The Park School
Upper Division Handbook
Revised July 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1 I. Daily Life in the Upper Division
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Morning Arrival Morning Meetings Daily Schedule After-School Options Upper Division Tuesday Schedule Upper Division Lunch II. Academic Program
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Overview Homework Homework for Absentees Awards & Recognition of Excellence III. Student Expectations
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General Conduct Academic Honesty Technology and Online Communications Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Personal Appearance and Clothing School-Sponsored Social Events School Gatherings Off Campus (Not sponsored by the School) Discipline Guidelines IV. Upper Division Handbook In Brief
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Dear Upper Division Students and Parents,
This Upper Division Addendum to the Family Handbook has been developed in an effort to ensure that the expectations of the Park School community are clearly and consistently communicated to all families associated with Grades VI-VIII. Membership in this community brings with it both rights and responsibilities. The guidelines and policies in the Family Handbook apply to our entire community. However, we feel it is appropriate to focus particularly on our Upper Division where multiple transitions, daily contact with a variety of teachers, and the developmental challenges of early adolescence make life different from what Park students experience in Grades Pre-K–V. We ask both students and parents to review and discuss the information presented in this Addendum. It is particularly important that students and parents understand and support the guidelines around discipline, behavioral expectations, academic honesty, and the School’s bullying policy. We are proud of our students at Park, respectful of their differences, and eager to support the development of each individual’s character and sense of integrity. School should be a setting in which some rules and procedures are accepted by all as the necessary structure for learning and where those in authority always try to strike a balance between individual rights and the general good. Students’ and parents’ understanding and support of the guidelines in this Addendum helps to foster an atmosphere of trust and respect for all members of this community. Sincerely,
Scott Young Caroline Beasley Head of School Upper Division Head
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DAILY LIFE
I. DAILY LIFE IN THE UPPER DIVISION Morning Arrival Students are welcome to enter the building at 8 a.m. Early arrivals in Grades VI and VII must wait in the Dining Room before 8 a.m. Students in Grade VIII may wait by their lockers in the West Building. At 8 a.m., students in Grades VI-VIII go to their homerooms or lockers until 8:15 a.m., at which time students should be in their assigned seats in the theater or in their first period class for the beginning of the instructional day.
Morning Meetings Students and faculty in Grades V-VIII meet daily (except Tuesday) from 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for Morning Meeting. This daily assembly offers the School community a varied showcase of perspectives, entertainment, and announcements, and ends with a moment of silent reflection. Students who are late and arrive after 8:15 a.m. must check in with the Morning Meeting proctor at the door of the theater.
Daily Schedule 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Morning Meeting (or Period 1 class on Tuesdays)
8:35 a.m.-9:20 a.m.
Class Period 1
9:25 a.m. -10:10 a.m. Class Period 2 10:10 a.m.-10:20 a.m. Break. There is a snack available in the Dining Room. 10:25 a.m.-11:10 a.m. Class Period 3 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Class Period 4 12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch and Recess 12:50 p.m.-1:35 p.m. Class Period 5
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1:40 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
Class Period 6
2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
T.E.A.C.H. (Time for Enrichment, Advisory, Challenge & Help)
3:05 p.m.
Carpool pickup
3:15 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Optional after school activities
4:30 p.m.
After-school activities end
4:45 p.m.
Late bus departs
When academic classes are through for the day, Park’s older students are encouraged to participate in elective sports, after-school drama, or a supervised quiet study hall. These programs are available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons until 4:30 p.m. Between 3:15 – 4:30, parents need to pick up their children from sports/drama/study hall in person.
DAILY LIFE
After-School Options
If students who participate in an after-school activity need to be picked up between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., parents will need to park and pick up students directly from drama, athletics, or the library study hall.
