2014 2015 Lower School Family Handbook

Quick Reference for Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Main School Number ........................... 846-9051 For best service, dial directly whenever possible Attendance/Tardiness:

Main Office

846-9051

Admission & Financial Aid: Leslie Durgin, Assoc. Dir. 847-5462

Development:

Kristen Farnham, Dir.

847-5422

Business:

Bill Clark, COO

847-5426

Communications:

Kristi Belesca, Dir.

847-5423

Ice Arena:

Alex Kloza, Mgr.

846-2384

Upper School Questions:

Eric Austin

847-5441

Middle School Questions: Marissa Markonish

847-5 431

Heidi Lathrop

847-5432

Lower School Questions:

Leslie Durgin

847-5462

Jen Elkins

847-5487

Marissa Markonish

847-5431

Athletics:

Jack Hardy, Dir.

847-5456

Peter Gerrity

847-5457

Interim Head of School:

John Drisko

847-5444

Health Services:

Ashley Moody, RN

847-5402

Library:

Jill O’Connor

847-5455

Report Cards/Transcripts: Carol Harris

847-5442

Student Billings:

Lisa McGlinn

847-5425

Jackie Jones

847-5424

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY Lower School Family Handbook 2014 - 2015

All information contained herein is provided exclusively for the use of the NYA community for purposes related to our academic and extracurricular programs and should not be used for any other purpose.

North Yarmouth Academy Lower School Family Handbook 2014-2015 Table of Contents Welcome & Mission Statement .......................................................................... 1 Academic Information ................................................................................... 2-6

Academic Overview ....................................................................................... 2

Reporting System ............................................................................................ 3

Student Records .............................................................................................. 4

Academic Support Services ........................................................................... 4 Library .............................................................................................................. 6 Computers ....................................................................................................... 6

General Procedures & Policies ..................................................................... 7-16

Drop-off at School ......................................................................................... 7

End of Day Pick Up ........................................................................................ 7

Late Fees .......................................................................................................... 7

Before and After Care .................................................................................... 8

Combination Lock .......................................................................................... 8

Attendance Policies ........................................................................................ 8

Tardiness ......................................................................................................... 9

Appointments & Early Dismissals ............................................................... 9

Snow Days ....................................................................................................... 9

Communications from NYA ...................................................................... 10

Food & Dining ............................................................................................. 10

Phones & Electronic Equipment ................................................................ 13

Dogs on Campus Policy ............................................................................... 13

Student Dress Code ...................................................................................... 13 Halloween ...................................................................................................... 16

Lost & Found ................................................................................................ 16

Community Standards ............................................................................... 16-22

Honor Code .................................................................................................. 16

Core Values ................................................................................................... 17

Standards of Behavior ................................................................................. 17

Discipline Policy for Toddler and Primary Students ............................... 17

Discipline Policy for Elementary Students ............................................... 19

Academic Dishonesty ................................................................................... 19

Computer Use Policies (grades 3 & 4) ....................................................... 20

Student Harassment Policy ......................................................................... 21

Health Services............................................................................................ 23-25

Health Service Office .................................................................................... 23 Confidentiality .............................................................................................. 23

Health Forms ................................................................................................ 24

Forms to be completed by parent or guardian ......................................... 24

Injury or Illness ............................................................................................ 25

Medication .................................................................................................... 25

Promoting a Healthy Environment for the School .................................. 25 Other ................................................................................................................ 26

Statement of Nondiscrimination................................................................. 26

FERPA Notification....................................................................................... 26 FAQ Contact ....................................................................................... Back cover

Welcome to North Yarmouth Academy North Yarmouth Academy is a close, small school community where students discover great opportunities to pursue their interests and develop their talents.

Within this community, a student will encounter other students and faculty with a wide variety of abilities and interests. All members of this school community are bound together by mutual respect, trust and common commitment to achievement.

The Lower School Family Handbook is written with information specifically for the staff and families of the Lower School at North Yarmouth Academy.

It outlines the basic principles, philosophy, requirements and guidelines of the school. A successful community must have certain goals, values and standards that everyone must understand and respect. Please understand that this Handbook is not intended to cover all aspects of the relationship between families and the Academy, and that NYA reserves the right to change policies and procedures at its sole discretion.

The NYA Board of Trustees has approved the Mission Statement that follows:

North Yarmouth Academy Mission Statement North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational school. The Academy offers a structured program that establishes clear standards and high expectations in an environment that emphasizes values of mutual respect, trust, and community. North Yarmouth Academy is dedicated to fostering integrity, character, and intellect in its students.

The North Yarmouth Academy program encourages students to develop: • Problem-solving skills based on sound analytical and creative thought • Sophistication in writing, speaking and artistic expression • Appreciation for the importance of athletic activity, teamwork and cooperation • Self-confidence and self-respect through a breadth of experiences that extend beyond the classroom • Concern for the larger community and an appreciation for the natural environment • Desire to continue the process of lifelong learning

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Academic Information Academic Overview The Lower School program fosters and encourages a sense of wonder in children, providing a natural foundation as they develop into students who have a deeper understanding and respect for learning and knowledge. It builds on values that connect children throughout the school: cultivating integrity, character and intellect to help the students of today prosper as learners and innovators throughout their lives. The Lower School begins with Montessori methods through the second grade and moves to an approach in the third and fourth grades that continues to nurture curiosity while preparing for an easy transition to the Middle School.

