morgan park academy - upper school handbook

HANDBOOK

ContentsMission Statement ..................................................................2Hours and Phone Numbers ....................................................2Emergency School Closing ......................................................3Attendance Policies and Procedures ......................................3Personal Property ..................................................................5Dress Code ............................................................................5Citizenship..............................................................................6Harassment Policies and Procedures......................................7Substance Abuse Policies ....................................................10Discipline..............................................................................11Counseling Program..............................................................13MPA Honor Code ..................................................................14Honor Council ......................................................................15Open Periods ........................................................................16Senior Privileges ..................................................................17Field Trips ............................................................................18Dining Hall............................................................................18Automobiles: Use and Parking ..............................................18Grading Scale ......................................................................19Advanced Placement ............................................................20 Honors Courses ....................................................................21Honor Roll ............................................................................21Homework Assignments........................................................21Academic Assistance ............................................................22Academic Reports ................................................................22Academic Probation..............................................................22Parent/Teacher Conferences ................................................22Examination Exemptions ......................................................23Pass/Fail ..............................................................................25Standardized Testing ............................................................26SAT and ACT ........................................................................26Dances..................................................................................28 Honor Societies ....................................................................29 Awards..................................................................................29Independent School League ..................................................32Appendix A: Parent Covenant................................................34Appendix B: Health Policies and Procedures ........................37

Emergency School ClosingDespite the weather, the Academy attempts to hold scheduled classes on school

days throughout the year. It should be a parental decision as to whether or not thestudent is able to travel safely to and from school. On days when weather conditionsmakes transportation impossible, classes may be canceled and school may beclosed. If school is to be closed, the Academy will initiate an emergency telephoneprogram which will call each family with specific details. In addition the switchboardwill open at 6:00 a.m.; students and teachers may call the switchboard for information or check the school’s website at www.morganparkacademy.org. Radioand TV stations will be advised of school closing.

Attendance Policies and ProceduresStudents are expected to be in attendance on all scheduled school days.

Excessive absence from school may result in lowered grades, loss of examination exemption status, or loss of credit; and could jeopardize continuedenrollment.

Excuse from school during a school day: the following procedure is to be followedby a student wishing to be excused during school hours in order to fulfill medical,religious or other obligations. Note: such excused absences are still officially recordedas absences and will be counted as absences in the determination of examinationexemptions.

1) At least twenty–four hours before your excusal, bring a note from one of yourparents stating the specific time for which you wish to be dismissed and stating thereason for the request. This written request is to be given to the Upper School Office.This written request to be excused should be made to coincide with an open periodif at all possible. Otherwise, you may not be able to be excused from school.

2) Each student is to sign out immediately prior to departure and is to sign in ifhe/she returns on the same day. Sign-out sheets are in the Upper School Office.Students who fail to sign in or sign out will be subject to disciplinary action and/orloss of school privileges.

Only in an extreme emergency will a telephone call from a parent be sufficientto warrant excusal from school.

Absences for reasons other than illness or emergency are taken at risk, sincequizzes or tests missed during such absence may be scored as failures. It is the student’s responsibility to make up work missed by reason of such absence. If a student misses any semester or final examination for reasons other than illness oremergency, a charge of $25 per examination will be levied for each makeup examination.

Certain absences may be administratively approved in special circumstances ifrequests for such are submitted in writing at least 24 hours in advance, but will stillbe recorded on the Permanent Record Card; however, the student will not be

MPA Upper School Handbook 3

Morgan Park Academy Upper School Handbook

2007-2008

This handbook has been prepared for parents and students of Morgan ParkAcademy, to provide a comprehensive summary of useful information and shouldbe retained for reference and use throughout the year. If there are questionsregarding any of this information, please call the Head of the Upper School’soffice.

Mission StatementThe mission of Morgan Park Academy is to prepare our students, via a

rigorous liberal arts program, to succeed in college and life by helping them to:

• Appreciate their own uniqueness as contributing members of a diverse community;

• Develop intellectually, physically, creatively, emotionally, and socially;

• Cultivate personal integrity and social responsibility; and

• Make a positive difference in the world.

Hours

Office hours (weekdays throughout the year) ............8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Library Hours............................................................8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Academic Assistance.................................................3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Athletic Team Practice Hours....................................3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Gym Closes .................................................................................5:30 p.m.

Note: The school can assume no responsibility for supervision of students beforeand after school hours or on weekends except at regularly scheduled and super-vised activities. Students should leave the campus and go home immediatelyafter school each day unless involved in a regularly supervised school activity.

Phone Numbers

School Switchboard (7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) ..............773/881-6700

Upper School Head ....................................................773/881-6700 x225

Upper School Office ..................................................773/881-6700 x224

Gymnasium Office (Athletic Director) ........................773/881-6722

Gymnasium Office (P.E. Department) ........................773/881-6723

Website Address: www.morganparkacademy.org

2 MPA Upper School Handbook

Personal PropertyWith regard to student personal property, please note the following:

• Mark your name on all personal property. Students are not permitted to have intheir personal possession during the school day (from the time the student arrivesin the morning until 3:00 p.m.) either cellular phones, personal disc players,pagers or other communication devices. The only exception is that students whohave earned opens may have a personal disc player or iPod in the Student Loungeor in Jones Bowl. Students who violate this rule will have these devices confiscatedand will receive additional consequences. An inappropriate use of a cell phone willresult in the student loss of privileges and additional disciplinary action.

• Lockers in Hansen Hall are assigned at the beginning of the school year and shouldbe used. Students may not switch lockers and if students use a lock, onlyAmerican Master combination locks, purchased in the Business Office, are to beused on these lockers. The locker itself remains the property of the school and theschool reserves the right to inspect student lockers at any time. The school doesnot accept any responsibility for lost or stolen articles.

• Parents are asked to remind their children that school and gym lockers must bekept securely locked at all times when the student is not physically present. Wecannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles.

• The “Lost and Found” for the Upper School is located in the Upper School Office.

Dress and Grooming StandardsRespect for others, for self, and for the community is demonstrated not only by

actions, but by appearance. While we celebrate diversity and believe that studentsshould be comfortable in school, this is a place where we all come together to doserious work. To this end, dress must be appropriate for school and respectful of thelearning environment. A student’s clothing may reflect individual tastes as long as itmeets traditional standards of neatness, cleanliness, modesty and appropriatenessas outlined below. Clothing, hair and accessories should not be a distraction to fellow students, faculty, or staff. As a general guideline, attire which attracts undueattention will not be permitted.

To assist parents and students in determining what is and what is not appropriate,the following outlines what is and is not acceptable/appropriate and unacceptable/inappropriate. (A student/ faculty committee annually reviews the Dress Code annually and makes recommendations to the administration.)

Male students may wear slacks, khakis, jeans, or, when weather permits, walkingshorts. Neatly trimmed mustaches and sideburns are acceptable as well as onepiercing per ear. Hats may not be worn.

Female students may wear dresses, skirts, jeans, khakis, slacks or shorts whenweather permits. Dresses, skirts and shorts must not be shorter than 4 inches fromtop of knee.

Clothing not specifically allowed in the Upper School includes but is not limitedto the following: tube tops, halters, form fitting clothes, spaghetti straps or strapless


penalized academically. These absences may include such situations as a death inthe immediate family, hospitalization or extended illness, or up to two scheduled college visits per year for juniors and seniors. Please note: for a college visit to beconsidered an excused absence, the student must bring to the Upper School Officewritten documentation from the college visited.

Since students are not permitted to leave the campus during the school day,requests for late arrival or early dismissal must be submitted by the parent to theUpper School Office at least one day in advance. It is important that absence due toillness or other reason which has not had prior approval be telephoned to the UpperSchool Office between 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the day of occurrence. Homeworkassignments are available through the school’s website.

Students who become ill during the school day and who are unable to continueclass attendance must report to the Upper School Office and will be escorted to theSchool Nurse. Parents will be notified and appropriate action will be determined.Under no circumstances should a student who is ill go to the student lounge or leavethe campus.

Any student who arrives after 8:10 a.m. must report to the Upper School Officeand sign in. Since absences and tardies are recorded on the permanent record card,it is to the student’s advantage to maintain a respectable attendance record.

Beginning with the fifth recorded instance of tardiness in any marking period, thefollowing consequences will take effect: each student will serve one detention scheduled for 7:30 every Friday morning) for every tardy. Students who arrive latefor detention will serve an additional morning detention. If a student receives morethan eight tardies in any one marking period, the student will attend a two-hourSaturday morning detention. If tardies exceed twelve in a marking period, the student will receive a day of in-school suspension.

Students not in attendance from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will not be given creditfor a full day of attendance. If a student arrives before 9:45, credit will be given for1/2 day of attendance.

Participation in or attendance at all school related activities held after schoolhours on regular school days is permitted only for those students who were in attendance by 9:45 a.m. and who remained in school for the rest of the day. On dayswhen school is not in session, participation is permitted only for those students whowere in attendance on the last scheduled day of classes immediately prior to the dayof the activity.

A student who has been absent from school for medical reasons may participate in school-related activities provided written permission from a physicianhas been submitted to the Upper School Office by 3:00 p.m. on the day of absence.After 3:00 p.m. on the day of absence, the written permission from a physician mustbe given directly to the coach, advisor or sponsor of the school-related activity priorto the activity.


We do not attempt to cover all behavior by specific rules, and all offenses byspecified penalties. Students and parents are advised, however, that certain actionsespecially if repeated could subject a student to suspension or dismissal: leaving thecampus after arriving and before the end of the school day; excessive tardiness, cutting classes or other school appointments; dishonesty of any kind; stealing; insubordination; willfully damaging, marking or destroying property; unauthorizedpossession or use of illegal substances; possession or use of alcohol at school or atschool associated functions; violation of school bus procedures or regulations; bullying or fighting; gambling; snowballing; possession of fireworks, explosives,firearms, knives, or dangerous chemicals.

