Rabun Gap Upper School Abridged Handbook by Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Abridged Upper School Student-Parent Handbook

2015-2016

Lead The Way This Handbook can also be downloaded from the Parent Online Community (POC) at www.rabungap.org/parents

Major Rules 1. Rabun Gap students respect the rights and property of others. Our community does not tolerate bullying, hazing, harassment of another person, theft, or abuse of personal or community property. 2. Rabun Gap students are honest. Lying, cheating, plagiarizing, or any other type of deceitful behavior is unacceptable at Rabun Gap. 3. Rabun Gap students abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol. Rabun Gap reserves the right to undertake periodic unannounced or random searches including bringing law and drug enforcement officials and canines to campus. 4. Rabun Gap students protect the health and safety of themselves and others. Note: Any student found smoking in a dorm room is subject to immediate dismissal. 5. Rabun Gap students abide by the School’s rules regarding leave slips, signing out, and permissions. 6. Rabun Gap students abide by the School’s policies regarding the use of technology. 7. Rabun Gap students abide by the School’s policies regarding the use of motor vehicles on campus. 8. Rabun Gap students meet community expectations and demonstrate a high standard of citizenship. 9. Rabun Gap students abide by all federal, state, and local laws. Enrollment at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School constitutes a student’s acceptance of these rules as the guiding principles for proper conduct and recognizes the possible consequences of his / her violation. The School reserves the right to alter, change, or amend any of these rules and regulations at any time without prior notice. Moreover, the School reserves the right, as its sole discretion, to take such action as it believes is in the best interest of the School, regardless of these guidelines. This Handbook supersedes all prior handbooks, policies, or practices and does not replace the enrollment contract. This Handbook can also be downloaded from the Parent Online Community (POC) at www.rabungap.org/parents.

2015-2016 Academic Year

Abridged Upper School Handbook 2015-2016 Purpose of This Handbook

This Handbook supersedes all prior handbooks, policies, or practices and does not replace the enrollment contract.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School seeks to maintain the highest standards in all facets of school life. Therefore, we have thoughtfully developed this handbook to explain fundamental policies and procedures to guide the operation of the School and to facilitate each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum growth and development. Each student and parent is responsible for knowing the Handbookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contents. Please become familiar with it and keep it available for your reference. After reading this handbook with your parents, please sign the Acknowledgement Form (which is part of your registration packet) and return it to the School with all other forms. Please note that Rabun Gap reserves the right to revise or amend this Handbook and the policies and procedures contained in it at any time with or without advance notice.

Please understand that no set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that might arise at a school. The rules, policies, and procedures set forth in this handbook are intended to apply under normal circumstances. However, from time to time, there may be situations that require immediate or nonstandard responses. This handbook does not limit the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to deviate from the normal rules and procedures set forth herein, and to deal with the individual circumstances as they arise in the manner deemed most appropriate by the School, taking into consideration the best interest of the School, its faculty, employees, and students, and the overall community.

Honor Code

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School violation, the Council takes into account several factors to decide upon an appropriate consequence. These factors may include: • Severity of the offense • Premeditation for committing the violation • Previous honor history, excluding any cases where he or she was found innocent • Level of cooperativeness throughout the process • Forthrightness about the honor violation • Years living under the Rabun Gap Honor Code

Pledge: As a member of the Rabun GapNacoochee School community, I promise to uphold honor with my words and actions. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I accept responsibility for my own actions and for what other members of the community may do in my presence. I understand the need for honor and pledge to defend it.

• Honor Code Motto: “Always Honorable” Student Responsibility: When an Honor Code violation occurs, the individual who has committed the honor offense is encouraged to turn in him/herself before evidence of any wrongdoing has been presented to members of the council. Such unsolicited integrity will be viewed favorably by the Honor Council and is likely to result in a lesser consequence. In the event that a Rabun Gap student has firsthand knowledge of a violation, he or she is obliged to act. We expect students to either 1) Report the violation to the Head of Upper School who will then proceed with an investigation, or 2) Confront the suspected student directly (alone or with the support of a peer) and urge him or her to come forward. However, if the suspected student decides not to come forward, then the reporting individual must take action. If the student chooses the first option and reports the violation, his or her confidentiality will be protected throughout the process. In all cases, once a student reports an honor violation, he or she will be expected to maintain strict confidentiality, not disclosing the name of the accused nor revealing details of the process to others in the Rabun Gap community.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, the council recommends a consequence to the Head of School. Consequences may include but are not limited to a warning; probation; work hours on campus; delivery of a formal letter of apology; adjustment of test or final grade, including failure and the need to retake the course; out of school suspension; or dismissal. Students placed on honor probation will be ineligible for a student leadership position for a period of one year from the time of the offense.

Major Rules Violation of any of these rules will place a student at jeopardy for dismissal for the first offense. 1. Rabun Gap students respect the rights and property of others. Our community does not tolerate bullying, hazing, harassment of another person, theft, or abuse of personal or community property. 2. Rabun Gap students are honest. Lying, cheating, plagiarizing, or any other type of deceitful behavior is unacceptable at Rabun Gap.

Consequences: When the Honor Council finds a student has committed an honor

2015-2016 Academic Year 3. Rabun Gap students abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol. Using, possessing, or distributing drugs (prescription or nonprescription) or alcohol, or hosting a party at which drugs or alcohol are used is prohibited. (Note: If unauthorized drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia are found on your person or in your room, or if you test positive for illegal substances, whether or not it can be demonstrated that the substance was used on campus, you are considered in violation of a Major School Rule.)

Rabun Gap reserves the right to undertake periodic unannounced or random searches including bringing law and drug enforcement officials and canines to campus. Students may be required to submit to urinalysis drug screens, blood alcohol tests, breathalyzer tests, or any other tests or medical examination at any time Rabun Gap suspects this policy has been violated including, among others: (a) when a student is suspected of attending Rabun Gap or Rabun Gaprelated activities with intoxicants or mind-altering substances in his or her system; (b) when a student suffers an injury or is involved in an accident while at Rabun Gap; (c) on a periodic or random basis, including but not limited to, in connection with the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in extracurricular activities; or (d) when a student is placed under disciplinary contract and such screenings or examinations are terms of the contract. The presence of any alcohol or the presence of any other intoxicants or mind-altering substances in the body is a violation of this policy. Testing positive; refusal of a student to undergo testing; tampering with or alteration of a test sample; failure to cooperate fully with any test, search, or investigation; failure to execute any paperwork or consent forms necessary for an examination or test; or any unlawful conduct on or off Rabun Gap premises may result in discipline up to and including immediate dismissal of a student. 4. Rabun Gap students protect the health and safety of themselves and

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School others. Tampering with fire safety equipment, smoking, or using fire in any school building in an area not designed for that purpose is unacceptable. Unauthorized weapons, guns, knives, lighters, fireworks, dangerous combustibles and explosives are prohibited on campus. Note: Any student found smoking in a dorm room is subject to immediate dismissal.

part of the School community and clearly show support of the School’s mission, rules and regulations, and dress code, in their attitudes, in their words, and in their actions. Violations of general expectations for proper conduct, including repeated failure to attend classes and other required commitments, comprise a Major School Rule violation. 9. Rabun Gap students abide by all federal, state, and local laws.

5. Rabun Gap students abide by the School’s rules regarding leave slips, signing out, and permissions. Leaving the dorm after check-in without proper authorization and leaving campus without permission are violations of Major School Rules. A student should not be in the residence hall of the opposite sex without appropriate permission.

Disciplinary Responses Rules that the School considers par ticularly important for the wellbeing of the individual and the community are categorized as Major School Rules. These represent the most important standards of the community: honesty, personal integrity, and respect for others. Our disciplinary system tries to balance what is best for the individual student and what is best for the whole community. Students who violate Major School Rules will be subject to disciplinary sanctions ranging from demerits to dismissal. Based on the offense, the Dean of Students will issue sanctions, convene the honor council or confer with the Head of School depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

6. Rabun Gap students abide by the School’s policies regarding the use of technology. The use of e-mail, the Internet, or other electronic spaces or social networking sites for hazing, harassment, or other inappropriate behavior either on or off campus is unacceptable. 7. Rabun Gap students abide by the School’s policies regarding the use of motor vehicles on campus. Boarding students are allowed to have a car on campus for use of travel to and from home. Boarding or day students may not drive other students without proper permission.

Demerits: The demerit system is overseen by the Head of School and enforced by the Student Life Office through both education and demerits. Demerits are not given for academic failures such as not doing homework, etc., but rather respond to issues of behavior unrelated to a student’s academic progress or potential. Any infraction of the student handbook renders a student liable for demerits. When a student has committed an offense deserving demerits, a faculty member or a senior may contact the Student Life Office to report

8. Rabun Gap students meet community expectations and demonstrate a high standard of citizenship. Every day and boarding student must display a spirit of desire to be a

2015-2016 Academic Year the offense. It is then the responsibility of the Student Life Office to issue the requisite number of demerits. A large accumulation of demerits renders a student at risk for dismissal from school.

hall will receive additional demerits. While attending demerit hall “erases” demerits, students maintain a cumulative record of demerits. In some cases, students may be offered the opportunity to work off demerits and reduce their overall demerit balance. Students must have a zero balance of demerits at the end of the year, however demerits issued in the last two weeks of the school year carry over to the next year.

Daily Demerit Report: Demerits are posted at noon each day for the previous 24 hour period. The demerit report is posted outside the Student Life Office. The report notes the student’s name, the offense, the number of demerits given, and the person who assigned the demerits.

Cumulative Demerit Report: Each week, the Student Life Office will post a Cumulative Demerit Report which presents the total number of demerits a student has received during the school year. A student who earns 50 or more demerits but less than 75 will be placed on Disciplinary Probation and be required to meet with the Head of School and his/her parents to conceive a plan to change the behavior. A student who earns 75 or more demerits will be placed on Final Warning and will be required to meet with the Head of School. The final warning status will expire at the end of the academic year.