Toddler Program | 18 Months – 3 Years Old: The Toddler Program provides a warm and inviting setting for our youngest students, aged 18 months to 3, and welcomes them to the Montessori classroom. The nurturing environment supports the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of each child as they continue their growth toward independence. Learning is child-directed and focuses on social-emotional development. All areas of the Montessori classroom are represented in this setting and include: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Cultural, Geography, Science and Peace. The Montessori materials, which are slowly introduced to the children in small group lessons, reside on the shelves in their respective locations for the children to choose of their own free will. Working with these materials fosters concentration, independence, and the development of gross and fine motor skills. Circle time encourages and builds a community atmosphere and includes songs and finger plays that help support emerging Language and Math skills. Additionally, the children enjoy Creative Movement and Music.

Primary Program | Pre K and Kindergarten: The Primary Program embodies the Montessori philosophy of teaching and welcomes children aged 3 through kindergarten. Montessori education nurtures children’s desire to learn and work collaboratively across age groups as they develop a wide range of intellectual, social and emotional skills. Embedded within the heart of this approach is the Great Period, a block of time dedicated each day to independent work and individual or small group lessons on a wide variety of topics including practical life, natural science, language, math, and art. Children have the freedom to work at their own pace, and teachers gently guide them, but the overarching educational goal remains to inspire rather than instruct. Children learn through exploring and manipulating materials designed to provide the opportunity to think, feel and discover. These activities help lay the foundation for increasingly

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abstract thinking, all within the context of connecting with teachers and other students. Students in the Primary Program also pursue enrichment courses each week, including Music and Movement or Physical Education.

Elementary Program | Grades 1 and 2: Montessori methods of teaching continue to provide the foundation for the program in grades 1 and 2. The Great Period that lies at the center of the Primary Program allows elementary students to move from big-picture understanding to more intense focus on details, using specially selected classroom materials to enliven abstract thinking. Within this rich and open environment, teachers guide students through an expansive exploration of culture, language, art, mathematics and science as well as concepts that shape social learning and understanding. Time management and executive functioning skills appropriate to each age group are integrated into the program.

Students in grades 1 and 2 continue their involvement with enrichment classes in Music, Foreign Language and Physical Education.

Elementary Program | Grades 3 and 4: The program in grades 3 and 4 continues to create strong connections and paves the way for students to move with ease to our grade 5 curriculum. The approach is student-centered, and begins to incorporate more formalized elements in various subjects. Teachers place increasing emphasis on developing fluency in mathematics, reading and writing. They inspire and support each student to reach her or his potential while embracing a love of learning. With the guidance of their teachers, students continue to drive their own educational discoveries as they begin to tackle increasingly complex concepts in preparation for their transition to the Middle School. Students in grades 3 and 4 continue to deepen their commitment to enrichment classes, which includes Music, Strings, Visual Arts, Foreign Language and Physical Education.

Reporting System Regular contact between parents and teachers happens throughout the year.

In addition, there are set times of more official contact for teachers to provide updates on the progress and goals of each student.

Toddler, Primary, and Grades 1-2: Early September: Early November: December:

February: Mid-April: End of year:

Parent Information Session.

Mid-semester Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Close of fall semester. Written class summary sent out in early January.

Parent observations in the classroom.

Mid-semester Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Written comments for all students.

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Grades 3-4: Early September: Early November: December:

Mid-April: End of year:

Parent Information Session.

Mid-semester Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Close of fall semester. Written comments and progress reports sent out in early January.

Mid-semester Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Written comments and progress reports for all students.

Student Records Student Files: Current individual student files are kept in a locked, fireproof cabinet in the Main Office and are maintained by the Registrar. NYA policy requires parents and students of the age of majority to make a request to view a child’s permanent file to the Registrar at least 24 business-day hours in advance.

When a student graduates, most materials are purged from the file. A copy of all high school transcripts, NYA applications, and attendance records are kept in perpetuity. In some instances, other material may be maintained for a limited time.

Because we do not keep immunization records in perpetuity, it is advisable for parents to maintain their own record for future use.

Transfers/applications to other programs: Students applying for entrance to summer schools and special programs, or transferring to other schools should give their completed application material to the Head of Lower School and should notify and/or submit transcript request forms to the Registrar. According to the policy established by the NYA Board of Trustees on March 1, 1988, no records will be forwarded from NYA in the name of any student with an outstanding account.

If a student requires a letter of recommendation, the student or parent should speak directly to the teacher about obtaining a recommendation. The appropriate form(s) with name and address and a stamped, preaddressed envelope should accompany the request.

Academic Support Services All students are expected to complete the NYA academic program. The school wishes to be clear with parents and students regarding the accommodations that are available to help students meet with success in our academic program. NYA offers the following academic support to all its students: -4-

• Classroom teachers are available to meet with students for extra help, either individually or in small groups.

• Students who have difficulty with fine motor skills may be permitted to use a laptop for major assessments.

• On-campus tutoring is available in certain subjects at an additional cost.

Also, teachers can recommend off-campus tutors if needed.

North Yarmouth Academy does not provide: • Remedial educational services.

• Educational testing.

Parents or teachers who think a student may have a disability should consult with the Division Head. A course of action will be discussed and implemented. This may include a referral to Yarmouth Student Services for an initial meeting to review student performance and potentially recommend testing.

NYA provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, where necessary to enable the student to receive equal educational opportunities and where the requested accommodations may be provided without undue burden to the school. Decisions regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations shall be made on a case-by-case basis by the Head of Lower School, after consultation with the student, the student’s parents, teachers and any appropriately qualified educational evaluators or health care providers.

Some examples of reasonable accommodations that may be made to a qualified student with a disability include: • Participation in annual Independent School Plan meetings with an NYA administrator and faculty along with evaluators from the Yarmouth School Department • Extended time to complete written tests and assessments.

• Oral follow-up by teachers to written testing.

• Use of peer notes while note-taking skills are being developed.

• Oral clarification of written directions on exams or assignments.

• Tape recording of lectures and class discussions.

• Recorded books.

• Proctored testing in a quiet, separate area.

• Appropriate seating in the classroom.

