Lion Tracks

LION TRACKS: St. Mark’s Student Handbook 2026-2027

The provisions of this booklet are for information purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and do not constitute all or any part of an enforceable contract between St. Mark’s School of Texas and its students.

TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER...........................................................257 LETTER FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT.........................258 THE HONOR PRINCIPLE................................................................................259 COMING TO SCHOOL...........................................................................260 – 263

Arrival and Dismissal...........................................................................................................260 Attendance Policy.................................................................................................................260 Tardiness and School Day.....................................................................................................260 Absence......................................................................................................................... 260-261 Three Categories of Absence................................................................................................261 “No School” Announcements...............................................................................................261 Carpools: Lower School; ............................................................................................. 261-262 Carpools: 5th -12th...............................................................................................................262 Walking & Bicycles..............................................................................................................262 Visitors.......................................................................................................................... 262-263

CAMPUS DAILY LIFE.............................................................................263 – 267

Permission to Leave School Due to Illness...........................................................................263 Appointments........................................................................................................................263 Enrollment, Living Arrangements, and Parental Absence....................................................263 Out-of-Town Trips................................................................................................................263 School Uniform Requirements Chart (Lower, Middle & Upper School).............................264 Dallas Area Trips: Lower School, Middle and Upper School......................................263, 265 School Uniforms .......................................................................................................... 265-266 Campus Hours.......................................................................................................................266 Keys......................................................................................................................................266 Food Service................................................................................................................. 266-267 Student Store.........................................................................................................................267 Lions’ Closet.........................................................................................................................267 Lost and Found.....................................................................................................................267 Lockers..................................................................................................................................267

ACADEMICS.............................................................................................267 – 276

Academic Honesty Policy............................................................................................. 267-268 Graduation Requirements.....................................................................................................268 Important Reminders & Guidelines for Upper School................................................. 268-269 Study Hall for Middle School...............................................................................................269 Study Hall for Upper School.................................................................................................269 Major Assessment Policy......................................................................................................269 Final Exam Admittance.........................................................................................................269 Conflicts................................................................................................................................269 Textbooks: Lower School; Middle and Upper School..........................................................270 Homework: Lower School....................................................................................................270 Homework: Middle School/Homework Referrals................................................................270 Homework: Upper School............................................................................................ 270-271 Tutorial Support....................................................................................................................271 Make-Up Work: Lower School.............................................................................................271

254

LION TRACKS

Make-Up Work: Middle and Upper School.................................................................. 271-272 Year of Decision and Term of Decision................................................................................272 Senior Failures......................................................................................................................272 The Libraries: Lower School Library; The Green Library........................................... 272-273 Computers.............................................................................................................................273 Acceptable Use Policy for Technology......................................................................... 273-276

COMMUNICATION.................................................................................276 – 278

Conferences: Lower School..................................................................................................276 Conferences: Middle & Upper School..................................................................................276 Advisors........................................................................................................................ 276-277 Chaplain................................................................................................................................277 Counseling & Testing.................................................................................................... 277-278 Written Comments................................................................................................................278 Daily Calendar: Middle & Upper School.............................................................................278 Contacting Faculty Members................................................................................................278 Gifts to Faculty and Staff......................................................................................................278 Posters and Notices...............................................................................................................278

COMMUNITY SERVICE........................................................................... 278-279

The Student Service Philosophy in Lower School....................................................... 278-279 Community Service Requirements.......................................................................................279

PRIVILEGES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONSEQUENCES ........279 – 290

Privileges Extracurricular Activities......................................................................................................279 School-Sponsored Functions........................................................................................ 279-280 Off-Campus Privileges..........................................................................................................280 Vehicles On Campus.............................................................................................................280 Responsibilities/Code of Conduct Policy on Student Use of Alcohol and Drugs............................................................... 280-282 Weapons Policy.....................................................................................................................282 Harassment & Discrimination Policy...................................................................................282 Hazing...................................................................................................................................282 Bullying Policy.....................................................................................................................283 Sportsmanship.......................................................................................................................283 Consequences Re-enrollment.......................................................................................................................283 Student Discipline......................................................................................................... 284-286 Enforcement of Disciplinary Rules - Lower School..................................................... 286-287 Enforcement of Disciplinary Rules - Middle School............................................................287 Enforcement of Disciplinary Rules - Upper School..................................................... 287-288 Detention...............................................................................................................................288 Suspensions: LS, MS & US.......................................................................................... 288-289 Parental Cooperation.............................................................................................................289 Family Legal Matters.................................................................................................... 289-290

HEALTH ....................................................................................................290 – 292 Insurance...............................................................................................................................290 Student Health Forms and Medical Certificate.....................................................................290

LION TRACKS

255

Immunization Requirements.................................................................................................290 Immunization Compliance....................................................................................................291 School Clinic and Medication Policy...................................................................................291 Attendance Guidelines..........................................................................................................292 Physical Education Medical Excuse Form...........................................................................292 Athletic Medical Excuses.....................................................................................................292

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS .....................................292 – 295

Participation.................................................................................................................. 292-293 Training Rules for Athletes...................................................................................................293 P.E. Uniform Information: Lower School.............................................................................293 P.E. Uniform Information: Middle and Upper School..........................................................293 Team Equipment/Uniforms...................................................................................................294 Locker Rooms.......................................................................................................................294 Levering Pool........................................................................................................................294 Spencer Gym.........................................................................................................................294 Hicks Gym............................................................................................................................294 Rogers Fieldhouse.................................................................................................................294 Rabin Batting Cage...............................................................................................................294 Track.....................................................................................................................................294 Wrestling Room....................................................................................................................295 Weight Room........................................................................................................................295

COLLEGE COUNSELING......................................................................295 – 296

College Counseling...............................................................................................................295 Academic Record..................................................................................................................295 Researching the Options.......................................................................................................295 Selecting a College/University.............................................................................................295 College Visits................................................................................................................ 295-296 College Representatives........................................................................................................296 Application Process..............................................................................................................296 Reporting Disciplinary Actions.............................................................................................296

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION..............296 – 298

Fundraising and Solicitation of Money.................................................................................296 Copy Machines.....................................................................................................................297 Fire and Severe Weather............................................................................................... 297-298 Use of Parents’ Association Directory..................................................................................298

STUDENT LEADERSHIP.........................................................................298– 304

Student Government.............................................................................................................298 Student Leadership........................................................................................................ 298-299 Constitution for the Student Body of St. Mark’s.......................................................... 299-302 2026-2027 Student Leadership..................................................................................... 302-304

256

LION TRACKS

LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER Dear Marksmen, Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you enjoyed a positive summer and that you are looking forward to the many opportunities and experiences ahead. In the coming weeks and months, you will undoubtedly be engaged in compelling classroom discussions, build new and deepen existing friendships, witness and perhaps even present inspiring Chapel talks, play in competitive and memorable sporting events, share creative artistry, and so much more. I encourage you to make the most of each day and seize every opportunity that comes your way.

It is important to remember that your growth and development require consistent dedication, determination, and commitment. This year, you will enjoy many positive experiences and achieve meaningful success in and out of the classroom. At the same time, the lessons you learn through trial and error, disappointment, and failure are often among the most valuable and impactful. When you fall short or make a mistake, take responsibility and learn from the experience. And never forget that you are surrounded by people who love you, support you, and are committed to helping you grow and thrive in every way possible.

Always remember, St. Mark’s is a community we share together. Serve it, care for it, protect it. You are a Marksman and are constantly called upon to demonstrate the qualities, virtues, and character traits that represent the best in all of us. The strength of community and the remarkable opportunities we enjoy each day are the result of a shared commitment to a common purpose. Our foremost goal is to help you grow into good men, plain and simple. Keep in mind that we are all stewards of an important legacy that’s been passed down to us and are responsible to those who will follow in our footsteps. The success of this school year is dependent on all of us giving our best every day and contributing to the well-being of the whole community.

Please carefully review the contents of Lion Tracks and consider the purpose and reasoning behind these policies, guidelines, and expectations. They have been carefully and intentionally developed with important core values in mind, including respect, integrity, courage, and honor – fundamental values that underpin our community. As a Marksman, you carry these values and expectations with you day in and day out, on and off campus.

Thank you for investing yourself fully in every experience that comes your way and contributing to the improvement of our community. Here’s wishing you a very positive and fulfilling year ahead. Go Lions!

LION TRACKS

Sincerely,

David W. Dini Eugene McDermott Headmaster

257

LETTER FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT Gentlemen, I hope everyone has had an amazing summer filled with family time, fun travelling, and rest. As this break from school comes to an end, I am ecstatic for the start of the upcoming school year. The Student Council has been working hard this summer to plan an awesome Hoco and unforgettable assemblies.

As we return to 10600 Preston Road for the 2026-2027 school year, I call upon you to take ownership of our community and the values we hold at the core of our education.

Integrity. Judgement. Spirituality. Confidence.

These are the cornerstones of our school’s ethos.

I urge you to take a look at Lion Tracks, the guidebook of our school’s principles (located at the end of the printed directory or on the Resource page on Blackbaud). Reading this text gives us all clear insight into not only our school’s expectations of us students, but the standards to which we should all strive to surpass. Classmate to classmate, brother to brother, we must keep each other accountable. Together, as fellow Marksmen, our success will be defined by our ability to align one another on the right path.

This year will fly by faster than any of us will realize. Every day on campus at St. Mark’s presents countless opportunities to connect with other Marksmen.

Take advantage of those precious moments.

These next 10 months will forge our legacy: our actions, our choices to uphold our school’s values, our willingness to cultivate a meaningful SM community.

Now, go read Lion Tracks, enjoy the final days of your summer, and get ready for an EPIC year.

Thank you in advance for an incredible 2026-2027 and Go Lions!

See you in August.

Sincerely,

Dylan Bosita ’27 2026-2027 Student Council President

258

LION TRACKS

THE HONOR PRINCIPLE

The values espoused by St. Mark’s School of Texas are implicit in its motto: “Courage and Honor.” As this phrase suggests, members of the school community expect one another to understand and have the desire to do what is honorable, as well as to have the courage to act on their beliefs. In order to create and nurture a school community in which everyone fulfills his potential and develops strong moral and ethical character, all members are expected to behave truthfully, honestly, and fairly. Academic integrity and common respect for the property of others lie at the school’s very foundation. It is our goal to foster in students a sense of responsibility for oneself and others. Such responsibility includes: • telling the truth in all situations, • presenting one’s own original work, • obtaining permission before possessing another’s property, and • treating each member of the school and community with the same respect and consideration that one would desire for himself.

Thus, students have a special obligation to meet the high standards of personal conduct traditional at St. Mark’s. This is always required on campus and at school-sponsored functions off campus, and violations in other off-campus circumstances may also, depending on the circumstances and severity of the violation, lead to disciplinary action.

Students are expected to be gentlemen at all times. By fulfilling these responsibilities, we thereby embrace our school motto, “Courage and Honor.”

LION TRACKS

259

COMING TO SCHOOL ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

The Lower School opens its doors at 7:35 a.m.; boys may not be dropped off prior to 7:35 a.m. as no supervision is available. The official school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m. for grades 1-4. Lower School boys should not remain on campus past the dismissal times unless prior arrangements have been made for the child to be in Extended Day. The Middle and Upper School academic buildings, which include but are not limited to Nearburg Hall, Hoffman, and Centennial Hall, are open early each morning. While classes begin at 8:30 a.m., students are encouraged to arrive early enough to prepare for the day. Students are expected to be in their seats at the start of first-period class. In the Upper School, boys are expected to be here by 8:30 a.m. unless they have off-campus privileges and no first-period class. Upper School activities and assemblies may be scheduled during afternoon “flex time” (3:25 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.) and are considered part of the academic day. Students must attend these activities as they are given precedence over scheduled tutorial sessions. The inside back cover of The Directory and Lion Tracks reflects the daily schedule for all divisions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

A student who misses more than 15% of class meetings for any course jeopardizes being granted credit for the course. Extenuating circumstances such as health issues will be reviewed by the School’s administration to determine if absences of this kind will be included in the total. Absences from classes due to school-sponsored student activities do not contribute to the overall percentage of a student’s absence from class meetings.

Excessive absenteeism may result in the dismissal from the School or non-renewal of enrollment for future academic years.

TARDINESS AND SCHOOL DAY

Upper School students arriving late to school must check in with the Upper School office.

Checking in notifies that a student has arrived and is present; the check-in procedure does not designate an excused tardy. Middle School students arriving late should go directly to class. The Middle School office will follow up with students as necessary.

The designation for an excused, explained, or unexcused tardy is left to the discretion of the Head or Assistant Head of Upper or Middle School. Students in Upper School and Middle School may accrue up to four unexcused tardies per semester without incurring a detention. Upon the fifth unexcused tardy, students will be assigned a detention. Each tardy thereafter could be regarded as a Level II violation and thus could incur escalated consequences. All boys must be present the full school day in order to participate that day in an extracurricular performance, a scheduled test, an athletic event, or any other scheduled activity. Exceptions are granted only by the Head or Assistant Head of Upper or Middle School or the Head of Lower School.

ABSENCE

It is inappropriate for boys to miss school for errands, family business or trips, beginnings and ends of vacations, and similar reasons not related to illness, family emergencies, or

260

LION TRACKS

religious observances. Misrepresentation in these matters undermines the partnership between school and parent, and impairs the School’s ability to fulfill its mission. Please respect the School’s policies. If a student is unable to attend school because of illness, his parents should call the attendance phone number for his division: Upper School – 214-346-8108; Middle School – 214-346-8103; Lower School – 214-346-8210, before 8:00 a.m. Parents may leave a voicemail at any time.

