Mission Statement
Gillispie School is a vibrant community devoted to developing empathetic global citizens and resilient learners. We honor and foster each child’s social, emotional, and intellectual journey.
Philosophy
Gillispie School ignites the creative and intellectual potential of children from early childhood through sixth grade. By designing authentic explorations and applying a cross-disciplinary approach, we help children discover their interests and passions. We encourage personal accountability and view mistakes as avenues for learning. Balancing academic programs and a constructivist philosophy, we prepare children for their futures in a way that both challenges and nurtures them along their educational paths. We embrace diversity and appreciate that differing views and life experiences help us generate insightful solutions. At Gillispie, every child is known.
Accreditation
Gillispie School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), and is a member of The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Our Early Childhood program is licensed by the state of California.
2024-2025 Board of Trustees
Jonathan Lischke, President
Ashley Jacobs, Vice-President
Zoe Kleinbub, Secretary
Matt Emery, Treasurer
Kaiya Duerig
Viviana Faga
Daniel Green
Helen Hall
Bill Hornung
Lynnsay Rogers
AnneMarie Sachs
Josie Seidler
James Shira
Kelly Siberio
Nick Stone
Ashu Tyagi
Trace Wilson
Moe Zarabi
Gillispie School is governed by an eighteen-member, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees whose job is to secure the future of the School. The Board does so by establishing policy, approving the operating budget, hiring and supporting the Head of School, undertaking strategic planning, and leading in its financial support. The Board of Trustees entrusts the daily operations of the School to the Head of School, who supervises and evaluates all programs and personnel and is the final arbiter of any disputes that might arise, including those of parent issues or student disciplinary issues.
Administration and Staff
Administration
Alison Fleming, Head of School
Paul Ghiglieri, Assistant Head of School
Carol Baranowski, Director of Finance & Operations
Cindy Chen, Director of Admissions and Enrollment
Dana Irwin, Director of Development & Community Relations
Mindy Coates Smith, Director of Early Childhood
Lisa Hasler Waters, Director of Technology
Support Staff
Brittany Caraccilo, Finance Associate/Accounts Payable
Susie Grecco, Front Desk Receptionist
Michele Greene, Director of Health and Safety
Natacha Hosy, Marketing and Communications Lead
Ellen Shallcross, Administrative Associate
Lily Wang, Information Technology Lead
Facilities Staff
David Abrams, Campus Operations Manager
Ruth Sarabia, Housekeeping Lead
Blas Vasquez, Maintenance Lead
Early Childhood Faculty
Mindy Coates Smith, Director of Early Childhood
Theron Royer, Coordinator of Outdoor Learning
Kandise Thompson, Early Childhood Partner Teacher
Maya Graham, Early Childhood Partner Teacher
Maddy Sulllivan, Early Childhood Partner Teacher
Preschool
Monica Bojalil, Maple
Geovani Hernandez, Maple
Stavroula Traitses, Spruce
Sanae Vaughan, Spruce
Anna Gonzalez, Magnolia
Amy Pavlik, Magnolia
Stacey Harper, Cypress
Jennifer Tarantino, Cypress
Veronica Herrera, Rosewood
Megan Law, Rosewood
Prekindergarten
Kait Boisnard, Juniper
Abbi Leib, Juniper
Kimberly Abrams, Willow
Fabiola Knight, Willow
Sara Meredith, Sequoia
Tiffany Morikis, Sequoia
Elementary Faculty
Kindergarten
Ambar Collins
Liza Dutcher
Diana Leard
Dee Dee Young
First Grade
Alexandria Funk
Lawrence Pham-Hung
Katelyn Lagorio
Britney Wigley
Second Grade
Kelly Daniel
Ashley Stolzenbach
Alexa Tamayo
Third Grade
Erica Hurley
Lizzie Wear
Fourth Grade
Kim Haas
Chelsea Heizer
Fifth Grade
Jennifer Chaney
Eric Inigo
Sixth Grade
Natasha Busick
Susan Adams
Support Staff
Denia Koerner, Resource Teacher & Kindergarten Spanish Teacher
Sydney Dodd, Resource Teacher
Specialty Faculty
Brian Belsha, Science & Design Lead, Specialty Coordinator
Maureen Belsha, Learning Specialist
Chip Edwards, Science & Design Lead
Whitney George, Learning Specialist
Lexi Gershkowitz, Learning Specialist
Sara Johnston, School Counselor
Cheyenne Kibblewhite/Maddie Clough, P. E. Coach
Ian Lewis, Music Instructor
Clara Ledesma, Spanish Instructor
Heidi Long, Librarian
Susan Walters, K-6 Art Instructor
Ed Whelan, P. E. Coach
Contents
Parent and Student Handbook
All-School Policies and Information, 9-22
School Hours
Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures
Absences/Tardies
Animals on Campus
Birthdays & Class Parties
Candy & Gum
Citizenship, Discipline, Bullying, and Academic Honesty
Communication Home