Demerit Hall Report: On Monday at noon, the Demerit Hall Report is posted outside of the Student Life Office. If the number of demerits a student receives between the period extending from Monday to Monday is equal to or greater than 7, the student is required to attend Demerit Hall which is held on Wednesday mornings from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and supervised by the dean of students. Parents and students will be notified on Monday of the week when the student is required to attend Demerit Hall. Attendance in Demerit Hall will erase 10 demerits of the student’s weekly demerit balance. Demerit balances cannot be in the negative. Demerit Hall may not be deferred. Students absent from demerit

Examples of Demerit Infractions: Use of tobacco 30 Inappropriate use of technology 30 Inappropriate display of affection 15-30 Absent class 12 Late to class (5 min) 4 Late to class (10) 6 Late to class (15) 8 Late to check-in 4 Up after lights out 5 Out of dorm after check-in 15 Out of bounds 8 Absent from Athletics or Activities 8 Uniform Violation 1-10 Food in the Library 2 Absent from Chapel or Convocation 12 Failure to complete dorm duties 5 Slovenliness 5 Failure to do as directed 7-20 Cell phone violation 5

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School Final Warning: A student who has violated a Major School Rule and has been in grave jeopardy of being dismissed may receive final warning. This status is the highest level of discipline sanction other than dismissal. Final Warning status will remain with the student for 12 months from the time of the infraction or at the discretion of the Head of School. Final Warning may include 1 to 5 days in or out of school suspension, loss of driving privileges, loss of student leadership position for a period of one year from the time of the offense, and a letter sent home.

campus if he/she receives permission from the Student Life Office. Generally, permission is not given for the first trimester after the student leaves school. When a student violates a Major School Rule, his/her actions affect the whole community. On such occasions, the whole community may discuss the specific discipline infractions. The discussion may include mention of the name of a particular student. It should be noted that the Head of School has the right to determine the appropriate disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal from school for any student whose behavior, attitude, actions or physical condition is considered unacceptable within the expectations of the School. A student who is dismissed or is withdrawn during the school year forfeits his/her right to the completion of the term for academic credit. The parents and/or legal guardians must understand that they are still responsible for the financial terms of the student’s contract.

A student who receives Final Warning as a discipline sanction within 14 days of the end of school may be required to leave campus and to take his/her exams at a later date. For any behavior that warrants Honor Council or disciplinary actions during the last 14 days of school, the determined consequences or status will carry over on the student’s conduct record through the next year of school at Rabun Gap. These consequences include demerits, behavioral warning/behavioral probation, and/or final warning.

Behavior Related Policies

Seniors who receive Final Warning as a discipline sanction may be required to leave campus and may not be allowed to be present at graduation.

1. Tobacco: Students are prohibited from using or possessing tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco. The School, through the Student Life Office and the Health Center will arrange on-campus support to assist those who wish to break, or assure that they have broken, a nicotine addiction. Violation of the rules regarding the use of tobacco products will be dealt with by the Student Life Office and will be cumulative over the student’s career at Rabun Gap. Smoking in a dorm is a violation of a Major School Rule and is dismissible on the first offense.

Dismissal/Withdrawal: Some offenses are so egregious and harmful to a community that a student might be dismissed or withdrawn for a first offense. When a student is dismissed, he or she is required to leave campus immediately. For boarding students, the Student Life Office will arrange transportation and all fees will be billed to the student’s account. *A student who is dismissed or withdrawn or is not invited back may only return to

2015-2016 Academic Year 2. Sexual Activity: We encourage students to develop friendships and relationships that are healthy. Rabun Gap specifically prohibits students from engaging in inappropriate sexual activity. School is not an appropriate place for sexual intimacy. If a student engages in inappropriate sexual activity on campus or on a school trip, the case will be referred to the Head of School. The Head of School may choose to meet with each student and his/her parents on campus. At that time, the Head of School will consider sanctions. While the School does not condone student sexual activity, counselors and members of health services may keep conversations about sexual behavior confidential. We expect Rabun Gap students to show respect for one another as well as for others in the community by refraining from inappropriate displays of affection. Dating and any action that can be seen as sexual conduct between a middle school student and an upper school student is unacceptable.

any conduct which harasses, discriminates, or retaliates against any other Rabun Gap student or student’s family members, Rabun Gap employee, teacher, administrator, principal, vendor, applicant, or agent. This policy shall apply at all times and shall cover conduct which occurs both on and off campus, as well as on the Internet. • Prohibited Conduct: The conduct prohibited by this policy, whether verbal, physical, or visual, includes any harassment, discrimination, or retaliation and any conduct that affects someone because of that individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, handicap, and/or citizenship status. Among the types of conduct prohibited by this policy are epithets, slurs, negative images or stereotyping, intimidating acts, and the circulation or posting of written or graphic materials that show hostility toward individuals based upon these protected categories. • Sexual Harassment: This policy forbids harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on sex or gender regardless of whether the offensive conduct is sexual in nature. Any offensive conduct based on sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity is also forbidden by this policy regardless of whether the individual engaged in the harassment and the individual being harassed are of the same or are of different genders. • Examples of sexual harassment forbidden by this policy include:

3. Harassment, Discrimination, or Retaliation: Rabun Gap believes in respecting the dignity of all persons and expects everyone to show respect for others. Accordingly, this policy forbids any offensive conduct based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, handicap, or citizenship status. Rabun Gap is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and we will not tolerate any conduct or statements which violate this policy. • Coverage: This policy forbids any student from engaging in

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School –– Offensive sexual orientation, gender identity, verbal kidding, teasing, or jokes –– Sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions –– Continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature –– Discussions of sexual experiences or spreading rumors relating to a person’s sexual activities –– Graphic or degrading comments about an individual’s appearance or sexual activity –– Offensive visual conduct, including leering, making sexual gestures, the display of offensive sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons or posters –– Pressure for sexual activity –– Suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations; electronic messages; conduct including offensive touching or physical contacts such as patting, grabbing, pinching or brushing against another’s body; unequal treatment that would not occur but for the person’s gender; stalking or other sexually related criminal activity. • Procedures: Students who believe they are victims of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, or who have witnessed harassment, discrimination, or retaliation should report the matter to any adult. Students may choose to report to a person of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need

to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined. All reports describing conduct that is inconsistent with this policy will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. It is the obligation of every Rabun Gap student with knowledge of the conduct to cooperate in any investigation of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. If an investigation confirms that a violation of this policy has occurred, any violator will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and/or immediate dismissal. Any person making a knowingly false accusation will likewise be subject to disciplinary action.

2015-2016 Academic Year • Perspective: Determination

aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and intentionally excluding someone from a group.

of whether particular conduct violates this policy is assessed from the point of view of a reasonable person. In the complainant’s position, such a determination takes into account the totality of the circumstances including: –– Frequency of the offensive conduct –– Its seriousness –– Whether it is physically threatening or humiliating –– The location of the conduct and context in which it occurred –– The degree to which the conduct affected the education or employment environment –– The relationship between the parties. • Prohibition of Retaliation: Rabun Gap forbids retaliation against anyone for reporting harassment, discrimination, or retaliation; registering a complaint pursuant to this policy; assisting in making a harassment complaint; participation in an investigation; filing a charge of discrimination; or otherwise pursuing his/her rights under this policy. Anyone experiencing or witnessing any conduct he or she believes to be retaliatory should immediately report it to any of the individuals named above. In the course of investigating and in imposing any discipline, Rabun Gap will attempt to preserve confidentiality as much as possible based on the circumstances.

Any student who believes that he/she has been the victim of bullying shall report the incident(s) to the Student Life Office, Head of School, School Nurse or any trusted faculty member. 5. Hazing: Hazing will not be tolerated at our school. Hazing is defined as any conduct, coercion, or intimidation used as a method of initiation into a school organization or team which is likely to endanger the physical or mental health of any student. This behavior is a crime under Georgia law. “It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.” Every member of the School community must report hazing to the Student Life Office or Head of School. In addition, the School is required by law to report to the local police any hazing reported to it or of which it becomes aware. Keep in mind that, under the law, the implied or even express consent of any person toward whom any act of hazing is directed is not a defense to hazing. Examples of behavior that could be considered hazing include being forced to:

4. Bullying: Bullying will not be tolerated at our school. Bullying is unwanted,

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School • Destroy or steal property • Be tied up, taped, or confined in

7. Destructive Acts: Students should govern their actions by the values of respect for self, person, and property. Thus, any destructive actions, including setting fires, causing damage to property, harming others, drawing graffiti or defacing property, or similar conduct is prohibited.

a small space

• Be paddled, whipped, beaten, kicked, or beat up others

• Do embarrassing, painful, or dangerous acts

• Be kidnapped or transported and abandoned

• Consume spicy or disgusting

8. Offensive Language: Students and parents are prohibited from using profane, obscene, bigoted, or other types of offensive language or gestures on campus or at schoolsponsored events.

concoctions • Be deprived of sleep, food, or hygiene • Engage in or simulate sexual activities • Participate in drinking contests • Be tattooed or pierced

9. Weapons and Threats: Students are prohibited from making threats or threatening gestures toward others and are prohibited from having any type of weapon, including knives, guns, clubs, martial arts paraphernalia, fireworks, etc., on campus or at school-sponsored events. Any such item may be confiscated and, if appropriate, turned over to law enforcement.

Offending students will suffer appropriate disciplinary action including the possibility of suspension or expulsion. Any student, who is witness to, or the victim of hazing, should report it immediately to his/her Residential Faculty, Coach, Advisor, or the Student Life Office or the Head of School.

Out of School and Off Campus Behavior

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

Students should be aware that certain activities even outside of school hours or off school property may result in loss of school privileges and other disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal. Students may be subject to discipline for misconduct which is, or may be, disruptive of the educational process, interferes with the work of the School, is contrary to the mission of the School, impinges on the rights of other students, employees, or members of the School community, or has a direct or immediate effect on the discipline or general welfare of the School, even if such conduct takes place off campus, during non-school hours or on breaks from

2015-2016 Academic Year school. Such conduct will be evaluated at the sole discretion of the School and the School reserves the right to deviate from the regular disciplinary process as may be deemed necessary under the circumstances. Some examples of such outside conduct which may have disciplinary ramifications at school include any violation of the law; underage purchase, use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance; use or misuse of computers, or computer websites (personal, at home or at school), which do, or could, impact the welfare of any member of the School community or the reputation or functioning of the School.

engagement and civility. Our approach to cell phones seeks to provide important and reliable communication links between students and parents, while at the same time maintaining the unique culture of the Rabun Gap community. The use of cell phones or any other electronic devices in the classroom will be at the discretion of each individual teacher. Cell phones may not be used or visible… • in the dining hall • in the theater • in the chapel • in classrooms during tests. This is an honor offense.

Cell Phones and Other Listening Devices

Cell phones are allowed… • in the hallways of school buildings. The device cannot be used as a phone or listening device. • in the courtyard • in the Student Life Office with permission • in evening study hall. The device must be silenced and you may not talk on the phone. • during your free period as long as you are in a designated area; courtyard, dorm, Student Life Office.

