LOWER SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017-18
Tower Hill School
The Tower Hill Mis sion Statement Tower Hill School prepares students from diverse backgrounds for full and creative engagement with a dynamic world. Each student is provided with an educational experience that
emphasizes the development of an inquisitive, discerning
and critical mind; the value of being creative and aesthetically sensitive; the appreciation of physical well being; the ability to
collaborate and to function as part of a team; and the growth of character.
C ON T EN T S Welcome 3 Code of Conduct 4 Community Behavioral Expectations 4 Confidentiality 5 Daily Schedule 5 Arrival Times 5 Dismissal Times 6 Dismissal Procedures 6 Tower Hill After School 9 Medical Matters 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences 12 Release of Student Records 13 Conference Dates 13 Technology & Internet Use in Lower School 14 Responsible Computing Policy 2015-2016 15 General Information 17 Absences 17 Birthday Parties 18 Books and Supplies 18 Dress and Appearance 19 Evening Events 20 2
Field Day Grandparents’ Day Homework Lockers/Cubbies Lost and Found Lunch Recess School Directory Snow Days - Late Openings Summer Reading and Math Support Personnel and Services Telephone Calls Testing Trips Emergency Drills & Safety Procedures In-Service Days Reference Sheet The Calendar at a Glance All School Events Lower School Events
The Tower Hill Mission Statement
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Welcome to the Tower Hill Lower School Handbook
Dear Lower School Parents, We realize that you have chosen Tower Hill because you desire the best possible education and a strong community in which your child can grow and develop. The faculty and staff of the Lower School are committed to ensuring that your child is known, challenged and loved every day. The basis of all learning is strong relationships; I encourage you to get to know your child’s teachers as they seek to get to know your child and his or her unique strengths. This handbook contains valuable information for both parents and students. Whether you are looking for factual information or school procedures, please refer to it often throughout the school year to answer your questions. If you find that you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me or with Mrs. Amy Bickhart, Assistant Head of Lower School. Thank you for your support and for entrusting your precious child to us. We look forward to partnering with you in educating your child and to serving your family throughout the year. Have a great year! Sincerely,
Susan Miller Head of Lower School
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Introduction The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize Lower School families with the policies, procedures, resources and events that characterize the Tower Hill experience. However, rules and regulations, programs and special resources can only provide a framework for knowing one’s school. A good school, such as our own, relies on a shared commitment to a set of values and beliefs. It is that intangible “culture” that creates the atmosphere that is the essence and significance of Tower Hill. At Tower Hill we believe in the unique potential of each of our students. We join parents in fostering a love of learning, a sense of personal responsibility, a respect for the contributions and worth of others and a developing sense of self-confidence. Parents are encouraged to assist in our ongoing programs; to share their special skills and expertise; and to contribute ideas and suggestions so we can jointly improve our efforts on behalf of our children. We share the responsibility and the challenges that characterize a fine school.
Code of Conduct As a citizen of the Lower School, I pay attention to the world around me. I notice how I treat others and I am kind. I understand that it is my job to take care of my environment. I recognize that we are different and that we learn from each other. I am honest about what I do and say. I work together with my friends and teachers to make my school a safe and enjoyable place for all of us.
Community Behavioral Expectations We believe that every member of our school community should feel safe, physically and emotionally. All children are expected to be respectful of one another and to express their feelings and needs through appropriate words and actions. As children mature, they assume increasing responsibility for their behavior at school. Older children in our community experience increasing independence and are expected to handle this growing freedom appropriately. Responsibility, kindness, self-discipline, honesty and courtesy are among the virtues that we espouse and teach in the Lower School to fulfill the school’s philosophy. Faculty and parents work together to assist children in their development in these areas. The violation of a school rule is usually handled by the teacher of the student involved. They determine the consequence for a particular behavior based on the age of the student, the frequency, the duration and the severity of the infraction. Sometimes the violation results in the teacher conferring with the Head of the Lower School. In these cases, disciplinary action for the student or students involved will result in a conversation with parents, and then the 4
Welcome to the Lower School Handbook
implementation of a variety of consequences, which may include a child being sent home from school, in school or out of school suspension, or probation with a list of behavioral requirements for a period of time. The purpose of such an action is to emphasize to the student that his or her conduct is inconsistent with the behavioral expectations as Tower Hill School.
Confidentiality In a school, just as in a family, children often say or do things that reflect their social or intellectual development, their state of mind at a particular moment. It is inappropriate for THS parents acting in any capacity to communicate information about any child or his/her behavior in a way that undermines the highest level of confidentiality. If parents involved with students (for example, as volunteers, chaperones, participants, hosts or audiences) observe something that gives them cause for concern, they should follow the dictates of proper school protocol and address those concerns with the teacher first, then with an administrator, as the situation warrants.
Daily Schedule ARRIVAL TIMES Parents should plan to have their children arrive at school between 7:55 a.m. and 8 a.m. Children arriving after 8 a.m. are considered late. Please accompany Tower Tots—first-graders to their classrooms in the event of lateness. School programs begin promptly at 8 a.m. and classes may be in the auditorium, on a trip, etc., making it difficult for young children to locate their groups. Cars may be parked on Tower Road, other than in the designated drop-off zone, for a short period of time. TRAFFIC PATTERNS DURING ARRIVAL TIMES Cars coming from the direction of Greenville: Parents are asked to turn left at Rising Sun Lane and enter the school driveway off Rising Sun Lane or to proceed around the school, using 19th Street and Tower Road. Lower School children may then be dropped off at the underpass or along Tower Road. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten children should be dropped off at the Preschool entrances on Tower Road. Children in Grades 1-4 may be dropped off in front of the Main Building on 17th Street. There is no parking permitted at the Main Entrance on 17th Street or at the yellow curb area at the Preschool Entrance. Cars coming from the direction of Wilmington: Parents are asked to turn in at Greenhill Avenue and come up 17th Street, dropping children off in front of the school. Preschool children may be dropped off at the Preschool entrances on Tower Road by continuing down 17th Street to Rising Sun Lane and accessing Tower Road from 19th Street. Please note that Tower Road between 17th and 19th Street is one-way during arrival and dismissal times, from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. and from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. when school is in session.
