g e t t i n g s t a r t e d at
GEORGE SCHOOL a g u i d e f o r pa re n ts 2019-2020
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CONTENTS George School Mission
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Welcome to George School
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You Said “Yes to GS” Now What?
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Key Dates 2019 - 2020
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The George School Academic Experience
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Arrangements, Whereabouts, and Summit: What George School Students Mean
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The Team Supporting Student Success
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Reporting Student Progress
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Can You Name the Nine Major School Rules?
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Communication from George School to You
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Communication from You to George School
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Whom to Call When
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Programs for Parents
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A George School Year
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M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
GEORGE SCHOOL MISSION With Quaker tradition as its touchstone and academic excellence at its core, George School seeks to develop citizen scholars cheerfully committed to openness in the pursuit of truth, to service and peace, and to the faithful stewardship of the earth. We want our students to treasure learning for its own sake and to use it to benefit a diverse world. Above all, we want them to “let their lives speak.�
WELC O M E TO GEORGE SC HOO L
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WELCOME TO GEORGE SCHOOL Welcome to a very special community, one where transformative teaching and learning, personal integrity, unity in diversity, and responsibility to others guide us on a daily basis. Each of these core values is based on trust and respect. Our mission, on the facing page, informs what we do. The pages that follow describe some of the details behind what we do—our expectations, personnel, interactions with parents, and even our special vocabulary—so that you become part of our community and understand the role each of us plays in maintaining that trust and respect. Even more detailed descriptions of our requirements, policies, and procedures can be found online in our Community Handbook, located on our secure portal at my.georgeschool.org. As your George School adventure begins, please know that I am delighted that you have put your trust in the school. I look forward to getting to know your family as you become part of the George School community. In Friendship,
J. Samuel Houser Head of School
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N O W W H AT
YOU SAID “YES TO GS! ” NOW WHAT? Congratulations and welcome to the George School family! As we begin our new relationship together, we know you will have lots of questions. Rest assured that for every question, there is an answer—in this booklet, online, or from a community member. The more you discover, the more questions you will have. We love questions at George School. It’s how we keep learning. Let’s start with what you need to get started. Registration
Student registration is managed in our web portal (my.georgeschool.org), which provides secure, personalized access to online information and services for and about your child. Among the information available to you on the portal is your child’s contact information, course selections, medical records, and account information, as well as individual settings you choose for your child’s campus privileges. You will already have received an email from IT Services with instructions on how to set up access. We encourage you to test and explore the portal, but do not, under any circumstances, share your login credentials with your child. The portal will continue to be your gateway to George School for the duration of your time with us.
Community Handbook
This comprehensive guide (online at my.georgeschool.org ) includes information about our facilities and services and the specific expectations, policies, and procedures that are in place to support our mission and core values. Please review it carefully, sharing and discussing the information with your child. Both students and parents are asked to acknowledge that they have read and understand the handbook as part of the registration process. The acknowledgement form is also at my.georgeschool.org . New Student Orientation
All new students attend our orientation program, which is designed to help them transition to high school in general and George School in particular. Students will be introduced to our community, culture, traditions, and expectations; collaborate, study, and work together; become familiar with campus resources; make connections with other students, faculty, and staff; and have a lot of fun. Orientation begins at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27 and continues through Sunday, September 1, 2019. Classes start the following day. No orientation program would be complete without parents. A reception for parents will take place on Tuesday. We look forward to seeing you then.
