Student and Parent Handbook 2018-2019

STUDENT AND PARENT

HANDBOOK

The Stor m King

school

150 1867

YEARS

2018-2019

THE CREST

Table of Contents WELCOME_________________________ 2 Mission Statement_________________________ 3 Belief Statements__________________________ 3 Motto______________________________________ 3 Core Values________________________________ 3 A Brief History of SKS____________________ 4 Administration_____________________________ 5 Academic Department Chairs____________ 5

Section 1: Academics______________ 6 The Storm King School Curriculum Overview__________________ 6 Expectations_______________________________ 8 Graduation Requirements________________ 10 The Academic Year_________________________ 11 Course of Study___________________________ 12 Change of Schedule______________________ 12 Grading System____________________________ 13 Effort Marks______________________________ 13 Invitation to Return_______________________ 14 Honor Roll________________________________ 15 Honorary Societies_______________________ 15 Common Work Period &

Extra Help___________________________ 15 Study Hall_________________________________ 16 Faculty Advisor and

Academic Support __________________ 17 Academic Probation_______________________ 17 Academic Honesty_________________________ 18 The Storm King School

Code of Academic Honesty________ 19 The Academic Support Program_________ 20 Blackbaud__________________________________ 21 College Counselor_______________________ 21

Section 2: Student Life___________ 22 Student Life________________________________ 23 Student IDs________________________________ 23 Leadership__________________________________ 23 Core Value Pins____________________________ 24 Dress Code_________________________________ 24 Activities___________________________________ 27 Experiential Education &

Community Service_________________ 27 Weekends___________________________________ 28 Student Center ___________________________ 28 Attendance Policy ________________________ 29 Tardiness___________________________________ 30 Cutting Class_____________________________ 30 Cellular Phones &

Portable Music Devices____________ 30

Gaming______________________________________ 32 Meals_______________________________________ 32 Ordering Food from

Outside Vendors____________________ 33 Campus Jobs________________________________ 33 Security and Boundaries_________________ 33 Day Students_______________________________ 34

Section 3: Residential Life________ 36 Guardian Policy___________________________ 37 Breaks & Transportation_________________ 38 Dormitories________________________________ 38 Gaming______________________________________39 Accountability and

Evening Check-in____________________ 39 Lights Out_________________________________ 40 Dorm Rooms_______________________________ 40 Shipping_____________________________________ 41 Summer Storage___________________________ 41 Dormitory Fire Safety____________________ 41 Fire/Emergency Drills_____________________ 42 Room Condition___________________________ 42 Room Searches____________________________ 43 Keys and Room Security__________________ 43 Guests______________________________________ 44 Laundry_____________________________________ 44 Mail ________________________________________ 44 The School Store__________________________ 44 Automobiles_______________________________ 45 Weekend Leave Policy_____________________ 45

Section 4: Discipline______________ 48 Discipline___________________________________ 49 General Expectations_____________________ 50 Formal/Informal Verbal Warnings______ 51 Jug ________________________________________51 Formal & Expedited Discipline____________ 52 Judicial Committee Procedures__________ 54 “Reach” of the School____________________ 55 Violence Policy____________________________ 55 Theft Policy________________________________ 55 Policy on Bullying, Hazing,

& Sexual Harassment_______________ 56 Reporting Violations______________________ 57 Drug and Alcohol Policy________________ 58 Fire Safety Policy__________________________ 59 Tobacco Policy____________________________ 59 Publicity of Disciplinary Action_________ 60 Disciplinary Consequences_______________ 60 Student Dismissal Policy_________________ 62 sks.org 1

Welcome With this 2018-2019 edition of The Crest, The Storm King School’s student and parent handbook, we would like to welcome you to The Storm King School and to provide the information you will need for the upcoming school year.

This handbook contains information necessary for students and parents to understand both what is important to Storm King in terms of behavior and community, and all of the structures and processes that help govern our daily lives here at the School. Sections in this handbook include Academics, Student Life, Residential Life, and Discipline. This guide serves as a reference for students and parents detailing the expectations of The Storm King School.

Please understand that no set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that might arise at a school. The rules, policies, and procedures set forth in this handbook are intended to apply under most circumstances. From time to time, there may be situations that require responses not fully outlined here. This handbook does not limit the authority of The Storm King School to deviate from the rules and procedures set forth in this handbook, and to deal with individual circumstances as they arise in the manner deemed most appropriate by the School, taking into consideration the best interests of the School, its faculty, employees, students, or overall school community. The policies may also be revised or updated periodically during the school year. All changes in policy will be communicated directly to parents and guardians. Any student or parent with a question about any policy statement should feel free to speak with the Assistant Headmaster for Student and Residential Life, the Dean of Academics, or the Headmaster. We are proud to be a part of an ongoing tradition of excellence in education at The Storm King School. Each member of our community is valued at Storm King, and each of us is most likely to achieve our goals when the framework in which we are living and working is clear, our responsibilities apparent, and our purpose shared. This handbook will help clarify our shared purpose and individual responsibilities.

Jonathan W.R. Lamb

Alan Lewis

Headmaster

Assistant Headmaster Dean of Academics for Student & Residential Life

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Timothy Lance

Mission Statement The Storm King School, a global community, prepares students by inspiring them toward academic success and confidence in an inclusive and diverse learning environment that embraces character, balance and trust. (Adopted by the Board - April 8, 2017)

Belief Statements We believe that:

Young people learn best in a personally supportive and safe environment Students should be assisted in realizing their fullest potential in their intellectual, physical, creative, and moral growth A diverse and multi-cultural community provides important learning opportunities for everyone Students should be guided in their development of a moral and honest character An open and receptive environment should be provided that respects and encourages the individual ideas and intellectual pursuits of every student and faculty member Education is a developmental process for each individual Character development and education are inseparable The Storm King School community should encourage healthy choices about body, mind and spirit The arts, athletics, cultural activities, outdoor education, and community service enhance life and growth Respect, dignity, and acceptance should be accorded each individual regardless of race, creed, gender, or orientation

Motto “Esse, Quam Videri” - To be, rather than to seem

Core Values TRUTH, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY sks.org 3

A Brief History of The Storm King School Established as the Cornwall Heights School in 1867 by Reverend Louis P. Ledoux, an Amherst graduate and pastor of the Cornwall Presbyterian Church, the School later became known as the Stone School when Dr. Carlos H. Stone took over the Headmastership. Its present name, The Storm King School, dates from 1923, during Headmaster Alvan R. Duerr’s tenure, and reflects the name of the mountain where the School is located. Storm King was an all-male boarding and day school until 1970, when the first girls were admitted as day students. Girls became boarding students in 1975, and since then the School has been a coeducational, college preparatory school for grades 8 through 12, with a capacity for 130 boarding and 50 day students.

The Storm King School was chartered in 1928 by the Board of Regents of the State University of New York as a nonprofit institution governed by a selfperpetuating Board of Trustees. Today it is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the New York State Association of Independent Schools, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, and the College Board, among other professional organizations. A 20-member Board of Trustees, of which approximately half are alumni, governs the School.

Located on the West Bank of the Hudson River near the crest of Storm King Mountain, the 51-acre campus offers a commanding view of the Shawangunk Mountains and distant Catskills. The Storm King School is a member of the Black Rock Forest Consortium, which administers the Black Rock Forest, a 3,800-acre wilderness that abuts the campus. The School makes maximum use of these natural surroundings for its science, environmental, and recreational programs. The School maintains its position as a founding member on the Consortium Board. The Consortium membership also includes the American Museum of Natural History, Barnard College, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Browning School, City College of New York, Columbia University, Convent of the Sacred Heart, the Dalton School, Friends Seminary, New York Academy of Sciences, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Newburgh School District, and Teacher’s College of Columbia University.

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Administration Headmaster: Jonathan W.R. Lamb Assistant Headmaster for Finance; CFO: Ray Hecht Assistant Headmaster for Admissions & Marketing: Marek Pramuka Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life: Alan Lewis Dean of Academics: Timothy Lance Dean of Faculty: Jeremy Freeman Director of Athletics: Joseph Graziosi Assistant to the Headmaster: Denise Sollami Assistant to the Dean of Academics & College Counselor: Ingrid Ciunga Assoc. Dean of Students: Kristen Barbosa Asst. Dean of Students: Jim Bennett Director of Service Learning & Summer Programs: Ben Harnick Director of Development: Tom Fogarty Annual Giving & Special Events Manager: Sarah Fulton ’09 Dir. of Leadership Support & Alumni Relations: Lynn Crevling ’72 Director of Student Health Services: Cindy Neville, R.N. Business Office Manager; Bookkeeper: Sharon Schoonmaker Executive Chef: Andrew Comey

Academic Department Chairs World Languages: Patrick Martha English: Jeremy Freeman History: Michael Hauser Science: Dr. Paul Feffer ESL: Cathy Hecht

Arts: John Carruthers Mathematics: Dr. Timothy Lance Academic Support Program: David Mendlewski

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ACADEMICS

SECTION 1

The Storm King School Curriculum Overview What The Storm King School values and seeks to develop in our students: The habits and traits of excellent students.

Our motto is TRUTH, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY. We expect students to value these principles as cornerstones in the development of their own character and intentionally practice them as members of our community: Truthful character: We expect our students to be truthful in what they say, in their work, and in their interactions with others.

Respectful citizens: treat others—teachers, fellow students, teammates, and the other team—according to the golden rule.

Responsible young adults: We help students understand the need to make good on commitments to finish what they start; to do the work that needs to be done whether it is picking up litter or completing homework.

In preparation for college and life, we work with our students to develop a temperament that leads to success and helps each individual reach his or her potential. Here are the key academic traits we foster; Storm King students: 1. Develop endurance: We ask our students to develop the ability to sustain effort in the face of academic challenges while problem solving, writing, in discussion, and when working independently or collaboratively.

We help our students build “grit.”

2. Pursue an active commitment to learning and literacy: We ask students to read regularly, write often, be prepared, collaborate well, and have an inquiring mind. We help them learn how to ask good questions to themselves, their teachers, and their peers. We help them develop a healthy and lifelong pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.

3. Discover how they learn: Storm King students learn how they learn, what requires more time, and what tools they require to accomplish their work.

4. Learn deeply: Students pursue knowledge beyond the surface and understand what they know deeply, and what they do not. We encourage our students to be thoughtful and self-reflective at times – to pursue wisdom and learn to decipher facts versus ideas driven by mere opinion.

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5. Learn to solve problems as a scientist would: We teach students to use the language of mathematics and demonstrable evidence as a writer or artist might as they resolve a problem of aesthetic.

6. Make things: They produce meaningful and original ideas, art, experiments, and solutions.

7. Learn to demonstrate their knowledge: We help students gain the confidence to publish, perform, or show others what they know.

8. Learn to be technologically savvy and healthy: They come to understand how to use the tools of technology, but also to know when to put them away and how to operate without technology.

9. The attitudes we help students to develop: Beyond the classroom and in preparing to lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives, we provide experiences and opportunities that help Storm King students discover how to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and practically.

