upper school handbook
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http://www.towerhill.org/ftpimages/213/download/US%20Student%20Handbook%2011-12.pdfTRANSCRIPT
Upper School Student Handbook
Tower Hill School 2011 - 2012
Many Things Done Well
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TABLE OF CONTENTS I.Preface ...................................................... ................................ ............................ ..........................3 Introduction ................................................. ................................ ............................ ..........................3 Tower Hill School Honor Statement .. ................................ ............................ ..........................4 Tower Hill School Philosophy .............. ................................ ............................ ..........................4 II.Academic Information General Information ................................ ................................ ............................ ..........................5 Drop/Add Procedure................................ ................................ ............................ ..........................5 Study Hall and Extra Help Sessions.... ................................ ............................ ..........................5 Recognition of Scholars .......................... ................................ ............................ ..........................5 Examination Weighting........................... ................................ ............................ ..........................6 Final Exams................................................... ................................ ............................ ..........................6 Incomplete Work/Course Failures .... ................................ ............................ ..........................7 Academic Probation ................................. ................................ ............................ ..........................7 Responsible Computing Policy............. ................................ ............................ ..........................7 III. Athletic Program Principles ...................................................... ................................ ............................ ..........................9 Program ....................................... ................................ ............................ ..........................9 Training Rules ............................................. ................................ ............................ ....................... 10 Varsity Letters ............................................. ................................ ............................ ....................... 10 IV. Community Service................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 10 V. Student Behavior Detentions .................................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 11 Suspension & Disciplinary Probation ............................. ............................ ....................... 11 Departmental Honor Statements ........ ................................ ............................ ....................... 12 Honor Board ................................................ ................................ ............................ ....................... 13 Fac/Student Honor Responsibilities ................................ ............................ ....................... 14 Harassment.................................................. ................................ ............................ ....................... 14 School Dances and Functions ............... ................................ ............................ ....................... 14 Dress Requirements ................................ ................................ ............................ ....................... 14 Food ...................................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 18 Telephones/Messages/Halls................. ................................ ............................ ....................... 18 Library ...................................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 18 VI. Student Faculty Council......................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 18 VII. Attendance General Policies ......................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 20 Absences ...................................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 20 Excused/Unexcused Absences and Make–up Work…………………….... .……………….20 Lateness ...................................................... ................................ ............................ ....................... 21 Check Out Procedures ............................. ................................ ............................ ....................... 21 VIII. Medical Information............................ ................................ ............................ ....................... 22 IX. Upper School Administration........... ................................ ............................ ....................... 22
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Preface Many consider Tower Hill School one of the finest independent schools in the area. It is not the academic program alone that has earned this reputation. The academic program is aided, supported, and enhanced by each student’s conduct and spirit. These often-‐intangible qualities have been fostered and nurtured by caring parents, faculty, and staff. As the school changes and grows, those within the Tower Hill community strive to maintain these high standards. The pages that follow outline the ideas and ideals which have gained the school its fine reputation. These are based on the School Philosophy and Honor Statement below. By attending Tower Hill, you as students, with the support of your parents, are subscribing to the statements and are, therefore, helping Tower Hill maintain its fine standing. Introduction Tower Hill strives as a community of interdependent individuals to develop a spirit of cooperation and respect and to encourage in each of its students a genuine interest in the welfare of all individuals within the school and in the community beyond. Tower Hill expects each student and faculty member to support actively the values of honesty, respect for others and self, and concern for others' person and property. Ideally, respect is given to the thoughts, feelings, and work of all students, faculty, and staff. This respect can be shown in a variety of ways: by greeting one another as we pass in the hall; by avoiding unnecessary, disturbing noise; by using considerate conduct in the classroom, dining room, and theater; by recognizing the right of others to express opinions openly and candidly; by using appropriate forms of address; and by avoiding cruel sarcasm, to name a few. It is not our goal in this Handbook to list policies and regulations that define in detail every aspect of school life, but rather to highlight the standards that all members of Tower Hill, both students and faculty, need to accept as part of their investment in their own growth and in the success of the school. These standards are not new; they represent what Tower Hill has long stood for and goals it constantly seeks to achieve. This spirit of respect, cooperation, and integrity is designed to produce an atmosphere conducive to intellectual and ethical growth. To provide students with the support, encouragement, and guidance that they need as members of this community, each one is assigned a faculty member as an advisor. The advisor is responsible for overseeing the student's involvement in all areas of school life and for helping the student deal effectively with any problem that arises. The advisor helps the student examine his or her personal goals relative to the student's strengths and interest and assists the student in selecting a program consistent with these goals. Students have the opportunity to voice concerns or make suggestions with regard to everyday life at Tower Hill. The Student-‐Faculty Council (see section VI) is the primary forum for the discussion of school-‐related issues. Students are encouraged to make recommendations for change to the Council, either in person or through one of its members. In this way, students and faculty can work together to respond effectively to changing needs. In addition, students are encouraged to bring concerns, questions, and suggestions to a faculty member, Dean, Head of Upper School, or Headmaster.