Athletics/Drama Coaches and directors expect that athletes and actors will arrive promptly and remain until 4:30 p.m. for practice/rehearsal every day. If a student is unable to keep an after-school commitment on a given day, the student should communicate with the appropriate coach or the drama director to explain the absence. Once the season is underway, please check the Park website for the updated athletic schedule, including practice information and return times for away games. In addition, coaches will communicate directly with parents.
Study Hall There is a supervised study hall in the library every afternoon except Tuesdays from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Students do not need to pre-register for study hall and may attend on an occasional basis. Students may also attend study hall between athletic seasons or a term where they may not be involved with another after-school activity.
Academic Make-up (Ac-Mak) Academic Makeup is a required study hall held in the library. Upper Division students are asked to attend Ac-Mak when they fall behind in a subject or need extra help. Ac-Mak takes precedence over athletics or drama..
Upper Division Tuesday Schedule Each Tuesday, the Upper Division schedule is modified. Students begin the day at 8:15 a.m. with a first period class and have homeroom in the middle of the day. There are six 40-minute periods, and all students are dismissed at 2 p.m., so that faculty members can meet and take part in professional development programs.
Upper Division Tuesday After-School Program Students in Grades VI – VIII may register for an afternoon in the After-School Program (ASP) from 2 until 4:30 or 6 p.m. at an additional cost. The Tuesday ASP program for Upper Division students includes time for games, activities, and (weather permitting) outside play as well as a study hall. Fees vary based on duration of stay and financial aid is available for families who qualify.
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DAILY LIFE Page 4
Upper Division Lunch For Upper Division students, attendance at lunch is required, except for students at tutoring or in weekly club/council meetings. Lunch for Upper Division students begins at 12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays, students will eat lunch with their advisor and advisory group (12:25 Grade VIII and 12:50 Grades VI and VII). Students are to go directly to tables designated for their grade and should remain seated throughout the lunch period, unless they are getting food or cleaning up. A teacher on duty or the Division Head will dismiss each table at the conclusion of lunch for recess.  
Within a rigorous and dynamic curriculum, Upper Division teachers maintain high academic standards for their students. Students generally learn to read, write and think both logically and critically. They study English, mathematics, science, social studies, a foreign language, growth education, music, art and physical education. Students, under the supervision of advisors and coaches, also undertake a wide range of extracurricular endeavors. Each student is helped to develop self-confidence, to take responsibility, and to learn from working with others. Mutual respect between students and faculty underlies a demanding academic program of concept and skill development.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
II. ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Homework Homework serves three purposes: (1) to provide practice and reinforcement of the skills and content learned in school; (2) to serve as a springboard for the next day’s instruction; and (3) to extend a student’s critical and creative thinking beyond the content learned in school. The Upper Division faculty firmly believes that doing homework on a daily basis helps a student to develop scholarly habits of mind, a sense of responsibility, and the organization and timemanagement skills which are necessary for school success. In Grades VI-VIII, there are daily and weekend assignment in multiple classes. On average, each assignment in Grade VII and Grade VIII should take between 30 and 40 minutes to complete, which means that each student will have at least two hours of homework per night. Grade VI and Grade VII assignments should take between 20 and 30 minutes each. Preparation for special projects, unit tests, or final examination may require a longer period of time and focus. The School community recognizes that every child is different and that the amount of time spent on homework will understandably vary from student to student.
Homework for Absentees When a student is ill and therefore unable to come to school for one or two days, his or her first priority is getting well, not completing homework. Please be assured that students who are absent due to illness are not expected to return to school with all of their assignments completed; teachers will make every effort to help students to reintegrate when they return to school. If a student who has missed a day or two of school is feeling well enough by the end of the day to complete work, he or she should check the assignments posted on each classes’ Google Classroom websites. A student may find that he or she has a few of the required materials at home and can complete some work. Students and parents and guardians should realize, however, that the completion of some homework assignments may not be possible under these circumstances. In the case of an extended absence due to illness, parents should contact the student’s teacher/ advisor, who will then coordinate with teachers and make appropriate arrangements for homework, if appropriate or feasible under the circumstances.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Awards/Recognition of Excellence The Upper Division has two ways to provide additional recognition regarding the variety and degree of accomplishment of Park students.
