2023-2024 Student Handbook

NS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

St. Johns Country Day School’s mission

is to provide a superior college preparatory program with an innovative curriculum that stresses academic accomplishment, artistic excellence, and athletic competition in a supportive environment that develops students who seek solutions, accept responsibility, and lead collaboration.

PREFACE

This Handbook is written for the entire School community, including parents. A student’s presence in the School signifies both his and his parents’ acceptance of and willingness to abide by all the policies set forth in this Handbook, and as they may be revised from time to time.

In enrolling or re-enrolling their children each year, parents sign a statement expressing their acceptance of the School’s policies as contained in this Handbook. St. Johns will endeavor to announce changes in policies, but it reserves the right to alter its policies at any time without prior written notice.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

St. Johns Country Day School provides a strong college preparatory program, maintaining high academic standards and offering a demanding curriculum intended to interest all students and challenge them to discover their own capabilities. Its aim is to develop young people who are independent, self-reliant individuals prepared for college and for life.

Learning is enhanced by small classes, the interaction of students in Grades Pre-K through 12, robust technological resources, and the utilization of the natural campus environment. Recognizing individual learning styles, teachers employ a variety of instructional techniques.

Founded upon Judeo-Christian principles, the School seeks to develop in each student a sense of self-worth and respect for the values of a diverse school community.

St. Johns Country Day School seeks to nurture in its students a continuing desire to learn and the skills necessary to pursue their goals.

SCHOOL MOTTO

“As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” (Deut. 33:25)

FOUNDERS SONG

O, the Heinrichs had a vision, a dream, a plan To build a college prep school. And in nineteen fifty-three, in the county of Clay, They founded St. Johns Country Day.

With faith and wisdom, our founders led the way. So with grateful hearts we proudly say, “We’re the Spartans of St. Johns Country Day.”

As thy days, so shall thy strength be. This, our motto clear, tradition we hold so dear. We remember our past; we look forward today, To the future of St. Johns Country Day.

With faith and wisdom, our founders led the way. So with grateful hearts we proudly say, “We’re the Spartans of St. Johns Country Day.”

SCHOOL HYMN

To St. Johns our hymn we raise, Full of love and full of praise. Wisdom gained for future days

Leads us on to righteous ways.

With our days our strength shall grow As our words and deeds may show.

POLICY ON NON - DISCRIMINATION

St. Johns Country Day School admits students of any gender, sexual orientation, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, or religious creed to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious creed in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other Schooladministered programs.

POLICY ON HARASSMENT AND BULLYING

St. Johns Country Day School endeavors to maintain an environment free of bullying and harassment, and will not tolerate bullying, harassment, racism, or intolerant acts. Racism is defined as prejudice, bias, discrimination, or discriminatory acts or language of a person or people based on racial or ethnic group.

1. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying and means repeatedly and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve:

● Teasing;

● Social exclusion;

● Threat;

● Intimidation;

● Stalking;

● Physical violence;

● Theft;

● Sexual, religious, or racial harassment;

● Public or private humiliation; or

● Destruction of property.

2. “Cyberbullying” means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photoelectronic system, or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, group chats, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

3. “Harassment” means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or School employee that:

● Places a student or School employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property;

● Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or

● Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

The definitions of “bullying” and “harassment” include:

● Retaliation against a student or School employee by another student or School employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying or harassment. Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation.

● Perpetuation of conduct listed in paragraph (1), paragraph (2), or paragraph (3) by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause physical harm to a student or School employee by:

o Incitement or coercion;

o Accessing or knowingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the School system; or

o Acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying or harassment. Any person who feels bullied or harassed or who witnesses someone being bullied or harassed should contact a School official or other trusted adult.

POLICY ON SERIOUS INFECTIOUS ILLNESS

St. Johns Country Day School is concerned with the health and safety of all students and personnel and, while maintaining the individual’s right to privacy as best it can, complies with all health department regulations regarding infectious disease.

POLICY ON PARENT - FACULTY COMMUNICATION

In our role as partners with parents in education, the School encourages open communication between parents and members of the faculty or administration. Should a course-related concern arise, parents should first contact the teacher of the course.

Since it is often difficult to interpret a writer’s tone from an email, the St. Johns administration strongly encourages parent and faculty to communicate with one another in person or by phone whenever possible.

POLICY ON RELIGION

(Adopted by Board of Trustees 2007)

Recognizing that all people have spiritual needs, St. Johns Country Day School commits to fostering the spiritual growth and development of its students. Hoping to enhance the religious understanding and spiritual journey of every student, St. Johns promotes high standards of character, honor, and ethics.

St. Johns was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and the School’s religious life orientation, while non-denominational, is consistent with the School’s heritage.

St. Johns welcomes people of all religions and desires to be a nurturing community where respect and understanding permeate all relationships.

St. Johns expects its students, faculty, and staff to respect all religions and people of all faiths. The School does not tolerate the maligning of any person’s religion or the attempt to convince any person that his or her religious beliefs are not valid.

Believing that well-educated people in a global community must understand the world in which they live, St. Johns provides opportunities for students to learn the basic tenets of the world’s major religions.

The primary role of the classroom setting is educational, and teachers are expected to refrain from using the classroom as a forum for religious conversion or expressing their personal religious beliefs with the intent to demean any other religion or belief.

St. Johns faculty and students are expected to cooperate so that each person may observe the significant holy days of his or her faith. Students and their families must inform the School in advance of religious observances that conflict with class attendance, tests or examinations, or other School activities. The School will then attempt to accommodate the students’ religious practices.

St. Johns employs qualified faculty and staff regardless of their religion or creed. Faculty and staff should understand and be willing to abide by and support the St. Johns Country Day School Policy on Religion.

St. Johns admits qualified students regardless of their religion or creed. Entering students and their families should understand and be willing to abide by and support the St. Johns Country Day School Policy on Religion.

INTERFAITH ASSEMBLIES

Interfaith Assemblies are intended to support the mission of the School by fostering self-reliance and ethical responsibility. In keeping with the School’s policy on religion, Interfaith Assemblies begin and end in prayer and feature speakers or programs that promote high standards of character, honor, and ethics. Special holiday Interfaith Assemblies incorporate traditions from a variety of major world religions.

ACADEMICS

Lower School Grading

PRESCHOOL

Students are assessed throughout the year using the Brigance Early Childhood Screening and other age-appropriate evaluations. The results of the first and last assessment communicate academic growth and development, and are shared with parents or guardians. Parents or guardians will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher each semester and receive a bi-annual progress report based on both social and academic growth and developmental progress. The progress report uses the following codes:

ME - Meets Expectations

RA - Requires Assistance to Meet Expectations

LU - Limited Understanding of the Expectations

NA - Not Assessed at this Time

KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 2

The evaluation of a student’s achievement is evidence of class work, social and academic growth, and developmental progress. Parents or guardians shall receive a quarterly progress report that is scored using the following codes:

ID - Independent

ME - Meets Expectations

RA - Requires Assistance to Meet Expectations

LU - Limited Understanding of the Expectations

NA - Not Assessed at this Time

GRADES 3 TO 5

The evaluation of a student’s achievement as evidenced by his or her class work, homework, and assessment scores. Parents or guardians shall receive a quarterly report card that is scored using the following grades:

S AND N

S – the student performance is "satisfactory” by fulfilling expectations with an acceptable effort.

N – the student performance is "needs improvement” due to inconsistencies in the completion of expectations and effort.

Middle and Upper School Grading

Student grade point averages are weighted according to the values described in the following table. The student’s cumulative GPA is calculated based on all high school credit courses taken at St. Johns.

Honor Roll

Students in Grades 6 -12 may attain one of the following Honor Roll indications, as noted on the report card:

3.3 GPA Cum Laude

3.6 GPA Magna Cum Laude

3.9 GPA Summa Cum Laude

Grade Determination

With the exception of Advanced Placement courses, quarter grades are determined using one of two calculation methods:

1. Categories: Major Assessments, Minor Assessments, Practice and Application. Teachers determine the appropriate categories and weighting for course assignments and assessments.

2. Total Points: The teacher determines point values for course assignments and assessments and informs the class at the beginning of the quarter the (approximate) total number of points possible.

With division head approval, teachers determine the weighting of quarter averages. Mid-term and final exams account for 10% of the second semester grade.

No Honors or AP point boosts are given for grades below C.

Missing work which results in an Incomplete at the end of the grading period must be made up by the date designated by the teacher, not to exceed two weeks, or it is averaged as zero.

Promotion to the Next Grade

In order to be promoted to the next grade, the student must have a 2.0 final grade point average and must have at least a C- average in continuing levels of English, Mathematics, and World Languages. A student must attain at least four credits to be promoted to the next grade.

If a student does not meet these requirements, the Administration discusses various remedies with the student and parent – e.g., summer school, repeating the grade, or dismissal, depending on the situation

The final grade for a summer school make-up class is averaged evenly with the final grade previously earned in the year-long class of the same subject.

If a tutor/retest is required, the retest score is averaged in the course’s final grade in place of the student’s original final exam score.

Graduation Requirements

Twenty-three Upper School credits are required for graduation from St. Johns. Upper School students must take five subjects each semester, four of which must be academic courses (those requiring written homework, quizzes and tests).

To be awarded a diploma from St. Johns, seniors must have a cumulative average of 2.0 and Senior year average of 2.0, with no failures, including semester courses. Seniors who do not meet these criteria will not be allowed to participate in graduation activities (Baccalaureate and Senior Reception) and may be asked not to

attend graduation exercises. Retests in subject areas are not given to seniors to meet graduation requirements.

Required Upper School Credits

English

Fine & Performing Arts

History & Social Science

Mathematics

Physical Education

Science

World Language

4 credits (English 9, 10, 11, 12)

1 credit (Performing or Visual Art)

4 credits (World History, Modern World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Ethics)

4 credits (Algebra 1, Algebra 2 & Geometry required)

1 credit (May be earned in Grade 8)

3 laboratory science credits (Biology, Chemistry, and

1 additional lab science)

2 credits of the same language

Electives Students must take sufficient electives to achieve 23 total course credits.

Other Coursework

Students may enroll in Global Online Academy courses, with Florida Virtual School, or may apply for dual enrollment credits at St. Johns River State College only for courses that are not graduation requirements or are electives that St. Johns Country Day School does not offer. A student wishing to take a course via Florida Virtual School or St. Johns River State College should consult a Fellowship faculty mentor or the College Counseling Office for approval.

