MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parent/Student HandbookTHE DOANE STUART SCHOOL

199 WASHINGTON AVENUE • RENSSELAER, NY 12144 DOANESTUART.ORG • 518.465.5222

2017 - 2018

Table of Contents

Philosophy of the Doane Stuart School......................................3 Mission and Statement of Faith..................................................4 School Policies, Procedures & Events...................................5-24

Items are listed alphabetically. Acceptable Use Policy for Computers, Internet and Multimedia Resources..........................................25 Interactive Technology Policy....................................................27

Doane Stuart was founded in 1975 by a merger of the Episcopal St. Agnes School and the Roman Catholic Kenwood Academy. These century-old institutions combined to create a new school, strong in its academic orientation, committed to coeducational, interfaith religious inclusiveness, and proud of its heritage.

The name, Doane Stuart, reflects the School’s origins. The Right Reverend William Croswell Doane, the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, founded the St. Agnes School in 1870. Mother Janet Erskine Stuart was an internationally known educator and member of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the religious order that founded Kenwood Academy in 1852.

Mission and Philosophy of the Doane Stuart School

The mission of Doane Stuart is education for students from every quarter. In a college preparatory context, where the joy of discovery is valued, Doane Stuart emphasizes serious study, educates to social responsibility, and lays the foundation for a strong faith.

We depend upon a partnership, based on mutual trust and respect, with all Doane Stuart families, to make each school year a success for every student, with special emphasis on attitudes and behaviors that reflect kindness, appreciation of difference, honesty – and intolerance of exclusion, bullying and bigotry.

Doane Stuart is a long-standing member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). The mission of NAES is to:

Affirm the spiritual dimension of learning that values both faith and reason Create and nurture an extended community of leaders in order to foster partnerships, unity, mutual support

and professional growth Promote personal formation through moral, spiritual, intellectual, creative, physical and social development Assist Episcopal schools in creating supportive communities through worship, learning, pastoral care and

service Recognize, appreciate and support the diversity within and among Episcopal schools Help schools explore, discover and articulate their visions and ministries as Episcopal schools

As a member of NAES, Doane Stuart commits itself to the goals of the Association:

to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose and service to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a loving and

empowering God

Doane Stuart is, also, a member of long-standing of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). Doane Stuart is accredited by NYSAIS every ten years.

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Statement of Faith

STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE DOANE STUART SCHOOL ~ THERE ARE MANY ROOMS IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE.

John 14:2

The mission of Doane Stuart is education for students from every quarter. In a college preparatory context, where the joy of discovery is valued, Doane Stuart emphasizes serious study, educates to social responsibility, and lays the foundation for a strong faith.

Doane Stuart is an interfaith community, rooted in the Christian tradition. Created by the merger of our region’s oldest Episcopal independent school and the area’s oldest Roman Catholic independent school, Doane Stuart is inspired by the vision and courage of its founders. As individuals, we embrace different beliefs and practices. As a community, we welcome, celebrate, and honor, equally, the world’s religious traditions. As members of the community, we welcome and honor all with respect and hospitality, regardless of religion, creed or background.

We expect the members of our community to act with civility and social responsibility, and to make choices guided by a moral and ethical compass set firmly in the School’s Judeo-Christian foundation.

We recognize the essential role that faith plays in our lives. We encourage members of our community to develop an active and personal faith in God, through exploration of their own and other religious traditions, nurturing lives of genuine meaning and purpose.

We commit ourselves, in our classrooms and in our wider community:

To nurture Faith through tradition, discovery, inquiry, prayer and reflection;

To inspire Hope through the will to act with purpose; and

To practice Charity as learned through meaningful service to others.

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School Policies, Procedures & Events

As members of the Doane Stuart community, we acknowledge that individual actions and attitudes affect the well-being of the entire community. We believe that this community must be built on mutual trust, good intentions, and respect for every member. The rules and regulations of Doane Stuart are meant to provide a balance between the needs of the community and the needs of the individual. As the individual grows in accepting responsibility for the well-being of the community, so will freedom be better understood and privileges extended. On becoming a member of the Doane Stuart community, students, parents, and faculty/staff members accept the responsibility not only to observe the rules and regulations, but to maintain a high standard of respect in all aspects of their lives: respect for others, themselves, academic integrity, property, and the environment.

Any violation of school policy or failure to uphold the values held by the School may result in some degree of disciplinary action. Possible consequences include, but are not limited to loss of special privileges, lunch detention, after school detention, suspension or, in the most severe cases, expulsion. In addition, the Head of School may condition the student’s continued attendance on an effective and sincere apology; adherence to any commitments that ensure that the student’s continued attendance remains in both the student’s and the School’s interest; professional evaluations; and/or continued receipt of external professional (or academic) counseling and therapy.

While the Head of School, Assistant Heads of School, and the Lower and Middle School Coordinators are ultimately responsible for enforcement of behavioral standards, everyone bears responsibility for maintaining the guidelines for the community. The only way to maintain a strong community is to have everyone – parents, teachers, staff, and students - enforce the rules consistently and fairly.

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Welcome to the Middle School

The Middle School homerooms are located on the 2nd level of the newer West Wing of the School. The Middle School is comprised of students in Grades five through eight.

