2016-2017 Parent/Student Handbook

School Handbook 2016-2017

The St. Luke’s School Handbook is published and distributed to members of the St. Luke’s School community for the purpose of providing information on aspects of student and campus life. Students, parents, faculty, administration and staff should all read and be familiar with the contents of this Handbook, so that each member of the community knows and understands the expectations of students within our community. This Handbook is not intended to create, nor does it create, a contract or part of a contract in any way, including but not limited to, between St. Luke’s School and any parent, guardian or student affiliated with or attending the School. St. Luke’s School reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to add, revise and/or delete School policies before, during and after the School year.

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Dear St. Luke’s Community, Whether you are new to St. Luke’s or a returning student and family, I hope you will find this Handbook helpful in orienting you to the School. In it, you will find answers to many of your important questions about our policies, guidelines, programs, and organization. You can also learn where to go when you need something, or whom to ask when you need advice.

Please familiarize yourself with the contents of this Handbook.

If you are confused about anything that you read, I encourage you to take your question to any member of the faculty, staff, or administration who will be pleased to help you. Reading this Handbook and asking questions will enable you to take full advantage of the many opportunities that St. Luke’s has to offer. It will also help you understand the policies and procedures that bind us together as a vibrant learning community infused with a spirit of friendliness and respect for one another.

Sincerely,

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Mark C. Davis, Head of School

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Important Contact Information

St. Luke’s School 377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840 Main Number: (203) 966-5612 Fax Number: (203) 972-3450 Website: www.stlukesct.org

The School’s website is a dynamic part of School life and serves as a key communication tool for the St. Luke’s community. In addition to using it for general School news and the online calendar of events, parents and students can also gain access to password secured information including the full St. Luke’s Community Directory, homework assignments, schedules, grades, report cards and other specific information. There is also a parent email network that is regularly used for timely notices.

All students and faculty have access to Google Apps for Education (including Mail), which can be accessed via the St. Luke’s website. Instructions on how to configure Google Apps for Education are provided during New Student Orientation and throughout the academic year.

The School relies heavily on digital communication through the SLS website and email. Parents unable to access the Internet should contact the appropriate Division Head to make alternative communication arrangements.

Reporting Notification of Absence attendance@stlukesct.org or (203) 801-4911 More information on page 25.

Director of Safety and Security Troy Haynie (203) 801-4828

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Contents

Who We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 St. Luke’s Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Core Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Honor Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Non-Discrimination Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Academics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Course Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Comments and Report Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Transcripts and Student Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Course Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Course Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Academic Progress Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Failure in a Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Academic Probation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Study Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Off-Campus Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Standardized Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Academic Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Academic Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Educational Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Academic Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

School Guidelines and Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 General Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 General Behavior and Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Student Lockers and Book Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Food Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Restricted Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Hazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Seniors Leaving Campus During the School Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Student Driving and Parking on Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Parking Lot Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Illegal Drugs, Tobacco, and Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sanctuary Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Behavior Expectations While Away From Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 School Issued vs. Personal Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Blogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Security and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Care and Maintenance of Files and Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Damage to the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Loss or Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Personal Apps, Music, and Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 School Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 School Delays/Cancellations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Daily Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Exempt Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Planned Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 College Visit Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Attendance to Participate in Afternoon Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Leaving School During the School Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Punctuality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Honor Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Major Offenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Disciplinary Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Middle School Discipline Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Types of Disciplinary Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Health, Wellness, Safety, and Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 School Nurse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Medical Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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Medical Requirements, Health Records, Regulations, and Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Medications at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Nut-Based Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Community Support Services Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Fire Drills, Lockdowns, and Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Campus Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Visitors to Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Eligibility and Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Excused Absences from Physical Education or Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Leadership, Clubs, and Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Afternoon Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Dances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Community Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Posters and Decoration of School Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Academic and Afternoon Activity Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Enrollment Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Re-enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Parents’ Association Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Charitable Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Campaigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Planned Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Drop Off / Pick Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 No Idling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Messages and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Current Family Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Dual Households and Disagreements Between Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Parent Involvement Regarding Disciplinary Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Parental Comportment and Support for School Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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Who We Are

St. Luke’s Mission An exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.

Core Values Love of Learning Good Character Pursuit of Excellence Community

Honor Code As members of the St. Luke’s community, we will maintain and encourage integrity at all times. We will be honest in what we say and write, and we will show respect for ourselves, each other, and all property. We will treat everyone with kindness, and we will accept responsibility for our actions.

Accreditation The School is accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Governance The School is a non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. For a list of current trustees, please refer to the School’s website.

Non-Discrimination Policy St. Luke’s School admits qualified students of any race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability in the

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administration of its educational, admissions, scholarship and loan, athletic and other programs. The School is committed to maintaining an academic community in which the dignity and worth of each of its members is respected.

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Academics

The academic program is central to the St. Luke’s experience. The Curriculum Guide provides detailed information on the course of study and requirements for graduation. This Handbook provides an orientation to other important academic matters.

Course Load Given the rigor of SLS courses and the need for balance and reflective time, Upper School students may not enroll in more than seven courses each semester. A student may petition for eight courses to the Head of Upper School, Director of Studies, and (for 11th and 12th graders) the Director of College Counseling. The petition should state why the student wants to take eight courses and how the student believes he/she would be able to fulfill the obligations of all courses, in addition to his/ her other non academic commitments. Also, the student’s parents and advisor need to support the student’s petition.

Grades Letter grades have the following meanings at the School.

A: The

student’s approach to the subject matter communicates a passion for learning; the work not only satisfies the basic expectations of the assignment/course but also excels in several of them for this course or grade level. The work produced by the student: • demonstrates incisive critical thinking • is thorough, persuasive and/or imaginative • is complex and/or deep • contains few if any calculation, grammar, stylistic, or punctuation errors • demonstrates learning thorough mastery of the material; is organized, complete and almost always correct • demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills • demonstrates risk-taking and a willingness to tackle a difficult topic, task, or problem • presents clearly the thinking of the student; the writing, logic, and/or calculation flows well • demonstrates the consistent application of learned theories, principles, or facts to new situations or problems B: The

student’s approach to the subject matter is good; the work reflects a level of competence that is the result of applied skills; the work satisfies the essential expectations of the assignment for this course or grade level. The work produced by the student:

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• is organized, clear, and largely correct in analyses and/or facts; is typically complete and reasonably thorough • is comprehensible and reflects some critical thinking, insight and/or originality • demonstrates good understanding of the material covered by the assignment • demonstrates good problem-solving skills • experiences no difficulty with routine problems and challenging problems elicit reasonable, though not completely correct, answers • may be formulaic or mechanical in its feel: few risks have been taken; does not reach beyond the material presented in the text or the ideas discussed in class • is straightforward and understandable but without depth C: The

student’s approach to the subject matter is competent but it reveals gaps in understanding and/or presentation. The work produced by the student: • is weakened by errors, oversight and/or incomplete analysis • is correct but contains some organizational or structural problems • is uneven in expression and in logic • satisfies some, but not all, of the basic requirements of the assignment: factually, structurally, and/or grammatically; has flaws—it is less than thorough and lacking in detail • demonstrates competent problem-solving skills: simple, straightforward problems pose no difficulty—problems that require making connections and/or applying concepts to new situations often elicit incomplete and/or incorrect responses • is not clearly presented or expressed; contains conclusions that are not sound: the observations are obvious and/or superficial—the paper posits an acceptable thesis but does not support it adequately D: The

student’s approach to the subject matter is of poor quality; it is substandard in several areas for this course or grade level; it reveals little evidence of intellectual curiosity or goal orientation.

The work produced by the student: • is unorganized and unclear; the conclusions are unsound • is misguided: the student has misunderstood the point or gone in an unrelated direction • contains several serious errors or omissions • reflects oversight, incomplete analysis, little attention to detail, and carelessness • is seriously flawed on all but the most basic problems • demonstrates little understanding of concepts and relationships and how they are connected to topics previously studied F: The

student’s approach to the subject matter is unacceptable; it is substandard in many areas for this course or grade level; it may suggest a lack of effort and disregard for institutional goals. The work produced by the student: • falls well short of achieving the goals of the assignment • shows little understanding of the material • is largely incomprehensible as presented • is incomplete, is completed incorrectly or is the wrong assignment

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• contains serious factual errors, including on basic problems • contains mistakes that consistently reflect lack of oversight, incomplete analysis, and carelessness, and an inability to grasp, recall and/or utilize the relationships between concepts.

Please note that these descriptions explain what our letter grades mean, but they do not tell which grades are “good” or “bad.” For a very accomplished student, a C may be a “bad” grade, while for a student with little background or experience in a subject, the same C may be judged to be a “good” grade.

The following letter grades will apply to their numerical ranges: A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69 F 0-59

A 93-96 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66

A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62

An Incomplete may be given only in case of legitimate absence from School with too little time remaining in the semester for make-up. The deadline for completing the course will be one week after the end of the semester, at which time the incomplete will be converted to a grade and the report card will be updated. Students requiring more than a week to make up Incomplete grades require permission of the Division Head to do so.

Pass/Fail is an option for some courses with the permission of the teacher and the Director of Studies, provided that the course does not fulfill graduation requirements. The commitment to Pass/Fail must be made in the first two weeks of the course and may not be changed.

Transfer Students entering during the academic year with grades from another school may have their grades weighted into the year’s average, depending upon individual circumstances.

Comments and Report Cards Report cards are prepared and made available online at the end of each academic semester. In the Upper School, detailed comments about the material covered and the student’s performance are sent at the end of the first semester and the mid-point of the second semester. In the Middle School, comments are included at the end of each semester. 5th grade students do not receive grades; parents receive anecdotal reports at the end of each trimester. 6th grade students receive their first graded report card at the end of the first semester.

Transcripts and Student Records The transcript is an official record of a student’s academic achievement. Transcripts include the name of courses, grades earned (first semester, second semester and final grades) and any academic awards given by the School (departmental distinctions, book awards, Cum Laude). Transcripts do not include exam grades, grade point average, class rank or comments. Note that for Seniors only, the fall “snapshot” grade is sent to colleges.

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It is the School’s policy to communicate honestly and accurately with educational institutions (or other organizations) seeking information about students pursuant to a written authorization executed by the student or his or her parents. St. Luke’s will release information upon request of the educational institution, including academic and disciplinary information. With regard to discipline specifically, should an educational institution or organization inquire about Disciplinary Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal, St. Luke’s will indicate the nature of the infraction and the subsequent penalty. Furthermore, if the student’s academic or disciplinary status should substantially change, the School reserves the right to update an educational institution regarding the student’s status. Seniors should be aware that St. Luke’s will not release a final transcript to a college until all graduation requirements have been fulfilled including such requirements as may be imposed as a result of disciplinary infractions or academic performance. The School will only release transcripts if the family’s financial obligations to the School are up to date. A student’s educational and disciplinary records are available on a need to know basis to administrators, teachers, coaches, counselors and other staff who work with students.

