All School 2023-2024

A concussion is a complex disturbance in brain function due to direct or indirect trauma to the head related to neurometabolic dysfunction rather than structural injury. A concussion can occur with or without a loss of consciousness, and proper management is essential to the safety and long-term future of the injured individual.

A head injury is a direct blow to the head or indirect trauma to the head, including a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

The school strongly recommends all athletes and their families visit at least one of the following websites and view the concussion course materials: www.cdc.gov/headsup/ parents/index.html or www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/a-parentsguide-toconcussion/

Management Procedures

Concussion management begins with preseason baseline testing via SWAY. It is a system to evaluate students and is accessed through the student's cell phone. By completing this test, the athletic trainer will be provided with baseline data that will be used to compare post-injury scores.

If a student sustains a sports-related head injury, including a suspected concussion, the athletic trainer or Health Services must be notified immediately so that a concussion assessment can be administered. If an athlete sustains a concussion, the athletic trainer, school nurse or coach will notify parents/guardians and appropriate school staff and follow the protocol established for concussion management.

When a student shows any signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a head injury/ concussion, the student is expected to be promptly removed from practice or competition and evaluated by the athletic trainer and/or a health care provider who has experience in head injury/concussion evaluation and management. Any athlete who denies symptoms but has abnormal cognitive testing may be held out of activity.

A student diagnosed with a head injury/concussion will be withheld from the competition or practice and not return to activity for the remainder of that day. Parents/guardians will be notified.

The athletic trainer will manage a mild to moderate concussion, and if the trainer does not see improvement then a medical referral will be made. For moderate to severe concussions, the trainer will work directly with the physician.

The plan, put forth by the treating physician and/or the athletic trainer, shall be communicated with the parents/guardians, Dean of Studies and school nurse. This plan, if needed, may include instructions for physical and cognitive rest, graduated return to academics and athletics, assessment frequencies. If academics appear to be exacerbating symptoms, further accommodations will be reviewed and may be implemented. The school’s athletic trainer, with the concurrence of the school physician, will have the final say with regards to a student’s ability to return to any sport or activity, including classroom learning. Additional medical clearance may be required for full contact.

If the student is a day student- The student will be given a form to be filled out by their PCP if symptoms do not subside within 24 hours.

If the student is a boarding student - The athletic trainer/Health Services will evaluate the student and may send them to a doctor for further follow up.

All associated costs for appointments for such will be the responsibility of the parent/ guardian.

Post-Concussion:

Any student who has sustained a head injury must participate in a post concussion protocol and have clearance from the athletic trainer and Health Services before being able to return to academic and extracurricular athletic activities. The School may consult with outside medical professionals and/or require a student to obtain a doctor’s note.

Return to Learn

The student will share their documentation (form, doctor’s note) with Health Services. The School will determine the necessary return process for the student. The student will meet with the Dean of Studies and most likely their advisor, to review the steps to return to learn. The student's teachers will be notified of any accommodations that the student may need.

Return to Play

Students must meet all of the following criteria in order to progress to activity:

• be symptom-free at rest and with exertion (including mental exertion in school);

• be within the normal range of baseline on post-concussion

• have written clearance from the appropriate healthcare provider.

Once the above criteria are met, the athlete will be progressed back to full activity following a stepwise process that includes:

• Level 1: light aerobic exercise (stationary bike, swimming etc. at <70% predicted maximum heart rate)

• Level 2: moderate aerobic exercise and sprints

• Level 3: sport-specific training (running, throwing, and catching)

• Level 4: Non-contact training drills and weightlifting (non-contact practice)

• Level 5: Full contact practice

• Level 6: Gameplay (no activity restrictions)

WMA follows the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines to ensure a student who is concussed is identified, treated, and recovers. The underlying philosophy of these policies is “when in doubt, sit them out.”

Any student who receives an injury to the head and/or exhibits any signs or symptoms of concussion must be removed immediately from play/practice. The athletic trainer will initiate care and evaluate. WMA requires coaches and other personnel to report any head injury immediately to the athletic trainer.

Parents/guardians of a student who sustains a head injury outside of school-related activities are required to inform the athletic trainer, the Deans Office and Health Services.

Communicable Diseases

Health Services evaluates students with conditions that appear to be communicable. Day students requiring quarantine or isolation are sent home. Boarding students are quarantined or isolated in the Health Services Office spaces, hospital or emergency contact depending on diagnosis. Students may return to campus only after presenting Health Services with a statement signed by their physician certifying the contagious period has ended.

