The Buckley School Family Handbook
2018 - 2019
FAMILY HANDBOOK 2018-2019 FAMILY HANDBOOK 2018-2019 3900 Stansbury Avenue, Sherman Oaks, California 91423
3900 Stansbury Avenue, Sherman Oaks, California 91423
(818) 783-1610
(818) 783-1610
www.buckley.org
www.buckley.org Emergency Hotline (800) 655-1610
Emergency Hotline (800) 655-1610 Non-Discrimination Statement
The Buckley School does not discriminate based upon race, color, and national or ethnic origin in the Non-Discrimination Statement educational instruction, administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid or The Buckley School does not discriminate based upon race,and color, national or generally ethnic origin in the scholarships, athletic or other school-administered programs, anyand other activities educational administration ofthe its school. educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid accorded orinstruction, made available to students at
or scholarships, athletic or other school-administered programs, and any other activities generally accorded or made available to students at theMission school.
The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing learning community committed to equity and inclusion. Our innovative teachers and challenging programs inspire creativity, courage, and collaboration. By Mission promoting a balanced development of mind, body, and character, we encouragetoeach student find The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing learning community committed equity and to inclusion. joy and meaning in life and make an impact in the world.
Our innovative teachers and challenging programs inspire creativity, courage, and collaboration. By promoting a balanced development of mind, body, and character, we encourage each student to find History joy and meaning in life and make an impact in the world. Founded in 1933 by Isabelle Buckley, The Buckley School is the oldest K-12 independent co-ed day school in Los Angeles. Dr. Buckley developed the 4-Fold Plan of Education: equal emphasis on History Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Moral Education. These four pillars remain the foundation of our Founded in 1933 by Isabelle Buckley, Buckley is the oldest K-12 co-edand a school and are continually updated to The reflect currentSchool research in teaching, brainindependent science, diversity, day school inworld. Los Angeles. Dr. Buckley developed the 4-Fold Plan of Education: equal emphasis on globalized
Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Moral Education. These four pillars remain the foundation of our school and are continually updated to reflect current research in teaching, brain science, diversity, and a globalized world. 1
Table of Contents The Commitment .......................................................................................................................1 The Griffin ..................................................................................................................................1 Reasonable Accommodations of Disabilities ..............................................................................1 Request for Accommodation ...............................................................................1 Interactive Process ..............................................................................................2 Case-by Case Determination ...............................................................................2 Harassment/Discrimination/Retaliation Prevention Policy ........................................................2 Harassment .........................................................................................................2 Examples of Harassment ......................................................................................2 Examples of Sexual Harassment ..........................................................................3 Complaint Procedure ...........................................................................................3 Interim Measures .................................................................................................4 Investigation Process ...........................................................................................4 Confidentiality .....................................................................................................4 Discrimination .....................................................................................................4 No Retaliation .....................................................................................................5 Remedial and Disciplinary Action ........................................................................5 Student Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................5 Academic Integrity ..............................................................................................6 Cheating and Plagiarism ......................................................................................6 Bullying ...............................................................................................................7 Drugs and Alcohol ...............................................................................................9 Smoking/Tobacco Use .......................................................................................10 Pranking ...........................................................................................................10 Solicitation ........................................................................................................10 Electronic Use Policy ................................................................................................................11 Proper Usage .....................................................................................................11 Communication is Not Private ...........................................................................12 Parental Use and Conduct .................................................................................13 Use of Personal Electronic Devices/Cell Phones at School .................................13 Social Media Policy ............................................................................................13 No Unlawful or Prohibited Harassment or Threats ...........................................14 No Bullying of Fellow Students .........................................................................14 No Inaccurate or Defamatory Statements ..........................................................14 Do Not Infringe Others’ Rights or Privacy ..........................................................14 Additional Guidance ..........................................................................................15 Family-School Partnerships Advancement ...............................................................................................................15 Parents’ Association ......................................................................................................16 Gift Policy .....................................................................................................................16 Visitor Policy .................................................................................................................16 Lower School Classroom Visits .......................................................................................16
Campus Events for Parents and Guardians ....................................................................17 Fall Semester ......................................................................................................17 Spring Semester .................................................................................................18 Throughout the year ..........................................................................................19 Lower School Academic and Affective Program Afterschool Programs ....................................................................................................20 Attendance ...................................................................................................................20 Punctuality ........................................................................................................20 Absences ......................................................................................................................20 Birthdays ......................................................................................................................21 Conferenes, Prose Reports, and Progress Reports ..........................................................21 Conflict Resolution, Responsive Classroom, and Restorative Practices ...........................21 Consequences ..............................................................................................................22 Child Study Team ...........................................................................................................22 Clubs ............................................................................................................................23 Heartwork ....................................................................................................................23 Homerooms .................................................................................................................23 Homework ...................................................................................................................23 Interscholastic Athletics ................................................................................................23 Lower School Library and Technology Center .............................................................24 Psychologist .................................................................................................................24 Service Learning ............................................................................................................24 Standardized Testing .....................................................................................................24 Student Council ............................................................................................................25 Support Staff ................................................................................................................25 Uniform and Appearance ..............................................................................................25 Free-Dress Days .................................................................................................26 Middle School Academic and Affective Program Academic Support ........................................................................................................26 Adding and Dropping Courses .......................................................................................27 Attendance ...................................................................................................................27 Punctuality ........................................................................................................27 Absences ......................................................................................................................27 Sign-Out Procedure ...........................................................................................28 Extracurricular Participation ..............................................................................28 Personal Days ....................................................................................................28 Buckley Student Council (BSC) ......................................................................................28 Clubs ............................................................................................................................29 Conferences and Communication Home .......................................................................29 Family Conferences ............................................................................................29 Prose Reports ....................................................................................................29 Progress Reports ...............................................................................................29 Course Requirements ....................................................................................................30 Grades, Eligibility, and Distinctions ................................................................................30
Grading Scale ....................................................................................................31 Incomplete Grade ..............................................................................................31 Grade Changes ..................................................................................................31 Student Distinctions ...........................................................................................31 National Junior Honor Society ............................................................................32 Homework and Assessments ........................................................................................32 Absences and Completion of Assignments ..........................................................32 Assessment Daily Limit ......................................................................................33 Culminating Semester Assessments ...................................................................33 Second Semester Review Days ...........................................................................33 Final Assessment Attendance ............................................................................33 Interscholastic Athletics .....................................................................................33 Learning Differences .........................................................................................33 Makerspace ..................................................................................................................34 Service Learning ............................................................................................................34 Standardized Testing .....................................................................................................34 Uniform and Appearance ...............................................................................................34 Shirts .................................................................................................................34 Shorts ................................................................................................................35 Skorts ................................................................................................................35 Pants .................................................................................................................35 Outerwear .........................................................................................................35 Sweaters ...........................................................................................................35 Sweatshirts .......................................................................................................35 Shoes ................................................................................................................35 Socks .................................................................................................................35 Hats ...................................................................................................................36 Free-Dress Days .................................................................................................36 Uniform Violation ..............................................................................................36 Upper School Academic and Affective Program Academic Support ........................................................................................................36 Upper School Math Lab ....................................................................................36 Writing Lab .......................................................................................................36 Adding and Dropping Courses .......................................................................................37 Attendance ...................................................................................................................37 Punctuality ........................................................................................................37 Absences ......................................................................................................................37 Extracurricular Participation ..............................................................................38 Personal Days ....................................................................................................38 Sign-out Procedure ...........................................................................................38 Clubs ............................................................................................................................39 College Counseling ........................................................................................................39 Guidelines for College Visits ..............................................................................39 Responsibilites Regarding College Admission ....................................................39 Transcripts and Recommendations ....................................................................40 Conferences and Communication Home ........................................................................40
Family Conferences ............................................................................................40 Prose Reports .....................................................................................................40 Progress Reports ................................................................................................40 Grades, Eligibility, and Distinctions ................................................................................41 Extracurricular Eligibility Requirements .............................................................42 Grading Scale ....................................................................................................42 Incomplete Grades .............................................................................................42 Grade Changes ..................................................................................................43 Student Distinctions ...........................................................................................43 National Honor Society ......................................................................................43 National Language Honor Societies ...................................................................43 Scholar Athlete ..................................................................................................44 Seniors ..............................................................................................................44 Graduation Requirements (grades 9-12) .......................................................................44 Homework and Assessments .........................................................................................45 Absences and Completion of Assignments .........................................................45 Making Up Missed Assignments .........................................................................46 Making Up Missed Assessments .........................................................................46 Making Up Work from Extended Absences .........................................................46 Culminating Semester Assessments ...................................................................47 Daily Limit on Assessments ................................................................................47 Final Assessment Attendance ............................................................................47 Semester Review Days .......................................................................................47 Honor Council ..............................................................................................................47 Interscholastic Athletic ......................................................................................48 Learning Differences ..........................................................................................48 Self-Reliant Communication & Conflict Resolution ........................................................48 Service Learning ...........................................................................................................49 Standardized Testing .....................................................................................................49 Student Behavior and Restorative Practices ...................................................................49 Discipline and Restorative Practices ...................................................................50 Detention ..........................................................................................................50 Grounds for Day of Separation ..........................................................................51 Grounds for Suspension .....................................................................................51 Grounds for Disciplinary Probation ....................................................................51 Grounds for Dismissal .......................................................................................51 Reporting of Disciplinary Action to Academic Institutions ..................................51 Search of Student Lockers, Cars, Backpacks, Purses, Bags, and Electronic Devices ...52 Student Council ............................................................................................................52 Uniform and Appearance ..............................................................................................52 Shirts ................................................................................................................52 Shorts ................................................................................................................53 Skorts ................................................................................................................53 Pants .................................................................................................................53 Outerwear .........................................................................................................53 Sweaters ...........................................................................................................53 Sweatshirts .......................................................................................................53
Shoes ................................................................................................................53 Socks ................................................................................................................53 Hats ..................................................................................................................54 Free-Dress Days .................................................................................................54 Uniform Violations ............................................................................................54 Other Important Programs and Resources Advisory Program .........................................................................................................54 Book Share ...................................................................................................................54 Communications ...........................................................................................................55 Counselor ......................................................................................................................55 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ......................................................................................55 Educational Support Specialist ......................................................................................56 G-cards .........................................................................................................................56 Outdoor Education ........................................................................................................56 Performances (Dance, Drama, Music) ............................................................................56 Performing Arts Conservatory ......................................................................................57 Robert Young Library .....................................................................................................57 Student Publications .....................................................................................................58 MyBUCKLEY ..................................................................................................................58 The Opt-Out Photography List .......................................................................................58 Study Abroad ...............................................................................................................58 Summer Programs ........................................................................................................58 Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness Backpacks .....................................................................................................................59 Campus Hours ..............................................................................................................59 Campus Cleanliness ......................................................................................................59 Emergencies .................................................................................................................59 Emergency hotline .............................................................................................59 School Messenger: Emergency Communication System ......................................59 Preparedness in the Event of an Earthquake, Lockdown, Fire, or Other Emergency ........60 Earthquake ...........................................................................................................................60 Lockdown .............................................................................................................................60 Fire .........................................................................................................................................60 Campus Health Health Office ................................................................................................................61 Athletic Trainer .............................................................................................................61 Concussions ..................................................................................................................61 Food Allergies ...............................................................................................................62 Health Forms and Annual Physical Exam ......................................................................62 Immunizations ..............................................................................................................62 Medical Care .................................................................................................................63 Medication Administration at School ............................................................................64 Lockers .........................................................................................................................64 Lost and Found .............................................................................................................65 Off-Campus Privileges ...................................................................................................65 Private Tutors and Access to Campus ...........................................................................65
Transportation, Parking, and Respect for Neighbors Arrival and Dismissal Times ..........................................................................................66 Bus Transportation ........................................................................................................67 Cars ..............................................................................................................................67 Carpool Policy ...............................................................................................................67 Car Services ...................................................................................................................68 Neighbor Relations .......................................................................................................68 Parking .........................................................................................................................69 Safe Driving ..................................................................................................................69 Student Drivers .............................................................................................................69 Walking to School .........................................................................................................69 Queuing and Parking Procedures Map ..........................................................................70
The Commitment
The Buckley Commitment was created by students in 1995 to guide the community in school-wide standards of behavior. These values are carved into the cement steps of the Commitment Courtyard and posted around campus. Students, families, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees commit to: RESPECT KINDNESS HONESTY LOYALTY SELF-DISCIPLINE and SELF-RELIANCE
The Griffin
The Griffin was named Buckley’s spirit mascot in the early to mid-1960s by Ted Hartman, the school’s first athletic director, and Isabelle Buckley. Half eagle, half lion, the mythical Griffin spoke to Dr. Buckley’s affinity for the classics and is a symbol of courage and perseverance. Greek mythology— along with the wishes of several Upper School athletes who asked to move beyond intramural competition—also inspired Hartman’s creation of the Delphic athletic league (in which Buckley still competes today), named for the ancient Greek city of Delphi.
Reasonable Accommodations of Disabilities
The Buckley School adheres to the requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits unlawful discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public accommodations. As part of this policy, applicants and students with disabilities, or their parents/ guardians, may request reasonable accommodations that would permit the applicant or student full and equal access to the goods, services, and operations of the school. This policy prohibits unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation because of student’s own disability, or because of association with a person who has a known disability.
Request for Accommodation
Applicants, students, or their parents/guardians may be asked to provide recent documentation from a medical provider, at their expense, documenting a disability. The medical provider should not identify the disability, but only indicate that: (1) the applicant or student has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities; and (2) the manner in which the disability limits major life activities relevant to an applicant’s or student’s participation in the school’s education program (i.e., what are the functional limitations of the student with regard to his or her participation in the school’s educational program). Documentation of a disability will be kept confidential and will be shared only with school personnel involved with the coordination and facilitation of services and accommodations, except as is otherwise required by law or emergency health services. Since insufficient information may jeopardize the accommodations process, the school reserves the right to request additional documentation considered necessary to the formulation of a reasonable and appropriate accommodation plan. The school also reserves the right to request an independent evaluation by a professional of its choosing.
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Interactive Process
Applicants, students, or their parents/guardians may speak to the school at any time about reasonable accommodations. However, after the school receives the required documentation, it will request a meeting to discuss all potential accommodations. Parents may bring a representative to communicate the needs of their child. The purpose of the discussion is to work in good faith to fully discuss all feasible potential reasonable accommodations.
Case-by-Case Determination
The school determines, in its sole discretion, whether reasonable accommodation(s) can be made, and the type of accommodation(s) to provide. In exercising its discretion, the school will consider input and information the applicants, students, parents and/or representatives may provide regarding possible reasonable accommodations. The school will not provide accommodation(s) that would pose an undue burden upon the school or that would endanger the health or safety of the applicant or student or others at the school. It will also not agree to accommodations that would fundamentally alter the nature of the school or its goods, services, or operations. Accommodations must also permit the school to meet its legal obligations. The school will inform the applicant, student, or parents of its decision as to reasonable accommodation(s) in writing.
Harassment/Discrimination/Retaliation Prevention Policy
The Buckley School is committed to maintaining a working and educational environment that is free of harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. This may include behavior that occurs off-campus or via social media, or other electronic communications, that impacts or affects the school community. Violations of this Policy will not be tolerated and will result in corrective action, up to and including expulsion from the school.
Harassment
This Policy prohibits harassment based on actual or perceived sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law (“Protected Classifications”), as applicable, or association with an individual who has an actual or perceived protected classification. This Policy prohibits both harassment by students and parents towards students and employees, and harassment by others in the community towards students and employees. Harassment violates this Policy and will not be tolerated. Harassing conduct by students and/or parents will result in appropriate corrective action, and corrective action includes discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion from school. Harassment of students by employees will result in appropriate corrective action, up to and including termination of employment, and is addressed in a separate Policy in the Employee Handbook. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Examples of Harassment
Harassment can take many forms, and may include verbal, physical or visual conduct. • Verbal, written, and visual harassment includes: making disparaging statements, telling jokes, using epithets, slurs, stereotypes, insults, or labels based on an individual’s Protected Classification(s), threats of physical harm or statements designed to intimidate, abuse or humiliate another, whether communicated verbally, in writing, Page 2
electronically or in posters, cartoons, drawings or gestures. This may include comments on appearance including dress or physical features, or dress consistent with gender identification, or stories and jokes, focusing on race, national origin, religion or other Protected Classifications identified below in this Policy. •
Physical harassment includes: intimidating conduct, such as touching of a person or a person’s property, hazing, assault, grabbing, stalking or blocking or impeding a person’s movement.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
California Education Code section 212.5 defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions:
•
Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress.
•
Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.
•
The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
•
Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.
•
Sexually harassing conduct can occur between students of the same or different gender.
•
Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:
o
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Unwelcome verbal or written conduct, including by notes, letters, e-mails, text messages, social media postings, such as suggestive comments, derogatory comments, sexual innuendos, slurs, or unwanted sexual advances, invitations, or comments, pestering for dates, making threats, spreading rumors about or rating others as to sexual activity or performance. Unwelcome visual conduct such as displays of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters, written material, cartoons, or drawings, graffiti of a sexual nature, or use of obscene gestures or leering. Unwelcome physical conduct such as unwanted touching, pinching, kissing, patting, hugging, blocking of normal movement, assault, or interference with work or study directed at an individual because of the individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Threats and demands or pressure to submit to sexual requests in order to keep academic standing or to avoid other loss, and offers of benefits in return for sexual favors.
Complaint Procedure
Students and parents who believe that they have experienced, witnessed, or have relevant information about harassment should immediately report the matter to the school, either orally or in writing. Students and parents may report the matter to the Head of School or their teacher. Page 3
Alternatively, students and parents may choose to report harassment or retaliation to any other employee of the school with whom they are comfortable, such as a counselor, or coach, all of whom must report the matter to the Head of School under this Policy. While the school does not limit the time frame for reporting, immediate reporting is important as the school may not be able to investigate as thoroughly or consider as wide-range of corrective actions the longer the time that has passed between the alleged misconduct and the report.
Interim Measures
The school may provide appropriate interim support and reasonable protective measures, if and as needed based on the particular applicable circumstances, to protect against further acts of harassment or acts of retaliation, to provide a safe educational environment, and/or to protect the integrity of an investigation. The school will, in its sole judgment and discretion, determine the necessity and scope of any interim measures.
Investigation Process
Upon receipt of a report of alleged harassment and any related initial inquiries, the school may request clarification and/or conduct an initial inquiry, to determine whether the oral report or written complaint alleges a potential violation of this Policy. To request clarification and/or conduct an initial inquiry, the Head of School, or his or her designee, may meet with the individual(s) who made the report and/or that was reportedly subjected to conduct that violates this Policy. If the school has determined that the report pertains to behavior that may be in violation of this Policy, the school will undertake an investigation related to the reported conduct. Any investigation may be conducted by designated school personnel or by an outside investigator, in the school’s sole discretion. Students and parents are expected to cooperate in any investigation as needed. Any individual who is interviewed during the course of an investigation is prohibited from discussing the substance of the interview, except as otherwise directed by the investigator or the Head of School, as necessary in relation to any administrative or legal proceedings or as otherwise required by law. Any individual who discusses the content of an investigatory interview or who otherwise fails to cooperate with the investigation may be subject to corrective action.
Confidentiality
Reports of harassment will be kept confidential, except as needed to conduct an investigation, to take interim measures, to take corrective action, to conduct ongoing monitoring, or as necessary in relation to any administrative or legal proceedings or as otherwise required by law.
Discrimination
Discrimination is treating an individual differently because of the individual’s actual or perceived membership in a Protected Classification as defined in this Policy, by taking an adverse action against or denying a benefit to that individual. Students or parents who believe they have experienced, witnessed, or are otherwise aware of discrimination by the school, should immediately report the matter using the same complaint procedure provided for in this Policy under the above section on harassment and the above sections on interim measures, investigation and confidentiality for harassment reports, will also apply to reports of discrimination. Page 4
No Retaliation
The school prohibits retaliatory behavior against anyone who complains in good faith or participates in the complaint and/or investigation process pursuant to this Policy, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. Retaliation constitutes a violation of this Policy and may result in disciplinary or other corrective action. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, taking sides against an individual, spreading rumors about or shunning or avoiding an individual, or making real or implied threats of intimidation towards an individual, because that individual reported harassment or discrimination or participated in an investigation related to a report of harassment or discrimination.