Course Selection The St. Luke’s School mission is clear about its goals for students as they proceed through the grades and reach graduation. This preparation derives from the concerted efforts of the faculty and administration to implement a rigorous and contemporary curriculum, individualized as necessary for the needs of each student. Nonetheless, during a student’s journey from fifth to twelfth grade, many decisions need to be made concerning an appropriate academic course of study. In the earlier grades, most courses follow a prescribed sequence with variables only in the areas of math placement and choice of world language; however, in the Upper School, more options are available—and more choices must be made.

The Curriculum Guide includes flow charts of possible course sequences in each discipline, as well as other information about graduation requirements, and criteria for placement in honors and AP courses. In addition, St. Luke’s provides a number of opportunities to receive advice about making decisions concerning such topics as choice of electives, how many Honors or AP courses to take, and college expectations. We encourage parents and students to take advantage of the full range of expertise and advice available at St. Luke’s. Please feel free to contact any or all of these resources: • The Advisor is familiar with the student’s personal preferences, strengths and weaknesses. He or she can be useful in choosing electives as well as gauging an appropriate course load for each advisee.

• The Director of Studies is knowledgeable about course sequences and can be helpful with longrange planning. He creates individual schedules and can advise about the various possibilities and alternatives that a student may have.

• Department Chairs know the specifics of particular courses and their levels of difficulty. They can also elaborate on the criteria used for honors and AP placement.

• The College Counselors can provide information about academic choices as they relate to the college process.

• Division Heads have information unique to the Middle and Upper Schools.

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The most important factors to be considered when making these decisions are the student’s interests and abilities. The goal each year should be to take a course of study that is appropriately demanding and challenging, given those interests and abilities.

Course Changes Students must obtain a “Request for Schedule Change Form” from the Director of Studies and secure the necessary signatures. A course may only be added within ten class days (within one rotation for AP courses); a course may be dropped anytime, provided that the student is left with at least five courses and 2.5 credits per semester (not including independent study and some designLab courses). If a student changes courses within the same exact discipline—e.g., from an honors or AP course into a regular section, as from Honors French IV to French IV—then the report card grade will be calculated by the percentage of time in each class. Students trying to switch course topics within a department—e.g., from AP European History to World Religions—would follow the standard Drop/Add procedures and deadlines.

Homework and Assessments Homework over Vacations and Holidays In most courses, no assignments are given over Thanksgiving break, Winter break, or Spring break.

Students in certain Honors or AP courses, however, may be asked to complete some work as needed.

If a student is observing a religious holiday not marked by the school calendar, the student should speak with the teacher about appropriate accommodations.

Major Assignments In general, no more than two major assignments should be given to a student on one day. However, exceptions may occasionally have to be made. Major assignments are posted on the website at least one week in advance to allow the student enough time to prepare adequately. If a student discovers he or she has three major assignments on one day, he or she should contact the teachers involved and ask one of them to move an assignment.

Exams The purposes of exams for students are: to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate understanding of concepts; to develop and measure writing skills; to encourage students to synthesize a large body of knowledge into a concise, written work; and to measure each student’s progress. All students in grades nine through twelve will take a March exam in each year-long course in a core academic subject area (English, History, Mathematics, Science, and World Language) as well as some year-long elective courses. The exam grade will be weighted 20% in determining the final grade. All students who take an AP course must take the AP exam. Middle School students do not take March (or year-end) exams, unless they are taking an Upper School year-long course in a core academic subject area (e.g., Honors French II).

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Make-Up Test If a student is absent on the day of a test, a make-up test may be taken. If the absence is for the day of the test only, the student is expected to take the test on the day(s) he or she returns to School (exception: medical absences that prevent a student from being able to prepare effectively for the test). If the absence is longer than one day, the student must make arrangements for the make-up test on the day of his or her return. Parents may never excuse students from tests.

Test Completion A student who needs to make up a test or who needs additional time to complete a test, and who is entitled to extended time according to testing on file with Educational Support Services (ESS), will be allowed to complete the test after school. Test completion takes precedence over afternoon activities. Students are required to complete a test on the same day that it was started. A student may not postpone the completion of a test to the following day.

Academic Progress Reports At their discretion, teachers occasionally send progress reports to parents indicating student performance. In addition, parents may request periodic written reports (roughly every three weeks) on a student’s academic progress by contacting the Director of Studies or appropriate Division Head. However, after the first marking period, students will not receive periodic progress reports in any class in which they have an average of B+ or higher. Periodic progress reports are available to students in grades 5-11.

Failure in a Course A student who fails a course may be eligible to make up the credit in an approved summer school program by repeating the course, or by a tutorial, at the discretion of the appropriate Division Head, Director of Studies, and appropriate Department Chair. To make up the credit by means of tutoring, a student must pass an exam approved by the appropriate Division Head, Director of Studies, and appropriate Department Chair; the tutor must meet St. Luke’s teaching standards; and the tutorial will require thirty hours per semester. Tutoring may recover course credit but will not change the transcript grade.

Academic Probation Academic Probation serves as a serious warning to those students who are failing, nearly failing, or underperforming in more than one class. Division Heads reserve the right to place students on Academic Probation when they think it is appropriate—even before the end of a semester. Otherwise, Academic Probation is assigned to those students whose GPA is 1.67 or below or to those who receive two grades of D+ or lower. A student may be placed on Academic Probation for a period of up to two semesters. A student who is placed on Academic Probation at the end of the school year will be on

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Academic Probation the following school year. Students who are on Academic Probation after the first semester will have their re-enrollment contract withheld until year-end grades are submitted in June.

A student on Academic Probation who, in the opinion of the administration, does not make significant progress by the end of the school year, may be asked to leave St. Luke’s School.

Study Hall All students in grades seven and eight must attend study hall except those eighth graders who have earned High Honors status. Loss of High Honors status will result in reassignment to study hall.

Upper School students who, in the opinion of their teachers, advisors and/or Class Deans, need a structured and supervised time to work, may be assigned to a study hall at any time. The Head of Upper School will make the final decision on study hall placement.

Off Campus Study From time to time students wish to study off campus for a portion of their time at St. Luke’s School.

The School does allow a limited number of students in grades 10 and 11 who are deemed to be in good academic standing to study off campus at an approved program. Seniors are not permitted to study away. Participation in an off campus program has implications for academic and college planning.

Students and their families must meet with the Director of Global Education in order to discuss the planning and process for studying off campus as well as the academic considerations.

Students interested in an off campus program, either domestic or international, must submit,

by October 15th, a letter to the Director of Global Education informing the Director of their intent to study off campus the following school year. The Off Campus Study Committee will decide who may apply to study off campus and if the program meets St. Luke’s standards. By the middle of November, students are informed if they will be permitted to study away for the following school year. Students approved to study away, along with their parents, are responsible for completing the application for their program and for financing the program. St. Luke’s financial aid does not apply to off campus programs. Families will be expected to pay a fee in order to retain their spot at St. Luke’s School. Upon their return, students will be expected to share their experiences with the St. Luke’s community.

Standardized Testing • Students in grades five through ten will take the ACT Aspire.

• Students in grade nine will take the PSAT 9.

• Students in grades ten and eleven will take the PSAT/NSMQT. • Students in grades eleven and twelve take the SAT and/or ACT on designated dates each year.

A system of standardized testing, such as the Aspire and other tests, provides the School with a snapshot of the academic status of the student body at a particular point in time, as well as with data that can be used for assessment of students’ process over time and for benchmarking purposes by the Division Heads, Director of Studies, and College Counseling office. However, the School S cho ol H andb o ok 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7

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acknowledges that standardized testing is but one means of assessing a student’s growth and progress.

Teachers will continue to use other assessment vehicles for this purpose, as well. The ongoing process of curriculum review is designed to align learning goals with assessments, as well as testing strategies.

Academic Honors Academic Honors The Honor Roll begins in 8th grade and is determined according to the following: • The Honor Roll is computed using the following quality point scale A+ = 4.33 A = 4.0 A- = 3.67

B+ = 3.33 B = 3.0 B- = 2.67

C+ = 2.33 C = 2.0 C- = 1.67

D+ = 1.33 D = 1.0 D- = 0.67

F = 0.0

• Honors and AP courses are weighted 1/3 of a letter grade for internal GPA and Honor Roll purposes only. Earned (i.e., non-weighted) grades appear on report cards and transcripts.

• High Honors requires a minimum grade point average of 3.75 with no grade lower than a B. Honors requires a minimum grade point average of 3.33 with no grade lower than a B• Classes that meet every day receive one credit; Middle School “specials” in art, music, etc. receive 0.5 credit.

• Physical Education and Life Skills receive 0.25 credit; Health and Wellness (one semester) receives 0.5 credit.

• Although Middle School students (except 5th grade) receive letter grades in all subjects, courses such as PE, Life Skills, Art, Music, and Theatre are not be included in the calculation of GPA. In the Upper School, only those art, music, and theater courses taken beyond the one year requirement are counted in the GPA calculation. Independent Study projects, Health & Wellness, and some designLab courses are not counted in the GPA calculation.

Grade Point Average Calculation Grade point averages are calculated by first multiplying the quality points associated with each letter grade by the credit awarded for the class, and then taking the total number of quality points and dividing by the number of credits. See above for credits awarded.

Cum Laude Society In 2011 St. Luke’s School became a member of the Cum Laude Society, which was founded in 1906 to recognize scholastic achievement of students in secondary schools. The motto of the society is “Areté, Diké, Timé,” the ancient Greek words for “Excellence, Justice, Honor.” St. Luke’s School student inductees into the Cum Laude Society are those seniors whose coursework is at the highest and most rigorous levels; who have shown high levels of achievement in their studies; and whose participation in class reflects enthusiasm for greater depths of learning. No more than 20% of each graduating class may be inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Cum Laude Society inductees are recognized at the Upper School Awards Ceremony and are officially inducted into the School’s chapter at an induction ceremony in May.

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Academic Accommodations The School does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of learning disabilities that may be reasonably accommodated. The School will discuss with families of applicants with known learning disabilities whether the School will be able to offer their children the appropriate accommodations to help them be successful at the School.

The School is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities are provided with equal access to all of the School’s programs and services, in accordance with applicable law. For students who need additional support or curricular adjustments, the School requires documentation indicating that the student’s disability substantially limits a major life activity, including learning.

Students who present the School with appropriate documentation of disability will meet with the Director of Educational Support Services to discuss which requested academic accommodations supported by the documentation are considered reasonable in this educational setting. Any adjustments to the academic program would be made through an interactive process between the student and the Director of Educational Support Services.

Even after supportive services and accommodations have been put in place, a student may still not be able to fulfill his or her academic requirements satisfactorily. In such instances, the Director of Educational Support Services, the Division Heads or other administrators may notify the student’s parents that the accommodations put into place may not suffice to ensure the student’s success at the School and will discuss whether it makes sense for the student to continue at the School. If there is a disagreement, the School will decide, in its sole discretion, whether to issue a re-enrollment contract to the student.