Hospitalization

If an illness or injury requires hospitalization, the student is transported to the most appropriate medical facility with the Medical Authorization Form, which includes parent/ guardian signature for appropriate treatment. Health insurance information and parent/ guardian contact information will also be provided. Once the student has been admitted, they are only released to the parent, legal guardian or school nurse. After a hospitalization, students must present Health Services with a signed physician’s statement to return to school.

Parental/Guardian Notification of a Student’s Illness

It is not always possible to contact the parents/guardians every time Health Services treats a student. Health Services will contact the parents/guardians with any significant injuries or illnesses that may require special medical care or a visit to the physician. For minor illnesses and injuries, it is the responsibility of the student to contact their family. For serious illness/injuries and hospitalization, Health Services contacts the parents/guardians as soon as possible. The parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the nurses in Health Services at any time with questions and/or concerns about their child.

H. Medical Leave of Absence

Understanding the nature and range of conditions that arise with teenagers, the treatment for certain medical and psychological conditions and behaviors might need to occur outside the school setting. The goal of a medical leave of absence is for the student to regain health and the ability to function consistently, productively and safely when they return to school. The leave provides the student with the time to focus on recovery, medical/psychological care and self-care.

A medical leave of absence generally occurs when:

• a physical or mental illness is seriously affecting the student’s ability to attend class, perform in class or do academic work, even with support and reasonable accommodations

• the student’s ability to participate in academic, athletic/afternoon program and social life, even with support and reasonable accommodations, is disrupted and too difficult to manage

• the student behaves in ways that can be considered self-destructive or dangerous to others

• the demands of school are affecting the student’s ability to focus on their health

• the student is in crisis and requires an increased level of care

• the student is not engaged in treatment that the school has made a condition of attendance, after the student has been evaluated by medical and/or mental health professionals, who have deemed such treatment appropriate

A student’s family may request such a leave at the recommendation of objective medical professionals. If in the school’s judgment, a student is exhibiting symptoms that make the student unable to participate in required academic or extracurricular activities without imposing an undue burden on the school’s resources, the school may recommend and require the student be evaluated and subsequently placed on medical leave. Decisions about granting or requiring a medical leave, or a student’s return from leave, rest with the Dean of Students and Head of School. The Dean of Studies will coordinate the student’s academic responsibilities while on leave and makeup work upon return.

If a medical leave of absence has delayed the completion of coursework or credits, “incomplete” will be recorded on the transcript for the class(es). The School will follow its process of affirmatively sending transcripts to colleges and universities on the student’s college list. The School is obligated to report any material changes in academic standing and/or enrollment status to colleges or universities (e.g. withdrawal) for students who are applying to colleges or other secondary schools, but the School will not share details of a medical leave. The student and their parent/guardian are responsible for communicating with secondary schools, colleges, and universities about the medical leave and explain the incomplete or gaps in the transcript.

To return to school after a medical leave of absence, a thorough professional evaluation of the student’s current mental health or medical condition from the physician, psychiatrist or other professional who treated the student during the medical leave of absence must be provided to the school. This evaluation must include the current treatment plan, services required upon return to WMA and expectations for the student. The Academy may require an additional evaluation or consultation by our physician or consulting school psychologist.

Before returning to school, the student will meet with the Dean of Students, School Counselor and/or the Director of Health Services to review the student’s support plan. The plan is developed to ensure the student is best supported at WMA. The student is expected to follow all steps of this plan. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.

The guiding principle of return from a medical leave is the school’s confidence that the student can return safely and that the student’s return will not compromise the student’s continued recovery, interfere with the school’s ability to serve other students’ needs or place an undue burden on the school. As a corollary to this principle, a student whom the school determines can safely participate in the regular school day may nevertheless be restricted from participation in overnight field trips or other residential-style school activities. Students with disabilities, including those related to mental health conditions, have the right to reasonable accommodations relative to the disability.

The goal of a medical leave is to give the student the opportunity to regain health and thereby function consistently, productively and safely at the school. In the absence of a treatment plan that meets this goal or a student following the treatment plan, in the view of the school personnel, the school may require the student to withdraw.

I. Student Compliance with Medically Prescribed Treatment

Students are responsible for closely following medical advice. Medication must be taken at Health Services unless otherwise directed by one of the nurses. Students are expected to be on time for scheduled doses and appointments. Frequent tardiness, failure to report or blatant noncompliance with medical advice, testing or treatment is unacceptable behavior and may be handled as a disciplinary issue.

J. Chemical Abuse and/or Dependency

Students concerned with their own or another’s chemical abuse and/or dependency (e.g. drugs, alcohol or tobacco products) may contact Health Services. If a student comes to the Health Services Office asking for assistance, the student will not receive disciplinary consequences. See the Substance Policy for more information.