N O W W H AT
Registration Checklist
To register your child, you will need to complete the following tasks. These are listed alphabetically in a checklist on the portal at my.georgeschool.org with due dates to help you manage the registration process. Advisee Profile
Record Release Acknowledgement
Bookstore Permissions
School District
Community Directory Photo
S tudent Health and Wellness Forms
Contact Information
(via Magnus Health Portal)
Course Selection
Textbook Loan Registration
Deans’ Office Permissions
Vehicle Registration
Grandparents Information
Health Learning Report
Handbook Acknowledgement
Textbook Purchase Agreement
ImPACT Testing Acknowledgement
New Student Technology Orientation
Language Proficiency
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PA R E N T P R O G R A M S
KEY DATES 2019–2020
M O N DAY
S E PTE M B E R 2
Classes Begin
S AT U R DAY O CTO B E R 1 9
Parent Visiting Day Fall Break Begins
T U E S DAY O CTO B E R 2 2
Classes Resume Parent Conference Night
T H U R S DAY
NOVE M B E R 21
Thanksgiving Break Begins
T U E S DAY
DECE M B E R 3
Classes Resume
F R I DAY
D ECE M B E R 2 0
Holiday Break Begins
T U E S DAY
J A N UA RY 7
Classes Resume
M ON DAY
J A N UA RY 20
MLK Day; Special Schedule
M ON DAY
J A N UA RY 27
Parent Conference Night
F R I DAY J A N UA RY 3 1
Parent Conference Day Midwinter Break Begins
T U E S DAY
F E B R UARY 4
Classes Resume
T H U R S DAY
MA R CH 5
Spring Break Begins
T U E S DAY
MA R CH 2 4
Classes Resume
S U N DAY
MAY 24 Commencement
M ON DAY
MAY 25
Memorial Day; No Classes
T U E S DAY
MAY 26
Classes Resume
T H U R S DAY
J U N E 4
Classes End
For more information, see “A George School Year” on page 26 of this guide or visit our online calendar at georgeschool.org/calendar.
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ACADEM I C PROG R A M
THE GEORGE SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE A George School education challenges students, exposes them to new possibilities and perspectives, and helps them become their best selves. Within guidelines, students chart their own path through our rich array of course offerings, becoming independent learners and thinkers who are ready for college, careers, and a complex world. No list of events, requirements, and experiences—even signature experiences—can give you a true sense of what it is like to attend George School, but it is a good place to start understanding what we do, why we do it, and what your child will be talking about.
Academic Expectations and Requirements
All students are expected to take at least six classes each term. Almost all first-year students and many students in subsequent years take seven. (After freshman year, this is referred to as an “overload.”) To graduate, students must take English annually, develop third-year proficiency in a foreign language, and take a minimum of three years each of art, history (including U.S. history), math, science (including a physical and a life science), and religions. Each department offers varied courses to satisfy—and pique— students’ diverse interests.
ACADEM I C PROG R A M
With advance approval from the department head, students may fulfill a requirement with a summer course taken at another institution or online from George School. After summer language study, students need to demonstrate their proficiency via an exam. Students must attend George School in their senior year to receive a diploma, but they can study at another institution during junior year with prior approval from the associate head of school and the director of admission. That takes care of the required and expected details, but George School students typically exceed both requirements and expectations. To learn more about our curriculum, including our broad range of courses and the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, see the Academics section of our website. The Daily Schedule
As a boarding school, George School has lots going on seven days a week. Almost all classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to between 2:45 and 3:55 p.m., depending on the day. Theater performance classes (plays and musicals) and sports practices run from the end of the traditional academic day until 5:30 p.m., except for tech week for the former (when rehearsals are 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.) and for some winter teams for the latter. We try to schedule games, which may go beyond 5:30 p.m., for Tuesdays and Fridays, but this is not always possible.
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Student organizations usually meet one night a week from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. or on the weekends. Study hall and quiet study periods in the dorms are held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Boarding students may sign out to the library during this time. Weekends, often themed, are filled with fun activities, on campus and off. Day students are welcome to take part. You may hear about Harvest Weekend, Live Music Weekend, or Student Council Weekend, three perennial favorites, but if you would like to find out more on your own and see a calendar of events, check out the Student Life section of our website. Collection
Each student at George School is assigned an advisor, who meets with their advisees during a ten-minute group meeting held three times a week. (“Collection” refers to both the meeting time and the group.) New students often get advice, encouragement, and friendship from the older members of their collection. Meeting for Worship
Central to George School’s Quaker identity, meeting for worship is a time for silent reflection and for sharing insights aloud with the community. Students attend meeting on either Tuesday or Thursday at 10:10 a.m. All students on campus on Sunday morning (including guests and day students) attend meeting at 10:45 p.m.
