Chase Collegiate School Student Handbook 2008-2009

8/14/2019 Chase Collegiate School Student Handbook 2008-2009

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2008 - 2009

Student & ParentHandbook

Policies and Procedures


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NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Chase Collegiate School does not discriminate against anyperson in admission, employment,or otherwise because ofrace, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status,

physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or agein violation of existing state or federal laws or regulations.

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Dear Families:

We welcome families, both new and returning, to the2008 2009 school year. As we begin our 143rd academic

year, I am excited about the growth we will all see in ourstudents as they more through our challenging, supportiveprogram.

This Handbook contains information about the pro-cedures and policies that help our School community oper-ate in harmony and with shared expectations. Please care-fully review the important Common Procedures, which arelocated at the front of the Handbook, as well as the policiesthat are detailed for each division. They describe thethoughtful and planned way that we work with childrenand families.

Education is an ever more challenging mission in thisday and age.And it is ever more critical. Our teachers,administrators, and entire staff work hard throughout theyear to fulfill the very ambitious Mission that is printed onthe following page. Our Mission outlines our commitmentto engage children and families in education in the broad-est sense; an education that develops the individual child,fosters community concern, and cultivates life-long rela-tionships.

Please feel free to contact me, our Academic Dean orany of the Division Heads should you have a questionabout any items in this book.

MISSION STATEMENT

We educate tomorrows leaders and inspire in each studenta life-long passion for learning, personal achievement, andcontribution to the community.

To fulfill our mission we:

Develop each students intellectual, ethical, creative,social, and athletic potential.

Select motivated and resourceful students withdiverse backgrounds and interests, intellectualcuriosity, and sound character.

Attract and support a talented and dedicated facultywith diverse backgrounds and interests, intellectualcuriosity, and sound character.

Teach clear and concise written and spokencommunication, critical thinking, analytical problemsolving and technological sophistication.

Foster respect, courtesy, responsibility, kindness.

Promote service to the community through goodcitizenship and concern for the welfare of others.

Encourage family commitment to the life of theSchool.

Cultivate life-long stewardship and support for theSchools distinguished history and traditions.


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CHASECOLLEGIATE SCHOOL

EST. 1865

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Common Policies & Procedures . . . . .7

Lower School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Upper School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Honor Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Telephone/Fax Numbers . . . . . . . . . .92

School Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Dress Code Attachment . . . . . . . . . . .97

Parents and Chase Collegiate School

Every independent school needs and expects the cooperation of itsparents, who must understand and embrace the schools mission, share itscore values, and fully support its curriculum, faculty, and staff. Whenjoined by a common set of beliefs and purposes, the school and its par-ents form a powerful team with far-reaching positive effects on childrenand the entire school community.

Working together, parents and school professionals exert a stronginfluence on children to become better educated; they also help them tomature by modeling adult working relationships based upon civility,honesty, and respect.

Parents best support a school climate of trust and respect by com-

municating concerns openly and constructively to the teacher or admin-istrator closest to the problem. In most cases, parental concerns shouldbe directed first to the classroom teacher, followed by the students advi-sor (in the Middle and Upper Schools), and then to the Division Head ifnecessary. If a satisfactory conclusion is not reached within the division,the parent should contact the Academic Dean and, finally, the Head ofSchool. Efforts by parents to lobby other parents will be viewed by theschool as counterproductive.

Parents and the Board of Trustees

At Chase Collegiate School, decision-making authority at the high-est level resides in a volunteer Board of Trustees, whose membershipoften includes current parents. The Board focuses on three areas criticalto the success of any independent school: it selects, evaluates, and sup-ports the Head of School, to whom it delegates authority to manage theschool; it develops broad institutional policies that guide the Head inrunning the School; and it is accountable for the financial well-being ofthe school. The Board of Trustees does not intervene in the daily affairsof the school, such as curriculum development and hiring and evaluationof faculty and staff. In the conduct of its official business, the Board acts

only as a whole; individual Trustees, including the Board Chair, have no


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authority to act unless specifically authorized to do so by the Board act-ing as a whole.

Parents with concerns about the School or with decisions made bythe administration or faculty are encouraged to inquire about and follow

the schools review process, which is outlined in the previous section.

Parents and the Faculty and Administration

Parents play an essential and positive role in the life of ChaseCollegiate School . Not only are parents advocates for their children,they also support the faculty and administration through volunteer activ-ities and events.

The relationship between parents and the faculty and administra-tion is formally governed by the schools written enrollment contractand handbook, in which its procedures are spelled out. By enrollingtheir child in Chase Collegiate School , parents agree to subscribe to theschools mission, follow its rules, and abide by its decisions. Trust andmutual respect are essential underpinnings of effective working relation-ships with parents.

While parents may not agree with every decision by the school, inmost cases, the parents and School will find enough common ground tocontinue a mutually respectful relationship. In an extreme case, when aconstructive, positive relationship cannot be maintained, the school

reserves the right to deny continued attendance or re-enrollment.1

1Adapted from The Association of Independent Maryland Schools

CHASE COLLEGIATE SCHOOLCOMMON POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Attendance

The Schools Academic Calendar for the upcoming year is publishedin January of every year. Families are responsible for checking the calen-dar for dates that the School is in session. Vacations should be scheduledduring the provided holidays so that they do not interfere with thechilds regular school schedule. We believe that there is no substitute fora child being actively present in school and we cannot duplicate experi-ences or lessons that are missed. Students or families who know inadvance of an absence for legitimate reasons other than illness(including college visits) must contact the Division Head inadvance to request approval of the date of the anticipatedabsence. Please consult each section of the Handbook for your childs

specific policy and procedure.Students who accumulate more than twenty absent days during aschool year may not be eligible for promotion to the next grade or con-tinuing at the School.

The Honor System and Code of Conduct at Chase

THE HONOR SYSTEMThe purpose of the Honor Code is to reinforce the positive values of

Chase Collegiate School. It creates a community of trust among studentsand faculty by establishing a set of commonly articulated and understoodprinciples to use as guidelines for right conduct.The Honor Code enhances our community agreement that all memberswill think independently and act responsibly, as stated in the Mission ofthe Upper School, and strives to instill virtue in students to carry withthem throughout life.

The Honor CodeOn my honor, I pledge my academic integrity, honesty, respect, andsportsmanship to the Chase Collegiate School community, and I will

encourage others to do the same.As a member of this community I willnot lie, cheat, steal or demonstrate cruelty in any form.


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In the Lower and Middle Schools, violations of the Honor Code arehandled by the appropriate teachers and Division Head. In the UpperSchool, the community abides by the Honor Code though an HonorCode Constitution and an Honor Council (see Upper School section,pp. 72 )

Keeping the Honor Code alive in our community is central to a safeand successful educational environment at Chase.Therefore, communitymembers should not tolerate lying, cheating or stealing.

CODE OF CONDUCTPhilosophy:The most fundamental duty of any educational institution is to protectits educational environment and the physical and emotional safety of itscommunity. Chase Collegiate Schools Code of Conduct reflects these

core values and establishes basic rules and expectations that all membersof our community are expected to observe. These rules are establishedto preserve a healthy social and educational climate and to promote thesmooth running of day-to-day operations of our busy school.

Chase believes strongly that the purpose of discipline is to teach and notmerely to punish. As such,we invest all discipline with instruction bothto address specific concerns and to help guide students as they continuetheir journey through our school community. Our students learn that asindividuals they have a role to play and an obligation to our larger com-munity, that one is accountable for ones words and actions, and that

with privilege and freedom comes responsibility. Balancing the needs ofthe individual with the larger interests of the group is central to all ofour conversations around these issues.

