Community Expectations and School Rules

Honor Code

As members of the St. Luke’s community, we will maintain and encourage integrity at all times. We will be honest in what we say and write, and we will show respect for ourselves, each other, and all property. We will treat everyone with kindness, and we will accept responsibility for our actions.

General Expectations

To function as a healthy community, we have a number of general expectations for students. • We expect that students will attend their scheduled classes, events, and activities. We expect them to do the work and function in their classes to the best of their ability. • We expect students to behave appropriately and with respect for each other as well as for faculty, staff, administrators, and parents. • St. Luke’s School is a community, and we expect students to recognize the role each person plays in building that community. • We expect students to respect differences among people. • We expect that students will abide by all School rules.

Many of the School rules flow from these principles. If students have questions about why a particular rule is in place, the student may contact an administrator.

General Behavior and Rules

St. Luke’s encourages active participation during classes, maintaining an atmosphere that is structured but flexible. Students should conduct themselves during classes in a manner that supports the learning goals of the class. At no time should a student’s behavior interfere with a classmate’s learning. • Students may not sit or lie in the hallways or lie down on furniture in the Commons. • When leaving an area, whether it is by the student’s locker, a cafeteria table, Café, or the

Commons, students must pick up after themselves and agree to leave the area better than they found it. • The School is not responsible for personal items left in public spaces. Lost clothing and valuables may be turned in to the receptionist or are placed on shelves in the fifth grade locker hallway. Clothes that are left in the lost and found will be donated to a non-profit organization at the beginning of every long school break or used at the School’s discretion. • Students must be in school dress code during the academic day.

• Students may not display any romantic behaviors. • Students may not bring the following items to School or use on School property at any time: any weapon, firearm, facsimile gun, bb-gun, paintball gun, stun gun, air gun, water gun, knife, explosive device, fireworks, or other dangerous object not approved for School use. • Students may not bring or use on School property the following items: skateboards, scooters, hover boards, roller blades, and sneakers with rollers. • Students may not bring laser pointers to School. • Students may not eat food outside of the Dining Commons or the Cafe unless they have a teacher’s permission. Students are also not allowed to eat in the hallways. • Students may not have drinks in the Science wing, unless they are given permission by a member of the Science department. • Students may not wear earbuds or earphones when walking inside the buildings. (These devices are fine to use when students are seated in common spaces, doing work, etc.). • Students may not have their cell phones out at any time unless they are at their lockers. • Students must keep their cell phones in their lockers during the school day.

Speech and Respect for Community Members

The School seeks cultural competency for all community members and expects all community members to respect others, especially around race, gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, ability, and other aspects of people’s identity. We strive to combat prejudice in all forms, including in speech and behavior. We recognize that words have the power to negatively impact others and we prohibit speech that discriminates, attacks, disparages, demeans, intimidates, or deliberately mischaracterizes an individual or group based on their identity. Offensive speech can take many forms, including, but not limited to, negatively biased categorical statements, stereotypes, and epithets be they verbal, written or posted on social media.

The School invites sincere discussion and questions, and recognizes that there will be moments when insufficient information, erroneous belief, or faulty presentation will create opportunities to review statements and clarify impact. We encourage students to address those incidents directly when they occur, but we recognize that not all students may feel comfortable doing so. Students who have concerns about another’s speech, whether in person or online, should contact a trusted adult who can respond appropriately.

Dress Code

General Rules for Students Students should be dressed neatly in properly fitting attire. In all cases, the final decision rests with the Upper School Dean of Students and the Middle School Dean of Students.

Permitted

• Traditional collared button-down dress shirt (including buttoned flannels) • Traditional button polo shirt. • Traditional dress tie or bow tie • Crew-neck / V-neck knit sweaters with a polo or button-down shirt underneath. • Turtlenecks • Blazers with a button-down dress shirt or turtleneck underneath • Chinos (khaki-style pants) in any color. • If shirt is tucked in, must be worn with belt • Corduroys and Capris • Any “school uniform” skort of appropriate length (see examples and additional information) • Solid-colored tights, stockings, or leggings with a skort. • Heels, closed-toe shoes or boots, including sneakers. • Non-college ¼ zips and vests with a polo or button-down shirt required underneath • Hats, sweatbands, and bandanas (unless for religious or cultural Purposes) • Casual t-shirts and/or graphic t-shirts with any writing on them • Clothing with alcohol, drugs, or violent insignia • Rugby shirts • Outer coats, raincoats, and down vests • Jeans, denim, cargo pants, overalls • Yoga pants, drawstring style pants, pajama or flannel pants, sweatpants, athletic shorts • Crocs, slippers, sandals or flip-flops • Oversized or undersized clothing • Sweatshirts of any kind • College attire of any kind**

Not Permitted

Before Thanksgiving Break & After Spring Break Students may wear non-athletic Bermuda shorts. If the shirt is tucked in, must be worn with a belt.