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EARLY ARRIVAL TIMES The Lower School provides supervision for a number of children whose parents’ work schedules necessitate an earlier arrival. Families that must make use of this service should direct their first- through fourth-graders to the 1919 Auditorium and accompany their Tower Tots, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students to the Lower School Library between 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. The school buildings are locked and no supervision is available prior to 7:30 a.m. DISMISSAL TIMES Tower Tots and Prekindergarten (half-day) 12:30 - 12:40 p.m. Tower Tots/ Prekindergarten (full day) -4th Grade 2:50-3:05 First through Fourth Grade with Middle School Siblings 3:15 - 3:30 p.m. DISMISSAL PROCEDURES All parents of Tower Tots-fourth graders will be assigned dismissal numbers to expedite our dismissal process. Numbers will be distributed to parents during student orientation and should be prominently displayed on window visors facing the curb. If your child’s dismissal arrangements change for the day, please send a note to your child’s classroom teacher in the morning. We appreciate learning about dismissal changes upon your child’s arrival, however, if a midday change is necessary, please call the Lower School Office, not the teacher. Calls received in the office after 2 p.m. should be for EMERGENCIES ONLY so we have adequate time to inform teachers and ensure that your child is in the correct place. Please conform to the State of Delaware’s regulations regarding car seats, seat belts and rear seating for children. Students must be seated in the rear of passenger vehicles, and be secured in booster seats if they weigh less than 60 pounds. Children over 60 pounds must use seat belts. In order to dismiss all Lower School children safely at each day’s end, it is imperative that all drivers refrain from cell phone use for talking or texting while waiting in the car line as this has proven to be a distraction and a delay. Lower School students are expected to remain in their parents’ cars once they have been escorted to their vehicles. The streets immediately surrounding the school are subject to heavy traffic and, as a result, are extremely dangerous. Parents are asked to pick up their children at dismissal time following the procedures listed below:
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Tower Tot, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Children and their Lower School Siblings: Tower Tot, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten children and their Lower School siblings will be dismissed from the preschool entrances on Tower Road. Cars displaying Tower Hill numbers (300 – 399), should form a line starting at 17th Street, facing the Kennett Pike. Students will be escorted to their cars by a teacher and will be entering the car on the passenger side. Halfday Prekindergarten and Tower Tot children will be escorted to their cars starting at 12:30 P.M. Full-day Tower Tot, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten children and their Lower School siblings will be escorted to their cars beginning at 3 p.m. During peak traffic periods, overflow cars will be directed to Rockford Park and will proceed around the park returning to the entrance at 19th Street. Police officers will help direct traffic during the first weeks of school to establish safe access patterns. 1st-4th Grade Children Cars displaying Tower Hill numbers 1-299 will enter the Underpass Driveway from Rising Sun Lane and proceed towards the Underpass (near Marvin’s desk). They should pass the doors across from Marvin’s desk and pull up to the end of the sidewalk directly across from the Music Building entrance. Overflow traffic from Rising Sun Lane will be redirected to either the road leading in between the Math and Science Building and the Theater OR to the Field House parking lot. Students will be escorted to their cars by a teacher and will be entering the car on the driver’s side. As soon as your child is safely in your vehicle and seatbelt fastened, you may pull out and exit to 19th Street. Please continue up 19th Street and do not turn right on to Tower Road; proceed to Brinckle Road so as to not interfere with PK/K dismissal. Walkers and Bus Riders Lower School children who are walkers in grades 1-4 will be dismissed to the Lower School Office and will need to be picked up promptly by their parents. Tower Tot, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten walkers will be dismissed to the Kindergarten hallway. Parents of walkers must enter the school via the front door and come to the Lower School Office or to the Kindergarten hallway to pick up their Tower Tot through Kindergarten child(ren) and Lower School child. Bus riders will join the after care students at dismissal and will be escorted by an after care staff member to meet their bus. Lower School students with Middle School siblings (Grades 5 and 6) All Lower School students with fifth- and sixth-grade siblings will be dismissed directly toTower Road or the Underpass to meet their sibling at 3 p.m. The pick up time for these students will be between 3:05 and 3:15 p.m. Please do not arrive before 3:10 p.m. or you will be asked to circle the block and come back to pick up your child(ren). Lower School students with fifth-grade siblings will be dismissed to the Underpass at 3 p.m. for dismissal. Parents with a fifth-grader and a Lower School student should enter the Underpass
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driveway from Rising Sun Lane and go straight, staying on the left hand side of the driveway. They should pass the doors across from Marvin’s desk and pull up to the end of the sidewalk directly across from the music building. Teachers will bring your Lower School student to the car. Parents can then wait there for fifth-grade siblings to be dismissed. Lower School students with sixth-grade siblings OR a fifth- and sixth-grade sibling will be taken to Tower Road for dismissal at 3 p.m. Parents with a sixth-grader OR a fifth- AND sixth-grader and a Lower School student should pick up their child(dren) on Tower Road. Teachers will bring your Lower School student to the car. Parents can then wait there for Middle School siblings to be dismissed. If you arrive after 3:15 p.m., you will need to pick up your Lower School child in the After School Program. Following the supervised dismissal period (3 p.m. for Tower Tots-fourth graders), students who have not as yet been picked up will go directly to the After School Program. Following half-day dismissal, those students who are not picked up will rejoin the full-day class. Parents will be billed through the Business Office. Half-Day Students:
Supervised Dismissal Period:
- Tower Tots 12:30-12:40 p.m. - Prekindergarten 12:30-12:40 p.m. If a student is not picked up by 12:30 p.m. they will rejoin the full-day class. Parents will be billed through the Business Office. Full Day Students:
Supervised Dismissal Period:
- Tower Tots-4th Grade
3-3:15 p.m.
