FamilyHandbook 2025-2026
Disclaimer:
Morristown Beard School reserves the right to make changes to the policies, procedures and other statements in this handbook. From time to time, MBS may unilaterally, in its discretion, amend, supplement, modify or eliminate one or more of the policies described in this handbook without prior notice.
Withinacultureofsupportandcollaboration,MorristownBeardSchoolstudentsdiscoveranddeveloptheir individualpathwaystoacademicsuccessandpersonalfulfillmentwhilebecomingenlightened,morally responsiblecitizensoftheworld
EnsuringthegrowthandwellbeingofourstudentsliesatthecenterofallourdecisionsatMBS.Wemaintaina balancedapproachtorigorousacademics,enrichingco-curricularandextracurricularactivities,andanengaging familyandcommunitylife Asstudentspursuetheirindividualpathstoacademicsuccessinourcommunityof learners,theyareguidedbyhighlydedicatedteacherswhoarefullyversedinthelatesteducationalresearch,with particularemphasisonthefollowingkeypracticesinallsubjectareas:
● CriticalThinkingfacilitatesgreaterunderstandingofcomplextopicsandsituations. Studentslearn toaskquestions,identifyproblems,synthesizekeyconcepts,anddesigncreativesolutionsinpursuitof knowledge
● Risk-Takingisencouraged.Oureducationalprogramrecognizesthisasavalidlearningmodality,even whenaninvestigationdoesnotproceedasexpected.Playandasenseoffunarekeycomponentsin nurturingappropriateintellectualrisk-taking.
● Writingisameansofthinkinganddevelopingthoughts,notjustawaytorecordpre-existingideas Analyticandreflectivewritingshouldnotbetheexclusivedomainofthetraditionaltext-based disciplines,butshouldbeactivelyencouragedacrossthecurriculum
● QuantitativeReasoningisvaluedasameansoflogicalprocessingbothinandbeyondthemath classroom. Developingasoundquantitativemindsetiscrucialtounderstanding,critiquing,and drawingconclusionsinourincreasinglydata-intensiveculture
● InnovativeConnectionsacrossdisciplinesinspiresoriginalapproachestosolvingproblemsand preparesstudentsforlifebeyondtheclassroom.
Thebedrockofourcurriculumistoproviderigorousacademicpreparationforcollegeandbeyond Equally,we encourageallmembersoftheMBScommunitytocultivatealifeguidedbyethicalprinciples.AtMBS,wehold thefollowingvalues:
● PersonalResponsibilityisthefoundationofcharacter. Itrequiresintegrity,personalaccountability, andthehighestmoralstandardsinallcommunication,decision-making,andactions.
● AwarenessofDiversePerspectivesenhancesallaspectsoflearning Themorestudentsencounter, understand,andrespectotherpointsofview,themoredeeplyengagedtheybecome,bothacademically andsocially Empathyisapowerfulforceincreatingpositiveinteractions
● Engagementinallaspectsofschoollifeencouragesrisk-taking,createsamorefulfillingeducational experience,andenhancespersonalgrowth.
● Tenacityisessentialinovercomingobstaclesasitredefinesfailuresasnecessarystepsofthelearning process
● IndependenceofMindallowsustoquestiontrendyorconformistthinking,andhelpsusas individualstoexaminecriticallyourdecisionsandassumptions.
● HumorandHumilityarecentralcomponentsoftheresiliencerequiredtomeettheinevitable challengesweencounternotonlyinschool,butalsoinlife AtMBS,wevaluetheabilitynottotake ourselvestooseriously,evenwhenweareengagedinthemostseriousofendeavors
Maintainingopenlinesofcommunicationbetweenteachersandparents/guardiansisavaluableextensionofthe MBSCommunity Parentsarewelcometocontactteachersatanytimeduringtheschoolday However,parents shouldbearinmindthatmostteachersdonothavephonesintheirclassrooms;soincomingcallsaredirectedto avoicemailbox.Likewise,teachersdonotalwayshavetheopportunitytochecktheiremailaccountsmorethan onceaday,soresponsesmaynotbepossibleonthesameday.Facultywillrespondtorequestsfor communication(written,voice,email)withinonebusinessday.
Ingeneral,ifaparent/guardianurgentlyneedstospeakdirectlywithaSchoolofficial,thequickestwayto achievethisisbycallingtheMiddleSchoolOffice,theUpperSchoolOffice,ortheappropriateGradeDean
Tosendanemailtoateacheroradministrator,pleaseusetheFaculty/StaffDirectoryfoundontheMBSwebsite.
Toreachateacher’soranadministrator’svoicemail,dialthemainnumber(973)539-3032andthereceptionist willdirectyourcall.Ifit’safter3:30pm,andyouknowthelastnameofthepersonyouwanttocontact, press7.
Important Phone Numbers
HeadofSchool’sOffice: BarbaraClark,(973)539-3032,ext.512
DeanofFaculty’sOffice: AnaDeMeo,(973)539-3032,ext.522
MiddleSchoolOffice: RoseBorowsky,(973)539-3032,ext.520
AssociateHeadofSchooland
UpperSchoolOffice: RachelPlatt,(973)539-3032,ext 543
UpperSchoolAcademicDean: RocioRomero,(973)539-3032,ext 558
AthleticsMiddleSchool:
MikeSturgeon,(973)539-3032,ext.531
AthleticsUpperSchool: JoanneDzama,(973)539-3032,ext.589
Bookstore:
MicheleHorgan,(973)539-3032,ext 552
JaniceKaschak,(973)539-3032,ext 552
BusinessOffice: MargaretCollins,(973)539-3032,ext 548
CenterforTeachingandLearning: KimPottratz,(973)539-3032,ext.705
CollegeCounselingOffice: NoreenCassidy,(973)539-3032,ext.551
Diversity,Equity,Inclusion,andBelonging: TahjValentine’18,(973)539-3032ext.628
AndreaWilsonP’29,’31,(973)539-3032ext 864
CounselorMiddleSchool: SamTuttle,(973)539-3032,ext 545
CounselorUpperSchool: BarbaraSmith:DirectorofCounseling,(973)539-3032, ext.581
SeanLatino,(973)539-3032,ext.554
TechnologySupport: CaitlinSkobo-Trought,(973)539-3023,ext.571
Library: ErinnSalge,(973)539-3032,ext.529
OfficeofAdmission: HeatherEverett,(973)539-3032,ext 516
OfficeofAdvancement: LindaRiedell,(973)539-3032,ext 517
PerformingArts: AlexWise,(973)539-3032,ext 877
Reception: KathyHemmer,(973)539-3032: SchoolNurse: BridgetMarcato,(973)539-3032,ext.530
SpecialEventsandParentAssociationLiaison: KerianneSkobo-Trought,(973)539-3032,ext.525
DigitalMarketingManager: BradHickey,(973)539-3032,ext 577
TheAlumniBoardmaintainsandcultivatesrelationshipswithalumniinvariousforums,whilekeepingthem connectedwithMBS Italsorepresentsthevoicesoftheiralumniconstituents,whilehelpingtobuildastrong commitmentthatwillhelptosustainannualgivingandcapitalcampaigns.
ForalistofcurrentAlumniBoardMembersvisittheAlumnisectionontheMBSwebsite.
Officers
MichaelMoraisP’22,’24,’26,President
DarnellT.Parker’00,VicePresident
LeeKelloggSadrian’89,P’26,’28VicePresident
R.CartwrightWallace’93,P’28,’31Treasurer
PamelaNelsonDavidson’90,Secretary
Trustees
AndrewBruckerP’26,’29
Mary-EllenCampbellP’72,’78(Honorary)
AlexandraCarterP’29
RaviChopra’97
LissaJeanFerrellP’22
ShanaeM GreenP’27
DavidVH Hedley’64,P’87,’90,’97(Honorary)
PhiliciaLevinson,P’19,HeadofSchool
AlexRanger’13
MichaelW.RangerP’10,’13(Honorary)
BruceSanfordP’16,’20
MarlynnScullyP’87,’92,GP’20,’22(Honorary)
LaurenceH ShermanP’20,’22,’26
MargaretSmithP’13,’18,’20
CarisaStraussP’20,’22,’24
ScottJ.Tannen’95,P’22,’25,’25
TheBoardofTrusteesisthegoverningbodyresponsiblefortheSchool’swellbeing.TheSchool’sMission StatementisdefinedbytheBoardandservesastheguidepostforBoarddecision-making TheBoardisgoverned bytheMorristownBeardSchool,Inc’sBylaws
TheBoardfunctionsbyfocusingonsettingbroadinstitutionalpoliciesthatpromotetheSchool’smissionand bydelegatingtotheHeadofSchoolandadministrationtheresponsibilitytoimplementthosepoliciesinthe dailyoperationoftheSchool.TheBoardensurestheSchool’swellbeingbyoverseeingfinancesandphysical resources,byunderstandingandoperatingwithinlegalparameters,andbyenactingpoliciesthatminimizerisk totheSchool
MBStakestheresponsibilityofsafetyandsecurityofourstudentsseriously Thebuildingsarelockedduringthe schooldayandafterhours.Studentsareissuedanaccesscardthatwillallowthemtoaccessthebuildingson weekdaysfrom7:00a.m.to5:00p.m.Additionally,theircardswillgivestudentsaccesstoFoundersHallandthe AthleticCenteruntil9:00p.m.onweekdaysandfrom8:00a.m.to3:00p.m.onweekends.Studentsmust reportlostcardstotheirAdvisororDivisionOfficeimmediately Replacementcardswillbeprovidedatacostof
$1500percard AllvisitorsshouldaccesscampusthroughtheBeardHallorMiddleSchoolmainentrances As meansofadditionalsecurity,camerasmonitorseveraloftheentrances Allmembersofthecommunityareasked toreportthepresenceofanysuspiciouspeopleorothersecurityconcernstotheadministration.
TheSecurityDeskcanbereachedat973-532-7567foranysituationsthatmayariseoncampusduringthehours of7:00a.m.to10:00p.m.
Uponarrival,allvisitorsaretoreporttotheReceptionDesk,locatedonthefirstfloorofBeardHall.Visitorsare tosigninwiththeReceptionistandtowearavisitoridentificationtag.Whendeparting,visitorswillbeaskedto signoutandreturnthetag
Calendar
TheImportantDatesCalendaranddailySchoolCalendarmaybefoundintheParent/GuardianandStudent PortalsonVeracross
ThecampusmapcanbefoundontheMBSwebsite.
Communications
VisittheMBSwebsiteandtheParent/GuardianPortalonVeracrossregularlyforalltheimportantSchool informationincluding,butnotlimitedto,calendars,directories,businessofficestatements,grades,forms, schedules,andofcourseallthelatestnewsandphotos Otherwaystostayconnectedinclude:
● MBSSundayisourweeklyeBulletinthatlistsneed-to-knowinformationfortheweek,suchas announcements,upcomingevents,andmore.
● MBSWeekinReviewisaFridaybulletinsenttoyouweeklyviaemail.Thisreviewfeaturesallofthe week’snewsstories
● Crimsonmagazineispublishedinthefallandspring
● FollowusonFacebook(wwwfacebookcom/morristownbeard),andInstagram (www.instagram.com/morristownbeard),togetupdatesoncampusactivities.
● DownloadtheMorristownBeardSchoolAppforquickaccesstodirectories,news,calendars,events, athleticschedules,andmore! YoucandownloadtheapponyourphonefromtheAppleAppStoreor theGooglePlaystore.
Questions? Emailcommunications@mbsnetforanswers
TheMiddleSchoolandUpperSchooldailyschedulesmaybefoundintheParent/GuardianandStudent PortalsonVeracross.
Inthecaseofamajoremergency,theSchoolwillinitiatetheCrisisManagementPlan,whichisupdatedeach yearandaddressesamyriadofsituations.
TheSchoolhasaCrisisTeaminplacethatreviewsschoolpoliciesregardingemergencysituations,aswellas monitorsworldandnationaleventsastheymayrelatetothesafetyofourstudents
Inanefforttoprovideforthesafetyofourstudentsandthesecurityofourfacilities,surveillancecamerasare locatedthroughoutthecampus
WhenSchoolisdelayedorsuspendedfortheday,theSchoolwillusetheVeracrosscommunicationplatformand MBSapp ThesealertswillalsobepostedontheMBSwebsite
TheVeracrosscommunicationplatformwillusethecontactinformationthatexistsintheParent/Guardian portalonVeracross.OnceadecisionismadetoclosetheSchool,familieswillreceiveanycombinationoftext message,apppushnotification,andanemailalertingthemtothedecision.
Inaddition,theSchoolwillrunanalertontheMBSwebsite
Ifsnowyoricyconditionsexistandnomessagehasbeenreceived,familiesshouldconfirmthatschoolisin sessionbeforeleavinghomebyeithercallingorcheckingthewebsite.
Sometimes,insteadofclosingschoolcompletely,theSchoolwilldeclareaDelayedOpening Inthiscase,advisor meetingswillbeheldat9:30am andclasseswillbeginat9:40am Delayedopeningschedulescanbefoundin theParent/GuardianandStudentPortalsonVeracross
Onrareoccasionswhenastormstrikesafterschoolhasalreadystarted,anEarlyDismissalwillbedeclared. Studentswillbepermittedtocallhome.Parentsofstudentdriversorridersshoulddiscusstheseprocedures beforethebadweatherarrives.
TheSchoolmayclosetemporarilyoroperateinalimitedmannerinconnectionwitheventssuchasactsofGod, war,governmentalaction,actsofterrorism,epidemic,pandemicorothereventsbeyondtheSchool’scontrol (“ForceMajeureEvents”).Thesecircumstancesmaycauseamodificationtotheacademiccalendarincluding
cancelationofreschedulingofschooltripsandextra-curricularactivities TheSchoolmayalsoimplementa distancelearningprogram
Parents Association
TheParentsAssociationpromotestheaimsandidealsoftheSchool.Itestablishesasenseofcommunityamong parents,students,faculty,staff,andfriendsofMBS;helpstheOfficeofAdvancementraisefunds,fostersa cooperativerelationshipbetweenparentsandthefaculty;andhelpsmaintaingoodpublicrelationsamongthe Schoolandthecommunity-at-large
Forup-to-dateinformation,pleasevisittheParentsAssociationpageontheMBSwebsite
AcademicintegrityisthecornerstoneofoureducationalprogramatMorristownBeardSchoolandintegralto ourvalueofpersonalresponsibility.Studentsarerequiredtoacceptresponsibilitytodotheirownworkwithout unapprovedresourcesandtogivecredittoanysource(s)theyuse,includingpersons,print,software,generative artificialintelligence(AI),and/orotherelectronicsources.Whenindoubtastowhetheranactionorresourceis inviolationoftheacademicintegritypolicy,studentsmustseekclarificationfromtheirteacher,advisor,and/or deanbeforetakinganyriskswiththeiracademicintegrity
MorristownBeardstudentswillcompletetheirownwork, neithergivingnorreceivingunauthorizedhelpandciteallsourcematerial
Studentsareresponsibleforunderstandingwhatconstitutesacademicdishonestyandplagiarism,andforasking forclarificationiftheyareinanydoubt.Examplesofacademicdishonestyinclude,butarenotlimitedto,the following:
● Plagiarism/failuretoacknowledgesources
Plagiarismistheactofusinganotherperson’sideas,words,ororganizationofcontentandfacts withoutacknowledgingthesource.Thatsomeoneelsemaybeafriend,atutor,aparent,anInternetsite oranapp,theuseofartificialintelligence(AI),oranoutsideauthor.Acknowledgementofsources servestwopurposes:first,ithonorsthosewhohavecreatedthematerialandwhohaverightsof authorship;second,itallowsthereaderorlistenertofindthesesourcesiftheywishtoexplorethetopic further
Plagiarismincludesbutisnotlimitedtodirectquotationfromorparaphrasingoforiginalsources withoutattribution,submittingworkasyourownthathaspreviouslybeensubmittedbyanother, and/orsubmittingthesameworkintwoormorecourseswithoutteacherpermission.Both inadvertentandintentionalplagiarismwillbetreatedasacademicdishonesty.
Teachersexpectthatstudentshavepersonallywrittenandeditedtheworkhandedinunlessspecifically informedotherwise.Excessiveeditingororganizationofthematerialbysomeoneotherthanthe studentorbyartificialintelligenceisconsideredacademicdishonestyunlesspriorpermissionwas grantedbytheteacher.
● Givingand/orreceivingunapprovedassistancebefore,during,and/orafteranassignmentand/or assessment Thisincludesthefollowing:
○ Givingand/orseekingdetailsofaquiz/testthatallpartieshavenotyetsubmitted
○ Sharingdraftsoflabsorpaperswithoutexplicitteacherpermission
○ Usingcellphonesorotherunapproveddevicesduringquizand/ortestsituationswithout explicitpermission,and/oropeningunapprovedtabs,programs,etc duringanassessment
○ Usingprohibitedorunapprovedresources,includingcribsheets,websites,artificialintelligence (AI)software
○ Inappropriateand/orunauthorizedcollaborationonassignmentsand/orassessments.This includessharingyourhomeworkwithanotherstudentorusinganotherstudent’shomework whenpreparingyourown.
● Worksubmittedthatisnotlegitimateorfailstofollowtheprocessstepsofanassignmentorassessment maybeconsideredacademicdishonesty Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:
○ Usingquotations,information,orideasthatarefalseornotcontainedintheresourcescited
○ Citingsourceswhichdonotexistormisattributingsources.
○ Notfollowingtheprocessstepsofanassignmentasdirected,suchascompletingworkina singleGoogleDoc.
○ Omittingthestepsusedtoreachananswer,suchasshowingworkwhensolvinganequation
TheMiddleSchoolDean(grades6-8)andtheAssociateUpperSchoolAcademicDean(grades9-12)maintain studentrecordspertainingtoincidentsofacademicdishonesty.Inasituationwherestudent'sacademicintegrity isinquestion,thefollowingprotocolsareinplace:
1 Toensureinstitutionalconsistency,thefacultymemberwilldiscussthesituationwiththe departmentchair(US)orthedean(MS)priortoaddressingtheincidentwiththestudent Inthe UpperSchool,thedepartmentchairwillthendiscussthesituationwiththeAssociateUpper SchoolAcademicDean;theAssociateUpperSchoolAcademicDeanwillapprisetheappropriate gradeleveldean.
2 IntheUpperSchool,theAssociateUpperSchoolAcademicDeanalongwiththeappropriate gradedeanwillmeetwiththestudenttoaddressthematter. Ifastudenthashadmultiple incidencesofacademicdishonesty,theywillalsomeetwiththeDirectorofStudentConduct In theMiddleSchool,thedeanwillmeetwiththestudenttoaddressthematter
3 Theapplicabledeanwillcontacttheparents/guardiansandissueanydisciplinaryconsequences
4 Thedepartmentchair,inconsultationwiththefacultymember,willissueanyacademicconsequences
5 Thefacultymemberwillmeetwiththestudent,shareanyapplicableacademicpenalty,andplanapath forwardwiththestudent.Inordertoprotectstudentprivacy,disciplinaryconsequencesarenotshared beyondtheapplicableadministrativeteam,butthefacultymemberisinformedwhentheprocesshas concluded.
● Forafirstoffense,consequenceswillinclude,ataminimum,notificationofthestudent’sadvisor,the divisionhead,andtheparents/guardians,andasignificantacademicconsequencetobedeterminedby thedepartmentchair.Theremaybeadditionalconsequences.
● Forasecondoffense,inadditiontotheacademicconsequences,studentsmayalsobesubjectto disciplinaryconsequences,includingbutnotlimitedtodisciplinaryprobation,disciplinarywarning, suspension,orexpulsion(SeeConductandDisciplinarySystem)
Artificial
AtMBS,weprioritizehumanagencyandvaluethelearningprocessovertheendproduct,emphasizinglearning outcomes(theskills,theperspectives,andgrowththatstudentsleaveourclasswith)overstudentoutput(final papers,testanswers,finalprojects).Thisapproachtoeducationguidesourengagementwithestablished technology,suchasthecalculator,andwithanemergingtechnologylikegenerativeAI Weembracetoolsthat enrichstudents’learningprocesses;weeschewtoolswhentheyreplaceorimpedestudentthinkingthatisa necessarycomponentofalearningtask WeacknowledgetheneedtostayvigilantaboutAI'simpactonequity, autonomy,anddignity,understandingthatsomeapplicationsleveltheplayingfieldwhileothersmightchallenge theserights.
TheadventofgenerativeAIdoesnotchangetheSchool'sexpectationswithregardtoacademicintegrity.Please refertotheSchool'sAcademicIntegrityPolicyfordetails
Videosandimagesofothersgenerated,manipulated,orcreatedbyartificialintelligence(AI)commonlyknown asdeepfakes,arebecomingincreasinglyprevalentandcanhaveasignificantnegativeimpactandsevere consequences Studentsareprohibitedfromcreatingorcausingtobecreated,generating,publishing,or distributingdeepfakeimages,videosand/oraudioofschoolstudents,employees,oranymemberoftheSchool communitywithoutthestudent,employeeorotherperson’sexplicit,informedconsentandforanypurpose otherthanapprovededucationalactivities.
Anystudentwhoviolatesthispolicybycreatingadeepfakevideoorimagemaybedisciplined,including suspensionorexpulsion TheSchoolreservestherighttodisciplinethestudentforconductthatoccurs off-campusiftheconductnegativelyimpactsastudent’slearningenvironment,anemployee,ortheSchool community.
Anystudentwhobecomesawareofadeepfakevideo,image,oraudioisencouragedtoreporttoateacher, counselororadministrator Noadverseactionwillbetakenagainstanystudentwhoreportsingoodfaith
GradesatMBSserveasareflectionofastudent'sknowledgeandunderstandingofthecoursework.Teachers mayemployavarietyofformative(i.e.designedtosupportlearningandprovidefeedback)andsummative(i.e. designedtomeasureastudent'sunderstanding)assessmentsthroughoutagradingterminordertogather evidenceofstudentmasteryoftheskillsandcontentrelevanttoaclass
Lettergradesprovidedattheendofthesemester/yearcorrelatetothedescriptionsbelow.
TheSchooluseslettergradesrangingfromAthroughFforgradereports.GradesrangingbetweenanAandCareconsideredacceptable,whilegradesbelowaC-areofconcernandmayleadtoastudentbeingplacedon AcademicProbation
1 bolddefinitionsadaptedfrom"DefinitionsofGradesAtTeachersCollege"TeachersCollege-ColumbiaUniversity
TheSchoolsendsgradesfourtimesperyearandcommentsthreetimesayear–typicallyabout10daysafterthe endofeachquarter
Fallinterimgradesandcomments
1stSemester(Final)gradesandcomments
Springinterimgradesandcomments
2ndSemester(Final)grades
Inadditiontoregularlyscheduledgradesandcomments,teachersoftensendParentCommunicationFormsfor eitherexcellentorsubstandardperformance.Studentswhoneedmorefrequentmonitoringaresometimes placedonProgressReports.
Calendared Assignments and Assessments
Weekly and Daily Assignments
Itisessentialthatallassignmentsandothercourserequirements(tests,quizzes,projects,homework,etc)be communicatedefficientlytoallstudents FacultyareexpectedtouseGoogleClassroomforeachcoursetopost allassignmentsandotherimportantinformation Noworkcanbeassignedafterthecloseoftheschoolday(4 pm).
Homeworkshouldbeformativeinnaturewithintentionallearningoutcomes.StudentsintheMiddleSchool shouldexpecttodoabout20-30minutesofhomework(whichmayincludereadingorstudying/reviewing)per classmeetingforacademicclasses StudentsintheUpperSchoolshouldexpecttodoabout45minutesof homework(whichmayincludereadingorstudying/reviewing)perclassmeetingforacademicclasses Advanced classesmayrequireadditionalworkbeyondthisexpectation Studentswhoconsistentlyfindthattheycannot completeassignmentsintheappropriatetimeframeshoulddiscussthis,andtheirapproachtotheirwork,with theirteacherduringFlexorCollaborativeperiod.Parents/guardiansandthestudent'sadvisorshouldbenotified ofrecurrentpatternsofinconsistenthomeworksubmission.Intheeventofastudentabsence,itisthestudent's responsibilityonthedayoftheirreturntomeetwithteacherstodiscussatimelinetomakeupwork
Allacademiccourseswillevaluatestudentlearningwitharangeofassessments,whichmayincludetests,writing assignments,projects,andlabs/labreports Studentswillbeinformedaboutmajorassessmentswellinadvance andshouldplantheirworkandpreparationaccordingly.ItistheSchool'sintentthatstudentsshouldnothave morethantwomajorassessmentsonanygivenday.Ifastudentdiscoversthattheyhavemorethantwomajor commitmentsonthesameday,theyshouldspeakdirectlywiththerespectiveteachersatleastadayinadvance. Inconsultationwiththeiradvisorandteachers,studentsmayrequesttomoveanassessmentsothattheyarenot preparingformorethantwomajorassessmentsinasingleday Teachersareexpectedtopostmajortestsand assignmentsinGoogleClassroomwithsufficientleadtime,enablingstudentstoplantheirstudieseffectively In theeventofastudentabsenceonatestormajorassessmentday,itisthestudent'sresponsibilityonthedayof theirreturntoarrangethemakeupassessmentwiththeirteachersinaccordancewithmake-upguidelines.
