• Inclement Weather/Snow Days and School Closures • A late opening usually means a 10 a.m. opening. If no announcement is made, school will open at the normal time.

• Parents should use their own discretion about the safety of travel in their area if school is open.

• If it snows during the school day, please check our website and your email for information about early closings. The school will use its best judgment regarding early dismissal.

• No practices, rehearsals, or school activities will be held in the afternoon if school is closed due to snow. Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the Division Directors.

• The first snow day of the year will be a day without school. All assigned homework will be due the following day. In the event of a second snow day at any time during the year, students and teachers will conduct school online. Each teacher will communicate with students about their plans and expectations for the day.

• Grade-Level Parent Meetings occur throughout the year and provide opportunities for parents to meet faculty and staff.

• Hallways is Harpeth Hall’s semi-annual magazine that is mailed to the Harpeth Hall community.

• Harpeth Hall Directory for Students and Families A printed directory is available for all families at the beginning of each school year. The directory contains household information about each student and should not be used for solicitations or shared with/given to third parties. An online directory can be found on the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website for the most up-to-date household information. The online directory is password protected, and you must log in to access it.

Your password is the same used to check grades or to access any other Harpeth Hall online information.

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• Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families: The Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families contains student policies and expectations. This online resource is available for all families at the beginning of each school year. It can be found on the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website.

• Meet the Teachers Nights When operating under normal conditions, both the Middle School and Upper School host Meet the Teachers Nights in the fall. Middle School parents begin in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre and then have an opportunity to meet their daughter’s teachers. Upper School parents begin the evening in their daughter’s Advisory Group and follow her daily schedule, meeting her academic teachers.

• Newsletters • @HarpethHall is a weekly e-newsletter that is emailed to parents each Thursday when school is in session and posted on the Current Families Portal under NEWS. This newsletter informs parents about upcoming events and programs, and is how the administration communicates calendar reminders or changes, and promotes events. Visit the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website for instructions on submitting information to @Harpeth Hall.

• The HHPA Newsletter is a monthly e-newsletter that is emailed to parents from the HHPA President. The newsletter highlights HHPA events and volunteer opportunities.

• Social Media Channels Families are encouraged to follow Harpeth Hall on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to receive updates and insights into campus life. Also, visit the news and social media pages on our website for the latest posts. Follow Harpeth Hall Athletics on Instagram and Twitter @hhathletics.

• Veracross is the student database that includes online school/ family directories, report cards, and student schedules. It is password protected and accessible through the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website.

• Website and Current Families Page The Harpeth Hall website is HarpethHall.org.

It contains all event information, calendars, and campus news. Families are encouraged to use the website and the Current Families Page as the first resources for information, calendars,

announcements, and news. A link to the Current Families Page is located at the top right of the website homepage. Your password is the same used to check grades or to access any other Harpeth Hall online information.

SECTION XI: EXPENSES and FINANCIAL RESOURCES Tuition Tuition at Harpeth Hall includes: • Athletic team uniforms and regular season travel • Middle School class trips • School yearbook (Milestones) • Student accident insurance • Student admission to all on-campus plays, concerts, and regular season athletic events • Student meal plan with Sage Dining Smart Tuition is Harpeth Hall’s online student tuition billing platform available at parent.smart-tuition.com.

Timely Payment of Tuition Harpeth Hall depends on the timely payment of tuition to fund salaries and meet the day-to-day operational expenses of the school. Students whose account balance is delinquent will not be allowed to receive their class schedule, participate in Winterim travel, or re-enroll for subsequent years. Final transcripts and diplomas may be withheld for delinquent accounts.

Expenses Beyond Tuition • Books: approximately $250 to $500 depending on grade level • P.E. Uniform: approximately $40 School Uniform: A complete new uniform is approximately $250. A gently-worn uniform can be purchased from the Hang-Up Sale for a reduced price.

• Technology fee: • Middle School ($350 annual fee) • Upper School ($400 annual fee) Optional Expenses • AP exam fee is $95 per exam.

• Athletic Equipment: Athletic equipment necessary for a particular sport, such as practice gear, cleats, lacrosse stick, softball, glove, etc. is purchased by families. Families maintain possession of their equipment after the season.

• Choir: 7th/8th choir dress is $60 new; Upper School choir dress is $81 new. There are previously-worn dresses available for purchase ($30 for Middle School, $40 for Upper School).

• Dance Company: There is no fee to participate in Dance Company, although there are incidental expenses such as shoes, leotards, tights, makeup, and tech week food. Most costumes are provided.

• Orchestra: Instrument rentals are approximately $35-$60/month; Middle School and Upper School orchestra uniform is $56.

• Upper School art classes include a $150 fee for year-long studio art, a $75 fee for semester studio or photo art, and a $50 fee for media arts.

• Upper School Winterim Trips: Students in Grades 11 and 12 are eligible to participate in Winterim travel, which includes academic trips, international exchanges, and internships in New York City and Washington, D.C. These trips are optional. The majority of our students participate in Nashville-based internships.

• Some co-curricular activities, mixers, and dances are an additional expense with an average ticket price of $10.

Please know • The Technology Fee is reduced proportionate to financial aid received.

• For families receiving financial assistance, additional resources are available to help with expenses beyond tuition including textbooks, uniforms, co-curricular activities, college application costs, Winterim experiences, and other aspects of the Harpeth Hall experience. For questions, contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 615-346-0126 or admission@harpethhall.org.

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Financial Resources for Expenses Beyond Tuition The Adeline Fund Students who receive financial aid may use The Adeline Fund to defray the costs of the following: specialty t-shirts sold for Harpeth Hall events, prom fees, mixer fees, Father or Special Friend/Daughter Dances, expenses associated with participation in fine arts and athletics, including cheerleading at Harpeth Hall and at MBA, clothing for internships, items available in the Bear Necessities Store, class rings, senior photos, choir dresses, and meals during Dance Company Tech Week.

Students and/or parents should contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid for more information about The Adeline Fund.

The College Counseling Fund Harpeth Hall’s College Counselors work closely with students and their families to find a college or university that will enrich the life of the students—a place where each student can build on the already strong educational foundation established at Harpeth Hall. The school has made a concerted effort in recent years to help our students receiving financial aid meet the expenses they incur beyond tuition. The College Counseling Fund, established by the Melkus Family Foundation in 2020, helps remove financial barriers these students may encounter in the college application process. Students who receive financial aid may request assistance from The College Counseling Fund to defray the costs of college application expenses including: SAT and ACT registration fees, fees for sending SAT and

ACT scores to colleges, college application fees, CSS profile fees, and college t-shirt for college t-shirt day.

The College Counseling Fund includes an Emergency Travel Fund for students who would be unable to attend fly-ins or other essential campus visits.

Students and/or parents should contact Jenny Byers, Director of College Counseling for more information about The College Counseling Fund.

The Elizabeth Bond Davis ’74 International Exchange Scholarship Fund Established in 2014, this endowment assists Upper School students demonstrating financial need with expenses related to International Exchange opportunities promoted by Harpeth Hall. Please see the Director of Winterim and International Exchange for information on applying for an Elizabeth Bond Davis International Exchange Scholarship.

The Olivia Fund Students who receive financial aid may request assistance from The Olivia Fund to defray the costs of class trips, textbooks, uniforms, Advanced Placement exam fees, musical instruments, registration fees associated with student conferences, and potentially other fees beyond tuition. Students and/or parents should contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid for more information about The Olivia Fund.

The Winterim Travel Fund Established in 2014, this endowment assists students in Grades 11 and 12 receiving financial aid for tuition with expenses related to Winterim

SECTION XII: GIFTS and GIVING Gifts to Faculty and Staff Policy Gifts We ask parents not to give gifts to Harpeth Hall faculty, staff, and coaches. The best gift is a note from your daughter. We appreciate all the ways you support the school!

Charitable Giving to Harpeth Hall The Annual Fund The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of the fundraising programs at Harpeth Hall. As an independent school, Harpeth Hall receives no government funding and relies on tuition and charitable gifts as the primary sources of funding.

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HANDBOOK

• How does my gift to the Annual Fund help the school?

Unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund immediately benefit each student and faculty member by enriching all academic and co-curricular programs. Gifts also support faculty professional development, financial aid, service learning, and the maintenance of our campus.

Funds raised are used in the same year they are received.

• Who contributes to the Annual Fund?

Alumnae, parents of current students, parents of alumnae, grandparents, faculty, trustees, foundations, matching gift corporations, and

friends of Harpeth Hall all support the school via the Annual Fund. In 2018-2019, approximately 2,600 donors gave gifts totaling more than $2 million to the Annual Fund. In 2019-20, nearly 1,800 donors made unrestricted and restricted gifts to the Annual Fund totaling just over $2 million.

• How much should I give?

Every gift, no matter the size, is vital for Harpeth Hall’s success. All donors at all levels are recognized in our Annual Report on Philanthropy.

• When and how may I give?

Participation by each family every year is important. Gifts made by check, credit card, or with appreciated securities may be given between July 1 and June 30 of each school year.

• How do matching gifts work?