Attention must be called to one rule which is rigorously enforced during theschool day and at school sponsored functions: Students are not permitted to smokeor carry tobacco, matches or lighters at school. Violation of this rule may result insuspension or dismissal. We take this strong stand against students smoking duringthe school day because of the dangers to health and safety of young people whosmoke.

Harassment: School Policy and ProcedureMorgan Park Academy will neither condone nor permit harassment of

students in any form. Any student who believes he or she has been subjected toharassment either by another student or by any Academy employee, is expected toreport the incident or incidents either verbally or in writing to the Headmaster oranother administrator as appropriate. It should be noted that harassment is amonggrounds for suspension or dismissal of either students or employees.

The term “harassment” includes, but is not limited to: slurs, jokes, or any otherform of verbal, graphic, or physical conduct which reflects adversely on an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, or handicap.Harassment also includes sexual harassment, and any unsolicited intentional physical contact in any form.

At Morgan Park Academy, a commitment to diversity means that the communitymembers dedicate themselves to creating an environment in which all people,regardless of sex, race, color, appearance, religion, academic performance, age,national origin, citizenship, handicap, socio-economic level or sexual orientation canthrive academically, socially, and personally. It is the collective responsibility of theMorgan Park Academy community of administration, faculty, students, staff, and parents to provide and maintain an environment which is conducive to learning andwhich fosters mutual respect, sensitivity, and understanding for one another.

Consequently, Morgan Park Academy does not condone and will not tolerate disrespect toward another through any kind of harassment verbal, physical, racial,sexual or otherwise. It is further stated that no adult at the Academy will have anykind of unprofessional relationship with a student, and all sexual relationships andsexual advances between adults and students are prohibited, even if a student is orappears to be accepting of them. Morgan Park Academy will strive to protect all of


tops, bare midriff clothing, any kind of jogging clothes, gym clothes or sweat pants,pajama bottoms, or, in general, any athletic wear.

For all students, jeans or slacks should not drag to the ground, be torn, patched,frayed or have holes and must be worn at the waist. For safety sake, dress or casualshoes must be worn at all times; no flip flops (or flip flops with heels), beachwearor scuffer (plastic or vinyl) sandals are allowed. Any article of clothing may not bearinappropriate or inoffensive logos or printing. No body piercing may be visible otherthan earrings.

Students suspected of violating the Dress Code will be sent to the Upper SchoolOffice. As a general rule, students found in violation of the Dress Code will receive adetention and not be allowed to continue in school that day unless they change intoacceptable clothing. Repeated violations will result in detention, loss of other privileges including casual days, and more stringent consequences.

It is the school’s hope that students will take responsibility for adhering to thisrelaxed dress code. In all cases, the administration reserves the right to determine if student dress is in violation of these guidelines.

As a way of promoting student compliance with the Dress Code, the administration will allow those students in compliance with the Dress Code to exerciseCasual Days once a month and during examination days. Students in violation of theofficial Dress Code will lose this privilege. On special occasions during the schoolyear, a more formal Dress Code will be in effect.

CitizenshipMorgan Park Academy assumes that enrolled students come with the intention

of doing their best in all areas of school life, and that they will conduct themselvesin a manner consistent with their moral responsibilities to themselves, their parents,and the school community. In many areas of school life, students are given respon-sibilities and allowed freedoms, even at the risk of some failure, as an important partof the learning experience.

The spirit of cooperation and the positive attitude demonstrated by our studentsover many years have made a negative program of prohibitions and penalties unnecessary. By their acceptance of a philosophy of “freedom with responsibility,”Academy students have established a positive tone which has made it possible tocarry forward the life of the school in an atmosphere of mutual respect without constant minor annoyances.

When situations of inappropriate behavior do arise, the Academy will be thejudge of the seriousness of the situation. In any instance, the age and overall recordof the student are taken into consideration. The school reserves the right to suspendor dismiss a student at any time it becomes evident that the student’s conduct andinfluence do not serve the best interest of the school, or that he has failed to makesatisfactory academic progress, or that the attitude of his parents toward the schoolis uncooperative.


If you choose to continue an informal resolution procedure, then the ComplaintManager can help you write a note to the offender, demanding that the behavior stopor the Complaint Manager will arrange and be present at a meeting between you andthe offender to discuss the behavior and how it makes you feel, with resolution beingof an educational rather than punitive nature.

This process will either stop the harassment or provide evidence if a furthergrievance and investigation process is necessary. If the incident cannot be resolvedinformally, or if a student wishes to formally report the incident from the beginning,thorough investigation and documentation are critical.

Harassment: Formal Resolution ProceduresThe Headmaster will be notified fully and formally, in writing, by the student

(complainant) and/or Complaint Manager about the alleged incident, and allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated full and clear records ofwhat transpired will be kept by the complainant and/or Complaint Manager, including specifics such as dates, times, and witnesses the Headmaster will keep thecomplainant, the accused, and other involved persons regularly informed as the investigation and decision processes unfold when the situation is resolved, all parties will be notified immediately of the resolution and the basis for that resolution.

In situations where an adult is being accused of harassment of a minor, students may still follow the reporting procedure with which they feel most comfortable, However, the matter, because of its serious nature, must be reportedto the Headmaster immediately. Investigation and resolution would continue in a formal manner.

Harassment: DisciplineAny administrator, faculty member, employee, or student of Morgan Park

Academy who engages in and is found to be guilty of harassment in any form will besubject to immediate and appropriate discipline, up to and including dismissal orexpulsion. The results of the investigation of each complaint filed under this policy,and any disciplinary action taken by the Academy will be described in a formal reportand will become a part of the personnel file or permanent record of the disciplinedindividual.

False or intentionally malicious accusations of harassment in any form can havea serious detrimental effect on innocent parties. Such accusations are prohibited bythe Academy, and may be cause for disciplinary action up to and including dismissalor expulsion.

RetaliationRetaliation against any individual who complains of sexual or other form of

harassment is strictly forbidden by Morgan Park Academy. Anyone who practicessuch retaliation will be subject to immediate discipline, up to and including dismissalor expulsion.


its community members from such misconduct through ongoing education, andby establishing procedures for investigation and discipline of such conduct.

Harassment: General DefinitionHarassment in any form involves unwanted and unacceptable behavior by

any student or adult which is intended to, or has the effect of denigrating, intimidating, and/or humiliating the recipient. Such behavior could include, butis not limited to: slurs, jokes, gossip, gestures, caricatures, innuendo, phonecalls, internet messaging, or any other form of verbal, graphic, or physical conduct which reflects adversely on an individual’s sex, race, color, appearance,religion, academic performance, age, national origin, citizenship, handicap,socio-economic level, or sexual orientation.

Harassment: Reporting ProcedureAll students who believe, with sincere and genuine intent, that they have

been the victim of harassment in any form by a student, faculty member, administrator, employee, parent, volunteer, or Board member of Morgan ParkAcademy are encouraged to discuss the alleged acts immediately and confidentially a teacher or with one or more of the individuals identified as“Harassment Complaint Managers.” These will include the Headmaster, theUpper School Wellness Counselor, the Upper School Principal, and at least twomembers of the faculty identified annually. Each reported incident will be dealtwith on a case-by-case basis, and thorough written records will be kept. Theright to confidentiality will be respected consistent with the Academy’s legalobligations, and due process for all parties involved will be assured. Followingdiscussion with a Harassment Complaint Manager, the complaining partyshould determine whether to follow a formal or informal procedure to resolvethe problem.

Harassment: Informal Resolution ProceduresIf you feel that you do not need help from one of the Harassment Complaint

Managers, but would rather try to resolve the problem on your own, you should:unapologetically tell the harasser to stop the behavior or write a note to theharasser telling that person to stop the behavior. If you feel uncomfortable confronting the person by yourself, ask a friend or adult to be present.

If confrontation is not practical, at least initially, you are strongly encouraged to promptly contact a faculty or staff member or one or more of theHarassment Complaint Managers to decide what course of action should betaken. You should: record, in writing, when and how you have been mistreated.Include in this record names of witnesses, direct quotations, actions, evidence,and any written communication.

Together, you and the Complaint Manager will discuss and decide if youwant to continue to handle the situation in an informal manner, or take moreformal steps.


result in parental notification, disciplinary action, up to and including suspension orexpulsion for the first offense. A second offense of the substance abuse policy willlikely result in expulsion. These substances include but are not limited to alcohol,tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, narcotics, LSD, amphetamines or other illegal drugs orcontrolled substances, except those pursuant to a medical prescription. Any substance that is designed or intended to look like an illegal drug or unauthorizedprescription medication will also be treated as a violation of the substance abusepolicy. In addition, misuse and abuse of prescribed medications, over-the-counterdrugs, or aerosol products or other inhalants ("huffing"), including the transfer orsale of such matter, is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. As acondition of reinstatement following suspension, any student may be required toundergo an initial drug/alcohol test, counseling, and/or periodic follow-up assessments. The cost for these services shall be the responsibility of the student’sparents. The school also reserves the right to require a drug/alcohol test if there isa reasonable suspicion that the substance abuse policy has been violated.

Approved by MPA Board of TrusteesMay 15, 2007

DisciplineIn all areas of school life, Morgan Park Academy demands high standards

of citizenship and behavior. We would like to have as few stated rules and regulations as possible for the students. We assume that the students will generally know what they should do and should not do.

Most discipline problems that arise in school will be handled directly by theteacher through constructive, individual guidance. It is frequently necessary,however, to have a specified procedure for disciplinary action available.