K. Counseling

School counselors are available to meet with students. They meet with the students individually and in groups for the purpose of enhancing student academic, social and emotional success by developing and strengthening coping strategies, resiliency and healthy communication.

WMA consults with area psychologists. These psychologists see students by appointment arranged through Health Services. There is a fee for this service. Most insurance plans cover this fee, but it is the responsibility of the student’s family to be sure payment has been made.

L. Eating Disorders

Students with suspected eating disorders are brought to the attention of Health Services, so the students may be referred to the appropriate person(s) or facility and a plan developed to support them. Parents/guardians are notified of suspected eating disorders. Students diagnosed with an eating disorder may be required to see a nutritionist, psychologist and medical physician, who are specifically trained in treating eating disorders. Health Services will work with the student and family to be sure the best care possible is achieved. If the student and family are not cooperative in their treatment plan, they may be required to take a medical leave for more intensive treatment.

M. Food Allergies

Students and their families are encouraged to inform the Health Services Office and the Director of Flik Dining of all food allergies. Parents/guardians of students who have severe allergies with potential of anaphylaxis must meet with the Director of Health Services to develop an action plan. The family is responsible for providing Health Services with an EpiPen at the beginning of each year.

N. Guidelines for Infectious Diseases

WMA has a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all members of its community. However, the increasing presence of infectious diseases around the world suggests all schools need to be vigilant in screening students and employees for signs of illness following the Department of Public Health guidelines. Therefore, the Academy has established guidelines on how to best deal with this issue.

The school shall review each potential and/or actual diagnosed case of infectious disease to determine how best to protect the health of the community. The school will employ measures as needed such as but not limited to, testing, quarantine, isolation, increased cleaning procedures and face coverings when deemed medically necessary. The school maintains the right to interrupt or terminate a student’s attendance by virtue of any health condition that may adversely affect the student or student body. The Head of School makes such decisions upon receipt of recommendations from the Health Services staff.

To minimize the potential for infection and disease, we will continue to educate the entire community on health risks and how to stay healthy.

O. Sexuality & Reproductive Health

The Health curriculum in the Middle and Upper School has age-appropriate content and lessons including but not limited to growth and development, sexual development, relationships, responsible decision-making, methods of birth control and sexuality.

A student wishing to be seen at a family planning clinic is responsible for scheduling the appointment. The Health Services staff will assist the student in booking the appointment and transportation. We encourage students to speak to Health Services and parents/ guardians (when appropriate) to help them make healthy decisions regarding this matter.

To have an abortion in Massachusetts, a woman under age 18 must have written permission from one parent. If it is not possible for some reason, she may petition the court to be declared an emancipated minor for this particular situation.

P. Transportation to/from Medical Appointments

Parents/guardians are responsible for any transportation fees incurred by their child while going to or returning from medical and counseling appointments. Transportation to the hospital may be available via a school vehicle or any faculty/staff car available if appropriate for the situation. A seriously injured or ill student is transported by ambulance and accompanied or followed by a faculty/staff member. For medical and counseling appointments, transportation fees range from $15 to $25, depending on the distance and time involved and will be charged to their SchoolAdmin Account.

IV. Facilities & Services

The Athenæum is a place for students to gather, do research, study, read or play quiet games with friends. Services are geared toward academic, leisure and social purposes. Students, faculty and staff may borrow books, DVDs, periodicals and newspapers. There are group study rooms available. Also available are online databases, internet access, a printer and a photocopy machine.

Instruction in library usage, research strategies, methods and skill development are an integral part of the library program. In support of the Academy’s commitment to MLA style, the library staff offer instruction in parenthetical citation, creation of the works cited and format of written work. Students, faculty and staff are expected to treat materials with respect; items damaged, lost or unreturned are billed to the borrower. Food and drink are not allowed in the Athenæum.

Athenæum Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; 6:30 - 10 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.; 6:30 - 10 p.m.

B. The Athletic Center

The Athletic Center includes spaces, Jane McNamara Kelly Fitness Center, Greenhalgh Gymnasium and Dance Room, that are available for student use throughout the school year. The facility hours change depending on the season, however the Fitness Center is typically open during the following hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 5:30 - 10 p.m.

Friday - Sunday: as scheduled for weekend activities

C. Campus Center

The Campus Center is a space where members of the community can relax and interact with one another in an informal setting. Users are expected to behave in a responsible and considerate manner and to keep the space neat. Snack bar hours for the Campus Center are posted via email and may be subject to change.

D. Campus Store

The Campus Store, located on the first floor of Rich Hall, is open weekly and stocks many convenience items, apparel and gift items, in addition to textbooks and school supplies. Students and families may use cash, credit or debit cards to make purchases in the Campus Store.