Dress Code & Uniforms
Emergency Procedures
Extended Care Program
Family Information Privacy
Field Trips
Financial Assistance
Gift Policy
Illness (General Guidelines)
Illness (COVID-related Guidelines)
Immunizations
Insurance for Student Accidents
Lost and Found
Lunch
Medication
Non-Discrimination Policy
Principles of Partnership for Parents
Sexual Harassment Policy
Social Networking
Technology: Mobile Learning Devices, Cellphones, Smartwatches & Headphones
Toys
Early Childhood Division Policies, 23-25
Curriculum Overview, 26-29
School Divisions, Parent Conferences, Progress Reports
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science & Design
Project-based Learning Approach
Digital Literacy Approach
Specialties: Art, Library, Music, P.E., Spanish
Ways to Connect and Support Gillispie, 30-31
Assemblies
Back-to-School Night
Friend-Raising Events
Parent Check-Ins/Parent Education Opportunities
Volunteering
ONEGillispie Annual Giving Campaign
Annual Spring Fundraiser
Appendix I: Student Bullying Prevention Plan, 33-35
Appendix II: Student Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policy, 35-38
All-School Policies
School Hours
Current operating hours of the School are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Early Childhood and Elementary classes begin on campus Tuesday, August 20, 2024 .
Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures
Details for Early Childhood Students
Morning Drop-off: The Early Childhood student drop-off location is at the Fay Avenue entrance from 8:00-8:20 a.m. To meet California licensing requirements, parents/caregivers will sign in using a personal smart device and the ProCare app at the Fay driveway whether they arrive by car or on foot. Goodbyes will take place at the gate or car, and children will be walked directly to class by their teacher or a staff member. For the sake of security, after 8:20 a.m. caregivers must come to the Girard Avenue entrance to drop off children.
Afternoon Pick-up: Pick-up is on Fay Avenue at both 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Parents/caregivers will sign out their children using the ProCare app. At noon pick up, students will be waiting in the breezeway while parents/caregivers pick up at the gate or the car. At 3:00 p.m. pick up, all students will remain in classrooms until their names are called. Parents/caregivers may pick up at the gate, at the car, or come to the classroom door to greet their children. Vehicles may not be parked in the Fay driveway.
Details for Elementary Students
Morning Drop-off: Elementary student (K-Grade 6) drop-off location is at the Girard Avenue entrance from 8:00-8:20 a.m. Elementary students will enter through the Girard gate. Parents may walk their students onto campus until 8:20 a.m. when the bell rings to begin the school day. Upper and Lower Elementary students will be in separate parts of the campus for outdoor play until 8:20 a.m.
Afternoon Pick-up: At dismissal (3:00 p.m.), all Elementary students will remain in classrooms until called and will exit through the Girard Avenue gate.
There is no parking or leaving your vehicle in the white passenger loading zone along Girard Avenue between the hours of 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. The safety of children during drop-off and pick-up is our utmost priority. Note: For families with BOTH EC and Elementary children, Drop-off/Pick-up will be on Fay Avenue.
Absences/Tardies
The School encourages parents to get their children to school on time. Children who must miss the first half of the school day due to appointments or other commitments should remain home if they cannot be in attendance by 10:00 a.m. for preschool students with a half-day schedule and 11:00 a.m. for all other students. When a child is absent, parents should call the School and speak with either front office personnel or the student’s teacher to explain the absence. When an absence occurs in Grades 1 through 6 and the parent determines that the student is capable of doing homework, assignments may be obtained from the teacher if ample notice is given.
Animals on Campus
Pets need to be enjoyed at home not on campus, including during drop-off and pick-up times.
Birthdays & Class Parties
Class celebrations for birthdays or other events are organized by teachers who coordinate as needed with the parents. Birthday and other treats should be low in sugar and will be distributed by teachers. Goody/gift bags are not allowed. Invitations for off-campus parties, even if all class members are invited, are to be emailed/mailed by the parents and not distributed at school. Summer birthdays may be celebrated during the school months.