- 1st-4th Grade with 5th and/or 6th Grade sibling
3:10 p.m.
If a student is not picked up by the end of their supervised dismissal period, they will go directly to the After School Program and will be billed through the Business Office.
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Welcome to the Lower School Handbook
After School Program The THS After School Program is available to all Lower School families. It is a comprehensive, high-quality child care program providing supervised play, organized activities and homework study periods. Coverage is available on snow days at the discretion of the Head of School. For the safety of your children, THS After School children will only be dismissed to a parent or designated adult. For additional information and registration materials parents should contact Cindy Sardo, Director of After School, at Extension 209; Amy Bickhart, Assistant Head of Lower School, at Extension 304; or the Lower School Office at Extension 232. Tower Hill After School Program offers holiday, vacation and conference care for all students. A minimum of 12 students per date is needed in order to offer programming. Registration information will be made available one month prior to the holiday. For further questions, please contact Cindy Sardo, Director of After School, at 657-8355 or csardo@towerhill.org. Please check the holiday coverage page under After School on the website at towerhill.org for up to date coverage and registration forms. l
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MEDICAL MATTERS The Health Office is located on the Lower Level of the school building right under the Main Entrance on 17th Street. Parents picking up children who are ill may park temporarily in the underpass driveway or in front of the building on 17th Street. Physical examinations are required for All NEW students in grades Tower Tots, Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 3 and must be completed within the 12 months prior to the first day of school. The deadline for all physical examination forms is August 15. Parents are expected to inform the school nurse, Mrs. Martin, in writing whenever there is a change in any information on the Emergency Treatment Data Card, which is to be submitted prior to August 15. The Health Office is staffed from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily. In addition, the school’s athletic trainers, Mike Phillips and Megan O’Neill, are available during after-school athletic practices and games. In extreme emergencies when trainers and the school nurse are not on campus the school will dial 911, concurrent with a call to the child’s parents. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RECESS PROGRAMS OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IF THEIR PHYSICAL AND EMERGENCY TREATMENT CARDS HAVE NOT BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL NURSE. If a child is ill or injured, the parents will be notified by telephone to take the child home or to the doctor. Lower School students with food allergies must bring a note from their physician specifying any food restrictions. PHYSICAL EDUCATION LIMITATIONS If a physician recommends limitation of a student’s physical activity, the physician should send a written statement of the nature of the limitation and its duration. Following serious illness or injury, a note from the physician will be required before the student is permitted to participate in physical education.
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Temporary excuses for up to three consecutive days from physical education classes for minor illness and injury may be issued by the school nurse. A note from the doctor may be required after three days at the discretion of the nurse. MEDICATIONS Whenever possible, medication should be taken at home. Often a doctor will be able to prescribe medication which can be given two or three times a day, so it can be given at home. If medication must be taken at school, the medication must be in the original container or prescription bottle with a note from the parent specifying: (a) dosage, (b) time to be given, (c) number of days to be given and (d) reason medication is being taken. The nurse will not administer medication that is sent to school in plastic bags, wrapped in tissues, etc. Only properly identified medications as explained above, will be given. When having a prescription filled, it is helpful to ask the pharmacist for two identically labeled containers; one can be sent to school and the other can be kept at home. Students are not to carry medications on their persons or keep them in lockers. This is for the protection of all students. Students with asthma or severe allergies should have extra emergency medication sent to school and kept in the health office at all times. These include quick relief inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine. Parents should supply emergency medication for all field trips (see Trips). ILLNESS In consideration of others, children should not be sent to school when ill. A child should remain at home with a fever (99 degrees or higher), suspected strep throat, rash of unknown origin, vomiting or diarrhea. Students are not to return to school until they are without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, for at least 24 hours. If a student’s temperature is even slightly elevated in the morning (99 degrees or higher) it may be a fever by afternoon and he or she should not come to school. Students with suspected strep throat should remain at home until the throat culture result is obtained or until the student has been on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours. Younger children should also be kept at home with red, itchy, draining eyes, runny noses or coughs, as this age group is in closer contact and can spread illness easily. NOTIFICATION Please inform the school nurse of any serious illness or injury, or anything of a highly contagious nature, e.g. chicken pox, strep throat, head lice or an antibiotic-resistant infection, such as methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is essential that the nurse have information regarding allergies to medications, food or bee stings, and chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or seizures. The nurse should also be informed when phone numbers for emergency notification change. APPOINTMENTS (Dismissal for doctor, dentist, orthodontist appointments) Whenever possible, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled for after school. If that cannot be arranged, Lower School students are expected to present a note to the Lower School Administrative Assistant from their parent/guardian indicating the time of dismissal and the reason. SCREENINGS The school provides a speech screening for those students who are referred by their teachers or the school nurse as a service to parents. Screenings are scheduled through the Lower School and Psychologist’s Offices.