The general program for handling discipline problems is listed below:• At each step in the disciplinary process, the student may request a hearing

to ensure due process.• For repeated minor problems, or a more serious problem, the student will be

reported to the Division Head.• The most serious disciplinary cases are to be brought to the attention of the

Head of School, and when necessary a conference with the parents of thestudent involved will be required.

• Appropriate disciplinary action, including detention, probation, suspension,or dismissal will be taken by the school administration.

Disciplinary steps usually employed in the following order:• Counseling (also at each more serious stage)• Detention and/or revocation of privileges• Conference with family/Student Behavioral Contract• One-day suspension and probation• Longer suspension and probation• DismissalA conference with family may take place at any stage in the disciplinary process.


Harassment Complaint ManagersWellness Counselor: Mrs. Carolyn ManleyFaculty Members: Mr. James Kowalsky, Ms. Sherry Grutzius

Substance Abuse PolicyConsistent with the Mission Statement, Morgan Park Academy is committed to

providing a safe and positive educational environment. As such, the school supportseducational activities that contribute to helping students become responsible members of society and make good decisions about the short and long-term effectsof habit-forming behaviors. The student consumption of alcohol and other drugs onschool property, or at school events, is not only illegal, but can impair well-being,disrupt the student's ability to learn, and interfere with the academic and extra-curricular interests of the students and staff. MPA is committed to being a "DrugFree" environment, and accepts its responsibility to encourage a "No Use" philosophythrough its academic, wellness, and co-curricular instructional programs.

Therefore, it is the policy of Morgan Park Academy to prohibit the possession,use, exchange, gift, or sale of any and all unauthorized drugs, including alcohol andtobacco, or drug paraphernalia in any school building, on the school campus, inschool sponsored vehicles, or at any school sponsored or approved event, activity orfield trip, before, during or after regular school hours. Any student found to be in violation of any part of this policy will be subject to parental notification, disciplinaryaction, up to and including expulsion, and a possible referral to law enforcement officials.

Substance Abuse Prevention and InterventionIn an effort to heighten the community's awareness about alcohol/drug abuse and

dependency as a societal problem. MPA regularly provides opportunities for educational programming regarding substance abuse for students, faculty, staff,administration and parents. Because the use of alcohol and drugs at school isbanned and inconsistent with healthy mental growth and physical development, it isthe Academy's desire to help students by referral to wellness counseling when possible, rather than to simply impose disciplinary measures.

Students or adults acting on their behalf can bring behavioral concerns indicatingpossible substance abuse to the attention of a Wellness Counselor or the SchoolNurse prior to the occurrence of a disciplinary incident. On these occasions, personnelfrom these offices will attempt to intervene with the student in a number of ways toreduce the harmful use of illegal substances and guide the student toward a healthier lifestyle. This process may include parent contact, if deemed necessary,professional evaluation, referral for outside medical assistance, professional counseling, and, if warranted, a leave from school for extended treatment. However,students who violate the school's substance abuse policy will face disciplinary consequences in addition to a referral for counseling or medical intervention.

Consequences of Substance Abuse Policy ViolationsPurchase, sale, possession, transfer, and/or use of any illegal substance will


Confidentiality and CounselingBecause the school is concerned with the safety of its students, the following

policy is in effect for all students:

If a faculty member witnesses or hears a specific suicide plan in process; or, ifthrough word, art, performance, behavior, or topic selection a student indicates astrong interest in death, dying, or suicide to a teacher or a peer, the faculty memberwill share the information with the appropriate principal and the counselor. Schoolpersonnel do not have the freedom to promise or practice confidentiality when a student’s life may be at risk. The Wellness Counselor will meet with the student toattempt to estimate risk. If it is determined that the student is at risk for self-harm,the student’s parents will be notified and a mandatory evaluation by a qualified mental health professional outside of school will be required, usually before a studentis allowed to continue his/her education at Morgan Park Academy.

MPA Honor Code PhilosophyMorgan Park Academy believes that honor and integrity are at the heart of a

student’s educational experience and help students develop a moral foundation forthe rest of their lives. As a school we take pride in the mutual trust and respectamong and between students and staff members; that trust is made possible throughthe acceptance of the Honor Code, which permits freedoms in the school communitywhile encouraging and expecting students to accept responsibility for their ownactions. While students sign the Code individually pledging to refrain from lying,cheating and stealing, they are encouraged to support the Code by reporting anyCode violations they may observe. The Code is in effect throughout the year, when-ever a student is on school grounds, participating in an Academy event, or workingon any academic assignment either in class or independently.

Honor PledgeEvery member of the Morgan Park Academy’s student body at the beginning of

each school year, shall sign the Honor Book, pledging to accept and uphold theHonor Code that verifies: “On my honor as a Morgan Park Academy student, I pledgethat I will neither lie, cheat nor steal. I understand that by signing the Morgan ParkAcademy Honor Code, I reaffirm my desire to be a part of the MPA community andwill further reaffirm that every day in my deeds by living by the standards of theSchool as set forth in the Code.”

Students entering Morgan Park Academy at the ninth grade level and transferudents are required to sign this pledge when they return their enrollment contracteach spring. During the spring and fall ninth grade orientations, incoming studentswill participate in a comprehensive Honor Code workshop led by the student leaders of the Honor Council. On the opening day of school, the entire Upper Schoolstudent body will participate in an assembly reaffirming the school’s--and each student’s--commitment to the Honor Code.

Before handing in any assignment or taking any test or end of semester exami-nation, students must copy the following Honor Pledge onto the assignment or test


Detention Information, Procedures, and Assignments• Students may be assigned to detention period by the Upper School Office as

a consequence for minor disciplinary infractions.• Attendance at detention takes precedence over all other commitments such as

athletic meets or practices, club activities, and social engagements.• Students assigned to detention may be excused only through the Upper

School Office.• Students will be notified by the office at least two days in advance of

detention. The detention supervisor will receive a list which must be signedand returned to the office indicating any irregularities. A student not receiving adetention notice because of absence from homeroom is not an excuse forserving the detention at the assigned time.

• Missing an assigned detention period, or unexcused tardiness to the detention will result in the following additional consequences: on the first violation, the student will be reassigned to a double detention; on the secondviolation, the student’s account will be charged $50, a letter will be senthome, and the student will attend a special two-hour long Saturday morningdetention held monthly during the school year. A third violation will resultin the student automatically being suspended for at least one day from school.In addition students who have accumulated more than three detentions willserve detention on Saturday and be placed on citizenship probation.

• The teacher in charge of detention may exercise the option to assign routinehousekeeping chores to students who accumulate an excessive number ofdetention periods.

• The detention period will be scheduled for Thursday at 3:05 p.m. sharp andFriday morning at 7:30 a.m. sharp for students with excessive tardies.Failure to attend detention will result in further consequences and loss ofprivileges.

Counseling ProgramThe counseling program in the Upper School is organized around the

concept of “wellness”: taking an educational and preventative approach to building skills to enhance the academic, social, and emotional growth of students. Key ingredients of the wellness program include identification and management of feelings, stress management, self-awareness, problem-solving skills, social perspective,and communication skills. The wellness program is rooted in the concept of emotionalintelligence, which acknowledges the role of affective competencies in the educationof the whole person.

Individual counseling services are available on a short-term basis at the requestof the principal, teacher, parent, or student. Once a request is made, an informalassessment takes place between the student and the Wellness Counselor to clarifythe referring issue and engage in problem solving to identify possible solutions. If theissue is not resolved after a brief number of meetings, referral options to servicesoutside of school are explored and the appropriate referral is made. The WellnessCounselor subscribes to the ethical standards of the American CounselingAssociation. (Please note: detailed information on Morgan Park Academy’s counselingprograms is available upon request.)


graded appropriately, and treated as a violation of the Honor Code.

Reporting an Honor Code ViolationA teacher is expected to report any suspected violation of the Honor Code

to the Honor Council Prefect, who will confer with the teacher regarding thecase. If there is insufficient evidence, the case will be dropped. If there is sufficient evidence that a violation may have occurred, the Prefect will informthe student of the alleged violation and of the proceedings, conduct any confidential interviews to gather information about the allegation, and call anHonor Council meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to inform parents aboutthe violation. Parents may then call the Honor Council Prefect or the UpperSchool Head to discuss the case. In all situations, the accused student is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The student is allowed to bring to themeeting a member of the faculty, such as his/her advisor or another student toserve as an advocate and to ensure that the accused student receives dueprocess.

In addition, a student who witnesses or has first-hand knowledge that anHonor Code violation may have taken place is expected to report this informationto one of the following or face a possible Honor Council offense: (1) the classroom teacher where the violation may have taken place; (2) a member ofthe Honor Council; (3) another faculty member; (4) or the Upper School Head.Information will then be forwarded to the Honor Council Prefect.

Honor Council Proceedings and ConsequencesThe purpose of the meeting is to determine whether a violation took place

or not. At this meeting, presided by the Prefect, the Council hears testimonyfrom the accused, the accuser, and witnesses, and may ask them questions.The hearing is non-adversarial and is a search for the truth. Council membersshall remain neutral until a verdict is rendered. All cases are confidential.Honor Council members may not at any time talk about the case outside themeeting room.

If the student is found not guilty or if the Council does not hear the casebecause there is insufficient evidence, all record of the case shall be destroyedand consistent with the spirit of the Code, the accuser should treat the accusedwithout suspicion. Under no circumstances can the case be continued past thispoint by either the teacher, the administration, or the Honor Council.

If the student is found guilty, the Council, with input from the reportingteacher, shall recommend a punishment, keeping in mind both the best interestof the school and the best interest of the student. If the student generally has agood citizenship record, reform is the goal. Depending upon the nature of theviolation, consequences for a first violation could include any one or more of thefollowing: a failing grade on the assignment in question; numerical reduction--up to and including failure--in a marking period, examination, semester or finalgrade; loss of school privileges; in-school suspension; and, if warranted, expulsion. A student may appeal an Honor Council decision to the Head of


and sign the statement: “I have neither given, nor received, nor used any unau-thorized aid to gain an unfair advantage on this assignment.” The Code can beabbreviated to “Honor Code Upheld” at the teacher’s discretion.