Educational Support Services ESS seeks to improve learning in a challenging college preparatory curriculum by providing academic support services to students with a wide range of abilities. The faculty of ESS, one full time learning specialist, provides individual and/or small group support to students, their parents, and teachers, on an as-needed basis. ESS also maintains a list of tutors, educational therapists, and speech and language pathologists for referral outside school hours. The office for Educational Support Services is located in the ESS Center on the mezzanine level of the Library.

Academic Integrity Students are expected to be honest in the preparation of daily homework assignments, in the compilation and the preparation of research projects and other papers, and in the preparation for and taking of quizzes, tests, and exams. Academic dishonesty is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Homework Copying another student’s homework, unless the assignment was to study cooperatively, or turning in an assignment that was completed by a tutor or parent, is academic dishonesty. If this occurs,

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both students—or all involved—will be given a zero for the homework and parents will be called for a conference. Subsequent instances can lead to failure for the marking period. Parents also should not routinely help their child with homework.

Cheating Cheating is copying another student’s work during a quiz, test, or exam; possessing notes, open texts, or other references including the wrongful use of calculators, phones or other electronic devices, unless explicitly authorized by the teacher. Cheating also includes deliberately providing another student with assistance in taking a quiz, test, or exam either inside or outside of class.

If cheating occurs, all parties involved will be given a zero on the test, quiz, or exam with no opportunity for a makeup test.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is a form of cheating. A student plagiarizes when she or he presents someone else’s ideas, intentionally or unintentionally, as if they were her or his own. Plagiarism may occur intentionally or accidentally, but it is a serious form of academic dishonesty whatever the motivation. Plagiarism occurs when: a student uses someone else’s words—short phrases, sentences, or paragraphs—without giving credit to the source; 2. a student rephrases someone else’s ideas into his or her own words without giving credit to the source; and/or 3. a student omits footnotes which give credit to the source even if the student intended to put them in.

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Avoiding plagiarism is simple: give credit in a parenthetical citation or footnote for any idea presented which is not a hundred percent original. Teachers may answer any questions students have about the form of footnotes or about when they should be used. If plagiarism occurs, the assignment will automatically be given a zero. If a student has any questions about how to format properly, she or he must be sure to review with her or his teacher before any drafts are submitted. If in doubt as to whether or not to cite a source, it is better to err on the side of caution and cite it.

Tutoring in the Writing Process Although tutoring in composition is often helpful, tutors must not do the student’s thinking.

Likewise, parents should not routinely edit their child’s papers or otherwise contribute significantly to the organization in a major writing assignment. A good writing tutor is a writing coach: one who prompts and encourages, but one who stays on the sidelines. Teachers who determine that a student’s work is not his or her own will confer with the student and contact the parents.

Overzealous tutoring is intellectually dishonest—in spite of the tutor’s good intentions—and will result in a penalty ranging from a lowered mark to no credit for the paper.

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School Guidelines and Rules

General Expectations To function as a healthy community, we have a number of general expectations for students.

• We expect that students will attend their scheduled classes, events, and activities. We expect them to do the work and function in those classes to the best of their ability.

• We expect students to behave appropriately and with respect for each other as well as for faculty, staff, administrators, and parents.

• St. Luke’s School is a community, and and we expect students to recognize the role each person plays in building that community.

• Students are expected to respect the differences among people.

• We expect that students will abide by all school rules.

Anyone who feels that she or he has the grounds to do so may question a rule. However, before challenging a rule, one should take time to consider it in terms of the whole School.

Dress Code Philosophy The St. Luke’s mission promotes the personal pursuit of excellence at every level: academic, social, and athletic. One important component of this pursuit is a dress code. When students follow a dress code, it takes the emphasis off appearance and places it on learning. While St. Luke’s fosters individuality, the dress code intends to establish consistent and predictable dress standards that reduce high fashion statements and the inevitable competition that often follows. School attire should reflect moderation at all times.

General Dress Code Rules for Both Boys and Girls • Students should be dressed neatly and modestly. In all cases the final decision rests with the Upper School Dean of Students and the Assistant Head of Middle School.

• Students may wear solid-colored chinos (khaki style pants) in any color except black. No external back pockets, denim, denim-style, or cargo pants.

• Pants are to be worn above the hips.

• Outerwear inside the building is limited to knit sweaters, polar fleeces, and any St. Luke’s monogrammed outerwear.

• No hats are to be worn in the building at any time, unless for religious or cultural purposes.

• Solid-colored, closed-toe, shoes or boots, including sneakers (no high tops, excessive heels, crocs, slippers, or flip flops.)

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Dress Code for Boys The general rules above, plus: • Traditional collared oxford dress shirt. Flannel shirts are not allowed. Shirts must be tucked in.

• Traditional dress or bow tie.

• Belts must be worn at all times.

Dress Code for Girls The general rules above, plus: • Traditional collared oxford dress shirt. Flannel shirts are not allowed.

• Capri or 3⁄4 length pants that otherwise follow the general pants rule above are acceptable.

• The following skirts may be worn: • Dennis Uniform Co. Skort #03517 in colors Navy, Khaki, and Black Dennis • Dennis Uniform Co. Skort #05521 in colors Black Watch Plaid, Navy, Black, and Gray.

• Solid-colored tights, stockings or leggings may be worn with a skirt.

Spring Dress Code (Beginning in April) All of the above dress. In addition, students may wear a properly fitting traditional 2/3-button polo shirt. Rugby shirts are not permitted. Shoulders and midriffs must be covered at all times.

• Boys may also wear solid-colored, tailored, non-athletic Bermuda shorts. These shorts must fall no more than three inches above the knee.

• Boys may also choose to not wear a tie.

Seniors are allowed to wear college sweatshirts reflecting the colleges they will be attending or are still considering.

Dress-Down Day Dress Code (Includes Spirit Week & US Exams ) In addition to the guidelines above, students may wear the following: • denim • shirts without collars • non-uniform skirts of appropriate length (3” above the knee) Music Performance Dress Code Students participating in Choir and Band will need the following for their performances: Middle School

• 5th Grade—SLS Dress Code; no Uggs or boots.

• 6th Grade Band/Choir—Girls: Black dress code pants or black skirt with black tights; white oxford shirt; black socks; dark shoes.Boys: Black dress code pants; white oxford shirt; belt; tie, any color; black socks; dark shoes • 7th/8th Grade Boys Choir—Khaki dress code pants; white oxford shirt; dress code shoes; ties; navy blue blazer.

• 7th/8th Grade Girls Choir—Black dress code pants or black skirt with black tights; white,

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blue and pink oxford shirts (the girls will choose one for each performance); black socks; dark shoes.

• Prep Band—Girls: Black dress code pants or black skirt with black tights; white oxford shirt; black socks; dark shoes. Boys: Black dress code pants; white oxford shirt; belt; tie, any color; black socks; dark shoes.

Upper School

• Concert Band, Chorus, Chorale, and a cappella groups: dress code is set by the department and will include an additional fee.

• For concert attire, families will be informed of the details at the beginning of the school year.

General Behavior and Rules St. Luke’s encourages active participation during classes, maintaining an atmosphere that is structured but flexible. Students should conduct themselves during classes in a manner that supports the learning goals of the class. At no time should a student’s behavior interfere with a classmate’s learning.

• Students may not sit or lie in the hallways or lie down on furniture in the Commons • When leaving an area, whether it is by the student’s locker, a cafeteria table, or a commons sitting area, students must pick up after themselves and agree to leave the area better than they found it. The school is not responsible for personal items left in public spaces. Lost clothing and valuables are turned in to the Receptionist or are placed on shelves in the fifth grade locker hallway. Clothes that are left in the lost and found will be donated to charity at the beginning of every long school break.

• Students must be in school dress code during the academic day • Students may not chew gum in school • Students may not display any romantic behaviors • Students may not bring the following items to school or use on school property at any time: any weapon, firearm, facsimile gun, bb-gun, paintball gun, stun gun, air gun, knife, explosive device, fireworks, or other dangerous object not approved for School use • Students may not bring or use on school property the following items: skateboards, scooters, hover boards, roller blades, sneakers with rollers • Students may not bring laser pointers to school • Students may not eat food outside of the Dining Commons unless they have a teacher’s permission • Students may not wear earbuds or earphones when walking inside the buildings. (Those devices are fine when students are seated in common spaces, doing work, etc.)

• Students may not have their cell phones out during class

Student Lockers and Book Bags St. Luke’s School assigns lockers to each student. Students are not to change their lockers without authorization. Lockers should be locked at all times. Students are urged not to bring any valuables

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to School and only bring the money that is needed for the day. That money should be kept on them at all times. The School cannot accept responsibility for personal property, but provides lockers that help keep items secure. The School also reserves the right to search lockers and bags.

Book bags may be used to transport books to and from School. No bag may be carried during the school day or left out in the Community Court, Commons, College Counseling Office, hallways, or classrooms. This policy applies to not only backpacks but also to athletic bags and duffels. Students should use their lockers for storing and retrieving books and athletic equipment, and plan to access it several times a day if necessary. Those violating this rule may have their bags confiscated and repeat offenders may face disciplinary consequences.

Food Service Lunch and afternoon snack are provided daily to all students. Students should eat during their assigned lunch period. If they are free before their assigned lunch period, they may proceed with lunch as long as all students assigned to that lunch period have first been served.

Occasionally groups such as advisories or clubs may wish to order food from off campus for special occasions; this can only be done by an SLS faculty or staff member. Parents and students may not bring food from outside vendors to School for consumption on campus by either themselves or others.

Spaces Restricted to Students The following areas are off-limits to students at all times: fire escapes; roofs of buildings; driveways, and the parking lots during the academic day, including seniors unless they are leaving from or returning to School; all wooded areas; all storage areas; the Faculty Room; and the Copy Room.

In addition, the following areas may only be used by students if supervision is provided by a teacher:the Seldin Performing Arts Center; the Black Box Theater; the Computer Lab; the music rooms; the Center For Leadership; the Seminar Room; the Middle School gym; Athletic Center (including the Weight Room, Multi-Purpose Room, Bornstein Room, Whitcomb Room, Squash Courts, and Athletic Trainer’s office); department offices; and teachers’ offices. When walking to the Art House, students are to stay on the paved sidewalks at all times and are to step into the driveways or parking lots only at the designated crosswalks.

Bullying Bullying is defined as follows: A. the use by one or more students of a written, oral, or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another person, or B. a physical act or gesture by one or more students directed at another person, that: • causes physical or emotional harm to such person or damage to such person’s property, • places such person in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property, S cho ol H andb o ok 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7

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• creates a hostile environment at the School, • infringes on the rights of such person at School, or • substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of the School.

Bullying is strictly prohibited.

Bullying Reporting If any student believes that he/she is being bullied by another student, he/she is responsible for reporting this to a teacher or administrator in person, in writing or through a third party. Parents may also notify the School of suspected bullying. Division Heads will investigate any reports,as needed, and will notify the parents or guardians of students who allegedly bullied, as well as the parents of the alleged victims. The reported incident(s) and potential consequences will be discussed with the accused student(s). Deliberately false reports or accusations of bullying will not be tolerated.