Studentstypicallyhavesignificantsummativeassessmentsattheendofacourse.Thesemayincludecapstone projects,lengthywritingassignments,oralexams,orfinalexams End-of-yearassessmentsmayvaryintheMiddle School TheUpperSchoolrunsaspecialscheduleattheendoftheyeartoadministerMathandScienceexams
Studentswhomisssuchanassessmentbecauseofillnessmustscheduleamake-uptimewiththeteacherin consultationwiththerespectiveDepartmentChair.
Morristown Beard School values the diversity of students’ backgrounds In the interest of respecting the many cultural and religious practices of students, MBS has a policy of not assigning homework to students over major religious holidays or breaks
Since the definition of homework can be broad, for purposes of this policy, it would include no written work or reading assignments Additionally, students would not be required to prepare for tests, projects, or other assessments until after a class has met once following the below-mentioned holiday or break Teachers are also not to offer extra credit options during these dates Exceptions to this would be if a holiday ends prior to a weekend or begins after a weekend Those specific dates and guidelines are included below
Please note that advanced course offerings are provided flexibility within this policy because of the volume of material presented and the pace required to complete those courses.
We encourage members of our community to contact the Office of DEIB if their family has any questions or concerns.
● Rosh Hashanah: Rosh Hashanah begins in the evening of Monday, September 22, and ends in the evening of Wednesday, September 24. Homework will not be assigned on the evenings of September 22 and 23; assessments may be scheduled beginning Period 7 on Friday, September 26.
● Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur begins in the evening of Wednesday, October 1, and ends in the evening of Thursday, October 2 Homework will not be assigned on the evening of October 1; assessments may be scheduled beginning Period 8 on Monday, October 6
● Diwali: Diwali begins on Monday, October 20 Homework may be assigned over the prior weekend with a due date of October 21; assessments may be scheduled beginning Period 2 on Wednesday, October 22
● Thanksgiving: There are no classes for the period of November 24-28; no homework will be assigned over the break Homework can be due and assessments can be scheduled beginning Period 5 on Tuesday, December 2
● Winter Break: Winter Break begins at the close of the school day on Friday, December 19; classes resume Monday, January 5 No homework will be assigned over the break; homework can be due and assessments can be scheduled beginning Period 8 on Tuesday, January 6
● Lunar New Year: Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17 Because the holiday and day off for students immediately follows a long weekend, homework may be due and assessments may be given beginning with Period 1 on Wednesday, February 18
● Ramadan: Ramadan begins in the evening of Tuesday, February 17, and ends in or around the evening of Thursday, March 19. Teachers should expect to provide accommodations relative to the due dates for assignments and assessments for observing students during this time.
● Spring Break: Spring Break begins at the close of the school day on Friday, March 5; classes resume Monday, March 19. No homework will be assigned over the break; homework can be due and assessments can be scheduled beginning Period 2 on Tuesday, March 24.
● Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on or around Thursday, March 19, which is during the School’s Spring Break; because of this, no additional homework guidelines are necessary this school year.
● Passover: Passover begins in the evening of Wednesday, April 1 and ends in the evening of Thursday, April 9. Due to the overlap this year with Easter, no homework will be due or assessments given beginning in the evening of Wednesday, April 1 through Monday, April 6. Homework can be assigned beginning on April 6, and assessments may be scheduled beginning Period 7 on Tuesday, April 7.
● Easter: Easter is Sunday, April 5. School is closed on Friday, April 3. Due to the overlap this year with Passover, no homework will be due or assessments given beginning in the evening of Wednesday, April 1 through Monday, April 6 Homework can be assigned beginning on April 6, and assessments may be scheduled beginning Period 7 on Tuesday, April 7.
TheSchoolmonitorstheacademicprogressofeachstudentthroughouttheyear. Occasionally,studentsfall belowtheacademicstandardsetbytheSchool,inwhichcasetheywillbeplacedonAcademicProbation. The purposeofthisdesignationistoensurethatstudentsandfamilieshaveaclearunderstandingoftheir responsibility,aswellasthesupportmeasuresavailabletothem,toachieveacademicallyattheappropriatelevel ThisalsoprovidestheSchoolthetimeandnecessaryinformationtodeterminewhetherornotastudentisable tofindsuccessinitsacademicprogram
AcademicProbationisbaseduponareviewofstudentrecordsconductedbytheappropriatedeananddivision head,aswellasanysupportpersonnelwhoworkswiththestudent,andtakesintoconsiderationattitude, aptitude,effort,andachievement.Theconditionssetforthintheprobationrelatespecificallytoastudent’s grades,butalsoallowforsubjectiveevaluationsofattitudeanddeportment
Aftereachsemester,studentswhofailacourse,haveanunsatisfactorygrade(anygradebelowC-),orhavean averageofC-orbelow(GPAof1.67)willautomaticallybeplacedonAcademicProbation.TheSchoolalso reservestherighttoplaceonAcademicProbationstudentswhoareworkingwellbelowtheirabilityleveleven thoughtheirGPAisabovetheminimumstandard.
WheneverastudentisplacedonAcademicProbation,thedivisionheadand/ordeanwillholdaconferencewith theparentsandstudent Subsequently,aletterconfirmingtheconditionsoftheprobationwillbeplacedinthe student’spermanentfile.
Astudent’sre-enrollmentdependsupontheirsuccessfulcompletionoftheyearandareviewconductedatyear’s endbythedean,thedivisionhead,andtheappropriatesupportpersonnel Whileimprovedacademic performanceandahighlevelofengagementintheirclasseswillbeexpectedofstudents,thequalitieshighlighted previouslywillalsobepartofthereviewprocess. Insomeinstances,summerschoolmayberequiredinorder forthosestudentsonAcademicProbationtore-enrollatMorristownBeard.
Re-enrollmentAgreementsforstudentsonAcademicProbationwillbedelayeduntilthereviewfollowingthe closeoftheacademicyear
Astudentwhofailsacorecoursefortheyearmustmakeupthatcourseinanacceptablesummerschool program.Astudentwhofailsmorethanonecoursewillnotbepromotedtothenextgrade,unlessotherfactors arepresentthataltertheapplicationoftheseconsequences.
AstudentrequiringadditionalmonitoringoftheiracademicprogressmaybeplacedonProgressReportsfor oneormoreoftheircourses.Likewise,ateacher,inconsultationwiththeapplicabledeanand/ordivisionhead mayplaceastudentonProgressReportsifthatstudenthasearnedaC-orbelowasaquarterlygrade
TheSchoolhastwohonorrollsforacademicachievement:
● HonorRoll–forstudentswithaminimumGPAof350
● HighHonorRoll–forstudentswithaminimumGPAof3.80
Bothhonorrollsarebasedonsemestergrades,notendofyeargrades.
TheMBSadvisoryservesasa“homebase”forstudentsandfaculty.Itisadailygatheringwherestudentsdevelop strongandsupportiverelationshipswiththeirpeersandafacultymemberwhostrivestoknowthechildbeyond thestudent.Theadvisorysystemfostersstudents’academic,social,andpersonalgrowthandhelpsthemmanage thedemandsof MBS’sacademicandextracurricularprograms Advisorsserveasmentorswhosupportstudents whileencouragingthemtoadvocateforthemselvesandbalancetheirvariouscommitments
Theadvisorservesastheprimaryliaisonbetweenstudent,parent/guardians,andteachers.Studentsmeetwith theiradvisoreachmorningduringadvisorycheck-inandduringweeklyextendedadvisorperiods
Advisorssupporttheiradviseesinnumerousways,includingthefollowing:
• workingwithadviseestosetgoalsandassessprogress
• monitoringcourseselectionsandschedulerequests
• servingasanadvocateinschoolmatters
• showinganinterestinextracurricularandathleticcommitments
• facilitatingadvisorydiscussionsandactivities
• facilitatingparent/guardianconferences
• communicatingwithteachersandparent/guardianswhenneeded
• servingasthefirstpointofcontactwhenissuesarise
Advisorsareavailabletoreceivephonecallsand/oremailsfromparents/guardians,gatherinformation,and exchangeinformationthatishelpfultostudentswiththeapplicabledean,divisionhead,applicablecounselor, andparent/guardians.
TherearetwoformalmeetingsarrangedinNovemberandAprilforadvisorstomeetwithparents,butparents mayalsocalloremailadvisorsatanytime.Alladvisorsareaskedtocallorwritealetterofintroductiontotheir advisee’sfamiliesinSeptember Ifaparentcontactsanadvisorwithaquestionaboutaspecificclass,theadvisor shouldasktheparenttocontacttheteacherofthecoursedirectly
Ifparents/guardianshavequestionsabouttheadvisingprocess,theyshouldcontacttheMiddleSchoolDeanor theDirectorofUpperSchoolStudentActivities.
Counseling Department
MembersoftheCounselingDepartmentactasaresourcepersonforadvisorsandfamiliesandaliaisonbetween teachersandoutsideprofessionals.Thecounselorsalsomeetinanindividualorgroupsettingwithstudents.
Inadditiontotheadvisor,studentsmayseekadditionalindividualguidancebycontactingMSCounselorDr. SamTuttle,USCounselorSeanLatino,orUSCounselorBarbaraSmith(DirectorofCounseling).
TheCounselingDepartmentsupportsstudentsthroughamulti-tieredapproach:
Tier1-WholeSchoolandCommunity
● Presentations/consultationstoStaff
● Parent/guardianCommunication
● Mentalhealthandpsychiatricreferrals
● Collaboration/consultationwithlocalmentalhealthandmedicalorganizations
Tier2-Class,Grade-level,SmallGroup
● Wellnessclasslessons
● Teachingselectcourses
● Grade-levelmeetingsandinitiatives
● Smallgroup(2-5students)interventions
Tier3-Individualizedone-on-onesupport
● Shortterm,school-basedandorientedcounselingservicestoaddressmentalhealthneed
● ROIconsentedcollaborationandconsultationwithstudent’sclinical/medicalhealthcare professional
● Parent/guardiancommunicationasnecessary
Parents/guardianswhohavecounselingquestionspertainingtotheirownchildshouldcontacttheapplicable counselor ThosewithquestionspertainingtotheCounselingDepartmentshouldcontacttheDirectorof Counseling,BarbaraSmith
TheMorristownBeardSchoolCenterforTeachingandLearningprovidesacademicassistanceforstudents grades6through12.Staffedbydedicatedspecialists,weprovidesupportthathelpseachstudentreachtheir potentialwhilebecomingengaged,self-reliantlearners Thesegoalsareaccomplishedbyusingstudents’course contenttoenhanceskillsinreadingcomprehension,writtenexpression,studying,testtaking,mathematical reasoningandexecutivefunctioningskills
StudentsintheCenterforTeachingandLearningmayworkindividuallyorinsmallgroups Thosewith educationaltestingidentifiededucationalweaknessesand/oracademicprobationarescheduledwithaspecialist threetimesaweekinsmallgroups PleaseseetheEducationalAccommodationssectionbelowfordetails pertainingtoaccommodations.Anystudentmayscheduleanindividualappointmenttoassessspecificskillsor classassignments.
Documentation Guidelines for Students with a Disability that Impacts Learning
ParentsandguardiansofMBSstudentswhoseekaccommodationsorprogrammingbasedontheirchild’s disabilitymustcontacttheCenterforTeachingandLearning(CTL)andprovideappropriatesupporting documentation Byitself,amedicaldiagnosisdoesnotestablishaneedoranentitlementtoaccommodations and/orprogrammingatMBSunderSection504oftheRehabilitationActortheAmericanswithDisabilities ActasAmended(ADA-AA). TheCTLwillreviewdocumentationthatsubstantiatesthediagnosisandthedata fromacomprehensiveevaluationtodeterminetheneedforprogrammingand/oraccommodationsthatare reasonableandappropriate. Theaccommodationswillbedeterminedonanindividualbasisandbasedonthe documentationprovided
Acceptabledocumentationofadisabilitythatimpactsachild’seducationalexperiencemustmeetthefollowing requirements:
1 Apsycho-educationalorneuropsychologicalreport,conductedwithin3years,thatincludesnormed assessmentssuchascognitiveandeducationalbatteries Thereportmustincludethestandardand percentilescoresofalltesting,aswellasadetaileddiscussionregardingtheimpactoftheindividual’s currentcognitiveandemotional/behavioralfunctioningthatmayimpacttheeducationalenvironment.
2. Adiagnosismustbesubstantiatedandmadebyaqualifiedprofessional;thediagnosticianmustbea licensedorcertifiedimpartialprofessionalwhoisnotafamilymemberofthestudent.
3 Thereportmustincludespecificrecommendationsforaccommodationsand/orprogrammingwith accompanyingrationale Aconnectionmustbeestablishedbetweenhowtherequested accommodationswouldmediatethefunctionallimitationsonthestudentinanacademicenvironment.
TheaccommodationsofferedatMBSallowastudenttoaccessthecollegepreparatorycurriculumwithout altering,ormodifying,thecontentoftheacademicprogram TheaccommodationsofferedatMBSare:
● Preferentialseating
● Useofadigitalrecorderfornotetaking
● Useofacomputerforin-classessaysandnote-taking
● Extendedtime(upto50%)fortestsandquizzes
● Alternatetestinglocation
● NoScantron-Markdirectlyinthetestbooklet
● MultipleDayTesting:Theabilitytotakeexamsandstandardizedtests(i.e.ACT,SAT)greaterthan90 minutesinlengthinsegmentsand/ormulti-dayformats.
AccommodationsmaynotbeofferedifitimposesahardshipontheSchooland/orifthestudentisstillunable tomeettheessentialacademicrequirementsoftheSchool'scurriculumevenwiththeofferedaccommodations IftheparentorguardianisnotsatisfiedwiththeSchool’sdeterminationintothestudent’saccommodation,the parentorguardianmayappealthedetermination,inwriting,totheCenterforTeachingandLearningwithin sevendaysfromthereceiptofthedetermination.
Allstudentsrequestingaccommodationsmusthaveacurrentpsycho-educationalevaluation(completedwithin thepastthreeyears)thatprovidesanassessmentofthestudent’slearningandbehaviorprofilesand individualizedrecommendationsforteachers TheevaluationwillbekeptonfileintheCenterforTeachingand Learning.
TheSchoolhasLearningSpecialiststoassiststudentswithdocumentedlearningdisabilities.Theseservicesare scheduledthroughtheDirectoroftheCenterforTeachingandLearning.Evenaftersupportiveservicesand accommodationshavebeenputinplace,astudentmightstillbeunabletofulfilltheiracademicrequirements satisfactorily Ifitisdeterminedthattheaccommodationsputinplacearenotsufficienttoensurethestudent’s
academicprogressattheSchool, theSchoolwillworkwiththefamilytodeterminethemostappropriatepath forward,whichmayincludediscussingalternativeeducationalenvironmentsthatbetteralignwiththestudent’s needs.
TheSchoolembracesandsupportsstudentsandfamilies’differencesinage,ethnicity,gender,genderidentityor expression,language,nationalityornationalorigin,familyormaritalstatus,physical,mentalanddevelopment abilities,race,religionorbelief,sexualorientation,skincolor,socialoreconomicclass,education,workand behavioralstyles,politicalaffiliation,andothercharacteristicsthatmakeindividualsuniqueandareprotectedby law Ourcommitmenttodiversityandinclusionalignswithourvaluesandisreflectedinourpolicies The Schooldoesnottoleratediscrimination,harassment,orexclusionbasedonthesecharacteristicsinanyofits programs,services,oractivities
FundraisingGuidelinesforStudents:
ApartoftheSchool’smissionisforourstudentstobecomemorallyresponsiblecitizensoftheworld.Inour commitmenttofulfillingthismission,wefeelanimportantpieceisthatstudentsunderstandtheimportanceof philanthropyandhelpingothers
Thebestplaceforstudentstolearnthesevaluesisthroughcommunityserviceatschool Inanefforttomake sureourcommunityisnotoverwhelmedoroverlysolicited,theSchoollookstoavoidrepeatedlyaskingits familiesforcontributionsthroughouttheyear.
TheSchoolitselfisa501(c)(3)non-profitorganizationthatisdependentontheannualsupportoftheMBS communitytosupporttheSchool’sannualfund–TheMBFund.Therefore,studentdrivesandfundraisers cannotconflictwiththefundraisingeffortsdonebytheAdvancementOffice
TheSchoolholdsalimitednumberofdrives,includingfundraisers,throughouttheschoolyearthatsupport selectcommunityorganizations ThesedrivesareapprovedandoverseenbytheDirectorofCommunityService, inconsultationwiththeAdvancementOfficeandtheappropriateDivisionHead,toensurethattheyalignwith theSchool’sbroaderinstitutionalgoals.
AlthoughtheSchoolundertakesveryfewdrivesbeyondthosewhichoccurannually,liketheThanksgivingFood DriveortheannualToyDrive,studentsmayproposeaschool-widedrivetotheDirectorofCommunityService forapproval
WiththeexceptionofSGAandSeniorClassfundraisers,whichraisemoneyforspecificclassorschool-wide purposes,additionalfundraisersproposedbystudentscannotfocusonraisingmonetarydonations.Instead, theseinitiativescanfocusonpromotingawarenessandparticipationinsupportofcommunitynon-profitsora particularissueofinterest.PleasenotethatMorristownBeardcommunicationplatformsmaybeusedfor approveddrivesonlyandmaynotbeusedfornon-approveddriversorfundraisers.
Anystudentdriveorfundraiserwhosegoalistoraise$2,500ormorefromtheMBScommunity,ifapproved, willserveasthesolestudentfundraiserfortheacademicyear
AllproposalsshouldbesubmittedviaemailtotheDirectorofCommunityServiceandshouldalsoincludethe student’sgradedean NothingmaybesharedwithintheMBScommunitypriortoreceivingapproval Ifa fundraiserisnotapproved,theDirectorofCommunityServicewillworkwiththestudenttofindan appropriatealternativepathwaytofulfilltheirinterestinsupportingacause.
TheAndersonLibraryprovidesstudentsandfacultieswithacomfortable,accessiblespacetoresearch,read,and gatherincommunity.Thelibraryservesstudentsandfacultybyprovidingawideassortmentofbooks,and databasesandisthecenterforinquiry-basedresearchacrossmultiplemedia.Thelibraryisopenduringschool daysfrom7:30A.M.until4:00P.M.
Inordertoprovideallstudentsaccesstothematerialsavailable,itisimportantthatstudentsberesponsibleand returnmaterialsonatimelybasis StudentswillreceiveOverdueNoticesfromtheirAdvisors
AlllibrarymaterialmustbereturnedbytheendoftheacademicyearortheSchoolmustbereimbursed accordingly.Astudent’saccountwillbechargedforthereplacementcostofanymaterialnotreturnedbythe dateofgraduation.
Nurse’s Office
TheNurses’Officeteamworksinpartnershipwithstudentsandtheirfamiliestoensurethatstudentsare healthyandreadytolearn. Someroutineactionsinourofficeincludestudentassessmentsforillness,providing emotionalsupport,medicationadministration, annualhealthscreenings,immunizationandhealthform review, andrespondingtoinjuriesandemergencies
TheNurse’sOfficeislocatedonthelowerleveloftheAthleticCenter Studentswithdailyappointmentsare expectedtogototheInfirmaryandgetbacktotheirregularlyscheduledactivityontime Forinstance,students whoneedtotakemedicationsduringlunchareexpectedtodosoafterlunchandarriveatthefollowingclass periodontime.
Studentswhoneedtovisitthenursebecauseofillnessorbecauseofanemergencymustinformateacherora classmatewheretheyaregoing Eitherateacheroraclassmateshouldaccompanystudentsinseriousdistress
Health Forms
MBShasadoptedaweb-basedmanagementsystemcalledMagnusHealthSMR(StudentMedicalRecord) Parentsandfamilieswillhavecontinuousaccesstotheirchild’shealthrecordaswellastheabilitytomake updateswhenneeded Parentswillalsohavetheoptiontotakethedigitalhealthfilewiththemaftertheirchild graduates.Itisrequiredandveryimportantthatthisinformationbeupdated; itisdesignedtohelpusgetto knowyourchildrenandtheirmedicalhistory,allergies,andmedicationschedulessowecankeepthemsafeat School.
ParentswillhaveaccesstotheirMagnusHealthSMRaccountthroughtheParent/GuardianPortalon Veracross.VisittheSchoolwebsiteandclickon“VeracrossLogin”underthe“LogIn”menuatthetopofthe page.OnceyouhaveloggedintoVeracross,clickon“MagnusLogin”listedontherighthandsideofthescreen.
WeaskthatparentsenterthehealthinformationrequiredwithinyourMagnusHealthSMRaccountforeach childattendingMorristownBeardSchoolnolaterthanJuly1
IfyouarehavingdifficultynavigatingtheMagnussystem,enteringdataonline,ordownloadingthehardcopy coversheetsandforms,orifyouhaveanyotherquestions,pleasecontactcustomersupportatMagnusHealth SMRbyphoneat877.461.6831orbyemailatservice@magnushealthportal.com.
Ifastudenthasbeendiagnosedwithaconcussion,MBSwillimplementaGraduatedReentryPlanforthe student’sacademic,extracurricular,andathleticprogram.Thestudent,parents,andprimarycareproviderwill worktogetherwithanMBSsupportteamtocreatetheGraduatedReentryPlan.TheMBSsupportteamwill includeallteachers,facultyandstaffwhoworkwiththestudent Acopyoftheplanwillbekeptinthestudent’s medicalrecord
TheinjuredstudentmayberequiredtotakeamedicalleavefromSchoolorbeeligibleforacademic accommodationsbasedonthestudent’sconditionandmedicalrecommendationsfromthedoctor.Eachcaseis idiosyncratic.Becauserecoverytimeandsymptomsvary,itisimportanttocreateanindividualizedprotocol untilthestudentcanreturntohisorhernormalworkload Duetosubtleandvariableconcussionsymptoms,a returntocognitivenormalcycanonlybedeterminedbyhighlytrainedprofessionalsusingdatasuppliedbythe studentandteachers
Oncetheinjuredstudentresumesfullworkload,thefamilyandthestudent’steacherswillcloselymonitorthe student’sperformancefor2weeks.Ifconcussionsymptomsrecurorifthestudentdemonstrates uncharacteristicperformance(eg reducedattentionspan,inabilitytotaketests),theSchoolwillinitiateanew GraduatedReentryPlan OptionsrelatedtoMedicalLeavemayalsobediscussedandimplemented(Pleasesee thesectionregardingMedicalLeavesandRelatedShort-TermAccommodations)
MBSoffersanarrayofclubs,clubteams,affinitygroups,andstudentgovernmentorganizations.
TheStudentGovernmentAssociation(SGA)promotesacloserrelationshipamongthestudents,faculty,and administrationinmatterspertinenttothegeneralwelfareoftheSchoolandthestudents TheSGAprovidesan experienceindemocraticprocessinschoolactivities,givesaforumforstudentconcerns,andencouragesthe studentbodytodevelopaspiritofcooperationforthebettermentoftheSchoolcommunity.
TheSGAmeetingsareopentoallstudentsandareheldonamonthlybasis InadditiontotheelectedSGAand ClassOfficers,clubleaders,andathleticcaptainsarestronglyurgedtoattend
Anti-Violence
TheSchoolstronglybelievesthatallstudentsshouldbetreatedwithdignityandrespect Actsofviolence and/orthreatsofviolencewillnotbetolerated AnyinstancesofviolencemustbereportedtoCampusSecurity, theapplicableDivisionHead,andtheChiefFinancialandOperatingOfficer TheSchoolwillpromptlyrespond toanyincidentorsuggestionofviolence.Ifitisdeterminedthataninvestigationisnecessary,theSchoolora thirdpartywillconductsuchaninvestigationinatimelymannerandmaybereportedtolocallawenforcement. Violationofthispolicywillresultindisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingdismissaland/orexpulsionfrom theSchool.
TheMBSDressCodeestablishesthestandardbywhichstudentsholdthemselvesaccountableforarrivingto ourSchoolcommunityeachdaywhilealsorespectingourstudents’abilitytomakeappropriatedecisionsabout theirdailyattire.Whilerecognizingthatacademicsettingsmayencompassmoreflexibilityandinformalitythan traditionalbusinessorprofessionalsettings,studentsareencouragedtobemindfulthatoursettingdiffersfrom thosethatarestrictlyrecreationalorleisurelyinnature.Further,expectationsofstudentdresswillvary dependingonspecificschoolactivitiesandevents
DressCodeGuidelines:
RegardlessofthedayandtheexpectationsrelatedtotheDressCode(StandardDress,Dress-Down,or Dress-Up),allstudentsareexpectedtoarrivetoSchoolwell-groomedandwearingclothingingoodrepair.This meansclothingshouldnotberipped,torn,orfrayed,regardlessofthestyleoftheoutfitorthedressexpectations forthatparticularday
Continuousopaquefabricsmustbepresentonallstudentoutfitsfromarmpittoarmpittothemid-thigh. All shirtsmusthaveopaquestrapswhichgooverbothshoulders.
StandardDressDay:
StudentsmaywearthefollowingprovidedthearticleofclothingadherestoallofthepreviouslystatedDress CodeGuidelines(forexample,nothingripped,torn,orfrayed) Additionally,clothingmaynothavewritingor imagesoneitherthefrontortheback,otherthansmall,unobtrusivebrandlogos.