Absences fall into three categories: Excused: Absences are “excused” in cases of illness, emergencies, or when the School grants that it is in the best interest of the boy to miss school. Boys are then granted up to five days to make up missed tests and assignments.

Explained: Requests for absences that do not qualify as “excused” but that the School views sympathetically may be defined as “explained.” This may include attendance at events of significant familial or cultural value (e.g., a sibling’s wedding or a college visit). A student is not granted automatic make-up time nor is a teacher responsible for teaching him the material from the class he missed; the student and teacher make arrangements to complete assignments, tests, etc., before the absence. The student’s good standing at the School is not jeopardized. Such requests must be made to the appropriate Division Head at least three school days before the absence. The Absence Request Form for Upper School boys is available in the Upper School office and online.

Unexcused: If a student or his parents choose not to ask for or fail to receive an excused or explained absence, zeros will be given for work missed, teachers will not be permitted to arrange make-up tests, and other disciplinary action may be taken. Absences that extend vacations or long weekends are unexcused unless approved by the appropriate Division Head.

“NO SCHOOL” ANNOUNCEMENTS

All school closing announcements will be posted on the School’s website (www.smtexas. org) if school has to be called off or opened late because of hazardous weather conditions.

Announcements will be made on leading radio and television stations. The School also subscribes to a mass-messaging service that will call a preferred number database if school closes due to inclement weather or another unexpected, facility-related reason.

Parents are asked to provide the School with their preferred numbers.

CARPOOLS

Carpool time in the morning and afternoon creates a significant amount of traffic on campus. We are concerned that the experience of linking up with your student be as safe and efficient as possible. To that end, we offer the following guidelines to all who find themselves in the carpool lineups: • The use of handheld devices, including texting and mobile phone use, is prohibited in carpool lines.

• It is important to pick up your student at the side of the carpool line. Please avoid double parking: It exposes your student to the risk of injury and can significantly slow the pickup process.

• You should stay in your car at all times when the carpool line is moving.

• Please be patient with and courteous to fellow carpoolers and school employees.

LION TRACKS

261

Lower School All carpools should enter campus from Preston Road. Lower School carpools should be picked up in the Lower School Circle adjacent to the Decherd Center and the Lower School Building. The following procedures are important: • Observe 10 m.p.h. speed limit.

• Pull as far forward as possible so several cars can load at once.

• Stay in the right-hand lane. The first car should pull past the Lower School entrance to the brown light post.

• All Lower School students will be dismissed through carpool and must be picked up by a parent or guardian or authorized adult. Boys may not walk or be picked up elsewhere on campus unless prior arrangements have been made with the Head of Lower School.

• Cell phone use is prohibited in the pick-up area.

• The Lower School Office should be notified through the School Pass app as soon as possible if carpool plans change in any way.

Parents are asked to register their cars and carpool information in the School Pass app in early August. If a student is not registered in the School Pass app, the carpool pickup for that student will be delayed.

To arrange for their son to leave school in a manner different from his usual arrangement, parents should access the School Pass app and notate modifications as soon as possible to the Lower School Office describing special arrangements. Students should remain with their parent or guardian while on campus after school hours.

Fifth through Twelfth Grade Carpools with fifth through twelfth graders should discharge or board riders at the drive on the north side of the Fine Arts Building.

WALKING AND BICYCLES

The safety of our students is the top priority. The streets around St. Mark’s can be heavily traveled and busy roadways. Therefore, students who arrive on foot or bicycle should take every possible safety precaution and make sure to obey traffic laws. Lower School students may not walk home without permission from the Head of Lower School. This permission will then require a written, signed note of agreement between the parents and the School. Shortcuts through neighbors’ properties are not permitted. Students should use designated crosswalks. Any student using bicycles must wear an appropriate helmet. Boys riding to school on bicycles should dismount upon arriving at campus.

Bicycles should be locked during the school day. St. Mark’s is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bicycles.

VISITORS

A student or student organization intending to bring visitors on campus must have the permission of the appropriate Division Head, and the student-host must provide the appropriate division office with the date and specific time of his guest’s visit. All adults visiting campus must wear an ID badge. Anyone who does not have a St. Mark’s-issued

262

LION TRACKS

ID badge must check in with the receptionist in Nearburg Hall to present his or her driver’s license and receive a temporary photo ID badge, which is only valid for one day.

CAMPUS DAILY LIFE PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL DUE TO ILLNESS

Permission to leave school because of illness is granted only by the School Nurse or by the appropriate Division Head. Parents are notified before a student who drives leaves the campus; students who do not drive remain with the nurse or in the division office until the parent arrives.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments are best scheduled at times that do not conflict with school commitments.

If an appointment must be scheduled, the expectation is that it should be done so well in advance. This will help students plan any missed work that must be rescheduled.

Parents must send an explanatory note (written or email) or call the appropriate division office for their son to receive permission to miss school. Students are expected to inform all teachers and coaches ahead of time if they will miss a commitment, a courtesy that streamlines accountability and improves communication. At the time of the appointment, students must sign out at the appropriate division office. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary infractions, which could include detention or loss of off-campus privileges.

ENROLLMENT, LIVING ARRANGEMENTS, AND PARENTAL ABSENCE

St. Mark’s enrolls students for one entire school year, and policy does not allow rebates for absence, failure to matriculate, suspension, withdrawal, or dismissal (tuition refund insurance is available upon request). While enrolled at St. Mark’s, students are expected to live with their parents or legal guardian. Exceptions to this living arrangement must have the approval of the Headmaster. Accordingly, when both parents will be out of town, they must notify the appropriate Division Head of the dates and the arrangements made to care for their child.

OUT-OF-TOWN TRIPS

Students are not allowed to drive to a school-sponsored activity in which they are a participant and that is taking place out of the city limits unless parents have given their permission to a school employee. Adults, normally faculty members, drive vehicles and assume responsibility for transportation on out-of-town trips. When the school buses are not available, and when prior written arrangements have been made with the appropriate Division Head so that all parties involved know the identity of each boy’s driver, parents may be used to help transport students. Exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the appropriate Division Head.

DALLAS AREA TRIPS

Lower School Transportation for all field trips in the Lower School is provided by buses. Whether our own St. Mark’s buses or commercial buses, seatbelts are mandatory. We consider

LION TRACKS

263

SCHOOL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS CLOTHING ITEM

LOWER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

SHIRTS White Shirt: oxford cloth, White Shirt: oxford cloth,

button-down collar, short button-down collar, short

or long sleeves or long sleeves

PANTS

White Shirt: oxford cloth, button-down collar, short or long sleeves. Seniors wear blue oxford cloth shirts.

Gray shorts or gray long pants

Gray shorts or gray long pants

Gray shorts or gray long pants

Plain white socks with shorts. White socks should be worn well above the ankles. Solid dark socks may be worn with long pants.

Plain white socks with shorts. White socks should be worn well above the ankles. Solid dark socks may be worn with long pants.

Plain white socks with shorts. White socks should be worn well above the ankles. Solid dark socks may be worn with long pants.

BELT

Conservative belt

Conservative belt

Conservative belt

SOCKS

UNDERSHIRTS OR

T-SHIRTS

OUTERWEAR

SHOES

EXTRA CLOTHING

264

Plain white t-shirts acceptable under the school uniform shirt.

No logo or writing permitted.

Plain white t-shirts acceptable under the school uniform shirt. Long-sleeved

undershirts may not be worn with short-sleeved oxford shirts.

No logos or writing permitted, including St. Mark’s t-shirts.

Sweatshirts sold in the St. Mark’s Student Store, or blue or gray solid-colored sweatshirts with no decorations, conservative sweaters, and coats are acceptable.

Tie shoes only if adept at tying them. Shoes should be predominantly or entirely black with no other color except white.

No high top athletic shoes.

Plain white t-shirts acceptable under the school uniform shirt. Long-sleeved

undershirts may not be worn with short-sleeved oxford shirts.

No logos or writing permitted, including St. Mark’s t-shirts.

St. Mark’s Student Store sweatshirts, college sweatshirts, conservative sports jackets, sweaters, and coats are permitted when in good repair. Sweatpants or workout clothing not permitted at any time.

St. Mark’s Student Store sweatshirts, college sweatshirts, conservative sports jackets, sweaters, and coats are permitted when in good repair. Sweatpants or workout clothing not permitted at any time.

Solid black or solid brown with backs

Solid black or solid brown with backs

When the temperature is 32 degrees or less, Lower School boys may wear solid-colored sweatpants (blue or gray preferred) over their shorts.

LION TRACKS

safety to be the most important consideration.

Middle School and Upper School All boys participating on a team or as members of a school group are required to travel to off-campus events in the transportation recommended by the School. Trips are made in buses when they are available, and those students who travel in school buses but wish to leave an event with their parents or another driver must provide written confirmation to the faculty member in charge prior to the event.

When buses are not available, or occasionally for the sake of convenience, juniors and seniors with permission forms may use their own vehicles to travel to local activities.

Other students who wish to ride with classmates must also have the proper form signed by parents of both the driver and the passenger. Any reckless or dangerous driving on the part of a student on the way to or from a school event will result in disciplinary action.

The School assumes no responsibility either for spectators or for team members traveling to athletic contests in transportation other than that provided by the School.

NOTE: There will be no illegal substances, including alcohol and tobacco, in possession of or consumed by any boy at any time during a school trip. This applies to spectators as well as participants, whether or not they are traveling in school transportation.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Please see the chart on page 264 for the appropriate uniform for each division.

Please label all clothing and belongings with your son’s name.

Lower School The school uniform applies to Lower School boys. However, shorts are recommended for grades 1 and 2 as the principal uniform throughout the school year since boys in these grades sometimes wear classroom clothes for P.E. Students in grades 3 and 4 also seem to prefer shorts. Due to our Marksmen’s preference for shorts, we make special accommodations when the temperature is 32° or below. On these days, the boys may wear plain-colored sweatpants (navy or gray is preferred) over their shorts. Please be certain that shorts are worn beneath the sweatpants.

Lower School Note: Boys are asked to wear tie-shoes only if they are adept at tying them. School shoes should be predominantly or entirely black with no secondary color other than white or gray. Shoes should have black laces. Hiking boots, high top athletic shoes, motorcycle or combat boots, and Doc Martins are NOT ACCEPTABLE. Top-Siders are not recommended for Lower School students.

Middle School and Upper School The goal is to ensure that all boys are clean, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed during the school day. The uniform helps to emphasize the School’s democratic principles and our belief that it is internal strengths, not external trimmings, which determine a person’s individuality and worth. The Head or Assistant Head of Upper or Middle School is the final arbiter of appropriateness.

During the school day, boys wear the St. Mark’s uniform, including shoes and shirts, at all times. Please mark all clothing and belongings brought to school, including uniform

LION TRACKS

265

and non-uniform items, with student’s name.

Other Dress Code issues: Hair: Excessive hairstyle and unkempt hair are out of bounds. No eccentric shaving of the head. Hair below the collar, dreadlocks below the top of the collar, hair tied in a ponytail, man buns, or dyed hair is NOT acceptable. No facial hair. Hair must not drop below the eyebrows or hide a student’s face. Sideburns may not grow below the bottom of the ear.

Jewelry/Decoration: No earrings or other distracting ornaments; no tattoos or decorated skin are permitted.

Uniform alternatives: If a Division Head declares “Free Dress Days,” good taste and appropriateness to the School’s atmosphere should be observed. Students in grades 5-12 may opt to wear a conservative shirt, slacks, sports jacket, and tie instead of the usual uniform.

All students representing St. Mark’s at events away from school, including athletic teams playing away games, wear appropriate attire as directed by their sponsor or coach and as approved by the appropriate Division Head. Coats and ties are the standard attire, but exceptions may be made based on the nature of the events attended and the nature of the travel.

CAMPUS HOURS

After school and on weekends, unsupervised Middle and Upper School students may be only in approved areas. Students in these areas may not be on campus after 9:00 p.m. without the express permission of the appropriate Head of School.

KEYS

Under special circumstances, boys in responsible positions may be allowed to have keys to specific areas. To obtain a key, a boy must have the approval of the activity sponsor who will issue the key. A special ID card will be signed by the student and kept on file. Keys must be returned at the end of each school year. Under no circumstances may students duplicate keys. Boys are held directly responsible for the condition of the buildings that they enter during unsupervised hours. Teachers may not loan their keys to students.

FOOD SERVICE

Each division (Lower, Middle, and Upper) has its own lunch period during the school day. Upper School: 11:05 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.; Lower School: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; Middle School: 12:20 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. Because nearly a thousand meals may be served in a day, boys are expected to follow the guidelines below: • Unless a student has permission from the appropriate Head of School, he should not enter the lunch lines any time during the day other than at the time assigned to him. A full uniform is required for service.

• Boys must not cut into the lunch line and should help themselves as quickly as possible. In addition, boys should not eat lunch more than once a day.

• Food must not be wasted, especially items that are predictable in use and taste.

• Students, employees, and guests are to select one of the serving lines and select items from that line only.

266

LION TRACKS

• Conversation should be quiet and mannerly.

• When finished eating, boys should take their trays and any other items left on table to the dishwashing area.

STUDENT STORE

The School operates a Student Store that is located in the Alumni Commons, across from the Great Hall. The store sells school supplies, P.E. uniforms, snacks, and school spirit items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, and more. The store is open on school days. Boys in grades 5-12 are allowed to charge their purchases to their store accounts.

