New Family Guide 2023

NEW

FAMILY GUIDE

2023 — 2024

WELCOME TO

HARPETH HALL

Dear Families,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our school community. Harpeth Hall is a place that encourages academic curiosity, cultivates a sense of belonging, and prepares girls to become purposeful young women ready to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. What your daughter will learn, the relationships she will form, the confidence she will gain, and the growth she will experience here will lay a strong foundation for her future. As you prepare for your family’s first year at Harpeth Hall, this guide answers some questions you may have and provides important contact information. You will receive additional information from our division leaders and school administrators over the summer. You may also log on to the current families section of HarpethHall.org for the most up-to-date school information. Additionally, reach out to us at any time. We are grateful that you have chosen Harpeth Hall for your daughter’s education.

Warmly,

Jess Hill, Head of School

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Frances Fondren-Bales Director of the Upper School

Susan Moll Director of Advancement

Tom Murphy Director of Finance and Operations

Molly Rumsey Director of Information Services

Jessica Viner Director of Enrollment Management

Jess Hill Head of School

Jessica Bliss Director of Marketing and Communications

Mary Lea Bryant Interim Director of the Middle School

Jasmin Hopkins Director of Equity and Inclusion

Kylene Lee Director of Athletics

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2023-2024 BOARD CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

Crissy Wieck ’96

2023-2024 BOARD MEMBERS

Trudy Ward Carpenter ’76, Vice Chair

Amit Misra, Vice Chair

Noni Nielsen ’93, Treasurer

David Fitzgerald, Secretary

Jane Allen

Bahar Azhdari ’00

Melanie Patterson Blank ’82

Michelle Gaskin Brown ’01

Kate Sherrard Chinn ’93

Chris Cigarran

Adelaide Grace Davis ’79

Shani Dowell

Melissa Frist

Benjamin S. Gambill III

Greg Hagood

Elizabeth Robbins Hawkins ’82

Hal Hess

Candace Story Lee

Lauren Melkus ’96

John Morris

Arie Nettles

Reid Patton ’14

Barbara Keith Brown Payne ’85

Michelle Wolfe Proctor ’89

Anne Puricelli

Amy Richards

Alison Smith ’79

John Steele

Meredith McDonald Stewart ’96

Dana Deaton Verner ’95

Chris Whitson

Tammy Wolcott ’81

Jean Ann Banker

Melinda Owen Bass ’58

Nancy Graves Beveridge ’80

Varina Frazer Buntin ’61

Delta Anne Davis ’73

Patty Litton Delony ’66

Robert S. Doolittle

Amy Grant Gill ’78

Barbara Richards Haugen ’68

HONORARY TRUSTEES

John Rivers Ingram

Martha Rivers Ingram

Robert Weeks Kitchel

Kenneth J. Melkus

Britton H. Nielsen

Norris Nielsen

Richard W. Oliver

Barbara Massey Rogers ’56

Susan Willingham Simons ’60

EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

Jess Hill, Head of School

W. Lucas Simons

Mary Schlater Stumb ’53

Jackie Glover Thompson ’64

Emily Cate Tidwell ’75

Jack Wallace

Peggy Smith Warner ’54

Dudley Brown White ’49

Reese Witherspoon ’94

Kristen Meltesen, Faculty Representative

Ellen Green Hoffman ’04, Alumnae Board President

Kate Berry ’00, National Advisory Council Chair

Mary Cady Bolin, Parents Association President

Julie Wilson, Parents Association President-Elect

Amanda Powell Smith ’04, Alumnae Board President-Elect

HARPETH HALL

MISSION, CORE PURPOSE, AND VALUES

Mission Statement

Harpeth Hall is an independent, college-preparatory school for young women where each student realizes her highest intellectual ability in the sciences, the humanities, and the arts, and discovers her creative and athletic talents. Harpeth Hall develops responsible citizens who have global perspectives and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. With a tradition of excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning, Harpeth Hall educates young women to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.

Faculty Core Purpose

Our core purpose is to nurture a sense of wonder, to instill a will and facility for learning, and to promote cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and service to others. The pursuit of these goals will inspire students and faculty to combine knowledge with goodness and reflection with action.

Values Statement

The Harpeth Hall community — students and faculty — has chosen respect, integrity, individuality, and trust to be our guiding principles. These values reflect our reverence for expressing kindness toward and acceptance of others, our commitment to diversity, forgiveness, and achieving one’s personal best, and our dedication to the service of others.