● Pants
○ Khakiordresspants
○ Jeans
○ Leggings
■ Leggingsmustbeopaqueandasingle,solidcolor
○ Joggers
■ Joggersmustbeopaqueandasinglesolidcolor,andmaynotbemadefrom “sweatpant”material
● Shorts
○ ShortsmaybewornduringthemonthsofSeptember,October,April,May,andJune.
○ Shortsmaybekhaki,chino,orbermuda.JeanshortsarenotpermittedonStandardDress Days
● Skirts,Dresses,andRompers
● Shirts
○ Collared(dress,oxford,button-down,etc.)
○ Polo
○ Blouse
○ Otherappropriately“dressy”shirts
● Outwear
○ Quarter-orhalf-zippullovers
○ Sweaters
○ MBSsweatshirts(crewneck,hoodie,etc.)
● Footwear
○ Shoes/sneakers
○ Sandals (notincludingCrocsandorslippers)
○ Shoesandsandalsmusthaveabackorstrapattachedtotheheel/lowerlegatalltimes
● Headwear
○ Headcoveringsmaybeworninreligiousobservanceonly. Allotherheadcoverings/hatsare notpermittedoncampusduringtheacademicday(bothinsideandoutsideofbuildings). Winterhatsmaybewornoutsideoncolddays.
InadditiontoitemsoutsidethebroaderDressCodeGuidelines,studentsmaynotwearclothingonStandard DressDays,whichisinterpretedassleepwearorsportswear Thisincludes:
● Sweatpants
● Athleticshorts(running,basketball,gym,spandex,etc.)
● Track/Warm-UpPants
● T-shirts/Muscleshirts/Athletictanktops
● Sportsjerseys
● Compressionshirts
● Otherworkoutrelatedapparel
● Pajamapants/tops
● Crocs/“FoamRunner”styledshoes
● Slippers,orshoescloselyresemblingslippers
Dress-DownDay
MostFridaysaredesignatedasDress-DownDays. Onthosedays,morecasualattireispermitted. Inadditionto theoptionsforaStandardDressDay,andprovidedtheymeetthebroaderDressCodeGuidelines,Dress-Down Dayoptionscanincludeitemslistedaboverelativetosportswear OtherMBSspiritwear,aswellascollege t-shirtsandouterwear,arepermitted
OnDress-DownDays,anyclothingwhichincludesimagesorwritingmaynotbedeemedasdivisive, inappropriate,oroffensive. Studentclothingmaynotincludereferencestodrugs,tobacco,alcohol,orother activitiesnotpermittedforminors
Studentclothingmaynotattack,antagonize,orotherwisecauseseparationwithinourcommunity AsaSchool, wevalueourabilitytofosterdiscussionsandexamineimportantissueswithourstudents. Wearingclothingasa meanstomakeastatementunderminesthoseeffortsandcreatesunnecessarychallengesfortheimportantwork wedoonadailybasis.
PleasenotethefollowingarealsonotpermittedonDress-DownDays:
● Sleepwear
● Slippersorshoescloselyresemblingslippers
● OtheritemswhichdonotadheretothebroaderDressCodeGuidelinesandarenotincludedinthis sectionaspermissible
Dress-UpDay
Afulllistofdress-updayswillbepublishedatthebeginningofeachyear,thoughadditionaldateswillbeadded tothemastercalendarandcommunicatedwithfamiliesviaMBSMondayasspecialcircumstancesdictate throughouttheyear.
OndesignatedDress-UpDays,studentswillbeexpectedtowearmoreformalattire Allclothingmustadhereto thebroaderDressCodeGuidelines Studentsmaywear:
● Dresspants
● Moreformaldressesorskirts
● Acollareddressshirtandjacket(suitorsportcoat). Collareddressshirtsmustbewornwithatie, properlyknottedandcoveringthetopbuttonoftheshirt.
● Dressyblouse
● Pantsuits
● Dressshoesorcleansneakersingoodrepair
Ifastudentisnotindresscode,anyfacultyorstaffmemberoftheSchoolcommunitymayaddressthiswith them. Ingeneral,advisorswilldiscusswithastudentduringthemorningcheck-inifthatstudentisnotindress code. However,becausecircumstancesmaykeepthisfromtakingplace,ateachermayalsoaddressthiswiththe studentduringtheschoolday.
Afterlettingthestudentknowthattheyarenotindresscode,thefacultyorstaffmemberwillnotifythe appropriatedeantoletthemknowthestudentwasnotindresscode StudentswillreceiveaPCFfromtheir MiddleSchooladvisororUpperSchoolgradedeanaftertheirfirstdresscodeviolation Subsequentviolationswill resultinadailydetentiontobeservedonthedayoftheinfraction.Dailydetentionscannotbemissedforafter schoolobligations. Detentionscanonlybemovedtothefollowingdayifthereisapreviouslyscheduledmedical appointment AnotefromthemedicalprofessionalmustbeprovidedtotheDivisionOffice,oraseconddaily detentionwillbeassigned
Theremaybetimeswhenmultiplefacultyorstaffmembersthroughoutthedaymaydiscusswithastudentthat theyareoutofdresscode,astheymaybeunawarethatthestudenthasalreadyhadadiscussionwithanother facultyorstaffmember. Thisensuresthattheissueisaddressedwithoutanassumptionbeingmadebytheadult thatsomeoneelsehasalreadyhadthediscussion,sothatallissuesrelatedtodresscodearemanaged.
StudentswhoareconsistentlyoutofdresscodemayberequiredtokeepadditionalclothingatSchooltoensure compliance,andmaylosetheprivilegeofDress-DownDays
MorristownBeardSchooliscommittedtoprovidingandmaintainingadrug-freelearningenvironmentthat promotesthehealthandwellbeingofourstudents. TheSchoolaimstoeducateandraiseawarenessofthe dangersofsubstanceabuse,andstrivestosupportstudentsinmakingpositive,healthydecisions.MBSconsiders anyuseofcontrolledsubstancesbystudentstobemisuse.
Tothisend,theSchoolmaintainsazero-tolerancepolicytowardillegal,non-prescriptiondrug,misused prescriptiondrugs,andalcoholuseonschoolproperty,ontheschool'sbuses(orsub-contractors),orata school-relatedfunction Anystudentfoundinviolationofthefollowingruleswillfacedisciplinaryaction,upto andincludingdismissaland/orexpulsionfromtheSchool:
● Studentuse,possession,and/orordistributionofillicitdrugs;syntheticversionsofillegaldrugs; marijuana;cannabis;THC;nicotineinanyform(includingcigarettes,e-cigarettes,vaporizers,and chewingtobacco);misuseofprescriptionmedications;and/oralcohol.
● Studentuse,possession,and/ordistributionofalcoholordrugparaphernaliaincluding,butnotlimited to:e-cigarettes,vaporizers,rollingpapers,pipes,oranybottleorcontainerusedforthepurposeof holdingalcoholicbeverages
Wecareaboutthelearning,health,andwellbeingofallmembersofourSchoolcommunity Tounderscorethe valueweplaceonmaintainingahealthyandsafeschoolenvironmentwehavedevelopedwaysofassisting studentswhoneedhelpwithalcoholand/oruseofcontrolledsubstancesissues. Wealsohaveestablished consequencesforviolationofcommunityexpectationsregardingchemicaluse.
a HelpingResponse: Weencouragestudentstoaskforhelpiftheyhaveaconcernabouttheir chemicaluseorthatofanother. Ifastudentcomesforwardtorequesthelp,theSchoolmayoffera helpingresponsewithoutdisciplinaryconsequences. Studentsareencouragedtospeakwithany counselor,divisionhead,ordeantoobtainhelpwithchemicalinvolvement.
b Intervention: Caringconfrontationissometimesanecessaryfirststepinhelping If,through concernsofteachers,parents,orpeers,theSchoolfeelsastudentmaybeusingchemicals,the Schoolwillscheduleaconferencewiththestudent Thepurposeoftheconferencewillbeto addressconcernsaboutthestudent'shealth Follow-upmayincludereferraltocounselingand/or communicationwiththestudent'sfamily. Thisisnotadisciplinaryprocedure.
c. DisciplinaryResponse: Chemicaluseendangersstudentlearning,health,andwellbeing. Itisalso detrimentaltotheSchoolcommunity. Anystudentwhoviolatesschoolrulesconcerningalcohol, tobacco,controlledsubstances,and/orthismisuseofprescribedmedicationmayreceivean immediatedisciplinaryresponse Thefollowingcouldbeincluded:
Ifafacultymembersuspectsastudentofbeingundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol,theywillimmediately contacttheHeadofMiddleorUpperSchooland/ortheappropriatedean,whowillescortthestudenttothe Nurse.OncethestudentarrivesintheNurse’sOfficeacursoryevaluationconductedbyNurse’sOfficestaffwill attempttodetectanyovertsignsofsubstanceuse,andwillincludeaskingthestudentiftheyareunderthe influenceofanyillicitdrugs,alcohol,tobacco,misusedprescriptionmedication,orotherprohibitedsubstance Thestudent’sgradedeanmayalsobepresentduringthisevaluation
IftheSchool’sevaluationhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethatastudentisundertheinfluenceofaprohibited substanceand/oralcohol,thestudentmustundergoachemicalscreeningwithintwohoursatthe parent’s/guardian’sexpense.Parents/GuardianswillbecontactedtocomemeetwiththeHeadofMiddleor UpperSchoolandtheappropriatedeantodiscussthesituationandtotransporttheirchildtobetestedforthe presenceofdrugsand/oralcohol IftheSchoolisunabletoreachtheparent/guardianortheemergencycontact, thestudentwillbetransportedbyambulance,totheMorristownMedicalCenteremergencyroomaccompanied byaschoolofficial.Ineithercase,MBSmustbeprovidedwiththeofficialtestresults.Ifastudentrefusestotake adrugoralcoholtestorattemptstouseaspecimenthathasbeentamperedwithorisnotthestudent’sown,the Schoolwillconsiderthisapositivetestresult.
Ifthetestindicatesthatthestudentisimpaired,theywillfacedisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingdismissal fromtheSchool Ifthestudentispermittedtoreturntoschool,aparent/guardianmustprovideanotefromthe student'sdoctorstatingthatthestudentmaysafelyreturntoschool.Additionally,theSchoolwillrequirea ChemicalHealthAssessmentbyalicensedprofessionalinorderforthestudenttoreturntoschool,andthe
studentandparents/guardiansmustadheretotherecommendationssetforthintheChemicalHealth AssessmentandaReleaseofInformation(ROI)forourcounselingteamtocollaboratewiththeprovidersofthe ChemicalHealthAssessment.TheSchoolwillalsorequirethestudentandtheirparents/guardianstoattenda meetingwiththeHeadofMiddleorUpperSchool,andanyadditionaladministratorsandstaffdeemed appropriatebytheSchooltodiscussaReentryPlan,whichsetsappropriateexpectationsandprovidessupport forthestudentupontheirreturn.
IftheSchooldeterminesthestudentisnotimpaired,thestudentwillbeallowedtoreturntoclass,andthe parentswillbecontacted
IfreliableinformationreachestheSchoolthatastudentwasundertheinfluenceofeitherdrugsoralcoholata non-MBSevent,creatingconcernforthatstudent’soverallwellbeing,theHeadofMiddleorUpperSchoolwill discussthisinformationwiththestudent’sdeanandtheschoolcounselors TheSchoolwillcontactthe student’sparents/guardianstomakethemawareoftheinformationandtodiscussanyconcernsorareasfor support.
Ifschoolofficialssuspectaparticularstudent’sstrugglesinschoolarearesultofapotentialsubstanceuse problem,theHeadofMiddleorUpperSchoolwillconveneameetingofthatstudent’sadvisor,dean,teachers, andcoachestogatherpertinentbehavioraldataabouttheparticularstudent Additionalstaffmembersdeemed appropriatebytheSchoolmayalsoattendthismeeting
Dependingupontheresultsoftheconferenceandanyadditionalinformationcontainedinthestudent’sfile,the Schoolmayaskforameetingwiththeparents/guardianstodiscusstheissue. TheSchoolmayrequirethe studenttoundergoongoingdrugscreening,achemicalhealthassessment,counselingsessionsand/orparticipate inasubstanceuseprogramasaconditionofmaintainingthechild’senrollmentatMorristownBeard Inturn, theSchoolwillrequiredocumentationthereof
Ifastudentreachesouttoateacher,administrator,oranystaffmemberinanefforttoseekouthelpforanyof theaforementionedissues,theHeadofMiddleorUpperSchoolwillbealerted.Inconsultationwithschool counselorsandtheparents/guardians,theSchoolwillattempttoascertainthedepthoftheproblemsothatthe familymayobtaintimelyassistancefortheirchild Theseinstancesmaynotnecessarilyinvolvedisciplinary action,thoughanemphasisontheoverallwellbeingofthestudentmaynecessitateaMedicalLeaveofAbsence (seeMedicalLeavePolicyforfurtherdetails)orwithdrawalfromschool
TheStateofNewJerseyrequiresanypersonhavingreasonablecausetobelievethatachildhasbeensubjectedto neglectoractsofabusetoimmediatelyreportthatneglectorabusetotheDivisionofChildProtectionand Permanency.TheSchoolmustabidebythislaw,andtheSchoolwillcooperatewithauthoritiesinthe identificationandreportingofanyreasonablesuspicionofchildabuseorneglectinaccordancewithlaw.
Anyonewhohasreasonablecausetobelievethatachildhasbeensubjectedtoabuseorneglectshallreportthe suspiciondirectlyandwithoutdelaytotheNewJerseyDivisionofChildProtectionandPermanency (DCP&P),formerlyDYFS,bycontactingtheStateCentralRegistryhotlineat1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).TTYusersmaycall1-800-835-5510.Thishotlineisavailable24hoursaday,sevendaysa week.
Infurtheranceofensuringthehealthandsafetyofthecommunity,theSchoolaimstopromoteunderstanding andpreventionrelatingtocommunicablediseases,ensurefairandnon-discriminatorytreatment,andmonitor guidelinesanddataissuedbytheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention,theStateofNewJersey,andlocal authorities
Somecommunicablediseasesandvirusesofamoreseriousnaturemayposesignificanthealthandsafetyrisks In responsetoconcernsaboutsuchrisks,duringapandemic,epidemic,ordeclaredemergency,theSchoolrequires thatanystudent,staffmember,vendor,visitor,orguestreportimmediatelytoadministrationanypotentially communicablediseasewhichtheindividualmayhavecontractedorbeenexposedto.Duringanepidemic, pandemicorsimilarhealthcrisis,theSchoolfurtherinstructsanystudentthatpossessessymptomsofa communicablediseaserefrainfromattendingclasses,fieldtripsandextra-curricularactivitiesuntilthestudentis feverand/orsymptomfreeforaperiodofatleasttwenty-four(24)hours.IftheSchooldeterminesthatastudent presentsarisktotheSchoolcommunity,theSchoolmayrequirethatstudenttorefrainfromattendingschool, includingclasses,fieldtripsandextra-curricularactivities,foradesignatedperiodoftime TheSchoolwillwork withparentstomakeappropriatearrangements Inmakingsuchadetermination,theSchoolmayconsider:(a) documentationbyaprofessionalhealthcareprovider;(b)thesymptomspossessed;(c)howlongthepersonis infectiousorhashadsymptoms;and(d)theseverityofpotentialharmtothirdparties. Studentsmaybe requiredtoprovidedocumentationfromahealthcareprofessionalpriortoreturningtocampus.
TheSchoolwillfollowalllawsandguidanceprovidedbyauthoritiesandexpectsstudentsandfamiliestodothe same.TheSchoolmaymodifythispolicyorissueadditionalpolicies,statementsand/orinstructions,as necessary
TheSchoolwillfollowalllaws,orders,regulationsandguidelinesissuedbyFederal,Stateandlocalauthorities pertainingtocommunicablediseases,pandemic,epidemics,andinfectioncontrolpractices.However,the Schoolcannoteradicateallrisksofinfectionorexposuretocommunicablediseasesandviruses Byattending classes,extra-curricularevents,andotherschoolrelatedprogramsandactivities,students,parents/guardians, visitors,andguestsunderstandandassumetheinherentriskofexposureandinfection Studentsand parents/guardiansacknowledgeandagreethatthereareinherentrisksthatarisefromentryontotheSchool’s premises,useoftheSchool’ssuppliesandequipment,andbyandthroughparticipationintheSchool’s programsandactivities. Theserisksincludebutarenotlimitedtosickness,injury,harm,disability,and/or death.ByparticipatingintheSchool’sprogramsandactivities,studentsandparents/guardiansacceptand assumefullresponsibilityforallsuchrisks
MBSiscommittedtoprovidingasafeandinclusiveenvironmentforallstudentsandemployees.Thispolicy ensuresthatallstudents,includingtransgenderandgender-nonconformingstudents,haveequaleducational opportunitiesandequalaccesstoMBS’seducationalprogramsandathleticandco-curricularactivities.MBS willcomplywithFederalandStatelawsandregulationsregardingtransgenderandgender-nonconforming individuals,andnopersonshallbesubjectedtodiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingonthebasisofgender, genderidentityorexpression,oraffectionalorsexualorientation Thispolicyapplieswhetherthe discrimination,harassment,orbullyingtakesplaceonoroffcampus,includingcyber-bullyingthroughtheuse ofelectronictechnology(onorofftheSchool’scampus,andonorofftheSchool’snetwork).
Theseguidelinesdonotanticipateeverysituationthatmightoccurwithrespecttotheneedsofourtransgender orgendernonconformingstudentsandtheirinteractionswithotherMBSstudents
IfandwhenMBSstudentschoosetosharetheirneedswithrespecttotheiridentity,theywillbefullysupported tothebestofMBS’sabilityinaccordancewiththeseGuidelines.LikeallmembersoftheMBScommunity, transgenderandgender-nonconformingstudentshavetherighttodecidewhen,withwhom,andtowhatdegree theyshareordonotshareprivateinformation.MBShasembracedastudent-centeredapproachandshallaccept astudent’sassertedgenderidentitywhenthereisaconsistentanduniformassertionofthegenderidentityor anyevidencethatthegenderidentityissincerelyheldasapartofthestudent’scoreidentity MBSwillwork closelywiththestudenttoensurethatappropriatestepsaretakentodetermineastudent’spreferencesand addresspotentialprivacyconcernsandassociatedriskstothestudent’swellbeing.Toensurethatwesupportthe student'spreferencesandprivacyinaconsistentmanner,weaskthestudenttocollaboratewithamemberofour Guidanceteamtodevelopacomprehensiveandcustomizedplanofsupport.
MBS’sofficialstudentrecordswillbemaintainedinaccordancewithFederalandStatelaw,whichwillindicate thestudent’slegalnameandgenderassignedatbirth Astudent’srecordscanbechangeduponrequestandonly uponreceiptofdocumentationreflectinglegalchangeofthestudent’snameand/orgender.
MBS’sgoalistoworktogetherwiththestudents,parents,andfamiliestoaccommodatetheneedsoftransgender andgender-nonconformingstudents.Anystudentwhoneedsassistance,includingaddressingconcernsabout studentrecords,schoolfacilitiesandschoolactivities,shouldcontacttheappropriateDivisionHead,school counselor,theOfficeofDEIB,theschoolnurse,thegrade-levelDeanofStudents,thestudent’sadvisoror anothertrustedmemberofthefacultyorstaff
Leave of Absence for Opportunity
MBSfamiliesmayalsorequestaleaveinordertotakeadvantageofanopportunitythatrequiresthemtolive awayfromtheMorristownareaforuptoayear MBShasastrongcommitmenttoitscurrentfamiliesandwe willdoourbesttofacilitateandsupportthestudents’returntoMBS Wealsorecognizethatspecial
opportunitiesbroadenourstudents’educationalexperienceinwaysthatwillbenefitnotonlythefamily,but alsotheentireschoolcommunity
Procedure for a leave of absence for opportunity:
● Familiesplanningtotakeaone-yearleaveshouldinformtheAdmissionOfficenolaterthan March1 Ifthefamilyplanningtotakeleavehasalreadysignedare-enrollmentcontractandmadea depositorpayment,pleaserefertothecontractforinformationonrefundabilityandabilitytocancel thecontract.
● SincethestudentsmustcontinuetomakeacademicprogressthatwillenablethemtoreturntoMBS withoutunduedifficulty,therelevantDivisionHeadmustapprovetheacademicplansforthesemester oryearaway Re-admissionwillbedependentonthestudents’satisfactoryperformanceintheir pre-approvedprograms
● Forre-admission,studentsneedtogothroughanabbreviatedadmissionprocess,whichincludes applicablestandardizedtesting,recommendations,transcript,andaquestionnaire.
● Re-admissionispossibleonlyifthegradehasanopening.Returningstudentsaregivenpreferencefor anopening,aslongastheyhavesatisfactorilycompletedtheiracademicprogram.However,theSchool willnotover-enrollagradeinordertoallowastudenttoreturntoMBS.
● There-admissioncommitmentfromMBSisoneyearonly.Ifafamilychoosestostayawayformore thanoneyear,thestudentwillhavetore-applytoMBSasanewapplicant
● ThenumberofstudentsonleaveinagivenyearwillbedeterminedbytheDirectorofAdmissionin collaborationwiththeHeadofSchool.Leaveofabsencerequestsarehonoredonafirstcome,firstserve basisthroughtheAdmissionOffice.
● Notwithstandingtheforegoing,thisleaveofabsencepolicydoesnotapplytosemesterorfull-yearstudy abroadprogramsforstudents.SeetheStudyAbroadProgrampolicyforinformationonstudyabroad procedures.
Amedicalleavefromschoolmaybeappropriateincaseofseriousillness,bodilyinjury,ormentalhealth condition,asdeterminedinaccordancewiththispolicy.Studentsandfamiliesshouldworkcloselywiththe Schoolwhenastudent’shealthstatuswarrantsspecialaccommodationsduetoaserioushealthcondition In accordancewiththeSchool’sMedicalLeavePolicies,academicaccommodationsbecauseofastudent’sserious healthconditionarebasedoneachuniquecircumstance,andtheSchoolmaymakeaccommodationsbased uponadiagnosisfromthemedicalprofessionalcaringforthestudentandthefamily’scommitmenttothe recommendedtreatment.TheSchool,initssolediscretion,willdeterminewhetheranaccommodationcanbe madewithoutfundamentallyalteringtheacademicprogramorcausingtheSchoolanundueburden.
Thegoalofshort-termaccommodationsistohelpstudentstransitionbackintofullhealthand,whenready, backintofullengagementwiththepaceandchallengeoftheregularacademicprogram. Coursecreditis grantedwhentheminimumrequirementsforaclasshavebeenmet. Insomecases,classcreditcannotbegiven, andgraduationrequirementsmayneedtobemadeupinthefollowingsemesteroryear. TheSchooldoesnot changeitsgraduationrequirementsoritsacademicprogram. TheSchoolreservestherighttodecide,initssole discretion,whethertheSchoolcansuccessfullyaccommodateastudent’sneeds,withoutsuchaccommodations presentinganundueburdenorhardshipontheSchool
Notethatforpurposesofthispolicy,physicalandmentalhealthaccommodationsarenotconnectedtoany accommodationsoutlinedbytheCenterforTeachingandLearning.
1. Whenastudentisawayfromschoolfortreatment:
Attimesastudent’sphysicalorpsychologicalhealthmayrequireastudenttobeawayfrom schoolfortreatmentorrecovery. Inordertodeterminewhethertograntamedicalleave,the Schoolwillneedsufficientsupportingdocumentation(asdeterminedbytheSchoolinitssole discretion)toevaluatetheleaverequest,including,butnotlimitedto,thefollowing information:(a)arecommendationfromthestudent’streatingmedical professionalsthatthestudentwouldbenefitfromtakingamedicalleave;(b)adescriptionof howthestudent’smedicalormentalhealthconditionlimitsthestudent’sabilitytoparticipate inrequiredacademicorextracurricularactivities;(c)theplanfortreatmentofthestudent’s medicalormentalhealthcondition;and(d)ananticipateddateforthestudent’sreturn.
Iftheshort-termneedisduetoamentalhealthconcern,theSchoolalsorequiresaReleaseof Information(ROI)forourschoolcounselorstoconferwiththestudent’smentalhealthcare teamand,whenapplicable,anROIforthestudent’sDivisionHead,theapplicableDean,and (intheUpperSchool)theDeanofUpperSchoolAcademics(ortheAssociateDean)toconfer withtheprogram’sacademiccoordinatorortutoringteam.