Remedial and Disciplinary Action
The Buckley School will determine if the conduct violates school policy and if so, the appropriate corrective action. Any student determined to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
Student Code of Conduct
Violations of The Buckley School’s conduct expectations, including but not limited to the following non-exhaustive list of prohibited behavior described below, may result in student discipline, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. The school seriously considers the age appropriateness of any consequence and reserves the right to set its own standard when necessary. The school reserves the right to take or not take any of these steps, depending on the specific circumstances including the child’s age and grade level. More specific information on disciplinary procedures and restorative justice can be found in the divisional sections: • • • • • • • •
Bringing or using weapons of any kind, including knives and toy weapons of any kind to school; Destroying, defacing, or stealing school property or the property of others; Gambling on or near campus; Littering on campus; Using profanity; Forgery; Gossiping or disclosing personal or private information of another person; Fighting or threat of physical violence towards another student, school employee, or parent whether on or off campus; • Racial, religious, ethnic, or sexual/sexual orientation slurs made on or off campus towards another student, school employee, or parent, or any other violation of the school’s policy against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; • Disrespectful behavior or language, insubordination, or disobedience; • Entering portions of the campus that are either locked or out of bounds to students without express permission of school authorities including entering the school grounds during non-operational hours without permission; • Repeated violation of minor rules or policies of the school or violation of a major rule or policy of the school; and, • Behavior that brings disrepute to the School whether on or off campus. Students are expected to conform to the rules set forth above. The Buckley School reserves the right in its sole discretion at any time to suspend, dismiss, or expel any student or family whose conduct is not compatible with the standards of the school community, whether or not the conduct is enumerated in the above list. Page 5
Academic Integrity
Integrity means producing original work on all examinations, papers, projects, homework, and oral recitations, unless otherwise specified by the teacher. It means organizing, preparing, and adequately completing all work on one’s own. Academic integrity requires that all Buckley students:
• • • • •
complete their own work and not allow it to be copied by anyone else; complete individual work, including assessments, without seeking help from or offering help to others, unless instructed to do so by the teacher; do not discuss the content, format, or degree of difficulty of any assessment with anyone; complete original research for a paper, project, or oral report and acknowledge all others’ contributions to that work by proper citation; and realize that cheating of any kind, no matter how minor, diminishes both personal and academic integrity.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating is not tolerated at The Buckley School. Cheating is defined as using information that a student is not supposed to have. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying another student’s homework; looking at another student’s paper during a test or quiz; bringing information into a test or quiz on paper, on an electronic device, or by any other manner; or providing or soliciting information from another student or source, either before, during, or after a test or quiz. Students should never talk to each other about the form, content, or degree of difficulty of a test that they have already taken. Plagiarism is the presentation of other people’s thoughts or words as one’s own — in effect, to steal ideas and misrepresent them as one’s own. Plagiarism can be deliberate or accidental. In either case, it is unacceptable. Forms of plagiarism include, but are not limited to, copying or putting into your own words the language or ideas (phrases, sentences, or longer passages) from a written or electronic source of another person, including a tutor, without acknowledging that source or that person. Proper use of the words and ideas of others is not plagiarism. Direct quotes may be used if they are enclosed in quotation marks and the source is cited. Any idea that is not one’s own must include the source of that idea. What constitutes plagiarism, instruction for proper citation, and how to use only a student’s words will be reviewed in English classes at the start of each year. We consider cheating and plagiarism serious infractions. The dean of students and the division head, along with the involved teacher, evaluate every case, and such cases may go before the Honor Council. The result of violating academic integrity will include one or more of the following actions: a “0” for the assignment or assessment, significant detention, day(s) of separation, or suspension. Further breaches of academic integrity may result in dismissal from the school.
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Bullying
The Buckley School is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment. As a result, bullying will not be tolerated. This policy covers conduct that occurs both on and off of the school campus, and includes use of technology that is not owned by the school. This policy applies to all students and prohibits members of the school community, including students, teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers from engaging in conduct towards students that is prohibited under this policy. The school defines bullying as the following: Any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act (including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, online games, chat rooms, and posting on a social network), directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
• • • •
Placing a reasonable student or students in fear of harm to that student’s or those students’ person or property. Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
While the education code defines bullying as conduct meeting the above requirements that is severe or pervasive, conduct need not be severe or pervasive in order for the School to determine that there has been a violation of this policy. Examples of bullying may include, but are not limited to:
• • • • • • • • •
Social exclusion; Threats and intimidation; Stalking; Direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving, or attempting to make physical contact or inflict physical injury; Theft; Public humiliation; Destruction of property Verbal or written insults, teasing, or name-calling, including online or through social media; Creating a false profile on a social networking website, for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed above.
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Students are encouraged to report bullying immediately orally or in writing to the divisional dean of students or another trusted adult to maximize the school’s ability to respond promptly and equitably. While the school does not limit the time frame for reporting, the school may not be able to investigate as thoroughly or consider as wide-range of corrective actions the longer the time between the alleged misconduct and the report. After the school receives an oral report or written complaint, or otherwise learns of an alleged potential violation of this policy, and also receives any clarification requested, the divisional dean or designee, will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include initiation of an investigation. If the school initiates an investigation, it will conduct such investigation as it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion, to appropriately respond to the complaint and ensure that no further bullying or retaliation occurs. All students shall cooperate with any investigation authorized or conducted by the school. The school will make reasonable efforts to protect students’ privacy and confidentiality. Information reported will be shared only on a need-to-know basis with school personnel directly involved in an investigation or to the extent necessary to conduct an investigation and/or to take effective corrective action and any appropriate remedial action including any interim support or protective measures. The Buckley School will provide appropriate interim support and reasonable protective measures, if and as needed based on the individual applicable circumstance during the pendency of any investigation and/or to protect against further acts of bullying, and to provide a safe educational environment. The school will determine the necessity and scope of any interim support or protective measures. Any student determined by the school, in its sole discretion, to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Any violation of this policy by a parent will be considered a violation of the school’s parent behavior expectations and may be grounds for expulsion of the offending parent’s child(ren). The school prohibits retaliatory behavior against any person who brings a complaint of bullying in good faith or who in good faith assists in investigating such a complaint, even if any investigation produces insufficient evidence that there has been a violation, or if the charges cannot be proven. Any person who engages in retaliation or who makes a knowingly false complaint of bullying in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion. Any students with a concern that they are being retaliated against should immediately bring it to the attention of the dean of students.
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Drugs and Alcohol
Students are prohibited from possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol while on campus or attending school, including school sponsored activities. Students cannot be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol at school, including school activities, at any time. Illegal drugs are defined as those prohibited by law, and include marijuana, and any other cannabis product, which may not be possessed, used, or cultivated in or near schools, as well as prescription drugs that are taken by those without a valid doctor’s prescription or not in compliance with a valid prescription. The use and possession of alcohol and illegal drugs is not permitted: 1) 2) 3) 4)
At school during school hours At any time on the Buckley campus At any Buckley sponsored activity At any off-campus satellite parking and on any Buckley transportation
A student that The Buckley School has reasonable cause to believe to be selling or providing any illegal drugs or alcohol to other students – either on or off campus – may be subject to immediate discipline up to and including expulsion. If The Buckley School has reasonable suspicion to believe that a student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on campus or at a school sponsored activity, it may require that student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol screening test. “Reasonable Suspicion” shall mean a belief based upon facts gathered from the totality of the circumstances that would cause a reasonable faculty member, administrator, or other employee to suspect that the student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If The Buckley School has reasonable suspicion to believe that a student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on campus when the nurse is present, the student will be escorted to the Health Office by an adult at which time the nurse will assess and evaluate the student. The nurse will determine if the student needs emergency medical attention, routine medical attention, or first aid. If the nurse is not present, the administration will determine if medical care is needed. In each case where The Buckley School has reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol either on campus or at a school sponsored activity, the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the situation, required to pick up the student, and required to have the student promptly drug and alcohol tested that same day. Parents will be required to pay for any fees associated with alcohol or drug testing. A copy of the same-day drug and alcohol testing report must be provided to the school nurse and division head. Failure to provide a same-day drug and alcohol testing report to the school nurse and division head may be treated as a failure to comply with a drug and/or alcohol testing requirement, and may result in the student’s expulsion from school. Any failure to abide with the School’s Drug and Alcohol Policy will result in discipline up to and including expulsion. Dealing with drug and alcohol abuse issues with young people can be very complex and difficult. The Buckley School feels strongly that such issues are best dealt with in partnership with our families. However, in the event that the school receives information that a parent/guardian is undermining Page 9
this partnership by providing drugs/alcohol to students or permitting drug use/underage drinking in their presence or on their property, the school may speak with the parent/guardian in question. The school may notify the police of the situation and/or require drug/alcohol counseling on the part of the parent/guardian/student in order for the student to continue to be enrolled at the school. The school may also choose to sever all ties with the family involved and not renew student contracts. The school is committed to doing all it can to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and believes parent/guardians must act in accordance with The Buckley Commitment and all governing laws. While the grounds for dismissal delineated above remain in effect, the administration retains the authority and discretion to modify consequences as individual circumstances warrant. Guidelines for Suspected Substance Abuse may be obtained from the Health Office.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
Per California state law, smoking (including vaping) is prohibited for all persons under the age of 21, except those between the ages of 18 and 21 who are in active duty service in the military. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is also prohibited by California state law in all workplaces, including schools. Consistent with the provisions of California state law and also in compliance with The Buckley School’s own prohibitions against smoking on the school’s campus and by all enrolled students, the following provisions apply:
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Students may not smoke/vape at or near the campus, or during school sponsored activities, even if such use takes place off campus. They also may not bring or distribute nicotine products at school and to school sponsored activities including school sponsored events off campus. This includes e-cigarettes/ “vaping” equipment. Any failure to abide with the School’s no-tobacco/smoking policy may result in discipline up to and including expulsion.
Pranking
Pranks affecting the school or anyone in the Buckley or larger community are not allowed nor condoned.
Solicitation
Solicitation and/or selling goods on campus are not allowed except for the benefit of official school clubs, committees, or activities.
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Electronic Use Policy
This policy governs all school Electronic Communications Resources provided or sponsored by The Buckley School, including but not limited to, the Internet, email, computers/laptops, cell phones, telecommunications devices, video and audio equipment, wireless networks, data systems telecommunications equipment, transmission devices, data processing or storage systems, computer systems, servers, networks, input/output and connecting devices, software, and documentation that supports electronic communications services (“Electronic Communications Resources”). The Buckley School’s Electronic Communications Resources are used to support educational objectives. The goal in providing these vast, diverse, and unique technological resources is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. A student’s use of these technologies is a privilege, not a right, and is subject to a variety of strict rules. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in having the privilege to use these resources suspended or revoked, including disabling the student’s user account and prohibiting the student from using any computer/iPad equipment at Buckley. Additionally, it may result in discipline up to and including expulsion. The following rules are meant to provide students and school families with examples of prohibited conduct, but are not intended to serve as an exclusive list. Students may be disciplined for engaging in other conduct through the school’s electronic communications that violates the school’s conduct and discipline policies, or is detrimental to the school and its mission, and/or harmful to other students.
Proper Usage
Technology resources are provided to promote educational excellence. During class time, computers and other Electronic Communications Resources are to be used for academic purposes only. Students agree to report any misuse of the school’s Electronic Communications Resources to an appropriate staff member. Students agree to:
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Use the Internet at school for school-related activities only. Students are not permitted to play video games using either a Buckley computer/tablet or their own computer/tablet/phone, online or otherwise, unless permitted or expressly directed to do so, by a Buckley employee. Only use the Internet or any other Electronic Communications Resource with permission from a teacher, and under the supervision of a Buckley employee. Keep their passwords private and never attempt to discover or use the login information of another student, even with that student’s consent. Treat technology equipment with respect and contact a teacher if they discover broken equipment. Refrain from acts of vandalism. Vandalism includes any malicious attempt to tamper with the equipment in a way that inconveniences others or destroys the property, including data, of any user or system on the Buckley campus or on the Internet. Obtain teacher permission before copying, downloading, or installing any software or programs to or from school computers. Obtain teacher permission before using disks or flash drives from sources outside the school. Page 11
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Respect The Buckley School’s security measures on School or remote computers or networks. It is never acceptable to circumvent security configurations. Only visit websites with appropriate content. It is never acceptable to knowingly access any sites, or follow any links, that would be offensive to any student, teacher, or parent because of pornographic content, nudity, or obscenity; racial, ethnic, or minority slurs; or violent or illegal content. If a student finds an inappropriate website, he/she will leave it immediately and will not show it to another student. Students will seek guidance from a teacher if they encounter any site or material that is inappropriate, or if they are unsure how to proceed. Represent The Buckley School appropriately, both at home and school. Students must be that they are representative of Buckley, and what they say and do can be viewed globally. It is never acceptable to write, send, download, or display inappropriate, obscene, threatening, or otherwise harmful messages, pictures, video or music to anyone in The Buckley School community from home or school via online communication such as emails, text messaging, social media, etc. The School refers to this as “Cyber-Bullying” and such conduct is also prohibited by the School’s anti-bullying policy. If a student becomes aware of such behavior, he/she must report this to a teacher or administrator immediately. Keep their personal address, phone number, financial information, or any other personal contact information private. They will not share personal information about others, including peers and teachers over the internet. Practice good digital citizenship when researching or producing schoolwork. Students will not plagiarize works found on the Internet; students are responsible for producing their own work in completing school assignments. Students may not post, download, copy, or send copyrighted material without permission. Responsibly use communication tools. It is never acceptable to post chain letters or engage in “spamming.” Spamming is sending an annoying, or unnecessary message to a large number of people. Refrain from making or sending audio or video recordings. Students are prohibited from making or sending audio or video recordings of other people using the School’s Electronic Communications Resources unless specifically authorized to do so by a teacher or administrator. Respect security configurations and limitations on access. Students may not circumvent security measures on school computers or networks or otherwise attempt to gain access to another’s resources, programs, or data without their consent. Students must promptly disclose to a teacher or other administrator, any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable. Also, if a student mistakenly accesses inappropriate information, the student should immediately inform a teacher or an administrator.
Communication is Not Private
Each student’s online communication is a reflection of school. Email to and from our school is not private and may be monitored by the school as needed. Students have no right to privacy in their use of Electronic Communications Resources in any way, including computer, mobile devices, internet connections, email system, or other resources. Students understand that electronic communications transmitted or received through the Buckley server, a school-owned electronic device, or any personal electronic device used on campus are not private and may be viewed by the school in its sole and complete discretion. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported Page 12
to the proper authorities. Students understand that at any time, without notice, a Buckley employee may access my school-provided email, Google, and MyBUCKLEY account to ensure compliance with The Buckley School Family Handbook rules of student behavior and may access all personal electronic devices and personal email accounts while a student is on campus.
Parental Use and Conduct
If parent or legal guardians have occasion to use the school’s Electronic Communications Resources, they are considered bound by this policy as well.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices/Cell Phones at School
Students are prohibited from using their cell phones during school hours. In the event of an emergency, if a student needs to make a phone call during the school day, the student may visit the Lower or Middle/Upper School offices. Students in the Lower School understand that cell phones, tablets, laptops, wearable technology, or other electronic devices and their accessories (i.e., iPads, iPods, headphones, earbuds, smartwatches, Fitbits, etc.) are not allowed to be used on campus from arrival on campus in the morning through pick-up after school, including during afterschool programs. Students in the Middle and Upper School may only use personal cell phones and other personal electronic devices (aside from laptops) on campus prior to 8:15 a.m., or after 3:00 p.m. Students in the Middle and Upper School may use laptops at school for course-related work only, and may only use their laptops in the library, a classroom with teacher supervision, or during class if the teacher allows the laptop to be used for instructional purposes. Upper School students may also use their laptops during their free periods in open areas as long as they are working on course-related material. Unsupervised laptop use is not allowed in the locker areas or in the hallways of any building. All electronic devices that a student brings to school should be securely stored in students’ lockers, which should be locked at all times. If students use cell phones and other personal electronic devices in violation of this policy, the device may be confiscated by a school faculty/staff member and turned into the school office or other location. Parents can retrieve the device from the office or other location after scheduling and attending a meeting with the Head of the Lower, Middle, or Upper School, as appropriate, to discuss the school’s policy. Repeated offenses can result in loss of technology privileges or more serious consequences deemed appropriate by the school, including suspension or expulsion.
Social Media Policy
Part of learning to be a successful citizen and community member includes understanding that social media and digital communication are essential parts of our world today. It is important to recognize that access to information can result in tremendous advantages, but it can also create new responsibilities for students. Social media is any form of online publication or presence that allows interactive communication, including social networks, blogs, photo sharing platforms, Internet websites, Internet forums, and wikis. Examples of social media include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. When students use social media for academic purposes, such as for a school assignment, they should treat the platform as a digital extension of the classroom, and the same rules apply online as they do at school. Page 13
To the extent that students engage in in any use of the Internet, social media, or electronic communications that creates a substantial disruption at school or materially interferes with school activities, that reasonably leads the school to foresee such disruption or interference, or which interferes with the rights of students, employees, or school families, the school may take disciplinary action against students, regardless of whether that use is through devices and resources of the School or any personal devices or resources. Moreover, students are required to follow all school rules in their use of Internet, social media, or electronic communications, including adherence to the school’s Policy Against Bullying, and its Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention Policy. The following rules apply to all students’ use of Internet, social media, or electronic communications, regardless of whether that use is through devices and resources of the school or any personal devices or resources:
No Unlawful or Prohibited Harassment or Threats
Students cannot post statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably could be viewed as unlawful harassment or discrimination or otherwise violating the law such as unlawful threatening conduct. Examples of such conduct include offensive posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment at the school on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. Examples of unlawful threatening conduct include posting material that would make a reasonable person afraid for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family.
No Bullying of Fellow Students
Students are prohibited from engaging in conduct that violates the School’s Policy Against Bullying. Students should take cyberbullying seriously. If a student is being cyberbullied or hears about/observe someone else being cyberbullied, report the behavior and get help. Students can tell a parent, school staff, adult family member, or a trusted adult. If no adult is available and the student or someone else is in immediate danger, the student should call 911. It is important not to respond to, retaliate to, or forward any harassing, intimidating, or bullying content. “De-friend,” block, or remove people who send inappropriate content. It may also be a good idea to save harassing messages, as this evidence could be important to show an adult if the behavior continues. If the behavior is school-related, students should print out the messages and provide them to the school when they report the incident.
No Inaccurate or Defamatory Statements
Students should post accurate information and be accountable for what they post. Students must never communicate any information or rumors that they know to be false about fellow students, faculty, or employees of the School, or anyone. Students must strive for accuracy in any communication, be it a blog entry, post, or comment. Students can include a link to sources of information. If students make a mistake, they should correct the information, or retract it promptly.
Do Not Infringe Others’ Rights or Privacy
Students must not disclose information that may violate student, School family, or employee rights. For example, students must not disclose another individual’s social security number, medical information or financial information in a manner that violates that person’s privacy rights.
