Student Handbook AC A D EM I C Y EA R 2 01 3 -14
CONTACTS HEAD OF SCHOOL Robert W. Hill III 529-3222 | rhill@williston.com
DEAN OF STUDENTS Kathryn Noble, Dean 529-3249 | knoble@williston.com
ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL Jeffrey W. Ketcham 529-3232 | jketcham@williston.com
David Koritkoski, Assistant Dean Director of Advising and Housing 529-3245 | dkoritkoski@williston.com
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR LEGACY DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECRUITMENT Ann Pickrell 529-3242 | apickrell@williston.com
CLASS DEANS
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS Glenn Swanson ’64 529-3273 | gswanson@williston.com ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Greg Tuleja, Academic Dean 529-3227 | gtuleja@williston.com
Christa Talbot ’98, Class of 2014 529-3401 | ctalbot@williston.com Bridget Choo, Class of 2015 529-3277 | bchoo@williston.com Matthew Spearing, Class of 2016 529-3340 | mspearing@williston.com Matthew Sawyer, Class of 2017 529-3775 | msawyer@williston.com
Kimberly Evelti, Associate Academic Dean 529-3071 | kevelti@williston.com
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COORDINATOR Bridget Choo 529-3277 | bchoo@williston.com
ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID Chris Dietrich, Director 529-3205 | cdietrich@williston.com
HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES Kerry-Beth Garvey, Director 529-3234 | kgarvey@williston.com
ATHLETICS Mark Conroy, Director 529-3253 | mconroy@williston.com
THE ROBERT PARKER CLAPP LIBRARY Mary Paige, Library Director 529-3225 | mpaige@williston.com
ADVANCEMENT Eric Yates, Chief Advancement Officer 529-3306 | eyates@williston.com
MIDDLE SCHOOL Jen Fulcher, Director 529-3229 | jfulcher@williston.com
BUSINESS OFFICE Charles McCullagh, Chief Financial Officer 529-3261 | cmccullagh@williston.com Jane Plumley, Controller 529-3236 | jplumley@williston.com COLLEGE COUNSELING Tim Cheney, Director 529-3221 | tcheney@williston.com COMMUNICATIONS Traci Wolfe, Director 529-3311 | twolfe@williston.com DEAN OF FACULTY Peter Valine, Dean 529-3379 | pvaline@williston.com
Andrew Syfu, Coordinator of Student Affairs 529-3250 | asyfu@williston.com NINTH GRADE PROGRAM Allison Marsland, Coordinator 529-3282 | amarsland@williston.com Matt Sawyer, Coordinator 529-3775 | msawyer@williston.com PARENT RELATIONS Rachel Goldberg, Director 529-3308 | rgoldberg@williston.com TECHNOLOGY Andrew Shelffo, Chief Information Officer 529-3237 | ashelffo@williston.com
Student Handbook ACA DE M I C Y E AR 2 01 3-1 4
The Williston Northampton School Student Handbook is published and distributed to members of the Williston Northampton School community for the purpose of providing information on aspects of student and campus life. Students, parents, faculty, administration, and staff should all read and be familiar with the contents of this handbook, so that each member of the community knows and understands the expectations of students within our community. This handbook is not intended to create, nor does it create, a contract or part of a contract in any way, including but not limited to, between Williston Northampton School and any parent, guardian, or student affiliated with or attending the school. Williston Northampton School reserves the right to alter, amend, or modify the policies and procedures in this handbook at any time before, during, or after the school year.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Parent and Student Acknowledgement.......................................................4 Welcome to the School...............................................................................5
INTRODUCTION..................................................................... 6 Mission Statement.....................................................................................6 Philosophy and Values................................................................................6 History of the School..................................................................................7 Diversity at Williston..................................................................................7 Non-Discrimination Statement..................................................................7
CHARACTER AND HONOR................................................ 8 Academic Honesty..................................................................................... 8 Cheating................................................................................................... 8 Plagiarism................................................................................................. 8 Consequences for Academic Dishonesty.................................................... 8
ACADEMIC PROGRAM......................................................... 9 Curriculum................................................................................................9 The Afternoon Program..............................................................................9 The Fine and Performing Arts Intensive Program.....................................10 Outside Endeavors/Waivers......................................................................10 Course Load and Homework....................................................................10 Special Studies.........................................................................................10 Add/Drop.................................................................................................10 Tests and Assessments..............................................................................10 Grade Reports.......................................................................................... 11 Academic Honors..................................................................................... 11 Prizes and Awards ................................................................................... 11 Promotion Standards ............................................................................... 11 Academic Probation ................................................................................ 11 Standardized Testing ............................................................................... 12 Advanced Placement Courses .................................................................. 12 Summer Reading and Other Preparation ................................................. 12 College Counseling .................................................................................. 12 Graduation .............................................................................................. 12
SCHOOL RULES .....................................................................13 General Conduct...................................................................................... 13 Attendance and Absences......................................................................... 13 Medical Leave..........................................................................................14 Tardiness.................................................................................................. 15 Security.................................................................................................... 15 Dress Code and Appearance..................................................................... 15 Permission to Leave Campus During the Day...........................................16 Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation...................................................16 Sexual Harassment................................................................................... 17 Hazing..................................................................................................... 17 Technology Basics.................................................................................... 17 Electronic Communications and Acceptable Use...................................... 17 Email.......................................................................................................20 Cell Phones and Electronic Devices..........................................................20
Use of Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco..........................................................20 Sanctuary Policy....................................................................................... 21 Sexual Intimacy........................................................................................ 21 Safety Violations/Weapons on Campus..................................................... 21 Property Damage......................................................................................22 Search and Seizure...................................................................................22 Driving Privileges/Off-Campus Privileges.................................................22 Gambling.................................................................................................22
DAILY LIFE AT SCHOOL.................................................... 23 Advisors...................................................................................................23 School Day Schedule................................................................................24 Religious Services and Holidays................................................................24 Day Students............................................................................................24 International Students..............................................................................24 Early Dismissal.........................................................................................24 School Meetings and Assemblies..............................................................24 Van Pool Information...............................................................................24 Student Lockers.......................................................................................24 Dining Service.........................................................................................25
RESIDENTIAL LIFE AT SCHOOL................................... 26 Dormitory Living.....................................................................................26 What to Bring...........................................................................................26 What to Leave at Home............................................................................26 Rooms......................................................................................................26 Room Assignments...................................................................................27 Fire and Safety Drills................................................................................27 Dorm Visitations......................................................................................27 Guests......................................................................................................28 Hours.......................................................................................................28 Permission to Leave Campus....................................................................28 Off-Campus Travel and Visitations...........................................................29 Vacations..................................................................................................29 Campus Mailboxes...................................................................................30 Check Cashing.........................................................................................30 Travel Arrangements................................................................................30 Food Deliveries ........................................................................................ 31
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION............................ 32 Accreditation...........................................................................................32 Governance..............................................................................................32 Family-School Communication................................................................32 Parent-Teacher Communication and Conferences....................................32 Background Checks..................................................................................32 Current Family Contact Information........................................................32 Dual Households......................................................................................33 Pets on Campus........................................................................................33 Parking/Drop-off and Pick-Up..................................................................33 Student Records and Transcripts..............................................................33 Student Center.........................................................................................33
Lost and Found.........................................................................................33 School Supplies and Books.......................................................................33 Sammy Card and Button Bucks................................................................34 Gift Giving...............................................................................................34
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY..................................... SERVICE..................................................................................... 35 Student Council.......................................................................................35 Work for Williston Program......................................................................36 Student Activities and Organizations........................................................36 Fundraising..............................................................................................37 Parents’ Association..................................................................................37
SPECIAL EVENTS ................................................................. 38 School-Sponsored Social Events...............................................................38 School Gatherings Off Campus (Not Sponsored by School)......................38 Family Weekends and Visits.....................................................................38 Supervised Home Visits............................................................................38 School Trips.............................................................................................39 Special Overnight Trips............................................................................39 Dances.....................................................................................................39
STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS.................................. SERVICES.................................................................................. 49 Health and Wellness Staff.........................................................................49 Health and Wellness Services Hours of Operation....................................49 Orientation..............................................................................................49 Health Education.....................................................................................49 Heath Records, Regulations, and Access...................................................49 Health Insurance......................................................................................50 Medications at School..............................................................................50 Food Allergies..........................................................................................50 Asthma Management...............................................................................50 Head Lice................................................................................................. 51 Reproductive Health................................................................................ 51 Emergencies............................................................................................. 51 Parental Notification................................................................................ 51 Substance Abuse Testing and Treatment Referrals.................................... 51 Head Injuries and Concussions.................................................................52
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES...................................... 53
Loan Period..............................................................................................40 Returns and Renewals .............................................................................40 Interlibrary Loan......................................................................................40 Conduct...................................................................................................40
Accommodations.....................................................................................53 Academic Support Plans...........................................................................53 The Math Resource Center.......................................................................53 The Writing Center..................................................................................53 Outside Testing/Evaluation......................................................................53 Mental Health Counseling........................................................................54 Confidentiality.........................................................................................54 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting..........................................................54
ATHLETICS...............................................................................41
PARENTAL COMPORTMENT........................................... 55
Eligibility..................................................................................................41 Commitment............................................................................................41 Athletic Clothing and Equipment.............................................................41 Game Day Information.............................................................................41 Additional Expenses.................................................................................42 Sportsmanship.........................................................................................42 Medical and Other Excuses......................................................................42 Communication.......................................................................................42 Discipline.................................................................................................42
Parental Comportment and Support for School Policies...........................55
DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES................................................. 43
APPENDIX A: PROHIBITION AGAINST......................... HAZING..................................................................................... 59
THE ROBERT PARKER CLAPP LIBRARY..................... 40
General....................................................................................................43 Disciplinary Action..................................................................................43 Disciplinary Terms and Process................................................................44 Discipline Committee..............................................................................45 College Reporting.................................................................................... 48 Attendance and Decorum Units...............................................................46 Behavioral Expectations While Away From Campus.................................47 Parent Involvement................................................................................. 48 Non-Continuation................................................................................... 48
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT.................................. 56 Academics................................................................................................56 Facilities and Services..............................................................................57 Community Expectations and Rules.........................................................57 Communications......................................................................................58 Middle School Hours...............................................................................58 Middle School Offices..............................................................................58
SCHEDULE & HOURS......................................................... 60 Upper School Schedule........................................................................... 60 Middle School Schedule...........................................................................62 Travel Dates.............................................................................................63 Facility Hours...........................................................................................64
PARENT AND STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This form acknowledges that we understand that, as Williston Northampton School students and parents, we are asked to support the school and its mission and to acquaint ourselves with and abide by the school’s policies and procedures. We understand that this handbook is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to create, nor does it create, a contract or part of a contract in any way, including but not limited to, between Williston Northampton School and any parent, guardian, or student affiliated with or attending the school. We further understand that Williston Northampton School reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to add, revise, and/or delete school policies before, during, and after the school year. Our signatures below indicate that we have reviewed and familiarized ourselves with the contents of the 2013-2014 Williston Northampton School Student Handbook and agree to abide by the school’s policies and procedures, as outlined in the handbook.
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Student Signature(s) – All students must sign
Date
Date
Date
Print Student/Students’ First and Last Name
Please sign, print the last name of your child(ren), and return this form by September 2013.
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WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL Welcome to a new school year at the Williston Northampton School! The Student Handbook is a guide to our community’s core values and the corresponding expectations that we place not only on our students, but on all of our community members. While it bears the title of Student Handbook, this guide is a resource for all parents, students, and adult members of our community. It outlines our school rules and discipline procedures; it also conveys the values and beliefs that are the cornerstones of all of our interactions as members of the Williston community. You will find that the values of respect, responsibility, trust, integrity, and honesty are embodied in the expectations of conduct that we have at Williston. Through each student’s personal initiatives and challenges, we become a thriving community of learners and friends who grow from sharing each other’s talents and strengths. For students, we encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities for personal growth and learning that will be afforded you in the upcoming months. The possibilities are endless. Expand your circle of experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and develop new and meaningful relationships with both students and adults alike. Please note that this handbook applies to both the Middle and Upper Schools; however, there is a supplement at the end of the handbook that highlights policies and procedures that are just applicable to the Middle School. If a policy is not mentioned in the Middle School section, then students and parents should look to the main part of the handbook for guidance on a particular issue. Pursue those areas where you will thrive and have success; explore the unknown and try new activities that may challenge you. All of us at Williston look forward to your arrival on campus and to being available to assist you in the coming year. See you around campus!
Robert W. Hill III Head of School
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INTRODUCTION MISSION STATEMENT
considered an especially grave affront to the community.