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ACADEM I C PROG R A M
Many students come to find that meeting for worship provides an opportunity to think, feel, relax, recharge, and explore their spirituality. Assembly
Every Friday morning and on some Mondays, the entire school—students (sitting with their collection), faculty, staff, and administrators—gathers together in Walton Center for a varied slate of enlightening and entertaining programs. Speakers are thought-provoking, professional performing artists are impressive, and student productions and presentations are LOUDLY appreciated. Cooperative Work Program (Co-op)
Every George School student has a co-op, a sixty- to ninety-minute campus job each week. Typical co-ops include working in administrative offices, in the dining room/ kitchen (affectionately called “shift”), on the grounds, and in classrooms. Through co-op, students go beyond helping to maintain the school. They learn about how it operates; develop responsibility, teamwork, and time management; get to know faculty and staff; gain valuable work experience; and take pride in the school and in themselves. Service Learning Project
To graduate, students must complete a service learning project totaling at least sixty-five hours after their sophomore year. They can opt to serve locally (at a human services agency, for example), on one of George School’s domestic or international
service trips, or through their own independently designed project. Working face-to-face with the underserved and disempowered, students learn about the complexities of society and the diversity of cultures while they share their talents. Many graduates look back at their service project as one of the most transformative experiences of their George School career. Athletics and Physical Education
An integral part of the George School experience, our athletics teams (with developmental, junior varsity, and varsity levels) challenge experienced competitors and newcomers alike while building physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and a host of other skills. Our Cougar teams compete interscholastically as part of the Friends Schools League. Many of our scholar-athletes continue playing at the collegiate level. Students are expected to engage in physical activity each term. Freshmen and new sophomores are required to play at least two team sports, including in the fall season. Returning students must play at least one team sport each year. When they are not participating on a team, students must take a physical education class.
ACADEM I C PROG R A M
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“ The Quaker ethos permeates every aspect of the school, which is a very good thing. New parents would be well served to understand this faith tradition and the impact it has on the overall culture as well as the day-to-day life of the GS community. I wish I had known more about it. The meeting for worship held over graduation weekend was a wonderful, moving experience.” — A L N AVA R R O P ’ 1 8
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G LOSSARY
ARR ANGEMENTS, WHEREABOUTS, AND SUMMIT: WHAT GEORGE SCHOOL STUDENTS MEAN When your new student begins talking to you about life at George School, don’t be surprised if strange words start coming out of his or her mouth. “But I thought you signed up for Spanish, not this odd language,” you might be tempted to reply. So that you are in the know, here is a list of some signature George School vocab. Quiz on Friday. A R R A N G E M E N T – This is George School’s term for a class period, as in “I have Algebra 2 in Arrangement 3 and Chinese 3 in Arrangement 2.” No one really knows where this arrangement comes from, but it works.
– Roughly equivalent to “office hours” at the college level, this aptly named time set aside at the end of the day enables students to meet with teachers, get extra help, explore topics of interest, and otherwise cement the student-faculty bonds for which George School is known.
C O N S U LTAT I O N
– Short for Cooperative Work Program, co-op is a weekly sixty- to ninety-minute work assignment performed by all students as a way of giving back to the school. Co-op duties range from cleaning classrooms and offices to serving as a tour guide or prefect, but no matter who you are, shift always happens (see below).
CO-OP
B E T T Y E ’ S P L A C E – The dining hall serves healthy food—too healthy for students craving the occasional curly fry, perhaps. For them, there is this snack bar, located in Marshall Center, the campus student center. The two hot spots were named for donors Howard (Class of 1922) and Bettye Marshall. You can decide which location name is the greater honor.