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Additional Guidance
As a recommendation, if a student would like to keep his or her personal life separate from school life, the use of privacy settings should be used to restrict personal information on public sites. Privacy settings are automatically set by social media providers governing who can see your posts, how information is linked, and what data is available to the public. Each social media platform has different privacy setting defaults and some change those settings without making it obvious to you. As a user of social media, students should determine whether to change the default settings to make access to postings more or less private. Also, students should consider whom they invite or accept to join their social network, as those individuals will have access to their profile, photographs, etc. Even if a student has private settings, those whom the student invites into his or her network can easily, print, save, cut, paste, modify or publish anything the student posts. Students should get their parents’ input about what information they feel should remain private and what is fine to post publicly. Parents may provide guidance and supervision of student online activities by having access to student passwords and usernames. Many colleges and employers will search social media before making hiring and admissions decisions, and it is important to remember that online actions leave a permanent record. Material can be archived on the Internet even after it is removed, and search engines can turn up posts many years after they are created. For all these reasons, it is best to use discretion and judgment in student’s online posting and activity. Students should take a few extra minutes to think about whether a post will be hurtful or embarrassing to them or others or whether it could negatively affect a future opportunity. Students should protect themselves online and should try not to post too much identifying information that could risk their safety or increase the chance of identity theft.
FAMILY-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
Education works best when students, teachers, parents, and guardians are aligned and work together under a common mission. A productive working relationship between The Buckley School and families is essential. For this reason, the school reserves the right to terminate a student’s enrollment or to decline continued enrollment at any time if, in the head’s sole discretion, a parent or guardian is uncooperative, unreasonable, or unsupportive of the school, its administration, or its staff. If the school suspends or terminates a student’s enrollment for any of the above reasons, the school may retain all sums paid by parents and require that any remaining balance for the entire year under the enrollment agreement be paid by parents. In the event a student is suspended or dismissed from school, no tuition refund will be granted, and any unpaid balance for tuition and fees will remain due and owing.
Advancement
The campus and programs from which The Buckley School community benefits are the result of the generosity of the previous generation of parents and guardians, alumni, grandparents, and faculty and staff. As an independent school, Buckley relies on private funding above and beyond the cost of tuition in order to make possible the exceptional programs and high-quality operations and facilities that characterize a Buckley education. Families are asked to make Buckley a top philanthropic priority. Page 15
The Advancement Office initiates and coordinates all fundraising for the school from individuals, corporations, and foundations through the Annual Fund; major gifts for capital projects, programs and endowment; planned giving; and grants. In addition, all Parents’ Association fundraising efforts are coordinated through the Advancement Office. The Buckley School does not solicit support from parents and guardians for any outside cause or purpose. All fundraising activities must be approved by the director of advancement in consultation with the Head of School and CFO.
Parents’ Association
All parents and guardians of Buckley students are dues-paying members of the Buckley Parents’ Association, which:
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Partners with the Advancement Office to execute the social and philanthropic activities which support the mission of The Buckley School and strengthen participation in the life of the community among all parents; Provides educational resources for parents and guardians to support their child’s education and development, including Lower, Middle, and Upper School education evenings that focus on topics ranging from peer pressure and alcohol use to helicopter parenting and curfews; Spearheads fundraisers such as the annual Buckley Fair in the spring and a biennial evening event in the winter; Works with the Admission Office in leading visitor tours, volunteering in the Lower School Library, and staffing the hospitality committee, which welcomes new families; Communicates with the parent/guardian community as room parents in Lower School and grade-level representatives in Middle and Upper School; and Oversees family support networks, including Gay Family Network, Grandparents’ Network, Heritage Families, Korean Family Network, and the Single Parents’ Family Network.
Gift Policy
In keeping with the school’s philosophy of equity and inclusion, faculty and staff members are not permitted to accept gifts of any kind from families.
Visitor Policy
Anyone who is not a current student or faculty/staff member who wishes to come to campus during the school day must have an appointment with someone on campus at the school. The person they are visiting will notify the guards at the gate, who will have their name and date/time of arrival.
Lower School Classroom Visits
Parents or guardians who wish to visit a child’s classroom should contact the head of Lower School to determine a mutually acceptable date and time. Parent/guardian volunteers are appreciated in several ways. Homeroom teachers may request parent/ guardian chaperones for field trips or at on-campus Family Fun Fitness days. Parents and guardians are also welcomed and appreciated at community service events such as the Lower School Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day, visits to the PATH organization, and at school-organized book, food, and toy drives.
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Campus Events for Parents and Guardians Fall semester
Back-to-School Bash Held on Gilley Field at the start of school each year, this event includes food, games, and a bakeoff and is organized and hosted by the Parents’ Association free of charge for the entire Buckley community. Back-to-School Nights Held in September or October, this evening is for parent/guardians only and is designed for parents and guardians to walk their child’s schedule, meet teachers, and learn about the coming year’s program and curriculum. There are two Back-to-School Nights in Lower School, one for grades K-2 and one for grades 3-5; one for Middle School, and one for Upper School. Lower School Field Days Let the games begin! Parents and guardians are invited to volunteer to help at this event with food, games, and managing students Grandparents and Special Friends Day On this day, Lower School students invite their grandparents and/or special friends to school. They are greeted by the head of school and Lower School head and spend an hour or two in the classroom. Classroom parent representatives attend to help facilitate, but this is not an event for all parents and guardians. Internal Open Houses Hosted by the Admission Office, these events are planned every fall for current Buckley families in Lower and Middle School to learn more about the division ahead (for fifth grade students entering sixth grade and their parent/guardians, and for eighth grade students entering ninth grade and their parent/guardians). These events include informational subject sessions and a tour. A separate informational session for students includes games and hearing from some of their new teachers. The director of admission, division heads, and head of school lead a discussion and Q&A with parents and guardians. In addition, the Middle School division heads meet with current families entering that division to discuss the child’s choice of electives, physical education class or athletic team, language, and their overall hopes and dreams for the coming years. In Upper School, families meet with the student’s academic advisor about their upcoming schedule and plans for the division ahead. New Parent Dinners Hosted by the Advancement Office, the Lower School New Parent Dinner and Middle/Upper School New Parent Dinner in The Center for Community and the Arts are an opportunity for new parent/ guardians to learn more about the year ahead and to meet one another, along with teachers and administrators.
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New Student Orientations At this event before the start of school, new and returning sixth grade students, and new seventh and eighth grade students, have an opportunity to meet their academic advisors, become familiar with their schedules, and find their lockers. While students engage in team-building exercises, games, and activities, and peer panels, parents and guardians attend an informational session about the Middle School program and some of the opportunities and challenges ahead. Lower School: New students in grades K-5 and their parent/guardians are invited. Middle School: ALL sixth grade students, and students in grades 7 and 8 who are new to Buckley and their parent/guardians are invited. Upper School: ALL ninth grade students and students in grades 10-12 who are new to Buckley and their parent/guardians are invited. Seventh Grade Welcome Night All seventh grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to campus on a September evening to play games, have dinner, and socialize.
Spring semester
Buckley Film Festival (B33) This end-of-year event is run by Buckley students and showcases student films from Buckley’s Upper School and from students at schools across the city. It is open to the entire community and outside guests. College Counseling Events The three college counselors hold informational meetings throughout the academic year for the parents and guardians of students in grades 9-12. Culmination Ceremonies All parents, guardians and families are invited to the Fifth Grade Independence Day to celebrate graduation from Lower School, the Eighth Grade Culmination for those ending Middle School, and Commencement for seniors. International Food Fests Parents and Guardians are invited to bring food from a culture or country selected by the Diversity Club and to help serve students and faculty/staff at this popular festival in which the community celebrates global cuisine. Lifers Ceremony Parents and Guardians of “lifers” – graduating seniors who entered Buckley in grades K-2, are invited to a ceremony in May that celebrates their lives at Buckley. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service This Lower School tradition brings families to campus on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to engage in a variety of service activities, from building care packages through Hope in a Suitcase to simulating a water walk.
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Passion Project Expo This culminating celebration of eighth grade Passion Projects showcases what they learned and accomplished and present their projects individually to the audience. The entire Buckley community is invited to the Expo. Sixth Grade Cultural Anthropology Expo At the end of every school year, every sixth grade student joins a group in deep study of a country or group of countries that culminate in a day-long event in The Center for Community and the Arts. Parents and guardians, family members, friends, classmates, teachers, and administrators visit the colorful region-themed booths offering games, food, and demonstrations.
Throughout the year
Athletic Events and Games Parents/Guardians and families are invited and encouraged to attend all Buckley games on campus, played by students in grades 5-12. A schedule of games can be found through the MyBUCKLEY calendar by selecting “School Athletics,” or through the Athletics menu on the homepage, which are searchable by team. Games are free except for CIF playoffs and special event fundraisers. Family Fun Fitness Day Lower School coaches host and organize this event for third and fourth grade families. Parents and guardians of students in grades three and four invited, for one hour, to play games with their children. This event scheduled three times per year. Parents’ Association Meetings PA meetings are typically held during the day on a Wednesday at the home of a Buckley family but on certain occasions are held on campus in the evening. All families receive emailed invitations prior the meeting. Parent Education Nights Speakers, films, panels and other education opportunities are offered to parent/guardians throughout the year. Invitations to these events are emailed to families. Student Performances The fall musical and spring dance festival are ticketed and open to all members of the community as well as outside the community. Tickets may also be purchased for the Family Bruch prior to the matinee performance of the fall musical. The winter and spring choir, band, and orchestra concerts are open to members of the community, do not require purchased tickets, and showcase the talents of students in the music department. This list is subject to change every year and throughout each year. For the most current dates, please see the internal Buckley calendar, located through MyBUCKLEY.
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LOWER SCHOOL ACADEMIC AND AFFECTIVE PROGRAM
Beginning in kindergarten, the Lower School implements methodologies to develop a program based on best practices and current brain research. The curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate, maintaining its flexibility to accommodate the needs of a range of learners.
Afterschool Programs
Afterschool programs offer a wide range of activities for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Children are provided opportunities to interact with their peers and teachers, while small class sizes allow for individual growth and development. The programs are designed to spark and engage a child’s participation, whether it is in academics, sports, or a special interest. With the exception of individual music lessons (See: Performing Arts Conservatory), all afterschool programs begin following dismissal and end at 4:30 p.m. Current afterschool program offerings are available on the Buckley website. To enroll, please go to The Buckley School website, buckley.org: ENGAGE: Afterschool Programs.
Attendance
Kindergarten through fifth grade classes begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. every morning and end at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. There is early dismissal on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. All playgrounds are open from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. for children who arrive before 8:00 a.m. Students who arrive before 7:30 a.m. go to the Lower School math lab or library and technology center.
Punctuality
Lower School administration will contact the family if a child is chronically late to school.
Absences
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Excused absences are limited to religious holidays, illness, and bereavement. Any absence of five or more consecutive days due to illness may require that the school receive a communication from the student’s physician confirming their ability to return to school. In cases of excessive absences, the teachers and administrators may need to determine, in their sole discretion, whether the child has acquired the skills necessary to move on to the next grade. Parents/guardians should avoid scheduling appointments or travel plans that take place before the end of the school day or before vacation periods begin. If a parent/guardian has a compelling need to remove his/her child from school outside of regularly scheduled vacation periods, he/she must contact the head of Lower School one week prior to obtain permission. A student should be prepared to turn in assignments and take tests the day he/ she returns to class. Permission to be excused from class so that a child may be employed by the entertainment industry can only be granted by the Lower School Head. Please allow 48 hours to process employment forms. Students generally are not allowed to arrive late or leave early to participate in activities outside of school, including visits to tutors, or extracurricular enrichment or sports programs. If it is necessary to remove a child prior to the end of the regular school day, the teacher must be notified in writing and the child must be signed out in the Lower School office. Page 20
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Lower School students are not permitted to walk off campus unless a school administrator receives permission in writing from the child’s parent/guardian. Any changes to a child’s dismissal must be communicated to the school in writing at the beginning of the school day.
Birthdays
Lower School children celebrate their birthdays at school by either baking a gluten-free cake (in kindergarten) or by bringing a healthy morning snack (in grades one through five) for their homeroom class. Here are some additional guidelines regarding birthdays:
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Students may wear free dress on their birthdays. We expect parents and students to use good judgment in selecting appropriate outfits to wear on such occasions. If a birthday occurs during the summer, students may celebrate their half-birthdays at school. Please provide simple, healthy birthday snacks for the class. Party favors are not allowed at school. Party invitations and/or gifts may not be distributed at school. Please obtain permission from the Lower School head if you would like to pick up a group of students at school to attend a classmate’s birthday party. In planning birthday parties at home, please remind your child to be discreet about plans that may not involve all of his/her fellow classmates.
In planning birthday parties outside of school, we expect families to be sensitive to and inclusive of all children in a class and/or grade level, by not excluding one or two students in a homeroom or grade level. For example, if there are 10 girls in a class, and all but one or two girls are invited to a birthday party, we would consider this hurtful and detrimental to the community. As children get older, birthday parties naturally become smaller. Again, we strongly advise families to honor the values of The Buckley Commitment and avoid direct acts of exclusion.
Conferences, Prose Reports, and Progress Reports
Conferences are held two times per year, in November and March. They are opportunities to meet one-on-one with homeroom teachers, associate teachers, and with specialists. Prior to these meetings, parents/guardians receive written prose reports and checklists from the teachers that indicate their child’s progress. Progress reports are sent in early October to all parents/guardians of new students in first through fifth grades to inform them of their child’s adjustment to their new environment. Progress reports are also emailed at the midterm of each trimester to parents/guardians of students whose academic or social/ emotional progress is either challenged or significantly improved.
Conflict Resolution, Responsive Classroom, and Restorative Practices
In order to create a joyful classroom atmosphere that actively engages learners while addressing individual levels and age-appropriate expectations, Lower School students are taught and expected to practice the six core values of The Buckley Commitment and to adhere to three general rules: • • •
Be kind to all Include everyone Resolve conflicts peacefully Page 21
In addition to The Buckley Commitment, Lower School classrooms implement the Responsive Classroom approach to building community and resolving conflicts. Starting each day with daily morning meetings, children and teachers grow to know each other well and form strong bonds of loyalty and compassion. When conflict occurs, it is viewed as an opportunity to help children reflect upon their words or actions, to understand how to regulate their emotions, and how to make different choices in the future. The school uses conflict as a teachable moment to impart the school’s values and to help children understand the concepts of rupture and repair. Ideally, conflict resolution is a learning process whereby children are brought together to express their differences, review what happened, decide what needs to happen in the future, and create a plan if they find themselves in a similar conflict again. Students who feel they are being bullied or teased are instructed to report it promptly to the teacher or head of Lower School. At all times, students are expected to be kind to one another and considerate of others’ feelings and possessions.
Consequences
In the case of incidents of a serious nature, such as hurting someone, threatening the safety of an individual, damaging school property, or creating a disruption that prevents instruction, the following steps may be taken:
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Parent/guardian notification followed by a parent/student/administrator meeting and supervised in-school suspension. If the offense is repeated, the parent/guardian will be notified and the child will receive an out-of-school suspension. If similar offenses occur without improvement, the school may consider the expulsion of the student or non-renewal of the student’s contract for the following year. If a student commits an offense of a serious nature without a previous pattern, the school still reserves the right to review the status of the student’s contract. The school seriously considers the age appropriateness of any consequence and reserves the right to set its own standards when necessary. The school reserves the right to take or not take any of these steps, depending on the specific circumstances.
Child Study Team
The Lower School child study team meets once a week to discuss students and their individual learning styles. The team consists of the Lower School head, educational therapist, school psychologist, school nurse, and learning specialist. Teachers attend the meetings on an as-needed basis to present issues related to specific students. The purpose of the team is to support students and to assist teachers in meeting their needs. For example, this assistance may involve modifying a student’s homework because of a specific learning style, or perhaps modifying the curriculum to challenge an accelerated learner in a specific subject. The team works closely with parents/guardians to ensure the school is providing the best possible resources for their child and to make specific recommendations for educational therapy, tutoring, counseling, or enrichment, if needed.
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Clubs
In addition to the Buckley Readers Club, Lower School students are invited to participate in regular meetings of the kindergarten, first, second/third, fourth, and fifth grade Culture Clubs, which focus on the diverse and multicultural dimensions of our Buckley community. The Geo-Bee is offered to fourth and fifth graders. The Spelling Bee is offered to third, fourth, and fifth grade students.
Heartwork
Our signature Heartwork program is integrated throughout the Lower School program and curriculum. In kindergarten, for example, where students are not assigned nightly homework, they may draw and deliver pictures that express appreciation for members of the Buckley community. As students get older, they may write letters of thanks to local first responders, help with chores at home for homework, or interview their parents about their favorite quotes.
Homerooms
There are two homeroom classes per grade. Each kindergarten homeroom is staffed with two fulltime lead teachers; each first through fifth grade homeroom has one lead teacher and one associate teacher. Homerooms are split in half for some specialized classes (e.g., science, art, theatre), to reduce the teacher-to-student ratio and provide greater individual attention to students.
Homework
Unless the teacher has indicated otherwise, students in grades one through five receive regular homework assignments. Parents/guardians can assist their child by setting aside a regular time and place for the completion of homework. If a child has difficulty completing an assignment, or if the length of time a child spends on homework exceeds the guidelines below, the parent should contact the teacher. Students in grades one through five can expect to spend the following amounts of time on homework, based on the ten-minute-per-grade-level rule: First grade: 20 minutes two times per week Second grade: 20 minutes per night, Monday through Thursday Third grade: 30 minutes per night, Monday through Thursday Fourth grade: 40 minutes per night, Monday through Thursday Fifth grade: 50 minutes per night, Monday through Thursday In fourth and fifth grades, students may want to work on long-term assignments over the weekend to lighten their weeknight homework load. We discourage parents or caregivers to bring forgotten homework to students at school, as it is not ultimately helpful to a child’s developing sense of responsibility and self-reliance.
Interscholastic Athletics
Athletic competition with other schools begins in fifth grade. Fifth grade students participate in the San Fernando Valley Private School League in baseball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, basketball, and swimming.
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Lower School Library and Technology Center
The Lower School Library and Technology Center houses a diverse collection of books, periodicals, videos, and electronic information that supports and enriches the Lower School curriculum. From kindergarten through fifth grade, students use the library by attending classes, listening to literature, and learning technology skills. It is a resource for parents and guardians interested in books related to child development, parenting, and education. The library sponsors the Buckley Readers Club, a voluntary, non-competitive reading program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Its goal is to promote the reading of quality, awardwinning literature. The Library and Technology Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily and is staffed during all recess and lunch periods. Food and beverages are not permitted in the library. The use of cell phones is not permitted in the library at any time.
Psychologist
The Lower School has a school psychologist on staff who visits the school once a week. The psychologist is a member of the Lower School child study team to assist in determining the needs of individual students. As a need may arise, students and parents/guardians alike can schedule appointments to meet privately with the school psychologist when he is on campus.
Service Learning
The goal of Buckley’s Service Program is to inspire commitment to lifelong service efforts on local and global levels. This is accomplished through service learning projects that emphasize hands-on participation, sustainability, respect for other cultures and perspectives, and community and global awareness. Service projects differ depending on the grade level. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged to participate in many areas of service. Through classroom and divisional projects, field trips, and school-wide events and drives, students are routinely given opportunities to participate in related activities. In addition, all Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the national President’s Volunteer Service Award program. Students who complete 26 hours of service or more are eligible to receive the award.
Standardized Testing
Standardized tests are one of the many metrics we use to develop the best possible academic programs for our students. In the spring, third, fourth, and fifth grade students take the Educational Records Bureau test (ERB), or Comprehensive Testing Program 5 (CTP 5). These assessments represent essential areas of grade-level curricula: auditory comprehension (third grade only), vocabulary (fourth and fifth grades only), reading, writing, and mathematics. It also includes two tests to measure verbal and quantitative reasoning. The CTP 5 is published by the Educational Testing Service to serve the needs of high-achieving schools and schools that aspire to higher standards. Test scores are available to parents/guardians on MyBUCKLEY in the summer. After that, parents are welcome to contact the head of Lower School to make an appointment to review their child’s individual scores. Page 24
Student Council
The Lower School Student Council consists of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, historian, community relations representative, and a classroom representative from each second through fifth grade class. Kindergarten and first grade “ambassadors” participate on a limited basis. The offices of president and vice-president are reserved for fifth graders. To enable more students to become involved in student government, elections are held twice a year. Student Council meets weekly. Advised by members of the Lower School faculty, the council is responsible for leadership and service to the Lower School and for organizing fundraisers for charitable organizations.