If you or your spouse work for a company that matches charitable contributions, you may be able to double or triple the amount of your gift.

Information is available through your company’s human resources department.

Capital Campaigns and Endowment Harpeth Hall conducts capital campaigns periodically for bricks and mortar projects and for its endowment.

While Annual Fund gifts support the daily operations of the school, charitable gifts for capital projects have built the campus that our students enjoy today.

From the Ann Scott Carell Library to the Athletic

and Wellness Center, each building is the result of personal philanthropy and a commitment to providing educational excellence for girls. Gifts to the endowment provide a permanent source of support for faculty salaries, financial aid, and the long-term maintenance of our campus. Planned gifts may also be directed to endowment. It is our hope that families will support the Annual Fund each year as well as capital campaigns when underway.

Planned Giving A planned gift enables you to dedicate financial resources to Harpeth Hall in the way that fits your lifestyle, goals, and financial situation. Planned gifts generally evolve from estate planning, and these gifts range from simple bequests, to life-income gifts, to creative arrangements using retirement-plan benefits.

Making a planned gift may allow you to give more than you ever thought possible and, at the same time, benefit from tax advantages or income for a term of years or life. The Founders Society recognizes all who have committed to supporting the school with a planned gift.

For More Information Contact Director of Advancement, Susan Moll; Director of Annual Giving, Tracy Campbell; or Associate Director of Advancement, Emily Gianis. You may also refer to the Giving tab on the Harpeth Hall website.

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Daugh W. Smith Middle School

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Daugh W. Smith Middle School SECTION XIII: MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMICS Keeping the value of grades in perspective is critical at the Middle School level. This is the time for students to take risks, try more difficult challenges, and make mistakes. This is the time for girls to learn “how to learn,” to explore their strengths and challenges, and to learn to grapple with difficult material.

Middle School students exhibit an enthusiasm for learning that we want to foster. The attitudes that the adults around them display toward learning and grades will help determine whether our students retain a lifelong love of learning that will enrich their lives.

Grades are an assessment of performance and mastery, not effort. Students and parents should recognize that a grade of a C shows satisfactory performance, that a B reflects work that is even better than satisfactory, and that an A indicates the highest level of mastery.

While grades below C are a valid cause for concern, they can also be considered a learning experience for students about the value of adequate preparation, the need to seek extra help, and the need to maintain good study habits. Students are expected to complete their total program satisfactorily each year. In the event of a semester grade below 70, or an incomplete grade, the student may be required to do additional work as determined by the Director of the Middle School to ensure readiness for the next level of study.

The faculty encourages parents to show interest in learning by asking questions about schoolwork, by pointing out the relevance of school to real life, and by discussing new information and ideas with their daughters. The strongest motivation for academic excellence is provided by a home environment that places a high value on intellectual endeavors. The school expects parents to support the Honor System by emphasizing the importance of honesty in all student work and behavior.

Though parents should be involved in their daughter’s learning, the school also expects that parents will refrain from over-assisting their daughter so that the homework, papers, and projects she completes are truly her own.

Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Students are expected to maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance during the school year in order to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, theater, and other activities. If a student’s academic work deteriorates as a result of her participation in these activities, the Director of the Middle School and the student’s advisor will confer

with her teachers to determine whether the student should be allowed to continue her participation.

Academic Honors At the end of each quarter, 7th and 8th grade students with grades of A- or higher in all subjects will receive Academic Honors status on the quarterly report card.

Academic Probation Students having difficulty meeting the academic requirements at Harpeth Hall will be placed on academic probation at the end of the quarter. Grades below C- signal that a student is having significant difficulty completing the course requirements and raise concerns as to the student’s readiness for the next level of study. If a support plan is not already in place, a conference will be scheduled by the Director of the Middle School to design a plan to support the student’s learning and academic improvement. If warranted, a school counselor and/or Middle School Learning Specialist may take a consultative role. Our goal is to provide the best learning environment for each student and if the student cannot meet academic requirements, a change of school may be recommended. The school will inform the student’s family of this decision in a timely manner so that placement for the following year may be arranged. The decision is made by the Head of School, the Director of the Middle School, and the student’s advisor, with input from teachers.

Extra Help for Middle School Students All Middle School teachers arrive by 7:30 a.m. when school is in session on campus. If a student needs help from one of her teachers, she should go to that teacher’s room at 7:30 a.m. If the teacher is not present, the student needs to leave a note and return in a few minutes. This is a great time to get extra help on homework or on material she does not understand.

Extra help is not offered for Middle School students on late-start Wednesday mornings. Please note: Late-start Wednesday mornings are on hold while we follow COVID-19 protocols.

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Grading Scale A+

97-100

C+

77-79

A

93-96

C

73-76

A-

90-92

C-

70-72

B+

87-89

D

65-69

B

83-86

F

64 and below

B-

80-82

Homework Harpeth Hall Middle School students typically have homework each night and on the weekends. Homework assignments are designed according to these guiding principles:

Students are also given a homework plan book to record and manage their homework assignments and assessments. Homework is not assigned on school holidays.

Laptops Expectations for care and use of the laptops are written in detail in the Responsible Use Policy (see pp. 37-38).

The student needs to remember to: • Backup all of her work to Google Drive • Come to school with the battery charged and with the power cord

• Homework should build confidence, provide opportunities for practice, and reinforce taught skills and content.

• Use headphones only when instructed to do so by a teacher

• Students should be able to complete homework assignments independently. Homework assignments should challenge students but not require parental or adult support beyond the teacher.

• Use her laptop in class only in the manner directed by a teacher

• Homework assignments provide opportunities for practice and reinforcement of skills taught and assist students in their preparation for class activities and discussions.

• Homework assignments are one means our teachers use to assess progress and ensure a student’s understanding of the course material.

• Homework is also a tool to encourage independent learning, and for students to develop the habits and skills they need to responsibly manage time and resources.

Homework time per night varies from student to student, but the following average times generally apply: • • • •

5th grade: 1 hour 6th grade: 1 ½ hours 7th grade: 2 hours 8th grade: 2 ½ hours

Grade-level teachers meet once a rotation to plan for, among other things, a balanced homework load.

Homework assignments are explained in class, written on the board, and posted to PowerSchool, the school’s online learning management system. Teachers are intentional about explaining the purpose of the homework assignments and post in advance whenever

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possible to allow students opportunities to manage their time. Assignments must be posted by 2:30 p.m.

HANDBOOK

• Never miss class to go to the Bear Cave

• Use the laptop for educational purposes only during school hours Students may not use personal electronic devices during the school day aside from school laptops.

This includes computers, tablets, cell phones, smart watches, and other mobile devices.

Late-Start Wednesdays for Middle School Students Harpeth Hall will have a late start on Wednesdays when school is operating under normal conditions. This will give students an opportunity for balance at the midpoint of the week. This additional time in the morning can be used to rest, complete homework, or prepare for the day ahead. Supervision will be provided by the Early Care Coordinator for students who need to arrive at the regular time. Faculty will be attending professional development sessions during this time. Middle School students will start at 8:45 a.m. with a 10-minute Morning Meeting followed by their first class at 9 a.m. There will be no morning help offered on Wednesdays. Please note: Late-start Wednesday mornings are on hold while we follow COVID-19 protocols.

Middle School Learning Specialist See Learning Resources on p. 24.

Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Access to Grades The school year is divided into four grading periods.

At the end of each grading period, online report cards will be posted on the password-protected Harpeth Hall Parent Portal in Veracross. Parents will receive an email from the Director of the Middle School alerting them of the posted report. Please follow the instructions provided in the email to see the student’s report. At midpoint in the grading period, progress reports with interim grades will be made available to parents, and comments will be sent for those students who are having difficulty and who have an average of C- or below at that point.

Scholars Engaged in Extending Knowledge (SEEK) The SEEK Program was established to provide 7th and 8th grade students a means to pursue independent study in an area of her choice. The initiative is designed to encourage a student to expand her learning beyond the standard curriculum with the support of an in-school and/or out-of-school adult mentor. A student with the desire and passion to explore a particular topic or subject of interest will be provided with the guidance and financial support necessary to complete the study of her choice. The topic she chooses to explore may be an extension of work she has done for a specific class, study in an area untapped by the Middle School curriculum, or the pursuit of a new skill or creative endeavor.

Each SEEK Scholar presents her project to the Middle School student body and is recognized at the All School SEEK Scholarship Assembly in the spring.

Standardized Testing Standardized tests are administered yearly in the fall to Middle School students for the purpose of gaining additional insight and knowledge into the abilities and performance levels of students. This information contributes to the effective guidance of students’ learning. The Middle School Learning Specialist oversees all standardized testing. Any concerns raised as a result of testing will be shared with parents by the Director of the Middle School and the Middle School Learning Specialist. The school will do its best to administer all make-up tests during the school day; however, in some cases students may be asked to stay after school to complete sections of testing.

Study Hall Privilege for Eighth Grade Students All 8th grade students will be given the opportunity to have study hall un-monitored for self-directed study time at some point in the school year. In an effort to transition 8th grade students to the freedom granted in the Upper School, each student will be given the chance to take responsibility for her own study hall time.