FOR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT

Absences/Early Dismissals

Middle School Office

615-297-8578

msoffice@harpethhall.org

Upper School Office

615-298-8184

usoffice@harpethhall.org

Athletics

Kylene Lee

Director of Athletics

615-301-9281

kylene.lee@harpethhall.org

Communications

Jessica Bliss

Director of Marketing and Communications

615-346-0135

jessica.bliss@harpethhall.org

Counseling and Community Support

Fran Maddox

Director of Counseling

615-346-0086

fran.maddox@harpethhall.org

Learning Specialists

Charlotte Ward

Middle School Learning Specialist

615-301-9271

charlotte.ward@harpethhall.org

Dina Stevenson

Upper School Learning Specialist

615-346-0122

dina.stevenson@harpethhall.org

Giving Annual Fund

Tracy Campbell

Director of Annual Giving

615-346-0083

campbell@harpethhall.org

Capital/Endowment

Susan Moll

Director of Advancement

615-346-0087

moll@harpethhall.org

Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) 2023-2024

Mary Cady Bolin

HHPA President marycadybolin@gmail.com

Amy Harwell

HHPA Vice President Middle School amywharwell@gmail.com

Maintenance

Mike Hoots

Facilities Manager

615-346-0095

facilitiesmanager@harpethhall.org

Tuition and Billing

Emily Runzo

Student Account Manager

615-346-0081

emily.runzo@harpethhall.org

Middle School

Mary Lea Bryant

Interim Director of the Middle School

615-346-0112

marylea.bryant@harpethhall.org

Main Numbers

Souby Hall

615-297-9543

Middle School Office

615-297-8578

Upper School Office

Traci Keller

Middle School Dean of Students

615-301-9278

keller@harpethhall.org

615-298-8184

Library 615-346-0132

Security

615-207-1269

Tania Ford

Middle School Administrative Assistant

615-297-8578

msoffice@harpethhall.org

Upper School

Frances Fondren-Bales Director of the Upper School

615-346-0085

frances.fondrenbales@harpethhall.org

Aftercare

615-238-4701

Kate McGowan

Upper School Dean of Students

615-348-0124

kate.mcgowan@harpethhall.org

Lou Alice Rogers

Upper School Administrative Assistant

615-298-8184

usoffice@harpethhall.org

NEED-TO-KNOW

Allergies

Harpeth Hall is a peanut-free campus. We ask parents not to send their children to school with any items that include peanuts. Please speak with the school nurse regarding any allergies of which we should be aware by emailing nurse@harpethhall.org.

Campus Security

Harpeth Hall has three security officers who cover the campus from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and during on-campus events over the weekend. All buildings on campus are locked. Students, faculty, and staff members wear a Harpeth Hall lanyard with a security access ID card to enter buildings. The on-call security officer can be reached at 615-207-1269.

Carpool Etiquette (traffic safety)

• Refrain from cell phone use while driving on campus.

• Observe campus entrances and exits.

• Observe all directional signs and marked crosswalks.

• Observe 10 mph speed limit on campus.

• Post carpool name sign in a visible location.

• Yield to all pedestrians.

• Turn off car when waiting for carpool to start — no idling.

• Handicap parking spaces are reserved for those with disabilities.

• When entering and leaving campus, observe the 15 mph Metro speed limit while in our school zone.

Meet-the-Teachers Nights

Both the upper school and middle school host meet-the-teachers nights in the fall. Middle school parents begin in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre and then have an opportunity to meet their daughter’s teachers. Upper school parents begin in their daughter’s advisory group and follow her daily schedule, meeting her academic teachers.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

In the middle school, specific days are set in the fall and winter for parent/teacher conferences. Middle school students do not attend classes on the fall conference day; however, students attend and lead the winter conference with their parents. The upper school has one conference day in the fall. Students in grades 10-12 attend and lead their conferences. Parents of 9th grade students meet with their daughter’s advisor.

Pets on Campus

For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on campus grounds.

Teacher Appreciation

We ask that parents not give gifts to Harpeth Hall faculty, staff, and coaches. The best gift is a note from your daughter.

Visitors During the School Day

Campus visitors are required to check in at the middle school or upper school offices. All visitors will receive an ID badge following a brief security check. We encourage our students to be responsible, and we ask parents to refrain from bringing items to campus that their daughters may have left at home. We believe it can be a beneficial experience to manage the consequences of forgetting an item. There are times when this is unavoidable, and you may bring those items to the carts outside the entrance to the middle school and outside Massey Center in the upper school.

