Cardigan Mountain School
Contents SECTION
PAGE
The Cardigan Way Communications Guide
Calendar and Events
Visitor’s Guide
Student Travel Information
Packing Guide
Adjusting to School Life
1 Telephone and Email Contacts
3
Cardigan Resources for Families
4
You’ve Got Questions?—We’ve Got Answers!
5
Cardigan Website and Mobile App
6
Social Media and Permission to Publish
7
Keeping Up with Daily Events; Calendar Magnet
9
Academic Year Calendar
10
Special Weekends and School Events
11
Parent Planning Guide
12
Vacations and Long Weekend Breaks
13
Visiting Policies
15
Area Accommodations and Restaurants
16
Campus Guide
18
Student Travel Coordinator; Travel Forms
19
Getting to and from the Cardigan Campus
20
Bus Schedule
22
Open and Closed Weekends
23
Leaving Campus (Absence Policy); Secondary School Visits
24
Long Weekends, Vacations, and Homestays
25
About Clothing
26
What to Bring: Required Clothing
27
What to Bring: Suggested Clothing
28
Purchasing Clothing
29
What to Bring: Required Personal Items
30
What NOT to Bring
31
Challenges and Opportunities; Haircut Guidelines
32
The “Settling In” Process
33
Roommate Assignments: How and Why?
34
Day Student Life
35
SECTION Academics and Placement
Arts and Activities
Athletics
Conduct Expectations Health and Wellness
PAGE Academic Program Objectives; Small Classes; Achievement Grouping; Course Scheduling
36
Extra Help; Grading and Honor Roll
37
Testing; The Secondary School Placement Process
38
Academic Warning/Probation; Failure in an Academic Course
39
Academic Facilities
40
Cardigan Course of Study (Departments and Course Descriptions)
42
Summer Reading
55
End-of-Year Awards and Commencement Prizes
56
Extracurriculars; Service Opportunities
57
Sports; School Traditions; Student Jobs
58
Big Brother Program; Leadership
59
Weekend Activities
60
Athletic Mission Statement; Philosophy and Motto; Purpose and Goals
61
Positive Coaching Alliance and NEPSAC Code of Ethics and Conduct
62
About the Athletic Program
65
Policies and Procedures
66
Goal Setting and Special Programs
68
Health and Safety
70
Training Rules
72
Athletic Offerings
73
Athletic Facilities
74
Athletic Commitment Exemption (ACE)
75
Understanding Actions and Consequences; Honor Code; Major School Rules
76
The Hamilton Family Foundation Student Health Center
81
Counseling Services
82
General Health Care Policies; Full Disclosure Policy
83
General Medication Policy
84
Medication Management
85
Mail and Shipping
86
Parent Involvement
87
Student Expenses Technology Policies
Student Debit Card; Spending Money; Tuition; and Miscellaneous Fees/Costs
88
About Technology at Cardigan
91
Acceptable Uses of Technology
92
Unacceptable Uses of Technology; Response Section
93
School Liability; Telephones
94
The Cardigan Mountain School Mission and Core Values Cardigan Mountain School offers a close-knit community that prepares middle school boys—in mind, body, and spirit—for responsible and meaningful lives in a global society. To achieve our mission, we reward effort and accomplishment, helping each boy realize his academic, physical, and personal potential through the integration of the following core values in all aspects of daily life: • Compassion—We cherish the quality of kindness, asking each member of our community to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” and we embrace the importance of service for the greater good. • Honesty—We expect rigorous honesty in all dealings. • Respect—We teach respect for all individuals, embracing an appreciation for diverse perspectives. • Integrity—We cultivate personal integrity, underscoring our commitment to “doing the right thing,” through community discussion, public example, and role modeling. • Scholarship—We instill a love of learning and promote intellectual curiosity and growth, recognizing that each person learns differently. • Fairness—We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to grow and develop, succeed and fail, in a safe environment that values intent, effort, and accomplishment, free from bias and prejudice.
The Cardigan Seal and Motto The Cardigan seal was designed as part of the School’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1995. The shield’s shape pays tribute to the style of Ivy League shields. The chevron represents the mountain, a symbol of enduring strength and noble pursuit. The cougar is Cardigan’s mascot, a wild cat of keen instinct representing our courage to defend our territory with pride. The green conifer in the upper left quadrant stands for our close connection with Dartmouth College; it is also Cardigan’s color. The open book to the east is a classic symbol of academia, and the Latin text se in viam dare means “to start on one’s way.” The motto text on the banner, Augere Virtutem—Dirigere Mentem, is a Latin translation of two key phrases from a speech made by former Dartmouth president and Cardigan founder E. M. Hopkins at the School’s dedication, when he described Cardigan as a place to “build character and mold minds.” Last, the small Roman numerals at the base of the shield mark the date of our founding (1945).
1
The Cardigan Way
The Cardigan Way
A full faculty/staff directory is available online at www.cardigan.org/contact
Telephone and Email Contacts The School’s receptionist takes calls at 603.523.4321 on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you need to contact the School outside those hours, as in case of an emergency, the AOD (Administrator On Duty) can be reached via mobile at 603.443.6252. The email address format for faculty and staff is [firstinitial][lastname]@cardigan.org (ex: asmith@cardigan.org) For students, the format is usuallly [Firstname][.][Lastname]@cardigan.org (ex: Allan.Smith@cardigan.org) MAIN OFFICE/TRAVEL COORDINATOR Telephone: 603.523.4321 Email: mknapp@cardigan.org ACADEMICS & STUDENT LIFE Matthew Rinkin Asst. Head of School and Dean of Faculty mrinkin@cardigan.org 603.523.3556 Timothy Newbold Director of Studies tnewbold@cardigan.org 603.523.3527 Jarrod Caprow Assistant Director of Studies jcaprow@cardigan.org 603.523.3543 David Irwin Director of Student Life dirwin@cardigan.org 603.523.3509 Ethan Harris Director of Residential Life and Student Activities eharris@cardigan.org 603.523.3591 ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT Department Telephone: 603.523.3524/Sports Line: 603.523.3625 Email: athletics@cardigan.org Ryan Frost Director of Athletics rfrost@cardigan.org 603.523.3533 Kristen Tobin Gordon Assistant Director of Athletics ktobin@cardigan.org 603.523.3863 ADMISSIONS OFFICE Department Telephone: 603.523.3548 Email: Admissions@cardigan.org ALUMNI PROGRAMS Department Telephone: 603.523.3601 Email: CMS-Alumni@cardigan.org
FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Department Telephone: 603.523.3566 Email: facilities@cardigan.org
BUSINESS OFFICE Department Telephone: 603.523.3549 Email: skinne@cardigan.org
HEAD OF SCHOOL Telephone: 603.523.3513 Email: llenihan@cardigan.org
COMMUNICATIONS Department Telephone: 603.523.3559 Email: communications@cardigan.org
HEALTH SERVICES Department Telephone: 603.523.3520 Email: HealthCenter@cardigan.org
DEVELOPMENT Department Telephone: 603.523.3519 Email: development@cardigan.org
TECHNOLOGY OFFICE Department Telephone: 603.523.3541 Email: support@cardigan.org 3
Communications Guide
Communications Guide
Communications Guide Cardigan Resources for Families • APRIL/MAY • Print Resources The Parent Handbook contains calendars and special event guides, lists and resources to help with packing for school, essential travel information, a guide to helping new students (and parents!) adjust to boarding school life, and lots of great information about the Cardigan program.
Electronic Resources Registration and Travel Forms: All the required annual forms for both newly enrolled and returning Cardigan students are available as electronic forms online at www.cardigan.org/forms, and downloadable PDF versions are also available there for your reference (or for hard copy submission). Please check the deadlines for the return of these forms, to be sure that your son will have everything he needs for a quick and easy Registration Day in September.
• AUGUST • Electronic/Print Resources The Student Handbook: Distributed first electronically (an email link sent to all students and parents) and then in print form at Registration, this is the student’s essential guide to the calendar and daily schedule, academic expectations, the School’s Honor Code, Core Values, and rules for conduct. The Student Handbook will also include a comprehensive “Athletics” section, where students can learn the mission and philosophy of our Athletics Department and what to expect (and will be expected of them) as participants in our athletic program.
• OCTOBER • The Community Directory: Made available in print form at the Fall Parents’ Weekend, this is a directory of, and for, Cardigan students, families, faculty, and staff members. Anyone may opt out of having his/her contact information included in this directory by completing the appropriate form during the registration process. **Please note: Parent and student contact information authorized for the printed Community Directory will be password-protected on the Cardigan Mountain School website for your privacy.
www.cardigan.org/forms www.cardigan.org/contact www.cardigan.org/handbooks 4
We’ve Got Answers! The Communications Office
Welcome to the Cardigan Family We’re here to help you and your family stay connected and well informed about all the inspiring and important things happening here on The Point—as well as within the greater Cardigan Mountain School community. The Communications Office team uses a number of “tools” to get the word out, so that each member of the Cardigan family can keep in touch with us in the way that’s most familiar and convenient. On the following pages, we’ll provide an overview of Cardigan Mountain School communications—and the ways in which you can choose to engage in our vibrant program from wherever you are in the world!
communications@cardigan.org
Visit us in the main floor corner of Hopkins and Bronfman Halls, or give us a call at 603.523.3559
We’ll keep you connected! To the Point Weekday E-Newsletter This fun and informative e-newsletter is distributed three times each week while school is in session. Every issue contains stories about what’s happening here on campus and includes links to photo galleries, videos, and important resources like the “Plan of the Week.” All parents and students are automatically subscribed to To the Point, and if other family members or friends wish to be added, please have them complete the form at www.cardigan.org/mailinglist.
The Cardigan Chronicle Magazine Published twice each year for spring/summer and fall/winter editions, this is the School’s signature print publication (now also available online at www.cardigan.org/chronicle) that provides feature articles and alumni class notes, updates on program and campus projects, photographs from events that happen throughout the year, our Annual Report of Gifts (now also available online)—plus much more.
5
Communications Guide
You’ve Got Questions?
The Cardigan Website
Find what you need using the SEARCH feature When in doubt about where to go for online information, we encourage you to use the handy search bar in the upper right of the Cardigan homepage.
Accessing Grade Reports Online Via After each midterm and after each term ends, we’ll update progress or grade reports online, which can be accessed (after log-in) from the My Cardigan website portal at www.cardigan.org/mycardigan. We’ll email our new families early in the fall with log-in credentials (username/password), and existing users can get a reminder by email. For answers to other website questions, please email us at:
webmaster@cardigan.org.
Cardigan’s Mobile App Cardigan Mountain School
Convenient Mobile Format for Cardigan Information and Social Media Available as a mobile app from the Google Play and Apple app stores, you can also access this convenient mobile format via your device’s browser by simply going to cardigancougars.mobapp.at and selecting “Add to Home Screen” when prompted. We think you’ll like the simple displays of key information that are available here, particularly for keeping up with Cougar Athletics.
6
Communications Guide
Social Media and “Permission to Publish”
Student Images in Cardigan’s Media Cardigan Mountain School frequently uses photographs and videos of students in its various publications, including our To the Point e-newsletter, the twice-annual Cardigan Chronicle magazine, the School’s website and social media pages, and other school publications such as the Community Directory, athletic programs, drama production programs, and so on. Parent permission for Cardigan to share these photographs and videos with our community is solicited and given via our online Registration Forms at www.cardigan.org/forms.
Our Commitment to Privacy and Safety Understanding that parents of boarding school students want and need to see what’s happening in their children’s lives while they’re away, and also acknowledging the need to implement practices that respect individual and family privacy, it is our practice to not use a student’s name in any social media posts, nor to caption or label any online photographs with a student’s name, without first gaining the specific consent of a student’s parent. We’ll reach out and ask you if it’s okay to identify your son in a photo or a social media post. Our “Permission to Publish” consent form allows you to customize your approach to protecting family and student privacy while your son is with us, while maintaining a “window” into your son’s Cardigan “world.” If you have any specific questions or concerns about privacy, please don’t hesitate to contact our director of communications, Joy Michelson, at jmichelson@cardigan.org or 603.523.3559.
Find us, bookmark us, follow us . . . cardigan.smugmug.com facebook.com/cardiganfriends youtube.com/Cardigan2ThePoint twitter.com/@cmssports twitter.com/@cmscougars
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Keeping Up with Daily Events This Parent Handbook contains helpful calendars and planning guides, and you can also find detailed calendars and schedules on the CMS mobile app and the Cardigan website:
Plan of the Week (Detailed daily schedule, updated twice each week): www.cardigan.org/plan Athletics (Main calendar, see Team Pages for each sport/level): www.cardigan.org/athletics/calendar
Events and RSVP
(For events on and off campus):
www.cardigan.org/rsvp
9
Calendars and Events
Calendars and Events
Academic Year 2015-2016 CALENDAR 2015 September 11 Friday 12 Saturday October
Registration for all new students. Registration for all returning students.
23 Friday 24 Saturday
Parents’ Weekend begins at 7:45 a.m. (Visit classes; parent conferences.) Parents’ Weekend ends and Fall Term Long Weekend begins. (Students may depart for Fall Term Long Weekend after their last commitment.) (No buses are provided for departure.) 28 Wednesday Underclassmen due back on campus by 9:00 p.m. 29 Thursday Seniors due back on campus by 9:00 p.m.
November 22 Sunday 30 Monday December 18 Friday
Thanksgiving Recess begins at 6:00 a.m. (Students leaving by car may depart after their last commitment on Saturday, November 21.) Thanksgiving Recess ends. *Winter Vacation begins at 6:00 a.m. (Students leaving by car may depart for Winter Vacation after classes on Thursday, December 17.) (Boston and New York buses available.)
2016 January
3
Sunday
February
5 6
Friday Saturday
March
6
Sunday
*Winter Vacation ends at 9:00 p.m. (Boston and New York buses available.)
Parents’ Weekend begins at 7:45 a.m. (Visit classes; parent conferences.) Parents’ Weekend ends and Winter Term Long Weekend begins. (Students may depart for Winter Term Long Weekend after their last commitment.) (No buses are provided for departure.) 10 Wednesday *Winter Term Long Weekend ends at 9:00 p.m. (Boston bus only.)
28 Monday
*Spring Vacation begins at 6:00 a.m. (Students leaving by car may depart after their last commitment on Saturday, March 5.) (Boston and New York buses available.) *Spring Vacation ends at 9:00 p.m. (Boston and New York buses available.)
May
6 7
Friday Saturday
Family Weekend begins. Family Weekend ends.
June
2 4
Thursday Saturday
Underclassmen may leave after Recognition Assembly. Commencement
* Transportation Available 10
Fall Parents’ Weekend The Fall Parents’ Weekend is a special time for visiting with sons, attending classes and athletic contests, socializing with other parents, and getting an initial sense of student progress. Parents have a chance to have conferences with all of their son’s teachers as well as his advisor. After a boy’s last Saturday athletic commitment, he may take an extended weekend off campus with his parents. Homestays may be arranged for international students. This is typically a time during which ninth-grade students visit secondary schools.
Calendar and Events
Special Weekends and School Events
National Junior Honor Society Induction Each year the Cardigan Mountain School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, inducts members of the eighth and ninth grades. This happens on the Thursday before Winter Parents’ Weekend.
Winter Parents’ Weekend During the Winter Parents’ Weekend, parents have the opportunity to have conferences with their son’s teachers as well as his advisor. There are a number of special events this weekend, including the Cardigan Auction and many home athletic contests. After a boy’s last Saturday athletic commitment, he may take an extended weekend off campus with his parents. Homestays may be arranged for international students.
Cardigan Auction The Cardigan Auction is sponsored and staffed by the Development Office and takes place during our Winter Parents’ Weekend. This annual themed event typically hosts more than 400 guests for a fun and lively evening in support of The Annual Fund for Cardigan. Recent years have featured a cowboythemed “Cardigan Corral,” a festive “Mardi Gras” setting, and a colorful “Beach Party.” If you are interested in volunteering or have questions specific to this event, please contact the Kathryn Holland in the Development Office at 603.523.3519.
Family Weekend Every year on the first weekend in May, parents and extended family (such as grandparents) are invited to visit Cardigan and attend events on campus. The Charles C. Gates Invention & Innovation Competition takes place, home athletic contests are held, and receptions bring extended family, parents, and the school community together.
Commencement Each year on the last Saturday in May or first Saturday in June, ninth-grade graduation celebration events are held on campus. The graduation ceremony is the last of many special events (referred to as “Commencement Exercises”) held for the senior class during the preceding weeks. Baccalaureate is held in the chapel on the Thursday of the last week of classes. The year-end Recognition Assembly for the entire school community is held on the Thursday just prior to Commencement. Underclassmen are dismissed following this assembly, although selected eighth graders are asked to assist with Commencement activities and are dismissed with the ninth graders on Saturday. On the Friday before Commencement, families and special guests of seniors are invited to attend the Alumni Association Welcome Banquet (evening meal).
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Parent Planning Guide • Academic Year 2015–2016
Arrival & Registration September
9
Wednesday
11
Friday
12
Saturday
Senior Leaders Only: Arrival and check-in (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. in the Main Office) Orientation activities to follow. New Students: Registration (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), followed by orientation. *Early Arriving Returning Students (from distant points): -CMS bus leaves Logan Airport in Boston at 6:00 p.m. -New York bus leaves JFK Airport at 5:00 p.m. Returning Students: Registration (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Special Event Weekends 2015-2016 October 23 Friday
February
May
Fall Parents’ Weekend Begins: 7:45 a.m. (visit classes, parent conferences) Fall Parents’ Weekend Ends: (Fall Term Long Weekend begins; students may depart after their last commitment.) National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
24
Saturday
4
Thursday
5
Friday
6
Saturday
6
Friday
Winter Parents’ Weekend Begins: (visit classes, parent conferences, Auction in the evening) Winter Parents’ Weekend Ends: (Winter Term Long Weekend begins; students may depart after their last commitment.) Family Weekend Begins
7
Saturday
Family Weekend Ends
Charles C. Gates Invention & Innovation Competition
Recognition Ceremonies June
2
Thursday
Recognition Awards Assembly: 1:30 p.m.
4
Saturday
Commencement: 11:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. Alumni Tie Ceremony) (Newly elected leaders are encouraged to stay through Commencement)
End-of-Year Departure June
2
Thursday
Underclassmen May leave after Recognition Assembly.
3
Friday
4
Saturday
Bus Transportation Early morning buses to Boston and New York are available for underclassmen. Graduates depart with their families following Commencement events. 12
FALL TERM LONG WEEKEND 2015 (4–5 days) October 24 Saturday
28 Wednesday 29 Thursday
Fall Term Long Weekend: Students leaving by car may depart after their last athletic commitment. (No buses are provided for departure.) *Underclassmen Due Back on Campus: 9:00 p.m. (Boston bus only.) Seniors Due Back on Campus: 9:00 p.m.
THANKSGIVING RECESS 2015 (9 days) November 22 Sunday
30 Monday 3
Thursday
*Thanksgiving Recess Begins: Students leaving by car may depart after their last athletic commitment on Saturday, November 21. (Boston bus only.) *Thanksgiving Recess Ends: 9:00 p.m. (Boston bus only.) Seniors Due Back on Campus (extended Thanksgiving Recess intended to facilitate secondary school visits only): 9:00 p.m.
WINTER VACATION 2015-2016 (16 days) December 18 Friday
January
3
Sunday
*Winter Vacation Begins: 6:00 a.m. (Students leaving by car may depart for Winter Vacation after their last commitment on Thursday, December 17.) (Boston and New York buses available.) *Winter Vacation Ends: 9:00 p.m. (Boston and New York buses available.)
WINTER TERM LONG WEEKEND 2016 (4 days) February
6
Saturday
10 Wednesday
Winter Term Long Weekend Begins: Students may depart after their last athletic commitment. (No buses are provided for departure.) Winter Term Long Weekend Ends: 9:00 p.m. (Boston bus only.)
SPRING VACATION 2016 (22 days) March
6
Sunday
28 Monday
*Spring Vacation Begins: Students leaving by car may depart after their last athletic commitment on Saturday, March 5. (Boston and New York buses available.) *Spring Vacation Ends: 9:00 p.m. (Boston and New York buses available.) *Transportation Available
13
Calendar and Events
Vacations and Long Weekend Breaks
14
Visiting Policies Visiting Campus Parents are welcome to visit campus at any time as long as their visit does not interfere with a student’s daily commitments. Parents often visit campus to watch athletic games, attend drama performances, share a meal, or join us for Chapel. If a parent wishes to meet with a specific teacher, coach, or administrator, we ask that appointments be made in advance. Each year, parents visit classes and have individual conferences with teachers during the Fall and Winter Parents’ Weekends. If unavoidable scheduling conflicts mandate coming for conferences at some time other than during these special weekends, the visit should be coordinated in advance with the director of studies and the student’s advisor.
Attending Sporting Events Hosted by Other Schools You may wish to follow your student’s athletic progress by attending away games. Directions to the schools that Cardigan competes against are provided on the Cardigan website and mobile app. Please make prior arrangements with the coach if you are transporting your son back to school after the game. Please do not drive other boys without their parents’/guardians’ permission. If you plan to take your son home for a weekend following an away game, it is his responsibility to submit a Weekend Away form in advance with the director of student life for permission. It is always a good idea to confirm the time and place of an athletic contest, and to find out if inclement weather may cause a game to be delayed or postponed, by checking the team web page or the mobile app game schedule. You can also call the Sports Hotline at 603.523.3625 for notice of any changes. For game scores and updates, please follow us on Twitter @CMSsports.
Taking Students Off Campus Departing/Arriving: If traveling by car or taxi, call the AOD (administrator-on-duty) phone at 603.443.6252 when leaving,
and check in with the dorm parent upon return. Those traveling by school transportation will be automatically checked out. Open/Closed Weekends: Parents should be aware that certain weekends are considered “closed,” and students are not
allowed to leave campus for an overnight during those designated weekends. The closed weekends include the first few and last few weekends of the school year. See page 23 for more information.
Travel Arrangements: Any arrangements for taxis or limousines to and from school should be made through the student
travel coordinator. It is essential that you submit the online Travel Forms in a timely fashion. Cardigan provides chaperoned transportation to and from Logan Airport in Boston and to and from New York City at the beginning and end of most vacation periods. Please make every effort to schedule your student’s flight departures and arrivals within the requested time period in order to accommodate the Cardigan transportation schedule (see pages 20–22). Long Weekends: Most students will either go home or off campus with relatives during the Fall Term Long Weekend and the
Winter Term Long Weekend. We will make every effort to arrange homestays for international students who are unable to return home or stay with relatives/friends during these two breaks. The campus and all dormitories are closed during Thanksgiving Recess, Winter Vacation, and Spring Vacation. International students may choose to participate (for a fee) in a CMS-sponsored trip during the Thanksgiving Recess and February’s Winter Term Long Weekend. See page 25 for more information. Special Permission for a Planned School Absence: It may be necessary for families to take students out of school for
religious holidays, weddings, or other special events. The School understands this but asks that, when possible, the director of student life be given two weeks’ notice prior to any such event. See page 24 for additional information.