The Williston Northampton School inspires students to live with purpose, passion, and integrity.
The school’s values are encapsulated by these tenets:
PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES
The school’s philosophy comprises the tenets of respect for self and others, responsibility and trust, and honesty and integrity, as more fully described below. RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS
Respect and responsibility are two values essential to life within the school community, as well as to the democratic society of which we are a part. Respect means having regard for, and paying attention to, the welfare and rights of others, in addition to protecting one’s own well being. The school strives to maintain a community free from all forms of intimidation and harassment and expects every individual to be treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. The school believes further that the quality of the life and work we share together is enriched by generosity of spirit, civility, a positive attitude, and the kind of consideration for others that goes well beyond respect alone. RESPONSIBILITY AND TRUST
All communities depend upon trust to function well. We must be able to rely upon each other to keep our promises and to accept responsibility for our mistakes when we fall short. When a student enrolls at Williston, the school expects that both the student and his or her parents will adhere to the values and the more specific rules of the school as they are outlined in this handbook. While there are consequences for failing to observe the rules of the school, as an educational institution we understand that young people make mistakes and that important learning can come from dealing responsibly and thoughtfully with one’s missteps. HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
Each member of the community is expected to prize the integrity of his or her own word. Giving false or deceptive information in any circumstances casts serious doubt on that integrity and is
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• Academic Excellence: Williston recognizes that academic excellence is an essential component of a valuable boarding school experience. We foster excellence and achievement in and out of the classroom by encouraging our community of learners to accept and engage in intellectual challenge. We set an uncompromising standard for teaching, learning, creativity, and scholarship within and across disciplines. Our community values learning as both preparation for college and as a lifelong endeavor. • Individuality: Williston fosters personal growth in an environment where every individual matters. We value the power of individual expression and encourage students and faculty to develop, share, and pursue their unique passions and interests. We support personal development and self-discovery by promoting meaningful participation in a wide array of academic, artistic, community service, and athletic programs. • Responsibility: Williston believes responsibility begins with personal integrity and self-respect and extends to our relationships with others. We work to instill qualities such as fairness, honesty, empathy, and generosity of spirit in our students and faculty in order to foster their leadership and to make meaningful contributions within and beyond our school boundaries. • Community: Williston values community and stewards the rights and responsibilities associated with membership in that community. We support and champion one another as we encourage engagement and service. We recognize that diversity of thought and perspective within our community contributes to a broadened understanding of ourselves, our responsibilities, and the world we inhabit. • Collaboration: Williston values collaboration as a way to support our efforts to learn and excel. We believe through collaboration we find new sources of knowledge and the skills to achieve intellectual growth. We actively seek out partnerships in our community, including the outstanding colleges and universities
surrounding our campus, to augment our school environment. The connections our students and faculty form with each other, on campus and beyond, allow them to gain a broader and more relevant context for learning. HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
The Williston Northampton School came into existence in 1971 with the merging of Williston Academy and Northampton School for Girls. Williston Seminary was founded in 1841 on a campus located on Main Street in Easthampton by industrialist and philanthropist Samuel Williston. The school was coeducational until 1864 and changed its name to Williston Academy in 1924. From 1916 forward the school operated on two campuses: the “Old Campus” on Main Street, and the “New Campus” at the present location. In 1951 operations were consolidated onto the “New Campus.” The school underwent two decades of expansion and improvement in the 1950s and 1960s. Northampton School for Girls, which opened in 1924 on Pomeroy Terrace in Northampton, was founded by Sarah B. Whitaker and Dorothy M. Bement, former teachers at the Capen School for Girls in Northampton. The two schools shared musical and dramatic, and social activities. They merged for the academic year 1971-72.
DIVERSITY AT WILLISTON
In accordance with the school’s mission, there are two Diversity Committees on campus dedicated to actively creating a community culture that is respectful, aware of all individuals, approaches, and perspectives. The committees endorse a broad definition of diversity, and seek to provide programs and resources that enhance knowledge and encourage understanding of diversity. The adult Diversity Committee is comprised of members of the faculty, staff, administration, and Five College interns and reflects the scope of cultural identities in our community. The student Diversity Committee works in collaboration with the adult Diversity Committee, and is largely responsible for setting the vision and programming for the year, including the Diversity Conference. Both committees are chaired by the director of diversity.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Williston admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, class, family structure, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, class, family structure, or disability in the administration of its educational, admissions, scholarship and loan, athletic, and other programs.
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CHARACTER AND HONOR ACADEMIC HONESTY
As an academic institution, the school values academic honesty and expects a student’s work to be his or her own. If students find technical aspects of academic source citation and plagiarism confusing, it is their responsibility to seek assistance to correct misunderstanding and to represent their use of print, electronic, and human resources accurately. The improper giving or receiving of academic information may be considered by the school to be cheating.
CHEATING
Cheating is not tolerated.
as such BEFORE the assignment is turned in for a mark. Similarly, any questions that a student might have about plagiarism should be asked BEFORE a particular work is turned in to be graded. The use of translation websites is prohibited by the Language Department.
CONSEQUENCES FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Students who give or receive information or otherwise cheat on quizzes, tests, or exams will be disciplined and are subject to suspension or separation from the school. NINTH OR TENTH GRADE
First offense: The student meets with the academic dean, the teacher, and the advisor. The assignment typically receives a grade of zero and a written warning is sent to the student and his or her parents.
PLAGIARISM ELEVENTH OR TWELFTH GRADE
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty. Using someone else’s ideas, words, phrases, and/or designs without giving credit is prohibited. All work that is turned in (be it written, oral, artistic, or programmed for a computer) should be the student’s own, except where otherwise credited. Students are sometimes encouraged to make references to other works, but these references (including individual ideas, words, phrases, and/or designs) must be credited properly. Material used from Internet sites must be credited in the same way as any other reference source. Any outside help (sources, proofreading, typing, or copying by another) that a student has used in preparation for a written, oral, or artistic work should be noted
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First offense: In addition to the response above for 9th and 10th graders, the student is placed on probation. As in all serious disciplinary issues, any student may request that the discipline committee hear the case. It is well understood by the Academic Office that students might engage in objectionable academic behavior without intending to mislead the teacher or to subvert the integrity of the academic program. The academic dean is responsible for making these judgments and evaluations, and for administering consequences for violations of academic honesty.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM CURRICULUM
In order to receive a Williston diploma, a student must complete 57 academic credits in courses offered at the 9th through 12th grade level. A full year course receives three credits and a trimester course receives one credit. The 57 credits must include: ENGLISH (12 CREDITS)
Each student must be enrolled in an English course during every trimester of attendance. English Language Learning (ELL) courses are considered to be part of the English Department.
by an admissions officer during the student’s interview. For returning students in both the Middle and Upper Schools, the academic program is drawn up initially by the student and the student’s faculty advisor, and then reviewed by the department heads and the academic dean. Students are advised to talk with their teachers about course choices and placement, and parents are urged to participate early in the process through consultation with the faculty advisor in April and May. Please check the distribution requirements of particular college in which students may be interested, as requirements and recommended course programs vary.
MATHEMATICS (9 CREDITS)
These must include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II; most students go beyond these requirements. SCIENCE (6 CREDITS)
Three credits must be a full year of life science (Biology or Environmental Science) and three credits must be a full year of physical science (Physics or Chemistry); most students go beyond these requirements. LANGUAGE (6 SEQUENTIAL CREDITS)
Each student must complete at least six credits in the same language during grades 9–12; most students take at least a third year. Students for whom English is not a first language need not fulfill credits in this department. HISTORY AND GLOBAL STUDIES (8 CREDITS)
Three credits must be taken in U.S. History. Three- and four-year students must take World Civilizations in the 9th or 10th grade. For two-, three-, and four-year students, at least one credit must be selected from among the religion and philosophy courses (6700 level). Most students go beyond these requirements.
THE AFTERNOON PROGRAM
The Afternoon Program is an integral part of the Williston experience. All Upper School students, boarding and day, are required to be involved in the program each trimester. Depending upon their grade level, students choose either group or independent options. Examples of group options include competitive athletics, dance, technical theater, and winter drama production. Independent options provide opportunities for students to pursue activities such as fine or performing arts intensives. In recognition of the importance of physical education, all group and independent options include an exercise component. Here is a review of the expectations for the various grade levels: • 11th and 12th grade – minimum of one group option • 9th and 10th grade – minimum of two group options • 8th grade – must participate for two trimesters in two different group options • 7th grade – no required participation It should be noted that all new Upper School students must choose a group option in the fall.
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS (3 CREDITS)
Two-, three-, and four-year students must complete three credits. Students are urged to select from offerings both in the studio/performance courses and in the humanities. When a student enters Williston at the Upper School level, his or her academic program is designed by the academic dean after review of the student’s records and any notes made
Students wishing to pursue any special project or exemption, including an outside sport, sport specialization, academic- or artrelated endeavor, or any other type of project, must apply to the Special Project Committee at least one week prior to the start of an Afternoon Program trimester.
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THE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS INTENSIVE PROGRAM
The Fine and Performing Arts Intensive Program exists to provide opportunities and support for the serious musician, visual artist, or theater technician/actor. In instances of demonstrated commitment, a student may opt to spend one or two trimesters (depending on class) engaged in arts activities in lieu of after school sports.
is taught by a Williston faculty member in close collaboration with professors, graduate students, researchers, and professionals from the surrounding community. These courses are rigorous and the expectations are high as students prepare for the individual research they will use to complete a comprehensive project as part of the curriculum. Projects are assessed at the end of the second trimester by a faculty committee, including the supervising teacher, collaborating community members, and the academic dean. Students whose projects are determined by the committee to be exceptional will receive special recognition as a Williston Scholar in the department hosting their course.
OUTSIDE ENDEAVORS/WAIVERS DIRECTED STUDIES
The school understands that it is inevitable that some students may pursue interests off campus, athletic and otherwise, during the school year. In general, it is school policy that students must first meet their commitment to the Williston Afternoon Program. Having said this, the school recognizes that there will be the occasional conflict. In such cases, it is critical that communication take place between students and their Williston Afternoon Program leader (coach, teacher) to avoid conflicts when possible. Questions regarding this can be directed to the director of athletics. Waiver of any diploma requirement may be granted only by the faculty upon a recommendation made by a committee that includes the head of school or his designated representative, the academic dean, the college counselor, and, when waiver of a specific course is involved, the department head.
COURSE LOAD AND HOMEWORK
Students in grades 9-12 are expected to take five courses each trimester, and students should expect about 45 minutes of homework in each class every day. Occasionally, a student might be permitted to take six courses for a trimester, but a specific petition is required for this. A six-course load is typically reserved for students on high honors from the previous trimester.
Directed Studies are tutorial courses on special topics not included in the regular curriculum. A student may plan a Directed Study with a faculty member, but final approval of the proposal is granted by the department head and the academic dean. The Directed Study must be a fifth or sixth course and is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
ADD/DROP
At the beginning of the fall trimester (for year-long courses) and at the beginning of each trimester (for trimester electives), an Upper School student may withdraw from a course, with the approval of the teacher, advisor, and the academic dean. No record of the course will appear on the student’s transcript if the withdrawal occurs before interim comments are recorded. With the exception of these time periods, all withdrawals are recorded Withdrawn/Passing or Withdrawn/Failing. Generally, no requests for withdrawal from a course may be considered or approved after interim comments are recorded. Except under the most unusual of circumstances, students may not enter a course later than seven class days after the beginning of the course. A change in course level, for example from French III Honors to French III, would be an exception to this policy.
SPECIAL STUDIES
TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS
WILLISTON SCHOLARS
All courses have periodic, timed tests which are administered according to established schedules, standard time frames, and goals appropriate to each course. Assessments at the end of each trimester are one and a half hours long with required review classes scheduled for subsequent assessments.
The Williston Scholars program allows students to pursue their academic and creative passions and to apply their talents to a specific area of study. Each course in the Williston Scholars program provides a group of students the opportunity to engage in rigorous study for one trimester, followed by a second trimester of independent project work. The course component of the program
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GRADE REPORTS
The school year consists of three trimesters with formal numerical grades recorded at the end of each trimester. Interim comments for some students may also be recorded at the midpoint of a particular trimester. All interim and trimester grades and comments are made available electronically to parents, students, and advisors. Upper School trimester grades and interim comments will be posted on WillyNet. Comments from teachers will also be posted in each trimester for students whose grades are below 70. Letters from advisors are posted in December.