Reports of bullying may be made anonymously; however, it is unlikely that the School will take any disciplinary action based on anonymous reports.

St. Luke’s prohibits retaliation or intimidation against bullied students or witnesses.

Hazing Hazing or any conduct or method of initiation into any organization or athletic team, which endangers the physical or mental health or safety of another student, is strictly forbidden.

“Hazing” is defined as any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization. “Hazing” includes, but is not be limited to: • Requiring indecent exposure of the body; • Requiring any activity that would subject the person to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation or extended isolation from social contact; • Confinement of the person to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary or unlighted areas; • Any assault upon the person; or • Requiring the ingestion of any substance or any other physical activity which could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual.

If any student believes that he or she was hazed or may be hazed in the future, the student is responsible for reporting such activity to a teacher or administrator in person, in writing, or through a third party.

St. Luke’s prohibits retaliation or intimidation against hazed students or witnesses.

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is defined as an unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or verbal, written or electronic information of a sexual nature when such conduct or information sharing is made a term or condition of a student’s educational success or creates an offensive or hostile

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educational environment. Students are encouraged to prevent, report and correct any instances of harassment whether committed by a student, employee or other individual on or off the School’s premises by promptly reporting the matter to the Head of School, Division Head, or Director of Character Education. The complaint will be promptly investigated and the complainant and alleged harasser will be informed of the outcome. The local police may be contacted, if appropriate.

As with other forms of harassment, the School will review complaints with as much confidentiality as possible, consistent with a full and fair resolution. St. Luke’s will not tolerate any form of retaliation or intimidation of harrassed students or witnesses.

Seniors Leaving Campus During the School Day Only seniors may have the privilege of leaving School during their lunch period, free periods or between the end of classes and afternoon activities. Seniors must submit permission slips signed by parents at the beginning of the year and sign out when leaving the building. This is a privilege that can be revoked. All other students must stay on campus until the end of their last commitment (including afternoon activities).

Student Driving and Parking on Campus Parking on campus at St. Luke’s is a convenience afforded to seniors only. The School does not permit any student to park on nearby roads. Carpools are strongly encouraged. Seniors parking on campus must register their car with the Director of Safety and Security and receive a parking permit, which must be displayed on the rear view mirror when on campus. Students who do not register their car properly at school are not permitted to park on campus. Campus speed limit is 10 m.p.h. Parking in the wrong place, speeding, texting while driving, and/or reckless driving on School grounds will result in the loss of the parking permit. Juniors and sophomores who have a driver’s license may not drive or park on campus during school hours, 7:45am to 3:00pm. Violation of this rule may result in a Saturday detention or in the suspension of parking privileges during senior year.

Things to remember: • Only seniors may park at School during the school day.

• Traffic by the School building circle is all ONE WAY. • Students must drive SLOWLY at all times. The campus speed limit is 10 m.p.h.

• Students must obey all of the rules of the road and operate their vehicle safely at all times.

• All cars driven by students must be registered with the Director of Safety and Security.

• Parking passes must be hung on the rearview mirror of any vehicle parked on campus.

• Students are not allowed to park along the hill or nearby roads at any time or in the “A”, “B or “E” parking lots. These parking lots are reserved for faculty, staff and visitors. Students may ONLY park in the “C” and “D” lots.

• Students may transport other students as passengers only if authorized by motor vehicle laws and with the consent of both the operator’s and the passenger’s parents.

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• Seniors may leave campus during free periods, provided there is a parental permission form on file and all off-campus rules are followed. When returning to campus, students are prohibited from parking in the faculty, staff, and visitor parking lots.

Parking Lot Designation A Lot: along the hill, closest to the main school building (for faculty/staff/visitors B Lot: next to the tennis courts (for faculty/staff/visitors only).

C Lot: past the footbridge, on the left; below the B Lot (for seniors).

D Lot: near the Art Building (for seniors and overflow parking).

E Lot: near the Athletic Center (for faculty/staff/visitors).

only).

Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in the temporary or permanent loss of the parking permit.

Illegal Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Students are prohibited from possessing, using or transferring illegal drugs or alcohol in violation of state or federal law, whether on or off campus or during a School-related activity. In addition, alcohol or tobacco use or possession is not permitted at any time anywhere on the School grounds or during any School-sponsored event, regardless of the age of the student. The School reserves the right to utilize a breathalyzer at School events. Additionally, suspected violations of the law may be reported to police authorities.

Sanctuary Policy The School’s Sanctuary Policy provides students with a way to access support around alcohol and substance abuse issues without concern that reaching out for help will trigger the disciplinary process. The use and abuse of alcohol and drugs can lead to serious health consequences; as a way of letting students know that their health and safety are of paramount concern, the School wants to encourage students to ask for help should they find themselves impaired or ill. Any student may invoke this policy on his or her own behalf, or on behalf of another student, simply by contacting anyone on the faculty, staff or administration at the School and using the term “Sanctuary.” Sanctuary may be invoked due to the ill-effects of recent ingestion of a banned substance, chronic substance use or abuse, or past use or abuse that may be impairing functioning at School. If a student is already involved in the disciplinary process due to alcohol or substance abuse, this Sanctuary Policy may not be invoked.

If a student invokes Sanctuary, he or she is immediately referred to an administrator, who will determine if immediate medical attention is warranted, and/or if any follow up evaluation or counseling is needed in an off-campus medical or substance abuse treatment program. The student’s parents, advisor and division head will also be notified of the student’s invocation of the Sanctuary Policy. The School reserves the right to notify parents if, in the School’s sole judgment, the student’s

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condition poses a substantial physical threat to his or her own well-being or the health and safety of others.

Behavioral Expectations While Away From Campus While enrolled at St. Luke’s School, students are required to abide by the Honor Code. When students are on School-sponsored trips or participating in School activities, they are expected to be on their best behavior at all times. St. Luke’s students whose conduct brings discredit or embarrassment upon themselves or the School may be disciplined, even if such misconduct occurs outside of the School or School-sponsored event, or outside of the school day or school year. These expectations apply as well to students’ use of computers, both inside and outside of School and on or off campus.

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Technology

Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy The St. Luke’s School’s Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy describes the approved use of the use of SLS and student-owned network devices whether connected to the Internet or not. Student use of technology is to be guided by the same principles identified in the Character and Honor section of this handbook. Unacceptable use of technology or the Internet can result in disciplinary action. Students who do not comply with this policy will be referred to the appropriate divisional authority. Use of technology and the Internet at St. Luke’s is a privilege, and students should not have an expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send or receive. St. Luke’s does review devices and user content from time-to-time to ensure compliance.

All computer and Internet use—whether on personal or school-issued devices - must be carried out in an appropriate manner. “Appropriate” in this context means in keeping with the St. Luke’s Honor Code - use that is honest, respectful, responsible, and kind—as well as conforming to all local, state, and federal laws. Each student is responsible for content they generate and store on their device(s), share on a data store, distribute via Email, or post to any social media platform. A good guideline is to ensure that all content created or accessed is on par with what might normally be found in a school or public library.

St. Luke’s recognizes that social media and online gaming platforms are widespread features of daily life for both students and teachers, and that teachers will occasionally use these platforms for the purposes of advancing the learning outcomes of their classes. However, currently enrolled students may not “friend,” “follow,” or game with any St. Luke’s employees on these platforms except under two conditions: the employee’s profile is a professional one which is completely open to the public (like Mr. Davis’ on Twitter); or they are connecting to their own parents, who are employees of the school.

Examples of Appropriate Use • Conduct online research and explore appropriate sites on the World Wide Web • Send electronic messages to other users, both in and outside of the SLS community • Connect SLS devices to the Internet while offsite • Post appropriate content to various blogs or social media sites so long as such activity does not violate the Honor Code • Use devices for academic, school-related, scheduling, organization and self-management purposes

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Students may NOT use Technology or the Internet at St . Luke’s to: • Engage in activities that are illegal, dangerous or disruptive, including discussion about committing these acts • Communicate using obscene, prejudicial, disrespectful or threatening language or pictures • Plagiarize using information found online. (See the section entitled “Plagiarism” in this handbook for more information.)

• Send, receive or use copyrighted material without permission, including computer software, text, video or audio clips.

• Email chain letters or spam. (Spamming is sending one or more annoying or unnecessary messages to large numbers of people.)

• Record audio or video images in school locker rooms or bathrooms

School-issued vs. Personal Devices School-issued iPad and laptop devices are intended to be used every day for classroom work, performing research, receiving school messages, maintaining calendars and communicating via email. Students are responsible for checking communication from their teachers and the school at least once each school day. School-issued iPads and laptops are to be brought—fully charged—to school each day.

Regardless of device ownership, all students are expected to refrain from using technology for personal reasons during time that would normally be devoted to school activities. No student may use a personal device in any manner not in agreement with this policy.

Blogging St. Luke’s web blogs are intended to provide a safe, structured, and educationally-oriented forum for students to share their writing and comment on the written work of others. The same acceptable use guidelines in this policy apply to SLS Blogs. Additionally, students must: • Not share passwords associated with their blog • Take personal responsibility for all of their writing. Users may not post anonymously, pose as someone else, nor allow another person to post posing as them • Not post links to content or materials that they have not thoroughly reviewed to ensure that referenced material meets with guidelines of this policy

Security and Privacy Students are expected to: • Use only their own or their SLS-issued devices, subscriptions and log-ins • Protect each device with a password. Passwords must be kept confidential.

• Leave asset tags (identification tags) on hardware and cases • Unlock the iPad or laptop at the request of any staff member, or parent/ guardian. Parents/ guardians are encouraged to regularly check the content of students’ iPads and laptops.

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Care and Maintenance of Files and Devices It is the responsibility of the user to backup his or her device on a regular basis. Every student should presume his or her hard device could fail at any time. In general, there should be no reason to save school work on the device’s hard drive - students will be trained how to backup the data on their devices to cloud storage.

Students are expected to care for their iPad and laptop both at school and at home. Devices should not be subjected to excessive weight, temperature extremes or direct sunlight. To prevent damage, cords and cables must be carefully inserted into the device. iPads and laptops come with school-issued cases, which must remain on the devices at all times. When not in use, close the case. This will save battery life and protect the screen. Device screens are delicate and should be treated gently. Devices should be cleaned with cotton or chamois screen cleaners. No chemical cleaners should be used.

SLS-issued devices and protective cases are the property of SLS—students may decorate and personalize their devices, but not damage them in any way.

Damage If a device should break or malfunction, the student should bring it immediately to the Brainstorm Lab (our own on-site SLS Genius Bar!). If a device needs to be sent for repair, the student will be provided with a loaner until repairs are complete. Neither laptops nor iPads should be brought to the Apple store - or any other repair store - as doing so will void the manufacturer’s warranty and the student would therefore be required to pay the complete replacement cost of the device.