Students may be disciplined for conduct on or off campus or at anyschool-sponsored activity that endangers persons or property, is disrup-tive of the educational process of the School, or that violates a policy orregulation of the School. These actions can lead to disciplinary actionup to and including suspension and/or dismissal.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

MAJOR SCHOOL RULES:In addition to the Honor Codes standards regarding lying, cheating, andstealing the following rules are established for the safety and well-being

of the school and all its students:1. Students are expected to treat all members of the Chasecommunity with respect. Acts of physical aggression, threatening,hazing, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated, nor willthe use of obscene,profane, disrespectful or harassing language oractions, including the use of racial, ethnic, homophobic, or sexualslurs that target an individual's gender, sexual orientation, race,color, religion, physical or mental disability, national origin orancestry. (See Harassment Policy pg. 15)

2. Unauthorized possession, sale, distribution,use or consumptionof tobacco, drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages; or any substancepurported to be a tobacco product, drug, narcotic, or alcoholicbeverage. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "drugs" shallinclude, but shall not be limited to, any medicinal preparation(prescription and non-prescription) and any controlled substancewhose possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption is illegalunder state and/or federal law.This includes possession ofparaphernalia used or designed to be used in the consumption,sale or distribution of drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

3. Leaving school grounds, school transportation or aschool-sponsored activity without authorization.

4. The defacing, damaging or destruction of school property or theproperty of others.

5a. Possession of any weapon, whether functional or not, weaponfacsimile, or any other dangerous object.

5b. A student who knows that knives, weapons, or firearms of any

kind are either in a students possession or located on campus isobligated to report this information to an adult immediately.


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6.Any threat or act that threatens the safety of students, othercommunity members, and/or other persons. School officials willcomply fully with local authorities in such matters.

OTHER SCHOOL RULES:

-Chase is a smoke-free campus. A student may not use tobacco atany time, in any place, on the school property.

-A student must not be absent from school, class, study hall, homeroom period, or other required meetings without properauthorization.

-A student may not disrupt any class, study hall, assembly, or othergroup meeting or activity.

-A student may not use obscene, profane, disrespectful, demeaning,pejorative, or discriminatory language or gestures. Joking andteasing are not acceptable excuses for hurtful comments orbehavior.

-A student may not misuse, destroy, or intercept official schoolrecords or school communications with parents.

-Refusal by a student to identify himself/herself to an adult whenasked or to obey the valid authority of teachers, supervisors,administrators, other staff members and/or law enforcementauthorities.-A student must observe the school dress code.

-Possession or ignition of any fireworks or other explosivematerials, or ignition of any material causing a fire, and/or misusingfire-protection or safety equipment.

-Unauthorized or inappropriate use of any school computer,computer system,computer software, Internet connection or similarschool property or system, or the use of such property or system forunauthorized or non-school related purposes.

-A student may not use school equipment (i.e. telephones, taperecorders, office equipment, etc.) without the specific permission of

a member of school staff.

-Unauthorized entrance into any portion of the school facility oraiding or abetting an unauthorized entrance.This includes the possession and/or use of keys, passwords, or access codes to any of theSchools computers, network system, or wireless system.

-Accumulation of offenses such as school and class tardiness, class orstudy hall cutting, or failure to attend detention.

-A student may not loiter in the parking lots, in cars, in the restrooms, or in any of the wooded areas on campus during schoolhours or during a scheduled school activity.

-Trespassing on school grounds while suspended from school.

-Throwing snowballs, rocks, sticks and/or similar objects.

-Unauthorized and/or reckless and/or improper operation of a

motor vehicle on school grounds or at any school-sponsoredactivity.

-Possession and/or use of a laser pointer.

-Any action prohibited by any Federal or State law which wouldindicate that the student presents a danger to any person in theschool community or school property.

Students may be disciplined for conduct on or off campus or at anyschool-sponsored activity that endangers persons or property, is disrup-tive of the educational process of the School, or that violates a policy or

regulation of the School. These actions can lead to disciplinary actionup to and including suspension and/or dismissal.

Specifically, students who violate a Major School rule can reasonablyexpect to receive a term of suspension and/or probation, while thosewho break a lesser (Other) rule can usually expect a less serious con-sequence. Short of expulsion, suspension and probation are the strongestresponses a school has to address incidents of concern, and should bereserved for the most serious incidents.

Students are expected to understand and adhere to the Code of

Conduct at all times.The administration shall, in its sole discretion,


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determine the nature and severity of offenses against the Code ofConduct and shall discipline students accordingly. The Division Head,working in conjunction with the appropriate teachers, other staff mem-bers, and the Head of School, as appropriate, shall determine the level ofpunishment that is appropriate and in accordance with the disciplinary

procedures of the Division. Possible responses to infractions include:counseling by a member of the staff; issuance of a formal warning; thecalling of a parent for a conference; requiring an appearance before adisciplinary body; imposition of restrictions on freedom of movementduring the school day and/or restrictions on participation in activities;the removal of privileges; detention; probation; suspension; any combina-tion of the above; and such other actions as may be deemed appropriateby school authorities. The School reserves the right to search studentlockers, cars, and backpacks and/or deploy surveillance, including elec-tronic or video, at any time and in any location (within reasonable lim-its) to insure the safety of its grounds, facilities, and community.

A violation of the Honor Code or of a Major School Rules and/or ahistory of serious disciplinary difficulties constitute grounds for proba-tion, suspension, or dismissal from the school.

Probation is a specific period of time during which a student is givenan opportunity to prove that he or she has learned from past mistakesand that he or she can comply with school regulations in the future.Failure to do so usually leads to suspension or dismissal. Probation alsomay involve the removal of privileges and/or the imposition of restric-

tions on participation in activities. The length and precise terms of theprobation are determined by the Head of School or by DivisionDirector. In the Upper School, Junior and Senior privileges are notextended to students throughout the duration of the probation period.

Suspension is the temporary separation of a student from the school andfrom all school-related activities for a specific number of days. The pur-pose of suspension is to compel the individual to reflect on the serious-ness of his or her actions and the degree to which he/she values contin-ued membership in our school community. Suspensions may beimposed by the Head of School or by the Division Director for multi-ple, repeated, or very serious infractions; for violation of probation;or (in

combination with probation) for major violations as defined above.

Dismissal is the permanent expulsion of a student from the school and itmay be effected only by the Head of School.Although extremely diffi-cult for all concerned, such action sometimes is a necessary means of

helping a student learn that standards for acceptable behavior must beseen as real and meaningful. The school is committed to the cause thatevery case must be evaluated on an individual basis, and extenuating cir-cumstances always receive consideration. Nonetheless, the school willexpel a student at any point during the year when the Head of School,in consultation with the appropriate advisory group, concludes that thebest interests of a student, and/or the school as a whole, require suchaction. When a student is expelled, he or she may not return to campusor attend school functions for at least the remainder of the academicyear.

Dress CodeThe purpose of a dress code in a school is to minimize distractions

and to help students learn to keep themselves neat, modest, and well-groomed. Concern for personal appearance is an indication of self-respect and courtesy to others and creates a favorable climate for learn-ing. Final interpretation of the dress code rests with each Division Headand the Headmaster.Coming to school in dress code is considered aminimum expectation for each student each day. Chase attaches as muchimportance to the spirit as to the letter of the Dress Code and looks tostudents and families to comply with both.We expect that parents, with-

out exception, will work with School personnel in supporting andenforcing the dress code.The major aim of the dress code is to createwithin the student body a strong sense of identity with the School and asense of order that contributes to a healthy learning environment.Classroom teachers speak with students whose attire is not in accordwith the dress code. Repeated violations will be referred to the DivisionHead.

Formal dress will be worn by students in all three divisions everyFriday and on other designated special event days. On other school days,children may wear formal dress, but it is obligatory on the designated

dates. Specific guidelines for daily dress, formal dress and physical educa-tion class are included in the summer mailing and on the School web-


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site.Occasionally, Dress Down Days are announced. On these days,

students may wear clothes other than daily dress code to school and forphysical education.Although casual and comfortable is the goal, cloth-ing that is ripped, torn, overly revealing, or displays an inappropriate

message is not permitted at any time. Please see attachment at the endof this book.

Educational AccommodationsChase Collegiate School is not a special needs school and is not

equipped to provide individualized educational programs for studentswith severe physical, cognitive or mental disabilities. The School doescomply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reason-able accommodations for known disabilities to assist a student in meet-ing the academic and behavioral performance standards of the School.Students needing such accommodations should advise the childsDivision Head, and the School will undertake an interactive process,involving the student's parents, health care providers, and School facultyand staff to determine appropriate accommodations. Such accommoda-tions may include restructuring work assignments, and modifying thetesting environment. No accommodation shall fundamentally alter theSchool's educational program, and all students, regardless of disability, willbe held to the School's standards for academic achievement and personalconduct.