• Location of classrooms in accessible areas.

No one student will need all of these accommodations. Specific accommodations will be based on the nature and extent of the student’s disability, after a careful review of the diagnostic information. Other reasonable accommodations may be provided where educationally necessary and where they do not impose an -5-

undue burden to the school. Any adjustments to the academic program must be consistent with the academic support services outlined in this document and must be approved by the members of the IEP team and the Division Head. In addition, North Yarmouth Academy will not, except in extraordinary circumstances, modify graduation requirements or modify course content, course requirements, homework assignments or testing methodologies.

Library The NYA library is available to provide access to print and non-print media for the NYA community. We are working to slowly build the library collections to include materials suitable for students in the Lower School. In addition, there will be access to reading materials in the Lower School building and classes will regularly visit the Merrill Memorial Library in Yarmouth. All NYA students may have access to their collections. Our librarian will collaborate with the Lower School teachers in supporting their curriculum and sharing resources with the students. Borrowers are responsible for lost or damaged materials.

Computers Beginning in the third-fourth grade classroom, students will be introduced to using computers for school use. The third and fourth graders will have computer accounts, but will only use computers in the lab with their classroom teacher.

This very limited access will help to provide a safe and slow introduction to computer use and safety. Students below grade three will not have computer accounts at NYA. There are five PC computer labs on campus: one in the Library, one in the Mertz Science Center, one in the student lounge, one in the Savage Middle School, and a specially equipped lab for modern language study in Russell Hall. The great room and the 3-4 classrooms in the Lower School are also equipped with multimedia technology designed to complement and enhance the classroom experience.

The computers provide an extraordinary research and study tool for students. It is expected that students will treat this equipment respectfully and appropriately.

Failure to do so will result in loss of use privileges and potentially disciplinary consequences.

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General Procedures & Policies Drop-off at School Unless the student is enrolled in Before Care, morning drop-off for Lower School is between 7:45 and 8:00 am. Students in grades 1 through 4 may sign themselves in at the Lower School reception desk; parents should sign in all Toddler and Primary students. The short-term parking spaces and turn-around in the Curtis driveway are reserved for Lower School families only. Due to the potential danger to students, drivers should refrain from dropping off students in the driveway itself or in the rear faculty parking lot of the Curtis building. If drivers should choose to park on Main Street, be sure to not park in the clearly marked “No Parking� areas by the crosswalks. Parents also should be aware that seniors park on Main Street, and when parents occupy those spots, they make it difficult for seniors to find a place to park. Driving down Storer Street, parking behind the First Parish Church, and/or dropping off behind the Lower School (on the Storer Street side) are not permitted.

End of Day Pick-Up Pick-up for half-day students is at 11:45 am. Unless the student is enrolled in After Care, afternoon pick-up is between 2:30 and 2:40 pm for Toddler and Primary, between 2:40 and 2:45 pm for Grades 1 and 2, and at 3:00 pm for Grades 3 and 4. As with morning sign-in, students in grades 1 through 4 may sign themselves out. Parents of Toddler or Primary children should come into the reception area, pick up their child, gather any belongings, and then sign out.

Again, the short-term parking spaces and turn-around in the Curtis driveway are reserved for Lower School families.

Late Pick-up Fees The safety of our students is always our foremost concern and students will be monitored by NYA staff until pick-up. It is essential, therefore, that parents are respectful of the demands placed on staff and be on time for pick-up each day. In the event of an unavoidable delay (e.g. traffic due to an accident or an unexpected emergency), parents should make every effort to contact the school to let them know of their arrival and pick-up plan. With the exception of extreme circumstances, there will be a $10 late pick-up charge per each ten minute increment (e.g. 1-10 minutes late = $10; 11-20 minutes late = $20) as it is necessary to keep additional staff on in such situations.

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Before and After Care To accommodate different family schedules, we offer both Before and After Care options. Before Care is available beginning at 7:15 am. There are three options for After Care: until 5:00 pm one-two days per week; until 5:00 pm three-five days per week; or for one hour five days per week. Families enrolled in After Care are asked to provide us with their pick-up plans each Friday morning for the following week. Late pick-up fees go into effect after the designated end time of the selected After Care plan.

Combination Lock As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for our students, we have installed a combination lock to the door at the front entrance to the Lower School. The combination lock will only provide access during the school day (including Before and After Care). This door will be bolted after hours, on weekends, and in the event of an emergency. All other Lower School entrances will be locked from the outside at all times and will be utilized as exits only.

NYA will provide the combination to Lower School parents and/or guardians.

The combination will be changed approximately every six months and should be kept confidential. If someone other than a parent or guardian regularly transports a child, the parent may share the combination with him or her. If a friend or relative will pick up a child occasionally, NYA staff will open the door for them.

To open a door with a combination lock, press each number in order and push down the handle to open the door. If there is a mis-key, simply push down the handle to reset and then re-enter the combination. If the door is bolted, the combination will not allow the door to open. Please be sure to never try to force the lock.

Attendance Policies Daily attendance is taken each morning between 8:00 and 8:30 am. A parent should email Jen Elkins (jelkins@nya.org) or call the office (846-9051) by 8:15 am when a student will be absent all day, arriving late, or leaving early - even if the parent has informed the classroom teacher. It is our policy to call the parents of students who are not accounted for.

Regular class attendance is essential to the learning process. Not only do students gain knowledge through teacher explanation and presentation, they also learn from their peers and, in turn, enrich the learning experience for others.

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The Academy strongly discourages non-essential absences. If at all possible, family trips should be scheduled during school vacation. The school calendar is published months in advance to aid families with their planning.

Absences in excess of 15 days may require that the student repeat the grade. In extraordinary cases of prolonged illness or disability, documented by a physician, the faculty may exercise its discretion to modify this policy. In this event, the Academy may ask the family to hire a tutor to aid the student in making up all missed course work.