After Spring Break ** Seniors may wear college sweatshirts.

Dress-Down Day Dress Code (Includes Spirit Weeks) Students must be dressed appropriately.

Game Day Policy Each varsity team will be permitted to wear team attire up to once per week in recognition of an upcoming contest.

Formal Days The Student Council and Upper and Middle School deans will work with the Parents’ Association to explore possible “Formal” options such as school blazers to be worn on special occasions throughout the year.

See 2021-2022 Dress Code letter to the community.

Music Performance Dress Code For musical performances, each teacher will communicate to their students the dress code expectations for each performance.

Technical Theater Dress Code Students are expected to change into clothes that can get messy for this activity. We do not provide smocks or any specialty clothing, so students are required to have a set of clothes (t-shirt, pants, and shoes) that can get painted and roughed up.

Additionally, students working backstage and in the tech booths are required to have a set of all-black clothes (no colored or white trim, graphics, labels, or soles) for technical rehearsals and performances. Students must wear black t-shirts, black pants or jeans, black shoes, and black socks to dress rehearsals and performances.

Loose fitting clothing (saggy pants, large blouses, dresses, skirts) is not permitted at any time, and footwear must be close-toed, rubber soled shoes (sneakers or boots). Jeans are permitted, but sweatpants and leggings are not. Long hair must be tied back in a ponytail or bun, and hanging jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, dangling earrings) is not permitted.

St. Luke’s Cell Phone and Device Policy

Middle School students are not permitted to use cell phones or other electronic devices used as phones during the academic day. Students will have the opportunity to check their cell phones while at their lockers, but these devices should remain in their lockers for the duration of the day. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by a teacher or School administrator, in the School’s discretion.

Upper School students may carry their cell phones with them but must put them away for classes, advisory, and meetings and refrain from using them in the hallways. Upper School students must adhere to any specific guidelines from teachers in their classrooms.

In addition, the School prohibits students, parents, and School community members from using cell phones or other electronic devices to record (video, audio, or otherwise) the School environment without express permission from the School. This policy generally does not apply to recordings at School performances and events.

Visits by Non-SLS Students

Non-SLS students (such as former students, siblings or friends) are welcome to visit St. Luke’s after school or for special events. Only applicants who are currently in the admissions process may visit to attend classes during school hours. These visits will be handled by the Office of Admission. Questions about visits may be directed to the Director of Admission & Financial Aid.

Leaving Campus During the School Day

Only twelfth graders may have the privilege of leaving School during their lunch period, free periods, or between the end of classes and afternoon activities. Twelfth grade students must submit the off-

campus permission form signed by parents at the beginning of the year and sign out when leaving the building. This is a privilege that can be revoked by the School, in its discretion. All other students must stay on campus until the end of their last commitment (including afternoon activities).

Student Driving and Parking on Campus

Parking on campus at St. Luke’s is a convenience afforded to twelfth grade students only. The School does not permit any student to park on the hill or nearby roads, or in the “A” or “B” parking lots, on the curbs, sidewalks, or any grass surface. Carpools are strongly encouraged. Students who park on campus must register their car with the Director of Safety and Security and receive a parking permit, which must be displayed on the rear view mirror when on campus. Students who do not register their car properly at school are not permitted to park on campus. Campus speed limit is 10 m.p.h. Parking in the wrong place, speeding, texting while driving, and/or reckless driving on School grounds may result in the loss of the parking permit. Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students who have a driver’s license may not drive or park on campus during school hours, 7:45am to 3:00pm. Violation of this rule may result in a Saturday detention, suspension of future and/ or current parking privileges, and other appropriate discipline, as the School may determine is appropriate.

Other things to remember: • Traffic by the School building circle is all ONE WAY. • Students must obey all of the rules of the road and operate their vehicle safely at all times. • Students may transport other students as passengers only if authorized by motor vehicle laws and with the consent of both the operator’s and the passenger’s parents.

