Middle School

School Hours

Middle School hours begin at 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; the first class of the day begins at 8:00 a.m. On late start Wednesdays, drop off begins at 8:30am and the first class of the day begins at 9:00 a.m. School ends at 3:00 p.m. each day. Optional after school extra help hours are from 3:00-3:30 p.m. each day except Friday.

Academics

Academic Excellence

The student in each grade level with the highest overall average receives the Academic Excellence Award at a year-end ceremony.

Dismissal for Academic Reasons

After the end of the second semester, re-enrollment for a student in 6th or 7th grade who fails two or more courses for the year is left up to the discretion of the Middle School Principal. A student in 8th grade failing two or more full year courses will not be re-enrolled the following school year. An exception will be considered for 8th graders failing foreign language or Algebra I, as those courses may be repeated in 9th grade.

Eighth Grade Courses with Upper School Credit

The following courses are offered in 8th grade and carry with them Upper School credit if students meet the requirements of the courses: Algebra 1, Honors Algebra 1, Physical Science, French 1, Latin 1, and Spanish 1. Students passing these courses will receive Upper School credit, but the grades in these courses will not be included in Upper School grade point average calculations.

Extra Help

Every teacher will be in the classroom from 3:00-3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to provide extra help for any student. Students are encouraged to attend extra help if they have questions regarding assignments or would simply like to work on homework. Middle School practices and rehearsals do not begin until after 3:45 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

Students are encouraged to attend extra help as needed. This period allows time to ask questions, to clarify ideas, to practice or reinforce skills, to make up work or tests due to absences or to pursue a special topic of interest. It is a time to provide individualized help, although the number of students in attendance on any given day will necessarily affect the amount of individualized attention students can receive. Any student having difficulty scheduling extra help should see the grade chair for assistance.

• Any student with a grade of 75 and below should seek extra help.

• Any student with a grade below 70 will be required by the grade chair and subject teacher to report to extra help.

• Any student, regardless of his or her average in the class, may be required to attend extra help at the teacher’s discretion.

Final Exams

Beginning in sixth grade, Middle School students take final exams at the end of each semester in all their core academic courses. The exam schedule is posted on the school calendar. Exam periods last 2 hours and will count as follows:

• 10% of the semester grade in 6th grade courses except Bible

• 15% of the semester grade in 7th grade courses and most 8th grade courses

• 20% of the semester grade in 8th grade courses with Upper School credit

Grades

Unlike the Upper School in which grades and passing or failure of a course are based on grades for each semester independently, the Middle School bases final grades, and whether a student passes or fails a course, on the grade at the end of the school year. The Middle School grade at the end of the school year is calculated by averaging the first and second semester grades for each course. At the end of each nine-week reporting period, a progress report is available on the Whitefield Academy website (click “Parents”). The site contains the student’s cumulative grades to that point in the semester.

Teacher comments regarding grades are also viewable on the Whitefield Academy website under the Parent Portal four times a year.

Grade Reporting

Semester grades will be reported as follows:

• Mid-Semester Grading Period - grades with comments for all students

• Semester Grading Period - grades for all students and comments for students who failed a course

Grading Scale

• 90-100 (A)

• 80-89 (B)

• 70-79 (C)

• Below 70 (F)

Homework

Homework is given to facilitate next-day classroom discussion or to prepare students for concepts to be presented in class. If this homework is not done on time, the student is ill- prepared to be a participant and learner in class. The consequences for late homework will be determined by the individual academic departments. Homework is a graded part of the curriculum.

Studying for a test or working on long-term projects will require longer amounts of homework time and essential time management skills. Middle School students are encouraged to review the notes from all their courses on a daily basis in order to build good study habits and to avoid procrastination. The Middle School planners are designed specifically for each grade level at Whitefield, and we will use these to build out executive functioning skills in all students.

The school recognizes that parents may and should be interested in and encourage their child’s efforts; ultimately, however, homework represents the student’s efforts and should not be done by parents. In addition, sharing of homework with another student, unless specifically permitted in certain cases of group work by teachers, breaks the Honor Code.

Assignments are not given over Labor Day, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Winter Break, Spring Break, Easter vacation, on the return from retreats, or on other occasions specified by the principal. Meaning, nothing can be due on the day of the return from these times.

Honor Roll

Each semester the Head of School’s list will consist of students with an overall average of at least a 94 with no failing grades. The Principal’s List will consist of students with an overall average of 90-93 with no failing grades.

Honors Courses

Middle School 8th grade honors courses offer differentiated instruction designed to challenge Middle School learners with advanced abilities. The Middle School faculty evaluates a student’s grades, aptitude, standardized test scores, and work ethic to determine placement into an honors course. Algebra I honors helps prepare students to enter the Upper School Honors/Advanced Placement Program, but Middle School honors courses are not required in order to enter the program in Upper School.

At the end of the first semester, all students in an honors course will be evaluated on their ability to remain in the course based on the first semester grade. As a general rule, a student who scores a 75 or below will be placed in the non-honors course for the second semester, as long as the student’s schedule will allow.

In order to be placed in the Upper School Honors course, 8th grade students must have at least an 85 average or higher at the end of the year in honors courses. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a caseby-case basis.

Late Work

Major assignments, whether papers or projects, are unlike daily homework in that they are not assigned in order to prepare the student for a particular class period. Major assignments will be accepted after the due date, but not without consequence. For Middle School students, the consequences for late homework will be determined by the individual academic departments. Best practices encourage faculty to not leave zeros in the grade book for incomplete homework; but rather, faculty should require students to complete any missing assignments to assess student learning.

Semester Failure/Credit Recovery

A student must earn an average of 70% or higher in course work each semester to earn credit towards graduation. If the required course is a one-semester course, the student must repeat the failed course. If the course is a two-semester course, the student may have to repeat the failed semester(s) based on the rules outlined below:

• If the student fails the first semester but earns a high enough passing grade for the second semester to bring the year-end average up to ≥ 70, the student will earn full credit for the year. In this case, the average of the semester one and semester two grades will be listed for each semester and factored into the student’s cumulative GPA.