Visitor Parking

There are visitor parking spaces available in the Esteswood parking lot by Souby Hall. There are also visitor spots in the Hobbs Road parking lot near the main entrance to the Athletic and Wellness Center and near the middle school flagpole. Visitors may park along the drive by the middle school flagpole for quick visits/drop-offs of less than 10 minutes.

BEFORE SCHOOL

TO-DO LIST

BOOKMARK THE CURRENT FAMILIES PAGE

The current families page of the Harpeth Hall website is where you will login throughout the year for the student directory, grades, the handbook, and other important information.

Audition for a Performing Arts Group

Information about dance company, upper school chamber choir, and upper school musical auditions is available on the current families page. Some auditions may be before the end of the current school year.

Sign Up for Middle School Sports

Harpeth Hall has an open–participation policy for all 5th and 6th grade sports. Team selections will be held during the first week of each sports season. Harpeth Hall has many opportunities within 13 different sports at the 7th and 8th grade level. Tryouts will be held the week prior to the start of the season. One non-cut sport will be offered during each season. Incoming students should complete the athletic interest form (found on the current families page) no later than May 30.

Try Out for Upper School Athletics

Information about upper school athletic opportunities and tryouts is available on the current families page. Incoming students should complete the athletic interest form (found on the current families page) no later than May 30. Some tryouts may take place before the end of the current school year.

Submit Athletic Forms

All students are required to submit a Harpeth Hall physician’s report annually. Upper school athletes must submit their form prior to the start of their season, or no later than May 30 for sports that begin after that date. The athletic department will notify athletes if an earlier date is necessary. A link to the form is available under the forms tab on the current families page of the website.

Order New Textbooks

Information on textbooks for the 20232024 school year will be communicated through the back-to-school email series this summer. You will receive step-by-step instructions in early July on how to order textbooks for your daughter.

Complete Back-to-School Forms

Before August 1

Harpeth Hall’s back-to-school information page goes live every June and will contain links to many valuable resources for the 2023-2024 school year. Parents will receive a series of emails which link to information including reading lists, textbook lists, supply lists, uniform information, and more. Parents must complete a series of required back-to-school forms for their daughter, including medical forms, immunization forms, media releases, and trip agreement forms. These forms are required for every Harpeth Hall student each year and must be submitted by August 1.

Purchase Uniforms

The Harpeth Hall Parents Association hosts a Hang-Up Sale (gently worn uniform sale) before school starts. Dates and location of the sale will be promoted in the back-to-school email series in June and July. New uniforms can be purchased at the Mills Uniform store (204 Ward Circle, Suite 400, Brentwood) or at www.millswear.com. For online purchases, please use Harpeth Hall school code: 3816. Mills customer service can be reached at 1-800-541-1850. Optional items include navy pants and a green puffy jacket available only through Lands’ End. More information will be available in the back-toschool emails. For any additional questions, please contact Associate Director of Admission Lisa Hall at 615-346-0139 or hall@harpethhall.org.

Attend New Student Orientation

Information on new student orientation, including dates and times, will be available during the summer. Tentative dates are August 10, 11, or 14 for upper school students and August 14 for middle school students. All new students should plan to attend. Currently, you will find tryout information for middle school and upper school athletics, in additon to theatre and chamber choir auditions. New parents can login using the username and password used to access the admission portal.

WE ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE SUMMER

If you have any questions, the following offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

• Advancement Office

• Athletic Office

• Bear Cave/Technology Help Desk (8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday or by appointment)

• Business Office

• College Counseling Office

• Communications Office

• Middle School Office

• Office of Admission and Financial Aid

• Souby Hall

• Upper School Office

THE HARPETH HALL UNIFORM

Daily Uniform

The Harpeth Hall uniform includes the dress Campbell plaid skirt (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee), long- or short-sleeve white, green, or gray polo shirts with the HH logo, tall or calf-length white socks, and uniform shoes. Harpeth Hall is also introducing an optional blazer for the 2023-2024 school year.

Dress Uniform

The dress uniform includes the dress Campbell plaid skirt (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee), long- or short-sleeve white buttondown shirt with HH emblem, tall or calf-length white socks, and uniform shoes. Harpeth Hall is also introducing an optional blazer for the 2023-2024 school year.

Note: Students may also wear the dress uniform shirt as part of the daily uniform, if desired.