Course Selection

Students should consult the Curriculum Guide to determine course content, prerequisites, and grades required to enter a particular course.

Transcripts

St. Johns Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are based only on course work taken and grades earned at St. Johns. Any high school or college courses taken and grades earned outside of St. Johns are not included in the student cumulative St. Johns GPA. Transcripts from other institutions, including Global Online Academy, accompany the official St. Johns transcript in the form originally produced by the outside institution.

EXAMS

Students in Grades 8-12 participate in mid-term exams at the end of the first semester. Mid-terms count as 10% of the semester grade.

Final exams for Upper School first semester courses are administered during the last week of the semester. Final exams for full-year and second semester courses occur the last week of school.

The final exam grade counts as 10% of the second semester grade

Mid-term and final exams are up to 2 hours in length. In Advanced Placement courses, a “mock AP exam” may count as the final exam.

With the exception of students who are successful on CLEP exams, there are no exemptions from final exams.

Teachers post final exam outlines at least a week in advance and offer review sessions during class, lunch, H periods or before and after school as necessary. Except in cases of medical emergency, students must take exams at the scheduled times.

AP Classes and Exams

Students must have department permission to enroll in honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

CLEP & AP courses may continue to meet, at teacher discretion, until the end of the second semester.

GRADES & REPORTS

Parents of students in Pre-K3 through Grade 12 are assigned a Veracross (sjcds.net/veracross) account. Details of each student’s courses are available after parent login. Veracross allows parents to check grade reports, homework assignments, class calendars, and much more

PARENT CONFERENCES

In Lower School, three regularly scheduled parent conferences take place each year at the end of the first, second, and third quarters. In Middle and Upper School, parent conferences take place after the first and third quarters.

Parents are encouraged to confer with teachers at any time. Parents wishing a conference should reach out to the faculty member directly to arrange for a mutually convenient time.

Correspondence via e-mail should be used for general classroom communication only. Student concerns should be addressed either by calling the teacher or scheduling a personal conference. Parents are reminded that meetings, Back to School Nights, or periods of the day when teachers have classes are not appropriate times for discussions about a particular student’s needs.

TUTORING

Professionalism does not allow St. Johns teachers to receive extra compensation to tutor students who are currently enrolled in their classes. If the services of a tutor are deemed necessary, the student must tell the teacher so there can be adequate communication between the teacher and the tutor.

COURSE WITHDRAWAL

During the first three weeks of a class, Upper School students may request to withdraw from a course by obtaining a Course Change Request form from the Upper School Office. This form is to be signed by a parent, the teacher, and the college counselor.

After the course withdrawal period, Upper School students may withdraw from a class with a form signed by the parent, instructor, and college counselor. The student’s transcript will reflect “withdrawn/passing” or “withdrawn/failing” as appropriate.

After the sixth week of a course, a student is not allowed to withdraw unless at faculty or department request. These guidelines as apply to all courses, including Career Internship.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible to participate in athletics and extra-curricular activities, students must have a 2.0 grade point average for the quarter with no failures in a course to be eligible for the following quarter. Students who finish a quarter with an incomplete have two weeks to fulfill course requirements before becoming ineligible. Academically ineligible students may not participate in practices, competitions, or performances and may not miss classes for team obligations. Eligibility may be reinstated at the midpoint of each grading period. In accordance with Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules, a student whose cumulative Upper School average is below 2.0 is ineligible for the following semester.

AFTER SCHOOL OBLIGATIONS

After school obligations do not relieve a student of his academic or disciplinary responsibilities.

STUDENT SERVICES

St. Johns Country Day School’s Student Services department offers counseling and academic enrichment and remediation support to all students from age 3 through

Grade 12. Students may request to meet with a counselor for support and parents and teachers may also refer a student for counseling services. Referrals are made through the Student Services office for additional support services including individual counseling, psychoeducational testing, speech, or specialized tutoring. The Student Services Department also serves a liaison between outside professionals and the School.

For students with diagnosed learning differences, the Student Services team is available to ensure student accommodations are provided according to School guidelines. Counselors and learning specialists routinely meet with parents and teachers to discuss student progress and plan for student success.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT CENTER

The Academic Achievement Center (AAC) serves as a resource for all St. Johns parents, teachers, and students, facilitating learning support and enrichment while providing the St. Johns community with informative materials, workshops, and outside resources.

Services include:

● providing study and testing spaces for all students

● small group and individualized instructional support in the areas of math and literacy

● organization, time management, and test taking tips

● classroom observations and informal assessments

● developmental and diagnostic testing

● communicating and reporting student progress

● partnering with National Honor Society and peer tutors to aid student success

● connect families to external services (speech and language, occupational therapy, tutors)

● provide enrichment opportunities (e.g., book clubs, math teams, STEM challenges)

● offering a variety of technology resources to support best practices and student learning

STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS

St. Johns Country Day School is committed to complying with the laws protecting qualified individuals with disabilities. St. Johns Country Day School will provide a reasonable accommodation for any known physical or mental disability of a qualified individual with a disability to the extent required by law, provided the requested accommodation does not create an undue hardship for the School and/or does not

pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others and/or to the individual. If your student requires an accommodation, please provide Student Services with documentation. Once the School is aware of the need for an accommodation, the School will engage in an interactive process to identify possible accommodations that will enable your student to succeed at St. Johns.

HOMEWORK

Homework is reinforcement of skills following a lesson. Homework assists in mastering skills and it teaches responsibility, time management, and organization critical skills in life and in school.

After an extended illness (three or more consecutive full school days) verified by a physician or other extenuating circumstances, a student may be given up to the number of days absent to complete make-up work. In the event of prolonged absence, a plan for make-up work may be worked out by the teachers, the student, and the advisor.

Unless excused in advance by the teacher, homework assignments not submitted on the date due result in a zero. An assignment turned in one day late may receive up to 50% credit, as determined by the faculty member. The penalty for late submission of major papers and projects is specified when the assignment is given.

Homework policies specific to the three divisions follow.

Lower School

Homework assignments vary throughout the Lower School. Homework will be designed as a meaningful experience and may not be necessary every day.

No specific assignments will be made over weekends or during holidays; however, a student may be asked to complete past-due assignments at this time. Projects may be assigned one week before the holiday and be due no earlier than one week after the holiday. Special projects assigned by teachers will be sent home in written form.

Lower School students are to have no more than two major tests in a school day.

Middle and Upper School

With the exception of Advanced Placement courses, assignments are not given during Thanksgiving, winter break, or spring break holidays.

Make-up quizzes and tests are administered in the division office or elsewhere as arranged by the teacher and student.

Study Hall

Study halls are conducted in a manner conducive to concentrated work, and students are expected to behave accordingly.

Honor roll students in Grades 10-11 may be excused from study hall to report to the library, the deck, or other designated areas, but must check in with their study hall teachers first for attendance. At the end of the first quarter, this privilege is extended to honor roll students in Grade 9.

Upper School students not on the honor roll may go to the library or other designated areas if they present the study hall teacher with a note from a subject matter teacher authorizing them to do so. They must remain at their destination or return to study hall. Seniors in good academic standing are excused from attending study hall but may not leave campus.

Heinrich Learning Resource Center (Library)

The Heinrich Learning Resource Center (library) works with parents, teachers, and administration to develop a culture of reading, support and inspire student learning facilitate access to learning resources, and provide a conducive space for both teacher-directed and independent study and projects.

● The library hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lower School students must be accompanied by a parent or faculty member at all times. Middle and Upper School students must sign in to the library.

● Students in the library must observe the rules of proper behavior and library use at all times. Disruptive students will be asked to leave the library.

● There is a printer/photocopier in the library for student use. Division office printers/copiers are not for personal student use.

● Removing books or other materials from the library without following established check-out procedures is considered stealing and is dealt with accordingly.

● A fine of $25.00 will be assessed for all lost or damaged books. A refund is issued if the materials are found and returned in good condition.

● Loss of a reference book results in a charge of the cost of the material to cover its replacement.

● With the exception of water in a closed container, no food or drinks are allowed in the library except during designated hours/activities.

ST. JOHNS HONOR CODE

To remain a member of the St. Johns Country Day School community, a person must agree to abide by the honor code.

In encouraging all students to strive for the highest standards of integrity, honesty and independence, St. Johns insists that each student understands the fundamental standards and must pledge that he will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.

The Honor Pledge

The purpose of the Honor Pledge is to preserve and promote academic integrity. The St. Johns Honor Pledge is:

A St. Johns student will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.

Further Expectations

Recognizing that the existence of an honorable community requires the participation and support of all its members, it is expected that a student will report a violation when witnessed. This may be done confidentially to a teacher, an advisor, a counselor, or an administrator.

Students are expected to arrive at School and for each class on time, and to remain in assigned areas of the School until properly dismissed. Students may not leave campus without parental permission communicated to a School authority, e.g., Division Dean, Division Head, or School Nurse.

The School reserves the right to conduct or require alcohol or drug testing, and to search student lockers, belongings, and vehicles.

While the St. Johns Honor Code is primarily applicable to the conduct of students while they are at School or participating in School-sponsored activities, the School expects students to live by these standards at all times. If the School believes that a student’s conduct in his own community or elsewhere has been harmful to others or to the School’s reputation, the School reserves the right to take appropriate action, including disciplinary action. Any student apprehended by the civil authorities will be subject to disciplinary action by the School.

The School reserves the right to terminate its association with a student if, in its considered judgment, the student’s continued association with the School is no longer desirable for the student or the School.

DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS

St. Johns considers certain infractions serious enough that a single violation can jeopardize a student’s place in the School. Such incidents constitute a breach of the student’s pledge to maintain the highest standards of integrity and character, and to uphold the contract agreement to abide by St. Johns' rules and standards, resulting in the possibility of dismissal.

The Honor Council may review infractions and recommend disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by School administration. Infractions may include but are not limited to:

1. Lying to a School official

2. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty

3. Stealing

4. Vandalism or destruction of School property

5. Possession, use, or evidence of the use of illegal substances, tobacco products, vaping products, or any other material or device that would cause harm to self or others

6. Harassment or abuse of another person, physical or otherwise

7. Falsely setting off a fire alarm

8. Physical altercations

9. Repeated misconduct or pattern of an ongoing negative attitude; or any other behavior that is contrary to the St. Johns’ philosophy

Disciplinary Infractions and Honor Code Violations are communicated to the parents by the Division Dean.