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Visitor's Guide
Visitor’s Guide
Area Accommodations & Restaurants Location
Name
Telephone
Enfield, NH (5 miles)
Enfield Shaker Museum (447 NH Route 4A)
603.632.4346
Enfield, NH (5 miles)
Stanford Bed & Breakfast (241 Crystal Lake Road)
603.632.9949
Enfield, NH (5 miles)
Shaker Farm Bed & Breakfast (597 NH Route 4A)
603.632.7664
Enfield, NH (5 miles)
Shaker Hill Bed & Breakfast (259 Shaker Hill Road)
603.632.4519
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Hanover Inn (2 South Main Street)
603.643.4300
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Trumbull House Bed & Breakfast (40 Etna Road)
800.651.5141
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Six South Street Hotel (6 South Street)
603.643.0600
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Courtyard by Marriott (10 Morgan Drive)
603.643.5600
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Element Hanover–Lebanon (25 Foothill Street)
603.448.5000
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Days Inn (135 Route 120)
603.448.5070
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Residence Inn by Marriott (32 Centerra Parkway)
603.643.4511
Lyme, NH (25 miles)
Dowd’s Country Inn (On the Common)
603.795.4712
Lyme, NH (25 miles)
Lyme Inn (1 Market Street)
603.795.4824
North Sutton, NH (30 miles)
The Follansbee Inn (2 Keyser Street)
603.927.4221
Norwich, VT (25 miles)
Norwich Inn (325 Main Street)
802.649.1143
Quechee, VT (30 miles)
Parker House Inn (1792 Main Street)
802.295.6077
Quechee, VT (30 miles)
Quality Inn at Quechee Gorge (5817 Woodstock Road)
802.295.7600
Quechee, VT (30 miles)
Quechee Associates (private homes/condominiums for rent)
802.295.1999
Quechee, VT (30 miles)
The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm (Main Street)
802.295.3133
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Baymont Inn (45 Airport Road)
603.298.8888
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Fireside Inn (25 Airport Road)
603.298.5900
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Sunset Motor Inn (Hanover Road)
603.298.8721
White River Junction, VT (25 miles)
White River Inn (91 Ballardvale Drive)
802.295.3015
White River Junction, VT (25 miles)
Comfort Inn (56 Ralph Lehman Drive)
802.295.3051
White River Junction, VT (25 miles)
Hampton Inn (104 Ballardville Drive)
802.296.2800
White River Junction, VT (25 miles)
Holiday Inn Express (121 Ballardville Drive)
802.299.2700
White River Junction, VT (25 miles)
Hotel Coolidge (17 South Main Street)
802.295.3118
White River Junction, VT (25 miles)
Regency Inn & Suites (259 Holiday Drive)
802.295.3000
Woodstock, VT (35 miles)
Woodstock Inn & Resort (14 The Green)
802.457.1100
Canaan, NH (3 Miles)
Canaan Village Pizza (Route 4)
603.523.4314
Canaan, NH (3 Miles)
Golden Ming (Route 4)
603.523.7979
Enfield, NH (5 Miles)
Enfield House of Pizza (Route 4)
603.632.5800
Enfield, NH (5 miles)
Mickey’s Roadside Cafe (Route 4)
603.632.9400
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Canoe Club (27 South Main Street)
603.643.9660
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano (3 Lebanon Street)
603.643.8600
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Location
Name
Telephone
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Pine at the Hanover Inn (2 South Main St.)
603.643.4300
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
EBA’s (Everything But Anchovies) (5 Allen Street)
603.643.6135
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Jesse’s Steaks, Seafood & Tavern (Route 120)
603.643.4111
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Molly’s Restaurant & Bar (43 South Main Street)
603.643.2570
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Murphy’s on the Green (11 South Main Street)
603.643.4075
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Orient Chinese & Japanese Restaurant (3 Lebanon Street)
603.643.8888
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Ramunto’s Brick & Brew Pizzeria (9 South Street)
603.643.9500
Hanover, NH (20 miles)
Salt Hill Pub (7 Lebanon Street)
603.676.7855
Hanover, NH (20 miles) Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Zin’s Wine Bistro at the Hanover Inn (2 South Main Street) China Station (Miracle Mile Plaza)
603.643.4300 603.448.6506
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Gusanoz Mexican Restaurant (Miracle Mile Plaza)
603.448.1804
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant (18 Centerra Parkway)
603.643.8800
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Peking Tokyo Chinese & Japanese Restaurant (45 Hanover St.)
603.448.3888
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Salt Hill Pub (2 West Park Street)
603.448.4532
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Sunrise Buffet (Chinese restaurant) (2 Mascoma Street)
603.448.9588
Lebanon, NH (15 miles)
Three Tomatoes (1 Court Street)
603.448.1711
Lyme, NH (25 miles)
Stella’s Italian Kitchen & Market (5 Main Street)
603.795.4302
New London, NH (35 miles)
Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille (40 Andover Road)
603.526.6899
New London, NH (35 miles)
Millstone Restaurant (74 Newport Road)
603.526.4201
New London, NH (35 miles)
Peter Christian’s Tavern (186 Main Street)
603.526.4042
Norwich, VT (25 miles)
Norwich Inn (Main Street)
802.649.1143
Norwich, VT (25 miles)
Carpenter and Main (326 Main Street)
802.649.2922
Quechee, VT (30 miles)
Simon Pearce Restaurant (The Mill, Route 4)
802.295.1470
Quechee, VT (30 miles)
The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm (Main Street)
802.295.3133
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Applebee’s (Route 12-A)
603.298.8608
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Chili’s Grill & Bar (Route 12-A)
603.298.0335
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Koto Japanese Steakhouse (Route 12-A)
603.298.2925
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Lui Lui (The Powerhouse Mall)
603.298.7070
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles) West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Ninety-Nine Restaurant (Route 12-A) Panera Bread (Route 12-A)
603.298.6991 603.298.9838
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Seven Barrel Brew Pub (Colonial Plaza)
603.298.5566
West Lebanon, NH (20 miles)
Weathervane Seafood (Route 12-A)
603.298.7805
Woodstock, VT (35 miles)
Bentley's Restaurant (3 Elm Street)
802.457.3232
Woodstock, VT (35 miles)
The Prince & The Pauper Restaurant (24 Elm Street)
802.457.1818
17
Visitor's Guide
www.cardigan.org/visit
Campus Guide
62 Alumni Drive Canaan, New Hampshire 603.523.4321 www.cardigan.org
18
Student Travel Coordinator All student travel arrangements are coordinated by our travel coordinator, Mary Knapp, who also serves as the School’s receptionist. Once flight and/or ground transportation arrangements have been made for a student, this information must be sent to Ms. Knapp—as well as specific information about the people who are authorized to transport the student. Bus transportation to and from Boston’s Logan and New York’s JFK airport is arranged by the School for students’ arrival in the fall and departure in the spring, as well as for some vacation times. Private limousine/hired car transportation may also be arranged as needed. All of these services are handled by our travel coordinator, who also collects and stores all travel documents (tickets, passports, and the like) once students have arrived on campus.
Travel Forms Convenient forms have been created and posted online in order for parents to provide important information about student travel to and from Cardigan Mountain School. Each form must be received by our travel coordinator at least four weeks prior to the travel event. We strongly recommend that you submit each form as soon as the information becomes available, so that your son’s trip is documented well in advance.
More detailed travel information is included on the pages that follow . . .
www.cardigan.org/forms
Travel Questions?
Mary Knapp 603.523.4321
19
Student Travel Coordinator mknapp@cardigan.org
Student Travel Information
Student Travel Information
Getting to and from the Cardigan Campus At the Airport Which Airport? • Cardigan offers chaperoned transportation to and from JFK (New York) and Logan International (Boston) airports. • If you choose a different airport, private transportation must be arranged for your son at least two weeks in advance of the travel day. The School’s student travel coordinator (Mary Knapp) must receive a written request from you, along with a copy of your son’s airline ticket/itinerary, before a private car can be hired.
E-Tickets
• If your son is using an E-Ticket, you must provide a printed copy of the airline itinerary with the E-Ticket confirmation number to Mary Knapp, our travel coordinator, in advance.
Scheduling Flights In order to take advantage of chaperoned transportation to and from the airport, we encourage you to select flight times as described below. If you are unable to schedule an arrival or departure during one of these windows of time, you will need to contact our travel coordinator, Mary Knapp, to make other arrangements. • Logan Airport (Boston) Flights: Schedule flight to arrive at Logan Airport between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Schedule flight to depart Logan Airport in Boston between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. A schedule is provided for the Boston bus in this handbook. • JFK Airport (New York) Flights: Schedule flight to arrive at JFK Airport in New York between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.* Schedule flight to depart JFK Airport in New York between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. A schedule is provided for the New York bus in this booklet. *Earlier arrival (by 2:30 p.m.) is recommended for the return from Spring Vacation (see bus schedule).
Airport Check-In and Pickup • Arrival: Airline regulations prohibit all nonpassengers from going to the gates to meet arrivals. Any child flying as an unaccompanied minor will be brought by an airline representative to the baggage claim area. Once a Cardigan representative has shown the proper identification and signs the paperwork, the child is then released. All other students should proceed to the baggage claim area, collect their luggage, and wait there for a Cardigan representative. Students will then be escorted to our chartered bus. Due to space limitations, only two pieces of luggage, plus one carry-on bag, per student are allowed on the bus. Be advised that many airlines are now charging an additional fee for a second piece of luggage. In addition, many airlines are also charging extra for suitcases weighing more than 50 pounds. Please check with your airline for specifics regarding luggage allowances. • Departure: A Cardigan representative will help your son check in for his flight. If he is using the airline’s unaccompanied minor service, it is essential that we know who will be meeting your son at his destination. The airline will require the name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom he will be released.
Travel Questions?
Mary Knapp 603.523.4321 20
Student Travel Coordinator mknapp@cardigan.org
Limousine (Hired) or Private Car • In order to allow a student to leave with anyone other than his parent or guardian, we must receive written authorization in advance. It is essential that we receive the person’s name, address, and telephone number, along with the departure date and time.
Chaperoned Bus Transportation • Arrival: Seats on the chaperoned bus to/from JFK Airport in New York and Logan Airport in Boston are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a seat on the bus, the student travel coordinator must receive the travel form and a copy of your son’s airline ticket by the due date. Verbal reservations CANNOT be taken. • Departure: Charter buses leave campus and head to both Logan Airport in Boston and to New York City for most vacations. There are exceptions to this, so it is important to take note of the bus schedule included in this section. Parents must sign their son up ahead of time by using the online Travel Forms or by sending in the hard-copy form downloaded from www.cardigan.org/forms. There are also important times to note in terms of when to schedule departing and arriving flights for your son. Any further questions about travel can be directed to the School’s travel coordinator, Mary Knapp, who is also our school receptionist: 603.523.4321; mknapp@cardigan.org. (She is also the person whom parents should alert when there are changes to their son’s travel schedule.) • Cost
Boston bus $70* New York bus $150* (New York stops)
* These are approximate one-way costs,
New York bus $105* based on the number of riders. The cost (Darien, Conn., stop) for bus transportation will be charged New York bus $80* to your son’s debit account. Please note: There is a $25 cancellation fee that will (Enfield, Conn., stop) be applied to all bus cancellations.
Preparing Students for Travel Travel Money (when departing from Cardigan)
• On the Travel Forms, there is a space where you must request travel money to be drawn from your son’s debit account for food, drinks, or emergency money. It is imperative that the amount is filled out in order for your son to receive the travel money. If your son will be flying as an unaccompanied minor, please check with the airline to determine what the fee will be, as it is different for every airline. For those of you unfamiliar with the unaccompanied minor program, it is when an airline passenger between the ages of 5 and 14 years old (airline regulations vary) travels without an accompanying adult and an airline employee is required to be responsible for escorting the child through immigrations and customs and boarding the flight on time. There is a space on the Travel Form to fill out if you have already paid the UM fee (prepaid). If the fee will need to be paid, please add the required amount in the space provided.
Airline Ticket and Passport • All students are required to turn in their airline tickets and passports to the student travel coordinator in the Main Office for safekeeping. Under no circumstances should airline tickets and passports be kept in student rooms.
Dressing for Travel • Dinner dress (coat and tie) is required for all students using school transportation or taxi/limousine service, whether to or from the School. 21
Student Travel Information
Transportation from the Airport
Bus Schedule—Travel Dates & Times (Please use this schedule for reference throughout the year.) Boston Bus September
11
Friday
Schedule flight to ARRIVE in Boston between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
October
24
Saturday
- - No buses are provided - -
October
28
Wednesday
Schedule flight to ARRIVE in Boston between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
October
29
Thursday
- - No buses are provided - -
November
22
Sunday
Schedule flight to DEPART Boston between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
November
30
Monday
Schedule flight to ARRIVE in Boston between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
December
18
Friday
Schedule flight to DEPART Boston between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
January
3
Sunday
Schedule flight to ARRIVE in Boston between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
February
6
Saturday
- - No buses are provided - -
February
10
Wednesday
Schedule flight to ARRIVE in Boston between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
March
6
Sunday
Schedule flight to DEPART Boston between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
March
28
Monday
Schedule flight to ARRIVE in Boston between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
June
3
Friday
Schedule flight to DEPART Boston between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
New York Bus* September
11
Friday
JFK (5:00 p.m.) Terminal 1 Arrival Level
December
18
Friday
Enfield, CT (5:00 a.m.)...Darien, CT (6:30 a.m.)...JFK (7:30 a.m.)...NYC (8:00 a.m.)
January
3
Sunday
NYC (2:30 p.m.)...JFK (3:30 p.m.)...Darien, CT (5:00 p.m.)...Enfield, CT...(6:30 p.m.)
March
6
Sunday
Enfield, CT (5:00 a.m.)...Darien, CT (6:30 a.m.)...JFK (7:30 a.m.)...NYC (8:00 a.m.)
March
28
Monday
NYC (2:30 p.m.)...JFK (3:30 p.m.)...Darien, CT (5:00 p.m.)...Enfield, CT...(6:30 p.m.)
June
3
Friday
JFK (12:00 p.m.) Underclassman Bus to JFK Terminal 1 Departure Level
* Please note: The New York bus schedule is subject to change. Should any changes occur, the student travel coordinator will contact you.
Start-of-School Arrival Days September 9 10 11 12
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Senior Leaders Early New Students (from distant points) Most New Students and Early Returning Students (from distant points) Most Returning Students
Travel Questions?
Mary Knapp 603.523.4321
22
Student Travel Coordinator mknapp@cardigan.org
We require students to remain with us the first three weekends after Registration so that they fully acclimate to (and immerse themselves in) the community before spending overnights at home or elsewhere. This helps many students with bonding here and tends to reduce homesickness in the long run (as counterintuitive as that may seem). That said, parents are welcome to come to campus during that time (or at any time during the year) to say hello, watch a sporting event, join us for a meal, take their son off campus for a meal if his schedule allows, and the like. Again, finding the right “balance” in terms of frequency of visits may be key to helping your son adjust. Once weekends are “open” for overnight departure, a student may leave after his last commitment on Saturday and return in time for study hall on Sunday evening, as long as he secures permission in advance (from his parents, dorm parents, and advisor) and signs out properly in all the appropriate places (e.g., dormitory, dining hall) and with all the appropriate people (e.g., administrator-on-duty).
Open / Closed Weekends The first three weekends of the school year are designated “closed weekends.” This is done to help foster connections between and among students and faculty and facilitate new students’ acclimation to a residential community. Following these initial weekends, other weekends are generally considered “open,” with the exception of the weekends immediately preceding and following the Winter and Spring Vacations.
Procedure for Taking an “Open Weekend” To qualify to take an “open weekend,” a student must complete the online Weekend Away form by 12:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the Saturday on which he wishes to depart campus. This process includes permission from his PEAKS® coach to assure that he is in good academic standing. Additionally, that student’s parent must provide email or telephone permission for the boy’s weekend away by the same deadline. In the event that a boy wishes to take a weekend with the family of another student, both sets of parents must contact the director of residential life by 12:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the Saturday on which they wish to depart campus. Once permission has been received, the student must sign out of his dormitory and is responsible for getting a job substitute if he is going to miss his job. On an “open weekend,” students may leave with parents, or friends designated by parents, no earlier than following their last Saturday commitment. For most students, this is an athletic competition or practice. All students must return by 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, in time for study hall. Students who choose to depart or return outside of these parameters will be given an unexcused absence and will be subject to consequences. The School is not responsible for enforcing custody orders; however, if a student is uncomfortable for any reason with leaving campus with any authorized adult, including a parent, he should notify the director of student life or another trusted adult.
Leaving Campus (Absence Policy) As an educational institution, Cardigan Mountain School offers a comprehensive program that best serves those boys and their families willing to participate fully in all facets of school life—academic, athletic, and residential. Inherent to such a commitment is the logical necessity of attending and participating in all school days. The School realizes that situations arise in which students will need to miss school days for illness, family emergency, or other pressing family commitments. In order to minimize the impact of absences on a student’s progress, the School has established the following policy: In the case of any absence it is the responsibility of the student and his family to contact the director of residential life in advance using the Planned Absence form on Cardigan’s website (www.cardigan.org/quicklinks/parentresources). Absence policy continues . . .
23
Student Travel Information
Open and Closed Weekends
Leaving Campus (Absence Policy) Absences: 1. In the case of any absence it is the responsibility of the student and his family to contact the director of residential life in advance using the Planned Absence form on Cardigan’s website. 2. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and finish any academic work missed during an absence. 3. For legitimate reasons, students will be allowed to miss up to five (5) days of school. These excused absences include academic, athletic, or residential commitments. This is above and beyond absences for illness or injury and the scheduled school visit days for ninth graders (see Secondary School Visit section). 4. Any absences above five may be considered unexcused absences at the discretion of the director of residential life. 5. Students who accrue an unexcused absence may receive consequences as determined by the director of residential life. During the Day A student must receive permission from an administrator-on-duty before he may leave campus. Once permission is received, the student must put a detailed absence slip in the attendance box in the dining room if he is to miss a meal. This procedure does not apply to regularly scheduled school activities or to overnight weekend leaves. Scheduled Vacations All students are required to check out in the Main Office if they are traveling by car or taxi. Those traveling by school transportation will be automatically checked out. Upon return, students must check in with their dorm parent. Throughout the course of the year, Cardigan provides for substantial vacation time. As such, the School believes that students should meet all of their community responsibilities before departing for scheduled breaks. Consequently, students are required to attend all commitments prior to vacations, including sports awards and recognition assemblies. Following vacations, students must return to Cardigan on the appointed day.
Secondary School Visits The School realizes the importance of allowing ninth-grade boys and their parents opportunities to visit secondary schools during the fall and winter. At the same time, Cardigan ninth graders are engaged in rigorous courses of study, in addition to myriad other on-campus responsibilities for which missing time is prohibitive. Thus, the School approves the following times for ninth-grade boys to visit secondary schools during the fall and winter terms. Students are accountable for all academic work missed during secondary school visits. October 12: Founders’ Day/Sandwich Fair Day October 24–29*: Fall Term Long Weekend (*Seniors may return by 9:00 p.m. on October 29.) November 30–December 3: Final opportunity for secondary school visits by request only. All visits during this time must be approved by the School. Any other days missed beyond the above for secondary school visits will be considered unexcused absences. In regard to revisits in the spring, ninth-grade boys may miss a maximum of two school days to revisit secondary schools. Any other days missed beyond those two revisit days will be considered unexcused absenses. Any time you plan to take your son off campus for a school visit, you must submit the Planned Absence form. This online form can be found on the CMS website under Quicklinks/Parent Resources. **Note: Students must secure permission from the director of residential life if they wish to depart campus for any reason (other than those directly associated with Cardigan programming) during the academic year.
24
The School makes every effort to match international students with domestic students for those shorter vacations for which it makes no sense for a boy to travel such distances. It is not uncommon for classmates, dorm mates, or teammates to adopt one another for these “long weekend” breaks (October and February). Occasionally, too, parents will fly here instead and spend a few days off campus with their sons—in Boston, perhaps, or on nearby ski slopes, even.
(Optional) Cardigan Thanksgiving Recess Trip for International Students November 22–30, 2015 Over the Thanksgiving Recess in November, the School will offer an optional trip opportunity for international students who wish to spend the break enjoying time with friends. See the description of this year’s trip below.
Burlington, Vt. (3 days) ~ Jay Peak Ski Resort (3 days) ~ Boston, Mass. (2 days) • Best Western–Windjammer Inn • Pizza Putt—mini golf and arcade • ECHO Lake Champlain Science Center • Historic Church Street shopping • Yankee Lanes Bowling Challenge • University Mall • Famous Ben and Jerry’s
• Splash Water Kingdom—indoor water park • La Chute—65-foot-drop water slide! • Ice hockey and public skating • Jay Village Inn gourmet dinner • Broom Ball—team challenge • Jay Peak arcade night
• • • • • • • •
Boston Museum of Science New England Aquarium IMAX theater film Historic Faneuil Hall Laser Craze—laser tag team challenge Hard Rock Café dinner Bertucci’s lunch Theater movie night!
Program Fee: $1,000 (includes all hotels, meals, and activities)
Nonrefundable payment must be made before September 23, 2015. Trip Limit: 42 Students
(NEW this year! Optional) Winter Term Long Weekend Trip for International Students February 7–10, 2016 During the Winter Term Long Weekend (February 7–10), Cardigan will offer a trip to Lake Placid, N.Y., home of the 1980 Olympic games. After a one-night stop in Burlington, Vt., the CMS group will spend two nights and three days in the Olympic Village. Some activities included are: bowling and laser tag, a gondola ride up White Face Mountain, skating on the 1980 Olympic Ice Rink, sledding on White Face Mountain, and movie nights.
Program Fee: $600 (includes all hotels, meals, and activities) Trip Limit: 24 Students
25
Student Travel Information
Long Weekends, Vacations, and Homestays
Packing Guide About Clothing The dress code at Cardigan is intended to create a sense of purpose and pride among the student body and the broader school community. Student dress and appearance should be neat, presentable, and functional. There are varying dress codes for varying occasions, but the thee most common are class dress, dinner dress, and Chapel dress. Class dress means a collared shirt (like a golf shirt, rugby shirt, or button-down), Khakis (colored are acceptible, no cargo pants), a belt, dress socks, and leather or suede shoes (or boots, if the winter weather warrants). Dress shorts and sneakers are permitted in September and May for class dress. Dinner dress means khakis or dress slacks, a belt, blazer, dress shirt (button-down/Oxford type), tie, dress socks, and leather or suede shoes. Chapel dress means a white dress shirt, polishable dress shoes (more formal than shoes worn to class), dark socks, brown or black leather belt, and either a dark, formal suit (not corduroy) OR dark gray slacks with a Cardigan blazer. Occasionally there will be “dress down” days (usually associated with a fundraiser for a good cause), and buffet meals (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday dinners, and all Sunday meals) are more casual. Note: It is really helpful to label ALL clothing items!
The Cardigan Blazer You can arrange to order your son a Cardigan blazer in advance of Registration Day. (See p. 29.) At Registration in September, the blazer may have already arrived—or for latecomers to the admissions process, boys can order one and be measured there and then (at Registration)—though they may have to make due with an alternative for Chapel dress (i.e., a suit) until the blazer comes in.
Athletic Clothing and Gear Packing plenty of tee shirts and pairs of athletic socks is certainly advisable, but be aware that the boys are issued uniform practice clothing—shorts and tee-shirts referred to here as “greens and grays,” in addition to game attire— which gets washed by our athletic staff via a “laundry loop” system, so packing excessive pairs of “runaround” gymtype shorts is not necessary. Athletic gear can be brought to school, and depending on what it is, kept in the boy’s assigned gym locker. (If, after arrival, your son would like to try a new sport for which he does not have appropriate footwear or other gear, arrangements will be made to get him what he needs, with those charges later appearing on his student account.)
26
Cardigan students need to be prepared with clothing appropriate to the various occasions and settings for which they will dress, and because the laundry service delivers only once each week (on Thursday, after a Monday pickup), they will need nearly a two-week supply of class, dinner, Chapel, and “free” dress.
Chapel Dress (2 sets)
Class Dress
(10-day supply) belt* leather shoes/ winter boots (when permitted) dress socks collared shirt long pants/slacks (with no external pockets) and/or knee-length dress shorts (when permitted)
necktie* leather belt dress shoes dark socks white dress shirt Cardigan Mountain School blazer and dark gray slacks
and/or
dark suit
At the request of E&R Laundry, collared/polo shirts must not be Lacoste brand. Please keep in mind the six-day class schedule. Permission to wear boots to class is subject to weather conditions; dress shorts are permitted before October 1 and after May 1, unless otherwise announced by the director of residential life.