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Tower Hill School Honor Statement Tower Hill School is an educational community committed to the ethical, intellectual, and physical growth of its students both as individuals and as members of a community. Tower Hill recognizes that achievement by the individual or the School in academics, athletics, and the arts is meaningless without integrity. We believe that honesty, respect for others and self, and concern for others’ person and property are fundamental standards; therefore, Tower Hill insists upon active support of these standards by students, faculty, and parents. Each student will be required each year to sign a statement that they have read, understand, and will actively support and comply with the Honor Statement and policies outlined in the Upper School Student Handbook. This is a way for the school to be certain that each student is aware how important this part of their commitment to Tower Hill is. It is also the reason students will be asked to acknowledge in writing on every piece of work submitted for credit that the work is their own. Tower Hill School Philosophy Tower Hill is a college preparatory school that carefully blends personal challenge and individual support to nurture the growth of its students. The school aspires to build a foundation for lifelong learning: the development of an inquisitive, discerning, and critical mind; the capacity to be creative and aesthetically sensitive; the appreciation of physical well being; and the commitment to live with integrity. Tower Hill is a supportive and caring community that seeks to identify and meet each student’s unique needs. It expects students to accept increasing responsibility for themselves and others. While Tower Hill reflects its Christian tradition, it embraces diverse cultures and beliefs. The school encourages each student to develop a sense of personal worth and to recognize, understand, and respect the individuality of others. The school nurtures the development of values, commitments, and goals from childhood through adolescence. From the cornerstones of opportunity, encouragement, respect, and trust, Tower Hill aspires to produce young men and women who will be leaders of the future. Tower Hill is dedicated to its motto Multa Bene Facta—Many Things Done Well.
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Academic Information General Information Tower Hill is a college preparatory school; thus, its academic requirements are largely determined by the entrance requirements of the majority of the colleges to which Tower Hill students apply. Students receive a Course Brochure, which contains an Academic Requirements Sheet, when determining their program for the following year. While each student's advisor, among others, is ready to help in making decisions concerning the number and difficulty of courses that the student might take, ultimately each student is responsible for his or her own program and performance. Since an important part of the learning process occurs through interaction in classes, it is important for students to be prepared to participate actively and intelligently. Therefore, each student is expected to spend an average of forty-‐five minutes daily in preparation for each class. Also, any student having difficulty in a certain course is expected to discuss the difficulties with the instructor. It is important that this be done as soon as possible since in many courses each day's work builds upon the previous day's work. Our marking system serves to inform the student of his or her progress and to give colleges some indication of the student's ability in various areas. Drop/Add Procedure Students wishing to drop or add a course must pick up a Drop/Add Form from the Upper School Director of Scheduling, and then return it after it has been signed by the appropriate individuals. As a general rule, a student will not be allowed to drop a course after the first three weeks of the course. Likewise, a student who begins to attend a course for which the student is not officially registered must return a completed Drop/Add Form to the Director of Scheduling by the end of the third week of the course in order to receive credit for the course. Study Hall and Extra Help Sessions Students in Grade 9 attend study hall during their free periods for the first quarter. After the first quarter, students whose achievement and effort are considered satisfactory are no longer required to attend study hall. Any student having particular difficulty with a certain course may be assigned to the teacher for extra help during mutually free periods. Any student may be placed in study hall if the faculty feels that the student’s effort or achievement warrants such restriction. Recognition of Scholars Described in the following sections is the method for determining scholar status. It has been designed to give special recognition to those students whose academic achievement has been particularly noteworthy at the end of the first semester and the end of the year. Scholar: All major course marks must be 84 or above, and all minor course marks must be 80/B-‐ or above. In addition: First semester: Each major course mark falling between 77 and 83 inclusive is offset by a major course mark of 90 or above.
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Second semester: Each year-‐long course mark falling between 77 and 83 inclusive is offset by either: a) a year-‐long course mark of 90 or above b) a semester-‐long major course of 93 or above. Scholar with Honors: All major course marks must be 87 or above, and all minor course marks must be 83/B or above. In addition: First semester: Each major course mark falling between 80 and 86 inclusive is offset by a major course mark of 93 or above. Second semester: Each year-‐long course mark falling between 80 and 86 inclusive is offset by either: a) a year-‐long course mark of 93 or above b) a semester-‐long major course of 96 or above Scholar with Distinction: All major course marks must be 90 or above, and all minor course marks must be 87/B+ or above. Examination Weighting All examinations are two hours in length with the following exceptions: Advanced Placement (AP) courses may administer examinations up to three hours in length. In addition, all examinations in the first semester will count 25% of the semester mark. Examinations at the end of the year will count 25% of the second semester mark. Final Exams The final examinations are designed to be comprehensive in nature and give a good indication of a student's readiness to go on to the next level of study in a subject area. The school feels that a final examination mark below 50 indicates that the student has not sufficiently mastered the course material. Unlike the midyear examinations, where the subject area teacher and the student have the opportunity to remedy deficiencies during the second semester, no such opportunity exists following the final examination. Thus, a student who receives a mark below 50 on a final examination will automatically fail the course for the year regardless of his/her average before the exam. A student may remedy a course failed for this reason by passing a re-‐exam. The school will normally recommend tutoring or summer school before the student attempts the re-‐exam. While a passing re-‐exam grade is still 50 or higher, the original exam mark will be averaged with the re-‐exam mark in calculation of the final average and a student's final course mark in these situations may not be higher than a 69.