Arrival and Dismissal

School doors are locked at all times, except for designated periods at arrival and dismissal times. During arrival and dismissal the Forbes Avenue, Washington Avenue and Anderson Place doors will be open from7:15-8:30a.m. and from 3:00-3:45p.m. To enter during the school day, visitors must come to the Saint Agnes entrance (off Anderson Place), next to the Main Office, or the front entrance; there is a buzzer and an intercom at each entrance noted.

Cars may not use the bus lane on the Anderson Place (north) side of campus. This area is a school bus stop, and must remain open to allow buses to drop off and pick up students safely.

Drivers are asked to proceed slowly and carefully through the neighborhood surrounding the School and on campus. Drivers who park on the street are reminded to obey parking signs and to be careful not to block the driveways of our neighbors.

School hours are Monday –Thursday: 8:15 a.m.-3:25 p.m., Friday, 8:15 a.m.-2:35 p.m. Students should arrive by 8:05 to allow time to prepare for the day. The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. daily. The school day ends for Middle School at 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and at 2:35 p.m. on Friday.

If a student is to be dismissed early, the parent or guardian must meet and sign out the student in the Main School Office.

A written note of permission is required for any change in regular transportation arrangements. Without a note, we are required to follow a student's regular transportation routine. If an emergency arises, please contact the Lower and Middle School Secretary by 2:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. on Fridays). To be sure that we receive your message in time, do not leave thisinformation on voice mail. If you cannot reach the Lower and Middle School Secretary, pleaseleave a message with the school Receptionist.

Attendance

Students who arrive late must check in with the Lower and Middle School Secretary before going to classrooms. The School office must be notified or a message left on the office voice mail or with the Lower and Middle School Secretary (465-5222, ext. 240) on a daily basis if a student will be absent. If a student is not in school and notification has not been received, parents will be called. When a student returns to school, a note explaining the absence must be sent.

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If students are going to miss school due to an anticipated absence, a note must be sent to the Lower and Middle School Secretary. Requests for work must be made at least one week in advance of the absence. Such requests must be made in writing, and given to the Lower and Middle School Secretary.

The school encourages parents to plan family vacations for regularly scheduled school vacations to avoid missing instructional time. While the school will do its best to provide work, make-up work cannot take the place of missed class time.

Before School, the Aftercare Program and Enrichment

Middle School students who arrive at school prior to 8:10 a.m. are to report to their homerooms after going to lockers. Students should plan to arrive at 8:05 a.m. in order to have time to visit their lockers and prepare for their day.

The Aftercare Program is available from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2:30-6:00 p.m. on Friday in the Aftercare Room on the lower level of the 1995 addition, just inside the Lower Forbes Avenue entrance. All Middle School students who remain at school after 3:40 p.m. must attend the Afterschool Program unless they are participating in another school-sponsored activity (e.g., sports, drama, extra help, etc.). Parents will be billed for their children's participation in this program. Parents should use the lower Forbes Avenue entrance to pick up students from Aftercare. Please ring the buzzer to enter.

Aftercare has been expanded to include homework assistance as well as special activities such as Robotics, Art, Dance, and other programs. These special activities run from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and a schedule will be released in the fall. Activities run on a trimester system (fall, winter, spring).

If you are interested in signing your child up for Aftercare or the activities, please speak with the Lower/Middle School Secretary.

Behavioral Expectations

Our behavioral expectations grow naturally from our philosophy, and assume the development of a thoughtful and respectful attitude in all of our students. Our goal is to create a community of people - adults and children - who can live and work together successfully.

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Students are expected to treat every member of the Doane Stuart community and our guests with courtesy and respect.

Students will act in a manner appropriate to their age and grade. Students will be respectful of the work and ideas of others. Faculty and staff will inform students of behavioral expectations of the Middle School.

These expectations are both general (e.g., "treat others with respect") and specific ("walk quietly in hallways"). Behavioral expectations specific to each classroom will be communicated by the classroom teacher to students and parents.

Students will follow directions given by faculty or staff members the first time they are given.

Students will use appropriate language with peers and adults. Profanity and derogatory or threatening language are not acceptable.

Students will walk quietly in hallways and on stairs, being respectful of others in the building.

Students will use appropriate verbal rather than physical means to solve problems. Students will keep hands, feet and personal objects away from others.

The use of Tobacco products of any kind (including e-cigarettes), alcohol and drugs, other than those prescribed by a doctor, is not permitted.

Weapons of any kind are prohibited. All students are expected to remain on campus from arrival in the morning until official

afternoon departure. During school day, students may leave campus only with a parent or guardian (or with a person designated, in writing, for pick-up), and only after being signed out in the Lower and Middle School Office.

If students choose to bring cell phones, cameras, or other electronic equipment to school, the devices must be turned off and remain in the student’s book bag or locker during all classes, meetings, Chapels or other school events. Students must follow classroom rules regarding use of electronic devices the School is not responsible for loss or damage to these items.

Students are expected to be in their classrooms at 8:15 a.m. each day. Students who are chronically late miss valuable information and instruction given first thing in the morning.

Gum chewing and eating, at other than appropriate times and designated places, are not

allowed.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

A positive approach will be used to encourage appropriate behavior. Recognition, praise, addition of privileges, and simple rewards will be used by faculty and staff as appropriate for the student and the situation.

Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with in a manner appropriate to the seriousness of the situation. Reminders, removal from the group for a period of time, meeting with the Assistant Heads or Division Coordinator, a behavior learning packet, loss of privileges and/or detention may be used as consequences for disruptive or disrespectful behavior.

Inappropriate physical behavior (hitting, punching, pushing, etc.) is unacceptable. Consequences will depend on severity and may include loss of privileges, detention, behavior learning packet, suspension or expulsion for participants in incidents of this kind.

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Repeated disruptive or disrespectful behavior may require serious consequences, such as detention, and/or loss of the privilege of participating in field trips, parties, special school activities, extracurricular activities and/or suspension or expulsion. Parents will be notified of any problems as soon as it is clear that an unacceptable pattern of behavior is developing and a meeting may be scheduled.

Inappropriate behavior of a more serious nature (e.g., stealing, cheating, lying, misuse of technology, dangerously aggressive actions) may be dealt with by removal from the group; meeting with the Assistant Heads, Head of School or Division Coordinators; detention; loss of privileges (including participation in field trips, parties, special school activities, and/or extracurricular activities); and/or suspension or expulsion. Parents will be notified and a meeting with the Head of School may be scheduled.

In cases of severe and/or repeated behavior problems, the Assistant Heads and Division Coordinators, in consultation with the Head of School, may recommend suspension or expulsion from school. Students who exhibit such problems may not be invited to return to Doane Stuart for the following school year.

Students who have in their possession and/or use weapons of any kind, drugs, alcohol, and/or cigarettes, or go off campus without permission, will be suspended or expelled.

Expectations for Students in Grades 5-8 In addition to the behavioral expectations and consequences noted above, the following expectations and consequences apply to students in Middle School:

I. Positive behavior will be encouraged through the use of homework vouchers and out-of-uniformvouchers.

II. TardinessA. Morning Tardiness• Students are marked late if not in class by 8:15 a.m.

III. Preparedness for classA. Homework• Faculty in every class will report late and incomplete assignments. Each incident will result

in attendance at lunch study.• On sixth occurrence, a detention will be issued. The number of incidents is cumulative, not

per teacher or class, and does not carry over from trimester to trimester.• A missed assignment will be expected at the next meeting of the class.• Assignments will not be accepted unless they meet the specifications of each individual

class teacher. Students will be given each teacher's expectations at the beginning of theyear.

• Assignments not meeting requirements may be handed back for completion and may beconsidered late.

B. Materials• Students should come to every class with the proper materials: books, pen and pencil, loose

leaf paper, notebooks, folders, and any other material deemed necessary by the teacher.

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IV. UniformA. Students are expected to arrive at school and remain in appropriate, neat uniform.

Please review the uniform section of the Handbook.B. Students are expected to wear the appropriate dress uniform on specified occasions

(e.g., chapel, field trips). Please review the uniform section of the Handbook.C. If students are not in uniform, they will have an opportunity of finding necessary items in

the Uniform Exchange. If they are unable to find what they need, parents may be called tobring in proper uniform or take students home to change, or they may be charged for theappropriate uniform items, before students will be allowed to return to class.

D. Every student is required to wear a Doane Stuart gym uniform. Points will be deductedfrom gym grade for being out of uniform.

V. Detention PolicyDetention will be held on Fridays from 2:30-3:30 p.m.A. Detention will be a silent study period.B. Students will receive notification to be signed by parents, and the detention will be served

on Friday immediately following.C. Three academic (homework, preparedness for class) detentions in a trimester may result in

an in-school suspension.D. An unexcused absence from detention will be considered grounds for a second detention

served consecutively with the first.

VI. Field TripsA. All school rules and expectations for appropriate behavior apply to field trips.B. Any deviations may result in the forfeiture of the next class field trip, including the end-of-

year class trip.C. Participation in the end of year class trip is contingent on adherence to the rules contained

in the Middle School Handbook.• Students may lose the privilege of the class trip if, during the course of the year, they

have five detentions and/or two forfeited field trips.

VII. Progress reportsA. Sent home with every student in grades 5-8 on alternate Fridays.B. Must be returned to school with parent's signature on the following Monday.C. Students may receive lunch study for late Progress Reports.

Birthdays

Birthday party invitations may be sent to school to be distributed only if every student in the class is included.

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Buses

Students transported by school bus will be dropped off and picked up by the bus turn-out. All students who ride school buses are expected to follow all School rules while on the school bus.

Applications for bus service must be made yearly through the school district in which the student resides. Districts require application for bus transportation for the following September by April 1. Doane Stuart provides bus transportation for students from the City of Albany, Saratoga, Cohoes, Clifton Park and Columbia and Green Counties. Applications for this service is made through the Admissions Office.

There will be consequences for inappropriate behavior, which may include temporary or permanent exclusion from the bus.

Calendar

The yearly calendar for the school is sent to families each summer. There will be changes in the calendar throughout the year. Please check the updated calendar that is emailed home monthly and can be found on our website.

Change of Address, Family Situation

Please notify the school as soon as possible of any change in address, phone number, or family situation. If a student is temporarily in the care of a guardian, please leave the name, phone number, and address with the Lower and Middle School Office. This is very important in an emergency.