Lanyard and Security Access ID Card

The Harpeth Hall lanyard and security access ID card are part of the uniform and must be worn visibly around the neck at all times.

Outerwear

During the winter months, a student may wear her own winter coat to school and when moving from building to building; however, only Harpeth Hall outerwear may be worn inside the buildings. Outerwear includes Harpeth Hall-branded sweatshirts, jackets, and the Lands’ End green puffy coat.

Uniform Shoe

The approved shoes for 2023-2024 are white or gray athletic shoes with white or gray shoelaces, including mid-top and high-top athletic shoes. Platform athletic shoes are not permitted.

Dress for P.E., Wellness, and Strength and Conditioning Classes

The required uniform for all students participating in physical education, wellness, or strength and conditioning classes includes any Harpeth Hall T-shirt in school colors (green, gray, or white) and athletic shorts with the HH logo. All new students will receive a uniform (white HH T-shirt and athletic shorts with the HH logo) on the first day of their P.E., wellness, or strength and conditioning class. Additional T-shirts in school colors with the HH logo may be purchased from the Harpeth Hall Spirit Store, the Hang-Up Sale, and online through the BSN Sideline Store. Families may purchase additional P.E. uniforms throughout the school year using a link found in the @HarpethHall newsletter. Those purchases will be distributed by the P.E. department. Additional uniform guidelines can be found in the 2023-2024 Student and Parent Handbook, available at the start of the school year.

Dress for Middle School Dance Classes

Middle school students in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades wear shorts or black leggings and the HH logo P.E. T-shirt from P.E. class for dance classes.

Athletic Uniforms

The HH P.E. T-shirt and shorts should be worn for wellness classes, strength and conditioning classes, and athletic practices.

EXPENSES

AT HARPETH HALL

Tuition at Harpeth Hall includes:

• Aftercare (for middle school students)

• Athletic team uniforms and regular season travel

• Choir dresses and orchestra uniforms

• Class trips (for middle school students)

• Field trips

• Lunch

• Physical education uniforms (for middle school and new students)

• School publications including the yearbook and student newspaper

• Science lab fee

• Student admission to all on-campus plays, concerts, and regular–season athletic events

• Student accident insurance

• Technology fee

Expenses Beyond Tuition

• Books: Approximately $250 to $500 depending on grade level. For upper school art classes, the book cost may also include a $150 fee for yearlong studio art or photography classes, a $75 fee for semester-long studio art or photography classes, and a $50 fee for semester-long media arts class.

• School uniform: A complete new uniform is approximately $200 to $250. A gently worn uniform can be purchased from the Hang-Up Sale for a reduced price.

• Additional P.E. uniform: One new uniform is included free for all middle school and new upper school students; additional uniforms cost approximately $40.

Please know:

Optional Expenses

• Athletic expenses: Gear necessary for a particular sport, such as cleats, lacrosse stick, softball glove, etc., is purchased by families. Families maintain possession of their equipment after the season. Families may also be asked to pay for items such as food for their daughter’s out-of-town athletic trips.

• Dance Company: There is no fee to participate in dance company; there are incidental expenses such as shoes, leotards, tights, makeup, and tech-week food. Most costumes are provided.

• Orchestra: Instrument rentals are approximately $35-$60/month.

• AP exams: The fee is $97 per exam.

• Upper School Winterim trips: Juniors and seniors are eligible to participate in Winterim travel, which includes academic trips and internships in cities across the country and around the globe. These trips are optional, and the majority of our students take advantage of Harpeth Hall’s strong relationships with professionals throughout Nashville to complete internships locally during Winterim.

• Events: Some co-curricular activities, mixers, and dances are an additional expense with an average ticket price of $10.

• For families receiving tuition assistance, additional resources are available to help with expenses beyond tuition including textbooks, uniforms, co-curricular activities, college application costs, Winterim academic travel, AP exams, and other aspects of the Harpeth Hall experience. For questions, contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 615-346-0126 or financialaid@harpethhall.org.

COMMUNICATIONS AT

HARPETH HALL

Emergency Communication System

In the event of a campus emergency or inclement weather that may delay the opening of school, close school, or cancel after-school activities, the Harpeth Hall communications team posts information on the website and notifies parents through email and text messages. The school collects contact information for all families through the back-to-school forms each August.