EYR E LI N E
– This walkway leads over the “bypass” and through the woods (or, more accurately, through the woods and over the bypass) from campus to charming Newtown. Most students have no idea that it was named for an early donor (Isaac Eyre) rather than what it sounds like: airline. Either way, it is a favorite route for “taking off ” into town.
C O L L E C T I O N – This refers both to the thrice-weekly, ten-minute meeting students have with their advisor and fellow advisees, as well as to their fellow advisees as a unit (as in “I know her. She’s in my collection.”). Upperclass students typically provide advice and friendship to younger collection-mates, and snacks are eagerly consumed.
FA C – Short for Fitness & Athletics Center, the FAC is the ginormous stateof-the art facility for most activities that involve sweating. The name must be too long for students to say on their way to a sport or PE class, a workout or just hanging out with friends. F E I / S M W D – Students who engage in behavior that, while not breaking a major school rule, is still a no-no. They may
G LOSSARY
receive a Friday Evening Inconvenience (study hall) or Saturday Morning Word Detail (what it sounds like). Unfortunately, some of the staff who supervise SMWDs are so beloved that students may enjoy their weekend work a little too much. – Simply put (as is fitting for all things Quaker), it’s meeting for worship.
MFW
– As part of the good-natured rivalry between the George School Cougars and Westtown School (whose mascot is a moose), moose points are awarded throughout the year for each varsity and junior varsity athletic team win when the two schools compete. The school who earns the most points wins the Patterson Cup.
MOOSE POINTS
– Practice makes prefect, as it were. This position is an opportunity for seniors, both day and boarding, to develop their leadership skills by mentoring younger students and planning activities to involve them in the community and in dorm life.
P R E F ECT
R E A C H – Students who want to go off campus must first “REACH,” a residential and electronic attendance system, used to sign in and sign out of campus. REACH requests must be approved by a dean prior to a student departing campus. R E D S Q U A R E – This iconic redbrick area between Main and Drayton is to George School what Times Square is to New York, minus the neon—both a highly trafficked crossroads and a frequent gathering spot. Here students play Four Square, relax with friends, and enjoy the sunshine.
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S A G E – This student-run organization of peer counselors works too hard for the acronym (it stands for Students Associated for Greater Empathy), so everyone just calls it SAGE. Student counselors are trained to listen, give support, share information, and make referrals. S H I F T – The co-op assignment in the dining room is so iconic that it has its own name and even a song. All new students are assigned to shift, and each student is expected to work a minimum of three terms of shift during their tenure. Students wash dishes, keep the dining room tidy, help with food preparation.
– The height (acme, apex, apogee, peak, pinnacle, or zenith for SAT preppers) of accessible retail, Summit Square is just across the street from campus. It has pizza, Chinese, sushi, a drug store, and, though no actual Acme, a Giant supermarket big (huge, enormous, gigantic...) enough for high schoolers’ needs.
SUMMIT
T O K – What is knowledge? To find the answer—or at least look for it—students take Theory of Knowledge, a philosophy course that is required of IB Diploma candidates but open to everyone. The course encourages critical thinking about different areas of knowledge, such as mathematics, science, history, morality, politics, aesthetics, and religion. W H E R E A B O U T S – This group of rules refers to students being where they are or are not supposed to be (as in, “He got a DC for whereabouts.”). George School takes its responsibility for the safety of minors seriously, making whereabouts infractions from minor to major deals.