The Head of School’s Letter of Commendation This special letter recognizes particular students in Grades VI-VIII for their spirit, determination, excellence, and performance well beyond classroom requirements. Letters of Commendation are mailed home at the end of the school year.
 
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General Conduct The School holds high expectations for its entire community. We expect each student to be a positive, contributing member of our community; therefore, it is the responsibility of every student to abide by the following principles:
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
III. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
• Each student’s dignity and right to learn are to be respected at all times, offline and online; • Human differences within the School community are to be respected at all times, offline and online; • Honesty is expected in all dealings, offline and online; • Members and guests of the School community are to be treated with courtesy, offline and online; and • Personal and community property are to be treated with care. Parents are expected to support these principles.
Academic Honesty In all aspects of academic work, teachers expect students to do their own assignments. The following behaviors violate the expectation of academic honesty.
Homework • Copying answers directly from offline or online resources. • Copying from a fellow student, offline or online. • Allowing students to copy work from one another. • Receiving too much help from a fellow student, older sibling, or parent. Parents can help with organization, reviewing material, interpreting directions, and clarifying the teacher’s expectations. It is not acceptable for parents and guardians to provide answers or to rewrite assignments.
Tests • Copying from another student’s test. • Discussing test content with students who will take the test at a later time.
Papers and Projects • Receiving excessive help from parents and guardians. Parents can help with the aspects of a project which involve process: collecting materials, reinforcing deadlines, and giving feedback. It is not acceptable for parents and guardians to shape the final product.
• Plagiarizing Plagiarizing is copying the ideas, structure, style or content of published work (i.e. books, journals, Internet) without citing the source. Page 7
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Other Forms of Academic Dishonesty • Missing school (except in the case of excused illness) or misrepresenting a personal situation in order to avoid tests or deadlines. • Forging a parent/guardian’s signature on any form related to a student’s academic or extracurricular activities.
Technology and Online Communications The Park School approach to technology is predicated on the belief that 21st century tools should be integrated within classrooms in meaningful ways. Rather than viewing technology as discrete skill to be learned, Park uses it as a tool to promote and encourage a love of learning, creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, citizenship, and the advanced application of knowledge. This thoughtful use of technology broadens the base of opportunities for students to access and utilize information, to share knowledge, to work with their classmates and members of the school community, and to connect with others – locally and globally. Stated simply, we believe in nurturing creative, articulate and compassionate leaders both offline and online. The Technology Department strives to ensure that the technology resources (software, computers, cameras, etc.) are safe and integrated into students’ educational experiences. The Park School utilizes Google Apps for Education with faculty and students in Grades III – VIII. Students in the Upper Division and all faculty and staff members are provided with a school email account. All accounts are created, managed, and secured by the Technology Department in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. This private domain allows us to safely teach our students how to manage online resources and work collaboratively, while developing a positive online identity. The School may monitor the activity and contents (including e-mail) on its network, servers, computers and other technological devices to ensure compliance with these policies. In the Middle and Upper Divisions, an increasing amount of computer-based and online activities are required outside of class. There are no platform restrictions for home computer use; families may use whatever platform (Windows, OS X, etc.) works best for them. Each child in the Upper Division will be given a school-owned Chromebook to use during the academic year.
Guidelines for Students and Families As students complete schoolwork and interact with their peers and teachers online, the School asks that parents and guardians communicate the importance of decorum and proper digital citizenship with students at home. With that respect, the School encourages Park families to review the following guidelines:
• Observe your child’s recreational use of technology and consider developing expectations around the type and length of use; • Place home technology in open areas for simple adult supervision; • Teach students that saying mean, hurtful, or degrading comments to others, offline or online, can be construed as bullying and is against School policy; Page 8
• To avoid potentially dangerous situations, advise students not to share personal information online about themselves, their family, school and/or classmates.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
• Consider installing filters to prevent students from accessing objectionable content online, and on web and mobile devices; and
Acceptable use, as it relates to computers, Internet access, and mobile devices, is reviewed with our students each year. For more information about online safety, please see CommonSenseMedia.org. Filters for computers and mobile devices are available at www.opendns.com. Please remember, however, that none of these tools are perfect and should not be a substitute for parental monitoring.
Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Students at the School should expect to be treated with respect and consideration and be able to learn in an environment free from concern about their personal welfare. The School prohibits discrimination or harassment of any student based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnancy or parenting status, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental or sensory disabilities, and individuals who are associated with people with actual or perceived protected characteristics. This prohibition applies to other students, employees, visitors, and vendors. In addition, consistent with the School’s mission and Massachusetts state law, each Park student has the right to be protected from bullying and cyber-bullying. Any student who believes that he or she has been subject to discrimination, harassment, or bullying is encouraged to report the matter promptly to the appropriate Division Head or to the Head of School. It is against School policy and unlawful to retaliate against an individual for filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment based on protected status, for filing a complaint of bullying, or for cooperating in an investigation of such a complaint. Please refer to the “About Park” section on the School’s website for a full description of the School’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices While students are in school or involved in school activities, their focus and attention should be on learning and on interacting with the School community. Therefore, personal electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are not allowed to be used in School. Students who use electronic devices during their travel time to and from school must be sure to put them away by 8 a.m. and to keep them securely out of sight until they leave the Park campus. Any electronic devices that are seen in school will be confiscated by teachers and held by the Upper Division Head until the end of the school day.
Personal Appearance and Clothing Freedom of choice, coupled with responsibility towards appropriate appearance, underlies the Page 9
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
School’s dress code. Students should wear neat, clean clothes that are appropriate to a Pre-K through Grade VIII school. Ripped jeans, T-shirts with offensive graphics or language, and clothing which is distracting to the learning environment are examples of inappropriate attire. All footwear should be safe with soles meant for indoors. The faculty will monitor these guidelines, but primary responsibility for dress remains with the student and the student’s parents and guardians. Pants and shorts should not be worn so low as to reveal underwear. In addition, we ask that students’ shorts or skirts be an appropriate length and style. An easy test is the fingertip one: when students’ hands are at their sides, the edge of their skirt or a pair of shorts should be at fingertip length or longer. Shorts that are ripped or have holes are not appropriate for school. We also ask that tops have appropriate coverage; spaghetti straps, halters, racer back tops, and other tops that reveal underwear should not be worn to school. Please mark all clothing and personal sports equipment with name tapes or indelible ink.
Student Dances and Social Events at School There are several Student Council sponsored social events (dances and a movie night) for Grades VI-VIII during the course of the year. The following rules apply at all School-sponsored dances:
• Once they arrive at a dance, students must stay in the designated area. • Faculty representatives will be present at the dance and will be in charge at all times. • Students may not leave the dance before it is over unless accompanied by a parent/ guardian or other authorized person. • Students may not leave a dance early and then return. • Park alumni in Grades VI –VIII are always welcome to come to the dances. • Students may bring one non-Park guest with permission ahead of time from the Division Head. • The School explicitly prohibits the use of drugs, consumption of alcohol, and/or smoking of cigarettes among underage guests either at the dance site or in its vicinity. If a student arrives at a dance already under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, that student’s parents and guardians should be informed and the student should be sent directly home.