• If the student earns a passing grade for the first semester but fails the second semester, the student has not demonstrated mastery of the course expectations and will have to repeat the second semester of the course.

• If a student does fail a course, he or she has the option to repeat the course at Whitefield Academy (if the student’s schedule allows) or through Georgia Virtual School (GAVS), Sevenstar Academy, or another approved, accredited online/off-campus institution. The failing grade will remain on the transcript, but if the student earns credit through alternative means (described above), this passing grade will also be factored into the student’s GPA.

Subject Area Achievement

Several students are recognized for achievement in the various subject areas at a year-end ceremony.

Tests and Major Projects

The Middle School tries to structure each grade to ensure that no student should have more than two tests administered and/or major projects due on the same day (this does not apply to quizzes or short papers).

Attendance

Regular school attendance and punctuality are important to a student’s academic success. Such habits promote good work habits, self-discipline, allow for continuity of instruction, and enable a student to settle in and begin the school day in an effective and unhurried manner.

Students who do not attend at least half of the school day (3 ½ hours) may not participate in interscholastic activities for that day and are considered absent for the purpose of the attendance policy. More than ten absences in a semester are considered excessive.

A student is expected to attend school and meet all scheduled classes, assemblies, and activities unless properly excused. Students must remain on campus until officially excused or officially dismissed.

After School

Supervised After-School Study Hall (included with tuition): Available Monday through Friday from 3:305:30 p.m. Students not involved in practicing or competing in extracurricular activities are to be picked up at 3 p.m. unless they will be attending extra help. Students who remain on campus after 3:30 p.m. and are not involved in an extracurricular activity, must report to after-school study hall. This study hall is provided for parents who are not able to pick their students up right away. This study hall is not to be used as a convenient location for other students to study. Middle School students are not allowed to be in any other location on campus (including the gym, Upper School, Quad, Lower School, Innovation Lab, etc.) after school without parent or staff supervision. Students involved in extracurricular activities are to report to the after-school study hall if they are not picked up immediately following the activity.

All students remaining on campus after school hours who do not report to study hall will receive disciplinary consequences (see the “Student Behavior” section of this handbook). Outside of participation in some extracurricular activities, no adult supervision is provided in the Middle School after 5:30 p.m., and all students must be picked up no later than that time. The school assumes no responsibility for students who are not picked up by this time. Other arrangements must be made if a student cannot be picked up by that time.

Check-In/Check-Out

Students in Middle School arriving after 8:00 a.m. (or 9:00 on Wednesday) are considered tardy and must sign in at the Middle School Office before proceeding to class. Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary action.

Parents are urged to avoid early dismissals for their children unless absolutely necessary. Students who need to be dismissed early must be checked out of the Middle School Office by a parent/guardian. Please notify the office by e-mail or phone no later than 8:00 a.m. to prepare for a student to be checked out. Every effort will be made to have your child in the office to meet you at the designated release time. Please do not come to school and request an early dismissal for your child without making prior arrangements unless there is an emergency.

Excessive Absences

Irregular attendance is disruptive to a student’s academic progress. Parents are asked to see that absences are held to a minimum and that they are due to legitimate, unavoidable circumstances. Parents are asked to avoid taking or dismissing students from school. While the school realizes that there will be times when extenuating or special circumstances require a student to miss school, frequent or long absences from class for nonessential reasons are not conducive to an appropriate attitude toward learning.

Whitefield feels that class attendance is essential for academic growth and therefore reserves the right to refuse credit to students who miss eight (8) or more classes in any course during the semester unless the Administration determines that extenuating circumstances exist. The administration reserves the right to address each case individually and act appropriately. In the case of a prolonged or recurring illness, the school may require a medical explanation from the physician.

Excused Absences

Excused absences include but are not limited to:

• Illness

• Emergency family matter

• Bereavement

• Dental or medical appointment, when appointment at another time is not possible

• Graduation or wedding of family member

Planned Absences

Parents should send a note to the grade chair as early as possible for a planned absence, at the very latest two days before the absence is to occur. Upon receipt of the parental note, the student will need to get assignments from his/her teachers.

Unexcused Absences

Absences for any reason other than those listed in the “excused Absences” section of this handbook are considered unexcused. The student who misses school for an unexcused reason must assume all responsibility for making up missed work.

Family trips that do not coincide with official Whitefield holidays are unexcused, except in cases that the principal deems extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime events.

Late Arrivals, Early Dismissals, and Tardies

Tardies to school will result in disciplinary action as follows:

• After three (3) morning tardies in one semester – lunch detention and first offense parent email

• The sixth (6th) tardy in one semester - one morning detention and a phone call from dean of students

• Any additional tardies during one semester will be referred to the dean of students and may result in an in-school detention or out-of-school suspension.

Tardies to class during the school day will result in disciplinary action as follows:

• Three (3) tardies to any class within one week will result in a lunch detention and email to parent.

• Six (6) tardies to any class within semester – one classroom detention and phone call to parent

• Nine (9) tardies to any class within semester– one morning detention and a parent/student conference with the grade chair

• Any additional tardies to the class will be referred to the dean of students and may result in an inhouse or out-of-school suspension.

If students sign in late and miss tests/quizzes, they must be prepared to make up those tests or quizzes after school the same day. Students who miss tests/quizzes because of appointments must have permission from the teachers before leaving and must arrange in advance the test or quiz makeup times.

Make-Up Work

All work missed because of an absence must be made up to the satisfaction of the teacher. Students are allowed the same number of days as they were absent to complete the work due to illness or other types of excused absences. If the first day absent is a test/quiz day, the student can expect to make up the test/quiz on the day of return unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the grade chair or the teacher. If the student is absent for only one day, and the day that the student is absent is the test/quiz day, then the student is expected to take the test/quiz on the day of return. Also, if the day the student returns from a one-day absence is the test/quiz day, then the student is expected to take the test/quiz the day upon return.