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Incomplete Work/Course Failures Students must complete all major assignments in a course to receive credit for the course. Students who have major assignments incomplete or not submitted will receive an incomplete until they have been satisfactorily completed, at which time mark and credit for the course will be given. Seniors must pass all of their courses to graduate. If a senior fails a course, his or her diploma will be withheld until the failure has been rectified. When an underclassman fails a course, the department chairperson will specify whether the course is to be repeated the following year or to be made up before the student returns in the fall. If the student must make up the course during the summer, the department chairperson will indicate to the Head of the Upper School the procedure to be followed. Generally, a student will be required to pass an examination prepared by the department before credit is awarded. In most cases, the student will be permitted to prepare for the exam by attending summer school, by reviewing on his own, or by working with a private tutor. In June the Upper School faculty will review the performance of any student who has failed two or more courses and then recommend to the Head of Upper School and the Headmaster whether or not the student should return to Tower Hill the following year. Academic Probation A student may be placed on academic probation for poor academic performance or for unsatisfactory effort. After a student has been on academic probation for one semester, his/her situation will be reviewed carefully by the advisor, teachers, Dean of Students, and the Head of the Upper School to determine whether he/she should continue education at Tower Hill. In some cases, a student on academic probation will be restricted from participating in non-‐academic activities so that he/she can devote that time and energy to improving his/her academic status. Responsible Computing Policy Overview The computing facilities at Tower Hill are designed to support the educational program of our students. All computer users are expected to use the computing and information resources responsibly, respecting the rights of other computer users, protecting the integrity of the computing resources, following all licensing agreements, and applying the principles of the Honor Code and proper behavior to all activities. The school's computer system should not be used in any way that is harassing, offensive, intimidating, or discriminatory. In addition, students who are found to have openly disparaged Tower Hill, or members of its community in a libelous or harassing manner in a public Internet forum—Facebook, Formspring, etc.—may face disciplinary action, comparable to if the offense occurred in school. Students are expected to use the technology resources to support their educational program or appropriate recreational use as determined by faculty and staff. Students should always be able to justify their use of the technology resources by explaining how their actions are connected to their Tower Hill program or to appropriate recreational use. Any accessing of
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technology either through school or personal devices that becomes problematic because it is inappropriate in its content, disruptive to others or negatively impacts a student's academic performance will not be permitted and may be subject to disciplinary action. The following guidelines, although not all-‐inclusive, apply the principles listed in the overview to specific situations. These policies and guidelines apply to students using Tower Hill computing resources, using their personal technology device or other technology devices at school, or using their TowerApps or TowerNet account from home or through the web. Educational Guidelines * Always use a headset when accessing technology that involves sound. * Do not use the computer resources for commercial, political, or non-‐Tower Hill-‐related
purposes. * Do not participate in chatrooms or similar activities, unless the chat is part of a class. * Do not download audio or visual files (MP3s, music videos, sports clips, etc.), unless they are a part of an academic project. * Do not use any electronic mail account other than your TowerMail account. * Use the Internet only for Tower Hill-‐related activities, avoiding sites that are pornographic or otherwise inappropriate or sites that hinder overall network performance (videos or streaming music, for example). * Do not violate the privacy or property rights of others. Personal & School Safety Guidelines * Do not disclose personal information over the Internet. Do not reveal your real name, telephone number, address, password, credit information, school or other information. Do not give out such information about anyone else. * Do not use the Tower Hill computer resources for any monetary or financial transaction (shopping, auctions, purchases, banking, etc.). * Do not give out your password or let anyone else use your account. * Do not create, send or forward documents or messages that are inappropriate, malicious, pornographic, harassing, wasteful, or annoying (chain letters, for example). * Do not access, copy, delete, or alter information or files that are not your own. Administrative Guidelines * Do not attempt to acquire a password. * If a student learns a password or becomes aware that someone without authorization has obtained a password, the student should notify a member of the computing faculty or school administration. * Scheduled classes take precedence over general use. * Computer users should be aware that the school computers, server storage, TowerApps and TowerNet accounts, and Internet use may be monitored at any time; there should be no expectation of privacy using the school's computer system. * Follow any special rules established for each computer area in the school. * Report broken or malfunctioning equipment. Responses to Violations Access to Tower Hill's technology facilities is a privilege granted to members of the Tower Hill School community and may be revoked or limited for violations of the policies outlined in this
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document. Depending on the violation, Tower Hill students may also be subject to further disciplinary action under the guidelines established in the student handbook, and in some cases to criminal charges by local, state, or federal authorities. Students should be aware that the use of Tower Hill's technology facilities and their TowerApps and TowerNet accounts may be necessary for their school work; therefore, any revocation or limiting of their privileges may have academic implications as well. Responses to violations may include, but are not limited to, the following depending on the nature and frequency of the violation: warning, detention, suspension / limitation of technology privileges for a set number of days, meeting with the Dean and the student’s parents. Students who feel that they have been unjustly accused of a violation may appeal to the Student Faculty Council, who will make a recommendation to the administration. Revised 8/9/10 Athletic Program Principles Athletic competition is an integral part of the educational and developmental process of our students and that many important lessons are taught through athletic experience. Therefore, athletics are a fundamental part of the total curriculum at Tower Hill, fulfilling our motto of "Multi Bene Facta," many things done well. The objectives of coaches and teachers are identical: to help young people reach their fullest potential intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Accordingly, sportsmanship—the demonstration of appropriate conduct, honest rivalry, and graceful acceptance of the outcome—is as important as the full development of athletic skills. Critical to these teachings is the expectation that our community as well as our athletes will demonstrate respect for everyone involved in athletic competition. Program Every student participates in individual or team sports, the purpose of which is to develop skill, sportsmanship, and self-‐confidence. All students are required to participate in the athletic program each season, though juniors and seniors may elect to exempt one season. There are many options available to fulfill the athletic requirements, which are listed in the Athletic Handbook. Parents and students should take note of the following policies: * Students who are not involved in a school-‐run athletic program are expected to make arrangements to leave the school at the end of their academic day. * A student participating in a team sport may not compete in an interscholastic contest on a day in which he or she comes to school late due to fatigue or sickness. In keeping with general school policy, a student may not participate in an athletic contest on a day in which he or she is not in normal school attendance (see Attendance section). * A student who develops a serious medical problem or has a serious injury must submit a doctor's note before the student is allowed to resume athletic participation. * Students should always use the bridge to get to the girls hockey/boys lacrosse fields and the tunnel to get to the athletic facilities across Rising Sun Avenue.