Student Handbook and Directory

The handbook for students and families contains student policies and expectations and is distributed digitally on the current families page on the website. The directory contains household information about each student and should not be used for solicitations or shared with/given to third parties. Please consult the current families page on the website for the most up-to-date information on family addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. The online directory is password protected, and you must log in to access it.

Stay Connected

HarpethHall.org

The Harpeth Hall website provides information about current and upcoming events on campus. Parents may access daily and monthly calendars, their daughter’s report card, athletic schedules, dance rehearsals, news, newsletters, social media posts, and more.

Harpeth Hall Communications

@HarpethHall is a weekly parent newsletter delivered by email every Thursday afternoon. It showcases stories about our students and faculty, provides information on upcoming Harpeth Hall events, and offers updates on important news and information for families. Daily Announcements are daily emails to students from the division deans of students with information about the next school day.

HHPA Newsletter is a newsletter to parents from the HHPA president.

Hallways is Harpeth Hall’s alumnae magazine. It celebrates the successes of our students and graduates and offers in-depth stories about what is happening on campus.

All current and new families are encouraged to follow Harpeth Hall on Facebook (@HHBears) and Instagram (@harpeth_hall) to receive updates and insights into campus life. Follow Harpeth Hall athletics on Instagram and Twitter @HHAthletics Follow Harpeth Hall visual and performing arts on Instagram @HarpethHall_Arts

BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES

School Hours

The school opens at 7 a.m., and we ask that students not arrive before that time.

• Middle School Day

The middle school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m. on all weekdays except late-start Wednesdays.

• Upper School Day

The school day for upper school students begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. on all weekdays except late-start Wednesdays.

• Late-Start Wednesdays

School begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays. This additional time in the morning gives students an opportunity for balance at the midpoint of the week. It can be used to rest, complete homework, or prepare for the day ahead. Faculty attend professional development sessions from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. School dismisses at the normal time. On Wednesdays when there is an early dismissal scheduled, we will not have a late start.

Carpool

Morning carpool begins at 7:30 a.m. Afternoon carpool begins at 3:10 p.m. Use the Hobbs Road entrance for middle school carpool. Use the Esteswood entrance for upper school carpool.

Morning Extended Care for Middle School Students

Morning extended care is available on campus from 7 to 7:30 a.m. and is provided free of charge. No prior registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome. Middle school students arriving between 7 and 7:30 a.m. should be dropped off in front of the middle school building and go to the dining hall where a member of the extended care staff will supervise them. More information on morning extended care will be communicated this summer.

Aftercare for Middle School Students

Aftercare is available on campus from 3:10 to 6 p.m. and is provided free of charge. No prior registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome. There is a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute for students who remain after 6 p.m. Middle school students remaining on campus after carpool ends are automatically checked into aftercare in the dining hall and should be picked up there. Students waiting for a delayed athletic practice or game, for strength and conditioning (always 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for middle school), or dance company rehearsals must attend aftercare until rehearsal or practice begins. Students may not wait in the gallery or an athletic facility. Students who need to stay for aftercare following their rehearsal or practice must return to the dining hall. More information on aftercare will be communicated this summer.

After School for Upper School Students

Upper school students are not supervised after school. Students are asked to leave the upper school classroom buildings at the end of the school day. They may study in the library, junior lobby, and Bullard Bright IDEA Lab until 5 p.m. and must leave campus after that time.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Harpeth Hall Parents Association

The Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) fosters a connected community to support all aspects of the Harpeth Hall mission through community events, support of faculty and staff, and fundraising. Consider sharing your time and talents by chairing or joining one of our many HHPA committees. The HHPA hosts the Kickoff Coffee and Volunteer Fair at the beginning of each school year. Parents are invited to hear from the HHPA president and learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Below are some of the opportunities to volunteer. A complete list is available on the HHPA Hub, located on the current families page of the school’s website. Follow @hh_parents on Instagram to stay informed. The HHPA sends a volunteer survey to parents in advance of each school year.

• Harpeth Hall Spirit Store

Volunteer to work at the Spirit Store. Located in the Athletic and Wellness Center, the store is open every Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and every Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., when school is in session.

• Sunday on Souby

Sunday on Souby is Harpeth Hall’s community fall family festival presented by the HHPA and the Head’s Young Alumnae Council (HYAC). It brings together past, current, and new families, as well as extended family, alumnae, and neighbors. This free annual event is an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy student entertainment, carnival inflatables, games, and food. Numerous parents volunteer to help.