Students who have been absent two (2) or more days and have a number of tests or quizzes and other assignments to make up should work with the grade chair and the classroom teachers to devise a schedule for making up the work.

Extracurricular Eligibility

A precondition of participating in the extracurricular life of the school (games, plays, concerts, practices, etc.) is the attending of academic classes. Those who do not abide by this policy may not participate in the extracurricular activities on the day of the absence unless otherwise authorized by the principal. A student must be present for the academic day no later than 11:00 a.m. in order to participate in the day’s extracurricular events. If it is a half-day schedule, he/she must check in before 10:00 a.m.

Community Service

Whitefield Academy places very high value on service to our community. Most important, community service is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with others both on and off campus, teaching our students the meaning of the portion of our mission statement that emphasizes “others ahead of self.”

Middle School students in the 5th and 6th grades will participate in grade-wide community service projects throughout the year. There is no reporting requirement for 5th or 6th grade students.

We encourage our 7th and 8th grade students to be involved in as many community service projects as possible. Whitefield students in grades 7 and 8 must complete 10 hours of community service per school year. Five hours must be in service to a charitable organization (church, charity/nonprofit, etc.) outside of Whitefield Academy. Five hours may be for Whitefield Academy. Please note that some off-campus opportunities are service to Whitefield Academy and will be counted as such. All hours may be in service outside of Whitefield Academy.

Service to friends, family, or a business/profit making organization is important, but does not necessarily meet the requirements for Whitefield Community Service. Although Whitefield recognizes and values service performed within the family and for neighbors, generally, service hours which can be recorded at Whitefield will be only those related to non-profits and churches, including all service performed in school-related activities such as mission trips and local opportunities sponsored by teachers. The community service coordinator will make final determinations as to the alignment with Whitefield’s community service requirements.

Community service completed for merit badges or any other type of recognition for other organizations does not qualify for the Community Service Requirement for Whitefield Academy.

Mission trips will be counted as 10 hours per day in the locale, not including travel days.

Whitefield students are strongly encouraged to pursue community service opportunities in the summer. Many students complete their hours through summer church and community opportunities because they know how busy they will be during the school year. All service hours completed during the summer must be documented no later than the end of the first quarter of school.

Community service hours for the year must be completed by the last school day of April. Students who have not completed their service hours by the last school day of April will not be given access to final grades, transcripts, or yearbooks.

Community service hours for Whitefield students in grades 7 – 12 are documented on the website www.MobileServe.com. Whitefield 7th and 8th grade students have an account at the website and will be instructed how to download the app, activate their accounts, and document hours. Many MS students will need to have their accounts verified by a parent or guardian due to being age 13 or younger. An adult with the church or charity / nonprofit who can verify that the service was performed must provide an email address for verification of hours served.

The Ephesians Award

The student who is the most enthusiastic about community service over the course of the school year will earn the Ephesians Award. Hours of service within the Whitefield community and the outside community will be considered.

Discipline

For minor offences, the discipline progression will be as follows:

Minor Issues (examples include excessive talking, disrespectful behavior, misbehavior in the hallways, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, etc.) ▪

First Offense: Teacher Warning + Teacher email to parents ▪

Second Offense: Teacher calls parent ▪

Third Offense: Teacher Assigns 30-minute detention in classroom (justification: restoration between teacher/student) and contact the parent ▪

Fourth Offense: If detention is missed or behavior persists, the student is referred to the Grade Chair. Grade Chair calls home; the Dean recommends a FLEX or fun activity to be withheld from the student

▪

Fifth Offense: If persists, student is referred to the Dean; Dean calls parents; Dean assigns Morning Detention ISD, Saturday School, or OSS

Detentions

Detention would result from a few minor offenses or one major offense depending on severity. Middle School detentions will be held at a time designated by the Dean of Students. Detentions for timeliness to school are most likely held in the morning before school. Detentions for other minor offenses (i.e.

unapproved cellphone use, dress code violations, minor classroom disruption, etc.) are most likely held during lunch or after school. Depending on the behavior infraction, students might have to serve only one detention or may have to serve two consecutive detentions. Students may not be late to any detention. If a student is late, he or she will be asked to serve at the next detention. Students who skip detention may serve a Saturday School. Students must sit silently for the full time of the detention without sleeping or distracting other students. Students may study during this time without the use of technology

Detentions will be administered in 4 tiers.

• Lunch detentions will be held daily for dress code violations as well as minor tardy infractions.

• Classroom detentions will require attendance on one afternoon with the supervising classroom teacher; these detentions are restorative in nature.

• Detentions are assigned by the dean of students for more serious violations and discipline matters. These are held on Tuesday mornings in the Middle School building from 6:45 until 7:45 am. Students must sit silently for the full time of the detention without sleeping or distracting other students. Students may study during this time as long as they are not using technology.

• Major detentions occur on Saturday mornings.

Students must not be late to any detention. If a student is late, he/she will be asked to serve a second detention.

Examples of behaviors leading to lunch or classroom detentions include (Depending on the severity of these offenses, they may be considered “major offenses”).

• Tardies

• Classroom disturbance

• Chewing gum (no warning given)

• Dress code violation

• Disrespect to another person

• Minor disruptions of class, assemblies, or school sponsored events

• Unauthorized use of cell phones or other non-instructional electronic devices

*The above list is not intended as exhaustive.

Examples of behaviors earning morning detention include (depending on the severity of these offenses, they may be considered “major offenses”.):

• Cutting class

• Inappropriate language, spoken or written

• Insubordination

• Defacing school property or the property of others

• Repeated minor offenses

• Excessive tardies

• Forgery

• Dishonesty/cheating

*The above list is not intended as exhaustive.

When serving a Middle School detention, students are required to wear the appropriate uniform.

Repeated Detentions

If a student has accumulated three (3) classroom, morning, or Saturday detentions over the course of the semester, he/she will require a parent conference with the principal and the dean of students. A further detention will possibly lead to suspension. Any subsequent detentions will then be evaluated by the principal, Dean of Students, and Head of School and may lead to expulsion. Detentions are set so that they do not prove punitive to school team activities or obstruct extra academic help. Detentions may be postponed to the next week for:

• A previously planned family trip,

• A religious retreat or

• A school function. This postponement may be granted only if a written explanation is submitted to the Dean of Students before 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the Thursday prior to the detention.