10. Care for our world: We assist students in developing an attitude of active stewardship of the environment. Living on the shoulder of Storm King Mountain, overlooking the Hudson River, our community is nestled in a sometimes serene, sometimes rugged, but always beautiful landscape. Our students will become the guardians of the planet’s health and its preservation.

11. Learn to be servant-leaders: Their experiences at Storm King show them that they can lead through service.

12. Become citizens of the world: They seek to understand, embrace, and learn from those who come from other neighborhoods and nations.

Expectations The Storm King School is an academic institution designed to help each student make the most of his or her intellectual abilities in preparation for college. We expect students to take an active role in their own education. This means that students need to take responsibility for their own learning and act in an appropriate way both in their classes and in preparing for them each day.

Examples of this include the following: 1. Students must attend every class unless ill.

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2. Students must work earnestly to complete every assignment to the best of their abilities and in a timely fashion.

3. Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate in a positive way, which includes entering class in dress code, opening books and notebooks immediately, having technology charged and ready for use, or otherwise preparing themselves appropriately for a particular class without being asked.

4. Students are to bring an approved laptop that meets the minimum requirements set forth by The Storm King School. This laptop is intended primarily for academic use and should be treated as any other academic requirement. All digital texts and applications required by teachers should be downloaded as expected. The Acceptable Use Policy for Computers and technology applies to this device.

5. Students should listen actively and participate in class discussions and other activities in an appropriate manner; students are expected to be polite, positive, and respectful to their teachers and classmates alike.

6. Students should stay alert and attentive throughout classes, including taking notes and focusing on the work being presented, working in earnest with others when classes are doing group work or laboratory work.

7. Students are expected to respond to criticism, setbacks, and requests in a mature way.

8. Students are expected to actively seek help from teachers and attend tutorial or other extra help sessions when needed.

9. Students are also expected to follow all school rules regarding dress code and other expectations willingly, and without hesitation or rancor.

10. Consumption of food (including chewing gum) or beverages in class is not allowed.

11. When participating in off-campus trips for classes, school dress code and classroom decorum are expected.

All academic work must be completed with integrity. This means that students need to acknowledge sources or help received in an appropriate fashion, and neither give nor accept help without permission or knowledge of teachers. As part of the School’s ongoing commitment to honesty, integrity, sks.org 9

and long-term development of good character, all students must sign and adhere to The Storm King School Code of Academic Honesty. Students are expected to follow the letter and spirit of the code in all academic work.

Any work missed due to an absence, including tests and quizzes, should be turned in or completed upon returning to class or within a reasonable period of time as determined by the teacher. If at all possible, students should communicate with their teachers in person prior to missing a class. In the event that prior communication is not possible, the student should, via email to the teacher or another student, or through the online Blackbaud platform, find out what was missed in order to prepare for the next class. Students should be proactive in keeping up with all assignments in any situation.

Graduation Requirements Graduation requirements include 20 academic credits in these areas: English...................................4 History..................................4 (Including 1 credit of American History for students attending SKS prior to senior year) Mathematics ........................ 3*

Foreign Language ..................2 (Except for language exempt students or those who have a native language other than English) Additional credits.................3 (These credits can be earned in fine arts or other academic areas.)

Science................................. 3* *Math/Science Elective...........1 (Students are expected to earn a 4th credit of either math or science)

Total__________________________ 20

Additional Graduation Requirements: Visual and Performing Arts (Equivalent of one course in each area) Students who attend Storm King in grades 8-12 are expected to meet both a visual and performing arts requirement. This can be accomplished by taking a class in each area, but also through a number of other means. One student might be active throughout the year in the theatre program; another might come as an accomplished guitar player or vocalist and perform frequently at school events; a third might 10 The Crest

have experience as a photographer and contribute significantly to school publications. Faculty and activity Advisors will determine whether students have met the criteria for this requirement. Students who enter Storm King after their sophomore year are only required to meet or earn one credit in visual or performing arts.

Physical Education and Health Students are required to participate in after school activities each term.

Because students in grades 9-12 meet their physical education credit through our after school athletics program, two seasons of a physical activity are required. These include: interscholastic and club sports, outdoor activities, dance, and other physical activities.

Our Health Program is delivered through our student and residential life curriculum, which includes a speaker series on key health topics, specific Advisor discussion topics, and presentations by coaches and teachers. This program may, on occasion, include regular or online classes and testing.

Community Service Each student is required to complete 20 hours of community service per year.

College Counseling The records of students who enter Storm King in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade will be reviewed to determine what credits remain to be completed for graduation.

Examinations and College Applications All students in the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades take the PSAT each year All students are required to take the SAT I in the spring of their 11th grade year and in the fall of their 12th grade year; Other dates are available for the SAT I and II; Students may also take the ACT All seniors must apply to at least two colleges, unless accepted to their first choice through early decision

The Academic Year The academic year is divided into two semesters and a Q-term. With few exceptions, each class lasts one semester, which consists of three grading periods. Each grading period tracks progress from the start of the semester until the end of that grading period. Grades and effort marks are awarded sks.org 11

at the end of each of the grading periods (see below). Semester grades are determined by the grading period grades together with a final exam or final project. Some classes may also include a term project or term paper as a major part of the semester grade.

Progress reports are sent home a minimum of four times per year: During Semester One, reports of progress will be sent home in early October and at the end of the semester in December. An interim report will be sent home in early November for students who are struggling in any subject. During Semester Two, reports of progress will be sent home in February and at the end of the semester in May. An interim report will be sent in late March for students who are struggling in any subject. Interim reports are sent when a student’s grades fall into the D range. All reports provide detail on student progress and teacher recommendations regarding student improvement. These reports are the primary means by which we communicate with parents about student academic progress. Parents should email their child’s Advisor or the Academic Dean if any concerns arise. Students review their progress reports and interim reports with their Advisor.

Course of Study Each new student is provided a schedule by the Academic Dean based on the student’s previous academic record. This can be adjusted, if possible, when the student receives the schedule for approval or at registration for the year. Returning students work with Advisors in the spring to determine an appropriate program of study, and this list is reviewed and finalized during the scheduling process in the summer. All students are required to carry a minimum of six full credit courses, with exceptions made based on advanced course loads such as Honors, AP and Advanced courses. In general, at least four of the full credit courses must be academic in nature, while the fifth and sixth class may include performing, visual, or creative arts classes. In order to graduate from The Storm King School, students must meet the requirement of six full credit courses in the senior year, even if they have already obtained the credits required for graduation.

Change of Schedule Students who wish to change their course schedule must obtain a Change of Schedule Form from the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean, the student’s Advisor, and all teachers involved must discuss all proposed changes with 12 The Crest

the student before a decision will be made. Schedule changes must occur within two weeks of course matriculation. In addition, juniors and seniors must get approval for a change in course schedule from the College Counselor.

No schedule change will take effect until the form has been returned to the Academic Dean and approved.

Grading System Letter grades

GPA value

% Range

A+

4.33 >94.6

A

4.00

91.6-94.5

A-

3.67

88.6-91.5

B+

3.33

85.6-88.5

B

3.00

82.6-85.5

B-

2.67

79.6-82.5

C+

2.33

76.6-79.5

C

2.00

73.6-76.5

C-

1.67

70.6-73.5

D+

1.33 67.6-70.5

D 1.00 64.6-67.5 D-

0.67

F

0

60.0-64.5 <60.0

A student receiving a final grade in the D range may need to complete a review before moving to the next level in some disciplines.

If a student fails a course, he or she may earn a passing grade and credit through an approved summer course or the completion of coursework through an approved tutorial. Credit will be granted only through the Academic Dean’s Office.

Effort Marks Effort marks assess student behaviors such as class attendance, participation, and preparation; homework; initiative and motivation; and the degree of care put into the work. sks.org 13

5 Outstanding Student demonstrates most or all of the following: exceptional class participation, consistent thoroughness in preparation, work over and above course requirements, consistent requests for extra help, attempts to relate the course material to other discipline areas, or exceptional initiative in making up work missed because of absences.

4 Above Average Student demonstrates most or all of the following: very good effort represented by class participation, thorough preparation, an eager attempt to master the material of the course, and regular requests for extra help when appropriate.

3 Average Student demonstrates most or all of the following: acceptable class participation and adequate fulfillment of course requirements with consistently prepared work and assignments carefully prepared and submitted on time.

The student has met Storm King’s normal expectations for class involvement and academic effort.

2 Below Average Student demonstrates most or all of the following: below normal effort, reflected in occasional absence or lateness, occasional lack of preparation for class or inattentiveness in class, or the student may fail to submit required work or the work may be poorly prepared. The student neglects to ask for extra help.

1 Unsatisfactory Student demonstrates most or all of the following: consistent failure to complete assignments, a lack of class participation, reluctance to ask for extra help, consistent inability to participate in class when called upon, and a lack of initiative in making up missed work.

Invitation to Return As a self-selecting, independent school, Storm King reserves the right to invite back, year by year, only those students who show an effort and desire to make Storm King a happy, healthy and cooperative community, and those students who show the ability and motivation to progress in preparation for college acceptance. Academic achievement, contributions to the school community, attitude and manner, tolerance and charity toward others, and a willingness to work with the School are all factors in this decision.

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Honor Roll At the end of each semester, Honor Roll status is determined by averaging all grades received in academic courses in which the student is enrolled. Honors distinctions are only awarded on the work of an entire semester. When grades are determined at semester end, Honor Roll standing will also be awarded.

Qualifying students are given special recognition by being placed on Honors or Honorable Mention level as determined by the following criteria: Highest Honors----------- A+ to A average with no grade below A Honors---------------------- A- to B+ average with no grade below B+ Honorable mention ------ B average with no grade below B-

Honorary Societies Students who distinguish themselves over the course of their secondary school careers may be recognized by receiving membership in the Cum Laude Society and/or National Honor Society, if they qualify.

Cum Laude Society: The purpose of the Cum Laude Society is to promote learning and sound scholarship in secondary schools. The primary requirement for membership in the society is one of academic excellence. The society was founded in 1906 and patterned after Phi Beta Kappa of the college level.

Storm King has the distinction of having one of the oldest chapters in the nation, enrolling members since 1921.

National Honor Society: The Storm King Chapter of the National Honor Society was formed in 1981. Qualified juniors and seniors who have compiled an outstanding record in several aspects of school life are elected to the society. A cumulative grade point average of a 3.4 is the minimum academic criteria for consideration. Leadership, service, and character are the other criteria for membership.

Common Work Period and Extra Help The common work period occurs each academic day with the exception of Wednesdays and days abbreviated due to weather or early dismissal before a break. The common work period is a dedicated time when students can seek out teachers for extra help. Teachers can also require students to report to their classroom during this period. Students may also use the time for quiet study or sks.org 15

for group projects. This is a dedicated block, during the school day, unfettered by outside commitments like club or sport meetings in which students can stay ahead of their workload and decrease stress. The Dining Hall and Student Center will not be open during this period.