CONSEQUENCES

For those students who do not comply with the School’s expectations of behavior, consequences are administered by Administration. These penalties may include verbal warning, lunch detention, work squad, disciplinary warning, in-school intervention, out-of-school suspension, disciplinary probation, dismissal, and expulsion. More severe infractions may incur a higher level of consequence.

VERBAL WARNINGS

Verbal Warnings usually involve a visit to the Division office to discuss the infraction and possible alternative courses for future action.

LUNCH DETENTION

Lunch detention is assigned by the administration.

WORK SQUAD

Work squad takes place either Wednesday after school or on a Saturday morning and consists of completing various projects to enhance the campus.

DISCIPLINARY WARNING

Disciplinary warning notifies the student and parents that any further infraction may lead to suspension, disciplinary probation, dismissal, or expulsion.

IN-SCHOOL INTERVENTION

In-school intervention occurs on campus, usually with the Dean, but may also involve Division Head and the counselor. In-school Intervention prohibits a student from participating in classes or School events for the duration of the intervention.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Out-of-school Suspension prohibits a student from participating in classes or School events for the duration of the suspension. Out-of-school Suspension occurs off campus under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION

Disciplinary probation prohibits the student from participating in School performances, athletics, clubs, activities, optional field trips, and academic competitions. During the probationary period, the student also relinquishes all elected positions, class or honor roll privileges, and may jeopardize any honors received.

DISMISSAL

Dismissal may or may not give the student the privilege of applying for readmission.

EXPULSION

Expulsion denies the student the privilege of applying for readmission.

The School reserves the absolute and unconditional right to reprimand, suspend, dismiss or expel any student whose social interactions or academic performance is deemed by the School to be unacceptable.

LOWER SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Throughout the day, faculty and staff explicitly model and teach essential social and emotional skills to set the stage for success in every situation. Each day, teachers are proactive in helping students learn acceptable behaviors and, when necessary, take a responsive approach to help students understand how choices and actions affect others. All students in the Lower School engage in many purposeful opportunities to actively practice empathy, cooperation, and responsibility for thinking of others before themselves. At St. Johns, the traditional or formal discipline strategies are replaced by a community that believes everyone’s voice is important and all opinions are respected.

HONOR COUNCIL

In Grades 8-12, an Honor Council deals with many disciplinary incidents which might involve suspension or dismissal. The composition of the Honor Councils follows:

Honor Council Members

● Faculty Honor Council Chairperson

● Division Head

● Dean of Students (non-voting)

● Director of Student Services (non-voting)

● Four seniors

● Three juniors

● Two sophomores

● Two freshmen

Each fall, the Head of Upper School, Dean of Upper School, and Honor Council Faculty Chairperson will meet to appoint students to fill any vacant positions. In serious disciplinary cases, the Head of School, Division Head, or Dean may suspend a student until a final decision has been made.

In the event the Honor Council cannot be conveniently assembled, the Division Head or the Dean will handle the matter themselves.

DAILY PROCEDURES Attendance

If a student is to achieve outstanding academic performance, to forge strong and lasting relationships with his or her peers and teachers, and to take maximum advantage of the range of activities offered by St. Johns, his or her consistent school attendance is critical. Parents should make every effort to encourage their student to attend school every day, unless he or she is ill. Whenever possible, please do not schedule appointments during school hours.

The yearly calendar is provided well in advance to facilitate the planning of trips so that they do not interfere with the School’s academic calendar. All absences must be verified by a parent note stating the reason

for the absence

Excused absences for which work may be made up include:

● Illness, verified by note from parent or doctor. More than three consecutive days of absence requires a doctor’s note.

● Medical or dental appointment, verified by note from parent, doctor, or dentist.

● Out of town trips. In Middle and Upper School, these must be submitted on a planned absence form and approved in advance by the administration. Failure to complete a form in advance of the absence may result in academic penalty.

● Family emergencies that are explained to the administration by a parent or guardian.

● School-required activities and/or trips

All other absences are unexcused, and work may not be made up.

Early Departures

If a student leaves campus before 11:30 a.m. or arrives after 11:30 a.m., one-half day absence is counted.

If a student becomes ill prior to school, the appropriate Division Office should be notified by 9:00 a.m. at (904) 264-9572. A parent note must be submitted upon the student’s return. If a student is absent for three or more consecutive full school days due to illness, a physician’s note is required upon return to school. This note must be presented within a week of the student’s return to school. Failure to comply with this policy may result in academic penalty, including zeroes for work missed during absence.

Make-Up Work

In case of absence, Middle and Upper School students are to consult the teacher’s syllabus posted on the class site and/or contact a classmate to ascertain assignments and class work missed. Missed work is due upon the student’s return, unless excused by the Dean or the teacher, including absences due to School required activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher regarding missed work and, if allowed, meet the deadline for the makeup work to be completed. Work not completed by the teacher’s stated deadline results in a “0”.

For School sponsored trips lasting over one day, students are given days equal to the absence to make up work, including assessments.

Absence for School Events

A participant in an interscholastic sporting event or other School sponsored extracurricular activity must be at School before lunch on the day of the event. In the case of early team or group departures, the student must attend all classes that meet prior to leaving.

Excessive Absences

Except in cases of extended illness (3 or more consecutive full school days verified by a physician), non-School required absences in excess of 7 per quarter may prohibit a student from attaining a grade higher than a 65. In the event a student accrues more than 7 non-School required absences in a quarter, a parent conference will be held.

Tardiness

Students arriving after the 8:00 a.m. bell are considered tardy and must be signed in. Lower School students must be signed in by a parent or guardian at Reception.

Middle and Upper School students must sign themselves in at the respective Division Office and provide a parent note in order to receive a readmission slip. Failure to sign

in will result in the student being assigned with an absence, and for Upper School students will result in disciplinary action.

Students missing classes due to late arrival are required to report to the teachers whose classes were missed and to submit and/or complete work due for the day. Failure to do so may result in zeroes on work missed.

Middle and Upper School classroom tardies are handled by the classroom teachers. Frequent tardies are reported to the division Dean.

U

PPER SCHOOL TARDINESS POLICIES

If a student accumulates five morning (excused or unexcused) tardies, he or she is required to attend a Work Squad. Excessive tardiness (ten or more in a semester) is considered a disciplinary violation (continued disregard of School rules) and may result in an Honor Council Hearing.

Students with excessive tardies are subject to suspension of campus driving privileges.

TRANSPORTATION

Lower School

Students in Grades K-5 are to be dropped off and picked up at the Lower School entrance of the main building. Students not picked up by 3:35 p.m. will be sent to After Hours in the Library and parents will be billed accordingly.

No changes in transportation arrangements will be made without prior written permission, which will be handed to the homeroom teacher at the beginning of the day.

Carpool drivers should not park in either drop-off area or block the designated handicapped parking spaces.

Bus Attendance - Students must ride the bus to which they have been assigned. Regulations for bus passengers are listed and issued separately. Permission to change buses, for any reason, must be approved by the Auxiliary Programs Coordinator.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Lower School

Lower School students arrive on campus at 7:45 a.m. and go directly to their homerooms. Students who come before 7:45 a.m. must stay with their parents until a School employee is visible outside at carpool.

Students may tend to School business until the flag bell rings, but otherwise must remain in the room. Students may not be in the play areas before or after School.

Carpool Pickup Procedures

Afternoon carpool pickup for Lower School takes place at the front (Administration) Lower School entrance beginning at 3:15 p.m. Upon entering the campus, cars should take either the first (dirt) or second (paved) driveway on the right. Both lanes combine into one lane by the Technology Center. Please ensure that your carpool tag is visible in your front window. As you approach pickup, move forward as directed by faculty/staff. Do not get out of your vehicle. Your student will be brought to you and someone will assist them with doors, backpacks, etc.

Middle and Upper School

After 3:30 p.m., Middle and Upper School students must be signed in to After Hours at the library or under the supervision of a teacher or approved activity. The School is not responsible and cannot be held liable for students who are on campus and not participating in one of these supervised, approved activities. The library closes at 5:30 p.m.

Student Driving Privileges

The following rules and policies apply to students driving themselves to School:

● Students register their vehicles in the Dean’s office and obtain a School parking decal which must be displayed on the vehicle.

● All drivers are to observe the 10 mph speed limit on campus.

● Except for weekend and evening functions, students are to park in assigned student parking areas.

● All vehicles parked on School grounds are subject to search.

● Students are not allowed in the parking lots during class hours unless they have obtained a parking lot pass from the Dean’s office.

● Abuse of driving or parking privileges will result in disciplinary action and may result in suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES

School phones will be used only for emergencies.

Middle and Upper School students are responsible for bringing fully-charged laptops to class daily. Using one’s laptop during class for activities other than those instructed by the teacher results in the loss of the device for the remainder of the class period.

Unauthorized audio/video recordings of teachers, staff, or students are not permitted at any time.

Lower School student cell phones are to be silenced and remain in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Middle School student phones and iPads must remain in lockers for the duration of the day, unless permission is granted from a teacher to access them.

In Upper School all personal devices except laptops must be silenced and put away during all class periods. During quizzes and/or tests, each classroom/teacher will have a designated area for personal electronic devices.

CLINIC/HEALTH POLICIES

Prior to the beginning of school, a physical examination must be completed or transferred for all new students. Immunization or a certificate of waiver is required for all students. Immunizations must be kept current, and a Certificate of Immunization, signed by a physician, or an immunization waiver must be kept on file.

An over-the-counter medication administration form must be completed prior to the first day of school. Students who intend to play sports are required to have a yearly physical on file.

You will receive emails from Magnus Health requesting these documents. Please reply through their portal to supply all forms requested. Students may not attend School without an appropriate immunization record.

If a student is not feeling well, has received an injury, or must take prescribed medication, the student may report to the School Clinic. Students must obtain a pass from their teacher prior to going to the clinic. Students having or suspected of having a contagious illness or infestation are to be excluded from School and not allowed to return until they have been successfully treated and/or present a note from a physician stating that they are no longer contagious. Students are to be fever free for 24hrs (without the use of fever reducing medications) before returning to School. The School's lice policy follows the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).

If at all possible, medications should be given at home. However, certain illnesses require that a student have medication available at School. If a student must take a prescription or over the counter medication during School hours, the medicine, in its original container, labeled with the student’s name, name of medicine, dose and time to be given, doctor’s name (if prescribed) and possible side effects, must be given to the nurse together with the signed permission form. Parents are responsible for the delivery and retrieval of all medications to the School Nurse. No medications are to be transported via the student. For long term prescriptions, a 1-3 month supply may

be kept in the School Clinic. When discontinued or at the end of the year, medication not retrieved will be properly disposed of.