If parents must take their student out of school for three days or more, it is essential that they inform the office and communicate with the classroom teacher to make plans for make-up work as necessary.

In addition, if parents go away for an extended period of time and leave the student in someone else’s charge, the Academy would appreciate advanced notification from the parents. If someone else will be calling in absences, etc., the Academy must have notification on file in the Main Office indicating where the parent or guardian can be reached in case of an emergency.

Tardiness As late arrivals disrupt the flow of the class, we strongly encourage students to arrive on time each day.

Appointments & Dismissals To take a student out of school before the end of the day, a parent should send a note stating the reason for dismissal and the time of departure or call prior to 8:00 am on the day of early dismissal. Parents must sign the student out at the Lower School reception desk and sign them in again upon returning to school.

Snow Days Because it is sometimes necessary to cancel or delay the start of a school day due to stormy conditions, we urge families to listen for reports on the local radio and television stations or check the NYA website from 6:00 am during times of bad weather. Due to the variety of weather patterns, from Boothbay to Biddeford and from Bridgton to Freeport, it may look like clear going in one town while another is “snowed under.” The administration makes cancellation/late start decisions with student safety as a top consideration. If school is not cancelled, and a parent feels it is too dangerous for their student to be on the road, they may simply call the Main Office. On days when road conditions require slower speeds, families -9-

should plan to leave early enough to allow for the extra driving time that is needed, though we will certainly be understanding of late arrivals.

If it has already or will soon stop snowing but the road crews have not been able to clear the streets, the administration may decide to delay the start of the school day. If this is the case, it will be announced on local radio and television stations and the NYA website. Buses will be delayed two hours in this instance.

In the event that snow arrives unexpectedly or earlier and/or heavier than predicted, the administration may decide to call for an early release from school.

If this is the case, we will make every attempt to contact parents. The early release will be announced on local radio and television stations (if possible) and will be posted on the NYA website. The school will remain open until all children can be safely picked up by parents or other authorized individuals.

Communications from NYA Information about upcoming NYA events, such as parent-teacher conferences, guest speakers, concerts, etc., can be found on the NYA website: www.nya.org.

Families will receive updates, highlights, and additional information via the bimonthly e-newsletter, Panther Pause. Information about specific classes can also be found on the Lower School classroom pages.

Teachers may also contact parents via email, handouts in take-home folders, and phone calls.

If you are a family with two parents living separately, we will gladly, at your request, send information to both parents. Please contact Carol Harris in the Main Office at 846-9051 if you have any questions or if you have a change of address, phone number/s, or email address/es.

Food & Dining Food and Dining in the Toddler and Primary Programs: Food and dining play an important role in the classroom as students will be eating snack and lunch daily. The lunch table can serve as a place where bodies are nourished with wholesome food and minds are stimulated with interesting conversation. Thank you for assisting us to reach these lofty yet attainable goals!

Lunch: Our goals are to: • Encourage healthy eating habits • Teach courteous table manners • Avoid waste of food and packaging • Learn to set up for lunch • Offer thanks for our food and friends - 10 -

Suggestions for lunch: • Parents should provide each child with a lunch box or bag; an ice pack to keep lunch cold; a reusable plastic container (approximately 5x5); a cloth napkin; and silverware as needed.

• Healthy lunch options might include: sandwiches such as soybean butter and jelly, meat, or cheese; macaroni and cheese; dinner leftovers; cheese with fruit and crackers; vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, cucumber; fruit (whole or cut pieces); and yogurt or smoothies.

• Please try to avoid: “junk food” (e.g. processed fruit roll-ups, lunchables, candy, etc.); glass bottles; and pre-packaged items or disposable packaging.

• Cookies and chips should be limited.

• Classrooms are peanut- and nut-free (no peanut butter or nut products of any kind).

• The school will provide cups and a pitcher of water for each table.

• We have a microwave to heat lunch if necessary, although in the warmer weather we may be eating outside and sandwiches are definitely easier!

Snack: Children’s level of hunger in the morning varies greatly from child to child and day to day. We accommodate this variation by allowing children to consume their morning snack when desired. All children will have a simple, healthy morning snack each day. All full-day primary students will have an additional snack each afternoon. NYA will provide the snacks for the first two weeks of school. We then ask each family for their assistance in taking turns with the weekly grocery shopping for snacks. Each family will be assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to bring in the groceries and supplies that the class will use to make snacks. Foods are generally limited to fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Because of potential food allergies, we do not allow nuts or peanuts. Other food allergies are dealt with on an as-needed basis.

Food and Dining in the Elementary Program | Grades 1 and 2: Lunch: Beginning in first grade, students will have lunch in Safford Center, the NYA cafeteria. Students may bring a packed lunch from home or purchase from the variety of options available through NYA Dining. Dining services offers made-to-order sandwiches, homemade soups, a hot entrée, salad bar, and a variety of healthy snacks each day. All students will have a dining account set up with NYA. If they choose to purchase items in the cafeteria, they may do so with cash or using funds pre-loaded on their dining account. To help avoid confusion and to aid in making healthy choices, teachers will assist students with ordering their lunches in advance. The dining staff will have student lunches ready and waiting when they arrive in the cafeteria.

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Snack: Children’s level of hunger in the morning varies greatly from child to child and day to day. We accommodate this variation by allowing children to consume their morning snack when desired. Children should bring a simple, healthy snack to eat in the classroom each morning. Busy days also lead to busy appetites and students usually find themselves hungry again each afternoon.

Therefore, students will need an additional snack for the afternoon. Students may bring this snack from home or purchase a snack in the cafeteria to be saved for later.