All students who have registered a car to drive to school will receive an assigned parking spot in one of three designated lots. Assigned parking is from 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Students may not “share” assigned spots, and should not park in any spot other than the one in which they were assigned. If a student finds that someone else has parked in their spot, they will receive specific directions in regards to the procedure to follow.

Parking Lot Designation

A Lot: along the hill, closest to the main school building (for faculty/staff/visitors only).

B Lot: next to the tennis courts (for faculty/staff/visitors only).

C Lot: past the footbridge, on the left; below the B Lot (assigned parking for seniors and faculty/staff).

D Lot: near the Facilities Building (assigned parking for seniors).

E Lot: near the Athletic Center (assigned parking for seniors).

Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in the temporary or permanent loss of the parking permit.

Unauthorized Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol

Students are prohibited from buying, selling, possessing, using, or transferring alcohol or other unauthorized drugs or substances, including tobacco and tobacco-related products (including e-cigarettes and vaping), and/or any paraphernalia associated with illegal drugs and may not intentionally misuse products that can act as inhalants, while enrolled at the School. Such conduct is also prohibited for all community members while on campus and at School-sponsored events and activities. Students are prohibited from using medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, in any manner other than as prescribed or intended by the manufacturer. The School may utilize a breathalyzer at School events. Additionally, suspected violations of the law may be reported to government authorities.

Sanctuary Policy

The School’s Sanctuary Policy provides students with a way to access support around alcohol and substance abuse issues without concern that reaching out for help will trigger the disciplinary process. The use and abuse of alcohol or other unauthorized drugs or substances, including tobacco and tobacco-related products (including e-cigarettes and vaping), can lead to serious health consequences; as a way of letting students know that their health and safety are of paramount concern, the School wants to encourage students to ask for help should they find themselves impaired or ill. Any student may invoke this policy on the student’s own behalf, or on behalf of another student, simply by contacting anyone on the faculty, staff, or administration at the School and using the term “Sanctuary.” Sanctuary may be invoked due to the ill-effects of recent ingestion of a banned substance, chronic substance use or abuse, or past use or abuse that may be impairing functioning at School. If a student is already involved in the disciplinary process due to alcohol or substance abuse, this Sanctuary Policy may not be invoked.

If a student invokes Sanctuary, the student is immediately referred to an administrator, who will determine if immediate medical attention is warranted, and/or if any follow up evaluation or counseling is needed in an off-campus medical or substance abuse treatment program. The student’s parents, advisor, and Division Head will also be notified of the student’s invocation of the Sanctuary Policy.

Behavioral Expectations While Away From Campus

While enrolled at St. Luke’s School, students are required to abide by the Honor Code. When students are on School-sponsored trips or participating in School activities, they are expected to be on their best behavior at all times. St. Luke’s students whose conduct brings discredit or embarrassment upon themselves or the School may be disciplined, even if such misconduct occurs outside of the School or School-sponsored event, or outside of the school day or school year. These expectations apply as well to students’ use of computers, both on and off campus.

Commitment to Respectful and Healthy Relationships

The School is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all members of its community. Such an environment precludes behaviors that are disrespectful of, and physically and/or emotionally harmful to, others. All members of the School community play important roles in maintaining these standards and intervening, as appropriate, when they witness or otherwise become aware of behavior that conflicts with community standards.

Awareness and acceptance of individual identity are central tenets of the School. The School expects all members of the School community to treat others with civility, respect, and dignity, and to interact (whether in person or electronically) politely and appropriately. Before acting, students should give careful consideration to how their communications – whether through words, appearances, actions, or otherwise – may negatively impact others.

All students are valued members of the School community, which presents unique opportunities to develop lasting partnerships with peers, faculty, and staff. The School strives to help students develop such close connections. However, the School expects these relationships to be appropriate and healthy. The School endeavors to promote this through education and intervention.

With these goals and interests in mind, as well as the legal requirements of the laws of Connecticut, the School has established policies to help students manage these interpersonal relationships safely and appropriately. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with the Head of School, the Division Head, the Upper School Dean of Students, the Dean of the Middle School, advisors, the School Nurse and/or School Counselor, and/or a trusted adult with any questions or concerns regarding these policies. The School believes that open communication about these sensitive topics is integral to preventing serious misconduct from occurring and essential to fostering a culture of personal responsibility, mutual accountability, and positive peer leadership.