The following student absences require a physician’s statement confirming that the student may return to School, including any necessary limitations or restriction:

● Measles, mumps, chicken pox, ringworm, scarlet fever, strep throat, mononucleosis, hepatitis, pink eye.

● Extended illness or surgery.

● Students who may not participate in sports or gym classes following an extended illness or surgery.

Parents and student agree, as a condition of continued enrollment, to consent to the release of any of the student’s health related information, including information relating to drug treatment, testing, medical and mental health records, to employees or agents of the School, as determined by the Head of School or his or her designee, to meet the medical or safety needs of the student and the community, or the legal responsibilities of the School.

The School 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 the School to safeguard student medical information, the School must also balance matters of privacy and confidentiality with safeguarding the interests and well-being of students and the School community. Thus, parents/guardians and students consent to allow employees and agents of the School who have a need to know to receive and/or share medical and/or psychological information necessary to serve the best interests of the student and/or 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.

LOCKERS AND VALUABLES

Students who are assigned lockers are required to keep their lockers clean. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the security of their lockers.

Student lockers are subject to search at any time without notice.

The School is not responsible for books, personal belongings, money, or other valuables left unattended. Taking a possession from another person’s locker is a violation of the Standards of Conduct and is handled accordingly. Students are responsible for the cost of repairing broken or defaced lockers.

Belongings left in lockers at the end of the School year will be discarded or donated to charities within three days of the last day of School.

THE SPARTAN CAMPUS CAFÉ

Lunches may be brought from home or ordered from the Spartan Campus Café, operated by SLA Management, the School lunch provider. Menus and payment setup information are available in Veracross.

Students may report directly to the Spartan Café at the start of the lunch period. Except during a teacher supervised/club sponsored event, no food or drink is allowed in the classroom during academic classes or at any time in the gym, Heinrich Learning Resource Center, or Performing Arts Center.

Eating lunch in hallways and classrooms is permitted only in cases of bad weather or during a teacher supervised meeting or class. Eating in the hallways is, however, permitted during Break.

Without prior approval, students may not receive delivery of restaurant lunches. Parents should not order food for delivery to the School.

SENIOR PRI VILEGES

Senior privileges are defined and communicated annually by the Dean of Upper School.

VISITORS

Prospective students and St. Johns graduates are welcome to visit School and classes. All visitors must be in appropriate attire and must sign in and receive a visitor’s nametag from Reception.

Notes, lunches, and articles being delivered to students should be given to the Receptionist.

Lower School parents wishing to visit the classroom must schedule the time with the classroom teacher prior to the day of visitation. Visitors to the Middle and Upper School must coordinate their visit in advance with Division Offices.

LOST AND FOUND

Found articles are turned in to the Division Office or are placed in the designated Lost & Found bins. Taking another person’s possession from Lost & Found is a discipline violation and is handled accordingly. Families are asked not to donate St. Johns logo-bearing apparel to entities other than the School.

St. Johns is not responsible for lost items. Parents are encouraged to ensure their child’s name is in all of their belongings.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the case of student illness or accident, School personnel have the power and authority to contact emergency medical technicians. If needed, medical providers may transport the minor child for treatment. The School will notify the parents at home, work, or the emergency number listed on the student’s application.

Procedures for evacuation drills, hazardous weather, and other emergencies such as medical, necessary evacuation or potential violence are posted in each classroom. Any student who spots a fire, weapon, or other campus emergency should notify a member of School staff as soon as possible.

Evacuation & Lock Down Drills

Evacuation and lock down drills are held periodically. At the appropriate signal, all students and teachers are to report at once to their assigned area as noted on the Emergency Procedure Information sheet posted in each classroom.

Emergency Notices

Emergency notices or announcements about the closing of School will be made on sjcds.net, School social media, via automatic phone call/text messages to parents, and on local TV and radio stations.

RE - INVITATION

Re-invitation to St. Johns Country Day School is at the discretion of each Division Head and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

SUMMER ACADEMICS

Occasionally students may take summer courses for remediation or enrichment.

The final grade for remediation is determined by the respective Division Head and department chair.

CO - CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

St. Johns offers a variety of co-curricular activities and clubs to complement its academic program. Additional activities may be added, depending on student interest and the availability of a faculty sponsor.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service is an integral component of the education experience. Many service opportunities are offered and service is required for many scholarships,

including Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarships (see the College Counseling Office for more information) Documentation of student service hours is accepted by the College Counseling Office starting during the first quarter of the senior year. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a record of community service hours.

Accumulation of hours may begin during the summer following Grade 8 and must be documented by a signed letter describing the type and number of hours of service complete for the sponsoring organization.

The College Counseling Office has guidelines to determine eligibility of service hours submitted. These criteria do not cover all circumstances. If a question exists regarding the acceptance of an activity for volunteer service, the College Counseling Office should approve the service prior to the student’s participation. A good guideline would be to ask how the activity addresses the social problem that the student has identified to work on as a part of his/her community service plan.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council opportunities provide positive peer leadership to the student body of each Division and collaboratively spearhead events and activities.

Election of Officers

The Student Council sponsor(s) shall assist in making the rules of the election. Any special rulings shall be made by the president, the Head of School, and the faculty sponsor. All candidates must have completed at least one full semester at St. Johns, have no Honor Council or major disciplinary infractions, and must be enrolled for the following School year.

In the Upper School, the president shall be chosen from the junior or sophomore class. The vice-president shall be chosen from the sophomore or freshman class. The secretary and the treasurer shall be chosen from the junior, sophomore, or freshman class.

Eligibility for Office

All student council candidates must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Those wishing to run for office in the Student Council must turn in a petition, signed by a faculty sponsor and 50 Upper School students, to the faculty sponsor of elections no less than a week prior to the day of elections.

Faculty sponsors are responsible for mentoring candidates, listening to draft speeches, and providing guidance as appropriate. Faculty sponsors, in essence, vouch for the candidate they sponsor.

Student Council Representative Elections

Student Council representative elections will be held in each homeroom at the beginning of the School year. Each homeroom will elect one representative and one alternate to the Student Council.

SPARTAN FANS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

St. Johns strives to encourage good sportsmanship throughout our athletic program, and this includes good fan behavior. We expect all spectators at our contests to be respectful of players, coaches, officials, and other spectators. Fans are encouraged to applaud the efforts of their team and should not engage in any behavior that is critical, distracting, or derogatory towards opponents or officials. We believe it is imperative to let the players, coaches, and officials play the game. Fans are encouraged to support and cheer for their side, but St. Johns will not permit any behavior that distracts from the game or disadvantages a player or team.

SCHOOL - SPONSORED FUNCTIONS

A student organization which proposes a function must first determine the date, place, and chaperones and submit this information to the Division Head at least two weeks in advance for approval.

Once having departed from a School function, a student is not to return. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and illegal drugs are prohibited on School grounds, at or before School connected functions, including athletic events and field trips, regardless of their location. Any student known to use these agents on any of these occasions is subject to disciplinary actions.

A School function is defined as one that has been approved by the Administration and for which School chaperones are provided. Proper dress and decorum, including appropriate dancing, are expected.

A student may invite one outside guest to whom they must act as host. The guest must sign in with a chaperone at the event. Host students are responsible for the proper dress and behavior of their guests. Guest approval/information forms are required for certain events as announced.

Field Trips

School sponsored field trips, excursions, and overnight stays are considered extensions of the School campus and School rules are always in force. Students travel with the group on the specified mode of transportation and return to School with the group. This includes buses, vans, and teacher/parent driven cars. School rules are in

force both going to and returning from a School event unless the student is with his/her own parent.

Students registered for trips will forfeit deposits and fees if they become ineligible to attend for academic or disciplinary reasons before the trip takes place. If a student withdraws from a School trip/competition and there is no suitable substitute for the position, the student will be required to reimburse fees paid by the School on his behalf.

OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS

For overnight field trips students are required to adhere to the regulations outlined in the following paragraphs, which the trip sponsor includes in the permission slip to be signed by parent and student:

● The parent and student understand that participation in a trip is a privilege and that all participants will be subject to the directive of the chaperones. As a School function, discipline will be maintained in accordance with policies outlined in this Handbook.

● The use or possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, tobacco products, or weapons is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. The use or possession of any such contraband, offenses which involve local authorities, or any other serious breach of discipline will result in appropriate sanctions, as will the student’s violation of an established curfew, failure to remain with the group, or failure to remain in his/her designated rooms. Such behavior may result in the student’s early return (at the parents’ expense), and additional disciplinary action will include possible suspension, dismissal or expulsion from School as outlined in this Handbook.

TECHNOLOGY POLICIES

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

The purpose of this policy is to set forth guidelines for access to acceptable and safe use of electronic technologies. Electronic technologies include, but are not limited to, computers and peripherals, network and internet access, mobile devices, tablets, printers, telephones, and the applications they support and/or access.

St. Johns Country Day School provides technology resources to its students, staff, and parents for educational, administrative, and informational purposes. The goal in providing these resources is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. All electronic technologies must be used in a legal, ethical manner that supports the mission of the School. The School

reserves the right to inspect electronic technologies at any time and access may be revoked at any time for offenses against this policy.

School computers, iPads, tablets, telecommunications tools, memory devices, networks, and related hardware and software are the property of St. Johns Country Day School. Parents are responsible for the cost of repairs/replacement to any School-owned technology devices.

At no time does the School relinquish its exclusive control of electronic technologies. Inappropriate use of School electronic technologies, including interfering with network functions and the standardization of technologies, may result in the limitation or revocation of access.

Technology, Electronic Devices, and Computer Systems Usage Policy

These policies also apply to personally owned computers and devices connected by wire or wireless means to the School network, personal devices brought on campus, School-provided apps or eBooks, and to off-campus computers and devices while connected to the School email. Violating any of these policies is considered a serious offense, and any intentional violation which causes damage or harms others is particularly serious.

Users should be aware that network administrators will respect individual privacy unless problems arise, but it is necessary for them to monitor network traffic such as e-mail. No one using technology on campus should have any expectation of privacy.

At any time, for any reason, technology users may be asked by the School administration to give access to personal devices or accounts. Violations of the following guidelines may result in the revocation of access privileges and possible disciplinary responses, including expulsion for serious offenses.

Internet Access and Safety

St. Johns Country Day School provides internet connectivity for students. Users are expected to:

● act as responsible digital citizens and conduct themselves in compliance with the School Honor Code

● abide this policy on all electronic devices regardless of and whether on cellular or School-provided network.