Teachers may also be available at other times such as free periods or in the evenings or weekends when on duty, and students who need extra help should work with their teachers to identify appropriate times to get extra help. Faculty members are expected to post these “office hours” in which students can seek additional help.

Study Hall During the school day: All SKS students, regardless of year or grade point average, are required to attend daytime study hall during periods in which they do not have a scheduled class or other commitment. Students will be assigned to report either to Ogden Hall or another dedicated space on campus. A complete set of behavioral expectations governing study hall will be posted and reviewed regularly.

All students who are struggling academically may have additional study hall time assigned at any point during the afternoon or even on weekends if deemed necessary. Missing a study hall carries the same disciplinary consequences as missing a class.

In the evening: SKS believes in providing an appropriate environment in the evening for the student body to focus on their studies. Boarding students, and any day students remaining on campus, are required to report to an assigned location before 6:45 pm and until 8:00 pm. Students may be assigned to either room study in their dormitories or Ogden Hall. Seniors and students on the Honor Roll will have the option of room study, while all other students report to Ogden Hall.

Students have the right to petition for room study during the first week of each of the six marking periods. The petition requires signatures from all current teachers, the Advisor, a dormitory parent, and both the Academic Dean and Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life. The petition also requires the student to explain how room study will be to her/his benefit. These petitions are reviewed by Administration at the conclusion of the petition period.

Students may also be removed from room study at any time if it is determined that their academic performance or behavior warrants the change.

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Faculty Advisor and Academic Support The Advisor system is a fundamental element of the Storm King experience; students and parents are urged to take full advantage of this special arrangement. Faculty members have a small group of advisees with whom they meet during the week as a group, as well as individually when necessary.

The faculty Advisor serves as an academic counselor and mentor, as well as the primary liaison between the School and the student’s parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the Advisor should a situation need immediate attention. At the beginning of each advising relationship, the Advisor will contact a student’s parent or guardian and establish the most effective means of communication specific to that relationship.

One of the primary responsibilities of the Advisor is to monitor the academic performance of each of his or her advisees. In the event that a student begins to struggle academically, the Advisor and Academic Dean communicate about the best way to improve the student’s performance. When a student has problems with motivation and/or managing his or her work in specific academic courses, or he or she requires acute supervision of his or her academic program, other teachers or staff members are brought into the discussion as necessary. They may include classroom teachers, the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life, the dormitory parents, and the Director of Student Health Services, among others. In this situation an individualized Academic Support Plan is created through communication with all parties with the specifics clearly communicated to the student and progress of the plan regularly checked.

In this way, each student has a working group of adults ready to respond as necessary. The team’s goal is to help the student improve his or her work habits and achievement. The student may be assigned additional supervised study halls, required to work with a tutor or the Academic Support staff. Restrictions on weekends and during other times may also be required. In the end, each student must become responsible for his or her work. If grades remain below an acceptable level and adequate effort is not demonstrated, the student will be placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below C- in any semester, he or she is placed on academic probation for the following semester. At the beginning of each marking period that a student is on academic probation, the student will meet sks.org 17

with her or his Advisor and the Academic Dean in order to develop a study strategy, usually in the form of an Academic Support Plan referenced above.

These will include structured and assigned study halls as well as other time restrictions. If a student remains on academic probation for a second semester, the student’s invitation to return will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. At any point during a student’s academic career she or he is returned to academic probation, the invitation to continue as a student will be reviewed.

As a result of that review, the School may not invite the student to return the following year, or the Academic Dean may require additional coursework or remediation during the summer before the student is eligible to return.

To be removed from academic probation, a student needs to maintain a C (2.0 GPA) or better for a full semester and demonstrate more consistent work habits. In particular, regular daily assignments and long term assignments need to be completed in a timely manner throughout the semester.

Academic Honesty As an academic institution, The Storm King School holds the integrity of academic work sacrosanct and as part of an inviolable trust between students and teachers. In addition, academic honesty is a natural and real extension of our core ideals of “TRUTH, RESPECT, AND RESPONSIBILITY.” Consequently, the School will consider any violation of this trust to be a very serious matter, and acts of academic dishonesty are viewed as violation of a major school rule.

Within the first few days of their arrival at Storm King, students are required to sign the Storm King Code of Academic Honesty (see next page). This code outlines the basic principles of academic honesty, and defines critical violations. Faculty members in each class will review the basic tenants of the code and help students understand appropriate steps to avoid plagiarism and other acts of academic dishonesty in their particular discipline.

All violations, regardless of ultimate decisions on sanctions, will be reported to the Academic Dean. The School’s response is determined by the dean, the teacher and the appropriate department head. Consequences will generally include a failing grade on the work involved without the opportunity to make up the work, and it may include other consequences, such as restrictions. It is common for the School to ask the student to notify his or her parents personally about a violation, prior to a formal letter of notification sent from the Dean of Academics. In most cases, first offenses will be limited to these consequences.

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However, students who violate the academic honesty code repeatedly may be required to leave the School. Also, students involved in violations of a larger type, for example sharing test answers with many other students, may be asked to leave the School based on such an offense alone.

The Storm King School Code of Academic Honesty All work submitted by a student must be done by that student. If the student receives help from someone else, including parents, friends, dorm faculty, or classmates, or from any other source, that help must be acknowledged.

Approved “authorized help” can be determined only by the teacher of the given course.

Practices may vary somewhat among the disciplines, but there are certain principles that the student must keep in mind. Violations of trust include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: It is dishonest to: Copy and submit someone else’s homework or in-class work as one’s own (e.g., exercises, lab reports, math problems, computer programs) Get test questions before a test unless having those questions beforehand is authorized by the teacher Employ, during a test, any “crib sheet” or unauthorized notes of any kind Receive unauthorized help from anyone during a test Allow another student to copy or submit one’s homework or in-class work Give another student information about questions on a test Give unauthorized help to another student during a test It is dishonest to plagiarize. Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s ideas or words as though they are your own. The student should avoid: Using the exact written words of someone else without using quotation marks and acknowledging the source (including textbooks) Changing a single word or a few words of someone else’s written work without acknowledging the source (including textbooks)

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Transporting a few words of someone else’s written work without acknowledging the source (including textbooks) When writing a research paper or any other kind of paper in a course, the student should ask the teacher for help in avoiding plagiarism. To be on the safe side it is a good idea for the student to acknowledge any help he or she has received in writing the paper. For example, on a sheet attached to the paper, the student might state that a teacher helped in the editing process or in organizing an outline.

The Academic Support Program The Academic Support Program at The Storm King School is designed to work with bright, college-bound students who need additional support. All students in the Academic Support Program enroll in our Metacognition class (Metacog).

While this class is dependent on the learning needs of individual students, it generally focuses on helping each student understand his or her learning differences. The class is taught by a teacher who has experience working with students who have language-based learning differences, executive functioning needs, or other similar challenges that sometimes stand in the way of a bright student’s preparation for college.

The goals of the Academic Support Program include: Practicing strategies for critical reading and reasoning Enabling students to strengthen self-esteem and self-monitoring in the academic arena Guiding students to develop and maintain systems for managing schoolwork, extracurricular responsibilities and free time Providing them with organizational techniques to fit their needs and styles Providing support so that their natural talents may be demonstrated Teaching students to be constructive self-advocates in and out of the classroom Working together with the Academic Dean’s Office to secure testing accommodations for College Board tests, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT,

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and AP exams and the ACT, in cases where students have documented learning differences College planning and transition support for students with documented learning differences Involvement in the Academic Support Program is by recommendation only.

Blackbaud The Storm King School will be transitioning to Blackbaud as its online educational platform this year. Students and parents will be able to access various elements of this robust system, thereby monitoring homework, academic development and achievement. Parents will receive detailed instructions during registration regarding how to access this system, and students will learn how to navigate this system during Orientation.

College Counselor Storm King takes great pride in the amount of personal attention each student receives when planning for life after secondary school. The most important aspect of the process is matching each student with the appropriate undergraduate program. There are several “right” colleges for each student, and Storm King’s graduates enroll in a variety of diverse institutions.

Prior to the junior year, the college counselor is available to parents and students to discuss any questions about the college search process. Students in grades 9-11 will take the PSAT in the fall. The SAT is required in May of the junior year and the fall of the senior year. College guidance begins in earnest during the winter and spring semester of a student’s junior year and continues through the spring of a student’s senior year. During the summer before the student’s senior year, families are encouraged to visit colleges and, if possible and where necessary, have formal interviews. Although it is possible, students are discouraged from taking time off while Storm King is in session, as missed classes may affect grades, which, in turn, could affect chances of acceptance to college. In the fall of a student’s senior year, frequent group and individual conferences take place, often with parents.

Parents are encouraged to be very active participants throughout this extended process and to contact the college counselor as early in the process as possible. sks.org 21

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STUDENT LIFE

SECTION 2

Student Life at The Storm King School is vibrant and challenging.

Storm King offers a multitude of programs and opportunities to its students.

There are interscholastic sports, fine and performing arts, clubs, leadership positions, guest speakers and performers, and campus activities. Students who are successful at Storm King have great appetites for new experiences. The Storm King School teaches its students how to best manage their time. The highly diverse population also offers our students the opportunity to expand their understanding of the world by building relationships and networking with individuals from around the globe.

The Storm King School functions well when its members act with honor and treat one another with respect. Individual expression is encouraged and applauded at Storm King, as long as students maintain a healthy respect for the community as a whole.

Student IDs During the registration process, students pose for pictures that will enable the creation of a Storm King School ID card. This card will enable all Storm King School students to have an additional picture ID when in transit and when taking standardized tests. Lost IDs must be replaced immediately for a fee.

Leadership The Storm King School recognizes the importance of developing leadership skills among its student population. Consequently, there are several opportunities for students to hold leadership positions. In addition to the official positions listed below, we expect students to emerge as leaders in their classrooms, as captains on the athletic fields, and as leaders in all activities on campus.

Resident Assistants (RAs): These students assist faculty dorm parents in running dormitories. They are returning members of the student body who apply for a one-year position in the spring. RAs serve as the head of each residential group (called families) and assist the administration in maintaining accountability for their group. Residential duties for RAs include assisting with evening check-in, enforcing rules, and modeling appropriate behavior. RAs may also be asked to participate as voting members in Judicial Committee hearings.

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Leadership Council: Students may wish to run for a seat on the Leadership Council. These positions are filled by two members of the emerging senior class, and one prospective member of each grades 9 through 11. Elections are held in the spring of each school year, and elected members serve for the entirety of the next school year. This group meets regularly with members of the faculty leadership committee, as well as an appointed activity coordinator, and are counted on to help shape policy and positively influence the student body as the year progresses. Members of the Leadership Council may also be asked to participate as voting members in Judicial Committee hearings.

Judicial Committee Members: As stated above, Resident Assistants and Leadership Council members comprise the pool of students who are called upon to participate in Judicial Committee hearings. In some instances, a student who is neither an RA nor a member of the Leadership Council may be called upon to participate as a voting member of a Judicial Committee.