Candy & Gum
Candy should not be packed into student snacks or lunches; nuts should be avoided due to possible classmate allergies. Gum chewing is not allowed on campus unless approved by a teacher and/or therapist.
Citizenship, Discipline, Bullying, and Academic Honesty
Citizenship
The School strives to provide an environment conducive to learning. We expect our students to strive for adherence to the following Gillispie Values, recognizing that each day is a new day and that they are here to learn.
Gillispie students show they care about themselves, each other, and the world around them by exhibiting:
I ntegrity
C ompassion
A ttitude
R espect
E ffort
Integrity: Being honest and taking responsibility
Compassion: Having empathy and being mindful and generous
Attitude: Having a positive outlook and being kind
Respect: Holding myself, others, and the environment in high regard
Effort: Doing my best with a growth mindset and a willingness to try
These five values provide the framework for character education at Gillispie. Parents are encouraged to refer to the five values when discussing relevant school events with their children.
Discipline
Children are taught conflict resolution by discussing problems, accepting responsibility, and offering solutions, and situations are handled by the teacher or staff member on duty. Serious problems are brought to the attention of the Assistant Head of School and, when appropriate, the Head of School. Consequences are determined on an individual basis, but some behaviors, such as intentionally causing physical harm to other students or teachers, could trigger an immediate suspension or expulsion. Patterns of behavior that do not align with the Gillispie Values could result in a parent meeting, suspension, or expulsion, all of which will be documented in writing by the School.
The School reserves the right to discipline students for actions that occur outside of school to the extent they negatively impact the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, a student using technology to bully, insult, or harass classmates.
Gillispie School believes that all students have the right to a safe and healthy school environment. The School and community have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance.
Gillispie School will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate or harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults (relational aggression); social isolation; and manipulation.
Gillispie School expects students and/or staff to immediately report incidents that could be considered bullying behavior to the Assistant Head of School or classroom teacher. Each complaint of bullying behavior will be promptly investigated. Students can rely on staff to investigate each complaint of bullying thoroughly and confidentially. If the reporting student or the parent of the student feels that an appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or parent should contact the Head of School. The School prohibits retaliatory behavior against any reporting student or any participant in the complaint process.
If the behavior is deemed to constitute bullying, the offender will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. This policy applies to students on school grounds while traveling to and from school, and during a school-sponsored activity.
To ensure that bullying behaviors do not occur on the school campus, Gillispie School provides staff development training in bullying prevention and cultivates an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding in all students and staff to build and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Staff members are expected to immediately intervene when they see behavior that could constitute bullying.
Bullying
Gillispie’s Student Bullying Prevention Plan is included in this handbook as Appendix I.
Academic Honesty
All work that students complete for which they receive credit must be their own. Cheating and plagiarism are forms of academic dishonesty. Cheating is obtaining (or attempting to obtain) something by dishonest or deceptive means. Examples include but are not limited to lending homework to a fellow student to copy, discussing the items on a test before all students have taken the test, and using notes or banned resources without teacher consent. Plagiarism is the presentation of the words, ideas, concepts, images, or works of another as one's own. Examples include submitting essays, reports, assignments, or projects with content written by other people, technology, or AI and passing off the final product as one’s own. The concept of plagiarism is explained and discussed in all grades in age-appropriate terms. Situations involving cheating or plagiarism on school work (tests, quizzes, and homework) will result in disciplinary action.
Communication Home
To keep up on your child’s progress or to know what events are coming up, Gillispie uses a variety of ways to communicate home. Resources to help you are:
● FACTS Family Portal OR The Gillispie App - available in the Apple App Store and Google Play (download by searching for Gillispie School in your app store)
● The Gillispie Sun (weekly email newsletter)
● Periodic Special Notices (sent via email)
● Room Parent emails
● Teacher blogs, Storypark pages, SeeSaw pages, or emails
● The School’s website
● Gillispie’s Facebook, X (formerly, Twitter), and Instagram accounts--be sure to “like” and “follow”!
Parents can expect teachers and staff to respond to calls and emails during working hours. Please use employees’ Gillispie emails and phone numbers. Employees are advised to not share and use personal phone numbers and emails for parent communication.
Dress Code & Uniforms
Uniforms are required for Grades K-6 students and are available (but not required) for Early Childhood. Instructions for ordering can be found at this link.