Sexual Intimacy and Consent

The School recognizes that sexuality is a normal part of human nature. However, any level of sexual intimacy can bring with it physical, psychological, and emotional challenges that can be overwhelming to students. Students who would like to talk about the meaning of sexual intimacy in a relationship, or who engage in sexually intimate activity and then want to report or discuss the situation, are encouraged to reach out to a trusted adult, the School Nurse, or School Counselor so that appropriate support may be provided. Under certain circumstances, the School may be obligated to report to government authorities (including the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) and the local police).

If students are found to have engaged in sexually intimate activity, or in a situation that suggests they have been sexually intimate, the School will generally first respond to the situation as a health issue. Such a response may include notification to parents/guardians and, as appropriate, referral to the School’s healthcare providers. It is imperative that students understand and appreciate that certain sexual activity may violate the law and, therefore, is prohibited by the School.

Following Connecticut law, the School prohibits students from engaging in nonconsensual

sexual activity, considering it to be egregious misconduct and a major disciplinary violation. Consent must be the basis for every sexually intimate encounter. Consent means the voluntary, positive agreement to engage in specific sexual activity. However, as described below, certain circumstances may make it impossible for a person to legally give consent. • By law in Connecticut, there can be no consent to sexual intercourse, oral sex, or any penetrative act if the individual is under the age of 16. • Consent cannot be obtained from someone who is asleep or otherwise mentally or physically incapacitated (whether due to drugs, alcohol, or some other condition). • Consent cannot be obtained by threat, coercion, or force. In other words, if threat, coercion, or force is used, any “agreement” does not constitute consent. • Consent is ongoing and may be withdrawn at any stage during an encounter. • Consenting to one behavior does not obligate a person to consent to any other behavior. • Consenting on one occasion does not obligate a person to consent on any other occasion. • Communicating consent means: • The person is legally capable of giving consent. • An ongoing verbal interaction, taken one step at a time, to an expressed and honest “yes.” • Asking permission to engage in specific activity and to progress to new, different, or more intimate activity – regardless of who initiated the contact. • Being clear about desires and expectations. • A clear “yes.” The absence of “no” should not be understood to mean that there is consent. • Remaining open to and respecting another’s expression of disagreement to engage in a particular activity. “No” means “no” in any sexual encounter.

The School prohibits and may be obligated to report sexual activity that violates the law, including rape, sexual assault, and statutory rape. Sexual activity, of any and all kinds, is prohibited between any student or applicant and any School employee.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students

The School strives to provide a safe and supportive environment that will help students succeed academically and socially. To that end, the School promotes respect for all people, and will not tolerate harassment or bullying based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This is the case whether the bullying or harassment takes place on or off campus, including cyber-bullying through the use of electronic technology (on or off the School’s campus, and on or off the School’s network). Particularly with respect to transgender and gender non-conforming students, the School will work closely with students and their families to strive to honor their wishes with respect to use of School facilities, participation in athletics, accuracy of student records, use of preferred name and pronouns, and privacy, in accordance with applicable law, and to the extent that the School’s campus facilities reasonably permit.

Bigotry, Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, Hazing, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

The School does not tolerate verbal or physical behavior that constitutes bigotry (including cyberbullying), harassment or discrimination, hazing, sexual assault, and sexual harassment (collectively referred to as “interpersonal misconduct”). The School is also committed to promptly addressing any behavior that impedes the learning of any student or interferes with the experience of any other member of the School community.

Interpersonal misconduct is prohibited on the School’s campus and the property immediately adjacent to School grounds, on School vehicles, and at School-sponsored events, activities, athletic contests, and off-campus trips. School-owned technology may not be used to intimidate, harass, threaten, or bully another student. In addition, interpersonal misconduct is prohibited at a location, activity, function, or program that is not School-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School. Though interpersonal misconduct that occurs outside of the above locations may be outside of the School’s disciplinary reach, we still encourage families and students to share potential incidents with a trusted staff member (as discussed in more detail below) if the School may need to have a heightened awareness of protecting students’ safety while at school.