• • • •
The Harvard Book Prize (11th Grade) The Dartmouth Book Prize (11th Grade) The Holy Cross Book Prize (11th Grade) The Yale/Granniss Book Prize (11th Grade)
In addition to these prizes for underclassmen, 12 senior prizes are awarded at graduation. The top three senior prizes are: the Valedictory Prize for the first scholar of the class, the Archibald V. Galbraith Prize for the outstanding senior boy, and the Sarah B. Whitaker Award (the White Blazer) for the outstanding senior girl.
PROMOTION STANDARDS ACADEMIC HONORS
The passing and college recommending grade at Williston is 60. Qualifications for Upper School honor roll are as follows: • Honors: minimum grade point average of 87 • High Honors: minimum grade point average of 92 Honors designations are based on weighted trimester grade point averages. All honors and advanced placement (AP) courses receive a five-point bonus in the grade point average only. • Cum Laude Society: The highest honor for a student is election to the Cum Laude Society, a national organization that recognizes high academic achievement in independent secondary schools. Students eligible for election are those seniors who, in the judgment of the faculty membership, demonstrate the highest academic achievement. Induction to Cum Laude to the top 10 percent of the class for the first induction in January and the top 20 percent for the second induction at commencement.
For promotion from 9th to 10th grade, a student must have successfully completed 12 credits, including three credits in 9thgrade English. For promotion from 10th to 11th grade, a student must have successfully accumulated 27 credits, including three credits in 10th-grade English. For promotion from 11th to 12th grade, a student must have successfully accumulated 42 credits, including three credits in 11th-grade English. Diploma requirements also include: a passing grade in all courses taken in the senior year; enrollment in five courses in the third trimester senior year, each worth one credit; enrollment at Williston throughout the senior year and through graduation ceremonies; positive citizenship; regular participation in the athletic program; and satisfactory completion of the Senior Project, for those who choose to do one. Diplomas are granted on the voted recommendation of the faculty prior to graduation, and then confirmed by vote of the Board of Trustees.
ACADEMIC PROBATION PRIZES AND AWARDS
The Upper School awards numerous endowed book prizes for academic achievement at the awards assembly. Also presented at this time are the major class prizes for outstanding achievement in all areas of school life. These major prizes include: • • • •
The Bowdoin Book Prize (9th Grade) The Smith Book Award (9th Grade) The Williams Book Prize (10th Grade) The Yale Book Prize (10th Grade)
Any student whose trimester report includes two grades lower than 70 or one grade lower than 60 shall be placed on academic probation. Generally, if the student’s grades at the end of the following trimester are not sufficiently improved for removal from academic probation status, the student will be permitted to continue at Williston only by vote of the faculty. Each student who is placed on academic probation will meet with his or her teachers, his or her advisor, and the academic dean to formulate a plan to assist the student. The student and his or her parents will be notified of the probation, as well as the features of any assistance plan.
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Seniors, including postgraduates, who are in jeopardy of failing a year-long course, or who have failed a first trimester course, may be required to withdraw from the school at the end of the fall trimester.
course should expect to take the AP exam. The cost of each AP exam in 2013 was $87.00.
SUMMER READING AND OTHER PREPARATION STANDARDIZED TESTING
In mid-October, 10th and 11th grade students take the PSAT at Williston. Williston will register students on campus before the PSAT takes place. These tests are administered by Williston, as are the AP exams, which are given in May. The SAT and ACT are recommended to be taken by 11th graders in the winter/ spring, and most students will take either test an additional one to two times into the fall of their senior year. Many students also choose to take the SAT Subject Tests to meet college application requirements in addition to the SAT, on a schedule similar to that of the SAT. Results of the PSAT arrive in early December, at which time students are instructed to pick up their scores from the College Counseling Office and bring them home for winter break. The College Counseling Office recommends that students discuss their scores with their parents over winter break and bring their results to their first college counseling meeting in January. At that point, an individualized strategy can be developed for standardized testing. For the results of the ACT and SAT, students must contact those testing companies directly. Please keep in mind that Williston only registers students for the PSAT; the SAT and ACT must be registered by either students or parents through their respective websites: • www.actstudent.org • www.sat.collegeboard.org ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
In May, the academic departments and the Middle School faculty provide the academic dean with the names of those students who are recommended for placement in honors and/or advanced placement (AP) sections. While every effort is made to respond to legitimate requests for specific courses and to keep students and parents informed about the status of requests for honors and AP courses, placement in these courses is ultimately made by the academic dean in consultation with the academic department heads. All AP courses follow approved syllabi, which prepare students for the AP exam in May. Students who enroll in an AP
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During the summer, students should read both assigned books and optional selections. Also, depending on their course selections for the following year, some students will need to review additional materials to help them prepare for the coming year. Information about these materials comes from the academic departments. If students or parents have questions, department heads will be happy to help.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
The College Counseling Office provides both advice and information to students and their families throughout the research, application, and selection process. The counselors generally work not only in close contact with students’ advisors, teachers, and coaches, but also with admissions officers at colleges and universities in order to help offices of admission receive the most complete image of each student’s achievements and promise. The college counseling process generally begins in the fall of 11th grade, when students take a PSAT and then reflect on their results.
GRADUATION
Williston’s graduation provides a special opportunity for friends, relatives, and their extended family to celebrate the unique gifts of the graduating students. Attendance at graduation is a community event and as such a required not only for seniors, but for all Upper School students. Graduation is a special, formal occasion. Formal dress code is required for all Upper School students. The required dress for graduates is white dresses for girls and dress trousers and dark jackets and ties for boys. This year’s graduation date is May 25, 2014.
SCHOOL RULES GENERAL CONDUCT
if they have missed a significant part of the school day.
Williston’s values of respect for self and others, responsibility and trust, and honesty and integrity, inform the daily life of the school and all of its members. Students may be subject to discipline for misconduct which is, or may be, disruptive of the educational process, interferes with the work of the school, is contrary to the mission of the school, impinges on the rights of other students, employees, or members of the school community, or has a direct or immediate effect on the discipline or the general welfare of the school, even if such conduct takes place off campus, during non-school hours, or on breaks from school. Such conduct will be evaluated at the sole discretion of the school, and the school reserves the right to deviate from the regular disciplinary process as may be deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
Williston takes meeting commitments very seriously. For any class from which a student has an unexcused absence, the student will receive a zero for any work due or completed during that class. A student’s trimester grade will be decreased by one point for each unexcused absence in that class during the trimester. More specific expectations are described below.
Student behavior off campus—whether a day student or boarder, under any type of permission or during vacations—is subject to disciplinary review. The school is well respected, and those who conduct themselves in ways that diminish this reputation will be held accountable.
CLASSES AND SCHOOL FUNCTIONS
Student attendance at classes and all school functions, including assemblies, athletics, Health and Wellness Services workshops, sit-down meals, work programs, college counseling appointments, and Williston+ events is required. Failure to attend scheduled commitments will result in specific consequences that will include academic penalties for classroom absences. Students are responsible for making up all academic work that is missed during an absence; the school reserves the right to deny academic credit to a student who misses 10 or more class meetings for any individual course in a trimester. WEEKENDS AND VACATIONS
Williston is committed to the physical and emotional well-being of every student, and the rules that follow reflect our understanding of adolescents, their need for support and education, and the necessity of clear guidelines that govern behavior.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
Attendance is expected at all scheduled classes, examinations, assemblies, athletic commitments, college counseling appointments, etc. A student may be excused for reasons of illness or injury, but the student must go to Health and Wellness Services as soon as possible to obtain this permission and, under most circumstances, will not be excused after the fact. When the school nurse or physician has determined that a student is well enough, the student is required to be in attendance at school activities. Students should understand that they must attend at least 50 percent of their classes if they expect to participate in athletic or extracurricular activities later in the day. Health and Wellness Services staff, coaches, deans, and activities directors will generally not allow students to participate in after-school or evening activities
Early departures for weekends or vacations, or a late return that results in missed commitments, are strongly discouraged and may be considered unexcused. Flights and other travel plans should be made accordingly. It is expected that parents will be responsible for arranging air travel reservations and other transportation for their children, while making certain that departures and arrivals fit with the academic schedule. Students may not be excused from classes for flights prior to the end of the final class on departure days or for late returns at the end of vacations or long weekends without express permission from the dean of students. Vacations are scheduled to begin at the times printed on the school calendar. Since examinations, tests, and important lessons are scheduled, travel plans should not be made that require student departures from school before the specified time, usually 1:00 p.m. Requests should not be made to change a student’s final exam schedule at the end of a trimester as doing so is very difficult to arrange and may be to the student’s disadvantage. At the end of the trimester, students may stay over one night for next-day flights. Vacations end at 7:30 p.m. on the day of return; travel
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arrangements must be made to enable return by this hour. Parents are strongly encouraged to arrange flights during peak vacation periods several months in advance. For international students, that travel arrangements should be communicated directly to the international student coordinator so that the school knows specific plans for each student. PLANNED ABSENCES
For any planned absences such as college visits, significant family commitments, etc., parents should call the Dean’s Office to notify the school of the planned absence well in advance of its occurrence. The student should request a special absence form (blue sheet) from the Dean’s Office and bring it to each teacher, coach, and advisor for signature and to discuss what the student will be missing due to the absence and necessary make-up work timetables. When the form is complete, the student should submit the blue sheet to the Dean’s Office for approval.
conditions and behaviors must occur outside the boarding school setting. Severe depression, eating disorders, suicide ideation or attempts, self injury, and substance abuse disorders are examples of such conditions and generally require more treatment, support, supervision, and guidance than a boarding school can provide. In some situations, these conditions and behaviors may also create undue disruption in the community and residential life of the school. The school reserves the right to require a medical leave of absence or separation in appropriate circumstances, as determined by the school. A voluntary or mandated medical leave may be authorized by the medical director, director of Health and Wellness Services, the dean of students, or the associate head of school in consultation with the director of psychological counseling services, the academic dean, the dormitory head, and the advisor to address physical and emotional illnesses that, in their judgment, cannot be adequately treated in a school setting. These same individuals will determine whether and under what conditions that student should return to school.
DAY STUDENT ABSENCES
If a day student is unable to attend school, a parent or guardian should telephone the Dean’s Office by 8:30 a.m. to advise the school of the absence. Students and parents are encouraged to arrange medical and other appointments after school hours, when possible. If a student will miss class due to an appointment, a phone call to the Dean’s Office prior to its occurrence is expected and appreciated.
Initially, students will be granted a medical leave and approved absence from the school for no more than two weeks. During this time, the dean of students and academic dean will notify the teachers of the student’s absence. If appropriate, the student should contact his or her teachers to continue course work from off campus with the responsibility resting on the student to gather assignments.
MEDICAL EXCUSES
A “long-term medical leave” is any leave for health reasons of more than two weeks and less than one academic year. Often such a leave may be necessary for the student’s condition to be adequately addressed and stabilized. The associate head of school, dean of students, and academic dean will confer with teachers, the dormitory head, and advisor to determine the academic consequences of such a leave and will communicate this to the student and parents.
During the school day, any student who is feeling ill should go to Health and Wellness Services; medical excuses from class and other commitments are issued only from Health and Wellness Services. MAKE UP WORK
Students must take responsibility for work missed because of absences. Obtaining class notes from classmates and assignments from teachers is the student’s responsibility. Students should be fully prepared for the next class, including taking quizzes or tests and handing in papers, unless there have been multiple class absences for illness or other extenuating circumstances that would require extra help from the teacher.
MEDICAL LEAVE
Understanding the nature and range of conditions that arise with teenagers, the treatment for certain medical and psychological
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In certain cases, however a “medical separation” from the school for health reasons requiring more than one academic year may be appropriate, either on a voluntary or mandated basis. This leave is reserved for the student who has demonstrated efforts to adjust, but for health reasons cannot meet the requirements of the school community, either academically and/or socially. While this type of leave involves the loss of a student’s place in the school, it is distinguished from a withdrawal or dismissal as it leaves open the possibility of return to the school.
TARDINESS
Students are expected to arrive on time for all classes, advisee meetings, class meetings, assemblies, and other special programs. Any student arriving late to school for any reason must sign in at the Schoolhouse before going to class. For day students, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the school to excuse the student, otherwise, the tardiness will be considered unexcused. Students are reminded that three occasions of tardiness in a class results in an attendance unit.
SECURITY
Williston takes the safety of its students and the community very seriously. The manager of security is the direct contact for concerns about safety and to report theft. There are systems in place in the event of an emergency on campus, and regular drills are conducted to make all those on campus aware of the procedures. While school is in session, there is 24-hour security coverage.