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PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES AND STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS As a small school, one of Tower Hill’s most important obligations is to know its students and to help them grow. Every effort is made to partner with families as we work together to help our students reach their potential.
INFORMAL CONFERENCES Parents are encouraged to contact teachers for discussion of any aspect of the child’s school life. Conferences can be arranged with the teacher by calling the school office or by emailing the teacher directly. There is no substitute for the information the parent can give the teacher regarding the child’s previous school experience, work-study habits, and feelings about school and school work or any family concerns that might have bearing on the child’s school experience. Parents are requested to observe the following guidelines in setting up and having such conferences: Call the office or email the teacher with whom you would like to speak with your request to meet. Allow time to determine a mutually convenient time for a conference. Impromptu conferences cannot occur while a teacher has a responsibility for supervision and instruction of children.
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FORMAL CONFERENCE AND REPORT DATES 2017-18 There are two formal conference days designated in both October and February to discuss student progress in all areas of school life. Conferences will be scheduled through the Lower School Office via Sign-Up Genius. We ask that parents be available on one of those two days. Please give the Lower School Office and the classroom teacher sufficient notice if one of the two days is inconvenient. On occasion a conference may need to be scheduled at a different time to accommodate the school psychologist, specialist faculty and/or the Head of Lower School in addition to the classroom teacher. Progress reports will be available online to parents prior to their scheduled conference time, assuming all financial obligations are up-to-date. Conference dates are as outlined in the table below:
October 19 and 20 Tower Tots – 4th
Touch Base
Parent-Teacher Conference Required
November 21 – Narratives (TT-4)
February 13 and 15 All Students
Checklists
Parent-Teacher Conference Required
Checklists and Narrative
Parent-Teacher Conference at the request of the school or the parent
June All Students
RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS Upon written request of the parent to release a student transcript, the School will send copies of teachers’ final reports and standardized test results to outside agencies, child care specialists, or other schools assuming all financial obligations have been met. Health records, psychological testing results or reports of our Psychologist will only be released when specifically requested by the parent. The School will not release copies of Admissions testing materials or correspondence.
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TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE IN THE LOWER SCHOOL Technology and Internet use at Tower Hill are areas of increasing complexity. Guidelines for appropriate language and content are provided continually, and it is the expectation that, in keeping with the school’s philosophy, students’ Internet behavior will be honorable, responsible and trustworthy. The policy for responsible use of the Internet and all electronic devices by Lower School students follows the same guidelines as described in the Responsible Computing Policy. In the Lower School, we recognize that young children will need developmentally appropriate education and reminders of what constitutes responsible use of the Internet and various technology forums. This instruction takes place routinely as it pertains to the grade level and the extent of electronic use. Parents can support the Lower School program and the teachers by discussing the guidelines below as their children extend their of the Internet:
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SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR PARENTAL SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN’S INTERNET USE AND CYBERSAFETY Because parent involvement and supervision is such an integral part of the Lower School experience, and since Internet and technology usage at home often “spills over” into the classroom, the following guidelines, adapted in part from “SafeKids.com,” a website devoted to cybersafety for children, are offered to Lower School Parents: Parents should, with their children, set up rules for going online and using various electronic devices. Decisions about the time of day children are online, length of time online, chatting and messaging habits, cell phone usage, and appropriate websites and applications that may be visited/used should be made ahead of time. Parents should monitor their child’s adherence to these rules. •
Children should be informed as to what constitutes appropriate use of electronic devices and the consequences of inappropriate use (cyberbullying, illegal acts). They should be clear about what cybercivility is, and should never do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.
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Children should be told explicitly NOT to give out personal information such as address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number.
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Children should never send a person their pictures or anything else without first checking with their parents.
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Children should never agree to meet with someone they encounter online without first checking with their parents.
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Children should be advised to tell their parents immediately if they come across information that makes them feel uncomfortable.
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Children should be cautioned not to respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make them feel uncomfortable. They must be assured that it is not their fault if they get such a message, so they need not be embarrassed, afraid, or ashamed to tell.
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Children should be told NOT TO GIVE OUT THEIR PASSWORDS, even to their best friends.
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Parents should get to know the applications and websites their children use.
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Parents should try to get to know their child’s cyberfriends just as they would try to know his/ her other friends.
TOWER HILL SCHOOL 2017-2018 RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY FOR GRADES 3-4 Parents and Students: Please read together. A copy of this policy and the accompanying permission form will be sent to each third- and fourth-grade student’s home. The form is to be returned by the first full day of school.
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Tower Hill School believes that all students should have access to technology when they act in a responsible, efficient, courteous and legal manner. Internet access and other technologies available to students and teachers offer a multitude of global resources. Our goal in providing these services is to enhance the educational development of our students. Responsible uses of technology are devoted to activities that support teaching and learning. The following are our rules about the use of technology:
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Lower School students will use all technology carefully and not damage, change or tamper with the hardware, software, settings or the network.
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Lower School students will not use an adult’s login or password without permission.
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Lower School students will never use any form of electronic communication to harass, frighten, or bully anyone. “Electronic communication” means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular phone, computer or other audio-video players and cameras.
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Lower School students will only use technology and the Internet for schoolwork and will only use programs and websites that their teachers have approved.
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Lower School students will not share passwords.
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Lower School students will not view, send or display inappropriate messages or pictures.
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Lower School students will tell an adult if they read or see something that is inappropriate.
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Lower School students will respect copyright laws.
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Lower School students will not use their personal account or any personal electronic device at school except with the permission of a teacher.
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Lower School students will work independently on all electronic work, unless it is a collaborative assignment, as instructed by a teacher.
