Overview Our Mission
Breaking down the walls between learning and life to build access and equity in the future of work
Revolution School is an innovative independent school that works closely with local community partners to co create meaningful educational experiences in the classroom Our dynamic, nimble education model of experiential learning and community partnerships provides students with the relevant skills to become independent investigators and shapers of the world around them
Our Vision
High school should be a transformation
We envision a different landscape for education in Philadelphia: one where students and teachers are inspired by each other, their world, and what matters We teach students to collect data in order to validate and inform their ideas about the world Our educators use cutting edge education models to guide their teaching and assessment. Research fuels the learning and the community.
We’re building an infrastructure that allows a place based, humanistic, learner centered school to thrive and grow. The School rests on the shoulders of innovative educators and invested community members who understand the importance of situating student learning within today’s interconnected world
Our Values
JOYOUS: School should never be boring! When every part of a student’s day is connected to their world, it’s easy to stay driven, active, and engaged and to have fun doing it. We want students to be excited by a Revolution School education
EMPOWERING: When students are in charge of their education, it prepares them to be in charge of their lives We trust them to know their strengths, drive their learning, and participate in their communities. By doing so, we empower them to take control of their futures and the future of the world
DIVERSE: Our School values individual differences as strengths and actively nurtures diversity in all its forms within and beyond the community. Encountering and understanding different perspectives is key to becoming a well rounded thinker and empathetic human being. We encourage diversity through recruiting practices, a sliding scale tuition model, and deep community partnerships so that students can thrive in a dynamic, multi faceted society that’s becoming more diverse and global every day.
CONNECTED: Life is complex, and so are the educational experiences at Revolution School Our interdisciplinary, systems based approach encourages students to explore more than one subject at a time, breaking down the walls between disciplines to create a cohesive, big picture way of thinking about the world
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Exploration
Bruce Mau, a designer who worked with the Henry Ford Academy once said, “We have places in our society that are already rich with culture and content. Why do we build an empty box and then try to make it rich?” Place based learning is learning rooted in the community where it takes place. In Philadelphia, we have a city rich with history, living science, working networks, and vibrant social systems. Our program brings students to those resources rather than trying to only imitate them in a classroom building.
Connection
School innovation requires a coalition. Our model is designed to unleash the learning that happens when students and communities come together to listen, learn and lead. We closely collaborate with partners to deliver a curriculum that develops skills, habits and dispositions for action While foundational skills are built through systematic practice, they are internalized when used through purposeful action.
Personalization
We’re creating an environment that fosters a healthy, productive and supportive school culture with a focus on emotional and physical health and wellness. Our goals are empowerment, belonging, personal achievement, resilience, and the ability for every student to wield their strengths
General Information
School Location
Center City Campus: 230 South Broad Street, 19th floor, Philadelphia PA 19102
General Phone Number: 215 631 3697
Head of School Justine Hoffman
Phone: 215 485 7813 justine@revolutionschool org
Faculty
Carlos Aponte, Wellness Educator carlos@revolution.org
Patrick Cassidy, Founding Educator, Math patrick@revolutionschool.org
Cynthia Chatman, Visual & Performing Arts Educator cynthia@revolutionschool.org
Jena Croxford, Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives jena@revolutionschool.org
Joel Dankoff, Founding Educator, History & Director of College Counseling joel@revolutionschool.org
Our Pillars
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Chris Moller, Founding Educator, STEM chris@revolutionschool.org
Jeanne Mulvanerty, Director of Student Life & Academics jeanne@revolutionschool.org
Dirk Parker, Founding Educator, STEM dirk@revolutionschool.org
Sydnie Schwarz, Founding Educator, English, Spanish & Director of DEI sydnie@revolutionschool.org
Jane Shore, Director of Community Partnerships & Research jane@revolutionschool.org
Please reach out to us with any questions We strive to build a culture where feedback is welcome If something can be improved, please email us.
School Organization
The School is governed by a self perpetuating Board of Trustees. The Head of School, Justine Hoffman, reports to the Board of Trustees. Justine works closely with the Faculty at Revolution to provide the resources, opportunities, and care needed to support the Revolution School community in rising to its ambitious aspirations. Faculty members work as a unified team, holding themselves to high standards of collaboration.