Food and Dining in the Elementary Program | Grades 3 and 4: Lunch: Beginning in first grade, students will have lunch in Safford Center, the NYA cafeteria. Students may bring a packed lunch from home or purchase from the variety of options available through NYA Dining. Dining services offers made-to-order sandwiches, homemade soups, a hot entrĂŠe, salad bar, and a variety of healthy snacks each day. All students will have a dining account set up with NYA. If they choose to purchase items in the cafeteria, they may do so with cash or using funds pre-loaded on their dining account. To help avoid confusion and to aid in making healthy choices, teachers will assist students in ordering their lunches in advance. The dining staff will have student lunches ready and waiting when they arrive in the cafeteria.

Snack: Students in grades 3-4 have the special treat of having their morning snack break alone in Safford Center. This snack break will occur each day at 9:00 am. As with lunch, students may bring a snack from home or purchase one from dining services. Busy days will continue to lead to busy appetites and students will thus usually find themselves hungry again each afternoon. Therefore, students will need an additional snack for the afternoon. Students may bring this snack from home or purchase a snack in the cafeteria to be saved for later.

Please Note: All Lower School classrooms are peanut- and nut-free. Because of potential food allergies, we do not allow peanut butter or nut products of any kind in the classroom. Other food allergies are dealt with on an as-needed basis.

Thank you for your assistance in helping our students enjoy healthy and nutritious food and good company!!

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Phones & Electronic Equipment Use of personal electronic equipment is prohibited during the school day.

Among the prohibited items are the following: • Cell phones • IPods, MP3 players, and other music devices • Portable DVD players • Video game consoles (handheld or complete systems) • IPads and tablets • Video cameras Permission for school day use may be granted by a teacher on a case by case basis if the equipment is needed for a specific class assignment. On the first violation, the electronic equipment will be confiscated for the day. Repeated failure to follow these guidelines will result in disciplinary consequences.

If older students need to use a phone during the school day, they may ask the teacher for permission to use one of the phones in the Lower School. Parents should be sure that the student knows how they can be reached during the school day. If Caller ID should indicate that a call was generated from the Academy, please be aware that we have no way of knowing from which of our extensions (80+ all over campus) a call was placed. Therefore, please encourage your student to always leave a message if they call during the school day.

Dogs on Campus Policy Dogs are not allowed in the buildings of NYA when school is in session and there are students in buildings. For the practicality of this policy, this means from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. This prohibition does not apply to guide dogs or assistance dogs. Dogs are permitted outside on campus grounds.

Owners are required to clean up after their pet.

Student Dress Code The dress code at North Yarmouth Academy is a tradition that symbolically distinguishes NYA from other schools and represents a set of values that are important to the Academy. NYA recognizes the importance of approaching one’s education with seriousness and dedication. However, the Academy also recognizes the importance of comfort and self-sufficiency for our younger students. The Lower School dress code attempts to affect positively the way students feel about themselves by promoting neatness, proper grooming, comfort, and safety, while at the same time allowing enough flexibility for individuality and self-expression.

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School dress is worn during the academic day from arrival until pick-up, for away events and field trips, and for all school appointments.

For all Lower School Students: Bottoms: • Pants (no blue jeans) • Knee length Bermuda shorts • Knee length skirt • Knee length dress • Until age 4: only elastic waist – no belts, buttons, snaps, or overalls Tops:

• Polo shirt • Collared button up shirt • Sweater • T-shirt (plain or with non-commercial graphics; no TV or movie characters) • No hoodies or athletic sweatshirts

Outside Footwear: • Closed toe (no flip-flops, loose sandals, or crocs) • Easy on-off (most students should be able to do so by themselves) • No light-ups, squeakers, wheelies, etc.

• Weather appropriate • Sneakers for PE class (age 4 and up) Inside Footwear: • Simple full-foot slippers or moccasins (no animals or commercial characters) • Crocs for Elementary (grades 1-4) only • Easy on-off (most students should be able to do so by themselves) • Should be left at school Rain Gear: • Raincoat • Rain boots or weather appropriate footwear • Hat (optional and for outdoor use only) Snow Gear: • Winter weather appropriate coat or jacket • Snow pants • Winter hat • Mittens or gloves (waterproof is best) - 14 -

Extra Clothing: • All students should have one complete change of clothing kept at school (remember socks and underwear!)

• Primary students should have a second complete change of clothing • Toddlers and Young Primary students should have two additional pairs of underwear and/or pull-ups • Families of Toddlers and Young Primary students should provide a regular supply of pull-ups and wipes Many of the restrictions on the Lower School Dress Code are in place to limit distractions in the classroom and during the school day. This includes any items that promote commercial characters (e.g. Stars Wars or Dora) and clothing that lights up, makes noise, etc. If an article of clothing is deemed unacceptable for any reason, the student and/or parent will be notified and asked not to wear the article again.

Please LABEL all clothing items.

Dress-Up Days:

On occasion, the Administration may ask the students to abide by a more formal dress code (Convocation and Awards Day are examples). Dress for these days is as follows: Elementary (Grades 1-4): • Pants (no shorts), collared button-up shirt, tie (Boys) • Knee length skirt or dress (Girls) Primary: • Pants (no shorts), polo or collared button-up shirt (Boys) • Knee length skirt or dress (Girls)

Dress Down Days:

From time to time, the Administration may allow for dress-down days. On dress down days, students may also wear blue jeans, shirts with commercial graphics, hoodies, athletic clothing, and sweatshirts. Short shorts; skirts shorter than knee length; torn, patched, faded, or dirty clothing; hats; and any clothing which advertises or advocates violence or inappropriate content are still NOT permitted.

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Halloween Halloween is a big occasion at NYA and the Lower School celebrates with a variety of activities throughout the day. Parent volunteers help with the festivities as the classes carve pumpkins, make crafts, do seasonal activities, and have some special treats. The Lower School students have a special parade mid-morning.