This is at the discretion of the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life. A full description of the role of the Judicial Committee can be read in the Discipline portion (Section 4) of the handbook.

Core Value Pins The Storm King School Core Value Pin award is sponsored by the Student Leadership Committee. The award is a legacy SKS school crest lapel pin that can be worn on the SKS Blue Blazer uniform jacket. The intent of the award is to informally recognize acts that exemplify the tenets of our core values: TRUTH, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY. Nominations for the award are submitted to the Student Leadership Committee on a rolling basis. Any school member (student, faculty, or staff) can nominate any other school member.

Nominations include a brief description (who, what where, when, why) of the act and how it exemplifies the core values. The Committee, Deans, and the Headmaster review and approve the award. Awards are not presented on any schedule, but rather when they merit. The person who submitted the nomination will be offered the opportunity to present the award at an All School Meeting. If that person declines, the Student Leadership Committee will present the award or arrange for an appropriate student, faculty, or staff member to present.

Dress Code The Storm King School uniforms, supplied by Tommy Hilfiger, are available 24 The Crest

online at sks.org. (click on the Student Life heading and choose Dress Code on the dropdown menu). School uniforms must either be ordered via the website or purchased directly from the Storm King School Store located in the basement of Orr Commons. Please call or email Alan Lewis, Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life, with any questions. Students must wear the following clothes during the academic day, which runs from breakfast service through the final class or meeting period each afternoon.

Tops Students must wear solid-colored navy or white collared shirts embroidered with the Storm King School Crest. Oxford shirts must be buttoned and all tops must be tucked into bottoms and worn with a belt (if wearing shorts or pants). All tops should adequately cover the chest and midriff areas.

Students may wear any of the sweater styles on the Tommy Hilfiger Online store in solid navy, white, or yellow, embroidered with the Storm King School Crest. These must be worn over Storm King School collared shirts.

A Storm King School boys rugby shirt, embroidered with the Crest, will be permitted as part of the Academic Dress Code. This shirt will be available exclusively through the Storm King School store.

A Storm King School Dress Code “Polo Dress” for girls, embroidered with the Crest, will be available through Tommy Hilfiger and permitted during the Academic Day. All students, both male and female, are required to purchase a blazer embroidered with the Crest available on the online store. These blazers may by worn during the academic day, and are required to be worn for select Thursday Night Dinners and during select days or activities as designated by the Office of Student and Residential Life.

Students are not permitted to wear hooded sweatshirts during the academic day, unless designated a “dress down day” by the school administration.

Bottoms Students must choose from the styles and colors that are available on the Tommy Hilfiger online store. Depending on the style, bottoms may be available in khaki, navy, or plaid (in the case of some skirt/skort styles).

Students are not allowed to wear denim jeans of any kind or other styles that are meant to resemble denim. Stretch pants, spandex, leggings, and any kind of athletic apparel are prohibited during the academic day. sks.org 25

Footwear In an effort to formalize school dress and improve safety on campus during inclement weather, we strongly recommend that students purchase hiking shoes or boots to wear with the school dress code. The goal is to improve the students’ walking experience on campus and off. Part of our renewed mission is to involve students in the environment in every class at some point during the year. This will entail trips to the river (as we have been doing in science classes) and trips into the forest. Students should be able to transition from traditional classroom to outdoor classroom easily and safely. Our mountain campus provides its own walking challenges on any given day. Therefore, we now recommend that shoes be of the hiking or work variety (such as Timberland, L.L. Bean, Keen, Dr. Martins) in either the shoe or hiking boot style. When not wearing hiking shoes or boots, any non-athletic styled shoe is permitted. Colors of footwear are up to the wearer’s discretion. Students will need athletic shoes for sports, which may be specific to the sport in which they participate. An appropriate pair of dress shoes is also required for more formal occasions.

Sport or athletic shoes, sandals, open toed shoes, flip-flops, shower shoes, and other similar footwear is not permitted during the academic day.

Hats No hats are to be worn in any of the academic buildings, including the Art Center, Ogden Hall, Orr Commons, and the Student Center – at any time of the day. No other head coverings, including bandanas, are permitted in the buildings outlined above.

The following items are not permitted at any time: Shirts that expose cleavage, shoulders, and midriffs Mini-skirts Clothing that displays anything offensive or in poor taste, including any drug, violence, or sexual imagery or language Clothing that is ripped in offensive places Make-up or accessories that are distracting or in poor taste Hair that is dyed a distracting color (e.g., a color of the rainbow) or cut in a distracting manner (e.g., a Mohawk) Inappropriate jewelry, which includes nose, eyebrow, tongue, face, or body piercings 26 The Crest

Activities The Storm King School offers a full program of activities, including interscholastic athletics, fine and performing arts, and various recreational and instructive clubs.

Interscholastic teams are fielded in soccer, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, fencing, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, ultimate, mountain biking, baseball, and crew. We believe that participation develops self-esteem, self-discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship in our students, and contributes to their overall growth as individuals.

All students are required to participate in an interscholastic sport or noncompetitive physical activity in each season (fall, winter, spring). This participation constitutes satisfaction of the physical education requirement necessary for graduation. However, students may substitute a non-physical afternoon activity, such as an academic club or class, during one of the three seasons.

Attendance at a student’s afternoon activity is taken daily and students are required to attend every practice or meeting scheduled by the coach or club leader. Failures to attend afternoon activities are treated the same way as failures to attend class, and students who do not attend will be given consequences as outlined in the attendance section of this handbook.

Experiential Education & Community Service At the Storm King School we use experiential education to actively engage students in posing questions, investigating, experimenting, being curious, solving problems, assuming responsibility, being creative, and constructing meaning. Whether it is a class examining the concept of “Wilderness,” building 3-D models of campus, climbing the majestic cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge, making original films, or exploring the Galapagos Islands, SKS students have many opportunities to learn from their failures and successes.

At SKS, experiential education includes academic offerings, afternoon clubs and sports, weekend outdoor adventure activities including overnight trips, special guest lecturers and presenters, large scale domestic and international trips during breaks from school, and regular community service opportunities.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

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The Storm King School places a great value on service learning, requiring each student to complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service during each academic year. This graduation requirement is tracked individually be students and their faculty Advisors, and school-wide by the Director of Service Learning & Summer Programs. Opportunities are presented regularly as part of the Weekend Activity schedule, and numerous other opportunities are available throughout the school year. Students participating in service activities not sponsored by the school are required to provide proof of the work completed to their Advisors.

Weekends The Storm King School values students who have a breadth of experience, and weekend activities are organized so that students have regular opportunities to participate in a variety of activities. Specifically, each regular open weekend at Storm King will include several scheduled activities in one or more of the following areas: outdoor recreation/education, fine and performing arts, and community service. For example, a fall weekend might include a kayaking trip, a Broadway show, and a day’s work for a local charity. In some cases, these activities will either be fully or partially funded by the School. In addition to these outings, The Storm King School regularly offers weekend shopping and movie trips to various local destinations. All sign-ups and accounting for these activities will be coordinated through the Office of Student and Residential Life.

Student Center The student center is located in the basement of Orr Commons, and includes a snack bar, eating area, assigned lockers for day students, and a lounge area. The student center is also the required drop-off and pick-up location for day students. The student center rules and hours of operation will be posted and discussed during Orientation. Failure to follow these rules may result in a student’s prohibition from the student center. In addition, all boarding students ordering food from off-campus vendors are required to receive deliveries and eat in the student center. Students will not be allowed to have food delivered to their dormitories or to bring take-out meals to their dorms for consumption.

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Attendance Policy The Storm King School recognizes the myriad reasons that cause both domestic and international students to occasionally be absent from school.

Students absent from SKS will either be considered excused or unexcused.

Examples of excused absences include medical appointment or illness, an SKS athletic event or field trip, or documented transportation/visa difficulties. SKS does not consider recreational travel or undocumented late return/early departure as excused absences. Excessive absences of any kind compromise a student’s quality of education and the contribution that students are able to make to the Storm King School community. Students amassing 20 total absences in any school year will likely be dismissed based on lack of participation, or required to repeat that academic year. The SKS administration does recognize that students may have a serious medical condition that necessitates prolonged or multiple absences from school. In these cases, we work directly with the family to minimize the impact of these absences with the goal of not losing the present year. This may or may not be possible depending on the situation.

Students accruing the following number of absences will trigger the stated consequences: 5 Absences Letter of Fact sent to parents/guardians stating the dates of the absences and reiteration of attendance policy. Meeting with a member of the Student and Residential Life Office, and Advisor Notification.

10 Absences Letter of Admonition sent to parents/guardians stating dates of the absences, actions taken, and reiteration of attendance policy. The Behavior Intervention and Support Committee (BISC)* Meeting – Step One. *see page 40 for description of the BISC 15 Absences Letter of Probation sent to parents/guardians stating dates of absences, actions taken, and reiteration of attendance policy. BISC Meeting with Advisor present – Step Two – Weekend restrictions.

20 Absences Likely dismissal from The Storm King School.

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Tardiness All students, both boarding and day, are required to report to their Advisor for attendance each morning before 8:00 am. Students arriving after this appointed hour will be reported tardy by their school Advisors. Students arriving more than two hours late or departing more than two hours before the end of the school day will be considered to be absent for one half of the school day and assigned that value according to the policy explained above.

Day students arriving on school grounds after the conclusion of the Advisory Period at 8:10 are required to check-in with a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life before attending any classes. This is vital to sustain an accurate record of attendance.

Students late for morning Advisory due to oversleeping or tardiness will be disciplined according to the following sequence: 1st instance Student will be issued a verbal warning by a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life.

2nd instance Student will be assigned Jug. 3rd instance (or more) Student will be assigned Jug and meet with the BISC for placement in the formal discipline process.

Cutting Class Students who willfully “cut” or skip class will face immediate consequences on campus, including, but not limited to, temporary or permanent loss of automobile privileges for day students, loss of boarding privileges, and placement in Jug. Chronic offenders will meet with the BISC and face more serious disciplinary consequences, up to and including dismissal from The Storm King School.

Cellular Phones and Portable Music Devices In order to remain focused on our academic work and community building, The Storm King School places strict restrictions on cell phone and portable music device usage on campus.

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Cell phones and musical devices, including wired and wireless devices, may not be used during academic hours, unless specifically designated by a classroom instructor for the purposes of a class lesson. Academic hours run from the beginning of breakfast (7 am) through the conclusion of the final academic period of the day. This prohibition includes lunch, study halls, and the student center, as well as passage time between classes. Day students are subject to the same rules as boarders.

Students needing to contact home for any reason must proceed to the Administration Building, and then use the terrace or lobby respectfully to contact home. Parents or guardians who need to contact a Storm King School student are encouraged to do so through email or to do so after academic hours. In the case of a family emergency, parents or guardians should contact the main branch of The Storm King School’s phone system. A student will be considered in violation of the policy stated above if his or her cell phone is visible to a member of the faculty while not actively engaged in a lesson. This includes vagaries such as “checking the time” or “looking up an assignment.”