MALE SPECIFIC
Boys must wear collared shirts (dress or polo) or turtlenecks. All shirts must be tucked in. No more than two top buttons may be unbuttoned. Belts must be worn. FEMALE SPECIFIC
Girls are permitted to wear skirts, dresses, pants or shorts, but these must be no shorter than mid-thigh (no shorter than six inches above the knee). Shirts with tails, such as dress oxfords, must be tucked in. Dress shirts, turtlenecks, or tunics specifically meant to be untucked may be worn as long as the student’s midriff and back are not exposed, and any shirt should not extend more than four inches below the waist. No more than two top buttons may be unbuttoned. THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PERMITTED:
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In addition, the school provides an identification card to all students, the “Sammy Card.” For more about the other uses of this ID card, please contact the Business Office.
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DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE
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The dress code is based on common sense, moderation, and respect for self and others. The expectation is that all clothing be modest, neat, clean, in good repair, and fit properly. When a student is in doubt about whether a particular outfit or piece of clothing conforms with the dress code, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain an opinion from the Dean’s Office before wearing it. Students who are not in dress code will not be admitted to class and will be asked to return to their dorm or locker to change before being admitted into class. While away from the classroom, they will be responsible for all missed academic work and will not be given additional time on assessments.
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• •
Sweatshirts and/or items made of sweatshirt material Flip-flops and sports sandals Exposed undergarments (underwear or bra straps) Cargo, athletic, military camouflage, drawstring, or carpenter style pants or shorts Shirts with large or inappropriate print (in the sole discretion of the school) T-shirts and tank tops Coats or jackets designed for outdoor use worn indoors to cover unacceptable dress Hats or head coverings, including headbands and bandannas, in buildings other than dormitories and the Athletic Center Strapless dresses, spaghetti strap dresses/tops Tube tops and midriff-baring tops Scoop neck and V-neck tops that are revealing.
STUDENT DRESS AFTER THE ACADEMIC DAY
At times other than during the academic day, the dress code is relaxed, and sweatshirts and clean athletic-style clothing may be worn. However, during all times, no clothing may be worn which advertises anything inconsistent with school rules (for example, alcohol) and underwear may not be visible. FORMAL CLOTHING
ACADEMIC DAY DRESS
Academic day dress is worn throughout the campus (including the Reed Campus Center) from 8:20 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; until 12:25 p.m. on Wednesdays and on class Saturdays.
Formal or dress clothing is required for formal dinners and for formal school gatherings, many athletic trips, and some off campus excursions. Dress clothing for boys means suits or sport jackets with dress slacks, dress shirts and ties (or turtlenecks), and shoes and socks. Dress clothing for girls means dresses, blouses with pants or skirts, and shoes. Jeans and sneakers are considered informal clothing and are inappropriate for any student on these occasions.
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PERMISSION TO LEAVE CAMPUS DURING THE DAY
Permission for boarding students to leave Williston and travel beyond the campus boundaries during the academic day or on a weekend day is dependent on which option is selected by a student’s parents. Campus boundaries include the Williston campus and the downtown Easthampton area bordered by Route 141 and Nini’s Restaurant to the east, Williston Avenue to Nonotuck Park to Galbraith Fields to the east and south, the traffic rotary to the north, and Route 10 to the west. Traveling into town and within campus boundaries during the academic day and on weekend days is allowed. All students must sign out and be back in either their dormitory or at the reception area in Schoolhouse. At all times, if a student desires to travel outside of campus boundaries, permission must be obtained by either the student 1) contacting the Dean’s Office or the dean on duty to obtain permission just prior to travel or 2) planning ahead and completing a permission to travel form in the Dean’s Office, which would be approved at that time and well ahead of time of the departure from campus. In addition, boarding students must sign out in their dormitory and their itinerary must be consistent with their parental permissions to travel which are on file. The information provided by the student to the Dean’s Office will include the destination, time of departure, time of return, mode of transportation, and driver, if traveling by car. This information is similar to that solicited by most parents in their own homes and has been instituted so that the school has knowledge of students’ whereabouts when traveling off campus independently of any school-sponsored activity or trip.
• Option 2: Has permission to travel beyond campus boundaries on a day permission only to Northampton without further parental approval. • Option 3: Requires parental permission each time a student wishes to travel beyond campus boundaries on a day permission.
BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND INTIMIDATION
Bullying, harassing, or intimidating behavior in any form is prohibited by the school and will not be tolerated. Massachusetts law defines “bullying” and/or “cyber-bullying” broadly, as the use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of: • causing physical or emotional harm to the other student or damage to the other student’s property • placing the other student in reasonable fear of harm to himself/ herself or of damage to his or her property • creating a hostile environment at school for the other student • infringing on the rights of the other student at school • materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
When planning day departures, students are expected to meet all school commitments—academic, athletic, or extracurricular— and plan accordingly. If a student’s plans change and he or she will not be able to arrive back on campus at the expected return time, he or she must call the dean on duty to discuss the situation. As a general rule, 9th graders and 10th graders should not expect to receive permission to travel beyond campus boundaries during the academic week unless there are extenuating circumstances. Parents should select one of the options below:
“Cyber-bullying,” defined as bullying undertaken through the use of technology or any electronic means, is explicitly prohibited under the law.
• Option 1: Has permission to travel beyond campus boundaries on a day permission to any destination without further parental approval.
Bullying at a location or function that is not school-related, or via technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school, is also prohibited if the bullying creates a hostile environment for the victim while he or she is at school. For instance, a student who sends a harassing text message to another
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The proscription against bullying extends beyond school grounds to school-sponsored and school-related activities, functions, and programs; school bus stops; school buses and other vehicles owned, leased, or used by the school; and school computers and other technologies.
student will be considered to have engaged in bullying if the recipient of the text message is placed in reasonable fear of physical harm while at school, even if the message was sent and received outside of school hours and off school property. Students should carefully review, in its entirety, the school’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan for additional details regarding the school’s commitment to the prevention of such behavior. A copy of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is posted on the school’s website. Each student is required to abide by the plan.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that can sometimes be difficult to identify and distinguish. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. For instance, sexual harassment can include conduct such as: touching or grabbing of a sexual nature; non-consensual sexual contact; making sexual comments, jokes, or gestures; writing graffiti or displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials; calling someone sexually charged names; spreading sexual rumors; rating students on sexual activity or performance; sexual innuendo, looks, or stalking; or circulating, showing, or creating emails or websites of a sexual nature. Any student who believes that he or she, or another student, is the victim of sexual harassment should approach the student’s advisor or any other member of the faculty or administration to report the behavior.
HAZING
sponsors are required to acknowledge in writing that they have received a document summarizing the Massachusetts anti-hazing law. The text of this law is provided in Appendix A to this handbook and on WillyNet.
TECHNOLOGY BASICS
Williston’s Technology Department recognizes the increasingly important role that technology plays in the lives of our students and the community. Because success with technology is so vital, the staff of the department and strives to provide exceptional technical service and guidance to everyone. The Technology Department collaborates with teachers, administrators, and students to enhance everyone’s academic, extracurricular, and social experience and to prepare our students for success in college and beyond. WILLYNET
Williston’s online community provides students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, and friends with a centralized place to find the information that’s important to them, including grades, schedules, and documents. CONNECTIVITY
Each boarding student has a network port available in their dorm room. Wireless access is available in every academic building, the library, and the student center (known as the StuBop). Directions for accessing the campus network are given to each student at registration. DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL AND STORAGE
The school provides each student with 7 GB of cloud storage through SkyDrive. COPYING / PRINTING
Students are given access to printing and copying. Hazing is a violation of school rules and of the Massachusetts anti-hazing law. Hazing is defined as “any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or person.” The school strictly prohibits hazing in any form, by any school group, team, club, or organization. Consent of the person being subjected to the conduct is not a defense against a charge of hazing. Each year, all students who are members of groups or organizations at school (including athletic teams), athletic coaches, and activity
COMPUTERS SUPPLIED BY THE SCHOOL
The school will be providing access to all students with 128 GB Microsoft Surface Pro Hybrid Tablets.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND ACCEPTABLE USE
Most of the time, how we use technology is simply an extension of how we wish to be treated and how we wish to treat each other in our community. Overall, students should treat the
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school, the people, and the network with respect. The Williston community holds the values of honesty and respect for others in high regard, and these values extend not only to day-to-day, faceto-face interactions with other community members, but also to interactions with others online, through the use of social media or electronic devices. The purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to outline the expectations of community members when it comes to the use of computers and other electronic devices, the school’s computer network, and access to the Internet, that may occur both on campus and outside of Williston’s physical network. Access to Williston’s network and related technical support and services is provided to students primarily for educational purposes, though the school understands that limited use of the school’s technology resources for recreational activity may be appropriate. Students using these services, by virtue of using the services, agree to abide by the guidelines outlined in the AUP, in addition to any applicable policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. Students who violate the provisions of the AUP may be subject to discipline through the Dean’s Office. In general, the proper use of Williston’s network and related technical support and services supports the goals of the academic community, protects its community members, and helps to ensure that the school and its students comply with all federal, state, and local laws. While Williston respects the privacy of its community members, it is important to understand that network and technical support and services used by the community fall under the school’s jurisdiction and are the property of the school. As a result, the school reserves the right to access or monitor all network activity and content (including email). The school also reserves the right to confiscate both school-issued and personal devices if there is reasonable suspicion that the device has been used to violate this AUP. Students and their parents are required to sign and return the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) to the school at the beginning of the school year, acknowledging that they have read and understood the school’s AUP. This AUP describes behavioral expectations of students with regard to the use of technology, and is grounded in the tenets of respect for privacy, ownership, and copyright; respect for resources and for others; and respect for self and community, as further described below.
the right to access, view, or monitor any information or communication stored on or transmitted over the network, or on or over equipment that has been used to access the school’s network, and it may be required by law to allow third parties to do so. Electronic data, for example, may become evidence in legal proceedings. In addition, others may inadvertently view messages or data as a result of routine systems maintenance and monitoring, or misdelivery. • Students must recognize that there is no guarantee of privacy associated with their use of school technology resources. Students should not expect that email, voicemail, or other information created or maintained in the system (even those marked “personal” or “confidential”) are private, confidential, or secure. By accessing the school’s system, each student has consented to the school’s right to view and/or monitor the school’s network and all of its associated accounts. • The school reserves the right to monitor and track all behavior and interaction that takes place online or through the use of technology on the school’s premises or at school events. • Each student is responsible for all activity on his or her account. Only the authorized owner of the account may use individual accounts or passwords, except where explicitly authorized by a member of the Technology Department. Students may not share their passwords with anyone. Evidence of security violations should be reported immediately to support@williston.com. • Communication devices (e.g., cell phones, MP3 players, iPods, iPads, laptops, tablets) should be turned off and kept in student backpacks. A student may use such personal devices only after having obtained permission from his or her teacher in academic buildings. • All students will be held accountable for unattended accounts and for use of their computer or communication device if such equipment is left unattended and/or used by another individual. • Users must follow all copyright, trademark, patent, and other laws governing intellectual property. Piracy and plagiarism are strictly forbidden. Students must strictly adhere to all software licenses. RESPECT FOR RESOURCES AND FOR OTHERS
RESPECT FOR PRIVACY, OWNERSHIP, AND COPYRIGHT
• The school’s network resources, including all telephone and data lines, are the property of the school. The school reserves
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• Students may not modify the configuration or content of software installed on any school computers. Users may not remove network cables, keyboards, or any other components.
• Students may not access, or try to access, network resources not intended for them.
that defame or disparage the school, its employees, its students or its interests (including, but not limited to, email, voicemail, Internet instant messaging, chat rooms, and websites), or that recklessly disregards or distorts the truth of the matters commented on, is prohibited.
• Installation of wireless networking equipment on campus is prohibited without permission from the Technology Department. • Students should store personal files only on their own storage account. Any information that a student leaves on the internal hard disk (including the desktop or any other part of their user account) of a school-owned computer may be deleted at any time, without warning. • Network-based games and chat sessions may be disallowed at the discretion of the school. • Use of the school’s computers for commercial purposes, advertising, or accessing inappropriate sites is prohibited. • Use of the school’s computers may not interfere with or disrupt the use of others or of connecting networks.
• Students may not alter electronic communications to hide their identity or impersonate another person. • “Cyber-bullying” is prohibited by Massachusetts law. Students may not harass others by using electronic communications. Once a report of cyber-bullying has been made to the school, the school may notify the parent or guardian of the complainant, the alleged aggressor, the head of school of any other school with students involved in the alleged incident, and local law enforcement. Students must comply with the school’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan as stated on the school’s website and referenced in the Student Handbook. • Users must follow the guidelines posted by the moderators of newsgroups and other services.