Users should not:

● access or distribute any material that is pornographic, violent in nature, or otherwise harassing.

● create or utilize personal wifi hotspots while on campus.

● circumvent, or attempt to circumvent, the School safety measures and filtering tools.

● use electronic technologies to engage in any illegal act or violate any local, state or federal statute or law.

● attempt to circumvent the file protection system, disconnect cables, erase applications, connect to wireless displays, or change configurations of individual machines.

Educating children about safe online practices is critical. Students should never:

● give out personal information (address, telephone number, name of school, address of school, date of birth, Social Security Number, credit card number, etc.) over the Internet

● meet with someone that they have contacted online without prior parental approval.

Network Access & Passwords

Usernames and passwords are important to maintain the security of your account. It ensures that no unauthorized parties can access your information. Students should not:

● access others’ accounts and files.

● bypass restrictions set by the network administrator.

● obtain another’s password or rights to another’s directory or email on the network.

● take advantage of a student who inadvertently leaves a computer without logging out.

● use someone else’s password or post a message using another’s login name.

Social Media

While the School does not actively pursue or routinely review student social networking sites, the School reserves the right to examine and address student content if it creates a hostile or disrespectful environment. In addition, students should follow these guidelines:

● any person who believes that they have been harassed or threatened by any of these methods of communication should immediately report the concern to School administration.

● students should not be “friends” with any faculty member on any social networking sites. Any violation of this prohibition must be reported to the Administration immediately.

● postings on social networking or other Internet sites of students engaging in inappropriate behavior (such as drinking, smoking, sexual actions, etc.) is prohibited.

Laptop Security and Identification

Laptops are an important learning tool and are used daily in the classrooms. Students who arrive at School without a laptop must come to the Technology Office and get a rental iPad. Rental iPads are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $5/day and can be paid in cash or online. An email will be sent to a student’s parents when they check out an iPad and once the iPad is returned. Students are responsible for:

● securing the iPad in the student’s locker when not in the student's possession.

● taking the iPad home at night and returning it to School fully charged.

● not storing the iPad in vehicles and or within view inside a vehicle.

● not loaning their iPads to another student for any reason

● replacement cost for lost iPad

● replacement and repair cost for broken screens and/or broken home buttons

iPads are the sole responsibility of the student and should never be left unsupervised.

Laptop Content Management

Laptop updates should be downloaded while off campus or before/after School hours. Students are prohibited from downloading movies, music, or other bandwidthintensive resources while on campus unless explicitly directed by a faculty member.

Device Backup

Students should conduct regular backups of their laptops using Time Machine or iCloud. In addition, it suggested that students do the following:

● confirm that “Find my Mac” is on in their iCloud settings

● save all work to their Google Drive and iCloud for backup. The School does not take responsibility for any loss of student data. Students should assume that none of their data is private or confidential. Any communication or data may be reviewed by the School administration.

Appropriate Use

Activities not directly related to the teacher directed classroom activities are considered inappropriate use. These activities include but are not limited to texting, all social media platforms, FaceTime, etc., and are not permitted without permission during the school day. In addition, students should follow the guidelines below:

● Students are at all times responsible for ensuring that all individuals or groups are aware and agree to be recorded or photographed.

● Students must not share any audio, video, or photographic likeness without the express consent from all parties involved. Bathrooms and locker rooms are

considered private areas. Recording equipment is not to be used in these areas at any time.

● Users will not access any technologies for unauthorized commercial purposes or for financial gain unrelated to the School mission.

● Users will not use technologies to offer or provide goods or services or for product advertisement, except as authorized by the School administration.

● Users will not use electronic technologies for political campaigning.

Laptops are learning tools intended for academic use during the school day and are subject to inspection at any time.

Required School eBooks

Throughout the year, e-books may be distributed to students via their Apple ID or Meraki. Therefore, it is important to keep the Meraki app installed on your laptop at all times. Changing the Apple ID will cause a student to lose e-books. Replacing these items will be at a cost to the student.

School-Related Accounts

Students are not permitted to establish or manage online or social media accounts or websites that make use of the St. Johns Country Day School name, School initials (SJ, SJCDS, etc.), Spartan name, or any School logo, or any accounts that are used for School or business related to the School (School clubs, teams, etc.).

DRESS CODE

Compliance with a dress standard effectively communicates respect for the School community. Through uniformity, we encourage an emphasis on School pride and spirit as well as accomplishing student identification and security. St. Johns emphasizes individuality through accomplishments in the classroom and extracurricular activities, not through clothing, hair color, etc. Additionally:

● Students found in violation of the dress code may not be allowed to attend class. They will be retained in the Division Office until appropriate attire can be supplied.

● Alterations made to uniform items for purposes other than ensuring a traditional fit may disqualify that item from compliance with the dress code.

● Special Occasion Dress uniform days are announced in advance.

● Administration reserves the right to determine acceptability of uniform and accessories.

● Students are to observe the dress code throughout the entire school day, including on Special Occasion Dress days.

● Violation of the dress code is a disciplinary offense.

● When questions arise concerning the dress code, please consult a division administrator.

Guidelines for All Students

Lands’ End School is St. Johns’ uniform vendor. To purchase Lands End uniforms, visit landsend.com/school, click the “Shop by School” button, and use St. Johns Preferred School Number, 900101098.

Students found in violation of the dress code may not be allowed to attend class. They will be retained in the Division Office until appropriate attire can be supplied.

● All clothing must be neat, clean, appropriately sized, in good repair (no holes or frayed hems), and worn as intended.

● Clothing must not be tight, revealing, distracting, or offensive.

● All jackets, sweatshirts, and hoodies must be purchased from Lands’ End or another approved School vendor (e.g., the St. Johns athletic department, Spirit Store, Fan Shop).

● All shirts must be tucked in and belts are required with shorts and pants.

● Girls’ dresses, shorts, skorts, and skirts may be no shorter than fingertip length with arms at girl's side. Waistbands must fall at the natural waist. The goal is to keep attire within the guidelines of propriety required for the business of learning.

● Flip-flops, slides, beach/water shoes, Crocs, or any shoes made wholly out of plastic or rubber are not permitted.

● No visible tattoos are allowed.

● No unnatural hair color is permitted.

● Boys are clean shaven.

UNIFORM DRESS CODE FOR GRADES PRE-K3-3

GIRLS:

● Logo plaid or navy jumper with Peter Pan button down shirt

● Logo dress in navy blue

● Short or long sleeve logo polo in navy, light blue, or gray

● Skort or skirt in navy blue, khaki, or plaid

● Chino shorts in navy blue or khaki

● Chino pants in navy blue or khaki

● Shoes with closed heels or back-straps

● Special Occasion Dress: Navy blue bottoms (shorts, skirt, skort) with logo white shirt (either button-down Oxford cloth or polo) or navy ponte dress

BOYS

● Chino shorts in navy blue or khaki

● Chino pants in navy blue or khaki

● Short or long sleeve logo polo in navy blue, light blue or gray

● Shoes with closed toes and heels (e.g., athletic shoes or loafers)

● Special Occasion Dress: Navy blue chino bottoms with logo white shirt (either button-down Oxford cloth or polo)

UNIFORM DRESS CODE FOR GRADES 4-12

GIRLS

● Short or long sleeve logo polo in navy, light blue or gray

● Short or long sleeve logo button-down Oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue

● Skort or skirt in navy blue, khaki, or plaid

● Chino shorts in navy blue or khaki

● Chino pants in navy blue or khaki

● Shoes should have closed heels or a backstrap. No Crocs.

● Special Occasion Dress: Navy blue bottoms (skirt or pants) with logo white button-down Oxford cloth shirt or navy ponte dress

BOYS

● Chino shorts in navy blue or khaki

● Chino pants in navy blue or khaki

● Short or long sleeve logo polo in navy, light blue or gray

● Short or long sleeve logo button-down Oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue

● Shoes with closed toes and heels (e.g., athletic shoes or loafers)

● Special Occasion Dress: Navy chino pants with logo white Oxford cloth buttondown shirt and St. Johns tie, either from School Spirit Store or Lands’ End. For boys in Grades 4 & 5, a School tie (regular or bow tie) is required.

OUTERWEAR

All jackets, sweatshirts, and hoodies must be purchased from Lands’ End or another approved School vendor (e.g., the St. Johns athletic department, Spirit Store, Fan Shop) and must have a St. Johns logo.

During cold weather, students may wear outside-only outerwear (puffer jackets, parkas, etc.) that is not School logoed. Non-school logo outerwear is not permitted to be worn indoors.

SPARTAN SPIRIT DRESS DAYS

Spartan Spirit Dress Days take place on the first Friday of each month. On these days, students may wear St. Johns t-shirts (from the Spirit Store or any St. Johns team, activity, or club) and full-length jeans, jean shorts, or jean skirts of appropriate length (in line with the dress code with no holes or frayed hems on pants, shorts, or skirts), or uniform shorts or pants. No sweat pants, yoga pants, leggings, or athletic shorts.

Shoe, hairstyle, and fit guidelines remain in effect. Other Spirit Dress Days make take place throughout the year and will be announced in advance.

Other attire may be approved in keeping with an event’s theme. The School will notify parents and students in advance when students must wear the dress uniform or in the event of extra Spartan Spirit Dress Days.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

In the event a student withdraws from St. Johns, the parent or legal guardian must contact in writing the appropriate Division Head at least three days in advance of the student's scheduled withdrawal date. Once it is established that all academic, disciplinary, and financial obligations to the School have been fulfilled, the student's official transcripts will be released and/or forwarded as requested by the parent or legal guardian.

BUSINESS OFFICE

During the School year, the Business Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Summer hours fluctuate and are posted.

Final report cards will be held for failure to return any School issued uniform or apparel, library books, or any other School owned merchandise, as well as funds owed to the Spartan Campus Café.

Full financial obligation for the student and/or families with multiple students must be met before:

● the student is permitted to complete the final week of the semester

● records may be forwarded

● the student may receive a diploma

● the student may receive a report card

● grades are accessible online.

Use of School Grounds

Liability concerns prohibit non-School use of the campus, athletic fields, and equipment unless in compliance with the terms of a duly certified rental agreement. All events are to be cleared with the Director of Facilities and are not to conflict with other scheduled events or maintenance. After approval, all events should be placed on the master calendar.

Fliers/Solicitations

All promotional literature or posters must be approved and initialed by the Administration before distribution.