Students who are identified by a member of the faculty as being in violation of this policy will be asked immediately to surrender their cell phones or musical devices to the faculty member who witnessed the violation. Failure to surrender the device immediately or with any outwardly negative displays of emotion or verbiage will result in a disciplinary meeting with the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life and possible consequences. Consequences for violation of the Cell phone/Headphones Policy will be administered according to the following schedule: 1st Instance Student will forfeit device and it will be returned at the end of that academic day.

2nd Instance Student will forfeit device for one week.

3rd Instance Student will be required to attend a BISC meeting as part of the formal disciplinary process.

Continued instances of not adhering to this policy beyond the three instances stated above may constitute an unwillingness to abide by school rules, and place the student in jeopardy of dismissal from SKS.

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Gaming The playing of video games is only permitted during the academic day in the Student Center during lunchtime. Students in violation of this prohibition will be asked to surrender the device that is being used for the gaming. This device will then be given to the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life initiating a meeting with the student involved and possible placement of the student in Jug Parents and/or guardians will be notified of this situation, and in some cases asked to join in the meeting in person or via telephone. Chronic offenders of this policy will meet with the BISC and face additional disciplinary consequences, including restrictions, loss of privileges, and if unchecked, dismissal from The Storm King School.

For rules regarding gaming in residential houses, please reference Section 3: Residential Life of this document.

Meals Storm King School students are expected to be respectful of their peers and staff at the dining hall. Students are not permitted to “cut” in one of the lunch lines or “save a spot” for another classmate. All students should appropriately dispose of trash and return all plates, silverware, and cups to the kitchen.

Dishes and silverware shall not be taken from the dining hall. Paper plates and plastic silverware will be available for students who wish to eat outside on the terrace, or in the student center.

Breakfast is served from 7:15 am until 7:55 am Monday through Friday. At 7:55 am the service area of the Dining Hall is locked and students must depart the Dining Hall to attend their Advisory check-ins at 8:00 am.

There are two lunches served at SKS, the first from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm, and the second from 12:50 pm to 1:35 pm. There is a thirty minute period between lunch services when the Dining Hall is cleared and cleaned, preparing for the second service. Students rotate based on their schedules and Advisories and participate in the cleaning of the Dining Hall between lunches, a program known as the “jobs” program. When weather permits, students are allowed to eat on the terrace and in the student center downstairs. This permission is suspended for all if students do not responsibly clean up after themselves.

Dinner begins at 5:45 and ends at 6:30 pm. Dinner is mandatory on Thursday evenings for all boarding students. Dress is formal at that dinner approximately one time per month. Students are given ample notification of these formal 32 The Crest

dinners. On most nights, the student body will then report to the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre for our Thursday Night Event Series that runs throughout the year.

On weekends, students are served two meals daily. Brunch begins at 10:30 and concludes at 11:45 am, while dinner remains at 5:45 pm.

Ordering Food from Outside Vendors Storm King School students are permitted to receive food deliveries only during specified weekend hours. Deliveries are prohibited between Sunday evening at 7 pm and Friday afternoon at 5 pm. Therefore, students are permitted to order food from off-campus vendors on Friday from 5 pm to 9:30 pm (time of last delivery), Saturday until 9:30 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 6:30 pm. All deliveries from off-campus vendors must be made to the Student Center in the basement of Orr Commons. In addition, students who acquire take-out food from an off-campus restaurant or from a friend, family member or guardian, must consume this food in the Student Center. Students are prohibited from receiving deliveries or consuming take-out in the dormitories.

Campus Jobs SKS students are tasked with contributing to the cleanliness of the campus through the aforementioned jobs program run through the Advisory program.

Seniors are tasked with the responsibility of leading and supervising this program. As a residential community, the Jobs Program is an important way to teach personal and communal responsibility.

Security and Boundaries Students should not leave their belongings and valuables unattended on The Storm King School grounds. Lockers are assigned in the Student Center for day students to store their belongings. Lockers are also available in the hallway of Dyar Hall to all students (please see a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life to register for a locker). There are also lockers available in the basement of the gymnasium for students who are members of in-season athletic teams. Students are not permitted to leave belongings in the front entryway of Orr Commons. These items will be confiscated and brought to the Administration Building.

The Storm King School recommends that student passports and I-20s be kept in the Administrative Offices for safe-keeping. Students should not keep large sks.org 33

sums of cash on themselves or in their rooms without a proper safe. Hotel-style safes are available for rental in the School Store. Cash, jewelry, electronics and other valuables should be stored in a safe or lock box. The Office of Student and Residential Life reserves the right to ask a student to unlock any safe or other locked box, bag, or container.

During the academic day, all dormitories are locked between 8 am and the conclusion of the academic day. Students are not permitted in the dormitories while they are locked. If found inside, students will meet with a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life and will be given disciplinary consequences.

Storm King School students are residents of the Village of Cornwall-onHudson and the Town of Cornwall. They must respect private and public property, and give respect to all residents and visitors. Any visitor or guest to campus must first enter the Administration Building and sign in with the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life or his/her designee(s).

All students should be familiar with the boundaries of the School. The northern boundary is the boys’ dormitories Dempsey and McConnell. The eastern boundary is Mountain Road and Spyrock House. The southern boundary is Route 9W and the western boundary is the Art Center and Abbott Lane.

Boarding Students exiting these boundaries must always communicate with a faculty member on duty. Students wishing to hike, jog, or walk in Black Rock Forest, Storm King State Park, or the trails west of campus must be accompanied by at least one other peer, and must signout with the Dean on Duty or another faculty member on duty.

Day Students The day student population at The Storm King School represents a significant proportion of our student body. Day students are subject to the same rules and policies as boarding students. Day students are encouraged to enjoy all meals during the academic week, and to attend all contests, activities, and productions that occur on campus.

Day students must communicate regularly with the Office of Student and Residential Life so that accountability is maintained. All day students are required to report for attendance with their Advisor at 8 am sharp.

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Students arriving on campus after the conclusion of the Advisory check-in (after 8:10 am) must stop by the Administration Building and report to a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life or Assistant to the Headmaster to receive a late pass. Absent day students must have their parents call the Office of Student and Residential Life at extension 238 prior to the start of school to report the absence. In addition, day students, when leaving campus early for the day for any reason, are required to check out in the Administration Building with a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life. Students requiring bus transportation to and from school must communicate regularly with their respective public school districts and/or bus garages to assure consistent service.

Day students wishing to drive to and from campus must register their vehicle with the Office of Student and Residential Life and sign a driving contract at the beginning of the school year. Required parking stickers will then be distributed, which must be displayed on the vehicle. All day students are required to park in the lot behind Dyar Hall across the road from Highmount Dormitory. Once their academic day has begun, day students are not allowed to leave campus without permission until their final commitment is complete.

Students who abuse these rules will lose their driving privilege, and/or face disciplinary consequences for the infraction. Lastly, students are not permitted to exit the campus on foot without express and agreed upon permission from parents and the Office of Student and Residential Life.

Day students are not permitted to enter residential student housing on campus without express permission from a member of the faculty or administration.

Day students are permitted to spend a night on campus, but this must be coordinated through the Office of Student and Residential Life. When the student is staying on campus as a result of an athletic or artistic commitment, or as a result of a school-wide event, there is no charge to the student. The School does charge day students staying on campus for social reasons, or for extended stays when parents or guardians are out of town.

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RESIDENTIAL LIFE

SECTION 3

The Storm King boarding population is a multicultural community of students, faculty, staff members, and their families. In order to maintain a safe, vibrant, and happy community, it is absolutely essential that all members of the community remain respectful and honorable in their actions toward each other and themselves. With so many people living in a relatively small space, occasional discord is inevitable. It is in these situations that we must remember our ideals of TRUTH, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY, and take care in how we resolve disputes and handle adversity.

Guardian Policy The Storm King School recommends that all international students have a local guardian, but only requires students entering the eighth and ninth grades to retain a guardian. This ensures continued care and safety for students while off campus during vacations and weekends. Guardians help the School communicate with families overseas as well as support the School with students on campus. Ideally, this person would be a family member or a family friend. Understandably, this is not a possibility for all students. The Storm King School does have several local families, including present and former parents, who have experience as SKS guardians and may be able to provide some or all of the services described below. A guardian should provide services to include but not limited to the following: Facilitating communication between the School and family; Providing home stays during weekends or breaks; Assisting in formulating vacation plans; Managing transportation to and from the School; Coming to campus to provide assistance or support when the need arises; Providing proper permissions for off-campus trips as needed; Responding promptly to all communications from the School.

Any arrangements or agreements made between a family and a student’s guardian are made separate from the rules and expectations of The Storm King School. Therefore, it is understood that The Storm King School is not responsible or accountable for the relationship or agreements made between the family or a family member and the guardian.

The Storm King School also reserves the right to require a change of guardian should a conflict of interest or problem arise.

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Breaks and Transportation SKS students must vacate the campus for three major vacations: Thanksgiving Vacation: Saturday, 11/17 – Monday, 11/26 Boarding students are permitted to stay on the SKS campus until Tuesday, 11/20 for a small fee. Please contact the Office of Student and Residential Life for details.

Winter Vacation: Friday, 12/21 – Monday, 1/7 Spring Vacation: Saturday 3/2 – Monday 3/18 Transportation to and from local airports will be provided by SKS and arranged through the Office of Student and Residential Life, provided that adequate notice (a minimum of 7 days) is given for scheduling. SKS offers oneway transportation at the following rates, which are not dependent upon the number of students in the party: Stewart: $40

Newark: $150

Westchester: $100

LaGuardia: $175

JFK: $200

Students also have the option of arranging their own transportation.

The preferred provider at SKS is Commonwealth Limousine. Their contact information is listed below, but rates are independent of the SKS prices above.

Commonwealth Limousine, Toll free phone: 1.866.770.1677 Online reservations: Reservationsny@commonwealthlimo.com

Dormitories SKS has six dormitories in total, two houses on the lower campus, and four houses on the upper campus. Each dormitory has a set of rules that are common to all dormitories, but may have slight variations that are due to the uniqueness of each setting. Dormitories are run by the faculty who reside within them. Each residence is run by a Head Dorm Parent, an Assistant Dorm Parent, and several faculty members who live outside the dormitory but assist throughout the year.

Boarding students are assigned to one of many dorm families on campus. This is the central unit of the residential experience at Storm King. Dorm families 38 The Crest

consist of a small group of students who live in the same area of a dormitory.

Each dorm family has a student dormitory leader called an RA (Resident Assistant). This is a one-year leadership position on campus that must be applied for each spring. RAs have a variety of specific responsibilities within their family, and work in conjunction with dormitory parents and the various faculty members who supervise student leaders. In general, RAs act as models for each family, and are charged with the responsibility of helping to organize and encourage those students within their group.

One of the most important functions of an RA is to assist with morning wakeup and attendance. RAs, depending on the policies of each building, also assist with evening check-in, lights out, and help to organize and supervise dormitory jobs. RAs receive training each fall so that they may better perform their myriad functions.

