Guide
Parent 2014-15 academic year
Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 1
Find out what’s happening and when:
www.LancasterCountryDay.org/Calendar Academic Parents Nights give parents September 5: 5:30 p.m. | All School Picnic
the opportunity to meet the faculty and September 9: 7 p.m. | MS/US Parents’ Night
hear about the curriculum and plans September 16: 6:30 p.m. | LS Parents’ Night
each teacher has for the school year. October 7: 6:30 p.m. | Faculty & Parent Social
2 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Parents:
Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year Lancaster Country Day School is distinctive in the region because of our demanding college preparatory education and the close, mentoring relationships our faculty has with students. If you ask our teachers why they chose to teach at Lancaster Country Day, many will say it is because of the close-knit community. We value our network of involved parents. This booklet offers a quick summary of important school information, resources and programs available to you and your child, and it outlines all the ways parents can participate in school life. For a more detailed account of LCDS policies, please read the LCDS Handbook, which can be found on CORE. (See Page 6 for an explanation of CORE.) If you have a new student joining our school, please refer to the New Student Packet that you received from the admission office: www.lancastercountryday.org/ newstudentpacket. Our shared commitment to the education of your children has defined and animated the LCDS community for generations. Thank you for choosing Lancaster Country Day School and best wishes for a successful and enjoyable school year.
steven d. lisk, Head of School
4 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Communication This chapter outlines all the ways the school will communicate with you
during the school year. In general, your everyday resource tool is CORE, a password-protected Web portal for parents and students. LCDS Announcements (email)
Parents receive the LCDS Announcements email every Friday. It lists information and reminders for upcoming school events, as well as student extracurricular achievement news.
Athletics (email, website)
www.lancastercountryday.org/Athletics
Look for regular emails from Athletic Director Leigh Block regarding the athletics kick-off meeting in August, sports news and season wrap-ups. Once your student joins a team, you’ll be able to access practice and game schedules, directions to away games, team records, rosters and all kinds of announcements and important in- and out-of-season information through your CORE login. On the athletics Web page (in bold above), you can find the full athletics calendar and information about registration, the Cougar Club (Athletic Department booster club), eligibility, etc.
Calendar (website)
www.lancastercountryday.org/Calendar
The LCDS community calendar contains all school events except for the athletics schedule. From it, you can sync event details with iCal or Outlook. Click on “LINKS” in the top right-hand menu of any page on the website to access it.
College Guidance (email, face-to-face, direct mail and phone)
www.lancastercountryday.org/Academics/College-Counseling
Information concerning college guidance meetings, programs, scholarships, summer programs and more is sent to Upper School parents by counselors Linda Campbell and Abby Kirchner. Summer program information and scholarship announcements are posted on the school website in the College Guidance section, which also contains other helpful information and links. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 5
Connect5 (email, text, voicemail)
Connect5 is an automated phone/SMS/email contact system that will notify parents and employees in the event of an out-of-the-ordinary situation that will impact your schedule or your child’s. If you would like to change the way you are notified, please contact SIS Administrator Beth Otto.
Connections (print magazine)
Connections is a print magazine mailed to families twice a year. It combines stories about alumni with school news.
CORE (website)
The Cougar Online Resources portal, or CORE, is a password-protected and individualized one-stop Web portal for parents and students to find all the information that’s important to them. Within CORE, you will find the Activity Stream, Resources and My BackPack. To log in: 1. Go to www.lancastercountryday.org. 2. Find the blue “LOGIN” button in the upper right-hand corner and click it. 3. Type in your I.D. and password.
Activity Stream: This is the home or default page when you login to CORE. On it, you will receive information feeds related specifically to your child’s courses, division, sports and teachers. You cannot unsubscribe to any of these, but you can choose how you’re notified. See notifications. Community Groups: This is a news feed with division updates and announcements. Get to it from the dropdown menu in the upper right called “Groups.” Choose the appropriate parent division for you. My BackPack: Here you will find your child’s schedule (Middle and Upper School), trimester report cards, tuition and lunch account details and the online student directory. All of your contact information can be edited and updated here as well. To get to it, click on “Resources” and then click on the My BackPack board. Notifications: You can choose to be notified of any CORE messages by email or text. This will alert you to any changes to your child’s academics, athletics and any school announcement. To turn on notifications, click on your name in the upper-right corner of CORE and select “Settings.” Resources: This is the place to find the student handbook, forms, course catalog and My BackPack. Get to it by logging into CORE and then clicking on “Resources” in the upper-left corner. Student Academic Details: To see your child’s or children’s academic course information including assignments, grades and curriculum information, click on his or her name under the red navigation bar.