Maintaining Household Information

Family and household information as well as student grades andcomments are kept on a secure database known as PCR. Parents andstudents (grades 6 12) have access to this information through a securelog-in from the schools web site. This information is not published tothe web or publicly available to anyone other than family members whohave both a unique log-in and password. Changes in household infor-mation (address, phone contact numbers, etc.) may be submitted to theschool through the familys site. (Changes must be noted and approvedby a school official before becoming part of the data base.) Students ingrades 6 12 use their access to the secure sight to view daily assign-ments that teachers have posted. When a family or student leaves the

school that account is eliminated.

Harassment PolicyIt is the policy (and one of our Major School Rules) of Chase

Collegiate School that any form of harassment is forbidden, whether by

students, School employees, or volunteers subject to the control of theSchool. Students, School employees and volunteers are expected toadhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful of the rights of stu-dents.Any student, employee or volunteer who engages in conduct pro-hibited by this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to andincluding dismissal.This policy prohibits sexual harassment as well asother forms of harassment based on discrimination, in accordance withour non-discrimination statement.Therefore, this harassment policyincludes but is not limited to conduct harassment based on race, color,religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender, sexual orienta-

tion, physical or mental disability, or age.While it is difficult to defineharassment precisely, it includes unwelcome, hostile, or offensive conductthat discriminates against an individual or interferes with his or her rightto a safe environment at the School. Harassment includes conduct andsituations when:

1. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is usedand/or threatened to be used as a basis for making any educationalor employment decision;or

2. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interferingwith a students academic performance or creating an intimidating,

hostile or offensive educational environment.Although not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of thetype of conduct prohibited by this policy against harassment:

1. Statements or other conduct indicating that a students submissionto, or rejection of, sexual overtures or advances will affect thestudents grades and/or other academic progress.

2. Unwelcome attention and/or advances of a sexual nature, includingrequests for sexual favors, verbal comments, leering and physicaltouching.

3. Display of sexually suggestive objects, or use of sexually suggestive,


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obscene, or discriminatory comments, invitations, letters, notes,slurs, jokes, pictures, cartoons, epithets or gestures.

4. Language or behavior that is hostile, insulting, or inflammatoryregarding a persons race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, includinginsults based on gender stereotypes.

Harassment detracts significantly from our respectful community oflearners.This policy prohibits all verbal or physical conduct that is rea-sonably considered to create a hostile environment for another individ-ual at the School.The School does not tolerate any type of harassmentunder any circumstances.A person who believes he/she is or has beenthe victim of harassment is encouraged to report it to the AssistantHead, Division Head or the Head of School. He or she will be asked tomake a report in writing.

In appropriate circumstances, due to the age of the student making

the complaint, a parent or school administrator may be permitted tocomplete a report on the students behalf. Each report will be immedi-ately and thoroughly investigated.At the conclusion of any investigation,the Head of School will determine the validity of the report and theaction to be taken. Such action will be consistent with Divisional andSchool policy and may include a formal apology, suspension, dismissaland/or referral to legal authorities.

The School will not tolerate any reprisals or retaliation that occuras a result of the good faith reporting of charges of harassment, and/orparticipation in a harassment investigation.Any such reprisals or retalia-tion will result in disciplinary action against the retaliator, up to and

including dismissal from the School.

Health Center/NurseThe nurse is on duty daily. Parents must complete a medication

dispensing form and give the prescriptive or non-prescriptive medicationto the nurse so it can be kept and dispensed to the student in the HealthCenter according to directions.Students are not permitted to haveany medication in their possession. Parents are requested to reportto the nurse any illness in their family that might be contagious.Children who have a fever, stomach virus, or other contagious illnessshould remain symptom free for twenty four hours before returning toschool. Further, parents are responsible for completing all required

health forms and for arranging required physical examinations beforeclasses begin.The physical exam is required of all entering students andof all returning students every other year except those Middle andUpper School students who are participating in athletics, for whom it isrequired annually.

Connecticut health regulations require that all children have thefollowing immunizations before attending classes: measles, rubella, polio,mumps, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

Inclement Weather/School ClosingsIn the event of inclement weather, the School usually follows the

local public school decision regarding cancellation of classes, delayedopenings and early dismissal. However, the School reserves the right tomake independent decisions in this regard.A selection of local radio andtelevision stations (WFSB-3,WVIT-30, and WTNH-8) announce can-

cellations, delayed openings and early dismissals. Parents are encouragedto listen carefully when weather conditions appear uncertain.Information is also posted on the Schools website.Although the

interruptions caused by inclement weather do have an effect on theplanned academic program, the faculty is able to compensateby rearranging material and rescheduling time to keep the curriculumon course. Should we experience an unusual number of closings,the administration reserves the right to edit the school calendar.

Lunch, Snacks and NutritionA balanced, nutritional luncheon meal is provided to students every

day as part of the Schools tuition. Daily menu items include but are notlimited to a salad bar, fruit basket, soup, variousbreads and sandwich meats, and a hot entre with vegetables. Parentsand guests are welcome at lunch, however we ask that you advise yourchilds administrative assistant at least 24 hours prior to your visit.

A snack is provided to all students during the school day. It is notdesigned to be a substitute for a meal. Students are not to bring snacksor other food to School or to the Dining Room. Dietary needs dictatedby medical conditions should be made known to the school nurse andthe Division Head so that reasonable accommodations can be made.

Every effort is made by our faculty and staff to make our campus nutfree. Nuts or products made with or including nuts should not be sup-


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plied to students for field trips, class celebrations, or otherwise bebrought onto campus.Parents Association/Volunteers

The ParentsAssociation supports the overall mission and values ofChase Collegiate School as it strives for excellence in education. It

endeavors to enhance the academic, cultural and social development ofits students. The ParentsAssociation is committed to fostering a strongsense of community and shared purpose among all constituencies administration, faculty, parents, students, trustees and local community. Itstrives to protect the tradition, while encouraging innovation and sup-porting the continued growth of the school and its students.

All parents who have children enrolled in Chase Collegiate aremembers of the ParentsAssociation. Members are encouraged to vol-unteer in areas where they will most benefit the School and students.Meetings of the ParentsAssociation take place once a month by divi-sion. All members of the ParentsAssociation are welcomed to attendany meeting. The list of ParentsAssociation Officers and Class Sponsorscan be found on the Chase website.

Parking and Traffic ProceduresMorning drop-off and afternoon pick-up are busy times on the

campus. For the SAFETY of all students, we ask that these procedures befirmly adhered to.LOWERSCHOOL:

Parents of students in grades Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5 andMiddle and Upper School students who carpool with Lower School stu-

dents and enter the West Entrance (Chase Parkway) will take an imme-diate right hand turn and follow straight along the driveway to theLower School carpool lane. Parents who enter the East Entrance (acrossfrom Exit 18) will follow driveway and take left into the carpool lane.Please wait in line and remain in your vehicle while in the driveway toensure the safety of your child. Exit onto Oronoke Road AM drop off isby Camp Hall. Afternoon pickup for grades K-5 is at Camp Hall andPre-K3 and PreK-4 is at the Pre-School building.MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Grades 6 8 parents who enter the campus by the West Entrance Chase Parkway will make an immediate right hand turn to enter thecarpool lane. Turn left and follow toward the Centennial Library to

drop-off or pick-up a student. Parents who enter from the EastEntrance: (across from the Exit 18 ramp) will follow the driveway lanearound the Main Parking Lot and then follow toward the CentennialLibrary to drop-off or pick-up a student. Please wait in line and in yourvehicle in the driveway to ensure the safety of all students. Following

pick-up,vehicles may either turn left to exit at the Chase Parkway/WestMain Street traffic light or proceed straight to exit at the East Entrancetraffic light opposite the Exit 18 ramp.Caution: For safety reasons, parents should not drop students off outsideof the carpool lanes and have students cross traffic.UPPERSCHOOL:

Grades 9-12 parents and students use the Goss Field House parkinglot for drop-off, pick-up, and parking. Entering and exiting campusshould occur at the traffic light opposite the Exit 18 ramp. Take a leftupon entering campus and follow driveway to the Goss field house. Theaccess road to the west of the Upper School is for use by school person-nel or emergency response teams only.Buses:

All buses enter campus and proceed to the courtyard in front of theSaint Margarets Hall where drop-off and pick-up occurs. No othervehicles are allowed in this courtyard area. If you wish to bringyour child into his or her classroom, please park your vehicle in theMain Parking Lot and proceed safely into the School.The area behindthe Kindergarten building is reserved for staff members who work inthis area of the campus. Kindergarten parents should use the MainParking Lot.