Students are required to register their cell phone number with the Student Life Office. All electronic devices, including cell phones, are subject to search and inspection by the Student Life Office at any time during the school year. Students do receive urgent or emergency alerts as part of crisis communications on their personal cell phones. In general, cell phone usage must be governed by the need for community

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School • No gum, food, or drink is allowed

Specific Consequences: Boarding student cell phones and other electronic devices may be confiscated and held by the Upper School Student Life Office or the Middle School Academic Office for a period of time: • First Offense - 3 days • Second Offense - 5 days • Third Offense - 10 days • More than three times - loss of cell phone for 1 month • Repeat violation - may lose the cell phone for the remainder of the school year

inside the theater. Fundraising: Classes, individuals, teams, or organizations wishing to fund raise on campus must have permission from the Student Life Office as well as the Rabun Gap Advancement Office. All extracurricular teams and organizations should strive to be self-sufficient, raising money through approved concessions and approved service-type projects. To request permission to fund raise on or off campus in the name of Rabun Gap, permission must be obtained from the Rabun Gap Advancement Office. Request forms are available through the Advancement Office and must be submitted at least one week prior to the event. This includes raffle items and other in-kind donations as well as general solicitations of funds of any kind.

If a phone is confiscated from a day student, he or she will be able to pick up the device at the end of the school day, with an understanding that it will not be brought on campus for that confiscated period.

Other Policies and Rules Animals on Campus: Due to concerns about the health, safety, and welfare of people in the school community, no animals are allowed on school property or at school related events without the express, written permission of the Head of School. This means that animals may not be brought onto school property for any reason (even if the animal remains in a vehicle or on a leash), including drop off, pick up, parties, games, and activities, and may not be brought to school related events on or off campus.

Posters and Announcements: All posters and flyers used on campus must be approved by the Student Life Office and all posters and flyers for off campus use must be approved by the Director of Communications in the Advancement Office. Any poster or flyer

Rearden Theater Policies: The Rearden Theater is our most formal meeting place; therefore, we must take care to treat the area with respect and a sense of formality. • Appropriate dress for events in the Rearden Theater will be announced. • The furniture must be treated properly. Use the aisles – no walking on or stepping over seats. • All cell phones, iPods, and electronic devices must be turned off.

2015-2016 Academic Year using the Rabun Gap logo, crest, or mascot must be approved by the Director of Communication.

are not to be downloaded to Rabun Gap’s network hard drives. Students may not install any software on any Rabun Gapprovided System or copy software from any Rabun Gap-provided System without the prior written permission of our Director of Campus Technology.

Campus Style Guide: Campus publications initiated by students or departments should follow the Rabun Gap Style Guide for appropriate use of logo, crest, and mascot. Publications and event programs should be reviewed and approved by the Director of Communication. Sample programs and designs are available for use by student groups, departments, and administrative offices.

Rabun Gap does provide a filtering system to mitigate access to offensive and pornographic material but it also has the negative effect of filtering out limited sources of educational materials. In addition, since no filtering system is foolproof, we expect users to act responsibly in their searches and to immediately disengage from any site or materials that are inappropriate and to report the situation to the faculty member or administrator in charge of the activity. Although Rabun Gap cannot effectively restrict access to all offensive content obtained by students via the Internet, obtaining material that is explicitly labeled as not intended for minors will be considered a violation of Rabun Gap rules. Furthermore, making public or forwarding any material that is pornographic, violent in nature, or otherwise harassing or in violation of any Rabun Gap standard is totally unacceptable. Students working on assignments that are blocked from what they believe are valid educational resource sites should discuss the site with the faculty member. After review the faculty member may request that the site be unblocked for the duration of the assignment.

Reporting of Accidents and Hazards: All accidents, including those which do not involve serious injury, must be reported immediately to the Director of Student Life. Only through a full knowledge of accidents can we become a safer, healthier place. Immediately report any unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or other hazards to the Director of Student Life. Students are expected to assist in maintaining safe conditions. Safety is a state of mind, and requires constant vigilance and common sense. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Technology - Acceptable Use Policy This policy contains guidelines for the use, access, monitoring, and disclosure of electronic communications used, created, sent, received, transmitted, or stored (collectively referred to as “use” or “used”) by students using the Rabun Gap-provided network infrastructure and student-provided systems or equipment used either during school or while on Rabun Gap property.

Wireless Network Access: All access via the wireless system is subject to the same conditions and policies as the wired network. Student owned equipment must meet certain system requirements before access will be granted. Failure to gain this permission may result in confiscation of wireless device. This process is managed by our system access controller and all conditions, consents

Internet Access: Rabun Gap communitystudents, faculty, administrators, and staff- have the privilege of filtered access to the Internet. However, personal files

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School and agreements for client installations are considered a part of this document. Rabun Gap is not responsible for any damages that may occur to student owned equipment. Social Networks and Online Media: Any multimedia posting to the Internet (including but not limited to locations such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Ustream, iTunes, Tumblr and others) which clearly identifies Rabun Gap by name, location, content, or description must honor the integrity and mission of the School. For further clarification of appropriate material, students and faculty are encouraged to contact the Director of Communication or the Student Life Office. At no time is it appropriate to post photos, videos, or other multimedia that defame or portray Rabun Gap students and faculty in a negative way. No posting should identify a student or faculty by full name unless approved by the Director of Communication. Students and families should be aware that Rabun Gap policies prohibit faculty and staff from using social networking sites as a way to connect or communicate with students. All sites including the Rabun Gap name or any variation clearly identifying the school must be approved by the Director of Communication and include dual administration rights by school personnel.

and disclose electronic communications without further notice applies equally to student-provided systems or equipment used either during school time or on Rabun Gap property. Forbidden Uses of Our Systems: Students may not use computer systems, personal or Rabun Gap’s, in a manner that violates our Mission Statement, Honor Code, No Harassment Policy, or other Rabun Gap policies. Students may not use our Systems in any way that may be seen as insulting, disruptive, obscene, offensive, or harmful to morale.

Rabun Gap Right to Access and Inspect Electronic Communications: All elec tronic communications contained in or transmitted via Rabun Gap Systems are Rabun Gap records. Rabun Gap and the contents of the Systems and electronic communications conducted on the Systems are accessible by Rabun Gap at all times for any purpose. Thus, students should not assume that Electronic Communications are confidential or private. Rabun Gap’s right to use, access, monitor, inspect,

Attendance Policy Expectations and Responsibilities: The School expects parents’ cooperation in supporting the attendance policies of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Given the demanding nature of the Rabun Gap curriculum, students must attend classes, unless they are ill or fulfilling another school obligation. Students are also expected to attend all required school events, which

2015-2016 Academic Year occur each week during the school day and, periodically, in the evenings or on weekends. These occasions include but are not limited to: grade-level trips, Evening Convocation, Middle School Moving-Up, Upper School Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate and Graduation. Failure to adhere to the School’s attendance expectations may include suspension, dismissal, and/or denial of the student’s enrollment for the following school year.

Breakfast Club requires that at student arrive at breakfast at 7 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesdays, Breakfast Club begins at 8 am. The consequence of Breakfast Club is in effect for 10 days. Additional days may be added for failure to show or for arriving late. • Accumulated Absences: Any student who maintains a pattern of absences (excused or unexcused) or excessive tardiness considered detrimental to the student’s academic progress will be dealt with by the Academic Office in conjunction with the Student Life Office. Any student with more than 7 absences per trimester in any class, whether excused or unexcused, may be placed on Attendance Warning depending on the nature of accumulated absences. • Attendance Warning: Students on Attendance Warning may/will receive a half letter grade penalty deducted from the final grade in the course for each additional absence. The Head of Upper School, in conjunction with the Student Life Office, may waive this requirement in exceptional cases, particularly those that are health related and promptly documented. Under Attendance Warning, a student is closely monitored. Continued negligence will result in further disciplinary action and may even lead to dismissal. • Truancy: A student is truant if they are absent from school or a particular class without the permission of a parent/ guardian or leave Rabun Gap grounds once they have reported for classes without proper school personnel authorization. In cases of truancy, the parent/guardian will be notified

Attendance Policy Definitions and Consequences: • Tardy: Anytime a student arrives late to a class period, work assignment, afternoon activity/sport, evening study hall or any other required event. Unless a student has written authorization, a tardy is always considered “unexcused.” Penalties for tardiness are as follows: ǡǡ If a student is tardy less than 5 minutes, he/she will receives 4 demerits. ǡǡ If tardy more than 5 minutes but less than 10, he/she will receive 6 demerits. ǡǡ If more than 10 minutes but less than 15, he/she will receive 8 demerits. • Absence: Anytime a student is not present or misses a significant portion of a class period, work assignment, detention, afternoon activity/sport, evening study hall or any other required event. There are three categories of absences: 1) Unexcused, 2) Approved and 3) Scheduled. A Scheduled Absence may or may not be approved based on the nature of the absence. ǡǡ Breakfast Club - A student who receives an unexcused absence from any class will be placed on Breakfast Club. Being on

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School immediately. Truancy is considered a violation of a Rabun Gap “Major Guideline,” and the first offense may result in Attendance Warning and/or a Disciplinary Committee.

to the Health Center prior to the school day. • Extended illness: In the event of an unforeseen accident or extended illness, a meeting will be initiated with the parents/student and School Administrators to determine a course of action that best serves the student. • Medical appointments: Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School asks that all medical, therapeutic, and dental appointments be made after school hours. If a student must leave for an appointment during the school day, they must bring a note to the Academic Office in advance, or the office must receive parental confirmation for the child to have permission to leave campus. • College visits: All college visits must be approved first by the College Counseling Office. Rabun Gap encourages juniors and seniors to schedule college visits on weekends or during school vacations. However, if a visit must occur on a school day, the Academic Office, in conjunction with the Student Life Office, must approve the absence at least two days in advance. The School reserves the right not to approve college visits. • School sponsored extracurricular obligations: Students are occasionally required to attend school events that take them out of class. Athletic events, performing arts events, and other activities frequently occur during school hours or require that students depart from campus before the end of the