The Honor Council The Honor Council shall uphold the standards of the Honor Code and hear

cases brought to it. Voting membership includes three students and two faculty.A non-voting Faculty prefect conducts investigations, facilitates proceedings,and acts as a liaison to the Upper School Head. Honor Council members areselected by the Upper School Head and Honor Council Prefect, with input fromthe Student Council and the Upper School faculty who nominate qualified students.

The role of the Honor Council is twofold: to hear cases resulting fromalleged violations of the Honor Code and to promote integrity, honesty, andrespect for the Honor Code throughout the school.

Defining Honor Code ViolationsLying is speaking or writing untruths that are harmful to others or give one

an unfair advantage in a class, including but not limited to defamation of character, slander, libel, or forgery.

Cheating is gaining unfair advantage in a class by methods that do notimprove a student’s knowledge of the subject taught in the class. This includes,but is not limited to plagiarism, copying of any student homework and otherassignments, handing in previously submitted work, use of cheat or crib sheets,Cliff Notes and other unauthorized texts, online resources especially in the writing of research papers, English translations or similar materials notapproved by the teacher, and inappropriate use of electronic equipment, including but not limited to calculators and cell phones.

Stealing is theft of material or intellectual property, including but not limitedto theft of material goods, plagiarism and computer vandalism.

It is the responsibility of each teacher at the beginning of the school year tocommunicate in writing clear expectations regarding completion of academicwork so that it adheres to the Honor Code. Teachers shall also educate theirstudents about the importance of honor throughout the school year.

The use of electronic translators and translation software is not permittedat Morgan Park Academy. When doing writing or translation assignments, students may use print dictionaries to look up unfamiliar words and expressions. Relying on a computer to perform academic work does not helpstudents learn to communicate in the language they are studying. Moreover,translation programs do not convey nuance, because they translate word forword, produce obvious—and sometimes incoherent and even laughableresults—that indicate the student has not complete the work by him/herself.Academic work produced with such programs will be treated as cheating,


and assigned to study halls. In addition, receipt of one or more failing grades,or the accumulation of excessive absence, or of four “tardies” in any markingperiod may result in loss of senior privileges.

Open scheduling will be based upon the current scholarship and citizenshiprecord of each individual student. The criteria for those eligible for open scheduling will be: 9th grade 3.4 (87) average, 10th grade 3.2 (85) average;11th grade 3.0 (83) average; 12th grade: see above. With any failing grade,including minor courses, open scheduling will not be granted regardless ofaverage. Students who may earn opens but regularly do not complete classroom assignments may lose their opens based on a recommendation froma teacher.

Eligible freshmen will be granted open scheduling at the beginning of thesecond semester.

Designated Purposes of AreasMancini Library: The facilities of the Mancini Library may be used at any

time during an open period.Departmental offices: Students are encouraged to use these areas for

academic assistance when mutually arranged with a teacher.Unoccupied classrooms: Any unoccupied Upper School classroom, except

Science Laboratories, may be used for independent study, reading and/or academic assistance. Students who abuse classrooms will lose their open period privileges. Students are asked not to sit in hallways or stairways.

Work areas (e.g., Student Council Office): Students may use work areaswhen arranged with the activity advisor.

Lounge: A student lounge area is provided for use by Upper School students during open scheduling periods. The lounge is intended to provide aninformal meeting place for students where they may meet and converse withtheir friends, read or study in relative quiet, watch television, play ping-pong, orsimply relax. It is not intended for use as a gymnasium, rumpus room, or playarea. Students using the lounge are reminded that any noise-creating activitywhich disrupts the classroom next door cannot be permitted. All students usingthe lounge must accept full and equal responsibility for appropriate conductand keeping the lounge picked up at all times. The Student Lounge is open forstudents at all grade levels.

Gymnasium areas: These facilities are for informal recreational activitiesand games subject to approval by, and permission from, the Athletic Director.

Outdoor campus areas: These areas may be used for socializing. Any outdoor recreational activities and games are to be conducted south of BarkerHall.

Scheduled classes: Students may attend with instructor’s approval.

Senior PrivilegesSenior privileges are awarded to recognize a senior’s participation in

the total program of the school and to provide an opportunity for training in


School, whose decision is final. A summary of the results of the hearing will be sentto the student’s parents and a copy of the letter placed in the student’s permanentfile. If there are no further violations, this letter will be removed at the end of the student’s first semester senior year. A report will also be made to the student bodywithout disclosing the name(s) of students involved.

If a student is found guilty of a second violation, indicating a pattern of dishon-orable behavior and no matter how much time has elapsed since the first violation,consequences will be much more severe, including the possibility of expulsion. Inaddition, a letter will be permanently placed in the student’s file, and these violationswill likely be reported to colleges if requested by the college. A third violation willlikely result in expulsion.

Any egregious Honor Code violation that is above and beyond the realm of theHonor Council may, instead, be reported by the Honor Council Prefect to the UpperSchool Head for consultation, and, if necessary, investigation and resolution.

Ultimately, the Honor Code is an instrument that lies at the center of the school’scommitment—stated in the school’s Mission Statement—“to cultivate integrity andsocial responsibility” and to inspire students to “make a positive difference in theworld.”

Open PeriodsThe purpose of open periods is to provide qualified Upper School students the

opportunity to exercise independent judgment with regard to appropriate use of theirtime and to fully use academic assistance, facilities and resources which are available.

Definition of an open period: An open period is a period during which a student has no scheduled class or study hall.

The basic guidelines for use of an open period are as follows:• Students must remain on campus.• The specified available areas are to be used for the designated purposes only.• Areas not specified below (such as the Art Center, and Hansen Hall corridors and

landings) are not to be used during an open period.• Middle School classrooms (Hansen 112, 113, 114, 212, 213, 214, and 215) are

not to be used during an open period.• The computer labs in Hansen and in the Technology Center may only be used if

students have assignments which require the computer.• Students must conduct themselves in a manner that does not interfere with any

scheduled class or activity. • Students with poor citizenship records will not be granted open scheduling or may

be removed from open scheduling. Students with records of excessive tardinessand/or absences will be removed from open scheduling.

• All seniors initially will be granted open scheduling except for those who receiveda failing grade at the end of the previous year in any major or minor course. Anydisciplinary infractions may result in a senior being removed from open scheduling


immediate vicinity of the vehicles. Such students should not be communicatingwith students aboard or boarding the transportation vehicles, and shouldobserve the school transportation rules and regulations insofar as appropriate.

• Student parking is limited to assigned areas. Violations of student parkingprivileges in unassigned areas including fire lanes, as well as driving withexcessive speed, or causing noise pollution that disturbs other of car privileges. There will be one written warning given; a second violation willresult in automatic revocation of use of car privileges.

• Students may not request rides from faculty members.

Grading Scale97 – 100 A + Indicates that the student has shown initiative, skill,

and thoroughness to a superior degree and hasdemonstrated the ability to apply the basic methodsof the subject to new situations.

93 – 96 A 90 – 92 A –

87 – 89 B + Indicates that the student has completed all of therequirements of the course on a high or honors level.

83 – 86 B 80 – 82 B –

77 – 79 C + Indicates that the student has completed the minimum requirements of the course at an averageor better level. A grade of “C” indicates that thestudent should be able to be successful in collegelevel studies in that particular discipline.

73 – 76 C 70 – 72 C –

67 – 69 D + Indicates work “passed” but is generally consideredto be below the for satisfactory college preparation.A grade of “D” is given if the student has met a substantial portion of the requirements of the courseor if the teacher believes the student would benefitfrom continued study in the discipline.

63 – 66 D60 – 62 D-

below 60 F Indicates a failure. It is given when failure to master certain fundamentals of the course has prevented the student from doing satisfactorywork, or when all required work has not been completed and cannot be made up.

Incomplete (INC)When an incomplete is recorded, the letters INC will be used. This grade is


individual responsibility and independent organization of time schedules in preparation for college life.

The basic rule for students on senior privilege is that during periods when theyhave no scheduled class or study hall, they may engage in any activity which doesnot interfere with other groups or individuals.

• No student may leave the campus during the school day without permission exceptas noted below.

• Students may access their automobiles or the parking lot only with the permissionof the Upper School Head.

• Students on senior privilege may leave the campus at 2:15 p.m. unless they havea scheduled 9th period class, provided no special school program is planned forthat time. Abuse of the privilege will result in its immediate revocation.

• Excessive absences or tardies, serious disciplinary situations, failing grades or violation of other school policies and procedures may also result in revocation ofsenior privileges.

Permission Slips and Field TripsAll students must return a signed blanket permission slip to the Upper School

Office for Upper School field trips and co-curricular or extracurricular school-sponsored activities. During the course of the school year a number of special fieldtrips and special activities are scheduled for Upper School students. In theseinstances, information slips are prepared containing complete information regardingthese trips or activities.

Dining HallAll students are required to attend lunch each school day in the school dining

hall under the supervision of faculty members. Seniors may be granted OpenCampus Lunch on certain days at the discretion of the Upper School Head.

Automobiles and Parking FacilitiesSerious attention to the following necessary rules and regulations is urged so that

any grave incidents, or injuries, in the parking lots, or in or about the school trans-portation vehicles, may be avoided.

Students must be familiar with statements in the current Bulletin of Informationregarding automobiles and parking. In addition:• Students delivered to school in the morning and/or picked up from school in the

afternoon are to be dropped off and picked up on 111th and 112th streets; theschool driveways and parking lots are not to be used.