Restrictions regarding those persons who may pick up your child/children from school must be provided in writing to the Lower and Middle School Secretary. This is most important in any situation in which there is a dispute over custody or visitation rights; in such cases, copies of pertinent legal documents must be provided annually to the Head of School.

Chapel

Students and faculty come together regularly for chapel services. Chapel attendance is required of all students. All students are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior during chapel services, but they are not required to join in prayers or hymns that might conflict with personal religious beliefs.

Communication with Teachers You may reach teachers via email or phone. Faculty and staff emails include first initial, last name @ doanestuart.org (jsmith@doanestuart.org); phone extensions are listed in the school directory. Teachers are not available to come to the telephone or respond to emails during class hours. Parents may contact the Lower and Middle School Secretary or the Receptionist

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and ask that the faculty member return the call during a free period. Parents may also leave voice mail messages for teachers.

Drugs & Alcohol

The use of illegal drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, and the abuse of prescription medications, are in direct conflict with the mission of Doane Stuart and the education of its students. The use of cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, other than those prescribed by a doctor and administered by the school nurse, is not permitted. When warranted, the School’s response to suspected drug use can include a drug test. Consequences for alcohol or drug use on campus, or at Doane Stuart events off campus, will be suspension or expulsion.

Early Dismissal

Medical or other appointments should be made during non-school hours. If it is necessary to take a child out of school for an appointment, parents must come to the Main Office and sign out their child before departure.

Elevator

Students may not use the elevators without the permission of the Division Coordinators, Assistant Heads, or School Nurse.

Emergency Drills

Doane Stuart has two types of Emergency Drills, both of which are practiced periodically throughout the year. Drills will be announced in advance.

“Emergency Commons” drills are practice for an external event that requires us to gather in one place.

“Emergency Classroom” drills are practice for an internal situation or for an external event that requires us to remain in classrooms.

Exam Week (Grades 7-8)

Final examinations are given in late May and early June. During this time, every effort is made to provide an atmosphere free of stress and tension. The following procedures are in effect:

1. Students whose tuition payments are in arrears may not be allowed to take exams unlessspecial arrangements have been made with the Business Office.

2. All library books must be returned before a student will be admitted to an exam.3. Once a student has entered the exam room, silence is required. Books, jackets and

papers of all kinds must be left in the homerooms. Cheating will result in a "0" on theexam being taken and will be followed by administrative review.

4. Students must be in uniform unless informed otherwise.

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Financial Assistance

The School is sensitive to the financial obligations carried by many of our families, which is why we maintain a strong commitment to our financial aid program.

Application for financial aid for tuition is made through the Admission Office each spring for the upcoming school year. Financial aid applications are reviewed by the School’s Financial Aid Committee. All information is confidential.

The School can provide additional assistance, if necessary, for non-tuition expenses for families receiving financial aid. We encourage parents to let us know if any school expense presents a financial burden, so that we can provide additional assistance; we have often done this to help with the costs of field trips, special events, other school-related activities and uniform items. Parents should contact the Head of School regarding assistance with non-tuition expenses.

Fire Drills

Exit maps are posted in hallways. Students must be absolutely quiet, walk – and listen to and follow directions during fire drills.

Grading & Honors

A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.4, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, etc. Honors are earned with an average of 3.4; High Honors with an average of 3.7. The following conversion applies to a 100-point scale: A = 93-100, A- = 90-92, B+ = 87-89, B = 83-86, B- = 80-82, C+ = 77-79, C = 73-76, C- = 70-72, D+ = 67-69, D = 65-66, F= 64 or below. (For sixth graders, music, art and foreign language count as 1/2 credit courses since they meet twice a week. For seventh and eighth graders, art and music are 1/2 credit courses, while foreign language becomes a full credit course, which meets four times a week. Pass/fail courses are not included.)

Harassment

Doane Stuart is enriched by the diversity of its members. The School recognizes and respects individual differences in culture, race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. To provide an environment of respect and sensitivity, it is important that every member of the community recognize that behavior, either verbal or physical, which shows disrespect to or demeans others is unacceptable. This includes unwelcome physical advances, inappropriate verbal remarks, derogatory statements, or discriminatory comments, which can occur between any two individuals or groups of individuals.

Some examples of inappropriate behavior are: uninvited pressure for sexual activity, whether explicit or implicit; obscene or suggestive remarks, gestures, or jokes; profanity; verbal abuse or insults; display of explicit, offensive, or demeaning materials; hazing; threats; and comments that are demeaning with respect to race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual

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orientation, disabilities, or personal characteristics. Such behaviors are unacceptable, regardless of how they are communicated, including the use of the Internet to do so.

Any incidents of such inappropriate behavior should be reported to the Dean of Students, the Lower and Middle School Coordinators, or the Assistant Heads of School. Depending upon the circumstances, the consequences may include, but are not limited to: mediation, detention, suspension or expulsion.

Health/Physical Exams

Records of physical examinations, health, immunizations and inoculations must be on file for all students. Under New York State Law, students may not attend school unless they have complied with the immunization requirements. Children who have been out of school for any kind of extended illness should return only when they are able to join the others for outdoor recreation. It is important that children who are sick in the morning be kept home from school for their own sake, as well as that of their classmates. Parents of children who arrive at school ill or become ill during the day will be called to come for them.