Although students in the SLS 1+1 program pay a fee that covers the cost of the devices, software and maintenance, this fee does not cover all of the costs associated with lost or damaged devices. If a device breaks due to student negligence, the following fee schedule will be used: For iPads, 1st repair 2nd repair 3rd repair $ 50.00 $100.00

Full cost (which can range from $265 to $500 or more, depending on the model) For Laptops, a $75 service fee will be charged per incident.

For accessories, such as charging cables and cases, the first replacement will be at no charge.

Subsequent incidents will result in a charge for the full replacement cost.

Damage to the Operating System Changes to or altering of the device’s operating system, including jailbreaking, is prohibited.

Jailbreaking voids the device warrantee and may result in a fee and disciplinary action.

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Loss or Theft If an SLS-owned iPad or laptop is lost or stolen, it must be reported to the technology staff immediately. Status of the recovery should also be reported to the technology staff. Depending on the circumstances, students may be responsible for full replacement cost.

Personal Apps, Music and Games iPads and laptops are being implemented for educational activities, but it is recognized that students may want to add their own apps, music or games. Contingent on available space on the iPad or laptop, students may add their own apps, music, and games by using a personal or family Apple ID account. All apps, music and games are subject to the guidelines of this policy. This includes music lyrics. If unacceptable items are installed on the iPad or laptop, the device will be restored to its original content/image. SLS does not accept responsibility for the loss of any apps, music, games, or documents deleted from a student device due to a reformat and/or re-image of the device. The use of personal apps, music, texting and games while at SLS, is up to the classroom teacher or the personnel supervising a designated area or event. Violations will be reported to the Assistant Head of Middle School or the Upper School Dean of Students. Teachers may also remove the iPad or laptop from student use for their designated class period. Students may be asked to delete personal apps, music, photos or other content if storage space on the iPad or laptop is needed for academic purposes.

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Attendance

School Day The academic part of the school day runs from 8:00am until roughly 2:50pm most days; typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays students have a later, 9:00am start. Afterschool activities follow the academic school day: most Middle School activities and some Upper School activities run from roughly 3:00-3:45pm Monday-Thursday. JV and Varsity athletic practices run from 3:45-5:45pm Monday-Thursday and 3:30-5:30pm on Fridays.

School Delays/Cancellations Should weather or emergency conditions make it necessary to close School, to open late, or to dismiss early, announcements of early dismissal will be made: • on the School website at www.stlukesct.org • when possible, by phone message • when possible, on the following local radio and TV stations and websites: WGCH 1490 Greenwich; WSTC 1400 Stamford; WEBE 108; WCTZ 96.7 Fairfield County; WEFX 95.9; WNLK 1350;

Channel 6/Local NBC Channel 8/Local ABC Channel 12/NEWS 12 CT www.ctweather.com

When the administration deems it necessary to dismiss students early due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, parents will be contacted as soon as possible by both email and phone broadcast messages. Due to the sudden nature of these dismissals, families are encouraged to make arrangements with other St. Luke’s families so that they can carpool, in the event that a parent is not available for pick up. All students who drive will be allowed to leave on their own accord. Other students must wait for buses or parents in the designated areas in the School.

Daily Attendance All students, except for seniors, must be in school at the beginning of the school day, regardless of when they have their first class/study hall. St. Luke’s believes that regular school attendance and participation are essential for learning. All students should make every effort to attend class so that they may take full advantage of the School environment. In addition, the lessons learned by making every effort to meet one’s commitments on time are important for life-long habits. Consequently, St. Luke’s has adopted the following absence policies.

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Class attendance is recorded for each class. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teachers immediately upon return to make up any missed assignments.

Failure to make these arrangements or to follow the make-up test policy can result in failure on that assignment.

A student who misses more than twelve days in a single class in a semester and is not on approved medical leave (see below) automatically will receive a penalty to his or her grade. At absence #13, a student will receive an automatic 2/3 grade drop. i.e., an A grade lowers to a B+, a B- grade lowers to a C, etc. With each successive absence, that student will receive an additional 1/3 letter grade drop, i.e., a student with 16 absences and an A average in a course would have to have his/her grade lower to C+ [absence #13= 2/3 drop (to B+), then absences #14-16= 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 drop (to C+)].

Seniors interested in attending meetings with college representatives when they visit St. Luke’s should sign up through Naviance. Students must ask teachers at least one day in advance for permission to miss class if the meeting conflicts with a class.

If it is determined that a student has cut a class, he or she may not receive credit for any work due during that class period and will likely serve a Saturday detention.

All absences from class count toward the limit of 12 per semester, unless the absence is exempt (see below). All absences from School should be reported by 9:00am. Parents should email: attendance@stlukesct.org.

Exempt Absences Student absences are exempted in following circumstances: • Religious holidays not marked by the School calendar • School-sponsored field trip or early dismissals for SLS athletics • Up to five approved college visit days for seniors (fall/spring) and up to three approved college visit days for juniors in the spring term only • Medical leave and medically documented absence (see Health and Wellness Section)

Planned Absences When students miss school for a planned event, they should obtain a planned absence form and bring it to all of their teachers for signatures. This process ensures that students have conversations with their teachers before they miss class. Before leaving, a student must bring the form to the Assistant Head of Middle School or Assistant Upper School Dean of Students so that it can be properly recorded. Absences due to family trips or extended vacations during the academic year are strongly discouraged.

College Visit Absences College visits require a student to submit a form available from the College Counseling office one week prior to the proposed college visit, stating specific dates that they plan to visit. Seniors are S cho ol H andb o ok 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7

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exempt for up to five days of school for college visits and juniors are exempt for up to three days of school for college visits (only spring for juniors). Before leaving, a student must bring the form to the Assistant Upper School Dean of Students so that it can be properly recorded.

Attendance to Participate in Afternoon Activities A student must attend classes in order to participate in afternoon activities. Students who are absent from more than half their classes may not participate in afternoon activities on that school day unless the appropriate Division Head makes an exception.

Leaving School During the School Day Students who leave School during the school day or are picked up early must bring a note from their parents to the School Nurse before they leave campus. Students are not permitted to leave the campus without this note first being delivered to the Nurse during the school day, which officially ends with the completion of afternoon activities. Exception: Seniors who have no obligations on campus and have a signed off-campus permission form. All students leaving campus during the school day, or being picked up early, must sign out at the front desk.

Punctuality Students are urged to arrive at school on time. Chronic lateness to school and to class is disruptive to the learning environment and detrimental to the student’s academic progress.

If a student receives three First Period Tardies, the student will receive a notification to speak with the appropriate administrator in an effort to determine the cause of the tardiness.

Six First Period Tardies will result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action would be applied in increments of three. For example, disciplinary action would apply when a student hits six, nine, twelve, and fifteen First Period Tardies.

First Period Tardy Policy:

If a student receives three combined Tardies during the school day (not including First Period Tardies), the student will receive a notification to speak with the appropriate administrator, in an effort to figure out the cause of the student’s tardiness.

If a student receives six combined Tardies (not including First Period Tardies), that would result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action would also apply in increments of three. For example, disciplinary action would apply when a student hits six, nine, twelve, and fifteen tardies.

Please note that disciplinary and academic consequences, based on the number of Tardies, are not related. Academic consequences rest in the hands of each student’s individual teachers, in consultation with the Division Heads. Disciplinary action is generally handled by the Upper School Dean of Students or the Assistant Head of Middle School.

School Day Tardy Policy:

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Discipline

Discipline at St. Luke’s School is based on the assumption that all students and their parents have chosen to be a part of this community and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the School’s mission. Students whose behavior reflects the School’s objectives will find that the School is flexible and willing to consider increased responsibility and privileges. Students whose behavior doesn’t reflect the School’s objectives will find the School less flexible and that their privileges may be curtailed.

Most important to the functioning of the St. Luke’s community are issues of physical and emotional well being, honesty, respect, and responsibility. On a daily basis, students are required to arrive to classes on time, in dress code, and prepared for the lesson. Respect for the learning environment in each class is critical to the School’s success as an academic community. Failure to meet these basic requirements on a regular basis will raise the question of the suitability of the St. Luke’s environment for that student.

Students should be aware that when they are in the presence of others who are behaving inappropriately or breaking School rules, all students present are subject to the same consequences.

Therefore, those not participating in the activity should, at a minimum, remove themselves from the situation.

Students in poor disciplinary standing may be denied the opportunity to participate in any School-sponsored trip or activity.

Honor Council Upper School disciplinary infractions that challenge our Honor Code may require a student to meet with the Honor Council. This group comprises teachers and students who represent the community and help determine the appropriate response.

The Honor Council is selected in the spring of the previous year by peer and faculty election.

The Honor Council is led by the Director of Character Education and includes five seniors, three juniors, two sophomores, and several faculty representatives. When a student engages in activity that goes against the School’s Honor Code, he or she may be asked to speak to the Honor Council about that offense. The Honor Council is convened at the discretion of the Upper School Dean of Students or Head of Upper School. The Council’s recommendations will go to either to the Dean of Students or Division Head for a final decision. Students appearing before the Honor Council may be accompanied by their advisor. Parents may not attend these meetings. All information shared in the Honor Council meeting remains confidential.

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Major Offenses The following offenses and their likely consequences do not address every situation, but suggest serious concerns that are not tolerated at St. Luke’s School. Students may be disciplined for any conduct, on or off School grounds, which is illegal, contrary to School policies, which is disruptive of the educational process or endangers persons or property. Major offenses, which may result in probation, suspension or dismissal include but are not limited to the following: • Theft, vandalism or destruction of property of others or the School • Possession or use of any firearm, knife, explosive or dangerous object of no reasonable • approved School usage • Possession, sale, use or transfer of alcohol, tobacco or any illegal drug or controlled substance • Assault on another person • Bullying, hazing or other abusive behavior • Sexual harassment, racial harassment, or harassment of any other group protected by law • Cheating or academic dishonesty • Distribution or electronic transmission of material that contains obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, disrespectful, threatening, discriminatory, prejudicial, false, defamatory or otherwise inappropriate language or pictures, as determined by the School in its sole discretion.

In addition, if a student engages in behavior, on or off campus, which endangers her or his safety or welfare, the safety or welfare of others, or which is seriously disruptive of the educational environment, the student may be disciplined, up to and including separation from St. Luke’s School.

Disciplinary Infractions Certain other offenses are considered serious within the St. Luke’s community. Normally, the School will act on the first violation of any of the following infractions with a written or verbal warning, a Saturday detention, loss of privileges, Administrative Review, Warning, Disciplinary Probation, or Suspension. Examples of such infractions include but are not limited to: cutting class, leaving campus without permission, smoking tobacco, aggressive behavior, or behavior that is disruptive or annoying to others at School or on School buses or vans.

Disrespectful behavior is not tolerated at St. Luke’s School. When a student is engaged in activities that have a negative impact on the character or property of the School, they can expect serious consequences, including separation from St. Luke’s School.