A D V I S I N G A N D A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S U P P O R T
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THE TEAM SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS Advisors
Providing students and their families with personal attention, advisors help their advisees with the decisions and developments of George School life, from choosing courses and monitoring academic progress to discussing interests and events. Advisors write formal summary reports at the end of each academic term and serve as the primary academic liaison between school and parent. Although advisors contact parents before students enroll and periodically throughout their time at George School, parents should feel free to contact their child’s advisor with any concerns. Associate Head of School
Working closely with the head of school, the associate head oversees all programmatic aspects of students’ lives (curriculum, course planning and placement, advisor assignments, teaching, and college guidance), supervises the deans, and is responsible for all matters relating to the faculty. Chefs, Dietician, and Dining Staff
The people who work in dining services care about what they do, and it shows. The menus they prepare are high-quality, sustainable, delicious, and as diverse as the student body who gobbles them up. Day and boarding students alike can choose whatever they wish during three mealtimes a day, seven days a week. Menus feature food sourced from local farmers as well as student favorites like pizza and paninis, meat and vegetarian options, a full salad
bar, and cookies, brownies, and sticky buns. To see what’s on the menu, go to georgeschool.nutrislice.com.
College Counselors
The College Counseling Office has four experienced and knowledgeable counselors, who have all worked in the admissions offices of selective colleges and are current on the changing admissions landscape. Counselors are dedicated to helping students make the most of their George School experience while making their way through a rewarding and healthy college decision-making process. Team members provide individualized attention and are ready to assist students and their parents. To learn more about college counseling at George School, visit georgeschool. org/college-counseling.
The Deans
The Deans’ Office is responsible for the care and support of students outside the classroom and for all nonacademic aspects of student life, including residential and community life, the Student Health and Wellness Center, discipline, student leadership, and weekend activities. On the most basic level, the Deans’ Office can account for boarders at all times and day students during the school day or when they stay on campus overnight. But the support and oversight provided by the deans go far deeper, and a dean is always on duty when school is in session.
A D V I S I N G A N D A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S U P P O R T
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Department Heads
Emergency Services Staff
Each academic department is led by a faculty member responsible for the scope and sequence of the curriculum, new initiatives, and the consistent practice of excellent pedagogy. Department head approval is often required when a student wishes to change a program of study. Parents may be referred to a department head if there is a question (e.g., regarding course placement) that cannot be resolved with a teacher or advisor.
Maintaining the safety of our community is a commitment shared by all its members and supported by security personnel, who are present on campus twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year. They patrol the campus, secure buildings at night, monitor vendors coming onto the campus, and are available to assist students, faculty, and staff whenever needed.
Director of Studies and Registrar
Together the director of studies and registrar are responsible for course scheduling, academic program planning, academic counseling, and academic record-keeping. They are in frequent contact with students, parents, and faculty about curriculum questions, course placement, advisor assignments, and scheduling issues. Dorm Heads and Hall Teachers
Each George School dormitory has a dorm head, who supervises a group of hall teachers and senior prefects. While overseeing life in the dorm and facilitating fun activities, dorm staff get to know their students well, often serving as surrogate parents. The dorm head is the primary contact for parents, advisors, deans, teachers, the health center, security, and other professionals regarding residential issues.
Head of School
The head of school directs the academic, administrative, and fiscal life of the school; provides leadership for all its constituencies; and ensures maintenance of the spiritual life, high intellectual standards, and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community that define George School. The head of school reports to the board of trustees and is responsible for maintaining standards and implementing policies of the board, including long-term strategic direction and initiatives. Information Technology Services (ITS) Staff
The ITS Service Desk provides technical support to anyone who uses George School’s information technology hardware, software, and services. Though staff do not repair personal computers not owned by the school, they regularly help students with troubleshooting and configuration. The Service Desk is staffed Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when school is in session.
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A D V I S I N G A N D A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S U P P O R T
Learning Center Staff
George School’s Learning Center provides personalized support for a range of students. Lessons are tailored to individual needs and may include helping students identify strengths and weaknesses, learn study strategies, develop self-advocacy skills, manage their time more efficiently, and organize their work and study habits. Students may also receive help in specific subject areas. For more on the center, visit georgeschool.org/learning-center.