Students will be made aware of expectations for study hall behavior. Any student who does not use her time wisely or who interferes with others’ studying will lose her study hall privileges.

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DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

7:55-8:05

Class Mtg

Morning Mtg

Morning Mtg

Morning Mtg

Morning Mtg

Morning Mtg

Morning Mtg

8:10-9:15

A

E

B

F

C

G

D

9:15-10:00

Advisory

ASA

Community Time

MSM

Community Time

MSM

Community Time

10:00-11:05

B

F

C

G

D

A

E

E

B

F

F

C

G

11:05-12:00

Lunch and Recess

12:00-12:40

Study Hall

12:40-1:45

C

G

D

Break

1:45-2:00

2:00-3:05

A

D

A

E

B

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE In the Middle School, the school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m.

Please note: Distance and Hybrid Learning Models will follow the same schedule but the times may be adjusted (see pp. 66-67). Families should refer to the school website for the most up-to-date information.

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SECTION XIV: MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES With our girls, we want to build relationships with students, not break them down. We want to be fair and consistent, and we want a situation that involves demerits to serve as a valuable lesson.

We hope that students begin the process of self-discipline by asking themselves: How can I make better decisions? We want conversations between teachers and students to help students see the big picture and the “why” behind decisions.

Expectations for Harpeth Hall Middle School Students

• Overdue library book • Failure to be in the right place

• Be a positive, contributing member of the school community

• Failure to notify of needed change in serving detention

• Understand individual differences

• Laptop unattended

• Respect the property of others as well as the physical environment and equipment of the school

• Cell phone, tablet, smart watch, and other mobile device use during school

• Be in the right place at the right time with the necessary books and materials

• Chewing gum on campus at any time

• Be in uniform • Eat and drink only in designated areas • Do not chew gum at school or at schoolsponsored activities.

Demerits From time to time in the middle grades, students have difficulty remembering and adhering to the community expectations. When a Middle School student does not abide by the community rules and expectations, she will receive demerits. If she receives ten demerits in a semester, the student will serve a detention scheduled by the Middle School Dean of Students. The demerit system is outlined below, however, there may be circumstances where the Director of the Middle School and Middle School Dean of Students determine appropriate disciplinary consequences.

FOUR DEMERITS • Inappropriate language • Lack of respect for others

• Food and drink in the wrong place • Not having P.E. uniform • Failure to sign in at the Middle School Office when tardy or returning to school TWO DEMERITS • Late to class, study hall, or detention • Inappropriate behavior during class, assembly, or in the Dining Hall • Not having supplies in class • Uniform violation (shoes, shirt, skirt length, not wearing lanyard/security access ID card, wearing non-HH outerwear, writing on skirt) • Belongings in wrong place • Not responding to a teacher’s email within 24 hours (with exception on weekends) TEACHER DISCRETION DEMERITS • Other

• Computer violation/violation of Responsible Use Policy for Computers (see pp. 37-38)

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SECTION XV: MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Middle School Leadership Program Harpeth Hall’s leadership development program sees every girl as a leader. Grounded in respect, integrity, individuality, goodness, and trust, girls hone their leadership skills through a variety of experiences, including public speaking, classroom presentations, on the athletic field, on stage, and in interactions with the greater community through service learning and internships.

Middle School Leadership Opportunities Honor Education Committee The Honor Education Committee in the Middle School includes of representatives from the 8th grade class.

The purpose of the committee is to promote the Honor System, to educate students about honor, and to raise awareness of the ways in which the Honor System enriches our school community. Student selection is done by application.

Middle School Student Council

The Middle School Student Council includes five 8th grade officers. Student Council meets once in a rotation during school. Elections for the officers are held in the spring. Any 7th grade girl who is interested in an office nominates herself and then presents her platform in a speech to the student body. Grade-level representatives are elected at the beginning of the year, again by a self-nominating procedure.

Spirit Club Leaders Each Middle School student is a member of Ariston, Angkor, Eccowasin, or Triad. Two 8th grade students are selected as captains of each of the clubs by vote of its members.

A list of officers can be found in the Harpeth Hall Directory for Families and Students.

SECTION XVI: EXTENDED CARE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Harpeth Hall provides extended care in the mornings and afternoons when school is in session on campus.

Extended care is provided free of charge. No prior registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome.

• Early Care The school is open at 7 a.m. Students may not arrive before that time. Early Care is available from 7 to 7:30 a.m. Students arriving between 7 and 7:30 a.m. should be dropped off in front of the Middle School building and go to the Dining Hall where the Early Care Monitor will supervise them until 7:30 a.m.

• After Care After Care (After Care) is available from 3:30 to 6 p.m. A combination of free time and study time will be coordinated by the After Care Coordinator.

Any student who is not picked up by 6 p.m. will be charged $1 per minute until picked up.

Specific guidelines for Middle School students are as follows: • Middle School students remaining on campus after carpool are checked into After Care in the Dining Hall and should be picked up there.

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• Students waiting for a delayed athletic practice or game, for Strength and Conditioning (always 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for Middle School), or Dance Company rehearsals must attend After Care until rehearsal or practice begins. Girls may not wait in the gallery or an athletic facility for a rehearsal or practice to begin. At the appropriate times, students are escorted to their athletic and dance activities. Students who need to stay for After Care after their rehearsal or practice are escorted back to the Dining Hall.

• Girls who want to study in the Library may do so from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Once signed in, they must be signed out by an adult by 4:45 p.m. Any students in the Library after 4:45 p.m. will go to After Care and may be picked up at the back terrace entrance to the Dining Hall. After Care ends at 6 p.m. Should the Library become too full for productive study, students will be checked into the After Care.

• Girls who want to study after school but cannot be in the Library will sign into After Care in the Dining Hall. Any student who needs to do research or get a book from the Library will receive a pass from the After Care Coordinator.

SECTION XVII: MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, and ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES Please Note: Student safety is paramount. In light of the protocols established by the local health department and CDC as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Middle School clubs could take on a different form, but maintain the same goals.

Middle School students have a number of opportunities to grow their talents in after-school activities. Most groups meet once a week, and notices of meetings will be posted in the Daily Announcements.

Advanced Instrumental Ensembles: Students who play a musical instrument, with two or more years experience, are invited to join the ensembles. The ensembles perform several times a year. They meet before school on Wednesdays starting in December.

Advanced Choir (7th/8th): Interested 7th and 8th grade students sign up and audition at the beginning of the year. Advanced Choir auditions are open to students enrolled in either the curricular choir or orchestra classes. Advanced Choir meets once in a seven-day rotation.

After School Art Club: The First Friday Art Club for 5th and 6th graders is an opportunity for students to pursue their artistic interests beyond the school day.

On the first Friday of every month, the club will meet and do art projects such as collage, cyanotypes, painting, and printmaking.

Book Clubs: All Middle School students are offered opportunities throughout the year to participate in book clubs. Students choose a group book and read and share their love of reading in a book club. Book clubs meet before school and share breakfast and book discussions.

Cheerleading: Middle School cheerleaders are the spirit of the Middle School athletic program.

Cheerleaders cheer for the basketball teams. Students who want to cheer and make the time commitment may try out at the end of the first semester.

Dance Company: Students in Grades 5-8 who are interested in performance opportunities are encouraged to participate in the Middle School Dance Company. The company rehearses throughout the week, and there are annual concerts held in the fall and spring. Students may sign up by the semester. Previous dance experience is not required.

Drama Club (5th/6th): The Drama Club is open to all 5th and 6th grade students. It meets one afternoon a week. A spring performance is given in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre.

Enrichment Classes Students have additional opportunities to grow their talents during enrichment class electives that meet during the school day. Enrichment classes include Forensics Club, First Lego League Robotics, Model United Nations, Number Crunchers, Library Leaders, and Intersections, the Middle School student art and literature magazine.

First Friday Art Club (5th/6th): The First Friday Art Club for 5th and 6th grade students is an opportunity for them to pursue their artistic interests beyond the school day. On the first Friday of every month, the club will meet and do art projects such as collage, cyanotypes, painting, and printmaking.

Forensic Club: Harpeth Hall is a member of the Metro Nashville Middle School Forensic League. Students in Grades 6-8 compete with Metro public schools and other private schools in all types of speech and drama competitions. Students will be notified about how to sign up at the beginning of the year.

Hiking Club: Hiking Club meets one day a week after school beginning in October. Students and sponsors travel by bus to local hiking trails such as Warner Park and Radnor Lake. The club is open to all Middle School students.

Individual Lessons: Lessons in voice, piano, violin, and cello are available after school on campus by private instructors. Fees are paid directly to the instructors by the student’s family. Please note: Private after-school music lessons will not be offered on campus during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year. We will re-evaluate this later in the year.