It is suggested that students bring two (2) sets of Chapel dress clothing, to accommodate the school laundry-service cycle. This means having either two dark suits, or one dark suit and the Cardigan blazer uniform (dark gray slacks), as shown at right.
Dinner Dress
necktie* belt leather shoes dress socks Oxford-type dress shirt (light color) class dress slacks sport jacket and/or suit jacket
Pictures or lettering on dinner slacks are not acceptable. In contrast to class dress, dinner dress standards are the same year-round.
Additional Items
athletic shorts* athletic socks underwear sweat pants/sweat shirts* pajamas t-shirts* casual clothes
Multiple sets are likely to be used during a typical week, although the School issues practice shorts and tees for sports practices.
All items must be clearly marked with the student’s full name. Extra name labels or a permanent marker should be supplied for items purchased after arrival at school. *Indicates items that are for sale in the School Store.
See page 29 for ordering information. 27
Packing Guide
What to Bring: Required Clothing
What to Bring: Suggested Clothing Cardigan boys will need to be prepared for outdoor activities, and due to the wide seasonal variations in the New England climate, appropriate outerwear is made available for purchase in the School Store.
Outerwear
Additional Clothing Items
rain jacket lightweight jacket* heavy winter jacket* gloves or mittens* winter hat* weatherproof boots bicycle helmet (required if using bike, skateboard, longboard, Rollerblades, or scooter) scarf* (optional)
(Optional)
All items must be clearly marked with the student’s full name. A permanent/fabric marker should be supplied for labeling items purchased after arrival at school.
* Indicates items that are for sale in the School Store.
Free Dress
(“Dress-Down” or “Buffet” Dress)
bathrobe bathing suit slippers flip-flops* or other slip-on style shoes
sweatpants* jeans or work pants t-shirts (several are advisable)* sweatshirt* sneakers athletic socks*
Boys may “dress down” for Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday dinner, Sunday brunch, and Sunday dinner. Sandals and flip-flops, tank tops, and cut-off shirts are not permitted in the dining hall. Sneakers are not to be worn to class, except with dress shorts in September and May.
28
As shown on the previous pages, students are required to wear different types of clothing at different times, so Cardigan has teamed up with Red Brick Clothing, Land’s End, and Name Bubbles to assist in the selection of (and labeling of ) blazers and clothing. These are recommended vendors; orders are not required. A student may choose to meet Chapel dress code by wearing a suit and is therefore not required to purchase a Cardigan blazer.
The Official Cardigan Blazer In an effort to simplify orders and have your son’s blazer available on Registration Day, we have set up a store through Red Brick Clothing, which will allow you to place your order online. All orders will be shipped directly to Cardigan prior to Registration Day. The blazers are dark green in color and 100 percent polyester. Items returned or exchanged are subject to a 15 percent restocking fee. Size charts are available on the website, in both inches and centimeters. Please use these charts so you may best determine which size to order for your son. Orders placed by August 1 will be available for pickup at Registration.
Go to: www.redbrickclothing.com Click ON-LINE STORES Select Cardigan Mountain School For Questions Call 603.882.4100
More Clothing Options Cardigan Mountain School Code: 900109612 Phone: 1.800.469.2222 (reference school name) Online: Go to Landsend.com/School Sears: In-store Lands’ End clothing (reference “Cardigan Mountain School”)
your.son A convenient source for clothingHelp labels . . keep track of his clothes! Clothing Labels
CMS14
29
Packing Guide
Purchasing Clothing
What to Bring: Required Personal Items * Please Note: Students are not allowed to have prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter medications in their rooms. The school nurse dispenses all medications and supplements.
Personal Items
Room Furnishings
personal hygiene items* shampoo* toothbrush and toothpaste*
Bed and Bath Linens Students will need to pack these items ONLY IF you choose to decline this service on the Laundry, DryCleaning, and Linen Service Form in the online Registration Forms. Otherwise, these items are provided by E&R Laundry Service.
2 laundry bags bedspread blankets bath towels
pillow pillowcase sheets
alarm clock* desk lamp* flashlight* dustpan and broom* or small vacuum hangers* large calendar or desk pad* (optional) foam mattress pad (optional) plastic bin for under bed storage
School and Paper Supplies stationery and stamps* pens and pencils* *Indicates items that are for sale in the School Store.
Laundry Service The School has a relationship with E&R Cleaners, and many (most) families take advantage of this service—for a fee. E&R picks up the boys’ clothes (each boy has an individually labeled bag) on Monday and returns them on Thursday. A boy learns to plan on making sure he has enough appropriate clothing left (i.e., not sent to the cleaners) to wear on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (morning). If a family lives close enough to school or has relatives nearby, parents can certainly make their own arrangements for laundry pickup/drop-off. But it may be reassuring to families to know that most use E&R, and it seems to work well. Sign-up for this service is included in the online Registration Forms. In addition to laundry service for clothing, E&R provides the following: • 4 sheets (2 flat, 2 fitted) • 2 pillowcases • 1 blanket • 1 pillow • 1 bedspread • 5 bath towels • 2 E&R laundry bags (must be used by all students)
Dorm Room Furnishings The School furnishes each room with a twin-size bed, a dresser, a desk, a desk chair, and one landline phone. Each boy has his own closet space as well. It’s not a bad idea to bring a standing lamp, a lockable trunk, a desk lamp, an alarm clock, and a small fan. Posters that are tasteful are permitted if hung properly (e.g., to the walls with plastitack or “blue tape” or to the moldings with thumbtacks). Some dorm rooms have carpet, but most do not, so a small area rug is a nice touch.
Bicycles Bicycles may be brought, but must remain outside—there are bike “shelters” outside many of the dorms. Bikes may be stored in dormitory attics in the winter. 30
NO Computers or Printers Cardigan has a One-to-One Laptop Program that launched in the fall of 2011. Personal laptops from home are not permitted on campus, nor are individual printers—since the School provides the only printers that will work with our laptops. The laptops issued by the School come equipped with a DVD player for weekend movie viewing and iTunes for the enjoyment of music, but they permit the installation of only certain games. To provide students with this type of entertainment, the School has made console gaming options available in “The Haven” (the student center in the Cardigan Commons). **Please note: Any device that uses 3G/4G/LTE to access a browser will not be allowed. Those devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, certain iPods, 3G (or 4G/LTE) iPads and other tablets, and 3G Kindles with browsers. The reason for this is that internet access over 3G or 4G/LTE does not go through the Cardigan network, and therefore access cannot be filtered or monitored. This type of connection is out of the School’s control. We appreciate parent partnership in not sending these devices to school with your child.
NO Costly/Expensive Items Dorm rooms cannot be locked, so students should avoid bringing expensive sound systems, costly jewelry, or large sums of money to school. Cell phones/ smart phones may be used for travel purposes only and must be turned in to dorm parents or the travel coordinator when boys are here at school. If a student has his music only on his cell phone/smart phone, please bear in mind that he will need to turn this in when on campus, so some other means of listening to music (e.g., a simple MP3 player) might be desirable.
NO Cooking Devices, Fridges, Lava Lamps,
Black Lights
For safety reasons students may not possess or use electric microwaves, micro refrigerators, hot pots, toaster/toaster ovens, or any other portable electric cooking device. Additionally, electric blankets and certain lamps with bulbs that overheat are not permitted on campus.
Other Items to Leave Behind
• Weapons of any kind • Lighters • Pets • Sound systems • Suggestive posters • Anything designed to hang from the ceiling • Movies rated above PG-13 • First-person shooter (video) games
31
Packing Guide
What Not to Bring!
Adjusting to School Life Challenges and Opportunities It is completely natural for your son to be homesick. Finding the right balance of contact in the beginning will be helpful for both of you. Feel free to talk to his advisor or dorm parent for advice on this matter, as he/she will be able to see firsthand how your son is actually doing when he is not on the phone with you. Setting up a time to talk regularly (without overdoing it) may be a good initial solution. Coming to visit periodically (but again not overdoing it) may be OK too. Sundays can be the most challenging time, so we encourage the boys to sign up for things or make plans with dorm mates or classmates on Sundays—whether it’s meeting on the court for a pickup tennis match, playing catch on the Quad, or going on a trip together—anything. Having a Sunday plan in place, particularly in the beginning of the year, helps your son to keep busy and to keep from thinking too much about home. Your partnership in encouraging plan-making will be helpful! The School acknowledges the mixed feelings that parents face when their students are away from home for an extended period of time. At the same time, the School needs the cooperation of parents and asks that they try to let their students learn to address and solve dayto-day problems on their own, with the assistance of their advisors or other faculty. As students learn to live more independently within the Cardigan community, they will feel at home as a contributing member of our community. Ideally, each boy strengthens his habits of mind and develops academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually for his life’s next great adventure.
Please help us help your son get settled in . . . The School recommends that parents limit phone contact with boys to two or three calls per week. This is particularly important during his adjustment to school life prior to the Fall Parents’ Weekend. If a student is homesick, phone calls can exacerbate rather than alleviate the problem. This is especially true at bedtime. It is best to contact a homesick boy in the morning before our 7:15 a.m. breakfast. Saturdays after dinner and Sunday mornings are good times as well. Calling during evening study hall (7:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m. EST) and after lights-out (at 9:30 p.m. for underclassmen and 10:00 p.m. for ninth graders) is prohibited. For more information about telephones, see page 94.
Another “Adjustment” . . . Haircut Guidelines Hair should be styled so it does not hang over a boy’s eyebrows or shirt collar, and so it does not touch the ears on both sides of the head. Boys should keep hair groomed and neat; the volume of hair should be consistent with the spirit of these guidelines. Cutting hair or shaving areas on one’s head to create lettering, lines, or abrupt changes in hair length is not acceptable. Facial hair is not allowed, and sideburns should be trimmed to mid–ear level. No hair coloring of any sort is allowed. Barbers are available on campus almost every week, and appointments are made the evening before. Intentionally skipping an appointment could result in disciplinary consequences. The barbershop is in the basement of Brewster Hall. In order for the dress and haircut policies to be successful, the spirit of these guidelines must be accepted by the entire community. That is, student dress and appearance should be neat, presentable, and functional, and students should show respect for themselves and for the comfort of others.
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The First Day (New Students): Each boy meets his fellow students and faculty right away and is allowed time to settle into his dorm. Outdoor activities on the afternoon of Registration Day are meant to make the new students feel welcomed and comfortable in their new space— the Cardigan Mountain School campus. There are also a number of informational meetings for both students and parents. The First Day (Returning Students): Faculty are available to welcome returning students back to campus. Outdoor activities on the afternoon of Registration Day facilitate the bonding of faculty, returning students, and new students. There are also a number of informational meetings that first weekend regarding fall sports, the academic schedule, the Student Jobs Program, dormitory procedures, and important school rules. The first “all-present” day culminates with an Opening Ceremony held in our chapel to recognize senior leaders and signal to students the start of their journey here. The First Week: The dorm group comprises the dorm parents, boys who reside in a particular residence, and the day students affiliated with that residence. They meet frequently during the first week to foster unity among members and explain the intricacies of living in a boarding community. The goal is for each boy to begin to feel that his dorm is a comfortable place where he belongs and that his dorm parents are people to whom he can go to ask questions or to get help in any situation. Upon arrival at the dormitory, parents should expect to receive a letter that introduces their student’s dorm parents and provides contact information. Most parents will also meet their student’s advisor during Registration time. (Sometimes a boy’s dorm parent also happens to be his advisor.) The advisor is the primary link between parents and the School; he/ she is the lead person attending to an individual student’s needs. The advisor is the first contact person a parent should call if questions or concerns arise. It is vital to establish this line of communication with the advisor and take full advantage of it. The advisor will monitor a boy’s academic progress, as well as guide him in extracurricular matters and assist him in his social adjustment. Advisors will direct parents regarding whom to contact if a need for additional assistance arises. If for any reason a parent does not know who his/her child’s advisor is, the assistant head of school or director of student life can provide that information as well as a contact number. The First Month: By the last weeks of September, the first important stage of each boy’s adjustment to life at boarding school has generally taken place. The School feels it is important that students are engaged in the academic and social aspects of the School in order to ensure that they do reach this first stage, and that they should remain on campus to get acclimated. For this reason, weekend leave is not permitted for the first three weekends. This is a time for students to learn to live in a structured environment. The First Year: Most students adjust quickly and easily to boarding school, but a few take a full year to become accustomed to life away from home. Because it is very natural for students to long for the comforts and attention that family life provides, it is essential that parents support the School’s policies regulating parental communication, visitation, student vacation periods, and our technology policies. In partnership with the School, parents entrust their students to the Cardigan family while the School is in session so that Cardigan can prepare them—in mind, body, and spirit—for responsible and meaningful lives in their next stage of development.
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Adjusting to School Life
The “Settling In” Process
Roommate Assignments: How and Why? Cardigan’s Housing Committee includes faculty members and administrators, as well as some members of the Admissions Office who will have met you and your child already and who can often offer a helpful perspective in terms of placement. Housing arrangements are thoughtfully made by this committee, to attain a fine balance on every floor that takes into account diversity (in grade levels, backgrounds, interests, etc.), the preferences of returning students when possible, dorm parent or advisor-to-student matches, and so on. There are very few single dormitory rooms on the campus (though the vast majority of rooms are doubles), and singles are usually reserved for a handful of ninth graders for whom that kind of assignment makes the most sense. Room changes are extremely rare, and it is good for new parents and students to know this in the beginning. With the support of his dorm parents, advisor, and other residents, each new boy most often learns to adapt to his assigned space and roommate, and thus learns what it means to live in community. If your son is at all worried about this, it may be reassuring for him to understand how (relatively) little time is spent in one’s room, given classes, sports, meals, and evening study hall (in locations for large-group study halls initially). And honestly, most roommate pairings end up being pretty good ones, and often these pairs become great friends.
Dorm Life We have 15 dorms that house between 7 and 18 boys. Dorms are supervised by at least three faculty members, some of whom reside in the dorm and some we call “affiliates,” as they live somewhere else on campus. Coverage for the dorms is based on a daily schedule determined by the dorm teams during our opening faculty days. At the end of the academic year, returning students submit requests for roommates and specific dorm floors for the upcoming year. These are requests, not guarantees. Among other things, priority is based on grade and tenure at the School. Cardigan works to support its mission by providing a diverse living environment that encourages cultural exchange. At the end of the Summer Session in August, Summer Session students who are enrolling for the academic year are permitted to make similar requests. New students are assigned rooms and roommates by the aforementioned Housing Committee that meets throughout the summer. The School believes that any two boys should be able to get along effectively as roommates and that learning to live with a roommate is a valuable part of the boarding experience. In an effort to maximize exposure to spoken English, the School generally prohibits international students who share the same native language from rooming together. The Housing Committee will make every effort to accommodate all housing requests it deems appropriate; however, in the School’s attempt to provide a diverse experience for all of our students, not all requests can be met.
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A day student is expected to be at school on time for first period. He needs to check in with the director of residential life upon arrival in the morning, and may depart after his last commitment in the late afternoon. However, day students are welcome to come earlier (for breakfast, for Polar Bear Club in the spring, etc.) and stay later to fully participate in other extracurriculars, dinner, study hall, and so on. If they do decide to remain on campus in the evening, they are expected to follow the normal school routine with the other students. Day students are affiliated with specific dormitories and will keep a locker and have a study area in those assigned residence halls. If a day student does remain on campus for dinner and study hall, he should be picked up at his dormitory or his group-study location no later than 9:00 p.m.
Day Student Overnight Privileges On occasion, special requests by day students’ parents for overnight privileges are granted by the School. All requests for overnights must be cleared by the director of residential life at least one day in advance. When a day student does stay overnight in the dormitory, he must turn in his cell phone to the dorm parent on duty. Also, when applicable, fees may be assessed for overnight stays at the discretion of the Business Office.
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Adjusting to School Life
Day Student Life
Academics and Placement Academic Program Objectives The academic program (i.e., curriculum) at Cardigan Mountain School is designed both to support and to stretch each student as the School prepares him for the demanding academic programs characteristic of the independent schools attended by most graduates. In all disciplines, special emphasis is placed upon mastery of fundamental skills, content, and the essential study skills needed for the middle school boy to become academically self-sufficient. The curriculum provides each student with thorough instruction in all the major courses and substantial exposure to a number of other subject areas that round out a boy’s education at this age: Cardigan requires all students to take yearlong courses in English, history, mathematics, and science. In addition, a world language (French, Latin, or Spanish) is required. International students may be enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) to support their overall academic growth and to meet their world language requirement. Beyond these major courses, the School also requires each boy to broaden his horizons and strengthen his scholastic preparation through additional coursework in Leadership and a variety of other elective offerings such as music, art, woodworking, and the Gates Invention & Innovation Competition program. Cardigan also offers a unique academic course called Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge & Skills (PEAKS®), which is required of all students and aims to help them become better learners and self-advocates. In order to challenge young minds while enhancing the opportunity for each student to achieve academic success, the Cardigan curriculum incorporates the following provisions:
Small Classes Classes range in size from 6 to 16 students; the average class contains 12 students.
Achievement Grouping The sixth grade is grouped heterogeneously and follows a self-contained classroom model. The seventh grade utilizes several different heterogeneous groupings, based on classroom dynamics, which follow the same course of study. In grades eight and nine, when the academic potential of the students warrants it, the School aims to create homogeneous classes based on ability. The results are typically two levels in each subject, standard—or grade level—and accelerated. In the accelerated sections of each class, more challenging texts are used, assignments are longer and more in-depth, and more emphasis is placed upon independent study and thought. The standard-level sections in each grade spend more time reviewing fundamentals and solidifying skills. Assignments and examinations are designed to challenge but not overwhelm students in all levels. In all grades, mathematics and world language classes are grouped based on ability and prior knowledge.
Flexible Course Assignment and Scheduling
Cardigan provides for the fact that a boy’s ability may vary in different academic disciplines. For example, boys who are struggling in the area of language arts but who are more capable in mathematics may be placed in a standard-level section for English, history, and science, but in a higher level for his mathematics course. It is not uncommon for a boy to be in accelerated levels of some courses and standard levels of others. Progress is evaluated regularly by the director of studies, PEAKS® coaches, and teachers so that a boy may be moved from one level to another to increase the degree of challenge. Alternatively, a boy may also be moved to a more appropriate level if a course is found to be too demanding for that student—to enhance his opportunity for success.
www.cardigan.org/academics 36
Faculty members at Cardigan are noted for their willingness to work with boys needing extra help during daytime study halls, free time in the afternoon, evening study halls, and unscheduled weekend time. Most teachers live on campus in residence halls, thus affording students further accessibility to such assistance. In addition, the academic schedule includes an advisory/afternoon study hall several days per week, during which students may work with teachers or meet with their advisors. Over the years, conference time devoted to extra help with teachers has proven invaluable to many students in getting the additional attention they need to meet their academic goals. Teachers are available at designated locations during the afternoon study hall time to give tutorial help to any boy who needs or requests it. A student may use this time to make up work, get ahead in his studies, or seek individualized attention. Before meeting with a teacher, a student must report to his advisor who oversees and is responsible for his/her advisee’s attendance during the study hall block. A student wishing to see another teacher for a conference must inform his advisor of this intention. If a conference is unnecessary, he will remain with his advisor to study, do homework, or read independently.
Grading/Teacher Reports Cardigan uses a trimester system, and progress reports are produced for each midterm (at which point teachers provide comments indicating a student’s strengths and challenges and a general sense of his current achievement and effort in the class thus far) and at the end of each term (when grades are formally reported, with accompanying comments provided only at the end of the fall trimester). Grading includes both achievement (i.e., letter grade) marks and a separate effort grade employed to encourage all boys to work toward their potential.
Grading Scales Grading Scales: Students are graded according to the following scale: A (94–100), A- (90–93), B+ (87–89), B (84–86), B- (80–83), C+ (77–79), C (74–76), C- (70–73), D+ (67–69), D (64–66), D- (60–63), and F (below 60). In addition to letter grades for performance, students receive grades for effort on a 5 through 1 scale: 5—excellent, 4—good, 3—average, 2—needs improvement, and 1—unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory academic achievement or effort may result in mandatory attendance at Supervised Study Hall or loss of off-campus trip opportunities and other privileges until improvement is noted.
Honor Roll The honor roll system is designed to recognize students for both achievement and effort. Privileges are extended to those making the honor roll and/or effort honor roll at the end of each term.
Achievement Honor Roll: If a student achieves an overall average of 90% or higher in his courses with no grade lower than a B-, he has attained achievement honor roll.
Effort Honor Roll: If a student earns 5’s and 4’s in effort in all courses, he attains the effort honor roll. A “2” or “1” effort grade in any course renders a student automatically ineligible to make either category of honor roll. An honor roll student enjoys the following privileges*: • Use of the evening study hall time in a classroom, in the honor roll student’s own room, in The Haven (student center), or in the weight room or gym (with faculty supervision and permission). • Ability to study in the library during evening study hall, with the permission of both the dorm parent on duty and the evening library supervisor. • Special honor roll dinners and events. *All honor roll privileges are afforded at the discretion of the student’s advisor, the director of student life, and the director of studies. 37
Academics and Placement
Extra Help, Advisory, and Afternoon Study Hall
Testing and Secondary School Placement Testing The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is administered to the ninth grade in November—and is optional in December—and administered to eighth graders in the spring. Cardigan’s Secondary School Placement Office registers students for these test dates. Any requests for special accommodations should be forwarded to the director of secondary school placement and the director of studies.
The Secondary School Placement Process The Secondary School Placement Office assists ninth graders and their parents in the process of selecting a secondary school to attend following graduation from Cardigan. Working with information gathered from students, parents, teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents, a list of suggested appropriate schools is compiled by the placement director and international student placement director and sent to parents in the summer preceding their son’s ninthgrade year. During the fall, representatives from approximately 80 secondary schools visit Cardigan to talk with interested students. Families should plan to visit and interview at a series of schools before applying to a limited number—usually no more than six to eight schools. The Placement Office is also responsible for assembling and mailing a placement packet for each student, which includes recommendation letters from teachers, a transcript showing all term grades earned at Cardigan (including the ninth-grade fall term), SSAT scores from the ninth grade, a graded writing sample (if required by the secondary school), and a general recommendation letter drafted jointly by the head of school and the director of placement or director of international student placement. Boys and their families should plan on completing their portion of the application process by January 1. Seniors should conduct their visits to schools on October 12 (there are no classes on this day due to the all-school trip to the Sandwich Fair), during the Fall Term Long Weekend, and, if necessary, during the week following Thanksgiving Recess. During these visits, students should interview with prospective secondary schools, as interviews are required for admission. All arrangements for these visits are to be made with permission of the director of student life and the director of placement. Questions about the secondary school placement process should be directed to Sarah Scoville, director of secondary school placement, at 603.523.3532 or sscoville@cardigan.org. For international students, contact Rick Exton, director of international student placement, at 603.523.3838 or rexton@cardigan.org.
The National Junior Honor Society Each year the Cardigan Mountain School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, inducts members of the eighth and ninth grades. Eighth- and ninth-grade boys are nominated by faculty members, and those whose cumulative grade point average throughout their time at Cardigan is a B+ (3.3) or higher and whose effort average is a 4 or better, are selected for further review. The names of these boys are submitted to a faculty council, which evaluates their candidacy based on four additional criteria: leadership, citizenship, service, and character. Following a discussion of each boy’s candidacy, a vote is called for each candidate. Boys who receive a majority of votes are invited to join the National Junior Honor Society. The parents of newly elected members are notified and invited to attend the induction ceremony. A student may be removed from the Society if he fails to maintain his academic average or his behavior is contrary to Society expectations.