Payment of Bills/Re-enrollmentThe Business Office establishes the schedule for tuition payments.

Questions concerning the monthly statement should be directed to theBusiness Office. Payments more than thirty days past due are subject toa late payment fee, and the School reserves the right to require the stu-dent to withdraw. Delinquent accounts will also jeopardize enrollmentat the School for the subsequent year, the determination of final grades,graduation participation, and financial aid awards.

In January, the Admissions Office sends out re-enrollment contractsto the parents of all students in good standing, provided that the familyhas met all financial obligations to the School. It is expected that stu-


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dents have demonstrated success and that reasonable projections aboutcontinued success can be made.Careful review of students progress ismade following the third, fifth,and eighth grade years. The followinginformation is used in assessing the likelihood of a childs success inChase Collegiate Schools program:

- teacher observation,- the students record of academic progress in all subject areas,- determination that the child is reading at grade level,- a review of any standardized or psycho-educational testing

results, and- the consistency of parental support of a childs learning.

Summer work may be a condition of continuation at the School.That decision is arrived at in consultation with teachers, the DivisionHead, and parents.

The School believes that a positive and constructive working rela-tionship between the School and a student's parents (or other personsresponsible for the student) is essential to the fulfillment of the School'smission. The School reserves the right to deny continued or re-enroll-ment to any student if the School reasonably concludes that the actionsof a parent (or other person responsible for the student) are inconsistentwith the maintenance of such a positive and constructive working rela-tionship, or if the School concludes that the actions of the parent (orother person responsible for the student) interfere with the School'saccomplishment of its educational purposes.

Safe Homes

Safe Homes is a Chase Collegiate School sponsored program. Theparents who have signed the pledge have vowed to supervise youths intheir homes and to not knowingly serve or allow alcohol to be con-sumed by anyone under the legal drinking age, or to allow the use ofdrugs or any other illegal substances by anyone.

The Safe Homes program is an important part of the parent andstudent body. It will not work if taken lightly. We must communicateand be AWARE. The School is not responsible for private parties oractivities planned by students and/or parents. Parents are always advisedto confirm with parents who host students that adult chaperones will bepresent and responsible for activities not sponsored by the School.

A Parents Pledge for Safe Homes

I will SUPERVISE youth gatherings in my home. I will not KNOWINGLY ALLOW parties or gathering in my

home when I am not home. I will not KNOWINGLY SERVE or ALLOW alcohol to be

CONSUMBED by under-age guests, and I will not ALLOW

drugs or any other illegal substances to be CONSUMED byanyone. I have DISCUSSED this pledge with my/our child/children.

Families who participate in the Safe Homes program areindicated in the School Directory with a small symbol.

The School Store The DugoutSchool supplies, and school/spirit clothing items are sold in the

Dugout. All purchases can be paid with cash, check or charged to aschool account.The Dugout is located on the ground floor of the St.Margarets Hall and is operated by parent and student volunteers.

Smoke-Free CampusChase Collegiate School is a smoke-free campus. Smoking or the

use of tobacco products is not permitted.

Student Support ServicesStudent Support Services provides academic and social-emotional

support for students throughout the three divisions. Learning specialistsand a school counselor staff this department. The team is interdiscipli-nary, which allows for the broadest consideration of a students present

difficulty and the most considered triage of that student. Referrals to amember of the department are generated by students themselves, theirparents, teachers or administrators. When a student is referred to thedepartment, a member of the team confers with the referring source todetermine the nature of the difficulty. Students are, when deemedappropriate, then observed within the classroom,conversations are initi-ated with teachers and academic records may be reviewed. Members ofthe department, with consent from a parent, may informally assess achild to determine the nature of an academic difficulty, but all psycho-educational evaluations are outsourced and the parent initiates thisprocess with guidance from a member of the team. Testing may be pur-sued privately or through the PPT process in the town of residence of


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the student. Upon completion of an evaluation, the results are reviewedand recommendations considered and implemented as considered rea-sonable and possible within the context of the Schools curr iculum.Learning specialists may provide individual sessions to address organiza-tional issues, study skills or academic remediation as recommended in

the evaluation. A member of the department also teaches daily aLanguage Skills class for seventh and eighth graders who need languagesupport. Upper School students may access the Learning Center on aregularly scheduled or a as needed basis. The School counselor is avail-able for short-term counseling or crisis intervention but students need-ing ongoing therapy are required, to seek counseling outside of theSchool.

Technology PolicyThe School maintains and makes available technology to students

and faculty for a wide range of applications. All users of the campusnetwork and equipment are reminded that with access comes responsi-bility.The workstations and related peripherals are School property, andunlike home computers, which can be personally configured, the Schoolcomputers are set up for the use of the entire community, not individu-als. School technology is not to be used in ways that might adverselyaffect the work, privacy, and access of other users. These computer sys-tems are business and educational tools. As such, they are made availableto students in the School for education related uses only.

Terms and Conditions:

Access to computers is provided to the School community as atool to complete school related projects and assignments only.Priority will be given to scheduled classes in the computer labs.

Technology users may not install software of any type, includinggames, to individual computers or to the school network. Onlysoftware licensed to the school may be used on any campuscomputer.

Deletions, additions, or any modifications to the Windows desktop are not allowed. Users may not modify any hardware oroperating systems settings that would change the appearance oroperation of the computers or network.

All technology users must respect the work of other students

and faculty by not accessing, modifying, or deleting the filesof others.

Optical scanners are provided for materials directly related toschool assignments only. Students may not scan or print anyother materials.

Technology users must respect copyright laws that protectsoftware owners, artists, and writers. Plagiarism in any form willnot be tolerated. This applies to all forms of electronic mediaincluding, but not limited to electronic encyclopedias, imagefiles, and sound files.

While using the Internet and e-mail systems, students and adultsmust follow the accepted rules of network etiquette andconduct themselves in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner.Students may not transmit, receive, submit, or publish anydefamatory, abusive, obscene, threatening, harassing or potentially

dangerous material. Any user encountering such materialwhether intentionally or not, must notify a teacher or supervisorimmediately. If no one is available at the time, the user isobligated to sign off the Internet and/or e-mail system.

Technology users will minimize the use of the printers andprint only school-related materials, except with explicitpermission.

Food or drink should not be brought into computer labs or tothe desktop of computers on campus. Equipment must not beused in a dangerous manner that could result in damage.

Internet use may be monitored and/or restricted according to

the policies outlined by the school administration. Policies aresubject to review;users will be notified about any changes tothese policies.

Technology users will not use the computer systems for anyillegal purpose.

Violation of any of the regulations above shall beconsidered a violation of the Chase Collegiate SchoolCode of Conduct and may result in disciplinary actionsthat include but are not limited to removal of allcomputer privileges, suspension or expulsion.

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MonitoringStudents are responsible for good behavior on School computer sys-

tems just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communicationson the computer systems are often public in nature and general schoolrules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users

will comply with the School's standards and will act in a responsible andlegal manner, at all times in accordance with the School's standards, andstate and federal laws.

It is important that students and parents understand that the School,as the owner of the computer systems, intends to monitor and reviewthe use ofthese computer systems in an effort to ensure that users engage only inappropriate uses. The School will monitor and review in a limited fash-ion, but will do so as needed to maximize utilization of the computersystems for educational purposes.

As part of monitoring and reviewing, the School will retain thecapacity to bypass any individual password of a student or other user.The system's security aspects, such as personal passwords and the message deletefunction for E-Mail, can be bypassed for these purposes. The School's abilityto monitor and review is not restricted or neutralized by these devices.The monitor and review process also includes oversight of Internet siteaccess and of document downloading and pr inting.