LIONS’ CLOSET

The Lions’ Closet is a resale shop operated by the Parents’ Association. It is located on the 1st floor in the North Library Wing. Gently used uniform shorts, shirts, P.E. uniforms, sweatshirts, and St. Mark’s logo apparel are available for sale to ALL families. The Lions’ Closet is open one week before school begins in August and every Wednesday during the school year from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. when school is in session. Lost and Found items are also on display in the hall outside the doors of the Lions’ Closet as well as in the Mullen Center Laundry Room.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost items such as clothing, books, and other school supplies should be turned into the Lost and Found located in the hall outside the Lions’ Closet. Items of value should be turned into school division offices. At the end of each month, unclaimed clothing will be either donated directly to the Lions’ Closet and/or local charities.

LOCKERS

Secure book lockers are available for all students; boys will be directed to their locker assignments by their class sponsors at the start of the school year. Boys are highly encouraged to lock their athletic lockers, provided the school office has the combination on file or a copy of the key. St. Mark’s is a safe community, and to ensure that costly, personal sports gear are secure, locking up those personal items is paramount. The School cannot assume responsibility for items left unattended on campus. Items not claimed during the school year will be donated to local charities. Students who have valuables that go missing while on campus should report such to the Security Office.

ACADEMICS ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

St. Mark’s is a community of scholars. Any form of cheating undermines the foundation and purpose of the School. Beginning in first grade and continuing at all grade levels, the boys discuss the St. Mark’s Honor Principle, which applies to all areas of life at the School. Students are expected at all times to submit work that is their own, with proper documentation where appropriate of all source materials. All forms of plagiarism – presenting or representing another’s ideas or work as one’s own – and all other forms of cheating, including the use or possession of “crib notes,” is strictly prohibited.

Students should recognize that submitting an assignment done for them by someone

LION TRACKS

267

else, such as a tutor, parent, friend, or professional researcher, or work generated for them by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT or other AI tool, is also plagiarism, as is paraphrasing another’s work or ideas without appropriate documentation. The submission of academic work that has previously been submitted by oneself or another student for credit constitutes plagiarism and thus is a violation of this policy.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

St. Mark’s graduation requirements go well beyond the required curriculum for college admission. A boy in Upper School must complete the equivalent of eighteen full-year liberal arts, fine arts, and elective courses; physical education or sports; and other cocurricular requirements. Graduation requirements are listed here: • 4 years (4 credits) of English • 3 years (3 credits) of Social Studies: Foundations of World Societies, The Modern World, U.S. History • 3 years (3 credits) of Science, including Biology and Chemistry/Applied Chemistry • 3 years (3 credits) of Mathematics, but not less than completion of Algebra II • 3 years (3 credits) of one Language, but not less than completion of L e v e l I I I equivalent; must be three consecutive years of the same language • 1 year (1 credit) of Fine Arts • 1 year (1 credit) of elective courses • 2.5 credits of Physical Education or Athletics, including PE9 and PE10. A one semester Physical Education is 0.5 credits. A season of athletics is 0.5 credits.

Note: St. Mark’s offers many semester courses. Two semester courses in the same discipline constitute a year of study.

In addition, students in the Upper School must satisfy the following co-curricular requirements: • 15 hours of Community Service during each school year • Completion of the Pecos Wilderness Experience (required of all students entering the Upper School in the ninth grade) • Satisfactory completion of the Senior Exhibition Additionally, a student must achieve a cumulative Upper School grade point average of 2.0 or better to be eligible to graduate from the School. Boys should aspire to the most challenging program of study they can successfully undertake. These goals are discussed yearly between families and each boy’s advisor. Questions or concerns should be raised with the Head of Upper School, the Associate Headmaster, or the Director of Academic Information Services.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS & GUIDELINES FOR UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School students should be aware that: • They can expect about three hours of homework each day depending on course load, assignments, and individual efficiency.

• Students may request course changes during the first ten class days of the semester for year-long courses. For one-semester courses, this request must be made within

268

LION TRACKS

the first five days of the semester.

• Exams given at the end of a term count 10%-20% of the grade in a course.

• Seniors must pass all courses to graduate, whether they are required courses or not; • Seniors may take one non-required course each term on a Pass/Fail basis. The request to do so must be made within the 10-day period allowed for course changes.

All students must have four graded courses to be eligible for the Honor Roll.

• Course load and selection, academic achievement, a love of learning, and intellectual growth are all significant factors weighed by college admission officers.

STUDY HALL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Boys in grades 5 and 6 are required to attend study halls during free periods. In grades 7 and 8, boys are allowed to study anywhere on campus within reason during their free periods. Boys experiencing difficulties with academics or conduct may be designated by the Head of Middle School or Assistant Head of Middle School to attend study halls during free periods. Students may be added or removed from study hall rosters throughout the year, based upon progress.

STUDY HALL FOR UPPER SCHOOL

Study Hall is not required of students in grades 10-12 unless they are in academic or disciplinary difficulty as deemed by the Head of Upper School. Students in grade 9 are exempt from Study Hall according to the following standards: First Semester: 8th grade Honor Roll for the year; Second Semester: 3.0 grade point average for the first semester. A student in Study Hall who needs to work elsewhere on campus – in the library or at a tutoring session, for example – can ask for a Study Hall pass signed by the responsible teacher. He must present this pass to the Study Hall proctor.

MAJOR ASSESSMENT POLICY

Middle and Upper School students should not have more than two major assessments scheduled on the same day (with major assessment defined as an assessment equal to or greater in point value than a test). When a student learns of a third assessment scheduled for the same day, he should inform that teacher who was the last to schedule the assessment on the School’s website that he will need to reschedule that assessment.

When necessary, students or teachers may consult the appropriate Division Head, who is the only one who may make an exception to the major assessment policy.

FINAL EXAM ADMITTANCE

Students must demonstrate that they have fulfilled all of their Upper School obligations before they will be permitted to sit for final exams. These obligations may be to the Library, Student Store, Director of Scheduling, Business Office, Athletic Department, Assistant Head of Upper School, and the Community Service Program.

CONFLICTS

Boys who know they will have conflicts between tests, field trips, athletic contests, or other excused absences should speak with their teachers as soon as possible to make arrangements for make-up sessions. This should always take place before the planned absence. The School endeavors to keep such problems to a minimum, but certain

LION TRACKS

269

conflicts are inevitable.

TEXTBOOKS

Lower School All regular textbooks and supplies are distributed in the classroom and provided by the School. Boys are asked to replace or pay for any permanent textbooks and/or supplies if they are damaged or lost. Additional items are available at the Student Store.

Middle School and Upper School Textbooks are issued at the beginning of the school year and at such other times during the year as requested by the Department Chairs.

HOMEWORK

Lower School At every grade level, there is variation in the time boys spend on homework: from 2030 minutes for first graders to approximately 75-90 minutes for fourth graders. Parents should alert the homeroom teacher if their son’s homework completion times fall considerably above or below the usual expectations. Generally, homework is not assigned over the weekend. Parents may answer questions and encourage their child to do his homework well but should not check it for mistakes, form, or completeness. The boy’s teachers at St. Mark’s can successfully teach him responsibility for these matters over time if the boy himself is the person in charge of his homework.

Middle School On the average, fifth and sixth grade boys have 20-30 minutes of homework per subject each night, with 30-60 minutes for Humanities class, a course that covers both social studies and language arts. If a student in grades 5 or 6 does not complete a homework assignment, his teacher may give him a homework referral. Seventh and eighth grade homework responsibilities will vary from two to three hours each night. Boys in grades 7 and 8 who do not hand in homework will lose partial or all credit dependent upon each teacher’s guidelines. It is the responsibility of the student to check with his teacher to identify necessary steps to address any missed assignments.

Consequences for accrued academic referrals and/or consistent lack of class preparedness may include detentions before or after school or at lunch time, required participation in a study skills class, or Saturday detentions.

Upper School Homework assignments in each academic course should require, on average, between 35 and 45 minutes per class meeting in the Upper School. Homework time allotments and expectations will vary for Honors and Advanced Placement courses.

The following guidelines will help: • Schedule a specific time for homework and follow your schedule.

• When assignments are finished, use the remainder of your time for review, organization, and reading.

• Select a place that is well equipped for studying and free from distractions.

• Alert others of your need for uninterrupted study time.

270

LION TRACKS

• Do not accept phone calls during study time.

• Work independently. Parents are a good source of quick information, but they are not always aware of your teacher’s instructions. You will have better success if you develop habits of independence and your own strengths.

TUTORIAL SUPPORT

For Parents: Any tutoring during the school day must have the approval of the appropriate Division Head. The Heads and Department Chairs should be notified of any tutoring of St. Mark’s students at any time. When a boy is having academic difficulty, his first recourse should be to seek assistance (“extra help”) from his teacher and advisor. If the teacher and/or parents feel that additional help is advisable, a request can be made to the appropriate Division Head or Department Chair for a student tutor or for the names of professional tutors. It is not appropriate for a parent to approach a St. Mark’s teacher directly to request tutoring for pay. Whenever any professional tutorial support is arranged, the Division Head, Department Chair, and the student’s advisor should be notified. The Marksman Wellness Center can provide referrals for individuals who can assist with more global issues, reading comprehension, writing, and organization. If a student is thought to have a learning, attentional, or other issue that interferes with his learning, you should contact the Wellness Center.

For Teachers: St. Mark’s teachers may not tutor their own students for pay at any time during the school year. St. Mark’s teachers may tutor St. Mark’s students in courses they do not teach; however, they are discouraged from doing so to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the future. Should a student be tutored for pay by a St. Mark’s teacher at any time, that student will not be enrolled in the teacher’s courses in the future unless such an arrangement is unavoidable and approved by the appropriate Division Head.

For Tutors: For tutorial support to be most productive, tutors need to know as much as possible about the student’s course, the performance expectations of the teacher, and the student’s specific difficulties. Therefore, tutors should contact the classroom teacher to coordinate their efforts with the School’s program. It is important that the focus of the tutorial support be the acquisition of skills and the mastery of information rather than the completion of specific assignments. If tutorial help is well-directed, the quality of a student’s in-class work should be comparable to the quality of his out-of-class work. A great disparity between the two may call into question the appropriateness of the tutor’s assistance.

MAKE-UP WORK

Lower School When boys are absent from school, they are not expected to have completed all homework and class assignments before returning; their teachers will consult individually with them on their return to develop a plan to make up the necessary work. Parents may call the School early in the day to get assignments if a boy is absent and pick up materials at school, or the boy may call a classmate for his assignments. However, these measures are more appropriate for a long-term absence than for an absence of just one day.

Middle School and Upper School

LION TRACKS

271

When absent, boys in grades 5-12 are responsible for calling classmates and checking the School’s website to get missed assignments. Unless prevented by illness, students should return to class prepared. A student whose illness was severe enough to prevent him from studying should consult each of his teachers upon his return to school to arrange making up the work he has missed. Teachers will establish a reasonable but prompt schedule of make-up work. Students who are absent in order to support a St. Mark’s program, such as sherpas accompanying a camping trip, will be permitted opportunity to make up missed work. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the appropriate Division Head. Students who are absent for more than one week or unable to participate due to concussion for more than one week should contact the Marksman Wellness Center for assistance in managing a return to the classroom. Workload and deadlines will need to be managed with teachers, and this is frequently too complex for students to handle on their own. The Marksman Wellness Center will work with the student, teachers, and administration to ensure a smooth return to academics.

YEAR OF DECISION AND TERM OF DECISION

Year of Decision and Term of Decision are designed to help students in academic difficulty. A student is placed on Year of Decision or Term of Decision if he earns two D+s, or one F, or worse at the end of a term, or is experiencing considerable academic difficulty as determined by the appropriate Division Head. In all three divisions, his contract for re-enrollment will be held until June, at which time a decision will be made regarding his eligibility to return. Boys on Year of Decision or Term of Decision will receive written notification of their status. Students must meet with the counselors in the Marksman Wellness Center. Study Hall attendance is required for these students, and the Head of Upper School may also impose restrictions on participation in extracurricular activities.

SENIOR FAILURES

Seniors must receive passing grades in all courses undertaken during their senior year in order to graduate. The Head of Upper School may permit a student to make up failing grades in a way acceptable to the Head of Upper School, Headmaster, and the department involved. Such an arrangement may or may not restore a student’s eligibility to receive a diploma and/or to participate in graduation exercises, at the discretion of the Headmaster.

THE LIBRARIES

Lower School Library Classes are held throughout the day in the Lower School Library. After school, boys must be supervised by a parent when they are in the library; no students may be in the library without specific supervision. Before school and during the school day, please ask the librarian or parent volunteer for help at any time. All library materials must be properly checked out. Boys are encouraged to read widely from the Lower School Library collection. There are no library fines, but parents will be asked to pay for lost books.

The Green Library Library hours are from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. on Friday. The library is the center of academic life at St. Mark’s, a place for serious academic

272

LION TRACKS

work. To create a quiet, academic atmosphere and a respect for each student’s need to study, only quiet talking or studying together in the common rooms of the library is permitted. The library is an academic space at all times and cell phone use is prohibited. Information pertaining to the use of books and services is posted throughout the library. Please ask librarians for help at any time. All library materials taken from the library must be properly checked out; failure to do so will be treated as a disciplinary infraction under Lion Tracks. The Green Library will charge a standard replacement fee of $30 per item, payable by cash or check. Full replacement costs will be necessary for items costing more than $75.