Gaming Boarding students, while permitted to play video games during free time in the student lounges, are not permitted to use the large-screen SKS televisions in the dormitories as the monitors for these games. Students may convene and play on their laptops, but the television is not to be used. Any student found to be gaming past 12:00 am on weekdays and 1:00 am on weekends (appointed time for all room and desk lights to be off) will be made to surrender their laptops and/or other gaming devices at lights out for a to-be-determined period of time. Students who display a serious addiction to gaming may be required to participate in counseling if deemed beneficial.

Accountability and Evening Check-in During the free evening hour from 8:00 to 9:00 students have the options of remaining in their own dormitory, visiting a fellow student in another samesex dormitory, or remaining on the school grounds in plain sight. Students may also use the gymnasium and Student Center during the evening hours.

Weekday check-in is at 9:00 pm and weekend check-in is at 10:00 pm. Sunday night check-in is at 7:00 pm.

Students are required to be in their rooms at these specific times so that RAs and Dorm Parents can account for them. Dorm Parents conduct nightly room checks at these appointed hours.

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Lights Out Lights out times are consistent for the entire campus. From Sunday through Thursday, students are required to be in their own rooms with overhead lights out at 10:00 pm. Students may work at their desks with the use of a desk lamp until no later than 12:00 am. At this time all lights must be out in student rooms. The internet will be cut off to each dormitory at 11 pm on school nights, and 1 am on the weekend.

On Fridays and Saturdays, check-in is in the dormitory lounge at 10 pm.

Students are required to exit the common area and be in a room in their dorm at 12 am. At this time, the lounge and hall lights will be turned off by a dorm leader. Individual rooms may remain lit on Friday and Saturday night until 1 am, but the dorm should be quiet so that students and faculty can sleep.

Dorm Rooms Each room is equipped with the essentials, a bed, mattress, closet, desk, chair, bookshelf, and window blinds. Students should be careful not to over-pack; bring only what is necessary at the beginning of the school year, and then acquire additional items as the year progresses.

A suggested packing list for boarding students: • blankets/bedspreads • pillows • towels/washcloths • laundry bags • clothes hangers

• desk lamp/floor lamp • music/sports/art equipment • foot locker or safe for storing valuables

The amount of non-academic dress code clothing brought by each student should be kept to a minimum, as space is limited, and superfluous clothing can overwhelm a room. In general, students should have some warm-weather clothes for the first and last month of the school year, but more importantly, students should have appropriate cold-weather clothes.

All students should have the following items: • winter hat/gloves • winter jacket • wool (or other warm fabric) sweater

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• long underwear/lined pants • boots

Shipping Trunks and other baggage may be sent to: Student’s Name The Storm King School 314 Mountain Road Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520-1899

Summer Storage Returning students may box and store items at school over the summer for a fee of $35 per large box or piece of luggage. These items are returned at the beginning of each school year.

Dormitory Fire Safety For everyone’s safety, students must not: Have an open flame in any building Use a fireplace without immediate supervision and permission from a dorm parent on duty Be in possession of or use any firearms, ammunition, fireworks, or other explosives Tamper with or cover over fire extinguishers, smoke/heat detectors, fire alarms, etc.

Hang tapestries in the rooms or hang anything from the ceiling or sprinkler pipes Arrange furniture in such a way that it hinders their ability to exit quickly Have electrical appliances for cooking or heating in the room Use any electrical cord not UL approved A faculty member who notes a violation of a Fire Safety Guideline will warn the student(s) responsible, point out the consequences of a continued violation, and may confiscate the item(s) violating the guideline. Students must immediately correct any violations. Continued noncompliance or repeated offenses may result in the student being placed in the Formal Discipline process. sks.org 41

Fire/Emergency Drills Fire drills are important and necessary. All students and faculty will be expected to treat them with the utmost seriousness. When students hear a fire bell ringing, they should immediately exit the building in a quick and orderly fashion and report directly to the designated area to check-in with the appointed dorm leader or resident faculty member from their building.

When students hear a fire bell ringing, they should report to the following places at the following times: 8:00 am –3:45 pm: The main field between Orr Commons and the Administration Building, unless in their dormitory (see below).

3:45 pm–9:00 pm: Outside the building they were in and report to the faculty member in charge of the building.

9:00 pm– 8:00 am: Cottage: The athletic field in front of the dorm Highmount: The lawn between the dorm and Art Center road McConnell: The lawn between the dorm and Deer Hill Road Dempsey: Next to McConnell Stone: The lawn in front of Ogden Hall Spyrock: the lawn in front of the dorm

Room Condition Whenever a student is either moving in or moving out of a dormitory room, a Room Condition Form must be filled out by the dorm head or another faculty member together with the student. This ensures that any and all damage to the dorm room is charged to the appropriate person responsible. Keeping a clean room is one of the most important factors to a successful boarding experience. At the beginning of the school year, residential students will sign a room cleanliness pledge that outlines the expectations for all boarders on a daily basis.

In order to ensure compliance, rooms will be inspected regularly by RAs and Dorm Parents. If a room does not meet the agreed-upon standard, the student(s) responsible for the infraction may be reported to the Office of Student and Residential Life. The Office of Student and Residential Life is 42 The Crest

responsible for tracking and implementing consequences for room cleanliness, according to the following schedule: 1st Instance Student will be issued a warning by a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life.

2nd Instance Student will be placed in Jug until the room has been cleaned satisfactorily.

3rd Instance (or more) Student will meet with the BISC and placed in the formal discipline process.

Room Searches SKS is obligated to ensure that illegal contraband materials, dangerous items, or stolen articles are not kept in students’ rooms. For the health and safety of the community, the School reserves the right to search student rooms. In most instances, the items sought will be described before the search, and the student whose room is being searched is present. In some emergency situations, rooms may be searched without the presence of the student in question. If any contraband other than what was originally sought is discovered during the search, or if the search reveals any other violation of the School’s expectations, the faculty members conducting the search will confiscate any illegal items, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are responsible for their rooms and the contents within them.

Keys and Room Security The Business Office issues room keys at the beginning of the school year. Fees will be assessed for each lost key and any lock damaged due to student usage.

Students who lose their keys must report the loss immediately to their Dorm Parent or the Office of Student and Residential Life. They will then be directed to the Business Office to have their key replaced. Any student in possession of keys reported lost or stolen may be subject to dismissal or severe consequences that include the replacement of recently missing items. Failure to turn in found keys immediately is a punishable offense.

Students who exit their dorm room and building must lock their room, and conversely, students in their rooms must leave their door unlocked. This is a fundamental rule to dormitory life at Storm King. Anyone entering a room must knock first before entering. sks.org 43

Guests If a student wishes to have a guest on campus, he or she must obtain permission from the Office of Student and Residential Life in advance. Day students are the only people who may be authorized to stay overnight as boarding student guests. There is a $50 fee for an overnight stay. All other guests must leave campus before evening check-in, and are only permitted to enter the lounge areas of the dormitories, unless permission is granted by the administrator on duty.

Laundry The School provides washers and dryers free of charge for students to use.

Students are reminded not to overload machines or leave laundry in them for extended periods of time. Detergent is available in the School Store.

Students also have the option of using a laundry service. Laundry goes out on Wednesday and returns Friday. The fee is by the pound for bulk laundry, and per garment for dry cleaning. Pick-up and delivery is arranged through the Business Office.

In an effort to encourage the practice of good hygiene, the School provides a linen service free of charge for boarding students. Each Friday, students may turn in their bed linen and they will receive a clean set of two sheets, one pillowcase, and two small towels. Students should bring these items to the Business Office.

Mail All student mail, both incoming and outgoing, is handled in the Business Office. Students should seek to pickup and/or send their mail only during openwindow operating hours. Students and parents are encouraged to limit the number and scope of packages received in the Business Office, remembering that dormitory rooms are limited in size and space. Packages may be opened with the student present in the Office of Student and Residential Life if the staff believes the packages contain over-the-counter medications, supplements, narcotics, or any other illicit items prohibited on campus.

The School Store The School Store is a general store located on the bottom floor of Orr Commons. It sells school uniforms, snack food, beverages, personal items, 44 The Crest

and other nonessentials as well as Storm King athletic apparel and academic supplies. The store hours will be posted. Students purchase items using cash, credit, or debit cards.

Automobiles Boarding students may not have access to or drive an automobile while they are at school, either by having it on campus, storing it nearby, or borrowing one from a day student. Day students seeking permission to drive to and from campus each day must have permission from the Office of Student and Residential Life (forms are available at registration), and must abide by the contract contained in the form. Any violation of the contract may result in the loss/suspension of on-campus driving privileges.

Weekend Leave Policy Students in good standing, who do not have academic, athletic, or other school obligations, are permitted to leave The Storm King School on weekends unless the weekend has been designated a closed weekend on the official School calendar published at the outset of the year on sks.org. Closed weekends require students to remain on campus as a way of acclimating them to boarding school life after vacations, or to promote participation in large school events such as Homecoming or theater productions. All other weekends are considered open, and students are permitted to sign out and leave campus.

Any boarding student wishing to leave on a weekend must have his or her parent or guardian contact SKS via email no later than Wednesday preceding the weekend. The age of the student is irrelevant—students who are 18+ are still required to obtain permission. Parents and guardians are required to send these permission emails to weekendsignout@sks.org. Phone calls or text messages are not sufficient to legally sign a student out for the weekend.

The Office of Student and Residential Life reserves the right to deny a leave request if it is made too late or if there are inconsistencies or uncertainties in the travel plans. Students who decide to remain on campus after having a weekend leave approved must notify the Dean on Duty as soon as possible and no later than dinnertime on Friday.

Weekends begin after a student’s last obligation on Friday. Once a student has left campus for the weekend, he/she is not to return temporarily for any reason sks.org 45

unless given permission by the Dean on Duty. Students who return from a weekend early are to check in with a faculty member on duty immediately.

Students must be back on campus from their weekend no later than 7 pm Sunday to report to their dormitories for check-in. Students returning late from a weekend without communication will face disciplinary action from the School. If, for any unavoidable reason, the student cannot return to campus by the specified time, a parent should call the Dean on Duty before the student is expected back. If a student has not reported for Sunday check-in, the Dean on Duty will contact the student’s parent or guardian to determine the student’s whereabouts.

Day permissions, in which students venture off campus and return on the same day, are only granted with parent permission and the authorization of the Office of Student and Residential Life or the Dean on Duty. Students are required to be back on campus by check-in.

Notes

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Notes

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DISCIPLINE

SECTION 4

Discipline at the Storm King School revolves around the core ideals of truth, respect, and responsibility. Members of the community who understand and live by these ideals are welcomed and celebrated at The Storm King School. The Storm King School does recognize that, as emerging adults, students will make mistakes and momentarily disregard our core ideals. In these instances, the goal of the disciplinary process is to educate and support students in their quest to improve themselves, and to live up to the expectations of the community. The Storm King School does recognize that some violations of the disciplinary code are so egregious that separation from the School is necessary to maintain order in the community.