Lego League Robotics Lego League robotics focuses on applying coding, engineering, and teamwork to accomplish missions using the Lego Mindstorm robots. Teams also identify and solve a problem concerning the Lego League theme for the year. Previous themes have included how to be an animal ally, solving the world’s trash problems and human exploration of space. Harpeth Hall has stood out at both the regional and state level, earning awards each time we have competed demonstrating the power of girls in coding and engineering design. At the Music 2020-21

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City Qualifier Tournament, we have received awards in core values that reflect strong teamwork, awards for our outstanding research projects and have won the overall Champion’s Award. At the state tournament at Tennessee Tech University, teams have placed first in the Inspiration category in Core Values, an award given to a team that is empowered by their Lego League experience and displays extraordinary spirit and enthusiasm and first place in Programming, an award that recognizes a team that demonstrates outstanding programming.

Library Leaders (7th/8th): Our 7th and 8th grade students who love to read have the opportunity to participate in Library Leaders. This group shares their knowledge and love of books with the entire Middle School through presentations, contests, and morning book clubs.

Middle School Literary Magazine: The Middle School Literary Magazine, Intersections, is a publication released at the end of the school year. Providing a creative outlet for students in Grades 5-8, the magazine features fiction and non-fiction writing, artwork, and photography--all created by Middle School students. Students in Grades 7-8 are encouraged to join the magazine staff, but the magazine welcomes and encourages submissions from any student in Grades 5-8 for publication.

Middle School Math Clubs: Students in Grades 6-8 have the opportunity to join a math club. The clubs meet once each rotation and focus on solving complex math problems, expanding critical thinking skills, and fostering a love of math. The students have the opportunity to participate in several local and national math contests throughout the year.

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Middle School Musical (7th/8th): The Middle School musical drama production is an opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students to sing, dance, and act. Everyone who is interested and who is willing to make a daily after-school commitment in December and January is welcome to participate.

Service Club (Care Bears): Care Bears service club is available to students in Grades 5-8 each week. It is a club where students can join others to complete handson service projects, learn more about social issues, and support local and global organizations that positively impact our communities. The service club will meet one afternoon a week beginning in September. A student may participate every week as her schedule permits.

Public Purpose Board (7th/8th): The Public Purpose Board is a student advisory board that helps make decisions about service opportunities, plans and organizes service events (including collaborative events with MBA), and supports our partnership with Lwala Community Alliance just to name a few exciting opportunities. They meet on the first of each month.

Robotics Tinkering (5th/6th): Do you love working with robots, using Legos to build amazing things, and problem solving? If all this sounds interesting, you can join the 5th and 6th robotics mini-club to learn how to program the LEGO Mindstorm robots. We will focus on applying coding, engineering design, and teamwork to accomplish missions related to a fun theme such as being an animal ally or solving the world’s trash problems. Don’t worry if you have never programmed a robot as we will teach you all you need to know! This opportunity happens in the spring. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Stephanie Zeiger at stephanie.zeiger@harpethhall.org.

SECTION XVIII: MIDDLE SCHOOL GENERAL INFORMATION Afternoon Break Girls may bring a snack for Afternoon Break. All snacks and drinks are to be eaten in the Dining Hall or outside.

Absolutely no food or drink may be eaten in the pods or taken into the classrooms except by permission of the teacher. We are a peanut-free campus in order to support the well-being and safety of our students.

Bear Families Bear Families are small groups of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that meet together to play games and have fun. Eighth grade students lead all activities.

Birthdays Birthdays are celebrated in Advisory Groups. Party invitations may not be given out at school unless the whole class is invited. Please do not bring in treats for an entire class or grade. Flowers and presents may not be sent to school.

Class Boards are bulletin boards in Middle School pods that have information pertinent to each grade including the schedule for the day, special announcements, lunch table assignments, assembly seats and much more.

Field Day Middle School students end the year with games and club team competitions at Field Day. For students, it is one of the most anticipated events of the school year.

In the morning, before Field Day, students compete in an academic quiz bowl. Students earn points for their clubs in both events, and the Middle School club that wins for the year is announced at the end of the day.

Intersections Intersections is the Middle School student art and literature magazine.

Mixers Social events with Montgomery Bell Academy, an all-boys school, are scheduled during the year for 7th and 8th grades. Students may not use cell phones during mixers without the permission of a chaperone.

The guidelines for attire are the same as those listed for Casual Days in the uniform section on p. 35.

Pods are gathering areas around Middle School lockers. Each grade is assigned a pod. The 5th and 6th grade pods are on the lower level. The 7th and 8th pods are on the upper level. Class meetings are held in pods.

Eighth Grade Speeches During Middle School Meeting throughout the year, each 8th grade student gives a three-minute speech about a special interest or a meaningful experience.

Each girl is responsible for meeting with a mentor to practice her speech at least one week prior to her date and is responsible for informing her parents of the speech date and time.

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Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School

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Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School SECTION XIX: UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMICS Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Students are expected to maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance (i.e., not on academic probation) during the school year in order to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, theater, and other activities. If a student’s academic work deteriorates as a result of her participation in these activities, the student’s advisor and the Director of the Upper School will confer with the student’s teachers and coaches to determine whether the student should be allowed to continue her participation.

In athletics, we conform to TSSAA rules, which do not allow a student to participate unless she has passed a minimum of five subjects during the preceding semester.

Academic Probation Students having difficulty meeting the academic requirements at Harpeth Hall may be placed on academic probation at the discretion of the Director of the Upper School for any of the following reasons: • One grade in any course below C• Failure to meet academic expectations (e.g., incomplete grades without permission or failing a course and not enrolling in the required summer school course) by agreed-upon dates • Failure to attend class regularly • Some combination of the above factors which leads the school to question whether Harpeth Hall is the appropriate academic setting for the student • Extended absence that makes it impossible for the student to meet her academic responsibilities A conference will be scheduled with a student who has been placed on academic probation with her advisor and the Director of the Upper School if needed. The goal will be to design a plan to correct the student’s academic problem. While on academic probation, a student will be placed in required study hall during her free periods, and she will not be allowed to run for president of a club or her class or be editor-in-chief of a publication. Students in Grades 11 and 12 on academic probation may not travel during Winterim. Additional privileges may be curtailed as warranted. The student will remain on academic probation through the

following grading period or until the end of the semester, at the Director’s discretion. At the appropriate time, a student may be removed from academic probation if her academic standing has improved.

Our goal is to provide the best learning environment for each student. A student who remains on academic probation is in jeopardy of not being allowed to return to Harpeth Hall, as this would indicate that Harpeth Hall would not be the best match for the student academically. Classroom teachers are asked to share information about the student’s level of responsibility and conscientiousness in the classroom. The decision is made by the Head of School and the Director of the Upper School.

Adding or Dropping a Class The Upper School provides a two-week period at the beginning of each semester during which a student may initiate adding or dropping a course, if it works in her schedule. Any student wishing to add or drop a course must fill out the appropriate form available in the Upper School Office, and all added and/or dropped courses must be approved by the Director of the Upper School and the student’s parent/guardian. In some cases, the student’s College Counselor must also be notified. Please note that making a request to add courses after the school year begins can prove difficult or impossible because classes may be full and schedules and sections of other classes may need to change. To be a full-time student, each student must take a minimum of five academic courses each semester.

Withdrawals after the two-week add/drop period will be indicated on the student’s transcript as “WP” (Withdraw Passing) or “WF” (Withdraw Failing) according to whether the student’s average is passing or failing at the time of the withdrawal. In order to receive credit for a course, a student must remain in and pass the course.

AP Exams Students enrolled in an Advanced Placement course are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

Payment for AP exams is due to Harpeth Hall before spring break. The cost of each AP exam is $95.

Financial assistance through The Olivia Fund is available for families receiving financial aid (see pp. 41-42).

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Assignments Students receive assignments that outline a minimum of ten school days, including reminders about long-term projects. All assignments are posted in PowerSchool, our online learning management system, and are intended to help students plan ahead and manage their time.

Awards Each year, students receive awards and recognition in assemblies for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, athletics, fine arts, school spirit, and community service.

Three awards are given at Graduation each year: the Katie Wray Valedictory Award, Second Honors, and Third Honors. These awards are based on a student’s academic record. It is possible to have a tie for these awards if two students have the same GPA to the 100th place.

All Harpeth Hall academic awards and induction into academic honor societies will be based only on coursework completed at Harpeth Hall. To be considered for one of the three top academic honors given at Graduation, a student must have attended Harpeth Hall for a minimum of three years. If a student who transferred into Harpeth Hall in 10th grade is a recipient of the Elizabeth Pope Evans Award* as a senior, all five recipients of the Elizabeth Pope Evans award will be considered for the three top academic honors at graduation using only Harpeth Hall coursework and semester grades earned in Grades 10-12. *The Elizabeth Pope Evans Award is given at Awards Day and recognizes the five students in each class who have maintained the highest GPAs through the first semester of the current academic year. It is possible more than five students in a grade will receive this award if two or more students have the same GPA to the 100th place.

College Counselors The College Counselors assist students and parents with college planning. The College Counseling program begins in the 9th grade, and College Nights are scheduled for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students and their parents. The College Counselors provide families with an overview of the college search and application process as well as a checklist of appropriate activities for each year of high school. They strive to provide information so that parents have a clear understanding of how the process works in order that they may plan effectively and help empower their daughters to take ownership of their college search by the time they are in 11th grade.