Major Offenses

• Lying, cheating, and stealing. These offenses attack the very foundation of the school’s Honor Code (see Honor Code and Honor Council).

• Plagiarism Policy (See Plagiarism Policy).

• Violation of the school’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.

• Assault, including threats of bodily harm and/or sexual assault, of teachers, administrators, other school personnel, other students, or persons attending school-related functions.

• Threats (even when made in jest).

• Disrespectful conduct towards teachers, administrators, other school personnel, other students, or persons attending school–related functions.

• Electronic disrespect. Any disrespectful words, pictures, or images in electronic or written form (including the internet, text messages, chat rooms, blogs, social networking, sexting, or similar forums for public exchange) that the school administration considers disrespectful to the school, its teachers, its administrators, parents, and other students.

• Gambling at Whitefield Academy or at school-sponsored events.

• Sexual harassment or sexual misconduct

• Racist comments or behavior

• Damaging or defacing personal property or school property (vandalism).

• Defiance, disorderly conduct, disobeying school rules, regulations, or directives; disobeying directives given by teachers, administrators, or other school staff.

• Unexcused absenteeism/truancy (“skipping class”)

• Vandalism

• Inappropriate language (minor or major)

• Fighting, pushing, hitting, tripping, physical horseplay, or roughhousing of any kind are prohibited and may lead to disciplinary consequences for all of the individuals.

• Bullying

• The possession, viewing, or distribution of pornography in either electronic or hard copy form. The school reserves the right to determine what material is pornographic.

A student who commits a major offense will be referred immediately to the dean for disciplinary action. The Principal and/or a designee will impose consequences based upon the circumstances of the situation, which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following: detention, in-school detention, out-of-school suspension, school or community service, loss or restriction of privileges, behavioral probation, exclusion, or expulsion. Because Whitefield Academy reserves the right to administer discipline for all student misconduct and behavior whether the actions occur on campus or off campus, Whitefield Academy may conduct investigations and intervene when off-campus infractions occur, particularly when the infractions involve drinking, drugs, and other serious offenses.

Further, many of the major offenses listed above are also violations of state and/or federal law and may result in prosecution under the law. Whitefield Academy fully embraces its legal responsibilities as they relate to student protection and serious student misbehavior. Thus, appropriate Whitefield Academy administrative personnel will report every case of possible sexual abuse to the appropriate legal authorities (i.e., Child Protective Services). Additionally, Whitefield Academy administrative personnel may involve law enforcement officials in other cases of serious student misbehavior when evidence dictates such involvement is a prudent course of action and/or when there is a specific legal requirement to do so.

Saturday School

Saturday School is a more serious consequence than a morning detention. Saturday School results from accumulating repeated detentions and/or minor offenses, skipping detention, or from a major offense. Students serve Saturday School from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday School is typically held one Saturday a month. Skipping a Saturday School will result in an In-School Detention.

Additional Explanation Regarding Selected Major Rule Violations

Further clarification is provided below regarding some of the major rule violations.

If a student refuses to participate or cooperate at any stage of an investigation, or is unable to do so for whatever reason, including without limitation, pending criminal charges, the school reserves the right to take action, including proceeding without a statement from the student, or to require the student to withdraw from school.

Lying, Cheating, Stealing

These broad areas of student indiscretion strike at the very core of trust, integrity, and honor. Violations of the honor pledge and code are handled by the Middle School Principal and the Dean of Students in consultation with the individual classroom teacher. Please note the following definitions:

Lying

Any action, appearance, or statement which an individual knows, or should know, to be untrue given with the intention to deceive.

Cheating

Using or attempting to use unauthorized assistance or advantage in academic work that is submitted as one’s own individual efforts or the giving of such assistance to others.

Stealing

Taking or attempting to take property, whether physical or intellectual, without right or permission.

The Whitefield Academy Honor Code has been in existence since the inaugural year of the school (1997-1998). A constitution detailing all aspects of the Honor Code was prepared and is operating at Whitefield Academy. Each member of the Middle School student body receives a copy of that constitution. The three basic components of the constitution include the Honor Pledge, Honor Code, and Honor Council.

Fighting

Students involved in an incident defined by the Principal as fighting will be suspended out of school. The number of days of suspension will depend upon the severity of the situation. All students involved in the fight will receive disciplinary consequences whether they contributed to starting or continuing the fight.

Investigations

Students are expected to cooperate in investigations. Students are expected to be honest, but honesty is not necessarily a mitigating factor and students’ own statements may be used against them. Failure to cooperate with an investigation may be cause for disciplinary action.

If a student refuses to participate or cooperate at any stage of an investigation, or is unable to do so for whatever reason, including without limitation, pending criminal charges, the school reserves the right to take action, including proceeding without a statement from the student, or to require the student to withdraw from school.

Cellphones/Electronic Devices/Headphones

To the extent that a student brings any electronic device to school (cell phones, headphones, iPad, MP3 players, smart watches, electronic gaming devices, computers (laptop, tablet, etc.), the student does so at his/her own risk. The school will not be responsible for the theft, damage, or loss of such devices.

With the exception of the laptop program or unless specific consent has been given by the faculty or administration, students are not allowed to use or have on their person electronic devices that connect to the internet, are able to utilize text messaging, or include games or other distracting elements during the school day (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).

Cell phones and other electronic devices may be utilized before or after school hours, but those devices should be used solely for the purpose of quick communication with parents, rides, or imperative activities.

When necessary, students may make phone calls in the Middle School office. If permission has been granted for use of a device during the school day, students must comply with the guidelines relating to such use. Whenever such use is permitted, students may not use electronic devices in any way that is inappropriate, harassing, or disruptive to the educational environment. The visible/audible content stored on a cell phone or any technology such as images, wallpapers, and ringtones are to be schoolappropriate. Students are not permitted to use electronic devices to make threats, use camera features to take inappropriate pictures or videos, videotape, or record classes, send text messages to other students in class, or in ways that would otherwise violate a school rule.