RESPECT FOR SELF AND COMMUNITY
• Students should not transmit personal contact or other identifying information (phone number, address, photos, etc.) about themselves or others to persons or parties whose identity cannot be verified, and should not transmit personal information without the permission of a parent, teacher, or school official. • The use of public computers and other school-controlled hardware, such as phone lines, or the use of personal computer and communication devices for the transmission or reception of racist, pornographic, or other inappropriate material is prohibited. • Students are prohibited from keeping pornography in any form at school, including, but not limited to, magazines, posters, videos, electronic files, or other electronic materials. • Students may not access the school’s network or equipment or use their personal computer and communication devices to create, access, download, edit, view, store, send, or print materials that are illegal, offensive, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, sexually explicit, or graphic, pornographic, obscene, or otherwise inconsistent with the values and general standards for community behavior at the school. • Disclosing and/or gossiping about confidential or proprietary information related to the school, or making public remarks
• Students may not be “friends” with, or otherwise directly connected to, any school employee on any social networking site that is not used primarily for educational purposes. If a student is contacted by a school employee via non-school channels for non-educational purposes, the student should immediately notify his or her advisor, who will in turn notify the dean of students. • Students may not record sound or images of teachers or others without their permission. • Students may not post material that reflects poorly on Williston. STUDENTS ARE FURTHER FORBIDDEN FROM THE FOLLOWING PRACTICES:
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Using POP and SMTP for email Using peer-to-peer file-sharing software Using personal wireless access points or routers Sharing system passwords Renaming computers Assigning static IP addresses Engaging in identity theft Using any software product that can be deemed a “hacking” utility • Attempting to circumvent the AUP COMPUTER LABS
There are computer labs in the library and the Reed Campus Center
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for students, faculty, and staff members to use during the academic year. All labs are equipped with access to email and the Internet. It is expected that the students adhere to the following guidelines while using the computer labs. Any violation of these guidelines will be a violation of the school’s AUP: • Students must save their work to their online storage, a flash drive, or CD. • The volume level on all computers may not be disturbing to other people in the lab. Students wishing to listen to music must bring their own headphones to the lab. If the volume on the computer is disturbing, the student responsible may be asked to leave the computer lab. • Computers designated for “academic purposes” may not be used for recreational use; academic work always takes precedence over recreational use on any computer. • Students failing to comply with the above guidelines will be asked to leave the lab by a faculty member or student proctor. EMAIL
Faculty, staff, administrators, and students can be reached via their Williston email address: first initial followed by the last name and @williston.com (e.g. jsmith@williston.com).
USE OF ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND TOBACCO POSSESSION AND/OR USE
Possession and/or use of illegal or mood altering drugs, or possession and/or use of drug apparatus, or the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Massachusetts laws prohibit the purchase, possession, receipt, or use of illegal drugs, and the drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. Students who break these rules are in violation of state laws as well as school policy. In addition, the use of inhalants (not medically prescribed), or the use or possession of any prescribed drug which is “psychoactive” or legally considered a Class 2 Controlled Substance (such as Ritalin or Dexedrine) will be treated disciplinarily as an “illegal drug” when a student has not followed all Health and Wellness Services/school policies and procedures in obtaining and possessing it. ALCOHOL/DRUG TESTING
If a student is confronted with concerns about being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and there is reasonable suspicion of use premised upon his or her behavior or the circumstances, the school reserves the right to test the student for alcohol and other drugs with an immediate drug screen or test at Health and Wellness Services. The test will be administered by the nurse on duty and/ or the dean on duty and the results may be available in minutes for alcohol, but longer for other substances. DISCIPLINARY RESPONSE
Seniors will continue to have access to email until the first day of July following their graduation, at which point their accounts will be disabled and no longer accessible.
When a student is placed on probation for drug or alcohol use or possession, the following will usually occur: • An off campus suspension, usually one week.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Use of cell phones or other electronic devices may not be used for verbal phone conversations at any time in any of the academic buildings or in the Birch Dining Commons, the Phillips Stevens Chapel, or the Clapp Library. Use of such mobile devices to retrieve or send information is allowed in the Birch Dining Commons and, with faculty permission, in classrooms. These items may be used in the Reed Center on the lower levels, and in dormitories (except when specifically prohibited) at any time. In addition, students are prohibited from using cell phones for video or voice recording without the express permission of the faculty member supervising the class, activity, or other school-sponsored event.
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• Requirement of a professional assessment by a certified drug and alcohol evaluator within two weeks of the suspension (costs for evaluation and testing to be borne by the family). • Requirement to abide by the terms of the no-use contract and explicit permission for periodic drug testing for a year (the student may not return to school until this agreement has been signed). • For boarding students, one week of room confinement following return from suspension. Students who sell drugs or alcohol or who purchase or procure them for other students can expect to be dismissed on the first offense.
TOBACCO USE
Williston is a tobacco-free campus. Due to the overwhelming evidence as to the negative effects and addictive nature of tobacco, the school does not allow its use by students. While on campus or participating in any school-sponsored activities, students may not possess, smoke, or chew tobacco products of any kind. The first tobacco violation typically triggers an intervention with Health and Wellness Services and the Dean’s Office. Use of nicotine dispensing medications is an option that may be available under the supervision of Health and Wellness Services. More information about the intervention process is available from Health and Wellness Services or the Dean’s Office.
Any recommendations coming out of the consultation between the independent substance abuse evaluator and Health and Wellness Services must be followed by the student and failure to do so may alter one’s status at the school. Students referred to Health and Wellness Services for a second time for alcohol or drug use will be considered to have a major medical/psychological problem which will be reviewed by the Dean’s Office for a disciplinary response and/or and medical leave.
SEXUAL INTIMACY
SANCTUARY POLICY
The responsibility of the school both on campus and when students are under the jurisdiction of the school necessitates that the school prohibit intimate sexual contact between students.
In any medical crisis, even if drug- or alcohol-induced, it is imperative for medical evaluation and attention to begin as soon as possible. To encourage students to seek medical help in an emergency situation, students are assured that obtaining Health and Wellness Services medical assistance, or asking a faculty member to obtain emergency medical assistance, will initiate medical rather than disciplinary intervention.
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is illegal for any individual to have sexual intercourse with a student under 16 years of age. As such, students under the age of 16 may not legally consent to intimate sexual contact and the school is obligated to report any violation of the law to the Department of Children and Families. The school may notify the parents of any student involved in such contact.
Students may bring sanctuary into effect for themselves or a friend whose health is at risk because of alcohol or drug use by contacting the on-call nurse or dean on duty at (413) 529-3911. This request must be student-initiated and occur prior to any faculty member coming upon a student who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Faculty members are required by the school to report infractions of drug and alcohol policies to the dean on duty and therefore cannot declare sanctuary for a student. Final determination as to whether a specific case has met the medical criteria for crisis will rest with the medical professionals. A student is allowed one sanctuary during their enrollment at Williston. Students who misuse this emergency protocol to avoid normal disciplinary action for drug or alcohol abuse will be referred to the Dean’s Office.
SAFETY VIOLATIONS/WEAPONS ON CAMPUS SAFETY VIOLATIONS
The unauthorized burning of any substance and/or igniting of an object, including tobacco, candles, and incense, in any school building is prohibited. This activity presents an extreme risk to both occupants and buildings. Tampering with any alarm, sprinkler system, smoke detector, or fire extinguisher is prohibited. Should any fire extinguisher in a dormitory be emptied needlessly and the person doing so not be identified, each resident of that dormitory will be assessed a minimum fine of $10.00. In addition, entering or exiting a building through a window is prohibited. Window screens are a safety measure and should not be removed by students. WEAPONS
Following treatment for an alcohol or drug crisis, the student must have an independent assessment within two weeks of returning to school. This may be done in the Easthampton area or in the student’s home community. The professional staff conducting the assessment is required to, with parental notification and consent, complete an assessment of the student’s alcohol or drug use, make recommendations, and discuss those recommendations with either the counseling staff or the director of Health and Wellness Services.
Possession or use of fireworks (including firecrackers), a firearm, a pellet gun, a knife, or any other dangerous weapon that threatens the safety of the community is prohibited. Any knife other than a pocket or penknife may be considered a dangerous weapon. Switchblades and double-edged knives and fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts. Propelling any projectile at a motor vehicle, an unwilling or unsuspecting person, or a building, so as to endanger another, is considered reckless behavior and is also prohibited by the school.
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PROPERTY DAMAGE
DRIVING PRIVILEGES/OFF-CAMPUS PRIVILEGES
Willfully damaging the property of another person or of the school is prohibited. The responsibility for property damage is placed on the student, and the policy is as follows:
Boarding students may not have motor vehicles on campus and/ or in the greater Easthampton area. Boarding students may not use or have access to motor vehicles while at school. Permission for exceptions to this policy must be discussed with and approved by the dean of students well in advance of its occurrence.
• Damage to anything in a student room will be the responsibility of the occupant(s) unless the occupant can identify the person responsible. • Damage to common rooms, stairwells, or other areas that are not specifically assignable to a floor will be charged to all residents of the dormitory. • Damage to property on a specific floor will be charged to all residents living on the floor. • When the damage to property other than a room cannot be specifically attributed to an individual, the floor or dormitory will receive a notice of the charge. SEARCH AND SEIZURE
The school reserves the right to conduct a search of a student that is reasonable in scope, and/or a search of his/her belongings, including personal items, such as bags and backpacks. Lockers and student dorm rooms are the property of the school. Students exercise control over their locker and dorm rooms from other students, but not from the school and its officials. As a result, the head of school and his designees, as well as law enforcement officials, have the right to search lockers and dorm rooms to ensure school safety and the students’ welfare, including, without limitation, to determine if students are harboring stolen property, weapons, or illegal or dangerous substances, and school and law enforcement officials have the right to seize such items or other items that may jeopardize the safety of the students or the building or constitute a health hazard. The school also reserves the right to conduct random searches of school lockers and dorm rooms throughout the year.
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Day students who drive a car to school must register the car with the Dean’s Office and obtain a parking decal which should be displayed on the back window of their vehicle. Cars may not be moved during the school day until the student leaves to go home for the night. Any exceptions to this policy must receive permission from the Dean’s Office or the dean on duty. Cars must be parked in the assigned areas, as follows: seniors park in the area behind Scott Hall; juniors and sophomores park in the lot behind John Wright House. Students may not drive on or park in the Main Street campus area or park in the center quad at any time. Violations of these rules may result in a loss of driving privileges. During the academic week, boarding students may only ride in a day student’s vehicle after completion of their daily commitments, including participation in the Afternoon Program, and must secure the permission from the Dean’s Office or the dean on duty to do so. In addition, boarders may ride in a car only in accordance with their authorized parental permissions.
GAMBLING
The school prohibits gambling of any kind, including gambling over the Internet (as referenced in the school’s Acceptable Use Policy).
DAILY LIFE AT SCHOOL Daily life at school should promote Williston’s core values: respect for self and others, responsibility and trust, and honesty and integrity. The school seeks to build, support, and unify our community by providing enriching experiences, by providing programs that educate our community about critical issues, and by building a common vocabulary and mission. We recognize that nonjudgmental, open, and honest dialogue is vital to maintaining a healthy and vibrant community. We value a student-centered approach that helps develop leadership and global citizenship through the creation of events and experiences by students for the Williston community. The school strives to include a rich variety of voices and seek input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and guests.
ADVISORS
Communication between families and the school is a vital part of educational support for students.
them improve their academic work in order to encourage them to achieve their potential. ADVISORS IN THE UPPER GRADES
Personal advice and counsel are offered in both formal and informal ways. While every faculty member is available informally as an advisor to any student, faculty members have specially designated roles to help their own advisees with particular questions or circumstances. Each student has a faculty advisor who may be consulted on personal or academic matters and who serves as a liaison with the student’s family. The faculty advisor plays an important role in the student’s academic life in that the advisor works with the student on course planning and monitors the student’s progress throughout the school year. The advisor also oversees all aspects of the student’s involvement in school life and should be consulted by the student or parent if deemed appropriate. The faculty advisor is helpful in referring the student or parent to others in the school when specialized information or consultation is needed.