Tip!
For a video tutorial about CORE, visit www.lancastercountryday.org/COREvideo
6 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Cougar News (email, website) news.lancastercountryday.org
Cougar News is a website with news features, slideshows and videos about our school. New content is emailed biweekly and a monthly recap is sent to alumni. Faculty, staff, parents and Upper School students receive the email digest automatically unless they opt out. You can also get to Cougar News from Resource Board and by clicking on the Cougar News icon in the footer of any page on the website.
Delays and Closures (news media)
In addition to sending a Connect5 message (see Page 6) and posting information on the website and social media, we contact the following media outlets for school closings and delays: Radio: WIOV, WARM103, WLAN, WHP580, WLPA, WQZA, WEEU and WITF Television: WGAL-TV and WHP-TV21.
Excellence Fund (email, direct mail, phone and more)
The school’s annual fund comprises contributions from parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends. These gifts support the day-to-day operations of LCDS. You will receive information about ways to give through direct mail, email, telephone and face-to-face outreach.
FundFest (emails, direct mail and more)
Prior to April’s benefit auction, FundFest, we share a number of ways to support the event and get involved.
Mobile (website)
www.lancastercountryday.org
Our site is optimized for smartphones and tablets, providing quick access to news and calendars, athletic scores and schedules, and password-protected directories.
Social Media (online) Facebook: facebook.com/lancastercountryday Foursquare: Lancaster Country Day School Instagram: LCDSCHOOL LinkedIn: Lancaster Country Day School Fans Nextdoor: www.oldschoollanehills.nextdoor.com Pinterest: LancasterCountryDay Twitter: @LCDSchool Vimeo: Lancaster Country Day School
Upper School Newsletter (email and CORE)
Two or three times per trimester, Head of Upper School Eric Bondy emails Upper School students and parents with important information about Upper School. The newsletter is also posted in CORE in the US Parent Community Group.
Note
We are happy to share news about your child’s extracurricular achievements with the wider LCDS community. We broadcast this information on the TV monitor in the front lobby, in Friday’s Announcements email and on the Cougar News website. Please email your child’s achievement to Director of Communications Dulcey Antonucci at antonuccid@lancastercountryday.org
Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 7
8 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Getting Ready Health forms
Health forms can be found in CORE, on Resources. Click on the icon “Health forms.� They can be turned in to school nurse Heidi Caputo or to Beth Otto. equest for Administration of Medications R Preschool Health Packet Junior Kindergarten Health Packet Kindergarten Health Packet
Dental Form Physical Examination Form (Grades 6, 11 and all new out-of-state students)
Medical Emergency Form
Dress Code
Please see the LCDS Handbook or school website (links below) for more details. Lower School
www.lancastercountryday.org/LSDressCode
Preschool and junior kindergarten: Children should dress neatly and suitably for play. Grades K-5 should wear an LCDS plaid jumper or kilt, or khaki bottom. The top can be a white or maroon polo shirt or turtleneck, maroon sweater or sweatshirt; maroon, black or gray LCDS fleece vest, jacket or pullover. For grades K-3, girls may wear maroon socks or tights (no leggings) and boys must wear a belt.
Middle School
www.lancastercountryday.org/MSDressCode
All students will wear white turtlenecks or collared shirts with sleeves. All students will wear khaki bottoms that are worn at the natural waistline. Girls may also wear the LCDS kilt. Students may wear white, gray or navy blue LCDS sweatshirts or sleeveless black or charcoal LCDS vests over their collared shirts. Girls may wear white, black or maroon leggings under skirts.
Upper School Upper School students are expected to dress appropriately and use discretion. On certain celebration days, students dress up in Cougar Casual: Girls should wear an informal dress or skirt that is mid-thigh or longer, or full-length trousers of non-jeans material, and a top that is a dress shirt, polo or sweater set. Boys should wear a combination of collared shirt and trousers with a belt, and closed-toed shoes with socks. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 9
Summer Reading
By Bus
Summer reading assignments for all grades can be found on our website beginning June 1.