Therefore, all users must be aware that they should not have any expec-tation of personal privacy in the use of these computer systems.

Reporting MisconductAnyone who is aware of problems with, or misuse of these comput-

er systems, or has a question regarding the proper use of these computersystems, should report this to his or her teacher or Division Head imme-diately. Most importantly, the School urges any student who receives anyharassing, threatening, intimidating or other improper message throughthe computer system to report this immediately. It is the School's poli-cy that no student should be required to tolerate such treatment, regard-less of the identity of the sender of the message. Please report these events!

Telephone and Cell Phone Use PolicyWith permission, students may use a telephone located in

Administrative Offices. It should only be used to call family, settle trans-portation issues, or emergencies.

Some parents today view their child's cell phone as an importantlink for family security and convenience. Some students today view theircell phones the way many children a generation ago viewed their bicycleas an instrument of independence and as a way to connect with friends.Chase's policy on mobile phones recognizes both impulses and makes

appropriate allowances to possess a wireless communications devicewhile on school property or in attendance at a school function.The pol-icy requires that phones be shut off at all times while a student is in abuilding or engaged on a field trip, but students can carry their phonesin their lockers, purses, backpacks, athletic bags or pockets. If a phone isused during the school day anywhere other than outside or in designat-ed interior spots, or if a mobile phone rings during class, disciplinaryconsequences may occur. "Forgetting" to turn off the cell phone is notan excuse. If an unusually urgent call during school hours is expected, astudent may leave their cell phone with the Division AdministrativeAssistant. No use of cell phone photographs is permitted during theschool day.

At Chase, the policy permits the legitimate use of mobile phoneswhile preventing possible temptations to cheat in class and photographicinvasions of privacy. Chase reserves the prerogative of changing thispolicy at any time as technology advances.

Use of a cell phone during a test (i.e. text messaging) will beconsidered cheating and a breach of our Honor Code; disciplinaryaction will be taken.

If a student has a cell phone taken by a teacher more than once,

the Dean of Students or Division Head will contact a parent andthe parent must retrieve the phone on campus.

The cell phone policy differs among the three divisions in thefollowing ways:

Lower SchoolStudents may bring a cell phone to school, but it must be kept in theoff setting and placed in the students locker during the school dayand any school related events. Phone calls may be placed and receivedfrom the Lower School Office. There is no cellular phone use during

After Care. All calls may be placed and received from the phone in theAfter Care classroom or from the School provided cell phone.

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LOWERSCHOOLPolicies & Procedures

A Message from

Patricia Belle Calcagni, The Lower School HeadThe Lower School Mission StatementAfter School Care ProgramArrival/DismissalAttendanceBack-to-School NightBirthday Party CelebrationsBusesCommunicationDecorumField TripsHomeworkIntramural ProgramLunch, Snacks and NutritionMorning MeetingNurse/Health CenterParent-Teacher ConferencesProgress Reports/Trimester ReportsRecess/Outdoor Play

Remember: Respect, Responsibility and ResourcefulnessStudent Support ServicesSuppliesTeacher/Classroom AssignmentsTelephones/Cellular phonesTesting and Assessment

2726

Middle SchoolCellular phones must be kept in the off setting during the school dayand during any school related events. Students may use their cell phonesin the Middle School office during the hours of 8:00AM and 3PM.Upper School

Cell phone and other communication device use is not permitted inschool buildings except in administrative offices.We expect the use ofthese devices during the school day to be limited in length and notinterfering with the sanctity of the academic environment on campus ;walking and talking is not permitted.

Transcripts and School RecordsStudent records are maintained in the Division Office.

Contents include admissions applications, transcripts from previousschools, progress reports, and report cards. Access to student files isrestricted to faculty and staff within the Division and to the Head ofSchool. Due to the confidential nature of medical records, those aremaintained in the Health Center with access restricted to the nurse andthe Head of School.

Student records are available for parental review. Parents whowould like to review their childs file must submit their request inwriting with 24 hours noticeto arrange an appointment with the

Division Head.A request that records be sent to another school must be sent in

writing to the students Divisional Office.In an effort to provide a safe and secure environment, parents or

guardians may be required to provide the School with copies or officialcourt documents designating official guardianship or custody of a child.This information is kept strictly confidential and is only used to clarifycommunication and travel arrangements for individual children. Achilds name on all official school documents and public listings will beconsistent with his/her name as identified in those records. Every ChaseCollegiate School family has secure access to their childs/childrens aca-demic records and household information through the Schools website.Middle and Upper School students are also given unique and securelog-ins and passwords so that they may view a calendar of currentassignments and their academic record.


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Message from the Lower School Head

The Handbook is designed to assist parents who have children inour Lower School. It explains policies and procedures to help yourchild. Every school day will be centered on our Schools mission and

our Lower School motto: Respect, Responsibility andResourcefulness.We will continue to focus on the attributes that make our Lower

School so special; our efforts are centered on helping each childdevelop solid academic skills, self-awareness and emotional resiliency.Our Lower School is a place where children can take risks, be imagi-native, and learn how to use their abilities. In our organized, positiveand nurturing environment, children and teachers share school daysfilled with the excitement of learning.

As 2008 begins, our Lower School faculty is engaged in fulfillingour goals for the current school year and planning for an exciting andinvigorating 2008-2009 school year.We thank you for enriching ourlives each day, and we are committed to making your childs year inChase Collegiate School a terrific one.

Communication is the keystone for your childs educational jour-ney. Please read this Handbook carefully and refer to it during theyear. Call me if I can answer any questions about the information itcontains.

The Lower School Mission StatementThe Lower School at Chase Collegiate School is a nurturing

community dedicated to the education of young children in the inde-pendent school tradition. As educators,we guide the development ofthe whole child and respect individual differences. Together we builda solid foundation for learning, a sense of personal responsibility and aconnection to the world.

Lower SchoolPolicies and Procedures

After School Care Program

An after-school program in Camp Hall is available for children ingrades pre-kindergarten through eight from 3:10 p.m. 6:00 p.m.The program offers a combination of educational and recreationalactivities and provides a nurturing and safe setting beyond the normalschool day.These activities are coordinated by the Director of AfterSchool Programs. Fees are assessed at an hourly rate and will appearon a monthly statement. Lower and Middle School students may notremain on campus after school in an unsupervised activity or location.

Students must be picked up as soon as their scheduled activity isconcluded. A child who has not been picked up ten minutes after theactivity ends will be escorted to the After School Program by the

supervising adult and will be charged at the hourly supervision rate.

Arrival/DismissalClasses begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m. Students who

arrive between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. should report to the Main Lobbyof Camp Hall. Students will be dismissed from there to their class-rooms.Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. should go directly to theclassrooms. In grades 1-5, children who arrive at their classrooms after8:00 a.m. are marked tardy and should verify their arr ival with theLower School Administrative Assistant.

Parents are asked to park in the Main Parking Lot only toescort their children to the classrooms. Parents may leave children atdesignated drop-off points between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. A facultymember will meet students who are dropped off during that timeperiod. Students who ride buses will be discharged in the upper lotand walk to the buildings as a group. Safety dictates all traffic rules. Atdismissal, Lower School students are escorted to buses/car pool areasby the faculty. Parents are asked to remain in their cars in the line;children will be brought to their car. Students are not allowed towalk to the parking lots unaccompanied. Middle School siblings maywait with Lower School children at car pool and will be escorted to

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cars as needed. At the beginning of the year, parents will be asked todesignate those adults with whom their child may leave school.Changes to those arrangements must be received in writing or byphone or e-mail by the Division Office no later than 9:00 a.m. To e-mail your changes: [email protected] or [email protected].

Phone messages should be left at 203-236-9510.Unless they are enrolled in the After School Program or are withtheir parents or a faculty member, students may not remain on campuspast 3:30 p.m. Parents must understand that the School cannot beresponsible for students who are not attending a supervised after-schoolactivity. After 3:30 p.m. children will be directed to the After SchoolProgram and a fee assigned.