COMPUTERS

A number of computer experts on the faculty are available to help students with their software or hardware. Led by the Director of Technology, these experts stand ready to assist or advise students as needed. The School will loan the necessary hardware to any student on financial aid who cannot afford a personal computer.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR TECHNOLOGY

Preface The use of technology resources at St. Mark’s is governed by the same standards of behavior set forth in the preface to Lion Tracks: “The School expects of each of us, students, faculty, and staff to understand and accept the idea of honor: mutual respect, honesty, and fairness. To make these values truly part of the St. Mark’s community requires courage as well: the courage to act and speak truthfully, to resist favoritism and selfishness, and to be a friend to all.” While the following policy seeks to apply the concepts of “Courage” and “Honor” with regard to technology resources, it is not all-inclusive. Users should at all times bear in mind their commitment to do what is honorable and courageous. A student shall not conduct himself in a manner detrimental to his good name or to the good name and reputation of the School.

Purpose: The computer is a tool. Technology resources at St. Mark’s are to be utilized for authorized educational purposes only, and not for the profit or material benefit of any person or institution, or for any illegal activity. They are to be used in a mature and responsible manner. ‘Authorized educational purposes’ refers to the stated expectations or requirements for a given course or program of study at St. Mark’s. Students are responsible for inquiring of the Director of Technology to determine if an activity is for ‘authorized educational purpose.’

System Resources: Users will not intentionally engage in any activity that may either directly or indirectly damage or alter shared system resources, including but not limited to modification of system files, settings, passwords, and the authorized copying and distribution of software. Users will access only those system resources to which they have been given specific access or that are available to the user community as a whole. Users will exercise consideration in the use of shared resources, including but not limited to disk space, CPU cycles, network bandwidth, email distribution, and printer/page usage.

LION TRACKS

273

Responsibility: Individuals violating the terms of the usage policies are subject to the code of conduct and disciplinary system as set forth in Lion Tracks. Users assume all fiscal and legal responsibility for activity that occurs on their account.

Copyright and Citation: Users will follow the guidelines set forth in the MLA Handbook for the citation of Internet resources and will adhere to established legal and ethical rules regulating the use, copying, and distribution of copyrighted materials.

Electronic Mail, Blackbaud, and Messages: Users will adhere to standard and acceptable rules of language and content in the composition of public and private electronic mail messages. Profane or abusive language is not allowed in any communications over the network. The School respects the privacy of users of network accounts but reserves the right to inspect, delete, and otherwise take appropriate actions when deemed necessary to protect the integrity of the network and ensure its proper use.

Personal Technology Devices and Cellphones Lower School Lower School students should not bring mobile digital devices to school. This includes cell phones as well as smartwatches set up with any kind of cellular connection.

Students may ask permission to use the School’s phone as necessary under the supervision of a faculty or staff member.

Middle School and Upper School All computer resources accessed at St. Mark’s must support the educational objectives of the School. Students’ usage of the Internet and other digital resources, whether through the School’s network or through outside mobile telecommunication services, must conform to this policy. Online and machine-resident applications prohibited to students during the academic school day include, but are not limited to, game and gamerelated sites, social networking services, chat and messaging services, and sports sites not associated with or relevant to St. Mark’s. Additionally, the use of personal devices to record conversations, classroom activities, or other campus-related programs is prohibited unless a student is granted explicit permission.

Laptop Computers Boys in grades 5-12 will need a laptop to support their learning. Below are recommended specifications to support each boy’s classroom experience.

• Wi-Fi enabled • Have a physical keyboard to facilitate typing • Have a functioning webcam, microphone, and speakers • Run a modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) • Use either Windows or MacOS as their operating system. Mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, etc.) and Chromebooks will not meet the requirements.

• 8GB RAM or higher (RAM affects how quickly a device can run programs and open files. Students taking classes such as Photography, Film Studies, or Publications

274

LION TRACKS

should consider increasing RAM).

• A protective case is highly recommended when students return to campus.

In an effort to protect the special nature of our community, we restrict the usage of mobile digital devices on campus. These devices are discouraged as they disrupt the academic environment and community life on campus. During the school day, these devices should be turned off or set on mute and used by students only on an approved basis. While we recognize that many families rely on these devices for communication, the following describes the different policies for Middle and Upper Schools: Middle School Technology Policy • All devices on campus must be used for academic purposes only. Video games and social media are always prohibited on campus.

• Laptops MAY NOT be used before or after school, including during carpool. Laptops may only be used under the guidance of a teacher/coach, in the Green Library, or in the Middle School office.

• Mobile phones MAY NOT be used on campus from the time of arrival until departure without explicit permission from an adult. Mobile phones may be used during afternoon carpool only for brief and necessary communication with family.

• Smartwatches are treated like mobile phones and should not be worn from arrival until dismissal. Smartwatches MAY be worn and used during afternoon carpool only for brief and necessary communication with family. The use of headphones (including earbuds, AirPods, etc.) is prohibited. If a Middle School student needs to use headphones for academic purposes, he must seek/receive faculty/staff permission. Drones, Wi-Fi hotspots, VPNs, and other technologies are prohibited on campus at all times.

Upper School Technology Policy • Devices must be used for academic purposes only.

• Students may use their devices openly in the Upper School office.

• Students must seek/receive faculty/staff permission to use devices during the school day (including during Study Hall).

• Mobile phones MAY NOT be used in the Green Library, and any other devices must be used for academic purposes only (i.e. students MAY NOT play computer games or use social media on any device in the Green Library).

• Mobile phones MAY be used in the following reserved locations for Upper Schoolers: the Jan L. Holtberg Reading Room, the second floor lounge in Hoffman, and the lobby of the Green Science Center (the fish tanks). However, students MAY NOT play computer games or use social media on any device anywhere on campus INCLUDING those reserved locations.

• The use of headphones (including earbuds, AirPods, etc.) is prohibited. If an Upper School student needs to use headphones for academic purposes, they must seek/receive faculty/staff permission.

Cyberbullying St. Mark’s is committed to providing a positive, safe, and productive learning and working environment for all members of the school community. Cyberbullying is the use of information and communication resources, both on and off campus, intended to threaten

LION TRACKS

275

or harm others, to cause emotional distress to an individual, or to create an environment that interferes with a student’s social or educational opportunities. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the use of communication resources such as email, cell phone, SMS messages, and posting on personal or social networking sites to deride or embarrass members of the school community. Regardless of intention, student activity should not reflect negatively on fellow students, teachers, or on the School. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action as specified in Lion Tracks.

COMMUNICATION A boy’s successful experience at St. Mark’s depends upon open communication between his family and the School. This requires persistent effort on both sides, combined with mutual trust and respect. When a problem or question does arise, the best approach is to discuss it with the person most directly involved. Boys should be encouraged to solve problems themselves, with parents intervening when that approach proves unsatisfactory or impractical. The School values open communication with boys and their parents and encourages in-person conversations whenever questions or concerns arise. Maintaining trust between home and school is very important and requires mutual respect, understanding and thoughtfulness. Please be aware that recording conversations or meetings with school employees is not permitted without explicit permission.

The older the boy, of course, the more appropriate this expectation is. Bear in mind that problem solving is an important skill that each boy should experience firsthand. If the problem is personal or general, contact the homeroom teacher, advisor, counselor, or the appropriate Division Head. If related to a course, see the teacher or Department Chair; if it concerns scheduling, consult the Director of Academic Information Systems.

The Headmaster, Division Heads, Chaplain, Director of the Marksman Wellness Center, and faculty are also available to provide assistance.

CONFERENCES

Lower School The parents of each new Lower School student will have a conference with their son’s homeroom teacher before the start of the new school year. As well, the homeroom teacher will call the parents in late September/early October to discuss their son’s adjustments to the new school year. Two formal conferences are scheduled throughout the year. The first conference is held in November and the second is held in April. All conference days are listed in the School calendar. As necessary, teachers or parents may request a conference to discuss a boy’s progress or any issue warranting a meeting.

Middle School and Upper School In grades 5-12, conferences among student, parents, and advisors are scheduled twice a year. A fall conference covers a student’s work through the first few months of school; the spring conference reviews the year to that time and is most important in planning a student’s academic work for the next year. Additional conferences may be scheduled as deemed appropriate by either an advisor or parents.

ADVISORS 276

LION TRACKS

Advisors are assigned to each boy in grades 5-12. Advisors are assigned to the boys in Middle School. Boys entering grades 9 and 11 fill out advisor preference forms, and the Class Sponsors and Division Heads place boys in groups that are in the boys’ and School’s best interest. The Upper School Advisor serves for two years and is each boy’s primary link with the School. Middle and Upper School boys and their parents are urged to consult their advisors if issues or questions arise.

CHAPLAIN

The Chaplain is available to all boys and families for counseling, advice, and private discussion, especially on matters of faith and ethics. The Chaplain seeks to provide opportunities and experiences that enhance and enrich the spiritual link of all boys, no matter their faith tradition.

COUNSELING & TESTING

Counseling The Marksman Wellness Center provides support to St. Mark’s students who face academic, emotional, or relational challenges.

Support is offered by licensed professionals in each division to students and their families to promote student well-being, through: • Counseling • Parent consultation • Referrals to community providers • Care coordination with mental health and other professionals outside of the School • Screening to evaluate executive function, attention, and emotional well-being.

These services may be sought directly by students and families or may be advised by the School. The counselors work at the discretion of the School and may meet with students prior to reaching out to parents. Counselors prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of students but may share confidential information with others at the School when necessary to ensure student safety and well-being.

Services for Students with Learning Differences The Educational Diagnostician is responsible for implementing accommodations for eligible students with learning differences. Parents of students with previously identified learning differences should contact the Educational Diagnostician for assistance with the coordination of the accommodation process, including standardized college entrance exam accommodations.

If a parent suspects that their child may have a learning difference, they should contact the Educational Diagnostician for assistance before pursuing outside psychoeducational assessment. The Educational Diagnostician will assist with referrals, testing requirements, gathering teacher feedback, documentation guidelines, and coordinating with professionals in the community. Testing guidelines are available on the Marksman Wellness website.

The Academic Specialist at St. Mark’s provides personalized intervention for students who require academic support, which includes assistance with organization, executive

LION TRACKS

277

function coaching, building personal accountability, and developing study skills. They consult with parents on their son’s academic success and collaborate with faculty on learning issues that affect a student’s performance in the classroom. Students who are experiencing academic challenges or have had a prolonged absence may consult the Academic Specialist for support.

WRITTEN COMMENTS

Narrative comments are written for all Lower School students and are available online as noted on the School calendar. Comments are issued at the 1st and 2nd mid-semester to all students for full-year courses. Students in a semester course receive comments at mid-semester. At the end of the year, all students receive comments from their Advisor. Students on Academic Probation, students who receive a grade of D+ or lower for the semester, and students who have had a significant recent change in grades, either positive or negative, receive additional comments at the end of the semester. Grades and comments are available online on the School’s website.

DAILY CALENDAR

Middle and Upper School students are expected to read and respond to information contained in the Daily Calendar. Copies may be found on the School’s website and on monitors around campus. Boys may also place an announcement in the Calendar, provided that a member of the faculty countersigns it and it reaches the School office by 3:00 p.m. the day before.

CONTACTING FACULTY MEMBERS

Parents wishing to contact faculty may leave messages on the voicemail of the faculty member or in the appropriate Division office. Teachers will attempt to return calls within 24 hours.

GIFTS TO FACULTY AND STAFF

The School encourages students and their families to show their appreciation for a teacher or coach by making gifts to the School library or other funds in honor of individuals they wish to recognize. Gifts of cash to faculty or staff are not allowed. In addition, personal or valuable gifts by a class or group of students and/or parents to an employee of St. Mark’s are discouraged.

POSTERS AND NOTICES

Posters, announcements, advertising, and bulletins not specifically appropriate to the bulletin boards in Centennial Hall are to be posted only on the bulletin board in the Student Commons. Announcements should be signed and dated by the individuals posting them. No such announcements are to be affixed to school buildings. Unauthorized postings will be removed. All announcements, flyers, posters, and election campaign material posted on campus must be approved by the Assistant Head of Upper School or the Head of Upper School prior to posting.

COMMUNITY SERVICE THE STUDENT SERVICE PHILOSOPHY 278

LION TRACKS

Lower School In Lower School, the students participate in a variety of community service projects throughout the year. The annual projects include the Lower School Summer Book Swap. The book swap allows our boys to trade books just before the summer break begins, and we also collect hundreds of books for needy children. Additionally, Lower School boys participate in timely community service efforts. These may include, but are not limited to the annual food drive, decorating place mats for nursing homes and Dallas shelters, providing Care Kits for the homeless, and writing thank-you notes to members of the armed services.

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Middle School Grades 5-8 participate in projects organized by the Middle School Community Service Coordinators.

Requirements for Upper School • Total community service hours due for the academic year by each Upper School student: 15 hours (10 of these hours must be hands-on) • The school year has three deadlines. A minimum of 5 hours is required by the first due date. Five more hours are due by the second due date, totaling 10 hours. The last 5 hours are required by the last due date, totaling 15 hours, which is the annual number of hours all Upper School students should have by the end of the year. Students may choose to complete the 15-hour requirement earlier in the year. Hours from the first part of the year carry until the end of the year. Summer hours do not count for the 15-hour requirement. Due dates are available on the school calendar.

Requirements for Individual Community Service Projects All hours are submitted through Mobile Serve.

Code of Conduct and Dress • All students involved in a community service project must conduct themselves in a manner befitting St. Mark’s School of Texas.

• Students must dress in an appropriate manner when involved in the community service project.