Health Services: A student who is sick or injured during the school day must report to the Health Office. If that is not possible, the student should go to the Main Office. A student may not go home sick unless parents have been contacted and permission has been given by the School Nurse or the Lower and Middle School Secretary.

Students who are not well enough to remain on campus must have permission to leave school from the School Nurse, who will contact a parent or guardian. The School Nurse will determine if it is appropriate for the student to be dismissed from school.

Physical Exams: A physical form must be completed by a physician for all new students, for all students entering nursery, kindergarten, grades two, four, seven and ten, and for all Middle School students participating in interscholastic sports.

Medication Policy: If a student is under treatment for any medical condition or is receiving medication, the Health Office must be notified. In order to have the medication administered during the school day, including over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or cough drops, it is necessary to provide the written order of the physician, the written request of the parents, and the medication in a separate, clearly labeled container that remains in school.

Communicable Diseases: Communicable diseases such as chicken pox, strep throat, and conjunctivitis (pink eye) must be reported to the Health Office. Head lice must be reported to the Health Office.

Physical Education Excuses: Excuses will be issued on a one-day basis by permission of the School Nurse. Longer excuses require a physician's note stating reason and duration of absence. This type of excuse will be processed through the Health Office.

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Homework

Homework is intended as a reinforcement of those skills being learned in the classroom, and as an opportunity for independent creative thinking and problem solving activities using those skills. It helps students develop responsibility and depends upon the support and encouragement of parents. Homework times may vary, but a general guideline follows:

• Grades 5-6: 50-60 minutes daily• Grades 7-8: 1½-2 hours daily

Homework may include written work as well as study assignments. Middle School students are responsible for making up assignments when absent.

Library The Library is open daily for browsing, research, and library classes. Materials are to be checked out at the circulation desk before being taken from the Library. Periodicals and reference books must remain in the Library. Parents will be charged for lost or damaged books. It is expected that students will use the library computers in an appropriate manner for school-related work.

Lockers

Lockers are the property of the School and the School reserves the right to inspect a student's locker at any time. Students are not allowed to use locks on lockers. It is expected that students will respect the privacy and property of others and will not take items from another student’s locker without explicit permission from that student.

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles are located in the Main Office, in the P.E. office and in bins in the Middle School Green Pod. Unclaimed items will be kept for only five days after the Moving Up ceremonies in June. All clothing, including footwear, should be clearly marked with the student's name. Please be sure to mark P.E. clothing.

Lunch

Middle School students may bring or buy lunch and/or beverages in the cafeteria. A menu is sent home each month with the School’s “Calendar, News and Notes” and is available on our website.

Money/Valuables

Students should not bring substantial amounts of money to school. The school cannot be responsible for lost money or personal items (e.g., clothing, electronic games and equipment, etc.). If, under special circumstances, money or valuables are brought to school, they should be

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given to the Division Coordinators, Associate Head or Lower and Middle School Secretary for safekeeping.

Office Hours

The Main Office/Lower and Middle School Office is open from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on school days and on the days noted on the school calendar.

Parental Responsibility

As a community, Doane Stuart holds each family, as well as each student, responsible for the demonstration of fidelity to our mission and to the values and rules outlined in our publications and contracts.

Parking

City of Rensselaer police and fire officials remind us that parking regulations must be followed to ensure our safety, and the safety of our neighbors, in the event that fire or other emergency vehicles are needed at School or in the immediate neighborhood.

Parking is not allowed in the bus drop-off area on the Anderson Place side of campus. Parking on this side of campus is allowed only in the marked spaces above the Saint Agnes entrance to the School.

The front driveway (Washington Avenue entrance) is for drop-off and pick-up only. Drivers must remain with their cars.

If you park in the immediate neighborhood, do not block driveways or crowd the streets to the extent that it would be difficult or impossible for emergency vehicles to travel on them.

We appreciate your cooperation.

Personal Electronics

Students are strongly discouraged from bringing to school personal electronics that do not serve a legitimate educational purpose. Should they choose to bring these items on campus, they do so at their own risk. The School is not responsible for loss or damage. Students are not to receive or make personal phone calls on cell phones at school. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are to be turned off during classes. If a cell phone rings or is used during class, it will be confiscated by the teacher, and returned by the Division Coordinator at the end of the day.

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Progress Reports (Grades 5-8)

Progress reports are sent home on alternate Fridays with information regarding students' performance in each subject. Progress reports are due back at school, signed by a parent, the following Monday morning. Progress reports include room for parents' comments.

Property

Both school and personal property should be respected at all times. Lost and found articles should be taken to the division offices and claimed there. Each student is expected to take responsibility for his or her personal belongings and to respect the belongings of others. Any theft should be reported to the Division Coordinators or the Assistant Heads immediately. Lockers are subject to search by the School.

Damage, defacement, or theft are serious offenses, not only because they are destructive of property, but because such actions connote a lack of concern for the life of the individual and the community, and affect the level of trust among the students. Accordingly, any such offenses are sufficient cause for suspension or dismissal from Doane Stuart. The School will bill any student (and his or her parents) responsible for property damage, after repairs have been made. The Business Manager of the School will determine the amount of damage and the cost to the student(s).

Public Displays of Affection

Any display of affection that has exclusionary and/or sexual overtones is inappropriate and not acceptable at any time or any place on school grounds or all school-sponsored events. Determination of inappropriate behavior will be made by the Division Coordinators, the Assistant Heads of School, and/or the Head of School.