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Lower School students will print only when instructed by a teacher.
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Lower School students will promise not to tamper with another student’s electronic work.
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Lower School students understand that if they do not follow the above rules then they might not be able to use technology or may experience other appropriate consequences.
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Lower School students understand that all electronic communications at Tower Hill School are not private and can be monitored by the administration.
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G ENERAL IN F OR M AT ION
ABSENCES ABSENCES, PARENTS Parent absences or illness can be upsetting to a student and may affect his/her performance in school. The school would appreciate knowing of any unusual family circumstances (extended trips, illness, etc. of a parent) so that we may better support your child during that time. ABSENCES, STUDENTS In the event that a student will be absent, parents are asked to call the Lower School Administrative Assistant, Ms. Young, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. When possible, calls will be made to parents of students who are absent when the School has not been notified, in order to determine the student’s whereabouts. All requests for homework should be directed to the Lower School Administrative Assistant before 10 a.m. A note specifying the nature of the illness should accompany the student upon return to school and should be delivered to the Lower School Administrative Assistant. If a student has special health needs or limitations, as the result of an illness or injury, these should be communicated to the School Nurse. ABSENCES, UNEXCUSED No matter how carefully the calendar is planned, vacations fall at times which are inconvenient for some members of the community. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that missing class time can be detrimental to a student’s academic progress as the experiential aspect of the learning process cannot be duplicated at home. In the case of unusual circumstances, parents should contact the Head of Lower School, at least one week in advance, to request that the absence be excused and that make-up work be assigned, at the convenience of the teacher, if feasible.
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BIRTHDAY PARTIES Birthday celebrations are important as we want students to know they are special. Recognizing that there are times when guest lists need to be limited, the following suggestions should minimize hurt feelings on the part of those students who may not be included in a particular birthday gathering or are unable to attend: Do not send gifts or sleeping bags to school; Mail invitations to the homes of invited guests unless the entire class or all of one sex are invited; Arrange pick-ups away from school. These guidelines have enabled us to demonstrate sensitivity to children’s feelings.
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES Lower School students’ supplies and books are ordered by their teachers and provided for the students. Parents do not need to provide any school supplies other than a box of tissues.
EXTRA CLOTHING The following articles should be left at school for use throughout the year:
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Tower Tots
2 boxes of tissues Sweater/sweatshirt to leave at school Change of clothing, including socks and underwear Crib size blanket Flushable wipes
Prekindergarten
Box of tissues Sweater to leave at school Change of clothes, including socks and underwear Crib size blanket
Kindergarten
Box of tissues Sweater to leave at school Long sleeved smock (for art projects/water play) Change of clothes, including socks and underwear
First and Second Grades
Box of tissues Sweater or sweatshirt to leave at school Change of clothes, including socks and underwear
Third and Fourth Grades
Box of tissues Sweater or sweatshirt to leave at school Old sneakers/shoes (for the garden, to be kept in locker)
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DRESS AND APPEARANCE Students are expected to be clean, neat and appropriately dressed for school, work and play. The Lower School program is varied, providing for physical activities, art and shop programs, as well as daily classroom studies. Clothing should be selected to support these pursuits and be simple, sturdy, neat and clean. All students in Lower School are required to wear sneakers to school and bring an extra pair of shoes to change into after PE if they choose to do so. SCHOOL DRESS The specific school policies with regard to dress are outlined below. The final decision concerning the appropriateness of a student’s dress rests with the Head of School or the Division Head. BOYS Boys in the Lower School are asked not to wear blue jeans, fatigues, t-shirts, athletic clothes or any clothing that advertises specific manufacturers, events or teams. The only logo that is permissible is the Tower Hill logo. Any other neat, clean attire is acceptable. Hats may not be worn in the building. GIRLS Girls in the Lower School are asked not to wear blue jeans, halters or open midriff shirts, sweat suits, athletic clothes or any clothing that advertises specific manufacturers, events or teams. Shorts and skirts should be mid-thigh with a finished hem. The only logo that is permissible is the Tower Hill logo. Shoulder straps on shirts must be at least 1 and 1/2 inch wide. Any other neat, clean attire is acceptable. Jewelry should not be excessive or distracting. Clogs or any other backless shoes are not permitted. Hats may not be worn in the building. Parents may provide an extra pair of warm-up pants for added “protection” of pants, knees and tights during outdoor play times and a pair of wet weather shoes for recess. DRESS CODE NOTES Throughout the year there will be school spirit days and dress up days. The particular style of dress recommended for field trips or special events will be communicated in advance of the event. If there is a question about the appropriateness of a garment, the student should check with the teacher or school administration before wearing the item.
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EVENING EVENTS During the course of the school year families are invited to attend a variety of evening events at school: plays, concerts, art shows, picnics, etc. We ask that parents pay close attention to the supervision of their children during those activities; the school buildings and grounds are large and supervision is not provided during off hours.
FIELD DAY Field Day is held on the Friday before Memorial Day. Appropriate attire is green and white t-shirts and gym shorts. Only Tower Hill logos are acceptable. Gym shoes, but not cleats, are to be worn. The color of socks signifies which team a student is on, green or white. Kindergarten students wear black socks. Face paint and colored hair spray are not allowed in the Lower School.
GRANDPARENTS’ AND SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY Invitations are mailed to all grandparents whose addresses are on file in the Tower Hill Development Office. Notify the Development Office of grandparent address changes or if an invitation should be mailed to a “special guest” if a grandparent is unable to attend.