On the first day of school, please send a note addressed to your child’s Lower School teacher with the following: the name of the school district from which the bus operates, the bus number, name or letter, the time that the bus will arrive at the school and the time the bus will return for the afternoon pick-up.
www.lancastercountryday.org/SummerReading
Cougar Store
The LCDS Cougar Bookstore carries all of your essential uniform needs from polo shirts and sweatshirts to socks and tights. We’re also a resource for students when they need school supplies or a misplaced textbook. Stop in and see our many lines of LCDS spirit wear and accessories. During the school year, the store is open Monday through Friday from 7:45-11 a.m. and then from 2:30-3 p.m. Call 717-392-2916, ext. 251 for an appointment, if needed.
Dining Hall Meal Plans
www.lancastercountryday.org/Dining-Services
LCDS offers hot and cold lunch options every day. Students may pay for food with cash or a debit account. Visit the website above for more information about dining services, including pricing and the weekly menu.
Tuition and Cafeteria/Bookstore Debit Account Payments
Tuition and cafeteria/bookstore debit account payments may be made online by logging into CORE and selecting the My Backpack option. Payment options include e-check and credit cards. Although the online payment option is preferred, checks and cash are also accepted at the business office.
Transportation
If you make arrangements on any day that differs from the transportation arrangements we have in writing, you must send us written instructions on the day of the change. In addition, please call Mrs. Arnold at the Lower School Office to be sure we have received the written note from your child. We will not accept verbal instructions without the written note for confirmation. 10 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
www.lancastercountryday.org/Transportation
Students whose school district boundary falls within a 10-mile radius of LCDS will be furnished the same transportation provided for public school students. Please call your school district for arrangements and questions. Families who live in the Berks County/Northern Lancaster County area and need bus information can contact Andrea Gerace at 610-223-1603 or antgerace@comcast.net Families who live in the Hershey-Hummelstown area and York-Wrightsville area, please contact: John Ford 717-397-0685, fordj@lancastercountryday.org.
By Car
On the first day of school, please send a note addressed to your child’s Lower School teacher with the following: the name(s) of the driver(s), the driving schedules, and telephone numbers of all drivers, as well as your work number where we can reach you in an emergency. At pick-up and drop-off, please be considerate of other drivers and follow the very few requests that we ask of you. It is essential that you inform grandparents and others who are not the daily drivers about these guidelines. Please see the LCDS Handbook for more details on pick-up and dropoff procedure.
Before School Care
For students who are in kindergarten through fifth grade, before-school care is available at no charge from 7:30-7:55 a.m. There is no before-school care on days with a snow delay.
After School Program
Lower School For grades preschool-8, LCDS offers the After School Program (ASP) on any full school day except before a break. The program is staffed by LCDS faculty and is in session from 2:30 (for preschool and JK)/3 to 5:30 p.m. Children in the program for fewer than 10 hours per week are charged $7.50 per hour. Children signing up for 10 hours or more are charged a flat fee of $70 per week. Reservations must be made no less than one week in advance. Call the Lower School office for arrangements. Middle School Students may also participate in ASP, since they may remain after school only for practices or academic help. All other students must leave the building by 3:15. If Middle School students must wait beyond 3:15 for parent pick-up, they must inform the Middle School office and report to the library for study time. If they must remain past 4 p.m., they must proceed to the ASP room, at which point ASP charges are incurred.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION School Absences
Parents should report an absence to the appropriate division office no later than 8:30 a.m. A note from a parent explaining the absence or tardiness is required when the student returns to school.
Excused Absences
Absences due to illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious observance or significant family milestones will be considered excused. Students are responsible for the material missed and will be permitted to make up work. Seniors and juniors will also be allowed a limited number of approved absences for college visitations.
Unexcused Absences
When students miss school due to extended family vacations or other reasons that do not fit the categories outlined above, these absences will be recorded as unexcused, and students will be expected to make up work on their own. Lower and Middle school students who accrue 10 unexcused absences in one trimester will be required to make arrangements for parent-paid tutoring based on the subject recommendation by the division head. Seniors have different expectations for attendance and should refer to the LCDS Handbook for more specific information.
Unexcused Class Absences
Leaving campus or missing class during school hours without permission is a serious infraction of the standards of student conduct. Upper School students found in violation of this policy should expect to appear before the Honor Committee. Students in the Lower and Middle Schools should expect disciplinary action from their division head.