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Students are assigned a College Counselor in the spring of 10th grade, however, the College Counselors meet individually with students as early as 9th grade to discuss course requests, involvement outside the classroom, and summer plans. The second semester of 11th grade, students attend required College Counseling classes, and the College Counselors meet with each student and her family to assess individual interests and strengths, research and explore colleges that offer the environment and program(s) the student is seeking, and set realistic goals for her future. During the 12th grade year, College Counselors continue to work closely with students on an individual basis to answer questions and assist them in the timely submission of their college and scholarship applications. Programs on special topics related to financial aid, the scholar-athlete, pursuing fine arts in college, and the transition to college are also scheduled throughout the school year to provide further information for students and their families. All 12th grade students attend the Senior College Transition Series, a series of programs preparing students for a successful transition into college.

Course Load Each student must take a minimum of five courses each semester, four of which must be in areas other than Fine Arts. For a student to carry more than three Honors or AP courses at a time requires special permission from her advisor with final approval by the Director of the Upper School, a College Counselor, or the Assistant Dean for Academic Advising. The block-schedule in the Upper School allows most Upper School students to take six classes plus Wellness. Students are not allowed to take seven academic classes.

Cumulative Grade Point Average Harpeth Hall has a weighted 4.0 grading scale. A student’s cumulative GPA using a weighted 4.0 grading scale is calculated at the end of each semester. The final semester grade in each class is assigned a value based upon the following table. The point values are then added and averaged (divided by the number of semester grades).

Note: A weighting bonus of 0.5 point will be added for Honors and Advanced Placement courses ( for grades of 70 and above) when calculating the GPA. Only coursework completed at Harpeth Hall will appear on the transcript and be included in the GPA calculation. The exception to this rule applies to courses taken through One Schoolhouse that fulfill Harpeth Hall graduation requirements, such as Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. This class will be listed on the Harpeth Hall transcript and included in the GPA calculation and will

receive a weighting bonus of 0.5 point, comparable to the weight given for an Honors or AP course.

A+ =

4.50

C+ = 2.50

A =

4.00

C

A- =

3.75

C- = 1.75

B+ =

3.50

D

= 1.50

B

3.00

F

= 0.00

=

= 2.00

Examinations In a typical year, semester exams are given before Winter Break in the first semester and at the end of the school year in the spring. The semester exams count for 20% of the semester grade. A student’s exam schedule may not be changed except in extraordinary circumstances approved by the Director of the Upper School. If a student has more than one exam in a particular discipline, she has the option of taking one of those exams during the alternate exam period. Graded exams remain on file with the teacher for one year and are not to leave school with students. Please note: Given the uncertainty of the year ahead due to the pandemic, a decision about first semester exams will be made at Fall Break.

Examination Exemptions Second semester exam exemptions are reserved for seniors who have been present and engaged in class and are in good academic and disciplinary standing. Seniors who are in good standing, and have a 90% semester average, and are recommended for exemption by the teacher, may be exempt from their final spring examination. In addition, all students enrolled in an AP course who have taken the AP exam which corresponds to that AP course may be exempt from taking the final examination with the approval of the teacher. If a student misses her AP exam for any reason, she will be required to take a final course exam designed by the teacher. When a 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student has excessive absences ( five or more) in a particular class per semester (excluding religious holidays and school-sponsored events), she may not be exempt from spring exams regardless of her grade in a course or completion of the AP exam. All exam exemptions are subject to the discretion of the teacher and Director of the Upper School. Seniors who are not exempt from a final exam may receive permission from their teacher to schedule that exam in any of their open exam blocks.

Extra Help for Upper School Students Each morning from 7:30 to 8 a.m. when school is in session on campus, all Upper School departments hold help sessions for students seeking assistance from their teachers. Teachers are also available from 3:10 to 3:30 p.m. Students may also arrange appointments with teachers during Community Time. We encourage our students to take advantage of one-on-one help from their teachers. The faculty are happy to provide this extra help, and students are asked to do their part by arriving only after attempting the work themselves, prepared with specific questions. Extra help will be available from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on late-start Wednesday mornings. Please note: Late-start Wednesday mornings are on hold while we follow COVID-19 protocols.

Free Periods When students are not required to report to study hall during free periods, they may study in designated locations on campus. Empty classrooms, class pods, and the Library are available for quiet study when school is operating under normal conditions. Students may not go to cars or to the parking lots during the school day without permission from a faculty member or administrator.

Student whereabouts during free periods are important, and the school encourages students to study in a visible space with friends during their free time.

Please note: When following our Hybrid Learning Model, students will be assigned locations for study hall and free time. Students should always practice safe social distancing.

Class pods will not be available when following COVID-19 protocols.

Global Scholars Program Upper School students who apply and are selected for Global Scholars gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the world by taking additional global-based courses, joining a weekly discussion group, participating in global-centered public purpose initiatives and clubs, and completing a capstone project. Beginning in the 10th grade, Global Scholars explore global issues through student-directed conversations, written reflections, and dialogue with experts. In the 12th grade, students complete a capstone project in an area of specific interest and present their findings to an Upper School audience. The Global Scholars Program challenges Upper School students to become responsible global citizens by encouraging cross-cultural connections, developing interdisciplinary modes of thinking, and building empathy.

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Grading Scale The grading scale is as follows: A+

97-100

C+

77-79

A

93-96

C

73-76

A-

90-92

C-

70-72

B+

87-89

D

65-69

B

83-86

F

64 and below

B-

80-82

Graduation Requirements 4 years 3 years

English History and Social Sciences (World Cultures, Modern World History, and U.S. History) 3 years Mathematics* 3 years World Languages (3 years in same language) 3 years Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) 2 semesters Fine Arts 3 ½ years Wellness (7 semesters) 2 years Life Balance 4 semesters Additional Academic Electives 4 years Winterim *4 years of Mathematics is strongly recommended.

For students who enter Harpeth Hall after the 9th grade, graduation requirements will be reviewed and an individual plan will be designed.

Homework Schoolwork assigned outside of an academic class is given in order to deepen or extend a student’s understanding of the material and/or provide a sufficient, but not excessive, amount of practice for newly acquired skills. All homework is posted in PowerSchool, as stated under “Assignments.” When choosing to take an Honors or AP class, students should expect more time required outside of class for completion of assignments as well as independent learning and studying. We ask students to consider this information when building their academic schedules each year.

We understand that most of our students maintain a busy schedule both in and out of the school day, and for that reason, we have designated the following homework-free weekends or breaks each year. In the Upper School, homework is not given over Fall Break, the night prior to the PSAT, Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, or assigned to 11th grade students the night prior to ACT District Testing or SAT School Day. 58

HANDBOOK

Only reading assignments for English are allowed over Winter Break. The only exception to these homework-free periods is when a student is required to complete make-up work due to absences during those times.

No homework may be due on the first day a class meets after the above breaks, whether that first class meets on a Monday or a Tuesday. Homework, including assessments, may be assigned for the second time a class meets after the above breaks, even if the second class falls on a Tuesday.

Honor Roll At the end of each semester, students with a 3.75 grade point average and above for the semester and who have no semester grade below 77 (C+) will be named to the Honor Roll.

Laptops Expectations for care and use of the laptops are written in detail in the Responsible Use Policy for Computers (see pp. 37-38). Students need to: • Come to school with the battery charged and with the power cord • Backup all of their work to Google Drive • Never miss class to go to the Bear Cave • Use their laptop in class only in the manner directed by a teacher Late-Start Wednesdays for Upper School Students Harpeth Hall will have a late start on Wednesdays when school is operating under normal conditions. This will give students an opportunity for balance at the midpoint of the week. This additional time in the morning can be used to rest, complete homework, or prepare for the day ahead. Students who need to arrive at the regular time may do so and study quietly in the Upper School building or the Library. Faculty will be attending professional development sessions during this time. Upper School classes will start at 9 a.m.

Extra help will be available from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on latestart Wednesday mornings. Please note: Late-start Wednesday mornings are on hold while we follow COVID-19 protocols.

One Schoolhouse Upper School students who would like to stretch beyond the Harpeth Hall curriculum can take courses through One Schoolhouse, formerly known as Online School for Girls. A student may take courses with the approval of the Director of the Upper School. These

courses are completed outside of the school day and are recommended for the independent and mature student who would like to exceed the expectations of our high school curriculum. To view year-long and semester courses, visit www.oneschoolhouse.org. These courses are taken in addition to a student’s Harpeth Hall coursework and are not listed on the Harpeth Hall transcript or included in the Harpeth Hall GPA. If a student enrolls in a One Schoolhouse course, she is required to take a study hall for her sixth class.

Additional tuition is required for all One Schoolhouse courses, with a few exceptions. The Upper School Curriculum Guide explains the additional tuition policies. Please note: A link to the Upper School Curriculum Guide can be found on the Current Families Page of the Harpeth Hall website.

Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Access to Grades All Upper School students receive progress reports each month, (September, October, November, February, March, April) and final semester grades in December and May that are posted to the transcript. The monthly Progress Reports will be a running average in each class. Teachers will write comments for all of their students on the October and March progress reports and for any students whose grade is below a C- (70%) on all other progress reports. All students will receive comments from their advisor at the end of each semester.