Definitions Aggressor: A student or faculty/staff member who engages in bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment, discrimination, hazing, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or retaliation towards another person. Bias: Behavior or language that demonstrates prejudice (preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience) in favor of or against one person or group compared to another Bigotry: Obstinate or unreasonable conduct or commentary that denigrate or offend against another person, motivated (in whole or in part) by a biased belief or opinion held against another with regards to citizen status, disability, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

Examples of behavior that may constitute bias or bigotry include, but are not limited to: (a) use of hate symbols or hate speech; (b) use of derogatory language including antisemitism, gendered or racial slurs, xenophobic insults etc; (c) events or activities that encourage the wearing of costumes or acting in ways that reinforce stereotypes or create a climate that is hostile towards a protected class of people; (d) making sexual comments, jokes, or gestures; (e) deliberately using incorrect pronouns with prior knowledge of a person’s pronouns; (f) ridiculing another’s accent, language, or name. Bullying: Bullying is defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: (a) causes physical or emotional harm to the student or damage to the student’s property; (b) places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s self or damage to the student’s

property; (c) creates a hostile environment at school for the student; (d) infringes on the rights of the student at school; or (e) materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operations of the School. Cyber-Bullying: Cyber-bullying is bullying through the use of technology or electronic communication, including, but 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, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications.

Cyber-bullying includes, but is not limited to: (a) the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, and (b) the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation constitutes bullying conduct as defined above. Cyber-bullying includes, but is not limited to, 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 included in the definition of bullying. Faculty/Staff: Faculty/staff members include, but are not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, dining services workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, and paraprofessionals. Harassment Or Discrimination: Harassment or discrimination is behavior that is pervasive or severe and has the purpose or effect of: (a) creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; (b) interfering unreasonably with a student’s academic performance; or (c) creating a situation where academic decisions of a student depend on the student submitting to and/or not objecting to the behavior.

Harassment and discrimination can take many forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, limiting opportunities to participate in certain clubs, teams, or activities based on certain characteristics, as well as slurs, jokes, statements, remarks, questions, gestures, pictures, emails, texts, or cartoons regarding a legally protected status that are derogatory or demeaning to an individual’s or group’s characteristics or that promote stereotypes. Harassment also includes sexual harassment (as defined below).

Hazing: Hazing means any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, requiring indecent exposure of the body; requiring any activity that would subject the person to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation or extended isolation from social contact; confinement of the person to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary, or unlighted areas; any assault upon the person; and requiring the ingestion of any substance or any other physical activity which could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual.

Hostile Environment: A hostile environment refers to a situation in which certain misconduct causes the school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to alter the conditions of a student’s education. Retaliation: Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports interpersonal misconduct, provides information during an investigation, or witnesses and/or has reliable information about such misconduct.

Sexual Assault: Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced or coerced into sexual activity without giving consent. Sexual activity includes, but is not limited to, touching or fondling, either directly or through the clothing, of another’s intimate areas or any contact, intrusion, or penetration of another’s sex organs, anus, or mouth. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is a type of harassment (as defined above). Sexual harassment includes unwilling and unwanted sexual attention, regardless of gender, from anyone with whom a person may interact in the course of attending the School or being present at School-sponsored activities.

Examples of behavior that may constitute sexual harassment include (regardless of whether the intent or consequence of such behavior is to make the target feel uncomfortable): (a) offensive body language (staring and/or leering at a person’s body or standing/brushing too close); (b) offensive or unwanted sexual comments, abuse, jokes, or insults, delivered orally or in writing; (c) derogatory or pornographic posters, cartoons, or drawings; (d) pressure for sexual activity (such as hazing or threats as well as repeated requests after rejections); (e) offering favors or benefits in exchange for sexual acts, or threatening mistreatment if one does not engage in sexual acts; and (f) offensive or unwelcome physical advances (including kissing, hugging, pinching, grabbing, groping, slapping, etc.). Target: Any student against whom interpersonal misconduct has been perpetrated.

Legal Definitions and School Policies In accordance with the School’s mission, values, and standards of conduct, the School has, at times, supplemented and/or provided broader protections against bullying, discrimination, harassment, and other inappropriate conduct than may be required under applicable laws. In essence, the School’s standards may be stricter than the law and the School may impose discipline accordingly. The School’s efforts to enhance its protection of students in no way expand an individual’s rights under applicable laws. Further, the School may modify and amplify the standards set forth above and use its discretion in the interpretative enforcement of all ideals and standards of conduct.