Admissions & Enrollment Admissions
Families with siblings who are interested in applying to Revolution School should obtain an application in September via the School’s website There will be an Early Action and a Regular Decision deadline announced at the beginning of the school year. Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a rolling basis, if space permits
Enrollment
Enrollment agreements to Revolution School are for one year and cover the entire school year The School reserves the right to request the withdrawal of or to dismiss any student if, in its sole judgment, the student’s attitude, influence, actions, or inactions are inconsistent with the standards of conduct and/or academic performance contained in the Community Handbook or otherwise do not serve the best interests of the School A positive and constructive working relationship between the School and a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) is essential to the fulfillment of the School’s mission; therefore, the School may terminate enrollment, or decline to re enroll a student, if the School, in its sole discretion, concludes that the actions or inactions of the parent(s)/guardian(s) make a positive and constructive working relationship impossible, or otherwise interfere with the accomplishment of the School’s mission
Recognizing that the majority of the School’s expenses and obligations are incurred on an annual basis, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible to pay the full tuition regardless of a student’s withdrawal, dismissal, or absence from the School, and no portion of any tuition shall be either refunded or canceled for any reason.
Tuition
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Our sliding-scale policy acts as a cultural and economic equalizer by making it possible for families to pay tuition based on their individual means. Revolution School chose to adopt this model because it has been successfully used to promote diversity in schools around the world. With a sliding-scale model, each family contributes according to their means The goal is to promote fairness and equity by allowing families in all socioeconomic brackets access to a Revolution School education. Tuition typically covers the cost of books, classroom materials, and fieldwork experiences
Inclement Weather, School Closings, & Emergency Policies
Changes to the regular operating status of Revolution School will be communicated through our Educate Portal. Classes may take place virtually if the school is closed unexpectedly.
Regarding weather-related changes, Revolution School follows the lead of the School District of Philadelphia; it closes, opens late, or dismisses early whenever the School District does so in the event of inclement weather, with the exception of heat related closings. KYW/CBS 3 is the media outlet for school-closing information Families are encouraged to register with KYW/CBS3 (https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/school closings/1947460/) to receive text alerts.
Early Closings
Early closings will be determined by the administration and communicated via the Educate Portal. Parents must submit an Emergency Dismissal Form before the first day of school.
After School and Evening Events
When school is closed for a weather emergency, after school and evening events are canceled. Administrative Leadership, however, may make some exceptions to this policy Information about exceptions will be communicated directly to the participants through the Educate portal
Area-Wide Emergency
In the event of an area wide crisis, parents will receive communication through the Educate platform, which notifies families through email and text with instructions on next steps. Depending on the situation, a scenario could occur where parents may not be able to pick up their children right away In such situations, the School follows protocols stated in the School’s Crisis Management Plan.
School Life Principles of Community
At Revolution School, we commit to creating a joyful, empowering, diverse, inclusive, and supportive community A fundamental principle of Revolution School is individual responsibility. All members of the School community should accept responsibility for their actions, consider and account for the ethical implications of their conduct, and seek the courage to do what’s right.
The Revolution School values respect for one another and respect for the community. Community members should strive to do the following:
● Show integrity by honoring commitments and demonstrating honesty, fairness, respect, and courtesy at all times.
● Strive for inclusiveness by avoiding cliques, elitism, and other forms of exclusivity Work together to communicate openly and constructively.
● Practice healthy decision making through personal choices.
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● Value and respect independent thinking, appreciate individual and cultural differences, and reject all prejudices.