HOMEWORK Homework is given in the first through fourth grades: to extend and reinforce classroom instruction through daily practice; to establish independent work habits in the children and to help them assume personal responsibility for their assignments; to familiarize parents with aspects of the daily school program. Generally, homework should take no longer than 30 minutes for first-graders; no longer than 40 minutes for second-graders; and no longer than 45 minutes for third- and fourth-graders. In addition to the homework assignments provided by their teachers, students are expected to read for pleasure daily. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher if they feel that a homework task is taking too long or if their child seems unsure of the assignment. A morning note alerting the teacher to the situation would be most helpful.
LOCKERS/CUBBIES Each child has an assigned locker or cubbie in which coats, extra clothing, sneakers, etc. can be stored. Lockers and cubbies cannot be locked and it is a Lower School policy that children not bring money, cell phones, or other valuables to school unless the teacher is informed and is able to hold the items for the child. Preschoolers’ back packs should be similar in size to those carried by first- through fourth-graders. First- through fourth-grade lockers are 9” wide and 13” deep. Bookbags must fit in the locker. Decorations should be minimal and approved by the grade level teaching team to avoid becoming distractions. Whiteboards and other writing tools are not allowed. Because they are difficult to remove, please do not adhere stickers to lockers. 20
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LOST AND FOUND The School houses its Lost and Found on the lower level of the main building adjacent to the Dining Hall; however, you may also check in with the receptionist for lost items as well.
LUNCH Tower Hill provides lunch for all of its students daily. The Lower School lunch period is 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Parents are welcome to join their child for lunch once or twice beginning in October. Please notify the Lower School Office when you plan to lunch with your child. We request that younger siblings not accompany their parents to lunch. A box lunch is provided for each child when a class trip is scheduled at lunch time.
RECESS Tower Tots, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten: Classroom teachers will supervise a daily time for outdoor recess. 1st - 4th Grades: Students will have supervised recess for 25-30 minutes on a regular basis over the eight-day cycle. **For All Students** Weather permitting, the children will go out to a playground or a playing field for recess. Please dress the children appropriately or provide sweats or wet weather shoes for the child’s locker.
SCHOOL DIRECTORY Each year Tower Hill publishes an online parent-student directory to aid parents who wish to contact other families. In order to keep the directory up-to-date, parents are asked to update their profile in Tower Net with any changes in personal information.
SNOW DAYS In the event of a cancellation of school due to inclement weather, an Alert Now message will be sent via email and via telephone, posted on the website and there will be a recording on the main School number. It is the School’s policy not to close early on days when the weather worsens progressively. On such days, parents may wish to pick up their children early. However, we will not send a child home without contacting his or her parent, even in the case of early bus arrivals or early car pool arrivals. Parents should contact the Lower School Administrative Assistant if their child will be part of an early pick-up on a snow day.
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PROCEDURES FOR LATE OPENINGS In an effort to clarify our procedures and provide adequate coverage and supervision for our students on those days when school opens late, we have established the following plan: One-Hour Delay Plan - Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Early morning care will be available for Tower Tots, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students in the Lower School Library and for first- through fourth-grade students in the 1919 Auditorium. Two-Hour Delay Plan - Doors will open at 9:30 am. Early morning care will be available for Tower Tots, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten in the Lower School Library and for first- through fourth-grade students in the 1919 Auditorium.
SUMMER READING AND MATH The School encourages summer reading by providing lists of recommended books for Prekindergarten through fourth-graders to assist students and their parents in their selection process. Book lists are placed online through Tower Net and the Weathervane at the end of the school year. Summer is a great time to explore math in the world around us. Age-appropriate games, activities and Apps can be found on the Math Lab’s website for Lower School students.
SUPPORT PERSONNEL AND SERVICES Parents and/or teachers sometimes request educational evaluations for identifying a challenge and for suggestions on how to meet a child’s educational needs more effectively. If a problem or concern should arise, Tower Hill faculty and staff will work together with parents to determine the best next steps. A support system will be designed collaboratively to help the child or remediate a specific area of weakness. Dr. Amy Cuddy, Psychologist, is available for educational testing and consultation. Appointments are scheduled by the Lower School Administrative Assistant at the request of the Head of Lower School.
TELEPHONE CALLS It is difficult to deliver messages to students during the school day therefore a call should only be made to school in order to contact a student when it is absolutely essential. Under normal circumstances, all transportation arrangements should be made before children leave home in the morning, eliminating the need to adjust plans during the school day and alleviating the demands placed on the school’s communication lines. Should a change in dismissal plans occur, please call the Lower School office prior to 2 p.m. so that the information can get to the appropriate people in a timely fashion.
TESTING The Lower School tests students in grades 3 and 4 using the CTP IV Program of the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). The purpose is to evaluate the School’s program in 22
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comparison to similar schools throughout the nation, and to obtain baseline academic achievement scores for each child. Test results are sent home after the school receives the test reports. Kindergarten students participate in cognitive testing via either the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISCIV). If, as a result of the testing, there should be any concerns, the parent would be contacted, and a conference scheduled to discuss the test results. Map Testing This year our Kindergarten through 4th grade will pilot using MAP testing, the Measure of Academic Progress. This is a computerized adaptive test designed to measure student achievement in both Reading and Math in the moment and growth over time.