Support Staff
A part-time educational therapist and a full-time learning specialist support the needs of teachers and students. They meet weekly as part of the child study team, which consists of the head of Lower School, school psychologist, school nurse, and teachers, to discuss students of concern. If necessary, and with the permission of the parents or guardian, the educational therapist and/or learning specialist provide limited educational evaluations and assessments in order to determine a child’s learning style and specific educational needs. Both maintain contact with teachers and parents/guardians while working with individual students in the classrooms.
Uniform and Appearance
The uniform at The Buckley School is designed to allow flexibility. The uniform eliminates the complications and problems associated with “free dress,” while providing an opportunity for students to have reasonable choices. Lower School students are not allowed to wear make-up or colored nail polishduring the school day or at any school event. Students may not wear hairstyles that areconsidered extreme and hair coloring must be natural. At any time, the school administration can make the final decision as to what is or is not acceptable. Please refer to the Dennis Uniform company brochure for available uniform styles.
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• • • • • • •
Black, white, red, or gray (or any combination thereof) athletic shoes or tennis shoes, appropriate for participating in physical education and dance. High-tops are acceptable, slip- ons are not (shoes must have laces or Velcro). No lights, jewels, or other colors are allowed on shoes. Tights, leggings, and socks must be solid black, white, red, or gray. All socks must be readily visible. Leg warmers are not allowed. Length of jumpers, skirts, and skorts must not be more than four inches above the knee. Buckley baseball caps are the only hats allowed, to be worn outside during physical education activities or recess. Rings, bracelets, and necklaces are not allowed due to safety considerations during physical movement activities. Only stud, not dangling, earrings are allowed. Watches are allowed, but Fitbits and any form of wearable technology are not allowed. Please label every item of clothing with the student’s name, so it can be easily returned if lost. Students are expected to dress in complete uniform each day, unless free dress is specified for a field day, birthday, or a special occasion. A student may have free dress on a birthday or half-birthday in the case of a summer birthday. Page 25
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Parents/guardians are expected to use discretion in helping their child select appropriate attire for free dress. T-shirts under Buckley polo shirts are to be tucked in, not exposed. Such T-shirts can only be white or gray. On field trips, students are to wear their red Buckley polo shirts. In cases of a uniform violation, depending upon the age of the child, the parent/guardian will be contacted directly or the child will be sent to the office to change.
Free-Dress Days (i.e., Theme Days or School Color Days)
On certain days, students will be given the option to wear “Buckley free-dress” or participate in a particular theme/color day. Students choosing not to participate in theme days may wear free dress or their regular uniform. All clothing should be in good condition, fit properly, and not have any holes, tears, or rips. Sheer or mesh material is not allowed.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC AND AFFECTIVE PROGRAM
To smooth the transition from Lower to Middle School, four sixth grade homeroom classes take place in their own suite located in the Academic and Performing Arts Building and students circulate about campus for math, electives, and physical education. In the seventh grade, more students join the class, and they travel to different classrooms for each period. Seventh and eighth grade classes are held throughout the Middle and Upper School campus, and students may be eligible to take Upper School classes in mathematics and world languages. Students may take two electives every semester for their arts rotation. For Middle School sports, the school follows the philosophy of “everyone plays,” with teams grouped by ability to produce the most effective athletic competition.
Academic Support
Supporting students in all they do is fundamental to Buckley’s mission. We can provide that support in many ways. Our goal is for students to feel comfortable reaching out to any number of trusted adults, such as to teachers, the advisor, the Middle/Upper School counselor, the Middle/Upper School educational support specialist, dean, or a division head. For academic help, seventh and eighth grade students can meet with teachers for additional assistance during Office Hours throughout the week. Students are also encouraged to arrange time with their teachers for additional help. In the Middle School Math Lab, all Middle School students may receive help with a math problem or concept or be given extra problems to work on for practice. The Math Lab is open at various times in a classroom in the Mathematics and Science Building. The Writing Lab program offers Middle School students ongoing support with writing across the curriculum. The Middle School Writing Lab is staffed by a Middle School English teacher who provides regular daily support with any writing assignment. The lab is open before school and during lunch on various days. See: Advisory Program, Counselor, Educational Support Specialist Page 26
Adding and Dropping Courses
Students may add or drop a course during the add/drop period of the school year (typically the first three weeks of school) only with the approval of the Middle School Head. Changes in the level of rigor of a course (i.e., Honors to regular or vice versa) may be done up to the add/drop deadline with the permission of the department chair and the Middle School Head. Adding or dropping courses after the first few weeks of school will only be allowed under extreme circumstances.
Attendance
The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m., with the Middle School sunrise period beginning at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Friday. Middle School students are required to check in when they arrive each morning using the iPads located near the Center for Community and the Arts. Wednesday is an early dismissal day for both Middle and Upper School at 2:05 p.m. When students are on campus, they are required to attend all their classes. Students are not allowed to miss a scheduled class to meet with a tutor, study, or take an assessment for another class. If a teacher is not present five minutes after the beginning of class, a student should report to the Middle/Upper School office. All other students should remain quietly outside the classroom awaiting instructions from an administrator.
Punctuality
The school believes that punctuality is an important skill to instill in its students. Being on time is respectful to one’s classmates and teacher and enables the maximum time to learn. A student is tardy if the student is not present in the classroom and ready to learn by the time the bell rings. A student who is tardy more than three times to any of their classes in a given week may be given a 1-hour detention. A student is not considered tardy if he or she is not at school (or is late to school) due to an excused absence, such as illness or a medical appointment, where notice to the school has been provided, as set forth below.
Absences
If a student is absent, parents/guardians should call or email the Middle School dean and/or school office before 8:30 a.m., or as soon as possible. The school will accept a phone call, email, or signed note to excuse the absence. The email, phone call, or signed absence note should include the student’s first and last name, grade level, the parent/guardian’s first and last name, the date(s) of absence, and the reason for the absence. If a parent/guardian email, phone call, or signed note is not submitted by the end of the day the student returns, the absence may be considered unexcused, absent extenuating circumstances as determined in the school’s sole discretion. An unexcused absence results in a grade of F/59 percent on any work turned in for credit on the day(s) the student is absent. Any absence of five or more consecutive days due to illness may require that students bring a note from a physician confirming the student’s ability to return to school. Parents/guardians should avoid scheduling appointments or travel plans that take place before the end of the school day or just before vacation periods begin. Page 27
Buckley’s policy is that absences that exceed 20 percent of scheduled class meetings during a semester may result in a student not receiving credit for that class, except when there are extenuating circumstances as determined in the school’s sole discretion. Excused class absences include religious holidays, illness, injury, court appearances, auditions and other industry work, medical appointments, or bereavement. Examples of an unexcused absence are DMV or passport appointments, transportation issues, traffic, or personal events such as concerts or family gatherings.
Sign-Out Procedure
If a student needs to leave campus for any reason during the school day (including medical/dental appointments), a parent/guardian must notify the Middle/Upper School office or the divisional dean of students with a note or email by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the appointment. The student is required to sign out and collect a gate pass prior to leaving campus. A gate pass received for any medical appointment must be filled out at the medical office and returned to the appropriate dean of students upon return to school. No student is allowed to leave or walk off campus unless a request is made by the parent/guardian and approved by an administrator.
Extracurricular Participation
Students who miss more than two classes on any day may not be permitted to participate in or attend any extracurricular activity that day, including play rehearsals and productions, athletic practices or games, school dances, etc. Exceptions to this rule include medical appointments, bereavement, interviews, and auditions. Please contact the dean before these events.
Personal Days
The school recognizes that there are times when a student must miss school for important family events and various personal reasons. For this reason, Buckley students are granted three “personal days,” which they may use during the academic year, except during semester assessments. (A missed school day constitutes missing more than two classes in a single school day.) A student is excused provided the family notifies the dean of students in advance. Students, although excused, are accountable for all missed work during their absence(s). Students are responsible for turning in all assignments and taking any missed assessments (quizzes and/or tests) the day they return to school. All personal days must be stated in writing and shared with the appropriate divisional dean.
Buckley Student Council (BSC)
The BSC includes four representatives from each Middle/Upper grade level, an Upper School president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, and a Middle School president and vice-president. Requirements for involvement in student government include good academic standing, a good citizenship record, completion of service requirements, and one semester of attendance at Buckley. Rising eighth through eleventh grade students elect the Upper School president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Rising sixth and seventh grade students elect the Middle School president and vice-president. The president and vice-president of the Middle School must have at least one year of student government experience as well. Sixth grade representatives are elected at the start of the school year. All Middle and Upper School Student Council members follow the Buckley Student Council Constitution. Page 28
Clubs
Middle School students have an opportunity to participate in clubs or special activities during lunch and exploratory periods. Students may choose from a variety of clubs and activities, based on their interests. Additionally, if students want to start a club that does not currently exist, they should see the dean of students for additional help and information.
Conferences and Communication Home
In addition to formal communication with parent/guardians, teachers are encouraged to communicate with parent/guardians when a student is struggling academically, but not at a level to trigger a progress report, or for whom a teacher may have a concern that is not academic. Such concerns may be emotional, social, or behavioral. The school and the parents alike benefit from a shared goal of addressing a concern before it becomes a more serious problem. Communication with parent/ guardians also provides a mutual opportunity to share information and to anticipate issues. In these cases, teachers should email parent/guardians and copy the student’s advisor. If the teacher believes a conversation is preferable to an email, the teacher should provide summaries of phone calls or conversations with parents to the advisor. Additionally, teachers often will communicate to parent/ guardians when a student has had a significant improvement in a class.
Family Conferences
Parents/guardians will receive their child’s grades-to-date periodically, including in the middle of each semester at family conferences. Report cards with official end-of-semester grades are available at the end of each semester.
Prose Reports
Prose reports are written at the middle of each semester for Middle and Upper School students and contain a “grade-to-date” and comments about student performance and behavior in each class in which the student is enrolled for that semester. Students and parents/guardians meet with the student’s advisor on family conference days to review the prose reports and to discuss the student’s learning process and progress. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend both conferences and not schedule vacations during these important days.
Progress Reports
In addition to the regularly scheduled prose reports and semester report cards, teachers will notify parents/guardians if their child is experiencing academic difficulty. Progress reports will be sent home at regular intervals on students doing work of C- or below or for students who have experienced a significant change of the grade-to-date. Academic notices may also be sent home periodically for students experiencing difficulty in performance or attitude. Parents and guardians should review this information and confer with their child’s advisor and/or teacher(s) if there is a problem. In the Middle and Upper Schools, current grades-to-date in each class will be available online for students and parents/guardians throughout the year on a continual basis. Teachers are still expected to communicate to parent/guardians (via email or telephone) any significant drop in a student’s average in order to keep parent/guardians informed and flag any potential academic problems.
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Course Requirements
All students in grades 6-8 are required to take five academic courses each year. The courses listed below are the typical classes taken during the Middle School years. English: Language Arts 6, Introduction to Literature 7, and Literary Genres 8 Math: Math 6, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I Science: Topics in Science, Life Science, and Physical Science Social Science: World Geography and Cultures, Global Studies, and Social Issues in American Society World Languages: Introduction to Chinese Culture and Language 6 and two years of French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese Physical Education: Levels 6, 7, and 8 and/or interscholastic sports teams Arts Rotation: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Dance, Advanced Dance, Hip Hop, Life Skills, Digital Essentials, Design Lab, Introduction to Apps, Introduction to Python, Art 2D and 3D, Theatre 6, I, and II, Experience Music: Jazz and Blues or Rock and Roll, Journalism, Robotics, Scriptwriting, Video Game Design, or Video Production For additional details, see the Middle/Upper School Course Catalog, at www.buckley.org.
Grades, Eligibility, and Distinctions
Middle School students are required to maintain at least a 2.00 (C) academic grade point average to remain in good standing and to be promoted to the next grade level. It is important to understand that although a grade of D is passing, if students earn a D+ or below in an academic class, they may not advance to the next level unless approved by the department chair. If a student earns an academic GPA below a 2.00 for a grading period, the student will be placed on academic probation for the next grading period and may become academically ineligible for extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, athletics, performing arts, and clubs. If a student’s semester academic GPA is still below a 2.00, the student will remain on academic probation for the duration of the following semester. During this time, the student’s contract for the following year will be withheld and the division head will meet with the family at the end of the school year to discuss continued enrollment. Eligibility for participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities is dependent on maintaining: • •
an academic GPA of no lower than 2.00 in a specific grading period a record of good citizenship, behavior, and completion of school service
The Middle School head has the right to determine a student’s eligibility for any activity.
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Grading Scale
Letter grades are assigned in most classes including arts classes. Physical Education grades are assigned Pass(P) or Fail(F). Letter grades range from A to F with pluses and minuses. Letter grades are described as follows: A - Excellent B - Good C - Fair D - Barely Passing (credit may not be given by some schools) F - Failing; no credit Letter grades are numerically defined as follows: A+ 4.33 96.5 - 100% A 4.00 92.5 - 96.4% A- 3.67 89.5 - 92.4% B+ 3.33 86.5 - 89.4% B 3.00 82.5 - 86.4% B- 2.67 79.5 - 82.4% C+ 2.33 76.5 - 79.4% C 2.00 72.5 - 76.4% C- 1.67 69.5 - 72.4% D+ 1.33 66.5 - 69.4% D 1.00 62.5 - 66.4% D- 0.67 59.5 - 62.4% F 0.00 00.0 - 59.4%
Incomplete Grade
A grade of incomplete will be given at a marking period only to those students who have missed work because of serious illness documented by a physician or extenuating circumstances. Special arrangements will be made to help the student complete the work and fulfill the course expectations.
Grade Changes
Within two weeks after final grades have been distributed to students, a student may challenge a grade on the grounds that there has been a clerical or mechanical error, or that the assessment process as the student understood it was not correctly applied. If either of these conditions applies, the student (or jointly with the parent/guardian) should email the instructor with specific information regarding why the student believe the grade was determined improperly.
Student Distinctions
Honor roll students consistently maintain superior academic standards in their preparation of assignments, organization of their time, positive contribution to class discussion, exhibition of imagination and originality in their work, and attending class regularly and punctually. In the Middle School, honor roll eligibility is determined each semester. An honor roll student must receive a 3.33 unweighted grade point average or better, receive no “U”s (Unsatisfactory) in citizenship or work habits, and receive no grade of “C-” or below. Page 31
National Junior Honor Society
This organization (NJHS, grades 7-9) fosters a commitment to service, scholarship, leadership, and outstanding character for its members. Students who meet the criteria below and who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership qualities and experience, commitment to community service, and outstanding character are considered for honor society membership. Students in seventh and eighth grades are considered for membership in the NJHS. The honor society membership selection process is a thorough one. Students must: • • • • •
have a cumulative, unweighted academic GPA of at least 3.67; have shown and continue to show a willingness and ability to satisfy the purposes of the honor societies; not have been in any serious disciplinary trouble; and have been students at The Buckley School for at least one semester.
Homework and Assessments
The normal homework load averages about 1.5 hours per night in Middle School, about 30 minutes per class. Parents/guardians can review class assignments that are posted on MyBUCKLEY under the parent portal. Students are expected to complete homework and submit it when due. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with their teacher if they are having issues with completing and submitting work on time. Only under extreme circumstances should a parent/guardian notify a teacher of a child’s inability to complete work. Homework is not assigned over winter break or spring break for Middle School classes. Assessments will not be given on the day after these holidays: Labor Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving weekend, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and religious holidays.
Absences and Completion of Assignments
Students are expected to complete homework in the event of their absence. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain assignments from the school website, from a classmate, or by emailing a teacher directly. As a general rule, students have the number of school days they were absent to complete missed work. For example, if a student is absent on Monday, the assignments that were missed on Monday should be worked on during Tuesday and are due no later than Wednesday during class (if the class does not meet on Wednesday, the work is due at the next class meeting). If a student is absent on Monday and Tuesday, the student has Wednesday and Thursday to complete the work, and it is due no later than Friday during class (again, if the class does not meet on Friday, the work is due at the next class meeting). Absent students are not expected to send in work during their absences but may do so if they desire. Failure to turn in work by the scheduled date may result in a lowered grade or zero for the assignment. Excessive extensions are not permitted except for serious, extenuating circumstances. Students who are absent for only part of the day should try to turn in all assignments and homework to their teachers’ mailboxes when they arrive or before they leave school. Athletes are expected to turn in all homework and assignments scheduled on the day of a game. In the case of extended absences of five school days or more, students should make arrangements with their academic dean to get caught up. If a student is absent only on the day of an assessment, when the student returns to school, the Page 32
student must make up the assessment the next time the period meets or during office hours, lunch, or after school that day. If a student is absent the day of an assessment in addition to days preceding and/or following the assessment, the student must arrange with the teacher when to take the assessment. Students who miss an assessment when absent for only part of a day must also arrange with the teacher when to take the assessment. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for completing the work. Athletes are expected to take all assessments scheduled on the day of a game. A pattern of absences by a student on days when assessments are scheduled will be subject to review by the appropriate academic dean.
Assessment Daily Limit
Every effort will be made to ensure that Middle School students will not have more than 2 major assessments on any given day. If a student informs a teacher that there is an issue with the number of assessments on a given day, the teacher should work with the student to reschedule the assessment. Students should also seek help from the Middle School head or assistant head in resolving any issues.
Culminating Semester Assessments
Culminating semester examinations or projects are given in December for every academic course in the Upper School and in June for every academic course in the Middle and Upper Schools. These assessments count for 20 percent of the semester grade in each class.
Second Semester Review Days
No new material may be presented on these review days. Major tests will not be scheduled on these days (except for the oral or listening sections of world language examinations), and there should be class time set aside for answering questions and discussing the format and content of an examination.
Final Assessment Attendance
Students are required to attend their final assessments as scheduled, unless they are absent due to an authorized reason. Vacations and appointments are not considered authorized reasons. If a student is ill and unable to come to school, the parent/ guardian must call or email the dean prior to the assessment, if possible. A doctor’s note will be required upon the student’s return to school.
Interscholastic Athletics
Middle School students participate in the San Fernando Valley League and Delphic League in soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, flag football, softball, swimming, tennis, baseball, golf, and equestrian. Please check with the Middle School athletic director for additional details.
Learning Differences
At Buckley, we provide reasonable educational support to students with physical and/or cognitive differences, including learning disabilities. Students with documented learning differences and their parents/guardians should meet with the Middle/Upper School educational support specialist and the Middle School head to discuss accommodations. For more information on whether accommodations are appropriate for your student, please ask the educational support specialist for a copy of the Learning Differences Handbook. See also: Attendance, Educational Support Specialist, Reasonable Accommodations of Disabilities Page 33
Makerspace
The Middle School Makerspace is open during several lunch periods in room M104. Anyone is welcome to stop in and be creative using a wide variety of low- and high-tech materials. These include everything from cardboard, markers, and glue guns to 3D Printers and VR headsets.
Service Learning
Students are given regular opportunities to participate in grade level service learning projects and school-wide events and drives. As a culmination of this three-year program, all eighth grade students participate in a service learning program coordinated through their humanities classes. Throughout the year, they engage in several days of service with their entire grade and complete an additional independent service project based on their talents and interests. This project consists of volunteering at least twice at a school-approved nonprofit agency, completing a small written project, and giving a short talk in class about their efforts. In addition, all Middle School students are invited to participate in the national President’s Volunteer Service Award program by completing 50 or more service hours.
Standardized Testing
The Middle School uses standardized tests to measure each student’s verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as various skills in English and mathematics. Each spring, Middle School students complete the sections for the Comprehensive Testing Program 4 (CTP 4). The CTP 4 is developed for the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) by the Educational Testing Service to serve the needs of high achieving schools and schools that aspire to higher standards. Scores are mailed to parent/guardians in the summer. After that, parents/guardians may contact the head of Middle School to make an appointment to review their child’s individual scores. There are many advantages to offering such tests. First, they provide students with an opportunity to take tests that are similar in format to the ACT and SAT tests that juniors and seniors take to enter college. Thus, there is a certain correlation between these tests and the actual ACT and SAT, which helps us to predict how well a student might perform on the ACT and SAT. Such tests also afford teachers a chance to identify areas where students may need more support and give them more information when placing students in the proper classes.