Explanation of Three Categories of Absences: 1. Unexcused Absence: Anytime a student is not present during one of the above mentioned class periods, activities, or events and no documentation or authorization is provided before the absence occurs. Unexcused absences carry a penalty of 12 demerits. However, to be deemed an unexcused absence (as opposed to truancy), the parent or legal guardian must verify that he or she was aware of the absence prior to the School’s notification that the student was not in attendance at the School event. Without this documentation, the absence is considered truancy and carries a more stringent consequence. 2. Approved Absence: Anytime a student is not present during one of the above mentioned class periods, activities or events and documentation for the absence is provided by the student’s parent or guardian before the absence occurs. Any student who is absent from class during the school day for any reason including illness will not be allowed to participate in or attend after school extracurricular activities. Approved Absences include the following: • Illness: Parents of day students must call the Academic Office by 8:30 am to notify the School that their child is sick. Failure to do so may result in the absence being recorded as unexcused. Boarding students who are ill must report

2015-2016 Academic Year

school day. For all such schoolrelated absences, documentation is provided by the supervising teacher or coach, and students are expected to make up any missed work following the School’s Make-up Work policy. 3. Scheduled Absence: Anytime a parent or legal guardian notifies the School in advance that a student will miss a class or school obligation for reasons not considered an approved absence. Scheduled absences are believed to be detrimental to the student’s academic progress and are strongly discouraged. Approval for scheduled absences is given only for extraordinary academic programs or unique family events. (i.e. a family wedding, funeral, or graduations are generally approved. Family vacations are not considered unique events and are generally not approved.) The School reserves the right not to approve any scheduled absence. Therefore, families should pay careful attention to the school calendar, note the scheduled school vacations, and make their child’s travel plans accordingly. • Petitioning for a Scheduled Absence: Should parents require

their child to be away from school during the academic year, the parent should formally petition the School at least two days in advance. Petitions for scheduled absences must be directed to the Academic Office. The reason for the request must be described in full, and parental confirmation must be documented. Once a request is made, the Academic Office will determine whether the scheduled absence is “Approved” or “Unapproved.” It is the responsibility of the student to make up all work missed according to the School’s Makeup Work policy. • Unapproved Scheduled Absence Consequences: If the scheduled absence is not approved, a student will receive a zero on any homework and graded in-class work, including papers, projects, class participation, quizzes, tests, or other work due on the day of absence. Teachers, however, will still expect all work to be completed. A student with an unapproved scheduled absence will not receive Breakfast Club.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School

Dress Code and Appearance

first day of school, Honor Chapel, Academic Convocation, Awards Ceremonies, Middle School Moving Up Ceremony, Baccalaureate, Graduation, and other special events as announced.

Clothing should be neat and clean, fit well, and be in proper repair. If a student’s clothing is too large or too small they may be asked to obtain new clothing. Students who are found to be in violation of the dress code by not being dressed appropriately for the day will not be allowed to attend class and may receive demerits. The classroom dress code is in effect from the breakfast period until the end of the academic day and at events as announced.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is pleased to partner with Mills Uniform Company as its primary provider for school uniforms. Mills will be on the Rabun Gap Campus on August 10, 18 and 23. A link is available to the Mills On-Line web store on the Rabun Gap homepage or visit Mills at www.millswear.com. Rabun Gap’s school code is 3550.

Formal dress is required every Thursday and for certain special events including the Girls’ Classroom Dress—Upper School Required Items

Optional Items

Polo Shirt – Green, Navy, or White

Available From

Notes

Mills or Campus Store

The Rabun Gap Store has a small inventory of green, navy or white polo shirts that may be worn. White or Sky Blue, does not have to be tucked in

Blouse, ¾ sleeve

Mills

White Turtleneck

Vendor of Choice

Khaki Pants

Mills or Vendor of Choice

For winter wear under a long sleeved school blouse with logo. May not be worn alone. Same style as Mills selection. No low rise. No tight fitting pants.

Khaki Shorts

Mills

Must be of modest length (approx. 3 inches above the knee.)

Plaid, Khaki, or Grey Skort

Mills

Must be of modest length (approx. 3 inches above the knee.)

Socks

Mills or Vendor of Choice Tights

Vendor of choice

Black or white, full-footed

Belt

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Black or brown plain, no wider than 1 ½ inches

Sweaters, Fleeces, and Light Jackets

Mills or Campus Store

Must have school logo

Mills, Campus Store, or Vendor of Choice

Cannot be worn in class

Shoes

Heavy Outerwear and Winter Coats See page 32

2015-2016 Academic Year Rabun Gap recommends that all school uniform items be purchased from Mills Uniform Company. Khaki pants are the only uniform item that may be purchased from other vendors. Pants purchased from other vendors must be the same style and color as the traditional khaki pant sold by Mills. The School Blazer will continue to be purchased from the Campus Store. A variety of items and sizes of Mills apparel are available in the Campus Store for sizing needs. Shoes from the approved shoe list may be purchased from the vendor of choice.

the student may elect to wear their own heavy winter coat. This coat does not require the School logo, and should not be worn in the classroom. • Athletic wear, even though it may have the Rabun Gap logo, is not approved for classroom dress. Casual Days • Casual days are announced by the Head of School. • Blue jeans or casual pants, capri or cropped. No low rise, torn, frayed or cut off edges, no holes (patched or exposed) • Shorts of modest length, should be no more than 3” above the knee. • Skirts or skorts of modest length, should be no more than 3” above the knee. • Appropriate length shirts that are modest and with no midriff showing. • T-shirts with any offensive or

Outerwear • Light to mid-weight outerwear, such as sweaters, fleeces, and jackets worn during the School day from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm must contain the School logo. These items are available from Mills. • If a student desires a heavier winter coat for wear during the colder months Girls’ Formal Dress—Upper School Required Items

Optional Items

Available From

Notes

Blazer

Campus Store

Plaid Skirt/ Skort

Mills

Hunter Classic Navy; Must be of modest length (approx. 3 inches above the knee.)

Gray Gabardine Skort

Mills

Must be of modest length (approx. 3 inches above the knee.)

Gray Flannel Pants

Mills

White Oxford

Mills

White Blouse, ¾ sleeve

Mills

Does not have to be tucked in

White Turtleneck

Vendor of Choice

For winter wear under a long sleeved school blouse with logo. May not be worn alone.

Socks

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Knee-length black or white, must fall just below the knee

Tights

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Black, solid, full footed

Shoes

See page 32

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School suggestive words or pictures that feature alcohol, drugs, or unacceptable social behavior are not allowed. • No sweatpants, yoga pants, pajamas, athletic shorts, or general athletic wear. • When wearing leggings, blouse/top must cover hips • Students who do not abide by casual dress guidelines will be required to change and will forfeit future casual days.

cleavage, stomachs, behinds, or underwear should never be visible. • Pants and jeans must be worn at waistlevel with no underwear showing. • No clothes with excessive rips or holes even if they are patched. • Undergarments must be worn and should not be visible. • No bare feet or bedroom shoes outside of dorm. • No pajama type clothing in the dining hall. • No halter tops, backless or strapless shirts, sarong tops, tube tops, or tops with spaghetti straps. • All sleeveless shirts must cover undergarments.

Casual Dress for After School & Weekends • At all times, casual clothing must be modest and appropriate. This means Boys’ Classroom Dress—Upper School Required Items

Optional Items

Polo Shirt – Green, White, or Navy

Available From

Notes

Mills or Campus Store

The Campus Store has a small inventory of polo shirts that may be worn this school year.

Oxford Shirt Striped

Mills

White Under Shirt

Vendor of Choice

Solid White, to be worn under school polo with logo. May not be worn alone.

White Turtleneck

Vendor of Choice

For winter wear under a long sleeved school shirt with logo. May not be worn alone.

Khaki Pants

Mills or Vendor of Choice Khaki Shorts

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Socks

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Black or white solid

Belt

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Black or brown plain, no wider than 1 ½ inches

Sweaters, Fleeces, and Light Jackets

Mills or Campus Store

Must have school logo

Mills, Campus Store, or Vendor of Choice

Cannot be worn in class

Heavy Outerwear and Winter Coats Shoes

See page 32

2015-2016 Academic Year • Athletic shorts and tops may only be

must be above the eyebrows, above the collar and no longer than halfway over the ears. Boys sideburns may not extend below the earlobes. • Students may not have any new visible tattoos while enrolled at Rabun Gap. Visible tattoos must be covered at all times. • Afros and other hair styles must be less than two (2) inches high. • Boys are not allowed to have facial hair. • Boys must be clean shaven each day. Failure to comply may result in demerits and loss of Casual Days. • Boys may not wear earrings. No other piercing may be visible. • Girls may wear no more than 2 earrings in their ears. No other piercing may be visible. Earrings may not exceed 2” in diameter or length. • T-shirts may not have offensive

worn when participating in events at a sports complex. • Girls must wear a shirt over a sports bra. • No tank tops allowed in the dining hall or classroom buildings. • Shirts to be worn at all times for boys. • Modest bathing suits should be worn when at the pool, lake, or sunbathing and a cover-up should be worn to and from. Additional Information about the Dress Code • Hair length and style must be conservative in nature. No unnatural two-toned, dreadlocks or hair dyed unnatural colors. No unkempt, extreme, or radical hairstyles. The Student Life Office reserves the right to establish what is unnatural and what is a radical hairstyle for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Boys’ hair Boys’ Formal Dress—Upper School Required Items

Optional Items

Available From

Blazer

Campus Store

White Oxford

Mills White Turtleneck

Notes

Vendor of Choice

For winter wear under a long sleeved school shirt with logo. May not be worn alone.

School Tie

Campus Store

May wear Blair, senior tie, or school official long or bow tie

Khaki Pants

Mills or Vendor of Choice Gray Flannel Pants

Mills

Socks

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Belt

Mills or Vendor of Choice

Shoes

See page 32

Black or brown plain, no wider than 1 ½ inches

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School RabunRabun Gap-Nacoochee School Approved Shoe List Rabun Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Gap-Nacoochee School School Approved Approved Shoe Shoe List Gap-Nacoochee School Approved Shoe ListList Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Approved Shoe List This isisintended intended totodescribe describe style style and andcolor. color. This list list islist intended to describe and color. This list isThis intended to describe stylestyle and color. This list is intended to describe style and color.