Middle School Discipline Philosophy Given the playfulness, energy, and unique qualities of the Middle School student, St. Luke’s School recognizes the need to seize upon “teachable moments,” and provide for greater flexibility in matters of discipline for minor infractions. Major offenses will require strict action and will be addressed as set forth in this Handbook. The primary goal of Middle School discipline for

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infractions is to educate students about the consequences of unacceptable behavior, to curb such behavior, to teach accountability and to help foster the Middle School belief that moral character and good citizenship are the cornerstones of adolescent development. To help students make the necessary connection between behavior and consequences, more immediate action and parental involvement may be required. To this end, Middle School discipline often involves the personal attention of the Head of Middle School, the Assistant Head of Middle School and/or the Middle School Counselor.

Types of Disciplinary Action Behavior Agreement: The

Division Head, Assistant Division Head, or Dean of Students will follow up with a student who is not behaving in accordance with St. Luke’s School expectations.

Follow up with students will include a meeting with the student, possibly a letter home and a Behavior Agreement that both indicates what the student will do to correct behavior and outlines consequences if the behavior is not changed.

Students committing minor disciplinary infractions may receive a Detention. In the Middle School, detention is served from 3:00-3:45pm on the day it is assigned. In the Upper School, detention is served in the morning from 7:15-8:00am. Any exception to the date must be cleared with the Assistant Head of MS or the US Dean of Students. A student who receives more than three detentions in a year may also be assigned to a Saturday Detention.

Detention:

Saturday Detention: Students

report to St. Luke’s on the appointed Saturday from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. The student will be assigned to a specific classroom or given specific tasks to complete during the detention. Please note that parents may not excuse a student from a Saturday Detention. Any exception to the assigned date must be cleared with the Assistant Head of MS or the US Dean of Students.

In the event that a student is suspected of a serious disciplinary infraction, misconduct or behavior which may present a threat to herself or himself or others, the student may be immediately placed on Administrative Review and, if appropriate, sent home from School pending the School’s investigation and determination regarding the appropriate disciplinary action, if any. Once the matter has been investigated and reviewed, the student may be placed on Warning or Disciplinary Probation, suspended, dismissed, referred to the Honor Council (in the case of Upper School students–see below), given another disciplinary consequence, or returned to regular status as determined appropriate at the discretion of the Head of School or Division Head.

Administrative Review:

Warning: Warning

may be recommended by the Honor Council and/or assigned at the discretion of either the Head of School or Division Head when there is a serious concern about behavior, attitude, or either a specific incident or series of incidents that call into question the student’s short or long term likelihood of success at St. Luke’s. The length of the warning period, and the responsibilities of the student while on Warning, will vary depending on the specific context and nature of the concerns. The purpose of a Warning is to express the School’s level of concern about the student’s

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future and to offer the student an opportunity to learn from mistakes, thereby maintaining her or his good standing at St. Luke’s School.

Disciplinary Probation: Probation

is the most serious warning status for students. It may be recommended by the Honor Council and/or assigned at the discretion of either the Head of School or Division Head. The student is warned that subsequent offenses can result in dismissal. Students on Disciplinary Probation will not be allowed to attend School-sponsored social events or trips. If a student on probation would like to attend a School-sponsored event, he or she may submit a written request to the Division Head. In addition, for those students who are on probation, re-enrollment contracts will be withheld for the year and reviewed by the Division Head at the end of the year.

Other specific conditions of a Disciplinary Probation may be outlined for each student individually.

Serious disciplinary infractions or misconduct will result in Suspension or Dismissal from St. Luke’s School as determined appropriate in the absolute discretion of the Division Head or Head of School.

Suspension may be either short-term or long-term. Short-term suspension is usually served out of School and may last for up to one week. During this time, students are separated from the community so that they can reconsider their commitment to St. Luke’s School. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate conversations with teachers regarding how and when any missed work will be made up. Any work that a student does not make up will receive a zero.

Long-term suspension results in the student’s withdrawal from the School for a specified period of up to one year. The student must enroll at another school and have a satisfactory academic and behavioral experience there. The student may apply for re-admission after a designated period if certain requirements are met.

Students may not come to campus during a suspension, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Division Head. Students returning from a suspension are generally placed on Disciplinary Probation.

Dismissal is a permanent separation from St. Luke’s School and will be imposed for serious disciplinary infractions, misconduct or a pattern of poor behavior, in addition to the failure of parents to comply with comportment and School support policies and/or the terms of the Enrollment Contract, as determined by the absolute discretion of the Head of School.

Suspension or Dismissal:

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Health, Wellness, Safety and Security

School Nurse There is a full-time School Nurse on campus. She evaluates students who become ill during the school day and contacts their parents as appropriate. The School Nurse is available in her office five days per week. Nursing services are provided from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The nurse is also responsible for ensuring that all student medical forms are current and on file.

Illness We respectfully ask that students who are sick remain at home. The Nurse will call home and ask that any student with clear symptoms be picked up from School. Students should be kept at home for a minimum of 24 hours following fever, vomiting, or other like symptoms.

Medical Leave In extreme mental or physical health situations, which require everyone to prioritize the student’s recovery, the School, or the student and his or her parents, may recommend or request a short or long-term medical leave for the student. In the case of chronic illnesses and other severe medical issues that recur, the student may be eligible for a Medically Documented Absence. Information about these policies may be obtained from the School Nurse or the appropriate Division Head. The details of a student’s medical leave will be worked out individually with each family needing such a provision.

Medical Requirements, Health Records, Regulations and Access In order to attend School and participate in afternoon activities, all students must have an Emergency Information Form, annual physical and an updated immunization record on file in the School Nurse’s office. Students who are ill and need to be excused from physical education or other athletic activities for three consecutive classes or days must provide a note from a physician. A student who requires medical attention due to an injury may not return to gym or afternoon sports activities without a medical disposition from a physician.

School health records serve two purposes: information must be on file with the School to comply with state health and immunization regulations, and the School requires a current record for each student in order to facilitate the handling of an emergency situation.

Parents are asked to provide the School with information about their children’s physical and emotional health. In part, this information is obtained to comply with state law; it is also needed to

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keep the School well-informed of the health of all students. The School is sensitive to the privacy of this information and is committed to protecting the confidentiality of students and their families by restricting the use of and access to this information for necessary medical management only, in accordance with applicable law.

Medications at School If a student requires medications, please request a prescription dosage that does not require administration during School hours. If medications must be administered during School hours, contact the Nurse with details. The Nurse keeps a written record of the administration of medication including dose, date, time, and name of the person administering it. Prescription and non-prescription medicines (including Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and cough syrup) cannot be administered without the completion of a Medication Authorization form, which includes specific written instructions regarding the name of the medicine, dosage, and dates and times to be administered.

Unmarked or old medications will not be administered.

For the School to administer PRESCRIPTION medications, the following are required: • Medication must be in its original container; • A written parental authorization must be on file in the School Health Office; andA current, written order from the student’s health care provider indicating what the medication is for, name of the student, dosage, times per day, and number of days the medication is to be administered (the label on the medication will suffice).

For the School to administer NON-PRESCRIPTION oral medications (Ibuprofen, etc.) and topical medications (sunscreen, ointments, etc.), the following is required: • Completion of the “Non-Prescription Medication Form” to be filed with the School Health Office (included in your back-to-school packet);Written order from a health care provider each time the medication is required; and Medication must be in its original container.

Nut-Based Products St. Luke’s has adopted a policy to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to both peanuts and tree nuts. Nuts are a leading cause of potentially life threatening food allergies, and ingesting, touching or even inhaling a derivative of a nut-based product can cause severe reactions in those who suffer from nut allergies.

St. Luke’s School will not serve nuts or peanut butter, or use peanut oil products, in the cafeteria or in the preparation of School food or School-provided snacks. Students, parents and staff should not bring any food product containing nuts or nut products to School, including peanut butter or items made with peanut oil. Please be vigilant in checking the ingredients on food you bring or send with your child to School. Please be aware that many baked goods, which appear to be nut-free, may in fact be produced with peanut oil or other nut products. While on campus, students should not share food with others or consume any food with unknown ingredients.

If your child has food allergies, please notify the School, including information about possible

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reaction, any medication and emergency procedures and contacts. St. Luke’s does not warrant and cannot guarantee that our campus will be completely nut-free. Accordingly, students with food allergies should never eat food provided by other students or with unknown ingredients. In

Emergencies The School Nurse will attempt to contact parents regarding illness or injury, minor or serious, but in circumstances that warrant immediate attention when the School is unable to reach the parents/ guardians, designated emergency contacts, or the student’s physician to determine appropriate management. In the event of a serious emergency, an ambulance will be called, the students will be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room, and parents will be notified immediately. Emergency situations arising on campus will generally be referred to Norwalk Hospital, which is the nearest to the School. The School neither diagnoses nor treats injuries that occur on non-School time, but does offer temporary first aid for problems that arise during School. If a student complains of a persistent earache, sore throat, rashes, or joint pain, such complaints warrant a call to the student’s pediatrician.

Parents must ensure that Emergency Forms are kept up-to-date. Please remember, it is most important that the School have current home, work and cell phone numbers for parents/guardians, day care providers, or others (relatives, friends, or neighbors) who routinely assume temporary care of the student if the student’s parent(s) cannot be reached.

Parents will be notified of an illness or injury that may require follow-up medical care. A medical release form must be on file for every student, allowing the School to obtain necessary medical assistance.

Community Support Services Team St. Luke’s School addresses the health and wellness of our students through numerous initiatives intended to educate the whole student. Our Community Support Services Team (CSST) is an important component of our student care. In addition, we have a team of professionals who are available for student and parent consultation. The Community Support Services Team is led by the Upper School Health and Wellness Coordinator and the Middle School Counselor. Everyone on the CSST is available to meet individually with students, parents, or teachers to discuss their concerns, but none should be regarded as a student’s on-going therapist. They may determine, after meeting with a student, that additional support is advisable and may refer a student to support outside of School.

Confidentiality Members of the School community commit themselves to maintaining appropriate professional tact and discretion with regard to confidential information they receive. However, confidential information may be disclosed to the Head of School, appropriate administrators, outside

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professionals, law enforcement officers, parent/guardians or others when there is a compelling reason for doing so, including, without limitation, in cases of health and safety emergencies (when students or others are in imminent danger of harm); when there is concern about an individual’s ability to function academically, emotionally, physically, and/or mentally within the School environment; or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Connecticut law requires “Mandated Reporters”, who have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused, neglected, or placed in imminent risk of serious harm, to report these suspicions in compliance with applicable state law. The following employees are Mandated Reporters: teachers, substitute teachers, School administrators, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, physicians, school paraprofessionals and coaches; and any other person who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students.

What Must Be Reported A report must be made when any Mandated Reporter employed by the School, in his or her professional capacity, has reasonable cause to suspect or to believe that a child under the age of eighteen: • has been abused; • has had non-accidental physical injuries or physical injuries which are at variance with the history given for them, inflicted by a person responsible for the child’s health, welfare or care, or by a person given access to such child by a responsible person; • has been neglected; or • has been placed in imminent risk of serious harm.