• Community service projects are “school-sponsored events” as defined in Lion Tracks.

PRIVILEGES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONSEQUENCES EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

St. Mark’s has an abundance of extracurricular activities in which students may participate, and students may create a new activity by forming a group with a mutual interest, finding a faculty sponsor, and getting the approval of the appropriate Division Head.

Students are also encouraged to attend school events as spectators when they are not involved as participants.

SCHOOL-SPONSORED FUNCTIONS

Other guests of St. Mark’s boys or Hockaday girls are not permitted at school functions not generally open to the public without specific permission granted in advance of the function from the Head of Upper School. When a function such as a St. Mark’s

LION TRACKS

279

athletic contest, extracurricular activity (e.g., debating), spirit party, class event, dance, or coordinate activity with another school (e.g., Hockaday) is organized or promoted through the auspices of St. Mark’s and supported by school personnel, the function is “school sponsored.” The rules of the School apply to St. Mark’s students and their guests who attend or participate in such functions, whether they occur on or off campus. An Upper School student may bring a date from another school as his guest. Hockaday students may attend spirit parties without a St. Mark’s escort if they have their student identification, but they may not bring a guest of their own.

OFF-CAMPUS PRIVILEGES

The privilege of leaving campus is an earned one and can be revoked for poor performance either as a student or as a citizen. Students qualify for off-campus privileges as follows, and then only when they have on file the parental permission slip available from the Upper School office: • Only seniors are automatically granted off-campus privileges at the start of the senior year. Other students may be granted the privilege as determined by the Head, or Assistant Head of Upper School, and Class Sponsors.

• No other student may leave campus without special permission from the Head or Assistant Head of Upper School and an explanatory note signed by a parent or legal guardian.

• No student, even if he has off-campus privileges, may miss any school appointment or obligation without providing a written excuse from a parent or legal guardian in advance.

NOTE: All Upper School students must sign out and sign in (in person) with the Upper School office so that the School can contact them in case of an emergency.

VEHICLES ON CAMPUS

Driving and parking on campus are privileges, not rights. The presence of so many younger students makes careful driving a matter of life and death. Students should be aware that: • All vehicles driven to school should be registered with the Assistant Head of Upper School and must display the School’s parking permit.

• The school speed limit is 10 m.p.h.

• All students must park in their proper designated area and not in faculty, visitor, driveway, or fire zone areas.

• No parking is allowed off-campus on any neighboring street or parking lot.

• Cars must be locked; students may not be in the parking lots except when arriving on or leaving campus.

• Motorcycles must obey all regulations that apply to cars.

• For safety reasons, drivers on campus should not operate vehicles while using cell phones.

POLICY ON THE STUDENT USE OF ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND OTHER POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OR DAMAGING SUBSTANCES OR PARAPHERNALIA 280

LION TRACKS

St. Mark’s views the use of alcohol or illegal drugs, and the misuse or abuse of legal drugs or other potentially dangerous or damaging substances or paraphernalia, as detrimental to the physical and psychological health of its students. The School does not teach or accept the concept of “responsible use” of alcohol for those under 21. The School’s ongoing education programs will attempt to discourage its students from use of illegal drugs, misuse or abuse of legal drugs, other potentially dangerous or damaging substances or paraphernalia, and all drinking, off or on campus, by introducing students to information about legal, psychological, and medical risks related to alcohol, drugs, and other potentially dangerous or damaging substances or implements.

St. Mark’s not only opposes the following activities, but its Board of Trustees has adopted this policy that prohibits the following activities on school property or at school-sponsored functions: • students’ possession, use, or distribution of alcohol • students’ possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs • students’ misuse, abuse, or possession or distribution of legal drugs, or other potentially dangerous or damaging substances or paraphernalia in quantities or circumstances consistent with their misuse or abuse • students’ presence while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, misused or abused legal drugs, or other potentially damaging or dangerous substances.

Participation in these prohibited activities will result in disciplinary action under the system described in Lion Tracks, up to and including dismissal from the School. When disciplinary action appears to the School to be required, parents will be notified. Failure of parents or students to cooperate fully in related investigative and disciplinary proceedings by the School will also result in disciplinary action. Parents are also reminded that the illegal provision of alcohol or drugs to students can result in criminal penalties and civil lawsuits and could jeopardize their student’s enrollment at the School. Offcampus use by students of illegal drugs; misuse or abuse of legal drugs, other potentially damaging or dangerous substances or paraphernalia; or illegal use of alcohol can also result in disciplinary action.

Recognizing that substance abuse is a societal problem, St. Mark’s strongly encourages students with problems of substance abuse and chemical dependency and their families to come forward on their own, seek qualified professional treatment, and resolve those problems. Where students and families do that, the School will consider that as a strong factor in favor of the student in any School disciplinary proceedings or other evaluations of the student related to violations of this policy.

As used throughout this policy, “alcohol” means any alcoholic beverage as defined under Texas law; “illegal use of alcohol” means any use of alcohol that would violate Texas law; “illegal drugs” means any drug or controlled substance whose possession or use by a student would be prohibited under federal or Texas law; and “misuse or abuse of legal drugs” means any use of any prescription or over-the-counter drug that does not comply with the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing physician. It is recognized that the prohibition as to other potentially damaging or dangerous substances and implements is broad and may include things that may be used in certain circumstances

LION TRACKS

281

for proper purposes but be damaging or dangerous in other circumstances, and students and parents should consult with the School’s Director of the Marksman Wellness Center or the Headmaster to obtain authorization in advance in the case of any proposed possession or use of such a substance or paraphernalia that the family believes proper but that might be viewed as a violation of the provisions of this policy.

WEAPONS POLICY

It is the policy of St. Mark’s School of Texas that no weapons, including handguns and other firearms, may be brought onto the campus or to any school function at any time or any place, unless carried by a licensed law enforcement officer in good standing or an honorably retired peace officer. Violation of this policy is a serious offense, and as such, is punishable by immediate expulsion from school. Furthermore, possession of toy, model, inoperable, or replica weapons is strictly prohibited on campus grounds or at school-sponsored events. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action as provided in Lion Tracks.

HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of St. Mark’s School of Texas to maintain an environment free from all discrimination against any individual or harassment of any individual. Harassment or discrimination in any manner or form is expressly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

This includes, but is not limited to, legally prohibited harassment and discrimination on bases such as race, color, age, veteran status, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, and sex. It also includes any harassment or discrimination of any kind and on any basis that would interfere with the individual’s full and free enjoyment of rights as a member of the St. Mark’s community or as an applicant to join that community. Accordingly, among students, the conduct prohibited by this policy includes, without limitation: fighting, threatening verbal or physical conduct, grossly disrespectful behavior, hazing, and any actions of any kind by one person that could reasonably be expected to injure, harass, intimidate, or humiliate another individual.

Respect and consideration for others is a core value of St. Mark’s. Accordingly, all reported or suspected occurrences of harassment or discrimination will be promptly and thoroughly investigated, and the School will immediately take appropriate disciplinary action where harassment or discrimination has occurred on campus or at school-sponsored functions off campus, and harassment or discrimination in other offcampus circumstances may also, depending on the circumstances and severity of the occurrence, lead to disciplinary action. That disciplinary action, in the case of students, may include suspension and/or termination, or lesser disciplinary action, in accordance with Lion Tracks.

HAZING POLICY

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus by one person alone or acting with others directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization at St. Mark’s. Participating in or having firsthand knowledge of the planning of a haz-

282

LION TRACKS

ing incident or firsthand knowledge that a hazing incident has occurred constitutes an offense according to this policy should a student not report his knowledge. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action as provided in Lion Tracks.

BULLYING POLICY

St. Mark’s strives to create an environment that is safe for all students. To that end, St. Mark’s does not tolerate bullying, which we define as follows: A student is being bullied when he is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other students. Bullying includes but is not limited to: • threatening, taunting, or teasing a student by saying mean and hurtful things, making fun of him, or calling him mean and hurtful names • completely ignoring or excluding a student from a group of friends or leaving him out of activities on purpose • hitting, kicking, pushing, restraining, or shoving a student • telling lies or spreading false rumors about a student or trying to make other students dislike him When this behavior happens and the student being bullied has difficulty defending himself, St. Mark’s classifies this as bullying behavior. St. Mark’s maintains the following school rules: • We will not bully others.

• We will help students who are bullied.

• We will include other students who are left out of activities.

• When we know somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Students who engage in bullying are subject to disciplinary action as described under Student Discipline.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Enthusiastic support of school teams is expected and encouraged. Good sportsmanship does not include taunting the opposition or booing the referees or teams. Away games are considered extensions of the School’s campus activities, and all rules governing behavior on campus apply also during these trips. The School supports the SPC Code of Conduct.

RE-ENROLLMENT

Re-enrollment at St. Mark’s is not automatic. Boys are expected to earn their place in the School each year. Students who continue to have academic difficulty and/or whose behavior is deemed unacceptable may accordingly be denied re-enrollment. In addition, boys on Year of Decision or Term of Decision may be required to withdraw, and boys whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 at the end of a school year will likely be required to withdraw. Boys who are on Year of Decision status will be allowed to reenroll only if they meet the expectations outlined for them by the appropriate Division Head. These decisions are made after discussion with the student’s teachers and advisor and after a formal review by the appropriate Division Head. The School reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who, for any reason, including, without

LION TRACKS

283

limitation, fails to abide by the School’s rules and regulations, or who does not meet its academic requirements or standards of conduct. Dismissal, suspension, probation, or request for withdrawal may occur without specific charges.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The central purposes of discipline at St. Mark’s are to teach students that their actions have consequences, that they are accountable for their behavior, to help them learn from their mistakes, and to help them develop character. A student is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the School or a decision not to permit subsequent re-enrollment, whenever the School determines that a student has engaged in conduct that demonstrates a lack of honor, integrity, or honesty; that disrupts or otherwise interferes with the educational process of the School; that risks or endangers the safety of the student or others; that impairs the quality of life at St. Mark’s; that is detrimental to the School’s reputation; or that otherwise brings discredit on the student or the School. Conduct that is subject to discipline includes both acts and omissions.

The School reserves the right to conduct searches of students’ cars, lockers, backpacks, computers, and other possessions for cause or no cause.

At the Lower School, behavioral expectations vary from one grade level to another in accordance with the boy’s developmental stages. A goal for everyone in Lower School is to use unconditional positive respect in interactions with other people. The following general expectations apply to all Lower School boys: • Boys should be kind to others, including their fellow students.

• Boys should obey the teacher’s rules and instructions.

• Boys should take proper care of personal property and school property.

• Boys should learn to walk calmly and quietly when inside school buildings.

• Boys should adhere to the School’s policy regarding academic honesty.

Other important expectations are that boys should not fight or engage in other intentionally disruptive or hurtful behavior, and boys should be in compliance with the St. Mark’s uniform policy. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the primary means by which St. Mark’s motivates good behavior in the Lower School. Where appropriate, withholding play privileges or, for older Lower School boys, after-school detentions are possible consequences for misconduct. In cases of more serious or habitual misconduct, St. Mark’s works with the boy and his parents to improve the boy’s behavior. Should a boy be unable or unwilling to improve his behavior, it may be necessary for St. Mark’s to ask the parents to withdraw the boy from school or not to invite the boy to return for the following year. While St. Mark’s hopes never to see particularly serious acts of misconduct, such as violations of the School’s weapons policy, even a single act of severe misconduct at the Lower School level could be grounds for expulsion at the discretion of the Headmaster.

Middle and Upper School students have a special obligation to meet the high standards of personal conduct traditional at St. Mark’s. This personal conduct is always required on campus and at school-sponsored functions off campus. Violations in other off-campus circumstances may also, depending on the circumstances and severity of the violation, lead to disciplinary action. The higher the grade level, the greater the

284

LION TRACKS

expectations are for proper conduct. Respect for younger students, classmates, elders, faculty, administrators, and all other St. Mark’s employees and guests is customary and expected; foul language, rough play, sloppy appearance, and discourtesy fall outside the boundaries of a Marksman’s behavior. Older students are expected to be positive role models for younger students. All students should seek to be helpful to one another whenever possible. Excessive noise and disruptive behavior are inappropriate inside the School facilities. In the dining room, students should observe the same standards of decorum that would apply at home.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of disciplinary offenses, broken out into three levels, and the discussion and list that follow do not in any way limit what has been said above with respect to discipline, re-enrollment, and the School’s Honor Principle, policies, and standards of conduct. As a general proposition, the higher the level, the more serious the misconduct. Punishment for disciplinary offenses may range from a verbal warning for more minor offenses to detention, suspension, loss of privileges, or expulsion for more serious misconduct. The punishment meted out will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the severity of the misconduct, the age and grade level of the student, the frequency of the misconduct, the student’s overall discipline record, and the student’s overall performance at, and positive contributions to, St. Mark’s. Repeated violations may result in an otherwise Level I offense being treated as a Level II offense, or an otherwise Level II offense being treated as a Level III offense. A Level I offense typically will result in a verbal warning or detention, a Level II offense in Saturday detention or suspension, and a Level III offense in suspension or dismissal.