Boys classroom dress Boys classroom dress Boys classroom dress Boys classroom Boys classroomdress dress

Girls Girls classroom classroom dress dress Girls classroom dress Girls classroom dress Girls classroom dress

Bucks: Bucks: black ororbrown brown Bucks: blackblack or brown

Bucks: Bucks:black black or or brown brown

Flats: Flats: black black Flats: black

Flats: black Flats: black

Mary Janes: black or brown Mary Mary Janes: Janes: black black ororbrown brown

Mary Janes: Mary Janes: black or black brownor brown

Penny loafer: black, Penny Penny loafer: loafer: black, black, Penny loafer: black, brown, or cordovan brown, brown, ororcordovan cordovan Penny loafer: brown, black, or cordovan

brown, or cordovan Saddle Oxford: classic Saddle Saddle Oxford: Oxford: classic classic Saddle Oxford: classic

Penny loafer: black, Penny Penny loafer: loafer: black, black, Penny loafer: black,

brown, or cordovan brown, brown, ororcordovan cordovan Penny black, brown,loafer: or cordovan brown, or cordovan BoatBoat shoe: brown Boat shoe: shoe: brown brown Boat shoe: brown

Saddle Oxford: classic

Boat shoe: brown

BoatBoat shoe: brown Boatshoe: shoe: brown brown Boat shoe: brown Athletic shoe: predominantly black or Athletic Athletic shoe: shoe: predominantly predominantly blackoror Athletic shoe: predominantly black or black white, canvas or leather white, white, canvas ororleather leather white, canvas orcanvas leather

Boat shoe: brown

Athletic shoe: predominantly black or white, canvas or leather

Jungle Croc: black orbrown brown Jungle Jungle Croc: Croc: black black ororbrown brown Jungle Croc: black or

Jungle Croc: black or brown Flatsandal sandal withback back strap: Flat with Flat Flatsandal sandal with withstrap: back backstrap: strap: black orbrown brown black or black black ororbrown brown

Flat sandal with back strap: black or brown

sandal with back strap: FlatFlat sandal back strap: Flat Flatwith sandal sandal with with back backstrap: strap: black or brown black orblack brown black ororbrown brown

Flat sandal with back strap: black or brown

Athletic shoe: predominantly black orblack Athletic shoe: predominantly black or oror Athletic Athletic shoe: shoe: predominantly predominantly black white, canvas ororleather white, canvas leather white, white, canvas canvas ororleather leather

Jungle Croc: black orblack brown Jungle Croc: black or brown Jungle Jungle Croc: Croc: black ororbrown brown

Jungle Croc: black or brown

Athletic shoe: predominantly black or white, canvas or leather

Rain boot: solid black ororsolid RainRain boot: solidsolid black solid Rainboot: boot: solidblack black ororsolid solid dark green (no darkdark green (noprints) prints) darkgreen green (no (noprints) prints)

Rain boot: solid black or solid dark green (no prints)

Rain boot: solid black or solid Rain boot: solid black or solid Rain Rainboot: boot:solid solidblack black ororsolid solid dark green (no(no prints) dark green prints) dark darkgreen green (no (noprints) prints)

Rain boot: solid black or solid Boys formal dress Boys formal dress dark green (no prints) Boys formal dress Boys formal dress Bucks: black or brown Bucks: black or brown Bucks: Bucks: black black ororbrown brown

Boys formal dress Girls formal dress Girls formal dress Girls formal dress Girls formal dress

Bucks: black or brown Penny loafer: black, Penny loafer: black, brown, orPenny cordovan Penny loafer: loafer: black, black, brown, or cordovan brown, brown, ororcordovan cordovan

Flats: black Flats: black Flats: Flats: black black

Girls formal dress

Mary Janes: black Mary Janes: black Mary MaryJanes: Janes:black black

Boat shoe:Penny brownloafer: black, Boat shoe: brown Boat Boat shoe: shoe: brown brown brown, or cordovan

Flats: black Mary Janes: black

• Sunglasses may not be worn on Boat shoe: brown

or suggestive words or pictures that feature alcohol, drugs, or unacceptable social behavior. • Headwear (i.e., hats, visors, do-rags, and bandanas) may not be worn in any building by either gender except in the gym or the Grill. • Headbands for girls may be no wider than 3”.

the face or the head inside school buildings or residential halls any time during the school day. • Extreme make-up, dress, or adornment is not allowed. • Boys may not wear makeup unless approved by the Student Life Office.

Day Students

2015-2016 Academic Year the day student will not be attending school because of inclement weather. 5. If a day student is ill, the parents must call the Student Life Office at 706-746-7704 by 9:00 am each day. Any student who is absent from class during the school day for any reason including illness will not be allowed to participate in or attend after school extracurricular activities including play practices and sports events. 6. When a day student wishes to invite boarding students to their home, a written invitation from the day student’s parent must be provided to the Student Life Office. The deadline for weekend plans is 12 noon on the Wednesday prior to the weekend being requested. In order for the invitation to be approved Rabun Gap expects adult supervision throughout the boarding student’s stay. 7. Bicycles, roller blades, scooters, and skateboards may not be used during the school day. 8. All students must sign out in the Student Life Office prior to leaving school before the end of a school day. During final exam weeks and Advanced Placement testing, the end of the School day is considered to be after the student’s final commitment. 9. A day student’s car must be parked in his/her designated parking area and not moved until after the student’s last commitment or sports practice. Failure to comply could result in loss of driving privilege. A day student may move his/her car from the assigned parking place to the gym on days that they have away games.

For reasons of safety and liability, day students are defined as students who live with their family. We ask day students to adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Day students should remain on campus until all school required activities, sports practices, and work commitments are completed. 2. Day students must leave campus when boarding students are required to be in the residential halls (Sunday through Thursday at 7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday at 10:00 pm), with the exception of a student using the library or attending school activities. 3. Day students are allowed occasional overnight stays in dorm with special permission. Day students wishing to spend the night in a residential hall must have permission 24 hours prior to the stay, from the Student Life Office and permission from his/ her parent. There is a $25 per night fee, which does not include meals. If a family is requesting more than 3 consecutive nights stay, this is considered a special request and will be carefully evaluated for approval based on space and need. If approved, these requests will have additional fees. There may be times when a request is denied, such as during the week of exams or the night before a break begins. 4. Because we are predominantly a boarding school, classes meet in inclement weather. The final decision to drive or be driven to school rests with parents and safety should be the primary guide. Absences related to weather are excused. Parents of day students are phoned when a late start is appropriate. Otherwise parents should notify the Upper School Academic Office at 706-746-7701 if

Meal Program for Day Students: Lunch for day students on school days is provided as part of tuition. When required to stay for evening convocation, students will not

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School be charged for the evening meal. If a day student chooses to eat in the dining hall at other times, his/her student account will be charged based on the following rates: Breakfast $3 Brunch/Lunch $6 (all non-school days, including weekends and breaks) Dinner $6

the dorm they are assigned to, and the Student Life Office. Students cannot go in a room assigned to another student unless that student is present or has given permission. 2. No pets of any kind are allowed in student rooms. 3. Each student is expected to bring to school only essential items. For obvious safety considerations, the following are forbidden in student rooms: open flames, lighters, candles, smoking, string of lights, and burning incense. Space and fire code prohibit any additional furniture being added to the rooms unless approved by the Student Life Office. 4. If there is any notable damage to the student rooms, the students involved and their parents will be responsible for the total cost of repair. 5. Full size gaming systems such as Wii, Nintendo, PlayStation, etc. are not allowed to be used in studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rooms, and Rabun Gap discourages students from bringing such systems with them to school. 6. Students are encouraged not to lend, borrow, or trade personal items. Borrowing without knowledge of both parties is considered stealing. Rabun Gap is not responsible for loss of a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal property for any reason. This includes articles that have been lent, traded, stolen, or sold. 7. Rabun Gap reserves the right to inspect and conduct a search of book bags, backpacks, vehicles, or dorm rooms, and any other possessions or property on Rabun Gap premises or on a school sanctioned excursion. Inspections and searches may be conducted on a routine or random basis, and may be unannounced, as deemed necessary. Further, Rabun Gap has the right to seize and

Boarding Students Boarding students are asked to adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Part of boarding school life is learning how to live with someone else. Sharing a room is a new and challenging experience for many students. This takes commitment and understanding from both parties. Each student is assigned a roommate. Rabun Gap tries to pair international students with domestic students whenever possible. Prefects are the only exception to this rule and they will have their own room, if available. Any other exceptions need approval from the Student Life Office. Students may not change assigned rooms without permission from the Head of Dorm for

2015-2016 Academic Year permanently retain or turn over to law enforcement, property disclosed by an inspection or search which is considered potentially harmful, dangerous, illegal, or inappropriate, the possession of which is a violation of Rabun Gap rules, community standards, and/or local and state law. 8. Student rooms are to remain clean and in good order. A student can be placed on room restriction for having an unclean room. Students will be required to clean their rooms before leaving school for breaks. A $250 fine will be assessed in the case where a student fails to pro`perly clean his or her room prior to leaving for summer vacation. 9. The only visitors permitted to spend the night in the residential halls are day students and admissions candidates who must first have permission from the Student Life Office. A boarding student assigned to one dorm may not spend the night in another dorm. No person or persons from outside the Rabun Gap community may visit residence rooms unless specifically authorized by the residential faculty. 10. Students may not leave the residential hall after Evening Study Hall until 7:00 am the next day or unless permission is given. Girls and boys may not visit after study hall and day students may not visit boarding students. If a student wishes to leave the dorm prior to 7:00 am he/she must have permission from the Head of Dorm. 11. During the school day sophomores, juniors, and seniors may return to their own dorm during lunch or free time. Freshman may not return to the dorms during the school day without permission from the Student Life Office. 12. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lights outâ&#x20AC;? means that students should be in their rooms, in bed for

the night with all lights out. Students must be appropriately dressed and modest at all times. 13. Students may only cook in microwaves provided in dorms. No other electric cooking appliances are permitted (i.e. hot plates, fryers, crock pots, grills, etc.). 14. Upper School students, in groups of at least three, may walk to Dillard on Friday and Sunday afternoons between their last school commitment and dusk. Groups should stay together at all times. On Saturday students may walk to Dillard anytime of the day until dusk, after they have completed their commitments. Students must use the designated pathway to help ensure their safety. No student should be in Dillard more than three hours at a time. Students must sign in and out at the residence hall. 15. Students, in groups of at least three, are permitted to run or walk on Indian Lake Road and Neville Road until 6:00 pm on Saturday, and Sunday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. No use of lake facilities or deck area is allowed unless under faculty/staff supervision. Students may not be on the road to and from Indian Lake at any other time unless there is a scheduled, faculty supervised event at the lake or Lake House. Students may run or walk on the cross-country trail or Neville Road on Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday after signing out at Campus Central. Students must have their Residential Facultyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific permission to do so on Monday through Thursday. 16. Students may roller blade, skateboard, ride bikes, scooters or other approved vehicles on the pathway system on central campus and must wear buckled helmets. Students may not