City as the Classroom
At Revolution School, faculty leverage the city as a classroom space. The academic program links student learning to our local communities. Students spend significant instructional time working outside the school building
Advisory
The mission of Revolution’s advisory program is to cultivate connections between Advisors and students to guide students in their growth and development. Advisors work closely with students and their parents/guardians to keep them informed of students’ academic standing, health and well-being Advisors are students’ advocates and the first point of contact for students and parents/guardians with questions or concerns about curricular and/or extracurricular issues that may arise. Advisors meet regularly with their advisees, both individually and in small advisory groups
Advisory Team
Director of Student Life & Academics, Jeanne Mulvanerty
● Patrick Cassidy: Grades 9/10
● Dirk Parker: Grades 9/10
● Joel Dankoff: Grades 11/12
● Jeanne Mulvanerty: Grades 11/12
Partnering with Families
Our students’ success at Revolution School depends on parent/guardian support of the school's philosophy, methods, objectives, and policies This includes ethical, academic, behavioral, dress, conduct, and disciplinary methods. Parents/guardians are encouraged to monitor student progress and keep in regular contact with students’ teachers, including attending mandatory meetings called by the school
The following information should support the partnership between home and school. The school relies on contact information provided by parents to communicate important information such as a student’s illness or injury, snow closings, events, and family gatherings.
Urgent Notification System: Revolution School uses Educate as an urgent notification system to notify family members and guardians about emergencies. The contact information used is the primary cell phone and email address provided when families update student records in TADS.
Updating Email, Address, and Phone: To ensure timely receipt of communications, parents are responsible for submitting changes to their contact and emergency information by notifying Jeanne Mulvanerty, Director of Student Life & Academics jeanne@revolutionschool org All parent information is confidential and can only be accessed by individuals with authorization from the school.
Social Media: Revolution School administers social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Links to the school’s social media channels can be found on the website.
Directory: The directory enables members of the School community to connect with other students and their parents. The Directory, print and online, may not be used for any kind of solicitation or to
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circulate announcements about events except those sponsored by the School You can access the directory via your Educate dashboard.
Communicating about Student Concerns: Inevitably, questions and issues arise during the school year that parents will need to have answered and resolved. To foster self advocacy, we recommend students contact their teachers or advisors with questions and concerns. We also invite parents to contact students’ teachers and advisors by email as needed Messages will be returned within 24 hours.
Attendance
Students must attend school in person unless they have a health reason that precludes them from doing so. Virtual instruction must, however, be approved in advance by the Head of School. Tardiness, convenience, or personal preference are not valid reasons for requesting virtual instruction in lieu of in person attendance.
Students participating in an after-school activity must have attended a full day of school on the day of the activity. Exceptions for previously scheduled commitments must be approved by the Head of School.
Since student success depends on each individual’s full engagement with classes and activities at Revolution School, parents/guardians should note the school calendar on page 3 and refrain from scheduling family events and travel on school days
If a student must miss school for any reason, the absence must be reported by email to the student’s advisor by 8:30am The School may ask for a physician's note in support of prolonged or frequent absences A student shall deliver a note describing the reason for each such absence signed by his or her parent/guardian. Students are responsible for contacting teachers about missed class time and assignments
Arriving Late
Students are always considered late if they arrive after 8:30am. If a student will be tardy or absent, parents/guardians must email Jeanne Mulvanerty at jeanne@revolutionschool org In support of our place based program, which often takes students outside the school walls, students must arrive on time
Absences and tardies in excess of three (3) days per quarter may necessitate a parent/student check-in meeting with the Advisor, Director of Student Life & Academics, and/or Head of School.
Leaving Early
Revolution School asks that families avoid scheduling medical, dental and/or other personal appointments during school hours whenever possible In particular, avoid appointments on days that students are scheduled to be outside the school.
On occasions when a student needs to be dismissed early, parents must send an email to the student’s advisor requesting an early dismissal and indicating the time of departure. Whenever possible, please notify the advisor 24 hours in advance
Medical Leave Policy
Parents/guardians should promptly notify the school of a student’s medical leave extending beyond 5 days Advisors and the Director of Student Life & Academics will work with the
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student/parents/guardian to arrange for completion of coursework during the student’s absence, if possible.
Lunch
All students may be allowed to leave campus for lunch with a signed parental permission form. Students are encouraged to stay in groups of two or more and must sign out and sign back in with an adult Students must finish their lunch and be ready to begin class promptly at 12:15 pm Students with missing work may be asked to meet with a teacher to complete work during their lunch time. Students that return late for any reason may have this permission revoked.