Absence Request Forms
Students who will miss school due to a planned absence must submit an Absence Request Form at least two academic days before the absence. These forms are available in the Middle School or Upper School office.
Lateness
Continual tardiness will result in a disciplinary response. Upper School students who are repeatedly tardy to classes may expect loss of points, work duty or a more serious disciplinary response depending on individual classroom policy.
Early Departure
If a student needs to be excused early, parents must tell the appropriate division office no later than 8:30 a.m. Students are responsible for all work missed. Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 11
Illness
Any students with a fever, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash or sore, vomiting, discharge from eyes, ears or nose indicating an infection, may not attend school. If a student becomes ill at school, the parent or guardian will be notified and asked to pick up the student within one hour. Minor injuries and illnesses are attended to by the school nurse in the school’s infirmary.
Medication Policy
The nurse may administer prescribed medication with the specific written instruction of the prescribing physician or dentist and with the permission of the parent. Students may NOT carry any medication on their person or in their backpacks during school hours without written permission from the prescribing physician provided to the school nurse. A request for a long-term medication must be updated at the beginning of each school year.
Peanut and Tree Nut Policy
The dining hall has a peanut-free table. In addition, please avoid sending in classroom snacks that are made with peanuts, peanut oil or tree nuts. Some children in our Lower School have severe allergic reactions to these foods.
Service Learning
Lancaster Country Day encourages all students to pursue service opportunities. In Lower and Middle schools, service to the community is woven into the curriculum by grade. In Upper School, students can pursue service opportunities at both the local and international levels. US students can work closely with the Service Learning Coordinator in order to develop 50-hour local service projects worthy of the Outstanding Community Service Designation. Students may also explore a variety of geopolitical issues through our service learning program, and take part in organizing an international service trip (most recently to Nepal, see photos Page 13). 12 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Technology
Acceptable Use Policy In order to use LCDS technology resources, students must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy, which is in the LCDS Handbook. iPad Program All students in grades 8-12 receive an iPad so they can learn within a one-to-one computing environment similar to what they will likely experience in college. The goal of this program is to enhance understanding of the course curriculum, as well as to further develop each student’s technology and information-literacy skills. For more information, visit www.lancastercountryday.org/iPadProgram
Phone Policy
Lower School: Phones must be turned off and kept in lockers during the day. Middle School: Phones may be carried with students but must be turned off. Emergency calls should be made in MS office. Upper School: Phones may be carried by students but not used during classes or student activities. Students can check calls or messages between classes, at break or during lunch.
Should you need to contact your LS/MS child during the day, please contact the administrative assistant for your child’s division.
For more Service Learning information contact Mike Simpson at simpsonm@lancastercountryday.org.
Lockers
At the beginning of the year, each student is issued an open hall locker, which should be kept neat and clean. Musical instruments should be stored in the music department’s lockers and athletic equipment in athletic lockers. The property of each student should be respected by others, however money and valuables should not be openly displayed in lockers. Valuables can be kept safe in one of the school offices if they must be brought to school.
Lost and Found
Lower and Middle School students have a hamper in front of the Middle/Upper School library, a bin near the Buckwalter Gymnasium, in the dining commons, and a storage bench in the infirmary hallway. Upper School items are in the Dean of Students’ office or in the storage benches around school. All unclaimed lost and found items will be donated to charity on the last day of each trimester.
College Counseling
College advisors work to help students identify colleges and universities that are best suited for their talents, interests, aspirations and needs. The college guidance advisors provide programs and educational materials related to the college process starting in Middle School. The formal process begins junior year, when each student is assigned a college advisor. The advisors are actively involved in many facets of the application process and provide support for both students and parents. Student surveys and family conferences identify goals, interests and strengths, and the extensive and thorough discussion continues as students visit colleges, take SAT and ACT tests and complete applications. For more information, contact Linda Campbell at campbelll@ lancastercountryday.org.
Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 13
Important Dates AUGUST 25 US New Student Orientation 26 MS/LS New Student Orientation 27 First Day of School SEPTEMBER 1 Labor Day/No School 3 New Parent Reception 5 All School Picnic 9 MS/US Parents’ Night 16 LS Parents’ Night 25 Rosh Hashanah/No School OCTOBER 4 Homecoming 16 Parent Conferences/No School LS 17 Parent Conferences/No School 20 Professional Day/No School 24 Halloween Festival NOVEMBER 25 LS Grandfriends’ Day ( 1/2 Day LS) 26 Thanksgiving Break/No School (Nov. 26–Dec. 1)
JANUARY 5 Classes Resume 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day/No School FEBRUARY 13 Professional Day/No School 16 Presidents’ Day/No School MARCH 6 Spring Break/No School (March 6–16) 17 Classes Resume for 3rd Trimester 26 LS Parent Conferences/No School LS 27 Professional Day/No School APRIL 2 MS Grandfriends’ Day ( 1/2 Day MS) 3 Good Friday/No School 6 Easter Monday/No School 18 FundFest MAY 16 Senior Graduation 25 Memorial Day/No School 29 Preschool/Jr. K Final Day
JUNE DECEMBER 4 5th Grade Bridging & 8th Grade Closing 2 Classes Resume for 2nd Trimester 20 Winter Break/No School (Dec. 20–Jan. 4) 14 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
er
octob s m
september s m 1 7
5
6 13
w
t
f
s
12
2
3
4
5
6
19
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22 23 24 25 26 27
t
f
s
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
7 14
15
16
17
novem
s m
18
24 25 22 23 20 21 30 31 28 29 26 27
t
21
w
t
s
6
february
8
7
ry
janua
s
1
t
w
t
f
s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
t
w
t
f
9
10
11
12
13
14
4
5
6
16
17
18
19
20
21
9
11
12
13
8
10
14
15
1
2
3
7
8
s m
15
16
s
2 9
s
21 19 20 17 18 28 26 27 24 25 23 22 31 29 30
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
f
w t
t
march
s m
3
10 17 15 16 14 13 23 24 11 12 21 22 31 20 30 28 18 19 27 28 25 26
4
december t
w
t
f
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
f
2
1
s m
s m
t
s
f
9 16 15 23 2 14 2 30 5 13 21 29 4 0 12 8 2 2 3 11 9 1 27 10 18 26 17 25 24 31
t
m
ber
w
2 3 1 4 5 6 9 10 7 8 11 12 13 14 16 17 15 18 19 20 21 23 24 22 25 26 27 28 29
28 29 30
st gu au w t
t
5
6
8
7
s
may s m
april w
t
f
s
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
11
6
10
5
14
15
17
18
12
13
16
19
20
21
28 26 27
7
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
18
19
17
t
t
f
s
1
2
8
9
15
16
14 22 23 20 21 30 28 29 27 26 25 24 31
31
s m
w
t
june s m 1
t
w
t
f
s
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 14
21
24 25 22 23 29 30
Note
Dates marked in color are important events. Dates in gray represent when school is closed. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 15
16 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Getting Involved Lancaster Country Day School thrives on its dedicated parent community. We want parents to feel welcome to offer their time and talents in
the school. Read about the many opportunities for parents to volunteer and make a difference in the school. Admission
Contact Tonya Bergstrom at bergstromt@lancastercountryday.org to sign up for any of the following volunteer opportunities: PAN Parent Admission Network (PAN) volunteers join a cadre of our families schooled in Country Day’s greatest advantages and attributes. The work is an easy means of having a significant impact on our program. After a quick training session (45 minutes of reading and one 20-30 minute meeting with the director of admission), PAN members are in a position to speak knowledgeably to their friends and family about LCDS. Office Volunteers Whether you volunteer a few hours a week or just come in as needed for special projects (like mailing parties), office volunteers help us reach more people than we would be able to with just our staff alone. Please let us know if you would be available for daytime, weekday help. Event Volunteers Event volunteers help us with on-campus open houses and testing and playgroup days, as well as tabling at local events. Most of these opportunities are on the weekends during the day, but occasionally we need help during the week or in the evenings.
Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 17
Development
The Excellence Fund, Country Day’s annual fundraising effort, receives overwhelming support from every corner of our community with close to three-quarters of all school families supporting it. Chaired by one or more LCDS parents and powered by parent volunteers from all divisions, The Excellence Fund underwrites those programs that define our school experience. Whether as a donor or a volunteer, The Excellence Fund is a great way to get involved in our school community.