ThegrantingofamedicalleavemeansthattheSchoolacceptsandwillaccommodatethe student’sabsencefromtheacademicprogramforintensivetreatmentorrecoverytime The Schoolalsoacknowledgestheimpactthiscanhaveonsubsequentacademicwork
TheapplicableDivisionHeadand/ortheOfficeoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDeanwill providewrittendocumentationofthemedicalleavewhendeniedorgranted.Ifgranted,the DivisionHeadand/orOfficeoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDeanwillprovidedocumentation detailingthetimeperiodoftheleave,anyshort-termadjustmentstotheacademicprogram, andtheworkthestudentisrequiredtocomplete
2. Whenastudentremainsatschoolbutqualifiesforshort-termaccommodations: Attimesastudentmaybeabletoattendschoolbutmayrequireintensivephysicalor psychologicaltreatment. Inordertodeterminewhethertograntacademicaccommodations
3
forsuchtreatment,theSchoolwillneedsufficientsupportingdocumentation(asdetermined bytheSchoolinitssolediscretion)toevaluatetheleaverequest,including,butnotlimitedto, thefollowinginformation:(a)arecommendationfromthestudent’streatingmedical professionalsthatthestudentwouldbenefitfromtakingamedicalleave;(b)adescriptionof howthestudent’smedicalormentalhealthconditionlimitsthestudent’sabilitytoparticipate inrequiredacademicorextracurricularactivities;(c)theplanfortreatmentofthestudent’s medicalormentalhealthcondition;and(d)ananticipateddateforthestudent’sreturn
Iftheshort-termneedisduetoamentalhealthconcern,theSchoolalsorequiresaReleaseof Information(ROI)forourschoolcounselorstoconferwiththestudent’smentalhealthcare teamand,whenapplicable,anROIforthestudent’sDivisionHead,OfficeoftheUpper SchoolAcademicDean,andDeantoconferwiththeprogram’sacademiccoordinatoror tutoringteam
TheSchoolwillgenerallyworkcloselywithfamiliestoassesswhetherongoingphysical, mental,oremotionalchallengeswillimpairthesuccessofastudentinouracademicprogram ortheabilityofastudenttograduatefromMorristownBeardSchoolandwhethertheSchool canaccommodatethemedicalprofessional’sstatementofshort-termaccommodationsneeded. TheDivisionHeadand/orOfficeoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDeanwillprovidewritten documentationoftheacademicaccommodationsgranted,detailingthetimeperiodinvolved, anyshort-termadjustmentstotheacademicprogram,andtheworkthestudentisrequiredto complete.IfoneormorerequestedaccommodationscannotbeprovidedbytheSchool,the DivisionHeadand/ortheOfficeoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDeanwillprovidewritten documentation.
Inthecaseofchronicphysicalormentalhealthcondition:
Inthecasesofastudent’schronicphysicalormentalillness,itisessentialthatthefamilybein closeconsultationwiththeDivisionHeadand/orOfficeoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDean Ifaccommodationsareneededforachronicphysicalormentalcondition,theSchoolwillneed sufficientsupportingdocumentation(asdeterminedbytheSchoolinitssolediscretion)to evaluatetheleaverequest,including,butnotlimitedto,thefollowinginformation:(a)a recommendationfromthestudent’streatingmedicalprofessionalsthatthestudentwould benefitfromtakingamedicalleave;(b)adescriptionofhowthestudent’smedicalormental healthconditionlimitsthestudent’sabilitytoparticipateinrequiredacademicor extracurricularactivities;(c)theplanfortreatmentofthestudent’smedicalormentalhealth condition;and(d)ananticipateddateforthestudent’sreturn.
Iftheshort-termneedisduetoamentalhealthconcern,theSchoolalsorequiresaReleaseof Information(ROI)forourschoolcounselorstoconferwiththestudent’smentalhealthcare teamand,whenapplicable,anROIforthestudent’sDivisionHeadand/orOfficeofthe UpperSchoolAcademicDeanandtheapplicableDeantoconferwiththeprogram’sacademic coordinatorortutoringteam.
TheSchooldoesnotchangegraduationrequirements. TheSchoolwillgenerallyevaluate,on anon-goingbasis,astudent’sprogresstowardgraduation,currenttreatmentplan,andthe extenttowhichtheSchool’sprogramcanappropriatelyserveastudentwithoutfundamentally alteringtheacademicprogramorcausingtheSchoolanundueburden
Occasionally,astudentwillexperiencephysicalormentalhealthissuesthatrequiretemporaryaccommodations eitherpriortoorreturningfromaMedicalLeave.TheSchoolmaygrantshort-termaccommodationswhena diagnosisofferedbyatreatingcareprovider,andrecommendedaccommodations,aresharedwiththeSchool. Short-termaccommodationstypicallyallowsomeflexibilitywithassignmentduedateswithadvancednotice andextendedtimeonassessmentsandaresubjecttoreviewandapprovalwithinouracademicprogram requirements Short-termaccommodationsarereviewedbytheDivisionalTeameverytwotofourweeksandare notextendedindefinitely Continuinghealthissuesthatinterferesubstantiallywithmeetingacademic expectationsmayrequirefamiliestoexploreamedicalleavefromschool.
MBSutilizesmedicalleavestogivestudentsthetimenecessaryforsignificanttreatment,recovery,rehabilitation, orintensivetherapy Therearetwokindsofmedicalleaves
● FullMedicalLeaveallowsastudenttoengageinadailytreatmentprogramthatrequiresastudentto beabsentfromMBS.ForafullMedicalLeave,academicexpectationsaretemporarilysuspendedor calibratedwiththetreatmentprogramiftheprogramcontainsanacademiccomponent.When returningfromafullmedicalleave,astudentwillworkwiththeCenterforTeachingandLearning, counselors,dean,andtheirteachersonagradualre-entryplan AbsencesduetoMedicalLeavesdonot countagainsttheAbsencePolicy
● PartialMedicalLeaveallowsstudentstoattendandstayengagedwithschoolwithtemporarily modifiedacademicexpectationstocreatenecessarytimeandspacefortreatment.TheDivisionHead, OfficeoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDean,andDirectoroftheCenterforTeachingandLearningwill determineappropriatelengthoftimeinschoolandparametersforacademicinterventions
StudentswhoareoneitherFullorPartialMedicalLeavearenoteligibletoparticipateinorattend extra-curricularorafter-schoolactivities(forexample,clubfieldtrips,athleticpractices/contests,ortheater performances)toallowthemthenecessarytimeneededfortreatmentandrecovery,whilealsoremaining engagedintheiracademicresponsibilities. Reentrymeetingswillincludeconversationssurroundingastudent’s eventualengagementinextracurricularandafter-schoolactivities,withtheSchoolmaintainingsolediscretionas tothestudent’sparticipation
DuetothenatureoftheSchool’seducationalprogramandtheimpactofextendedabsencesonboththestudent andtheirteachers,theSchoolmaynotbeabletoaccommodateextendedmedicalleaves.Decisionsabout grantingorrequiringanextendedmedicalleave,orreinstatingastudentwhohasbeenonleave,restswithinthe
School’sdiscretion StudentsmayberequiredtocompletetheirschoolyearawayfromMBSintheseinstances orrepeattheacademicyear,attheSchool’sdiscretion
TheSchoolmaydecidetomoveastudenttoPass/Failforagradingperiodbaseduponthestudent’shealthor wellbeingdemands.Thismaybeduetoanextendedmedicalleaveorahealthconditionthatiscompromising thestudent’sabilitytocompleteMBS’sacademicprogram StudentsonPass/Failwillhaveapathwayarticulated bytheirdivisionalteamtoearnagradeof“Pass”ineachoftheirclasses Typically,ifPass/Failisconfinedtoa quarter,itisstillpossibleforthestudenttoearnalettergradeforasemester However,ifastudentrequires Pass/Failtoextendpastaquarter,thenthestudentwillearnPass/Failgradesforthesemester.Pass/Failindicates thatthestudentiscompletingtheminimumnecessaryinordertocontinuetothenextquarterorcourse.
Pass/Failisgenerallyatemporaryaccommodationandtypicallywillnotbeextendedtostudentsbeyondone semester.Pass/Failappliestoallclassesinwhichthestudentiscurrentlyenrolled.
Whenthementalhealthorbehavioralconcernsofastudentinanydivisionprecludeastudentfromregular attendanceinclassorappropriateprogresstowardacademicrequirementsorplacesanundueburdenonschool staffthatsignificantlydisruptsoralterstheclassroomexperienceforothers,anoutsideevaluationand/orleaveof absencemayberequired. Inthesecircumstances,thecounselorsmayemploymultidisciplinaryproblemsolving andintervention,andanadministrativeteamwillcollaboratetoidentifythecourseofactiontosupportthe student.Thecounselingand/ornursingstaffmayconferwithfamiliestomakeappropriatereferralsfor additionalevaluationorassessment,medicalconsultation,and/orinitiationofoutsidementalhealththerapies
Insomeinstances,ifastudent’ssafetyand/oremotionalhealthareinquestionorjeopardizedbyremainingat schoolduetothenegativeimpactoftheacademicprogramrequirementsonastudent’semotionalwellbeing, theadministrativeteam,inconsultationwiththecounselingstaff,mayrequireanevaluationandtreatmentplan fromatreatingmentalhealthprofessional,whichmaynecessitateamedicalleaveorinformawithdrawalfrom school
Acounselormayserveasaliaisontotheoutsidementalhealthprofessionalsandmayinterpret recommendationswiththeacademicprogramandresourcesoftheSchoolinmind Ifmoreintensivetherapies areneededtoaddressastudent’smentalhealthandassociatedmedicalconcerns,ortosupportthestudentin theirabilitytoattendclassorparticipateintheacademicprogram,aMedicalLeavemaybegranted.In accordancewiththeSchool’sMedicalLeavePolicies,short-termacademicaccommodationsmaybegranted basedonadiagnosisfromthemedicalprofessionalcaringforthestudentandafamily’scommitmenttothe recommendedtreatment
Followingamedicalleaveformentalhealthreasons,andbeforeastudentmayreturntoschool,anapproved Return-to-SchoolplanisnecessaryfortheSchooltosupportthestudentwithinthecontextofouracademic programandwithoutcausingtheSchoolanundueburden. Toreturntoschoolfromamedicalleave,thefamily
mustprovideathorough,writtenprofessionalevaluationofthestudent’scurrentmentalhealthconditionfrom thephysician,psychiatrist,orotherprofessionalwhotreatedthestudentduringthemedicalleave TheSchool mayrequireadditionalevaluationiftheysochoose.
TheReturn-to-Schoolplanisacollaborativeprocess,initiatedbytheDivisionHead,butcompletedin consultationwiththeDirectorofCounselingandtreatingmentalhealthprofessional(s),theOfficeoftheUpper SchoolAcademicDean,theDirectoroftheCenterforTeachingandLearning,andtheapplicableDean All parties(family,treatingprofessional,andtheSchool)mustagreethatareturntoschoolisinthebestinterestof thestudentandthattheSchoolisabletoreasonablycareforthestudent’ssafetywithoutcausingtheSchoolan undueburden.Thestudent’sabilitytoreturnandremaininschoolmaybedependentonstudentcompliance withtheapprovedReturn-to-SchoolPlan.
Whenastudenthasmissedasignificantportionofanygradingperiodsuchthatcompletingtheminimum graduationrequirementsforthatperiodisunreasonable,theadministrativeteamwillmakeadecisionasto whetherareturntoschoolisdependentupon,amongotherthings,summerwork,repetitionofacourse,or withtheconditionofrepeatingagradelevel. Insomecases,areturntotheacademicprogramattheSchoolmay notbeinthebestinterestofthestudent'smentalhealthandwithdrawalfromtheSchoolmayberecommended orrequired
TheMBSlogosaretheprimaryidentifiersofourSchool.ProperuseoftheSchoolnameandlogosisessentialin ordertocontinuetoestablishourSchoolidentity Topreventunintentionalmisuse,anyuseofourSchoollogos (institutionalandathletic)mustbereviewedandapprovedbytheOfficeofAdvancement Thisincludeslogosto beusedonallmaterialsfordisplay,sale,ordistribution,insideoroutsidetheSchoolcommunity Examples include,butarenotlimitedto,apparel,promotionalitems(e.g.,decals,stickers,andwaterbottles),posters, bannersandprintedmaterials.
Pleasenotethatrequestsforapparelandmerchandisefromathleticteamsandtheirparent/guardiansupport groupsshouldbesubmittedtotheteamcoachaswellasMikeSturgeon,DirectorofMiddleSchoolAthletics, andthenforwardedtotheOfficeofAdvancementforapproval RequestsformerchandisefromClass RepresentativesandtheParentsAssociationmustalsobesubmittedtotheOfficeofAdvancementforapproval.
TheOfficeofAdvancementishappytoassisttheSchoolcommunityinproducingMBSitemsthatdisplay SchoolprideandadheretotheguidelinesdesignedtohelpbuildastrongSchoolbrand.Pleasecontact BrynnCampbell,DirectorofMarketingandCommunications,atbcampbell@mbsnetforassistance
AllMorristownBeardSchoollogosaretrademarkedandcopyrightedpropertyoftheSchoolandcannotnotbe usedonmerchandiseforresalebyprivatelyownedbusinesses.
MBSisaNut-FreeCampusandwillnotofferorallowanyfoodsthatcontainpeanutsortreenutsasobvious ingredients.Thisappliestoeveryoneinourcommunitywithoutexception(students,parents/guardians, coaches,employees,andvisitors).
Wehaveanincreasingnumberofcommunitymemberswhoexperiencesevereandinsomecaseslife-threatening allergiestopeanuts,treenuts,andtheirby-products,andthispolicyisinplacetopromotethesafetyandsecurity ofallmembersofourschoolcommunity Ourgoalistoavoidsituationsinwhichastudentingestsor unknowinglytouchesresiduefromafoodsubstance,orisexposedtoallergensinwaysthattriggerseriousor evenlifethreateningreactions.
Thefollowingexternalfooditemsmustbepeanutandtree-nutfree:
● Schoollunch,ifbroughtfromhome
● Advisory/classroomsnacks(limitedtospecialcelebrationsandbyarrangementwithadvisoror classroomteacher)
● FoodprovidedforafterschoolMBSevents(e.g.athleticpractices,theaterrehearsals,etc.)
● Concessions,snacks,orattendanceatMBSevents
● Specialtreatsbroughttocampus(e.g.classparties,FacultyAppreciationDays,exambreakfastsor snacks,meetingsoncampus)
● FoodprovidedforParentsAssociationorotherparent/guardiangroups’meetingsandevents
Thislistisnotmeanttobeexhaustive,butrathertogivesomeindicationofhowoneshouldthinkaboutthe policywithinthecontextofschoollife Ourgoalisforallmembersoftheschoolcommunitytohavea heightenedawarenessofsafetyconcernsrelatedtonutsandothercommonfoodallergensandforallmembersto beincludedinschoollifeactivitiesandeventsinequitableways
Itemsthatdonotcontainanyobviousnutsbutare“manufacturedinafacilitywithpeanutsortreenuts”willbe allowedoncampus.However,wemustexercisecautionandconsiderationwiththeseproducts.Wewillmake everyreasonableattempttominimizethepotentialallergenexposureandfollowbestpracticessuchashaving updatedallergyactionplansonfile,promotinghandwashingwithsoapandwater,andwipingdowntablesafter eating
Parents/guardiansandothersentrustedwiththecareandwellbeingofstudents(collectively,“parents”)playan integralroleinthepromotionoftheaimsandidealsofMorristownBeardSchool.Theircontinued understanding,support,andcooperationiscriticaltothesuccessoftheSchoolandtheeffectivenessofits educationalmission Conversely,theattitudeorconductofaparent,beituncooperative,disruptive, disrespectful,and/orabusive,maysodiminishtheeffectivenessoftheeducationalprocessastoleadtheSchool toconcludethatthecontinuedinvolvementoftheparentandthestudentwiththeSchoolisnolongerinthe bestinterestsofeitherthestudentortheSchool.
Intheordinarycourseofevents,astudentwillnotbedeprivedofaneducationatMorristownBeardSchool becauseoftheattitudesoractionsoftheirparent(s) There,nevertheless,mayexistcircumstancesofthekind describedaboveandinthesecircumstancestheSchoolreservestherighttodeterminethatthecontinued attendanceofthestudentintheSchoolisnotinthebestinterestsofeitherthestudentortheSchooland,onthis basis,todismissthestudentandrecommendthestudenttransfertoanotherschool.
TheSchooldiscouragesthedisplayand/ordistributionofanyfederal,state,and/ormunicipalpoliticalor election-relatedmaterials,includingbutnotlimitedto,campaignposters,flyers,buttons,flagsand/orother materialsoncars,andclothingbyanystudentwhileoncampus Asareminder,allapparelmustconformtothe guidelinesoutlinedintheAll-SchoolDressCode
Intheeventofcampusclosuresduetoweatherorothercircumstances,theSchoolmayimplementremote learningtominimizedisruptiontotheeducationalexperience.Whenpossible,thiswillinvolvesynchronous lessonstoallowforinterpersonalengagement;intheeventofmasspoweroutages,theSchoolwillmoveto asynchronouslearning Studentguidelinesarebelow
● Studentsareexpectedtoattendeachclassandadvisoryontime
● TheexpectationsregardingbehaviorthatareoutlinedintheFamilyHandbooksectiononStudent Conduct,Citizenship,andDisciplinaryConsequencesholdwhetherstudentsareoncampusorremote.
● StudentsinaGoogleMeetclassareexpectedtohavetheircamerasandmicrophoneson
● Noavatarsarepermitted Ifstudentswouldpreferavirtualbackground,theSchoolwillmakea selectionavailable StudentsmustchooseavirtualbackgroundfromtheofficialSchoolselection
● Duringperiodsofremotelearning,studentsareexpectedtofollowthedresscodeoutlinedintheFamily Handbook
● Studentsareexpectedtobesituatedinaplaceappropriateforworking:sittinguprightbeforeaclear surfacewithspacefortheirtechnology,books,andothermaterialsinalocationasquietastheycanfind
● ProtocolforstudentsarrivingmorethanfiveminuteslatetoGoogleMeetsessions:
- Firsttime:teacherwillcontactstudentafterclass
- Secondtime:teacherwillcontactstudent,advisor,andclassdean
- Thirdtime:teacherwillsendaPCF
- Fourthtime:studentwillbemarkedabsent
● Teachersareencouragedtobe thoughtful astheyassignanyworkthatextendsbeyondtheirvirtual class Shortassignmentsmaybegiven
● Assessmentsduringaperiodofremotelearningwilldependupontheuniqueneedsofdepartmentsand courses.Studentsmaywriteandsubmitessaysastheytypicallywould.Inothercases,modified assessmentsorothertypesofprojectsmaybeassignedthatdemonstratestudents’understandingand progress.
IfaSchooladministratorconsidersthatthereisreasonablesuspicionthatastudenthasbrokenamajorschool rule,asearchofthestudent,andthestudent’spersonalpropertyincludingvehiclesandstorageareasprovided bytheSchoolwillbedone.Searcheswillbecarriedoutinthepresenceofasecondadultinasettingthatprotects theprivacyofthestudenttothegreatestdegreepossible
StudentsmustunderstandthattheyhavenoexpectationofprivacyinstorageareasprovidedbytheSchool Theseareasmaybesearchedatanytimewithorwithoutreasonablesuspicionthataschoolruleorlawisbeing broken.
Ifateacheroradministratorhasreasonablesuspicionthatastudenthasviolatedthelaworschoolrules,the HeadofMiddleorUpperSchoolortheappropriateDean,andanotherSchooladministratormaysearchthe studentorthestudent’sproperty,includingcellphones,bookbags,andemails,todiscoverevidenceofa violationofthelaworschoolrules.Apersonofthestudent’sgenderwilldosearchesofastudentortheir intimatepersonalbelongings.Ifthestudentisgendernon-conforming,wewilluseourbesteffortstohavethe searchconductedbyapersonofthegenderwithwhichthestudentismostcomfortable.
ImmediatelyfollowingaSchoolsearchofastudentorthestudent’sproperty,parent(s)/legalguardian(s)willbe informedofthereasonsforandresultsofthesearch
Booksrequiredforeachstudentwilleitherbedistributedinclassbytheteacherorwillbeorderedby parents/guardians.Inmid-August,youwillreceiveanemaillettingyouknowthatyourchild’scourselistingis availableintheParent/GuardianPortalonVeracross Atthispoint,familiesshouldsignontotheonline bookstorethroughBarnes&Nobletopurchasethebookslistedforeachcourse
Studentsshouldonlypurchasethetextbookiftheydonothaveitfromprioryear–certaindepartmentsutilize thesametextbookforseveralcorecourses
TransportationservicesareprovidedthroughBelairTransport.Formstosecuretheseservices(aswellas reimbursementinstructionsandformsfortheseservices)canbefoundonthewebsiteintheParent/Guardian PortalonVeracrossundertheEnrollmentandFormssection.Availabilityandusageofservicesvariesfromtown totownanddiffersfromfamilytofamily
AllfamiliesarerequiredtocompleteandsubmitaB6Tform(alsofoundontheParent/GuardianPortalon VeracrossintheEnrollmentandFormssection)evenifyoudonotelecttousetransportationservices
PleasecontactKathyHemmerat973-539-3032orkhemmer@mbs.netifyouhaveanyquestions.
Fordetailedinstructionsonhowtocompleteyourfamilyprofileonline,pleasevisittheParent/GuardianPortal onVeracross
The School expressly prohibits the possession of any weapon by any student on campus As such, no person may possess, conceal, use, or transfer any firearm (including any handgun) or any other weapon (including knives, clubs, or other articles or devices that are primarily used to inflict injury), on School property Any instances of weapon possession must be reported immediately to Campus Security and then to the applicable Division Head and the Chief Financial and Operating Officer.
All reports will be fully investigated, and possession of a weapon will be reported to local law enforcement Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and/or expulsion from the School
TheSchoolstrivestomaintainacommunityinwhicheveryindividualisfreetowork,learn,anddevelop relationshipswithoutfearofexploitationorharassment Tothisend,theSchoolprohibitsactsofharassmentor bullyingagainstanystudent TheSchoolwillnottolerateanyharassment,discrimination,intimidationor bullyingbaseduponastudent’sprotectedclass Schoolresponsestoharassment,intimidationandbullyingshall bealignedwiththepoliciesinthisFamilyHandbookwhichestablishesstandards,policiesandproceduresfor positivestudentdevelopmentandstudentbehavioralexpectations.
“Harassment,intimidationorbullying”isdefinedasanygesture,anywritten,verbalorphysicalact,orany electroniccommunication,whetheritbeasingleincidentoraseriesofincidents,thatisreasonablyperceivedas beingmotivatedbyanyactualorperceivedcharacteristic,suchasrace,color,religion,ancestry,nationalorigin, gender,sexualorientation,genderidentityandexpression,oramentalorphysicaldisability,thatsubstantially disruptsorinterfereswiththeorderlyoperationoftheSchoolortherightsofotherstudents,andthat:
1. Areasonablepersonshouldknow,underthecircumstances,willhavetheeffectofphysicallyor emotionallyharmingastudentordamagingthestudent’sproperty,orplacingastudentinreasonable fearofphysicaloremotionalharmtotheirpersonordamagetotheirproperty;or
2 Hastheeffectofinsultingordemeaninganystudentorgroupofstudents;or
3 Createsahostileeducationalenvironmentforthestudentbyinterferingwiththestudent’seducationor byseverelyorpervasivelycausingphysicaloremotionalharmtothestudent.
“Electroniccommunication”meansacommunicationthatistransmittedbymeansofanelectronicdevice, including,butnotlimitedtoatelephone,cellularphoneorcomputer.
Pleasenotethatconflictsamongstindividualsorgroupsofstudentsdonotinherentlyqualifyasharassment, intimidation,orbullying TheSchoolwillinvestigateeachinstanceaccordingtoitspoliciesandproceduresin ordertoestablishifthebehaviorconstitutesharassment,intimidation,orbullying.
Reporting Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Behavior
Studentswhobelievethattheyhavebeensubjecttoharassment,intimidationorbullying,orhavewitnessed harassment,intimidationorbullyingshouldpromptlyreporttheirconcernstoateacher,coach,administrator ortheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchool Ateacher,administrator,coach,orschoolemployeewholearnsof anallegationofbullyingshallpromptlynotifytheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchool Iftheallegation concernsbehaviorrelatedtoathletics,itshouldbereportedtotheAthleticDirectorwhowillreportittothe appropriateDivisionHead.Thereportwillbedocumented.TheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchoolshall determineiftheincidentconstitutesharassment,intimidationorbullying,warrantinganinvestigation.
TheSchoolrecognizesthatsomeactsofharassment,intimidationorbullyingmaybeisolatedincidents requiringschoolofficialstorespondappropriatelytotheindividualscommittingtheactsandprovidesupport programsforvictims Otheractsmaybesoseriousorpartofalargerpatternofharassment,intimidationor bullyingthattheyrequirearesponseeitherattheclassroomorSchoollevelorbylawenforcementofficials In consideringwhetheraresponsebeyondtheindividualisappropriate,theSchoolshallconsiderthenatureand circumstancesoftheact,thedegreeofharm,thenatureandseverityofthebehavior,pastincidentsorpastor continuingpatternsofbehavior,andthecontextinwhichtheallegedincident(s)occurred.
Ifwarranted,theSchoolshallpromptlycommenceaninvestigation,makefactualfindingsregardingthe circumstancessurroundingtheallegedbullying,assessthemeritsofthecomplaint,anddetermineany disciplinaryactionorpenalty,ifwarranted,evenifastudentdoesnotwishtofileaformalcomplaint.Ifthe complaintofharassment,intimidationorbullyinginvolvestheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchool,thematter maybedirectedtotheHeadoftheSchool.TheSchool’sgoalininvestigatingandtakinganyfollow-upaction shallbetostopanycontinuedharassment.
TheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchoolorappropriatedeanshallinformtheparentsorguardiansofall studentsinvolvedintheallegedincident,andmaydiscuss,asappropriate,theavailabilityofcounselingand otherinterventionservices.Everyeffortwillbemadetoensurethatcomplaintsofsexualharassmentbekeptas confidentialaspossible. Allincidentsofharassment,intimidationorbullyingwillbesubjecttothispolicy, withoutregardtowhetheritoccursinacademics,extracurricularactivities,athleticsoroff-campusactivities.
Consequencesandremedialmeasuresforastudentwhocommitsanactofharassment,intimidationorbullying shallbevariedandgradedaccordingtothenatureofthebehavior,thedevelopmentalageofthestudentandthe student’shistoryofproblembehaviorsandperformance Consequencesandremedialmeasuresshallbedesigned to:Correcttheproblembehavior;preventanotheroccurrenceoftheproblem;protectandprovidesupportfor thevictimoftheact;andtakecorrectiveactionfordocumentedsystemicproblemsrelatedtoharassment, intimidationorbullying. Suchconsequencesandappropriateremedialactionsmayrangefrompositive behavioralinterventionsuptoandincludingshortandlong-termsuspensionorexpulsion.
Retaliation, Reprisal and False Accusations Prohibited
Anyactofretaliationorreprisalagainstanypersonwhoreportsanactofharassment,intimidationorbullying, aswellasanyactoffalseaccusationagainstanother,shallnotbetolerated Anystudentwhoengagesinanactof retaliationorreprisal,orwhofalselyaccusesanother,shallbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction.The Schoolshallprovideongoingage-appropriateinstructiononpreventingharassment,intimidationandbullying.
Althoughallactsofharassmentareprohibited(SeeStudentHarassmentPolicy),MorristownBeardSchool explicitlyprohibitsanyformofracialorreligiousharassment TheSchooliscommittedtocreatinganinclusive andanti-racistcommunityandwillnottolerateanyactionsorcommentsthatcreateanintimidating,hostile,or offensivelearningenvironment.Webelievethateverystudenthastherighttofeelsafeandrespectedinthe schoolcommunity.
TheSchoolwillinvestigateallcomplaintsofracialandreligiousharassmentassetforthbelow
Racial and Religious Harassment Defined:
Racialandreligiousharassmentisaformofracialdiscrimination.Itisdefinedasanywritten,verbal,orphysical act,oranyelectroniccommunication,whetheritbeasingleincidentoraseriesofincidents,thataredirected towardssomeonebecauseofrace,color,ethnicity,religion,ancestry,ornationalorigin Thisincludesany actions,behaviors,orwords,whetherdirectorindirect,whichmarginalize,exclude,and/ordiscriminateagainst apersonorgroupofpeople.
Examplesofracialorreligiousharassmentinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
● Intimidatinggestures,violentbehavior,orthreatsofphysicalharm
● Usingslursorderogatorylanguage
● Tellingjokesorsingingsongswithraciallyorreligiouslyoffensivelyrics
● Posting,texting,ordisplayingraciallyorreligiouslyinflammatoryimagesorvideos.
Reporting/Investigating Reports of Racial or Religious Harassment:
Studentsareencouragedtoimmediatelyreportanyincidentsofharassment Anystudentwhobelievesthatheor shehasbeensubjecttoracialorreligiousharassment,orwhohaswitnessedanincidentofracialorreligious harassmentshouldtakethefollowingsteps:
● Reporttheincidenttoafaculty,orstaffmemberorcoachwithwhomthestudentiscomfortable(such individualwillthenberequiredtonotifyDiversity,Equity,Inclusion,andBelongingOffice,the AthleticDirector,HeadofMiddleorUpperSchool,DirectorofStudentConduct,GradeDean);or
● ReporttheincidentdirectlytotheDiversity,Equity,Inclusion,andBelongingOffice,Athletic Director,HeadofUpperSchoolorHeadofMiddleSchool,DirectorofStudentConduct,orDean.
Allincidentswillbedealtwithinadecisive,timely,andaccuratemanner
Theinvestigationwillincludeinterviewingtheindividualsinvolvedandnotifyingtheirparents Itmayalso requireviewingrelatedemails,textmessages,andsocialmediapages Thestepstakenandtheoutcomeofthe investigationwillbedocumentedbytheappropriatedeans.
Racial and Religious Harassment Disciplinary Consequences: Anyviolationofthispolicyisconsideredamajoroffenseandthestudentshouldexpecttofacedisciplinary action,includingbutnotlimitedto,disciplinaryprobation,disciplinarywarning,suspension,finalwarning,or expulsion(Seedivisionalconductsectionsforfurtherdetails).
TheHeadofUpperSchoolorHeadofMiddleSchool,inconsultationwiththeappropriatedeansandan AssociateDirectorofDEIB,willdeterminetheappropriatedisciplinaryresponse
TheAssociateDirectorsofDiversity,Equity,Inclusion,andBelongingwillbenotifiedofallcasesinvolvingracial harassment.Followinganydisciplinaryaction,astudentmayberequiredtoattendatleastthreesessionswiththe OfficeofDEIBandifneeded, aschoolcounselor.Thiswillprovideanopportunityforthestudenttoreflectontheir behaviorandanyconsequencessurroundingtheiractions.Ifappropriate,restorativepracticeswiththeindividual(s) involvedwillalsobefacilitatedinthissetting.Atthecompletionofthesessions,thecounselors,OfficeofDEIB,and Deanwillmakeanyfurtherrecommendations
NopersonattheSchoolshall,onthebasisofsexorgender,beexcludedfromparticipationin,bedeniedthe benefitsof,orbesubjecttodiscriminationunderanyeducationalorathleticprogramoractivity.Ifastudent believestheyhavebeensubjectedtodiscriminationonthebasisofsexorgender,thestudentshouldreportto theDirectorofHumanResources. TheSchoolwillconductaninvestigationifitisdeterminedthatan investigation is warranted Following the conclusion of the investigation, the School will notify all parties involved of the findings
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment Policy Statement
MorristownBeardSchoolbelievesthatstudentshavetherighttobefreefromsexualharassmentanditisthe policyofthisSchooltomaintainalearningenvironmentfreefromsuchconduct Actionsorcommentsby studentsoradultsthatresultinunlawfulsexualharassmentofanymemberoftheschoolcommunitywillnotbe tolerated Itisaviolationofthispolicyforanystudent,employee,staffmember,orvolunteertoharassastudent throughconductorcommunicationofaharassingnature.TheSchoolwillinvestigateallcomplaintsofsexually harassingconductassetforthbelow.
Sexualharassmentissexualconduct,orconductdirectedatsomeonebecauseofhisorhergender,thatcreatesan intimidating,hostileoroffensivelearningenvironment,orthatmakestherecipientfeelembarrassed, uncomfortableorundulyinterfereswithastudent’sabilitytoreceiveaneducation Sexualharassmentcanbe betweenthoseofthesamesexortheoppositesex,andcanbeverbalorphysical.
Examplesofsexuallyharassingconductinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
● Unwelcomesexualflirtations,advances,andpropositions;
● Sexually-degradingwordsusedinreferencetoanindividual;
● Commentsonthespeaker’sownsexualabilitiesorthoseofotherstudents;
● Displayofoffensivepicturesorobjectssuchaspostersorcalendarswhichareofasexualnature;
● Unwelcomeremarksofasexualnature;
● Unwelcomequestionsaboutsexualconduct;
● Pressureforsexualfavors;and
● Otherharassmentofanon-sexualnaturethatisengagedinduetothegenderoftheindividual.
ItisspecificallyprohibitedforanySchoolemployeeorvolunteer,underanycircumstance,toengageinphysical intimacywithastudent,topursueastudentforpurposesofphysicalintimacy,ortoactinsuchamannerasto causeastudenttobelievethatheorsheistheobjectofsuchapursuit
MorristownBeardSchoolstrictlyforbidsthesexualharassmentofstudents.Anystudentfoundtohaveengaged insexuallyharassingconductissubjecttodiscipline,uptoandincludingexpulsionfromtheSchool.Any studentwhohasbeenexposedtosexualharassmentbyanothershouldtelltheharassertostoptheconduct immediately Thismayresolvetheproblem TheSchoolemphasizes,however,thatitisnevernecessaryfora studenttotalkdirectlytoanoffenderifthatindividualfeelsuncomfortabledoingso
Studentswhobelievethattheyhavebeensubjectedtosexualharassment,orhavewitnessedsexualharassment, shouldpromptlyreporttheirconcernstoateacher,administrator,coach,ortheHeadoftheUpperorMiddle School.AteacheroradministratorwholearnsofanallegationofharassmentshallpromptlynotifytheHeadof theUpperorMiddleSchool.Iftheallegationconcernsbehaviorrelatedtoathletics,itshouldbereportedtothe AthleticDirectorwhowillreportittotheappropriateDivisionHead Reportingisnecessarysothatstepscan betakentostopharassment Thereportshallbedocumented TheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchoolshall promptlycommenceaninvestigation,makefactualfindingsregardingthecircumstancessurroundingthe allegedharassment,assessthemeritsofthecomplaint,anddetermineanydisciplinaryactionorpenalty,if warranted,evenifastudentdoesnotwishtofileaformalcomplaint.Ifthecomplaintofsexualharassment involvestheHeadoftheUpperorMiddleSchool,themattermaybedirectedtotheHeadoftheSchool.The School’sgoalininvestigatingandtakinganyfollow-upactionshallbetostopanycontinuedharassment.
Everyeffortwillbemadetoensurethatcomplaintsofsexualharassmentbekeptasconfidentialaspossible Completeconfidentialitycannotbeguaranteed,asinformationmayneedtobesharedwiththoseinvolvedinthe investigationandresolutionprocess.
Consequences and Remedial Measures for Acts of Sexual Harassment
Suchconsequencesandappropriateremedialactionsmayrangefrompositivebehavioralinterventionsupto andincludingshortandlong-termsuspensionorexpulsion
Retaliation, Reprisal and False Accusations Prohibited
Anyactofretaliationorreprisalagainstanypersonwhoreportsanactofsexualharassmentaswellasanyactof falseaccusationagainstanother,shallnotbetolerated.Anystudentwhoengagesinanactofretaliationor reprisal,orwhofalselyaccusesanother,shallbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction
TheSchoolshallannuallyconductare-evaluation,reassessment,andreviewofthispolicy,makinganynecessary revisionsandadditions.
Publication, Dissemination and Implementation
TheSchoolshalltakethefollowingstepstopublicizethispolicy:
A ProvidealinktothispolicyinaprominentplaceontheSchoolwebsite;
B. Distributethispolicyannuallytoallstaff,studentsandparents/guardians;and
C. Printthispolicyinanydistrictpublicationthatsetsforththecomprehensiverules,proceduresand standardsofconduct,suchastheFamilyandFacultyHandbooks.
TheMorristownBeardSchoolTechnologyAcceptableUsePolicyisconsistentwiththeSchool’sMission StatementandValues. AtMBS,weviewtechnologyasanenhancementtooltothelearningexperience.
Note:MorristownBeardSchoolisnotresponsibleformaterialfoundonoutsidenetworksthatmaybedefamatory, inaccurate,abusive,obscene,profane,sexuallyoriented,threatening,raciallyoffensive,orillegal-norcanit completelyeliminateaccesstosuchinformation Itwill,however,limitaccesstoandforbidimportingsuch informationormaterialontoanyschoolcomputer.
Allstudentsareresponsiblefortheiractionsandactivitiesinvolvingtechnology. Thesetermsandconditions applytoalltechnologyequipmentanduseoftechnologyonMBS’campus. Pleasenotethatthesetermsand conditionsarenotintendedtobeallinclusive;theremaybeadditionalexamplesofacceptableandprohibited usesthatarenotoutlinedhere
Terms and Conditions you agree to as a Morristown Beard School Student
1 Iunderstandthat
a allMBScomputers,andtheMBSnetwork,arenotprivateandaremonitoredbytheMBS technologystaff
b. allMBSownedtechnologyequipment(i.e.computers,printers,etc.)isthepropertyofMBS.
c. anynegative,harassing,orillegalpostingsonsocialmediawillhaveconsequencesatMBS. (PleaseseetheMBSSocialMediaPolicyformoreinformation)
2 Iwill
a berespectfulofMBS’andotherstudents’technologyequipment
b password/passcodeprotectallofmydevices
3. Iwillnot…
a. attempttogainunauthorizedaccesstotheMorristown-BeardSchoolnetworkortoany systemsontheMBSnetwork
b postnegativelyaboutMBSonsocialmedia MBSwilldefenditsbrand,reputationand copyright
c. attempttologintotheMBSwebsite,emailaccount,etc.withanotherperson’sUserIDand password.
d. sharemylogincredentialswithothers.
4 Iassumeresponsibilityfor
a anydamagetoschoolequipmentwhileinmyuse
b. myonlineactions.
c. mysocialmediapostings.
5. Iamawarethat…
a Imustusemyrealnameforallelectroniccommunication
b anythingIpostonline,evenwhendeleted,isnevertrulydeleted
c mywebpresence(DigitalFootprint)canaffectmyfuture(eg collegeandemployment)
Pleasenote,theSchoolreservestherighttoaccess,monitor,andauditstudentemailaccounts,messages,files, data,documents,communications,orfacsimilesandanyotherformofinformationaccessed,transmittedto, receivedfrom,orstoredonanyelectroniccommunicationorinformationsystemmadeavailablebyMorristown Beard Schoolatanytimewithoutnoticeasdeemednecessaryandappropriate,suchaswherethereissuspicion ofmisuse
Aviolationofthispolicymayconstitute“MajorOffense”withintheSchool’sdisciplinarysystem.Pleasesee All-schooland theDivisionalsectionsforfurtherdetails.
SocialMediaisdefinedasanyformofonlinepostingorsharingthatallowsinteractivecommunication, including,butnotlimitedtosocialnetworks(Snapchat,Instagram,TikTok,Twitter,Facebook,YouTube,etc), blogs,forums,andwebsites
ElectronicCommunicationisdefinedasanyformofcommunication(textmessages,groupchats,emails,etc.) thataretransmittedbymeansofanelectronicdevice,including,butnotlimitedtoacellphoneorcomputer.
MorristownBeardSchoolsubscribestoa“Do-no-harm”policyofsocialmediaandelectroniccommunication use,with“harm”broadlydefinedasamisuseofsocialmediaorelectroniccommunicationtowardsany individualatlarge,membersoftheMBSCommunity,theSchoolanditsreputation
● Donotusesocialmediaorelectroniccommunicationtoharass,bully,orthreatenothers
○ Onlinebullyingandharassmentissuesaretakenveryseriously.Reportedinstancesofalleged abusewillbeexaminedbytheappropriateadministrativepersonnelwhowilldetermineif abusehasoccurredandifdisciplinaryactioniswarranted.
● Donotpostoffensiveorinappropriatecontent
○ Examplesof“offensive”materialsormessagesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,anymessages whichcontainsexualimplications,racialslurs,gender-specificcomments,oranyother commentthatoffensivelyaddressessomeone’spersonaltraits,including,butnotlimitedto, theirrace,age,sexualorientation,religiousbeliefs,nationalorigin,ordisability.
○ Bemindfulofyourdigitalfootprint.Anythingthatyoupostonlinecanandwillfollowyou throughoutlife Donotpostanythingthatyouwouldnotlikeyourfriends,family,college admissionsofficer,orfutureemployertosee Thingsyoupostonlinearepossiblypermanent andeasilytraceable
○ Donotusesoftware, artificialintelligence,or“deepfake”technologytocreateand/orshare imagesoffaculty,staff,orstudents.
● Donottake,record,orpostphotos,videos,oraudiofilesofotherswithouttheirconsent
○ Photos,videos,oraudiofilestakenduringtheschooldayoffaculty,staff,orstudentsmaynot betaken,sharedorpostedwithoutproperconsent
● Beagooddigitalcitizen
○ Berespectfulofothersonlineandbemindfulofwhatyousay Donotsaythingsonlinethat youwouldnotsaytosomeoneinperson.
● DonotfriendSchoolemployeesnoracceptfriendrequestsfromSchoolemployeesonpersonalsocial networkingsites.
● Donotsuggestinanywaythatyourpersonalwebsite,webpage,orweblogisofficiallysanctionedor supportedbyMorristownBeardSchool.
● Donotlinkyourwebsite,webpage,orweblogtotheSchool’swebsite.
Studentsshouldreportinformationpostedonsocialmediaorbyelectroniccommunicationthatisnotin compliancewiththeguidelinesfoundintheHandbook Allreportsofonlinebullyingandharassment, includingbullyingandharassmentwhichtakesplaceoff-campus,aretakenveryseriously(SeeHarassmentand StudentConductPolicies) Reportedinstancesofallegedabusewillbeexaminedbytheappropriate administrativepersonnel,whowilldetermineifaninvestigationiswarrantedand/ordetermineifabuseora violationofSchoolpolicyhasoccurredandifdisciplinaryactioniswarranted.TheSchoolreservestherightto disciplineanystudent,includingthepossibilityofexpulsion,forbehaviorthatreflectsinanegativewayonthe School,nomatterwhereorwhensuchbehavioroccurs
General Technology Guidelines
Understandingtheseguidelinesarenotexhaustive,butmerelyillustrative,thefollowingguidelinesareprovided asexamplesofhowthepolicyshouldbefollowed:
● Donotdisplaypersonalinformationaboutyourselforothersonline,andneveragreetomeetwith someoneyouhavemetonline
● Treatallother’selectroniccommunicationswiththesamelevelofrespectandprivacyyouwouldwish toreceive.
● DonotattempttogainunauthorizedaccesstotheMorristownBeardSchoolNetworkortoanyother systemsthroughtheMBSnetworkorattempttologinwithanotherperson’sUserIDandPassword (includingtheiremailaccount),evenwiththatperson’sexpressedpermission
● Donotallowsomeoneelse,withintheSchoolcommunityoroutside,touseyourlogininformationto accesstheschool’sonlineresources.
● Beextremelywaryandsensitivetothethreatofdownloadingandspreadingvirusesormalware
● AvoidanyactivitiesthatmaydisrupttheproperoperationoftheMBSnetwork Onlinegamingor videostreamingwouldbeexamplesofactivitiesthatfrequentlydisrupttheoperationoftheMBS network.
● Remaincivilandpolite,adheringtoallSchoolpoliciesandexpectations,inallyourelectronic communicationsatalltimesanduseonlyyourrealname Offensivenessisinpoortaste Anonymous offensivenessisabhorrentandcowardly
● Downloadingcopyrighteddigitalcontentsuchasmovies,music,gamesorsoftwareforwhichyouare notthelawfuluseranduploadingcopyrighteddigitalcontentfortheuseofothersisacrime.
1 StudentswilluseiPads/laptopsforacademicpurposesatSchool
2. BringyourfullychargediPad/laptoptoSchooleachdaywiththerequiredappsinstalled.
3. Studentswilltakethenecessaryprecautionstoprotectandcarefortheirdigitaldevices.
A iPads/laptopsareforthestudent’spersonaluseandshouldnotbeloanedtoothers
B Install“FindMy”appontoyouriPad
C. EnableapasscodetolockyouriPad/laptop.
D. EncaseiPadinahard,protectivecover.
E. Backupdataonaweeklybasis.
F Placeyournameonalldevices,especiallyApplePencilsandAirPodcases
4 StudentsmayusetheiPad’scamera,video,andrecordingfunctionswithateacher’spermission Studentsmay notpostanydigitalphotos,videos,orrecordingstoapublicsite.
5. Gamingandotherformsofdigitalentertainmentareprohibitedduringclass.
6 Wallpapersmustdisplayappropriatematerial
Electronic Device and Cell Phone Policy
StudentsarenotallowedtouseelectronicdevicesoncampusexceptforiPads,laptops,andcalculators
Studentsmaychoosetobringtheircellphonestoschool,buttheyarenotpermittedaccesstothemduringthe schoolday. Allcellphonesaretobestoredinthedesignatedlocationasdeterminedbythespecificdivision.
UpperSchoolstudentsmayretrievetheirphonesatthebeginningoftheCollaborativePeriodunlesstheyhave anearlydismissal;MiddleSchoolstudentsmayretrievetheircellphonesfollowingtheAthleticsPeriodunless theyhaveanearlydismissaloranoff-campuscontest
StudentswhoneedtocontacttheirparentsmayaskpermissiontousethetelephoneintheMiddleofUpper SchoolOffice ParentswhoneedtocontacttheirchildrenduringthedayshouldcalltheappropriateDivision Office.
TheSchoolisnotresponsibleforlostordamagedcellphones.
Studentswhouseelectronicdevicesoncampuswithoutpermissionwillhavethedevicesconfiscatedbyafaculty orstaffmember TheymayretrievetheirdevicefromtheDeanorDivisionOfficeattheendoftheday Students whorepeatedlyviolatethisexpectationmayfaceadditionaldisciplinaryaction
Studentsarenotallowedtobringlaserpointersoranyotherpotentiallydangerouselectronicdevicestoschool.
Photographsandvideostakenoncampusmaynotbepublishedorpostedonanywebsitewithoutthe permissionoftheSchool
Academics
TheMiddleSchoolprogramrespondstotheuniquedevelopmentalneedsofyoungadolescents.Students participateinavarietyofareasofstudyandactivitiesthatstressactiveengagementinlearning.Oneofthemajor goalsoftheprogramistocreateaclimatewherecuriosity,integrityandcreativeexpressionareesteemed
MiddleSchoolstudentsarerequiredtocompletefivecorecourses,aswellasArtselectivesandcycleclassesin Art,Wellness,PhysicalEducationorEnglishworkshop
TheMBSCurriculumGuidecontainsacompletedescriptionofallofthecoursesofferedbyMBS,andplease seetheAll-SchoolAcademicPoliciessectionforfurtherdetails.
MS Exams
Studentsinthe6th-8thgradesmaytakeexamsorcumulativeprojectsinallsubjectsattheendofthe2nd semester Theexamscancountasmuchas10%ofthatsemester’sgrade
No Homework Dates
PleaseseeAll-schoolInformationandPoliciesforalistofNoHomeworkdates
The School has two honor rolls for academic achievement:
● Honor Roll – for students with a minimum GPA of 3.50
● High Honor Roll – for students with a minimum GPA of 3 80 Bothhonorrollsarebasedonsemestergrades,notendofyeargrades
TheNationalJuniorHonorSocietyrecognizesstudentsineighthgradewhohavedemonstratedoutstandingscholarship, leadership,service,character,andcitizenship.StudentsmustearnHighHonorRollfortwoconsecutivesemesters beginningwiththesecondsemesterof7thgradetobeeligible.StudentsreceivingthishonorareinductedattheMoving Upceremony.
TheMorristownBeardSchoolCenterforTeachingandLearningprovidesacademicassistanceforallstudents grades6through12 Staffedbydedicatedspecialists,weprovidesupportthathelpseachstudentreachtheir potentialwhilebecomingengaged,self-reliantlearners Thesegoalsareaccomplishedbyusingstudents’course contenttoenhanceskillsinreadingcomprehension,writtenexpression,studying,testtaking,mathand executivefunctioningskills.
StudentsintheCenterforTeachingandLearningmayworkindividuallyorinsmallgroups Thosewith educationaltestingidentifiededucationalneedsand/oracademicprobationarescheduledwithaspecialist two-threetimesaweekinsmallgroups.PleaseseeEducationalAccommodationssectionfordetailspertainingto accommodations.Anystudentmayscheduleanindividualappointmenttoassessspecificskillsorclass assignments
MBSisexcitedtoofferapilotprogramofintensiveStudyStrategiesfortheMiddleSchoolpopulationinthe 2025-26schoolyear. Identifiedstudentswillmeetwithalearningspecialistinasmallgroupsetting(2students tooneteacher)for3hoursperweekinordertobuildtheireducationalfoundationandaddressskilldeficits. PleasecontacttheDirectoroftheCenterforTeachingandLearning,Dr.KimPottratz,formoreinformation.
After-School Hours
Studentsarerequiredtobepickedupattheendoftheschooldayat3:30p.m.
StudentswhoridethebusmustwaitbytheMSBuildingorintheMSCommonsRoomuntilthebusesarrive Theschooldayforstudentswhotakethebusdoesnotendat3:20pm itendsafterthestudenthasbeen droppedoffattheirdesignated stop Accordingly,theSchool’srulesareineffectuntilthattime However,there aretwoexceptionstothisguideline:
● StudentsmaypurchasefoodandbeveragesfromtheDiningHallorfromthevendingmachinesafter theirdismissalfromschool.
● StudentsmaybeoutofdresscodeaftertheendofSportsPeriod.
After3:30pm,studentsmustwaitintheCommonsRoomintheMiddleSchoolBuilding Studentsare expectedtobehaveinaquietandrespectfulmanneruntiltheyarepickedup Studentsmaynotleavecampus priortogettingonthebusorbeingpickedupbytheirparents.
TheSchooloffersthefollowingactivities:
StudentsareencouragedtoattendourMiddleSchoolsocialgatherings Therearetypicallyonedanceeachyear, Fridaynightgymandpoolnights,skiclub,andscheduledgrade-levelactivities nights Activitiesarescheduled overthecourseoftheyear.