Dress Code
We expect that our community will dress in a way that is consistent with the work and spirit of our school and mission Clothing should allow for best engagement and connection with other members of the community. Students should be prepared to walk around the City with appropriate footwear and outerwear. Should we have concerns about a potential dress code violation, we will express those concerns thoughtfully.
Transportation & Travel
Revolution students regularly move around Philadelphia in a variety of ways based on considerations of the particular learning opportunity, efficiency, and safety.
Walking: During fieldwork outings students must stay with their group.
Public Transportation: Students who live more than a mile and a half from school may be eligible for free SEPTA transpasses For questions, please reach out to Jeanne Mulvanerty
Fieldwork
Cell phones should only be used to document the outing with permission of the Faculty Students may not use headphones or earbuds during fieldwork outings. Students must wear their student ID during Fieldwork Expeditions
Personal Belongings & Storage Spaces
Students will be provided with personal storage space This should be used for storing books, clothing, and other school related materials Students are asked not to bring valuables or large sums of money to school. All belongings, including all outerwear items, should be clearly labeled with the student’s name The school is not responsible for any belongings Revolution School reserves the right to inspect these personal storage spaces without permission or notice
Academics
Technology in the Program
Students must have a fully charged laptop or iPad to school each day for instructional purposes. Students may bring their own devices or request a chromebook at the beginning of the school year
Use of any and all technological devices even those owned by students or brought from home will be governed by the School’s Responsible Use Policy, which must be signed by both students and parents/guardians prior to beginning use of devices each year. Any unauthorized use of an electronic device may result in the device being confiscated and the family being notified.
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Assessment
Assessment at Revolution takes many forms. The goals of assessment are to exchange constructive feedback between students and teachers, measure progress, build good work habits, and allow students to practice metacognition Grades are determined through assessment of both learning process and products, and are calculated as follows:
25% preparation & Practice 25% Active Engagement (participation) 50% Applications of Learning
Because we recognize that learners come to an understanding in a variety of ways and in their own time, students may choose to work with teachers and advisors to improve a grade on any assignment The student, advisor, and parents/guardians will work together to re-engage with the relevant learning targets.
Revolution has four rounds of quarterly progress reporting scheduled at the close of each quarter with three in person student led parent and advisor conferences.
Grading Scale: 97 99.99 A+ 93 96.99 A 90-92 99 A87 89.99 B+ 83 86.99 B 80-82 99 B77 79 99 C+ 77 79.99 C+ 70-72 99 C60 69 99 pass (D) Below 60 not yet (F) no credit
Student-led Conferences
Students, parents, and advisors will meet three times a year to discuss students’ academic and personal growth, points of pride, and opportunities for improvement
Academic Integrity
While copying and plagiarizing are the most prevalent form of cheating, dishonest behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
● Misrepresenting a family or personal situation to get an extension
● Using prohibited resources during a test or other academic work
● Falsifying data or claiming to have done work you did not do.
● Claiming work of others as your own
● Assisting another student in doing any of the above
Student Support & ASSET
After School Student Enrichment Time or ASSET is offered from 3:30 4:45 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays Students with missing assignments will be encouraged to attend these extra hours until they complete their outstanding coursework. Students have the option to receive additional individualized tutoring or academic coaching on skills or content with which they may be struggling or take advantage of this extra time for enrichment
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Graduation Requirements
Each student must earn at least 24 total credits. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits each year Graduation requirements for students entering upper school for grade 10 or later are established by the Director of Student Life and Academics. We reserve the right to work on the requirements with each student on their personalized journey.