Recess

All Middle School students are required to participate in recess unless we have a doctor's note stating otherwise. Students must have appropriate outdoor clothing.

Report Cards and Conferences

The Middle School divides the year into trimesters. Report cards for Lower and Middle School students are sent home after the end of each trimester, and consist of letter grades and written comments from core teachers and special area teachers (music, art, physical education, religion, foreign language). Middle School students also receive an interim report at the mid-point of the first trimester, and may receive interim comments during the second and third trimesters. Formal parent/teacher conference days are scheduled twice a year. Parents are invited to request a meeting with teachers whenever necessary.

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School-Sponsored Activities

School-sponsored activities are those that are held at the School, or are paid for by funds raised under School auspices, or are associated with an official event at Doane Stuart, provided that the activity is planned with the knowledge and approval of the School, and that the activity conforms to the rules set for Doane Stuart activities.

The following regulations apply to all school activities, whether they are held on or off campus:

The expectations outlined in this Handbook, including those that pertain to drugs andalcohol, apply to all school-sponsored activities.

Doane Stuart students are expected to communicate the expectations of the School totheir guests who attend school functions. Chaperones may refuse admission toanyone who does not meet these expectations in dress or conduct.

The School may cancel any school-sponsored activity for which there are aninsufficient number of chaperones.

The School is not responsible for the behavior of its students at private parties not designated as school-sponsored, even though these parties might be held in connection with a school-sponsored activity. However, any off-campus conduct that is not proper and reflects poorly on the good name of Doane Stuart can become a matter for disciplinary action. The School, therefore, strongly recommends that these parties be well-chaperoned by parents.

Snack

Middle School students may bring a morning snack or purchase one in the cafeteria.

Snow Days or Other Emergency Closings

If school is closed or delayed because of weather conditions or other emergency, Doane Stuart will list closing and delay information on our website (www.doanestuart.org), and our Facebook page, as well as at TimesUnion.com.

Information will be announced, also, on the following radio and television stations: Radio: WGY, WROW, WQBK, WKLI, WABY, WPTR, WFLY, WGNA Television: WRGB, WTEN, WNYT, CHANNEL 9 *Many of these stations list school closings online.

The Doane Stuart School may, occasionally, have late openings. However, dangerous weather conditions in some areas may make it necessary for parents to decide that their children cannot attend school. In that event, please telephone the Lower and Middle School Secretary at 465-5222, ext. 240, before 8:15 a.m.

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Occasionally, bad weather will force local school districts to close early, in which case they will send school buses to Doane Stuart to pick students up before the close of school. We will not allow students to go home early without parents' permission; we will call parents before allowing students to leave.

Snow Camp If you are unable to provide childcare at home due to an unexpected closing, the school will run "snow camp" childcare. This will only be closed in the most severe of weather, and announcements will be made on radio, television stations. More information will be available in the fall.

Emergency Closings Doane Stuart will occasionally close early if a serious storm threatens. In the event that Doane Stuart is closing early, we will post information as noted above. Also, we will email all parents with closing information, and will ask that you reply to the email with information about how your child should be sent home. Options include:

• My child will be picked up at a certain time by me, or by another person to whomI give permission.

• My child should take the bus home (times may vary depending on the schooldistrict/bus service).

Parents who are unable to respond to the email will be contacted via phone before students are allowed to leave school, either by bus or by car. Parents are also welcome to contact the Lower/Middle School Office via phone with emergency dismissal information.

We urge you to try to pick up students as early as possible when driving conditions are dangerous. Extracurricular activities, athletic events, the Afterschool and Enrichment Programs will be cancelled in inclement weather. Please listen and check online for announcements.

Sports

Middle School students have the opportunity of participating in interscholastic athletics. Soccer and cross country (fall), basketball (winter) and track (spring) are offered. These provide competition at the appropriate developmental and skill level, and foster the communal spirit and enjoyment that comes from playing on a team of one’s peers. It is recognized that, occasionally, there may be an individual who has the skill and maturity to compete at the varsity level, or excel at a sport that is not offered in the Middle School program. Such situations will be considered on an individual basis with consultation among the coaches, faculty and administration. The goal will be, always, to ensure that the best interest of the student and of the program is served. Practice and game schedules will be distributed prior to each season. Due to scheduling of practices and games, students who need to wait for a session to begin or who are finished before parents can pick up, will be required to attend the Aftercare Program.

If your child wishes to stay after school to be a spectator at a sporting event, he/she must bring in a note, from his/her parent, to be given to the Middle School Coordinator.

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Telephone/Telephone Messages/Cell Phones

Students may not be called to the telephone during the day. In case of emergency, please ask for the Lower and Middle School Office, or leave a message with the Receptionist. Do not leave a voice mail message in an emergency. Teachers are not available to come to the telephone during class hours. Parents may contact the Lower and Middle School Secretary and ask that the faculty member return the call during a free period. Parents may also leave voice mail messages for teachers. Students may use a phone in the Main Office, with written permission from a teacher. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day without permission from the Coordinators.

Uniform

Our uniform helps us, as a community, to minimize the apparent economic and social differences among us, which are so often reflected in the clothes that students feel obliged to wear. We encourage parents to be partners with us in demonstrating to our students their sincere support of the School’s dress code. We count on all members of the School community to uphold the dress code.