Get Involved
The Excellence Fund contact Maggie Miller P ’14 717-397-8126 millerm@lancastercountryday.org
Athletics
LCDS is committed to building an athletic department that supports the overarching mission of the school: to promote students’ intellectual, creative, physical and emotional development. Parents whose children play a sport can volunteer time to that team. Contact the coach for more information.
The Excellence Fund The Excellence Fund’s strength lies in its squad of volunteers. They can help in the office, as class representatives, by making calls during our parent phon-a-thons or by reaching out to new parents about the need for annual giving. Benefactors Committee Volunteers who ask parents to support the school at the leadership level of $1,908 and above.
Booster Clubs
EITC/OSTC Chair and Ambassadors Help to inform others about the Pennsylvania tax programs and serve as a resource for interested families.
The Cougar Club and Project Arts booster clubs support athletics and arts programs at the school.
Senior Parent Gift Chairs Parents in the senior class help that class raise money for a fairwell gift that is also the opening bid of the Children’s Challenge, the auction-style fundraiser held at Fundfest.
www.lancastercountryday.org/CougarClub www.lancastercountryday.org/ProjectArts
18 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Environmental Education
www.lancastercountryday.org/Green
One of Country Day’s stated goals is to teach our students the many incarnations of sustainability. Parents can volunteer in September for Take a Child Outside Week, and throughout the year for garden cleanup and the parent Garden Committee. To help, contact Middle School science teacher and Green School Coordinator Barbara Bromley at bromleyb@lancastercountryday.org
Family Science Night
Contact Laura Trout at troutl@lancastercountryday.org.
Grandfriends’ Day
Mark your calendars for Lower School Grandfriends’ Day on November 25 and Middle School Grandfriends’ Day on April 2.
Halloween Festival
Contact Mike Simpson at simpsonm@lancastercountryday.org.
Field Trips
Field trips play an integral part in the LCDS experience, because they supplement and reinforce the curriculum. In the Lower School, teachers make every effort to accommodate parents who wish to accompany their child on at least one field trip during the school year. In Middle School, students go on overnight field trips. Mark your family calendar for these dates: Nov. 12-14 8th grade goes to Echo Hill Outdoor School in Maryland. Nov. 12-14 7th grade goes to Williamsburg, Va. April 14-16 6th grade goes to Outdoor School in Worton, Md. In Upper School, each grade goes on daylong field trips in the fall. Overnight trips, whether as standalone offerings or part of a travel course, take place throughout the school year. The Hague International Model United Nations is the only travel course whose schedule remains largely consistent from year to year, with the class heading to the conference in the Netherlands in January. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 19
Library Volunteers
Volunteers help shelve books, prepare bulletin boards, set up book displays, do minor book repair, process books and other special projects. To help out in the Lower School library, contact Cindi Knauer at knauerc@lancastercountryday.org. To help with Middle and Upper School library inventory in the spring, contact Sarah Julsonnet at julsonnets@ lancastercountryday.org.
Parents Association
All parents are considered members of the Parents Association. Throughout the year there are numerous opportunities to become involved in the school community. For more information about any of the volunteer work listed below, contact the 2014-2015 president, Kerma Reiss, at kermareiss@yahoo.com. All-School Picnic Help with the planning and direction of the September picnic that marks the beginning of the school year. Barnes & Noble Book Fair The Barnes & Noble Book Fair is a fall event that provides an opportunity for LCDS friends and families to purchase new books whose sale benefits the LCDS libraries. 20 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Book Group The book group offers an opportunity to meet with other parents in a casual setting to discuss selected books from the MS and US English, history and humanities curriculum. Feel free to attend as many discussions as you are able. Book Sale Plans and coordinates biennial Used Book Fair events. Class/Division Support Class parents are appointed for each LS grade to work with classroom teachers in planning activities related to curriculum studies, field trips and holidays. They also help new parents get acquainted and feel welcome in the school. We invite anyone who wants to serve as a class parent. There is no deadline for signing up; just let us know if you’re interested and we’ll add you to this year’s list. This committee also works closely with school staff to provide assistance for service learning projects. Dining Commons A volunteer is needed daily to assist food service. This is a great opportunity to observe students and staff in a relaxed atmosphere. No experience necessary and no washing dishes!