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Training Rules All students who are members of interscholastic teams are expected to abstain from the use of any form of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs during the sports season. If an athlete breaks training, he/she will not be allowed to represent the school in interscholastic competition for a period of time which will include approximately twenty percent of the team's total interscholastic competition of games, matches, or meets. During this period of time, the Athletic Director may, after consultation and unanimous agreement from the coach and the team's captain(s), reinstate the athlete. If an athlete breaks training more than once during the school year, he/she may not represent the school in interscholastic competition for the remainder of the season in which the second infraction occurs. Varsity Letters Varsity letters will be awarded to students who have played in at least one half of the team's games, matches or meets; or in the case of track, swimming and cross-‐country, who have scored the required number of points during the season. In unusual cases, the coach of the sport can make an exception to these standards with the approval of the Athletic Director. No student will be eligible to receive a varsity letter in a sport if he/she is suspended for training rule infractions during that season. Community Service The purpose of Tower Hill's Community Service Program is to provide a meaningful contribution to the community and a unique experiential educational opportunity for the student. Service projects are activities that are distinctly different from the student's normal, daily experiences. All Upper School students must successfully complete the Community Service Program as a requirement for graduation. The service must be an experience where the student has a concentrated involvement (a minimum of forty hours) in one activity during a twelve-‐month period. The service must be non-‐paying and be performed outside of Tower Hill. The student may perform his/her service during free periods of the school day, after school, during an athletic season off, on weekends, and during school and summer vacations. Service may be performed any time during the Upper School years, but may not begin before the start of ninth grade. Service is to be completed by the first school day after winter holiday vacation of a student's senior year. Seniors who have not completed their service by that point will have their senior privileges revoked. Seniors who do not complete their service by March 1 will not be allowed to participate in school-‐related activities (including sports) until their service is complete. If the service requirement is not completed by graduation, the student will not receive a diploma and the final grade report will not be sent to colleges until successful completion of the service. New students entering tenth or eleventh grade must complete the full requirement. New students entering twelfth grade are required to serve a minimum of 20 hours prior to graduation. Each student will meet with the Director of Community Service to review specific
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program details and requirements. Additional information and required paperwork can be found on TowerNet under "Teaching and Learning;" "Service Learning;" then "Upper School." Student Behavior The welfare of the school community as well as the school's ability to grow and be effective in its programs is directly related to each student's willingness to suspend a portion of his or her individuality. Students attending Tower Hill are expected to have the integrity and self-‐discipline needed to accept the rules, policies, and expectations of the school even while working for changes that they feel to be necessary. These attributes are expected both on and off campus. If a student exhibits negative behavior while clearly representing Tower Hill at an event that is not sponsored by or does not take place at Tower Hill (such as another school's dance or an away athletic contest), this will be considered to be behavior "on campus" and will be responded to accordingly. Detentions Students involved in infractions of school rules may be required to serve a detention. Detentions will be served after school on the day of the infraction unless special arrangements are made with the Dean of Students or Head of Upper School. An unexcused absence from detention will incur another detention and repeat violations may lead to a Letter of Warning. Among infractions which will normally result in a detention are the following: * dress code * chewing gum * the fourth and any additional unexcused lates to school per quarter * repeated minor lateness to class * unexcused absence from class or part of a class * loitering in the halls or stairwells during classes * foul language/disrespectful behavior The detention system is designed to deter inappropriate behavior. Multiple detention assignments indicate a pattern not conducive to the enrichment of the community and therefore will lead to more serious consequences as described below: • 5 detention assignments within an academic year will lead to a Letter of Warning • 7 detention assignments will place a student on Disciplinary Probation • Students who accumulate 10 detentions or more may risk suspension or expulsion. While the number of detentions will not accumulate from year to year, records of these infractions will be kept and may be consulted in future disciplinary decisions. Suspension & Disciplinary Probation Those who are involved in major infractions of school policies or who repeatedly demonstrate their unwillingness to accept what is asked of them will meet with the Dean of Students or with the Head of the Upper School at which an appropriate course of action will be determined. The action taken could include a letter of warning, disciplinary probation, or suspension.