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Academic Warning/Probation Occasionally, a student may fall below the minimum academic standards that we set for our students. When this occurs in one class for consecutive marking periods, or when it occurs in more than one subject during any marking period, the student may be considered “at risk” academically. This assumes that the student has also failed to respond to the availability of individual help by taking advantage of conferences, extra help, and PEAKS weekend appointments. When a student reaches this status, a meeting will be held with the student, his advisor, and the director of studies. At this time, the student’s parents will be contacted by the director of studies or the student’s advisor. He will be directed to use study halls, conference, and free time wisely. Should improvements not be seen in a reasonable amount of time, the following consequences will result: Consequences: • The student will continue to attend conferences and be required to check in daily. • The student will attend Supervised Study. This will limit off-campus weekend activities. • Underclassmen who do not show progress may not be invited back to the School. • A student may be asked to leave the School. The full faculty will review all students on academic probation at the end of the year and make a recommendation to the head of school as to whether or not to invite the student back.
Failure in an Academic Course If an underclassman fails a course for the year, he will be required to do the following: • If the subject is English, history, math, science, or a world language, the student must attend summer school or be tutored. Any program must be preapproved by the director of studies, and documentation of successful completion must be submitted before that student will be promoted to the next grade. • For all other subjects, the student must complete work assigned by the teacher and/or complete an alternative program approved by the director of studies. If a ninth grader fails a class for the year, then he will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than a regular diploma, and a note will be made on his transcript. He will have the opportunity to receive a regular diploma upon petitioning the School for the diploma and doing one of the following: • Successfully completing a comparable course in a summer school situation. • Taking the equivalent course at his next school and receiving a passing grade. • Being tutored in the subject and covering the equivalent material. The director of studies will confer with the family to ensure that whichever option is chosen fulfills the School’s requirements.
Missing Afternoon Activities Students must participate in all afternoon activities. A student may be pulled from activities if he fails a class, or if he is behind in his work, only if permission has been obtained from the director of studies.
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Academics and Placement
Falling Below Academic Standards
ACADEMIC FACILITIES Academic Facilities Brewster Hall The triad of Brewster classrooms is dedicated to the Math Department. All three rooms have projectors installed overhead and two of these rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboard technology.
Hopkins/Bronfman Complex This complex houses the administrative offices as well as a variety of classrooms for different disciplines. English, history, and math classrooms, as well as the new Engineering, Possibilities, Innovation, and Creativity (E.P.I.C.) Center, are located on the first level. The middle level houses a science wing—with classrooms dedicated solely to science, several English and history classrooms, and a variety of administrative offices. The third floor houses the dedicated sixth-grade area, the art studio and gallery, and one additional math classroom.
Stoddard Center This facility houses the Kirk Library, Humann Theatre, the PEAKS Suite, and classrooms and offices for the World Languages Department.
The Kirk Library The Kirk Library, with its soaring three-story windows looking out onto Mount Cardigan, is an inspiring place for students and faculty to engage in educational explorations of all kinds. Comfortable furniture and chessboards invite recreational reading and quiet games with friends. Group tables and individual carrels welcome collaborative work as well as focused study. The library also features a “green screen,” which allows students to create video presentations with background scenes of their choosing. The library’s multimedia collection includes more than 10,000 print volumes, as well as Kindles, iPads, numerous journals and periodicals, hundreds of e-books, several online databases, audiobooks, and DVDs. Thousands of newspaper and magazine articles are available through EbscoHost, a service provided by the New Hampshire State Library. Affiliation with the New Hampshire State Library’s Automated Information Access System enables users at the School to obtain materials through the inter-library loan process.
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Humann Theatre This well-equipped theater comfortably accommodates 250 people and is used for school drama productions, movies, debates, classes, All-School Meetings, and guest presentations. The theater features a large elevated stage, controllable lighting, and a wireless microphone system, allowing for a variety of performance, academic, and programmatic uses.
The PEAKS® Suite The PEAKS Suite houses the facilities for the Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills (PEAKS) Department. Each PEAKS “coach” has his or her office here. In addition to several classrooms for instruction, a reading area and study spaces are available here for the students to use, as is a small PEAKS lab for general study and computer work.
The Charles C. Gates I.D.E.A. Shop Built in 2011 and located in a separate building in the northeast corner of campus, this shop both houses a lab area for the Gates Invention & Innovation Competition program and plays home to the woodworking program. The area set aside for the Gates Lab has a large, flexible open workspace and is equipped with moveable worktables, as well as power- and hand tools for use by students enrolled in that program. The Gates Lab occupies one-half of the floor space of this building; the other half houses the Williams Wood Shop where boys enrolled in woodworking can find and use a variety of power tools and hand tools needed to create a number of wood projects.
The Klein Family Theater This new multifunctional space is located in the lower floor of the Cardigan Commons, adjacent to The Haven (student center). Its flexible and open space is designed to be used for teaching/classroom use, meetings, movie/video projection, and other related purposes.
Engineering, Possibilities, Innovation, and Creativity (E.P.I.C.) Center Located in the former school bookstore on the ground floor of Bronfman Hall, this space was expanded and repurposed in 2013 for a variety of creative and technology-related uses. Designed with a windowed front wall to invite inquiry, the other three walls of the E.P.I.C. Center are magnetic, whiteboard dryerase, and blackboard dry-erase, allowing for creative visual use and interaction among users. Activities such as robotics and 3D printing are done here; in addition, the E.P.I.C. Center complements the Gates Lab in serving as a “clean” design, ideation, brainstorming, and conceptual “makerspace.”
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Academics and Placement
This is an especially exciting time in the library’s history. The library’s current collections and operations are being evaluated to ensure that they not only adhere to best practices for general school libraries, but also cater to the specific needs and interests of middle school boys. Upcoming changes will transform the library into a “learning commons,” where interdisciplinary explorations are encouraged and where information is always readily available and accessible to all members of the Cardigan community.
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Academic Program Requirements Each student is required to take the six major courses each year at Cardigan, which include history, English, math, science, a world language (French, Latin, Spanish, or ESL), and Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills (PEAKS®). To enhance the academic experience of the boys, we also require that they take two or three art electives each year depending on grade level; offerings include visual arts, music, theater arts, and woodworking. Participation in the Gates Invention & Innovation Competition program is required for our grade six and seven students and is optional in grades eight and nine. In consideration of the diverse profile of our student body, students are also obliged to take part in Cardigan’s yearlong Global Leadership class.
Academic Departments HISTORY Grade 6: Humanities
The sixth-grade humanities course will help students develop cultural awareness through the study of the world and its rich and diverse history, literature, music, art, and philosophy, while furnishing them with the tools to understand the process of being an independent and inquisitive thinker in a global society. The course utilizes a geographic focus (Asia, Europe, and North America) as a springboard for discussion and critical thinking during each of the three trimesters. Using a reader’s and writer’s workshop approach, the students will be encouraged to choose books and writing topics based on their individual interests. Students will be required to read a minimum of four books each trimester that will include, but not be limited to, the following genres throughout the year: historical fiction, science fiction, fiction, nonfiction, biography, poetry, mystery, and fantasy. Students will explore various forms of writing, including expository, narrative, persuasive, and descriptive forms, as well as fiction and poetry. Forms of writing for various topics will be chosen by the student and/or assigned by the teacher. Grammar and spelling will be covered through process writing. The “CAFÉ Menu,” created by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, is used as the basis for teaching reading strategies and covers the areas of comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and expanding vocabulary. Class novels used to teach reading strategies using the CAFÉ model have included Boys Without Names, by Kashmira Sheth. Various mentor texts are also utilized in order to display strong examples of good writing.
Grade 7: United States History to 1865
The seventh grade studies the history of the United States from the early colonization of North America through the Civil War. Focused units of study include the Colonial period, the American Revolution, Constitutional development, the early presidents, Manifest Destiny, the growth of slavery, and the causes and course of the Civil War.
Grade 8: United States History 1865 to Present
Eighth-grade history follows a chronological and thematic approach to the study of American history from 1865 to the present. The class focuses initially on the Reconstruction period and continues through to present day, with major emphasis on the United States’ transformation from “a nation divided” to a powerful and influential political and economic force in the world of the twenty-first century. Critical reading of primary and secondary sources, as well as Socratic discussions, are used to enhance analytical thinking, writing, discussion, and organizational skills.
Grade 9: Origins of Western Civilization
Ninth-grade history traces the rise and development of Western Civilization to give students a clearer understanding of our society’s historical inheritance. The course focuses on three primary civilizations: Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Within each, discussions focus on the development of political, economic, and social systems, the role of value and belief systems in shaping human interaction, and the impact of these classical developments on modern society. Students will be challenged to think critically and write analytically as they consider Socratic issues such as “What is and should be 43
Academics and Placement
Cardigan Course of Study
the relationship between the individual and the state?” and “How does one live a good life?” A major component of the course is the ninth-grade research paper, a significant undertaking; during the writing process, students are guided in utilizing primary and secondary sources, crafting thesis statements and outlines, and gathering evidence.
ENGLISH The English curriculum at Cardigan is designed to help students develop competencies in English that will prepare them for the diverse demands of future literature classes, with particular attention paid to preparing the boys for the demands of English classes at their eventual secondary school. The English curriculum builds on skills from year to year in the areas of writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading, and literary analysis. At each grade level, review is an integral part of the teaching process so that those students new to the School may be integrated smoothly into Cardigan’s English curriculum.
Grade 6 Theme: Humanities The sixth-grade humanities course will help students develop cultural awareness through the study of the world and its rich and diverse history, literature, music, art, and philosophy, while furnishing them with the tools to understand the process of being an independent and inquisitive thinker in a global society. The course utilizes a geographic focus (Asia, Europe, and North America) as a springboard for discussion and critical thinking during each of the three trimesters. Using a reader’s and writer’s workshop approach, the students will be encouraged to choose books each trimester that will include, but not be limited to, the following genres throughout the year: historical fiction, science fiction, fiction, nonfiction, biography, poetry, mystery, and fantasy. Students will explore various forms of writing, including expository, narrative, persuasive, and descriptive forms, as well as fiction and poetry. Forms of writing for various topics will be chosen by the student and/or assigned by the teacher. Grammar and spelling will be covered through process writing. The “CAFÉ Menu,” created by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, is used as the basis for teaching reading strategies and covers the areas of comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and expanding vocabulary. Class novels used to teach reading strategies using the CAFÉ model have included Boys Without Names, by Kashmira Sheth. Various mentor texts are also utilized in order to display strong examples of good writing.
Grade 7 Theme: Rites of Passage, Becoming an Adult Seventh-grade English students refine and master previously learned skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and written compositions. Students analyze a speaker’s persuasive techniques and credibility and evaluate a spoken message in terms of its content, credibility, and delivery. They will continue to read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts, and they will develop and use knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Germanic roots, as well as prefixes and suffixes in reading. Students recognize how style, tone, and mood contribute to the effect of the text; they will be able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Seventh graders will vary sentence structure and use verb tenses such as present, past, and future appropriately and consistently. They will edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Primary Questions: • What are the elements of a story? • What is the “writing process?” How can literature affect my writing? • How are reading skills related to the classroom novel? • What does the author mean? Why does the author want me to know that?
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Students in eighth-grade English are exposed to literature through novels, plays, poetry, short stories, and nonfiction. The classes read a selection of novels, a nonfiction collection of adventure stories, a piece of classical drama, and selected poems and short stories. They learn to identify major, minor, and incidental characters. The literary selections will highlight theme and foreshadowing and many elements of figurative language, including simile, metaphor, imagery, and personification. Students will learn proper paragraph structure; they will explore the structure of expository essays by writing multi-paragraph, multi-draft essays with thesis statements and supporting references; and they will write creative narratives and poetry. For grammar, the classes will cover sentence types, sentence structure, parts of speech, agreement, phrases, and clauses. Vocabulary and spelling words are culled from literary pieces and will be used in creative writing. Students will learn definitions, synonyms, and usage. Group work and public speaking facilitate oral proficiency.
Grade 9 Theme: Written Expression English in ninth grade aims to increase the sophistication of each student’s written expression. Students will develop their writing in many different genres: reflecting in journals; developing themes in poetry, narratives, and biographical essays; and forming a clear thesis in their critical essays based on the literature read in the class. Students collect their various drafts in portfolios, which allows them to revisit and revise their work over the course of a term and the year. Most of these pieces are completed in at least two drafts. They will have a choice of topics in several essays but will also be expected to learn how to write on demand, given both a prompt and a time limit. A majority of the writing is prose, but the students also write ballads, sonnets, odes, and free verse. It is important for good writers to understand how the English language is properly assembled. The use of proper grammar is explored with the goal of having each student acquire a strong foundation in basic grammar. This allows the student to better edit his own writing, as well as that of his peers. Areas of focus include parts of speech, the sentence base, correct use of pronoun case, punctuating compound sentences, and subject/verb and antecedent/pronoun agreement. Students are encouraged to be active readers, understanding not just the large picture but also delving into the text on a closer level and “unpacking” what they find. We explore how characters are formed in fiction, how to recognize themes and the persuasive power of sensory detail. Students are often asked why an author makes a particular choice. They will learn to recognize literary elements such as metaphor, personification, alliteration, analogy, and irony found in both the prose and poetry. Students are exposed to short stories, poetry, plays, novels, newspapers, and essays—and to the elements that distinguish each of them. Particular attention is paid to the more sophisticated vocabulary used in the texts both in order to expand upon each student’s ability to better understand the material and to voice more accurately and powerfully his ideas and opinions. Spelling is emphasized and students collect their spelling mistakes in a list that they keep and add to with each writing assignment.
MATHEMATICS Placement tests for all students are administered at the beginning of every year and used in conjunction with previous coursework and student performance to fine-tune placement in the first two weeks of school. The teacher, department chair, and director of studies make final decisions regarding placement.
Middle School Mathematics Course 1 (offered in Grade 6) Prerequisite: None (Placement test administered.) This initial math course introduces students to middle school topics in number and operation; data, statistics, and probability; geometry and measurement; and problem solving, reasoning, and proofs. Units include computation with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions; variables and patterns; percents; probability; geometric relationship; area and volume measurement; and integers and functions. Whereas computational fluency remains important, the students will also use available technology to support mathematical investigations.
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Grade 8 Theme: Literature and Fiction
Middle School Mathematics Course 2 (offered in Grades 6 and 7) Prerequisite: None (Placement test administered.) This course extends the student’s understanding of number and operations; data, statistics, and probability; geometry and measurement; and problem solving, reasoning, and proofs. Interconnection between these topics is emphasized with the goal of developing the student’s ability to represent and interpret mathematical relationships. Furthermore, basic skills are reviewed, and available technology is used appropriately to support investigations.
Pre-Algebra (offered in Grades 7 and 8) Prerequisite: Middle School Course 1 and/or Course 2, and/or placement test result This course prepares the students for the rigors of algebra and geometry with steady progression of lessons, building on the mathematical concepts that have been acquired from previous courses. Topics include operations with real numbers, variables and expressions, data analysis, probability, solving equations and inequalities, graphing lines, ratios and similarity, geometry and measurement, sequences and functions, and set theory and discrete mathematics.
Algebra 1 (offered in Grades 7, 8, and 9) Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra and/or placement test result Algebra 1 introduces the student to key algebraic concepts they will utilize in all high school mathematics courses. They are introduced to the notion of variable expressions and patterns that lead to generalization of the properties of real numbers. They will learn linear, polynomial, rational, quadratic, and radical expressions, and will learn how to solve equations and inequalities related to these functions. The utilization of variable expressions to model problems with realworld implications is emphasized throughout the course. Algebra 1 can also be taken in a two-year sequence, as Algebra 1a & Algebra 1b, for students who would benefit from the slower pace.
Geometry (offered in Grades 8 and 9) Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and/or placement test result The course studies Euclidean geometry in two dimensions and three dimensions. Students are encouraged to investigate, experiment, and explore geometric properties using both technology (Geometer’s Sketchpad) and hands-on material. Following a carefully sequenced development of the logical and conceptual precursors to writing proofs, students undertake and learn to appreciate the rigor and elegance of deductive reasoning.
Algebra 2 (offered in Grade 8 or 9) Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra 1, and placement test result Mathematical facts, concepts, and procedures in Algebra 1 and Geometry are reviewed and extended. These include linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations; rational and radical functions; and inequalities. Properties and attributes of functions, including inverse functions and transformation of functions, are emphasized. The graphing calculator is used extensively to explore and effectively visualize mathematical concepts. Applications of these concepts with real-world implications serve to motivate the discussion of the topics. The objective is to cover as many chapters as time allows, with the goal of reaching at least the chapter on conic sections.
Precalculus (offered in Grade 9 or as an Independent Study) Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and special permission from the Math Department chair and director of studies
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SCIENCE There are three essential components of the Cardigan Mountain School science curriculum: 1. Gaining information about the structures and processes by which the natural world operates. 2. Learning ways to think, organize, and present information. 3. Using what is known in order to discover what is unknown. Obtaining information and becoming proficient in the thinking skills necessary to discover new information are fundamental aspects of the Cardigan science curriculum. The program embraces many different teaching methods in the delivery of science content and skills. Inquiry is incorporated as the basis for learning at all levels. An inquiry-based program encourages an active search for knowledge and understanding to satisfy a young man’s inherent curiosity. Inquiry helps students assemble their own toolset in developing analytical and critical-thinking skills. Students are offered a practical and efficient program that combines observational experiences, experiments, and demonstrations in an organized manner. They will consequently be more prone to engage in the process of science and will have more opportunities to progress from concrete to abstract ideas, rethink their hypotheses, and retry experiments and problems. Students at all grade levels build upon skills learned in previous science classes and carry their “knowledge toolset” into subsequent classes. Through the inquiry process, they actively take charge of their learning. The Science Department takes advantage of the School’s beautiful 500-acre campus, which includes an ecosystem abundant in living organisms of all shapes and sizes and an environment rich in diverse land features. In addition to having dedicated classroom space and appropriate class sizes, the science program has forests, meadows, fields, streams, and waterfront, which provide the perfect backdrop for a rich and vibrant curriculum. The proximity of science classrooms also enables students in different classes to collaborate on projects or gather together in seminar fashion.
Grade 6: General Science The sixth-grade science course helps students develop science-related skills by furnishing them with the tools to understand the processes of science. Skills covered in this course include making scientific observations and asking questions, formulating and testing hypotheses, analyzing data and evaluating findings, critical problem solving, and various note-taking systems. Students will have hands-on, active experiences throughout the instruction of the science curriculum. Areas of study during the year include physics, chemistry, earth science, and exploration of our environment and the ecological relationships between the flora and fauna around us.
Grade 7: Life Science The seventh-grade science program utilizes a curriculum developed by The Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California. This issue-oriented, inquiry-based course uses relevant themes and a hands-on approach to make science engaging and less reliant on memorization. Students will construct much of their understanding of the natural and human-designed worlds through inquiry. At Cardigan, inquiry implies emphasis on the development of skills and the cultivation of attitudes or habits of mind that will enable individuals to continue the quest for knowledge throughout life. Topics of study include, but are not limited to, experimental design, the human body, cell biology and disease, ecology, and evolution. In addition to the “Issues in Life Science” program, students are integral members of the awardwinning Living Laboratory project. Student teams maintain terrariums that house mini-ecosystems, which include various plants and small animals (e.g., tarantulas, snakes, lizards, frogs, scorpions). The project is designed to engage seventh-grade students in an “authentic” task by involving them in the direct study of plants and animals, emphasizing “learning by doing” and promoting character growth, teamwork, and reflection. Its goals are to bring our students together with animals to help them learn about the environment and the importance of stewardship of the natural world.
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The course objective is to provide the mathematical background needed for calculus. The concepts that play a central role in calculus are explored from the numerical, the algebraic, and the graphical perspectives. The graphing calculator is utilized extensively as each student is expected to participate actively in the development of these concepts and to use the technology to complete a particular discussion or to explore examples.
Grade 8: Physical Science Eighth-grade science classes survey concepts and skills associated with the physical sciences, primarily introductory mechanics and chemistry, utilizing the CPO Science Teaching and Learning System. Each class topic is introduced with hands-on investigations, employing a guided inquiry approach that allows students to discover concepts and explore, rather than prove or demonstrate them. Content development is structured around lab experiences. Direct observation comes first; students discover firsthand what happens and then find the connection to real-world applications. Theoretical information is provided to give the “how” and “why.” Time will be spent refining observational and analytical skills (e.g., making accurate and precise measurements). Areas of study include scientific process, motion and force, work and energy, matter and energy, atoms and elements, and changes in matter. This course enables students to make a smooth transition to the biology course offered in ninth grade, as well as to the chemistry and physics courses students will take at their secondary school.
Grade 9: Biology This course presents students with an in-depth study of life at the cellular and organismal levels. Students will be presented information through a variety of media including textbook readings, small group discussion, Socratic discussions, didactic lectures, field explorations, and inquiry-based laboratory work. Topics explored throughout the year include a study of the scientific method, carbon-based biological macromolecules, the cell, cellular processes, genetics, systems of the body, theories of evolution and natural selection, and ecology. The Biology Department utilizes Cardigan’s campus and the surrounding local ecosystems to provide students the opportunity to connect and apply the curriculum to the living world outside of the classroom walls. Cardigan’s biology program prepares students for 10th grade and beyond by instilling study skills and habits of mind for both the classroom and laboratory.
WORLD LANGUAGES Cardigan Mountain School requires world language study of all students unless otherwise approved by the director of studies. Each student is provided with a solid language foundation to spark an interest in continued study. Proficiency in conversation, listening, comprehension, reading, and writing are key components of all language courses. Students gain experience in communicating and in learning about the history and culture of regions that share their chosen language.
Grade 6 Language Sampler All students enrolled in the sixth grade are required to take three terms of a “language sampler” course composed of one term each of Spanish, French, and Latin. This course provides students with a basic introduction to these languages, including pronunciation, vocabulary, and culture.
First-Year Language (French 1, Latin 1, and Spanish 1) First-year language classes are offered in French, Latin, and Spanish. Classes either cover the first or second half of a standard high school curriculum or, in the case of Spanish, a full-year high school curriculum.
Second-Year Language (French 2, Latin 2, and Spanish 2) These classes pick up after students successfully complete their first-year language course, with the understanding that some students may take two years to complete the first-year language level. In these sections, the students study the first half or second half of a standard second-year high school curriculum—or full second-year curriculum equivalent.
French 1a This course makes use of the first half of the D’accord!1 textbook and is the equivalent of the first half of a first-year high school curriculum.
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This course makes use of the second half of the D’accord! 1 textbook and serves as the second year of study following French 1a. The combination of French 1a and French 1b is the equivalent of a standard first-year high school curriculum.
French 2 This course includes a review of the material covered in the D’accord!1 textbook and continues on to cover the D’accord! 2 textbook. The focus of French 2 is on intermediate to advanced grammatical structures and on the cultural aspects of the French-speaking regions of the world, with an emphasis on oral proficiency of the language. This full-year course is the equivalent of a standard second-year high school curriculum.
Latin 1a This course makes use of the first half of the Ecce Romani 1 textbook and is the equivalent of the first half of a first-year high school curriculum. The course also includes selected readings from The Romans Speak for Themselves, Book 1.
Latin 1b This course makes use of the second half of the Ecce Romani 1 textbook and serves as the second year of study following Latin 1a. The combination of Latin 1a and Latin 1b is the equivalent of a standard first-year high school curriculum. The course also includes selected readings from The Romans Speak for Themselves, Book 1.
Latin 2 This course includes a brief review of topics covered at the end of the Latin 1 courses, then transitions to the use of a graduated reader, geared toward the reading of authentic Latin prose. The course is the equivalent of a standard secondyear high school curriculum. It also includes selected readings from The Romans Speak for Themselves, Book 2.
Spanish 1a This course makes use of the Descubre 1A textbook and is the equivalent of the first half of a first-year high school curriculum.
Spanish 1b This course makes use of the Descubre 1B textbook, serving as the second year of study following Spanish 1a. The combination of Spanish 1a and Spanish 1b is the equivalent of a standard first-year high school curriculum.
Conversational Spanish This faster-paced course takes a communicative approach to Spanish learning using the Aventuras textbook as a guide. This course is the equivalent of a standard first-year high school curriculum with extra emphasis on syntax and developing conversational skills.