AllMiddleSchoolstudentsparticipateinourcommunityserviceprogram Asaschool,studentsworkto fundraiseandbringawarenesstoorganizationssuchastheMorrisCountyFoodPantry,St.Jude’sHospital,and theInterfaithFoodPantry.Eachgradecollaboratesonaspecificproject;inadvisorygroups.
TheMiddleSchooloffersaclubrotationthreetimesperyeartocoincidewiththesportscalendar.Examplesof clubofferingsinclude:Yearbook,OpenArtStudio,NatureWalks,Finance/Investing,Yoga,Invention,Coding, FantasyFootball,Robotics/CodingandMarchMadness.
Studentscanparticipateindancerecitals,choralperformances,instrumentalrecitals,andtheMiddleSchool musicaland/orplay.
StudentsareinvitedtojointheSki&SnowboardClub(ShawneeMt.)duringthewintermonths.
*MBSdoesnotwanttoprohibitanystudentfromparticipating. Ifcostisaconcern,pleasecontacttheDirectorof AdmissionandFinancialAidformoreinformation.
ParentsseekingatutorshouldcontacttheDepartmentChairortheCenterforTeachingandLearning.MBS teachersmaytutoroncampusafterschool,butnotduringtheschoolday.TheSchooldoesnotallownon-MBS employeesastutorson campus.
TheSchooldoesnotallowteacherstotutorstudentsthattheyhaveinclass.Wheneverastudenthasan arrangementwithanoutsidetutor,thesubjectteacher,theadvisor,andDivisionHeadorDepartmentChair shouldbeinformed.Parents/guardiansmustprovideconsent,inwriting,foraMBSfacultymembertodiscuss theirchild’sprogresswithatutor.
Parents/guardiansandtutorsarrangefeesindependentlyoftheSchool.
OurMBSMiddleSchooladvisoryprogramisastudent-centeredspacefacilitatedbyanadvisorwitha focusonguideddiscussionsandmeaningfulconversationsaboutcommunity,self-awareness,and leadership.Ourstudentsworkindividuallyandcollaborativelyontheirsocialemotionalandacademic growthusingguidedactivitiesthataredevelopmentallyappropriate.Ouradvisorssupportour studentsinbecomingbetterself-advocatesandresponsiblecommunitymembersthroughbuilding positiverelationships.MiddleSchoolAdvisoryisaplacewherestudents,parents,andteacherswork togetherforthebenefitofthewholechild.PleaseseetheAll-SchoolAdvisorysectionforfurther details.
Theadvisorservesastheprimaryliaisonbetweenstudent,parent/guardians,andteachers.Students meetwiththeiradvisoreachmorningduringadvisorycheck-inandduringweeklyextendedadvisor periods.
Ifparents/guardianshavequestionsabouttheadvisingprocess,theyshouldcontacttheMiddleSchoolDean.
TheMSCounseloractsasaresourcepersonforadvisorsandfamiliesandaliaisonbetweenteachersandoutside professionals.TheMSCounseloralsomeetsinanindividualorgroupsettingwithstudents.
Inadditiontotheadvisor,studentsmayseekadditionalindividualguidancebycontactingtheMSCounselor. TheMScounselorisqualifiedtoassiststudentsinexploringoptionsthatmaybestaddresspersonaldifficulties. ForfurtherdetailspertainingtotheCounselingDepartment,pleaseseetheAll-schoolCounselingsection.
Parents/guardianswhohavecounselingquestionspertainingtotheirownchildshouldcontacttheMS Counselor ThosewithquestionspertainingtotheCounselingDepartmentshouldcontacttheDirectorof Counseling,BarbaraSmith.
A student who is absent from 20 classes of a year-long course, 10 of a semester course, or 5 of a quarter course may be denied credit for that course.
Astudentwhohasbeenabsentfromschoolisrequiredtocheckinwiththeteachersoftheclassestheymissed duringtheirabsencebeforethestartofclasses
Studentsarerequiredtoarriveatschoolintimeforthestartofclassesinthemorning(8:00AM,or9:30AMon delayedopenings/Late-StartWednesdays) Likewise,studentsareexpectedtoattendschooleverydaythatthe Schoolisinsession
ParentsofchildrenwhoareplanningtoarrivelateordepartearlyareexpectedtonotifytheSchoolby7:55a.m. Studentswhoarrivelateoncampusmustcheck-inattheMiddleSchoolOfficeassoonastheyarrive.Students planningtoleaveschoolearlyforanyreasonmustnotifytheMiddleSchoolOfficeandbecheckedoutbya parentorguardianintheMiddleSchoolOffice However,studentswholeaveearlyformedicalreasonsmay checkoutintheNurse’sOffice Theschooldaystartsat8:00am andendsat3:30pm
Asageneralguideline,studentswhomissadayofschoolduetoillnesswillhaveaday(onebusiness/schoolday) tomakeupthework.Forillnessesthatlastmorethanoneday,generallythestudentwillworkwiththeteacher tomakeaplantosupporttheircompletionofanymissedwork.
Studentswhomissschoolforanunplannedabsence(forexample,becauseofillnessorafamilyemergency)are responsibleforarrangingtocompletetheirassignments
Studentsareresponsibleforarrivingattheirclassesontime–studentswhoarelegitimatelydelayedbyalate dismissalmustgetapprovalfromtheirteachers Studentsareresponsibleatalltimesforkeepingtrackofthe timeandformakingsurethattheyarriveattheirclassesontime.Studentswhoarrivelatetoclassrepeatedlymay beissuedadetention.
TheSchoolrecognizesthatparentsmaysometimesdecidetotaketheirchildoutofschoolforfamilyvacations orotherpersonalreasons.
Regardlessofthereason,theSchoolasksthatparentsunderstandtheacademicrisksinherentinallowingachild tomissclasstime Suchabsencescanbeverydisruptive,especiallyforstudentswhomisslargeblocksoftimeor whomissschoolrepeatedly
ParentsareremindedoftheclauseintheAttendancePolicy,whichstipulatesthat“Studentswhoareabsentfor 20classesofayear-longcoursemaybedeniedcreditforthatcourse.”
ItisnottheSchool’spolicytomakespecialaccommodationsforstudentswhomissschoolforaplanned absence.Insofarasitispossibleforstudentstohandinworkbeforetheyleave,theymustdoso.Other assignments,suchasquizzesandtestsmustbemadeupwithinoneday(onebusiness/schoolday)ofreturning toschool
AllplannedabsencesmustbereportedinwritingbyusingthePlannedAbsenceFormavailableintheMiddle SchoolOfficeoneweekpriortothebeginningoftheabsence.Studentsmustnotifyandobtainthesignaturesof alltheirteachersinadvanceoftheirplannedabsence.ThecompletedPlannedAbsenceFormmustbesubmitted
totheMiddleSchoolOffice Studentswhofailtodeliversuchnotificationriskbeingdeniedcreditontheir academicassignments
AstudentwhoislatetoSchoolseventimesinoneSemestermaybeissuedaDetention (Eachsubsequent latenesswillearnadditionalDetentions)
Citizenship
Studentsareexpectedtocontributetothesenseofcommunityandbelongingbyshowingrespectforfaculty, staff,peers,andschoolpropertyandbybehavinginasafeandresponsiblemanner Allmembersoftheschool community,includingschoolvisitors,areexpectedtoadheretoourschool’svalues.
PleaseseeAll-SchoolInformationandPolicysectionfordetails
WhenstudentsrepresenttheSchoolinacademic,athletic,orotherextra-curricularactivities,theSchoolexpects thatstudentswilldemonstratescholarship,sportsmanship,andcitizenshipinaccordancewiththeCoreValues ofMBS:PersonalResponsibility,AwarenessofDiversePerspectives,Engagement,Tenacity,Independenceof Mind,andHumorandHumility
Studentsareexpectedtoadheretoallschoolrulesbothoncampus,aswellasatoff-campusschool-related events,regardlessoftimingand/orlocation.StudentsthatdonotadheretotheserulesandMBSValuesofthe Schoolmayfacedisciplinaryaction,beplacedondisciplinarywarning,suspendedorexpelledfromSchool.
TheSchooldoesnottolerateethnicorracialslurs,profanelanguage,disrespectfulcommentsorgestures,orany formofharassment Similarly,theSchooldoesnottolerateanyformofphysicaloremotionalintimidation, verbalorwrittenthreats,hazingorbullying,oranyotherbehaviorthatviolatesanotherstudent’swellbeing. (SeeSexualHarassmentPolicyStatement.)
Astudentmaynot“borrow”anotherstudent’sbelongingswithoutthatstudent’sexpressedpermission.A studentmaynotintentionallydamageanyproperty–whetherbelongingtotheSchoolortoanotherstudent–atanytime
TheSchooldoesnottoleratecheating,lying,orplagiarism Studentsareexpectedtoknowthatneglectingtocite asource–orneglectingtociteasourceproperly–mayresultindisciplinaryactionforplagiarismoracademic dishonesty.(SeeAcademicIntegritypolicyforafulldescription.)
StudentsareexpectedtobehaveinasafeandresponsiblemanneratalltimeswhileunderthecareoftheSchool andtoobeyalllaws Studentsarenotallowedtobringdangerousitems,controlledsubstances,anddrug paraphernaliaoncampusortoanyoff-campusschoolevents TheMiddleSchoolHead,MiddleSchoolDean,or
otherMBSadministratorsmayinspectstudents’lockers,bookbags,equipmentbags,orotherpersonalitems whenthereisaperceivedneedtodoso PleaseseetheAll-schoolChemicalHealthPolicy
StudentsarenotallowedtoleavecampusatanytimeduringtheschooldaywithouttheSchool’spermission. Theymustremaininexplicitlydesignatedareasofthecampuswherethereissupervision,andtheymaynot remainoncampusafterdismissalunlesstheyarethereforaschool-sponsoredactivity.
Thisabovelistisnotintendedtobeall-inclusive Appropriatebehaviorisexpectedandrequiredatalltimes A studentwhoseconductisconsideredtobeinjurioustothelifeoftheSchool,oranindividualintheSchool,may bedismissedatanytime.PleaseseeAll-SchoolInformationandPolicysectionfordetails.
TheSchoolusesabehavioralaccountabilitysystemasadisciplinarytoolforsupportingtheSchool’srules. Teachers,advisors,theMiddleSchoolDean,theCounselorandcoachesusuallyattempttosolveaproblem internallywithoutresortingtoissuingadetention TheMiddleSchoolDeanandteachersgenerallygiveaverbal warningandsendaParentCommunicationForm(PCF)beforeresortingtoadetention Inthecaseofrepeated infractionsoftheSchool’srules,oranegregiousviolationoftheSchool’srules,theMiddleSchoolDeanmay electtoissueadetention.Alternatively,ateachermayelecttoreferthematterdirectlytotheMiddleSchool Deanforappropriatediscipline.
Inthecaseofamajorruleviolationorcontinuedminorruleviolations,theMiddleSchoolDeanmayupgradea normalDetentiontoaReverseDetention WhereasanormalDetentionisservedduringthesportsperiodor recess,aReverseDetentionisservedduringadaywhentherearenoclasses(suchasonthefirstdayofavacation breakorduringaParent/TeacherConferenceDay)andlastsforfour(ormore)hours.
Duringeachdetention,theMiddleSchoolDeanmeetswiththestudenttoreflectontheincidentandcomplete astudentreflectionform.TheDeanprovidesguidancetohelpthestudentavoidrepeatingthesamemistake. Detentionsareassignedbasedontheseverityoftheruleviolation,andstudentsareexpectedtoservethem promptly,asdeterminedbytheDean TheDeanwillalsonotifythestudent’sfamilyabouttheincidentandthe resultingdisciplinaryaction
StudentswhohaveearnedDetentionsbuthavenotservedthemmaynotparticipateinanydress-down privileges.
StudentswhohaveearnedanexcessivenumberofDetentions(oraReverseDetention) maybeprohibitedfromparticipatingincertainactivities,offcampusand/orovernighttrips,andco-curricular events
TheSchoolreservestherighttoplacestudentsonDisciplinaryWarningandwithholdre-enrollmentcontracts forstudentswithasignificantdisciplinaryrecord StudentswhoviolatetheSchool’sruleswhileonDisciplinary Warningwilllikelyfacesuspensionorpossibleexpulsion
Priortoamajorvacation(ThanksgivingBreak,WinterBreak,SpringBreak,andSummerVacation),theDeanof Studentsmayrequireastudentwhohasamassedmultipledetentionscometoschoolonthefirstdayofvacation inordertoservethedetentionsconsecutively. AReverseDetentionlastsaminimumoffourhours,regardlessof thenumberofunserveddetentionsoutstanding
TheDeanofStudentsmaintainsarecordofeachstudent’sDetentions,andmaymeetwithparentsofstudents whodetentionsduringthecourseofasemester.ThepurposeofthismeetingistodiscusstheSchool’sconcern aboutthestudent’sabilitytofollowtheSchool’srules.TheMiddleSchoolDeanwillsendhomealetterthat becomesapartofthestudent’sfileduringhisorherMiddleSchoolyears.
Anin-schoolorat-homesuspensionisassignedwhentypicaldisciplinarymeasureshavenotledtotheexpected behavioralimprovements Aspartofthesuspensionprocess,thestudentengagesinastructuredreflection activitydesignedtohelpthemtakeownershipoftheiractions,learnfromtheexperience,andmoveforwardasa positiveandcontributingmemberofthecommunity.
TheDressCodealsocontainsguidelinesforgeneralappearanceandneatness,inadditiontoclothing,and fostersasenseofunityandbelongingamongstudents PleaseseetheAll-schoolDressCodeforfurtherdetails
Forthesportsperiod,studentsplayingateamsportarerequiredtochangeintosuitablesportsclothingfortheir particularsportinthelockerroom.Thecoachdeterminestheexpectedpracticeclothingandgameuniform. StudentsareexpectedtocarefortheirgameuniformsandtoreturnthemtotheAthleticsDepartmentattheend ofeachseason StudentswhodonotparticipateinateamsportarerequiredtoremaininDressCodeuntilthe endoftheschoolday
Studentswhodonotreturntheiruniformswillnotbeissuedauniformforthefollowingseason.Studentswho damageorlosetheiruniformswillberequiredtopayfortheirreplacement.
ThepurposesoftheMiddleSchoolinterscholasticathleticprogramaretoencourageparticipationinathletics, teachandrefineathleticskills,developspecificgamestrategy,encouragesportsmanship,andpromote commitmenttoateam.
StudentsmayjoinanyoftheathleticteamsofferedbytheMiddleSchool Practicesareheldduringthesports periodattheendoftheschoolday.Regularlyscheduledinterscholasticgamesbeginafterschool,butinsome casesstudentsmaybedismissedearlyandmisspartofthefinalteachingperiodoftheday.Theemphasisatthis levelismainlyinstructional.Ifthereisenoughinterestinaparticularsport,theSchoolwilltrytoaccommodate thelargenumbersofstudentsbyaddingasecondteamthatwillhaveitsownschedule.
TheSchooloffersthefollowingMSteams:
Fall
Coed Cross-Country
Girls Field Hockey
Boys Soccer A&B*
Girls Soccer A&B*
Girls Tennis Fitness
Winter
Boys Basketball A&B*
Girls Basketball A&B*
Coed Ice Hockey A&B*
Coed Swimming
Fitness
Spring
Boys Baseball
Boys Lacrosse A&B*
Boys Tennis
Girls Lacrosse A&B*
Girls Softball
Track & Field
Fitness
*if numbers allow
Teammembersarerequiredtoattendallgamesscheduledfortheirteams,unlesstheyhavegiventheircoach noticebeforethedayofthegame,orunlessthecoachhasinformedthemthattheywillnotbeontherosterfor thatparticulargame
Teammembersarerequiredtoattendallpractices.Iftheycannotparticipateinthepracticeforamedicalreason, theymusthaveanotefromthenurse,trainerordoctor.Moreover,theymustreporttopracticeandsitonthe sideline.Studentsmaybeheldoutofpracticetoserveadetention.
TheathleticsdailyscheduleandcalendarlinkisavailableontheMorristownBeardSchoolAppandthroughthe “AthleticCalendar”buttonontheParent/GuardianPortalonVeracross
StudentswhodonotwishtoparticipateinateamsportmayjointheFitnessClass.
Parent/Guardian Information
Parent Communication Forms (PCFs)
TeachersuseParentCommunicationFormstoshareinformationpertainingtoastudent
Parental/Guardian Conduct
Parentsandguardians andothersentrustedwiththecareandwellbeingofstudents playanintegralrolein thepromotionoftheaimsandidealsoftheSchool.Theircontinuedunderstanding,support,andcooperationis criticaltothesuccessoftheSchoolandtheeffectivenessofitseducationalmission.Conversely,theattitudeor conductofaparent,beituncooperative,disruptive,disrespectfulorabusive,maysodiminishtheeffectiveness
oftheeducationalprocessastoleadtheSchooltoconcludethatthecontinuedinvolvementoftheparentand thestudentwiththeSchoolisnolongerinthebestinterestsofeitherthestudentortheSchool
Intheordinarycourseofevents,astudentwillnotbedeprivedofaneducationattheSchoolbecauseofthe attitudesoractionsofhisorherparents.There,nevertheless,mayexistcircumstancesofthekinddescribed aboveandinthesecircumstancestheSchoolreservestherighttodeterminethatthecontinuedattendanceofthe studentintheSchoolisnotinthebestinterestsofeitherthestudentortheSchooland,onthisbasis,todismiss thestudentandrecommendhisorhertransfertoanotherschool
Parent/GuardianandAdvisorConferencesarestudentledandscheduledinNovemberandAprileachacademic year. Thestudentisrequiredtoattendaportionoftheconference. PleasechecktheSchool’smastercalendar forspecificdates.
TheSchoolreservestherighttosearchastudent’sadvisorylocker, gym locker, book-bag, and other personal items at any time. See the All-School Search & Seizure Policy for full details.
Ifaschooladministratorconsidersthatthereisreasonablesuspicionthatastudenthasbrokenamajorschool rule,asearchofthestudent,hisorherlocker,orhisorherpersonalpropertymaybedone Studentproperty maybeconfiscatedandneednotbereturnedifitsusewouldviolateSchoolregulations SearchesmadeatthediscretionoftheSchooldonotrequirepriornotificationofparents Immediatelyfollowing aSchoolsearch,theMiddleSchoolHeadwillnotifytheparentsaboutthereasonsforandresultsofthesearch.
IftheSchoolisrequestedbyalawenforcementofficialtoconductasearch,itwillattempttonotifytheparents beforesuchasearchtakesplace SuchsearcheswillbeperformedbythelawenforcementofficialwiththeMiddle SchoolHead(orotherSchoolofficial)present
Studentswholosesomethingshouldcheckthelostandfoundreceptaclesassoonaspossible.Theyshouldalso reportthelosstotheiradvisorandtotheMiddleSchoolOffice.Anyitemthatremainsinthelostandfound aftertheendofeachreportingperiod,willbedonated.
Collaborative Period & Study Hall - “Extra Help”
Thereiscollaborativetimebuiltintotheschedule.Threetimesaweek,studentscanmeetwithteachers,work withclassmatesorquietlywork(StudyHall)onhomeworkandschoolprojects.Studentswhoneedone-on-one assistance,orwhoneedtomakeupmissedassignments,areexpectedtoseektheirteachersoutduringthistime Studentscanalsomeetwiththeirteachersbeforeandafterschoolhours–aftermakingarrangementsaheadof timetodoso
TheHeadofMiddleSchool,inconsultationwiththeregistrar,teachersandadvisors,createsclasssections. Mathclassesaregroupedbasedonabilityandachievementrecords.Allotherclassesareorganizedona mixed-abilitybasiswithasmuchflexibilityaspossiblebuiltintothegroupingsystem
Attheendofthe1stSemester,thefacultymakesrecommendationsfortheplacementofreturningstudentsfor thefollowingyear.TheadvisorsdiscusstheserecommendationsattheSpringParent/AdvisorConferences.
Inthespring,currentstudentsselectandprioritizeartselectivesforthefollowingyear.
Studentsmaydroporaddayearlongorafirstsemesterelectiveonlyduringthefirsttwofullweeksofthefirst semester Forsecondsemesterelectives,thedropperiodisineffectduringthefirsttwoweeksofthesecond semester Studentswhoenrollinyearlongelectivesarerequiredtoremaininthecoursefortheentireyear After thefirsttwoweeksofschool,studentswillonlybeallowedtodropafullyearelectiveinthemostexceptional cases.
PleaseseetheAll-schoolTechnologyGuidelinesandPoliciessectionsforfulldetail.
WhenridinginaSchool-sponsoredvehicle,studentsareexpectedtocooperatewiththedriverofthevehicleat alltimes ThisappliesforanypublicorprivatevehiclethatisusedinanyconnectionwiththeSchool
StudentsusingoneoftheSchool’stransportationsub-contractorsmustwaitfortheirbusesatthedesignated pointofpickup.(Exceptionsmaybemadeininclementweather.)Thedriversofthebusesareobligedtoreport anyviolationsofproperconducttotheirsupervisorsandtheMiddleSchoolDean.Theappropriatedisciplinary actionwilltakeplacewhenanyviolationofproperconductoccurs
CarpoolstudentsaredroppedoffatthedesignatedMSdrop-offarea Eachstudentthenreportstohisorher advisor’sclassroom.
StudentsarerequiredtocheckwiththeMiddleSchoolHeadandAdmissionOfficebeforeinvitingafriendor relativetovisit AllvisitorsmustcheckinwiththeMSOfficeuponarrivingoncampus Alladultsmustcheckin atthefrontdeskandwearavisibleMBSissuednametag SeeAll-SchoolVisitorsPolicyfordetails
PleaseseeAll-schoolAcademicsectionforadditionaldetails
Academic Reporting and Policies
Academic Guidelines and Requirements
PleaseseetheAll-schoolAcademicssectionforfulldetails Theschoolyearconsistsoftwosemestersof approximatelysixteenweekseach. Studentsarerequiredtotakeaminimumofsixclasseseachsemester. Seniors mustpassalloftheirclassestograduate. Exceptionstoanyoftheacademicrequirementslistedbelowmustbe approvedbytheHeadofUpperSchool.
English Fouryears
Math ThreeyearsofIntegratedMath
History Threeyears
Science Threeyearsoflaboratoryscience,withnocourserepeats
WorldLanguage ThreeconsecutiveyearsofthesamelanguageintheUpperSchool
Arts One-yearrequirementthroughtheArtandDesignorPerformingArtsprograms. BeginningwiththeClassof2024,therequirementistwoyears.
Wellness Wellness9(oneyear),Wellness10(onesemester),IntegrativeHealth10(onesemester),Wellness Elective(onesemesteringrade11or12)
Theminimumnumberofgraduationcreditsis24.PleaseseetheCurriculumGuidefordetails.Themajorityof studentsgraduatewith28credits
Exams
Finalexamsaregiveninsomecoursesattheendofthesecondsemester.Theseexamscountfornomorethan twentypercentofthesecondsemestergrade,butaregenerallyweightedatalowerpercentage.
Grade Computing
Generally,ifastudentchangeslevelsinthesamecourseinthefirstsemester(i.e.fromHonorstoRegular),the gradetheyearninthesecondcoursewillbeusedforthesemestergrade However,ifthereisnotenough representativeworkforasemestergradetobeearnedinthesecondcourseduetoalatetransfer,thetwoteachers involvedwillmeettodeterminethesemestergradebasedonthestudent'sdurationandgradesearnedineach course.
Grades & Comments
SemesterandfinalgradesatMBSserveasareflectionofastudent'sknowledgeandunderstandingofthe coursework.Teachersmayemployavarietyofformative(i.e.designedtosupportlearningandprovidefeedback)
andsummative(i.e.designedtomeasureastudent'sunderstanding)assessmentsthroughoutagradingtermin ordertogatherevidenceofstudentmasteryoftheskillsandcontentrelevanttoaclass
StudentsreceivelettergradesrangingfromAthroughFfortheircorecurriculumandartscourses Grades rangingbetweenaC-toAareconsideredacceptable,whereasgradesintheDrangeareofconcernandmaylead toastudentbeingplacedonAcademicProbationasdescribedabove.AnFindicatesafailingmark.
Studentsreceivefoursetsofreports:interimprogressreportsatthemid-semesterpointofsemestersoneand two, andsemestergradesandcommentsattheconclusionofthoserespectivesemesters Commentsattheend ofthesecondsemesterwillbeprovidedforstudentsenrolledinsemester-longcoursesorforthosewhosegrade haschangedbyafulllettergrade.ReportswillbepostedtotheParent/GuardianandStudentPortalson Veracrossassoonaspossiblefollowingtheendofthegradingperiod.Inaddition,teachersoftenpostonline ParentCommunicationFormsforeitherexcellentorsub-standardperformance.Onlythefinalgradefora coursewill appearonthestudent’spermanenttranscript.
Studentswhofallbehindintheirworkshouldmeetwiththeirteachersassoonaspossibletoestablishaplanand adeadlineforthecompletionofthework Iftheworkisstilloutstandingneartheendofasemester,itmustbe completedwithinoneweekofthesemester’send
Honor Roll & High Honor Roll
TheSchoolhastwohonorrollsforacademicachievement.