• The Main Event

The Main Event is the largest community builder and fundraiser hosted by the Harpeth Hall Parents Association. The funds generated from The Main Event provide enhancements to teaching and learning for Harpeth Hall girls beyond the scope of the operating budget. These funds also support events for students and parents to build and maintain meaningful relationships within the Harpeth Hall community. There are many sub-committees for The Main Event.

• Dads Network

The Dads Network is responsible for building community among Harpeth Hall dads throughout the year. The Dads Network Grille is an essential feature of Beargates, the fun-filled and celebratory events coinciding with major sporting events each fall, winter, and spring, as well as Sunday on Souby.

Admission Preview Day

The Office of Admission and Financial Aid hosts its annual Admission Preview Day in November for prospective students and their families. Visitors tour campus, meet faculty, administrators, and students to learn more about Harpeth Hall. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of this event.

Volunteer for the Annual Fund

Each year, Harpeth Hall parent volunteers encourage parents in each grade to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Annual Fund. Harpeth Hall seeks 100% parent participation in the Annual Fund with a gift of any amount.

The Annual Fund

GIVING TO HARPETH HALL

The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of the fundraising program at Harpeth Hall. As an independent school, Harpeth Hall receives no government funding and relies on tuition, endowment, and charitable gifts as the primary sources of funding.

• How does my gift to the Annual Fund help the school?

Unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund immediately benefit each student and faculty member by enriching all academic and co-curricular programs. Gifts also support faculty professional development, financial aid, service learning, and the maintenance of our campus. Funds raised are used in the same year they are received.

• Who contributes to the Annual Fund?

Alumnae, parents of current students, parents of alumnae, grandparents, faculty, trustees, foundations, matching gifts from corporations, and friends of Harpeth Hall all support the school through the Annual Fund. In 2021-2022, nearly 3,000 donors gave gifts totaling more than $2.2 million to the Annual Fund.

• How much should I give?

Every gift, no matter the amount, is essential to Harpeth Hall’s success. All donors at all levels are recognized in our Annual Report on Philanthropy.

• When and how may I give?

Participation by each family every year is important. Gifts made by check, credit card, or with appreciated securities may be given between July 1 and June 30 of each school year.

• How do matching gifts work?

If you or your spouse works for a company that matches charitable contributions, you may be able to double or triple the amount of your gift. Information is available through your company’s human resources department.

Capital Campaigns and Endowment

Harpeth Hall conducts capital campaigns periodically for bricks and mortar projects and for its endowment. While gifts to the Annual Fund support the daily operations of the school, charitable gifts for capital projects have built the campus that our students enjoy today. From the Ann Scott Carell Library and the Athletic and Wellness Center to the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab, each building is the result of individual philanthropy and a commitment to providing educational excellence for girls. Gifts to Harpeth Hall’s endowment provide a permanent source of support for faculty salaries, financial aid, and the long-term maintenance of our campus. Planned gifts may also be directed to endowment. It is our hope that families will support the Annual Fund each year, as well as capital campaigns when underway.

Planned Giving

Planned gifts generally evolve from estate planning. These gifts range from simple bequests to life-income gifts or creative arrangements using retirement-plan benefits. Making a planned gift may allow donors to give more in the future than is possible today and may provide tax advantages or income for a term of years or life. The Founders Society recognizes all individuals who have committed to supporting the school with a planned gift.

For More Information

Contact Director of Advancement

Susan Moll at moll@harpethhall.org or Director of Annual Giving Tracy Campbell at campbell@harpethhall.org. You may also refer to the Giving section at HarpethHall.org.

HARPETH HALL GLOSSARY

Advisors and Advisory Groups

Middle school students are assigned an advisor every year. Upper school students are assigned advisors for two years. The advisor serves as an academic counselor, student advocate, and a liaison between the student, parent, or another faculty member. Middle school students meet in advisory once during each seven-day rotation. Upper school students meet with their advisory groups for 30 minutes once a week on Wednesdays.

Angkor, Ariston, Eccowasin, and Triad

Harpeth Hall has four spirit clubs originating from our predecessor school, Ward-Belmont. Each student belongs to one of these clubs and participates in friendly athletic and academic competitions with the others. Students are randomly assigned to clubs unless the student has a family member who attended Harpeth Hall or Ward-Belmont and was in a specific club.