Level I offenses include, but are not limited to, the following: • Tardiness • Use of profanity • Lack of courtesy • Poor judgment • Littering • Dress code violations • Parking violations • Gum, candy, or food consumption outside of designated areas • Failure to keep appointments • Unexcused absence from advisory, class meeting, or chapel Level II offenses include, but are not limited to, the following: • Violation of off-campus privileges • Disrespectful behavior • Disruptive behavior • Aggressive behavior • Unexcused absence from class • Failure to promptly return school property • Repeated unexcused absences from advisory, class meetings, or chapel

LION TRACKS

285

• Violations of the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology other than as described in Level III • Use or possession of tobacco, nicotine, e-cigarette and/or vaping products and paraphernalia in any form • Possession of replica, inoperable, toy, or model weapons • The unauthorized use of a drone on campus, even during hours when school is not in session, is strictly forbidden without the written approval of the Headmaster or the Director of Communications. At the very least, such an infraction would be deemed a Level II offense and possibly a Level III offense.

• Disrespectful or unsportsmanlike conduct directed at players, coaches, game officials, or visitors from other schools. Students are referred to the SPC Code of Conduct.

Level III offenses include, but are not limited to, the following: • Fighting or any physical altercation of an aggressive or violent nature • Life-threatening verbal or physical conduct • Grossly disrespectful behavior • Defiance of authority • Violations of the Honor Principle • Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy • Violations of the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology, intended or not, that hurt, embarrass, or cause harm to another, or which violate the Honor Principle • Violations of the Policy on the Student Use of Alcohol and Drugs • Violations of the Weapons Policy • Violations of the Bullying Policy • Violations of the Hazing Policy • Violations of the Harassment Policy and Discrimination Policy • Stealing • Vandalism • Unauthorized possession of school keys • Tampering with fire alarms or other security devices or using smoke generators • Commission of a felony on or off campus • Illegal gambling • Repeated failure to attend class or serve punishments • Negligent or dangerous driving on or near campus • Severe acts of disrespectful or unsportsmanlike conduct directed at players, coaches, game officials, or visitors from other schools. Students are referred to the SPC Code of Conduct.

• Other conduct, behavior, action, or circumstance, whether on or off campus, that impairs the quality of life at St. Mark’s, is detrimental to the School’s reputation, or endangers others

ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY RULES – LOWER SCHOOL Level I offenses typically will be handled by the classroom teacher and commonly will result in a verbal warning. Repeated Level I violations can result in harsher penalties

286

LION TRACKS

and will typically be handled by the Head of Lower School.

Level II offenses typically will be handled by the Head of Lower School. If it is determined that a Level II violation has occurred, a detention is likely. Repeated Level II violations may result in a suspension.

Level III offenses will be handled by the Head of Lower School. If it is determined that a Level III offense has occurred, a suspension is likely and expulsion a possibility. Two or more Level III violations in a four-year period are likely to result in expulsion. The Headmaster has full and ultimate authority and discretion as to all discipline matters, including expulsion.

ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY RULES – MIDDLE SCHOOL Level I offenses typically will be handled by the classroom teacher and/or the Assistant Head of Middle School and commonly result in a verbal warning or a detention.

Repeated Level I offenses may be treated as a Level II offense and thus result in harsher penalties, including Saturday detentions.

Level II offenses typically will be handled by the Assistant Head of Middle School or the Head of Middle School. If it is determined that a Level II offense has occurred, a Saturday detention is likely. Repeated Level II violations may be treated as a Level III violation and thus result in harsher penalties, including a suspension.

Level III offenses will be handled by the Assistant Head of Middle School and the Head of Middle School. If it is determined that a Level III offense has occurred, a suspension is likely and expulsion a possibility. Two or more Level III violations in a four-year period are likely to result in expulsion. The Headmaster has full and ultimate authority and discretion as to all discipline matters, including expulsion.

ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY RULES – UPPER SCHOOL Level I offenses typically will be handled by the classroom teacher and/or the Assistant Head of Upper School. Level I violations commonly will result in detentions or other appropriate punishment. Repeated Level I infractions may result in harsher penalties, including suspension.

Level II offenses typically will be handled by the Assistant Head of Upper School. If it is determined that a Level II violation has occurred, a Saturday or in-school detention is likely. Repeated Level II violations may be treated as a Level III offense and thus result in a suspension.

Primary responsibility for Level III offenses rests with the Head of Upper School. Upon receiving information suggesting that a Level III violation may have occurred, the Head of Upper School, at times with the assistance of the Assistant Head of Upper School, will investigate the facts to determine whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that a Level III violation has occurred. He may, at his discretion, refer the matter to the Discipline Council and inform the boy, his faculty advisor, and his parents of the referral.

The Discipline Council consists of three seniors, one junior, one sophomore, one

LION TRACKS

287

freshman, and faculty members, all appointed by the Head of Upper School and the Headmaster. The Chair is one of the senior student members appointed by the administration. A quorum consists of a majority of the Council members, with no fewer than three faculty members present.

When a matter is to be heard by the Discipline Council, the Head of Upper School shall notify the student and his parents of the scheduling of the hearing. The student may only be accompanied at the hearing by a faculty member of his choosing. At the hearing, the Head of Upper School presents the findings of his office’s investigation. The student is then brought before the Council, together with his chosen faculty member, to present his account of the incident at issue and to answer questions from Council members. The accompanying faculty member may also speak on behalf of the student.

No witnesses are permitted to testify. No formal rules of evidence or procedure apply to the hearing. The Head of Upper School, the student, and the accompanying faculty member then depart, and the Council deliberates. If the Council finds that a Level III violation has occurred, it makes a disciplinary recommendation to the Headmaster and the Head of Upper School, who may accept, amend, or override it. The Headmaster and the Head of Upper School also have discretion not to refer a Level III incident to the Council and to make their discipline decision without a referral.

If it is determined that a Level III offense has occurred, a suspension is likely and expulsion a possibility. Two or more Level III violations in a four-year period are likely to result in expulsion. In addition, students who commit a Level III violation during the senior year and particularly during the second semester, are in jeopardy of not being permitted to participate in year-end events, including Commencement. The Headmaster has full and ultimate authority and discretion as to all discipline matters, including expulsion.

DETENTION

Saturday detentions are scheduled by the Division Head or Assistant Division Head and require two or four hours of work or study on campus from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday mornings. Boys may also receive a daily detention to be served before, during, or after the school day as scheduled by the Assistant Division Head. Students who fail to report or are tardy for detention will face additional punishment.

Early Arrival Detention Procedures: • The student must check in with the Assistant Head of Upper School by the designated time.

• Should the student arrive late, he should expect to be penalized with an additional detention.

• Should the student miss his assigned detention without notifying the Assistant Head or his assistant with an approved excuse, the student will receive two additional detentions.

• Should a student continue to be chronically late, he can expect more severe disciplinary action, including referral to the Student Discipline Council.

SUSPENSIONS

Lower School suspensions are usually for a one-to-three-day period. During an offcampus suspension, the boy is not to be on campus or in attendance at any school activity

288

LION TRACKS

and will not be allowed to complete academic assignments for credit.

Suspensions may take one of two forms as determined by the appropriate Division Head: 1. At-home suspension whereby the student is not allowed to attend any school activity or event or come to campus for any reason.

2. On occasion, the administration may determine that a student should serve his suspension on campus. These in-house suspensions at St. Mark’s include: • Isolation in a supervised space • No contact with students • Sequestration from 8:00 a.m. to the end of the academic day • Students must leave school immediately after the school day; no participation in any school activity will be permitted, including sports and other extracurriculars.

Students will take tests in isolation and will receive credit for their results. Students who are suspended for cheating or plagiarism will receive a grade of “0” on the work in question. Students will not return to classes until all reflection essays, letters of apology, and assignments are completed to the satisfaction of his teachers and the Assistant Head of School. Teachers are not obligated to provide make-up lessons or extra help for students who have been suspended, nor should they be inconvenienced in any way because of a student’s suspension. Students in suspension are expected to stay current on academic work and should check their assignments by looking online. Students are permitted to email their instructors to clarify and complete assignments. In addition, students will complete a satisfactory assigned essay each day during isolation; guidelines for judging these assignments will be made clear. Students will be responsible for turning in all of the day’s homework and any work completed in class upon returning to school from the suspension.

PARENTAL COOPERATION

One of the great strengths of St. Mark’s is the participation, cooperation, and support that parents provide for the School. Ongoing parental involvement, enthusiasm, and support underpin the positive experiences of every Marksman. In this regard, parents are expected to be respectful and cooperative with St. Mark’s in all matters and decisions affecting students. Continued enrollment of a student is contingent upon parents adhering to school rules and the decisions of the administration. At St. Mark’s discretion, behavior of a parent or legal guardian that impedes St. Mark’s ability to fulfill its mission or there is no longer a sufficiently positive or constructive relationship in the opinion of the School administration, may result in a student’s suspension or expulsion, with or without consideration of the student’s conduct. No refund of tuition or fees will be made if a student is required to withdraw or is expelled as a result of the actions of his parent or other legally responsible adult. In all matters involving academics, discipline, or health with respect to a student, the School will only meet with parents and/or legal guardians of that student.

FAMILY LEGAL MATTERS

It is the School’s general policy that if a family becomes involved in a legal dispute or activity, St. Mark’s will not take sides in the matter. In the event that a St. Mark’s student or any one or more of his legal guardians or other members of his family (in-

LION TRACKS

289

cluding but not limited to his father and/or mother) cause the School (including the School itself or any one or more members of the School’s administration, faculty, or staff) to incur liability, costs, or expenses in connection with a judicial or administrative proceeding that is not part of the student’s regular curriculum and activities at the School, the parents and/or legal guardians of the student, and each of them, shall be responsible for reimbursing the School for all of those liabilities, costs, and expenses as well as paying the School, at an hourly rate or rates determined by the School, for the time spent by members of the School’s administration and faculty on the matters that are not part of the student’s regular curriculum and activities at St. Mark’s, even if those costs and expenses and time spent are the result of, or occur in connection with, a subpoena issued as part of or in connection with a judicial or administrative proceeding.

HEALTH INSURANCE

A student accident insurance plan may be purchased and is available through the Business Office. Medical expenses incurred while at St. Mark’s are the responsibility of the parent.

STUDENT HEALTH FORMS AND MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

Student Health Forms must be completed by the student’s parents or guardians annually.

Medical Certificate Forms completed by a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.), NP, or PA are required for students in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and all new students. Student Health Forms are taken on athletic, field and camping trips, and other off-campus events by the athletic trainer, coaches, or sponsors. Information on the forms should be correct and current. Students will not be able to participate in orientation, classes, or activities until the School Nurses have received both of the correctly completed forms.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The Texas Immunization Law requires complete, current immunization records prior to enrollment. The series and booster dates must include the month, day, and year.

• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DPT/DTaP/DT/Td) – Students six years of age require 5 doses, or 4 doses if received after the fourth birthday. Beginning August 1, 2009, 7th graders are required to have one dose of TdaP if their last dose of tetanus vaccine was five years ago. A booster is required every 10 years for all students.

• Polio – Four doses, unless third dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday.

• Measles/ Mumps/ Rubella – all 1st-12th graders are required to have 2 doses of MMR. • Hepatitis B – Three doses are required for school entry. Only serologic confirmation is accepted in lieu of vaccination.

• Varicella – One dose is required on or after the first birthday for school entry; otherwise written verification of Varicella disease must be documented. Two doses are required for K-12th graders. Serologic confirmation of Varicella immunity will be accepted in lieu of vaccination.

• Hepatitis A – Two doses are required.

• Meningococcal Vaccine – All 7th-12th graders are required to have one dose of

290

LION TRACKS

meningococcal vaccine.

• Tuberculosis (TB) – A skin test is recommended but not required.

• HPV – Recommended but not required.

IMMUNIZATION COMPLIANCE

We do not accept exemptions for reasons of conscience with regards to vaccines. To claim exemption for medical reasons, parents must submit a written statement from a board-certified allergy/immunology or hematology/oncology U.S. physician (M.D. or D.O.) who has examined the student, stating (i) it would be injurious to his health and well-being to receive the vaccine, (ii) the child has an allergy to the vaccination, or (iii) the child has an immunodeficiency described in the statement, and that the child does not pose a health risk to the School or community if enrolled without receiving an immunization. The exemption statement must be submitted to the School prior to entry and is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician, unless it is written that this is a lifelong condition.

SCHOOL CLINIC AND MEDICATION POLICY

The School Nurse’s office and clinic for the entire campus is located in the Lower School Building. The School clinic is staffed by professional registered nurses who are responsible for the mandatory State screening of students, who monitor compliance with State Immunization Law, and who provide health counseling, education, assessment, and medical treatment.

Parents should make an appointment with the School Nurse to discuss the medical or health needs of their sons. The Nurse’s phone number is 214-346-8219. Such needs may include the administration of medications or treatments, alteration of diet due to food allergies, preferential seating in the classroom due to vision or hearing differences, limited participation in physical education, etc.

The School Nurses administer prescribed medications or treatments to students with written parental permission. In some instances a physician’s instructions may be required.

Parents should complete a Request Form For Administration of Medication, which can be obtained from the School Nurses. Only FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved medications and manufacturers’ recommended dosages will be administered at school.

Vitamins, minerals, or other food supplements need to be scheduled during non-school hours at home; they will not be administered at school. The following medications are stocked in the School clinic: Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, Zyrtec, and throat lozenges. The School Nurses, athletic trainer, or Headmaster designee may administer these medications according to the manufacturers’ recommended dosage if indicated by the parents on the student’s Health portal.

Parents of students requiring daily-prescribed medication or treatment during school hours must furnish the medications or supplies. Medications must be in the original container, which should be properly labeled with the name of the student, the name of the medication, the dosage, and the time it is to be administered. (Ask your pharmacy to label a bottle for school and one for home.) Students are responsible for reporting to the clinic at the designated time to receive their medications or treatments.