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School ride wheeled recreation equipment on any of the steep sidewalks or hills. Bicycles must be stored in the provided areas and secured with a lock. Rabun Gap is not responsible for stolen or damaged bikes. Wheeled recreation equipment may not be used during the school day. 17. Central campus is the area students are permitted during their free time without signing out. This area changes after dark by season meaning during the day light hours this includes the athletic fields, walking paths, area around the gym, Hodgson Hall, library, science buildings, dorms, dining hall, and the A&T Building. Excluded areas include maintenance and shop areas, barns, faculty housing, cemetery, and the front lawn of Hodgson Hall below the sidewalks. During winter season after dusk, the central campus is limited to the area around the gym, Hodgson Hall, library, science buildings, dorms, dining hall, and the A&T Building. The athletic fields and walking paths are off limits after dusk during winter season. Season changes will be announced by the Student Life Office. 18. Students must obtain permission and sign out at Campus Central before leaving campus, including going to a faculty member’s home. 19. When boarding students invite other students to their homes, we expect there will be adult supervision. Both day and boarding students are expected to follow all the rules and expectations of the School. 20. Students with off-campus guests should obtain a pass from the Student Life Office in advance of their visit. If guests arrive unexpectedly, the Duty Administrator can approve the visit. Immediately upon arrival at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, all guests of

students (boarding and day) must sign in at Campus Central. Guests may visit until 6:45 pm on Sunday – Thursday and until 9:45 pm on Friday and Saturday. The student must stay with his/her guest at all times and assumes responsibility for the actions of his/ her guest as long as he/she remains on campus. Visitors must obey all boarding and school rules while on campus. No student may have a guest on campus on weekdays before the end of the academic day or their last commitment without special permission from the Student Life Office. 21. During the School day, when dorms are closed, a student leaving or returning to campus must sign in or out in the Student Life Office. 22. Students are not allowed to access their rooms during school breaks when dormitories are closed. Summer Storage: Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School will assist International students and students who travel by air in securing storage for the summer. Other students requesting storage must seek approval from the Student Life Office. The following conditions apply: • Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School will secure storages units. • Students who desire to use this service must use the storage boxes provided. • ONLY the boxes provided may be stored. No old boxes or boxes acquired from other sources. • STRICT 50 pound weight limit per box. • Storage items must be boxed. No plastic containers, bikes, etc. • A fee of $20 per box will be assessed and must be paid in cash to the Head of Dorm. This fee must be charged to pay for the operation of the summer storage program including warehouse

2015-2016 Academic Year rental, supplies including boxes, tape, labor costs, etc. • This fee MAY NOT be charged to a student’s account. • Once boxes are stored – there is absolutely no access to items stored until the boxes are returned to campus in August. • Each box must be labeled with an 8 x11 typed sheet of paper taped to the box. A copy of the original label must be placed inside each box, with name, current dorm, grade for the upcoming year, and home address for possible shipping. Boxes not labeled correctly will not be stored. • If for any reason the student does not return to Rabun Gap for the next school year, the student is responsible for contacting the School and providing a credit card for shipping costs. Students are responsible for all shipping costs. Items are shipped in the condition they are packed. Rabun Gap will not repackage storage items if shipping becomes necessary.

occurring to stored items. Any boxes left after 90 days from the start of the upcoming school year, will be donated to charity. Mail and Shipping Services: The student shipping and mailing address is: (Boarding Student Name)/Dormitory/Rabun GapNacoochee School/339 Nacoochee Drive/ Rabun Gap, GA 30568. Phone number for shipping is 706-746-7467. Mail is not delivered on Saturday, so please plan accordingly.

Dining Room Meal times provide opportunities to dine together. We believe that these interactions between the adults, their families, and the students greatly enhance our sense of community. Seating may be assigned at special functions. Every effort is made at all meals to maintain a friendly and gracious atmosphere. Students are expected to maintain a proper conversation level and display the use of good manners. • Tables seat ten comfortably; additional chairs may not be added. • No plates, glasses, or utensils may be taken out of the Dining Hall. • No iPods or electronic listening

Rabun Gap will do its best to protect all items stored, however Rabun Gap is not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School devices are allowed in the Dining Hall.

• NO HATS are allowed at any time. • Class Days – Breakfast: Required for all boarding students grades 7-11 (Seniors and Prefects are exempt from breakfast). Classroom dress is required. Students must be out of the Dining Hall by designated times. • Class Days – Lunch: Students who have lunch meetings may go to the front of the line. • Class Days – Dinner: Casual dress unless otherwise stated. • Saturday & Sunday Meals: Casual dress for all meals, unless otherwise announced.

Friday afternoon and are required. Students must return from weekend leave by 7:00 pm on Sunday. Restrictions may negate any weekend, overnight, or open weekend plans. There may be occasions when poor academic or behavioral performance will prohibit a student from leaving school on the weekend. The Student Life Office will contact students by Thursday of that week if they are to be restricted to campus because of disciplinary infractions. On travel days, any changes in leave information should be communicated to the Duty Administrator at 706-982-2343.

Leave and Travel Information Leave slips are required for all weekend leaves, holidays, breaks, and end-of-theyear travel. For weekend leave, boarding students should complete the leave request form by 12:00 pm on Wednesday prior to the date of requested leave. For all holidays, breaks, and end-of-the-year travel, boarding students must complete leave request forms two (2) weeks prior to departure.

At no other time does the School provide transportation for weekend leaves. Students may not use the transportation reserved and used for a school activity or athletic trip as a means of transport for a weekend leave or visit. Leaving school without permission may lead to immediate dismissal.

Once a leave request form is submitted, parents must notify the Student Life Office with confirmation of the student’s travel plans, via e-mail (studentlife@rabungap. org), fax (706-746-2145) or phone (706746-7704). If the student is planning a visit at someone else’s home, permission of all parties must be obtained, including an invitation from the host.

Leaving campus without proper permission is considered a violation of a Major Rule and may lead to demerits or dismissal.

Weekend Leaves: Weekend leave for open weekends begins after the student’s last commitment on Friday. Students are free to leave campus, typically, after 5:30 pm and after any required activities, sports practices, work, or dorm commitments. Please note: afternoon activities meet on

Community and Closed Weekends: Note the community and closed weekends listed in the following chart. On these weekends, boarding students are not permitted to leave campus until after Community Day is complete on Saturday afternoon. On

2015-2016 Academic Year Mandatory Testing Dates, Community Days, and Closed Weekends Month

Date(s)

Notes

Water’s Edge Experience

Friday, September 11

All Freshmen on overnight return to campus Saturday, Sept. 12. Parent pick-up at 3:30 pm

Mountain Top Experience

Friday, September 11

All Sophomores on expedition; return to campus on Tuesday, Sept. 15

Community Day

Saturday, September 12

All Juniors and Seniors; Campus closed until 1:00 pm

SAT

Saturday, October 3

Seniors required to attend; Campus closed until 1:00 pm

ACT

Saturday, October 24

Seniors required to attend; Campus closed until 1:00 pm

Mid-Year Dorm Deep Clean

Sunday, December 13

Community Day – International Day

Saturday, January 16

Campus closed until 1:00 pm

SAT – ALL Juniors

Saturday, January 23

Juniors required to attend; Campus closed until 1:00 pm

ACT – ALL Juniors

Saturday, February 6

Juniors required to attend; Campus closed until 1:00 pm

Community Day – Academic Symposium

Saturday, April 2

Campus closed until 1:00 pm

CLOSED WEEKEND – COMMENCEMENT

May 14–15

FINAL EXAM PREP Dorm Deep Clean

May 22

All Boarding Students required to return to campus by 1:00 pm

No boarding students to leave campus Boarding Students required to return to campus by 1:00 pm

Closed Weekends, Boarding Students are not permitted to leave Campus. Closed weekends are planned for community events as well as additional preparation for final exams.

Student Driver Information: With the permission of the Student Life Office, a student is allowed to have a car on campus. The driver must have a permanent driver’s license. All permission forms must be completed, and the student driver will be issued a parking permit with his/her assigned parking space. Day student’s cars must be parked in his/her designated parking area and not moved until after the student’s last commitment or sports practice. Boarding student cars must be parked in his/her designated parking area and the key to the vehicle must be turned in to residential faculty. The car is to be used for travel to and from home. In the

Riding Permissions: Boarding students must have permission from their parent/ guardian and approval from the Student Life Office when riding with someone other than a faculty or staff member of Rabun Gap. Students may drive other students for weekend leaves only when the Student Life Office has received the proper permission. Parental permission from all parties must be obtained (driver, as well as passenger).

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School

• Remain seated while the bus is

event that the student wishes to use the car on other occasions, special permission must be obtained from the Student Life Office. Students are not permitted to drive motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles on campus.

in motion.

• Keep heads, hands, arms, and legs inside the bus at all times.

• No littering in the bus or throwing anything from the bus.

• Do not tamper with the bus or any Failure to abide by student driver policies will result in loss of driving privileges. A student who has lost their driving privileges will not be able to drive or park on school property.

of its equipment.

• Remain seated until the bus is stopped. The driver will not discharge students at places other than their regular stop unless they have proper authorization from the student’s parent/guardian and the Director of Transportation.

School Bus Transportation: Students who ride to and from school on buses provided by Rabun Gap are required to follow some basic safety rules. The driver is responsible for student safety and may assign seating or direct the student in any reasonable manner to maintain that safety.

A student who becomes a behavior problem on the bus may be denied the privilege of riding the bus and may be disciplined up to and including dismissal. Students denied bus privileges who fail to attend school will be considered truant.

The following behaviors are expected of all students: • Be on time at the designated loading zone or bus stop. • Wait until the bus is completely stopped before moving forward to enter. • Refrain from crossing a highway until the driver signals it is safe. • Go immediately to a seat and be seated.

Holiday Transportation: Before and after specific breaks and holidays, the School will provide shuttle transportation to Hartsfield International in Atlanta, GA (ATL). Reservations must be made two weeks in advance and are made by completing the holiday leave slip. There is a $40 one-way or

2015-2016 Academic Year $80 round trip charge for this service.

on the days when the break begins for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. Unless approved prior arrangements are made, students are charged $20 per hour to the Rabun Gap Student Account after 12:00 pm.

Once a reservation has been made, this fee is nonrefundable. Students using the Airport Shuttle without Flights: Arrival at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta is to the South Terminal, lower level. Follow signs to south terminal, stay in left lane and follow past Delta Dash to the covered drop off.

Students may not access their dorms during breaks when dormitories are closed. Dormitories re-open at 3:00 pm on the travel day prior to classes beginning following breaks.