Your daughter’s report cards and progress reports will be posted on the password-protected Harpeth Hall Parent Portal in Veracross. Parents and students will receive an email from the Director of the Upper School alerting them of a posted report. Please follow the instructions provided in the email to see the student’s report.

If a student is unsure of her grade at any time throughout the semester, she may ask her teacher what her average is in that particular class. Teachers communicate where a student stands through updates or individual conversations. We encourage students to schedule a time to review their progress with their teacher so that they understand how their average is calculated and how they can improve.

Required Study Hall At the discretion of the Director of the Upper School, students with two grades below C, or one D or F, will be placed in required study hall for the next grading period. All absences from required study hall must be cleared through the appropriate study hall teacher.

Students with excessive demerits may also be assigned to study hall. All 9th grade students attend a study hall once each seven-day rotation with the Upper School Learning Specialist. In addition, 9th grade students who have a free period first semester are assigned to a proctored study hall.

Study Away Programs for Semester or Year Harpeth Hall permits a total of four students to study away for the semester or two students to study away for the year. Upper School students wishing to study away for a semester or year during the next academic year must first seek approval from the Director of the Upper School. Then, they must notify the Director of Finance and Operations and the Director of Admission and Financial Aid by February 1st. Details of the terms and curriculum for a student leaving for the semester or year must be approved by the Head of School, the Director of the Upper School, and the Director of Finance and Operations. If a family would like for Harpeth Hall to hold a place in the class for the student to return the following semester or year, the family is responsible for half of the tuition for the time the student is away. Places cannot be held for a student beyond one academic year.

Summer School A student who fails one semester of a year-long course must retake the failed semester of the course in an approved summer school program to receive credit for the class. The Director of the Upper School must approve all summer school programs. Successful completion of summer school coursework will result in a grade of C- for the semester, which will be noted on the student’s transcript and included in her GPA. The actual grade received in the summer school class will also be noted on the transcript. The initial grade remains on the transcript but will not be included in the GPA calculation. If a student fails the summer school session or both semesters of a course, she must retake the year-long course at Harpeth Hall in order to receive credit. When a student repeats a course at Harpeth Hall, the initial attempt remains on the transcript, but the semester grades are not included in the GPA calculation, and no credit is awarded for the course. The semester grades from the second attempt are included in the GPA calculation, and credit is awarded.

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Test Schedule Tests are scheduled by individual teachers. Students are not required to take more than two major tests on any given day. If a student has more than two major tests in one day, the student may go to her teachers and ask for one test to be rescheduled. The last two days of each semester before exams are free of large assignments and tests.

Transfer Students Only coursework completed at Harpeth Hall will be included on the Harpeth Hall transcript and factored into Harpeth Hall’s GPA calculation. The exception to this rule applies to courses taken through One Schoolhouse that fulfill Harpeth Hall’s graduation requirements (see Cumulative GPA on pp. 56-57).

A copy of the student’s transcript(s) from another school(s) will be included with the Harpeth Hall transcript when the student applies for college admission or scholarship consideration.

All Harpeth Hall academic awards and induction into academic honor societies will be based only on coursework completed at Harpeth Hall. To be considered for one of the three top academic honors given at Graduation, a student must have attended Harpeth Hall for a minimum of three years. If a student who transferred into Harpeth Hall in 10th grade is a recipient of the Elizabeth Pope Evans Award* as a 12th grade student, all five recipients of the Elizabeth Pope Evans award will be considered for the three top academic honors at Graduation using only Harpeth Hall coursework and semester grades earned in grades 10-12. *The Elizabeth Pope Evans Award is given at Awards Day and recognizes the five students in each class who have maintained the highest GPAs through the first semester of the current academic year. It is possible more than five students in a grade will receive this award if two or more students have the same GPA to the 100th place.

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Upper School Learning Specialist See Learning Resources on p. 24.

Weighting Grades A weighting bonus of 0.5 point is added to the GPA calculation for Honors and AP courses, as well as Multivariable Calculus/Differential Equations (taken through One Schoolhouse). The weighting bonus does not change a student’s grade on the transcript; it is used only in calculating the GPA. For example, when a student makes a B (3.0) in an Honors course, the B appears on her transcript, but is figured into her GPA as 3.50 rather than 3.0. Should a student make a D or an F in an Honors or AP course, no weight is added.

Winterim Requirements Every student is required to participate in our Winterim program each year. A student earns a second-semester grade on the transcript for Winterim and one-half credit. For the on-campus program, the grade is an average of the grades earned in the three or four courses taken during Winterim. For the off-campus program, the grade is determined using a Winterim grading rubric. In order to participate in travel through our Winterim program, a student must be in good academic and disciplinary standing during the Winterim application period, and the student’s billing account must be current. In order to travel off campus, a student must not have any failing grades in any subject at the time of the October or November progress report and must not have a D or F at the end of the first semester prior to Winterim. This includes academic travel, an out-of-town internship, or international exchange. Refunds will be made solely according to terms dictated by the insurance policy covering each trip, which is included in the cost of the trip.

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

8:00-9:15

A

E

B

F

C

G

D

9:15-10:25

Community Time

Community Time

Community Time

Community Time

Community Time

Community Time

Community Time

10:25-11:40

B

F

C

G

D

A

E

E

B

F

F

C

G

Lunch

11:40-12:25

12:25-1:40

C

G

D

Break

1:40-1:55

1:55-3:10

A

D

A

E

B

UPPER SCHOOL SCHEDULE In the Upper School, the school day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.

Please note: Distance and Hybrid Learning Models will follow the same schedule but the times may be adjusted (see pp. 66-67). Families should refer to the school website for the most up-to-date information.

SECTION XX: UPPER SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES Demerits and Saturday School Students receive demerits if they break the rules of the Upper School. Wearing dress uniforms, students serve demerits on designated Saturday mornings, staying two hours for every three demerits.

• 3 demerits = 1 Saturday School • 6 demerits in one quarter = meeting with Director of the Upper School, Upper School Dean of Students, and advisor and serve all demerits • 9 demerits in one quarter = meeting with Discipline Committee and serve all demerits

• 12 demerits in one quarter = in-school or out-ofschool suspension and serve all demerits • When possible, all demerits must be served before the end of the semester.

• Students are notified by email when they are expected to attend Saturday School. A student may postpone Saturday School with parental permission and approval of the Upper School Dean of Students as long as she notifies the Upper School Dean of Students by the Thursday before the 2020-21 scheduled Saturday.

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Demerits are given for the following reasons: THREE DEMERITS • Use or possession of a cell phone during the school day. The student is required to turn the cell phone in to the Upper School Dean of Students Office before school for three consecutive days following the infraction. She may pick it up each day after classes are over.

• Skipping class, assembly, study hall, class meeting, intramural club meeting, field trip or any required meeting while on campus • Failure to sign out when leaving school (will incur more serious consequences, including suspension) • Failure to sign in when tardy or returning to school • Missing Saturday School with no prior permission to be excused • Disrespecting the uniform in any of the following ways: • Appearing on stage out of uniform • Wearing sweatpants in a building • Wearing non-HH outerwear or sweatshirts • Writing on skirts • Not responding to emails from teachers or administrators • Disrespect to self or others (this includes rudeness, missing an appointment with a teacher, disruption, destruction of property, offensive language, and inappropriate behavior) • Laptop misuse ONE DEMERIT • Late to school, class, or Saturday School. Students late to school must first go to the Upper School Office to sign in and then check in with the Upper School • Incorrect skirt length • Incorrect uniform on dress uniform day; skirt length; shirttail out • Eating or drinking in the Upper School anywhere other than a classroom. Students may eat or drink outside as well. Energy drinks are not permitted on campus.

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• Littering and/or leaving trash or abandoned belongings in pods and lobbies • Assembly violations, which include: • Water bottle in Theatre • Books in assembly • Slouching in seat • Disruptive behavior • Chewing gum Students who receive excessive demerits may be assigned to study hall in addition to other disciplinary recommendations. A student in disciplinary trouble may not be allowed to run for or hold an office or participate in co-curricular activities. Additional privileges may be withheld at the discretion of the Discipline Committee, the Upper School Dean of Students, and/or the Director of the Upper School.

Discipline Committee Members of the Discipline Committee include the Director of the Upper School; the Dean of Students, who serves as chair; and appointed Upper School faculty members. A student may choose to bring her advisor or another faculty member to serve as her advocate during a Discipline Committee meeting.

The Discipline Committee may review Honor Council cases as well as other serious disciplinary issues as requested by the Director of the Upper School. The Discipline Committee is a recommending body. Final decisions regarding discipline belong to the Director of the Upper School or, in the most serious cases, to the Head of School. When a student is required to come before the Discipline Committee, the following procedure will be followed: 1. The student, her advisor, and her parents will be informed of the alleged infraction.

2. The student and her chosen advocate will meet with the Discipline Committee to discuss the alleged infraction. All meetings are closed with the exception of anyone who has been invited by the Director of the Upper School or the Upper School Dean of Students.

Attorneys and parents may not participate in any phase of the disciplinary process.