Reporting Complaints To ensure the safety and well-being of our community, all individuals who experience or witness interpersonal misconduct (including bias or bigotry), are encouraged to report. A student who is the target of interpersonal misconduct, or who has witnessed such an incident or any incident of retaliation, or who otherwise has relevant information about conduct prohibited by the School,

is expected to report the matter promptly (either orally or in writing) to the Head of School, the Division Head, the Upper School Dean of Students, the Dean of the Middle School, the Director of Equity and Inclusion, or to any other administrator or faculty member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. If a student is uncomfortable contacting one of these individuals, the student may ask an advisor, another adult, or a classmate to help. Verbal reports made to a member of the faculty/staff will necessarily be memorialized in writing. Additionally, they can submit a complaint via the newly created online incident reporting form which goes directly to the Director of Equity and Inclusion. By not reporting, students and employees passively condone inappropriate conduct and compromise our community safety.

Parents/guardians of a student who is the target of interpersonal misconduct, or of a student who has witnessed or otherwise has relevant information about such misconduct, are urged to also immediately notify the Head of School, the Division Head, the Upper School Dean of Students, the Dean of the Middle School, or the Director of Equity and Inclusion. Furthermore, any parent/ guardian who has witnessed interpersonal misconduct, or has relevant information concerning such an incident or any incident of retaliation, are strongly encouraged to contact one of these administrators immediately.

The School cannot promise absolute confidentiality to those reporting interpersonal misconduct, as there may be a need to share information during an investigation or otherwise; however, the School will disclose such information with discretion, on a need-to-know basis.

For incidents that constitute explicit bias or bigotry towards students, the respective Dean or Division Head and Director of Equity and Inclusion will conduct the initial investigation and determine the needs of the impacted student(s) in conjunction with counseling services. Where appropriate, the Director of Equity and Inclusion and Division Head or Dean will facilitate a conversation with parties involved with the support of counseling services. The Director of Equity and Inclusion will retain notes for all complaints and inquiries and the Division Head will follow up with the parents/guardians of all students involved. Out of respect for every student’s individual confidentiality, the parties involved in reporting an incident will not be informed of disciplinary consequences involving another student. In the event of a repeated offense, the Division Head and the Director of Equity and Inclusion will facilitate a meeting with the parents/guardians of the student(s) named.

Documenting Complaints When reporting incidents of interpersonal misconduct community members will be expected to provide the following: • A detailed description of the incident and your involvement (i.e. did you experience directly, witness, or hear about it), including the approximate date, time, and location of the incident; • The names of any other individuals involved in the incident, and a description of how they were involved; • The types of prohibited behavior or conduct believed to be involved in the incident (see definitions above).

Confidentiality Because St. Luke’s values every individual’s confidentiality, all reports will be treated with consideration for the privacy of all parties and the School’s discretion not to disclose information to any party. Any information obtained during the response and resolution process will be disclosed only to the extent required by law, or as required for the School to respond appropriately. If the targeted student so chooses, they may ask for specific details to be purposefully obfuscated to any parents or guardians to respect their privacy as it relates to their social identity. The targeted student retains agency to the point that it interferes with disciplinary, administrative or legal actions.

Anonymous Reporting The School expects students and parents/guardians not to make anonymous reports. Although there are circumstances in which an anonymous report can be better than none at all, it is far more difficult to determine the facts of what occurred if complaints are made anonymously and disciplinary action will generally not be taken against an individual solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

False Complaints All persons involved in a complaint or investigation should understand that false or exaggerated accusations can be extremely damaging to innocent persons; therefore, the School expects and requires the honest and full disclosure of facts by all involved. Any person who knowingly makes a false accusation of interpersonal misconduct or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action.

Responding to Complaints The goals of an investigation, and any supportive, disciplinary, or other remedial process that is imposed following that investigation, are to correct the situation to the extent reasonably possible and to take steps to prevent repetition of the incident and retaliation.

When a complaint is brought to the attention of the School, the Head of School or the Head of School’s designee will make an assessment to determine the initial steps appropriate to protect the well-being of the students involved (including both the alleged targets and aggressors), and to prevent disruption of the learning environment while the investigation is undertaken. The School may use strategies, such as increased supervision, stay-away mandates, and personal safety plans, as may be appropriate, to prevent further misconduct, witness interference, and/or retaliation during the course of and after the investigation.

The Head of School’s designee will conduct an impartial, fact-finding investigation of the complaint. This investigation may include (but is not necessarily limited to) interviews with the impacted parties including the complainant, alleged target(s), alleged aggressor(s), and any other witnesses or parties who have information relevant to the alleged incident. The School may consult with faculty, the School’s healthcare providers, the parents/guardians of the alleged target(s) and/ or the alleged aggressor(s), or any other person deemed to have knowledge about, or circumstances surrounding, the complaint. A copy of the final incident report will be provided to the Head of School,

appropriate Division Head and Dean (in cases: re student interactions) and/or Associate Head of school (in cases re: faculty/staff interactions) to determine next steps.