INTRODUCTION

Students at St. Johns Country Day School are challenged with a rigorous academic program and participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities from which they gain a valuable perspective about themselves and life beyond the classroom. Athletic competition and organized sports play an essential role in both physical education and School life. To provide these important experiences for its students, St. Johns Country Day School offers interscholastic competition through over 35 different teams for Grades 6-12.

This handbook is organized to provide helpful information about St. Johns’ athletic program and the responsibilities and privileges of students who participate in athletics. While it is not possible to find answers to every question in this handbook, you should find it to be a useful reference guide.

All questions pertaining to student eligibility and athletic department policy should be brought to the attention of the athletic director. Questions regarding a specific sport or team should be directed to the head coach.

Athletic Department Contact Information

Director of Athletics

John Sgromolo

jsgromolo@sjcds.net

cell: (904) 449-8521

Head of School

Valorie Baker

vbaker@sjcds.net

cell: (904) 543-9466

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR MEMBER SCHOOLS

National Association of Independent Schools

Interscholastic athletics can play an important role in the lives of children. The School’s athletic program can be an essential part of the education of students, fostering the development of character, life skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

1. The School’s athletic program embodies the mission, philosophy, and objectives of the School.

2. The School ensures that coaches have appropriate training and knowledge of the School’s mission, philosophy, and objectives.

3. The School promotes equity in all aspects of its athletic programs.

4. The School’s athletic program is considered to be an integral part of the School’s curriculum.

5. The School is committed to the safety and the physical and emotional health of participants in the athletic program.

6. The School’s athletic program values the dignity and worth of the individual in a context of common purpose and collective achievement.

7. Coaching is teaching; coaches are teachers.

8. The School ensures that coaches understand the developmental needs of the children with whom they work.

9. Coaches’ design and implement activities that improve the knowledge and skills of all participants.

10. Coaches have a strong collegial relationship with other educators and contribute to the School’s understanding of the whole child.

11. The School educates parents about the philosophy, policies, and appropriate expectations of the athletic program.

12. The School defines and clearly communicates standards of conduct to players, spectators, coaches, and other teams.

13. The School works directly and candidly with other schools to prevent abuses in the following areas: recruitment, eligibility, transfers of student athletes, financial aid, and admission.

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Johns Country Day School's mission is to provide a superior college preparatory program with a diverse curriculum that stresses academic accomplishment, artistic expression, and athletic participation in a supportive family atmosphere that fosters self-reliance and ethical responsibility.

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

One of the best ways to determine the strength of any athletic program is to gauge the level of participation. St. Johns believes in multi-sport participation and students are encouraged to get involved in athletics in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Students are also allowed to play two sports in the same season if time allows and arrangements are made prior to the start of the season with coaches. Because we have many students that play more than one sport for St. Johns there is crossover of seasons. Coaches must be sensitive to this and do their best to make sure athletes do not feel pressure that they are being pulled in two different directions. Communication is always the key.

St. Johns offers athletic teams at three levels: varsity, junior varsity (JV), and Middle School. At the Middle School level, the School emphasizes player development, teaching of fundamentals, discipline, and getting athletes ready to be varsity players. At the varsity level the intensity should increase and the expectations should be higher for everyone. It is a privilege to be a varsity athlete at St. Johns and with that privilege comes responsibilities. Those expectations and responsibilities should be communicated to players and parents.

ST. JOHNS ATHLETIC TEAMS

FALL

Cheerleading: Varsity & Middle School, fall & winter

Cross Country: Open to Middle and Upper School boys & girls

Golf: Varsity boys & girls

Swimming: Open to Middle and Upper School boys & girls

Volleyball: Middle School, junior varsity & varsity

WINTER

Basketball: Middle School and varsity boys & girls

Soccer: Middle School and varsity boys & girls

Cheerleading: Middle School & varsity

Girls Weightlifting: Varsity girls

SPRING

Baseball: Middle School, junior varsity & varsity

Softball: Middle School & varsity

Tennis: Junior varsity & varsity boys & girls

Track & Field: Open to Middle and Upper School boys & girls

Some programs may offer a junior varsity team in any given year, if participation supports the addition.

AFFILIATIONS

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (FHSAA)

St. Johns Country Day School is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association, which is the governing body of high school athletics in Florida. Questions pertaining to FHSAA rules and regulations should be directed to the athletic director.

SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SSAC)

St. Johns Country Day School is affiliated with the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, which offers multiple sports focused on promoting good sportsmanship and fair play for participants while maintaining high standards, a level playing field, and the opportunity for success for all its members and student-athletes.

INDEPENDENT MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE (IMSC)

St. Johns Country Day School is a member of the Independent Middle School Conference. This conference is made up of Middle Schools that share similar educational and athletic philosophy.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

St. Johns Country Day School Eligibility

St. Johns reserves the right to impose higher academic and discipline standards than those required by the FHSAA. Students on academic or disciplinary probation may not participate in practices or competitions, and may not miss classes for team obligations.

1. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent in all courses taken, per quarter. A student must not receive the letter grade “E” in any course.

2. At the interim of the period of ineligibility, the student-athlete may be reevaluated by the administration and athletic eligibility may be reinstated if significant progress has been exhibited by the student.

Limits of Eligibility

1. Each student shall have four consecutive calendar years of eligibility from the date he or she first enrolls in Grade 9.

2. Four years from the date he or she first enrolls in Grade 9, he or she will become ineligible for further interscholastic athletic competition.

3. Students may participate in interscholastic athletics one year as eighth graders, one year as seventh graders, and one year as sixth graders.

Age

1. A student who reaches the age of 19 on or after July 1st who has not exceeded his/her four-year limit of eligibility may participate in interscholastic athletics during that school year

2. A Middle School student may participate in interscholastic athletic competition until reaching the age of 15 years 9 months, so far as age is concerned. Effective 2014-2015, Students entering Grade 6 who reach the age of 15 on or after September 1 may participate in athletics for that school year as long as the limit of eligibility has not been exceeded.

Attendance Requirements

A student will be eligible at the first school in which he/she attends classes each school year or at the school in which he/she participates in an athletic practice prior to the beginning of the school year. The student will be eligible at that school as long as he/she remains enrolled and meets all other eligibility requirements.

Homeschool Athlete Policy

Prior to a homeschooled athlete being invited to play on a team for each season, the Head of School, Director of Athletics, and respective coach will meet to determine if there is a need for the athlete and if it serves in the best interest of the School. Additionally, the following conditions must first be met:

1. If a sport has limited spots which can be filled with St. Johns students, St. Johns will not accept a homeschool athlete as a team member.

2. A formal enrollment application is submitted and completed to the School as required by new St. Johns students.

3. The student meets applicable guidelines necessary for admission to St. Johns Country Day School including but not limited to taking the entrance exam.

4. The student is determined by St. Johns to be otherwise mission appropriate.

5. A homeschooled athlete participation fee of $1500 is paid by the homeschool athlete.

6. The homeschooled athlete must meet the provisions of the FHSAA and Florida Statutes.

School Attendance Policy

The athletic department requires that a student must be in School a minimum of half a day in order to participate in a practice or game that same day. Students must be in School by lunch. A full day’s excused absence may still entitle a student to participate; pending permission from the Division Head or the athletic director.

Athletes are expected to be at practice every day. Any absences may result in diminished playing time, not out of punishment, but rather in fairness to those who have regularly attended practice. Repeated unexcused absences could result in dismissal from the team.

Transfer Policy

A student who was ineligible to participate at his/her prior school during the same school year will not be eligible to participate at our School during the same period that the student was ineligible at the prior school.

If a student at his/her previous school participated on a non-school team (AAU, American Legion, club, etc.), which is affiliated with/coached by a coach from St. Johns, St. Johns will need to determine the student’s eligibility under FHSAA Rules.

A student who transfers to St. Johns after the beginning of the School year may not participate in a sport if the student participated in the same sport at another school in the same school year unless the student meets one of the following good cause exceptions:

1. If the student moves to a new residence due to a move by the student and the parent/legal guardian with whom the student was previously living that makes it necessary for the student to attend a different school. This exception includes such situations as where the student’s parent with whom the student lives is active military and is required to move to a new location

2. If a student moves to a new residence due to a court-ordered change in custody that requires the student to change schools.

3. If a student moves to a new residence due to a change in foster care placement.

4. If the student transfers to St. Johns within the first twenty days of the school year, the student meets the academic eligibility guidelines, provides a current transcript, and eligibility is not otherwise inconsistent with FHSAA guidelines.

5. If the student transfers for reasons that may constitute an undue hardship under FHSAA guidelines.

SUMMER PARTICIPATION

The FHSAA does not regulate summer athletic activities with the exception of football. The summer is defined as the day following the last scheduled day of St. Johns classes until the first permissible date of fall athletic practices. St. Johns students may participate on summer teams, conditioning, camps, or practices with a current “Ticket to Play” and policies regarding open facility guidelines, off-season conditioning, and off- season participation are not relevant. Football may have practices and conditioning, but may not wear helmets or pads or engage in physical contact in any activity sponsored by or under the supervision of St. Johns during the summer.

OPEN FACILITIES PROGRAM/OFF - SEASON CONDITIONING

Coaches may open the gymnasium and other athletic facilities for recreational activities or conditioning to students without being in violation of FHSAA Bylaws under the following guidelines:

1. The facility is open to all students who are bona fide students at St. Johns. Opening facilities for a select group of students to practice individual skills for a specific sport is a violation of this policy. Coaching or instruction in the skills and techniques of any sport may not be provided by any School personnel. Coaches may not involve the use of sport specific equipment (i.e. starting blocks, hurdles, rebounders, ball machines, bats, balls, rackets, etc.). Their presence may be in a supervisory capacity only.

2. Participation is voluntary and is not required directly or indirectly for membership on a team.

3. No sport-specific tasks, skills, or drills may be taught to or assigned to students to perform during open facility activities.

4. Conditioning includes: Weight training and the use of free weights and stationary apparatus; Cardiovascular condition is distance and interval training; Plyometrics is the use of pre-set conditioning programs.

5. Open facility activities for a specific sport will conclude a minimum of two weeks prior to the first FHSAA permissible day of practice for that sport.

6. Prior to any activity the athletic director must be notified and provide approval for use of the facility.

OFF - SEASON PARTICIPATION

During the off-season, high school coaches, prospective coaches, or any individual involved in any respect may not be involved with a non-School sports team unless the

team meets the following requirements and is approved by the athletic director of the School.