All members of The Storm King School community have a hand in maintaining our high standards. Students are expected to maintain both their own discipline, and to help their peers when they stray from the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values. Faculty and staff members are expected to model our core values, and to exercise sound judgment when interacting with and interpreting student behavior. As a school that values cooperative and collaborative work, discipline is not solely the work of the Office of Student and Residential Life, but a duty that all members of the community should embrace. The Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life is the point person for all incidents that allegedly violate the disciplinary code. In this way, an accurate record of behavior may be kept to help ensure consistency in the administration of the process.

In addition to the Office of Student and Residential Life, there are other committees and structures that help to maintain discipline at The Storm King School. The Behavior Intervention and Support Committee (BISC) is a group of faculty members who meet regularly to discuss general discipline issues as well as specific incidents and students. Students may be required to meet with this committee when they are in violation of the disciplinary code. The goal of this committee is to provide strategies and guidance to students so that they may better understand the expectations of the community. The Judicial Committee (JC) is composed of both faculty and student leaders. This committee may be convened when there is a question of fact regarding an alleged violation, or when a student reaches a point in the discipline process when separation from SKS is a strong possibility. Finally, the Headmaster is sovereign with respect to determining whether a violation has occurred and the appropriate discipline for such violation. At his or her sole and absolute discretion, students may be disciplined up to and including immediate dismissal from the School or be remanded to a different committee or step in the formal discipline process. sks.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x2026; â&#x20AC;&#x2026;49

General Expectations SKS students are expected to understand and abide by the letter and spirit of the standards and expectations of The Storm King School. The principal expectation of the School is that students value the truth, and conduct themselves in an honest manner. One part of conducting oneself with honor and integrity is to admit when a mistake has been made, or when one has not been truthful. When confronted with a question concerning one’s own behavior, a Storm King School student must embrace the truth regardless of the consequences. Students who are found to habitually lack the ability to be truthful are working against what it means to be a member of The Storm King School community, will face disciplinary action from the School.

Furthermore, it is each student’s responsibility to understand the policies and procedures of The Storm King School. The Storm King community understands that adolescents are prone to making decisions that are not fully grounded, and that, through the course of discovery and maturation, students may exhibit behavior that is challenging and/or unacceptable. The goal of the Storm King community in these situations is to educate students as to what is acceptable behavior, and then to work with students to develop strategies and behaviors that encourage growth and compliance with the community standards.

The Storm King School is committed to providing all students a safe school environment in which all members of the community are treated with respect.

Individuals have a right to feel both safe and respected in the environment in which they live and learn. Thus, The Storm King School recognizes that some actions are absolutely unacceptable, as they threaten the safety of the community and its individuals. As a result, The Storm King School has deemed the following to be violations of major school rules.

These violations may result in the dismissal of the student responsible: Theft Distribution, possession or use of drugs or alcohol Violation of fire safety policies Sexual harassment, hazing, or bullying Physical violence 50 The Crest

Possession of weaponry or explosives A demonstrated unwillingness to abide by School rules Computer/internet/technology abuse The following are breaches of expected conduct at The Storm King School. Consequences for these infractions may range from a verbal warning to dismissal, depending upon the behavioral record of the student in question: Check-in/sign-out violations Sexual impropriety, including sexual conduct between students where consent is legally impossible because of the age difference between the students Vandalism Unlawful entry Disrespect/insubordination Unexcused absences Excessive tardiness Dormitory violations

Formal/Informal Verbal Warnings Prior to placing a student at Step One of the formal disciplinary process, a student may be verbally warned and counseled by a member of the Storm King School faculty or staff. These warnings are known as informal warnings, and may or may not be reported to a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life. A formal warning is always administered by a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life, and officially entered into the conduct database as a behavioral consequence.

Jug Jug is the term given to the School’s form of detention. The term is derived from the Latin, Jugum, meaning yoke or burden. Faculty and staff may give a student Jug for behavior that contradicts the expectations and policies of the School.

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Jug is governed by the following terms: 1. A faculty or staff member’s decision to issue Jug cannot be contested by the student.

2. Jug is served either after school on the day it is given, or in the evening following study hall.

3. Students given Jug must report to the Administration Building immediately after the last academic bell on the day the Jug is given. At that time, the student will be met by a member of the Office of Student and Residential Life, who will coordinate and oversee the Jug. Jugs typically last one hour, but may vary slightly in duration.

4. If a student is scheduled to participate in a school-sanctioned athletic contest or extracurricular event (exclusive of practices and general meetings) on the day Jug is issued, he/she may REQUEST to serve Jug after school the following day instead; this request may be granted at the discretion of the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life or his/her designee(s).

5. A student who skips Jug will be considered truant incurring further penalty and will serve Jug for the next THREE school days.

6. Any student who receives three Jugs in one semester will be placed at Step One of the formal disciplinary process, necessitating a BISC meeting, parental contact, and one or more of the consequences outlined at the end of this section.

7. Saturday Jug may be assigned and served at such times as deemed necessary by the Office of Student and Residential Life.

Formal and Expedited Discipline At The Storm King School, we provide both a formal disciplinary process that takes into account the need for justice and an ethic of care, and reserve the right to take expedited disciplinary action where the Headmaster, in his or her sole and absolute discretion, determines such action is necessary under the circumstances. The formal disciplinary process is designed to be developmental in nature and provides a structured context in which a student can learn a healthy value system and sound decision-making skills.

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In general, the formal disciplinary process is a two-step system. The two-step process is designed to enable students to examine their behaviors and take appropriate, supported actions to modify these behaviors. The placement of a student at either step of the formal process represents a clear indication from The Storm King School administration that the student is not meeting the expectations of the community. Depending on the nature and severity of the incident in question, and on the history and record of the student involved, a student may be placed directly at Step Two of the formal process.

Despite the availability of the formal disciplinary process, the Headmaster may take expedited disciplinary action including the determination of whether a violation has occurred and the appropriate discipline for such violation. At the Headmaster’s sole and absolute discretion, students may be disciplined up to and including immediate dismissal from the School and thus bypassing the formal disciplinary process entirely, or be remanded to a different committee or step in the formal disciplinary process.

Step One A Storm King student placed at Step One of the formal disciplinary process has either accrued multiple infractions or committed a single violation of a school rule. The declaration of a student at Step One initiates the following actions taken by the school administration: Parental notification: Parents and/or guardians will receive both oral and written notification of the Step One placement BISC meeting: Student will meet with the Behavioral Intervention and Support Committee to discuss and implement strategies to improve behavior Disciplinary consequence: Student may be given one or more of the consequences described later in this section

Step Two Placement at Step Two of the formal disciplinary process is a clear indication from The Storm King School that a student’s position at the School is in jeopardy. A student will be placed at Step Two as a result of his/her failure to change their behavior following Step One procedures. Students may also be placed immediately at Step Two for egregious infractions or violations of major sks.org 53

school rules. The declaration of a student at Step Two initiates the following actions taken by the school administration: Parental notification: Parents and/or guardians will receive both oral and written notification of the Step Two placement Judicial board hearing: Student may appear before a joint student/ faculty committee to discuss a specific incident and/or cumulative behavioral record Disciplinary consequences: Students may be given one or more of the consequences described later in this handbook The Judicial Board hearing yields a disciplinary recommendation, which is forwarded to the Headmaster for a final decision. If the student is allowed to remain a member of the community, he or she may be placed on probation, meaning that any subsequent violations may result in dismissal from The Storm King School.

Judicial Committee Procedures As stated before, the Judicial Committee is a joint student-faculty committee that meets as a consequence of a student being placed at Step Two of the formal discipline process. Depending on the nature of the violation, The Storm King School Administration may choose to convene an all-faculty or allstudent Judicial Committee. Typically, two students and two faculty members are chosen from a preselected pool of eligible members, and constitute the voting body of the Judicial Committee. The committee is chaired by a nonvoting member of the Office of Student and Residential Life, who has read the incident reports and all related documents, and leads the questioning of the student.

Before appearing at a Judicial Board hearing, the student in question is given ample notice, and encouraged to communicate with his/her Advisor regarding the hearing. The Advisor is asked to accompany the student to the hearing, and to act on behalf of the student during the hearing. If a student wishes to substitute his or her Advisor for another faculty member, he or she may do so as long as the Office of Student and Residential Life has been notified. In addition, a parent or guardian of the student in question is notified prior to the hearing. A parent or guardian is not permitted, however, to come to campus and participate in the Judicial Board hearing.

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Students are expected to be forthright and honest during Judicial Board proceedings. Dishonesty during these hearings shall be viewed as a clear indication that the student is not capable of being a member of The Storm King School community.

As stated before, after deliberation and vote, the Judicial Board gives a recommendation to the Headmaster, who ultimately makes the final decision.

“Reach” of the School Members of The Storm King School community are always under the jurisdiction of all local, state, and federal laws. Once students have initially enrolled at The Storm King School, they are responsible for their actions regardless of location, and can be held accountable. Thus, The Storm King School reserves the right to discipline students for an act committed while not under the School’s direct jurisdiction or supervision, or on the School’s premises. Such acts will be evaluated at the sole and absolute discretion of the School, which reserves the right to deviate from the regular disciplinary process as deemed necessary under the circumstances.

Violence Policy Students must never resort to physical confrontation to resolve their differences. Fighting for any reason will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action including possible suspension or dismissal, loss of privileges, parental conference, probation, or other disciplinary action deemed appropriate. Fighting includes (without implied limitation) the throwing of punches, knees, or kicks, or a serious physical struggle. Likewise, threatening another will not be tolerated. Threatening includes any behavior which purposely places or attempts to place another in fear of imminent bodily injury or physical contact.

The possession of a weapon or other dangerous object in a school building or on school property, or at school functions is prohibited and may result in suspension, police intervention, and possible dismissal. Dangerous objects include (without implied limitation) items such as guns, firearms, explosive devices, knives, slingshots, and pepper sprays.

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Theft Policy In the case of theft in a dormitory or on school grounds, a student should immediately report the theft to the dormitory faculty on duty, and as soon as possible thereafter to the Office of Student and Residential Life. An incident report must be completed, and the School will do what is reasonable to locate the missing or stolen items. In some cases, it is necessary to involve the local police department. The School assumes no responsibility for money or personal property stolen from students.

Theft is not tolerated at The Storm King School. A student found in violation of this major SKS rule may be dismissed immediately.

Policy on Bullying, Hazing, & Sexual Harassment Bullying, hazing, and harassment of any kind are not tolerated at The Storm King School. Any student found to have engaged in these activities shall be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal. The Storm King School may also be bound to report such actions to the appropriate authorities.

Bullying occurs when a student is the target of negative actions, usually in the form of intentional, repeated, hurtful acts, words, or other behavior such as: Intimidation Name-calling Social alienation Physical aggression Hazing is defined as any conduct, coercion, or intimidation used as a method of initiation into a group, organization, team, or activity which is likely to endanger the mental or physical health of any student.