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A letter of warning is sent to the student and his/her parents when a pattern of infractions occurs or when the infraction is serious enough to warrant such a letter. The letter puts the student on notice that his or her behavior needs to be exemplary, and that a future infraction of any kind will be treated more severely (including disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion) than it might if the student had not received a "letter of warning." When a serious question arises about whether a student should continue at Tower Hill, the student may be placed on disciplinary probation for a specified period of time. Prior to the end of the probation period the student must submit to the appropriate Head Class Advisor a letter indicating what the student feels he or she has gained by remaining at Tower Hill, and what the School has gained by his or her presence. The Head Class Advisor and the student will discuss the letter with the Head of the Upper School, who will make a recommendation to the Headmaster concerning the student's future at Tower Hill. Students need to be aware that a suspension or disciplinary probation is part of a permanent record. Colleges usually request such information as part of the application process, and if applications or recommendations have already been sent, the school must notify each of the colleges involved that a suspension has occurred. Accompanying the school's notification is a letter written by the student explaining the suspension. The following infractions, in addition to those specified in Section C below, are considered very serious that will lead, except in very unusual circumstances, to immediate suspension or dismissal from school by the administration: * Using or being under the influence of any form of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs while on school property or while attending any function sponsored wholly or partly by the school. * Possession of a school key. * Unauthorized presence in any school building including locker rooms, gym, field house, etc. (for example, students involved in a weekend or evening activity are expected to remain at the site of the activity, rather than elsewhere in the building). * Leaving campus without permission during the school day, including during athletic practice time. Departmental Honor Statements The Tower Hill Upper School Faculty fully support and subscribe to the following Honor Code Statements: English Department: Papers: A paper prepared outside of class must be a student's own work and thought. Ideas or phrasing borrowed from other sources must be acknowledged by a footnote or by context. (As Edmund Wilson stated..."). Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty defined as "work or ideas taken and passed off as one's own." Students are also responsible for their own mechanical and logical accuracy. If a friend or parent reads a paper, the advice must be general: “I had trouble following your point here” or “You’d better check your spelling in the second paragraph.” Some assignments will call for cooperation between students; however, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher, students may ask only the teachers for specific advice.
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Tests, Quizzes, In-‐Class Papers: These exercises must be prepared without giving or receiving aid of any kind. The test or quiz may not be discussed with any other student until after everyone has taken the test. Classical and Modern Languages Department: Students are expected to accept responsibility for the integrity and basic honesty of their academic work, either in class or at home. All tests, quizzes, or graded material (including homework) will be done without assistance, unless express permission is given by the teacher. Accordingly, students are never permitted to take credit for or represent as one’s own work anything that is the work of another. If a student receives any help on out-‐of-‐class assignments, this help will be reported to the teacher. At no time should work be copied. This includes the academic work of classmates, published authors, and known or anonymous authors on the Internet. Academic dishonesty includes a variety of activities that includes, but is not limited to: all forms of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citation, the failure to use appropriate citations, unauthorized possession of examinations or quizzes, submitting work of another person or work previously submitted by another, and tampering with the work of another. Additionally, any test or quiz may not be discussed with any other students until after everyone has taken the test or quiz (this also applies to essays and any other form of graded work). In all other matters, the Language Department will follow the guidelines of the Upper School Student Handbook. History Department: The History Department expects that each student will abide by the norms stated in the Honor Code for all tests and assignments, unless the teacher specifically states otherwise for a particular assignment. Ideas and opinions that are not the student’s own, whether paraphrased or quoted, must be acknowledged with a proper citation Math Department: All in class tests and quizzes (announced or unannounced) will be taken without assistance. In certain specified cases, out-‐of-‐class honor assignments will be given on which no assistance may be given or received. Science Department: Appropriate help is any studying or teaching that occurs before a test, quiz, lab write-‐up, or other graded assignment. Once a student begins to write any graded assignments, the student is to work on his/her own. Any infraction of this will be considered in violation of the Tower Hill Honor Code. The Honor Board Tower Hill requires that each of its students conduct themselves in an honorable fashion. Breaches of honorable conduct include lying and misrepresentation of facts, cheating, stealing, and vandalism. When the Dean of Students or the Head of the Upper School has been made aware that a student has allegedly committed an honor violation, he may convene the Honor Board, if he deems the cause sufficient. The voting members of the honor Board consist of one of the following: the Dean of Students, or a class advisor of the senior class; and a class advisor, a faculty member from the Student-‐Faculty Council, and three student members of the Student-‐Faculty Council selected by the President. (The students may not be chosen from the class of the student who is alleged to have committed the violation without the approval of the Dean of Students or the Head of the Upper School.) The student's advisor, the Head of the Upper School, and the class co-‐chairpersons of the student brought before the Board may be present as observers.