Students who violate this policy will have their electronics confiscated and turned in to the dean of students. In such case, the school reserves the right to inspect the device, including all contents. Students must provide any passwords to inspect the device upon request by a school administrator. After a second occurrence, parents will be required to come to the school office to pick up confiscated items. The third offense will result in the student not being permitted to bring the device to school. Students will also be subject to disciplinary procedures for violation of this policy.

• First Offense: Device confiscated and returned after 3:00 p.m.

• Second Offense: Parents called. Student will be required to leave the device at home for 5 school

• days

• Third Offense: Parents called. Student will be required to leave the device at home for the rest of

• the semester

Any student found to have an electronic device in his/her possession and turned on during a test or examination will be presumed to have used the device to cheat, sit before the Faculty Honor Council if in 7th or 8th grade, and will receive a zero for the test/examination.

The range of possible disciplinary consequences include one or more of the following:

Lunch Detention

Lunch detention will be served on the day the infraction occurs during lunch. These are assigned by the Dean of Students. This consequence is usually given for minor infractions.

Classroom After School Detention

Teachers will assign and hold after school detentions one day a week, depending on their schedule. These are restorative in nature.

Morning Detention

Middle school morning detentions will be held on Tuesday mornings from 6:45 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. Minor detentions will require attendance on one morning; major detentions will require attendance two consecutive Tuesday mornings. Detentions will be held in the Middle School. Students must not be late to any detention. If a student is late, he/she will be asked to serve time the following Tuesday at 6:45 a.m. Students must sit silently for the full time of the detention without sleeping or distracting other students. Students may study during this time without the use of technology. These detentions are assigned by the D Dean of Students.

Saturday Detention

Students are assigned Saturday morning detentions from 8am to 10am in the Upper School. This detention is for repeated violations and infractions or as major disciplinary consequences. Saturday Detentions are assigned by the Dean of Students.

In-School Full Day Detention

Students do not attend classes and spend the day under administrative or staff supervision. They may use the day to study but may engage in no recreational activity. Students serving in-school detention may not participate in or attend sports or school activities on the day(s) of in-school detention. All work incurred is eligible to be made up during the in-school detention, and/or according to arrangements made by the teacher. These detentions are assigned by the Dean of Students.

Out-of-School Suspension

The student will not attend school and is responsible to turn in any missed work on the day he/she returns to school. Students on out-of-school suspension may not participate in or attend sports or school activities on the day(s) of suspension. All work incurred during the suspension is eligible to be made up on the day the student is eligible to return to class, and/or if prior arrangements have been made by the teacher. These detentions are assigned by the Principal and Dean of Students.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the most serious disciplinary response of the school for an act or acts of misbehavior. The student’s career at Whitefield Academy will come to an abrupt end. All official school records will record this act as a part of the student’s permanent record file. Expulsion decisions are made only by the Head of School after consultation with the Middle School Principal.

Students may be expelled for serious first offenses; repeat infractions (even if not related); conduct resulting in harm, damage, or disruption to the educational environment; parent or family member causing disruption to the school or the school’s educational mission; non-payment of tuition or fees; not meeting academic requirements; or not meeting attendance requirements. Any matter taken under consideration by the Administration directly or considered serious enough by the Middle School Principal may be grounds for expulsion.

Students who have been expelled are not permitted to attend on-campus extracurricular events or other offcampus school functions.

In addition, the school may report to the appropriate governmental authorities any actions that appear to violate law.

Elastic Clause

The administration reserves the right to initiate disciplinary procedures when, in their judgment, the health and welfare of an individual student or the community is best served by doing so. The School reserves the right to require students to withdraw for cause, medical or otherwise.

Temporary Self-Withdrawal

The school must be a full partner in any situation that warrants a student temporarily withdrawing from Whitefield Academy for various physical/mental health treatments. This partnership includes full disclosure of the problem to the Middle School Principal and/or Dean of Students, a commitment on the part of all parties (e.g., student, parents, and school), a plan to address needs during the absence (e.g., prayer, counseling, tutorial help, etc.), and a specific plan to initiate the reinstatement process. Failure to comply with these requests will be construed to mean the student has no intention to return as a member of the Whitefield Academy student body.

Financial Responsibility for Students/Parents

It should be clearly understood that in cases of temporary self-withdrawal, withdrawal, exclusion, or expulsion, all financial responsibilities remain in place.

Field Trips

Day and overnight field trips are part of the educational process. It must be stressed, however, that only those students who, in the administration’s sole discretion, have demonstrated good conduct during their classes will be permitted to attend.

Proper behavior during the trip continues to be of utmost importance. Parents of any student unable to follow the given guidelines will be notified. In severe cases, the parent will be requested to come and/or provide transportation home for the student.

Parents who are interested in volunteering to assist on field trips where allowed must have been cleared through the school’s criminal background process. This process is for the protection of all students and is not intended to hinder volunteerism or embarrass any family. We sincerely hope that you understand our concern for student safety and will willingly cooperate in this process.

Honor Code

The Honor Code is the statement of integrity for the Whitefield Academy student body that deals specifically with all issues related to lying, cheating (including plagiarism), and stealing - in any form and to any degree. The following principles of operation apply to Honor Code issues:

• It should be clearly understood that every case of lying, cheating, and stealing is an Honor Code violation. The Honor Code does not apply to any other areas of student conduct.

• Students are expected to uphold and support the Honor Code. If a student witnesses a violation of the Honor Code, the student has a duty, as difficult as it may be, to turn the matter over to the Middle School Principal by speaking with a Middle School faculty member or the Principal.

• Although failure to report such a matter is not considered a violation of the Honor Code, each student must realize that the Honor Code will only succeed to the degree that students support it.

In the Middle School, the Dean of Students, in conjunction with the Middle School Principal, will determine the consequences for any honor violation.