• Students driving themselves to school must register their vehicles in the UpperSchool office; students are not to use the Academy main parking lot, which isreserved for faculty and staff.

• Students who do not use the Academy transportation vehicles in the afternoon, butwho find it convenient to walk through the Hansen Hall parking lot and the transportation area, are not to socialize or in any other manner loiter in the


• A grade of 2.7 (80) or higher;• Student has written the appropriate Advanced Placement examination;• The successful completion of additional work as specified by each department.Note: Faculty will notify the Upper School Office in writing of such situations. Astudent not enrolled in an AP designated course who takes the AP exam is notautomatically exempt from taking a final examination.

Honors Designated CoursesUpper School students may be enrolled in courses which are officially

predesignated as Honors courses. If the student completes the course, the “H”designation will automatically be entered on the permanent record card.

The following courses are predesignated as honors courses:

Students may earn honors credit in other required courses but must fulfilldepartmentally established standards in order to earn such designation.Individual teachers must notify students in writing of the criteria for earninghonors credit. Honors credit will be placed on the student’s transcript at thecompletion of the school year. Note: faculty will notify the Upper School Officein writing of such situation.

Honor RollHigh Honor Roll: Students with an average in their major subjects of 3.7

(90) or above, with no grade below 3.2 (85), are listed on the High Honor Rollfor that marking period. (In a Pass/Fail course, a “P” must be earned.)

Honor Roll: Students with an average in their major subjects of 3.0 (83) orabove, with no grade below 2.7 (80), are listed on the Honor Roll for that marking period. (In a Pass/Fail course, a “P” must be earned.)

A Semester and Year High Honor Roll and Honor Roll will be determined bythe semester and year averages according to the criteria above. Students onthese lists will be presented a certificate for their accomplishment.

Homework AssignmentsTeachers are expected to assign homework daily but will observe in general

the time limit of thirty minutes per subject per day as a maximum. Studentsenrolled in AP courses are generally assigned one hour of homework for eachcourse. No homework assignments (optional or required) will be given betweenthe end of the first semester and the beginning of the second semester.


used only when a student has been absent for an extended period or whenmajor tests and/or other significant assignments have not been completed asrequired. When an Incomplete (INC) has been recorded it must be changed bythe teacher to a numerical grade within two weeks of the end of the markingperiod. Failure or neglect, by the teacher, to remove the INC will result in anadministrative change of the INC to a low failing grade. Such change does notexcuse the student from completion of the missed or late work, and the student’s teacher may require that the missing work be completed in a subsequent marking period. At the time of entry or removal of an INC, a memoexplaining either the reason for the INC or its removal will be filed with theUpper School Office. If at the end of the school year the incomplete work hasnot been made up satisfactorily within two weeks from the end of the 4th marking period, a permanent low failing grade will be administratively recorded in place of the INC. INC cannot be given at the year or at the end ofthe semester for a one semester course without administrative approval.

Advanced Placement (AP) DesignationUpper School students may elect, or may be placed in, courses which are

officially predesignated as advanced placement (AP) courses. If the studentcompletes the course and takes the advanced placement examination, the APdesignation will automatically be entered on the permanent record card. (Note:All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take AP examinations. Ifbecause of emergency the exam cannot be taken, the AP designation on the permanent record card will be removed.)

The following courses in our curriculum are generally predesignated asAdvanced Placement courses:

• Biology AP• Chemistry AP• English Language and Composition AP• English Literature and Composition AP• French Language AP• French Literature AP• Calculus AB• Calculus BC• Statistics and Probability AP• Spanish Language AP• Spanish Literature AP • United States History AP• Computer Science AP• Studio Art AP • Government and Politics: United States AP• Government and Politics: Comparative AP

The requirements for earning advanced placement designation in acourse not predesignated as advanced placement are as follows:


English 3 HHumanities 1 HHumanities 2 HForeign Language 4 H Foreign Language 5 H (non-AP)Geometry H

Algebra 2 HPre-calculus HLab Science HBiology HChemistry HPhysics H

with the Upper School Head, who may write to the parents and suggest that aconference be arranged with the teacher. Parents are asked to call and makean appointment with a teacher if they have a problem to discuss. They areasked not to come unannounced and should not be allowed to interrupt ateacher who is conducting a class.

Classroom VisitationsBecause of the small classroom size and the limited number of students per

class, parental visitations are a disruption of important school routines.Therefore, parents are asked not to request permission to visit their children’sclasses.

Visitation to school by siblings, friends, or relatives is discouraged for thesame reasons stated above. If a guest is to be invited, the Upper School Headmust be informed as least one day in advance and the visitor must present notification from their school that the school the visitor is attending is not insession on the visitation day.

Examination Exemptions: Semester and YearThe philosophy behind the administration of semester and final examination is

relatively simple. Such examinations provide the teacher with another helpful criteriain the determination of a student’s achievement over an extended period of time,thereby enabling the teacher to assign a grade commensurate with the student’sdemonstrated level of achievement. They serve as a means of self-evaluation forthe teacher to assess his effectiveness. Most important, major examinationsprovide a learning situation in which the student is required to organize andreview materials learned, thereby enabling him to gain a broader view of thatwhich he has studied and enhancing the possibility of retaining such learningfor a longer period of time. Finally, despite the many recent changes at the college level, most colleges still require students to take course examinations.We would be derelict in our duty as a college preparatory school if we did notprovide students exams as preparation for what they will surely encounter subsequent to high school.

For a number of years, Morgan Park Academy has followed a policy of adminis-tering semester and final examinations to students in grades seven through twelve.But we have become increasingly aware of late that many students do not have totake examinations semester after semester, year after year, in order to achieve thedesired objectives of examinations as stated in the above philosophy. In fact, after astudent has demonstrated high achievement continuously over an extended periodof time and has repeatedly shown that he can perform effectively in examinations, to continue requiring him to submit to a major exam may be both adeterrent to his academic interest and a waste of time.

With these thoughts in mind, a modification of the semester and year


Academic AssistanceEach academic department offers academic assistance in the department office

from 2:20 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Academic assistance isalso available for students during unassigned periods. (Note: Teachers are not permitted to accept payment for tutoring students in their classes during the schoolyear.) Students are expected to meet with individual teachers when they are havingacademic difficulties.

Academic ReportsDuring the school year, various academic progress reports for students in grades

9 through 12 will be mailed to parents.

It should be noted that, although all of the reports will be mailed to arents withcopies retained in the student’s office file, only the semester grades and year gradesbecome a part of the student’s transcript.

Academic ProbationMorgan Park Academy communicates its academic standards to students

through regular evaluation of their work. At the end of the first semester, the UpperSchool Head reviews the academic records of all students. In general, a student whoattains a cumulative grade point average of C- or higher is automatically re-enrolledfor the following school year provided the student maintains a good citizenshiprecord. Students who do not receive a contract are placed on academic probation forthe remainder of the school year. Through consultation with the student, his/heradvisor, his/her teachers, and parents, the Upper School Head will try to identify thesources of any problems a student may have and will initiate action for improvement.At the end of the school year, the Upper School Head will review the records of students currently on probation to determine whether a student should be given a contract for the upcoming school year. It is assumed by the school that by the beginning of a student’s junior year, no Upper School students will be on probationarystatus and that all upperclassmen will maintain a C average in their final two yearsof high school.

Parent/Teacher Conferences• A Parent/Teacher conference will be held on Friday, November 9, 2007, from 12:30

to 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the conference is to provide parents an opportunityto meet members of the school faculty. Conferences regarding the progress of individual students will be held at this time.

• The Spring Parent/Teacher conference will be held on Monday, April 4, 2008from 12:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Conferences: InformalInformal conferences may take place throughout the school year. For minor

problems such as failure to complete a number of homework assignments, theteacher may call the parent and discuss ways of remedying the situation. Forcontinued academic or disciplinary problems, it is best to discuss the situation


semester or more than five days of class absences in the second semester, the stu-dent is not eligible for the exemption, unless there are extenuating circumstances.The Upper School Head will be the final arbitrator in any discrepancy.

• There are no semester exemptions for any student enrolled in an AP-level course.Generally the AP test is the final examination in all AP-level courses.

• An upperclassman enrolled in a ninth or tenth grade level course may not earn anexamination exemption.

Criteria for Exemption from First Semester ExaminationA student in a senior level course may be exempted from the semester exam-

ination if he has a strict numerical average of 3.7 (90) or higher based upon hisgrades for the marking periods of the first semester and has received an invitationfrom the course instructor for the exemption.

Any student who is absent from any individual class more than five times will notreceive consideration for an exemption in that class for the first semester examina-tion. A student absence during a block period will generally count as two, not one,absence.

A student enrolled in a course on a pass/fail basis will not be exempted from thesemester examination. Honor Roll status will be determined as usual, with the provision that a “P” is required in a pass/fail course.

Criteria for Exemption from Year ExaminationA student in a senior level course may be exempted from the year examination

if he has a strict numerical average of 2.7 (80) or higher for his year grade at theend of the last marking period and has received an invitation from the course instructor for the exemption.

A student in a junior level course may be exempted from the year examination ifhe has a strict numerical average of 3.7 (90) of higher for his year grade at the endof the last marking period and has received an invitation from the course instructorfor the exemption.

Any student who is absent from any individual class more than five times duringthe second semester will not receive consideration for an exemption in that class forthe year examination. The only exception are students enrolled in an AP course andthe student has completed the AP exam. A student absence during a block periodwill generally count as two, not one, absence.