Eco-Literacy and Learning Gardens If you’re interested in sustainability, this is your chance to get involved with the start of something new. Help plan, create and maintain educational gardens for the LS students, work with the eco-literacy team to educate students on local food, or work with us to identify other ways to become a greener school. Fundraising — Keepsake Greetings, Holiday Plant Sale and Gift Card Sale These three events represent the bulk of our fundraising activity and their revenues fund Parents Association events throughout the year. Each November we sell holiday plants and gift cards for local restaurants to ease your holiday shopping. We appreciate help recruiting local restaurants, selling lottery tickets, processing orders and distributing plants and gift cards. Keepsake Greetings are delivered to students in May. Ice Festival Held in February, the Ice Festival is designed to help families kick the mid-winter blues and celebrate as a school. Help is needed with planning the event, setting up, greeting families, serving food and cleaning up.
Iron Hill Social Held in the spring, this is a great place to get together after school sports, theater practice, etc., while also supporting the Parents Association. Music and Theater Committee Support the school music program by serving refreshments after concerts, sponsoring benefit concerts and programs and assisting with special events such as school musicals. New York Bus Trip Help plan and coordinate the annual New York City bus trip in November. Teacher Appreciation Day This is a day set aside to say thank you to the LCDS faculty and staff. A sit-down luncheon is served and volunteers are needed to plan the event, proctor classes, set up, serve and clean up.
Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 21
22 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Giving Since its founding in 1908, LCDS has thrived because of the generosity of families, alumni and friends who believe in our mission and who
are committed to our future. There are many ways to support our school. Charitable contributions and fundraising events are crucial in providing
excellent programs, equipment and facilities for our students and faculty. The Excellence Fund
The Excellence Fund is the annual effort that benefits every aspect of the LCDS experience, including arts, athletics, technology, and of course, academics. The Excellence Fund impacts every student and helps ensure the vibrancy and vigor that define LCDS. Because of its importance, we ask everyone within our community to make The Excellence Fund their highest philanthropic priority.
Pennsylvania EITC and OSTC
Pennsylvania recognizes Country Day as an approved scholarship organization within the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs allow companies to make significant contributions to LCDS and to receive up to 90 percent tax credits in return. Any business with a Pennsylvania tax liability is eligible to participate. Last year, corporate partners gave LCDS more than $350,000. Corporate gifts range from $1,000 to more than $50,000. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website, or contact Chief Advancement Officer Shelby LaMar at 717-397-7240 or lamars@lancastercountryday.org.
Planned Gifts
Have you included LCDS in your estate plans? There are a variety of giving strategies that help you provide for LCDS while also advancing your own personal objectives. Our Heritage Society recognizes individuals who have made provisions for Lancaster Country Day School. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 23
Endowment Gifts
Lancaster Country Day School is fortunate to have an endowment of more than $10 million. The principal is protected so that every year a portion of the endowment’s interest revenue may be designated to support scholarships, programs and faculty salaries. LCDS is grateful to members of the community who invest in existing endowed funds, those who create new funds within their lifetimes and others who create funds through estate provisions. To make a lasting tribute to a classmate, teacher or friend, please contact Shelby LaMar at 717-397-7240 or lamars@lancastercountryday.org.
FundFest
Mark your calendars now for FundFest 2015, a fun-filled evening with live and silent auctions, great food and entertainment. This year’s event will be held Saturday, April 18. To support FundFest, the school solicits both auction items as well as personal and corporate sponsorships. For more information, contact Sherry Vernet at 717-431-1615.
24 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Benefactors’ Circle Centennial Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,000 and above Shippen Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 – $19,999 Founders’ Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 – $9,999 Labyrinth Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,000 – $4,999 1908 Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,908 – $2,999
Additional Giving Levels Bell Tower Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000 – $1,907 Maroon & Gray Society ������������������������������������������������� $500 – $999 Spirit Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100 – $499 Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 – $99
Visit us online
To learn more about giving to Lancaster Country Day School, visit www.lancastercountryday.org/Give
Resources Telephone Directory
Cougar Store
717-392-2916
Academic Year: Monday-Friday 7:45-11 a.m. and 2:30-3 p.m. Closed during school breaks and summer hours are subject to change. Call 717-392-2916, ext. 251 for an appointment.
Mailing Address
Lancaster Country Day School 725 Hamilton Road Lancaster, PA 17603
Libraries
Development and Business Office Hours Academic Year: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Summer: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. During school breaks, office hours might be modified.