Spanish 2 This course covers the Descubre 2 textbook in its entirety and is the equivalent of a standard second-year high school curriculum.
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French 1b
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes at Cardigan are taught entirely in English, with the exception of world languages, and the expectation for each student is to participate in all aspects of the curriculum regardless of his written and spoken proficiency. For this reason, Cardigan offers English as a Second Language (ESL) to students whose primary language is not English. Vocabulary is one of the more challenging aspects of life in a foreign country. English is full of words with multiple definitions and intricate differences. Furthermore, our reliance on idioms and expressions in common language can be frustrating for English language learners. The ESL program sets out to maximize exposure to key words and terms that are crucial for success inside and outside the classroom by introducing our students to new vocabulary in a variety of ways that foster comprehension through use, as opposed to simple definitions alone. The goal for every ESL student at Cardigan is academic and social success. Students enter Cardigan with specific skillbased and interactive needs. Our instructors recognize that international students at Cardigan face a variety of academic, social, and extracurricular demands that require English mastery across the board. As our school is an English-immersion environment, students are taught how to take advantage of additional learning opportunities outside of our classroom. They are taught that: • • • • •
Self-advocacy is crucial to learning English (using context clues, asking questions). Fear of mistakes can hold you back more than making errors will. Communication is the end goal. You can be understood without being perfect. Learning from errors is key to developing effective communication skills. In order to master another language, you need to learn how language works (collocations, cognates).
• Expanding your vocabulary gives you more tools to work with when communicating. Grammar is taught in a manner relevant to each individual’s unique language background. Students receive individualized practice and feedback in these areas. ESL at Cardigan subscribes to a “Grammar in Use” method of instruction. While it is essential that English language learners develop more specific understanding of grammatical structures in their target language, it is equally important that an emphasis be placed on functional use and understanding in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are studying weekly lists of the most frequently occurring academic words, which will allow them to increase their comprehension of texts and spoken language in all of their courses.
PEAKS®: Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills (Note: Because Cardigan recognized the value and innovation in this unique department, the PEAKS® brand was trademarked in 2009.) The PEAKS Department, located in the Stoddard Center, was created in 2008 to support Cardigan’s overall academic program and enhance the experience for the boys. Before the PEAKS Department was established, Cardigan offered a feebased academic support department that served approximately 10 percent of the student population in any given year. In the creation of the PEAKS Department, Cardigan sought to provide a non–fee-based academic resource that would benefit all students and expand its scope beyond the general academic curriculum. PEAKS serves 100 percent of our students. Guided self-development is the cornerstone of the department, and its focus lies in helping each student become a reflective, efficient learner and self-advocate from a holistic perspective (mind, brain, wellness, and education) no matter his skill level. In particular, the PEAKS Department is responsible for a progression of courses taken by students each year. The courses are geared to helping students understand the interrelated factors that impact learning and wellness, with a particular focus on applying this information to the discovery of how they learn best. In these unique PEAKS classes, students identify their individual strengths and challenges, and they learn to advocate for themselves. PEAKS is taken by every student (grades six through nine). Students attend their PEAKS core class four days per week and, with the help of their PEAKS coach, explore ways to employ effective strategies for leading more productive lives— in their academics and beyond. The curriculum focuses on the skills students need in order to be successful at Cardigan, 50
What Is the Philosophy Behind PEAKS? We recognize and believe that every student learns differently. As each boy comes to an enhanced understanding of himself and his style of learning, he will be better equipped with more-personalized tools going forward, enabling him to find success as a lifelong learner. The PEAKS Department helps students become aware of how they learn best, and helps to provide students fundamental study, organizational, and technological skills necessary to become academically self-sufficient—in and out of the classroom. Building close and healthy relationships with each student is the underpinning of the PEAKS coaches’ role. Strong relationships allow the coaches to observe, listen, and ask questions in a way that helps them understand each student’s experience. Coaches use knowledge of students’ strengths and challenges to facilitate the development of personal competencies and to encourage students to use this information toward a commitment to action. Relationship building doesn’t happen on a set schedule, nor does learning happen on demand. PEAKS coaches are widely available to students around the campus during various times (during the day, at night, and on weekends). In addition, the coaches are available during set hours in the PEAKS Suite, which is a safe, secure, and fun learning environment.
What Is the PEAKS Mission? PEAKS helps to lead the Cardigan Mountain School community to achieve its full potential by integrating and supporting habits of learning.
What Is Learned in PEAKS? The PEAKS Department is responsible for courses geared to helping students understand the interrelated factors that impact learning and wellness, with a particular focus on applying this information to the discovery of how they learn best. The PEAKS curriculum is aligned with the School Mission Statement and is designed to enhance the Cardigan experience.
Grade 6: The youngest students require a good bit of “close shepherding” in all areas of Cardigan life. PEAKS coaches
actively help these students to better acclimate to boarding school life by teaching emotional intelligence and social skills, in addition to the essential skills in time management, study methods, and organization that all Cardigan students receive. Emphasis is placed on close observation of these boys in order to quickly assist them when challenges arise. A primary goal of sixth grade is the development of study and organizational skills.
Grade 7: The seventh-grade PEAKS curriculum is a continuation of that of sixth grade. This allows for natural maturation (certainly at the beginning of the academic year) by taking more of an “observe and wait” approach to see if the application of instruction from previous years is initiated by the students. The acquisition of a sense of personal responsibility is a goal for this grade.
Grade 8: Typically, eighth grade is a turning point for the boys. As they develop a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world, Cardigan boys are assuming more responsibility for their academics and their lives. PEAKS helps to cultivate this new self-awareness, while fostering collaboration through peer teaching of skills and appreciation of learning differences. Students are strongly encouraged to develop a habit of self-advocacy with teachers.
Grade 9: Ninth graders, while in a middle school environment, are essentially high school students. Early in the academic year, they gather portfolio materials that demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses, progressing to their final PEAKS Senior Project at year-end (an individual student document communicating how they learn best). Attention is given to students new to Cardigan using the eighth-grade “peer teaching” model. A fundamental goal of the ninth-grade curriculum is a focus on student demonstration of various skills and how students can best advocate for themselves in and out of the classroom. 51
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including study skills, technology, and wellness. In addition to teaching classes, PEAKS coaches act as secondary advisors and mentors. Whether it’s working one-on-one on a math problem or providing an opportunity for students to express their feelings, the role of the PEAKS coach outside of the classroom manifests itself in numerous ways. In addition, PEAKS coaches observe their students in other classes and in other areas of school life, and they actively communicate with the other adults on campus regarding students’ accomplishments and concerns. PEAKS coaches also support the Cardigan community in a professional development capacity, and the department serves as a sounding board for ideas.
VISUAL ARTS Visual arts classes at Cardigan provide an opportunity for students to learn about, explore, and engage in the creative process using many forms of media. Students create a variety of projects, from two-dimensional drawings to threedimensional sculptures. Students work on drawing, painting, printmaking, and ceramics in a large, well-equipped studio under the direction of a trained and practicing artist. Projects emphasize art concepts that reinforce perception skills and hand–eye coordination, enabling the students to draw and translate their ideas into visual language. Emphasis is placed on the use of tools and materials for each project. Art history is also an integral part of the art curriculum where artists’ styles are discussed and made pertinent to students’ artwork. Various spaces around the campus, including the Needham Gallery near the art classroom in Bronfman, Kirk Library, and the lobby of the Stoddard Center, are typically used to display students’ completed artwork for the enjoyment of faculty, staff, parents, visitors, and fellow students. All sixth graders take one term of visual arts while students in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades elect to take a term of either visual arts or woodworking.
Grade 6 Students in sixth grade work with a variety of art media, including pencil, color pencils, marker, pen-and-ink, watercolor, papier-mâché, and clay.
Grade 7 The seventh graders work on a variety of projects in various media, including pencil, linoleum block print, drawing, painting, and clay.
Grade 8 Eighth graders work on a variety of drawing, painting, printmaking projects, and clay. Typical projects include pen-andink drawings, watercolor compositions, cut linoleum block prints, and wheel-thrown and hand-built vessels. Students work with concepts of negative/positive space, volume and mass, drawing, and color value; they develop perceptual skills and hand–eye coordination, while developing a variety of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting projects.
Grade 9 Ninth-grade students take a term-long course that solidifies the foundation of skills needed to express, capture, and communicate the world around them. The overarching goal is to be able to thoroughly and confidently communicate ideas and the self in a creative and thoughtful manner. Students conclude their experience with a toolbox of techniques and processes, including drawing, ceramics, screen printing, and portrait work, that allow them to continue with the arts or appreciate the visual and creative world.
MUSIC Students may initially be unaware, but music is more than just music. Music is philosophy in the sense that it expresses truths about what it is to be human. Similarly, music is also history in that it can illuminate and teach us much about the society in which it was written. Through performance and the study of genres, forms, and histories, the music program at Cardigan provides the student with an understanding of some of the meanings in music that lie beneath the surface sound. Through the use of films, videos, and audio recordings, students learn about a variety of musical subjects, including the history of jazz, rock ’n’ roll, the American musical, and important “classical” composers who span the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth-Century periods. Worksheets, presentations, and/or poster projects are typically required, depending on the subject. All Cardigan students take music for one term each year. Sixth-grade and seventh-grade students will learn either the basics of playing the recorder or the basic elements of music, along with the instruments of the orchestra. Sections with larger class sizes will occasionally perform on the hand chimes in Chapel services throughout the year. Students are encouraged to join the Cardigan Glee Club, which practices weekly and performs during a number of Chapel
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For the length of the term, students in all music classes keep a detailed “playlist” document outlining all listening examples (correctly formatted) that have been played during class. In any of the music classes, the instructor may administer a test or quiz that he has previously announced. Examples of correctly formatted playlist entries: “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah by George Frederic Händel—Performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir “#41” from Live at Wrigley Field by the Dave Matthews Band
Grade 6 Music in the sixth grade lays the foundation for students’ music education at Cardigan. Students learn to identify major and minor tonality—as well as tonic, subdominant, and dominant function—by sound. Students reinforce skills using games that emphasize individual skill. Additionally, students sing—alone and with others—a variety of songs in class with the potential to perform them in a full-school setting (e.g., Chapel). Finally, students learn about musical connections found in current events, seasonal changes, and holidays.
Grade 7 Music in the seventh grade lays the foundation for concepts and discussions that are held in grades 8 and 9. The seventhgrade music curriculum is divided into three units, or “strands”—each being taught on one class day per week. Classical Music History—The focus of this strand is the study of the Baroque and Classical periods. We learn style characteristics, composers, and famous pieces. Composers include J.S. Bach, J.C. Bach, Händel, Vivaldi, C.P.E. Bach, Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Music Theory—The focus of this strand is developing students’ aural skills, ideally begun in our sixth-grade music program. Students learn to identify major and minor tonalities within pieces, as well as major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords. The reading of the staff is introduced and/or reviewed. History of Broadway and the Musical—In this strand, students examine the evolution of musical theater forms from opera to operetta to musical. Students learn style characteristics of each and listen to prominent examples. For a portion of the class, students watch either a filmed musical or the movie version of a musical. Students are responsible for characters’ names and major plot points.
Grade 8 Music in the eighth grade is separated into three separate units or “strands,” and each strand is taught on one of the three class days. Classical Music History—This strand focuses on the events and composers of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth-Century/Modern periods. The strand begins with style characteristics of each period, followed by important composers for each period. Each composer has listening examples listed in the Playlist. Music Theory—This strand includes reading of the treble and bass staves. Additionally, students are taught to place notes on a staff based on a given do. Finally, students examine common harmonic structures of pieces and learn how chords “move” within an established structure. History of Rock ’n’ Roll—This strand examines the history of rock ’n’ roll music, beginning in the 1950s with Elvis Presley, and continuing through the ’60s. The official end of the strand is the Altamont Festival in December 1969. If time allows, we examine the genre’s evolution into the ’70s.
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services as well as on special occasions throughout the year. Students who play an instrument may join the Music Ensemble, which meets weekly, and will either accompany the Glee Club or perform pieces on their own. (Note: Private lessons are available for the drums, guitar, clarinet/sax, violin, and piano.)
Grade 9 Music in the ninth grade represents the culmination of the music sequence at Cardigan. Instead of learning about classical composers and influential musical artists—as is done in grades seven and eight—ninth-grade music focuses on music and its use in media, and specifically how TV and movie directors use music to elicit certain emotions from the viewers, and how certain pairings of music and visual media send a particular message. The term project in ninth grade involves selecting a movie or TV excerpt, then pairing it with two contrasting musical examples—one of which must be a classical example from before 1900. Students then integrate the video clip with each of the musical examples and write a four-paragraph essay explaining their creative choices. Finally, they present the piece in a well-prepared speech before the class and invited guests. If time allows within the term, students will view a Broadway musical, or movie version of a Broadway musical, then discuss the musical and the thematic and dramatic elements within the show. The unit culminates in a Socratic discussion based on the themes of the musical.
WOODWORKING The Williams Wood Shop, which occupies half of the Gates I.D.E.A. Shop (and thus lies adjacent to the Gates Lab), contains an extensive array of hand and power tools, and instruction in the operation and care of all equipment is provided before students begin project work. Students familiarize themselves with the use of both hand tools and various power tools, including the radial arm saw, table saw, band saw, and drill press, as well as the process of sanding, staining, and finishing. Student projects can often be quite sophisticated, both in their design and execution. Beginning in the seventh grade, students have the option of taking one term of woodworking.
Grade 7 Seventh-grade woodworking is an introductory-level woodworking class in which students learn proper and safe usage of hand tools and basic power tools. All students build identical projects because the emphasis is on acquiring basic knowledge of machining, sanding, and finishing.
Grade 8 This eighth-grade course provides students with their first exposure to all the power tools in the shop. After a student demonstrates the safe operation of each machine, he begins work on a project of his choice (with the concurrence of the shop director), from concept and design through fabrication, building, and completion.
Grade 9 Ninth-grade woodworking allows the student to work on a project of his choice, with the concurrence of the shop director. Prior to fabricating, building, and completing, the student will design and draw plans for this project, as well as outline the process for machining and assembly.
THE GATES PROGRAM Required for sixth and seventh graders; optional for eighth and ninth graders. The Charles C. Gates Invention & Innovation Competition program is both an academic and afternoon offering at Cardigan made possible by a generous contribution from a past parent and Cardigan trustee. The Gates program at Cardigan is a truly hands-on offering designed to encourage creative thinking, problem solving, risk taking, team building, and entrepreneurial spirit, and to develop in students of all grades an appreciation for creativity, hard work, perseverance, and resilience. Students are charged with identifying a specific problem in the real world and developing a “functioning innovation or invention to solve that problem.” Each student or student team designs and builds the invention with guidance from the Gates director overseeing the program. Criteria for the invention or innovation include the following: it must perform a practical function, make life easier or safer, entertain, or solve an everyday problem.
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DRAMA/THEATER ARTS A new program offering for eighth and ninth graders in 2015–2016. More information to come.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY INITIATIVE (GCI) Students who validate and appreciate different perspectives from across the United States and around the world are best prepared to meet the ever-changing needs of our diverse global society. In support of Cardigan’s mission, the Global Community Initiative (GCI) permeates many facets of our Cardigan programming, enhancing awareness of our multicultural and multicontextual world and developing in students the skills to be successful in it. Boys from every grade participate in a weekly Global Leadership class, in which they gain new insights about different social identities and develop inclusive leadership skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and innovative problem solving. Each month the entire Cardigan community also learns about a geographic location (e.g., Brazil, Scandinavia) and observes its cultural, religious, and educational holidays. Service projects, annual conferences, international trips, and guest speaker presentations further enrich our community learning. In addition, GCI provides ongoing professional development and consultation to enhance the incorporation of global issues into the core curriculum and throughout the residential life experience.
Global Leadership The yearlong Global Leadership elective is a weekly class taken by all Cardigan students and is designed to generate self-awareness and respect for different perspectives, life experiences, and social identities. In order to meet the ever-changing needs of our diverse society, students also develop fundamental value-driven leadership skills, such as practicing critical thought, communicating clearly, solving problems innovatively, and making ethical decisions. In addition, students will compile a personal leadership journal throughout the year that enables them to examine new information thoughtfully, further expressing their ideas and emotions, setting individual goals, and reflecting on what they have learned.
Summer Reading The main focus for the boys over the summer should be to have fun. One activity we feel can be wonderfully fun and keep the boys engaged in the world around them is reading. We want to encourage the boys to read as much as possible this summer in different genres and through different media. We will maintain an online list of recommendations for the boys based on grade level and interest. The list will be compiled from student and faculty recommendations and will include loads of books, magazines, and webpages. In order to keep track of everything, we are also going to ask the boys to log into a Cardigan Summer Reading portal to document their hours of reading. Individual prizes and dorm points will be awarded to the boys who log the most hours of reading. 55
Academics and Placement
The program begins in the fall trimester and concludes with the official competition (a two-day exposition/contest) in the spring. The Gates program is built in to the academic schedules of all sixth and seventh graders; eighth and ninth graders who wish to participate in the program may forgo some of their daytime study halls beginning in the fall and/or winter term in order to prepare for the spring competition, or they may participate in the Gates Club on Thursday afternoons.
End-of-Year Awards and Commencement Prizes Recognition Assembly At the end of the school year, Cardigan Mountain School presents the following prizes: • The Addison Memorial Prize for Creative Writing: Awarded to a ninth grader for fine work in prose and poetry. • Cardigan’s Permanent Art Collection • Charles C. Gates Invention & Innovation Competition Awards • Departmental Book Prizes: Awarded to various recipients for their efforts in particular subjects. • Edward A. Barney Written Expression Prizes: Awarded to the winners of a schoolwide creative writing contest. • James N. Marrion Sportsmanship Award: Awarded to a student-athlete in each grade for his enduring athletic sportsmanship who, in the eyes of the entire coaching staff, best embodies the true spirit of the Cardigan Mountain School Athletic Program. • John Dudley Clark Community Service Award • Outstanding Dorm Citizen Awards • Outstanding Underclassman: Given by the Class of 1977, this award is to be presented each year to the most outstanding underclassman who, in the eyes of the current senior class, best exemplifies the qualities of honesty, sportsmanship, and friendship. • Presidential Scholarship and Achievement Awards: Awarded to students in each grade for their scholarly work and/or effort over the course of the entire academic year. In addition to the awards and prizes presented at the Recognition Assembly, the president of the rising ninth-grade class is announced, and other areas of school life are highlighted and recognized.
Commencement Prizes Cardigan Mountain School presents the following prizes each year at Commencement: • The Dewar Prize: Awarded annually in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Cameron K. Dewar to the member of the senior class with the highest academic standing. • Hinman Prize: A prize given annually in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harold P. Hinman to the member of the School who, in the opinion of the faculty, by industrious application to his studies, through his attitude on the playing field, and by his behavior and integrity, most nearly approaches the ideals of manhood as conceived in the minds of the founders of Cardigan Mountain School. • The Founder’s Prize: Awarded to the boy in the student body who has the will to complete any project, regardless of the difficulties encountered, without thought of personal gain, and whose objective is a job well done in the same approach that characterized the life of Harold P. Hinman, one of the founders of Cardigan Mountain School. • The Caldwell Prize: Awarded to the boy who has shown outstanding athletic achievement and sportsmanship. • The Norman and Beverly Wakely Prize: Awarded by the Class of 1989 to the senior who, in the opinion of his classmates, best upholds the tradition, spirit, and pride of Cardigan Mountain School, thus making every day “a beautiful day in New Hampshire!” • The Skibiski Memorial Award: The award is to be given as a memorial to Michael R. Skibiski to the member of the senior class who has shown the greatest progress during his Cardigan years. • The Pannaci Memorial Award: Awarded annually by the Class of 1959 as a memorial to Karl J. Pannaci to the member of the senior class who, in the eyes of his fellow students, has achieved and best attained the ideals of honesty, integrity, leadership, and general social and spiritual adjustment. • The Faculty Prize: Awarded to ninth-grade students who, in the opinion of the faculty, have made special contributions to the life of Cardigan Mountain School. • The William Knapp Morrison Award: Awarded to the senior who, in the opinion of the students, best exemplifies the spirit of Willie Morrison in academics, athletics, and as a campus citizen. 56
Extracurricular Activities The Clubs Program: On Thursday afternoons, instead of team practices or games, students participate in club activities. Each season, boys sign up to join a faculty-supervised club from a list of more than 30 options. Some of the clubs are service activities such as cleaning up local roads or volunteering at a food pantry. Some are educational activities like the Cooking club. Still others provide an opportunity for students to try a new sport or hobby like ice skating, bocce, chess, or fly fishing. There are also movie and game clubs. Some clubs may have an additional cost or fee associated with them. Club offerings change three times a year. Drama: Cardigan stages several productions a year. Students can be in a production and still participate in their seasonal sports activity. Student technical crews build stage sets and provide lighting and sound for performances. Glee Club: No experience is required to join this group of singers who perform during Chapel services and as part of special school events. Signups for the Glee Club are held at the beginning of the school year, and practices are held each week. The Music Ensemble: This ensemble usually consists of about 12 performers representing a balance of woodwinds and strings, and a sprinkling of brass if possible. Students must be able to read music and play at no less than an intermediate level. The group rehearses one or two times each week and periodically performs in Chapel. They may also work on a few pieces to be performed at the Great East Festival in May, a competition in which Cardigan’s ensemble has achieved silver (2011, 2013) and gold (2012) medal prize acknowledgment.
Service Opportunities One of the goals of Cardigan Mountain School is to promote the character development of its students. Cardigan offers a strong, supportive family atmosphere that calls on its members to be responsible, trustworthy, and well-mannered. The School seeks to promote an awareness of environmental issues, health issues, and interpersonal relationships. Cardigan students are committed to helping the surrounding community through service clubs, which include but are not limited to opportunities to volunteer in nursing homes, on a roadway cleanup crew, with a recycling group, and with a group that stocks food pantry shelves and sorts clothes at the Listen Center in nearby Lebanon. Regularly on Sunday mornings, the boys have the opportunity to serve the local community. The students will sign up to provide service to the elderly, help the town prepare for the upcoming winter, or clean up local fields for use in the spring. Additionally, a few afternoons each year are set aside for schoolwide service activities, and periodically food and clothing drives (or the raising of awareness for other causes) take place. Usually these are sponsored by various student groups or classes. At the end of the school year, those eighth graders elected to leadership positions for the following year help coordinate the schoolwide drive to collect used school supplies and clothing, which are then reused the following year, or distributed to local schools and organizations in need.
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Arts and Activities
Arts and Activities
Sports There is a team for every level of play at Cardigan. For that reason, this is a terrific place to try a new sport—even if a boy is athletic. The “reserve” and/or “thirds” levels of teams within a sport often comprise boys who are relatively, if not completely, new to a sport or who may simply need more skill development. Our junior varsity–level teams are more experienced, and our varsity teams typically include student-athletes who are very experienced and/or very skilled in their sport. For many boys, Cardigan provides their first experience in playing on or for a team—your son would not be alone by any means! Here he may discover or be exposed to a lifelong sport he truly loves, or he may simply enjoy the camaraderie that being on a team often affords. The athletics program at Cardigan is designed to provide physical activities for all students. The football, soccer, cross-country running, mountain biking, Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, hockey, basketball, wrestling, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, and sailing teams compete interscholastically, and most of these sports offer competition at several levels. The majority of athletic contests are scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For much more information, please refer to the “Athletics” section of this handbook on pages 61–75 or online at www.cardigan.org/athletics.