The School neither tolerates nor engages in retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint about interpersonal misconduct or cooperating in an investigation of such a complaint. The School will not take adverse action against a student for making a good faith report of interpersonal misconduct. An individual who is found to have engaged in retaliation against a student for filing a complaint, or participating in the investigation of a complaint, may be subject to disciplinary action.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Head of School (or the Head of School’s designee) will generally make the following determinations: • Whether and to what extent the allegation of interpersonal misconduct has been substantiated. • Whether any disciplinary action and/or other remedial action is appropriate and, if so, how it will be implemented. • Whether counseling, or a referral to appropriate services, should be offered to targets, aggressors, or family members of the affected students or targets.

At the discretion of the Head of School, the Honor Council in the Upper School and the Middle School Admin team may be convened to investigate and make recommendations. The Head of School (or the Head of School’s designee) will consider any recommendations from the Honor Council or Middle School Admin team if it convenes, but the Head of School (or the Head of School’s designee) will determine any appropriate disciplinary action for a student who is found to have committed an incident of interpersonal misconduct or retaliation. The range of disciplinary actions will balance the need for accountability with the goal of teaching appropriate behavior, and may result in restriction, disciplinary notice, probation, mandatory counseling, suspension, separation, dismissal, and/or any disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the School.

For incidents constituting explicit bias or bigotry, in consultation with the Head of School, Division Head and Dean, the Director of Equity and Inclusion will develop appropriate strategies for response and resolution. Different incidents may call for different response and resolution strategies. To the extent that the Honor Council is involved, all Honor Council members will be expected to undergo anti-racism and anti-bias training with the Director of Equity and Inclusion. Depending on the severity of the incident, the initial response and resolution strategies will focus primarily on restorative practices, providing resources, support, and educational interventions. Possible responses and resolutions to a report of racism, bigotry and bias may include, but are not limited to:

• Resource referrals: identification of and referral to appropriate support services and resources • Informal resolution: strategies for informal mediation through restorative justice or dialogue approaches • Prevention and outreach: efforts to increase awareness through training and other support, whether individually or school-wide • Accountability and repair: working with parties involved to repair relationships, where appropriate, with individuals and with the overall school community

• Disciplinary actions: for incidents that constitute an irreparable breach of community trust and safety, Division Heads and the Director of Equity and Inclusion will recommend to the Head of

School disciplinary action up to and including termination of community membership and/or employment (for incidents involving faculty/staff)

For incidents constituting explicit bias or bigotry, in consultation with the Head of School, Division Head and Dean, the Director of Equity and Inclusion will develop appropriate strategies for response and resolution. Different incidents may call for different response and resolution strategies. To the extent that the Honor Council is involved, all Honor Council members will be expected to undergo anti-racism and anti-bias training with the Director of Equity and Inclusion. Depending on the severity of the incident, the initial response and resolution strategies will focus primarily on restorative practices, providing resources, support, and educational interventions. Possible responses and resolutions to a report of racism, bigotry and bias may include, but are not limited to:

• Resource referrals: identification of and referral to appropriate support services and resources • Informal resolution: strategies for informal mediation through restorative justice or dialogue approaches • Prevention and outreach: efforts to increase awareness through training and other support, whether individually or school-wide • Accountability and repair: working with parties involved to repair relationships, where appropriate, with individuals and with the overall school community • Disciplinary actions: for incidents that constitute an irreparable breach of community trust and safety, Division Heads and the Director of Equity and Inclusion will recommend to the Head of

School disciplinary action up to and including termination of community membership and/or employment (for incidents involving faculty/staff)

Information about consequences or other corrective action may be shared with the School community as deemed appropriate by the Head of School. Such announcement may be made in person, by electronic communication, or otherwise. Resources such as counseling or referral to appropriate services are available to all students – including the alleged aggressor(s) and the alleged target(s) – during and after an investigation.

Notification to Parents/Guardians The School will generally notify the parents/guardians of the alleged target(s) and the alleged aggressor(s) promptly after a complaint has been filed, upon completion of the investigation, and to report the results of the investigation. Parents/guardians of the target(s) will generally also be notified of any action to be taken to prevent further acts of interpersonal misconduct or retaliation. In all situations, the amount of information shared by the School may be limited by confidentiality laws protecting student and employee records, other confidentiality or privacy considerations, and/ or concerns regarding the integrity of the investigation processes.