In the afternoon, the 3-4 class attends the Middle and Upper School Halloween Parade in the gym. Parents of younger students who would like to attend may pick up their child and join the fun. Students wear costumes as part of the celebration, but we ask that they stay in keeping with the dress code – nothing too scary, no weapons of any kind (swords, guns, light sabers, etc.), no masks, and no commercial (movie or TV) characters. Animals (e.g. cat, dog, lion), careers (e.g. chef, doctor, firefighter), book characters, Halloween classics, and silly creations are all great choices. This is a wonderful opportunity to be creative and keep things simple.

Lost & Found There is a Lost & Found bin located in the reception area of the Lower School as well as at various locations around campus. Items in Lost & Found will be removed and donated to an appropriate agency approximately every month.

Be sure to check the Lost & Found bins regularly and retrieve missing items.

Labeling items will help us to ensure that everything is returned to the proper owner.

Community Standards Honor Code All students, staff and faculty of North Yarmouth Academy accept membership in an academic community dedicated to the pursuit of intellectual and personal growth. North Yarmouth Academy seeks to provide opportunities for educational excellence, both inside and outside the classroom, and to assist students in developing the social and ethical values necessary for community life, including personal integrity, judgment, and an appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity. The Academy thus expects students, staff and faculty to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the school’s pursuit of its educational objectives, as the integrity of the community depends on each member’s acceptance of individual responsibility and respect for the rights of others.

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NYA Core Values The NYA community values the following character traits: Respect • Expressing tolerance toward others with words and actions.

• Interacting politely and appropriately with others.

• Caring for one’s surroundings.

• Value self and others.

Honesty • Seeking to tell the truth.

• Accepting ownership and responsibility for actions and work.

• Establishing and maintaining trust in all relationships.

Perseverance • Persisting in the face of challenges.

• Continuing to do the right things when it is difficult.

• Making consistent ethical choices.

Compassion • Being sensitive to the feelings, perspectives, and needs of others.

• Reaching out to and helping those in need.

• Showing empathy by being sensitive to the perspectives, needs and feelings of others.

• Standing up for others.

Responsibility • Demonstrating accountability for personal behavior.

• Taking the initiative to do the things that are expected of one.

• Following through with commitments and obligations.

Standards of Behavior Mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to academic achievement are the cornerstones of education at North Yarmouth Academy. Faculty and staff strive to maintain a campus in which all students feel valued and respected, and where effective teaching can take place. Students in the Lower School are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the values of this institution.

Discipline Policy for Toddler and Primary Students Children in the Toddler and Primary programs are expected at all times to show respect for each other, the teachers, and the environment. Teachers provide the children with clear examples of positive behavior and how to act in specific situations through Grace and Courtesy exercises. Through gentle redirection, the setting of clear limits, and teaching in neutral moments, the discipline of the classroom is maintained. If these measures should not work and a child - 17 -

should continue to lack self-control, a teacher will separate the child from the group and sit with him/her until he/she regains their control to resume normal class activity. At no time will harsh or abusive punishment be used, nor will the child be neglected or humiliated. It is understood that children need to learn to respond to their emotions in a positive and constructive manner. One function of the classroom is to guide children through this process of developing selfdiscipline and awareness of their role in a group.

If a child should show some of the behaviors below on a continual basis and it cannot be modified, we may request that this child have a reduced schedule or leave the program. Such behaviors may include: • Constant over activity, undirected toward any specific activity • Lack of attention span for any activity or encounter during the day • Inability to follow even simple instructions or requests • Uncontrolled emotional state when spoken to • Being destructive to the room and the materials • Being unable to separate from the parents after one month in school If such behaviors should occur on a frequent basis, any or all of the following may occur: • The teacher may ask the parents for a conference to notify them of the problem and to discuss both the issues and potential measures to remedy them.

• The staff may make careful, written observations of the child’s behavior for a period of several days and may share such observations with the parents.

• Follow-up meetings with the parents, teacher, and administration may be scheduled.

The parents may be asked to: • Explore options for outside support • Reduce the child’s schedule • Withdraw the child until a later date • Withdraw the child from the school Such measures are taken in the best interest of the child, the parents and the other children. School readiness and stress in social situations can sometimes only be evaluated after a child is present in the program. While the behavior may be only temporary in the child’s life, it is the responsibility of the parents rather than the school to modify difficult behavior patterns. Our teachers and staff will do their best to provide the parents with support, basic advice, and encouragement.

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Discipline Policy for Elementary Students Just as in the Toddler and Primary programs, elementary students are expected at all times to show respect for each other, the teachers, and the environment.

Teachers and students join together to develop classroom rules and expectations and to work in support of one another. Students who engage in unacceptable behaviors will meet with the teacher and, in the event of more serious issues, with the Head of Lower School. Parents will be notified as necessary and brought into the conversation as partners to help their child learn more appropriate behavior.

If an elementary student should continue to have difficulty following the guidelines of the classroom or if unacceptable behaviors should occur on a frequent basis, any or all of the following may occur: • The teacher may ask the parents for a conference to notify them of the problem and to discuss both the issues and potential measures to remedy them.

• The staff may make careful, written observations of the child’s behavior for a period of several days and may share such observations with the parents.

• Follow-up meetings with the parents, teacher, and administration may be scheduled.

The parents may be asked to: • Explore options for outside support • Reduce the child’s schedule • Withdraw the child until a later date • Withdraw the child from the school The staff will work together with the family in support of each student and make decisions which are in the best interest of the child and the other students in the class.

Academic Dishonesty In the Middle and Upper School, Academic Dishonesty is taken seriously. In the Lower School, students are learning to explore and ask questions. Teachers will work with students to help them begin to understand acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Any student copying material from another student, book, or website will discuss the situation with his/her teacher in order learn from the incident.