3. The Committee will make a determination and recommendation to the Director of the Upper School or Head of School. The Head of School has final authority in major disciplinary matters.

4. The student, her advisor, and her parents will be informed of the disciplinary decision.

Students who are suspended for alcohol and drug use may be required to seek medical care and be actively engaged in a treatment and counseling program.

Compliance with such programs may be a requisite for a student’s return to and continued enrollment in Harpeth Hall. Please see the school’s policy on Drug and Alcohol use for more information.

Students who return to school after a suspension will be put on probation for a length of time determined by the Discipline Committee. A second alcohol or drug incident or a violation of another major school rule during the probationary period may result in expulsion from the school.

Disciplinary Warning/Probation Students may receive an official Letter of Disciplinary Warning or Probation. This does not automatically mean that additional violations of school rules will result in dismissal. During the warning period, however, further violations will bring more severe disciplinary consequences. Re-enrollment contracts may be withheld until the end of the school year for students who are on either disciplinary or academic warning/probation.

In-School Suspension A student serving in-school suspension is required to spend the school day in Souby Hall, away from her peers and teachers. During that time, she may complete assignments and other school-related work; she may not meet with other students or teachers. Limited use of her laptop, without Internet connection, may be allowed; however, students in suspension may not email their friends during the school day. The Upper School Dean of Students will coordinate her work

with teachers. A student will be allowed to make up tests and quizzes missed while suspended. During her suspension, a student may not attend any school-sponsored events during or after the school day, including sports events, plays, etc.

Suspension and Expulsion Some offenses are serious enough to warrant suspension. Examples of these may include insubordination, disrespect, harassment, or dishonesty.

In the most serious cases including, but not limited to, theft, possession or consumption of alcohol and/or drugs, or possession of weapons, even one instance may be grounds for immediate expulsion from the school.

Extreme or repeated violations of other rules will also subject students to serious disciplinary consequences, possibly including expulsion.

Suspension Procedures Per Harpeth Hall’s long-standing policy, the College Counselors are required to report all forms of discipline including, but not limited to, in-school and out-of-school suspensions, to colleges and universities when asked about disciplinary infractions on the admission application. This includes reporting suspensions that occur during Grades 9-12. Students must also accurately and honestly report disciplinary infractions when asked by colleges on the admission application. If a student is suspended after she has applied for admission or been accepted to a college or university, the College Counselors encourage the student to self-report the infraction and will assist her in doing so prior to mailing the school’s letter to the college(s), which will be sent approximately two weeks after the suspension is issued.

SECTION XXI: UPPER SCHOOL GENERAL INFORMATION Class Boards Class Boards are bulletin boards in the Bullard corridor in the Upper School that have information pertinent to each grade including the schedule for the day, special announcements, lunch table assignments, assembly seats and much more.

Learner’s Permit/Compulsory School Attendance Form The State of Tennessee Department of Safety requires a Certification of Compulsory School Attendance for each student applying for a Learner’s Permit. This form may be obtained from the Upper School Administrative Assistant during regular office hours and on the Current Families Page of the school website.

Senior Privileges During second semester, seniors may sign up for Senior Privileges where, if they have a free block at the end of the day or at the beginning of the day, they leave early or arrive late respectively. The Upper School Dean of Students will send forms for both students and parents to sign. Senior Privileges will begin once all forms are collected and once the Dean of Students has created a schedule and communicated a start date. Seniors will be required to sign in/out of the Upper School Office according to their requested schedule. Only seniors may use the Senior House. Use of the Senior House* is a privilege that is earned by the senior class and is dependent on the seniors being positive role models 2020-21

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and leaders of the Upper School student body throughout the school year.

Eating is allowed in the Senior House, and the seniors are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order in the Senior House, the Senior House drink machine (which is not available to underclassmen), and for using the Senior House quietly during class periods. They may not engage in activities that violate school policies, nor display distasteful decorations or deface walls or doors by writing inappropriate messages. Failure to assume these responsibilities or failure to remain as students in good standing could lead to loss of Senior House privileges.

Underclassmen and male guests are not allowed in the Senior House. Seniors are responsible for cleaning the Senior House thoroughly before Graduation. *Please note: Use of the Senior House may be modified when following COVID-19 protocols.

Seniors who are in good standing (i.e., not on academic probation or disciplinary probation) are allowed to go off campus for brunch on one designated day per month when the schedule permits. They must have parental permission, sign out and in at the Upper School Office, and be dressed appropriately. Seniors may not wear their Harpeth Hall uniforms for their off-campus brunch (see p. 35).

All senior privileges described above are earned and are based upon seniors remaining in good academic and disciplinary standing. Any privilege can be denied/ revisited for improper conduct at any time during the senior year.

Senior Speeches Each 12th grade student gives a three to five minute speech on a topic that has been meaningful to her.

Faculty members serve as mentors to assist the girls in the writing process.

Senior Hats may be worn as part of a senior’s uniform on designated days, and seniors may wear their college t-shirts on one designated day in the spring.

SECTION XXII: UPPER SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Upper School Leadership Program When students enter high school they find a more independent approach to leadership development.

At the same time, as a faculty, we are committed to helping our students find their voice and learn how to communicate effectively. In the Upper School we teach the following topics each year. Our Life Balance classes incorporate these lessons as do our classroom teachers and administrators both in and out of the classroom.

Co-Curricular Clubs, Societies, and Organizations Harpeth Hall encourages students to participate in co-curricular clubs, societies, and and organizations.

Students will have an opportunity to learn about each club and organization during the first few weeks of school. Students will then be allowed to sign up for the clubs and organizations they choose. Before signing up for these activities, however, students should fully understand the requirements and responsibilities of the clubs and organizations. Students should not sign up for more activities than they can reasonably handle.

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All clubs are designed and led by fellow students. Clubs are renewed every year and new clubs are proposed before the Student Council. Harpeth Hall recognizes that interests within the student body shift, and part of the renewal process is assessment of mission fulfillment and student participation which are necessary for the continued operation of the club.

Students interested in beginning a new club must fill out the application, secure a faculty sponsor, and identify a specific mission/need.

Harpeth Hall recognizes that many clubs are interested in philanthropic/service-based projects, and this is strongly encouraged. Clubs are encouraged to cultivate awareness and invest their time in projects that involve students directly with the club’s specific initiative.

The purpose of clubs is not solely to fundraise for an organization. That said, developing a meaningful partnership and building viable initiatives may require financial support. Clubs may apply for funds through the Student Grant Review Board.

Upper School clubs, societies, and organizations that meeting during Community Time include: • ACTNow • Animanga • Badminton • Bibliobears • Business and Finance • Chess Club • Confidence Committee • Debate Club • Fashion Club • French Club • French Honor Society • Grant Review Board • Green Club • GSA • Hallmarks student art and literature magazine • Hygge • IMAGINE • Jane Austen Club • Junior Classical League • Knitting Club • Logos student newspaper • Milestones yearbook •Mock Trial • Model UN • Pep Club • Playmakers • Quiz Bowl • Real World • Robotics • Rolling Tones a cappella group • Shakespeare Society •Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica • Spanish Club • Success Through Tech • Women in Government

Student Government Officers • Class Officers • Honor Council • Public Purpose Council • Student Council

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Learning Models

SECTION XXIII: LEARNING MODELS AND DISTANCE LEARNING GUIDELINES DURING COVID-19 Please refer to Learning Models on the Reopening Plan on the school website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 protocols.

Distance Learning Model In a Distance Learning Model, students are engaged in a fully online educational experience where all work is completed from home.

• Teachers communicate all assignments and distribute all course materials through PowerSchool.

• Work is conducted both in real time via video conferencing and through independent work.

• To ensure instructional continuity, we will hold to the same seven-day schedule whether we are on campus or in distance learning mode. The time frames will shift slightly, but the same blocks will meet each day to support continuity in both the student experience and teacher planning.

• Teachers also support their classes through a number of other online learning tools and applications as appropriate to the course and its learning goals.

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Hybrid Learning Model Students and faculty participate in on-campus classes in a limited or modified capacity, while observing specific safety precautions. This plan may be supplemented with online learning.

• In a Hybrid Learning Model, students will follow our seven-day rotating schedule. The Upper School schedule will have some slight time variations to allow for longer lunch periods and abbreviated Community Time.

• Each day of the schedule will be duplicated. For example, Day 1 will occur on Monday and Tuesday; Day 2 will occur on Wednesday and Thursday, and so on. This repetition allows for each cohort — Gray Cohort and Green Cohort — to experience one day of the class on campus and one day of learning at home. In this manner, all students in the course will progress at the same pace and have access to the same in-person instruction.

All learning material will be centralized on PowerSchool and will appear in a consistent format forevery class.

On-Campus Learning Model In an On-Campus Learning Model, students and faculty return to campus for in-person learning and observe specific health precautions.

Traditional Schedules for Middle School and Upper School can be found on pp. 48 and 61 of the Harpeth Hall Handbook for Students and Families. *Note that Distance and Hybrid Learning Models will follow the same schedules but the times may be adjusted.