Dress Code

All students at Whitefield Academy are expected to wear clothes that fit properly and are free from holes, tatters, frays, or excessive wear. All dress is to be tastefully modest, neat, and clean. While extensive direction regarding dress is given in this section, it’s not possible to list every possible item and dress code issue; therefore, discretion is given to the Principal or a designee to decide whether dress is appropriate and consistent with Whitefield standards. Students who do not abide by the dress code will be subject to dress code discipline procedures.

All items below with style numbers are to be purchased at the Whitefield Campus Store. If an item is not found in the following lists, it is not part of the uniform and may not be worn. Uniform shirts and blouses must be tucked in. All uniform items must be purchased at the school store.

Chapel Dress Guidelines

Boys’ Dress Uniform

Pants

Slacks

Khaki pants with flag logo, pleated style or flat front style.

Shirts White button-down collar oxford, L/S or S/S.

*Shirts must be tucked in and long-sleeves must be worn down and buttoned.

*Plain white t-shirt or turtleneck (no logos) may be worn under uniform shirt.

Tie or bowtie Navy and khaki stripe, stripe.

Belt Black, brown, or navy leather or navy or khaki stretch/adjustable belt.

Socks Dark socks – solid dark blue, dark gray, brown, or black.

Shoes Black or brown leather with closed toe and heel.

Vest Navy fleece vest with embroidered school logo.

Jackets Navy half-zip fleece with embroidered school logo, Adirondack by Charles River. Navy/ black Evolux jacket by Charles River with embroidered school logo.

Navy nylon, fleece lined windbreaker with embroidered school logo, First in Class by Cobmex. Navy nylon, fleece lined jacket with embroidered school logo, Navigator by Charles River.

*No sweatshirts or hoodies allowed with Dress (Chapel) uniform.

Girls’ Dress Uniform

Skort Khaki full wrap skort, no shorter than 3” above the knee.

Skirt Khaki skirt, style #143, no shorter than 3” above the knee. *Navy shorts may be worn under skirts for modesty, but they must not be visible under hem when standing.

Shirt White button-down collar oxford, L/S or S/S. Shirts must be tucked in, and long sleeves must be worn down and buttoned.

*Plain white t-shirt or turtleneck (no logos) may be worn under oxford shirt for warmth.

Socks Solid white, dark blue, dark gray, brown, or black.

Tights/Hosiery Solid navy, white, black, grey, or cream.

Shoes Black, brown or navy leather, closed toe and heel, dress shoe. No combat boots or tennis shoes.

Sweater Navy crewneck or V-neck cardigan with embroidered school logo.

Navy full zip, hooded, sweater with embroidered school logo.

Vest Navy fleece vest with embroidered school logo.

Jackets Navy half-zip fleece with embroidered school logo.

Navy/black Evolux jacket by Charles River with embroidered school logo.

Navy nylon, fleece lined, windbreaker with embroidered school logo, First in Class by Cobmex.

Navy nylon, fleece lined, jacket with embroidered school logo, Navigator by Charles River.

*No sweatshirts or hoodies allowed with Dress (Chapel) uniform.

Daily Dress Guidelines

Boys’ Daily Uniform

Slacks Khaki pants with flag logo.

Shorts Khaki shorts with flag logo, pleated style, no shorter than 3” above the knee.

Shirts White or light blue button-down collar oxford, L/S or S/S.

*L/S oxfords must be worn with the sleeves down and buttoned. White or navy pique knit with embroidered school logo, L/S or S/S.

*Shirts must be tucked in. Plain white t-shirt or white or navy turtleneck (no logos) may be worn under uniform shirts.

Belt Black, brown, or navy leather or navy or khaki stretch/adjustable belt.

Socks Solid white, dark blue, dark gray, brown, or black.

Shoes Any athletic shoe. You may also wear black or brown leather shoes with a closed toe

Vest Navy fleece vest with embroidered school logo.

Jackets See approved jackets in the Campus Store.

*Shirts must be tucked in, and long sleeves must be worn down and buttoned.

*Plain white or navy T-shirt or turtleneck (no logos) may be worn under uniform shirts for warmth.

Permitted: Non-Whitefield winter jackets and/or hats, allowed outside while going to and from class, are permitted only when temperatures are below freezing. Navy, gray, white, or gold hooded or crewneck sweatshirts available at the Campus Store.

Girls’ Daily Uniform

Skort Khaki, navy or gray full wrap skort, no shorter than 3” above the knee.

Skirt Khaki, navy, or gray skirt, no shorter than 3” above the knee.

*Navy shorts may be worn under skirts for modesty, but they must not be visible under hem when standing.

Pants Khaki uniform pants (must be ordered from Campus Store; samples for sizing are available in the campus store); girls must wear the feminine style pants; girls may not wear shorts.

Shirts White or navy pique knit with embroidered school logo, L/S or S/S, or cap sleeve feminine fit.

White or light blue button-down collar oxford, L/S or S/S.

Blue and white striped oxford with embroidered school logo, L/S or S/S.

Socks White or navy. Socks must be worn.

Tights/Hosiery Solid white, dark blue, dark gray, brown, or black.

Shoes Any athletic shoe. You may also wear black or brown leather shoes with a closed toe.

Belt Black, brown, or navy leather or navy or khaki stretch/adjustable belt.

Sweater Navy crewneck or V-neck cardigan with embroidered school logo.

Navy full zip, hooded, sweater with embroidered school logo.

Vest Navy fleece vest with embroidered school logo.

Jackets See approved jackets in the Campus Store.

Permitted: Non-Whitefield winter jackets and/or hats, allowed outside while going to and from class, are permitted only when temperatures are below freezing. Whitefield Academy sports team jackets and sweatshirts may be worn. Navy, gray, white, gold, or pink hooded or crewneck sweatshirts available at the Campus Store.

*Shirts must be tucked in, and long sleeves must be worn down and buttoned.

*Plain white or navy T-shirt or turtleneck (no logos) may be worn under uniform shirts for warmth.