Performance and Wellness Center Staff
George School’s year-round performance and wellness coaches provide supervision and guidance in the fitness center as well as individual and small-group personal training for students, parents, faculty, and staff. Students may use the fitness center during supervised hours, typically weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or with at least one other person upon completion of the fitness center orientation with one of its coaches.
Library Services Staff
The staff of the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library is ready to help students get the most from this beautiful, multifaceted, and modern learning center. Beyond typical library functions such as borrowing books and using on-site resources in varied formats, students can access most materials anywhere on or off campus via the Library Gateway in the Academics section of the website. Staff members are happy to teach students how to best access resources, providing curriculum-based research instruction to classes and individuals. Students are welcome to use the library at any time during the school day and during extended hours on study weekends prior to term exams.
Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) Staff
Helping students stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit is a team effort. The SHWC provides physical, emotional, nutritional, and educational support for students. A registered nurse is available at all times, while a nurse practitioner, school counselor, and consulting physician see students by appointment, Monday through Friday, and are on call for emergencies. There is no charge for routine care. The SHWC staff also coordinates referrals to specialists and independent counselors in the area.
A D V I S I N G A N D A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S U P P O R T
“ When my daughter started George School, I was concerned about her being a day student at a boarding school. How did day and boarding students mix? Would she feel fully part of the school? Would I ever see her again? (I had heard that day students can spend a lot of evenings and weekends on campus.) I needn’t have worried. Yes, she spent a lot of time at school, but that was because she had a lot of fun there and made friends from all over the world (and invited them over on occasion). We still were able to maintain our family life.” —
ANDREA LEHMAN P ’08, ’11
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STUDENT PROGRESS
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS Grades are reported to parents three times a year, at the conclusion of each term. We know, however, that a letter grade does not adequately express student development, so teachers, advisors, coaches, dorm parents, and co-op supervisors also provide written comments. Taken together, comments paint an overall picture of each student’s progress at George School, including extracurricular involvement, and they are used extensively when college counselors write letters to colleges. In addition, teachers and advisors write a brief progress report on each student at the fall midterm. Grades
Scholastic achievement is rated by the letters A, B, C, D, F, and I (with pluses and minuses): A H as achieved to a high degree the objectives of the course. B H as achieved to a substantial degree the objectives of the course. C H as achieved to a moderate degree the objectives of the course. D H as achieved credit toward graduation only. Summer work may be necessary in some cases. F Has failed to achieve the objectives of the course. Credit must be made up in the future.
I H as not completed the work of the course, usually due to medical reasons. When the work is completed, it will be rated with one of the letter grades above. Athletics, physical education, service projects, and co-op work programs use S, D, and F: S Has done satisfactory work. D H as done unsatisfactory work, but has achieved credit. F H as failed to achieve the objectives. Credit must be made up. In a yearlong course, grades given at the end of the winter and spring terms are cumulative (i.e., they do not represent that term alone). However, the co-op rating reflects just that term’s work. The only ratings placed on the official school transcript are those received at the completion of courses. All other grades are considered progress ratings. The only exceptions are mid-year senior grades and term grades for students who request transcripts during the year. Even in these cases, the ratings are eventually replaced by yearend grades.
SCHOOL RULES
Head of School’s List
Each term, faculty and staff members nominate students to the Head of School’s List for their diligence, constructive attitude, thoroughness, dependability, punctuality, and overall commitment to excellence. To be named to the list, students must earn five or more nominations. At least three of the nominations must be from the arts, English, history, language, mathematics, religion, or science. The fourth and fifth nominations may come from areas such as co-op, physical education, or a team activity. Honor Roll
To be named to a term’s Honor Roll, students must earn a B or higher in each subject area that earns an A, B, C, D, or F rating, or a B+ average (3.33 on a 4.0 GPA scale) with no grade lower than a C. They must also earn S ratings in every area that is assessed with grades of S, D, or F.