Because Doane Stuart is dedicated to the education of its students to assume adult roles in the broader community, we believe that it is important for everyone to recognize that appearance and first impressions do make a difference. We wish to set a standard of appearance that is reasonable, recognizing that there is a difference between work and play clothes.

Students are expected to follow the dress code. Violations of the dress code will result in loss of privileges and other consequences as deemed appropriate. Students who do not adhere to the dress code will have the opportunity of finding necessary items. If they are unable to do so, parents will be called to bring in the uniform or will be billed for necessary items. Final determination regarding the appropriateness of dress or personal appearance lies with the Division Coordinators, Assistant Heads of School, and Head of School.

Uniform shopping information: •Lands’ End – LandsEnd.com; “preferred school” code: 9000-3434-9

Please see complete uniform requirements on the following pages.

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DOANE STUART SCHOOL DAILY UNIFORM FOR GRADES 1 - 12

SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS AND SWEATERS: Must be purchased from: Polo w/ logo, long or short sleeved Navy, dark green, white Lands’ End

T-shirt w/school name; long or short sleeved Navy Lands’ End

Turtleneck Navy, dark green, white NA

Sweatshirt* w/logo Navy or gray Lands’ End *Also allowed – special school-approved team sweatshirts for Upper and Middle Schools

Sweater w/logo; zip or button cardigan Navy Lands’ End

PANTS, SKIRT AND JUMPER: Jumper (Grades 1 – 4) Classic navy/evergreen plaid Lands’ End

Skirt, kilt or pleated (Grades 5 – 12)** Classic navy/evergreen plaid Lands’ End Please note that tights (footed or footless) or leggings are strongly encouraged with short skirts.

Pants and shorts Plain, khaki-colored pants – no cargo pants NA ____________

OTHER ITEMS: Shoes – sneakers or sandals (no flip flops) NA

Socks or tights/leggings (footed or footless) White, dark green, black or navy NA no pattern

Fleece jacket or vest, w/logo Navy Lands’ End

**For grades 1 – 4 only, skorts and khaki skirt are grandfathered.

DOANE STUART SCHOOL DRESS UNIFORM FOR GRADES 2 – 12

BLAZER , SWEATER: Must bepurchased from: Traditional blazer w/logo (Grades 5 – 12) Navy NA

Sweater w/logo; zip or button cardigan Navy Lands’ End

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(Grades 2 – 4)

SHIRT: Button down dress shirt w/collar White NA

Peter Pan collar (Grades 2 – 4) White NA

PANTS, SKIRT AND JUMPER: Jumper (Grades 2 – 4) Classic navy/evergreen plaid Lands’ End

Skirt, kilt or pleated (Grades 5 – 12) Classic navy/evergreen plaid only Lands’ End Please note that tights (footed or footless) or leggings are strongly encouraged with short skirts.

Pants Plain, khaki-colored pants – no cargo pants NA

OTHER ITEMS: Shoes (no boots or sandals) Dark-colored sneakers or shoes NA

Socks or tights/leggings (footed or footless) White, dark green, black or navy NA no pattern

Tie (Grades 2 – 12) Doane Stuart navy/green stripe Lands’ End

GYM UNIFORM Doane Stuart T-shirt Navy Lands’ End

Doane Stuart sweatshirt Navy or gray Lands’ End

Plain shorts, windpants or sweatpants Navy NA

Sneakers NA

PLEASE NOTE:

•Many gently used uniform items are available from our Uniform Exchange. Please contact Mrs.Segerstrom (ext 240; ysegerstrom@doanestuart.org) to arrange a time to look through the usedinventory.

•Common sense should dictate skirt length. Short skirts that may be acceptable for personalactivities outside of school may not be appropriate for school. When in doubt about skirt length,bring a pair of khaki pants to school! Better yet, keep an extra pair in your locker.

•Recommended length for shorts: no shorter than mid-thigh.

•Pants and skirts must be high enough at the waist and shirts must be long enough to ensure thatmidriffs are not exposed.

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•Uniform polo shirts, white dress shirts, Doane Stuart navy blue T-shirts or turtlenecks are required under sweaters.

•Hats may not be worn inside the school buildings.

•Body-piercing jewelry, other than earrings, is not allowed.

•Unnatural hair colors are not allowed.

•Boys are expected to be clean-shaven.

•Students may not alter their uniforms with pins, patches or personal adornments, other than those approved by the Division Coordinators, Assistant Heads of School, and Head of School.

Shopping information:

•LandsEnd.com – “preferred school” code: 9000-3434-9

Out-of-Uniform Days: The School may designate certain days as “out-of-uniform days.” These are a privilege. Clothing worn on out-of-uniform days is expected to be appropriate for school. Revealing clothing, tight clothing or clothing with inappropriate writing or graphics may not be worn. Spaghetti straps, tank tops and strapped shirts and dresses are not allowed. If in doubt about an article or clothing, students should check with the Division Coordinators or the Assistant Heads of School (and bring an extra change of clothes just in case it is needed). Shorts and skirts worn on out-of-uniform days must conform to the rules of the daily dress code.

Cleanliness: Students (and their clothes) are expected to be clean.

Uniform Exchange

Clean, slightly used uniform items are available at no charge in the Main Office.