For health and safety reasons, all oral and injectable medications must be kept in the

LION TRACKS

291

School clinic. Students may not keep medications on their person, in their book bags, or in lockers. Only Middle and Upper School students are allowed to carry asthma inhalers and/or EpiPens with them and must have written parental permission on file in the nurse’s office.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

Please do not bring your son to school if any of the following symptoms are present in the previous 24 hours: • Elevated temperature (100° or greater). Must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school • Any rash diagnosed by a physician as contagious • Cough due to a contagious condition • Pus-like discharge from eyes or nose resulting from a contagious condition • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Any known infectious childhood disease • Vomiting or diarrhea • Lethargic behavior Flu Recommendations: • Keep students home if they are experiencing symptoms of flu-like illness (fever, cough, and sore throat).

• Please report to the School the reason for your son’s absence on the day of the absence.

• Students or staff who are sick with flu-like symptoms, including fever, should stay at home for 5 days from the date of onset of symptoms or 24 hours following symptom improvement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION MEDICAL EXCUSE FORM

A student unable to participate in the P.E. program because of illness or injury must present a note from his parent and/or doctor to the School Nurse requesting permission to be excused from the activity. Any such request for more than three days must include a note from a doctor. The nurse will give the student an excuse form, which he must give to his P.E. teacher. Excused students will observe or assist the P.E. teacher with the class. They will not be excused to go to the library.

ATHLETIC MEDICAL EXCUSES

In grades 9-12, a boy unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to illness or injury must present a note from his parent or doctor to the Athletic Director requesting permission to be excused from the activity. The Athletic Director will inform the athletic trainer who will recommend therapy, non-participation, and/or professional medical care to the coach and student. Following an injury or illness during which a student visits a physician, the student must give written documentation to the athletic training staff that he may return to play. Documentation must be signed by the treating physician or someone designated to sign on the physician’s behalf. Documentation can specify an immediate, time-related, or “specific criteria to be met” for return to play.

292

LION TRACKS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION

All students in grades 1-6 at St. Mark’s are required to take Physical Education. Students in grades 7-8 are required to take Physical Education or participate on an athletic team.

All students in grades 9-12 must meet the graduation requirements set forth in the “graduation requirements” section of Lion Tracks. If there are medical reasons for restricting a student’s activity for an extended period of time, it is his responsibility to take a doctor’s statement to the School Nurse and the Athletic Director for discussion. Additionally, a student who has been ruled medically unable to participate in interscholastic sports must present a physician’s note that allows him to resume participation in athletics.

TRAINING RULES FOR ATHLETES

In addition to team rules set forth by individual coaches, the following governs the behavior of St. Mark’s athletes. Any student-athlete who is found to use or possess alcohol or other drugs will be suspended from athletic participation for a prescribed period of time as determined by the Athletic Director, appropriate Division Head, and coach. In the event that a violation occurs near or after the end of a season, the punishment will carry over into the student-athlete’s next season. A second offense at any time during a student-athlete’s career will render the student-athlete ineligible for athletic participation for a full school year. Further offenses will cause the student-athlete to be ineligible for the remainder of his St. Mark’s career.

P.E. UNIFORM INFORMATION

* Items must be purchased in the Student Store.

Grades 1-2: • 1 navy & gold reversible shirt (last name on back, first on front)* • 1 pair athletic shoes (no cleats). If a boy wears athletic shoes to school, these may be worn in physical education classes.

• 1 lock* Grades 3-6: • 1 blue P.E. shorts* • 1 navy & gold reversible shirt (last name on back, first on front)* • 1 swimsuit (only needs to be brought to school during swimming unit) • 1 bag (name in large letters for transporting P.E. clothing) • 1 lock* • 1 chamois (only needs to be brought to school during swimming unit)* • 1 pair athletic shoes (no cleats) Grades 7-8 and Upper School: Boys should have their full P.E. uniform on the first day of school. The uniform should be labeled as indicated with a black waterproof marker. Boys who lose or have a tattered uniform will be sent immediately to the Student Store to purchase a replacement.

Boys should take their uniform home each weekend to launder it. Each boy should have the following uniform:

LION TRACKS

293

* Items must be purchased in the Student Store.

• 1 pair athletic shoes (no cleats) • 1 blue P.E. shorts* • 1 navy & gold reversible shirt (last name on back, first on front)* • 1 lock*

TEAM EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS

• Uniforms and/or equipment belonging to St. Mark’s will be checked out to the students on a per-game basis or for the entire sport season, depending upon the sport and the coach’s preferences.

• Equipment checked out on a seasonal basis must be returned immediately after the final contest of the season or at a designated date and time established by the coach.

• Students not returning their equipment at the designated time are subject to disciplinary measures.

• Students are responsible for all equipment checked out to them. If equipment is lost or stolen, or if it is not returned to St. Mark’s, students will be responsible for the replacement cost.

LOCKER ROOMS

Students are not allowed in the locker rooms if they are unattended. Cleated shoes may not be worn in the locker rooms or hallways. Unattended lockers must be locked.

Food, drinks, and glass are not permitted. Running and horseplay are not allowed.

LEVERING POOL

A certified lifeguard must be in attendance at all times that the pool is in use. Students may never enter the pool area without a coach or instructor and may not swim alone.

Food, drinks, and glass are not permitted in the pool area.

SPENCER GYM

The Spencer Gym is available for recreational play throughout the day unless otherwise occupied by a physical education class or athletic practice/game. To protect the floors, no one should wear cleated shoes in the gym. In addition, food, drinks, and glass are not permitted in the gym.

HICKS GYM

Hicks Gym is only to be used for school-approved competitions, practices, physical education classes and other school-designated activities. Food, drinks, and glass are not permitted in the gym.

ROGERS FIELDHOUSE

Students are not allowed in the Rogers Fieldhouse without adult supervision. Students are required to always wear batting helmets when inside the batting cages. Food, drinks, and glass are not permitted in the fieldhouse.

RABIN BATTING CAGE (Outdoor Cage)

Students should only be in the Rabin Batting Cage when being directly supervised by a coach. Students are required to always wear batting helmets when inside the batting cage.

294

LION TRACKS

TRACK

No one may wear cleated shoes on the track surface. Jogging and running are permitted only on the inside lane. The rest of the track is for competition purposes only. Students may not climb the fence to access the track.

WRESTLING ROOM

Students should only be in this area when supervised by a coach. Unless the students are in proper wrestling attire, they should stay off the mats. Food, drinks, and glass are not allowed in the wrestling room.

WEIGHT ROOM

Students should not enter the weight room or lift weights unless supervised by a faculty member. Spotters are required for all “free lifting.” Shoes (no cleats) and shirts are required for safety and sanitary reasons. Food, drinks, and glass are not allowed in the weight room.

COLLEGE COUNSELING COLLEGE COUNSELING

While attending St. Mark’s School of Texas will in no way guarantee admission to a highly selective college or university, St. Mark’s students are well prepared to research and find the best college “match” for their needs, skills, and interests. Every year, graduating students matriculate to colleges and universities they are eager and proud to attend.

ACADEMIC RECORD

College admission is becoming more selective every year. Students are encouraged to do their best work in the Upper School as it is this record that will be the primary indicator of ability and seriousness of purpose to college admission professionals. Colleges do take into account that grading at St. Mark’s School may be more difficult than at other schools, but this consideration will not erase a lackluster effort.

RESEARCHING THE OPTIONS

Programming about the college admission process for underclass students and families is offered early on through webinars, annual Deans’ Program, etc. The formal college process begins in January of the student’s junior year, but all students and parents are welcome to receive guidance before that time. As students’ needs and interests change, having an open mind about all college choices is imperative.

SELECTING A COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

The purpose of the college admission process is to ultimately matriculate to an institution of higher education that satisfies the needs, interests, values, and goals of the student. The College Counseling Office assists each student in a process of honest self-assessment, facilitating the growth by which each student finds the best college “fit” for him.

COLLEGE VISITS LION TRACKS

295

Campus visits are time-consuming, and students are asked to plan such travel around school holidays and the summer vacation. Each student should try to visit a few colleges before the senior year to get a sense of academic opportunities, special programs, size, and “feel.” The more criteria and characteristics a student can provide, the better individualized counseling the college counselors can offer to find the best fit. At the end of the junior year, the Head of Upper School grants students four days of excused absence to visit college campuses. It is encouraged that students be judicious in requesting these days since most colleges have “accepted student visit programs” in the spring of the senior year. A student must make arrangements with his teachers to complete all missed work before leaving on the trip, and all days must be approved by the Upper School Office three days in advance of the visit. A form for this purpose is available in the Upper School office.

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES

Seniors are encouraged to meet with the many visiting college representatives throughout the year. Students must, however, fulfill their academic obligations first. If a representative’s visit conflicts with a class or activity, the student must secure permission from the teacher to be released, and all work from the missed class or activity must be completed. All requests must be made a day in advance, and teachers may require the student to remain in class. Juniors are allowed to meet with the college representatives only if the meeting occurs during a free period.

APPLICATION PROCESS

As the process can be time-consuming, the College Counseling Office is open all summer to best support the students. The three counselors will help each student maximize his chances for success by guiding each student through the application process. The Office publishes a calendar of deadlines to be met and steps to be taken during the process. The student must be responsible and timely with regard to forms and procedures in order to receive thorough and timely support of his applications. Letters of recommendation in support of the student generated by the College Counseling Office, teachers, other faculty and staff, and adults outside of St. Mark’s are confidential and are only released to offices of admission or scholarship organizations. Senior advisors, as well as the College Counseling Office, can clarify students’ questions with regard to deadlines and procedures. Parents are urged to be familiar with this schedule and to work with their son to ensure maximum success.

REPORTING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Both St. Mark’s School and the applicant are obligated, when asked by a college or university in written or verbal form, to report disciplinary actions including suspensions and expulsions, even when the disciplinary action occurs after school records and supporting documents have been sent to colleges or universities.

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION FUNDRAISING AND SOLICITATION OF MONEY

All fundraising activities at St. Mark’s are managed by the Office of Development,

296

LION TRACKS

in accordance with the policies of the Board of Trustees. The St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s primary, ongoing fundraising priority. Soliciting money for any other purpose without the express permission of the Office of Development is strictly prohibited.

Selling of any merchandise, including food or beverages, for profit is also prohibited unless formal approval has been given.

COPY MACHINES

Students may not use the School’s clerical copy machines without special permission.

Students wishing to make photocopies are expected to use the machines in the Library.

A student or student organization wanting to use school equipment to print material for a school activity must have the permission of the appropriate Division Head.

FIRE AND SEVERE WEATHER

The safety of more than 1,000 people is a serious matter; therefore, tampering with the alarm system is considered a serious disciplinary matter.

Fire Drills Dallas city ordinance requires each school to have one announced fire drill per month.

They take precedence over every other activity. When the intermittent wailing alarm is sounded, students must be familiar with the following procedures and obey them.

All students and faculty will assemble on the Preston Road Field by class (senior class at the south end by the scoreboard). Always respond to an alarm as if it were an actual emergency and proceed to the roll-call area.

Tornado Warning Information When the School receives warning that a tornado may be nearby, a steady alarm sounds, warnings are issued by voice, and people go to the following locations: LOWER SCHOOL: First grade: LS library office Second grade: second grade office area and restrooms Third grade: third grade office area and restrooms nearest library Fourth grade: Clinic Treatment Room and restrooms nearest library LS Spanish & 4th Grade classroom: Go to assigned homeroom shelter Lower School Library: library office Fine Arts Area: go to assigned homeroom shelter FINE ARTS CENTER: Orchestra: storage rooms Choir/Tower Room: north and south stairways Art Room: Decherd Lobby restrooms, Decherd Hall stage left and right Band: prop room and storage rooms Performance Hall: Decherd classroom, areas stage right and left Black Box Theater: prop rooms and restrooms CHAPEL: Spencer Gym tunnel, Mullen locker room, Commons restrooms ALUMNI COMMONS: Servery, Mullen locker room, Spencer Gym tunnel ATHLETIC FIELDS: (East) Mullen Fitness Center; (West) Physical Science Center or LS shelters NEARBURG HALL: 1st floor: storerooms, restrooms, and hallway away from glass

LION TRACKS

297

2nd floor: Move to 1st floor shelters MULLEN FAMILY FITNESS CENTER: 1st floor: Locker rooms, restrooms, hallway away from glass; 2nd floor: move to 1st floor shelters HOFFMAN CENTER: 1st floor: hallway away from glass, restrooms, store rooms 2nd floor: Move to 1st floor shelters GREEN LIBRARY: hallways of Study Wings STUDY WINGS: hallways away from glass on 1st floor SCIENCE: Move to 1st floor of McDermott Green and rooms away from glass WINN SCIENCE CENTER: Move to 1st floor hallways, restrooms, and Lecture Hall away from glass SPENCER GYM: Spencer Gym tunnel, locker rooms, restrooms CENTENNIAL HALL: 1st floor: hallway away from glass, restrooms, store rooms 2nd floor: Move to 1st floor shelters STUDENT STORE: Store room ZIERK ATHLETIC CENTER: Storm shelters on 1st floor Wherever you are, DOWN AND UNDER! (Sit with your back to an inside wall, head between your knees with hands clasped over your head; or down and under sturdy furniture.) NOTE: Anyone caught on an athletic field should head for cover. If it’s too far, get into a depression and lie flat.