School Day
Arrival Students may start to arrive at 7:50 a.m. The school day starts at 8:10 a.m. for all grades. Departure Morning preschool and JK end at 11:30 a.m. Full-day preschool and JK end at 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten through Grade 12 ends at 3 p.m.
Dining Commons
The Dinning Commons is open from 10 a.m.-1:30 pm. Snack: 10-10:30 a.m. Lower School: 11 a.m. Middle School: 12:10 p.m. Upper School: 12:45 p.m.
Lower School Library Hours are 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Middle and Upper School Library Hours are 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Academic Learning Lab
All students are expected to meet the curricular standards established as the normal course of study. The Academic Learning Lab provides students with additional support beyond the regular assistance given by classroom teachers. Country Day employs three academic learning specialists, one in each division.
Music Lessons
Our adjunct music faculty teaches private lessons during the school day for an additional fee. A brochure is sent in the all-school mailing in August. For more information, please contact Linda Krick at 717-738-1910 or krickl@lancastercountryday.org.
Need technology help? For help logging into CORE, the website portal for parents and students, please contact Beth Otto at 717-392-2916, ext. 271 or ottob@lancastercountryday.org. Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 25
Useful Contacts Below you’ll find contact information for some staff members you may need to speak with during the school year. Office of the Head of School Steve D. Lisk Head of School 717-392-2916, ext. 225 lisks@lancastercountryday.org Christina Chase Simonds Assistant Head of School Head of Lower School 717-392-2916, ext. 238 simondsc@lancastercountryday.org Patti Maurer Assistant to Head of School 717-392-2916, ext. 224 maurerp@lancastercountryday.org
Lower School
Middle School
Vic Tayor Head of Middle School 717-392-2916, ext. 242 taylorv@lancastercountryday.org Gail D. Clauss Middle School Administrative Assistant 717-392-5263, ext. 243 claussg@lancastercountryday.org
Upper School
Eric Bondy Head of Upper School 717-392-2916, ext. 234 bondye@lancastercountryday.org Todd Trout Assistant Head of Upper School 717-392-2916, ext. 286 troutt@lancastercountryday.org
Christina Chase Simonds Assistant Head of School/Head of Lower School 717-392-2916, ext. 238 simondsc@lancastercountryday.org
Aimee Nelson Upper School Administrative Assistant/Registrar 717-392-5853, ext. 235 nelsona@lancastercountryday.org
Lynn W. Arnold Lower School Administrative Assistant 717-392-2916, ext. 239 arnoldl@lancastercountryday.org
Rob Umble Dean of Students/Counselor 717-392-2916, ext. 226 umbler@lancastercountryday.org
26 | Parent Guide | lancaster country day school
Health Services
Heidi W Caputo RN School Nurse 717-393-1241 caputoh@lancastercountryday.org Rita Foster IU13 Guidance Counselor 717-392-2916, ext. 260 fosterr@lancastercountryday.org
Business Office
John Ford Business Manager 717-392-2916, ext. 223 fordj@lancastercountryday.org Angela Hershey Accountant 717-392-2916, ext. 222 hersheya@lancastercountryday.org
Development
Shelby LaMar Chief Advancement Officer 717-397-7240 lamars@lancastercountryday.org Maggie Forester Miller Director of Annual Giving 717-397-8126 millerm@lancastercountryday.org
Academic Learning Lab
Rachel Schmalhofer Director of Learning Services 717-392-2916, ext. 483 schmalhoferr@lancastercountryday.org
Athletics
Leigh Block Athletic Director 717-392-2916, ext. 252 blockl@lancastercountryday.org Hilary Waltman Assistant Athletic Director 717-392-2916, ext. 253 waltmanh@lancastercountryday.org
College Guidance
Linda Campbell Director of College Guidance 717-392-2916, ext. 236 campbelll@lancastercountryday.org Abby Kirchner Assistant Director of College Guidance 717-392-2916, ext. 258 kirchnera@lancastercountryday.org
Receptionist
June Charles 717-392-2916 charlesj@lancastercountryday.org
Sherry Vernet Special Events Coordinator 717-431-1615 vernets@lancastercountryday.org Parent Guide | lancaster country day school | 27
the
spark t h at kind les t h e
mind and heart
ILLUMINATES A LIFETIME
haGuide milton r oad country | lancaster, pa 17603 | (717) 392-2916 | www.lancaster countryday.or g 28 | 725 Parent | lancaster day school