Pass/Fail A junior or senior may elect a pass/fail option for any one major course which

exceeds the minimum graduation requirements as stated in the Course of StudyInformation Sheet and in the Bulletin of Information for Parents and Students. Anystudent who elects this irrevocable option must notify the Upper School Office inwriting by Tuesday October 12. Faculty will be informed as soon as possible regardingstudents who have elected this option. Juniors may take a course P/F only if enrolled


examination requirements has been put into effect. In general, the modificationtakes the form of an offer of exemption from semester or final examinations for students enrolled in junior and senior level courses if a specified set of requirements are met. There has been no change made in regard to examination procedures for courses below the junior level. The Upper SchoolHead will be the ultimate judge in regard to any question which may arise inrelation to examination exemptions. The details of this program of examination exemptions follow:

The following are defined as senior level courses:

The following are defined as junior level courses:

Examination Exemptions: General Criteria• Examination exemptions are granted by invitation of the course instructor and

are not automatically granted.• The grade in which a student is enrolled shall not be a criterion for

exemption from an examination. Rather, the level of a course determines thepossibility of an exemption.

• A student is not required to accept an exemption from an examination.However, the student who is offered an exemption must accept or declinebefore examination week begins and must so inform the instructor.

• The course instructor is responsible for recording the exemptions granted according to specified procedure or no exemption will be granted.

a student has accumulated more than five days of class absences in the first


English 3 United States HistoryAlgebra 2 Foreign Language 3Chemistry Computer ScienceBiology APCreative Writing

Film Studies SpeechStudio Art 1GeneticsRace and Culture in America Science in the FrontiersGlobal IssuesAstronomy

English 4

Algebra 3/Statistics

Political Science 1 and 2

Studio Art 2

AP Foreign Language

Pre-calculus

Foreign Language 4/5

Calculus AB and BC

Computer Science AP

Physics

AP Statistics

Humanities 1 and 2

Acting 3

Intro to Documentary Filmmaking

College Algebra

AP US Government

AP Comparative Government

Human Geography of the

Western World

Human Geography of the

Non-western World


in more than five major courses. The grade received in a pass/fail course (“P” or “F”)will not contribute to a student’s grade point average. A student enrolled in a courseon a pass/fail basis will not be exempted from the semester examination but maypetition the teacher for an exemption from the final examination. Honor Roll statuswill be determined as usual, with the provision that a “P” is required in a pass/failcourse. Only the “P” or “F” will show on the student’s report card and on the transcript. To qualify for a final examination exemption in a Pass/Fail course, a student must have a minimum grade of 3.2 (85).

Students are discouraged from carrying AP courses on a Pass/Fail basis.However, students carrying five or more courses or four AP courses may request aPass/Fail option for one AP course (to be approved by the office). All studentsenrolled in AP courses must write the semester examination in December and writethe AP examination in May. Students may not elect a Pass/Fail option for any APcourse.

Standardized TestingDuring each school year, all Upper School students are given certain standardizedtests as part of the total academic program. These tests are used to diagnose areasof weakness, to evaluate progress, and to aid in scholastic guidance, especially ofthose students who are about to enter colleges. Those tests listed below are requiredexcept as noted.

SAT and ACTPlease check www.morganparkacademy.org for dates on which the followingtests will be held:

9th Grade• EXPLORE Test

10th Grade• College Board Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) • PLAN Test

11th Grade• College Board Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) - October 17, 2007• American College Testing Assessment (ACT) - off-campus• SAT I: Reasoning Test - off-campus• SAT II: Subject Tests (as required by colleges) - off-campus

Please note that all Juniors are required to take both the SAT I and theACT by the end of their Junior year.

12th Grade• American College Testing Assessment (ACT) - off-campus (retake at

student’s discretion)• SAT I: Reasoning Test (Aptitude Test) - off-campus (retake at student’s


discretion)• SAT II: Subject Tests (Achievement Tests) - off-campus (as required by

colleges)

Seniors are required to both the SAT I and the ACT in order to graduate.Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are required for all students enrolled in APclasses during the school year. Students not taking AP courses my register totake an AP exam by seeing the College Advisor. AP exams are administered during the first two weeks of May on the dates specified by the College Board.

The College Board (SAT) Testing Program for 2007-2008

The SAT I covers critical reading, mathematics and writing (which includesa 25 minute written essay and a multiple choice section). All multiple-choice questions are scored the same - one point for each correct answer and onequarter point subtracted for a wrong answer.

The SAT II subject tests are one-hour per subject. Students can take up tothree subject tests on one test date. The SAT I and SAT II subject tests cannotbe taken on the same test date.

Registration can be completed by mail (postmarked by the registration dead-line date) or electronically. See the College Advisor for paper registration forms.

For more information on tests administered by the College Board, registeronline or order additional score reports, go to www.collegeboard.com.

American College Testing Assessment (ACT) For 2007-2008

The ACT is made up of four sections: English, Math, Reading and ScienceReasoning. There is also an optional thirty-minute written essay. Check with individual colleges to see whether they require the essay in making their

Test DatesOctober 6November 3December 1January 26March 1May 3June 7

Registration ClosesSeptember 10October 2October 30December 26January 29April 1May 6

Late RegistrationSeptember 14October 11November 8January 4February 7April 10May 15

Test DatesSeptember 15October 27December 8February 9April 12June 14

Registration ClosesAugust 10September 21November 2January 4March 7May 9

Late RegistrationAugust 11-24September 22-October 5November 3-15January 5-18March 8-21May 10-23

prohibited from attending future dances. Hosting students must assume responsibilityfor their guests and may lose the privilege of bringing guests to future dances if theydo not do so.

Students who arrive at school functions under the influence of drugs or alcoholwill not be admitted, their parents notified and required to escort students home, andthey will face disciplinary action. The opinion of one or more chaperones will be sufficient for this action to take place. Other disciplinary action will also be taken,up to and possibly including dismissal from school.

Honor SocietiesNational Honor Society

The standards used for selection into the National Honor Society are: scholarship(minimum grade point average is 3.2 (85%); leadership (resourceful, exemplifiespositive attitudes, inspires positive behavior, dependable); character (upholds principles of morality and ethics, highest standards of honesty and reliability); serv-ice (participates in school and outside activities, does committee and staff work).

Cum Laude SocietyStudents are considered for membership into the Cum Laude Society at two times

in their high school career: at the end of the 6th and 7th semesters. Standards usedfor selection are: academic average of 3.5 (88%) and ranking in the top 20% or theclass; SAT I test scores totaling 1200 or more, or an ACT composite of 28 or more;an average of 630 on SAT II test score in two distinct academic disciplines, or a scoreof 28 or higher in two of the area subscores of the ACT; completion of the four-yearsequence in at least three major subject areas; a correspondingly high record of citizenship.

Foreign Language Honor SocietiesStudents are considered for membership in the Foreign Language Honor Societies

at the 11th and 12th grade level. Standards are as follows: three years of foreignlanguage study in French or Spanish in the Upper School; cumulative average is 3.4 (87%) for level 3 or 3.2 (85%) for AP language; excellence in oralclass participation; and nominations by the current foreign language teacher on atleast two of the following considerations: active participation in international culturalactivity in school; attendance at international cultural programs in the community;participation in some foreign language-related activity (e.g. tutoring); taking a foreign language class for honor credit; traveling abroad.

AwardsThe following is a summary of the awards presented annually to Upper School

students at either the Honors and Awards Assembly or at Commencement. Criteriafor selection and standards for eligibility are also enumerated.

Awards Presented at CommencementHayden E. Jones Cup Award: Name inscribed on Jones Cup, and gold plaque,


admission decisions.Registration can be performed by mail or electronically. See the College Advisor

for paper registration forms.

For more information about the ACT, to register or to order additional scorereports, go to www.act.org. Our school code is 141-040.

Dances: Procedures and Regulations The following rules in relation to school dances have been jointly arrived at

through the cooperation of the Student Council, the faculty, and the administrationof Morgan Park Academy. The Student Council advisors and the administration willwork with students and the Class Activities Advisors to implement these procedures.

Time: All school dances must end no later than 11:30 p.m.Who may attend: Any Upper School students and any graduates of the Academymay attend. Students with a high school I.D. or driver’s license may attend asguests, provided that they sign a register at the door with the host student andconsent to observe school regulations.Arrival: No student, date, alumnus, or guest will be admitted after the first twohours of the dance, even if a ticket was purchased in advance.Automobiles: Students may not go to cars during a dance unless accompaniedby an adult chaperone. Smoking areas: Smoking is not permitted on campus.Leaving: Any student, date, alumnus, or guest who leaves the dance boundariesfor any reason whatsoever may not return to the dance. Bounds include:Gymnasium dance front walk of the gym and west to concrete slab. Studentsmust remain within the fenced area.Alumni Hall or Art Center dance: The area within the semi-circular walk southof the Art Center and the lower walk connecting Alumni Hall with Hansen Hall.The Council reserves the right to limit the boundaries of a dance if weather doesnot permit chaperones to view the entire bounds comfortably.Chaperones: For every dance there must be at least four chaperones: two menand two women. At least three chaperones at each dance must be faculty members.Closing and clean-up: A list of people on the cleanup committee must be submitted to the Council with the chaperon list one week in advance of thedance. It must also be submitted to the chaperones at this time. Sponsors mustalso be aware, and must inform chaperones, at this time of closing time andsecurity procedures (keys, lights, etc.)

All proposals for dances must specify oral commitment from the required chaperones; the Council must have chaperon commitments in writing at least oneweek in advance of the dance.

Since dances are school-sponsored events, school regulations are in force for allattending. The sponsor and/or chaperons have the right to eject from the dance anyperson who does not comply with school regulations; such persons may be


on academic achievement, activities, and performance in the subject field.Student Council Civic Achievement Award: A gold plaque awarded to astudent selected by the Student Council for outstanding contribution inschool activities. The winner’s name is placed on a plaque in Hansen Hall.