NINTH GRADE PROGRAM
The transition from Middle School to Upper School can be socially and academically challenging. Williston’s Ninth Grade Program advising team supports 9th grade students’ academic work through workshops, regular meetings, and communication among teachers, advisors, and the program’s coordinators. All ninth grade students utilize Williston-specific academic planners to help with organization. The coordinators of the Ninth Grade Program also serve as liaisons to families of 9th graders. During the first week of classes, ninth grade students attend a study skills workshop presented by Ninth Grade Program advisors, Areté tutors, and Writing Center tutors. Topics of the workshop include how to best use the Williston planner, how to use time effectively, how to make nightly homework plans, and how to prepare for short- and long-term projects. Throughout the year, the Ninth Grade Program advising team and 9th grade teachers meet monthly to work on strategies to help those students who need additional academic support. In addition to the monthly meetings, teachers and advisors communicate academic concerns to the program coordinators through email, voicemail, or in person. The program coordinators work with students’ advisors, teachers, and the academic dean to support those students and help
In addition to individual faculty advisors, many other adults serve in an advisory capacity, including: the dean of students, Health and Wellness Services staff, the associate head of school, the academic dean, the director of college counseling, and the international student coordinator and director of diversity. DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COORDINATOR
In addition, the international student coordinator oversees and assists all students who live outside the United States. The coordinator assists and supports all international students. The director of diversity acts as a resource and as a guide, in order to ensure an inclusive and diverse community. She directs programming and strategies on an individual and community basis for the empowerment and validation of all students on campus. CLASS DEANS
Each class is led by a class dean who is responsible for facilitating class meetings, activities, dinners, and other events for their class of students. In addition, the class dean is a direct contact for students and their parents on attendance and decorum units and issues.
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2013-14 CLASS DEANS
• • • •
Class of 2014: Christa Talbot ’98 Class of 2015: Bridget Choo Class of 2016: Matt Spearing Class of 2017: Matt Sawyer
SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
The first academic period begins at 8:30 a.m.; class meeting times vary throughout the day. On Wednesdays and class Saturdays (Upper School only), classes are held in the morning and students participate in athletic contests and afternoon programming in the afternoon. For more details on the school day schedule, please visit WillyNet.
must have on file the name, address, phone number, and email address of an individual within the continental United States with whom they will stay during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring vacations, if not returning home. Planning for these vacations is the responsibility of the international student’s family. The school is closed during these times, and boarding students are not permitted to remain on campus.
EARLY DISMISSAL
If weather or another situation occurs that merits an early dismissal from school, parents will be notified by an alert from the school in both email and text. It will include instructions for pick-ups and other pertinent information.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND HOLIDAYS SCHOOL MEETINGS AND ASSEMBLIES
Churches and synagogues are located in Easthampton and nearby towns, and information about them is available through the Dean’s Office. Students may be excused from school on religious holidays with parental permission, which should be arranged in advance with the Dean’s Office.
DAY STUDENTS
Day students participate in all aspects of the regular school program, including athletics, and may take part in weekend activities as well. Day students must observe school regulations when on campus and while attending off campus school functions. They should be aware that student behavior anywhere, whether under the school’s jurisdiction or not, is subject to review. Day and boarding students are subject to the same expectations and consequences for their behavior. Information that applies more specifically to day students is noted within each section of this handbook.
Upper School and Middle School assemblies are held frequently. The Upper School assemblies are held in the Phillips Stevens Chapel. Middle School assemblies are held in the Middle School. In addition, on several occasions during the year, the entire school meets for all-school assemblies in the Athletic Center. Many assemblies are devoted to the opportunity to watch other members of our community perform as well as to disseminate information. On occasion, the school is fortunate to welcome visiting speakers and performers. Every student is expected to arrive at assembly promptly and to exemplify mature, supportive, and appropriate audience behavior throughout the lecture or performance.
VAN POOL INFORMATION
Vanpool ridership is an option for day students and information describing the service and fees is distributed from the Business Office in July.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
STUDENT LOCKERS
International students with F-1 visas are responsible for registering their I-20s and passports with the international student coordinator upon arrival to campus. Any international travel thereafter must be approved and registered with the international student coordinator. This process is essential to maintain an active visa status.
Day students are assigned lockers in the Reed Campus Center for use during the school year. In addition, lockers in the Athletic Center are available on a trimester/seasonal basis. All student storage areas and lockers are the property of the school and are subject to search and inspection. Students should lock their lockers and a student should never open another student’s locker. Lockers should be kept clean and organized. Decorations must be in good
All international students and students with families living abroad
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taste, as determined in the sole discretion of school faculty or administrators, and must be removed at the end of the school year. With the exception of bottled water, food should not be kept in lockers.
The Birch Dining Commons menu is available on WillyNet. The dining commons is open continuously during the academic school day for use as a study area during off-meal hours, when healthy snacks are available. During these times, the dining commons are monitored by day student proctors.
DINING SERVICES
Dining Services is aware of the concerns and seriousness of individuals with food allergies. Food items that contain nuts or nut products are always clearly labeled. Gluten-free items, lactose-free milk, and soymilk are available at each mealtime. Any student, faculty, or staff member who has a specific food allergy or dietary concern should contact the director of dining services at (413) 529-3235.
The Birch Dining Commons at Ford Hall has many personal choices for dining. Attendance at all buffet-style meals is strongly recommended but is optional. Dress in the dining commons is either academic day dress during weekdays or casual at other times, but students may not wear hats, pajamas, sleeveless shirts, athletic pennies, or other attire that does not conform to dress standards. Students coming from athletic practices and contests are encouraged to shower and change prior to dining. On several occasions during the year, special, formal dress dinners are served at which attendance is required. During Family Weekends, Grandparents’ Day, Convocation, and other events, academic day dress code is required at all meals.
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RESIDENTIAL LIFE AT SCHOOL DORMITORY LIVING
ROOMS
Common courtesy and respect for the rights and property of others are the fundamental tenets of community life. While there is consistency in guidelines, rules, and expectations for all students living in dormitories, there are times when dormitory parents may make individual rules pertinent to their particular dorm and the present circumstances.
Dorm rooms, which are Williston property, may be inspected at any time. The rooms are to be kept clean and neat and will be inspected regularly by dormitory faculty and from time-to-time by the deans.
WHAT TO BRING
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Blankets Pillow Sheets (twin XL size) and pillowcases Mattress pad or cover Towels Laundry bag, detergent, and quarters Study lamp Alarm clock (with battery back-up) Computer Computer monitor (27” or less in size) Hair dryer Razor Fan Small wastebasket Clothes hangers Cell phone
* Note that laundry service is available through E&R, The Campus Laundry, at www.eandrcleaners.com.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
Use of the following items is not allowed in the dormitories: • Refrigerator • Television • Space heater • Electric blanket • Halogen lamp
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Wall decorations may be hung from molding or attached with DormTape® or Mounting Putty®, which does not mar the walls and can be obtained at the Campus Store. Wall hangings must be widely spaced, meeting all fire code regulations and none should extend across the ceiling or outside of the room. Tacks, nails, screws, and tape may not be used on the walls, as they cause permanent damage. All decorations are to be appropriate in nature, as deemed to be so by the school in its sole discretion, as they may be viewed by the general public and families. Empty alcoholic beverage containers and items with any drug or alcohol insignia are not allowed. Signs and stickers on doors should follow the same guidelines so that they do not damage the paint or finish. MATTRESSES
The school provides approved fire retardant mattresses. Anyone wishing to provide his or her own mattress must submit proof to the director of the physical plant that it meets applicable standards. Mattresses and bedsprings are not to be used on the floor. FURNISHINGS
The following basic room furnishings are provided by the school: bed, bureau, desk and straight chair, mirror, and curtains or shades. Only one piece of personal furniture, such as a chair, may be allowed per student in a room, subject to available space as determined by the director of the physical plant. The maximum size of any piece of furniture in at least one of its dimensions is five feet. APPLIANCES
Only the following electrical appliances are permitted in dormitory rooms: clocks, radios, stereos, iPod/MP3 players, personal computers, hair dryers, razors, hair straighteners, and fans. Smart/ cell phones, used in accordance with school and dorm rules, are permitted. Only dormitory proctors are permitted to have a refrigerator; otherwise, refrigerators, television sets, coffee makers, space heaters, electric blankets, and halogen lamps are not allowed for energy conservation and because of the danger of electrical overload and fire. Similarly, computer monitors are limited in size to 27 inches. UL-approved, circuit breaker-protected power strips are the only “extension cords” allowed.
MUSIC
The use of headphones is encouraged and required during quiet hours and study hours. Music is to be played so that it is heard only within the room. TELEVISION
Common room and student center televisions may not be used before 5:30 p.m. on weekday afternoons and only after 12:30 p.m. on class Saturdays. On weekends, TVs should be turned off at midnight. COMPUTER USE AND CELL PHONES
Videos, movies, and console or computer gaming are not permitted after the final check in on school nights (10:30 or 11:00 p.m.) or after midnight on weekends. After the last check-ins of the night, the same rules apply to use of cell phones for communication. CLEANLINESS AND DAMAGE
Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their rooms and will be assessed for damage to furnishings or rooms. Desks are to be neat enough to provide usable working space and viewable from the doorway of the room. Floors are to be kept picked up and clear of clothing and papers. A laundry bag should be used so that dirty laundry is not left around the room. Any damage to the room should be reported to the director of the physical plant to ensure that responsibility is appropriately identified and damage repaired. Cursory inspections by school personnel may occur at any time. Any room not properly cleaned out at the end of the year is subject to a cleaning charge. PETS
students housing. He collaborates with the Admission Office when assigning housing to new boarding students. Each spring, current students state their preferences for rooming in the subsequent school year. Their choices are granted whenever possible based on seniority and previous rooming history. Room assignments often aren’t definite until mid-August. After the school year begins, every effort is made to keep rooming assignments for the year and students should seek the counsel of dorm heads, proctors, and the deans when there is disagreement or discontent. Following those conversations, if the situation continues to be unresolved, a room change form may be obtained from the Dean’s Office and must be signed by the student’s advisor, dormitory head, and the dean of students before a move will be considered or approved.
FIRE AND SAFETY DRILLS
All dormitories hold at least one fire drill each trimester, including one during the first week of school. At the first sound of the alarm, each person is to move quickly and quietly out of the building according to a predetermined plan of exit. Attendance is taken outside the building under the supervision of the dormitory parent on duty. Fire drills are of obvious importance and are conducted more frequently if they have not been held to the satisfaction of school authorities. Drills to prepare for response to an emergency situation are also held. Students will receive instruction on how to prepare for such situations and the precautions that should be taken.
DORM VISITATIONS
Pets are not permitted in any dormitory room. ROOM KEYS/KEY CARDS
Room keys and/or key cards are issued at registration and a charge of $20.00 will be assessed for a lost key/card. A replacement key/ card may be purchased at the Business Office after a lost key/card form has been obtained from the Dean’s Office. If the original key is returned, the Business Office will refund $10.00. If a room key is not returned at the end of the year, the $20.00 charge is billed.
ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Living with others is an important life lesson that involves learning to compromise, to appreciate others’ perspectives, and to engage and share in conversation with others. The assistant dean of students oversees dormitory housing and assigns returning boarding
As a general rule, only residents of a dormitory are allowed in their own dorm during the academic day. However, a visitor of the same sex as the dorm resident may be a guest in the common room during the academic day. After the completion of the academic day, guests of dorm residents are permitted in the dorm common room. This privilege is limited to the common room and does not extend into hallways or other areas unless the faculty member on duty gives special permission. Dorm parents may make specific rules pertaining to individual dorms. Boys and girls are permitted to visit in each other’s dormitory rooms during certain hours, with the consent and supervision of the dormitory faculty. The hours are 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday evenings and on Fridays without study hall, and 7:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. (before study hall) on school nights. The faculty members on dormitory duty will supervise, and all guests must
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check in, and out, with the faculty member and must be invited by the person being visited. Doors must remain wide open and lights must be on.