AttendanceParents are asked to call the Lower School office (236-9510) prior

to 9:00 a.m. if their child is absent.We can arrange for homeworkassignments for absent students. After 2:00 p.m.work will be availableon the table in the Camp Hall Lobby. Students will be permitted tomake up work missed due to illness, a family emergency, religiousobservances, or other legitimate reasons as determined by the Head ofLower School.

If parents know of an absence in advance, they must sendthat information, in writing, to the Head of Lower School. Theschool calendar for the upcoming year is sent with re-enrollment con-tracts. Families are responsible for checking the calendar for dates that

school is in session. We request that vacations be scheduled during theprovided holidays so that they do not interfere with the childs regularschool schedule. We believe that there is no substitute for a child beingactively present in school, and we cannot duplicate experiences or les-sons that are missed. When the Lower School Head has been advised inadvance of a planned absence, the Lower School Head will decide ifassignments may be completed while the student is away from school.

Students with 20 or more absences may jeopardize their promotionto the next grade or their enrollment contract renewal.

Back-to-School NightThis special night in the early fall has been designed just for par-

ents; children do not attend this event. It is an informative eveningthat that focuses on classroom-based sessions. Usually scheduled forlate September, it is a time to talk with teachers about classroom rou-

tines, curriculum, texts/materials and special projects.There is alsotime to hear from our subject area specialists about their programs andplans. Parents are asked to make every effort to join us.

Birthday Party CelebrationsA birthday celebration is an important event in a childs life, and

we feel it is important to include everyone in the grade in these spe-cial celebrations. For celebrations outside of the school day, invitationsmust be sent via the U. S.Mail. While mailing lists other than TheSchool Directory cannot be provided, the Division Head would behappy to address and mail invitations to Lower School students whoseaddresses do not appear in the Directory. For those parties that beginat the close of the school day, we ask that children be picked up asusual and transported to the event by their parents. Please do notbring gifts into Lower School buildings.

Recognition of birthdays happens at our Lower School MorningMeeting as well as in individual classrooms. We ask that you consultyour child's teacher before making any plans. Children may bring in asmall treat to share with their classmates. Fruit, cheese, small packagesof pretzels, popcorn, cookies or cupcakes are appropriate. Please donot bring goody bags or large portions of other types of food.

Every effort is made by our faculty and staff to make our campus nutfree. Nuts or products made with or including nuts should not besupplied to students for field trips, class celebrations, or otherwise bebrought onto campus.

BusesChildren riding buses are expected to remain seated and observe

all rules for good conduct that apply in the classroom. At the discre-tion of the Lower School Head, misconduct on the bus will result inthe loss of bus privileges. Please contact the Business Office for infor-mation regarding bus schedules and fees.

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CommunicationCommunication between home and school is a vital part of our

community. Lower School telephone, voice mail, fax and e-mailaddresses are printed in the school directory and can be found on theSchool web site. Although we welcome your calls and messages,

please understand that teachers may not access their voice/e-mail untilafter the close of the school day. Therefore, all changes to dismissaland/or child care arrangements must be received by the Lower SchoolAdministrative Assistant by phone or in writing or via e-mail prior to9:00 a.m.

In grades PreK through grade 3, a Gray Envelope is sent homewith your childs work on Wednesday of each week. Please sign theenvelope and return it to school each week on Thursday morning. Aweekly letter from the Lower School Head is sent electronically alongwith information on upcoming programs, newsletters, and classroomnews. ParentsAssociation news can be found on the website.

DecorumStudents are reminded regularly that running, shouting, or loud

conversations in the building are disruptive to the environment.Chewing gum is not allowed at School. Good table manners andacceptable social conversation at lunch are required.

Dress CodeSee policy in the All-school section pages 13-14.

Field TripsField trips constitute an important part of the Lower School pro-gram and all students are strongly encouraged to participate. In con-sidering field trips for classrooms or grades, teachers take great care toevaluate the value of, and the contribution made by, a trip to the cur-riculum. Time, mode of transportation and cost are also factors in ourdecision to engage in field experiences with the children.

Trips are noted on the monthly school calendars. However,sometimes circumstances beyond our control necessitate a change oftime or date. Individual permission forms will be sent home inadvance of each trip and must be returned by the date specified. No

peanuts or peanut products may be brought on field trips.In Pre-kindergarten - Grade 3, parents are welcomed as chaper-

ones, but it is important to note we cannot always honor all requeststo accompany your childs class on a trip. The selection of chaperonesfor individual trips is left to the discretion of the classroom teachers.

HomeworkHomework is one component of a childs education. Homework

reinforces the concepts taught in class, encourages personal responsi-bility, develops time management skills and helps to prepare childrenfor future academic endeavors. The Lower School faculty believes it ispart of a childs journey through school.

Although no formal homework is given in Pre-kindergarten andKindergarten, we do encourage regular opportunities for reading toand with your children. In grades 1-5, homework is assigned in addi-tion to the expectation of shared and independent reading. For

guidelines pertaining to make up work, parents are referred to the sec-tion Attendance. Lower School practices include two types of home-work as follows:

Short-term assignments are to be completed by the next day orduring the week. They reinforce recent instruction and provideteachers with immediate feedback about student progress.

Long-term assignments or projects are spread over a number ofdays or weeks. This type is outlined and explained in class and maybe worked on in school or at home. Long-term projects also includethose initiated by a student as an Independent Study Project.

Intramural ProgramChase offers a Lower School Intramural Sports Program. All stu-

dents in grades 3, 4 and 5 are welcome to take part in this coed teamexperience. Designed for children of all abilities, the program offersplayers the opportunity to learn technical skills and sportsmanship aswell as engage in healthy exercise in this friendly competition envi-ronment. Each year the type of games vary, but may include soccer,basketball, capture-the-flag, bowling, tennis, kickball etc. Informationabout registration for the intramural program is sent home via thegrey envelope. Any parents interested in volunteering may contact the

Director of the Intramural Program at 236-9482.

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Lunch, Snacks and NutritionLunch is served to Lower School students (K-5) in the Garthwait

Dining Room each day. A balanced, nutritional meal is served familystyle, including a salad bar, fruit basket, soup, various breads, and a hotentre. Students in Pre-kindergarten bring their own lunches and eat

in the classroom with their teachers. In the dining room, children areseated at mixed-age tables headed by a faculty member.Table assign-ments are made by the Head of Lower School and are changed everythree weeks so that our sense of community can be strengthened.

Nutritious snacks are provided for all students by the DiningService and delivered to the classrooms every day. Each teacher desig-nates a break time and students are encouraged to enjoy the dailyselection.There is no additional charge for these snacks, or for thoseoffered children in the After School Program. Students are not per-mitted to bring snacks from home.

We welcome parents and guests at lunch; however we ask that

you contact the Lower School Administrative Assistant by phone or inwriting or via e-mail with 24 hours notice.

Dietary needs dictated by medical conditions should be madeknown to the school nurse and the Division Head so that accommo-dations can be made. Nuts or products made with or including nutsshould not be supplied to students for field trips, class celebrations,orotherwise be brought onto campus.

Morning MeetingOne morning each week, we gather as a division to share stories,

tell tales, recognize birthdays, sing songs and laugh together.This is atradition in Lower School, and it has proven a wonderful way of cele-brating individual and group successes.We begin with the Pledge ofAllegiance and our gathering song, Simple Gifts. Students present avariety of completed classroom activities or contribute some specialnews. Adults from the wider school community often attend andshare happenings from across campus. We exit singing and ready tobegin our classroom activities. Morning Meeting is a constructiveway to engender a sense of community. Parents are welcome to joinus.

Nurse/Health CenterThe nurse is on duty daily. Parents must complete a medica-

tion dispensing form and give the prescriptive or non-prescriptivemedication to the nurse so it can be kept and dispensed to the studentin the Health Center according to directions. Students are not permit-

ted to have any medication in their possession. Parents are requestedto report to the nurse any illness in their family that might be conta-gious. Children who have a fever, stomach virus, or othercontagious illness should remain symptom free for twentyfour hours before returning to school. Further, parents areresponsible for completing all required health forms and for arrangingrequired physical examinations before classes begin.