Uniforms for Early Childhood Students
● Students should be dressed comfortably and appropriately for indoor and
outdoor activities.
● Tops need to cover the midriff, shoulders, and back. Floor-length dresses and skirts are not recommended.
● Students are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and are easy to put on and take off, such as sneakers, sports shoes, or rubber-soled sandals. Students are required to wear sneakers or athletic shoes on P.E. days. Shoes with poor tread (such as flip-flops, cowboy boots, and ballet-style flats) are discouraged.
Uniforms for Elementary Students
● The School’s uniform providers are Lands’ End and Tommy Hilfiger.
● Shorts and skirts/dresses must be longer than students’ fingertips resting at the side.
● Gillispie T-shirts that have been distributed for various events are permissible.
● Footwear: Students are required to wear primarily solid-colored tennis shoes. Crocs are not allowed.
● Leggings: Leggings may be worn only when layered under other clothing (shorts and skirts/dresses) and must be navy, black, gray, or white.
● Outerwear: Students are expected to wear Gillispie uniform outerwear (jackets, sweatshirts, and sweaters). During periods of inclement weather, they are permitted to wear non-uniform raincoats and heavy jackets.
● Only Gillispie baseball caps and sun hats are permissible. Hats and hoods may not be worn inside school buildings.
Please be sure to label all of your child’s clothing, in addition to water bottles and lunch boxes/containers.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of any emergency during school hours, please do not telephone the School, as all outgoing lines will be needed. Parents will be called, texted, and e-mailed using an automated emergency response system through FACTS; instructions for action will be conveyed at that time. Listen to KSDO 1130 AM or KFMB 760 AM for information and instructions on picking up children. If it is not safe to come to campus, an off-site emergency gathering place will be shared with parents through our emergency notification system and/or the radio. For emergency information at other times, please check the website (www.gillispie.org). The School emergency preparedness plan is available for review.
Extended Care Program
The School provides before-school care (7:30-8:00 a.m.) for Elementary students only for an additional fee.
The School provides an after-school care program (3:30-5:00 p.m.) to Elementary and Early Childhood students for an additional fee. Students who stay after 3:30 p.m. will be enrolled in this program. Parents wishing to use this program on an occasional basis are charged a flat fee.
State law requires that parents/guardians sign out their Early Childhood students when they complete pick-up. K-6 children not signed out by a parent or guardian will be signed out by Gillispie staff.
Children must be picked up by 5:00 p.m. so that the School can be secured and cleaned. There is a $1.00 charge for each minute that your child is at school after 5:00 p.m. This fee will appear on the following month’s bill.
Extended Care Fees Summary
● 7:30-8:00 a.m. before-care, K-6 (only), $10
● 3:30-5:00 p.m. after-care, EC and K-6 students, $15
● Both before and after-care, K-6 (only), $25
● Students remaining on campus after 5:00 p.m., $1 per minute additional
Family Information Privacy
Gillispie School will use e-mail addresses given by parents and friends for the express purpose of communicating information about the School, parents’ children, or related information. Should a parent or friend of Gillispie wish not to receive emails from Gillispie, please contact nhosy@gilispie.org. Email and postal addresses of parents and friends of Gillispie may not be used by recipients or other individuals to send communications that are non-Gillispie-related without the express permission of the Head of School.
The Family Directory contains confidential information. Any copying, use, or disclosure by any individual, outside agency, or organization for solicitation of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Field Trips
Field trips are an important part of our program. The Walking Field Trip Permission Form covering walking trips (for both regular and occasional trips) is part of the enrollment contract. Individual permission slips for trips requiring transportation (typically by bus rentals) are sent home for parent signature before each trip. Parents may drive their own children to and from field trips.
In some cases, parent chaperones are needed. Teachers will let parents know how they can volunteer for trips. In these cases, Gillispie depends upon its chaperones to provide an essential oversight role during trips. Chaperones should always remain with the children during a trip and should follow teacher instructions. Parent chaperones will need to make arrangements for the care of siblings, who are not permitted to attend field trips, and are expected to model the highest levels of courtesy, respect, attentiveness, and helpfulness during field trips. Please refrain from socializing with other chaperones and using cell phones to take/make personal calls.
Financial Assistance
Parents interested in financial assistance should contact the Director of Finance and Operations. Applications are processed and evaluated by Clarity, an organization independent of Gillispie School. Gillispie School provides funds for tuition assistance for qualified children. Information on applying for financial assistance can also be found on the Gillispie School website.