GUESTS
The school permits guests for overnight visits, including day students, for a fee that includes dinner and breakfast. Guests must be familiar with and abide by the same rules that govern students. Day students may not spend a night at the school without making prior arrangements to do so; such arrangements must be made at the Dean’s Office at least one day in advance. There is a cost of $50.00 per night (which includes the cost of meals). If the day student is staying for a school-sponsored activity (such as late play rehearsals or productions), the charge is $15.00 per night. Any person who was a student in prior years, or the current year, and is no longer enrolled is not permitted to stay overnight in a dormitory.
the quiet hours set aside for study and sleeping reflects the school’s concern for students’ well-being and that of the community. On nights before classes, all underclass students must be in their own rooms by 10:30 p.m. and all technology and phone communications, including cell phones, should cease; seniors and proctors have the privilege of visiting and using phones until 11:00 p.m. Students may not leave the dormitory before 6:00 a.m. at any time after checking in for the night except in an emergency or with special permission. WEEKENDS
On weekend evenings, all students have a 7:00 p.m. check-in and must be in their dormitories by 11:00 p.m. for late check-in. Being absent without permission at check-in time will result in a disciplinary response. Students finding themselves in this situation should immediately call the dean on duty at (413) 529-3911 and explain their situation. DAY STUDENTS
HOURS SCHOOL NIGHTS
All students must be in their rooms during the evening study period, which runs from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless a dorm parent has given permission in accordance with the library, computer lab, and art studio sign-out policies or if a student is involved in a specific faculty-directed extracurricular activity. In the interest of maintaining an appropriate study hall environment, students may not use electronic devices to communicate with others during study hall, play computer games, or use electronic devices for entertainment. These measures have been put in place to focus students on their daily preparations for their academic classes. Parents should refrain from communicating with their children during study hall hours. Seniors on honors are granted the privilege not to be present for the evening study period, but must notify the dorm parent on duty before 8:00 p.m. if they will exercise this privilege that evening. The senior must abide by all other sign-out procedures. This “senior on honors” privilege is determined each trimester according to each student’s GPA (87 average or above) and general citizenship. The privilege may be withdrawn if there are concerns about a student’s behavior or misuse of the privilege by the Dean’s Office. All students must be in their dormitories by 10:00 p.m. and checked in for the night by the dorm parent on duty. Respect for
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Day students are not to be on campus after the check-in hours for boarding students except in special circumstances authorized by the Dean’s Office. If day students remain on campus after 8:00 p.m. on weeknights, they are to observe all study hall guidelines. Day students must obtain permission from the dorm parent on duty if they wish to study with a dorm resident in a common room. The campus is closed to day students and visitors after the check-in time for boarders (10:00 p.m. on weeknights and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday nights) and (blue week) Friday nights. Transportation should be arranged accordingly.
PERMISSION TO LEAVE CAMPUS
Williston is a seven-day school and all academic, athletic, extracurricular, and other responsibilities must be met before a student receives permission to leave the campus. A boarding student having no school obligations may receive permission and sign out to leave campus for an overnight or weekend (unless the weekend is “closed”). On closed weekends, all boarding students are expected to remain on campus and participate in planned community events. The closed weekends are the first weekend of the school year with Saturday classes (Sept. 1315) and last weekends of each trimester (Nov. 15-17, Feb. 28-Mar. 2, and May 23-25.) Extenuating circumstances that would excuse a student from remaining on campus on a closed weekend must be
discussed with and approved by the dean of students. Although there is no restriction on the number of weekends away a student may take, due to the nature of the boarding community, and in order to establish strong ties to the community, students are expected to not leave more than once or twice a month.
OFF-CAMPUS TRAVEL AND VISITATIONS
When a day or boarding parent extends an invitation to a boarding student as an overnight guest, the school expects that a parent will be at home and will not permit student use of alcohol or drugs. Parents are urged to communicate with each other to ensure that all student gatherings are supervised and substance free. Parents have access to each other’s contact information via the family directory on WillyNet. OVERNIGHT AND WEEKENDS:
Permission for boarding students to leave campus for the weekend or any other overnight visit is determined by which of the two options, below, is selected by the student’s parents. Parents may change their selection at any time by contacting the Dean’s Office. Any student wishing to leave campus for an overnight must have the hosting adult call the Dean’s Office. Students returning home for even one night need to complete a “green sheet” and have a parent or other responsible adult contact the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office reserves the right to rescind any overnight or weekend request. • Option 1: If a student is planning to visit another Williston family, that student’s parents do not need to grant permission each time, but rather give permission for such visits to occur throughout the school year. For each visit, the hosting adult(s) need to guarantee that an adult will be present. • Option 2: Parents must grant permission each time a student leaves the campus overnight, and the hosting adult must extend an invitation for each visit. PROCEDURES FOR LEAVING CAMPUS ON THE WEEKENDS OVERNIGHTS
Students must complete and submit a “green sheet” by 10:50 a.m. on Thursday and the Dean’s Office must receive the invitation from the host family by 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The “green sheet” is a document that describes the responsibilities of all parties involved in a student’s overnight or weekend travel. Overnight or weekend leave ends as soon as the student returns
to campus, which should be no later than 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. If extenuating circumstances occur and a late return is necessary, the hosting adult must call the dean on duty or the dorm parent on duty as early as possible to notify him or her of the situation. Unauthorized late returns may result in loss of weekend sign-out privileges. Seniors on honors or proctors must notify the dorm parent on duty before 8:00 p.m. if they will be late. Athletes with games on Saturday may not sign out on Friday night except to be with their parents or at the home of a day student. Current students may not sign out to the home of any student who has left the school for disciplinary reasons. Boarding students staying at the school for athletic tournaments at the end of the academic term are expected to stay in the dorms overnight unless they have explicit permission from the coach, the Dean’s Office, and their parents to do otherwise. The school will not grant requests for students to sign out for an overnight where there are no parents or guardians present. The one exception is a college visit, and a parent must explicitly acknowledge a student’s sign-out to that college by notifying the Dean’s Office prior to the visit. Students may not sign out for overnights to colleges except in the case of a college visit that has been approved by the student’s college counselor. Students may not take weekends in the greater Easthampton area unless invited to the home of a Williston student. Parents who accept students into their homes for overnight visits are assuring the school that the students will go to those homes and are under the supervision of those parents. On an overnight, if the student wishes to change their location, this requires the permission of the host and the understanding and acceptance of the visiting student’s parents. While the host parent may agree to let visitors go off to another place, visiting student parents are expecting host parents to provide supervision and to accept responsibility for their care. In addition, the school expects to be able to communicate with any of its boarding students when they are away on an overnight. A student on an overnight or weekend has the additional responsibility of notifying the school of any changes to the information that was provided to the school.
VACATIONS
All students must leave the school during Thanksgiving (dismissed at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 and return on Dec. 3 by 7:30 p.m.),
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winter (dismissed at 12:05 p.m. on Dec. 19 and return on Jan. 6 by 7:30 p.m.), and spring (dismissed at 12:05 a.m. on March 4 and return on March 24 by 7:30 p.m.). The school cannot provide housing or meals, nor assume responsibility for students during vacation periods. During a long weekend, dorms will remain open and students will be permitted to remain in their own rooms. One day long excursion off campus will be a required trip for students remaining on campus for the long weekend. A student must not return before the published arrival dates on the calendar unless special arrangements have been made through the Dean’s Office. Dormitories are locked and supervision is not available during vacations and at the end of a term. Students needing to travel the day after a vacation begins may stay the first night of the break if permission is obtained in advance from the Dean’s Office.
CAMPUS MAILBOXES INCOMING MAIL
Mail is posted for all Upper School students in their assigned campus boxes at the Reed Campus Center daily. Note: The City of Easthampton’s post office has designated the location for student mail. Do not use “The Williston Northampton School” or student’s dorm name in the address. Mail or packages should be addressed as follows: Student Name 40 Park Street # ___ (Fill in student’s box #) Easthampton, MA 01027 OUTGOING MAIL
Leaves from the campus daily on weekdays only.
CHECK CASHING
Students may cash personal checks at the Business Office or the Campus Store up to a limit of $100.00. Checks can be cashed during normal Business Office hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to noon on class Saturdays). In addition, students may wish to establish an account at one of the banks with offices located in Easthampton just a short walk from the school: Bank of America, www.
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bankofamerica.com; Easthampton Savings Bank, www.bankesb.com; or Florence Savings Bank, www.florencesavings.com.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
For those travelling by bus, Easthampton is served by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). PVTA bus service to and from Northampton, Amherst, and Holyoke is available Monday through Saturday. These buses stop next to the Schoolhouse on Payson Avenue or at the Big E on Cottage Street. Bus service to Springfield, Bradley International Airport, Boston, and other distant points is provided by Peter Pan. These buses stop in Northampton. Bus schedules are available www.peterpanbus.com. The closest commercial airport is Bradley International (Hartford, CT), about 30 miles from the school, and travel can be arranged to and from that point at student expense if students sign up in advance. Announcements for advance sign up are generally made in assemblies. Transportation is also offered at student expense to and from the Springfield bus and train stations. The director of student activities oversees student transportation and requests should be directed to him. If students are planning to fly to and from Bradley International Airport and are not yet 15 years old, families should check with the airline regarding their escort requirements and notify the Dean’s Office at least two weeks prior to the flight date if an escort will be needed. Amtrak train service has similar restrictions regarding unaccompanied minors, and the school encourages parents to be in touch with the Dean’s Office as needed to arrange an escort for train travel as well. Prior to any long weekend or term-end break, students complete travel forms specifying their travel plans and needs for assistance. The school will assist students in arranging transportation to the bus, train, and airports. The school supplies transportation to these locations at a reduced cost and also arranges with Archer Airport Limousine at (888) 491-2722 or (413) 593-5466 for transportation. In the event of an emergency situation, the Dean’s Office will work with families to coordinate transportation arrangements.
FOOD DELIVERIES
Students are allowed to order food from local establishments and have it delivered to campus within specified times. On weekdays, food deliveries are allowed during the day up until 7:45 p.m. However, food may not be delivered to campus between 8:00-10:00 p.m. during study hall hours. Food can be delivered between 10:0010:30 p.m. on weeknights. For these deliveries, students should place orders before 7:45 p.m. if they wish to use their Sammy Card or proctors may place orders for cash deliveries only. On Saturday nights and green week Friday nights, food may be delivered to the dormitories until 11:00 p.m.
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GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION ACCREDITATION
The school is accredited and in good standing with The New England Commission of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NECSC)
Parents are welcome to visit the school at other times, however, appointments to meet with specific teachers or school officials should be made in advance.
BACKGROUND CHECKS GOVERNANCE
The school is a non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. For a list of current trustees, please refer to the school’s website.
FAMILY-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
The school makes every effort to communicate with parents and guardians clearly and consistently throughout the academic year. Williston is a community that values the partnership between families and the school, believing it strengthens the educational experience for our students. WillyNet, the password-protected area of the school’s website, is a source of information about events and activities on campus. Once logged in, parents may view and update their personal profile, as well as that of their child, and read and print grades and financial statements when they are available. In WillyNet, they may also view calendars, check athletic schedules, and download important documents. Letters or emails may come from the Dean’s Office for notices of absences, warnings of accumulated minor offenses, and follow-up for more serious rule violations. Course selection books and signup notices are sent from the Academic Office prior to appropriate deadlines. Other special letters and emails will come from time to time. It is especially important that parents provide a current email address in order to receive school communications.
PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION AND CONFERENCES
There are two formally structured family weekends held in the fall and spring designed to give parents the opportunity to meet with teachers, coaches, advisors, and administrators.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires public and private schools to “obtain all available criminal record information… of any current or prospective employee or volunteer…who may have direct and unmonitored contact with children.” This statute imposes a legal obligation on independent schools to conduct such criminal background checks. With our students’ safety as our first priority, the school has completed Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offender Registry Information (SORI) background checks for all employees. The Massachusetts fingerprinting law, currently scheduled to be implemented starting in the fall 2013, will impose additional obligations with which the school will comply. A CORI/SORI check requires the completion of a brief application form and verification of a government issued photographic identification. This background check will only occur with the consent of an individual volunteer. As noted above, a CORI/SORI check is only deemed necessary for volunteers who will be working with students and may have direct and unmonitored contact with them. A CORI/SORI check is typically not necessary for parent volunteers working on/at the larger school functions where many adults are typically present. A volunteer’s service is contingent upon successful completion of the required background checks. In addition, any tutor wishing to meet with a student on campus must comply with a CORI/SORI check prior to doing so. Please contact the Business Office for more information.
CURRENT FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION
Parents must keep the school informed of telephone changes at work or at home because the school should be able to reach parents in case of emergency. If a parent is going to be away from home for an extended length of time, he or she should leave a forwarding address, email address, and telephone number where he or she can be reached, as well as information regarding who will be responsible for the student and how they may be reached in case of
illness or other emergency. Communication to the student’s advisor of the pending absence can also be helpful.
the school’s neighbors, drivers should go slowly on school grounds and in the surrounding neighborhood and refrain from using cell phones while driving on campus.
DUAL HOUSEHOLDS STUDENT RECORDS AND TRANSCRIPTS
In order for the school to most effectively communicate with parents and support each student, it is important for teachers and administrators to be aware of students who spend time in dual households. Parents should communicate to the school about primary caregivers in the event of an emergency, and whether special co-parenting arrangements exist. If there are court-ordered guidelines regarding visitations, picking up a student from school, parent involvement in field trips, or other issues, parents should notify the school as soon as possible. Sometimes these situations can be stressful for parents and confusing for students, and help in minimizing the school’s phone calls for clarification is very important. Unless otherwise specified, each parent for whom the main office has current contact information will have access to student information as well as other informational mailings and electronic communications during the year.
Students’ records are kept on file in the Academic Office. Each student’s record contains a transcript with grades and any formal communication with the school and the family, including disciplinary infractions. Requests for official transcripts should be directed to the academic dean.