Uniform and Appearance
The uniform at The Buckley School is designed to put all students on an equal footing. Allowing for some flexibility, the uniform eliminates the complications and problems associated with “free dress” while providing an opportunity for students to be comfortable and have reasonable choices. Students are expected to dress in complete uniform each day unless free dress is specified. Families should label every item of clothing with the student’s name so they can be easily returned if lost. Please refer to the Dennis Uniform Company website for available uniform styles. Good grooming and cleanliness are an essential part of the school’s uniform. Middle and Upper School students may wear light make-up. Hairstyles cannot be extreme; hair coloring must be natural. Facial hair must be well-groomed. Body piercing and tattooing should not be visible. Students who wear jewelry piercings in any places besides their ears must remove that jewelry while at Buckley and while participating in school events.
Shirts
Shirts must be white, red, or gray polo shirts with the Griffin logo or turtlenecks with the Griffin logo from Dennis Uniform Company. Seniors may wear black polo shirts with the Griffin logo. Students may also wear white, collared, full-button front, short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts. Page 34
Undershirts in school colors (black, white, red, and gray) may be worn under uniform shirts. No croptops that show the midriff, zipper shirts, terry cloth, see-through shirts, or skin-tight shirts are allowed.
Shorts
Shorts must be one of the styles available from Dennis Uniform Company. They must be a conservative length, and they must sit at the natural waistline and not be rolled at the hemline.
Skorts
All Middle and Upper School students who wear skorts are required to wear solid, opaque (dull - not shiny, sheer, or patterned) tights or leggings in school colors (black, white, red, or gray) under their skorts at all times. Please bear in mind that while the temperature might be warm outside during the summer months, all Middle and Upper School classrooms are fully air-conditioned. Skorts must be one of the styles available from Dennis Uniform Company. Seniors may wear the McDonald Plaid skort. Skorts must be a conservative length — no shorter than mid-thigh. Skorts must be worn unrolled at the waist. They must also be zipped, buttoned, and have a Griffin logo affixed to the hemline.
Pants
Pants must either be solid gray or solid black Dennis Uniform Company pants or black jeans (any brand). Jeans must be plain black denim and may not have any rips, holes, patterns, be faded, stonewashed, or have any embellishments. Note: Black pants that are not Dennis Uniform Company pants are not permitted. Belts should be school colors - black, white, red, or gray.
Outerwear
Jackets, raincoats, blazers, and vests must be school colors - black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors. Official Buckley athletic jackets are acceptable. Outerwear should be free of graphics, text, and oversized logos.
Sweaters
Sweaters must be school colors - black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors, and they may be no longer than hip length. All sweaters must be worn over a uniform shirt.
Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts (cotton jersey) must be official Buckley sweatshirts with a Buckley emblem or printed screen (i.e., team sweatshirts, club sweatshirts, and drama sweatshirts). All sweatshirts must be worn over a uniform shirt.
Shoes
All shoes must be school colors — black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors. This includes sneakers, flats, dress shoes, and boots with a heel of two inches or less. Uggs must also be in Buckley colors — no brown or tan. No open-toe or open-back shoes, sandals, platform shoes, slippers, or clogs are allowed.
Socks
Socks must be school colors - black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors. Socks must be worn with all athletic shoes/sneakers and be visible. Page 35
Hats
Students may wear Buckley caps and hats outdoors only. Bandanas and athletic headbands are not permitted.
Free-Dress Days (i.e., Theme Days or School Color Days)
On certain days, students will be given the option to wear “Buckley free-dress” or participate in a theme/color day. Students choosing not to participate in these days must dress in the regular uniform. On these days, revealing clothing, sleeveless tops, midriff tops, short shorts, pajamas, open-toe or open-back shoes, sandals, clogs, platform shoes, slippers, or shoes with a heel exceeding two inches are not permitted. All clothing should be in good condition, fit properly, and not have any holes, tears, or rips. Sheer or mesh material is not allowed.
Uniform Violation
A warning email is sent after a student’s first uniform violation (UV). The second violation results in a one-hour detention; the third violation is a two-hour detention and a meeting with parent/guardians and the Middle School administration. Any further incidents may result in may result in more serious consequences. Repeated violations involving the same aspect of the uniform code may result in reduced uniform options and a suspension or disciplinary probation. Ultimately, in all cases of a uniform violation, the school administration determines what is or is not acceptable.
UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC AND AFFECTIVE PROGRAM
In Upper School, students enjoy more affective time, mostly through free periods, during which they can socialize or study on campus. In the event a free period comes first in the schedule that day, a student can arrive on campus in time for the next class.
Academic Support
Supporting students in all that they do is fundamental to Buckley’s mission. We can provide that support in many ways. Our goal is for students to feel comfortable reaching out to any number of trusted adults, such as to teachers, an advisor, the Middle/Upper School counselor, the Middle/ Upper School educational support specialist, an academic dean, or a division head. For academic help, students can meet with teachers for additional assistance during Office Hours throughout the week. Students can also visit the math and language labs for extra help.
Upper School Math Lab
Students can seek help with a math problem or concept in Math Lab, or receive extra problems to work on for practice. Math Lab is open at various times. The schedule for each of the lab times is determined at the start of each school year.
Writing Lab
This program offers students ongoing support with writing across the curriculum. The Upper School lab is staffed by an Upper School English teacher, along with a staff of Upper School Writing Fellows, who are trained in helping peers with big picture considerations such as argument, organization, development, and style. While the fellows are not copy editors, they can also work with students on grammatical and mechanical issues. The labs are open before school and during lunch. For more information on these resources, See: Advisory Program, Counselor, Educational Support Specialist. Page 36
Adding and Dropping Courses
Students may add or drop a course during the add/drop period of the school year with the approval of the student’s academic dean. Changes in the level of rigor of a course (i.e., Honors/AP to regular or vice versa) may be done up to the mid-semester point (late October or third week of summer school) with the permission of the department chair and the academic dean. No adjustment in grades will be made when a student changes the level of rigor of a course. The grades the student has earned up to that point in the first class will transfer to the second class regardless of the level of the classes. Withdrawal after the mid-semester point will include a notation on the transcript of Withdrawn Passing (WP) or Withdrawn (W) and will be allowed only under extreme circumstances.
Attendance
The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday is an early dismissal day at 2:05 p.m. It is crucial that parents/guardians do all they can to see that their child attends school regularly. For that reason, we ask families to avoid scheduling appointments or travel plans that take place before the end of the school day or before vacation periods begin. When students are on campus, they are required to attend all their classes. Students are not allowed to miss a scheduled class to meet with a tutor, study, or take an assessment for another class. If a teacher is not present five minutes after the beginning of class, a student should report to the Middle/Upper School office. All other students should remain quietly outside the classroom awaiting instructions from an administrator.
Punctuality
Buckley believes that being prompt is an important habit to instill in its students. Being on time is respectful to one’s classmates and teacher and enables each student the maximum time to learn. Students are tardy if they are not present in the classroom and ready to learn when the tardy bell rings. A student who is tardy four times to any class in a given week will be given a one-hour detention, and five times will receive a two-hour detention. A sixth tardy in a week is a referral to the Honor Council. Students who continue to have excessive tardies will be referred to senior administration. A student is not considered tardy if he or she is not at school (or late to school) due to an excused absence, such as illness or a medical appointment, where prior notice to the school has been provided, as set forth below.
Absences
If a student is absent, parents/guardians should contact the dean of students and/or school office before 8:30 a.m. or as soon as reasonably practicable. The school will accept a phone call, email or signed note from parents/guardians to excuse the absence. The email, phone call, or absence note should include the student’s first and last name, grade level, the parent/guardian’s first and last name, the date(s) of absence, the reason for the absence, and the parent/guardian’s signature on notes.
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If a parent/guardian email, phone call, or a note is not submitted by the end of the day the student returns, the absence will be considered unexcused, absent extenuating circumstances as determined in the school’s sole discretion. An unexcused absence results in a grade of F/59 percent on any work turned in for credit on the day(s) the student is absent. The school may require that students bring a note from their physician confirming their ability to return to school after any absence of five or more consecutive days due to illness. If a student misses a final exam due to illness, a doctor’s note may be required. Excused class absences include religious holidays, illness, injury, court appearances, auditions and other industry work, medical appointments, or bereavement. Examples of an unexcused absence are DMV or passport appointments, transportation issues, traffic, or personal events such as concerts or family gatherings. Buckley’s policy is that absences that exceed 20 percent of scheduled class meetings during a semester may result in a student not receiving credit for that class, except when there are extenuating circumstances as determined in the school’s sole discretion. In addition, if the student absence rate for any class is at or approaching 20 percent, they are not allowed to use his/her personal days or “college days.”
Extracurricular Participation
It is important that students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities. Students must also be cognizant of their studies and manage their time effectively. Students who miss more than one class on any day will not be permitted to participate in or attend any extracurricular activity that day, including play rehearsals and productions, athletic practices or games, school dances, etc. (The exceptions to this rule may include be unavoidable medical appointments, attendance at a funeral, or a pre-scheduled and pre-approved college interview or audition. Other requests for an exception will be determined by the dean.
Personal Days
The school recognizes that there are times when a student must miss school for important family events and various personal reasons. For this reason, Buckley students are granted three “personal days,” which they may use during the academic year, except during semester examinations and AP exams. A missed school day constitutes missing more than two classes in a single school day. A student is excused provided the family notifies the dean of students in advance. The student, although excused, is accountable for all missed work during their absence(s). Students are responsible for turning in all assignments and taking any missed assessments (quizzes and/or tests) the day they return to school. All personal days must be stated in writing and shared with the appropriate divisional dean.
Sign-out Procedure
If a student needs to leave campus for any reason during the school day (including medical/ dental appointments), a parent/guardian must notify the Middle/Upper School office or the divisional dean of students with a note, email, or phone call by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the appointment. The student will be required to sign out and collect a gate pass prior to leaving campus. A gate pass received for any medical appointment must be filled out at the medical office and returned to the Page 38
appropriate dean of students upon return to school. No student is allowed to leave or walk off campus unless a request is made by the parent/guardian and approved by an administrator. For procedures relating to college visit absences, please see: College Counseling.
Clubs
There are a variety of clubs in the Upper School. Students are given the opportunity to join these organizations each fall at Clubfest, a special lunchtime event for information sharing and recruitment. The Varsity Club, Cancer Awareness Club, Pre-Med Club, Junior State of America (JSA), Model United Nations, and Diversity Club are some of the clubs that continue to be active every year. Students with other interests are welcome to start other clubs with a faculty advisor.
College Counseling
Buckley’s comprehensive college counseling program is designed to bring together students, parents/ guardians, and college counselors to collaborate in planning for college. Throughout the college search and selection process, college counselors support and assist Buckley students as they make appropriate choices given their backgrounds, accomplishments, and interests. The individual needs of each student are addressed as one-on-one counseling for college begins sophomore year. Beginning junior year, individual family meetings with students and their parents/guardians start the focused discussion of college choices and are complemented by a series of group meetings to assist students with the various components of the college search and selection process. Throughout the senior year, college counselors guide students and their parents/guardians through the process of applying for admission as well as financial aid. Well over 100 college representatives visit Buckley each fall to personally meet with students and answer questions about their institutions. College counselors work closely with students to narrow their choices and effectively present themselves as applicants. Given the wide scope of available options and the selective nature of college admission, it is essential that families wholeheartedly engage in Buckley’s college counseling program.
Guidelines for College Visits
Over the course of the college search and selection process (from spring semester of the junior year through spring semester of the senior year), students are granted up to five school days for college visits, interviews, and orientations. These absences are excused, although students are responsible for making up all missed assignments and assessments. The absence will be considered “unexcused” if the student does not complete the College Visitation Form (including the appropriate signatures) in advance. Advanced Placement students may not use these college days between May 1 and the last day of AP testing. If a student is absent more than 20 percent in a class, the student may not use a college day.
Responsibilities Regarding College Admission
As a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Buckley follows the standards established by NACAC’s Statement of Principles of Good Practice, as well as the organization’s Statement of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admission Process. Students must comply with the following: Students must confirm their intention to enroll by submitting a deposit to only ONE college or university. The school will send a final transcript to only one institution upon graduation. Page 39
Students must notify each college or university from which they received acceptances whether they are accepting or declining the offer of admission. A student accepted under an early decision plan must promptly withdraw all applications submitted to other colleges and may make no additional applications. If the early decision candidate has applied for need-based financial aid, the student need not withdraw other applications until notified officially in writing about the financial aid request.
Transcripts and Recommendations
It is The Buckley School’s policy that all official transcripts and recommendations written by Buckley faculty and staff must be sent directly from Buckley to the receiving institution (college, scholarship program, etc.). Buckley recommendation letters for students are confidential and will not be handed directly to a student or their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians and students must sign a waiver of their right to access any recommendation letter written on the student’s behalf. If the receiving institution requests that all parts of an application be sent together, the student must submit their portion of the application to Buckley’s registrar and college counseling assistant, who will send the full application to the receiving institution from the school.
Conferences and Communication Home
In addition to formal communication with parent/guardians, teachers are encouraged to communicate with parent/guardians when a student is struggling academically, but not at a level to trigger a progress report, or for whom a teacher may have a concern that is not academic. Such concerns may be emotional, social, or behavioral. The school and the parents alike benefit from a shared goal of addressing a concern before it becomes a more serious problem. Communication with parent/guardians also provides a mutual opportunity to share information and to anticipate issues. In these cases, teachers should email parent/guardians and copy the student’s advisor. If the teacher believes a conversation is preferable to an email, the teacher should provide summaries of phone calls or conversations with parents to the advisor. Additionally, teachers often will communicate to parent/guardians when a student has had a significant improvement in a class.
Family Conferences
Parents/guardians will receive their child’s grades-to-date periodically, including in the middle of each semester at family conferences. Report cards with official end-of-semester grades are available at the end of each semester.
Prose Reports
Prose reports are written at the middle of each semester for Middle and Upper School students and contain a “grade-to-date” and comments about student performance and behavior in each class in which the student is enrolled for that semester. Students and parents/guardians meet with the student’s advisor on family conference days to review the prose reports and to discuss the student’s learning process and progress. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend both conferences and not schedule vacations during these important days.
Progress Reports
In addition to the regularly scheduled prose reports and semester report cards, teachers will notify parents/guardians if their child is experiencing academic difficulty. Progress reports will be sent home Page 40
at regular intervals on students doing work of C- or below or for students who have experienced a significant change of the grade-to-date. Academic notices may also be sent home periodically for students experiencing difficulty in performance or attitude. Parents and guardians should review this information and confer with their child’s advisor and/or teacher(s) if there is a problem. In the Middle and Upper Schools, current grades-to-date in each class will be available online for students and parents/guardians throughout the year on a continual basis. Teachers are still expected to communicate to parent/guardians (via email or telephone) any significant drop in a student’s average in order to keep parent/guardians informed and flag any potential academic problems.
Grades, Eligibility, and Distinctions
Upper School students are required to maintain at least a 2.00 (C) grade point average to remain in good standing and be promoted to the next grade level. A student whose GPA falls below 2.00 or who earns an F in a class at any given grading period will be placed on academic probation for the following grading period, and the student will become academically ineligible for extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, athletics, performing arts, and clubs during the probationary period. If a student’s academic GPA is still below a 2.00 or has been unable to improve the grade of F at the end of the semester, the student will remain on academic probation for the duration of the following semester. During this time, the student’s contract for the following year will be withheld and the division principal will meet with the family at the end of the school year to discuss continued enrollment. Parents/guardians will be notified of academic probation at the end of each grading period. Any student with a semester grade of D+ or below in a subject may be required by the respective department to take the course again in summer school to demonstrate a better grasp and understanding of the material. It is important to understand that although a grade of “D” is barely passing at Buckley, some colleges and universities give no credit for this mark. Any grades of “D” or “F” earned in courses required for admission to the University of California or the California State University must be repeated or validated to satisfy minimum eligibility requirements for college freshmen. A student who does not receive a passing grade in an academic course (F) is required to make up the failing grade (F) as a condition of continuing his or her studies at Buckley. When a course is repeated at Buckley, both the original grade and the new grade are included in the GPA calculation. Families should consult with their student’s academic deans regarding when and where to remediate a semester grade of D or F. Any senior with a grade of “F” in a course will not receive a Buckley diploma until the grade is improved in summer school. The administration also reserves the right to assess the level of a student’s academic performance in light of that student’s academic potential. If, in the judgment of the faculty and administration of the Upper School, a student’s academic performance indicates a serious lack of interest or positive involvement, a lack of academic integrity, or a lack of willingness to pursue academic excellence, that student may not be allowed to continue at our school.
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Extracurricular Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities is determined at the beginning of each activity/season and dependent on maintaining: • • • •
a general GPA of no lower than 2.00 in any specific grading period no grades of D or F in the grading period prior to the commencement of the activity or for the grading period that coincides with the activity a record of good citizenship, behavior, and completion of school service.
The Upper School head has the right to determine a student’s eligibility for any activity.
Grading Scale
Letter grades are assigned in most classes, including arts classes. Letter grades range from A to F, with pluses and minuses. Physical education grades are assigned [P]ass or [F]ail. Letter grades are described as follows:
A B C D F
- - - - -
Excellent Good Fair Barely Passing (credit may not be given by some colleges) Failing; no credit
Letter grades are numerically defined as follows:
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
4.33 4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00 1.67 1.33 1.00 0.67 0.00
96.5 - 100% 92.5 - 96.4% 89.5 - 92.4% 86.5 - 89.4% 82.5 - 86.4% 79.5 - 82.4% 76.5 - 79.4% 72.5 - 76.4% 69.5 - 72.4% 66.5 - 69.4% 62.5 - 66.4% 59.5 - 62.4% 00.0 - 59.4%
Upper School students’ grade point averages will be listed on the semester report cards. The GPA is not listed on the Buckley transcript. For more information about how Buckley courses are weighted, please contact the Middle/Upper School registrar.
Incomplete Grades
Grades of incomplete will be given at a marking period only to those students who have missed work because of serious illness documented by a physician or other unusual circumstances. Letter grades will replace incomplete grades no more than two weeks after the conclusion of the grading period. Page 42
Incomplete grades will not be given merely because work was not turned in. If work is not turned in on time, grades of F will be assigned and calculated in the grade point average.
Grade Changes
Within two weeks after final grades have been distributed to students, a student may challenge a grade on the grounds that there has been a clerical or mechanical error, or that the assessment process as the student understood it was not correctly applied. If either of these conditions applies, the student (or jointly with the parent/guardian) should email the instructor with specific information regarding why the student believe the grade was determined improperly.
Student Distinctions
In the Upper School, honor roll eligibility is determined each semester. An honor roll student must receive a 3.50 weighted grade point average or better, receive no “U”s (Unsatisfactory) in citizenship or work habits, and receive no grade of “C -” or below.