Hair Guidelines

• No hats of any style are to be seen or worn once a student arrives on campus for school until the end of the school day unless temperatures are below freezing. Students may wear the hats outside on those days but must remove them indoors.

• Students are to keep their hair neat, out of their eyes, in good taste, and not a distraction. This includes, but is not limited to, any unnatural color, spikes, or unnatural colored tips. For young men and women, hair must be out of the face.

• For young men, hair must be cut so that it is above the eyebrows and collar. Hair must be out of the face. Gentlemen may not use ponytail holders or other accessories to pull hair back into a ponytail or bun style to ensure hair is the proper length. Discretion is given to the principal and other designees to decide whether hair is appropriate and consistent with Whitefield standards.

Boys’ and Girls’ P. E. Uniform

• T-Shirt Grey Whitefield athletics shirt or grey PE uniform t-shirt

• Shorts Navy mesh short with P.E. logo on left leg or navy non-spandex shorts distributed by a Whitefield Athletic team. Shorts must have a minimum 3” inseam. Whitefield Nike shorts available for purchase in the Campus Store

• Socks White athletic

• Shoes Athletic shoes.

• Sweatshirt Navy sweatshirt w/ white school logo Whitfield crew neck or 1/3 zip outwerwear- no pockets or hood (color doesn’t matter as long as it is Whitefield branded). No hoodies will be permitted.

• Sweat Pant Navy sweat pant w/ white school logo on thigh (solid navy, grey, or black sweatpantsminimal to no logo or graphics)

• Crewneck sweatshirt and sweatpants w/ 2 color design available at the Campus Store

“Whitefield T-shirt” Days

• Attire below the waist is the same for boys and girls as the weekday guidelines.

• Students may wear a Whitefield Academy T-shirt and need not tuck them in. However, if not tucked in, shirts must be long enough so that when arms are lifted, skin remains covered. Form-fitting blouses and shirts are not permitted.

• Students who choose to wear the daily uniform instead of the t-shirt must abide by regular dress code guidelines.

Miscellaneous Dress Code Guidelines

• When temperatures are low girls may wear solid white, gray, navy, black, or cream uniform color socks, tights, or hose. Neither sweatpants nor blue jeans are to be worn beneath girls’ skirts.

• Leggings, jeggings (jeans that fit like tights), short shorts, or short skirts are not permitted even on free or casual dress days. Shorts should be no shorter than 3” above the knee.

• For reasons of safety, lace style shoes must be laced and secured, buckles buckled, and heel straps fastened.

• When heavy rain and/or standing water/snow is present, rain boots are permitted. Any time a student wears rain boots to school an extra pair of shoes (that are appropriate for the uniform dress that day) must be brought to school as well. Students will be asked to switch into shoes when in the teacher’s judgment the ground is dry enough for normal shoes.

• All accessories (rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc.) and makeup must be simple and not excessive or distracting. Large diameter hoop-style (larger than a quarter) or long dangling earrings may not be worn. Bright colored socks, stockings, or leggings, headbands or hair accessories are not permitted.

• Tattoos and visible body piercing, with the exception of earrings for girls, are not permitted.

• Clothing and accessories should never include hate symbols or discriminating messages (i.e., Confederate flag, swastika, etc.).

Inclement Weather

Cold-Weather Boots

Consistent with other dress code principles, the following guidelines are to be considered when wearing cold-weather boots:

• Boots are to be simple and not excessive or distracting.

• Boots are to be one of the following colors: brown, gray, black, navy, or tan.

• Boots are not permitted on chapel days.

• Discretion is given to the Principal or his/her designee to decide whether dress is appropriate and consistent with Whitefield standards.

Winter Jackets

Non-Whitefield winter jackets and/or hats, allowed outside while going to and from class, are permitted only when temperatures are below freezing.

Free Dress Day Guidelines

General

• Clothes must fit properly, be tastefully modest, neat, clean, and free from holes, tatters, frays, or excessive wear. Undergarments should not be visible.

• Shoes must be worn at all times. For reasons of safety, lace style shoes must be laced and secured, buckles buckled, and heel straps fastened. Shower thongs and sandals are not permitted.

• Hats, caps, kerchiefs, and other head coverings are not to be worn indoors.

Boys

• Waists of pants or shorts should be worn at the natural waistline.

Girls

• Sleeveless tops, tank tops, and form-fitting blouses and shirts are not permitted. Shirts may be worn outside the skirt or pants and not tucked in. However, if not tucked in, shirts must be long enough so that when arms are lifted, skin remains covered. Necklines will not fall below the collarbone.

• If specifically allowed by the Principal, pants, jeans, and Capri pants may be worn so long as they are not form-fitting or noticeably oversized. Skirts and dresses may be no shorter than two inches above the knee.

• If shorts are worn, shorts should be no shorter than 3” above the knee, and must not be form-fitting.

Eligibility for Extracurricular Participation

Middle School students must maintain strong academic progress in order to participate in extracurricular activities. If a student’s grade falls below a passing grade (70 or above) in any class, extracurricular ineligibility will be considered by the Middle School Principal. If the student is declared ineligible, eligibility for extracurricular participation will be restored when the grades are raised to an acceptable level as determined by the Middle School Principal.

Middle/Upper School Media Center Mission Statement

The Whitefield Academy Libraries exist to support the mission of Whitefield Academy by providing resources and services for research and reading materials for students and faculty. The Libraries seek to provide an atmosphere that will enhance and inspire learning and a love of reading.

Hours

The Whitefield Academy Middle and Upper School Library is located on the second floor of Morris Hall. It is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; and Wednesday 8:45 am to 3:30 pm.

During Exam Weeks, the library will maintain opening times, and will close 30 minutes after the end of the posted exam time when the Middle and Upper School campus closes.

Finding Materials

The Library collection can be searched through the online catalogs in each library. Additionally, searching may be done through the Whitefield Academy website by scrolling over the “Academics” tab, and selecting the “Library” link. On the “Library” page, click on the link for “Morris Hall Library” and then “Whitefield Card Catalog”. Author, title, or keyword searches should retrieve a list of materials available in the Library.

Borrowing Materials

Books may be borrowed for a period of three weeks. Middle and Upper School students will be reminded in advisory about overdue books. Reference books must remain in the Library.

Students are encouraged to return books on time and to handle library materials with care. The following rules apply to late returns:

• A fine of $.10 per day will be charged for each overdue book.

• Students who do not return overdue books will not be able to check out additional books until the overdue books are returned and fines paid.

• Students who have not returned books or paid outstanding overdue fines by the Thursday before the yearbook pep rally in the spring, will not receive their yearbook at the pep rally. Students who have not returned books or paid outstanding overdue fines by the end of the spring semester will not receive their final grades until the books are returned and/or fines are paid.

• Students should notify the librarians whenever a book is damaged or missing. The student and parent will be notified of the replacement cost of the book.

Computer Resources

The Library staff provides instruction to students, faculty, and parents in the use of a wide selection of online databases available at both school and home to the Whitefield community. Students must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement in order to use the computers at school. This agreement clearly outlines the appropriate use of computers at Whitefield Academy. Computer privileges will be suspended for inappropriate nonacademic use.

The Whitefield Academy Library subscribes to a wide range of databases to enhance the learning and research opportunities for the students and community as a whole. All of the databases are accessible from on-campus computers, and most are available from home.

These databases can be accessed through the Whitefield Academy website by scrolling over the “Academics” tab, selecting the “Academic Resources” link, then the “Library” link. On the “Library” page, a list of databases passwords can be unlocked by entering Whitefield for the username and Wolfpack for the password. (These are NOT case sensitive.)

Conduct

In addition to the daily use by students, the Middle/Upper School Library is also used for makeup tests, study, and research. The students are expected to maintain a quiet atmosphere.

Lockers and Storage

Each student is provided a locker with an integral combination lock. Lockers should be kept locked and the combinations kept private. All books, supplies, backpacks, jackets, PE clothes, and other student belongings are to be stored in lockers when they are not in use. Items left on top of lockers, in hallways, in breezeways, on athletic and performing arts equipment storage shelves, etc. will be taken to Lost and Found, and students who repeatedly leave items out will receive disciplinary consequences.

Removing anything from another person's locker without permission is considered stealing. Opening another person’s locker will result in disciplinary consequences. All lockers are Whitefield property and subject to search at any time. Students may not swap lockers without approval through the Middle School Office. Students should also not tamper with the locks or combinations on the locker.

All of a student’s typical school-related belongings will fit in the lockers provided in the Middle School. Students may store instruments or athletic equipment for extracurricular activities (this does not include PE clothes) on the athletic and performing arts equipment storage shelves. Outside of these exceptions, other large items are typically not allowed on campus (skateboards, pogo sticks, electric guitars, etc.). If a larger item is needed at school temporarily, students may seek permission to store the item in the Middle School Office before bringing the item to school.

Final grades may be withheld if a student doesn’t clean and empty their locker by the Friday before finals.

Lost and Found

A Lost and Found area is maintained in the Middle School. Found items may be dropped off or claimed there. Periodically, unclaimed uniforms will be sold on campus by the Whitefield Parent Association (WPA), and other unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

Lunch

Whitefield Academy provides lunch service to all students. Students may eat what they want and as much as they want other than a few restrictions in Middle School. Christian stewardship, however, requires that food not be wasted. The restrictions include no more than one dessert item on each day.

Students are to remain seated while eating in the Mezzanine. Fifth through eighth grade Middle School students are permitted to congregate outside of the lunchroom in the patio area after 15 minutes of the lunch period. No food or drink may be taken outside of the Athletic Center.

Lunch Guests for Fifth through Eighth-Grade Students

Due to limited space in the cafeteria, combined with our overall sensitivity to the unique developmental needs of middle level students, Middle School parents/guests are asked to not eat lunch in the cafeteria with our Middle School students. Please communicate with your child’s teacher or contact the office regarding your family’s needs and options for spending time with your child during the school day.

Medication

No medications, prescription or non-prescription, are allowed to be carried by a student. An exception is permitted for Middle School students to carry asthma inhalers and epi-pens when necessary for emergency use.

Permission regarding non-prescription medication is documented on the Permission for Emergency Treatment form. When possible, parents are encouraged to administer any necessary prescription medication at home. If your child requires prescription medication during school hours, an Authorization to Give Medication at School form must be completed and on file on MAGNUS. Specific instructions regarding medications to be administered at school are included on this form. Prescription medications will not be administered without this form on file.

Parties

We do not allow students to bring food in school in order to celebrate birthdays. If you plan to have a party outside the school, please arrange for invitations to be distributed some way other than at school.

Recess and Recreational Activities

Middle School students have the privilege of spending unstructured time outside before school, after lunch, and after school. Often students play informal games, throw and catch, or spend time talking to one another during these times. Recreational activity of this nature is highly encouraged as a way for students to take a recess from their rigorous studies.

At the same time, parameters are necessary to ensure the safety of our community. An exhaustive list is not possible, but some of the activities found to be problematic on campus are the following: playing in the pond when liquid or frozen, skateboarding, rollerblading, using lacrosse equipment, throwing baseballs, tackle football, rough horseplay, wrestling, and physical contact. None of these activities are permitted while on campus unless they are part of an organized extracurricular activity provided by the school. Students participating in such activities will be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Transition Time between Classes

The time allotted for students to get from one class to the next is not to be used for recess and the recreational activities listed above. Students are to move without delay from one class to the next to prepare properly for class. If students need to do something between classes that will take longer than the normal transition time, they are to report to the next class first and ask the teacher for permission to do so. Passes for being late to class will not be provided in the Middle School Office.

Visitors

All visitors must sign in and obtain a name tag in the Middle School Office for permission to be on campus. Parents wishing to see their child must first contact the Middle School Office. Parents wishing to see a teacher should make arrangements with the teacher in advance.

Student visits to classrooms will be arranged by the appropriate school administrator or assistant. Visitors are to stay with their host at all times and are subject to all school rules.