School Traditions • At the beginning of school, all new students and teachers climb Mount Cardigan to see the sun rise. • At the conclusion of the year, the seniors climb Mount Cardigan to see the sun set. • On the Monday of Columbus Day weekend in October, the entire school attends the Sandwich Fair. • The entire school has a fall outing, Mountain Day, scheduled when the autumn foliage is at its peak. • In the late winter, students and faculty enjoy an all-school Ski Holiday at one of the nearby ski areas. • In the spring, one day is designated Headmaster’s Day; classes are suspended and various recreational activities take place. • In the fall and spring, all Cardigan sports teams compete against our friendly rival, Eaglebrook School. • Toward the end of spring term, the head of school sponsors a daily Polar Bear Club at the lake. • During Winter Parents’ Weekend, Cardigan hosts an auction, which is a major fundraising event. • In the winter, seniors enjoy the fun bonding experience of Senior Ski Holiday at one of the nearby ski areas. • “Dorm Olympics” competitions and dorm activities are scheduled throughout the year, serving to enhance both dorm-family and all-school spirit. • Dress-down days are announced throughout the year for a variety of reasons and often in support of charities. • Cardigan’s school colors are forest green and white. The School’s mascot is the cougar.
Student Jobs Each student makes a contribution toward the smooth daily operation of the School by performing at least one student job, reminding all that community life requires contribution from each member.
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This is an opportunity open to returning eighth- and ninth-grade boys to spend time helping new students acclimate to Cardigan. Each boy who meets the program criteria is paired with at least one new student (often several) at the year’s inception, and both informally and through scheduled social events, the pair or small group forms a connection that typically proves beneficial to all involved.
Leadership Cardigan Mountain School offers its students myriad opportunities to develop leadership skills in class and in sports, as well as in other extracurricular activities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, the Jobs Program, Peer Tutoring, the Big Brother Program, the Student Senate, and the Senior Leadership Program.
Student Senate The Student Senate reviews policies that affect students’ lives here at school. Although the Senate is an advisory body, there are times when the ideas it generates help determine operating policies. The Student Senate is made up of the school leader, the assistant school leader, the class president from the senior class, the elected senators from each grade level, and a faculty advisor.
Senior Leadership Each spring, school elections are held to elect the senior leaders for the following year. Based on student and faculty votes, those boys who receive the highest leadership ranking have the opportunity to run for school leader. Candidates need to demonstrate the ability to work independently and to balance academic commitments with other school responsibilities. In addition, candidates should have a clean disciplinary record. The following week, candidates for school leader give short speeches in support of their candidacy, and the school community votes to determine the winner. After the school leader has been named, the faculty meets to select the assistant school leader, various job foremen, the Green Key leader, job supervisors, Chapel assistants, and floor leaders from a slate comprising top-ranking vote recipients from the earlier schoolwide election. These selections are announced at the Investiture Ceremony in mid-May. The newly elected (rising) senior leaders are encouraged to remain a few days longer on campus (after the rest of the underclassmen depart for summer) to participate in the Alumni Association Welcome Banquet and the Cardigan Commencement Exercises. They also meet with faculty advisors to the Senior Leadership Program to begin their leadership orientation. (In addition, the graduating seniors elect marshals and ushers from the eighth-grade class, who are also expected to participate in Commencement.)
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Arts and Activities
Big Brother Program
Weekend Activities The School’s director of residential life and student activities is dedicated to coordinating weekend activities, which include a number of on-campus activities, as well as trips off campus. First, it should be noted that a “weekend” essentially means Saturday afternoon or evening (after a boy’s last commitment, which may be an athletic practice or game or his campus job, for which he can find a substitute if necessary) through Sunday, until dinner on Sunday evening. Saturday night activities usually include Cardigan Café: a movie being shown in the Klein Family Theater (in the lower level of the Commons), pizza delivery (students may preorder), the snack bar’s being open, and access to TV, video games, ping-pong, foosball, and the like, in The Haven (the student center, which is also in the Commons). Students may also use the Marrion Gymnasium, the Johnson–Wakely Fitness Center, the Cougar Climbing Cave, and Turner Arena in the Wakely Center (for indoor tennis or pickup hockey, depending on the season). Students who prefer a quieter scene may opt to be in their common rooms or dorm rooms during this time, playing on the computer, reading, watching a movie, and the like. Sometimes a trip will go out Saturday night (e.g., to see a theater performance at another school, to watch a live college hockey or basketball game, to take advantage of a rented facility—such as an indoor soccer space, or to go out to dinner and a movie), but many trip opportunities also arise on Sundays—things such as making the trek to an amusement park, playing mini golf and hitting balls at a driving range, playing paintball, going to a shopping mall, participating in a service opportunity, hitting the ski/ snowboard slopes in winter, or playing laser tag, to name just a very few. Sunday can be a day of “rest,” as well, as boys may sleep later than usual and go to buffet meals in casual dress, and they may use their time (up until evening study hall) as they desire—for the most part. Facilities requiring supervision (rink, waterfront, indoor courts, gym, weight room, student center, etc.) are generally open and supervised from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, and sometimes mini (informal) on-campus tournaments or contests (3 vs. 3 soccer, campus golf, “trash can lacrosse,” etc.) are organized for those on site and interested. Outdoor fields and courts may be used all day on Sunday. We encourage the boys to spend some time outside during the weekend and use all that the Cardigan campus has to offer. This is a great time to enhance social skills associated with play and to include other students in the commnunity.
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Athletics Motto
Athletic Mission Statement; Philosophy and Motto; Purpose and Goals
Pride in... Yourself, Your Family, Your School, Your Team. BE THE BEST!
Athletic Mission Statement The mission of Cardigan’s athletic program is to support the School’s mission in educating boys in mind, body, and spirit by promoting healthy living and an active lifestyle.
Philosophy Cardigan Mountain School athletics emphasize respect, responsibility, and dedication. Athletes are rewarded for effort, hard work, and accomplishment. Each boy is given the opportunity to reach his full potential through a wide variety of competitive sport offerings and intramural activities with support from the teacher–coach model. For all spectators, officials, coaches, and athletes, the Cardigan Athletic Department is committed to maintaining a positive environment for teaching, training, and competition.
Purpose and Goals It is the purpose of the Cardigan Mountain School Athletic Department to provide all students with a unique opportunity to participate in an age-appropriate, competitive athletic program. Students choosing not to participate on a competitive team are provided other noncompetitive opportunities to develop their physical skills in the pursuit of a well-rounded education in mind, body, and spirit. The Cardigan Mountain School Athletic Department is committed to the following: • Offering a balanced and varied program of interscholastic athletics, intramurals, and activities. • Teaching the value of ethical conduct, sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork through dedication to the teacher– coach model. • Modeling Cardigan Mountain School’s six core values: Compassion, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Scholarship, and Fairness. • Using positive coaching to address teachable moments in order to develop positive character traits on the field that translate to positive interactions off the field. • Recognizing that a healthy athletic environment is inclusive, that every team member is equally important, and that the athletic experience should be fun for all participants, coaches, and spectators. • Understanding that the systematic development of all athletes’ skills is a sign of thoughtful programmatic thinking. • Embracing the idea that individual, team, and program success is not measured in individual awards, wins and losses, or championships, but in effort, progress, resilience, and the dedication to hard work, one’s team, and one’s school. • Acknowledging that commitment to the program and individual teams is essential and involves daily participation in all practices, games, and team functions, while maintaining a healthy balance of the big picture and the overall well-rounded education in mind, body, and spirit.
Sportsmanship Statement Cardigan Mountain School believes sportsmanship is an essential component for the success of interscholastic athletics. Student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans demonstrate sportsmanship by following the Cardigan core values of compassion, honesty, respect, integrity, scholarship, and fairness. We encourage all participants to enthusiastically support their team, recognize outstanding performance of opponents, and always exhibit good sportsmanship in their words and actions.
School Mascot: Cougar Team Colors: Forest Green and White 61
Athletics
Cardigan Athletics
Positive Coaching Alliance Cardigan Mountain School has again committed to a partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance for the ninth year in a row. With this partnership we will have a series of educational speakers on campus talking with our faculty, students, and parents. The focus of these educational speakers is to make our students better competitors, our coaches more effective leaders, and our parents stronger supporters of our program.
Positive Coaching Alliance Positive Coaching Alliance is a national nonprofit, developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide all youth and high school athletes a positive, character-building youth sports experience. Since its 1998 launch at Stanford University by Founder and CEO Jim Thompson, PCA has impacted more than 5 million youth athletes, parents, and officials through partnerships with schools and youth sports organizations nationwide that comprise live workshops, online courses, Thompson’s books, and e-communications, providing free Tips and Tools. At the center of our work are three models: • The Double-Goal Coach®, who strives to win while also puruing the more-important goal of life lessons through sports; • The Second-Goal Parent®, who concentrates on life lessons, while letting coaches and athletes focus on competing; and • The Triple-Impact Competitor®, who strives to impact sport on three levels by improving oneself, teammates and the game as a whole. Our allies include National Advisory Board of top athletes, coaches, academicians, and business leaders; prominent national youth sports organization; and corporations and foundations that support our work as we expand our roster of local PCA Chapters across the U.S. For more information about the Positive Coaching Alliance, please visit www.positivecoach.org.
New England Preparatory School Athletics Council NEPSAC* Code of Ethics and Conduct Cardigan Mountain School is a member of NEPSAC and is a member of the Lakes Region District Two. Cardigan Mountain School, as a member of NEPSAC, is committed to supporting the council’s ideas and bylaws. As a basic principle, we believe that the lessons learned from fairly played athletics, whether interscholastic or not, and including games and practices, are of benefit to our students and our schools. The purpose of this Code of Ethics and Conduct is to define what “fairly played” means and to provide guidelines for NEPSAC athletes, coaches, officials and spectators alike to follow.
www.cardigan.org/athletics *NEPSAC = New England Preparatory School Athletics Council 62
At the heart of this matter lie several terms which are often hard to define—yet no more important task confronts teachers and coaches than to set standards which are fair and honorable. Throughout this Code, when such terms as “proper conduct” and “good sportsmanship” are mentioned, they refer to such standards as these: 1. Treat other persons as you know they should be treated, and as you wish them to fairly treat you. 2. Regard the rules of your game as agreements, the spirit or letter of which you should not evade or break. 3. Treat officials and opponents with respect. 4. Accept absolutely and without quarrel the final decision of any official. 5. Honor visiting teams and spectators as your own guests and treat them as such. Likewise, behave as an honored guest when you visit another school. 6. Be gracious in victory and defeat; learn especially to take defeat well. 7. Be as cooperative as you are competitive. 8. Remember that your actions on and off the field reflect on you and your school.
Purpose of Athletics in Our Schools Athletics exist primarily as an essential part of the student’s full education. As an educational process, they serve these purposes: 1. To teach and instruct students in the rules, fundamentals, and skills of various individual and team sports; to provide physical training and physical outlet for adolescent energy. 2. To provide healthy competition and cooperation within and between schools, thus inculcating in each student the best principles of good sportsmanship. 3. To develop the other aspects of good sportsmanship, which will best serve each student’s education. 4. To maintain the spirit of true amateur competition.
Spirit of Competition Along with the rules of middle school play, coaches should play with a good spirit of competition. The NEPSAC Code of Ethics provides the framework on which all game behavior should be based. Beyond that, middle school coaches should intentionally make the game a positive experience for everyone involved—players on both teams, coaches, officials, and spectators. This means taking a leadership role with your team and setting standards of behavior. Running up the score, keeping a press on in a basketball game when the outcome is clearly evident, putting your starters in as a group when the score is already lopsided, and continuing a run-and-gun style of play rather than emphasizing passing and a set offense, all represent examples of coaching strategies which do not meet the intended spirit of middle school competition.
Guidelines for Coaches 1. Coaches shall remember that school athletics are primarily part of each student’s education, not a goal in themselves. Coaches shall use athletics to help each student achieve the standards listed above. 2. Coaches shall assist each student toward developing his or her fullest potential in athletics. 3. Coaches shall remember that the behavior of a team can reflect the coach’s own manner, attitudes, temper, and approach to athletics, and shall conduct themselves in a way which brings credit to themselves, their team, their school, and their sport. 4. Coaches shall be responsible not only for coaching their teams, but also for running games, dealing fairly and properly with officials, meeting before and after games with visiting coaches and players, and maintaining an objectivity and sense of balance commensurate with good aportsmanship. Coaches shall in particular preserve the tradition of shaking hands after games and matches.
*NEPSAC = New England Preparatory School Athletics Council 63
Athletics
Proper Conduct and Good Sportsmanship
NEPSAC* Code of Ethics and Conduct (cont’d) Guidelines for Players 1. Players shall at all times represent themselves and their school with honor, proper conduct, and good sportsmanship. They shall understand that competitive rivalries are encouraged, but that disrespect for opponents is unsportsmanlike and lessens the value of the rivalries. They shall confine the competitiveness of the game to the field, and in particular behave properly on the sidelines and in the locker rooms both before and after games. 2. They shall comply fully with the rulings of the officials. In no way, either by voice, action, or gesture, shall they demonstrate their dissatisfactions with the decisions made. 3. Players will not deface property or remove equipment of any kind from their own or another school.
Guidelines for Paid Officials 1. Officials shall arrive at school well in advance of game time, making themselves available to coaches and other officials, and shall be prepared to start the game on time. 2. They shall, in dress, conduct, and knowledge of the game rules, advance the objectives of this Code of Ethics and Conduct. 3. They shall bring understanding and patience to situations that involve young players who err through lack of skill, experience, and maturity. 4. Officials shall deliver in energy and speed their fullest capacities. The association requires, regardless of the level of the game or the size of the fee, that officials always give their best.
Guidelines for Spectators 1. Spectators—whether students, faculty, parents, alumni, or friends—bear important responsibilities to the school for the atmosphere and conduct of games, whether home or away. 2. Spectators should watch games from those areas defined by each school as spectator areas. They must not run up and down sidelines; call to players, coaches, or officials in an unsportsmanlike manner; go onto the field of play; or deface property. Any action that detracts from the ability of coaches, players, and officials to do their best is not acceptable. 3. Faculty members should remember that their responsibilities for student discipline and behavior extend to disciplining and controlling students who misbehave as spectators. 4. The use of alcohol and illegal drugs should not be associated with any athletic event. These standards are ones that NEPSAC expects all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to meet.
Expulsion Rule Players or coaches who are ejected from interscholastic officiated contests for “unsportsmanlike conduct” or other flagrant behavior will forfeit their eligibility to play or coach in the next regularly scheduled interscholastic officiated contest or tournament contest played in that sport. We encourage a conversation among athletic director, coach, and disqualified offender.
NEPSAC and Cardigan Mountain School expect all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to meet these standards.
*NEPSAC = New England Preparatory School Athletics Council 64
About the Athletic Program Team Membership Cardigan Mountain School is committed to providing each boy the opportunity to participate on an athletic team. This commitment means that in most sports there will be more than one team per sport offering. The emphasis of the Cardigan Mountain School program is on developing skills, responsibility, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. As students progress up to varsity-level teams, the level of success achieved is directly related to the physical skills developed through the program.
Recreational Teams Cardigan offers noncompetitive recreational teams each season. These teams are designed to provide an active alternative to competitive interscholastic teams and to teach students the skills involved in a variety of sports and lifetime activities without the component of interscholastic competition. Recreational teams meet during the designated sports practice time and have the same participation requirements as other sports offerings.
Reserve Teams Reserve teams are designed for less-experienced, younger players and/or players of any age trying to learn a new sport. The focus of the reserve teams is skill development, sport-specific education, and participation. Games and scrimmages are set up to maximize opportunities for participation in a few interscholastic competitions, both at Cardigan and away from school. Some of the schedule is conducted at Cardigan through an intramural skill-development program.
Thirds Teams Thirds teams are primarily for less-experienced players who are more skilled and stronger in a given sport than those at the reserve level of play. The focus of all thirds teams is also skill development, sport-specific education, and participation. Games and scrimmages are set up to maximize opportunities for participation in interscholastic competition, while also striving for a winning season. Thirds team members may participate in some extra intramural play to increase their experience.
Junior Varsity Teams Junior varsity teams are for boys who are not yet physically ready or experienced enough for varsity competition. JV players are not ready for varsity, but are more skilled and experienced than thirds- or reserve-level players. While JV participation indicates a step toward the skill needed for varsity play, it also serves the boy who enjoys competing at this level but does not have varsity aspirations. JV teams concentrate on offering a competitive level of skill development and game play with the focus on improvement, effort, participation, and competition.
Varsity Teams This is the most competitive level offered at Cardigan, and thus membership on a varsity team generally requires several years of experience in the sport, as well as advanced skill. The level of play will be more demanding both physically and mentally because of the intensity of competition. Coaches will still strive to provide fair playing time for students; however, playing-time decisions will be based more on skill level and less on participation than at other levels of play. More emphasis will be placed on winning, while maintaining a well-rounded sense of fun in athletics.
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Athletics
Cardigan Athletics
Policies and Procedures Tryouts and Team Placement Before the start of each new season, a meeting will be held to explain to the boys the sports and activities to be offered in the coming season. The head varsity coach of each sport or program director gives a brief description of the program. After hearing about all of the offerings, boys choose the sport in which they are most interested. The first three to seven days are reserved for tryouts for the varsity and sub-varsity teams. Once teams are set, the Athletic Department will limit movement between teams to special situations only. Throughout the first five days, boys are allowed to change sports if they find that the one they have chosen is not the best fit for them. It is our goal in team placement to find opportunities not only for participation but, more important, for success. Placing each student at the level where he can contribute physically and gain positive feelings from his efforts is the School’s focus. Though the Athletic Department has a no-cut policy, teams such as rock climbing and mountain biking are only able to carry a certain number of athletes. Therefore, cuts may be made to ensure the highest level of safety for all studentathletes involved, and/or to prevent a negative impact on the environment. Some disappointments are inevitable when teams are selected. During these times, it is important that students feel the support of teammates and parents as well as coaches. Coaches evaluate the talent and physical development of individual students with considerable thought and sensitivity. During the tryout period, both athletic talent and potential for improvement are evaluated. In making decisions regarding team placement, the following factors are among the considerations: speed, skill, aggressiveness, physical conditioning, knowledge of the game, past experience, dedication, and coachability. We want our students to learn the value of being on a team and the contributions they must make to the team. Team members have responsibility to themselves, their teammates, and their coaches to learn their role on the team. Teamwork requires the development of many interpersonal skills, such as listening, following directions, accepting constructive criticism, and supporting teammates and coaches. Athletes have an obligation to participate in practice sessions and games with full commitment and enthusiasm. At all levels, reserve through varsity, practice presents competitive situations where students vie for playing time and for starting positions. In game competition, on every team and at all levels, it is the responsibility of the coach to determine who will play and how much they will play. Athletes should fully understand that by making a team they are accepting the pleasures and benefits of participating as well as the responsibility and commitment to that team. Coaches at all levels expect Cardigan Mountain School team members to: • Measure success by what the team accomplishes over the course of the season. • Show responsibility for school-issued equipment and uniforms. • Be punctual and prepared for all practices and games. • Show responsibility for academic work. • Show respect to all coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators. • Achieve and maintain good physical condition. • Maintain a willingness to work hard and be attentive. • Fulfill all responsibilities to the team.
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Athletic Requirements All students at Cardigan Mountain School are required to participate in an afternoon athletic activity during all three seasons. In fulfilling this requirement, the students are allowed to choose the sport or activity in which they would like to participate, and the School will make every effort to accommodate them within the offerings provided. During at least one of the three seasons, boys must choose to participate in a competitive team sport offered by the School. For example, a student-athlete could choose to do rock climbing in the fall, participate in recreational skiing in the winter, and play lacrosse in the spring. That same student could not, however, choose a noncompetitive offering such as “rock climbing” in the spring. as he would not have then fulfilled his competitive team sport requirement for the year.
Outside-of-School Teams and Participation Cardigan students are encouraged to participate in outside teams during the summer months. During the school year, however, students are asked to make the commitment of putting their Cardigan team commitments before any other sports teams, programs, or camps. Attendance at all Cardigan practices and games is required as part of their participation on a team and fulfillment of the athletic portion of their Cardigan Mountain School education. Consequences for missing a team commitment for outside-of-school teams’ tryouts, games, and so forth, are at the discretion of the head coach of the team. Consequences such as loss of playing time in the next game are logical and acceptable. Additional school consequences may be imposed by the director of student life and/or the director of athletics.
Athletic Participation Cardigan recognizes that academic success for students is our top priority, and that while athletic participation is a requirement for boys, representing their team is a privilege. Participation in game play is at the discretion of the director of studies and director of athletics, and the following academic expectations are in place for student-athletes: Students must keep their grades up to participate fully in athletics. A student with an F in any subject will not be allowed to participate in games. The student will practice with his team, and when the student’s teacher confirms that he has pulled his grade up to a passing mark, he may once again be eligible to participate in athletic contests. A student with multiple D’s may also be suspended from game participation until C grades are achieved.
Attendance Practice is essential for success. All team members of each sport will attend all scheduled practices, meetings, and games. If a student will not be attending a practice, meeting, or athletic contest, the coach should be notified prior to the event being missed. If a student is injured and cannot participate, he will report to his team’s practice/game, where he will be asked to participate in an appropriate manner with recommendations from the athletic trainer and team physician.
Uniforms Student-athletes are responsible for uniforms and equipment issued to them. Any lost or damaged articles will be billed to their school account at replacement cost before another item is issued. Cardigan athletic uniforms and/or warm-ups are to be worn only during interscholastic competition and are not used for practice or other activities. Uniforms are picked up from the equipment room prior to departure for the designated competition. After conclusion of the event or after returning to campus from an away game, students must return uniforms to the equipment room laundry hamper for cleaning and any necessary repair prior to the next competition.
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Policies and Procedures (cont’d) Travel Cardigan Mountain School will provide transportation to all away athletic contests while school is in session. All student-athletes are expected to travel with their team to and from the competition site. If a student-athlete will not be returning to Cardigan Mountain School with the team after an away game, he may leave with his parent or with another parent only after direct contact with the coach, and only if prior arrangements have been made with the School and the coach has been notified of these arrangements by the School. Varsity and some JV teams periodically have overnight trips during the season. Accommodations and transportation arrangements are made by the athletic director. Occasionally teams with extraordinary travel requirements (e.g., hockey and ski teams) will have an extra cost for participation charged to the student’s account. (Prior notice of these charges is given to parents before the season begins.) The nature of team travel will require implementing room curfews, limiting or denying student separation from the group, and defining appropriate dress and behavior while our student-athletes are representing our school. All school rules will remain in effect when team travel occurs, whether school is in session or not. In or out of town, on or off the field, Cardigan Mountain School student-athletes are expected to uphold the highest standards of decorum.
Special Trips On occasion during school vacations, special athletic program trips are available for student-athletes to attend but are not required for team participation. These trip expenses are separate from the athletic budget and are paid for by the parents of the boys who choose to participate. In the past, these trips have occurred over the winter and spring breaks and have included but are not limited to a ski program trip to Beaver Creek in Colorado, lacrosse and baseball program trips to Florida, and a hockey program trip to Finland. On these occasions, all school rules apply at all times.
Goal Setting and Special Programs Goal Setting At Cardigan Mountain School, goal setting has evolved into a common practice. The purpose of goal setting for student-athletes is to create realistic expectations and to help underscore the importance of the mental aspects of sport. While the student-athletes are in middle school, going through the goal-setting exercise and gaining exposure to the process is more important than the outcome. Student-athletes and coaches are expected to create individual and team goals. Goal-setting occurs at the beginning of each season and is completed three times during the year. Coaches are expected to read each athlete’s goal sheet and may set up a meeting time to discuss individual expectations. The hope for each athlete is that each time he creates his goals he is consistently improving the specificity of every goal using the SMART Guidelines*. Goals are also crafted in terms of long-term, short-term, and daily time frames. Long-term goals (Seasonal)
Short-term goals (Game)
*“SMART” Guidelines
Athletic season. One week to a month.
Daily goals (Practice) Can repeat day to day.
S – Specific: Is the goal tangible and specific? Will I know if I’ve done it? M – Measurable: Is the goal easily measured? A – Achievable: With hard work, is the goal in the realm of possibility? R – Realistic / Relevant: Is the goal relevant to where I am right now? T – Time-bound / Time-sensitive: Is there a definite completion date?