Students are required to take:
English 4 credits
Mathematics 4 credits
World Languages 2 credits
Visual/Performing Arts 2 credits
Entrepreneurship credit
Cornerstone
Revolution Signature Programs:
REVternships
Fieldwork Program
History 4 credits
Science 4 credits
Wellness/PE 2 credits
Financial
Farnam
Community
Cornerstone Senior Project
REVternships engage each graduating student in a paid, personalized learning experience in the summer before their senior year. Mentors from partner organizations work with individual students to curate high quality relationship oriented field experiences for a total of 60 hours The experiences allow students the opportunity to apply interdisciplinary skills and demonstrate knowledge, while engaging in field work in a choice of partnered sites throughout the city
Fieldwork each week engages Revolution students in meaningful community connected activities aimed at growing their agency as learners and their personal networks Fieldwork grounds content with transferable skills like questioning, contributing and problem solving through hands on work with organizations and people. Starting with exploring the city right outside the doors of Revolution, students move through increasingly more independent work, making choices about participating in projects, collaborating with partners, and then identifying their own questions.
The Cornerstone Project at Revolution is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the culmination of their intellectual, social, cultural and emotional growth in high school. The Cornerstone represents a synthesis of the Revolution mission of breaking down the walls between learning and life.
Drawing from the learning in fieldwork and the REVternship, students walk through the arc of question finding for themselves, which looks different for each student, just as each student has a unique perspective and approach to learning Together
Master Class Seminar ½ credit
½
Decision Making Seminar ½ credit
Senior Project ½ credit REVternship
Service ½ credit
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Financial Master Class Seminar
with their Cornerstone Advisor, students have the freedom to develop a question, choose a partner, and engage in an immersion week of work in the last quarter of their Senior Year
Through the Cornerstone Project, students leave Revolution with an immersive, personalized experience in which they can demonstrate their complexity of thought about their chosen topic, both during the proposal phase, as they execute the project and as they reflect with partners.
The Financial Literacy Master Class Series is designed to develop citizens who have the knowledge and skills to make sound, informed financial decisions that will allow them to lead financially secure lives and understand personal financial responsibility The knowledge gained in this course will have far reaching effects for students personally as well as the economy as a whole When citizens make wise financial decisions, they gain opportunities to invest in themselves, build businesses, consume goods and services in a responsible way, and secure a future without depending on outside assistance
Farnam Street Mental Models Consortium
Our mission is to improve the lives of young people by teaching students to navigate a complicated world through mental models in order to consistently make high-quality decisions FCS brings immersive mental models to the people who need it most students who are working to make sense of the world around them. Equipped with these mental models, students can question their reality and begin to make decisions for themselves, understand consequences, and ultimately move forward with confidence.
Community Service Revolution’s Community Service Program encourages all students to connect with the greater community, giving them the opportunity to engage with a variety of people outside the students' immediate world
Revolution Independent Study (RIS)
The Revolution Independent Study (RIS) allows high school students to pursue knowledge that is not offered in an existing course and with less supervision than is provided in a regular classroom setting Successful completion of an independent study generally results in credit toward graduation
Wellness
Our program is holistic Revolution School uses multiple aspects of the program to support education and practice around healthy decisions. In the Advisory Program, students engage in a curriculum designed to support their emotional, psychological, and social health Our Wellness course teaches mindfulness and drives the physical education program
Ultimately, this approach to health is all about teaching students to think for themselves, arming them with the ability to make considered decisions about everything relating to their own mind, body, and spirits. The School teaches students to make healthy life choices inside and outside the classroom, setting them up for a lifetime of autonomy and success
Illness & Accidents
Parents are obligated and required to report communicable illness to school personnel.
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The school will continue to follow CDC guidelines on Covid-19
Should your child develop symptoms of illness during the school day, you will be contacted by Revolution School personnel A doctor’s note may be requested to document treatment and medical clearance prior to returning to school. When a child returns to school after an illness, he or she must be able to fully participate in the program; this includes participating in physical activities and going outside
In the event your child is injured, we will notify you by phone. It is essential that we have on file for each child a current local emergency phone number and that someone be available to pick up a sick or injured child, if necessary. In the case of a true medical emergency, the school will call 911 first and then notify parents.