FIELD TRIPS Field trips are scheduled throughout the year to enhance THS’ curricular program. All field trip transportation occurs by bus. While parents will not be asked to drive students, parents may be asked to help chaperone class trips. Parent chaperones should only volunteer their services if they can provide coverage for younger siblings. No additional children may accompany classes on trips or picnics during school hours. Parents may be asked to accompany students who have severe asthma, life-threatening allergies or other serious health conditions which might put the student at risk on a field trip. Please supply emergency medications for all field trips. Students may be allowed to carry their emergency medication on their person if deemed age-appropriate at the discretion of the school nurse, physician and parent. Permission slips for each trip may only be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
EMERGENCY DRILLS AND SAFETY PROCEDURES At various times during the year, all divisions of the school plan for a variety of safety procedures such as fire drills and lock downs. Precautionary measures such as these are intended to provide practice for the children and faculty in case of emergency. Please support these necessary practices by reassuring your children that such drills are both necessary and routine. In the event parents are present during a drill or an actual emergency, when signaled to evacuate or stay in a “locked-down” situation, please proceed (or stay in the classroom as in the case of a lock down) in a quiet manner to the designated area for attendance and wait for instructions from authorized personnel.
IN-SERVICE DAYS In-service days for faculty are scheduled several times during the school year. Dates for inservices can be found on the school calendar. While there is no school for students on full day in-service days, students may be expected to work on class assignments or homework on these days.
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REFERENCE SHEET When you have a problem or need assistance in the LOWER SCHOOL, please refer to the listing below: Absences
Cheryl Young
Academics
The Teacher; Susan Miller
Admissions
Kristin Mumford; Amy Bickhart
Athletics
Chris Aitken
Business Office Dining Room
Donna Gleason
Jerry Buckworth
Class Reps
See Directory
Counseling
Susan Miller; Dr. Amy Cuddy
Emergencies
Receptionist
Excuses (Medical)
Nancy Martin
Excuses (Non-Medical) General Information Tower Hill After School
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Susan Miller Cheryl Young Cindy Sardo; Amy Bickhart
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THE CALENDAR AT A GLANCE The following information provides an overview of the 2015-2016 school year. Parents will receive more detailed information and invitations to productions and activities as the year progresses. (The Weathervane is a weekly calendar of all school activities and announcements posted Tower Net.)
SPECIAL EVENTS •
Tuesday, September 5 New Student and Parent Orientation for Tower Tots-4th grade students @ 9-9:45 a.m. All students in Tots-4th Grade should “drop in” for a few minutes to meet their teachers; select a desk, cubbie or locker; and meet a classmate.
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Wednesday, September 6
School begins at 8 a.m. for Tower Tots-4th graders.
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Thursday, September 7 Lower School Parents Night - An opportunity for the classroom teacher to outline the year’s program.
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Thursday, October 5
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Friday, October 13 First and Second Grade VIP Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the Dining Room
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Thursday, October 26
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Saturday, October 28
Homecoming - a family day at Tower Hill.
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Tuesday, October 31
Halloween - Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Walk-about First through Fourth Grade Sharing
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Wednesday - Thursday Lower School Book Fair November 8-9
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Friday, December 15 Tree Trim - Parents are invited to join the festivities in the gym at 9 a.m. Mid-day dismissal.
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Wednesday-Friday March 7-9
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Friday, April 13 Grandparents’ Day School ends at 11 a.m. for Lower School Students
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Friday, May 25
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Wednesday, June 7
Tower Tots-K VIP Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the Dining Room.
Third and Fourth Grade VIP Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the Dining Room
Fourth Grade Williamsburg Trip
Field Day at 10 a.m - School ends at Conclusion of Field Day. Half-day for Tower Tots and PK Last day of class - Mid-day dismissal for all students
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ALL SCHOOL EVENTS All School Family Picnic: On the first Friday of the school year, an all-school family picnic is held on the Nitsche Pitch Soccer Field. The parent representatives for each grade level (TT8th) communicate with their respective grade levels to let them know how they will organize the picnic (whether families bring their own dinners or the grade level purchases pizzas, etc.). The picnic is usually followed by an athletic contest. Evening of the Arts: The Tower Hill community looks forward to this evening in April when the Arts shine! The hallways and galleries are hung with students’ very best work. Art Majors design and implement installations in various areas of the school. The Middle and Upper School concert band, jazz band and choral groups perform. Some years, there are improvisational groups intermingling with the crowd. Refreshments are served in the main hallway and the gallery space. Orientation: New and returning students are invited to stop by their respective grades for orientation before the start of school to meet their teacher, see the class and organize their locker. Open Houses: Run by the Admissions Department, Tower Hill’s Open Houses are designed to showcase the uniquenesses of our program to prospective families. Students who are considering Tower Hill for future years will be able to tour the school, interact with teachers and learn more about our academics, arts, athletics, and community service opportunities. Parent Nights: In all divisions, parents are invited to school to hear directly from the head of the division as well as their child’s teachers about the coming year. These evenings are usually held within the first two weeks of school. Faculty Fund to Aid Students (FFAS): A committee of Lower, Middle and Upper School teachers was established in 1983 by faculty interested in providing support to the Tower Hill community in a way that conveyed their belief and commitment to the values of the school. Each year since its inception, FFAS has sponsored events - Jeans Days, concessions at Field Day, social gatherings - to raise money to support families in need of financial assistance. Awards, granted annually, include the William R. Smith Award, named in honor of the former Lower School Head and a co-founder of the Committee. Homecoming: which also includes Alumni Reunions, is a community event. Activities begin on Friday evening with the girls’ volleyball matches. Saturday’s activities include a 5k race and kiddie fun run, a question and answer period with the Head of School followed by tours of the school with current students, a picnic lunch for all, a face painter for children, athletic contests and a Reunion Cocktail Reception. New to this is the addition of Founders’ Day on the Friday before Homecoming. Alumni Tailgates: usually take place in the Timothy Golding Alumni House before an evening football game in the fall or lacrosse game in the spring on DeGroat Field. All alums in the area are invited and also all faculty. Tree Trim: The entire school and parent community who are able to attend, gather in the Weaver Gym to her well-wishes from the Head of School and decorate a large tree in the middle