● HonorRoll–forastudentwithaminimumGPAof3.5
● HighHonorRoll–forstudentswithaminimumGPAof3.8
Bothhonorrollsarebasedonsemestergrades,notendofyeargrades
Honor Societies
TheSchoolisamemberofseveralhonorssocieties:theCumLaudeSociety,theFrench,Spanish,andLatin HonorsSociety,andtheMuAlphaThetamathhonorssociety Thecriteriaforentryintothedisciplinespecific honorsocietiescanbefoundthroughthedepartments.
TheSchool’schapteroftheCumLaudeSocietyinductsseniors(andonrareoccasionsjuniors)whohave demonstratedextraordinaryacademicexcellence Foundedin1906,theCumLaudeSocietygrantschartersonly toschoolswithstrongacademicprograms Thesearereviewedeverytenyears InaccordancewithSocietyrules, facultymembersoftheCumLaudeSocietymayinduct“notmorethan20%oftheseniorclasswhohave demonstratedacademicexcellence”inarigorouscurricularprogram.Chapterselectmemberswhodemonstrate goodcharacter,honor,andintegrity;however,scholarshipandademonstratedpassionforlearningarethe primaryconsiderations.
Ninth-andtenth-gradestudentsarescheduledforstudyhallduringfreeperiods,unlesstheyearnaGPAof3.0 orhigher.Juniorsandseniorswhoearnbelowa2.75willbeplacedinstudyhall.AllstudentsonAcademic Probationarescheduledforstudyhall,andtheGradeDeansmayassignanystudenttostudyhalliftheybelieve itisinthestudent’sbestinterest
Requestsforacurrentstudenttranscriptshouldbemadethroughtheappropriatedivisionoffice.Therequired TranscriptRequestFormmustbecompletedbeforearequestcanbeprocessed.
Earlyinthesecondsemester,underthedirectionoftheUpperSchoolAcademicDean,studentsbeginthe processofrequestingthefollowingyear’scourseswiththehelpoftheirteachersandacademicadvisors.The Schoolbelievesstronglythatstudentsshouldrequestcourseswhichprovidebalancetotheiroverallexperience.
Studentswhowishtotakehonorsoradvancedplacementcoursesmusthavetherecommendationofthe departmentinvolved Theprocessbywhichstudentsearnarecommendationinaparticulardisciplineis explainedtostudentsduringthesecondsemesterandmay(dependingonthesubject/course)requirethata studentcompleteaplacementassessment
Studentsarenotguaranteedplacementinanhonorsoradvancedcourse. Placementinthesecoursesislimited basedonthenumberofsectionstheSchoolcansupportbasedonstaffingneeds,tomaintainahigh-level classroomexperience,andtoensurestudentsenrollinclasseswhichprovidethemthegreatestopportunityto continuetheireducationalgrowth Placementdecisionsmadebythedepartmenttakeintoaccountavarietyof datapoints,includingbutnotlimitedperformanceindepartmentalorrelatedcourses,demonstrationof necessaryskills,andeffortandengagement.
Parentshavetheopportunitytoreviewtheirchild’scourserequestsattheApriladvisorconference.Each student’sscheduleisfinalizedfollowingfacultyreviewfollowingthecloseoftheacademicyearandapproval fromtheUpperSchoolDeanofAcademicsinmid-August Foracompletedescriptionofcoursesoffered,please refertotheCurriculumGuidewhichcanbefoundundertheacademicstabontheMBSwebsite
Studentsmaydroporaddayearlongorafirstsemestercourseonlyduringthefirsttwofullweeksofthefirst semester Forsecondsemestercourses,thedropperiodisineffectduringthefirsttwoweeksofthesecond semester Studentswhoenrollinyearlongcoursesarerequiredtoremaininthecoursefortheentireyear After thefirsttwoweeksofschool,studentswillonlybeallowedtodropafullyearcourseinthemostexceptional cases.
Ifastudentdropsacourseentirelyafterthetwo-weekadd/dropperiod,thetranscriptwillnotea “W”forwithdrawalfromthecourse.
Teacher-initiated course changes
Ifateacherfeelsthatastudenthasbeenplacedincorrectlyinacourse,thecoursecanbedroppedatanytime duringtheyear.However,teachersonlyadvocatesuchactionifthecircumstancesarecompelling.
Student-initiated course changes
Studentsmayinitiateadownwardlevelchange(ie honorstostandard)duringtheadd/dropperiod,butnotan upwardlevelchange(ie standardtohonors) Anupwardlevelchangemustbeapprovedbytheteacherand departmentchair Levelchangesmadebeforetheendofthesemesterwillnotbenotedontheacademic transcript.
AthleticProgram
MBSathleticspromotethephysicalandeducationalwellbeingofstudent-athletesbyreflectingthehighest standardsofdignityandhonorthatcharacterizecompetitivesportsinaschoolsetting
Participationinathleticsgoeshand-in-handwithacademicgrowth. Studentslearnhowtocompeteeffectively andwithintegrityinanysetting,howtobeacontributingmemberofateam,howtoprovideleadership,and howtoberesilientafterdefeatorvictory.Webelievethattheselessons,alongwiththoselearnedintheMBS classroom,instillandstrengthenthevaluesthatwillleadtopersonalandprofessionalfulfillment
Interscholasticathleticsareencouragedbutnotrequired Mostpracticesareheldafterschoolandonsome weekends.MBSoffersthefollowingsports:
Fall
Coed Cross-Country
Boys Football
Boys Soccer
Girls Field Hockey
Girls Soccer
Girls Tennis
Girls Volleyball
Winter
Coed Skiing
Girls & Boys Swimming
Boys Basketball
Boys Ice Hockey
Girls Basketball
Girls Ice Hockey
Coed Winter Track
Spring
Boys Golf
Girls Golf
Coed Track & Field
Boys Baseball
Boys Lacrosse
Boys Tennis
Girls Lacrosse
Girls Softball
Attimesastudentmayneedtobedismissedfromclassearlyforanawaygameorotherathleticevent Itisthe responsibilityofeachstudenttomakesurethatheorshehashandedinanyassignmentsandmakearrangements withteacherstomakeupworkbeforeleavingearly.Pleasereferencetheattendancepolicyinregardtothe absenteelimitforeachcourse.Studentsmustarriveatschoolby11:20am(or11:50amona“Late-Start Wednesday,or8:00amondaysendingearlywitha“half-day”schedule)tobeeligibletoparticipatein afterschoolpracticesandcontests,unlesstheyhavepriorpermissionfromtheHeadofUpperSchool.
Further information about Upper School athletics can be obtained on the MBS website under the athletics tab. TheathleticsdailyscheduleandcalendarlinkisavailableontheMorristownBeardSchoolAppandthrough the“AthleticCalendar”buttonontheParent/GuardianPortalonVeracross
*Noteregardingathletic“spiritwear:”AllMBSauthorizedmerchandiseisavailablethroughthebookstoreor orderedthroughavendordesignatedbytheSchool.Alinktothevendor’swebsitewillbepostedontheMBSwebsite. ChecktheParent/GuardianPortalonVeracrossfornoticesonwhenseasonalmerchandiseisavailable
Itisextremelyimportantthatstudentsbeinschooleveryday.Ifastudentknowsinadvancethattheywillbe absent,theyshouldcompleteaPlannedAbsenceForm,whichisavailableandreturnedoncecompletedwith facultysignaturestotheUpperSchoolOffice Unlesspriornotificationhasbeengiven,parentsareexpectedto calltheSchoolby8:00am ifastudentwillbeabsent,arrivinglate,ordepartingearly TheSchoolrequeststhat parentsscheduledoctors’appointmentsafterschoolhours,sothatstudentsdonotmissclass.Additionally, familiesareaskednottorequestextravacationdays.
StudentsleavingschoolearlyforanyreasonmustcheckoutintheUpperSchoolOffice However,iftheymust leaveearlyformedicalreasons,theymaycheckoutfromtheNurse’sOffice Familiesshouldsubmittothe UpperSchoolOfficeallnotesfromamedicalpractitioneriftheyareabsent,late,ordismissedearlyfor health-relatedreasonsorappointments.
Studentsareconsideredlateforschooliftheyarriveinadvisoryafter8:00AM(or9:30AMonadelayed opening/LateStartWednesday). StudentswhoarelatetoschoolmustreporttotheUpperSchoolOfficetosign infortheday Failuretosigninmayresultinadetention
Schoolpolicydoesnotdistinguishbetween"excused"and"unexcused"lateness Studentsmaybelatetoschool upto8timesinasemester. Beyondthat,everylatearrivalmayresultinadetention.
Ifstudentscometoschoollate,orleaveearly,andmissanassessment(atestorquiz)theymustcompletethat assessmentbeforeleavingschoolthatday,unlesstheymakeclearandexplicitalternativearrangementswiththeir classroomteachers FailuretodosomayresultinearninganFonthatassessment
Participationinallafter-schoolactivities(includingsportspracticesandgames)iscontingentuponthe successfulcompletionofallacademicresponsibilitiesscheduledforthatday
Studentswhoareovertheacceptablethresholdoflatenessmaybeplacedintostudyhall,heldoutof extra-curricularactivities(includingsports)orbeplacedonDisciplinaryProbation.
Parentphonecallsexcusingastudentforabsences,earlydismissalsorlatearrivalsmustbereceivedpriortothe student’sabsence,earlydeparture,orlatearrival Studentsmayfacedisciplinaryactioniftheyarrivelateorleave earlywithoutpermission
Ourclasses,activities,andathleticprogramsarealldesignedtoencouragemaximuminvolvement.Itis, therefore,importantthateverystudentbehereeveryschoolday.Thefollowingareguidelinesforstudentsand parents:
● Itistheresponsibilityofthelate-arrivingstudentstocheckinattheUpperSchoolOfficeimmediately uponarrival Failuretosigninuponarrivaltoschoolwillresultindisciplinaryactionandmaypreventa studentfrombeingeligibletoparticipateinafter-schoolactivities
● Studentswhoarriveatschoolafter11:20a.m.onaregularschoolday(or11:50amona“Late-Start Wednesday,or8:00amondaysendingearlywitha“half-day”schedule) mustgetclearancefromthe HeadofUpperSchoolbeforetheymayparticipateinanyextracurricularschoolactivity. Thiswillonly begrantedinthemostextremecases(forexample,attendingafuneral),butnottoaccommodate non-MBSactivities
● Studentswholeaveschoolpriorto11:20am (or11:50amona“LateStartWednesday,”oratany pointondayswhenschoolendsearlyfora“halfday”) anddon’treturnbeforetheacademicdayis completedmustgetclearancefromtheHeadofUpperSchoolbeforetheymayparticipateinany extracurricularschoolactivities.
● Astudentwhomissesmorethanone-third(1/3)ofasingleclasswillbeconsideredabsentfromthat class
● Astudentwhomissesmorethanfiveclassesofaquartercourse,tenclassesofasemester course,ortwentyclassesofayearlongcourseshallreceivenocreditforthatcourse.
Itistheobligationofthestudenttomakearrangementswiththeteachertomakeupassignmentsmissed becauseofabsences.Ifnoarrangementsaremade,theteachermaygiveazeroforthemissingassignments.When astudenthasaplannedabsenceduetoafieldtrip,earlyathleticdismissal,orotherforeseeableevent,thestudent mustcommunicatewithallhisorherteacherspriortotheabsencetomakearrangementsformissedwork Assignments,tests,quizzes,in-classessays,etc missedbecauseofanunplannedabsencemustbemadeupin accordancewithdepartmentpolicies.
Studentsmaynotleavecampuswithoutparentpermissionduringtheschooldaywithoutsigningoutinthe UpperSchooloffice Ifstudentsareobservedleavingcampuswithoutfollowingtheproperprocedures,theywill receivetwoSaturdaydetentions Juniorsandseniorsmayalsohavetheirparkingprivilegessuspended,and SeniorPrivilegeseithersuspendedordelayed.StudentswhorepeatedlyviolateSchoolrulesmayhavetheir parkingprivilegesrevokedandmayfaceadditionaldisciplinaryconsequences.
TheMorristownBeardSchoolCenterforTeachingandLearningprovidesacademicassistanceforallstudents grades6through12 Staffedbydedicatedspecialists,weprovidesupportthathelpseachstudentreachtheir
potentialwhilebecomingengaged,self-reliantlearners.Thesegoalsareaccomplishedbyusingstudents’course contenttoenhanceskillsinreadingcomprehension,writtenexpression,studying,testtaking,mathand executivefunctioningskills
StudentsintheCenterforTeachingandLearningmayworkindividuallyorinsmallgroups.Thosewith educationaltestingidentifiededucationalweaknessesand/oracademicprobationarescheduledwithaspecialist threetimesaweekinsmallgroups PleaseseeEducationalAccommodationssectionfordetailspertainingto accommodations Anystudentmayscheduleanindividualappointmenttoassessspecificskillsorclass assignments.
ExtrahelpisanimportantpartofthelearningprocessatMorristownBeard Studentsareexpectedtoseekout teacherswhenhavingtrouble Teachersareavailableatscheduledtimestoassiststudents Studentsmayseek extrahelpduringstudyhalls,freeperiods,collaborativeperiod,andbeforeandafterschool
Whenclassroomworkandextrahelparenotenoughtoassuresuccess,orwhenastudenthasmissedasignificant amountofworkbecauseofanextendedillness,tutoringmaybenecessary.TheSchooldoesnotaccommodate non-MBSemployeesastutorsoncampus.Wheneverastudenthasanarrangementwithatutor,thesubject teacherandadvisorshouldbeinformed TheSchoolbelievesthattutoringisalwaysmoreeffectivewhenthe tutorandtheteacherareincommunicationwithoneanother Parentsmustprovidewrittenconsentfora teachertocommunicatewithanon-MBSemployeetutor Atthatpoint,thetutormustcontacttheteacherso thattheteachercanprovideguidelinesforappropriatesupportofthestudent.
IfaMorristownBeardteacherisengagedasatutor,suchcommunicationtakesplacenaturally Parentsseekinga tutorshouldcalltheappropriatedepartmentchair MorristownBeardteachersmaytutoroncampusafter schooloronweekends,butnotduringtheschoolday
ParentsandtutorsarrangefeesindependentlyoftheSchool.
PleaseseetheAll-schoolsectionforadditionaldetails
MBSisbuiltonthestrengthoftherelationshipscultivatedbetweenourstudents,facultyandstaff,andfamilies. Whiletherearemanyelementsthathelpsustainstrongrelationships,accountabilitytooneselfandothersisone ofthemostsignificant. Ourapproachtostudentconductanddisciplineisgroundedinourdesiretohelpthe studentsinourcaretakeownershipoftheirdecisionsandactionstobestlearnfromtheirmistakes,andtohelp themgrowasindividualmembersofacommunityinvestedintheircontinueddevelopment
Whenastudentmakesapoorchoicewhichgoesagainstthevalueswhichweholdasaninstitution,ourgoalisto helpthestudentunderstandwhytheymadespecificchoiceswhichledtotheissueathand Thisrequires studentstotakeaccountabilityfortheirdecisionsandtheiractions,ratherthanfocusingonexternalfactors whichmayalsoexist. Asaneducationalinstitution,weviewmanyofthesesituationsasteachablemoments,and trytoensurestudentsfeelsupportedbytheadultsinthecommunityevenaftertheyhavemadeamistake.While somepoorchoicesaremorepublicthanothers,wetryourbesttoprotectastudent’sprivacywhileaddressing disciplinarymatters
Thatbeingsaid,consequences,whethernaturalorthosedecideduponbytheSchool,areanaccompanying elementtoacceptingresponsibilitywhenamistakeismade. Theseconsequencesarenotmeanttobeoverly punitive,butwilloftenhighlighttheimportanceofbeingpartofatrustingcommunity,andtheimpactthat violatingthosenormscanhaveonacommunityandanindividual'splacewithinit.
AllUpperSchoolstudentsareexpectedtocontributetothewellbeingofthecommunitybyshowingrespectfor facultyandstaff,fellowstudents,schoolvisitors,andschoolpropertyandbybehavinginasafeandresponsible manneratalltimes
WhenMorristownBeardstudentsrepresenttheSchoolonoroffcampusinacademic,athletic,artisticandother extracurricularactivities,theSchoolexpectsthatstudentswilldemonstratescholarship,sportsmanship, professionalism,andcitizenshipandlivebyourValues
TheSchool’srulesareineffectduringnormalschoolhoursandduringanyschool-sponsoredactivity.Certain infractionsoccurringoutsideofschool,especiallyonesinvolvingonlineharassmentandpolicematters,mayalso resultindisciplineuptoandincludingexpulsion IftheSchoolreceivesinformationfromoutsidesources(ie parents,policeauthorities,officialsfromotherschools)thatastudenthasviolatedthelaw,oraschoolrule off-campus,theSchoolisobligedtoinvestigatetheincident Iftheinformationissubstantiated,theSchoolwill notifytheparents/guardianofthestudent.TheSchoolalsoreservestherighttotakeappropriatedisciplinary actionwheneveritreceivesinformationregardingthebreakingofaschoolruleregardlessofthedateorlocation oftheinfraction.
IftheSchoolisinformedthatastudentmayhavecommittedacriminaloffense,theSchoolwillnotbeableto conductitsowninvestigation Thereportingpartywillbereferredtotheirlocalpolicedepartmentsothatthey candeterminethenextsteps
TheSchoolmayutilizeanoutsideinvestigatorindisciplinarymattersifcircumstancesrequireadditional supportinordertogatherinformationanddeterminetheappropriateoutcome. Astheywouldwhendealing withaSchoolofficial,studentsandfamiliesareexpectedtocooperatewithanyoutsideinvestigator(s)retainedby theSchool FailuretodosowillleadtotheSchoolreachingadecisionandimplementingconsequencesbasedon theinformationatitsdisposal
Thislistisnotintendedtobeall-inclusive.Appropriatebehaviorisexpectedandrequired.Astudentwhose conductisconsideredtobeinjurioustothelifeoftheSchool,oranindividualintheSchool,maybedismissedat anytime TheSchoolreservestherighttodisciplineand/ortoexpelanystudentwhosebehavior reflectsinanegativewayontheSchool,nomatterwhereorwhensuchbehavioroccurs.
TheDisciplineSystemisexplainedbrieflytoeachgradeatclassmeetingsearlyintheschoolyear,buteach studentisexpectedtounderstandtheexpectationsandpotentialramificationsassociatedwiththeirbehavioras outlinedbelow Allfacultymembersendeavortosolvedisciplineproblemsinandoutoftheirclassrooms withoutresortingtodetentions However,repeateddisruptionsordisregardforSchoolandclassroomrulesor significantinfractionswillresultindetentionsormoresignificantconsequencesasoutlinedbelow
Studentsfoundtohaveviolatedtheseexpectationsshouldexpecttofacesignificantconsequences,uptoand includingdismissaland/orexpulsionfromtheSchool.Ifexpulsiondoesnotoccur,studentsshouldexpectother seriouspenalties,includingbutnotlimitedto,suspension,disciplinaryprobation,disciplinarywarning, extendeddisciplinaryrestrictions,oranycombinationoftheabove SeeAll-schoolsectionforfurtherdetails
●Possessing,purchasing,providingorusingillicitdrugs,syntheticversionsofillegaldrugs,alcohol, tobacco,prescriptionmedications,cannabisand/orproductscontainingTHC,oranydrug paraphernalia(SeeChemicalHealthPolicy).
●Possessing,purchasing,orusingfirearms,explosives,oranyobjectthatmaybeusedasaweapon (See Weapon-FreeCampusPolicy)
●Physical,writtenorverbalintimidation,harassment,bullyingorhazingofanykind;fighting,actsof bigotry,sexualabuse,taunting,anyintolerantact;threats;obsceneand/orsexuallyexplicitbehavior, includingtaking,creating,soliciting,orsharingofphotos/images(including“Deepfake”images) withoutconsent;usingorthreateningtousepersonalprotectivedevices(seeAll-schoolsectionsfor furtherdetails.)
●Academicdishonestyincludingcheatingandplagiarism;lying;unauthorizedassistanceonacademic assignmentsmayalsobeconsideredacademicdishonesty Studentswhoeitherdonotciteasource,or citeasourceimproperly,mayfacedisciplinaryactionforplagiarism (SeeAcademicIntegritypolicyfor fulldescription.)
●Dishonestbehaviorincludingstealing;possessing,purchasingorusingfalseidentification;possessing orusingunauthorizedkeys;gainingunauthorizeduseofcomputersoronlineaccounts;falsifying information
●Destroying,stealingordefacingSchoolpropertyorthepropertyofothers;
●Repeatedlybreakingminorschoolrules Thisincludesbeinglateorabsentanexcessivenumberof times,numerousviolationsofthedresscode,orrepeatedlyfailingtoadheretotheSchool’sTechnology Policy.
●ConductatschooloronlinethatisunbecomingofaMorristownBeardstudent.
TheSchoolqualifiesdetentionsinoneoftwoways:Daily(7:30–8:00am excludingMondayanddelayed openings,and3:30–4:00pm Monday-Thursday)orSaturday(9:00–11:00am)
Detentionsareissuedinresponsetoinappropriatebehavior.Astudentisrequiredtoserveadailydetentionas soonaspossible–typicallythesameday,butnotbeyondoneweek;aSaturdaydetentionistobeservedwithin twoweeks Ifadailydetentionisnotservedintime,itimmediatelywillbecomeaSaturdayDetention Failureto serveadailyorSaturdaydetentionontimeiscauseforadditionaldisciplinaryaction Anyrequestsfor reconsiderationordelayinservingthedetentionmustbemadetotheappropriateGradeDeanbeforethe detentionistobeserved.
Please note: Students are expected to be in dress code when serving any detention and Saturday detentions are not held on long or holiday weekends. Transportation is not provided after detention.
Periodicallystudentsareslowtoservedetentions.Inthesecases,theGradeDeanswillrequirestudentstoserve theirdetention(s)duringfreeperiods Ifstudentsdonotservetheirdetentionsbytheindicateddate,theymay beplacedonDisciplinaryProbation Seniorswhodonotservealltheirdetentionswillnotbeallowedto participateingraduation
TheSchoolreservestherighttosuspendanystudentoff-campuswhendeemednecessary.Inallcasesof suspension,thestudentandparentsmustmeetwiththeHeadofUpperSchoolorDeanofStudentConduct,as wellastheappropriatedean,todiscusstheissueandanyfollow-uptobecompletedinorderforthestudentto beeligibletoreturn Aseparatemeetingmustalsotakeplacepriortothestudent’sreturnto school Students maynotparticipateinafter-schoolactivitieswhilesuspended
DisciplinaryProbationplacesastudentonnoticethatanyfurtherviolationsofSchoolruleswilllikelyresultin beingplacedonDisciplinaryWarning,whichtypicallyincludesasuspension,orfacepossibleexpulsion. StudentsonDisciplinaryProbationmaynotrunforaschoolofficenorholdanofficialpositionofleadershipon acluborteamduringtheprobationaryperiod. Studentsondisciplinaryprobationwillhavetheirstatus reviewedbytheirgradedeanandtheHeadofUpperSchoolattheendofeachschoolyeartodeterminetheir statusmovingforward Studentsmayhavetheirprobationarystatusremovedatthispoint,oritmaybe extendedintothefollowingyearbasedonavarietyofcircumstances,including,butnotlimitedto,astudent’s demonstratedgrowthandunderstandingoftheirdisciplinaryissuingthetimesinceitoccurred
DisciplinaryWarningplacesastudentonnoticethatanyfurtherviolationsofSchoolruleswilllikelyresultin suspensionorexpulsionfromschool.AstudentonDisciplinaryWarningmaynotrunforaschoolofficenor holdanofficialpositionofleadershiponacluborteam.
StudentsonDisciplinaryWarningwillhavetheirstatusreviewedbytheirgradedeanandtheHeadofUpper Schoolattheendofeachschoolyeartodeterminetheirstatusmovingforward Studentsmayhavetheirstatus adjustedatthistimetoDisciplinaryProbation,oritmaybeextendedintothefollowingyearbasedonavariety ofcircumstances,including,butnotlimitedto,astudent’sdemonstratedgrowthandunderstandingoftheir disciplinaryissuingthetimesinceitoccurred.
ForbothDisciplinaryProbationandFinalDisciplinaryWarning,seniorsmayloseprivilegesorhavetheir implementationdelayeduntilappropriateprogressandgrowthhavebeendemonstrated
TheSchooldoesnotincludedisciplinaryrecordsonSchoolTranscripts. However,ifanotherinstitution, college,oruniversityasksastudentabouttheirdisciplinaryrecordintheapplicationprocess,studentsare expectedtorespondhonestlyandaccurately. TheCollegeCounselingOfficeismadeawareofstudent disciplinaryissueswhichmayimpactthecollegeapplicationprocessinordertosupportstudentsinaddressing thosetopics
TheCommunityServiceProgramisanintegralpartoftheMBScurriculum.Eachsemester,UpperSchool studentsarerequiredtoperformaminimumofeighthoursofcommunityserviceandtowritereflectionsabout theirexperiences Failuretosuccessfullycompleteasemestercomponentbythedeadlineresultsinafailinggrade forthatterm,whichwillremainpermanentlyonthetranscript Thestudentwill,however,stillberequiredto completeeighthoursofservicesuccessfullyforthatsemester Onceastudenthascompletedall16hoursof service,alongwiththereflections,heorshewillreceiveaPassgradeforthefinalyear-endgrade.