School Gatherings Off Campus (Not Sponsored by the School)
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We believe that the School community benefits from the clear articulation of important, shared values. Individually and collectively, parents and guardians are expected to provide guidance to their children during out-of-School activities, like parties, that are consistent with the School’s guidelines on Parental Support for School Policies, as described in the Family Handbook. Within all levels of the School, party plans should attempt to respect the range of values regarding age-appropriate activities (e.g., movie selection). We share a special commitment to educating our students about the profound and lasting effects of drug and alcohol abuse, while simultaneously providing them with the opportunity to experience a drug-free youth. The School encourages families to respect the following guidelines.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
• Sensitivity should be paid to issues of social exclusion/inclusion. It is especially difficult for children (and for their parents and guardians as well) when they are one of just a few not included at an event – such as when an entire class or an entire grade is invited with the exclusion of a small, conspicuous number of students. “Small or All” is a commonsense guideline – invite either a whole class or grade or a small group, such as an advisory, section or a group of friends that is less than one fourth of the class. • Party invitations should be mailed to student homes, not distributed at School. • Parents of invited guests are encouraged to contact the host parents and guardians in order to confirm arrangements. • Guests should remain at the party location for the duration of the party. It will be the responsibility of the parents and guardians of the invited guests to see that they are picked up promptly at the agreed-upon end of the party. • The host parents and guardians should closely supervise any private party. The host parents and guardians may want to invite other adults to share in their responsibility; older siblings may assist in chaperoning parties, but they are not to be considered substitutes for the host parent. • The School explicitly expects that parents and guardians prohibit the use of drugs, consumption of alcohol, and/or smoking of cigarettes among underage guests either at the party site or in its vicinity. If a student arrives at a party already under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, that student’s parents and guardians should be informed and the student should be sent directly home.
Discipline Guidelines The discipline system, as described in the Family Handbook, designed to work in partnership with parents and guardians, is implemented generally in accordance with the following guidelines. The School, in its sole discretion, may involve Division Heads, counseling staff, the Head of School or parents and guardians at any stage of the disciplinary process. For minor indiscretions, mistakes, and misbehavior, the relevant faculty/staff member or the student’s advisor may discuss the incident with the student, an approach that is often sufficient to address minor incidents. Conversations between a student and faculty/staff member can occur during class, before/after class, lunch, recess, or before/after school. Should a pattern of behavior develop, or if the behavior is significant enough, advisors and families will be contacted. For a minor rule infraction, the School will engage the students in one of the following consequences, as appropriate to the situation: Problem Solving Conversations: These conversations center on the student and faculty/staff member discussing the roots of the challenge, and sharing perspectives and ideas for what the student needs in order for the behavior to change. The student has a voice in determining solutions and next steps, and is held accountable through reflective conversations and reminders from the faculty/staff member. Page 11
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Loss of Privilege: When misbehavior is connected to misuse of a privilege, usually associated with some type of choice, that privilege can be revoked if the student is displaying behavior that compromises the integrity of the choice, and/or the experience of the choice of others. Privileges can be restored when there is evidence that the privilege will be used with respect to its purpose and impact on others. Take a Break: Taking a break gives the student an opportunity to “reset” during a class period. This may occur inside or outside of the classroom, and usually lasts a few minutes, so as to not interrupt others’ learning. The time is used for the student to focus, identify the mistake, and then figure out what needs to change. Mediation: When a conflict arises between students, mediations are structured conversations to better understand each other’s perspectives and behaviors, and their impact on relationships and experiences at school. Listening to one another and brainstorming agreements for how to move forward with one another are critical elements to conflict resolution conversations between students. Mediated conversations are facilitated by the Division Head, psychologist, counselor, advisors, or another qualified adult. Reminder: A “Reminder of Community Expectations” form is generally given for an offense that requires additional, concentrated, and individual reflection. Students are asked to consider how they have violated the expectations of the Park School community. The student’s parents/ guardians and advisor may be asked to sign the form as well. Reparation/Restorative Justice: In times when a behavior has resulted in damage or loss, either physically or relationally, a student may be asked to or decide how to restore that loss. When physical, this may result in replacing or repairing damages. When relational, this may result in a sincere apology or reparation through service.