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Captains’ Council The Cardigan Mountain School Athletic Department strives to teach the values and importance of leadership in the practice of sport and in life. The Captains’ Council meets five times each season to teach the elected captains of each team lessons regarding leadership. This process promotes individual growth and helps the boys to be more effective leaders, both in the sports they play and in their day-to-day lives at Cardigan. Captains’ Council meetings include the viewing of video clips, team-building exercises, and discussions about experiences, in order to provide a learning opportunity for all. The goal of the Captains’ Council is to create an environment for student-athletes to continue to work on the mental aspects of their sports while they grow as team leaders through their collective experiences.
Post-Season Assemblies and Awards All Cardigan student-athletes receive a participation pin and certificate upon completion of each season at an athletic awards assembly honoring all of the athletes, their teams, and their accomplishments. In addition, firsttime varsity athletes receive Cardigan varsity letters. A student speaker representing each team gives a brief speech about the season, after which the team’s coaches present the pins, certificates, letters, and individual awards.
Student-Athlete of the Week The Student-Athlete of the Week Award is given (weekly) to two athletes who, in the opinion of their fellow student-athletes, should be recognized for their effort, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, dedication to the team, and overall performance in practices and games. The award is given to one student-athlete from a varsity-level team and one student-athlete from a sub-varsity–level team. Student-athletes are initially nominated by their teammates and then further voted upon by the captains of all teams for the final selection.
Athletic Commitment Exemption (ACE) For one of the three seasons in a given academic year a student-athlete may elect to focus on a sport that Cardigan does not offer—for example: fencing, figure skating, or horseback riding. This must be an approved program, equaling or exceeding the physical activity time commitment of a regular Cardigan athletic season. In order to be exempt from participating in a Cardigan athletic season, an Athletic Commitment Exemption (ACE) Application (see page 75) must be submitted and approved. The application is due one month prior to the start of the season to which the exemption would be applied. The application will be reviewed for approval by an athletic committee. If approved, the exempt student may proceed with his special athletic activity, bearing in mind that a follow-up, end-of-season presentation will be required at the season-ending athletic awards assembly. This option, and all associated costs and logistics, will be the sole responsibility of the student-athlete’s family.
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Health and Safety Injuries All injuries of any nature must be reported to the coach at the time they occur so further injury can be avoided. Cardigan Mountain School employs two licensed athletic trainers, a certified strength and conditioning coach, and a team physician who supervise all aspects of sports medicine at the School, in conjunction with the director of Health Services, including the following: 1. Treating and administering first aid when injuries occur. 2. Working directly with coaches in planning injury-preventive warm-up, stretching, and strength-training programs. 3. Coordinating coverage of games and practices. 4. Keeping records of injuries, care, and treatment. 5. Offering medical referrals to the team physician and monitoring rehabilitation. 6. Giving final clearance of all student-athletes for return to play (post recovery).
Medical Excuses If a team member suffers an injury or an illness and is consequently unable to continue team play, the following policies apply: 1. The coach should be notified immediately. 2. The athletic trainer should be notified when the student-athlete is unable to participate. Any prescribed rehabilitation should be given to the injured athlete and coach as soon as possible and coordinated and monitored by the athletic trainer and the team physician. 3. Athletes are required to attend team practices every day that they attend school. Exceptions will be made for students making up academic work or undergoing rehabilitation during practice. 4. Any student returning to play after an injury must be cleared by Cardigan Mountain School’s team physician and athletic trainer prior to participation.
Ergogenic Aids Cardigan Mountain School and its Athletic Department prohibit the use of any substance (such as creatine or anabolic steroids) that is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Surgeon General of the United States, or the American Medical Association for use by children or adolescents for the purpose of increasing physical development, strength, or athletic performance. In addition, any such agent or substance banned by the NCAA or the U.S. Olympic Committee is also prohibited. The Athletic Department discourages the use of powdered supplements and requests that parents refrain from sending these products to school with or for their sons. Parents who feel strongly that their son should have a supplement will need to provide the School’s Health Center a letter from their son’s medical provider stating the necessity for these supplements. Necessary supplements will be dispensed from the Health Center only and are not allowed in the dorms. If questions arise regarding a substance or medication considered by a student-athlete, please consult the athletic trainer, team physician, and school nurse before use.
Health Forms All Cardigan Mountain School students will have health forms on file with the school nurse verifying that a pre-school-year physical examination has been conducted, and that parental emergency release authorization has been granted. These forms are collected and checked at the start of the year during Registration. Athletes are not allowed to participate in tryouts, team practices, or games until these forms are on file.
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Athletic Complex Safety and Access For safety reasons, the Cardigan Mountain School athletic facilities, including the Marrion Athletic Center gym and classrooms, Wakely Center, Johnson–Wakely Fitness Center, wrestling room, tennis courts, all fields, locker rooms, waterfront, Jokinen sauna, Clancy sledding/skiing hill, rifle range, skeet range, and all other athletic complex areas, are off limits to student use unless a school employee is present to supervise facility usage. When permitted to use these areas, athletes are expected to keep all food and drinks out of the facilities, treat the areas with respect and care as if they were their own, and return all equipment to its proper storage area when finished.
Hazing, Bullying, and Harassment Cardigan Mountain School forbids any form of hazing, bullying, or harassment.
Hazing is defined in the Student Handbook as any forced or required, intentional or negligent action, situation,
or activity that recklessly places any person at risk of physical injury, mental distress, or personal indignity, or that requires or encourages violation of any federal, state, local, or school law for the purpose of initiation into, or affiliation with, any organization affiliated with Cardigan Mountain School. This mandate applies regardless of the willingness of the participant to participate.
Bullying, as defined in the Student Handbook, occurs when a student is the target of negative actions in the form
of intentional, repeated, and harmful acts or words in person or via the internet (on or off campus). Behaviors such as intimidation, name calling, or threats are unacceptable. Social alienation, such as shunning or spreading rumors, and physical aggression, such as spitting or pushing, violate proper conduct.
Harassment is defined in the Student Handbook as humiliating or intimidating others with racist comments,
cruel personal jokes, teasing, or derogatory comments about religion. No one is permitted to harass others based on their sexual orientation, gender, race, color, national origin, disability, or ethnic background. The School and the Athletic Department will respond to any action considered detrimental to the School with appropriate steps to rectify the situation.
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Training Rules Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or any controlled substance or drugs, as defined by state or federal laws, by a student at school or at a school-sponsored event is strictly forbidden. Students are also forbidden from coming to school or to school-sponsored events under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Violations of these prohibitions could result in suspension or dismissal. In addition, Cardigan Mountain School reserves the right to impose penalties for the conduct of a student off campus at any location or time when, in its judgment, the conduct threatens the safety or welfare of students or employees, interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of Cardigan Mountain School, or threatens the reputation of the School, its students, or its employees. In addition to these prohibitions, the Athletic Department has adopted the following training policies: At all times during a season, athletes participating in a competitive sport or Athletic Department–sanctioned activity are prohibited from using illicit drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in any form. A student-athlete using illicit drugs off campus during non–school hours who is not dismissed from the School will still be subject to additional disciplinary action by the Athletic Department. A student-athlete who violates the Athletic Department’s prohibition of alcohol or tobacco use will be subject to the following sanctions: • Minimum penalty: suspension from one contest. A student-athlete who has violated training rules may participate in team practice during the time of suspension at the discretion of the coach. • Dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season. • Suspension from all athletic teams for the remainder of the school year. Students who are dismissed from a team for the season or the year will be required to participate in a separate regimen of physical activity to replace the physical education portion of their school day.
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Fall Sports Football Soccer Cross-Country Running Mountain Biking Fall Noncompetitive Offering Rock Climbing
Winter Sports Basketball Hockey Wrestling Alpine Skiing Nordic Skiing Snowboarding Winter Noncompetitive Offering Recreational/Instructional Skiing and Snowboarding
Spring Sports Baseball Lacrosse Tennis Sailing Spring Noncompetitive Offering Rock Climbing
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Athletic Offerings
Athletic Facilities
Turner Arena (Hockey Rink)
Waterfront
Johnson–Wakely Fitness Center
Cougar Cave
Wrestling Room
Turner Arena (Indoor Tennis Courts)
Marrion Gymnasium
Williams Fields
Marrion Fields
Tennis Courts (Lake Courts)
Johnson–Wakely Locker Rooms
Cardigan Campus
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Athletic Commitment Exemption (ACE) Application In order to be excused from participating in a Cardigan Mountain School athletic program, you must write a detailed proposal outlining your planned activity (what, where, when, and how), as well as your weekly schedule. This proposal should be typewritten and attached to this form when you obtain your signatures. All ACEs require a faculty sponsor who will be responsible for ensuring that you meet your commitments and with whom you must meet at least once a week. Further, a student may not take advantage of more than one ACE per school year. It is expected that an ACE will occupy roughly 8–12 hours per week over the course of the typical days that we offer sports (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) during a given week. Additionally, the general criteria for approval have each ACE falling into one of the two following categories: an athletic activity not offered by the School, in which the student has proven commitment and a significant level of achievement, or a “once-ina-lifetime opportunity.” In addition, upon completion of the season, the student-athlete will be required to make a presentation to the School, demonstrating and/or conveying what he has been working on over the course of the season. To complete the application for an ACE, please attach a type-written proposal to this sheet, get the following signatures in the order in which they are listed, and turn in the form to the athletic director. Student Name_______________________________________________ Grade_______ Signature: __________________________________________________ Date________
Faculty Sponsor___________________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________ Date________
Athletic Committee Chair___________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________ Date________
Athletic Director___________________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________ Date________
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Conduct Expectations Understanding Actions and Consequences All Cardigan Mountain School students will be held accountable for their behavior on or off campus. All disciplinary decisions are at the sole discretion of the School. Parents should not expect Cardigan to follow the formal and legal disciplinary procedures that may now be required of public schools or that may be followed in other private schools. Violations of school rules are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, with due regard for both the specific circumstances and the welfare of the entire school community. Students who violate school rules should expect swift consequences. The School reserves the right to determine that a particular action or attitude, whether listed below or not, is so injurious to the health of the community as to warrant a student’s separation from the School regardless of a student’s previous disciplinary status. In such cases, the head of school may dismiss a boy immediately if he thinks it is in the best interest of the School. In addition, Cardigan Mountain School reserves the right to require that any student submit to a medical and/or psychiatric examination by a professional in order to assist in the assessment of whether that student’s continued attendance or re-enrollment is appropriate.
Honor Code Every student is expected to sign the Honor Code Contract, which signifies his commitment to the School’s Honor Code and acknowledges that he has read and understands the contents of the Student Handbook. A copy of the contract signed by both the student and the student’s advisor will be submitted to the director of student life at the beginning of each school year.
Cardigan Mountain School Honor Code 1. I will be honest, and I will respect all members of the Cardigan community. 2. I will put forth my best effort in all areas of school life, including but not limited to academic endeavors, extracurricular activities, and dormitory living. 3. I will support the standards of Cardigan Mountain School and encourage others to do the same.
Major School Rules Cardigan enforces basic rules in order for everyone to enjoy the greatest opportunity to live in a safe and productive environment. The School will respond to any actions considered detrimental to Cardigan, and, in the case of serious offenses, this response may include suspension or expulsion. When deemed appropriate, a student’s room can be searched by members of the faculty and administration. Cardigan must also abide by state and federal laws; certain behaviors may have legal implications beyond the jurisdiction of Cardigan Mountain School. The following are considered serious offenses, which may include a disciplinary response of suspension or expulsion:
Aggregate Offenses Accruing a number of lesser offenses in a relatively short period of time.
Bullying A single significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination therof that physically harms the student or destroys his property, causes him emotional distress, interferes with his educational opportunity, creates a hostile educational environment, or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the School.
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Academic dishonesty and plagiarism. Related offenses include but are not limited to: using a current or former student’s materials or a student’s own work from another class without the permission of a faculty member, misuse of information without proper citation, software plagiarism, and violation of copyright laws.
Curfew Violations Absence from one’s dorm after lights-out or leaving campus without permission.
Dishonesty Lying to a faculty member, a staff member, or another student.
Disrespect Rude, offensive, hurtful behavior or language directed at any member of the Cardigan Mountain School community or direct disobedience toward any adult.
Fire Hazards Use of lighters, matches, fireworks, or any other sparking device; tampering with electrical wiring or fire protection equipment.
Harassment Humiliating or intimidating others with derogatory comments, cruel personal jokes, or teasing. No one is permitted to harass others regarding sexual orientation, gender, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, or ethnic background.
Substance Abuse The use, possession, or sale of any alcoholic beverage or tobacco product; unauthorized use of prescription drugs, chemical inhalants, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia. No medications may be kept in student rooms without the permission of the Health Center. Being present during the use, possession, or sale of any of these substances is also a serious offense.
Theft Stealing, tampering with, or vandalizing school or personal property. Note: Taking or borrowing personal property without permission from the owner is considered theft.
Trespassing Entering a faculty/staff member’s residence or office (including the faculty room) without permission or when the faculty/staff member is not present. Students must knock and be invited in before entering.
Weapons Possession of any firearm, weapon, or knife, or use of any such item or other object as a weapon without adult supervision. The athletic director will secure all firearms and/or weapons. Note: Pellet guns, BB guns, disc shooters, and cap guns are considered firearms.
Retaliation Retaliation is not tolerated at Cardigan. Students and faculty are protected from any retaliation for making a goodfaith complaint regarding the above policies or for participating in an investigation.
Room Searches When deemed appropriate, a student’s room can be searched by members of the faculty and administration.
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Conduct Expectations
Cheating
Sexual Harassment Policy Cardigan Mountain School is a community where all members have the right to live, work, and learn in a safe environment, free from sexual harassment. Inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature can undermine these basic rights and human privileges. No member of Cardigan Mountain School may sexually harass another. Sexual harassment is defined as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other inappropriate verbal, visual, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following actions: pressure for sexual activity; remarks to a person with sexual implications; inappropriate touching; display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s employment, grades, programs, or activities available at or through the School. Violations of this policy, whether intended or not, will not be tolerated and may result in discipline up to and including dismissal. Students should report any violation of this policy to a trusted adult member of the school community. Any person receiving a report or having knowledge of a violation of this policy shall immediately file a written report with the Head of School’s Office. Any form of threat or retaliation against anyone who in good faith makes a complaint of sexual harassment is itself a violation of this policy and a cause for discipline. Allegations of sexual harassment will be investigated promptly, and corrective actions will be taken as soon as possible. For more information about this policy, contact the assistant head of school or director of student life.
Disciplinary Hearing The director of student life investigates minor infractions of school policy and metes out appropriate consequences. When he determines, after investigation, that a serious offense has been committed that does not warrant expulsion, the student and his advisor will meet with the assistant head of school and director of student life to discuss the case. Following this discussion, the director of student life and assistant head of school will recommend appropriate consequences to the head of school. The head of school’s decision is final. The director of student life or the student’s advisor will notify the student and his parents.
Disciplinary Committee Meeting If expulsion is a potential consequence of a student’s misbehavior, a Disciplinary Committee meeting will be convened after the infraction. Whenever possible, the director of student life will contact the parents of the student prior to the meeting. The parents will be told the charged offense and the nature of the evidence but will not be allowed to attend the meeting. This procedure is in keeping with the School’s philosophy that a student must take responsibility for his own actions. The Disciplinary Committee consists of the director of student life, the director of residential life, the assistant head of school, two members of the faculty, and, generally, two senior leaders. In certain situations, the director of student life may determine that senior leader participation is inappropriate. The student coming before the committee will be accompanied either by his advisor or another faculty member. The faculty member accompanying the student will be present for the information-gathering portion of the proceedings but will not be present for the deliberations that follow. All discussions within the committee meeting are confidential. Following the meeting, the Disciplinary Committee will make a recommendation to the head of school, whose decision is final. The director of student life or the student’s advisor will notify the student and his parents of the head of school’s decision. During suspension, students are responsible for making up all missed assignments. Parents may appeal to the head of school for reconsideration only if new and relevant information comes to light.
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**Please Note: Technology Acceptable Use Policy can be found on pp. 99–94. The following are also considered important school policies. A student may not... 1. Be in or on the lake without adult supervision. Please note the school dock is also considered “on the lake.” 2. Enter another dormitory without an escort from that dorm. 3. Enter another person’s room without consent. 4. Have more than 10 dollars cash in his room. It is strongly recommended that students ask dorm parents to hold their money for safekeeping. Sums larger than 10 dollars should be turned in to the School Bank. The School cannot assume responsibility for money that is not in the School Bank. 5. Gamble, bet, or loan money for interest. 6. Tamper with, move, or take another student’s book bag. 7. Sell or swap any items valued over 20 dollars without permission from his advisor or the director of student life. 8. Possess or distribute pornographic material in any format, including print and electronic media. This includes magazines such as Maxim, FHM, and the like. 9. Possess a cell phone at any time (other than when approvide for travel) or possess restricted electronic devices (such as video-game players) on weekdays. 10. Ride a bike, scooter, skateboard, and/or use in-line skates, except in the designated areas and at designated times. A helmet must be worn and buckled at all times. 11. Have any home wiring in their rooms. Lamp and radio cords must be in good condition. A student should not plug more than two electrical cords into one outlet (extension cords and surge protectors are available at the School Store). 12. Have electric appliances or halogen floor lamps in his room. 13. Operate a vehicle on campus. 14. Have food or beverages in the chapel, theater, any academic building, or gymnasium. 15. Have food (including pizza) delivered to campus. 16. Chew gum in any academic building or the chapel. 17. Wear a hat in any school building except dormitories and athletic buildings. 18. Litter in buildings or on campus grounds.
Learning from Our Mistakes For the purpose of furthering the learning experience, Cardigan reserves the right to raise issues of discipline at All-School Meetings.
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Additional School Rules
What is The Annual Fund for Cardigan? Cardigan depends on many forms of support in order to meet its annual operating expenses, which range from faculty salaries to athletic equipment to instructional materials for our classrooms! Did you know that tuition covers less than 90 percent of these costs? Every year, Cardigan parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, and friends come together through annual giving to provide for the needs of our excellent program for boys. Please consider making a gift to the Annual Fund, which will support the day-to-day lives of our students and help ensure the continued success of the “Cardigan Experience.�
www.cardigan.org/mygift 80
The Hamilton Family Foundation Student Health Center The Hamilton Family Foundation Student Health Center is primarily an outpatient health care facility and is not intended as a 24-hour health care facility, though nursing staff is available 24 hours a day should a student need care. If a student is feeling ill, he should first seek out a dorm parent or faculty member who may send the student to the Health Center. After being examined at the Health Center, a student will be given the appropriate treatment and either instructed to attend school obligations or be confined. Students who are admitted to a Health Center bed will be given appropriate care, nutrition, and fluids, as well as an absent pass. Students will be monitored in the Health Center until such time as they are cleared to return to their dorm. Students may be monitored overnight in the Health Center should it be necessary. If a physician orders 24-hour care, your student may be admitted to an off-campus facility. Students are sometimes referred to an appropriate health care provider off campus for injuries and illnesses. The following is a list of most, but not all, providers that are frequently used by Cardigan:
• • • • •
Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, 125 Mascoma St., Lebanon, NH. Dr. Douglas Williamson, 123 Mascoma St., Lebanon, NH. Dr. Peter Loescher, 12 Shippee Lane, Sharon, VT. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH. Dr. Donald Neely, Orthodontist, Hanover, NH.
Health Appointments and Transportation Off Campus: Appointments are scheduled at off-site health facilities for care provided by physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, orthodontists, optometrists, physical therapists, and the like. The School can usually provide transportation. When possible, a Health Center staff member will accompany students to their appointments. Medical Emergencies: Emergency medical services are provided by the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, both of which are located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The Fast Squad (Canaan EMT and ambulance service) is called to transport a student with a serious medical emergency. Medications: At the start of the academic year, all medications, including vitamins and supplements, must be given directly to the nurse and are not to be kept by students. (Exceptions include students with asthma who may have their rescue inhaler with them or those with severe allergies requiring an EpiPen.) Remember to notify the Health Center two weeks in advance if you will be taking your student for a visit or during school break and will need his medication. Keep in mind that some prescriptions are controlled medications. You should keep a one-week supply on hand at home.
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Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness
While we make reasonable effort to monitor and make the students’ prescribed medication available, we must rely on the students to take personal responsibility. Cooperation is necessary and students must be conscientious. Cardigan has instituted several strategies to assist students who are on medication, including the following: (1) medication is distributed in a central location; (2) the nursing staff monitors compliance, particularly at the beginning of school. Just as a high level of responsibility and accountability is expected at Cardigan in other areas (classes, sports, Chapel, jobs, community), the ultimate responsibility for taking medication lies with the individual student. While we have tried to make access to medications as convenient as possible, we are not a school for students who require a monitored, highly supervised therapeutic learning/living environment. The medication distribution schedule is printed in the Student Handbook. We have tried to recognize your student’s busy schedule and to make distribution as convenient as possible.
Counseling Services The school counselor plays an integral role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth at Cardigan. Early adolescence is a time where students face both personal and developmental challenges that have an impact on their academic growth, and the school counselor works with students to help develop a plan to navigate life’s daily challenges. The mission of the school counselor is to implement a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program aligned with the School’s mission to prepare boys—in mind, body, and spirit—for responsible and meaningful lives in a global society. To achieve this, the school counselor meets students on an individual basis, as well as in a group setting. Individual services and referrals The school counselor works collaboratively with administrators and faculty to indentify students who would benefit from individual counseling sessions. In these sessions the counselor will work with students to develop strategies to address social-emotional issues that may be caused by a variety of different reasons, including but not limited to academic, family, and peer issues. Students can be referred by administrators, faculty, or parents, and they can also selfrefer. If the school counselor feels a student needs regular, long-term therapeutic counseling, they will work with the director of Health Services and the director of student life and the student’s family to refer the student to the School’s consulting mental health counselor. If a student entering Cardigan already has an established counseling relationship, the director of Health Services can facilitate private sessions via Skype, if appropriate. The school counselor will then be a liaison between the mental health provider and the student’s immediate team to coordinate how to best support the student at Cardigan. Groups and Wellness Curriculum Part of a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program is offering group work for students. Throughout the year, all students will participate in classroom guidance. The curriculum is emergent and will be based on the needs of each class. Topics include transitions, stress management, friendship, conflict resolution, and communication. The counselor may also be called upon to assist in creating educational curriculum to enhance the residential life programs. Family Crisis In the event of a death or other family tragedy that might create a difficult emotional time for a boy, please contact the administrator-on-duty at 603.443.6252, or the director of student life at 603.523.3509, to arrange for an appropriate time and setting for your student to receive such news.
www.cardigan.org/health 82
The Hamilton Family Student Health Center must receive all health and medical forms two weeks prior to the start of school. Medical clearance is necessary in order for students to move into the dorm and participate in physical and sports activities. Students will be held from participation until all forms are complete. These forms can be found online at www.cardigan.org/forms, and more information can be found at www.cardigan. org/health. These forms include parental authorization for health care, student health/accident insurance information, health history and physical examination, completed immunization record, supplemental screenings, physician medication register, policies acknowledgment, and request for influenza vaccine. 1. Students are ultimately responsible for following health care instructions and keeping all appointments; they are expected to fulfill their responsibilities for good health. 2. The School will contact a parent by phone or email if a serious medical concern arises. However, calls are not routinely made regarding common illnesses or minor injuries. 3. Students must be examined by a health care provider at school for an acute illness before prescription medication may be given. Antibiotics sent from home for an acute illness cannot be given if the student was not examined by the prescribing health care provider. 4. When school is in session, the Health Center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; for all other times, a Registered Nurse is on call for medical assistance. 5. There is no fee for a Health Center visit, but fees may apply for certain procedures, supplies, or certain kinds of overnight supervision of a student.