It is a crime to participate in any student hazing. Under the law, the implied or even express consent of any person toward whom any act of hazing is directed is not a defense to hazing.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Some examples of sexual harassment include: 56 The Crest

Sexual innuendo Verbal harassment, including derogatory comments or slurs Inappropriate comments about a person’s body or appearance Physical harassment such as unwanted touching, patting, pinching, or physical interference with movement or work Visual harassment such as drawings, posters, or graffiti Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of bullying, hazing, or sexual harassment shall report the incident to the Office of Student and Residential Life, Dorm Parent, Advisor, Headmaster, or any trusted faculty member. In addition, any student who is aware of harassment of any kind involving other members of the community shall report this information to one of the aforementioned authorities on campus.

Reporting Violations Each student is required to follow the School’s procedures for registering a complaint about any act of unlawful discrimination or harassment to enable the School to deal swiftly, efficiently and fairly with the situation and the fellow students, faculty, or staff involved, and to maintain a safe and nurturing educational setting.

Students who believe they have been subjected to wrongful discrimination or harassment must do the following: Take immediate action: Tell the person, if it is safe to do so, to stop the unwelcome or offensive behavior. Remove yourself from harm’s way.

If the unwelcome or offensive behavior is by a student and persists, or it is not safe to confront the person: Immediately advise a member of the school faculty of your complaint and the details of the occurrence. Your complaint will then be made in writing, and signed by you. The faculty member will bring your written complaint to the attention of the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life. If for any reason you do not feel comfortable discussing the matter with a faculty member, or the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life, find a member of the School’s administrative team with whom you are comfortable talking.

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If the unwelcome or offensive behavior is by a faculty member and persists: Immediately advise a member of the School’s administrative team of your complaint and the details of the complaint. Your complaint will then be made in writing, and signed by you. The member of the administrative team will assist you in writing your complaint, if you request. The administrative team member will bring your written complaint to the attention of the Headmaster.

The Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life and the Headmaster, or their representative, will investigate your written complaint and make a determination as to the charges and the appropriate remedy, which may include disciplining, expelling, or terminating the alleged offender, providing counseling, or modifying the alleged offender’s schedule, depending on the circumstances. The complaining student will be notified of the determination.

A student or parent of a minor student making any complaint may ask that the student’s name not be disclosed to the harasser or that nothing be done about the alleged harassment. Requesting confidentiality may limit the School’s ability to respond. Notwithstanding any confidentiality request, the School will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the student’s request as long as doing so does not prevent the School from responding effectively to the harassment and preventing harassment of other students.

Retaliation against a student complaining of harassment is prohibited by federal law. A student should notify the School if he or she is afraid of reprisals from the alleged harasser. The School will take steps to prevent retaliation and respond strongly against any retaliatory action.

Every student has the right, at the student’s expense, to consult an attorney or file a complaint with the Federal Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights, and possibly bring a legal action to recover damages. Note that there are strict time limitations on your right to file complaints under state and federal laws.

In addition, any student who is aware of harassment of any kind involving other members of the community shall report this information to one of the aforementioned authorities on campus.

Drug and Alcohol Policy The Storm King School is committed to a drug-free and alcohol-free campus.

Students who distribute alcohol or drugs on campus shall be dismissed 58 The Crest

immediately. In addition, students who are found using or test positive for, or are in the possession or the presence of drugs, alcohol, or related paraphernalia, shall be subject to disciplinary consequences.

SKS recognizes that drug and alcohol abuse is an issue to both health and community safety. In most cases, students who violate this policy are placed at Step One of the disciplinary process, which necessitates parental notification and mandatory counseling. The Office of Student and Residential Life and SKS health professionals will work closely with the student’s family and Headmaster to create and implement the appropriate actions as a consequence.

The Storm King School reserves the right to administer drug and alcohol testing to any of its students. This testing may only be mandated by the Office of Student and Residential Life or the Headmaster, and is executed by a professional, independent organization. When this organization is not available, the testing will be executed by the school nurse. Should a student refuse the screening, the School retains the right to dismiss the student. In many cases, students who violate the Drug and Alcohol Policy are placed on regular testing schedules to ensure compliance. Students and their families are responsible for the cost of these tests.

A second drug and alcohol violation may result in the placement of the student at Step Two of the formal disciplinary process, which is a formal Judicial Board hearing. At this point, the student’s standing at The Storm King School is in jeopardy, and dismissal may result.

Fire Safety Policy The Storm King School does not tolerate students that jeopardize the safety of all by creating fire hazards on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, using an open flame or heating element (candles, irons, hotpots) in or around the dorms; smoking or burning any substance inside a school building; and tampering with any fire and/or safety equipment. Students who violate this important rule are subject to immediate dismissal from The Storm King School.

Tobacco Policy The Storm King School is committed to a tobacco-free campus. Therefore, Storm King School students may not smoke cigarettes, use smokeless tobacco, possess any tobacco products, or knowingly be in the presence of sks.org 59

such behaviors while under the School’s jurisdiction. SKS considers electronic cigarettes, and vape pens, regardless of whether the oil contains nicotine, included in this prohibition on campus. The most egregious violation of the smoking ban at SKS occurs when a student smokes tobacco or any other substance inside an SKS building, as this also violates the School’s fire safety policy. This behavior will not be tolerated, and offenders will be dismissed from SKS. If a student is caught smoking outside a school building, whether on school grounds or off, he or she will be placed in the formal disciplinary process and be given consequences associated with this process. The student will also be required to meet with the school nurse for a health evaluation.

Repeat offenders may be mandated by The Storm King School to enroll in and complete an accredited smoking cessation program as a criterion for continued enrollment at the School. Students and their families are responsible for any fees associated with this program. Refusal to enroll in a smoking cessation program will be considered noncompliance by The Storm King School, which reserves the right to dismiss any noncompliant student.

Publicity of Disciplinary Action The Storm King School reserves the right to raise at any school meeting any issue of discipline regarding a student for the purpose of furthering the educational learning exposure of students and the school community overall.

Disciplinary Consequences Students who violate The Storm King School community standards are subject to disciplinary consequences based on the two-step formal process previously outlined or by expedited disciplinary action. These consequences are not vindictive, but intended to reinforce student understanding of the expectations of the community, and to protect the community. The following are examples of disciplinary consequences: Jug Students may be assigned to Jug as described in the preceding pages. This is the School’s form of detention.

Campus Restriction Students given this consequence are allowed to leave campus only on trips approved by the Office of Student and Residential Life. Weekend restriction 60 The Crest

includes any work mandated by the Dean on Duty including community service or campus work.

Room Restriction Boarding students on room restriction lose their free hour in the evenings and are required to remain in their rooms unless reporting to an obligatory event or meal. This consequence is used when it is deemed necessary to separate individuals to allow time for conflict to abate, or as a means of keeping individuals more closely supervised.

Loss of Privileges Students may lose their right to participate in athletics, arts, room study, or other community events if in violation of community standards.

Counseling and Outpatient Education Students may be required to meet with professional counselors either on or off campus if in violation of certain school rules. In some instances, outpatient education programs (at the cost to the student) may be required before a student can re-enroll at The Storm King School.

Formal Warning A student who receives a formal warning by the Office of Student and Residential Life is being made aware that his or her behavior is not meeting the expectations of the School.

Social Probation Social probation alerts a student that his or her position at The Storm King School is in jeopardy. Students may be given social probation when they reach Step One of the disciplinary process. The Judicial Board may also recommend social probation as a result of a hearing. A student on social probation who incurs a major violation or repeated minor infractions may be dismissed from The Storm King School.

Suspension School suspensions may be either internal or external. External suspensions require physical separation from the School. Students will be released into the custody of parents or guardians. Upon return, a suspended student must meet with the Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life to discuss his or her standing at SKS. Internal suspension places a student in the Administration Building during classes and with faculty members during meals, and includes loss of privileges and room restriction for boarding students. sks.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x2026; â&#x20AC;&#x2026;61

Dismissal/Expulsion Students who are dismissed or expelled from The Storm King School are required to leave campus immediately. The Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life or his or her designee(s) will communicate with the parent or guardian to facilitate the earliest possible departure. Any student dismissed or required to withdraw from The Storm King School for disciplinary reasons may not be on the School’s campus for any reason. Should it be necessary for the student to return to campus for any reason, prior consent must be received from the Office of Student and Residential Life. The Headmaster is the only individual who may dismiss a student from The Storm King School.

Student Dismissal Policy The Storm King School recognizes that students sometimes make poor decisions that unfortunately result in forced separation from the School.

Understanding that there is a range of behaviors that would result in such a separation, the School has instituted the following policy that establishes three types of separation: Suspension Students found to have violated a major school rule are oftentimes suspended from school. Suspension is a temporary separation from the School that is intended to offer the student and his/her family a time to discuss the student’s behavior and reach consensus regarding the necessity of adhering to school rules in the future. While away from school on suspension, the student is responsible for any missed academic work and must make up any missed tests or quizzes immediately after returning to school. Upon returning from suspension, students will be placed on “social probation” for a period of time that is determined during the disciplinary process that led up to the suspension.

During social probation, if that student violates another major school rule, the likely consequence is dismissal or expulsion.

Dismissal Students who have committed an egregiously serious offense, or who have violated a major school rule while on social probation, are likely to be dismissed or expelled. Dismissal is a complete separation from the School. However, after a period of time determined by the Headmaster, dismissed students may reapply for admission. Their application will be considered as are those from other prospective students and an admission decision will be rendered based upon the student’s academic and social progress since leaving SKS, as well 62 The Crest

as other current circumstances the Admissions Office and the Headmaster find relevant. Readmitted students may begin their new enrollment under probationary status, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Headmaster.

Expulsion Students who have committed the most serious of offenses are subject to expulsion. Expulsion is a complete, permanent separation from the School. Expelled students are barred from campus presence for as long as the Headmaster deems appropriate. They may not reapply to SKS for readmission.

Nothing in this Student Dismissal Policy limits the sole and absolute discretion of the Headmaster to take expedited disciplinary action where he or she determines such action is necessary under the circumstances.

Notes

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Notes

64 The Crest

Important Phone Numbers Main Phone Number: 845.534.7892

Admissions: 845.534.9860

Toll Free: 800.225.9144

Dean on Duty Cell: 845.629.0344

Headmaster Jonathan W.R. Lamb, 845.458.7511, jlamb@sks.org Assistant Headmaster for Finance; CFO Ray Hecht, 845.458.7518, rhecht@sks.org Assistant Headmaster for Admissions & Marketing: Marek Pramuka, 845.458.7542, mpramuka@sks.org Assistant Headmaster for Student & Residential Life Alan Lewis,845.458.7516, alewis@sks.org Dean of Academics Tim Lance, 845.458.7539, tlance@sks.org Assistant to the Headmaster Denise Sollami, 845.458.7534, dsollami@sks.org Director of Athletics Joseph Graziosi, 845.458.7544, jgraziosi@sks.org Director of Student Health Services Cindy Neville, R.N., 845.458.7524, cneville@sks.org

The Stor m King School 314 Mountain Road, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520

sks.org