National Honor Society
The society(NHS, membership selection process is a thorough Students must: leadership, and Thishonor organization grades 10-12) fosters a commitment to one. service, scholarship, outstanding character for its members. Students who meet the criteria below are considered for • society have amembership. cumulative, weighted of at 10 least 3.80. honor Students GPA in grades and 11 are considered for membership in NHS. have shown and continue to showprocess a willingness and ability satisfy the purposes of the honor The •honor society membership selection is a thorough one.toStudents must: society. • have a cumulative, weighted GPA of at least 3.80. not have been any serious disciplinary trouble. • • have shown andincontinue to show a willingness and ability to satisfy the purposes of the • honor society. have been students at The Buckley School for at least one semester. • • not have been in any serious disciplinary In addition to the above criteria, studentstrouble. in the tenth and eleventh grades must have met their • have been students at The Buckley for at least oneof semester. community service requirement forSchool any preceding years high school at Buckley as well as be in addition good standing their current community project. • In to the with above criteria, students in the service tenth and eleventh grades must have met • their community service requirement for any years of high school at Buckley as well receive a majority of approval votes from thepreceding Faculty Council. as be in good standing with their current community service project. • if elected to NHS, uphold the principles by which they were selected, as well as maintain a • receive a majority of approval votes from the Faculty Council. cumulative GPA of 3.80 or higher. Failure to do so may result in probation and, ultimately, • ifdismissal elected to NHS, principles by which they were selected, as well as maintain a from theuphold honorthe society. cumulative GPA of 3.80 or higher. Failure to do so may result in probation and, ultimately, dismissal from the honor society. National Language Honor Societies The National Language HonorSocieties Societies all promote high standards of scholarship, create enthusiasm National Language Honor for understanding cultures, and nurture international friendship. Students who meet the criteria Theand National LanguageofHonor Societies all promote high standards of scholarship, create enthusiasm below considered for membership their respective language honor society.who The meet four National for andare understanding of cultures, and in nurture international friendship. Students the Honor Societies for language at Buckley include: criteria below are considered for membership in their respective language honor society. The four National Honor Societies for language at Buckley include: • Latin Honor Society (NJCL, National Junior Classical League) • Latin Honor Society (NJCL, National Junior Classical League) NationalChinese ChineseHonor HonorSociety Society 全美中文荣誉学会简介 (NCHS) • • National • • Société SociétéHonoraire Honorairede deFrançais Français(SHF) (SHF) • Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) • Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH)
To be accepted into the above, a student must: Page 43 • be in grade 10, 11, or 12;
To be accepted into the above, a student must:
• • • • • •
be in grade 10, 11, or 12; be enrolled in the language course of the society at level 2 (second semester) or higher at Buckley; maintain an A- average or higher in the language throughout high school, including the semester of selection; maintain a B- average or higher in all other high school subjects prior to semester of selection (language courses may not be used to calculate this average); show and maintain a willingness and ability to satisfy the purposes of the honor society; and not have been in serious disciplinary trouble.
Scholar-Athlete
The Scholar-Athlete award honors junior varsity and varsity athletes who have excelled in both the classroom and the arena of athletic competition. Each award recipient must maintain a weighted grade point average of 3.80 or higher during the grading period which coincides with his or her athletic season.
Seniors
Seniors with cumulative general weighted GPAs of 4.20 or higher will graduate summa cum laude; those with cumulative general weighted GPAs of 4.00 or higher, magna cum laude; and those with cumulative general weighted GPAs of 3.80 or higher, cum laude. The cumulative weighted GPA is based on all high school classes and includes academic and art classes. A faculty committee selects student speakers to give the valedictory and the salutatory addresses, as well as the recipients of any special awards. These are students whose academic performance, attitude, and leadership in school activities are deemed outstanding. The valedictorian and the salutatorian must have been enrolled in the Upper School for all four years.
Graduation Requirements (grades 9-12)
In order to graduate from The Buckley School, a student must earn a passing grade in the Upper School courses listed, grades 9 through 12. Students must be enrolled at the school during their senior year. • English: four year-long courses • Mathematics: one year of study beyond Algebra II (four years of Upper School math is recommended) • World Languages: through level III (through level IV is recommended) • Social Sciences: three year-long courses • Science: three year-long courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are required) • Arts: two year-long courses • Physical Education: eight credits (trimesters) • Human Development & Intersections of Identity: Diversity, Equity, and Leadership • Community Service: completion of a school-approved project for each year enrolled in Upper School
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The Buckley School requires that all courses required for graduation be taken at Buckley, with exceptions made for students transferring from other high schools. Summer courses taken at other high schools or colleges will not be awarded credit toward Buckley graduation unless special permission is granted by the Head of Upper School. Non-Buckley courses are not included on Buckley’s transcript or in the Buckley grade point average. Official transcripts of non-Buckley classes may be sent with Buckley’s transcript to colleges and/or universities as evidence of student work outside of Buckley. All Upper School students must take at least five academic courses each semester and a minimum of six total courses. Any student who has successfully completed a full-year academic course at The Buckley School summer school may choose, in consultation with his/her academic dean, to take four academic classes the following year. However, please know that colleges and universities prefer that students, especially juniors and seniors, enroll in five academic courses during the school year. Eight credits of physical education, dance, or participation on Buckley athletic teams are required for all students in grades 9-12 for graduation. The eight credits may be accumulated in any combination of physical education, dance, or athletics during the trimester seasons. These are the minimum requirements for graduation from The Buckley School. For additional details, see the Course Catalog, located on the Buckley website, www.buckley.org.
Homework and Assessments
Homework is given to support student learning, practice what has been taught in class, provide students with an opportunity to develop important skills and content knowledge, and to develop as self-reliant, responsible young adults. Assessments enable teachers to gauge student learning, content knowledge, and skill development, and to provide students an opportunity to share their understanding and address areas in which they can improve. The homework load for Upper School students averages 2.5-3 hours per night, depending on the number of weighted courses (honors and Advanced Placement) in their schedule. Homework is assigned in every academic class. Classes that meet for 75 minutes typically assign 45 minutes of homework per session, although AP/honors classes are often more. Please note: each student completes assignments at a different pace. Parents/guardians can review class assignments that are posted on MyBUCKLEY, under the parent portal. Teachers are required to post their assignments for the week by Monday at 5:00 p.m. The equivalent of one night of homework per class may be assigned over winter break for AP courses, and during spring break in any class. All assigned winter and spring break work must be pre-approved by a department chair. No assessment can be given on the first day that a class resumes from winter and spring breaks. Assessments will not be given on the day after these holidays: Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving weekend, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and religious holidays. Seniors will not be given assessments the day after their college application days.
Absences and Completion of Assignments
Because we believe that each assignment is meaningful and student learning is our top priority, students who are absent are expected to complete any missed homework. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain assignments from the school website, from a classmate, or by emailing a teacher directly. Assessments must also be made up so that students and teachers can accurately review their progress and understanding. Assignments not submitted as required below may be subject to late penalties, absent extenuating circumstances. Page 45
Making Up Missed Assignments
•
• • • •
•
As a general rule, a student has the number of school days he or she was absent to complete work that was assigned when absent. For example, if a student is absent on Monday, the assignments that were missed on Monday should be worked on during Tuesday and are due no later than Wednesday during class. If the class does not meet on Wednesday, assignments must still be submitted to the teacher directly or placed in the teacher’s mailbox that day. If a student is absent on Monday and Tuesday, the student has Wednesday and Thursday to complete the work, and it is due no later than Friday during class (or directly to the teacher/in the teacher’s mailbox on Friday). A student who is absent the day an assignment is due must turn in that work the next time the class meets. Students who miss class due to extra-curricular events must submit assignments for any classes they will miss prior to leaving for the event. Barring extenuating circumstances, assignments that have been given at least one week in advance must be submitted electronically or via e-mail if the student is absent the class when it is due. Students who are absent for only part of the day must turn in all assignments and homework to their teachers’ mailboxes when they arrive or before they leave school. Athletes are expected to turn in all homework and assignments scheduled on the day of a game. If the extra-curricular event took place in the morning, they should submit all work to their teacher when they return that same day. Students who will be missing more than one day for a school-related activity should speak with their teachers in advance to determine when work must be submitted upon their return.
In the case of extended absences of five school days or more, students should make arrangements with their academic dean to get caught up.
Making Up Missed Assessments
• • •
•
If the student is absent only the day an assessment is given, the student must make up the assessment the next time the class meets. If a student is absent from the class before an assessment is given, the student must take the assessment on the scheduled day if no new material was covered the class meeting before. If new material was covered the class meeting prior to the assessment, the student must take the assessment at the first class meeting after the regularly scheduled assessment. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the teacher prior to the makeup exam to address any missed material. A pattern of absences by a student on days when assessments are scheduled will be subject to review by the appropriate academic dean. Missing two or more classes that include a major assessment may be considered a pattern.
Making Up Work from Extended Absences
•
All missed work is expected to be completed. A student who has extended absences (more than five consecutive school days) is expected to meet with the teacher to determine when missed assignments are due and assessments should be taken. Using the Buckley absence Page 46
•
form, teachers and students, overseen by the student’s academic dean, will work out a schedule to submit missing work and makeup assessments. Work that is not submitted according to this schedule may be subject to late work penalties as described in the course syllabus. Should a student be unable to complete work for an extended period of time for legitimate medical reasons that include a doctor’s note, an incomplete will be issued until all assignments are made up.
Culminating Semester Assessments
Culminating semester examinations or projects are given in December for every academic course in the Upper School and June for every academic course in the Middle and Upper Schools. These assessments count for 20 percent of the semester grade in each class. June exams/projects in AP courses are given at the discretion of the instructors.
Daily Limit on Assessments
Although not always possible, teachers will work to ensure that Upper School students have no more than three major assessments per day, excluding major projects and papers assigned over a week in advance.
Final Assessment Attendance
Students are required to attend their final assessments as scheduled, unless they are out due to illness or other authorized reasons. Vacations and appointments are not considered authorized reasons to miss final assessments. If a student is ill and unable to come to school for final assessments, the parent/ guardian must call the school prior to the assessment if possible. A doctor’s note will be required upon the student’s return to school.
Semester Review Days
No new material may be presented on review days. Major tests will not be scheduled on these days except for the oral or listening sections of world language examinations and there should be class time set aside for answering questions and discussing the format and content of the examination.
Honor Council
The Buckley Honor Council (BHC) is comprised of five seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, four faculty members, the assistant division head, the director of equity and inclusion, and the dean of students. Students are appointed to the BHC through an interview and application process that includes feedback from classmates. The BHC’s function is to make recommendations for disciplinary action to the Upper School head. Cases brought before the Honor Council are limited to those involving alleged violations of The Buckley School’s policy on academic integrity (this includes cases involving cheating and plagiarism). The Buckley School, in its sole discretion, will determine if a disciplinary matter may be brought before the Honor Council. The BHC aims to build trust among all parties by encouraging fairness in discipline, understanding behind the reasoning of consequences, and ultimately, healing. The BHC will examine each scenario presented before it and engage in an exploratory process of discovering the obstacles to integrity in order to effectively suggest appropriate consequences and strategies for reintegration into the community. Page 47
Each scenario examined by the BHC is a new opportunity for growth and community-building. The BHC welcomes these opportunities, while understanding the responsibility that comes with them. Compassion and confidentiality are vital elements of the Honor Council process. Each student on the Honor Council is required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Students on the Honor Council who violate their confidentiality obligations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. An Honor Forum is called when an administrator (dean of students or division head) decides a potential disciplinary situation warrants being brought before the Honor Council. If an Honor Forum is convened, the participating council members will: 1) listen to the case at hand, 2) determine whether a violation of The Buckley Commitment and/or Family Handbook has occurred, and 3) if applicable, submit a recommendation to the division head regarding appropriate outcomes and/ or consequences. The division head or other administrator tasked with making a final disciplinary decision will consider the conclusions and recommendations of the Honor Council, but the Honor Council’s conclusions and recommendations are not binding. In addition, the school reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine that the circumstances warrant bypassing the Honor Council and/or an Honor Forum and imposing discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal. See also: Student Code of Conduct and Restorative Practice
Interscholastic Athletic
Students in grades 9-12 compete in the Liberty League, Prep League, Montview League, and the Delphic League. Boys compete in cross country, basketball, soccer, equestrian, baseball, tennis, golf, and swimming. Girls compete in volleyball, cross country, tennis, basketball, soccer, swimming, softball, golf, and equestrian.
Learning Differences
At Buckley, we provide reasonable educational support to students with physical and/or cognitive differences, including learning disabilities. Students with documented learning differences and their parents/guardians should meet with the educational support specialist and the appropriate division head to discuss accommodations. For more information on whether accommodations are appropriate for your student, please ask the educational support specialist for a copy of the Learning Differences handbook. See also: Educational Support Specialist, Reasonable Accommodations of Disabilities
Self-Reliant Communication & Conflict Resolution
Buckley students are expected to be self-reliant, respectful, and responsible individuals. Should any Upper School students have a concern about a course, be it a grade, an assignment, or a teacher issue, students are expected to contact the involved teacher directly. Should no resolution occur, the student should approach the Department Chair. Should no resolution occur, students should contact their academic dean and/or the division heads. We request that students take initiative for their own learning and follow these steps prior to parents becoming involved. Should a parent feel the need to be involved, they should also contact the teacher first, followed by the department chair, and finally the academic dean and/or division heads. Page 48
Service Learning
Students in grades 9-12 are asked to commit to at least one meaningful community service project per academic year. In order to promote service learning as part of our school culture, students choose from participating in a curriculum-based project within the context of a class, a Buckley-designed student-led group service project, or one they create. Group service projects take place throughout the school year in the local community and are run through the student-led Community Service Council and approved by the US Director of Experiential and Service Learning. Projects should be hands-on activities. In addition to, or in place of one of these projects, students may opt to design their own independent service projects. Independent project proposals must be submitted to the Community Service Council for pre-approval and must take place at a school-approved non-profit agency. Projects must be handson and meet a verified need of the non-profit agency. Ideally, independent projects should address components of diversity and sustainability, and relate to an academic or co-curricular interest of the student. Both Buckley-organized and independent projects typically consist of hands-on volunteering comprised of at least three site visits or related activities, an element of awareness or fundraising, and a presentation in advisory in the spring. Upper School students also are welcome to participate in the national Presidential Volunteer Service award program by completing 50 or more service hours if under 16 years of age, and 100 or more service hours if 16 or older.
Standardized Testing
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors take the PSAT in October. In November, sophomores and juniors may take the diagnostic ACT exam. Scores are mailed to parents/guardians in late December/ early January. After that, parents/guardians may contact their child’s academic dean to make an appointment to review their child’s individual scores. There are many advantages to offering such tests. First, they provide students with an opportunity to take tests that are similar in format to the ACT and SAT tests that juniors and seniors must take to enter college. Thus, there is a certain correlation between these tests and the actual ACT and SAT, which helps us to predict how well a student might perform on the ACT and SAT. Second, such tests give teachers and administrators more information in placing students in appropriate classes. Third, these tests afford the school the chance to determine how effective its curriculum is in preparing students for standardized tests.
Student Behavior and Restorative Practices
The Buckley Upper School is committed to student learning and development, both in and out of the classroom. We encourage students to honor the Buckley Commitment and become responsible young adults, as well as to become upstanding participants in our community. We work to support students’ moral education through the development of a tightly-knit, respectful, and kind Buckley community. We support students’ academic education by ensuring that we maximize and focus their valuable learning time. We set high, yet achievable, expectations that prepare them for college and beyond. Our policies outline our expectations and, when a community norm has not been followed, we have clear and appropriate consequences, which are subject to review by the Upper School and senior administration. Page 49
In Upper School students have free periods, during which they can relax, visit with friends, or do schoolwork. With this new freedom comes new responsibility and greater accountability. At Buckley, these are all opportunities for students to learn about themselves, each other, and their own participation in creating an interconnected community.
Discipline and Restorative Practices
The school has the discretion to determine the appropriate discipline in each circumstance. The guidelines listed in this section are merely suggestions and different levels of discipline may be applied depending on the circumstance. The Buckley School reserves the right at any time to suspend or expel any student whose conduct is not compatible with the standards of the school community. The School is also not required to follow progressive discipline before making a determination to suspend or to expel a student. The Buckley School in its sole discretion determines appropriate disciplinary consequences, which may include a corrective warning, detention, in school suspensions, at home suspensions from school, removal of privileges, probation, or expulsion from The Buckley School. Unless there are extenuating circumstances present, when a student is accused of engaging in misconduct, that student and his or her parents will have the opportunity to meet with the Head of School or his or her designee in order to respond to misconduct allegations prior to a disciplinary decision to expel a student becoming final. Notwithstanding, The Buckley School may impose the following disciplinary consequences: Infraction Schedule for Minor Offenses: The Buckley School adheres to policies that support a respectful, focused learning community that helps students become self-reliant. Even minor offenses, such as tardiness, cellphone use during school hours, and uniform violations, can distract from the learning environment. For minor offenses, the following discipline may be imposed:
• • •
After the first offense a corrective warning may be issued; A following minor offense will result in a one-hour detention, increasing by an hour for each additional infraction. Further offenses may result in a referral to the senior administration for review and disciplinary action.
The Buckley School, in its sole discretion, determines which conduct code violations constitute minor offenses.
Detention
Detention offers the student a reflective opportunity to understand how their actions and behavior have affected our community. This time serves both as a deterrent and as an opportunity for individual growth. Detention will be served on Tuesday afternoons in a quiet setting and will consist of restorative practices and homework/reading. To prevent distraction, no electronics are allowed. Extra-curricular activities, such as athletics or rehearsals, are not an excuse for missing detention. Missed detention will result in a doubling of time. Any violation of student conduct policies and standards may result in detention.
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Grounds for Day of Separation
A student may receive a Day of Separation (on or off campus) for any behavioral or academic violation at the discretion of the Upper School head or dean. A Day of Separation will not be reported to colleges and universities; however, students who receive a Day of Separation are not allowed to attend classes, practices, or rehearsals, and they may not attend or participate in any school activities until they are officially readmitted. During the time of an on-campus Day of Separation, the student will report in full uniform to the dean of student life at 8:10 a.m. and will remain at school under supervision until 3:00 p.m. In the case of an off-campus Day of Separation, the student will not be allowed on campus until he/she is officially readmitted.
Grounds for Suspension
A student may receive a suspension from school for any serious behavioral or academic violation as determined in the solediscretion of the deans of students, assistant head, or head. The Buckley School has sole discretion to determine whether a student’s conduct warrants suspension. There are instances during which a suspension may be imposed on a student not as a disciplinary measure, but as an interim measure, when a disciplinary investigation is pending. Students who are suspended may not come to school, may not attend classes, may not attend practices or rehearsals, and may not attend or participate in any school-sponsored activities until they are officially readmitted. They will, for the time they are suspended, be under the direct responsibility of their parents/guardians. Suspended students will be responsible for all homework assigned during their absence and for all notes and other subject matter given out in class. Work due on the date of suspension may be turned in for credit upon the student’s return.
Grounds for Disciplinary Probation
When a student has either been given a Day of Separation or an in-school suspension, or the student has otherwise engaged in serious misconduct, or repeatedly committed less seriousoffenses, the student may be placed on disciplinary probation. The Buckley School in its sole discretion will determine when placement of a student on Disciplinary Probation is appropriate. When a student is placed on Disciplinary Probation, the School will schedule an in person meeting with the student’s parents, and the student, to discuss the terms of probation. •
Violation of probation may result in the student’s expulsion from the school.
Grounds for Dismissal
Students who have violated the Student Code of Conduct, or engaged in repeated violations of minor school rules may be subject to expulsion. The Buckley School has sole discretion in determining when expulsion is appropriate, and is not required to impose progressive discipline, including any prior warnings or suspensions, before making a decision to expel a student. Absent extenuating circumstances, before a decision to expel a student becomes final, the student and his or her parents will have the opportunity to meet with the Head of School or designee to discuss the recommended expulsion.
Reporting of Disciplinary Action to Academic Institutions
The Buckley School will respond to direct inquiries from colleges or other academic institutions of any notable changes in a student’s academic or personal status, including, but not limited to, a significant Page 51
drop in grades, suspension, disciplinary probation, dismissal, and extended absences from school. It is school policy to report to colleges and other educational programs major disciplinary measures taken against a student when infractions involve serious breaches of community standards or potentially harmful patterns of behavior. The student will be expected, by both Buckley and the colleges, to address his or her transgression in a separate letter to the colleges. In addition, the secondary school report will disclose the behaviors that meet these criteria.
