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