Medications
A parent/guardian or a responsible adult designated by the parent/guardian should deliver all medications to the school The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container, and a Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by both the parent/guardian and the prescribing physician. School personnel will store and secure all medications. Students are not permitted to carry medications in school without prior approval from authorized school personnel It may be appropriate for some students to carry life saving medications with them during the school day. A student may carry a life saving medication after demonstrating proper use and receiving prior approval from the school
The school encourages parent(s)/guardian(s) to work with healthcare providers to consider adjusting dosage time(s) of routine medication to minimize administration during the school day An Emergency Care Plan (ECP) will be completed collaboratively by the school and parent(s)/guardian(s) when appropriate. It is essential that families communicate with the appropriate school personnel about any specific healthcare circumstances
Health Forms
The Health History and Permission Form is required annually for every student in every grade Parents or guardians of students enrolled should complete and return this form to the school as soon as possible and no later than their child’s first day of school.
The Student Physical Assessment Form is required of every student in every grade and is due annually on the anniversary date of the last physical examination. New students should submit this form upon enrollment or prior to their first day of school Parents or guardians are responsible for submitting this form complete with a healthcare provider’s signature in a timely manner Failure to comply may result in exclusion from school or school activities.
Immunization records are mandatory upon enrollment Parents are responsible for contacting their child’s doctor to request a copy of their child’s immunization record at the time of enrollment or at the time of their child’s physical examination Should a parent defer immunizations for their child for medical, religious, or moral reasons, the parent/guardian and their physician must complete and sign a note of refusal and return this note to Administration.
Additional health forms may be required depending upon individual health care needs When appropriate, the school will notify parents/guardians to discuss these.
Policy on Food-Related Allergies
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Revolution School is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students with food allergies. Our goals are to reduce the likelihood of severe or potentially life threatening allergic reactions; to ensure a rapid and effective response in the case of a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction; and to protect the rights of food-allergic students to participate in all school activities.
Our focus is prevention, education, awareness, communication, and emergency response Revolution School is not a nut free school. We are committed to careful labeling, open disclosure, and teaching students the life long skills required to make safe and healthy food choices. Rather than offer a false sense of security, we focus instead on open communication regarding potential allergens and food safety. Where there are students with known food allergies, the school will take special care related to food safety. The school will communicate with families to coordinate safety measures through the Emergency Care Plan (ECP) and will facilitate communication throughout the school year to foster food safety. Families of students with food allergies will be contacted directly before the start of school to initiate communication, review expectations, create safety plans, and to provide more detailed information Direct communication between home and the school is the proper channel of communication for allergy updates, concerns, or changes in protocols; this will ensure that the information is disseminated in a way that allows the school to effectively care for all students in its care When excursions include dining at a restaurant or other food establishment, Revolution School cannot vouch for the allergen safety of the food provided. The School encourages (and will facilitate) family communication directly with the restaurant or providing alternate food for their child(ren), as needed
Medical Leave Policy
In the case that a student’s absence will extend beyond 5 days, the student and/or parent/guardian should promptly notify Revolution School of a medical leave so that the school may work with the student/parents/guardian to arrange for completion of coursework during the student’s absence, if possible If necessary, the school will modify the student’s Individualized Learning Plan to accommodate the student’s absence
Mandated Reporting/Child Abuse & Neglect School employees are mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect and are required by Pennsylvania law to report any suspicion of child abuse and neglect to school officials and the appropriate authorities
School Policies
Every school needs to have policies in place to ensure that members of the community are safe and supported
The commitment of Revolution School is to support the individuality of the students, and the school demands that students treat each other and the school community with dignity, respect, and compassion. Certain actions that would interfere with those goals are prohibited, taken seriously, and promptly addressed Any concerns that any actions of a student, group of students, or any member of the school community (or a third party that interfaces with a member of the school community) have violated the policies below should be promptly reported to the school so that appropriate action may be taken, including investigations, counseling, corrective action, and discipline, if necessary
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Revolution School is aware that students may be cautious to report inappropriate behavior of other students or in school settings for fear that tensions may increase as a result. School personnel will be mindful of the social dynamics involved for the reporting party and will address issues raised in the best manner to achieve the desired result of increasing compassion and satisfaction, including ensuring anonymity for the reporting individual(s), if possible. No issue is too small to be raised to the school if it is inappropriate and/or makes a student uncomfortable. The school will support students in working through challenges and potential mistakes The school will address all issues raised in a thoughtful manner that will include consideration of the students and the school community. Contact the Head of School or Director of Student Life to address any questions, concerns, or complaints
The student and parent/guardian acknowledge that the school, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether conduct of the student or any guardian is grounds to terminate enrollment of the student at any time. The student and guardian acknowledge that Revolution School has the right to suspend or dismiss the student as a result of his or her behavior or level of academic achievement or if, in the opinion of school administration, the interests of the student or school would be best served by such action.