Full Disclosure Policy Cardigan Mountain School is a boarding school community in which many members of the faculty become an integral part of each student’s life. These faculty members share all aspects of the community experience with your son, which include teaching, advising, coaching, and dorm parenting. In order for our faculty members to do their jobs effectively and help to keep your son safe, it is imperative that we have up-to-date information regarding his health and well-being. With that being said, please note the following: 1. If your son has been diagnosed with a physical or psychological condition that may have an impact on his academic, athletic, or social interactions, the School MUST be fully informed. This will require written documentation from your son’s medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor that explains your son’s symptoms, the diagnosis, and the current course of treatment. 2. All diagnoses and medication information regarding your son will be shared with the faculty. 3. If your son has received counseling in the past and either does not need further counseling or will need counseling while at school, the Health Center MUST have a letter on file from your son’s doctor explaining the reason for either ending the counseling or continuing counseling while at school.
Please consult our website for the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. 83
Health and Wellness
General Health Care Policies
General Medication Policy Your child may require some type of medication while here at school. This may be a medication taken only for a few days, or one taken every day. Therefore, it is essential that we have the following information: 1. A completed Physician Medication Register must be on file before your child may take daily prescription medication. 2. A completed Register for Nonprescription Medications must be on file before your child may take acceptable daily supplements. 3. No foreign medications will be given to students. All medications must be written in English. 4. If your child’s health record indicates a current diagnosis of asthma, the School must have a doctor’s written order for an emergency inhaler that your child will be instructed to carry at all times. 5. You must label all inhaler and nasal spray units with your child’s name, or they will be discarded. 6. The School cannot guarantee students will always take their medications. 7. The School does not give medications to students who are leaving campus for weekends, holidays, vacations, or activities not sponsored by the School. If your son will need medication while away from school, be sure you have an adequate supply on hand. Parents are responsible for providing instructions and medications to a hosting adult not employed by the School. 8. If your child’s health record indicates a current diagnosis of a severe allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis, the School must have a doctor’s written order for an emergency EpiPen that your child will be instructed to carry at all times. 9. Allergy injections cannot be done at the School. If your son requires regular allergy injections while at school, ask your allergist if the injectable serum can be replaced with an oral type of serum that is placed under the tongue. 10. Medications will promptly be disposed of if not picked up by an adult on the last day of school. 11. Medications cannot be mailed to out-of-country addresses due to the extensive requirements of customs. 12. Students may not have or take oral medications or supplements in their rooms. The School offers a convenient central location where they may come to take their medicine. Use of protein powder supplements is highly discouraged.
www.cardigan.org/health 84
Cardigan Mountain School/Family Pharmacy Prescription Program Cardigan Mountain School knows how important it is that students taking daily medications do not experience an interruption in their supply. We have made improvements to the system for routine medication management and distribution for students at Cardigan Mountain School. While many boarding school and camp programs are now outsourcing their prescription management to very large national companies, we will be continuing our partnership with Family Pharmacy in Enfield, N.H., with whom we have a longstanding relationship. Most important, we will better comply with both Federal and State of New Hampshire requirements for dispensing student medications. By utilizing the expertise of Family Pharmacy, your child’s prescriptions will be received directly by Family Pharmacy, and the medication(s) will be packaged—according to the day and time the medication is administered—in sealed Blisterpak packaging. This method of dispensing medication will further minimize the risk for medication errors. All medications in pill/tablet form will be dispensed in DISPILL-USA compliance dose packaging. The DISPILL-USA packages are labeled with name, date, dosage, administration time, and so forth. The 28-day supply of prepackaged medication will be sent directly from Family Pharmacy to Cardigan’s Hamilton Family Foundation Student Health Center. This program includes prescription medications as well as nonprescription medications (such as vitamins and supplements). Family Pharmacy will receive your child’s prescriptions directly and will correspond with your child’s prescriber and with you directly if your child takes parent-requested vitamins and supplements. Specifically, the pharmacy will accept your chosen supplements and dispense them in the same packaging as prescribed medications. Family Pharmacy’s compliance packaging system requires parents be responsible for a one-time registration fee ($25 per student) and a monthly handling charge ($15 per student). This is for all prescription and nonprescription medications. Multiple supplements will have additional charges. The Health Center will still provide routine over-the-counter symptomatic treatment items such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, cough and cold preparations, antiemetics, allergy-relief medications, and many others. As the academic year is beginning, your child’s information is being prepared for Family Pharmacy. They are ready and prepared to begin managing our prescription-refill process. You will find documents online at www.cardigan.org/forms that will help Family Pharmacy register your child and begin the process. We hope you will be pleased with the safety and security this program will provide. With the rising number of students taking medication, timely processing, safe dispensing, and secure handling is essential. Please feel free to contact the Health Center (at 603.523.3520 or by email kgray@cardigan.org) with any questions. If you have medication already in bottles or if you have prescriptions in hand, we will accept those at Registration as always. There will be no interruption in your child’s medication schedule with this new program. Please take a few minutes to complete the forms and bring them with you to Registration.
Thank you very much. Karen Gray, R.N. Director of Health Services Hamilton Family Foundation Student Health Center
FAMILY PHARMACY 505 U.S. 4 Enfield, NH 03748 Phone: 603-632-5720 FAX: 603-632-4585
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Health and Wellness
Medication Management
Mail and Shipping Mail and Shipping All mail is sorted in the Okada Mail Room in the Cardigan Commons. If a student needs to send packages, letters, or International Express Mail, he should see the School Store manager located next to the mail room. Outgoing mail should be dropped off at the mailroom in the Cardigan Commons. The School Store sells stamps and stationery. Student shipments via UPS or FedEx may be charged to a student’s account, if he has sufficient funds, or sent COD. All items to be shipped must be boxed, checked, and initialed by a dorm parent prior to sealing the package. If your student must leave school early for any reason, it is responsibility of the dorm parent to get his belongings boxed up and brought to the Okada Mail Room for shipping home. Please note: Cardigan reserves the right to open, inspect, and withhold any packages shipped to or received by students, either on campus or while they are participating in any School-sponsored activity. If you are providing your son with resources for online purchases, please also provide guidance to him that there will be consequences for placing online orders for items that are prohibited by school policy, that are in any way harmful, or that may cause undue distraction from our residential and academic programs. Perishable Items If you are sending perishable items in the mail to a student, please notify the School Store manager. Many parents like to send care packages to their students. The School recommends limiting the amount of junk food sent. Having such food in a dorm room can interfere with the School’s effort to encourage boys to eat healthful meals in the dining hall. We recommend sending healthful snack foods.
End-of-Year Shipping Packages being mailed to international countries, including Korea, Japan, China, and Mexico, have a size restriction. The total width, length, and height cannot exceed 79” nor can it exceed 44 pounds. Customs Form 2976A will also need to be completely filled in by the student. Packages to Finland have the same size restriction, cannot be sent to post office boxes, and must have the recipient’s phone number on the customs form. There are also restrictions as to the contents being shipped. No COD shipments are allowed via US Mail. It is very expensive to send packages via US Mail, and it would be in the student’s best interest to take as much home as possible at spring break. It is the student’s responsibility to get his belongings boxed up, inspected by his dorm parent, and brought over to Hopkins for shipping. He must stay with his packages until all information for shipping has been acquired.
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Parent Involvement
Parent Involvement Parents’ Association Overview: Since its formal establishment in 1989, the Parents’ Association has encouraged parents to become more involved with Cardigan throughout each school year and to develop closer ties within the Cardigan Community. The Parents’ Association continually seeks new ways to improve our efforts to provide family support and promote goodwill. We encourage parents to share their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Parents are the essence of this association, and all parents or legal guardians of Cardigan students are invited to be active members.
Mission: To identify, promote, and maintain a broad programs, activities, and events for the continued improvement of student life and the advancement of Cardigan Mountain School.
Program: The Parents’ Association works closely with the Admissions Office and Development Office to host or sponsor school-related events and functions and to act as ambassadors for the School throughout the year. As an example, many members of the Parents’ Association assist the Auction Team in the acquisition of auction items, on-site setup and post-event evaluation. Volunteer signup opportunities are available on Registration Day, during the Fall Term Parents’ Weekend, or at any other time by contacting the Development Office. Parents interested in learning more about the association should contact Kathryn Holland at kholland@cardigan.org. Key Parents’ Association Events 2015-2016 Friday, September 11, 2015 Saturday, September 12, 2015 Fri. and Sat., October 23–24, 2015 Friday, February 5, 2016 Saturday, June 4, 2016
New Student Registration Returning Student Registration Parents’ Weekend Annual Cardigan Auction Commencement
Annual Parent Satisfaction Survey Each year in February, with the help of an outside service provider, the School conducts its Parent Satisfaction Survey (administered electronically, with access from an emailed web link) to gather information that will help us continue to improve our program and services. We hope that all our parents will take the time to provide this valuable feedback.
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Student Expenses The Student Debit Card Each boy will receive a student photo-identification card. This ID card also serves as his student debit card, which he will use to make all his financial transactions at the School. Parents may restrict spending at the Pfeffer/Beach Student Store. A form will be provided in the Registration Forms found online at www.cardigan.org/forms. Books will be charged on your student’s debit card. It is, as the name implies, a debit account. This means that you must maintain a positive cash balance in the account at all times, or your child may be denied access to various supplies or services. The Business Office will email a statement bi-weekly throughout the year to keep parents informed of the balance in their account. If a student loses his debit card, the replacement cost is $10. Please reinforce the importance of keeping track of the debit card, as this is used as an ID Card as well. At the beginning of the academic year, one half of your enrollment deposit, $2,000 ($750 for day students), becomes the opening balance on the debit card. Please keep in mind that class materials, sports equipment, and clothing purchases made at the School Store can add up quickly. Also, off-campus activities are planned for every weekend, and special trips are frequently offered for which there is an additional charge to cover admission fees, transportation, and spending money. Should your student lose his debit card, he should report the loss to the Business Office. Replacement cards are available for a $10.00 fee. Your student’s debit card shows a running balance of his account that is updated every time he makes a transaction at the Pfeffer/Beach Student Store, School Bank, or Business Office. You can add funds to your son’s debit account by check or online at www.cardigan.org/pay/payment. There are certain hours each day during which the Pfeffer/Beach Student Store is open. Your son may bring his school ID card, which can be swiped at the store, for purchases. Parents may restrict (in advance) the amount of money spent each month at the store (by indicating this on the appropriate form from among the online Registration Forms), and a boy will be alerted by the Pfeffer/Beach Student Store’s manager when he is reaching or is overstepping his limit with a purchase. Please note that the Pfeffer/Beach Student Store carries just about anything a boy will need while here at Cardigan—from toiletry items to schooland dorm-room supplies to outerwear for chilly weather (and so on).
Spending Money If a boy knows he will need money for something during the weekend that is approaching, he may plan ahead accordingly and visit the Student Bank during designated Student Bank hours in advance of the weekend. When a boy signs up for a scheduled weekend trip, the trip supervisors will be certain any necessary meal money, admission tickets, and the like are distributed during the trip itself; extra cash taken out in advance from the Student Bank for that trip is not usually necessary but is permissible. The School places a limit of $50.00 on the amount of cash a student is allowed to have in his possession. This includes any cash in his dorm room. He may draw a $5.00 allowance each week from the School Bank, and he may draw amounts of cash established by his parents as appropriate on shopping trips and outings. If parents wish for their student to make a purchase that requires funds beyond what his school account provides, they should notify Mrs. Kinne in the Business Office, at skinne@cardigan.org, in advance. A request of this nature may be necessary for your student to purchase special athletic equipment, expensive articles of clothing, computer equipment, or travel money.
Tuition All tuition charges and fees must be settled with the Business Office prior to Registration in September; 50 percent of the enrollment deposit is applied to tuition, and 50 percent to the student’s debit account. Tuition Refund Insurance: The School requires that parents purchase tuition refund insurance if tuition is not paid in full prior to Registration Day. Any questions about tuition refund insurance should be directed to the Business Office. 88
Miscellaneous Fees/Costs Billed to Student Debit Accounts This table provides a sample of potential club, travel, and other fees and costs that may arise during the academic year (based on fees and costs from the 2014-15 academic year). Art Fee
$20
Per term (clay, canvas, etc.)
Alpine Team
$790
Ski pass and transportation
Athletic Ski/Snowboard Recreational
$435
Ski pass and transportation
Athletic Sports Equipment
Varies
Parent permission needed (hockey, skiing, etc.)
Athletic Supplies
Varies
Covers mouthguards, laces, skate sharpening, etc.
Athletic Tournaments—Overnight
$50–$200
Hotel and transportation
Athletic Uniforms Not Returned
Varies
Replacement cost
Athletic Warm-Up Suit (full outfit)
$160
Required
Cardigan Café—Pizza
$11–$13 each
Three varieties offered
Clubs
$5–$25 per week
Varies by club based on costs/fees (if any)
Haircuts
$17
Laundry Items Not Returned
Varies
Refer to Laundry, Dry Cleaning, and Linen Form
Library Charges
Varies
Replacement cost (unreturned books)
Medical Prescriptions
Varies
Per insurance or copay
Medical Visits—Transportation
$.50 per mile
For doctor visits at parent request
Music Lessons (noncredit)
$30–$45
Per 30-minute lesson
Music Supplies
Varies
Per item purchased
Postage
Varies
Per package (including FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Property Damage
Varies
Repair/replacement cost
School Store Purchases
Varies
Refer to Spending Restriction Form
Senior Class Trip
$250+
Varies yearly
Special All-School Trips
Varies
Cash for meals, cost of tickets (when applicable)
SSAT Exam
$125
SSAT Practice & Tutoring
$150–$250
Per term/course with Ms. Crowe
Student Planbook
$12
$6 per half year
Student Textbooks
$150–$350
Varies per grade
Travel—Extra/Overweight Bags
Varies
Refer to relevant airline information
Travel—Money
Varies
Refer to relevant travel form
Travel—Transport to/from Airport
Varies
Refer to Frequently Asked Travel Questions
Travel—Unaccompanied Minor Fee
$30–$100+
Refer to relevant airline information
Weekend Activities/Trips
$25–$100
Varies by activity/trip
Woodworking
$10–$75
Cost of supplies, dependent on item built
Yearbook
$55
Varies yearly
USSA Alpine Ski Team Fee (Competition)
$1,800
Varies yearly
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Student Expenses
Academic Year 2015-2016: Student Expenses
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About Technology at Cardigan Access to information technologies is integral to the educational mission and purpose of our institution. We utilize technology in nearly every facet of instruction, activity, service, need for research, and operation of Cardigan Mountain School. This policy provides expectations for the use of technology as it affects our school and educational community. Cardigan Mountain School’s computer network is provided for limited educational purposes, not as a public access service. Due to the evolutionary nature of technology, it is imperative for students to realize that our policies regarding the use of technology in our community will also be evolutionary. We ask all students to employ their best judgment when it comes to the use of school technology and keep in mind that our policies related to technology are not meant to supersede our other school policies, but rather to complement them. Please read the policies below before using our network and computers, because by using our technology you agree to be bound by the terms, conditions, and regulations below. **Technology is a fundamental component to a Cardigan education: Use it appropriately.
Family Use of Technology Policy Overview: This policy applies to Cardigan students and their families. Cardigan faculty and staff members have a separate Technology Use Policy. All students must sign the CMS Network Services form before they can utilize any school technologies. This permission form must be signed on an annual basis at the beginning of every school year.
Technology as a Privilege The use of school technology on school property, at school events, or at home is a privilege, not a right. This privilege comes with personal responsibilities, and if a person violates the responsible use of any school technologies, that person’s privilege may be suspended and/or revoked. Our school provides sufficient information technology resources to each student for regular academic pursuits. If a particular research project requires additional resources, the Technology Office works with students on a caseby-case basis to provide those additional resources. **A Student’s technology privileges can and will be removed if the student does not use technology responsibly.
Privacy Cardigan Mountain School reserves the right to monitor and track all behaviors and interactions that take place online or through the use of technology on our property or at our events. We also reserve the right to investigate any reports of inappropriate actions related to any technology used at school or school-issued technology used at home. All emails and messages sent through Cardigan Mountain School’s network or accessed on a school computer can be inspected. Any files saved onto a school computer can also be inspected. Students have a limited expectation of privacy when using technology on school property or at school events, so long as no activity violates policy or law and/or compromises the safety and well-being of the Cardigan Mountain School community. **Cardigan can monitor and track your technology usage on campus and any activity off campus through school-issued technology.
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Technology Policies
Technology Policies
Filtering The Technology Office subscribes to a professional filtering service, and we are constantly monitoring students’ internet access. We have the ability to track any user’s activity while on our network. Sexually explicit and other objectionable materials are not to be on any computer. Social networking sites such as, but not limited to, Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, and Twitter are available to students only during designated hours. Instant Messaging services are allowed on campus during designated times. All File Sharing services such as, but not limited to, Bearshare, Limewire, Gnutella, and Torrents are not allowed on campus. **Students’ activity online is constantly being monitored. Approved programs are available for social networking during designated times.
Right to Update Since technology is continually evolving, our school reserves the right to change, update, and edit its technology policies at any time in order to continually protect the safety and well-being of our students and community. To this end, Cardigan Mountain School may add rules, restrictions, and guidelines at any time. **Technology policies may change to protect Cardigan students and the school community.
Termination of Accounts and Access Upon graduation or termination of one’s active student status, that person will no longer have access to the Cardigan Mountain School network or to files stored on the school network. Prior to graduation, we recommend saving all personal data stored on school technology to a removable hard drive or DVD. Each graduate will be able to access his email account for a period of 30 days after graduating.
ACCEPTABLE USES OF TECHNOLOGY Personal Responsibility: We expect our students to act responsibly and thoughtfully when it comes to using technology. Technology is a finite, shared resource offered by Cardigan Mountain School to its students. Students bear the burden of responsibility to inquire with the Technology Office or other school administrator when they are unsure of the permissibility of a particular use of technology prior to engaging in the use.
School-Provided Technology Resources All students are provided with a school laptop and email account. All emails sent from this account are representative of Cardigan Mountain School, and students should keep in mind school policies regarding appropriate language use, bullying, stalking, and other policies and laws. Student email accounts are subject to monitoring and have limited privacy. This institution has wireless internet throughout the campus. In order to ensure appropriate supervision of students while on our wireless system, only school-issued computers or other school-issued devices may be connected to the internet. Unauthorized access is a violation of this policy and cause for disciplinary action. Cardigan Mountain School provides individual technology accounts for students in order to keep track of their technology use. Users must log off when they are finished using a school computer. Failing to log off may allow others to use their account, and students are responsible for any activity that occurs through their personal account. *Please Note* Damage to the school-owned laptop is the student’s responsibility beyond the scope of the Apple Care Insurance policy. Intentional damage to a school-owned machine, taking off the assigned cover to a machine, or removing or opening the machine is considered misuse of technology on campus and is cause for disciplinary action.
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Students are not permitted to have wireless access point devices in their possession. Wireless network access is available throughout campus. A work or item is copyrighted when, among other issues, one person or one group owns the exclusive right to reproduce the work or item. Songs, videos, pictures, images, and documents can all be copyrighted. Copyright infringement is when a person violates copyright law and uses or reproduces something without the authority to do so. It is important to make sure all materials used in one’s work are appropriately cited. Someone else’s work may not be used without proper permission. Students may never configure their school computer or personally owned computer to engage in illegal file sharing. Cardigan Mountain School will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities should illegal behavior be conducted by students. Students will not tamper with network security. Activities such as hacking; network probing; password cracking; using other users’ accounts or codes; usage of personal proxies, spyware, and/or malware; propagating viruses; and spamming are strictly prohibited. Students will not access sexually explicit or objectionable materials, and sexually explicit and other objectionable materials are not to be on any electronic device. Commercial use of school technology is prohibited. Students may not resell their network resources to others, including, but not limited to, disk storage space. Cardigan Mountain School is not responsible for any damages, injuries, and/or claims resulting from violations of responsible use of technology. Students who are engaged in fundraising campaigns for school-sponsored events and causes must seek permission from the director of student life or another appropriate administrator before using technology resources to solicit funds for their event. Our school is a community, and as such, community members must respect the privacy of others. A person may not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to others. A person may not misrepresent or assume the identity of others. A person may not re-post information that was sent privately without the permission of the person who sent the information. A person may not post private information about another person. A person may not use another person’s account. If a person has been given an account with special privileges, that account may not be used outside of the terms upon which access to that account was given. Students may not utilize any technology to harass, demean, humiliate, intimidate, embarrass, or annoy their classmates or others in their community. This is unacceptable student behavior known as cyber-bullying and will not be tolerated. Any cyber-bullying, on or off campus, that is determined to substantially disrupt the safety and/or well-being of Cardigan Mountain School is subject to disciplinary action. A person may not post or send chain letters or spam. Spamming is sending an unnecessary and unsolicited message to a large group of people. Spamming can occur through emails, instant messages, or text messages. Students are not allowed to use video recording devices on campus without the express consent of a faculty member.
RESPONSE SECTION Cardigan Mountain School’s network and other administrators shall have broad authority to interpret and apply these policies. Violators of our technology policies will be provided with notice and opportunity to be heard unless an issue is so severe that notice is either not possible or not prudent in the determination of Cardigan Mountain School administrators. Restrictions may be placed on violators’ use of school technologies, and privileges related to technology use may be revoked entirely pending any hearing, in order to protect the safety and well-being of our community. Violations may also be subject to discipline of other kinds within the School’s discretion. Our school cooperates fully with local, state, and/or federal officials in any investigations related to illegal activities conducted on school property or through school technologies. School authorities have the right to confiscate personally owned technological devices that are in violation or used in violation of school policies. 93
Technology Policies
UNACCEPTABLE USES OF TECHNOLOGY
If a person witnesses someone else either deliberately or accidentally accessing inappropriate information or using technology in a way that violates this policy, the witness must report the incident to a school administrator as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action. Cardigan Mountain School retains the right to suspend service, accounts, and access to data, including student files and any other stored data, without notice to the student if it is deemed that a threat exists to the integrity of the school network or other safety concern of Cardigan Mountain School.
SCHOOL LIABILITY Cardigan Mountain School cannot and does not guarantee that the functions and services provided by and through our technology will be problem free. Cardigan Mountain School is not responsible for any damages students may suffer, including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. Cardigan Mountain School is not responsible for the accuracy or the quality of the information obtained through school technologies. Cardigan Mountain School is not responsible for students’ exposure to “unacceptable” information, nor is the School responsible for misinformation. Cardigan Mountain School is not responsible for financial obligations arising through the use of school technologies. Cardigan Mountain School reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. This policy was adapted from a template provided by Campus Outreach Services, www.campusoutreachservices.com.
Telephones Cell Phone Policy Students attending Cardigan Mountain School are not allowed to have cellular phones, portable phones, or pagers of any kind in their possession. While we understand that some students may be using these devises for travel purposes, we require that upon arrival, any student with one of these devices in his possession hand it over to his dorm parent, who will then give it to the director of student life or the travel coordinator for safekeeping. (Please note that all items secured for safekeeping will be returned to the students upon their next departure.) To help both you and your son keep in touch with each other, Cardigan offers student telephones within the dormitory residences.
Telephones in the Dormitories Cardigan student telephone services are managed by the School’s Technology Office. Each dorm room has one telephone landline (and an actual telephone) provided by the Technology Office that can be used for incoming and outgoing calls. Incoming phone calls will be routed directly to the automated message from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from lights out (at 10:00 p.m.) to 6:00 a.m. each day. During all other hours, the phone will ring in the dorm room. At Registration, parents will be provided the telephone number that will call directly into their child’s room. We will provide the telephone number information to the student if his parents are unable to attend Registration. Students will be able to call out using a calling card, which can be purchased from the School Store, or they may bring their own. The School has a record of every call that is made, and inappropriate use of the telephone could result in anything from loss of telephone privileges to legal prosecution outside the School. The number 911 should never be dialed unless there is a real emergency and no faculty member is available.
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Cardigan Mountain School Parent Handbook 2015-2016 Edition