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Computer Use Policies The NYA computer network places both great power and great responsibility in the fingertips of its users. The ethical questions related to the network do not differ from those related to other areas of school life, and students should be aware that the values in the school’s Honor Code apply to their use of the computers.

Students in grades 3 and 4 will have limited, teacher-monitored access to computers at NYA. Each student will be provided with a password-protected user account on the network. All student work should be saved and stored on this account; this is the only personal account students should access from school equipment.

Students should keep in mind that their use of school computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. The computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the Academy. Students should have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers.

The following are examples of unacceptable uses that may be considered violations of the Honor Code: 1) Deliberately accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit or suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal.

2) Using the school’s computers, networks and Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other Academy policies, procedures and/or rules.

3) For safety, it is important that students never give out over the Internet personal information (address, phone number, etc.) to someone they do not know. It is imperative never to release such information about another individual.

4) The security of the school’s computers, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any student who identifies a security problem should notify the system administrator immediately. The student shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any student who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have his/her privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.

5) Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission.

6) Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the Internet.

7) Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator.

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8) Using the school’s computers, networks and Internet services for nonschool-related purposes, such as shopping, private financial gain, or commercial, or political advertising or solicitation purposes. Incidental use for personal communication is permissible, provided such use complies with school policies, procedures, and rules.

9) Sharing passwords, using other students’ passwords, and/or accessing other students’ accounts.

10) Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school’s computers, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.

11) Accessing chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the system administrator.

12) Accessing personal email accounts and/or creating from within the school homepages other than those provided by the school for student use.

13) Using the school’s computers, networks and Internet services for games, including online games or games included within homepages.

14) Using the school’s computers, networks and Internet services to forward any chain letter or spam-type mass mailing.

Student Harassment Policy North Yarmouth Academy asserts in its mission statement that it emphasizes values of mutual respect and trust. Accordingly, our school seeks to create a community that is free of verbal or physical conduct that harasses, offends, disrupts, or interferes with an individual’s educational or professional performance or that creates an intimidating or hostile environment. NYA’s policy encompasses all forms of unlawful harassment, i.e., harassment based upon an individual’s race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or disability, but school policy goes further than the law mandates.

NYA’s policy prohibits any harassment that has the effect of interfering with a student’s educational environment, even if the harassment is not based upon the student’s legally protected status.

Sexual harassment in particular warrants a clear, specific definition. Sexual harassment is an unwelcome or unsolicited behavior with sexual content or directed at an individual because of his or her gender that is severe or persistent enough to create a hostile environment. It encompasses a wide range of behavior including but not limited to unwanted touching and grabbing, demeaning or sexist comments, implicit or implied threats accompanied by sexual advances, or suggestive or sexual gestures and communications. Sexual harassment can be between people of the same or different genders. Unlawful harassment of students may be perpetrated by other students, faculty members, coaches, administrators, bus drivers, employees, volunteers, contractors, or others who have access to students at school.

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Hazing is a form of harassment that also warrants a clear specific definition.

Hazing is an intentional action taken, situation created, or any conduct or method of initiation into any school organization, club, or team under direct school sponsorship that denies a person his or her individual rights or results in mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule, or endangerment.

Hazing should be understood to include any forced treatment or physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any student, or which subjects a student to extreme stress. Additionally, hazing can include exaggerated or excessive teasing. The fact that a hazing victim may seem willing or may even agree to participate in some form of personal embarrassment or physical/mental danger does not change or lighten the responsibility of the one who is doing the hazing. In addition, any person who knowingly witnesses or fails to report knowledge of any incidents of hazing may be considered to be a participant in the hazing.

Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic device to convey content of a harassing or intimidating nature to an individual or group. These communications can be text, audio, video, or image that is intended to harm, embarrass, insult, or threaten in a repeated or unwanted manner. Examples of this type of harassment may include but are not limited to the following: threatening or insulting postings on internet sites; posting or sending of embarrassing or mocking photographs or videos; use of a person’s email or cell phone to send embarrassing or threatening messages; perpetuating harassment by forwarding harmful or mocking content.

Students who believe that they have been harassed or students and parents who have information about harassment of others should report to any of the following: their classroom teacher, Head of School, or Head of Lower School.

Care should be taken to preserve any evidence of the harassment (copy of emails, texts, or online postings) if at all possible.

North Yarmouth Academy will promptly, thoroughly and as confidentially as possible investigate all reports of harassment and will take appropriate action to prevent recurrence of the harassment. Every reasonable effort will be made to protect from retaliation any student who comes forward in good faith to report harassment.

Harassment may be considered severe misconduct, jeopardizing a student’s position in the school.

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Health Services Health Service Office (HSO) The Health Service Office is open routinely from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. The school nurse/designee provides health services, consultation, resources and education to students, parents, faculty and staff. The goal of the HSO is to maintain and/or improve the physical, mental and emotional health of students by promoting self-care behaviors that encourage healthy choices and maximize the student’s ability to learn.

Programs supported by the HSO include but are not limited to: • Vision and Hearing screening for 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th grade students and Vision screening for 9th grade students.

• Program descriptions supported by the Health Office are found on the HSO website.

Confidentiality All original health forms submitted are kept in the HSO. To provide information to designated persons providing care to students, the Health Information & Authorization for Health Care form is copied and placed in a non-revealing envelope/binder to assure confidentiality. Copies are provided when a student is off campus for field trips, athletic events, or other school related activities and are located in areas on campus for access by school personnel providing care.

Designated areas on campus are the Main Office, Middle School Office and areas designated by the Crisis Management Team.