Open-Door Policy
Students and parents/guardians should communicate with the school often initially via the student’s advisor about concerns and questions, big and small. The school will work with students and parents/guardians to ensure that issues raised will be addressed in a thoughtful manner that will take all concerns into consideration, including the desire for anonymity, if possible.
Non-Discrimination Policy/ADA Compliance
The school’s mission is to cultivate, understand, and embrace the differences among individuals as part of the educational endeavor. Revolution School is committed to a diverse community, which includes qualified students with documented disabilities and other health issues that may require reasonable accommodations to ensure access to education Although the school cannot offer special education programs for students with disabilities, the school is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students so that they may participate in the school’s programs
School leadership, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and students provide an example by fostering an environment of understanding and respect of all people If a student or parent/guardian has a concern that they, their student, or a school community member is being subjected to discrimination, such concern should be promptly reported to the Head of School Furthermore, we must instruct and empower children to challenge assumptions and ask questions in order to become responsible citizens in a diverse world. We believe that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socio cultural status, religious tradition, age, gender, ability, and sexual orientation enhance an individual's sense of identity, broaden respect for others, and inspire strong character.
Revolution school admits students of any gender, race, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, religion, and national and ethnic origin and provides them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, religion, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs
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Anti-Bullying Policy
A safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or a series of acts: (1) directed at another student or students; (2) that occur in a school setting; (3) that are severe, persistent or pervasive; and (4) that have the effect of doing any of the following: (i) substantially interfering with a student’s education; (ii) creating a threatening environment; or iii) substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school “School setting” means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school.
Revolution School prohibits the bullying of any student, by either an individual student or a group of students: (1) during any educational program or activity conducted by the district: (2) during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a school vehicle; (3) through the use of any electronic device or data while on school grounds or on a school bus or through the use of computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of the school or school district; or (4) through threats, using any of the above methods, that are to be carried out on school grounds, which include threats made outside of school hours that are intended to be carried out during any school related or school sponsored program or activity, or on a school vehicle The school will take prompt corrective action to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and community to ensure that the school is free of bullying behavior. Students who violate the anti bullying policy may be subject to discipline, as appropriate.
Reports of bullying should be made as soon as possible after the alleged act or knowledge of the alleged act. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the alleged acts to a teacher, counselor, Head of School, or other district employee A report may be made orally or in writing
Social Networking Policy
Students should be aware that their actions online, even those that do not occur during school hours or on the school network, are expected to be consistent with the Mission of the Revolution School to respect and support the students and school community
Conduct and communications on cell phones or social networking sites that disrespect members of the school community (students, faculty, staff, Board members, Administrative Leadership, family of community members) should be promptly brought to the attention of the school so that appropriate action may be taken, including an investigation and discipline, if necessary. The school is aware that students may be cautious to report behavior for fear that tensions may increase as a result Be assured that the school will take such issues into consideration with the goal of improving situations and will take steps to ensure anonymity, where possible. The school will take appropriate and necessary action to ensure the safety and well being of the student(s) and the community in determining corrective action and discipline, as necessary
Search Policy
The School may search a locker and/or any item belonging to a student or in a student’s possession on school grounds when any member of the faculty or school administration has reason to believe that a disciplinary infraction has occurred or believes that there is a threat to the well being of members of the community that could be discovered Searches may include any item belonging to a student or in a student’s possession, such as a backpack, gym bag, or pocketbook. The Search Policy also applies to personal electronic and related devices in the student’s possession during the school day (8:00 am 4:00 pm) and while in the building, whether assigned or personally owned, such as a student’s cell phone, laptop, flash drive, tablet, or computer.