Awards for which all Upper School students are eligible:Quill and Scroll Awards: Presentation of awards to students selected foroutstanding journalistic endeavors.Speech Class Award: Awarded to the student who has demonstrated acommitment to develop his or her craft and who has exhibited great personal growth as a public speaker.Thespian Awards: Awarded to two students judged the “Best Thespians”for the school year.Forensics Award: Awarded to the speech team member who has modeleddedication, demonstrated leadership, honed and developed public speakingskills and surpasses all expectations in a chosen competitive category.National Honor Society (juniors and seniors): Recognition of currentNational Honor Society members, and presentation of membership of newlyelected students.Cum Laude Society (juniors and seniors): Recognition of current CumLaude Society members, and presentation of membership to newly electedstudents.

Senior AwardsAll of these awards are determined on the basis of a four-year

cumulative record. To be eligible for any of these awards a student must haveattended the MPA Upper School for at least three years including 11th and 12thgrades. In addition, to be eligible for the awards in the five major academicareas, the student must have earned four or more credits in the field whileenrolled in the Upper School. All grades earned in the subject area will beincluded in determining the highest cumulative average; the numerical gradefor a senior pass/fail course will not be included in determining the cumulativeaverage unless that course is necessary to fulfill the required minimum of fourcredits in the subject area, a grade of “P” must be ensured in that course. Onlycourses completed while enrolled in high school will be considered.

Martin J. Wolf Service Award: A $100 U.S. Savings Bond awarded to the senior with the most outstanding record of service to the school and the community as selected by the Service Club Advisor. Recipients names willbe engraved on a plaque to be displayed in Hansen Hall.Dan Naklicki Alumni Association Best Male Athlete Award andChristine Linnerud Alumni Association Best Female Athlete Award:Selection is made on the basis of total “points” accumulation during fouryears of varsity and junior varsity participation. To receive this award, a student must have attended Morgan Park Academy for all four years, andmust play on two varsity teams each year.Senior Art Award: A trophy presented to the senior with the most outstanding record in art based on artistic activities and production, asdetermined by the Upper School art instructor.


presented annually to the class valedictorian as determined by the administration, based on the four-year cumulative grade point average. To be eligible, a student must have attended the MPA Upper School for at least threeyears including 11th and 12th grades.Harry D. Abells Award: United States flag and silver plaque presented annuallyto the class salutatorian as determined by the administration. Based on the four-year cumulative grade point average. To be eligible, a student must have attended the MPA Upper School for at least three years including 11th and 12thgrades.Fathers’ Club Scholarship Award: A bronze plaque, presented annually to asenior scholar (top 25% eligible) in recognition of scholastic excellence, citizen-ship, and participation in school activities. To be chosen by vote of the UpperSchool faculty. Primary consideration may be given to the third academic runner-up provided that all other qualifications are met.Jean Landon Taylor Scholarship Award on behalf of the AlumniAssociation: A bronze plaque, presented annually to a senior scholar (top 50%eligible) in recognition of academic achievement, citizenship, and participationin school activities. To be chosen by vote of the Upper School faculty.

Note: Each of the above awards will go to a different student.

Jerome Thrall Junior Leadership Award: Presented to a member of the junior class for faithfulness to the Academy’s tradition of excellence in citizen-ship, superior scholarship, and dedication to the enhancement of the commongood. The recipient is chosen by the administration with input from the UpperSchool faculty.Class Top Scholar Awards: Announcement of the names of student in eachUpper School class with the highest academic average for the school year.Upper School scholars names are placed on the Honor Plaque hanging in AlumniHall.First Scholar: A gold medal to the student with the highest academic averagein the Upper School for the school year.Second Scholar: A silver medal to the student with the second highest academicaverage in the Upper School for the school year.Third Scholar: A bronze medal to the student with the third highest academicaverage in the Upper School for the school year.

Awards Presented at the Honors and Awards AssembliesAwards for which seniors are not eligible:

Fathers’ Club Book Awards: A book presented to the underclassman who hasdemonstrated the greatest interest or who has had the highest academic averagefor the one year only in each of the subject areas listed below. In case of a tie,the student in an honors or AP section or the student in the higher grade will begiven preference. Department Chairs will be responsible for submitting theappropriate name. Awards are given in the following areas: English, French,Mathematics, Spanish, U.S. History, World History, Biology, Fine Arts, andChemistry.Mothers’ Club Achievement Awards: A gold plaque is presented to the stu-dents with the highest achievement in the areas of Art, Music and Drama, based


all times the spirit in which competition should take place, and they act promptly,and decisively, to reinforce those expectations.

• They ensure that disputes are addressed and resolved promptly and equitably, evermindful that mistakes are part of the game and must not be allowed to becomethe game’s focus.

• In all situations, they are in control of themselves and their players.• With the administrations of the schools they represent, they are responsible for

communicating and clarifying appropriate standards of spectator conduct, evenwhen doing so requires that they interrupt play to restore order in the stands.

• They bring to the attention of the appropriate colleagues within their schools anyincidents, problems, or situations which need to be addressed in past or futurecontests, and seek to resolve these.

Participants: Players are always responsible for controlling their own conducton and off the fields, and are responsible for promoting good sportsmanship amongtheir teammates and opponents.• They follow the lead of their coaches, both in letter and in spirit, by responding to

their instructions and to those of the officials.• They scrupulously avoid any display of disrespect or foul play, regardless of the

circumstances. They look to designated captains, coaches, officials to resolve disputes.

• They understand that the rules of the game and the League’s standards of conductare like the boundaries on a playing field: they are the legitimate limits withinwhich all interaction must take place for a game to have meaning and value.

Spectators: All spectators, but especially those who are families and friends,are expected to conduct themselves in such a way as to support and advance the valuesof fair play and good sportsmanship to which the League is committed. They areexpected to set a good example for other spectators and for all those participating,and to reflect credit upon the school competing.

While spectators are expected to respond enthusiastically to the events on thefield, they are similarly expected to be temperate in speech and manner. Jeering,harassing of players, coaches or officials, or any negative behavior reflects a distinctand unacceptable lack of respect for the game, the participants, and the schools represented.

To the extent that the conduct of spectators has a negative impact on anyonepresent, everyone connected with the event is damaged, and the spirit of play isdiminished.

By being present, spectators are agreeing to uphold the League’s values and tocooperate promptly and fully with requests from officials and coaches to moderatetheir conduct.

By reaffirming the Code of Conduct, the League commits itself to vigorouslyenforcing it to ensure the fair play and good sportsmanship will always provide theclimate in which competition takes place.


Senior Music Award: A trophy presented to the two seniors with the most outstanding record in music based on musical activities and productions determined by the Upper School music instructors.Senior Drama Award: A trophy presented to the senior with the most outstand-ing record in drama based on dramatic activities and production, as determinedby Upper School drama instructor.Senior Journalism Award: A trophy presented to the senior with the most outstanding record in journalism based on journalistic endeavors, as determinedby the English Department Chairman in conjunction with the sponsors of thevarious journalism activities.Henry T. Lee Science Award: A gold plaque to the senior with the highestcumulative academic average in Science during the four years.Annie E. Heath Mathematics Award: A gold plaque to the senior with thegreatest initiative, work ethic, innate abilities, achievements and passion in thestudy of mathematics over four years.Arthur A. Baer English Award: A gold plaque to the senior who has shown themost diligence, talent, and passion for English over four years and has main-tained an excellent cumulative average.Social Studies Award: A gold plaque to the senior with the highest cumulativeacademic average in Social Studies and Humanities including at least one socialstudies elective during the four years.Foreign Language Award: A gold plaque to the senior with the highest cumulative academic average in Foreign Language during the four years.Special Faculty “We’ll Never Forget What’s–His–Name” Award: A book presented to the senior chosen by the Upper School faculty as the most unforgettable character in the class.Headmaster’s Book Awards: Special book prizes awarded by the Headmasterto seniors whose contributions to the Academy throughout Upper Schooldeserve special recognition.

Note: Award recipients for science through foreign language are determined bythe appropriate Department Chairs and the administration.

Independent School LeagueThe ISL is committed to promoting vigorous competitive interscholastic athletic

programs within a climate of the traditional tenets of good sportsmanship and fairplay. To that end, the League re-affirms its traditional expectations for participants,coaches, and spectators for all contests in which any team takes part.

Code of ConductCoaches: As the adult leaders, coaches have the primary responsibility and the

most effective venue for establishing and maintaining an ethos which fosters thehighest standards of good conduct.• They lead by example and by taking charge.• They convey a sense of respect for the game, their players, the members of the

opposition, and the officials.• They set forth explicit expectations for the conduct of their squads to preserve at


school handles these situations in its in loco parent’s role, attempting to balancemaintaining consistent discipline within the school with the needs of the individualchild.

Q: What can I expect if my child encounters academic difficulties?A: Students experiencing academic difficulties put into motion the

school’s “staffing” system.Any teacher or principal can request a “staffing” for any student, a meeting at

which the parents, the student’s teachers, and advisor meet with the school’s academic leaders to determine the causes for academic difficulties and to design aplan to ameliorate them. When appropriate, testing and tutorials are recommended.

Q: What can I expect if my child reports alarming behavior or a potentiallydangerous situation at school?

A: Probe, call, and trust that the school will address such issues.Please know it is your prerogative and duty to call the school to report any and

all accounts of situations that you believe are dangerous. Rest assured that theschool will investigate vigorously any reports, since we pride and value the reputation of our school for being a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. At thesame time, be prepared to discount rumors: Remember the old adage, “If you onlybelieve half of what your child tells you about school, we’ll only believe half of whatthey tell us about home.”