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CAN YOU NAME THE NINE MAJOR SCHOOL RULES? At George School there are nine categories of rules whose violation will generally result in a required appearance before the Discipline Committee, which is made up of students and faculty members: 1. Dishonesty 2. C ondoning (remaining in a situation where others are breaking a major school rule) 3. Endangerment 4. Gambling 5. Fighting, harassment, or intimidation 6. Prohibited sexual activity 7. Theft or vandalism 8. P ossession or sale of prohibited substances 9. Whereabouts Although we hope you never experience the discipline process firsthand, we encourage you and your child to familiarize yourselves with it and with George School rules in detail, which are described in the Community Handbook, available at my.georgeschool.org.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N
COMMUNICATION: FROM GEORGE SCHOOL TO YOU Whether you live around the block or across the globe, we want you to feel a part of George School and to get a good sense of what your child will be experiencing. The following resources and publications employ different delivery methods. We hope you will avail yourselves of them: Website and Parent Portal
George School’s public-facing website (georgeschool.org) has information for prospective students and families, as well as current news, information about events, links to social media platforms, weekend activity schedules, and a faculty and staff directory. For more in-depth as well as confidential parent information, the portal (my. georgeschool.org ) is accessible from the parent section of the website. After registering online, you will be able to view grade reports, give permissions, check student attendance, make payments, access confidential directories and handbooks, sign up for conferences, and view other academic information related to your family. You will receive your portal login during the registration process.
Parent Plan-It
This weekly email newsletter, sent Fridays when school is in session, is just for parents! It shares important information about upcoming events and ways to get involved. If you don’t receive it, contact gs_communications@ georgeschool.org. Georgian
The Georgian is both a monthly newsletter and a print magazine. Issues highlight the accomplishments and milestones of George School students and our global alumni network as well as stories about faculty innovation and general school news. If you would like to receive it, contact georgian@georgeschool.org. Livestreaming
George School occasionally livestreams events, such as theater productions, sporting events, and commencement, for families who cannot make it to campus. Livestream programs are accessible at my.georgeschool.org.
C O M M U N I C AT I O N
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COMMUNICATION: FROM YOU TO GEORGE SCHOOL Email and Phone
The best way to contact faculty members is via email. Email addresses and phone numbers are listed in the faculty and staff directory, included in the footer on each of our web pages.
George School has a post office, which can send and receive letters and packages—especially appreciated by boarding students—using major carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To contact administrators, dorm heads, hall teachers, and department heads, feel free to use email or phone, as you prefer. Offices that parents are likely to call are listed in the box on the next page. All students receive a George School email address (which they are expected to check daily), making that a good way to contact your child. Naturally, you can also contact them via their cell phone within George School guidelines.
All students are assigned individual mailboxes, which they are expected to check regularly. Mail should be addressed to: Student Name PMB (insert number) 1690 Newtown Langhorne Rd Newtown, PA 18940-2414
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WHO M TO CA LL WHEN
WHOM TO CALL WHEN
Your child will be absent or late or will leave early, including for bad weather.
Attendance Office 215.579.6593
Note that because George School is a boarding school, classes are rarely canceled, even when school buses don’t run. In cases of extreme weather, day student parents should decide on the prudence of student travel.
You need to locate your child, especially in a family emergency.
Deans’ Office 215.579.6589
Your day-student child is going to stay on campus overnight.
Deans’ Office 215.579.6589
You need information on event/activity changes, such as cancellations, weather disruptions, and delayed returns to campus from trips and games.
Deans’ Office 215.579.6589
You want to provide or clarify travel plans for your boarding student.
Deans’ Office 215.579.6589
WHO M TO CA LL WHEN
You want to leave a message in your child’s mailbox.
Post Office 215.579.6600
You have a question about course placement, advisor assignment, or scheduling issues.
Registrar 215.579.6530
Your child is having trouble studying.
Learning Center 215.579.6771
Your child needs a tutor.