In Lower School, if a child is ill he/she is sent to the DivisionHead who will telephone the nurse and she will come to the class-room. If she cannot, an adult will escort the child to the HealthCenter.When warranted, the nurse will telephone the parent and

request the parent come to take the child home. The child may notcall the parent directly to be taken home.

Connecticut health regulations require that all children have thefollowing immunizations before attending classes: measles, rubella,polio, mumps, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

To assure the safety of the students, the foods offered inGarthwait Dining Hall and for snacks during the day are nut free tothe best of our knowledge. In order to enforce our policy of strictavoidance, we are requesting that you do not send in snacks for class-room activities, parties and/or school events that may contain nuts,

traces of nuts or nut products. Please read carefully the ingredient liston store-bought foods, especially baked goods and candy. If you areunsure about any of the ingredients, please call the nurse before send-ing in the food.

Parent-Teacher ConferencesParent-Teacher Conferences, both formal and informal, are valu-

able opportunities for communication between school and home.Informal conferences are conducted on a regular basis and teacherswelcome your telephone call, e-mail and/or request for a personalmeeting. Throughout the year, three formal conference days serve to

maintain an ongoing dialogue and support the written reports that are

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sent home at the close of each trimester. Conference appointmentsare scheduled by the Lower School Administrative Assistant with calldates and times published in late summer, fall and mid-winter.Allfamilies take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to knowtheir childs teacher better and to remain abreast of their childs

progress in school.Progress Reports

For the fall and winter terms, student progress is reported at ourscheduled parent-teacher conferences. Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5attend part of the conference with their parents.

At the close of each term, teachers prepare a comprehensiveTrimester Report for every child. These reports document studentprogress throughout the trimester and are geared to reflect mastery ofcore expectations as well as personal growth.The format of theTrimester Report includes expectation checklists followed by topic

narratives, updates on work habits, progress on goals and summariesfrom each of the subject area specialists.

In Pre-kindergarten Grade 4, our program is a non-gradedone. In the third trimester of fourth grade, children receive grades onprojects, tests and some assignments.This serves as an introduction tothe system used in Grade 5 where children receive numerical grades.This is consistent with the Middle School program.

Throughout the year we emphasize growth and personal respon-sibility, and teachers conference with students regularly about theirwork and about individual/personal goals.

Recess/Outdoor PlayWe consider recess and outdoor play an important part of social

development. It is during the supervised but unstructured play atrecess time that children develop successful peer skills, learn to com-promise and understand the value of negotiation. Children areobserved in their play from a short distance at all times and are assistedwith conflict resolution as needed. Within the safe confines of ourcampus and playgrounds, children are granted the distance they needas they learn to get along with each other.

At every grade level, children go to recess every day possible

even cold days. Please dress your child for the changeable New

England weather. All children will go out for recess unless yourphysician or the school nurse advises us otherwise.

Respect, Responsibility and ResourcefulnessIn conjunction with the Chase Collegiate School Mission

Statement, we care about how we treat each other and work toengender a common view of ethical behavior.Our guiding theme of Respect, Responsibility and Resourcefulness

helps to move us from mission to action.As teachers and learners, we are expected to be civil in our rela-

tions with others and take them seriously. Everyone is expected to bea productive, contributing member of the Lower School communityand conduct himself or herself in a way that is open, fair and trust-worthy. We acknowledge the needs of others, respect the truth, acceptresponsibility for our decisions and demonstrate caring and compas-sion. Students are encouraged to be courteous, prepared and involved

in their own learning.

Student Support ServicesIn Lower School, we understand that all children do not learn in

the same way or at the same pace, and that all learners bring individ-ual strengths to their school experience. Academic success provideschildren with opportunities to build genuine self-esteem and theresponsibility for achieving that success is shared among teachers, stu-dents and parents. All teachers endeavor to structure lessons and class-room-based activities that celebrate individual gifts and support areas

of weakness.However, some children may need additional assistance toachieve their highest potential. A Lower School teacher, who maysuggest academic support for a child, would first discuss the matterwith parents and the Division Head.

SuppliesA list of necessary school supplies is sent to each family in

August, and is posted on the School website. These supplies should becarried to school on the first day of classes. The School provides text-books and workbooks for all students in Lower School.

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MIDDLESCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOLPolicies & Procedures

Message from the Middle School HeadAcademics and Honor CodeAcademic Honesty

CheatingPlagiarismEducation of studentsProceduresPenalties

Academic ProbationAdvisor

After School Care ProgramAttendanceBusesCommunicationCounselorDecorumDisciplinary ProceduresDress CodeEarly Dismissal/AbsencesField Trips

Flex and MunchGradesHomeworkHonor RollLunch and NutritionMiddle School MeetingNurse/Health CenterReporting System and ScheduleStandardized TestingSuppliesTardiness

Telephones/Cellular Phones

39

School supplies, spirit items, and athletic clothing are sold in theDugout, which is located on the ground floor level of the St.Margarets Hall. Purchases can be paid for with cash or be charged tothe parent account.

Teacher/Classroom Assignments

The placement of students is a most important task and each yearteachers and administrators work diligently to make appropriate classassignments for the coming term. Our decisions are made with greatcare and are based on a number of criteria including: teaching/learn-ing style, girl/boy ratios, projected enrollment and the need to pro-mote or discourage relationships that contribute to, or detract from, achilds development. In short, class rosters are designed to provide thebest possible grouping for each and every child.

Telephones and Cellular Phones

See complete policy in All-school section page 25.Testing and Assessment

Throughout the year, student learning and progress is measuredin a variety of ways. It is our firm belief that great teaching and greatassessment go hand-in-hand. Teachers use assessment results to modifyor enrich instruction. In Lower School, we strive to balance ourassessments to compare individual achievement with individual poten-tial and age/grade achievement.

Teachers use various methods to document student success. Inaddition to publisher-produced tests and developmental assessments,

we have expanded our use of portfolios, projects and teacher observa-tion techniques. We have created our own literacy assessments, coreexpectation checklists and learner profiles to better understand howour young students learn best.

Students in grades three, four, and five participate in a testingprogram developed by the Educational Records Bureau. This stan-dardized instrument measures student performance in language artsand mathematics. Results are sent to parents in late summer.

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MIDDLESCHOOL

Message from the Middle School Head

As with other parts of the handbook this section is designed tobe a resource for Middle School families.The information is organ-

ized alphabetically by Middle School terminology, the goal of thissection is to help families anticipate questions and issues that ariseduring the school year, you will find many of these policies dovetailguidelines oulined in the first section of the Handbook.

At Chase Collegiate School, we expect that every member ofthe community will appreciate this document as a helpful guide tothe Middle School years. However, the handbook can only clarify themission and ethos of the school; you will find your childs teachersliving and breathing the mission and this handbook everyday.They arewilling and anxious to talk about our program and commitment tochildren and their families, and they are knowledgeable about the

subject matter that is taught as well as the joys and tribulations ofthese young people.The Middle School faculty encourage you toengage us in those conversations.

John N. CarpenterHead of the Middle School

Middle SchoolPolicies and Procedures

Academics and the Honor CodeThe Schools academic program is the backbone of the institu-

tion.Teachers are prepared to work with families throughout theschool year to help students meet the academic standards of theSchool.Teachers are available for extra help during free times duringthe school day as well as before or after school.

Promotion to the next grade and an invitation to return for thenext academic year are based on the previous years performance.TheSchool is in regular contact with a family if there is a question abouta contract being offered for the coming year.

The Honor CodeHonor is the understanding and practice of what is right and

just. It fosters the courage to uphold these values in public and in pri-vate. It is integrity and good judgment. Honor is pride in oneself aswell as respect for others. Honor is an unspoken and unwrittenway ofliving that is centered on doing what is right. It is not an individualway of life, but a way of life of a community.An honorable persontakes responsibility for his or her conduct.

The purpose of the Honor Code is to reinforce the positive val-ues of Chase Collegiate School. It creates a community of trustamong students and faculty by establishing a set of guidelines foreveryone to follow.The Honor Code is a form of student self-disci-pline and is used as a teaching toll in the Middle School towards agoal of greater responsibility and freedom.The Honor Code enhances

our community strives to instill virtue in students to carry with themthroughout life.At the beginning of each school year, during the first Middle

School Meeting every Middle School student will take the followingpledge:

On my honor, I pledge my academic integrity, honesty,respect, and sportsmanship to the Chase Collegiate Schoolcommunity, and I will encourage others to do the same. Asa member of this community I will not lie, cheat, steal ordemonstrate cruelty in any form.