Athletic and Wellness Center

The AWC is the 60,000-square-foot fitness facility that includes the green gym, gray gym, and wellness, yoga, training, and weight rooms. Outdoor athletic spaces include the Dugan Davis Track and Soccer Complex, tennis facility, softball field, and a competition-size practice field.

The Bear Cave

Harpeth Hall technology support is located on the lower level of the library and is open every school day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may take their laptops to the Bear Cave for repair, troubleshooting, or questions. Most repairs will take place within the same day (often within the hour). In the event that a laptop requires more extensive repair, the student will be provided with a loaner laptop until hers can be returned.

Bear Families

Bear families are small groups of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that meet together to play games and have fun. Eighth grade students lead all activities.

Blackbaud Tuition Management

Harpeth Hall’s online student tuition billing platform available at https://parent.blackbaud.school/

Bullard Bright IDEA Lab

Located in the heart of the Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School, the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab is the newest place on campus for creativity and collaboration. IDEA stands for innovation, design, and education in action. In the lab, students build projects in the makerspace, create chemistry experiments in the teaching kitchen, design robots, record podcasts, and study together in a space that feels much like a college commons area. With its soaring ceilings, light-filled collaboration spaces, and unique design touches, the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab is the community-building hub of the school.

Dress Campbell Plaid

Harpeth Hall’s official uniform plaid

Class Year

A student’s class year is indicated by an apostrophe and the graduating year. For example, Jane Honeybear ’28.

Counseling Services

Full-time, licensed counselors are available during school hours to address family, individual, and group counseling needs of our students. The goal of Harpeth Hall’s counseling office is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all students.

Faculty Office Hours

From 7:30 to 8 a.m. each morning except during late-start Wednesdays, students may meet with teachers to ask questions about course material, homework, or class projects. On late-start Wednesdays, faculty are available from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA)

The Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) fosters a connected community to support all aspects of the Harpeth Hall mission through community events, support of faculty and staff, and fundraising. Follow the HHPA on Instagram @hh_parents.

Harpeth Hall Spirit Store

The spirit store offers a variety of spirit wear — T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, and jackets — along with fun accessories such as water bottles, car decals, and more. Located in the Athletic and Wellness Center, the store is open every Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and every Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., when school is in session. You can also shop the Harpeth Hall Spirit Store online by visiting harpethhall.org/community/spirit-store. Additional HH logo gear can be purchased online at the BSN Sideline Store. A link to the virtual store can be found in your back-to-school emails this summer and your weekly @HarpethHall newsletter during the school year.

The Hang-Up Sale

Harpeth Hall’s gently worn school uniform sale is held monthly in the basement of Souby Hall. Sale details are promoted in the weekly @HarpethHall newsletter.

Honeybear

Harpeth Hall’s school mascot

The Honor System

An honor code for students that includes no lying, cheating, stealing, or bullying. All faculty reinforce the importance of honor and integrity in class. Students commit to the Honor Pledge and often sign it on assignments confirming they have not given or received help on a test, and they will not discuss it until all students have completed it.

Kirkman House

Located on the Estes Road side of campus behind the Daugh W. Smith Middle School, Kirkman is the official residence of the head of school. Advancement, HHPA, and other school events may take place at Kirkman House.

Lady of the Hall

The Lady of the Hall is the most cherished award that a senior can receive. Selected by the upper school faculty, staff, and student body, this young woman exemplifies the highest ideals of Harpeth Hall — integrity, kindness, and loyalty to others and to her school. Her character is as strong as her intellect. Each grade level selects a student representative to serve on the Lady of the Hall Court at Step Singing.

Late-start Wednesdays

School begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays for middle school and upper school students. This additional time in the morning gives students an opportunity for balance at the midpoint in the week. It can be used to rest, complete homework, or prepare for the day ahead. Faculty attend professional development sessions from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and are available to work with students from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. School dismisses at normal time on late-start Wednesdays (3:05 p.m. for middle school and 3:10 p.m. for upper school).

Learning Specialists

The middle school and upper school learning specialists act as resources to recommend evaluations and develop individual learning plans for students. The learning specialists also reinforce skills including organization, time management, academic planning, study strategies, essay and research paper writing, and test taking.

Library

The Ann Scott Carell Library serves all students in grades 5-12. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school is in session. Eighth grade students may study in the library after school until 4:45 p.m. and then must be signed out by a parent/guardian or go to Harpeth Hall aftercare. Upper School students may study in the library until 5 p.m.