You need information about usernames, passwords, or login information.
Service Desk 215.579.6560
You want to send your child a birthday cake.
Director of Events 215.579.6502
You want to know when the next Parents Association meeting is scheduled.
Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement 215.579.6620
You would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Also see our Faculty and Staff Directory at georgeschool.org/faculty-staff.
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PA R E N T P R O G R A M S
PROGR AMS FOR PARENTS Parents Association (PA)
All parents and guardians of George School students are automatically members of the PA, whose primary purpose is to strengthen the connection between parents and the school, and to support the student experience. Several times a year, the association holds meetings to keep parents informed. Preceded by a buffet dinner in the meetinghouse, these 7:00 p.m. gatherings are held in the library. Opportunities for parent involvement abound and range from helping with Opening Days activities to serving as representatives on school committees to providing students with home-baked cookies before term exams. All contributions made by the PA—both through dues and volunteer work—are appreciated by George School, but those cookies are especially appreciated by students! To learn more about the Parents Association, its meetings, and volunteer opportunities, click on “Information for: Current Parents” at the bottom of our homepage. George School Fund Parent Ambassadors
George School relies on annual giving via the George School Fund to help support the operating budget, and on parent ambassadors to advocate for the fund within the parent community. Ambassadors make connections with fellow parents and help educate them about the importance of philanthropy to the school. Parents of
both boarding and day students can get involved, as ambassadors can do outreach on their own schedule from anywhere in the world. The Advancement Office provides training and support. For more information, contact the director of the George School Fund at 215.579.6564 or gsfund@georgeschool.org. Parents Visiting Day
Each year on a mid-October Saturday, George School sponsors a day of informative programs for parents and guardians. In fifteen-minute mini classes, teachers describe the goals and expectations for each course. You may have a brief opportunity to speak to them about your child afterwards, or to arrange for conferences with them or with your child’s advisor either that day or on a proximate evening. Parents may schedule appointments via my.georgeschool.org . Conference Day
Prior to midwinter break (a Friday in early February), you will have another opportunity to visit campus and meet with teachers. This time the program includes college-counseling and courseplanning workshops in the morning, followed by teacher conferences in the afternoon or a proximate evening, if desired. Appointments can be scheduled at my.georgeschool.org .
PA R E N T P R O G R A M S
“ I will miss volunteering as a Parent Ambassador with the Admission Office. It was a joy to meet prospective new students and their families, to answer their questions, and to share stories of what made my son’s George School experience invaluable. He became a better student, actor, athlete, and person over his four years at George School. For that, I am so grateful.” — J U D I T H F E L LO W S P ’ 1 9
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CA LENDAR
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A GEORGE SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020
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27-1 New student orientation**
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** Listings in green are REQUIRED
ACT at GS
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CA LENDAR
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For the most up-to-date information on events go to georgeschool.org/calendar.
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2 SAT (not at GS) 15- 17 Study Weekend 18- 21 Term 1 Exams—Students leave after last exam 21 Thanksgiving Break begins at noon 22-30 Thanksgiving Break 28 Thanksgiving
SAT dates are subject to change. * Jewish and Muslim holidays begin at sundown the evening before date shown.
CA LENDAR
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2 Boarders return by 7:00 p.m.
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CA LENDAR
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Junior Dinner Dance
SAT dates are subject to change. * Jewish and Muslim holidays begin at sundown the evening before date shown.
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CA LENDAR
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SAT dates are subject to change. * Jewish and Muslim holidays begin at sundown the evening before date shown.
CA LENDAR
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“ George School is a special place. The strength of the academics was number one for us, and the friendliness of the staff and students on campus was a very close second. The George School community is warm and welcoming no matter who you are.” — NADIA VERNA P ’18
GEORGE SCHOOL PMB 4460 1690 Newtown Langhorne Road Newtown, PA 18940-2414 USA 215.579.6547