Visitors

Students wishing to have a friend visit classes must make arrangements in advance with the Assistant Heads and also notify the Admission Office.

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Voice Mail

All faculty and staff members have voice mail. Messages may be left at any time. Please be aware that teachers have limited opportunity to check their voice mail boxes during the school day. They will make every effort to return calls as soon as possible.

Please do not leave emergency messages on voice mail. Ask for the Lower and Middle School Secretary (extension 240), or leave a message with the Receptionist.

Weekly Folder

Each Friday, students bring home a weekly folder, which contains bi-weekly progress reports and school notices. The folder must be returned to school, with a parent’s signature, on the following Monday.

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• sharing account passwords;• cyber-bullying, which includes anonymous, libelous, defamatory, or otherwise hurtful

Email and postings;• inappropriate language;• sexually explicit, obscene, racist, bigoted, or violent material (ask a faculty member if

uncertain);• violating copyright, intellectual property, other contracts, or any other laws;• excessive use of bandwidth;• downloading and storing large files that are unrelated to school activities;• using Doane Stuart’s network for financial or personal gain;• deletion, alteration, or movement any data from a school or another’s account;• attempts to override security, evade filtering software, or subvert time / access

restrictions;• intentionally wasting resources;• using any remote proxies, anonymizers, and VPNs;• using personal hot-spots with the intent to evade the policies of Doane Stuart;• knowingly spreading Malware, viruses, and other malicious programs;• using any music/video/file sharing software (e.g., P2P, torrents, etc.).

The Doane Stuart School Computer Network Policy 2017-2018

Access to the Internet allows students and faculty to explore thousands of resources and share data with users all over the world. While Doane Stuart’s intent is to provide access to materials that are consistent with its mission and educational goals, we realize that users may find access to other information as well. We believe that the benefit to our community from access to the Internet outweighs the potential danger. The responsibility to use these resources wisely rests solely with the individual user.

Additionally, using the Internet and Doane Stuart’s Email are privileges, and inappropriate use of that privilege can result in its loss and a letter home to parents, outlining the details of any transgression(s).

General Policies Respect others. Digital communication should maintain common standards of civility. In addition, please follow all rules outlined in the Student Handbook.

The following are strictly prohibited:

RegistrationUsers must first register their computers, tablets, and phones MAC addresses with Mr. Costa. Students may email their device MAC address(es) to SCosta@DoaneStuart.org.

The bandwidth allowance for unregistered devices will be reduced by 50% for both uploads and downloads.

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Computer SecurityThe hardware, the software, and any information stored on school machines or the doanestuart.org domain is the legal property of the school. Doane Stuart Email is accessible by The Doane Stuart School and its administrative representatives. The Doane Stuart School Administration reserves the right to read and retain any doanestuart.org Email. In addition:

•Do not disclose personal / financial information over the Internet or the school network.•A person’s password is their own responsibility. Keep it a secret. If a password is compromised, see Mr. Costa immediately.

Piracy and Plagiarism Do not download or copy commercial software from school-owned machines or the Internet. That is software piracy, and it is a criminal offense.Give credit and use proper citation for all information gathered from The Doane Stuart School Network or the Internet. Failure to do so is considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Also, submitting papers downloaded from the Internet as one’s own is considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Please see the Parent/Student handbook for more information on plagiarism.

*** The Doane Stuart School may alter and amend these policies at any time. The Doane Stuart School has the right to deny Email and network access to members of the community who abuse these policies. Inappropriate use of the school network can result in loss of privilege and a letter home to parents, outlining the details of any transgressions.***

A version of this Acceptable Use Policy will be signed and returned to the Director of Technology at the beginning of the year.

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On- and Off-Campus Social Networking and Blogging Policy This policy applies to students’ use of the Internet at any time, whether at School or at home. In general, The Doane Stuart School views social networking sites (e.g., Facebook Twitter, etc.), personal websites and blogs as potentially positive and it respects the right of students to use them as a medium for self-expression. If a student chooses to identify himself or herself as a Doane Stuart student on such Internet sites, some readers of such websites or blogs may view that student as a representative or spokesperson of the School. In light of this possibility, Doane Stuart requires, as a condition of participation in the School, that students observe the following guidelines when referring to the School, its programs or activities, its students, and/or employees, in a blog, social network or on a website:

1. Students must be respectful in all communications and blogs related to or referencing the School, itsemployees and other students.

2. Students must not use obscenities, profanity or vulgar language.3. Students must not use social networks, blogs or personal websites to disparage the School, other students or

employees of the school.4. Students must not use social networks, blogs or personal websites to harass, bully or intimidate other

students or employees of the School. Behaviors that constitute harassment and bullying may include, butare not limited to, comments that are derogatory with respect to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation,color, or disability; sexually suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments; and threats to stalk, haze, orphysically injure another person.

5. Students must not use social networks, blogs or personal websites to discuss engaging in conduct that isprohibited by the Student Handbook or other School policies, including, but not limited to, the use ofalcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment, and bullying.

6. Students must not post or send pictures of other students or employees on a personal media device, cellphone, social network or website without obtaining permission from that individual.

7. The use of the copyrighted Doane Stuart School name or logo is not allowed without written permission.

Any student found to be in violation of any portion of this Policy may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.