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This policy serves the school’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with rules, to make sure that students engage in healthy behavior, and to maintain a substance free and safe school environment
Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy/Anti-Harassment
Revolution School believes in the dignity of the individual Revolution School will not tolerate sexual harassment of students, employees, or other members of the school community by anyone, whether on school property, at school or work related assignments, school sponsored social functions, or through cell phones or social media as set forth in the Social Networking Policy
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, physical, or any other form of communication (i.e., text, email, pictures) of a sexual nature or related to a person’s sex or sexual identity
The school encourages students/parents/guardians to promptly report any behavior at the school, during school activities, or on school equipment, cell phones, or social media that is inappropriate, uncomfortable, and/or is sexually harassing. This policy covers inappropriate, uncomfortable, and/or sexually harassing behavior from a student, a staff or faculty member, or a member of the school community, or behavior that may occur in connection with the student’s activities in the community at large.
The school similarly prohibits non-sexual harassment, such as when someone tries to humiliate or intimidate another, such as making racist comments, making derogatory comments about religion, making cruel personal jokes, or teasing about sexual orientation. No one may harass a student or member of the school community on the basis of sex/gender/gender identity, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or any other protected status under applicable law.
There is no issue that is too small to be reported if it interferes with an individual’s comfort and ease at the school or creates a hostile environment within the school’s community. The school will take prompt action to ensure the safety and well being of the student(s) and the community, including a prompt investigation, corrective action, and discipline, as necessary
Non-Retaliation
Retaliation against students and/or parents/guardians and/or staff/faculty for raising concerns, making complaints, or reporting inappropriate behavior and/or violations of this handbook is strictly prohibited
Crisis Management Plan
A comprehensive Crisis Management Plan outlines Revolution School’s procedures to ensure the safety of the occupants of the building and participants in the off site programming These procedures will be communicated directly to students and families each year. Families desiring additional information about these procedures may reach out directly to the Head of School
DISCLAIMER
No set of policies or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that may arise at school or in the school community Each situation will be handled with the goal of ensuring the safety and well being of the student and the school community in accordance with the Mission of the School. To that end, the handbook does not limit the Revolution Team from the authority:
● to be flexible in addressing situations,
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● to deviate from the normal rules and procedures, and
● to appropriately address individual circumstances as they arise in the manner deemed most appropriate by the School.
Revolution Community Expectations 2022-2023
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate action of its members ” Coretta Scott King
Come to school on time, rested and nourished for the day; prioritize well being If you are tired or need a break, please excuse yourself from class and see Jeanne or Justine No heads down on tables!
Arrive to class ready to learn. At the close of each class, please clean up your table, push in chairs and leave the classroom neat for your classmates. Many hands make light work.
We encourage everyone to stay hydrated and energized Water bottles and food are available in the kitchen Food and drink can be eaten in the classroom only with the permission of teachers Please return mugs, glasses and bowls to the kitchen and place in the dishwasher at the close of class.
Respect others’ rights to hold opinions and beliefs that differ from your own. Use positive words and body language Be mindful to use respectful language and avoid profanity When you disagree, challenge or criticize the idea, not the person Do not interrupt or engage in private conversations while others are speaking
Restroom Policy: One (1) student may leave class at a time and must sign in and out at the front desk. The break should not exceed 5 minutes. No signing out during the first 5 or last 5 minutes of class
Electronics Policy: Unless instructed by the teacher, cell phones should be face down or in book bags and headphones/earbuds should be put away at the start of advisory, class and/or during Community Meetings. If a student uses their cell phone as a distraction in class, the teacher may take it or give it to Jeanne or Justine for safe keeping. you fail to uphold these expectations, possible consequences may include:
If
● Verbal/Non Verbal Warning ● Meeting with Advisor, Jeanne and your teacher to discuss a “solution plan” ● Parent call ● Parent/Student/Jeanne meeting ● Parent/Student/Justine meeting 18
Honor the process. Change takes time. Trust the unfolding.
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Jeanne Mulvanerty Head of School Director of Student Life & Academics