DISTANCE LEARNING GUIDELINES Student Expectations • Students will be expected to complete all assignments given by their teachers.

• Students are required to answer teacher emails in a timely manner (within 24 hours).

• Students are expected to participate and do their best to return work in a timely manner.

• Students may not share recorded classes on social media or with anyone else without explicit permission from the instructor.

Attendance Policy Distance learning classes have the same learning objectives as traditional in-person classes. Students complete tests/projects, assignments, and homework/ class participation as in a traditional class. Students communicate with teachers on a regular basis. Students are required to “attend” class every day the class meets.

Individual teachers may utilize one format, or a combination of both, over the course of a distance learning period. Students should expect that teachers will clearly communicate on the class PowerSchool page which type of class is scheduled for a given day.

• Mandatory classes (synchronous) are required for all students. Students should be on time, and are expected to remain on the call until the end of the scheduled period or until the teacher dismisses the class.

• Independent work (asynchronous) is completed at home, without the aid of the teacher. All assigned work for students to complete at home will be posted on PowerSchool.

Absence Policy Our absence policy is the same whether students are on campus or in distance learning. (See Absence Policies on pp. 28-30.)

A Positive Distance Learning Experience Includes Good Study Habits • Check your Harpeth Hall email twice a day and respond to emails within 24 hours.

• Focus on time management and planning your day.

• Use all available resources.

• Work in a quiet, uninterrupted area as much as possible.

• Strive for clear, productive communication.

Reach out to your teachers, advisor, or counselor when you need help.

• Maintain self-discipline, self awareness, and motivation. Students are expected to stay current with class assignments, participate on a regular basis in online discussions, and adhere to assignment due dates.

Zoom Meeting Etiquette • Preparation: Be ready for your Zoom meeting.

Gather any materials you need ahead of time.

If you want to have water, grab a bottle before the Zoom starts.

• Be professional: Be on time, dress appropriately and in casual day guidelines (no pajamas), sit tall, look directly into the screen.

• Designate your workspace: Find a quiet spot in your house, not in or on your bed, to avoid distraction for you and to ensure classmates can hear you and you can hear them.

• Communication with the host: Use your real name. Only post chat messages relevant to the lessons. Wait your turn; utilize the system your teacher has put in place.

• Set up your tech: 1) Check your WiFi before the meeting begins. Communicate with the teacher immediately if a problem arises. 2). Know when and how to mute and unmute. Turn on mute and keep it on until it is your time to speak. 3) Stay in one spot during the Zoom. 4) Keep video on unless the teacher asks you otherwise. 5) Sit your laptop on a desk where the camera is directly on your face. 7) Students will be provided with and required to use Harpeth Hallthemed virtual backgrounds during all Zoom calls.

• Be respectful of others. During your Zoom meetings with teachers and classmates, expected behavior is the same as if you were in class at school. Thoughtfully listening to others is a key to successful learning.

• Stay attentive. Pay attention to your teacher and other students when they are speaking and continue to participate appropriately. Refrain from eating, chewing gum, using your cell phone/other tech devices, watching TV, or other distracting behaviors.

• Be responsible with your behavior. Zoom meetings may be recorded. Inappropriate behavior will be addressed as needed through our current demerit system.

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Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA)

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SECTION XIV: HARPETH HALL PARENTS ASSOCIATION (HHPA) Mission Statement The Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) comprises all parents and guardians of Harpeth Hall students and fosters a connected community to support all aspects of the Harpeth Hall mission through community events, support of faculty and staff, and fundraising.

Executive Board The HHPA Executive Board consists of officers who are slated by the Nominating Committee and approved by the parent body in the spring of each year. The board includes the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President Athletics, Vice President Dads Network, Vice President Middle School Parent Council, Vice President Parent Community, Vice President Special Events, Communications Coordinator, and Volunteer/Events Supply Coordinator.

Within the board, there are two standing committees that meet as needed: The Executive Committee, which consists of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer, and the Finance Committee which includes the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.

The President and President-Elect serve as ex-officio members of the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees.

Committee Chairs, appointed by the President, direct the dozens of events and committees spearheaded by the HHPA each year. A list of committee chairs is included in theHarpeth Hall Directory for Families and Students and on the HHPA Resources Page.

Dads Network The Dads Network is responsible for planning fun events and service projects for Fathers/Daughters/ Special Friends and building community throughout the year among Harpeth Hall dads.

Facebook Group This is a private group where HHPA event information and volunteer opportunities are posted. Search for “Harpeth Hall Parents Association.�

HHPA Newsletter is a monthly e-newsletter to parents from the HHPA President.

HHPA Resources Page can be found by logging in to the Current Families Page on the Harpeth Hall website. Here you will find a list of all HHPA events, committee chairs, volunteer opportunities, and event planning guidelines.

The Main Event The Main Event is the largest annual fundraiser hosted by the Harpeth Hall Parents Association. This community-building event is held each spring. The theme changes each year and typically features a buffet dinner, entertainment, and an online auction. There are many Main Event sub-committees where you can put your skills to work. Committee sign-ups begin in the fall. The Main Event provides funding in support of innovative teaching and learning in and out of the classroom.

Middle School Parent Council Harpeth Hall values the role parents play in the life of the school. The purpose of the HHPA Middle School Parent Council is to build community within each grade and across the Middle School as a whole. MSPC representatives are responsible for planning and executing special events for girls and parents in each grade, as well as serving as ambassadors for Harpeth Hall.

Volunteers Consider volunteering your time chairing or being a member of one of the many committees, organizing activities for the girls, participating in the Dads Network, or sharing your time and talents.

A complete list of HHPA officers, committee chairs, and other volunteers can be found in the Harpeth Hall Directory for Families and Students and on the HHPA Resources Page.

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HARPETH HALL CAMPUS

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SCHOOL TRADITIONS Ann Teaff Quadrangle The Ann Teaff Quadrangle is framed by the Middle School, Upper School, Library, and Souby Hall. Souby Lawn is the grassy area in the center of the Ann Teaff Quadrangle.

Athletic and Wellness Center The AWC is the 60,000-square-foot fitness facility that includes the Green Gym, Gray Gym, and wellness, yoga, training and weight rooms, and athletic offices. The Health Clinic is located on the first floor of the AWC. Daugh W. Smith Middle School is home to all Middle School classrooms and the Dining Hall.

Design Den is the makerspace located on the lower level of the Ann Scott Carell Library.

Dugan Davis Track and Soccer Complex includes track and field, field for soccer and lacrosse, and the field house. Additional outdoor athletic spaces include the tennis facility, softball field, and a competition-size practice field.

Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School • Bullard Gymnasium is located in the heart of the Upper School and serves as a multi-use space for students and faculty.

• Jack C. Massey Center for Mathematics and Science (aka Massey) is the two-story building on the south end of the Upper School that houses the math and science departments.

• Wallace Wing is located on the north end of the Upper School building and houses English, history, social sciences, and world languages departments.

Kirkman House, located on the Estes Road side of campus behind the Daugh W. Smith Middle School, is the official residence of the Head of School.

Advancement, HHPA, and other school events may take place at Kirkman House. Access the home via the walkway behind the Middle School.

Leigh Horton Garden is a tiered garden outside the Dining hall in memory of Leigh Horton ‘85, a student at Harpeth Hall who died the summer before 12th grade.

Library The Ann Scott Carell Library is home to the Archives, Bear Cave, Design Den, and some Communications Department offices. The Library Board Room is a meeting area on the lower level of the Library.

Patton Visual Arts Center is home to three art studios, the art history classroom, photography classroom, dark room, video editing room, and media lab. The Richards Room, a 90-seat auditorium on the second floor of Patton, is often used for meetings.

Souby Hall is the original brick building on campus that is named after Susan S. Souby, Harpeth Hall’s first Head of School. The building houses administrative offices, the Bear Necessities Store, Cayce Conference Room, and the Ward-Belmont Room.

Sunnybrook, the house behind the Athletic and Wellness Center, is where the Advancement and Alumnae Relations Office and the Maintenance Office are located. The house actually faces Sunnybrook Drive but is only accessible through our Hobbs Road entrance.

Idanelle McMurry Center (aka McMurry) is home to performing arts classes and includes: • the Frances Bond Davis Theatre (aka Davis Theatre or Theatre), a 700-seat auditorium and community gathering space; • Morrison Gymnasium where orchestra classes meet; • and Marnie Sheridan Gallery (aka the Gallery), the area between Morrison Gymnasium and Davis Theatre.

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Advancement / Alumnae Office Ann Scott Carell Library Athletic and Wellness Center Athletic and Wellness Center Parking Bullard Gymnasium Daugh W. Smith Middle School • Dining Hall Dugan Davis Track and Soccer Complex Esteswood Drive Parking Hobbs Road Parking Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School Jack C. Massey Center for Mathematics and Science

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12 Kirkman House 13 McMurry Center for Arts and Athletics • Frances Bond Davis Theatre • Marnie Sheridan Gallery • Morrison Gymnasium 14 Patton Visual Arts Center • Richards Room 15 Softball Field 16 Souby Hall • Ward-Belmont Room • Cayce Room 17 Turf Field

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