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of the gym as the concert band plays holiday music. Students PK - 4 bring their ornaments to the assembly while the older children assist. Camp Fair: The Camp Fair at Tower Hill School is a free event that brings over 125 camps and summer programs straight to parents in the Field House at Tower Hill. Both day and overnight camps (domestic and international) are represented for campers in preschool through 12th grade, in all price ranges. It is a great opportunity for families to talk with camp directors and ask key questions about their summer programs. This Camp Fair is held annually the Thursday before Superbowl Sunday. Forum Speakers: The Forum was founded in 1998 by the Rappolt family in honor of their children and in recognition of the dedication, scholarship and professionalism of the Tower Hill faculty. The Forum bring experts and scholars to Tower Hill to speak to students about themes related to history, citizenship, and international affairs. Blue & Gold Week: Blue-Gold does a fashion and talent show in the fall and it is coupled with the International Dinner sponsored by the Diversity Club. The proceeds go to DFRC (the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with intellectual disAbilities). In the spring the BlueGold Club sponsors a week in the Upper School. The students will try to coordinate their fundraising efforts with Lower and Middle Schools, but this is essentially an Upper School event. It is a charity that was founded by a Tower Hill trustee-parent and a faculty member, so there is a long history. A number of faculty of all divisions have tried to find ways to support the effort. Some Lower School students have actually performed in the fall evening. Grandparents’ and Friends’ Day: Approximately 600 grandparents and friends join our students for presentations and classes and to meet teachers. The Lower School day begins with a concert in the theatre where students welcome their grandparents by performing a song they are learning in class. Flower Market: The city of Wilmington holds a carnival in Rockford Park, complete with rides, games and entertainment. Annuals, perennials and shrubs are sold in a special section and the proceeds go to charity. This takes place the week of Mother’s Day beginning on Thursday through Saturday. Field Day: Grades K-8 participate in competitive athletic contests on the THS football field. PK and Tower Tots do not attend Field Day. Annual Alumni Golf Outing at Bidermann in June: Approximately 90 alums, parents and grandparents as well as friends of the school enjoy a day of golf and dinner. Toddler Time: Tower Hill School invites toddlers and their parents/caregivers to join us for story time each week with a fun, seasonal theme. Storytime is followed by a hands-on activity and time to ask questions about early childhood development with our Lower School educators. Toddler Time is held in the After School Care Building on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
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LOWER SCHOOL: Halloween Parade: On Halloween (or the Friday before should Halloween fall on the weekend) the LS students participate in costume parades and sharing. The PK-K students parade in the morning, concluding their walk-about in the 1919 Auditorium where parents can see their children on stage. Classes may or may not choose to perform a short poem, song, etc. Tower Tot students will simply observe this parade. In the afternoon the 1st - 4th graders will parade to the du Pont theater where they will be recognized. At the conclusion of the class sharing the music teachers will lead the group (students and parents) in a short Halloween assembly. Book Fair: In the fall the LS/MS librarians work together to host the Scholastic Book Fair. The money earned is divided between the 2 libraries and is used to purchase new titles. In addition, students are encouraged to donate their change to the program All About Books. The money donated is matched by Scholastic with 50% coming back to TH libraries and 50% going to organizations that support children in need. VIP Breakfasts: In the fall, Lower School students have the opportunity to invite a “very important person” to come to Tower Hill for breakfast before school begins. Our VIP guests could be a grandparent, parent, special friend or someone who has played an important role in the child’s life. To ensure enough space for our students and their guests, the breakfasts are divided by grade levels: TT-K, 1-2 and 3-4. Breakfasts are from 7:30 - 7:55 a.m. in the Dining Room. Town Meetings (4 times per year): Students in grade levels K-4 assemble in the PS Dupont Theater to share poetry, art, songs, stories and dance. Student submitted work is reviewed and selected by the Cultural Explorers group, as well as the Town Meeting adult committee. One piece is selected for dance interpretation by our school choreographer, other pieces may be selected to be dramatized by the student drama group made up of students from grades 3 and 4. Still other pieces may simply be shared aloud. Town Meeting commences with gathering drum rhythms and often culminates with a camp song. Adults in our community with special talents often share in this forum as well. Lower School Holiday Sing Along: In December the Lower School students enjoy a Holiday Sing Along in the 1919 auditorium. The Lower School Choruses perform songs they’ve been working on in Chorus. Kindergarten Musical: This is performed annually on the day prior to the holiday break in December and features the entire class. There are two separate performances for the LS and for parents and friends. PK Musical: This is performed annually on the morning of Field Day in late May and features the entire class. There are two separate performances for the LS and for parents and friends. Tower Will: Our 3rd grade does a focused study of William Shakespeare in the fall. A specific story is chosen and they culminate the unit with a dramatic performance of the Shakespeare play for parents in the duPont theater. 2nd Grade Hoedown: Under the tutelage of Sara Bush, the 2nd grade students learn the intricacies of a hoedown dance. Parents and students come together for an all participatory Hoedown dance. 4th Grade Musical: Grade 4 prepares and performs a musical for the Lower School Student body, parents, and other invited guests. Ingleside Concerts: 4th Grade students sing Holiday Songs when they visit Ingleside Retirement Home and perform on the handbells. At the end of the year Ingleside residences are entertained with a 4th Grade Concert including choral pieces, strings, handbells and instrumental group performances. 28
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Tower Hill School Welcome to the Lower School Handbook
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