Gift Policy
Teachers and staff members are appreciated by families in many ways throughout the year, ranging from thank you notes or pictures, words of encouragement, home-garden bouquets, handmade gifts, and treats organized for Appreciation Week. The School does not encourage gifts of monetary value, but if a family is so inclined, we ask that they ONLY be given at the end of the school year with a gift not exceeding the value of $50.
The following guidelines reflect the School’s community and desire to avoid potential conflicts of interest and maintain employee professionalism.
● Employees and staff may not accept gifts of any kind from an individual family that have a value of more than $50.00, including items purchased at the School’s fundraising events. Such gifts also could include gift cards, event tickets, cultural opportunities, the use of vacation homes, or the hosting of personal events. Gift baskets intended for an entire office or group of employees may be accepted and are not subject to the $50.00 limit.
● Gillispie School is appreciative of tickets to events that can be shared with school employees through random drawings. Gifts of tickets valued at more than $50 to events may not be made to specific individuals.
● Birthday gifts for teachers and staff members are neither encouraged nor expected. Student-created cards, pictures, and poems are lovely ways to recognize these special days.
● No employee may accept gifts from prospective parents.
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact the Head of School.
Homework
The following guidelines dictate homework assignments at Gillispie School:
● Homework should primarily be a review and practice of material covered in class and require little to no parental help.
● Teachers will strive to be clear about expectations of parental help on homework assignments.
● Time spent on homework should be aligned with Parent/Student Handbook guidelines (see below).
● When possible, long-term project work should be done in class as well as at home.
● Teachers are asked to avoid assigning homework to be due on Mondays unless it is a long-term assignment that students have several days to complete. Additionally, no assignments should be assigned over long breaks or due a day or two after a major break from school.
● As a rule of thumb, a student who is absent from school due to illness will receive the same number of days missed to finish any incomplete work.
Grade
Grades 1-2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Average Expectation*
10-20 minutes per night
30 minutes per night
30-45 minutes per night
45-60 minutes per night
60-75 minutes per night
*Students who struggle to complete homework within the expected average range should not continue beyond the maximum time suggested above Please contact your teacher to discuss what steps may need to be taken to make skill practice at home more manageable and productive.
Illness
Communicable Diseases
If a student becomes ill during school hours, the Director of Health and Safety and/or teacher will determine whether a parent should be notified. Parents will be called if a child has an elevated temperature of 100 degrees or higher, persistent cough, a cold with highly contagious symptoms such as continual sneezing or a non-stop runny nose, an unusual rash, any contagious communicable disease, an eye infection with discharge, diarrhea, or vomiting. If it is determined by the Director of Health and Safety that a child be sent home, parents must pick up the sick child in a timely manner If a child has had a fever of 100 degrees or higher, the child may not return to school until she/he has been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for a minimum of 24 hours. Likewise, if a child has vomited and/or has diarrhea, he/she must be symptom-free for 24 hours. In summary, a child should not return to school until all symptoms are improving and/or gone.
COVID
If a student or employee tests positive for COVID-19, the Director of Health and Safety must be notified as soon as possible. An email will go out to the grade level of a possible exposure. Current guidance provided by applicable federal, state, and local government health agencies will be followed.
Lice
If a child contracts lice and/or nits (lice eggs), he or she will be sent home and must be treated with some type of effective lice treatment; the child must be lice- and nit-free before returning to school. The grade-level families will be notified of the exposure.
To best curb further spread, we strongly recommend you have your child checked professionally to determine your child’s current status. Do not assume that your child does not have lice if he or she is not scratching.
Treatments include working with professional lice companies or contacting your pediatrician for a prescription-strength treatment. Depending on the severity of the case, multiple treatments may be needed and additional steps.
Immunizations
California State law (SB 277) requires all students to have confirmed immunization status before the first day of school to attend. Please submit updated immunization records to the Director of Health and Safety at the front desk.
Insurance for Student Accidents
Students are insured for injuries incurred at school. The family’s primary insurance coverage is instituted first; school insurance provides secondary coverage. The Business Office will contact families in the event of an accident.
Lost and Found
To avoid losing student clothing, backpacks, and lunch boxes, please label all belongings. Labeled items for Elementary students will be returned to them by school staff. Ask Early Childhood teachers about lost Early Childhood items.