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On exams and other student work requiring the Pledge, the followingshorter version may substitute for the entire pledge:

On my honor, I pledge that this is my own work.

This shorter, affirmative pledge is understood to convey the meaningof the entire pledge made each year by students at Chase CollegiateSchool Middle and Upper Schools.

Throughout the year, in classes, advisories and Middle SchoolMeetings, the Honor Code is used as a reference and guide for stu-dents to mature as a member of our community.As they move towardthe Upper School, students use the Honor Code as the backbone ofgoverning the student body and making decisions about how to pro-mote and uphold honor everyday.

Academic Honesty

One of the Schools primary missions is to educate students tomake sound moral and ethical judgments. Following the honor codeas a method to teach students to be independent thinkers and workers,the School expects that any help they receive is appropriate andacknowledged: that in all areas of academic life students will do theirown work, giving credit to the ideas and help of others.

CheatingA student is to do his or her own work in and out of school and

should neither give nor receive aid or information for use in home-

work, quizzes, tests or exams.When appropriate and designated by theteacher, students may receive outside assistance, or work collaborativelyon homework, papers, projects, essays or lab reports.However, underall circumstances, the Schools plagiarism policy applies.

PlagiarismPlagiarism is the copying of another persons words or ideas and iden-tifying them as your own and is a violation of the Schools HonorCode. It includes, but is not limited to the following forms:

Copying from another student or providing information toother students knowing that it will be used as the borrowers

own work;

Copying all or part of assigned work from print and/orelectronic sources without acknowledging the source throughfootnotes or adequate means of citation and proper quotestructure; rewording the writing of others without givingproper credit;

Submitting the same piece of work in more than one classwithout the permission of the teacher.

Plagiarism can be avoided if one is careful to do the following: Put someone elses words or ideas in quotation marks and

follow with a citation that indicates the source; Summarize or paraphrase in ones own words and follow

with a citation; Understand and follow specific guidelines for citation in each

discipline, as explained in writing by the instructor.

If you are unsure whether or not to cite a quotationor an idea, do the following:

Ask your teacher to explain and clarify well in advance ofcompleting your final draft;

Go ahead and cite your source(s) if you have even theslightest doubt. You can always delete a citation later, butwill be unable to add one.

Research papers and shorter critical analyses ought not consist merelyof a string of quotations and ideas of others, but rather, of the stu-

dents interpretation of them.A way to be sure that your ownthoughts are expressed is to introduce in a few sentences the reason(s)for the quotations/ideas inclusion in the paper; then to characterizethe effect of the quotation/idea on your own thinking and its relationto your thesis statement. Successful papers combine the students thesiswith references to primary and secondary sources that support thatthesis and assist the student in making a persuasive argument to theaudience.

Education of StudentsAt the first meeting of each academic class, teachers clearly explain

the Schools policy on academic honesty and include this information

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in course handouts.This includes the schools definition of academichonesty and consequences of violations.Teachers review the policy asit applies to their courses and assignments throughout the year,reminding students to seek clarification when unsure about properdocumentation and procedures. Each division presents programs to

educate students regarding community standards of academic honesty.ProceduresShould a teacher suspect that a student has committed a violation ofthe Academic Honesty Policy, the incident is investigated by theteacher and the Division Head to determine the facts.The investiga-tion includes interview(s) with any student(s) involved. Upon reach-ing a decision, the Division Head recommends to the Head of Schoolan appropriate consequence.The Division Head informs the studentand parents in writing of the action taken and outlines consequencesfor any future infractions.

PenaltiesCheating or plagiarism results in a grade of zero for the assignment.Penalties may include,but not limited to, academic probation, schoolsuspension, or dismissal. Incidents resulting in suspension may bereported to colleges/secondary schools to which students apply.

Academic ProbationStudents and parents are notified of serious academic problems

or deficiencies, and a parent conference with the teacher, the advisor,and the Head of the Middle School is arranged.A student whoreceives two or more trimester grades below 70 in major academicsubjects, or one or more failing grades (below 60) may be placed onacademic probation for the remainder of the year or for a designatedperiod of time.At the end of that period, if the students performanceor attitude has not improved substantially, the parents may be requiredto withdraw their child from the School.

AdvisorStudents in grades six through eight are assigned an advisor.

Faculty advisors have a small number of students and serve as theadvocatefor those children. Advisors receive copies of all progressreports and communications, meet with other faculty to discuss stu-

dent academic and developmental progress, and are responsible forbeing the link between home and School. Parents, the student, andthe advisor meet during the formal conferences, scheduled for the falland winter. Both student and parents should consider the facultyadvisor as the primary contact person if general questions about eitheracademics or social life in school arise.

One day during the six day rotation, the advisory meets as agroup.As another peer group for a middle school student, the advisoryis a place for conversations about classes, social concerns, communityservice projects, and other school related topics.

After School Care ProgramAn after-school program in Camp Hall is available for children

in grades pre-kindergarten through eight from 3:10 p.m. 6:00 p.m.The program offers a combination of educational and recreationalactivities and provides a nurturing and safe setting beyond the normalschool day. These activities are coordinated by the Director of AfterSchool Programs. Fees are assessed at an hourly rate and will appearon a monthly statement. Lower and Middle School students may notremain on campus after school in an unsupervised activity or location.

Students must be picked as soon as their scheduled activity is

concluded.A child who has not been picked up ten minutes after theactivity ends will be escorted to the after school program by thesupervising adult and will be charged at the hourly supervision rate.

Students in grades six, seven, and eight who have assigned com-puter or research project work may use Centennial Library computerlabs after school.A written note is required from the teacher assigningto project.This note,which should include what time the student hasmade arrangements for pick-up, will be given to the Librarian afterschool. Upon arriving in the Library, a student must sign in on theclipboard located on the front desk. Students must understand that itis both a privilege and responsibility to work independently in the

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Library after school. Should a student abuse the privilege duringhis/her time in the Library he/she will be dismissed from the Libraryto the after school care program, where a fee will be charged forsupervision. It is important that transportation arrangements be timelyas the Library closes at 5:00 p.m. Students remaining in the Library

after that time will be escorted to the After School Program in CampHall.

AttendanceClasses at the Middle School begin at 8:00 a.m. Students who

arrive between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. are to report to the GiguereFamily Recital Hall. Students are dismissed from the Giguere FamilyRecital Hall at 7:45 a.m. each morning to report to their advisor.Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. (and prior to 8:00 a.m.) reportdirectly to their advisor.

Students who arrive to the school after 8:00 a.m.will be

considered tardy. Prompt arrival is an important first step in the startof a good school day.We encourage students to arrive at school at7:45 a.m. to allow time to gather materials for early morning classes.Starting the day organized sets a good tone for the entire day.Students are expected to be prepared for the start of the schoolday at 8:00 a.m.This means that books and materials for the firstclasses of the day should be removed from lockers and locker rooms.Students who have arrived at School prior to 8:00 a.m. but have notchecked in with his/her advisor and not in advisory may be consid-ered tardy.

BusesBus service is available to many areas at the beginning and end

of the school day.A small number of buses also provides service tostudents who are engaged in athletics or after school activities. Freebus transportation to and from school is available for students living inthe city of Waterbury. In addition, the School contracts for a numberof additional buses to serve surrounding communities. Parents inter-ested in bus transportation should contact the Business Office forschedules, routes, and fees.

Safety dictates all campus traffic rules. Buses and cars follow pat-terns indicated on the traffic flow charts provided parents at the startof the school year. Middle School parents who carpool may droptheir children off at the end of the library walkway or at the LowerSchool carpool area. Carpool pick up at dismissal may be at either

location. Students are NOT PERMITTED to walk unescorted byparents into the parking lot.Students riding in school buses are expected to remain seated

and observe all rules for g

Chase Collegiate School Student Handbook 2008-2009

Documents

Transcript of Chase Collegiate School Student Handbook 2008-2009