The Library Board Room

A meeting area on the lower level of the library

The Jack C. Massey Center for Mathematics and Science

The two-story building on the south end of the upper school that houses the math and science departments

The Idanelle McMurry Center

The performing arts center houses the Frances Bond Davis Theatre, a 700-seat auditorium and community gathering space, and the Marnie Sheridan Gallery. Performing arts classes are held in this building, including orchestra, choral music, modern rock band, dance, and theatre.

Middle School Honor Day

On the last day of school for all middle school students, Harpeth Hall honors the 8th grade class for the completion of the middle school program. Students in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades are required to attend Honor Day.

MS

The abbreviation for middle school. The official name is the Daugh W. Smith Middle School.

Patton Visual Arts Center

Home to all visual arts and art history classes

Pods

Grade-level student gathering areas in the middle and upper schools. Pods for 5th and 6th grade students are on the lower level of the middle school, and 7th and 8th grade pods are on the upper level. Class meetings are held in pods. In the upper school, 9th grade students gather on the third floor of the Wallace wing, 10th grade students gather on the second floor of Wallace, juniors gather in the Massey lobby, and seniors gather in the Senior House and Gambill Courtyard.

Richards Room

This 100-seat lecture hall on the second level of Patton Visual Arts Center, is used frequently for parent meetings.

Saturday School/Detention

When a student does not abide by community rules and expectations, she may receive demerits and be required to serve detention (middle school) or attend Saturday school (upper school). If a student cannot serve on a Saturday due to religious observance, another day is arranged.

School Colors

Magnolia green and silver gray

Schoology

Our online learning management system where students can access resources and assignments posted by their teachers

Senior House

Located between the Massey Center and Souby Hall, the Senior House is decorated, maintained, and used by the current senior class.

Souby Hall

The original brick building on campus that includes administrative offices. The building is named after Susan S. Souby, Harpeth Hall’s first head of school.

Step Singing

Held the Sunday before graduation, Step Singing is a year-end event when the leadership of the school is passed from the senior class to the junior class. At this ceremony, which was brought to Harpeth Hall from Ward-Belmont, the junior and senior classes sing their class songs on the steps of the library and honor the Lady of the Hall. All upper school students are required to attend Step Singing, and middle school students are encouraged to attend.

Sunnybrook

The house behind the Athletic and Wellness Center where the Advancement and Alumnae Relations offices are located.

TSSAA Athletic Dead Period

A two-week period during the summer when all athletics cease per the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). For detailed information concerning the dead period and other regulations, visit tssaa.org.

US

The abbreviation for upper school. The official name is the Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School.

Veracross

The student database that includes online school/family directories, report cards, and student schedules. It is password protected and accessible through the current families page of the Harpeth Hall website.

Wallace Wing

Located on the north end of the upper school building, this wing houses the English, history, social sciences, and world languages departments.

Ward-Belmont

Formed in 1913 by the merging of Ward Seminary and Belmont College for Young Women, Ward-Belmont was a college preparatory day school and junior college. It was the first junior college in the South to receive full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. After it closed in 1951, a group of Nashvillians founded The Harpeth Hall School. Harpeth Hall was modeled after and still derives many traditions from Ward-Belmont.

Winterim

Started in 1973, Winterim is a three-week program in January that offers upper school students the unique opportunity to develop new interests, travel to unfamiliar places, explore potential careers, and create memories for a lifetime. Students in 9th and 10th grades return to campus after winter break and enroll in three weeks of project-oriented courses presented by faculty and visiting experts from around the country. Examples include: finance, geochemistry, marine biology, medical robotics, podcasting, sketch comedy and the female voice, and the ukulele. Winterim allows Harpeth Hall students in 11th and 12th grades to become global adventurers through academic travel, independent study experiences, and professional internships. In recent years, Harpeth Hall students have studied in and explored Italy, Spain, France, Kenya, Australia, the American Southwest, California, Florida and the Keys, Joshua Tree National Park, New York, and Washington D.C.

Alma Mater

O Harpeth Hall, O place beloved, Thy beauty crowns the hills; In strength and grace thy walls arise Above the woodland still.

Our voices ring with happiness, Our hearts are filled with pride, As here each girl finds for herself

The joys that will abide.

So light of heart and free, we pledge Allegiance through the years.

As old girls with the new girls share The pleasure that endears.

Thy standard from the hilltop waves

In dark magnolia green

And of thy destiny so fair

Proud privilege to sing!

— Martha Corwin Gregory

Educating girls in grades 5-12 to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.