Note: Due to Atlanta traffic conditions, students staying in the Atlanta area who have a reservation on the shuttle should arrive at the airport one hour before the Shuttle Bus is scheduled to depart.

Additional Information Regarding Holiday Travel: • There is no direct public transportation to and from Rabun Gap, but there are private transportation services that can be hired when students are unable to meet the travel schedule of the Rabun Gap shuttle. Please contact the Student Life Office (706-746-7704) for a list of local services. Cost for this service is strictly between the individual student and the shuttle service and must be paid at the time of service. This cost cannot be charged to a Student Account. • Parents are asked to refrain from scheduling holiday travel in or out of the dorm between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, as a simple courtesy to the people who live in the dorm. • During the school year, boarding students are not permitted to stay in hotels or motels without their own parents nor or they permitted to stay overnight in college dormitories. • The School is not responsible for securing transportation if a student deviates from the scheduled break/ vacation times and dates. • The School calendar is published well in advance so parents can make travel arrangements early.

Unaccompanied Minor Information: • Most airlines require students under the age of 15 to travel as “Unaccompanied Minors” and charge a fee for this service. Parents should check the individual airline’s policy for children who must travel as an unaccompanied minor. • If your child must travel as an unaccompanied minor, please call the Student Life Office at 706-746-7704 to make special arrangements. • Airline policy requires children traveling as unaccompanied minors to be accompanied by a chaperone who must sign a waiver and stay with the child at the gate until the flight takes off. If a student has nearby relatives or family friends, they can be helpful in escorting the student to the gate. When School personnel serve as escorts, students will be charged $20 per hour in addition to the transportation costs. Dorm Closing and Opening: All boarding students should be off campus by noon

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School Holiday Airport Shuttle Schedule & Travel Information THANKSGIVING BREAK

All Dorms Close 12:00pm on Friday, November 20, 2015

All Dorms Open 3:00pm on Monday, November 30, 2015

LEAVE SCHOOL by 12:00pm on Friday, November 20, 2015

Shuttle Bus to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) leaves at 6:00am SCHEDULE DEPARTING FLIGHTS NO EARLIER THAN 11:00am Students using personal transportation may leave after their final school committment on Thursday, November 19

RETURN TO SCHOOL by 9:00pm on Sunday, November 30, 2015

Shuttle Buses from ATL depart at 1:00pm and 5:00pm SCHEDULE RETURNING FLIGHTS TO ATL: PRIOR TO 12:00pm for 1:00pm Shuttle Bus PRIOR TO 4:00pm for 5:00pm Shuttle Bus

CHRISTMAS BREAK

All Dorms Close 12:00pm on Friday, December 18, 2015

All Dorms Open 3:00pm on Sunday, January 3, 2016

LEAVE SCHOOL by 12:00pm on Friday, December 18, 2015

RETURN TO SCHOOL by 9:00pm on Sunday, January 3, 2016

Shuttle Buses from ATL depart at 1:00pm and 5:00pm SCHEDULE RETURNING FLIGHTS TO ATL: PRIOR TO 12:00pm for 1:00pm Shuttle Bus PRIOR TO 4:00pm for 5:00pm Shuttle Bus

SPRING BREAK

All Dorms Close 12:00pm on Friday, February 26, 2016

All Dorms Open 3:00pm on Sunday, March 13, 2016

LEAVE SCHOOL by 12:00pm on Friday, February 26, 2016

RETURN TO SCHOOL by 9:00pm on Sunday, March 13, 2016

Shuttle Buses from ATL depart at 1:00pm and 5:00pm SCHEDULE RETURNING FLIGHTS TO ATL: PRIOR TO 12:00pm for 1:00pm Shuttle Bus PRIOR TO 4:00pm for 5:00pm Shuttle Bus

EASTER BREAK

DORMS REMAIN OPEN

LEAVE SCHOOL by 12:00pm on Thursday, March 24, 2016

RETURN TO SCHOOL by 9:00pm on Monday, March 28, 2016

Shuttle Bus from ATL departs at 5:00pm ONLY SCHEDULE RETURNING FLIGHTS TO ATL: PRIOR TO 4:00pm for 5:00pm Shuttle Bus

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND

Saturday, May 14, 2016 Upper School Awards Ceremony at 5:00pm

Sunday, May 15, 2016 Baccalaureate at 9:00am Graduation at 10:30am

Seniors are required to leave campus by 2:00pm on Sunday, May 15, 2016. Rabun Gap does not provide airport shuttle service for Seniors following graduation.

SUMMER VACATION

Students may leave after their last exam during the week of May 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;26, 2016. All Dorms Close 12:00pm on Friday, May 27.

LEAVE SCHOOL by 12:00pm on Friday, May 27, 2016

Shuttle Bus to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) leaves at 6:00am SCHEDULE DEPARTING FLIGHTS NO EARLIER THAN 11:00am

2015-2016 Academic Year

Airport Shuttle Information for International and Domestic Flights • Please notify the School of any

Important Considerations: • All flights must land one hour before the shuttle bus is scheduled to depart to Rabun Gap. • Students staying in the local areas traveling by shuttle should arrive at the airport one hour before the shuttle is scheduled to depart.

changes in your child’s flight or transportation arrangements immediately. On the day of travel please notify the Duty Administrator of flight delays, missed flights or changes in leave slip plans by calling 706-982-2343.

International Student Program and Support

International Student Orientation: Rabun Gap provides an intensive International Student Summer Orientation which helps new international students adjust to life in the United States and at Rabun Gap. Our one-week Summer Orientation has a proven track record as an effective language and cultural immersion program. In addition, students particularly appreciate the opportunity to become familiar with campus before the school year begins. This orientation is essential to a smooth transition into life at Rabun Gap; therefore, it is required for all new international students. Participation in this program is determined by the Director of Admission and Director International Programing.

International Student English Immersion Program: International students are placed in the English Immersion program according to their level of proficiency in English. In some cases, students do not require any English Immersion courses. In order to promote opportunity for language development, students are placed in mainstream courses, even as they are enrolled in the English Immersion program. The progress of each student is carefully monitored throughout his/her course of study at Rabun Gap. As with many university ESL programs, English Immersion courses at Rabun Gap are required until the student reaches a level of English proficiency enabling him/her to exit the program. The English Immersion Director works with the Registrar to determine the courses needed as the student progresses.

International Student Language Policy: In order to foster growth in English language acquisition, international students are

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School expected to speak English in class. Teachers may permit the use of native language in the classroom under very specific circumstances. Always check with your teacher to determine if it is appropriate. Other important considerations: • Students must speak English at all official school events like Convocation, Chapel, sports practices and games, study hall, class meetings, etc. • Students must also speak English during informal occasions (in the dorm, on the way to classes, in the library, etc.) when they are interacting with people who do not speak their native language. • Students may speak their native language at meals, but are strongly encouraged to sit with people outside of their nationality group and speak English.

different backgrounds and cultures make the School a much richer community. The International Club looks for ways to give students an opportunity to share their cultures, traditions, and homelands with others. International Day takes place every spring and allows international students to share some of the attributes of their home countries through food, traditional clothing, displays, and entertainment. All students are required to participate in International Day. International Student Residential Hall Assignments: Community life provides international students an opportunity to share their cultural background with other international and American students. It also gives them an opportunity to experience and appreciate other cultural backgrounds and language. In order to encourage this type of mutual growth, international students are placed with someone from another culture so that both will benefit from each other.

International Student Graduation Require ments: The transcripts of all international students are reviewed by the Academic Office and the Director of English Immersion Program to determine which credits will transfer according to Rabun Gap policy. It is essential that all international students provide the Registrar with an official translated copy of their transcript from their previous school. Rabun Gap cannot issue transfer credits without this documentation. Rabun Gap does not offer an ESL diploma, and each international student who wishes to graduate must meet all specific language and mainstream expectations of the Academic Office. Every schedule and course change for any international student must have the approval of the Academic Office and/or the Director of the English Immersion Program.

International Student Vacations: The Director of International Programming is available to support international families as they make vacation travel plan. As with all boarding students, all travel plans must be approved by the Student Life Office at least two weeks before vacations begin. Students and parents are advised to plan early for vacations. The availability of seats and the cost of tickets will not be valid reasons for extending vacations. The School calendar is set early in the summer before the school year starts to allow parents to save money by planning ahead and booking flights according to the calendar. International Student Passports, I-20s & IDs: Upon arrival at Rabun Gap, all international students will give their passports and I-20s to the Director of

International Club and International Day: International students are a very important part of Rabun Gap and their

2015-2016 Academic Year Admission, who will keep them in a locked fire resistant safe during the school year. Passports will be returned to students traveling outside the United States or as otherwise needed.

bank account. The Director of International Programming can give specific instructions for wiring money. International Student Medications: International students must follow Rabun Gap’s medication policy. Only medications that are considered over-the-counter in the United States will be administered without a written doctor’s prescription.

International Student Appointed United States Contact: Every international student at Rabun Gap must have a United States contact–someone who lives in the United States, speaks English, and is at least twenty-one years old. The United States contact is appointed by parents to act for them in critical decisions concerning their children, particularly when parents cannot be reached quickly. Also, experience has shown that having a contact who resides in the United States can be very important if there is an emergency or a need for special permission.

The following information must be provided in English before any international medication may be administered: 1. Information on the container must include the student’s name, the name of the drug, dosage, amount, route of administration, the time interval of the dose, and the name of the prescribing licensed healthcare provider. 2. The School nurse, based on nursing assessment, determines that the medication can be given at school. 3. The administration of medication in no way violates nursing protocols or standing orders. 4. The School nurse is aware of and has access to current reliable information regarding the safe use of the medication including side effects and toxicity, possible drug interactions, adverse effects,

Parents will receive grades and communication directly from the School. If parents wish, the United States contact may also receive copies of correspondence to parents. This can be helpful, especially if the guardian is bilingual. International Student Driver’s License: The School does not have a driver’s training program. However, students who want to apply for a driver’s license can make arrangements to do so. They must be at least eighteen years old or the parent/guardian must appear at the Department of Drivers Services in person to give permission. International Student Banking: All international students should have a personal bank account. The School can assist students in opening an account at one of several local banks. Rabun Gap does not maintain a student account, so students cannot receive spending money through their school account. Money can be sent by wire transfer to the student’s personal

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School and expected outcomes. 5. Medications must be presented in original containers with the English translation clearly printed on the label. 6. The medication must be recognized by the United States Pharmacopoeia as safe and effective.

by students must be returned and cleared by the Librarian prior to taking final exams or having files forwarded to any other institution or released to any individual. The main floor of the Library and upstairs is for quiet, individual study only. Group study is allowed in the study rooms, on the veranda, in the courtyard, and in the Student Commons. • Food or drink other than water is not allowed in the Library. • Talking above a whisper or socializing is not allowed in the Library. • Students must sign out all materials at the main desk prior to leaving the Library and return them promptly within the two week check-out period or renew them. • Students are responsible for taking care of and returning any materials checked out to them. A student must pay for any lost or damaged book checked out in his or her name. • Students should not move furniture or place feet on furniture in the Library. • Only one student at a time is allowed on a computer. • Headphones must be used for audio applications. • Students using iPods may not share the device by sharing headphones.