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After hearing the details of the alleged honor violation, the voting members of the Board shall make a recommendation based on a simple majority to the Head of the Upper School and the Headmaster concerning what action should be taken. Since the Honor Board is to be governed by the spirit expressed in the Introduction, it will base its recommendation on the principles that Tower Hill students and faculty support honesty and respect for others. Faculty/Student Honor Responsibilities Students who believe they have witnessed a breach of honorable conduct are held responsible for acting positively to it. Responsible courses of action include the following: * Informing a faculty member, the Dean of Students, or a member of the Student Faculty Council of the alleged violation. * Asking the student in question to report his or her situation to a faculty member. * Confronting the student personally concerning his or her conduct. Any faculty member who has knowledge of an alleged honor violation, whether from their own personal knowledge or from the report of a student, must report the occurrence to the Dean of Students or the Head of the Upper School. The Dean of Students or the Head of the Upper School may then arrange for an Honor Board; however, a faculty member may choose to respond immediately to an honor violation in his/her course. Any student involved in an alleged honor violation may request an Honor Board hearing if the student has questions concerning a faculty member's response to an alleged honor violation. The President of the Student Faculty Council or the Head of the Upper School will also inform the student body and the faculty of the results of any Honor Board recommendation. Harassment We believe strongly in the right of each student to benefit from every aspect of the school's program, including academics, athletics, and activities. Therefore, harassment of any kind is unacceptable. Specifically, sexual harassment is not tolerated at Tower Hill School. It is the school's policy that no member of the community-‐faculty, staff, or student-‐may sexually harass another. A student who believes he/she is being harassed should address the situation immediately with the help of a faculty member or administrator, if the student feels this would be helpful. School Dances and Functions All school rules apply at dances or events (such as fundraising activities or athletic contests). The school reserves the right to use practical means, such as a breathalyzer or consultation with police officers, to determine whether a student is or is not under the influence of illegal substances at an event. The school reserves the right to dismiss a student it suspects of being under the influence from a dance or school event and will communicate with a parent in such a case. Dress Requirements Tower Hill's dress code is based primarily on the belief that dress should be appropriate to the work people are doing. The school's dress requirements, therefore, stem from an effort to provide an atmosphere conducive to education. Student attire should reflect good taste and respect for the instructional environment.
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Students need to be mindful of the weather and the conditions they are likely to experience in our building, for many of the difficulties with the dress code come when students do not dress considering both factors. In keeping with this idea, students will be allowed to wear shorts that are in good condition and appropriate length, polo shirts, and athletic shoes on any day when the temperature will be eighty-‐six or above in Wilmington. The specific school policies with regard to dress are outlined below. Parents and students are urged to use common sense in interpreting this information. The final decision about the appropriateness of a student's dress rests with the Upper School faculty, Dean of Students, the Head of the Upper School, and the Headmaster. All Clothing should be neat and clean with appropriate hems and cuffs. Clothing should be free from holes, paint spots, frayed edges, etc., and should fit well. Boys — approved dress includes: neat, clean dress slacks, with a belt when appropriate. Shoes in good repair that cover the entire foot, always with full-‐length socks. Shirt (dress shirt, turtleneck, or polo shirt with a naturally turned collar) always tucked in. Students are expected to be clean-‐shaven. Tower Hill sweatshirt apparel is permitted. Girls — appropriate dress includes: dresses with a top strap width of at least three inches with hemline resting more than three inches above the knee, skirts, also no more than three inches above the knee. Capri pants or full-‐length slacks (no yoga pants, denim, jeggings, leggings or tight pants of any kind). Blouse, sweater, turtleneck, or knit top (again with a top strap width of at least three inches and avoiding low cut pieces); t-shirts are not allowed; THS sweatshirts are permitted. Shoes that have a closed toe and preferably closed heel; sling backs or slides with a rim around the heel are also acceptable. Sneakers in one solid color (brown, beige, gray, or black), including the sole, are permitted. Non-‐appropriate items include: dresses that have spaghetti straps, bare back, off the shoulder, halter, tube, crop, sun dress or tank top style; t-‐shirts or shirts which have large-‐lettered advertising; clothing that is excessively tight, overly revealing, inappropriately short, or revealing during standing, bending, sitting, or moving. No yoga pants, denim, jeggings, leggings or tight pants of any kind. Materials that are mesh, sheer or see-‐through are to be worn with an undergarment that is not mesh, sheer, or see-‐through. All Students non-‐appropriate items: * Jeans * Flip-‐flops, mules that cover only half the foot, beach shoes, sandals, and similar attire are not considered appropriate for the classroom. * Athletic shoes that are multicolored or having a white sole. Only brown, beige, gray, or black sneakers that are one solid color (including the sole) are permitted. (See page 16.) * Outerwear, such as jackets, hats, or sweatshirts (unless THS), is not considered acceptable dress in school. Dress-‐down days/FFAS jeans days On these special days students may wear jeans, sweatpants, or shorts along with t-‐shirts, sweatshirts, or tops of their choosing. However, short length and top coverage rules are still mandatory. Sneakers may be worn but flip-‐flops, hats, and other items not listed in the dress code are not permitted. If a student does not want to participate they do not have to make the donation and should therefore be in dress code. If these rules are in question, students should
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be sure to ask a faculty member BEFORE the dress down day so warnings are not given for non-‐compliance to this privilege. Dress Code Violations: Infractions to the dress code may be handled in one or more of the following ways: * Student sent home for appropriate dress. * Appropriate clothing may be given to student. * Warnings and/or detentions assigned. It is important to understand that missing classes due to a violation of the dress code will be considered an unexcused absence, and, therefore, a student will usually receive no credit for any work missed. In addition, repeated violations may result in disciplinary probation or suspension.