Reporting Procedures for Statutory Mandated Reporters When a Mandated Reporter suspects or believes that a child has been abused, neglected, or has been placed in imminent risk of serious harm, the Mandated Reporter and/or the School will notify the Department of Children and Families (the “Department”), and the parents or guardians of the student involved as appropriate under the circumstances.

Investigation of the Report As appropriate, the School will cooperate with any investigation by the Department of Children and Families and/or by a law enforcement agency. Furthermore, the School may conduct it own investigation of any reports that a student has been abused, neglected, or has been placed in imminent risk of serious harm, as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

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Fire Drills, Lockdown and Alarms Fire drills and lockdown drills will be held during the year to ensure quick and orderly safety procedures are followed in the buildings. Since the unnecessary use of fire extinguishers presents a serious safety hazard to the people inside the School, the School prohibits students from using an extinguisher for any reason other than its intended use. Students should be aware that the pulling of fire alarms is not only against School rules, but it is also a crime. In the case of a fire drill or fire alarm, students must remain outside the building until recalled by a member of the administration.

Campus Safety Inspection of all lockers, desks, cabinets, files, briefcases and backpacks, automobiles and other places or items on campus is possible at any time if the School deems it necessary. Students exercise control over their belongings in relation to other students, but not from the School and its officials, or law enforcement.

Visitors to Campus For the safety of our students, our Visitor Pass policy includes parents, family members, alumni, and visitors from outside of the School community. Upon arrival, all visitors are requested to check in with the Main Office to obtain a Visitor’s Pass from the Receptionist.

All student visitors must be approved by the Director of Admission or Division Head in advance of their visit. Visitors who have not been approved will be asked to leave the campus.

Students may not bring friends to campus unless the visitors are serious admission candidates.

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Athletics

Athletics at St. Luke’s play an integral role in the whole development of the student experience. St. Luke’s athletic program has a strong tradition of excellence among independent day schools in New England, Westchester County, and lower Fairfield County. Our teams have won over 15 Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) league and eight New England Championships in the past ten years.

Many of our student- athletes move on to play at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels as well as on competitive collegiate club teams.

It is our philosophy that all students should have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics where sportsmanship, leadership and a commitment to team and self are emphasized. St. Luke’s offers competitive teams at the middle school, thirds, junior varsity and varsity levels. At the middle school level, teamwork, participation and skill development are the focal points. At the varsity and sub-varsity levels our student-athletes compete at the highest level and are encouraged to continue playing at the next level.

We offer varsity teams in cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, squash, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, skiing, baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, and tennis. Our teams compete in the FAA and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) divisions.

Our highly dedicated and professional coaching staff are committed to providing the finest athletic experience for all of our student-athletes.

At St. Luke’s, we honor the three sport athlete and encourage all of our students to try new sports, learn from different coaches, and most importantly enjoy their athletic experience. For more thorough information on the School’s athletics offerings, schedules and policies, please consult the School’s website.

Eligibility and Participation Students are required to have a current physical and immunization records on file to attend St. Luke’s.

The Athletic Department and Sports Medicine Team provide a day each June for students to have their physicals on campus. Students may also submit physical forms completed by their family physicians.

Participation is required in the fall and spring seasons and is encouraged, but optional, in the winter season for students in grades five through eleven. Students in grade twelve may be exempt from one of the three seasons. In exceptional cases, waivers of the activity requirement may be granted for students who demonstrate a substantial commitment to a sport that the School does not currently offer. Students should see the Assistant Head of Middle School or the Upper School Dean of Students for information about waivers.

For further information on the athletic program, policies and information, please refer to the Parent-Student Athletic Handbook on the website.

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Excused Absences from Physical Education or Athletics Any student who is to be excused from physical education or athletics must bring in a medical excuse signed by a doctor and present it to the School Nurse. For the first day of an excused absence from physical education, a parent note is acceptable. For excused absences from physical education for more than one day, a doctor’s note is necessary.

Fairchester Athletic Association Sportsmanship Policy As members of the The Fairchester Athletic Association, St. Luke’s abides by the League’s Sportsmanship Policy.

The FAA League promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and fans. The League expects all spectators to respect the efforts of the players, coaches, and officials by positive cheering throughout the entire event. The use of inappropriate language, racial or ethnic slurs, or personal insults will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the athletic event.

Spectators should not address the opposing coaches, players, or officials before, during, or after the athletic event. Noisemakers are not permitted. Spectators, coaches, and players are expected to respect the facility rules of the opposing school. Play Hard - Play Fair - Play with High Values.

Communication Please refer to the Athletic Calendar on the School’s website which is updated regularly, or call the Main Office for last minute changes due to weather and daily events.

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Leadership, Clubs and Activities

Afternoon Activities St. Luke’s offers a wide array of afternoon activities to enrich the educational experience of our students. These include athletics as well as theater arts, a school newspaper, and a variety of other programs led by faculty and staff.

Students in grades five through eleven are required to participate in a fall season and a spring season afternoon activity; participation in the winter season is encouraged but optional. Students in grade twelve may be exempt from one of the three seasons. Students should see the Assistant Head of Middle School or the Upper School Dean of Students for information about waivers.

Clubs Part of the mission of St. Luke’s School is to provide opportunities that go beyond the academic experience and contribute to the development of the whole student—that is the social, emotional and physical growth of each student. Clubs broaden students’ experiences at St. Luke’s by providing them with an opportunity to participate in a variety of experiences. Clubs must have a faculty advisor and are overseen by the Director of Character Education. Note that participation in a club does not fulfill the fall and spring season after school activity requirement.

Student clubs may engage in fundraising activities as approved by their faculty advisors. All money collected needs to be turned in immediately to the Business Office or to the SLS employee supervising the event.

Dances Dances are scheduled throughout the year and are open to St. Luke’s Upper School students.

Students must check in with the faculty chaperone when they arrive, and once they leave the dance, they may not return and they must leave campus immediately.

Each St. Luke’s student may bring one guest from another high school. The guest is the responsibility of the St. Luke’s student and must provide his or her name, high school, parent name, and parent phone number upon arriving at the dance. The guest and the sponsor must arrive at the dance together and leave together.

Separate guidelines for the St. Luke’s Prom are sent to students and families each spring.

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Community Service The St. Luke’s School motto, “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve,” is reflected in our community service requirement. Throughout their St. Luke’s experience, students have an opportunity to become involved in service activities, which encourage them to share their talents with the community and develop lifelong habits of giving. Our community service program is coordinated by the Director of Character Education and is facilitated by parent volunteers.

In the Middle School, the class projects are centered on a theme for the year. While classes may adjust their activities according to community need, their activities generally follow certain themes.

Examples of recent grade themes include The Elderly, The Environment, Hunger and Homelessness, and Children in Need.

In the Upper School, each student is required to complete 80 hours of community service outside of the School in order to graduate. In order for an Upper School student to receive credit for his or her community service hours, the work must be on a volunteer (non-paid) basis and for a non-profit organization. If a student volunteers at a for-profit agency, the student may have half of those hours count toward this requirement. In each case, the student must document the hours and have his or her supervisor send a letter to the Director of Character Education at St. Luke’s. (It is usually best to discuss the method of hourly record keeping with the supervisor when one begins working for an organization.) In addition, there is an opportunity for students to earn community service hours through a formal reflection on their service work. If there are any questions about this requirement, students should speak to the Director of Character Education.

We reiterate that while enrolled at St. Luke’s, students are representing the School, on or off campus. Students should therefore remember that at all times, their manner and behavior reflects on the entire St. Luke’s community.

Posters and Decoration of School Spaces Team captains, club leaders, and others wishing to hang posters or flyers should use bulletin boards where possible. Please take the posters and flyers down promptly after the event.

Students wishing to decorate for a larger event should coordinate with the Assistant Head of Middle School and the Upper School Dean of Students. There is a dedicated space in the Student Commons for festive decorations.

Academic and Afternoon Activity Conflicts Although active participation in afternoon activities is an essential part of the School experience, a student’s first priority at St. Luke’s is his or her academic work and class attendance. Therefore, extra help will take precedence over practice, particularly for students in academic difficulty.

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Parents

Communication St. Luke’s School values and encourages the active involvement and support of the parents of its students. In order to foster this involvement and support, timely, honest, and meaningful communication is essential. A number of different vehicles exist to provide the opportunity for this communication.

Relationships with our families are facilitated by regular contact. Parents and students can use either phone or email for communicating with teachers, advisors and administrators. In general, if parents have questions or concerns regarding their children’s experience at St. Luke’s, their first point of contact is the student’s advisor.

Each student is assigned an advisor who is the person for teachers, coaches, and parents to consult when a student concern arises. This faculty or staff member is the student and parents’ primary point person for all matters and helps students understand what it means to be a student at St. Luke’s School. Advisors have a sense of what is going on with their advisees in School, and any significant events outside of school should be related to the advisor so that he or she can support the student appropriately. Advisors work closely with Class Deans in the Upper School to coordinate support for students as needed. The role of the advisor becomes increasingly significant in the Upper School as students become more independent in advocating for themselves. Parents and students should feel free to contact the advisor throughout the year.

Communication on Campus • In September, parents are invited to a Parents’ Night, where, after hearing introductory comments from the respective Division Heads, they visit each of their child’s classes. Teachers provide an overview of the course curriculum and answer general questions about the course.

• Parent-Student-Advisor Conferences are also scheduled on a half-day in mid-September.

• October marks the annual State of the School, which includes a reception followed by a presentation by the Head of School and the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

• In November, two days are set aside for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parents have the opportunity to meet with each of their child’s teachers to discuss the student’s progress toward goals for the year.

• Parent-Student-Advisor Conferences are scheduled for a half-day in May for Middle School families.

• Conferences may also be arranged at other times during the year. If either a parent or teacher feels the need to meet, a conference involving parents and all of the child’s teachers can be coordinated by the advisor.

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• Parents may also contact their child’s advisor to discuss concerns or to ask both general and specific questions about the School. Normally, advisors will contact parents at the beginning of the year and then periodically throughout the year.

• The Parents’ Association has meetings during which time is set aside for presentations and questions/answer sessions with different School personnel and departments.

Written Communication • Report cards are prepared and made available online at the end of each semester. Students will receive performance “snapshots” roughly halfway through the semester.

• Advisors will also write a one to two paragraph summary of each advisee’s overall development during the school year. This summary will be included as a comment on the second semester report card.

• Teachers may send Academic Progress Reports (APRs) at any time to inform parents about significant academic events or trends at School, both positive and negative. Advisors, Division Heads, and other appropriate administrators receive copies of these reports.

• Useful publications are the Curriculum Guide, which includes the St. Luke’s course of study, departmental goals, and course descriptions; this Handbook, which includes school policies, procedures and other important information; and the Directory.

• The School’s Web site, www.stlukesct.org serves as a key communication tool for everyone in the St. Luke’s community. The site contains a vast amount of information about programs, faculty, activities and events. It may be used to check the school calendar for all events and Parents’ Association activities, review daily homework assignments, view report cards, see photo galleries of recent School happenings, learn about opportunities for giving, read about general School news and much more.