Student Support Services The Student Resource Center: The Student Resource Center (SRC) is a program designed to meet a variety of student needs that enhance the Rabun Gap educational experience. Housed in the library, the SRC program includes the learning center, a math lab, and peer tutoring. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of the services provided within the SRC. Contact the Director of Counseling for further information. The Library: The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Library Program empowers students to be independent learners throughout their lives, ensuring that they are effective, efficient, and ethical users of ideas and information. The Library staff collaborates with teachers to design learning strategies to meet the diverse needs of individual students. The Library provides a wide range of relevant resources and technologies to satisfy the varied curriculum and recreational needs of its users. The Library promotes a reading culture and hopes to instill in students the habit of lifelong learning by teaching the tools of information literacy and conveying the importance of an informed citizenry in a free and democratic society.

Campus Store and Student Center: The Campus Store is located on the lower level of the Administration Building. The Store stocks clothing, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items. Rabun Gap specialty items are also available.

The Library is designated as a quiet zone for studying, reading, research, and checking out books. Library privileges may be denied to students who do not comply with Library rules. All books, periodicals, or other cataloged materials which are checked out

School Counseling and Health Services: The primary concern of the counseling and health programs is the wellbeing of the students in our school community. Parents and students agree, as a condition of continued enrollment, to consent to

2015-2016 Academic Year the release of any of the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health related information, including information relating to drug treatment, testing, medical and mental health records, to employees or agents of Rabun Gap, as determined by the Head of School or his designee, to meet the medical or safety needs of the student and the community or the legal responsibilities of the School.

information, we must balance matters of privacy and confidentiality with safeguarding the interests and wellbeing of our students and our community. Thus, parents/guardians and students consent to allow employees and agents of Rabun Gap who have a need to know medical and/ or psychological information necessary to serve the best interests of the student and/or the community. In the event of a disclosure required by law, every effort will be made to notify the student and/or parents/guardians in advance.

Rabun Gap will maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security of all health-related information within its care or custody. While it is the obligation of Rabun Gap to safeguard student medical

Counseling is available to all students and can be obtained by self-referral or by parent/ guardian request. Students who wish to talk with a counselor are encouraged to do so during a study hall or after school hours. From time to time the School reserves the right to require counseling intervention as a condition of enrollment at Rabun Gap. The School may require an evaluation by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. The School or family may arrange for these evaluations. Rabun Gap must receive the requested documentation as soon as possible, no later than sixty days after the request. Faculty members or Advisors may suggest counseling for a student about whom they have concern. If a student is referred for counseling, the nature and origin of that referral may be shared with the student. When long-term therapy, psychological testing, or psychiatric services are requested or needed, students will be referred to a local professional. Some local counselors are willing to meet with students on campus in a private counseling space. Parental or guardian permission is required for ancillary counseling services, and parents or guardians are directly responsible to providers for all charges.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School All external professional counselors subscribe to a policy of confidentiality in their work with students or faculty members who seek them out for consultation. Confidentiality, however, must yield to safety when threat of harm to the individual, someone else, or the community exists. If the School determines a student is a danger to himself, herself, or others, the parent is notified, and the student will be asked to leave Rabun Gap to obtain a psychiatric evaluation to ensure safety. The result of the evaluation must be submitted to the School’s senior administrators for review. A decision regarding the student’s return to Rabun Gap will be made based on the outcome of the evaluation and the student’s prior history while at Rabun Gap. The time spent away from school is excused medical leave, because this process may take time. The student may not return to school until approval is given by the School’s senior administration. If it is decided that it is in the best interest of the student and the community for the student to return, the student will be asked to sign a relapse prevention contract. Rabun Gap wants the student and the family to understand while every student deserves the opportunity to be successful, repeated episodes of similar behavior may mean Rabun Gap is not equipped to provide the appropriate type and level of care needed for this particular student.

that pertinent information can be shared with the School to coordinate services.

If a student is involved with a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist independent of the School community, this information must be noted in the student’s Rabun Gap medical record. In such cases, the family must notify the Director of Counseling. The School will strive to work cooperatively with the family and mental health professionals to provide needed support. Parents/guardians will sign a release-ofinformation with the outside provider so

There will be a transportation charge of $10 per student for local doctor and pharmacy visits. All out of town visits will be charged at the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate plus the cost of a driver. Upon request, students can receive confidential health services through the Rabun County Health Department.

Cases of physical or sexual abuse must, by law, be reported immediately to the Department of Family and Children’s Services.

Student Health Center Procedures: The aim of the Student Health Center is to care for the immediate health needs of students attending Rabun Gap. The Health Center is located across the street from the dining hall in Jackson. Students who need to see the nurse are encouraged to do so before school, during lunch, or in the afternoons. Preventative medical and dental check-ups are very important. We ask that parents schedule these appointments while students are home over school breaks. If a child becomes sick or is injured while at school, the School nurse or her designee will make the necessary arrangements for the child to see a local doctor if needed. Parents/ guardians are directly responsible to the provider for all charges. It is very important that Student Health be advised of any changes to insurance coverage throughout the year. The student will be responsible for the insurance co-pay at the time of service. For this reason we recommend students have a debit or credit card.

All prescriptions are filled at U-Save It: 321 Hwy. 441 North; Clayton, GA 30525

2015-2016 Academic Year / Phone: 706-782-3813. If U-Save It is not on your plan, you may wish to have your child’s prescriptions filled at home and mailed to the Rabun Gap Health Center. Should you choose this option please be mindful of the time involved to ensure your child does not run out of medication.

in effect through the entire time a student attends Rabun Gap. Should your insurance coverage change during the school year, a copy of the new insurance card needs to be submitted to the Student Health Center. All students are required to have an annual physical completed after June 1st, 2014 by a licensed healthcare provider. All health and physical forms MUST be completed to the satisfaction of the School nurse before a student may participate in any school activity, including athletics.

If your child takes prescription medications, please do not mail medication directly to your child. All medication should be addressed to the School in care of the Student Health Center. If you send medication back to school with your child after a school break, please instruct your child to turn in their medication to his/her residential faculty member upon arriving at the dorm.

Students who do not meet the immuni zation requirements of the State of Georgia may not remain enrolled in school. At the nurse’s discretion, students who do not feel well enough to attend school will be put to bed in the Student Health Center for the school day. Students are not allowed to stay in their dorm rooms during the school day. Faculty will bring room bound students their evening meal from the dining hall. A student who is room bound is not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or sports practices that day. Being room bound gives the student extra time for rest and recuperation in the evening and also helps prevent the spread of contagious conditions.

If a child is currently undergoing ortho dontic treatment (braces), parents should make every effort to continue seeing their own orthodontist at home while on breaks. If a child will not be going home during the school year, parents should contact the School nurse for arrangements with local orthodontists. All students are required to have medical insurance which has a claims office within the United States. Insurance must remain

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Upper School When a student has an injury in which a physician has limited or restricted participation in sports or PE, that student will be required to have a written note from the diagnosing physician before the student will be allowed to participate, practice, or play in a game.

4. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Sudafed, etc., must be identified and labeled by the school nurse. Once identified and labeled, these medications may be kept in the dorm and self-administered by the student. Under no circumstances may students share these medications with other students. 5. Students who take daily medications, such as Ritalin will do so in a location designated by Rabun Gap. It is the student’s responsibility to allow time to obtain medications, initial the Medication Administration Log and be in class on time. On school days, the School Nurse or her designee will give lunch medication. Evening medications will be given in the residence hall. 6. We take violations to the Medication Policy seriously and offenders will be referred to the Student Life Office.

Medication Policy: All medications, prescription, over-the-counter and homeo pathic therapies, must be turned in to the School nurse. At the discretion of the School nurse, medications used for asthma, diabetes, and antibiotics may be returned to the student after appropriate verification and documentation of the prescription. These might include vitamins, homeopathics and medications used for asthma, diabetes and antibiotics. 1. A student who is prescribed an inhaler for asthma should keep the inhaler on his/her person at all times. Our athletic trainer requires a second inhaler if they are participating in a sport. 2. Medications and equipment used for control of diabetes may be kept in the student’s room provided that the School Nurse and residential faculty agree that the student will be responsible for his/her own medications. 3. All prescription medications must be presented in the original container with the correct instructions on the label, intact and legible. If the dosage instructions change at any time after the label is printed, a new physician’s order MUST be submitted to the School Nurse before the change in administration of the medication can be made. The physician may fax the order to the School at 706-746-7762.

Supplements - Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies Policy: While it is recognized that many families have chosen natural and homeopathic remedies, Rabun GapNacoochee School requires that the use of these remedies follow Medication Policy as outlined in the Student Handbook. The School nurse may elect to return certain preparations after appropriate verification and documentation. It is understood that if the preparation is returned to the student, Rabun Gap takes no responsibility for the supervision of its administration. If any of the supplements, herbal or homeopathic remedies are intended to alter the student’s mood, alleviate anxiety, or change behaviors, these remedies must be maintained by the residential faculty.

Index Airport Shuttle Information . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Animals on Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Attendance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Behavior Related Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Boarding Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Campus Style Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Casual Dress Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cell Phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Closed Weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Day Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Dining Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Destructive Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Disciplinary Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Herbal/Homeopathic Remedies . . . . . . . 40 Honor Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 International Student Program . . . . . . . . 33

iPods/Listening Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Leave and Travel Information . . . . . . . . . 28 Mandatory Testing Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Major School Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Meal Program for Day Students . . . . . . . 23 Medication Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Offensive Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Off Campus Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Out of School Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Posters and Announcements . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rearden Theatre Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Reporting of Accidents and Hazards . . . . 13 Sexual Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Shoes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Approved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Social Networks/Online Media . . . . . . . . 14 Student Driver Information . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Student Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Student Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Supplements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Retaliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Acceptable Use Policy . . . . 13 Tobacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Weapons and Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School 339 Nacoochee Drive Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568