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DRESS CODE
NON-‐APPROPRIATE AND APPROPRIATE SHOES
NON-‐APPROPRIATE SHOES APPROPRIATE SHOES
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Food Students are permitted to keep snacks other than drinks in their lockers. Students are not permitted to eat in class, but may eat between classes, in their homeroom during a free period, or in the cafeteria when snacks are available. No food is to be removed from the dining room. Because of the maintenance issues involved, chewing gum is not permitted in the school building at any time. Telephones/Messages The use of cell phones is permitted within certain guidelines. Any use of a cell phone (including its camera or applications) that becomes problematic because it is inappropriate, disruptive to others or negatively impacts a student's academic performance will not be permitted and may be subject to disciplinary action. Cell phone calls and text messaging during the academic day should only occur during a student’s free time and should be limited to communication with parents or family members, not for social communication with friends. Cell phones should not be visible or in use in academic settings including classrooms, the library or study halls unless expressly permitted by a faculty member. Cell phones should never be visible or in use during assessments – quizzes, examinations, etc. Students should not use a faculty or office phone without specific permission. Halls Students are not to be in the halls or stairways during classes, since this often disturbs classes in session. Library The Tower Hill Library offers students a variety of reading and reference materials. Students may come to the library during free periods to read quietly, do library research or study. The library is not the place for social interaction. All books and other printed materials may be checked out to students. A student who does not return library materials in a timely manner will be assigned a detention, and a bill will be sent to the parents. A copier is available in the library, and copies for school assignments are free. Students wishing to make personal copies, unrelated to school, must pay 5 cents per page. Food and drink are not permitted in the library. Student/Faculty Council Function The function of the Student-‐Faculty Council is to discuss any aspect of Upper School life at Tower Hill that requires review. The council is an elective body of Upper School students and faculty whose recommendations must be approved by the Head of the Upper School and/or the Headmaster. The council's ongoing goal is to improve the quality of student life and to provide a forum for better communication between the faculty, students, and the administration. Members
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Each Student-‐Faculty Council will consist of 20 members: 16 students, who are elected by the upper school student body, 3 faculty members, who are elected by the faculty, and the Dean of Students. Representatives Election Process: Elections for the new council for the following school year will be held by the end of the first week in May. Ninth grade elections will be held at the beginning of the school year. Students: Candidates for all student elections will be nominated by members of their class or will be self-‐nominated. Each class will elect two male and two female "class representatives." Faculty: The Head of the Upper School will conduct the election of the three faculty representatives. The Dean of Students will serve on the Council. President: After the class elections, student members of the new Student-‐Faculty Council will be eligible to nominate other members or themselves for the position of President. In an assembly each of the nominees will speak to the Upper School student body giving the reasons they should be elected. The Upper School students will then cast their ballots for President. Vice-‐President, Secretary, and Treasurer: The members of the Student-‐Faculty Council will vote for all officers other than President. Duties The duties of all members are to assume responsibilities as representatives and leaders of the student body or faculty and to participate fully in all matters of the Student-‐Faculty Council. Specific duties may include junior and senior representation on various board committees and participation on the honor board as outlined in the Upper School Handbook. Officers President: The duties of the president are to preside over meetings, to write the agenda, and to inform new members of their responsibilities. In addition, the president shall make a yearly report in which he or she shall review the council's accomplishments and present the succeeding council. Vice-‐President: The duties of the vice-‐president are to assume all responsibilities of the president in his or her absence and to assist the president in his or her duties. Secretary: The duties of the secretary are to record and distribute the minutes of meetings, to publish agendas, notices, reports, or other council work submitted for duplication, to maintain the files and bulletin board. Procedures * A quorum to conduct business shall consist of 15 members. * All recommendations must be passed by at least 2/3 of the members present and must be at least a majority of the council. * A constitutional change must be approved by 15 members. * Any member of the Student-‐Faculty Council who misses more than three meetings in a semester will risk forfeiting his/her seat on the council.
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Attendance General Policies Regular attendance and promptness are essential in order that the school and its students work together effectively. Thus, it is important that students meet all appointments promptly, including morning assemblies, homeroom meetings, lunch, extra help, and classes. Students should remain until dismissed. Absences Students should have their parent/guardian call the Upper School administrative assistant by 9:00 a.m. if they are going to be absent or late on any given day. If a student is listed as absent and the Upper School administrative assistant has not received a phone call or an e-‐mail from the parents, the administrative assistant will try to notify the parents. Normally if a parent contact has been made about a student's absence, the student does not need a note explaining the absence. Students who are absent on a given day should not be in the building or attending school events later on that day. Students may not participate in an athletic contest, a musical or dramatic production, or any other school-‐related event on a day in which they are not in normal school attendance. This means that a student must meet all of his or her obligations unless he/she has been excused from them ahead of time. Excused/Unexcused Absences and Make-up Work Typically the only excused absence after the fact will be for a non-‐discretionary reason, such as illness, court appearance, religious observance. Discretionary absences should be arranged in advance and, depending on the reasons for the absence, may or may not be considered excused; bringing a note from a parent or guardian explaining the nature of the absence does not automatically mean the absence will be excused. Missing any school appointment without an excuse is considered to be a serious violation of a student's obligation to the school, and appropriate action will be taken. In the case of an excused absence, the student is responsible for checking within 24 hours of his/her return to school with the teacher to make arrangements for making up missed work. If the student has foreknowledge of an upcoming excused absence, he/she should check with the teacher before the excused absence to make arrangements for missed work. Students are expected to be in regular attendance before and after school holidays. All requests for excusals the three days before or after a vacation or long weekend must be requested, in writing, and approved three weeks in advance by the Division Head. Except for unusual circumstances, absences during these times will be considered unexcused. A student who has an unexcused absence will usually receive 50% of the credit earned for any work missed during that absence. The faculty are not obligated to help a student make up any work missed during an unexcused absence. Additional disciplinary action may occur as well.