What the school should expect from parentsQ: What are my responsibilities to my child as a student at this school?A: Support; encouragement; structure.Professionals in the field routinely counsel parents that young people need three

essential building blocks: support, encouragement, and structure (i.e., clear boundary lines and significant consequences for crossing the line). Periodically,assess the extent to which you are giving your child these three foundations (and askyour child and the teacher for their assessments as well regarding how you are doingon the parenting scale).

Q: What are my responsibilities to contribute to the development of ...my child’s moral values?

A: Modeling integrity and civility; listening; supervising; supporting consequences for dubious behavior.

Be a role model when it comes to honesty and civil behavior at all times, butespecially in behaviors towards others at the school, on the sidelines at athleticevents, and in conversations with and about the adults at school. (Parents who failto be civil and/or become disruptive in their relationships with the school place thatrelationship in jeopardy, including the possibility of the school insisting that theywithdraw or not re-enroll their children).

Engage your child in conversations around events that have moral overtones.Encourage participation in events that promote high standards (e.g., service) andactively discourage participation in events that can lead to immoral, unwise, or


Locations of Competing SchoolsLocations of competing schools can be found at:www.morganparkacademy.org.

Appendix AEstablishing and Maintaining the Partnership- ParentCovenant

In addition to requiring the school and its parents to sign a legal contract eachyear for a student’s enrollment in the school, Morgan Park Academy believes it wouldbe helpful for the school and parents to enter into a “covenant,” a pact by which wearticulate the reasonable expectations we have of each other so that a partnershipbetween the school and its parents is actualized and relationships clarified to benefit ultimately the children in the school. Towards that end we publish the follow-ing questions and answers (and include this covenant as a supporting document tothe annual contract that school and parents have previously signed):

What parents should expect from the schoolQ: What can I expect in terms of communication regarding my child’s

academic performance?A: Quarterly reports from teachers; “early warnings” for students in

academic or disciplinary difficulty.In addition to the formal reporting of quarterly grades and comments and “early

warning” notices as needed, the school welcomes “informal” communicationsbetween teachers and parents: Feel free to call to leave voice mail or to e-mail forany updates at any time. We promise to return calls and e-mails within 24 hours.

Q: What can I expect from teacher conferences?A: Professional assessment and respectful solicitation of parental

perspectives.Our teachers are professionals who will provide to you at teacher conferences a

variety of indicators of your child’s academic progress. We prefer “2-way conferences” where parents and the teachers share their knowledge on diagnosesand strategy-formulation for areas that need improvement. The quid pro quo of thepartnership with parents is that we expect our parents to treat our teachers as professionals (who know what to teach and how to teach it), just as we expect ourteachers to treat our parents as experts about their own kids (experts who havesomething to contribute to the dialog about maximizing effectiveness in working withthe student).

Q: What can I expect if a disciplinary event occurs?A: Division Heads will investigate thoroughly and adjudicate fairly.The school authorities will inform parents at the earliest appropriate juncture

about any disciplinary event (and its consequences). Students may be accompaniedby their advisors to any disciplinary proceeding or conversation (but may not be“represented” by parents or legal counsel). If the event is serious enough, a 3-wayconference with the parent and child and the Division Head may be required. The


capable of addressing it. If not satisfied at that juncture, a parent should seek outthe next level (the appropriate Division Head).

If all else fails, one should then go to the head of school. We suggest avoiding theassumption that all you hear from your child or along 112th Street is an accuraterendition of any event.

Children prosper when the primary voices in their lives sing in harmony, let’swork together for that music to happen.

This document has been modified from an article written by: Patrick F. Bassett,1/18/99. (Resource: Chaminade & Our Parents brochure.) Independent SchoolAssociation of the Central States, ISACS Newsletter, UPDATE, Winter ’99.

Appendix B: Health policiesGeneral Philosophy

The health policies of Morgan Park Academy have been formulated to ensure thehealth and safety of students and staff. The school believes that our students shouldtake responsibility for their own health and safety as befits their age and maturity.The school will comply with all applicable health regulations.

Universal PrecautionsIn accordance with OSHA regulations, universal precautions will be employed by

all Morgan Park Academy personnel in the case of exposure to human blood or otherpotentially infectious materials. Academy staff will be appropriately inserviced yearlyin the use of universal precautions. The Bloodborne Pathogens Control Plan is available for viewing in the headmaster’s office during regular school hours.

First AidAppropriate first aid will be administered to injured students on site by trained

school personnel. In cases of serious or life-threatening situations, the student willbe immediately transported via the Chicago Fire Department to the appropriate hospital. Parents or guardians will be notified by telephone in the case of injury orillness. Also, in cases of injury that is not life-threatening, it is the responsibility ofthe parents to determine if further appropriate treatment is necessary (e.g.,sutures).

IllnessThe Academy will notify the parent(s) or guardian by phone in the case of

student illness. At the discretion of the Academy, acutely ill students will be senthome with either a parent or parent-appointed temporary care substitute (asassigned per yellow emergency information card). Students convalescing from anacute illness should remain home until fever-free and no longer contagious. In thecase of absence from school due to illness for a period of more than two days, a notefrom the parent explaining the illness must be presented when the student returnsto school.


illegal behavior (e.g., do not permit children to have unsupervised parties nor partake in alcohol or drugs). Do not fear opposing bad choices, even if you madethem yourself in your youth: admit you were immature when you made the badchoice. Help your child to capitalize upon successes and even more importantlylearn from and adjust to setbacks and failures as part of life that future growth isdependent upon: Attempting to ameliorate or cover up mistakes on the part of yourchild is a disservice to your child and to the school.

Q: What are my responsibilities to my child’s academics and activities?A: Endorse school mission and policies; attend parents’ night conferences,

school activities, and Mothers’ and Fathers’ Club events.Show your support and encouragement by participation in school activities and

attendance at school events, especially those in which your child has a role to play.Read the Student/Parent Handbook and discuss with your child the philosophy, theschool’s Mission Statement and policies contained therein. Maintain regular contactwith your child’s teachers, coach, and advisor.

Q: What are my responsibilities to the financial support of the school?A: Make timely tuition payments, commit to annual giving, Salute to ..

Excellence, and to capital campaigns.The school provides payment options for families to make timely payments (e.g.,

tuition payment plan, credit card services) so that the school can meet its financialobligations. While contributions to the annual fund and Salute are not mandatory,they are important for the Academy is dependent upon these monies to improve ourfacilities and to provide the many extras that enrich our programs. Today it costs theschool on average $1000 over the cost of tuition to educate a student at MPA. Pleasebe respectful and responsive when you are called upon for a gift: the average parentgift is $500, but we are thankful, of course, for gifts at any level. Additionally, theannual Salute to Excellence is a major fundraising event for our school. We need parent volunteers to plan and orchestrate this event, and all parents to participate.You will find the evening is entertaining and spirited.

Q: What are my responsibilities regarding complaints?A: Understand governance structure, use proper channels and know ..

what to avoid.As an independent school, a self-perpetuating board of trustees governs Morgan

Park Academy. Their job is to develop school policies and to secure the future of theschool. It does so by setting basic policies, hiring and supporting the head of school,undertaking strategic planning, evaluating the performance of the school, and lead-ing in financial support of the school.

The board entrusts the daily operations of the school to the head of school, whosupervises and evaluates all programs and personnel and is the final arbiter of anydisputes that may arise, including those of parent issues or student disciplinaryissues: The Board does not sit in review of administrative decisions, so the head ofschool is the “court of last resort” for any problem. For matters large and small, theproper channel to raise an issue or register a complaint is to go the most direct levelfirst: i.e., to the teacher, coach, or staff member most closely related to the issue and


the School Nurse in person prior to the start of school.Emergency Cards

All students attending Morgan Park Academy must have a completed yellowemergency card on file in the Upper School Office. A new card must be completedeach school year and be in to the office prior to the first day of class attendance.Students who do not have a current completed card on file will not be allowed toattend classes until one is received.


ImmunizationsAll students must be in compliance with Illinois State Law and Regulations

concerning immunizations. Any student not compliant as of October 1st of the current school year must remain at home until proper documentation has beenreceived by the School Nurse. Immunizations are provided by the County HealthDepartment, if the parent desires. In cases of religious concerns, exemptions may beobtained through the Academy.

Health ReportsAll children entering Morgan Park Academy for the first time and those entering

Kindergarten, fifth grade, and ninth grade must have a complete written health examform on file as required by the State. The Academy requires these documents be onfile prior to the first day of classes for the school year. Any child who is not in compliance as of October 1st of the current school year must remain at home untilthe School Nurse receives the completed health report.

The health examination form can be accepted as proof of examination for interscholastic sports, if the appropriate section is completed.

Illegal Drugs - Alcohol/TobaccoStudents are not allowed to possess or use illegal drugs on campus or school

sponsored trips at any time. Alcohol and all tobacco products are similarly prohibited.In all cases of substance abuse parents will be notified immediately. Penalties forsuch action will be appropriate and are documented in the Student Handbooks.

MedicationsUpper School students are permitted to self-administer medications, with the

exception of controlled substances, with prior parental consent. A MedicationAuthorization Form must be completed and on file with the School Nurse. All medications must be in the original labeled containers. Students may not give away,trade, sell, share or obtain from any other student any drugs or medication of anykind, including over-the-counter medications.

If students give away, trade, sell, share, or obtain from any other student anydrugs or medications of any kind, including over-the-counter medications, they willbe subject to the substance abuse procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. Theaction taken will reflect the potency and dosage of the medication.

All controlled substances, and any medication for Upper School students, andany medication to be administered by the School Nurse must be deposited with theSchool Nurse by the student’s parent or guardian. No medications will be administered by the School Nurse without a Medication Authorization Form completed and on file. Verbal consent may be accepted in limited circumstanceswhen the need for medication could not be foreseen by the parent or guardian, thisis at the discretion of the School Nurse.

Parents requesting that daily medication be dispensed at school must meet with


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