Notification to Government Authorities At any point after receiving a report of interpersonal misconduct, the School may notify local law enforcement or other government agencies. If the School receives a complaint involving students from another school, the School may notify the appropriate administrator of the other school so that both may take appropriate action.

Sanctuary Policy Applicable to Sexual Assault

Student health and safety are more important than discipline. Therefore, a student should not refrain from seeking help for fear of discipline by the School. If a student is violating a School rule when the student needs to call for help due to a sexual assault, the student will generally be granted sanctuary from discipline for the rule violation (unless, for instance, the student perpetrated the sexual assault). We reiterate that we expect students to promptly report to a School employee any incident where the health or safety of a student may be at risk.

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting

The School is committed to the highest standards of care for our students, and seeks to ensure that our students are protected from inappropriate or hurtful actions by adults responsible for their care, as well as by anyone else who may mistreat a student. In accordance with Connecticut law, all School employees are required to report suspected abuse or neglect of any student under age 18.

Connecticut law requires School employees having “reasonable cause to believe” that a child has been abused, neglected, or placed in imminent risk of serious harm to report such knowledge or suspicion immediately to DCF. Suspicion or belief may be based on factors including, but not limited to, observations, allegations, facts, or statements by a child, a victim, or a third party. Such suspicion does not require certainty or probable cause. The responsibility to report rests both on the School and also on all School employees. While a School employee may wish, and is indeed encouraged, to consult with the Head of School prior to making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect to DCF, all employees are required to report their reasonable suspicions to DCF, even if the Head of School may not agree with the employee’s concerns.

Student Lockers and Book Bags

St. Luke’s School assigns lockers to each student. All students must keep their bags in their lockers during the school day. The only exceptions are for those students that must carry them on their person for medical reasons. Students are not to change their lockers without authorization from the Dean of the Middle School or the Upper School Dean of Students. Lockers should be locked at all times. Students are urged not to bring any valuables to School and only bring the money that is needed for the day. Money should be kept on the student at all times. The School is not responsible for students’ personal property.

Search and Seizure

The School may conduct a search of a student and/or the student’s belongings, including personal items, such as bags and backpacks, personal electronic devices, and other effects, if the School suspects a student may be violating the law or violating a School rule or code of conduct. Lockers are the property of the School. Students exercise control over their lockers from other students, but not from the School and its officials. As a result, the Head of School and the Head’s designees, as well as law enforcement officials, may search lockers as the School determines may be appropriate, which may include random searches. The School and law enforcement officials may seize items that may jeopardize the safety of others or property, or constitute a health hazard.

Parking on School premises is a privilege, not a right. As such, any person who operates a vehicle on School property or in connection with any School-related activity is agreeing that the School may inspect and search the vehicle and its contents without notice and without further consent.

Food Service

The School provides lunch and an afternoon snack daily to all students. Students should eat during their assigned lunch period. If they are free before their assigned lunch period, they may proceed with lunch as long as all students assigned to that lunch period have first been served.

The Cafe is open to Upper School students. There are various beverages for sale, as well as sandwich options for lunch. The same rules apply to the Cafe in regards to keeping it clean, picking up after oneself, and being respectful of the space.

Occasionally groups such as advisories or clubs may wish to order food from off-campus for special occasions; this can only be done by an SLS faculty or staff member. Parents and students may not bring food from outside vendors to School for consumption on campus by either themselves or others.

While twelfth grade students with the appropriate permission forms turned in are allowed to leave campus during lunch, they are not allowed to bring food from outside vendors back to the SLS campus for consumption.

Restricted Spaces

The following areas are off-limits to students at all times: fire escapes; roofs of buildings; buses; driveways, and the parking lots during the academic day, including seniors, unless they are leaving from or returning to School; all wooded areas; all storage areas; the Mail Room; and the Copy Room. In addition, the following areas may only be used by students with authorization and supervision of a teacher: the Seldin Performing Arts Center; the Black Box Theater; the designLab, the music rooms; the Center For Leadership; the Seminar I and Seminar II Rooms; the Middle School gym; Athletic Center (including the Weight Room, Multi-Purpose Room, Bornstein Room, Whitcomb Room, Squash Courts, and Athletic Trainer’s office); department offices; and faculty offices.