• Publications include 377, The Magazine for St. Luke’s School, and the Annual Report.

• The School and the Parents’ Association use email regularly to communicate important news or upcoming events. From the classroom teacher, to the Department Chairs, to the Division Heads, to the Class Deans, to the Advisors, to other members of the School administration, St. Luke’s School is committed to communicating actively with parents to keep them adequately informed about their children’s education, growth, and development.

Enrollment Contracts Enrollment agreements are sent to families each February. Students may not attend classes or participate in any school related activities unless a properly executed enrollment agreement is submitted to the School in a timely manner. Enrollment agreements will be sent to returning students only if all financial obligations are current and the School is generally satisfied with the student’s academic performance or behavior. Please see the Re- Enrollment Policy below for additional information.

Unless Tuition Refund Insurance is purchased and the Insurance covers the tuition, once an enrollment agreement has been signed and accepted by the School, parents are responsible for the full tuition for the academic year, regardless of the reason for withdrawal.

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Re-enrollment The Director of Admission will send personal invitation letters, accompanied by an enrollment contract, to students in good standing, dependent on successful completion of the school year. In the case of a student’s failure to meet the conditions of either Academic or Disciplinary Probation, the contract may be rescinded. For students whose contracts are initially withheld, for whatever reason, a final decision will be made in June and the decision will be communicated to the student’s parents by the Head of School or Division Head. Course registration in the spring will be made only for returning students whose contracts and registration fee have been received and whose current year tuition balances are not in arrears. Families who miss the deadline for turning in their enrollment contracts will forfeit their place in the class.

Parents’ Association Fundraising The Parents’ Association (PA) conducts numerous events throughout the year, including fundraising events. In the past, PA fundraisers have included a community cookbook, a spring gathering with an auction, and a wishing tree. Gifts to Parents’ Association fundraisers support a number of educational and informational programs, student and parent social activities at every grade level, and classroom and curricular enhancements.

Charitable Giving St. Luke’s is able to meet the current needs of its students and plan for the future because of the generous support of parents, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends who include St. Luke’s in their annual charitable giving plans. As an independent school, St. Luke’s is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization and does not receive any governmental support. While tuition is the School’s main source of income, it does not cover the full cost of educating each student. Voluntary giving is integral to the School’s health and is a testimony to a strong community of families that care about St. Luke’s.

Donations to St. Luke’s School directly benefit the student body by providing needed funds to offer better compensation packages to teachers, buy equipment, build facilities, and attract a diverse student body. In aggregate, strong participation among families signifies support for the work of the faculty and is an important benchmark to foundations that fund independent school programs and to prospective families looking at St. Luke’s School.

Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to get involved in the philanthropic life of the School. If you have any questions, please contact the Development Office.

The Annual Fund Voluntary tax-deductible contributions to the Annual Fund help to bridge the gap between tuition revenues and annual operating expenses. Contributions to the Annual Fund support school operations including:

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• Faculty compensation • Curriculum development • Academic and extracurricular programs Buildings & grounds maintenance The Annual Fund is launched each October with the help of a team of dedicated parent volunteers. All parents are asked to support the Annual Fund each year, and their support is recognized in the School’s Annual Report.

Campaigns While the Annual Fund provides “money to live by,” a Capital Campaign raises “money to grow by.” Capital Campaigns are intensive, multi-year fundraising efforts to secure support for special initiatives, such as facility enhancements, endowments and program development. St. Luke’s periodically conducts Capital Campaigns and it is our hope that you will consider participating in these efforts in a way that is meaningful to you.

Special Projects All proposed fundraising initiatives should be explored in conjunction with the Development Office to ensure that fundraising is beneficial and timed for maximum benefit to the School.

Planned Giving Making a bequest to St. Luke’s School allows families to make a significant charitable gift to the School without exhausting assets earmarked for current personal needs. The Hilltop Society includes anyone who has made a planned gift or who has designated St. Luke’s as a beneficiary in his or her will.

Drop Off/Pick Up The School asks that parents assist to improve the drop-off and pick-up process. Following these steps may alleviate long car back-ups, particularly at the beginning or end of the school day: • Carpool, if possible, or use School van transportation, when available.

• Discuss with your child your pick-up location and have him or her wait for you there. (St. Luke’s discourages Middle School students from meeting their parents by the Art House, as that area is not regularly supervised.)

• If you arrive at your agreed upon location and your child is not there, please move out of the road or circle and allow others to move up to those students who are ready and waiting. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

• Please arrange your arrival time for no earlier than the end of the school day, and encourage your child to do the same, as early arrivals may lead to long lines and delays.

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No Idling The School’s commitment to being as environmentally friendly as possible has led to the establishment of a No Idling Policy. All drivers who are waiting in their cars for student pick-up must turn off their engines if they anticipate being stationary for more than two minutes. Idling releases many fumes and toxins into the air that are harmful to our community as well as the atmosphere. Your cooperation with this policy is appreciated.

Messages and Materials Parents and students are strongly urged to be clear about their after-school pick-up time and place to avoid confusion prior to coming to School. In the event of an emergency, if parents need to contact their child during the day, they may leave a message with the Receptionist. Messages will not be hand-delivered to students in class, except in the case of an extreme emergency. Please be aware that students cannot be paged over the public address system unless it is an absolute emergency.

Any pick-up or delivery of student materials is also handled through the Receptionist. If students forget something at home, such as homework or athletic gear, parents are asked to remember that natural consequences are an important part of how children and teenagers learn.

Before rushing the forgotten item to school, parents should consider whether the moment can be an opportunity for learning and growth.

Current Family Contact Information The School must have current contact information for parents or caregivers. If parents move during the year, or if a home, office, or mobile number or email address changes, parents should email new information to websiteupdates@stlukesct.org. All address and contact information changes are required in writing or via email to guarantee an accurate recording of information.

Dual Households and Disagreements Between Parents St. Luke’s School is required by law to assume, and will assume, subject only to the exception specified below, that each natural or adoptive parent has equal rights and obligations in all matters concerning that child. The law directs us further to assume that neither natural parent has any exclusionary or directive power regarding the rights and obligations of the other parent. To that end, St. Luke’s requires that the names and contact information of both custodial parents be given to the School upon enrollment. Both parents will then receive all relevant information. The only exception to this policy will be when the School is provided with certified copies of court-recorded divorce or other documents that permit or direct one parent to make definitive decisions with regard to that child. When scheduling Parent- Advisor, Parent- Teacher or Parent-Student- Advisor Conferences, divorced parents are expected to attend together, rather than using separate scheduling time slots.

During the course of a student’s school years, there may be occasions when a divorced parent

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disagrees with a particular action, decision, or request made by the other parent. Unless court documents in the School’s possession specify otherwise, it is the School’s policy to resolve such matters in keeping with the following priorities: By first applying all School rules and standards regarding hours, attendance for class, sports and activities, curriculum, etc., the School will, in effect, pursue a policy of explicitly “working to the rule” in such occasions, and if doing so does not define a specific course of action, then by following the directive of the parent who has signed the enrollment contract, and if both parents signed the contract, then by following the directive of the parent who paid the tuition. Parents are hereby informed that by making these sequential resolution priorities known to divorced parents, it is the School’s desire and intention to have a methodology by which its employees can remove themselves entirely from disputes between divorced parents and remove themselves from negotiations that should rightfully take place between the student’s parents. Parents who are unwilling to allow these priorities to prevail, therefore, should consider other educational alternatives for their children. Questions concerning this policy should be referred to the appropriate Division Head or the Head of School.

Parent Involvement Regarding Disciplinary Matters Disciplinary matters and student issues are handled directly by teachers, administrators, and appropriate staff. If a student is having a school-related issue with another student, parents should not attempt to deal with the other student directly about that matter. Doing so may put a student in an intimidating situation and is best resolved, when appropriate, through a School administrator.

Please speak to the appropriate School administrator for guidance with any questions about contacting another student or parent about a School-related matter.

Parental Comportment and Support for School Policies At St. Luke’s, we believe that a positive relationship between the School and a student’s parents or guardians is essential to fulfillment of the School’s mission. We recognize that effective relationships are characterized by clearly defined responsibilities, a shared commitment to collaboration, and open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a common vision of the goals to be achieved.

The School understands and appreciates that parents and guardians may employ different means to meet the expectations and responsibilities expressed in this policy. Nevertheless, St. Luke’s at all times, may dismiss a student whose parent, guardian, family member, or other adult involved with the student, in the sole judgment of the School, fails to comply with this or any other policy or procedure of the School, engages in conduct either on or off the School’s property that could undermine the authority of the School’s administration, and/or otherwise behaves in a manner that is unbecoming of a member of the School community. The School may refuse re-enrollment of a student if the School, in its sole discretion, believes the actions of a parent or guardian on or off the School’s property make a positive, constructive relationship impossible, or otherwise may interfere with the School’s accomplishment of its mission and/or educational goals.

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To assist in creating the most effective relationship, the School expects that parents will observe the following guidelines: 1. Share in the School’s vision.

• Support the mission of the School.

• Understand and support the School’s philosophy, policies, and procedures.

• Support the School’s disciplinary process, and understand that the School’s authority in such matters is final.

• Be supportive of the School’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive community.

• Acknowledge that the payment of tuition is an investment in the education of the student, not an investment of ownership in the School.

• Support the School’s emphasis on sustainable practices.

2. Provide a home environment that supports the intellectual, physical, and emotional growth of the student.

• Create a schedule and structure that supports a student’s study and completion of homework requirements.

• Be aware of the student’s online activities and use of computers, television, and video games.

• Encourage integrity and civility in the student.

• Be a role model, especially when it comes to behavior at School and at athletic events.

• Encourage the student’s participation in events that promote high standards; actively discourage participation in events that can lead to illegal or unwise behavior.

3. Participate in the establishment of a home/School and School community relationship built on communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.

• Provide a home environment that supports positive attitudes toward the School.

• Treat each member of the community with respect, assume good will, and maintain a collaborative approach when conflicts and challenges arise.

• Help build and maintain a positive School environment by not participating in or tolerating gossip.

• Maintain tact and discretion with regard to confidential information. In cases when students or others are in imminent danger of harm, when there is a compelling reason for doing so, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information must be revealed, information may be disclosed to the Head of School, administrators, outside professionals, or law enforcement officers.

• Respect the School’s decision to maintain the confidentiality or privacy of certain information, whether in the interests of the School, a student, or its community.

• Respect the School’s responsibility to do what is best for the entire community, while recognizing the needs of an individual student.

• Seek to resolve problems and secure information through appropriate channels (i.e., teacher/ advisor/counselor, Head of School, in that order).

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• Acknowledge the value of the educational experience at St. Luke’s by making regular and timely School attendance a priority, scheduling non-emergency appointments outside the classroom day.

• Support the School through volunteerism and attendance at School events.

• Financially support the School to the best of one’s ability.

• Share with the School any religious, cultural, medical, or personal information that the School may need to best serve students and the School community.

• Understand and support the School’s technology policies.

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