1. Team must be affiliated with an outside agency promoting athletic participation opportunities.

2. Participation must include competition in the published scheduled events of the outside agency

3. Student-athletes and coaches, where applicable, are not permitted to wear any portion of a School’s athletic uniform.

4. All fees or assessment for participation must be documented.

5. Participation shall be voluntary and shall not be required, either directly or indirectly, for membership on an interscholastic team.

6. St. Johns can make gym and other athletic facilities available for this purpose provided that a fully executed rental agreement is provided and available upon request.

Since St. Johns is dependent on student-athletes playing multiple sports, the practice of forming off-season teams is discouraged during the School year. Should a team be formed, the athletic director must first provide approval.

MULTI - SPORT ATHLETES

All athletes in good academic standing are encouraged to participate in multiple sports at St. Johns. Based on the FHSAA calendar there are significant cross over times between the fall, winter and spring athletic seasons. Athletes need to make sure they satisfy all the commitments of one sport before they start another and coaches must be sensitive to this and never pressure any athlete to specialize in their sport or recruit an athlete from on sport to another in the same season. It is possible but very difficult for an athlete to play 2 sports in the same season. Before this is attempted, coaches, athletes, and parents need to be consulted and advise on issues such as time commitment, scheduling conflicts, and academic responsibilities.

SPORTSMANSHIP

St. Johns hopes that its student athletes will try and compete as hard as they can at all times. Giving their best effort is all that any coach can ask or demand. At all times, St. Johns teams will compete fairly and respectfully with our opponents. Coaches, athletes, students, and spectators must conduct themselves with proper behavior at all times while either representing St. Johns.

During home contests we serve as hosts to the visiting team, its students and spectators. They are our guests and must be treated accordingly. As visitors, we are

expected to act as invited guests. We will treat the home school’s facilities with care and respect.

Qualified FHSAA-approved officials are assigned to all our athletic contests. They are the proper authorities to make decisions regarding rules and their interpretations. These decisions should be accepted and respect must be shown to these professionals at all times.

Sportsmanship includes being appreciative of all good play. Cheer for our team, not against the opponent.

SCHEDULING

The head coaches of each sport work closely with the athletic director to prepare their teams’ schedules. Many factors are considered to determine the when, who, and where teams play. These include: district and league responsibilities, available open dates for both schools, competitiveness, transportation, academic schedules, and other events happening on campus. Once schedules are completed, they are posted on the School’s website (sjcds.net) under the team page for each team. If a change needs to be made, the Athletic Director contacts the head coach, the athletic secretary, front office, maintenance department, and in some cases the team mom. The School’s website is also updated. Parents are encouraged to contact the athletic department if there are any questions about any of the games scheduled.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Students are responsible for all missed work due to early dismissals. Students are required to follow the following guidelines:

1. Facilitate open communication by providing parents with information distributed by coaches.

2. At least one day in advance of any early dismissal, obtain all work and assignments for classes to be missed.

3. Turn in all work normally due for all classes prior to departure.

4. Make up any missed tests or quizzes the next available make-up day. Students must not put these off any further and missed practice time may result in order to fulfill academic responsibilities.

When teams are dismissed early, the following guidelines will apply when determining dismissal time:

1. Varsity teams: Projected travel time plus 75 minutes.

2. Junior varsity and Middle School teams: Projected travel time plus 45 minutes.

3. If a trip will exceed 4 hours or is for a state playoff series, the dismissal may not exceed twice the projected travel time. Decisions to stay overnight either the night before or after will be determined by the athletic director. The goal of this policy is to minimize the athletes’ time away from the academic classroom as well as home.

Student-athletes who fail to abide by the conditions of early dismissal are subject to a possible academic penalty at the discretion of the teacher or the loss of practice and game time until all academic work is current or both.

TRANSPORTATION

The Athletic Department is responsible for making sure teams have methods of transportation to get to away games. Coaches, team members, managers and cheerleaders should travel together to all away games. St. Johns will use School buses or rented buses to travel. The athletic director will consult with each coach and arrange for the best way to get to away games. Departure time and dismissal times will be arranged by the athletic director in consultation with the coaches and the academic deans. Athletes are allowed to leave with their parents after games once they have notified their coach. On rare exceptions the athletic director will allow parent carpools to transport students. Written permission and insurance information must be on file.

Our coaches must make sure that St. Johns athletes represent themselves and our School in the best way possible while traveling to away games. All coaches must monitor traveling dress codes and behaviors closely.

COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR AWAY GAMES

Coaches are responsible for all aspects of chaperoning for road contests. Coaches should abide by the following guidelines:

1. Prepare a checklist for all equipment needed.

2. Have players’ double check their equipment before departure.

3. Take all permission to travel and emergency medical forms.

4. Arrange for pre-game meals if necessary.

5. Re-emphasize that we are guests when playing on the road.

6. Enforce proper discipline on the bus. Clean the bus upon arrival back on campus.

7. Stay with all students upon return to St. Johns until all have been picked up.

OVERNIGHT TRIP GUIDELINES

If any St. Johns teams has the opportunity to do an overnight trip for a game or a tournament, the Coaches should abide by the following guidelines:

1. Obtain permission from the Athletic Director prior to scheduling.

2. Schedule trips as early as possible relative to the St. Johns Master Calendar for planning purposes.

3. Coaches/chaperones to students ratio should be 1 to 10. Male and female chaperones are required for mixed groups regardless of the numbers of travelers.

4. Chaperoning is a 24-hour responsibility. No personal plans should be made that interfere with chaperone duties. Chaperone duties include but are not limited to hotel check-in and check-out procedures, curfew, bed check, and transportation and meal arrangements.

5. Meals should be planned for the entire group at one location. If blocks of dead time exist longer than one hour, group activities should be planned. All parties in the group must attend. St. Johns’ athletic budget does not cover the cost of meals.

6. Take copies of student permission slips and emergency medical forms.

7. Issue itineraries to parents of every student on the trip to include the address and phone number of destinations and the schools we are competing against. The Head of School, Division Head, School receptionist, and Athletic Director should also get copies of the itinerary.

8. Take a personal cell phone. Make sure parents and the athletic office are aware of personal cell numbers.

9. All rules that govern students on campus are in effect on trips as well. Any violation of School rules could result in suspensions from a team temporarily, removal from a team for the remainder of the season, or separation from the School.

WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, the athletic director will make a decision by 2 p.m. concerning the cancellation of practices or home games and notify the coaches of these teams. The opponent’s Athletic Director makes cancellation decisions for away games. Updates will be posted on the schedule link of the web page. Please do not call the School until after 2 p.m. for updates.

Every effort will be made to play games as long as the weather does not jeopardize the safety of athletes, coaches, and spectators. Visit the School’s website at sjcds.net to sign up for schedule change updates.

LIGHTNING POLICY

Due to considerable hazard and possibility of critical injury from a lightning strike, it is essential that the St. Johns coaches have a clear protocol for each athletic venue in the event that lightning occurs. All St. Johns coaches supervising students’ outdoors will use the WeatherBug App.

WeatherBug alerts users to inclement weather and allows users to plot his or her location on the radar map and set rules to notify when lightning occurs. The app will show a map of current local conditions. In the event a faculty or staff member sees or hears lightning or inclement weather, they are to open the app immediately. If lightning is within 8 miles, the “Spark” tab in the menu will alert the user to "Seek Shelter Now." Students are to be moved immediately inside the nearest building, not just under an overhang. Time should not be taken to clean up equipment or finish up a drill or activity.

In the event that the WeatherBug monitoring system is unavailable, coaches will use the "Flash-to-Bang" method: To use the "Flash-to-Bang" method, count the seconds from the time lightning is sighted to when the thunderclap is heard. If the time difference between the lightning strike and the thunderclap is less than 40 seconds, the lightning is within 8 mines. Eight miles is the standard distance for postponement of all athletic contests or practices.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

For health-related emergencies, parents will be notified as soon as possible. The coach or trainer will inform parents as to the type of injury, the extent of the injury, what has been done to treat the injury, and whether further medical attention is necessary. It is important always to err on the side of caution.

If a student has been taken to a doctor or hospital, parents will be informed of the exact location and phone number. The purpose of the emergency medical form is so that emergency treatment can begin, if necessary, until parents arrive. The Athletic Director should be informed of any emergency situation.

Should a team vehicle break down, the team parents should be called immediately. Coaches must stay with the students. If the students and coach leave the vehicle they must do so in a group.

ASSUMED RISK

Providing a safe environment for practice and competition is a priority of everyone involved in the athletic program. All of our compensated coaches are certified in CPR and first aid and are excellent teachers in sports specific safety. In addition, a contracted athletic trainer is available during most practices and contests. Even with these steps student/athletes and their parents must be aware that the risk of injury is inherent in athletic participation. Accidents ranging from minor to severe may occur. It is mandatory that parents or guardians of all athletes sign a consent form before they are allowed to participate in St. Johns athletics. By signing this form, parents and guardians acknowledge the risks associated with playing sports. This form can be obtained through the athletic department or online at the FHSAA web site.

ATHLETIC FORMS

No student may participate in any portion of St. Johns Athletics unless an FHSAA parental consent form and a current FHSAA physical exam form is on file with the Athletic Department.

These forms can be found in the athletic office and on the FHSAA web site. Go fhsaa.org and click on forms at the top of the home page. Once on the forms page, click on general forms and look for EL-2 (physical) and EL-3 (consent) under general eligibility. All students must complete the online concussion course on nfhslearn.com. All coaches must complete the concussion and sudden cardiac arrest course online at nfhslearn.com.

PARENT - COACH COMMUNICATIONS

Communication is essential for success in any endeavor. The relationship between the parents and our coaches is no exception. Understanding each other’s roles and following proper channels of communication will enable parents and coaches to best work together to provide a positive athletic experience.

The core of any good relationship is trust. It is important to understand there may be times when things do not go the way parents, athletes and coaches wish. There may be times when it is difficult for parents to understand how playing time is allotted, why people are playing certain positions, strategy etc. It is imperative parents and athletes trust that our coaches are trying to do the right thing for the team and all individuals involved. Coaches are the ones spending the most time with their teams and they will make decisions based on the results of practice and what they feel is in the best interest of the team. Playing time, players’ positions, and strategy must be left to the discretion of the coach.