USE OF PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY

The St. Mark’s Directory is prepared and published by the Parents’ Association SOLELY for the use of parents, students, faculty, and staff of the School. Information in the Directory must not be used for commercial, charitable, or any purpose other than the convenience of the School community. Please do not lend the Directory or any excerpts therefrom to any person or enterprise other than for the convenience of the stated persons.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Many opportunities for student involvement and leadership exist in Upper School. In addition to the formal structures such as the Student Council, the Discipline Council, the Chapel Committee, four campus publications, Lion and Sword Society, and the Community Service Committee, students are invited to consult with or to serve on ad hoc faculty, administration, or trustee committees. Assemblies, class meetings, and extensive bulletin board space are available to students for their organization and participation in school governance.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

St. Mark’s students are expected to be appropriate, tasteful, and sound in judgment; student leaders should behave according to the highest standards of conduct. Integrity, ethics, and respect for the School’s customs are reasonable, minimum expectations for all St. Mark’s students and especially student leaders who, by accepting leadership roles, agree to represent the School both on and off campus. St. Mark’s recognizes that there are occasional violations of these expectations. While it is not the School’s intention to seek out such violations, it is the School’s responsibility to deal with violations when

298

LION TRACKS

they affect the reputation and well-being of this community and its constituents. If a student leader demonstrates poor judgment or conducts himself inappropriately on or off campus, continued leadership of and participation in school activities is subject to suspension and/or termination. “Student leaders” includes elected and appointed student government members, Lion and Sword, Discipline Council, and leaders and members of school clubs and activities. Members of athletic teams, newspaper staff, yearbook staff, Debate, Science teams, Fine Arts groups, or other groups representing St. Mark’s may also be subject to special behavior agreements with their coach or sponsor and are held to the highest standards.

Students running for Student Council or class officer positions will be allowed to campaign by making a brief speech before the class at class meetings.

Suggested topics for discussion in campaign speeches include: • Ideas a candidate has for the work he would do as a student leader • Characteristics, skills, and values he embodies in order to lead effectively Campaign fliers, badges, stickers, buttons, or handouts are expressly prohibited. The use of emails to campaign is also a violation of campaign procedures and the School’s Acceptable Use Policy for Technology.

Violations of campaign standards and procedures could result in the removal of candidacy and other disciplinary actions according to the rules and standards of Lion Tracks. The Upper School Office will review all speeches before they are delivered to an audience to ensure they meet the standards of Lion Tracks and the criteria established in the Campaign Workshop, which prospective candidates must attend. Speeches must be revised to meet this standard. Candidates who deliver speeches violating these standards are subject to disciplinary action, including disqualification.

CONSTITUTION for the Student Body of St. Mark’s School of Texas

PREAMBLE We, the students of St. Mark’s School of Texas, to promote the welfare of the School and its students, to form a more perfect union among the students, to effect a more perfect union between the administration of the School and the student body, and to strengthen the relationships between classes of the School and encourage community participation, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

ARTICLE I Membership Section 1:The following shall be voting members of the Student Council. a. All members of the Executive Committee, elected as hereafter,

constituted by a President, a Vice President, and a Secretary. b. The Class President of each of the four Upper School classes, elected

as hereafter provided. c. One representative from each Upper School class, elected as herein

afterward provided.

Section 2:The following shall be non-voting members of the Student Council:

LION TRACKS

299

a. The Editors-in-Chief of The ReMarker and Marksmen, the Head of the

Community Service Committee, and the Head of the Chapel Committee. b. The President or a designated member of all Student Council-sanctioned organizations. c. Any person shall be made a non-voting member of the Student Council by

appointment of the President.

ARTICLE II Functions Section 1: Purpose a. The Council shall represent the student body to the Faculty, the

Administration, the Curriculum Committee, the Board of Trustees,

and other schools. b. The Council shall be responsible for the efficient administration of Home coming, all school social functions, and inter-school activity coordination. c. The Council shall be responsible for the encouragement and support of

student clubs.

Section 2: Individual Duties a. Duties of the Executive Committee shall be to represent the composite

interest of the student body in all Council affairs. It shall also plan an agenda

for each Student Council Meeting. b. The Vice President shall coordinate and oversee the Student Council

concessions at football games and other school activities. c. The Faculty Advisors shall represent the Student Council at all faculty

meetings and shall promote the plans of the Council before the faculty.

ARTICLE III Procedure Section 1: All Student Council meetings shall be governed by parliamentary procedure with Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, 3rd Edition.

Section 2: A Student Council meeting may become closed to non-members by a

two-thirds majority vote of the Council.

Section 3: All meetings shall be open to the public except those identified in Section 2 above.

Section 4: The Student Council may not take any official actions or votes unless

a quorum of the voting members is present.

ARTICLE IV Elections Section 1: Administration a. All Student Council and Class elections shall be administered by the

Student Council Sponsors, Head of Upper School, and Assistant Head of

Upper School. b. The Student Council Sponsors and their designated colleagues will

oversee the casting and tallying of all ballots.

Section 2: Qualifications a. All candidates for the Student Council shall have attended St. Mark’s for

one complete school year preceding the term of office to which they may be

elected, and during this time, shall have maintained an academic average of

2.8 or above, shall not have failed any course during the first or second

300

LION TRACKS

semester of the current school year, and shall not have committed any Level III violations of school rules in the Upper School, particularly regarding the

Honor Principle. A student who does not automatically qualify may

petition with the Head of Upper School for an exemption to this rule; such

exemptions are to be granted at the discretion of the Head of Upper School,

based on consistent effort and ability to manage the School’s time demands. b. The Executive President-elect and Executive Vice President-elect shall be

members of the incoming Senior class with at least one year of service as a

Student Council member, class officer, leader of a school organization or

significantly involved in Student Council affairs. The Secretary shall be a

member of the incoming Junior class. If no incoming Junior files for the office

by the established deadline, members of the incoming Sophomore class shall

be eligible to run. c. All candidates must attend an Election Workshop to be held before the

designated day of speeches and agree to all requirements established by the

Student Council Sponsor, Head of Upper School, and Assistant Head of Upper

School in terms of speech appropriateness and purpose. d. All candidates must send a copy of their speech for approval to the Student

Council Sponsor and Head of Upper School by the designated date established

during the Election Workshop.

Section 3: Final Election a. All elections will be held by secret ballot under the supervision of the

Student Council Sponsor. All officers must be elected and declared the winner

of a particular office by receiving the highest number of votes. If two

candidates tie with the highest votes, then a run-off election between the two

candidates receiving the most votes will be held.

b. The Student Council Sponsor, Head of Upper School, and Assistant Head

of Upper School have the authority to disqualify any candidate who violates

the agreement regarding the election process and speeches discussed during

the Election Workshop.

Section 4: The Student Council shall be installed officially at the first scheduled meet ing of the Student Council in May. Section 5: A member of the Student Council shall be removed from office upon a

four-fifths vote obtained from the Student Council, and affirmed by the Faculty

Advisor. Only flagrant and major misconduct of Council activities shall be

reason for removal.

Section 6: Absence a. If the office of any member becomes vacant, it shall be filled as expedi tiously as possible in a manner as similar as possible to that by which

the predecessor was elected. b. If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President, upon the

President’s resignation or removal, shall become Acting President.

LION TRACKS

301

c. If the President is absent at the Student Council meeting, the Vice President

will conduct the meeting, and if he is absent, the Secretary will conduct the meeting.

Section 7: Eligibility to Vote

Members of the current Senior class and the incoming Freshmen class are

prohibited from voting in Student Council Executive elections.

ARTICLE V Committees Section 1: The President shall have the authority to appoint standing or ad hoc

committees with the approval of a simple majority of the Student Council.

Section 2: The committees in their designated areas shall have the temporary power to

oversee or to investigate school activities.

Section 3: The Chairman of each committee shall be held personally responsible for

reporting the conclusions and activities of the committee to the Student Council.

Section 4: The Student Council shall have the power to abolish a committee by

three-fourths vote.

ARTICLE VI Ratification and Amendment Section 1: The ratification of the Constitution shall require the approval of the

Headmaster and a three-fourths majority of the voting students in the Upper School.

Section 2: To amend this Constitution, the proposal must be approved by a two-thirds

majority of the Student Council, and the Headmaster.

2026 - 2027 STUDENT LEADERSHIP Student Council Executive President: Dylan Bosita ’27 Executive Co-Vice Presidents: James Hoak ’27 & Julian Gerstle ’27 Executive Secretary: Paxton Allen ’28 Class of 2027 Officers President: Sean Madine Vice-President: Reid Smith Secretary: Ford Robinson Class Representative: Ilan Gunawardena Class of 2028 Officers President: Alex Marczewski Vice-President: Rayhaan Rizvon Secretary: Graham Smith Class Representative: John Paul Hanks Class of 2029 Officers President: Connor Pauley Vice-President: Pierce Lee Secretary: William Tu

302

LION TRACKS

Class Representative: London Han Class of 2030 Officers President: Greyson Daniel Vice-President: Henry Bean Secretary: Dhilan Saluja Class Representative: Juan Torre-Enciso Faculty Sponsor: Mrs. Michele Santosuosso Community Service Board: Chairmen: Dylan Bosita ’27 Vice-Chairmen: Max Lee ’27, Sean Madine ’27, Sam Morse ’27 & Asher Ridzinski ’27 Junior Vice Chairmen: Saketh Chebrolu ’28 and JP Hanks ’28 Seniors: Guru Aroul, Sebastian Bank, Cristian Duarte, Andrew Hofmann, Barrett Knetsch, Collin Ku, Dylan Macktinger, Jack Shepro Juniors: Avi Aggarwal, Cannon Beatey, Dexter Canham, Benji Fleiss, Bryan Li, Berkin Oral, Nicholas Petrikas, Graham Smith, Thomas Wu, Evan Yepuri Sophomores: Osi Akudo, Brennan Bosita, Thomas Costa, Daniel Duarte, Sahir Hasija, Pierce Lee, Max Lin, Justin Macktinger, Nate Saenz, Truman Sun Freshmen: Nathan Aurora, John Griggs, Aiden Ji, Axel Kennedy, Andrew Langford, Garet Tydlaska, Zayden Yunus Director: Mr. Jorge Correa; Assistant Director: Ms. Isabel Cisneros Middle School Community Service Co-chairs: Dylan Evans, Grant Langford, Ishaan Suresh MS Community Service Coordinators: Mr. Gregory Crook and Ms. Lauren Logan Literary Festival Co-Chairs Director: Dylan Barnes ’28 Co-Chairs: Eugene Wang ’28 & Jack Wilson ’28 Assistants: Aaron Choi ’29, Pierce Lee ’29 & Alekh Desai ’29 Fine Arts Board Co-Chairs: Rocky Lancaster ’27 and Ilan Gunawardena ’27 Discipline Council Members Chairman: Rishik Kapoor ’27 Secretary: Sam Merryman ’27 12th Grade: Braden Scott ’27 Alternate: Asher Collins ’27 11th Grade: Bryan Li ’28 Alternate: Donnell Dickson ’28 10th Grade: Ishaan Siddamshetty ’29 Alternate: David Xiao ’29 9th Grade: Asher Saluja ’30 Alternate: Ben Gruner ’30 Faculty Members: Mrs. Nancy Marmion (Chair); Mrs. Janet Lin; Mr. Shane May; Dr. John Perryman

LION TRACKS

303

Chapel Advisory Council Co-Chairs: Payton Elder ’27, Ali Khimji ’27 and Sean Madine ’27 School Verger: Tripp Schoellkopf ’27 Co-Coordinators, LS Chapel Program: Benji Fleiss ’28 and Cameron Steinbrueck ’28 Co-Chairs, Divisional Symposiums Committee: Sawyer Goldstein’28, and Brittain Schubert ’28 Chair, Community Service & Alumni Relations: Guru Aroul ’28 Journalism Leaders The ReMarker newspaper - Sam Morse ’27, editor-in-chief Marksmen yearbook - Caleb Cathey ’27 & Anderson Lee, editors Focus Magazine - Michael Chang ’27 and Nicholas Huang ’27, editors ReMarker online edition - Marshall Sudbury ’27, digital editor Marque , editor-in-chief - Paul Sumethasorn ’27 STEM Conference Senior Co-Chairs: Rahul Subramaniam ’27, Azim Moosa ’27, Michael Chang ’27, and Dylan Bosita ’27 Junior Co-Chairs: Hunter Dorrill ’28, Evan Fu ’28, and Sebastian Zaballa ’28 Sponsor: Mr. John Mead Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council Co-Chairs: Deven Aurora ’27, Shiv Bhandari ’27, Luke Cathey ’27, David Dickson ’27, Emiliano Mayo ’27 Vice Chairs: Terrence Cao ’28, Nathan Peng ’28 Senior Representatives: Dawson Battie ’27, Wyatt Hanson ’27 Junior Representatives: Evan Fu ’28, Rayhaan Rizvon ’28 Sophomore Representatives: Nathan Bisrat ’29, Aaron Choi ’29, Toby Hyun ’29, Harry Isaac ’29, Bryce Jones-Quaidoo ’29. Axter Quezada ’29, Evan Rogers ’29, Isaiah Scott ’29, Jake Wilkinson ’29 Freshman Representatives: Henry Bean ’30, Mason Coyle ’30, Greyson Daniel ’30, Matthew Fay ’30, John Griggs ’30, Aiden Ji ’30, Aum Karra ’30, Axel Kennedy ’30, Dixon Pickens ’30 Civic Responsibility Board Co-Chairs: Collin Ku ’27, Ian Lockard ’27, Asher Ridzinski ’27

304

LION TRACKS