Lunch
There is no sharing or trading of lunch items. Lunches should not include candy, gum, or soft drinks. Glass containers are not permitted. Please do not send food that requires heating or refrigeration. Pre-packaged lunches are available for all students from third-party vendors every day for an additional cost.
Medication
Over-the-counter medicine (such as cold remedies, pain relievers, and/or cough drops) can only be administered by the School if authorized by guardians. This is accomplished by completing the Authorized OTC Medication List in the online registration packet provided each year.
For a student with recurring prescription medication to be administered at school, the guardian must complete the Student Medical Form in the online registration packet provided each year. For a student requiring temporary prescription medication to be administered at school, the guardian must return a completed Medication Authorization Record to the Director of Health and Safety. This form can be obtained from the Front Desk.
All medication must be given directly to the Director of Health and Safety or the child's teacher, not put in a lunch box or backpack.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Gillispie School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, awarding of financial assistance, and other school-administered programs.
Principles of Partnership for Parents
Children thrive when the primary adults in their lives work together in a spirit of cooperation. With that in mind, we depend on parents to model the following principles:
● Respect the School’s responsibility to do what is best for the entire community while recognizing the needs of your child.
● Familiarize yourself with, and support, Gillispie School’s mission, philosophy, and values.
● Understand that your child’s school experience will and should contain both successes and failures, opportunities and disappointments, and fulfilling and challenging relationships.
● Provide a home environment that supports the development of positive learning attitudes.
● Seek to resolve classroom or social problems and secure information through the following channels in this order: teacher, Assistant Head, Head of School. Non-productive conversations and gossip undermine Gillispie’s nurturing community
● Recognize that payment of tuition is an investment in the educational process of your child, not an investment in the ownership of the School.
● Treat everyone with respect and have a cooperative tone in the face of the inevitable challenges that arise during the year.
The School may terminate a contract or refuse to re-enroll a student whose parent engages in conduct evidencing disregard of the principles listed above, particularly where such conduct endangers the health, safety, or welfare of anyone in the Gillispie community, on or off campus. Furthermore, the School reserves the right to limit a person’s access to the School at any time, for any reason.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Gillispie’s complete policies on sexual harassment, reporting, and grievance procedures are included in this handbook as Appendix II.
Social Networking
Gillispie School uses social networking sites such as Instagram and Facebook as tools to communicate with parents and the community at large. We enthusiastically encourage parents to “follow" and “like'' us to keep abreast of school activities. It is Gillispie's policy that faculty and staff engage on social networks in a professional manner that makes primary their duties as educators (this may include a school employee’s choice not to “friend” another Facebook user). Furthermore, we encourage families to follow the guidelines regarding the acceptable use age for their children’s accounts. Parents are expected to review the School’s Technology Responsible Use Policy (RUP), as well as ensure that their students are familiar with and understand the policy
Technology: Mobile Learning Devices, Cell phones, Smartwatches & Headphones
Parents and students sign the Technology Responsible Use Policy Outlining the care and expected conduct regarding the use of school technology. Families are responsible for the care of school-issued devices when they are off-site and are liable for any costs due to loss, neglect, or which violates the RUP. In addition, families are responsible for overseeing their children when they use school devices to go online at home—there is no substitute for active adult supervision during the entire time a student is online. Violations of the School’s RUP may result in a loss of access and/or disciplinary action. Parents, please note that the School’s content filtering system is functional when your child is online anywhere off-campus.
Important: School devices are meant to be used only by the designated student and for school use only. Parents or students should not change school-provided passwords or login credentials and should not add access to non-school-issued cloud accounts. Parents and students should also not change or add in device login credentials on school-issued devices.
Cell phones and Smartwatches:
In the interest of minimizing classroom distractions and keeping children safe, student cell phones may not be used at School. If you feel your child must have a device on campus, his/her phone must be turned in to the homeroom teacher at the beginning of day, and the child may ask for it at the end of the school day. Smartwatches may not be brought to campus.
Should you need to contact your child for any reason (e.g., family emergency or change in pick-up plans), please call the front desk or email the classroom teacher directly.
Headphones: Students will be issued headsets for use while on campus. Students may also wish to bring in personal headsets. However, the school will not assume responsibility for any non-school-issued headphones.
Toys & Treasures
Toys and valuable “treasures” should be left at home except on designated sharing days. The School is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items brought to School. Children should also not trade, buy, sell, or gift their toys and belongings to other students.