Search of Student Lockers, Cars, Backpacks, Purses, Bags, and Electronic Devices
Lockers and other school property remain under school control at all times. School officials reserve the right to search the contents of lockers and other school property at any time. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to lockers and other school property. Personal items, such as backpacks or purses, are subject to search if the school has reasonable suspicion that the student may have violated school policy. When student cell phones or other electronic devices are on school property, school officials have the right to confiscate the device when there is reasonable suspicion that a device may have been used in violation of the law or school policies. See also: Student Code of Conduct
Student Council
The Upper School Buckley Student Council (BSC) includes four representatives from each of the grade levels, an Upper School president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Requirements for involvement in student government include good academic standing, a good citizenship record, completion of service requirements, and one semester of attendance at Buckley. Rising eighth through eleventh grade students elect the Upper School president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The secretary and treasurer may be members of any Upper School class, but the president and vice-president must be seniors with previous student government experience. All Upper School Student Council members follow the Buckley Student Council Constitution.
Uniform and Appearance
The uniform at The Buckley School is designed to put all students on an equal footing. Allowing for some flexibility, the uniform eliminates the complications and problems associated with “free dress” while providing an opportunity for students to be comfortable and have reasonable choices. Students are expected to dress in complete uniform each day unless free dress is specified. Families should label every item of clothing with the student’s name so they can be easily returned if lost. Please refer to the Dennis Uniform Company website for available uniform styles. Good grooming and cleanliness are an essential part of the school’s uniform. Middle and Upper School students may wear light make-up. Hairstyles cannot be extreme; hair coloring must be natural. Facial hair must be well-groomed. Body piercing and tattooing should not be visible. Students who wear jewelry piercings in any places besides their ears must remove that jewelry while at Buckley and while participating in school events.
Shirts
Shirts must be white, red, or gray polo shirts with the Griffin logo or turtlenecks with the Griffin logo from Dennis Uniform Company. Seniors may wear black polo shirts with the Griffin logo. Students may also wear white, collared, full-button front, short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts. Page 52
Undershirts in school colors (black, white, red, and gray) may be worn under uniform shirts. No croptops that show the midriff, zipper shirts, terry cloth, see-through shirts, or skin-tight shirts are allowed.
Shorts
Shorts must be one of the styles available from Dennis Uniform Company. They must be a conservative length, and they must sit at the natural waistline and not be rolled at the hemline.
Skorts
All Middle and Upper School students who wear skorts are required to wear solid, opaque (dull - not shiny, sheer, or patterned) tights or leggings in school colors (black, white, red, or gray) under their skorts at all times. Please bear in mind that while the temperature might be warm outside during the summer months, all Middle and Upper School classrooms are fully air-conditioned. Skorts must be one of the styles available from Dennis Uniform Company. Seniors may wear the McDonald Plaid skort. Skorts must be a conservative length — no shorter than mid-thigh. Skorts must be worn unrolled at the waist. They must also be zipped, buttoned, and have a Griffin logo affixed to the hemline.
Pants
Pants must either be solid gray or solid black Dennis Uniform Company pants or black jeans (any brand). Jeans must be plain black denim and may not have any rips, holes, patterns, be faded, stonewashed, or have any embellishments. Note: Black pants that are not Dennis Uniform Company pants are not permitted. Belts should be school colors - black, white, red, or gray.
Outerwear
Jackets, raincoats, blazers, and vests must be school colors - black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors. Official Buckley athletic jackets are acceptable. Outerwear should be free of graphics, text, and oversized logos.
Sweaters
Sweaters must be school colors - black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors, and they may be no longer than hip length. All sweaters must be worn over a uniform shirt.
Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts (cotton jersey) must be official Buckley sweatshirts with a Buckley emblem or printed screen (i.e., team sweatshirts, club sweatshirts, and drama sweatshirts). All sweatshirts must be worn over a uniform shirt.
Shoes
All shoes must be school colors — black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors. This includes sneakers, flats, dress shoes, and boots with a heel of 2 inches or less. Uggs must also be in Buckley colors — no brown or tan. No open-toe or open-back shoes, sandals, platform shoes, slippers, or clogs are allowed.
Socks
Socks must be school colors - black, white, red, or gray or any combination of these colors. Socks must be worn with all athletic shoes/sneakers and be visible.
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Hats
Students may wear Buckley caps and hats outdoors only. Bandanas and athletic headbands are not permitted.
Free-Dress Days (i.e., Theme Days or School Color Days)
On certain days, students will be given the option to wear “Buckley free-dress” or participate in a particular theme/color day. Students choosing not to participate in these days must dress in their regular uniform. On these days, revealing clothing, sleeveless tops, midriff tops, short shorts, pajamas, open-toe or open-back shoes, sandals, clogs, platform shoes, slippers, or shoes with a heel exceeding 2 inches are not permitted. All clothing should be in good condition, fit properly, and not have any holes, tears, or rips. Sheer or mesh material is not allowed.
Uniform Violation
Buckley students are expected to wear their uniform as a display of respect for Buckley and for themselves as mature young adults. Uniform violations are subject to the general infraction schedule.
OTHER IMPORTANT PROGRAMS and RESOURCES Advisory Program
Our advisory program provides each student with a network of peer support and a faculty or staff advisor who can offer advocacy, compassion, and counsel in social, educational, and developmental situations. These non-evaluative “families within a family” support the personal and academic growth of each student while also fostering a culture of connectedness within the advisory group and in the school as a whole. We encourage parents/guardians to contact advisors when they have general concerns about their child’s academic progress or any social-emotional issues. Upper School advisories meet three times per week for 20 minutes. Seventh and eighth grade advisories meet for about 25 minutes three times a week; sixth grade advisories may meet a bit more often. In addition to creating this warm, fun, and supportive environment, an advisor’s duties include:
• • • • • •
helping advisees plan their academic programs; meeting with advisees and their parents/guardians on family conference days; being available to advisees to discuss any challenges or issues that may arise; serving as a liaison between advisee and teacher and between the advisee’s parent/guardian and teacher; acting as an invested witness to the advisee’s academic and social well-being; and providing support and resources to parents/guardians and students, as a representative of the school.
Book Share
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we operate a book share program. Students receive a textbook in good condition for each class that requires one. Each student is responsible for keeping the book clean and in good condition for the year. At the end of the year, students turn in their textbooks for each class on the day of the final exam.
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Books that are not returned, or returned in a condition that is not acceptable for future use, will be charged to the student’s account. Each book in the book share program has a unique barcode and linked to check-out records. Consumables, such as workbooks and novels, do not need to be returned. Books not returned by the end of school on the last day of class in June will incur a fee. Books returned up to 30 days after the deadline will incur a fee of half of the cost of the book, assuming it is returned in acceptable condition.
Communications
The Communications Office oversees the school’s internal and external communication efforts, including the school’s website, and publications such as Lower School: The Week Ahead, Middle School: The Week Ahead, Upper School: The Week Ahead, Community magazine, this Family Handbook, the Online Directory, and more.
Counselor
The Middle/Upper School counselor is available during the school day to meet privately with students who have difficult decisions to make, who are troubled by conditions in their personal life or at school, or who simply need to talk through a problem. The school counselor also organizes special group meetings and programs on issues that concern students. The counselor is actively involved in any serious issue that may arise and will determine when situations require assistance from an outside professional.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to making every student feel welcome and at home. By establishing principles of diversity, equity and inclusion as an institution, we make a deliberate and comprehensive commitment to address the complexities of our community and our world in everything we do. The Office of Equity and Inclusion plans evening events for parents and guardians throughout the year, including film screenings and guest speakers. In Lower School, parents and guardians can sign up their children to attend Lower School Culture Clubs, which meet twice a month during lunch. The five clubs – for grades K, 1, 2-3, 4, and 5 – celebrate global traditions and holidays with food and crafts and help plan assemblies throughout the year. As children get older, they engage in conversations about aspects of their identity and how it impacts their perception of themselves and their world. Culture Clubs are organized and run by Lower School faculty advisors and the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Lower School students also actively participate in weekly assemblies and multicultural workshops with members of the Upper School Diversity Club. Middle School students participate in equity workshops and social justice symposia each year, organized and run especially for their age group. They may also choose to join the Middle School Diversity Club. Many aspects of equity and inclusion are also built into the dynamic curriculum that is essential to middle level education. The Upper School Diversity Club meets during the summer and throughout the year during lunch to plan assemblies and multicultural workshops throughout the year. The club elects a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer each year. Students from this club are also selected each year to attend NAIS’s annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). Page 55
The Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Center is an on-campus resource where students can gather in a safe space to connect, converse, explore identity, write, create art, and work together on meaningful projects.
Educational Support Specialist
The Middle/Upper School educational support specialist supports the needs of teachers and students and acts as a liaison between the student, teachers, advisor, parents/guardians, other support staff, and outside professionals. Communication and collaboration are encouraged to best support the student. Additional details about the support network available are found in the Learning Differences handbook. Please contact the educational support specialist for a copy. See also: Learning Differences, Reasonable Accommodations of Disabilities
G-cards
Every student is issued a G-(Griffin) card, or student identification card, at the beginning of every school year. A G-card has the student’s photo, a magnetic strip, and a student ID number. This card should be treated as valuable personal property. It can be loaded with money (Campus Cash—see the resource board on MyBUCKLEY) to be spent at Café Commons, or used to check out books, laptops, headphones, games, and other equipment in the library.
Outdoor Education
An important part of Lower School’s extracurricular program is environmental education, which relates to topics students are taught in class. Fourth grade students study California history and geography on an overnight enrichment trip in Southern California, and fifth grade students spend three days at the Pali Institute in Running Springs, California. All Middle and Upper School students take part in grade-level outdoor education trips to national parks or other natural destinations. Upper School students take their trips before classes begin, in late August, while Middle School students go in the middle of September. Students can deepen friendships and form new ones, relate to teachers and staff outside a school setting, and kick off the school year with team-building strategies and activities. While these trips are enjoyable, they are also an important educational opportunity during which students learn about their environment—how it operates and how human beings can benefit from and affect it. These trips also enable the students to develop skills for effective group work and leadership.
Performances (Dance, Drama, Music)
The Middle School chorus, Upper School chorus, dance groups, concert bands, jazz band, chamber orchestras, and other student musical groups perform at Buckley concerts and productions throughout the school year. Upper School students perform in a musical in the fall and a dramatic play in the spring, as well as in Improv shows and Campus Moonlight Theatre in the spring. There is a spring dance festival every April. Middle School students can audition for the Middle School play every spring, and eighth graders are occasionally invited to audition for the Upper School fall musical. Students should see their teacher or the department chair for more information.
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Performing Arts Conservatory
The Performing Arts Conservatory (PAC) offers private music instruction after school to Lower, Middle, and Upper School students. Lessons can be geared towards the beginning to advanced student in a wide variety of instruments, including voice. The lesson schedule is arranged between the student and Buckley’s liaison to the instructors. Contact the director of PAC for more information.
Robert Young Library
The Middle/Upper School Robert Young Library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. No gaming or backpacks are allowed in the library at any time. Bottled water is welcome but please refrain from eating in the library. Students must have their own student G-card to check out a library laptop - one per student. Students are not permitted to check out laptops for others. Library laptops can be used anywhere on campus but must be returned before closing time the same day of checkout. Not returning a laptop or checking a laptop out for someone else results in a week restriction of laptop checkout and an infraction. Should a student lose their G-card, email gcard@buckley.org to request a replacement that can be created the same or next day. Library study rooms are for shared student use during all library hours. We do not believe in having a reservation system for these study rooms. By maintaining a first come, first served policy, the rooms are open to all students throughout the library operational day. We encourage sharing (there are four rooms) and using some rooms for quiet study, other rooms for collaborative work. When library space is in high demand, students may occasionally need to find alternate indoor or outdoor work spaces during morning drop-off, office hours, and lunchtime. Just outside the library front doors there are several tables and seating for work and study, weather permitting. Many teachers open their rooms for working during these times as well. Students and faculty are provided remote access to the library’s online resources through the school’s website. Please contact the librarians with questions about resources or library policy. Library resources are listed in the Parent portal on the under Groups>Middle/Upper School Library. The Buckley School is a member of the Independent School Library Exchange (ISLE), a partnership of dozens of Southern California independent school libraries that provides Buckley students with the ability to borrow resources from multiple libraries in this network of participating schools. In addition, it provides the following resources:
• • • • • • • •
Ebrary – over 120,000 non-fiction electronic books Thirteen EBSCO multidisciplinary databases for science, history, health, theatre, Advanced Placement courses (and more!); an all-Spanish database (Ref Latina); Associated Press Images database that has over 12 million images for student editorial use in papers or projects Country Watch – database with up-to-date information about countries worldwide Dear Reader, an online book club, provides access to recently published fiction and nonfiction titles through email in chapter segments Britannica Online Encyclopedia as well as Britannica Image Quest (over 5 million images) JSTOR – over five million academic journal articles Artstor – an unparalleled range of visual art images Page 57
• Print subscriptions to the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Daily News, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The New York Times Review of Books; 10,000 print books; 45 solid state Dell laptops with Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office; two black and white laser printers; and one color printer. We encourage mutual respect in our library to promote a welcoming and productive atmosphere. Please adhere to the librarians’ requests and be mindful of others to ensure this environment is maintained.
Student Publications The Junior Voice is published each semester by the Middle School journalism class. Students should see the Middle School head if they are interested in enrolling in the class. The Student Voice is the Upper School newspaper staffed by the Advanced Journalism class. It comes out roughly once a month and is readily available to all students on campus. Images is The Buckley School yearbook. One copy is given to every faculty/staff member and student at the end of the year. Students enrolled in the Yearbook class create the yearbook each year. The Oxford Comma is published once or twice a year depending on student interest, and includes original poems, stories, and artwork, produced by Upper School students.
MyBUCKLEY
This password-protected portal on the Buckley website is for all members of the Buckley community that provides access to student schedules, grades, teacher assignment pages, attendance records, and invoices from the business office. Email is also an excellent way to keep in touch with faculty and administrators.
The Opt-Out Photography List
The student of parents/guardians did not sign the Public Relations Release in the enrollment contract are placed on the Opt-out Photo List, which is distributed to all faculty and staff and maintained by the Communications Office. By selecting NO, parents/guardians are requesting that their child is NOT to be photographed at school for any reason by the Buckley faculty or staff. Opting out means that no photograph of that student will be used for any reason in any of the above newsletters, advertising or promotional publications, or anywhere on the school website, either behind or in front of the password. This does not include student publications.
Study Abroad
Students can study abroad during their sophomore or junior year in high school through the School Year Abroad (SYA) program. The Buckley School also arranges course-related and other overseas trips as enrichment experiences. These trips are announced at the beginning of the school year and take place during spring break or in the summer. Throughout the years, Buckley has sponsored trips to Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Japan, Cuba, and China.
Summer Programs
During summer, the Middle School offers week-long courses that provide students with vital tools to assist them with the transition into Middle School. Buckley also offers several Upper School courses in Page 58
Summer School. Lower and Middle School students may also enroll in week-long sessions at Buckley Summer Camp, in sports, robotics, art, and other activities. Enrollment opens in February.
CAMPUS SAFETY and EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Safety is the number one priority of The Buckley School. All rules, regulations, and procedures are in place to meet this goal.
Backpacks
In Lower School, kindergarten students put any backpack or bag they bring to school in cubbies. First through third grade students hang their backpacks on hooks outside their classrooms. In fourth and fifth grade, all students are assigned lockers in the Lower School hallway. In Middle and Upper School, all students are assigned a locker and they should purchase a lock for their locker. No backpacks, bookbags, rolling suitcases, athletic bags, duffel bags, or any large bags used to carry books, supplies, or equipment can be carried or left around the Buckley campus during the school day. This is to eliminate the large numbers of bags that litter walkways, causing the potential for accidents and inviting theft of valuable items. These bags need to be stored in the students’ lockers. If items do not fit, they may be placed above the lockers where possible. If a student needs help finding a storage solution for an oversized item, they may seek out the help of the deans or administration. Please remember to lock any valuables in your locker. The first time a student’s bag is seen out during school hours, the student will receive a warning from the dean of students. Additional violations may result in detention.
Campus Hours
Gates are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and only during special events in the evenings or on weekends.
Campus Cleanliness
Students should help maintain a clean campus at all times, including eating areas and hallways. If students need help in cleaning an area or see a hazard on campus, they should report it to the office immediately.
Emergencies
The Buckley School takes pride in our comprehensive emergency preparedness program. Please visit the Safety/Emergency Preparedness resource board to view our detailed Crisis Resource Guide (emergency manual).
Emergency hotline
(800) 655-1610 listen to updates on campus emergencies
School Messenger: Emergency Communication System
Members of the Buckley community are automatically OPTED IN to receive emergency texts and/or automated voice messages. You will receive updated information via text or call from the school in the case of an emergency. Messages are only sent from Buckley in emergency situations.
To opt out, text NO to 68453.
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Preparedness in the Event of an Earthquake, Lockdown, Fire, or Other Emergency
Under the direction of the plant operations supervisor, drills, including fire, lockdown, and earthquake, are performed and evaluated on a routine basis throughout the year. • • •
Buckley has adequate food, water, and medical supplies to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours. Buckley faculty and staff are trained in CPR and first aid procedures on a biennial basis. Regular fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills are conducted so that students can perform them with ease.
Earthquake •
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At the first sign of an earthquake, students are instructed to “drop, cover, and hold” and wait for further directions. Once it is determined safe, students will be escorted to the emergency assembly area on Gilley Field by faculty and staff. Attendance is taken, the Sweep and Rescue operations take place, and the triage area for injuries is set up.
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In the event of a lockdown, students will be required to remain inside a locked classroom with the blinds drawn. Students that are outside are to find the nearest classroom or office that can be locked from the inside. Those students on Gilley Field will be instructed and guided to a safe location (i.e., maintenance lounge, field house). All students will be required to turn off computers and silence cell phones and remain quiet until further directions from the head of school, designated administrator-in-charge or law enforcement. Each classroom is provided with water, nutrition, and personal hygiene supplies.
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In the event of a fire, students will be evacuated to a location to be determined by the head of school or the designated administrator-in-charge. Miscellaneous Instructions: PLEASE DO NOT CALL BUCKLEY IN THE EVENT OF A MAJOR EMERGENCY. It is extremely important that the school telephone lines (if operable) remain open! They will be needed for emergency purposes. Please call 1-800-655-1610 to hear the school’s response to any emergency situation. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS UNLESS YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO SO. No one will be allowed to enter or leave until the campus has been secured and every individual has been accounted for. The school’s gates are immediately locked and grounds are secured. Once the students and the grounds are secure, the family reunification process will begin. In some emergencies, it may not be possible to drive directly onto campus. If this is the case, please DO NOT DRIVE UP STANSBURY. This street must be kept clear for emergency vehicles. Park north of Valley Vista and walk to the front gate. Page 60
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At the front gate, give your name and your child’s name and grade to the person or persons in charge. NO students will be released to anyone except a parent, guardian, or pre-assigned designee. Please be certain to list on the school emergency form the individual(s) authorized to transport your child. Students with cell phones will be allowed to text as long as their devices are silent. Listen to your radio or television for instructions or await a call from a school representative. The designated local emergency radio station is KFI 640 AM. Other local stations are KFWB 980 AM and KNX 1070 AM. In the event of an emergency requiring the students to evacuate the campus, they will be escorted to our emergency site, the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park at Huston Street and Hazeltine Avenue in Sherman Oaks. PLEASE BE PATIENT. These procedures are in place to help ensure the safety of your child.
Please visit the Safety/Emergency Preparedness resource board on the school website for detailed information and additional resources.
CAMPUS HEALTH Health Office
The school employs a full-time registered nurse (RN), a full-time health assistant, and a full-time certified athletic trainer (ATC) on staff. The nurse and athletic trainer maintain a file of every student’s medical history and refer to it in an emergency. Parents/guardians should keep the Health Office informed of any special conditions that could affect a student while on campus. The nurse will disseminate this information to the pertinent faculty and staff.