Inordertograduate,seniorsmustsuccessfullycompletetheirCommunityServiceprogram AfulldescriptionoftheprogramisoutlinedintheAppendix
Eachexperiencerequiresaseparatecompletedreflection. Allreflectionswillbeenteredonline.Studentswilllog ontotheiraccountontheStudentPortalonVeracrossandclickonthe“CommunityServiceEntry”buttonon therighthandside.There,studentswillenterhours,detailonthetypeofservicecompleted,supervisor’scontact nameandphonenumberandabriefreflectionabouttheserviceexperience Advisorswillmonitorthestudent’s accountinordertohelpkeeptrackofdeadlinesthroughouttheyear PleaseseeAppendix:USCommunity ServiceProgramforfurtherdetails
TheMBSDressCodeestablishesthestandardbywhichstudentsholdthemselvesaccountableforarrivingto ourschoolcommunityeachdaywhilealsorespectingourstudents’abilitytomakeappropriatedecisionsabout theirdailyattire.Whilerecognizingthatacademicsettingsmayencompassmoreflexibilityandinformalitythan traditionalbusinessorprofessionalsettings,studentsareencouragedtobemindfulthatoursettingdiffersfrom
thosethatarestrictlyrecreationalorleisurelyinnature.Further,expectationsofstudentdresswillvary dependingonspecificschoolactivitiesandevents
PleaseseetheMBSAll-SchoolDressCodeExpectationspolicyforfurtherdetails
Any article that has been found should be brought to the Upper School Office. Most items will be placed in a container in the Student Center Valuables such as cell phones; wallets, watches and keys will be retained in the Upper School Office.
TheMBSUpperSchooladvisoryservesasa“homebase”forstudentsandfaculty.Itisadailygatheringwhere studentsdevelopstrongandsupportiverelationshipswiththeirpeersandafacultymemberwhostrivestoknow thechildbeyondthestudent Theadvisorysystemfostersstudents’academic,social,andpersonalgrowthand helpsthemmanagethedemandsof MBS’sacademicandextracurricularprograms Advisorsserveasmentors whosupportstudentswhileencouragingthemtoadvocateforthemselvesandbalancetheirvarious commitments.PleaseseeAll-schoolAdvisorysectionforfurtherdetails.
Ifparents/guardianshavequestionsabouttheadvisingprocess,theyshouldcontacttheDirectorofUpper SchoolStudentActivities
Inadditiontotheadvisor,astudentmayseekadditionalindividualguidancethroughourcounseling departmentbycontactingtheMiddleSchoolCounselorSamTuttle,UpperSchoolCounselorSeanLatino,or UpperSchoolCounselorBarbaraSmith.PleaseseetheAll-schoolCounselingsectionforfurtherdetails.
Parents/guardianswhohavecounselingquestionspertainingtotheirownchildshouldcontacttheappropriate MSorUScounselor ThosewithquestionspertainingtotheCounselingDepartmentshouldcontactthe DirectorofCounseling,BarbaraSmith.
ThecollegecounselingprocessbeginsunofficiallyasstudentsenterMBS. Throughguidanceaboutacademic andextra-curricularchoicesfromteachers,advisors,andadministrators,theSchoolstrivestopreparestudents forbothapplyingtoandattendingcollege Asstudentsprogressintotheirfinalhighschoolyears,thelow student-counselorratioenablesourstafftoindividualizethecollegeprocessforeachstudent
Officially,thecollegecounselingprocessbeginsinNovemberof11thgradewithJuniorCollegeNight.Through ongoingworkshopsandindividualmeetingswithstudentsandguardians,thecollegecounselorssupport studentsthrougheverystageofthesearchandapplicationprocessfromhelpingtodevelopanappropriatelistof schoolstocompletingapplicationsandessays Individualmeetingstakeplaceduringthestudent’sfreeperiod andbeforeandafterschool;studentsarenotpermittedtomissclassinordertomeetwiththeircollege counselor.
Aspartofthecollegesearchprocess,studentsmaywishtovisitcollegecampuses TheSchoolencourages familiestomakeplansforsuchvisitsduringvacationsandlongweekendstominimizeclassabsences
Inthefall,collegerepresentativesvisitMBStomeetwithinterestedstudents.Seniorswishingtomeetwitha representativemustregisterinadvanceviaCialfoandhaveasignedpermissionslipfromtheirteacheriftheyare missingclass.Juniorsarepermittedtoattendalimitednumberofcollegevisitsandmustfollowthesame proceduresregardingregistrationandpermissionslips.Aspartofthecollegeapplicationprocess,students requesttwoteacherstowritelettersofrecommendationontheirbehalf TheCollegeCounselingOfficesubmits teacherlettersalongwiththetranscript,schoolprofileandrequiredcounselorletterofrecommendation These lettersareconfidentialbetweenthecounselor/teacherandthecolleges,andthereforearenotsharedwiththe studentsortheirguardians.
Standardizedtesting(PSAT,SAT,ACT,)alsocomesundertheumbrellaoftheCollegeCounselingOffice. SophomoresandjuniorsareautomaticallyregisteredforandexpectedtotakethePSATinthefall Sophomores alsohavetheoptionoftakingapracticeACTinthespring StudentsmustregisterthemselvestotaketheSAT andACTexamsatanationaltestcenter,typicallybeginninginthespringofjunioryear
Studentswhowishtotakestandardizedtestswithaccommodations(i.e.extendedtime)mustapplythroughthe CenterforTeachingandLearning.Inordertobeeligible,astudentmusthavecurrentdocumentationonfile (psycho-educationalevaluationcompletedwithinthelastthreeyears),andmustreceivetherequested accommodationsonschoolbasedtestsandintheclassroom Moreinformationregardingtestingforstudents withdisabilitiesisavailableintheCenterforTeachingandLearningandtheCollegeCounselingOffice
OurIndependentStudyprogramencouragesMBSstudentstoexploreareasofinterestthatfalloutsidethetraditional coursecatalog Undertheguidanceofselectedfacultymemberswithaspecialexpertiseorinterestinthefield,yourstudent willworktodevelopascopeandsequencecurriculum,createauthenticclass-specificcontent,anddesignoriginal assessments TheOfficeoftheAcademicDeanmanagestheprocessandrequirementsforanindependentstudyapplication priortothebeginningofthesemester
IndependentStudiesareidealformotivated,high-achievingstudents PleaseseeAppendix:USIndependentStudiesfor furtherdetails
Becauseextracurricularactivitiesareanintegralpartofastudent’seducation,manysuchactivitiesareavailable EachfallstudentslearnaboutcampusclubsattheActivitiesFair
Studentsmayorganizeanewcluborclubteamifthereissufficientstudentinterest,afacultymemberwillingto serveasadvisor,andtheapprovaloftheDirectorofUpperSchoolStudentActivitiesandDivisionHead.
AlistofcurrentclubsandactivitiescanbeseenundertheBeyondtheClassroomtabontheMBSwebsite
MBShasastrongcommitmenttosupportingstudents’engagementinavarietyofexperiences,includingstudy abroadprograms. AspartofourrobustGlobalStudiesProgram,studyabroadopportunitiescanbroadenour students’educationalexperienceinwaysthatwillbenefitnotonlythestudentbutalsotheentireschool community
CurrentMBSstudentsmayrequesttoparticipateinastudyabroadprogram,butpleasenote:TheSchool offersatotaloffour(4)tuition/feewaivers.Thesewaiversareproratedfortheportionoftheyearthatthe studentwillbeawayfromcampusandareofferedonafirstcome,firstservedbasis. TheSchoolcannot guaranteethatastudentwhoisacceptedtoastudyabroadprogramwillbegrantedatuition/feewaiver, thereforeitisimperativethatfamiliescommunicatewiththeSchoolthroughouttheprocess
Seniorsarenoteligibletoparticipateinstudyabroadprograms TheSchoolbelievesthatsenioryearisa culminatingexperienceforourstudents,providinguniquesocialandeducationalopportunitiesthroughoutthe year. Becauseofthis,seniorsareexpectedtocompletetheentiretyoftheyearon-campus.
Firststep:
Parents/GuardiansofstudentswhoareinterestedinpursuingastudyabroadprogrammustcompletetheStudy AbroadInterestFormutilizingthelinkpostedintheParent/GuardianPortalonVeracross Thisistheofficial methodofnotifyingtheSchoolandwillbeusedtodeterminepriorityingrantingtuition/feewaivers NotificationoftheintenttopursueastudyabroadprogrammustbereceivedbyJanuary15.
Studentsapplyingtoasemesterorfull-yearabroadprogramwhichwilltakeplaceduringthefollowingacademic yearmustdiscusstheapplicationprocesswiththeDirectorofGlobalStudiesbyJanuary30 Advanceplanning allowsMBStohelpfacilitateaspectsoftheprocessforthestudentandtheirfamily,includingdiscussinga student’sacademicprogressionandensuringthattheprogramthestudentwishestoattendisthebestmatch
TheHeadofUpperSchool,inconsultationwiththeappropriategradedeanandtheUpperSchoolAcademic Dean,mustapproveastudent’sacademicplansforthesemesteroryearaway,asstudentsmustmaintain academicprogresstoreturntoMBSwithoutissue Re-admissionwilldependontheirsatisfactoryperformance intheirpre-approvedprograms
NotifyingMBSofStudyAbroadProgramAdmissionsDecisions:
Onceastudenthasbeenacceptedintoasemesterabroadprogram,theyshouldnotifytheDirectorofGlobal Studies Onceadmissionsdecisionsareknownforallstudentswhohaveexpressedinterestinstudyingabroad, theSchoolwillgrantwaiversbasedonthedateoftheofficialnotificationtotheSchool,andbasedonthe predeterminednumberofwaiversallocated.
Parents/Guardiansofstudentswhoreceivetuition/feewaiversandwhochoosetoenrollintheirselectedstudy abroadprogrammustnotifytheDirectorofEnrollmentManagementviaemailnolaterthanApril30 The deadlineforsubmissionoftheMBSRe-enrollmentAgreementforthefollowingschoolyearwillbeextendedto nolaterthanApril30toprotectre-enrollmentspotsforstudentswhoultimatelydonotenrollinastudyabroad program.
PleaseseetheAll-SchoolTechnologyGuidelinesandPoliciessectionfordetails
Studentsareexpectedtocooperatewiththedriverofavehicleatalltimes.Thisappliesforanypublicorprivate vehiclethatisusedinanyconnectionwiththeSchool
StudentsusingoneoftheSchool’stransportationsub-contractorsmustwaitfortheirbusesatthedesignated pointofpickup.(Exceptionsmaybemadeininclementweather.)Thedriversofthebusesareobligedtoreport anyviolationsofproperconducttotheirsupervisorsandtheSchool.Theappropriatedisciplinaryactionwill takeplacewhenanyviolationofproperconductoccurs.
Forstudentsusingatransportationsub-contractor:
● Arrangementsforpick-uptimemustbecoordinatedwiththetransportationcompany Onceapickup timeisestablished,pleasebewaitingforthevanatthedesignatedpointofpickup.
● Whenyouareapassenger,youareexpectedtofollowallrequestsofthedriver.Thedriverorconductor willreportanyviolationsofproperconducttotheSchool.Appropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbe taken.
● ThecostofvandalismtoavanwillbeborneequallybyalltheridersunlesstheSchoolcanascertainwho isresponsible
● Ifstudentshaveanyquestionsaboutvan,bus,ortraintransportation,pleasedirectthemtoKathy Hemmer(FrontDesk)ortotheBusinessOffice.
Transportationcostsarebilledseparatelybythecarrier.
DropoffandpickupforUpperSchoolstudentsshouldoccuratSeniorCircleorbytheathleticcenter,and MiddleSchoolstudentsbehindtheMiddleSchool.Driverswhoaredroppingofforpickingupstudentsshould notstoptheirvehiclesintrafficlanes,bySouthWing,behindthecafeteriaorinhandicappedparkingspaces Driversshouldbemindfulofotherstudentsbeingdroppedofforpickedupwhenmergingbackintotraffic,as wellasothervehicles
DriversareaskedtofollowallinstructionsfrompoliceofficersandMBSsecuritymembers.
DrivingtoandparkingoncampusisaprivilegeextendedbytheSchooltoalllicensedMBSseniorswillingto abidebythefollowingguidelines Likewise,theSchoolextendssimilarprivilegestounderclassmen,however theymustparkattheWestinHotel.Theseprivilegesarenotarightandtheyarenotguaranteedtobeavailable. StudentsmustregistertheircarsthroughtheUpperSchoolOfficeandmustabidebytheguidelinesbelowand ontheregistrationform.Failuretofollowtheseguidelineswillresultinthesuspensionorterminationofa student’sparkingprivileges
● Thecampusspeedlimitis5mph
● AllstudentsmustreceivepermissiontoparkoncampusfromtheGradeDeansand/ortheUpper SchoolOffice.
● Prudent,safe,andquietoperationofavehicleisrequiredatalltimes.Thisincludesthevolumeofthe stereo.
● MBSisnotresponsibleforvandalismto,theftfrom,oraccidentsbetweenvehiclesoncampus
● MBSreservestherighttorescindtheprivilegeofdrivingand/orparkingoncampusorattheWestinfor anystudentwhodoesnotobeyalltheguidelines
● Allseniorsmustparkintheassignedparkinglot.Individualspotsarenotassigned.
● Studentsmaynotparkorbedroppedoffonsidestreets,attheCountyLibrary,orintheArboretum.
SeniorsmaynotleavecampusatanytimeduringtheschooldaywithoutpriorpermissionoftheHeadofUpper School,theGradeDean,ortheNurse,andhis/herparents Appropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbetakenifa studentleavescampuswithoutpermissionandwithoutsigningoutintheUpperSchoolOffice
TheGradeDeanmustbenotifiedanytimeacarcan’tbeparkedinitsassignedlot.
Anyinappropriatedriving,“horseplay,”ornoisebyastudentdriverorpassengersmayresultinlossofparking privileges
JuniorsarerequiredtoparkatTheWestinHotel.TheSchoolprovidesashuttlebusinthemorningstartingat 7:30a.m.andrunninguntil8:15a.m.,andagainintheafternoonstartingat3:00p.m.andrunninguntil 3:30p.m.
JuniorswhoparkattheWestinHotelmustabidebytheguidelinessetforthabove,alongwiththefollowing Failuretofollowtheseguidelineswillresultinthesuspensionorterminationofastudent’sparkingprivileges
● Latearrival(afterthelastvanfromtheWestin)doesnotconstitutepermissiontoparkoncampus.Late arrivingstudentsmustcometotheUpperSchoolOfficeandsigninwithareasonforparkingon campus.OnlytheGradeDeanscangrantpermissiontoparkoncampus.Parkingoncampuswithout permissionwillresult,minimally,inaSaturdaydetention
● Withoutsubmittingtheproperpermissionformsstudentdriversshouldnotprovideanotherstudent withtransportationtoorfromTheWestin
● AllunderclassmenstudentcarsparkedoncampusorattheWestinmustberegistered.Registrationcan becompletedthroughtheUpperSchoolOffice.Parkingtagsshouldbeplacedonthedashboardofthe car.CarsshouldnotbeparkedoncampusoratTheWestinpriortocompletion.
StudentswhofailtoadheretotheDrivingandParkingPolicywillhavetheirdrivingandparkingprivileges suspendedorrevoked
Overview
TheSeniorProjectisacapstoneexperienceandagraduationrequirement Itconsistsoffourmajorelements:
● Findingaproject,settingitupandgettingitapproved
● Spendingtimeon-siteinareal-worldenvironment
● CompilingacomprehensivewrittenFieldJournal
● Deliveringanoralpresentationattheproject’sconclusion
EachofthesefourmajorelementsmustbesuccessfullycompletedforthestudenttopasstheSeniorProject.The projectmustbesupervised.Thesupervisorwillworkwiththestudenttosetthescopeandnatureoftheproject, andwillagreetobecontactedtwicebythestudent’sadvisorduringtheon-sitephase.Unlessotherarrangements havebeenmadewithastudent’sadvisor,theSeniorProjectwillrequirethreeweeksandaminimumof60 hoursonsite SeniorProjectswillbegradedpass/failandlistedasasecondsemestercourseonstudent transcripts StudentswhodonotearnapassinggradeontheSeniorProjectwillberequiredtosubmitaresearch paperbeforereceivingtheMBSdiploma
Important Deadlines - Specific Dates Provided to Students
● December:PreliminaryTopicsduetoadvisors
● January-February:Partsoneandtwoduetoadvisors(CoverSheetandIntroduction)
● February-March:Rejectedorrevisedpartsoneandtwoduetobere-submittedtoadvisors
● April-May:Scheduleseniorprojectpresentationswithadvisors
● May-June:SeniorProjectinternshipperiod
● June:Partsthreeandfourduetoadvisors(DailyLogandConclusion)
● June:SeniorProjectPresentations
Contents of the Field Journal
Introduction
● 2-3pagetypedpersonalessay
● Natureofthebusinessorinstitutionwheretheprojectwilloccur
● Natureofthedutiesentailed
● Reasonsforpursuingtheproject
● Valuehopedtobegainedfromtheexperience
Cover Sheet
● Student’sName:
● Site(NameofBusiness)
● Position:
● Contactperson&theircontactinformation
● DatesonSite
● TimeexpectedonSite
● SignatureofSupervisor
● SignatureofParent
Time Log
● Projectedtimelogwithbulletsrequiringplanforcompletingsixtyhourswitheitherhoursreportingto siteifin-personoractivitiesplannedforpassionproject
Daily Log/Observations
● Oneentryperday,lengthvariable
● Usespreciseobservations,andvividdetails
● Triestoconveythefeelingoftheexperience
● Reflectsonknowledgegained
● Goesbeyondmere“reportage”
Conclusion of the Field Journal
● 3-4pagestyped,doublespacedanalyticalessay
● Summarizetheexperienceandassessitsworth
● DescribeindetailtheNatureoftheknowledgegainedanditsvalue
● Compareactualexperiencetoanticipatedexperienceasdescribedinyourintroduction
● Perhapsspeculateonthelongtermeffectsonyouracademicorcareerpath
● Recommendthisprojecttootherstudents,whyorwhynot?
● MainCriterion:theconclusionmustpersuasivelyconveyanin-depthengagementwith theproject’sexperientialandreflectivedimensions.
Introduction
Astheirlivesunfold,MBSstudentswillinevitablymakedecisionsabouttheirroleinsocietyandtheirdegreeof commitmenttotheworldaroundthem Tohelpmakewisechoicesaboutsuchissues,itisimportanttohavea frameofreferenceorfundofpastexperiences TheCommunityServicerequirementexiststopromotesuch experiencestherebychallengingstudents,nowandlaterinlife,tobecomeself-reflectiveandawareofothers’ needs.TheCommunityServiceProgramisanintegralpartofthecurriculumandconsistsoftwomain components.
ThefirstpartistheExperientialComponent,whichisfulfilledbyparticipatingintheserviceactivity The secondpartoftheprogramiscalledtheReflectionComponent Afterastudentundertakeseachservice experienceheorsheisrequiredtoreflectonandwriteaboutaspectsofthatexperience
InordertograduatefromMorristownBeard,studentsmustcompleteaminimumofeighthoursofserviceeach semester.Studentsearnapass/failgradeforeachsemesterandreceiveahalfcreditforeachsemesterof communityservicesuccessfullycompleted.StudentsmaychoosefromoneoftheSchool’snumerousinternal serviceprogramsortheymayfindanexperientialopportunityinalocal,nationalorglobalorganization StudentsshouldcheckwithMs Deventer tobesurethatanoutsideservicequalifiesfortheprogram Students arestronglyencouragedtoseekopportunitiesforservicebothwithintheSchoolandintheoutsideworld
StudentsmayreceivecreditforuptofourMBShourseachyear.Suchactivitiesmightincludevolunteeringfor anAdmissionevent,Parents’Nightorassistingatanathleticorartsevent.
To find service opportunities, students click on the community service website which is listed under "your courses” in the Student Portal in Veracross. Here you’ll find a list of ongoing service opportunities, drives, etc.
Suggestedareasofconcentrationcouldinclude:
● Animals
● Non-profitarts
● Building/Renovation
● SpecialNeedsPopulations
● Education
● EnvironmentalConcerns
● HealthCare
● Homelessness
● Hunger
● SeniorPopulation
● FaithBasedWork
Studentsareencouragedtofindorganizationsintheircommunitywithwhomtheycanvolunteer.Inaddition, announcementswillbemadeatMorningMeetingaboutspecificprograms.Studentscanalsotalktothe programcoordinator,Ms Deventer
Guidelines
Theprogramisdesignedtobeflexibleandaccommodateawiderangeofinterests,butitisimportanttokeep somethingsinmind:
● Studentsmaynotreceivepayorcompensationforservice.
● Studentsmaynotperformserviceforafamilymember,afamilybusiness,orassistafamilymemberin non-charitableactivities.
● Servicemustbecompletedwithanon-profitorganizationortowardsacausethatreliessolelyon volunteerlabor
● Timespenttravelingtoandfromanactivitydoesnotcounttowardprogramhours
● Timespentintraininggenerallydoesnotcounttowardprogramhours,unlesspreviouslyapproved
● Projectsmaybeundertakenduringthesummerprecedinganupcomingacademicyear.
Reflectionisthepartoftheprogramwherestudentsaregiventheopportunitytopauseandthinkabouteach serviceexperienceinameaningfulway.Thegoalofreflectionisforastudenttolookathowtheexperience impactedhimorherandtodeterminewhathasbeenlearnedfromeachexperience
Eachexperiencerequiresaseparatecompletedreflection Allreflectionswillbeenteredonline Studentswilllog ontotheiraccountontheMBSwebsiteandlocatethe“MyService”linkontheleft.There,studentswillenter hours,detailonthetypeofservicecompleted,supervisor’scontactnameandphonenumberandabrief reflectionabouttheserviceexperience.Advisorswillmonitorthestudent’saccountinordertohelpkeeptrack ofdeadlinesthroughouttheyear.
● AssessmentwillbeonaPass/Failbasis Astudent’sadvisorwillkeeptrackofthehoursandreportthis information StudentsmustcompletethefirstsemesterprogrambyJanuary19,2026
● ThesecondsemesterrequirementforseniorsmustbecompletedbyMay8,2026, andfor underclassmenbyJune4,2026.
● Inordertobeconsideredforaserviceaward(75hoursplus),allhoursmustberecordedbyApril10, 2026
● Failuretosuccessfullycompleteasemestercomponentbythedeadlineresultsinafailinggradeforthat term,whichwillremainpermanentlyonthetranscript Thestudentwill,however,stillberequiredto completeeighthoursofservicesuccessfullyforthatsemester.Onceastudenthascompletedall16 hoursofservice,alongwiththereflections,heorshewillreceiveaPassgradeforthefinalyear-endgrade.
● Inordertograduate,seniorsmustsuccessfullycompletetheirCommunityServiceprogram.
Teachersandstudentsmayattimeswishtotakeadvantageoftheflexibilityandacademicfreedomofferedbyan independentstudycourse.Thoughself-directed,anindependentstudycoursemusthaveaclearlydefined curriculumandincludeadescriptionofthestudent'sfinalproduct(e.g.researchessay,analyticalessay,web page,musicalcomposition,computerprogram,etc) Thefollowingguidelinesapplytotrulyindependent courses,ie coursesnotalreadyofferedaspartoftheMBScurriculumandwherecoursecontent,scheduleof meetingsandnatureofassessmentsaredeterminedbythestudentandteacher
Studentsshouldmeetwiththedepartmentchairintheappropriatedisciplinepriortospeakingwithateacher abouttheirindependentstudyandservingasanadvisor Oncethedepartmentchairhasmetwiththestudent, theywilldetermineifamemberofthedepartmentwillbeabletoadvisetheindependentstudycourse Ifan advisorisfound,thedepartmentchairshouldnotifythestudent,whoshouldmeetwiththeiradvisorto completeanIndependentStudyProposalform,whichissharedwithstudentsviaemail,toformallycomplete theirproposal.
Studentsareresponsibleforprovidingallrequestedinformation Proposalsnotsubmittedaccordingtoprinted guidelineswillnotbeapproved Whentheproposalformiscompleted,thestudentwillsubmitittothe AcademicDean,whowillofficiallyincludeitinthescheduleonceallnecessarypartieshaveapprovedthecourse ofstudy.
Studentsandteacherswillstructurethecourseassuitstheirneeds.IndependentStudiesdonotneedtomeet duringaregularlyscheduledperiod.Onekeyfeatureoftheprogramistoprovideflexibilityinmeetingtimes;it isassumedthatstudentsandtheirsponsoringteacherswillmeetonaregularbasis,buttheyarenottiedtothe School'sdailyschedule
Independentstudycoursesaregradedlikeallothersemestercourses.Barringspecialcircumstances,theyrunfor onesemesterandaretakenforregularcredit.Similarly,barringspecialcircumstances,theyconsistofonestudent andoneteacherpercourse.ExceptionsneedtobeapprovedbytheHeadofUpperSchool.Teachersarestrongly encouragedtolimittheirindependentstudiescommitmentstoonecoursepersemester,asarestudents