E. iLab

Our 5,000-square-foot iLab is a multidisciplinary space that is the next natural iteration of our growing STEM program. This state-of-the-art lab houses a digital printing, cutting and fabrication area including 3D printers, 3D scanner and a laser cutter, a machine shop with a manual lathe and mill and a CNC lathe and CNC mill, a well-equipped wood and composite shop, two robotics bays with computer-aided design and programming stations, a design studio for textiles and photography and more.

Faculty and students using the area are expected to work with the iLab Director and to treat the area and equipment with respect. They must follow safety protocols and directions and properly clean up the space after they use it.

F. Lak Dining Hall

The primary rule governing the use of the dining hall is respect for the rights of the community and for the facility itself. Students should wear shirts with sleeves and clothing that is reasonable and respectable for the dining table. At all times, each person in the dining hall is expected to exhibit good table manners and to clean up after themselves. Any student who brings a guest should sign a charge slip for the guest’s meal and will be charged to their student account. Charge slips are available upon request from a dining services employee.

Faculty and students with suggestions for meals and activities are encouraged to communicate with the Director of Flik Dining.

G. The Learning Center & Academic Services

WMA is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. We encourage students to become active partners in the accommodation process and to take ownership of their educational experience. We aim to help these students develop self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-advocacy, which are critical life skills and essential to finding success at WMA.

1. Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA) of 2008, WMA provides accommodations that are reasonable and appropriate to students with properly documented disabilities. Accommodation eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis after a thorough documentation review.

Reasonable accommodations permit a qualified student access to WMA’s programs without fundamentally altering the essential elements of the program, requirements or curriculum.

Students who wish to request such accommodations should contact the Dean of Studies to receive guidance in what documentation is necessary for the review. The School expects the family’s cooperation in this process and may consult outside providers in its process to determine a student’s accommodations. Please keep in mind that necessary documentation from an evaluator with relevant professional credentials can take substantial time and the review of accommodation requests may be subject to processing and service delays. Any questions should be directed to the Director of Learning Center or Dean of Studies.

2. Standardized Testing Accommodations

The College Board (PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests and AP exams) and the ACT offer nonstandard administration of standardized tests for qualified students. Applying for accommodations on standardized tests is a separate process from that which is used at WMA to determine eligibility for accommodations on school-based tests. In order to receive assistance in submitting accommodations requests, please complete the ACT’s and College Board’s Consent Forms for Accommodation Requests so that we can submit the appropriate and required documentation on behalf of your child. Families and students should contact the College Counseling Office for assistance.

H. Pratt Room

The Pratt Room is available for students to practice their musical instruments. During the week, students sign out the key from the Deans Office. On the weekend, students sign out the key with the Administrator on Duty. The hours are:

Monday - Friday: 8 - 10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon; 8 - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - noon

We expect everyone to treat the space and the items in the space with respect. If students are not respecting the space and/or instruments or behaving in a manner not appropriate for the space, then the School may close the room to use and/or restrict students from using the space.

I. Mail & Packages

Each boarding student is assigned a Campus Center mailbox where mail and packages are distributed. Mail should be addressed to the student at:

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

423 Main Street

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Any packages to be shipped by truck or United Parcel Service should be sent postpaid and plainly marked with the student’s name. Mail is delivered Monday to Friday. Students may pick up packages at times designated by the School. Parents/guardians who wish to leave items for their student after hours may call the Administrator on Duty. Any mail addressed to day students will be held in the mailroom, and the student will be contacted for pickup.

J. Laundry

The Academy uses Automatic Laundry to supply laundry machines to each dormitory. There is a fee per load for these machines that can be paid via an app or pre-paid laundry card.

The Academy offers laundry and dry cleaning services through E & R Laundry and Dry Cleaning. E & R laundry bags are dropped off in the Pratt Room hallway. All laundry and dry cleaned items can be picked up from the Campus Center Mailroom.

K. Banking Information

Boarding students are responsible for their own allowance funds. If such services are desired, parents or students can set up an account with a local bank. The closest bank is Citizens Bank at 455 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095.

Middle School

I. Campus Hours & Drop-Off/Pickup

The Middle School campus hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., before and after which there will be no direct supervision available for students unless arranged in advance. Students arriving at school before 7:30 a.m. or who remain on campus after 5:30 p.m. must receive approval, in advance, from the Director of the Middle School. Afternoon programs may necessitate a student being on campus during the weekend or on a weeknight evening, so it is important timely transportation by the student’s family is arranged.