Athletic Trainer
As part of the school’s commitment to provide appropriate care, Buckley employs a full-time certified athletic trainer on its staff who emphasizes prevention, recognition, evaluation, and rehabilitation of injuries. Athletic trainers administer emergency care for acute sports injuries and rehabilitate chronic injuries. The Buckley School athletic trainer administers care and treatment under the direction of a licensed physician.
Concussions
Concussions have been more prevalent recently because of the awareness among parents/guardians, coaches, and athletes. California enacted a concussion law, AB 2127, in 2015 stating than an athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in an athletic activity shall be immediately removed from the activity for the remainder of the day, and shall not be permitted to return to the activity until he or she is evaluated by a licensed health care provider. The athlete will need to provide a written clearance from their doctor prior to returning to the activity. The athletic trainer and academic advisor will initiate a gradual return to learn (if requested in writing by the health provider) and return to play protocol before the student can fully resume all athletic activities. Because we feel that one can never be too sure when it comes to head injuries, The Buckley School takes this a bit further, requiring all students and their parents/guardians, K-12, to read and sign a form acknowledging that they understand the concussion protocol.
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Food Allergies
We have a strong commitment to the health of our students and know that with good communication, we can assure the safety of our students. Occasionally, the school has students who have been identified with severe food or environmental allergies that can cause extreme health problems. While we can’t guarantee that these students will not be exposed to all allergens, there are many precautions and reasonable accommodations that the school does provide, In Lower School, if a child has a life-threatening allergy, we inform all families in the grade and ask that they do not include that ingredient in their child’s lunches. However, since we are a K-12 school, it is impossible to manage every food item on the entire campus. If your child is taking prescribed or over-the-counter allergy medication, please have her/him take it before coming to school. Our campus has a variety of plants and trees that can trigger allergy symptoms (i.e., sneezing; watery, red eyes; and stuffy nose). The student has less of a reaction if he/ she takes his/her antihistamine prior to arriving on campus. Any student requiring EpiPens, inhalers, or other medications is to store them in the Health Office unless a physician and parent/guardian authorize the student to carry them on his/her person. All faculty and staff are trained in CPR and first aid. Please remind your child that we must be sensitive to our students with these health-related issues. Your assistance in encouraging your child not to share food is important.
Health Forms and Annual Physical Exam
All new and existing students are required to have an annual physical examination by a licensed physician. The exam must be completed between April 1 and August 1 in order for the exam to be valid for the entire school year. Physicals completed prior to April 1 will not be accepted as meeting the requirement. Our Health office utilizes Magnus Health software for all our health forms. To access the forms, sign into MyBUCKLEY, find the Resource boards, then click on the Magnus button. There are forms that can be electronically signed and do not require a doctor signature, while others need to be downloaded, signed, and then re-uploaded. The physician health report (annual exam) needs to be downloaded and taken to the doctor at the time of the physical in addition to forms involving medications and specific plans (i.e. allergy or asthma plan). All forms and requirements must be completed and turned in by the deadline, prior to the start of the school year. Students who do not have the forms completed and on-file within Magnus may not be able to access their schedules or attend school until the forms are received.
Immunizations
The State of California passed a new immunization law effective January 2016 (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375: California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 8, Sections 6000-6075) requiring children to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools. Parents or guardians of students in any school will no longer be allowed to submit a personal beliefs or religious beliefs exemption to a currently required vaccine. If a child has a personal beliefs exemption filed with the school prior to January 1, 2016, it will be considered to be valid until the student transitions up to the next division (seventh grade). All new students, including kindergarten entrants, seventh grade entrants, and entrants from outside the United States, provide a written immunization record signed by their physician or the local health department. Page 62
In addition to this document, we require that the immunizations be updated and recorded on the annual Health Report when the student has their physical exam. Students requiring medical exemptions will be allowed as long as a parent or guardian submits a written statement from a licensed physician stating that the physical condition or medical circumstance are such that the required immunization is not indicated. The letter must identify which vaccines are being exempted and whether or not the exemption is permanent or temporary, and will need to be renewed with a note from a physician every school year. The letter needs to be written on the physician’s letterhead or prescription with the physician’s name. In the event there is an outbreak, an unimmunized student may be excluded from attending school. Vision screening is required by California Law 494521 upon first enrollment at a California school and at every third year thereafter until the child has completed eighth grade (kindergarten, second, fifth, and eighth grades). This report is included as an attachment to the Health Report required annually by the school. If the screening by the physician has questionable results, the child will be referred to an eye or vision practitioner for a more thorough examination. The top portion of the form must be completed by the physician and the bottom portion completed before returning it to the Health Office.
Medical Care
If your child is under the medical care of a physician (psychiatric or physical), the school needs to be notified. Returning to school: After an injury, hospitalization, or absence five consecutive days or longer, the student must submit a doctor’s note and check in with the Health Office prior to returning to the classroom setting. The note from the provider must indicate the diagnosis, prognosis, limitations (if any), estimated time of limitation, and any accommodations that may be necessary for his/her successful return to academic and/or physical education activities. An injury that requires a physical education or team sport excuse longer than two days must provide a note from a health care provider. A parent/ guardian may write an excuse with a maximum of two days requesting no physical education. •
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Using assistive ambulatory devices: If a student returns to school on crutches or with a walker, cane, cast, boot, or splint, he/she must have a release from a health care provider and have been taught ambulation through that provider’s office. Please do not purchase over- the-counter crutches and give them to your child without crutches training. The Health Office does not loan crutches, as this poses too much risk for student injury. Communicable diseases: Notify the Health Office immediately if your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease. Examples include: strep throat, influenza, lice, mononucleosis, molluscum contagiosum, staph infections, chickenpox, measles, pertussis, etc. The Los Angeles County Public Health Department requires reporting of certain conditions for the protection of your child and the protection of others. When a disease is reported, the families of the student’s grade will be notified by a letter from the Health Office. Your compliance is appreciated. Lice: We cannot allow a child with nits, or lice eggs, to attend school. When a child is identified, he/she will be sent home for treatment. Upon returning to school, he/she must return to the Health Office for an assessment prior to entering the classroom. Mononucleosis: A note from the health care provider is required upon returning to school indicating that the child has recovered and lists any specific limitations if there are any. Page 63
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Fever and vomiting: If a student has a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, and/ or other clinical symptoms, the parent/guardian/emergency contact will be notified to take the child home. The child cannot return to school the next day. A child must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
For other communicable diseases, please contact the Health Office directly at (818) 783-1610 x443 before returning to school.
Medication Administration at School
We realize that it is sometimes necessary to give a child medication during school hours. Our goal is to assist you in maintaining the health of your child in whatever way we can. The California Education Code permits the school nurse or other designated school personnel to administer medications with the written directions of a licensed physician and the written permission of the parent or legal guardian. Before we can administer any prescribed medication, we must have a Request for Medication form completed by the prescribing licensed physician and signed by the parent/guardian for each medication that is required for long term or as needed. If your child comes to school after being diagnosed with an illness that requires a short-term (less than 14 days) prescription, this needs to be written and signed by the licensed physician on a prescription pad along with the written request from the parent or guardian. Before over-the-counter medications can be administered, both the parent/guardian and the physician must approve. These approvals are noted on the parent/guardian and physician portion on the annual health forms. All medications must be stored in the Health Office. Children are not allowed to have medication in their possession at school, unless a licensed physician and the parent/guardian stipulate that the student’s well-being is in jeopardy without the medication (e.g., inhaler for asthma or Epi-Pen for severe allergies). All medications are to be sent to the Health Office by the parent/guardian in the original labeled container accompanied with the proper paperwork. Any time the prescription changes, a new Request for Medication form will need to accompany the medication. At the end of the school year, please make arrangements for an adult to pick up all medication stored in the Health Office. The Health Office is unable to store these medications over the summer. Unclaimed medications will be disposed of at the end of the second week of June. Please refer to the Health resource board on the school website for additional information and resources.
Lockers
Lockers are the school’s property on loan to students for their use during the academic year. Fourth and fifth grade students are assigned lockers that are located in the elementary hallway. Middle and Upper School students may only use lockers assigned to them and must provide and use their own combination locks. Students should keep lockers clean and free of food. Books and bags may not be left in the locker halls. Lockers must be emptied prior to winter and spring breaks for cleaning and at the end of the school year. Lockers are school property and may be searched by the school at any time.
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Lost and Found
The Lower School lost and found bin is adjacent to room 4, next to the picnic tables. Volunteers regularly clean out the bin and return lost items that are labeled to Lower School students. Unlabeled uniform clothing in good condition is given to the Parents’ Association, which cleans and resells it to families at Nearly New Uniform sales throughout the year. Please label all personal property, including clothing and other items brought to campus, with the student’s name. The Middle/Upper School lost and found is located by the vending machines, next to room H106. If a student loses books, clothing, or other personal belongings, he or she should see one of the deans of students after checking the lost and found area.
Off-Campus Privileges
Depending on the decision of the Upper School principals, students who have attained senior status, and with their parents’/guardians’ written permission, may leave campus during lunch on designated days. Juniors and seniors, with parental permission, may leave school after they have finished all scheduled classes and advisory for any day after 12:45 p.m., but not at any other time. In order to reduce traffic in the neighborhood and on campus, students who leave campus after their last class may not return to campus between 1:50 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. No other student may leave the school campus at any time during the day (8:15 a.m.–3:05 p.m.) without written permission from the deans of student life or the division administrators. Permission to leave campus will be granted only at the written request of a parent or guardian by 10:00 a.m. on that day. ALL students (grades 6-12) must sign out in the office if leaving the campus before the end of the school day. The head of school, the division heads, or the dean of student life may revoke off-campus privileges at any time.
Private Tutors and Access to Campus
Buckley provides several resources on campus for students who would like additional help in their classes. In cases where private tutoring is used, the division head, educational support specialist, or academic deans can counsel families in selecting reliable professionals. Please keep the following guidelines in mind regarding private tutoring on campus:
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Private tutoring is not allowed on campus during the school day from 8:15 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Private tutors (Middle and Upper School only) are allowed on Buckley’s campus during the regular school year (August–June) from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. once they have been cleared through the business office and the division head (see procedures below). Buckley teachers are not allowed to tutor any student in one of the courses they teach in a given school year. Under no circumstances may a Buckley faculty member tutor a student during regular school hours for pay. Teachers must be available to attend office hours and help their own students as needed throughout the school day. Any person who is tutoring Buckley students on campus must undergo a background check via live scan fingerprinting and, within 60 days prior to his/her first day of tutoring, complete a tuberculosis assessment like all Buckley faculty, staff, volunteers, and substitutes. The tutor Page 65
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must also supply a proof of liability insurance with The Buckley School named as additional insured. The steps below must be completed before any tutor will be allowed on campus to work with any Buckley student. If a tutor has already undergone these checks through a tutoring firm, Buckley will accept the firm’s documentation in lieu of its own paperwork as well as the firm’s insurance coverage. No private tutors are allowed on the Lower School campus, or anywhere on The Buckley School campus to tutor Lower School students. The steps for private tutor approval:
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The tutor should send the appropriate division head an email introducing himself/herself, a résumé with contact information, the name of the student being tutored, and the days/times the tutor will be on campus working with the student if the tutoring will take place at Buckley. The division head will forward the résumé to the payroll and benefits coordinator and reply to the tutor directing him/her to contact the payroll and benefits coordinator to make an appointment to get the fingerprinting/background check/TB assessment completed and to provide proof of insurance. Or, if he/she has already undergone this type of fingerprinting/ background check/testing, the tutor may forward copies of this paperwork to the division head along with the proof of insurance. The division head will forward the documentation to the payroll and benefits coordinator. After the fingerprinting/background check/testing and insurance paperwork has been received by the payroll and benefits coordinator, he/she will inform the division head that the tutor may come to campus to tutor the student.
Next, the division head will inform the tutor that he/she is ready to begin tutoring on the agreed upon days and times. The division head will also inform the tutor that he/she will need to check in with the guards at the guard booth to secure a parking space. He/she should then check in at the Middle/Upper School office area to secure a visitor badge that must be worn at all times.
TRANSPORTATION, PARKING, and RESPECT for NEIGHBORS
All families are required to participate in our bus program or travel to and from school in carpools during regular arrival and dismissal times:
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
7:30-7:55 a.m.; 2:30-2:55 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 1:30-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday 7:20-7:40 a.m.; 3:20-3:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 2:20-2:45 p.m. on Wednesday 7:40-8:00 a.m.; 3:20-3:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 2:20-2:45 p.m. on Wednesday
Bus enrollment forms, carpool registration forms, and a carpool search map organized by area are available on the MyBUCKLEY Transportation resource boards. Page 66
Bus Transportation
The Tumbleweed Transportation Company provides point-to-point bus transportation. Annual bus enrollment forms for daily ridership and occasional tickets must be completed on our website prior to your child riding the bus and is dependent on seating availability. •
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Prior to the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians are notified by Tumbleweed of their child’s route number, bus driver’s name, and the approximate pick-up and drop-off schedules. Traffic conditions, tight scheduling, and the desire to minimize time spent riding on the bus require that all students be at their pick-up location at their scheduled time. Please plan to arrive at your bus stop at least five minutes prior to the scheduled stop time. Drivers will pull from each stop and will leave school in the afternoons at the scheduled time; they will not wait or turn back. If you miss the bus, please drive to another stop along the same route, or bring your child to school and inform the Transportation and Compliance manager that you missed the bus. Lower School students will be returned to school if a parent, guardian, or designated adult is not at the afternoon drop-off point. Please make sure your son or daughter becomes familiar with the bus rules to ensure all children have a safe and pleasant ride. The rules for the bus are posted in each bus and are available on The Buckley School website (go to buckley.org, Parents, Transportation, Bus Enrollment Form). In the event of a student’s continued misconduct, Tumbleweed will inform the school so that the appropriate actions, which may include suspending or revoking bus privileges, may be implemented. The goal is to provide your child with safe, reliable, and convenient transportation throughout the school year. For assistance in acquiring bus tickets, please email transportation@buckley.org prior to noon if you want your child to ride the bus the same afternoon. For safety purposes, we must have a completed electronic bus ticket form on file before we can provide your child with bus tickets. Bus ticket ridership is subject to seat availability on the bus.
Cars
Because Buckley is located in a residential neighborhood, the school adheres to rules that ensure a respectful and safe driving environment. Additionally, the number and frequency of vehicles that travel to and from campus is restricted by the Conditional Use Permit under which Buckley operates.
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All families that drive to campus are required to form carpools during regular arrival and dismissal times. Two or more Buckley students comprise a Lower School carpool; three or more students comprise a Middle/Upper School carpool. Parents/guardians are required to submit an online carpool registration form before the start of the school year and whenever a carpool is formed or changed. Carpool registration forms are available on the school’s website on the Resources tab. The site also includes a carpool map of other Buckley families, with color-coordinated markers indicating if the students are in Lower, Middle, or Upper school. Families are responsible to contact other families with whom to form a carpool. If you have further questions about forming carpools, you may Page 67
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contact the Transportation and Compliance manager via email at transportation@buckley.org or call (818) 461-6753. If on rare occasion, a student needs to be dropped off or picked up alone during regular carpool times, please notify the Transportation and Compliance manager at transportation@ buckley.org at least 24 hours prior. The student’s name will be placed on the guards’ carpool exception list. All drivers are required to display the appropriate carpool placards on their dashboard. If additional placards are required, please contact the Transportation and Compliance manager at transporation@buckley.org or at (818) 461-6753.
See map on page 70 for details.
Car Services
The Buckley School understands that parents have many options for how to transport students to and from school each day. The Buckley School is not responsible for any decisions parents make regarding the transportation of Students to and from school, including the use of professional car services or ride sharing companies. However, The Buckley School does not allow Uber or Lyft on campus for drop-off and pick-ups and The Buckley School will not knowingly release students from school to Uber or Lyft. The policies for both Uber and Lyft specifically state that users must be at least 18 years of age, unless accompanied by an adult, and The Buckley School will abide by these policies. Car services that do permit riders under the age of 18 to ride without adults (e.g., Hop Skip Drive, Zum) will be permitted on campus for drop-off and pick-up. The Buckley School neither endorses nor prohibits the use of Car Services that do permit riders under the age of 18 to ride without adults. The Buckley School does not have any affiliation with these ride sharing services and is only providing this information as a courtesy, not as an endorsement of any particular ride sharing service. The Buckley School does not and will not screen, monitor, or otherwise review or assess the safety of these ride sharing or any ride sharing driver or vehicle. If parents allow their child to be dropped off and/or picked up at school by a ride sharing service, then parents expressly acknowledge that The Buckley School and its employees have no responsibility for that decision. Parents of students who would like their child to be picked up by a ridesharing service, such as HopSkipDrive or Zum must complete a separate permission form. Parents must inform the divisional principal and the Transportation and Compliance Manager on the day the service will be used.
Neighbor Relations
The Buckley School is located in a residential neighborhood. It is important that all members of the Buckley community — parents/guardians, students, teachers, staff members — are good neighbors. Driving in the neighborhoods surrounding the school, Buckley community members need to drive safely and carefully. Distractions such as loud music and cell phone use must be avoided. Parking in the neighboring streets and walking onto campus is always prohibited. Students are never allowed to walk off campus and be picked up at an off-campus location.
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Parking
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Do not park in spaces reserved for faculty or students. The school has designated spaces for visitors. If visitor spaces are full, members of the security staff will guide drivers to an appropriate parking space. Cars are not to be left at any time, unattended, and locked on the Lower School carpool ramp or in front of the Upper School Administration Building. Do not park on Stansbury, Valley Vista between Woodman and Beverly Glen, Roblar, Greenleaf, Hollyline, or any of the neighboring streets. Detention, revocation of driving privileges, Day of Separation, fines, and/or suspension may be the penalties for nonobservance. Do not park in faculty parking spaces unless directed to do so.
Safe Driving
Parents, guardians, caregivers, or other designated drivers should carefully observe the driving rules of the campus, including:
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Do not use cell phones while driving or walking through the school parking lot. Parents/guardians/any individuals who drive children to and from school as part of a carpool are required to provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license to the Transportation and Compliance manager.
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Do not honk car horns at the front or back gate or otherwise attempt to get the attention of campus staff when the gates are closed. Students should plan ahead so that necessary materials are not left on campus.
All drivers need to observe the following guidelines when driving to or from campus:
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Observe the posted speed limits at all times, and if traffic is backed up on Stansbury or Valley Vista, do not overtake in the oncoming lane. Adhere to arrival and dismissal times specific to division.
Student Drivers
Student drivers are permitted to drive to Fashion Square, and senior carpools with four students per carpool are permitted to park on campus, after obtaining permission from the Upper School dean. Student driver forms will be available online prior to the commencement of the school year.
Walking to School
Students and adults must use designated sidewalks and pathways when walking through the parking lot and around campus. In order to walk on or off campus, Middle and Upper School students must have a walking pass. We do not recommend Lower School students walk to school without a parent or guardian. Please submit a signed walk-on/walk—off form to the Middle or Upper School dean for approval. Please be aware that you must be a local resident to qualify for an annual walking pass.
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THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL QUEUING AND PARKING PROCEDURES 2018 - 2019 MORNING DROP - OFF Pavilion
M/U School Lower School
LS Ramp Drop Off/Pick Up
LS Passing Lanes
MS & US Drop Off/Pick Up (Note: During afternoon pick up, traffic will be directed to the turning circle by the pavilion and then back down to the loading area in front of the MUS Administration Building. Students will only be permitted to enter cars at the loading area.)
Visitor Parking (Limited)
Visitor Parking Between 9:00 -2:00 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri & 9:00 -1:00 Wed
AFTERNOON PICK - UP Pavilion
M/U School Lower School
LS Ramp Drop Off/Pick Up
LS Passing Lanes
MS & US Drop Off/Pick Up (Note: During afternoon pick up, traffic will be directed to the turning circle by the pavilion and then back down to the loading area in front of the MUS Administration Building. Students will only be permitted to enter cars at the loading area.)
Visitor Parking (Limited)
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Visitor Parking Between 9:00 -2:00 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri & 9:00 -1:00 Wed
Updated 7/2018