• It is important for the school nurse, designated faculty/staff and emergency health care providers to have current/updated information in order to provide safe and appropriate care. During the school year, parents should notify the HSO of any changes in a student’s health status, including illness, injury, or change in prescription medication.

• If there is information you are concerned about submitting on any form, please contact the school nurse to discuss your concerns and develop a plan.

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Health Forms To ensure health and well-being of students, specified health forms are required and need to be submitted for each student. It is important that the HSO receive all health forms prior to the start of school. If forms are not received within two weeks of the student’s first commitment at NYA, the student will not be allowed to attend any NYA function including academic classes unless prior arrangements with the school nurse have been made. All forms are reviewed by the school nurse and stored in the HSO.

Forms to be completed by parent or guardian • Health Information & Authorization for Health Care (annually).

• Maine School Asthma Plan (biannually if indicated by diagnosis of asthma or a change in the plan) • Food Allergy Action Plan (biannually if indicated by diagnosis of food allergy or a change in the plan) • Authorization for Administration of Medication by School Personnel (when medication is required during school and/or when off campus at a school sponsored event)

Forms to be completed by healthcare provider • Physical Exam (on entry to NYA, and as needed to maintain an exam on file less than 24 months old) • or Waiver of Exam (after initial physical submitted and then due dates of physical exam) • Immunization Record/Exemption (on entry and updated on physical every two years) • Maine School Asthma Plan (biannually if indicated by diagnosis of asthma or a change in plan) • Food Allergy Action Plan (biannually if indicated by diagnosis of food allergy or a change in the plan) • Authorization for Administration of Medication by School Personnel (when medication is required during school and/or when off campus at a school sponsored event)

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Injury or Illness • First aid and over-the-counter medications are available to all students in accordance with the student health forms submitted by the parent or guardian. Care is usually provided by an RN, but when not available by faculty/staff.

• If a student needs to go home due to illness/injury the school nurse or Main Office will contact the parent/guardian/designated emergency contact to come and pick up the student. It is important to keep contact phone numbers up to date so that the student can go home in a timely fashion.

• If an emergency exists for an ill/injured student, 911 will be called, and every effort will be made to contact parent/guardian. A designated NYA employee will accompany any student transported to the hospital and remain with the student until the parent/guardian arrives.

Medication • Students are NOT allowed to carry medication (prescription/over-thecounter) unless authorized by the Health Office and with a physician order.

• If a student requires medication (prescription/over-the-counter) during school hours, a parent MUST notify the Health Service Office, discuss the plan for administration and complete the appropriate forms: Physical Exam, Physician Authorization for Prescription Medications or a signed prescription. Medication MUST always be in the original labeled container.

• It is important that the NYA Health Service Office and Emergency Health Providers are aware of all medications students are taking whether during school hours or not. If changes occur during the school year, please contact the Health Service Office.

Promoting a Healthy Environment for the School Please keep students at home if they are ill. A few possible indicators of illness: a temperature of 100.5 or higher, throwing up or being too nauseated to eat breakfast, diarrhea, a sore throat that hurts to swallow or breathe, incessant coughing, pounding headache, exhaustion, aching all over. Rest and quiet will help students improve faster, and will prevent exposing the school community. If the student has a contagious/communicable disease (i.e. strep throat, chicken pox or conjunctivitis/pink eye), contact the HSO to discuss the time period required for exclusion from school.

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Other Statement of Nondiscrimination North Yarmouth Academy is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all its students, faculty, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. For that reason, North Yarmouth Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, disability or any other legally protected status in its programs, organizations, activities and conditions of employment and admission. In addition, North Yarmouth Academy provides reasonable accommodation to qualified disabled students and employees, and applicants for admission and employment, unless the proposed accommodation poses an undue hardship.

Consistent with applicable state and federal rules relating to interscholastic athletic competition, North Yarmouth Academy does make appropriate distinctions based upon age and gender of student athletes.

FERPA Notification Under FERPA, schools must generally afford students who are 18 years or over, or attending a postsecondary institution: access to their education records; an opportunity to seek to have the records amended; and some control over the disclosure of information from the records. At NYA a student over 18 or a parent may: Inspect and review their education records; seek amendment of inaccurate or misleading information in their education records; and consent to most disclosures of personally identifiable information from education records.

To seek access or amendment to educational records, contact in writing: John Drisko, Interim Head of School North Yarmouth Academy 148 Main Street Yarmouth, ME 04096

Complaints of alleged violations may be addressed to: Family Policy Compliance Office US Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920

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Quick Reference for Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Main School Number ........................... 846-9051 For best service, dial directly whenever possible Attendance/Tardiness:

Main Office

846-9051

Admission & Financial Aid: Leslie Durgin, Assoc. Dir. 847-5462

Development:

Kristen Farnham, Dir.

847-5422

Business:

Bill Clark, COO

847-5426

Communications:

Kristi Belesca, Dir.

847-5423

Ice Arena:

Alex Kloza, Mgr.

846-2384

Upper School Questions:

Eric Austin

847-5441

Middle School Questions: Marissa Markonish

847-5 431

Heidi Lathrop

847-5432

Lower School Questions:

Leslie Durgin

847-5462

Jen Elkins

847-5487

Marissa Markonish

847-5431

Athletics:

Jack Hardy, Dir.

847-5456

Peter Gerrity

847-5457

Interim Head of School:

John Drisko

847-5444

Health Services:

Ashley Moody, RN

847-5402

Library:

Jill O’Connor

847-5455

Report Cards/Transcripts: Carol Harris

847-5442

Student Billings:

Lisa McGlinn

847-5425

Jackie Jones

847-5424

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY Lower School Family Handbook 2014 - 2015

All information contained herein is provided exclusively for the use of the NYA community for purposes related to our academic and extracurricular programs and should not be used for any other purpose.