The Middle School student drop-off area is in the Athletic Center parking lot between Lak Dining Hall and the Athletic Center and is supervised most mornings in the first trimester. Drop-off of Middle School students is not allowed in the Lak Dining Hall parking lot or the LaBrecque Dorm parking lot. Students requiring assistance entering the building should contact the Director of the Middle School to review a plan.

II. Academic Program

A. Overview

The primary goal of our Middle School is to promote the intellectual, social and physical growth of young adolescents. We seek to stimulate and satisfy the innate curiosity of our young learners through courses in English, World Cultures, Science, Mathematics and World Languages, with executive functioning, technology skills and other skills incorporated into each course. All Middle School students also take art, music, health and physical education. The academic program is further enhanced by the inclusion of our boarding program, where students spanning the globe enrich classroom experiences with cultural and experiential diversity. To learn more about our robust curriculum, please refer to our curriculum guide.

B. Waivers

Waiving of any specific course requirement resulting from a health-related issue or a diagnosed documented disability is determined on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting a waiver will need to provide documentation supporting any request. The Director of Learning Center, Director of Health Services and additional professionals may be consulted. The Head of School, Director of the Middle School and Dean of Studies make final decisions related to waivers.

C. Academic Integrity

Education presupposes a context in which honesty is a critical ingredient. Departure from this standard constitutes a violation of a major school rule. Faculty members discuss students and include on their course syllabi, expectations for individual courses and assignments. The following are examples of academic dishonesty. These examples are not inclusive.

• Plagiarism (unacknowledged use of another’s words or ideas)

• Using unauthorized notes or other aids in a test, quiz or examination, or copying from or being influenced by another student’s work during a graded evaluation

• Giving unauthorized aid to another student; examples include, but are not limited to, allowing another to copy or use one’s test, paper or homework

• Using help on homework, papers or take-home tests that is beyond the limits specified by a teacher, including help from other students, siblings, parents and friends

• Using translating software or translations of texts studied in class without the permission of the teacher

• Submitting the same work for credit to more than one teacher unless both teachers give their permission, or resubmitting previously submitted work for another grade without permission

• Intending to cheat by preparing materials to do so, such as notecards and then bringing them into an assessment

• Submitting work that is not your own to a school contest or publication

We recognize that generative artificial intelligence is an emerging technology. While we expect students to produce work that is wholly their own, we also understand that progressive technology can be a valuable tool for teaching and learning in our dynamic world. To that end, the appropriate, guided use of AI may be embraced by teachers on a case-by-case basis. Please note that copying or paraphrasing work generated through the use of AI will be treated as plagiarism, and as a clear violation of our Academic Honesty policy.

Any incident of academic dishonesty will be brought to the attention of the advisor, Director of the Middle School and the Dean of Studies and addressed within the Discipline Policy as outlined in this Handbook.

In the case of cheating or plagiarizing on standardized tests, or during competitions external to WMA, these incidents will be brought to the attention of the Director of the Middle School and the Dean of Studies immediately. WMA will cooperate with and follow any protocol set forth by outside institutions, as well as address the incident within our Discipline Policy.

D. Grades & Comments

Grades and comments are communicated through our online reporting system PowerSchool. Teachers are asked to update student grades once each week, and parents/ guardians and students can access grades at any time to monitor weekly progress. Our academic year is divided into six marking periods. Families are notified by Parent eNews when the marking period grades are finalized. Formal comments are sent home for all students twice each year. Additional written comments for specific courses may be sent home if a student's grade at the marking period is at C- or below, or if the grade has dropped significantly for the marking period.

E. Student Records/Transcripts

Students’ records are kept in the Middle School Office using PowerSchool, a web-based student information system and a filing system. PowerSchool allows us to track and archive grades and attendance, and the filing system contains transcript(s), standardized test results, other pertinent educational information and formal communication, including disciplinary infractions.

Students may request an official copy of their transcript by contacting the Registrar and filling out a transcript request form on the School’s website.

F. Grading System

Faculty members assess student academic performance by assigning the following grades: A, B, C, D and F, with plus and minus notations when appropriate. The numerical equivalents of each letter grade are listed below. Incomplete grades may only be assigned when a student has been absent for an approved reason and was unable to complete work by the end of the particular marking period.

G. Academic Honors

Faculty members assess student academic performance by assigning grades on a 0 - 100 scale. The letter equivalents of each numerical grade are listed below. Lists of students earning Honors, High Honors and Highest Honors are published on the Academy’s website at the end of each Term. A student must earn a numerical average of 87 to be eligible for Honors, 93 for High Honors, and 97 for Highest Honors. A student may not have a grade below 73 and must be fully enrolled throughout the term to be eligible for academic honors.