For a major rule infraction, one of the following consequences may occur: Suspension: Major infractions involving a student’s integrity and honor, such as lying, cheating, plagiarism, and disrespect for the dignity and property of classmates, may result in suspension from the School. The Division Head and Head of School will make the ultimate decision regarding suspension, in their sole discretion. There are two types of suspensions: in school or out of school. If the suspension is in school, the student will remain in the Division Head’s office for the entirety of the school day to complete school work. Out of school suspensions will occur in the child’s home. The student’s parents and guardians must meet with the Division Head or Head of School before the student may return to School. Expulsion: An expulsion typically occurs when a student who has already been suspended is involved in further misconduct. However, in more serious cases, a student may be expelled from the School following a first offense. The decision to expel a student rests in the School’s sole discretion. A student’s parents and guardians are responsible for the full tuition cost for the entire academic year, regardless of any expulsion.
Please note: The Secondary School Counseling Office will be notified if any students in the process of applying to next schools are involved in any serious disciplinary action. Park is obligated to share these incidents with schools during the application process and after a student enrolls. Examples of behavior Park is required to report include, but are not limited to: plagiarism, inappropriate social media activity, and excessive teasing. Page 12
HANDBOOK IN BRIEF
THE PARK SCHOOL UPPER DIVISION HANDBOOK IN BRIEF RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY AND HUMAN DIFFERENCES • Each individual’s dignity and right to learn are to be respected at all times offline and online. • Members and guests of this community are to be treated with courtesy offline and online. • Bullying “conscious, willful, deliberately hostile activity” is illegal and will not be tolerated offline and online. • Harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability is both illegal and unacceptable in this community offline and online.
ACADEMIC HONESTY • In all aspects of academic work, teachers expect students to do their own assignments offline and online. • Copying from another student or plagiarizing published work is never acceptable offline and online. • Honesty is expected in all dealings. Mistakes should be acknowledged truthfully and communication between teachers, students, and parents should be open and respectful offline and online.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY • Students should pick up after themselves in the classroom, in the dining room, in the hallways and on the playing fields.
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY • Students are expected to be helpful, contributing members of the community. • One hour of “job time” is required per term.
CARE FOR PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY PROPERTY • Lockers and backpacks are private and should not be opened without permission. • The school building and the community property in classrooms, shared spaces, and the outdoor fields should be used responsibly and with care. Page 13
HANDBOOK IN BRIEF
CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES • While students are in school or involved in school activities, their focus and attention should be on learning and on interacting with the School community. • Personal electronic devices such as cell phones, headphones, and other mobile devices may not be used in School. Students who use electronic devices during their travel time to and from school must be sure to put them away by 8 a.m. and to keep them securely out of sight until they leave the Park campus. • Any electronic devices that are seen in school will be confiscated by teachers and held by the Upper Division Head until the end of the school day.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING • Students should wear neat, clean clothes that are appropriate to a Pre-K – Grade VIII school. Ripped jeans, T-shirts with offensive graphics or language, and clothing that is distracting to the learning environment are examples of inappropriate attire. All footwear should be safe with soles meant for indoors. • Pants and shorts should not be worn so low as to reveal underwear, and students’ shorts or skirts be an appropriate length and style. Clothes should pass the fingertip test: when students’ hands are at their sides, the edge of their skirt or a pair of shorts should be at fingertip length or longer. We also ask that tops have appropriate coverage; spaghetti straps, halters, racer back tops, and other tops that reveal underwear should not be worn to school.
DAILY SCHEDULE Arrival: Students need to be at school in time for Morning Meeting (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) or class (Tuesday) by 8:15 a.m. Dismissal: On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the regular school day ends at 3 p.m. On Tuesdays the school day ends at 2 p.m.
After-school activities (sports, drama, or study hall) begin at 3:15 p.m. Students should arrive promptly and remain until 4:30 p.m. Between 3:15 – 4:30, parents need to pick up their children from sports/drama/study hall in person. Students may not wait outside unattended. Students not picked up in carpool by 3:25 (or 4:45 for late pickup) should wait in the Front Lobby for their rides.
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