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Lateness Students are considered late if they arrive after 8:00 a.m. Most latenesses are considered unexcused unless a student has a non-‐discretionary appointment or is detained by inclement weather conditions. Students who miss any portion of class due to an unexcused lateness will receive no credit for work missed, and they usually will be assigned a detention. Students who are late must sign the late pad in the Upper School administrative assistant's office, indicating the time of arrival. Students who arrive after 8:00 a.m., but before first period (8:10 a.m.), must see the Dean or Head of the Upper School if they believe their lateness should be excused. Students who arrive after the beginning of first period (8:54 a.m.) must have a note from a parent or from a doctor, to be left with the Upper School administrative assistant, explaining the reason for the lateness. The note will not necessarily excuse the lateness, but it will allow the student to attend class. Students who do not have a note still must sign in and receive a yellow entry slip and will see the Dean of Students or Head of the Upper School as soon as possible. Students who arrive late due to fatigue or sickness may not arrive after 9:00 a.m. and preferably should stay home. They may be sent home and may not return to participate in activities beyond the academic day. If a student has three unexcused latenesses in a quarter, the parents will be notified of the situation. Usually, additional lateness during that quarter will result in a detention. Check-out Procedures All students are expected to remain on the school grounds during the school day (8:00 a.m. -‐ 3:00 p.m. for students not participating in a sport and 8:00 a.m. until the end of athletics for students participating in a sport); however, students who have no school commitment after period 7/7L on Fridays may leave. The school grounds are defined as the academic and music buildings on the main school block, and the track/football field. Private residences are not considered part of the school property. For athletics, the school grounds extend to athletic fields and buildings for the sport in which the student is participating. Access to the girls hockey and boys lacrosse fields should be only by the bridge and access to the athletic facilities across Rising Sun Avenue should be only through the tunnel. Underclass students may leave the school grounds only with specific permission from a Dean, the Head of the Upper School, or the Headmaster. They will be given a yellow dismissal slip that they need to leave with the receptionist. Seniors may leave school once a day, when they are free, by signing out, and signing in upon returning. This is a privilege that may be restricted by the Head of the Upper School, if in the school's opinion this is an appropriate course of action. This privilege is only granted with the permission of parents. Students who need to leave school for an appointment or other obligation must present a note, written by a parent or guardian, in the Upper School Office and obtain a yellow dismissal slip from the administrative assistant and sign out. The note should contain specific information about the time and nature of the appointment, and should indicate whether or not the student will return to finish the school day. The school asks that, whenever possible, appointments be scheduled so as not to conflict with academic classes and athletic contests.
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Students who return from an early dismissal must go directly to the Upper School Office and sign in and the administrative assistant will give the student a yellow readmission slip to take to their teacher. If the administrative assistant is unavailable, sign in and go directly to class. Medical Information Medications Whenever possible, medications should be taken at home. Ask the doctor to prescribe medication which can be given two or three times a day so it can be given at home. If medication must be taken at school, the medication must be in the original container or prescription bottle, clearly labeled with student name, drug name, and dosage. Parents will specify in writing, time medication is to be given, number of days it is to be given, as well as the reason the medication is being given. When having a prescription filled, it is helpful to ask the pharmacist for two identically labeled containers—one for home and one for school. Students are not to carry medications on their person, nor are medications to be kept in their locker. This is for the protection of all students. Students with asthma or severe allergies should have extra emergency medication sent to school and kept in the health office at all times. These include quick relief inhalers and auto-‐injectable epinephrine. Students may be allowed to carry their emergency medication on their person at the discretion of the school nurse, physician, and parent. Parents should supply emergency medications for all field trips. Upper School Administration * Head of Upper School -‐ Daniel Hickey, Ed.D. * Upper School Administrative Assistant -‐ Kathy Williams * Assistant Head of Upper School/Dean of Students -‐ Trisha Medeiros, Ed.D. * Head Class Advisors -‐ Grade 12 – Kevin Waesco * Head Class Advisor -‐ Grade 11 -‐ Leigh Thompson * Head Class Advisor -‐ Grade 10 -‐ Oremia Caimi * Head Class Advisor -‐ Grade 9 -‐ Tara Malloy * Director of Scheduling -‐ Jack Smith * Director of College Counseling – Jill Lauck * College Counseling Administrative Assistant -‐ Linda Ogden