If there are concerns to discuss with a coach, there is a process. The proper order of communication is as follows:

1. Student athlete engage in conversation with coach

2. Meet with the coach involved

3. Meet with the varsity head coach (if the issue involves a JV or Middle School team)

4. Meet with the Athletic Director: Traci Livingston (tlivingston@sjcds.net)

5. Meet with the Head of School: Valorie Baker (vbaker@sjcds.net)

If you are not satisfied with the meeting, go to the next person on the list. Please do not confront a coach before or after a game. A 24-hour waiting period is a must to ensure that all emotions are under control.

Parents should notify coaches of any health issues. Please let coaches know well in advance of any scheduling conflicts.

PRACTICES & TRYOUTS

It is the responsibility of all members of a St. Johns athletic team to attend all practices. Playing time and status on a team is directly tied into practice attendance, effort and attitude. If a student needs to miss a practice, they must notify the coach as soon as possible. Many teams have policies and procedures on missing practices. Those will be explained in pre-season parent/student meetings. Practices dates and times are left to the discretion of the head coaches. The following are guidelines for our coaches:

1. Varsity practices are usually 2 hours in length.

2. Middle School level practices are usually 1 ½ hours in length.

3. Practices held during School holidays and on Saturdays are permitted. No practices are permitted on Sundays.

ATHLETIC CUT POLICY

Athletics is an important and vital part of the total educational program at St. Johns Country Day School

The athletic program and the academic program both serve the same purposes to build character and to give each student qualities that will equip him or her for a productive life.

St. Johns believes in the scholar-athlete, the person who places academics first, but who participates in athletics as a valuable and necessary part of the learning experience in School.

St. Johns seeks to encourage as much participation as possible at each level of interscholastic competition. Participation is defined as the guarantee of practice time and not a guarantee of playing time in games or matches. Playing time is an earned spot based upon attitude, work ethic and commitment to the team and is the sole discretion of the Head Coach.

In Middle School athletics, our policy is to keep cuts to an absolute minimum and to distribute playing time. Ultimately, the overwhelming goal at the Middle School level will be to provide opportunities that allow the student-athlete to gain skill as an athlete and develop personal confidence while still fielding a competitive team. For junior varsity we continue to view participation as an important goal, but playing time begins to depend more on individual ability and effort. The goal for varsity is more narrowly focused and fielding the most competitive team is a high priority.

CUTTING PROCEDURES

Coaches involved in sports that conduct tryouts should communicate their cuts to the student in person or by a posted list of the team roster. Care should be taken in communicating this information with the group of individuals that are cut from the team.

1. Encourage the student to continue their involvement with sports, including possible off campus club teams.

2. Encourage them to participate in another sport during that sports season

3. Encourage them to consider other extracurricular activities outside of sports

4. Ask if they would like to manage

5. Encourage them to tryout next year.

PLAYER PLACEMENT

If we have a player who has the ability to be moved up to junior varsity or varsity, a meeting with the respective coaches and the Athletic Director will be called. The discussion should focus on the short and long-term interest of the individual player as well as the team, with consideration to the following:

1. Possible impact on students’ academic performance

2. Possible impact on the student’s social interactions with older teammates

3. Possible playing time

4. The decision should be communicated personally to the parents to secure their permission

VARSITY

At the varsity level, the commitment is to field the most competitive teams.

Varsity selection is earned based on skill and maturity of the players. Younger athletes (Grades 6-8) will be chosen if it is determined that they will experience valuable playing time and contribute to the success of the team

Playing time at the varsity level is determined by coaching decisions made during practice and while contests are in progress

JUNIOR VARSITY

Junior varsity teams should be considered the transitional level between Middle School and varsity teams

Junior varsity teams are comprised of students in Grades 6-11. Younger players will be selected for junior varsity teams if it is deemed that their ability and maturity warrant participation at this level.

While coaches will make every effort to give junior varsity team members playing time, it is not guaranteed.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School teams are comprised of students in Grades 6-8. Middle School teams are considered introductory, and efforts will be made to include all who wish to participate within reasonable limits of practicality as determined by the coach and athletic director.

Athletes exhibiting the appropriate attendance, attitude, and work habits can expect to participate in contests within reasonable practicality as determined by the coach and athletic director.

Middle School teams are members of the IMSC. Teams participate in end-of-season tournaments and will field the most competitive team.

QUITTING

Quitting a team is never a good option unless it is for health, family, or academic reasons. Any reason for leaving a team will require a conference between the athletic director, the athlete, the athlete’s coach and possibly the athlete’s parents. An athlete who quits a sport is not allowed to participate in another sport until the season of the original sport is over.

BUDGET & EQUIPMENT

St. Johns will provide to all teams what they need to play and some of what the coaches want. The athletic director meets individually with all coaches to go over their budget. The budget agreed on is only an estimate and the athletic director reserves the right to adjust a team’s budget at any time. Coaches must submit budget requests to the athletic director at the conclusion of the season.

The St. Johns Athletic Department is responsible for providing the following for our teams:

● Home and away uniforms

● Safety equipment (helmets, pads, etc.)

● Misc. equipment (balls, goals, nets, etc.)

Players may purchase additional items through a team spirit pack. Individual team fundraising is prohibited.

Spirit packs are deals provided to players for additional items they would like to purchase as a team. Spirit packs may include shoes, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and/or travel bags. All items on the spirit pack must be either navy blue, Carolina blue, or white.

St. Johns uses a purchase order system for all athletic items. All equipment or uniforms purchased through the budget, or spirit pack, must be approved by the athletic director. No coach is authorized to sign any athletic purchase order.

LOST OR DAMAGED UNIFORMS

It is imperative that athletes turn in all equipment and uniforms they have been issued, except for spirit pack items, within one week of the end of the season. In many cases our coaches go from one season to the next, therefore, we must be able to complete inventory before the next season begins.

Items lost or damaged will be billed to the parents. Since we order our uniforms in bulk, a single uniform or garment will be considerable higher in unit price. Not only may a single uniform be higher in price, the manufacturer may discontinue certain items making it impossible to match a single uniform with a team set. Please help us in making sure all uniforms and equipment are returned in the same condition as it was when issued. Seniors are not allowed to keep uniforms for posterity.

AWARDS

Coaches determine the end of season awards. In some cases, the athletes may vote for awards. Traditionally the awards given include:

● Most Valuable Player (MVP)

● Most Improved: Over the course of the season

● Spartan Award: Hustle, sportsmanship, attitude

● Other Awards (optional), e.g., Coaches Award and sport-specific awards.

● Letters: All athletes in good standing earn letters, certificates, and pins. Coaches make the final decision based on playing time, attitude and participation. Coaches at the varsity level are expected to nominate their athletes for All League, All Region, and All State awards as appropriate. The athletic department will provide the letters, pins, certificates, trophies and plaques. A player who has earned their first letter will receive a letter, a pin, and a certificate. If that athlete letters again in the same sport or in another sport, they will only receive a certificate and a pin. Letter jackets, sweaters, team pictures, and additional plaques can be purchased at the student’s expense. End of the year banquets are the responsibility of each coach to set up. Usually the parents are extremely helpful. The Athletic Director and Facilities must approve dates for any after season banquets. Banquets can be held in the Alumni Gym, a restaurant, or home of a parent. The cost of any end of the year celebration is the responsibility of the athletes and their parents.

PRE - SEASON PARENT MEETINGS

Varsity head coaches are required to conduct a pre-season meeting to include all players, parents, and coaches involved with their program. Athletic Department handbooks will be distributed and discussed at this meeting. Coaches should communicate the following:

● Coach’s philosophy, both generally and specific to their sport

● Locations and times of practices and contests

● Expectations of the players and the team

● Team rules and repercussions for violations

● Injury and emergency medical procedures

● Role of parents in terms of volunteer help, team meals, game day help, etc.

2023 - 2024 COACHES DIRECTORY

Fall Sports

VOLLEYBALL

Varsity Jenna Lawrence jlawrence@sjcds.net

Junior Varsity TBA jlawrence@sjcds.net

Middle School Sophia Leverette sleverette@sjcds.net

SWIMMING

Head Coach Juliam “JJ” Albino jalbino@sjcds.net

CROSS COUNTRY

Head Coach Greg Stratton gstratton@sjcds.net

CHEERLEADING

Head Coach Kim Kurnitsky kkurnitsky@sjcds.net

Middle School Kim Kurnitsky kkurnitsky@sjcds.net

GIRLS GOLF

Head Coach Mindy Herrick mherrick@sjcds.net

BOYS GOLF

Head Coach gthomas@sjcds.net gthomas@sjcds.net

Winter Sports

GIRLS SOCCER

Head Coach Mike Pickett mpickett@sjcds.net

Assistant Cody Slaughter

Middle School Sarah Voglewede svoglewede@sjcds.net

BOYS SOCCER

Head Coach Brad Schmidt bschmidt@sjcds.net

Head Coach Jimmy Merritt jmerritt@sjcds.net

Middle School Greg George

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Head Coach TBA

Assistant Coach Brian Ulmer

BOYS BASKETBALL

Head Coach Ian Gibson igibson@sjcds.net

Middle School

Spring Sports

BASEBALL

Head Coach Tom Lucas tlucas@sjcds.net

Assistant Jordan Rooks gthomas@sjcds.net

Junior Varsity Jordan Rooks jrooks@sjcds.net

Middle School Tom Marsh

SOFTBALL

Head Coach Brittany McGuire bmcguire@sjcds.net

Middle School Jimmy Flynn

TRACK & FIELD

Head Coach Greg Stratton gstratton@sjcds.net

Assistant Rocky Bantag rbantag@sjcds.net

Assistant Christopher Chandler cchandler@sjcds.net

Assistant Russell Ivey rivey@sjcds.net

Assistant Emily Patterson epatterson@sjcds.net

BOYS TENNIS

Head Coach Wendy McCurry wmccurry@me.com

Assistant Christie Slaughter cslaughter@sjcds.net

Junior Varsity Meredith Hoffmann mhoffmann@sjcds.net

GIRLS TENNIS

Head Coach Wendy McCurry wmccurry@me.com

Assistant Christie Slaughter cslaughter@sjcds.net

Junior Varsity Meredith Hoffmann mhoffmann@sjcds.net

Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form

Student Name (Last, First):

Grade: ___________

Homeroom Teacher: Date:

The Student Handbook is designed to provide students and parents with explanations of the school’s policies and procedures. If you have questions about any of the information contained in the Handbook, please contact your division office.

“We acknowledge that we have read the Student Handbook, and we agree to support the policies and procedures outlined in the Handbook, as well as any changes of which we may be notified during the school year.”

“We have read and understand the Technology Acceptable Use statement and pledge to abide by it.”

Student Signature:

Parent Signature: