II. Introduction

II. Introduction

A. Mission Statement & Values

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is a transformational experience where students become challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.

Our Community Values stem from one of the top coveted Academy awards given at Prize Day each year: the Frank Cushman Award. The ideals "Live Clean. Speak True. Work Hard. Play Fair." serve to frame our daily lives within our community on and off campus, in the classroom, on the athletic fields and in the dorms.

B. History & Tradition

WMA is an institution born of two early 19th century coeducational academies devoted from their foundation to the education of the broadest spectrum of young scholars. Before the Civil War, African American students were members of their student bodies, and Alumni Memorial Chapel was reportedly part of the Underground Railroad. Students from around the world have traveled to the towns of Wilbraham and Monson to avail themselves of excellent teaching.

Monson Academy, founded in 1804, is the anchor of our history. Wilbraham Academy (originally Wesleyan Academy) was founded in New Market, New Hampshire, in 1812 and relocated to Wilbraham in 1825. Although both Wilbraham and Monson academies were boys’ schools for a time, coeducation returned with their merger in 1971.

In 1947, Charles Stevens (headmaster from 1935-1955) sought a way for graduates of the Academy to leave a reminder of themselves when they graduated. For many years, classes had engraved symbols into the foundation of Fisk Hall. Mr. Stevens’ idea resulted in the creation of the Alumni Wall, which is really a series of walls in various parts of the campus. The members of the graduating class design their stones to reflect their identities and interests. Originally students soaked the stones in the Rubicon and hand carved them. These days, most students have them carved professionally.

C. Why we are called the Titans

Our school mascot is Titan. Since the late 1920s, the bust of Atlas has commanded the façade of Rich Hall. Atlas was a male member of the gender-balanced family of Titans in Greek mythology and sided with the Titans in their contest against the Olympians. When the Titans were defeated, Zeus ordered Atlas to bear the weight of the celestial world on his shoulders ... the way we expect our students to bear similar weight in the leadership of our world when they go forth from their time here. The definition of a Titan is also apt: “one who stands out for greatness in achievement.” Prometheus was also a Titan and was described by Aeschylus as “Teacher in Every Art, (Who) Brought the Fire That Hath Proved to Mortals a Means to Mighty Ends." It is for these mythological, historical and metaphorical reasons that we proudly choose to call ourselves ... The Titans.

III. A Message from the Head of School

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

This Handbook is a community framework and a foundation for our students, parents, guardians and all members of Wilbraham & Monson Academy. The content of the Handbook is rooted in our dedication to creating a healthy, happy and orderly living and learning environment for all of our members. The structure presented here - extending from a core of mutual respect, social responsibility and personal accountability - is designed to create and preserve that environment. The purpose of the Handbook is to communicate our expectations and policies.

Through your willing membership in this community, you have agreed that this academic environment, and the rules and policies that sustain it, is one in which you wish to engage your full effort, talent and positive energy and to which you commit yourself. By entering into this covenant, students, parents and guardians are assumed to agree to uphold the Academy’s expectations, policies and procedures. Every facet of school life at the Academy relies on this pact, and every individual at the Academy plays an important and unique role in accomplishing our mission and making our school great.

No set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that might arise at a residential middle and high school. The rules, policies and procedures set forth in this Handbook are intended to provide a solid foundation from which we may also respond, when necessary, to unique situations. This Handbook does not limit the authority of WMA to deviate from the normal rules and procedures set forth here and to deal with individual circumstances as they arise in the manner deemed most appropriate by the Academy, taking into consideration the best interests of WMA, its faculty, employees, students or overall school community. The policies may also be revised or updated periodically, even during the school year. You will be advised of any changes or revisions if they occur. Any student or parent/guardian with a question about any expectation or policy should feel free to speak with one of the Deans or the Head of School.

I hope you are as eager as I am to begin this year living and learning together. I look forward to spending it with each and every one of you.

Brian P. Easler Head of School