STUDENT CENTER
The Student Center, located in the lower level of the Reed Campus Center, contains the StuBop snack bar, student mailboxes, the campus store, a television lounge, which includes a surround sound system and large flat screen television, a game room (including a pool table, and air hockey and ping pong tables), and day student lockers.
PETS ON CAMPUS LOST AND FOUND
Students are not allowed to have pets on campus. However, boarding students often appreciate when parents bring their family pet to campus to visit. Families are allowed to do so, but should recognize that pets are not permitted in indoor areas of campus, such as the Athletic Center, academic buildings, dining commons, student center, or dormitories. In addition, pets should not be left unattended in a car at any time. Pet owners should clean up after their pets and dispose of it in the large dumpsters located about campus.
Lost and found items are held at the Student Activities Office and at the reception area in the Schoolhouse. Please note: School insurance covers only school-owned property, not personal possessions. While the school endeavors to provide effective security for the Williston community, all personal possessions in dorm rooms, locker rooms, storage rooms, etc. are the student’s responsibility at all times. Parents should discuss this responsibility with their son or daughter and are encouraged to enable any tracking mechanisms on devices. Please report any lost/stolen items to the manager of security.
PARKING/DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
With students’ safety in mind, and because of fire laws and safety procedures, visitors should park only in designated parking spaces and not along the driveways of the school or on the grass. The drop-off and pick-up location for the Upper School is in front of the Reed Center in the campus quad circle. The entrance is directly across from the Phillips Stevens Chapel on Park Street. (The area behind Reed or behind the library should not be used.) The pick-up and drop-off location for the Middle School is on the circle near the entrance of the Middle School. For safety, and in consideration of
Losses of personal possessions while away at school are often covered under standard homeowners and tenants insurance policies; parents may wish to confirm this and request any documentation needed for filing claims from their insurance agents.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND BOOKS
Located in the Reed Campus Center, the Campus Store sells academic supplies, clothing, personal items, and gifts. Textbooks
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are available through our online vendor. The online store at www. williston.com/store has a link for ordering books. This site may also be used to sell back used books at the end of the year.
Parents and students have 24/7 online access to their Button Bucks account by registering at the Button Bucks Cardholder Account Center. Please visit www.williston.com/sammycard for more information.
SAMMY CARD AND BUTTON BUCKS GIFT GIVING
All students receive an ID (Sammy Card) during the opening days of school. More than just a student identification card, it features a prepaid spending account (Button Bucks), offering a safe and secure method for students to make cashless purchases. The card can be used on campus at the Campus Store and the StuBop snack bar, in vending machines on campus, at the library, Health and Wellness Services, and for events organized by the Student Activities Office. It is also welcome at a growing number of Easthampton businesses and at the school’s online textbook vendor. Parents have the option to set up a recurring allowance for their children using a Visa or MasterCard account to automatically replenish funds. If the card is damaged or destroyed, the student is responsible for replacing the card via the Business Office for a $25 replacement fee.
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The school discourages direct gifts to administrators, faculty, and staff from school families. However, parents should feel free to give their children’s teachers occasional, inexpensive tokens of appreciation. Often, a note of thanks may be the most appropriate gift.
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council facilitates dialogue between Upper School students and the school’s faculty and administration. The council initiates proposals for consideration and adoption by the faculty and administration, and reviews and offers student opinions on plans or proposals which significantly effect students and the community. The Student Council is comprised of class officers and representatives from each of the four Upper School classes and may be joined by representatives from the proctors, represented equally by gender. Students are encouraged to bring issues related to all aspects of student life to the Student Council. The council is instrumental in planning, promoting, and overseeing events that cultivate a sense of community among its members, such as Spirit Week, bonfires, dances, assemblies, and community service endeavors.
• Clare House: Jordan Capelle, Gillian Peters • Conant House: Cam Dogan, Ryun Parent, Nick Staub • Ford Hall: Percy Chen, Marquis Francois, Ethan Kimball, Matt Wagman, Jesse Ware • French House: Alyssa Cote, Shania D’Souza • Hathaway House: William Huang, Edwin Kim • John Wright House: Maisy Glick, Emily Grussing, Maranie Harris-Kuiper, Hannah Lee, Bianca Schultz, Sylvia Skerry • Logan House: Matt Carney, Scott Hendrick • Memorial Hall East: Maddy Dirats, Summer-Grace Flemister, Mary McCarthy, Annika Smith • Memorial Hall West: Maddy Hatch, Esther Kim, Gia Parker, Abigail Rogers-Berner • Sawyer House: Eli Chemelli, Wilder Denholm, Nick Pattison, Michael Walters DAY STUDENT PROCTORS
2013-14 STUDENT COUNCIL AND CLASS OFFICERS
• Class of 2014: President: Maddy Stern; Vice President: Bennett Wheeler; Treasurer: Elizabeth Calderone; Secretary: Persis Ticknor-Swanson; Representative: Michael Walters • Class of 2015: President: Loren Po; Vice President: Terry O’Brien; Treasurer: Noah Jackson; Secretary: Maisy Glick; Representative: Gabby Thomas • Class of 2016: President: Connor Murray; Vice President: Rachel Rockwell; Treasurer: David Yu; Secretary: Aidan Rai; Representative: Gaby Small • Class of 2017: TBA Advisors: Mr. Hill and Ms. Noble DORMITORY PROCTORS
Proctors, typically seniors and juniors, are student leaders in the dormitories who serve to enhance dormitory life. As a link between students, dormitory faculty, and the Dean’s Office, proctors help to create and maintain a supportive atmosphere and an efficiently run dormitory. They assist with evening study halls, help create a sense of dorm unity, and are alert to student needs, offering advice and assistance when necessary. The proctors also meet regularly with the deans. 2013-14 DORMITORY PROCTORS
• 194 Main Street Dormitory: Jay Brennan, Colin Brown, Charlie Fogg, Dane Johnson, Terry O’Brien, Emmett O’Malley
A number of senior and junior day students are selected in the spring as proctors of the day students at Williston. They meet regularly with the deans on issues that pertain to day students— weekend concerns, use of campus facilities, cars, and parking—and, more significantly, specific ways that day students can contribute to and enhance the entire Williston community. Since proctors serve as respected role models, they must maintain creditable academic and social standing. 2013-14 DAY STUDENT PROCTORS
James Borden, Elizabeth Calderone, Matt Cavanaugh, Brittany Collins, Maggie Fitzgerald, Olivia Foster, Oliver Demers, Christian Knapp, Alex Kozikowski, Allie Lewis, Rachel Lloyd, Henry Lombino, Taylor Potasky, Zach Pyser, Lindsay Richardson, Taylor Senecal, Maddy Stern, Persis Ticknor-Swanson, Ben Wheeler Advisors: Ms. Noble and Mr. Koritkoski DIVERSITY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INTERN COORDINATORS
William Huang and Tina Zhang DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP INTERNS
Erin An, A’kala Chaires, Maranie Harris-Kuiper, Esther Kim, James Kim, Camilla Paiva, Gia Parker, Regina Ryjih, Michael Thompson, Mackenzie Zehring Advisor: Mrs. Choo
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WORK FOR WILLISTON PROGRAM
The Work for Williston program gives students responsibility and encourages them to take pride in their school and surrounding communities. Each student at Williston is required to participate in the program and serve the community. The 9th and 10th graders will serve for the equivalent of one class period per week for two trimesters. The 11th and 12th graders will serve for one trimester. Work assignments involve maintaining commonly used areas, such as common rooms, or assisting in service functions in the library, dining commons, Admission Office or other areas of the school. The assistant dean of students coordinates the program.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Williston believes that significant education and enrichment occur outside the classroom through involvement in extracurricular student organizations. Participation helps to develop such skills as leadership; self-esteem through successful personal achievement within organizational structures, group interaction, and achievement of specific group goals; new interests and lifelong professional/leisure activities as well as artistic and other talents; time-management and organizational skills; concern for the school and global community through giving of self, sharing, and explorations of common interests with others. The school believes that students should participate in such activities in order to take full advantage of the opportunities for intellectual, physical, social, and creative development. STARTING A CLUB
Students are encouraged to join or form new clubs in their areas of interest. In order to start a club, a student first should ask the director of student activities for counsel. STUDENT ACTIVITIES OFFICE AND CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD
Each week, the Student Activities Office offers opportunities for students to attend a variety of events. On weekend evenings, options may include a play, school dance, movie, concerts on or off campus, or trips to events in the Pioneer Valley, Springfield, Hartford, Boston, or New York. The school takes advantage of events at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, and Hampshire Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Transportation is arranged by the Student Activities Office and provided by faculty members and/or the school’s bus company.
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The Student Activities Office is located in the Reed Campus Center and announcements about upcoming activities are announced at assemblies and published on the message boards about campus. Student activities, organizations and publications include: • Academic Team • Asian Club • Bluegrass Club • Chamber Orchestra • Community Life Committee • Community Service Organization • Concert Band • Dance Ensemble • Film Club • Gay/Straight Alliance • Gold Key • The Green Team • Jam Band • Jazz Ensemble • Math Club • Metal Band • Model United Nations • Mountaineering • PRIDE ( Gay-Straight Alliance) • Robotics Club • Science Olympiad • Student Alumni Association • Student Diversity Committee • Table Tennis • Teller Chorus • Theatre Ensemble • T.R.I.B.E. (trust, respect, individuality, belief, equality) • Ultimate Frisbee • Young Republicans • School Publications • Janus (literary magazine) • The Log (yearbook) • The Willistonian (student newspaper) • Peer tutors and mentors A selection process is required for students who wish to become the following: • Areté (senior tutors) • Math Resource Center peer mentors • Writing Center peer mentors
FUNDRAISING
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Fundraising is limited to on-campus groups and is not for personal benefit. Any planned fundraising activity on campus by any individual or group that will sell items, collect money, or collect goods cannot proceed with fundraising activities, until a fundraising application form has been completed and approved. The form must have the signatures from the advisor of the group doing the fundraising, the controller in the Business Office, a representative of the Advancement Office, and final approval from the director of student activities, signifying their approval. Card readers from the Business Office will only be issued for fundraising activities that have been approved and authorized.
Williston’s Parents’ Association (PA) supports the school’s mission, programs, and activities for the benefit of all students. The PA facilitates communication and parent education, and encourages and coordinates volunteerism. In addition, the organization fosters a spirit of inclusion, partnership, and cooperation among the entire school community. Every parent and guardian of a current student is a welcomed member of the Parents’ Association. The Parents’ Association hosts a discussion series with guest speakers scheduled throughout the year. PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION COORDINATOR
Romaney Berson P’16 DIRECTOR OF PARENT RELATIONS
Rachel Goldberg (413) 529-3308 rgoldberg@williston.com
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SPECIAL EVENTS SCHOOL-SPONSORED SOCIAL EVENTS
The school sponsors many special events annually such as two formal dinners for the seniors with the faculty, a community winter banquet, Cum Laude induction, Writers’ Workshop speaker series, and many other events. All of these events are on the school calendar and are also publicized to the community.
SCHOOL GATHERINGS OFF CAMPUS (NOT SPONSORED BY SCHOOL)
It is important to remember, through their quest for acceptance from peers and their desire for greater independence, that students still need clear boundaries and guidance, and the following section provides some ideas to consider. They are designed to be practical and, more importantly, are based on the values we, as a school, stand for as part of our mission. In this sense, we hope that all our parents will support these in spirit, if not in letter. 1. Always be at an event or party in your own home and establish ground rules and expectations with your child before the party takes place.
5. Communicate your feelings of support and your policies to your child. • Discuss with him or her the situations that could possibly arise (e.g., peer pressure, dangerous drivers, etc.). • Let the student know where you can be reached if you will not be at home. • Agree on an acceptable curfew and the consequences should it be broken. • Be aware of when your child arrives home, and be appreciative of his or her timely arrival. • Assure your child that you, or someone else will be available in case of an emergency. 6. Take an unequivocal stand on drug, tobacco, and alcohol use, and make sure students understand your position completely. Finally, if you must be away for any length of time, make arrangements for quality supervision in your home to ensure that you, students and your home are protected. Many parties occur in homes when parents are away. Let the school and neighbors know you are away.
FAMILY WEEKENDS AND VISITS
2. When hosting a other Williston students, always generate a guest list and do not admit uninvited guests. Establish specific starting and ending time to the event and communicate this information to the school. 3. Please be a presence and be aware of and alert for signs that alcohol, tobacco, or drugs have been used by guests, despite all the precautions you have taken. If it seems necessary, do not hesitate to phone the police. 4. If your child is invited to a party, you may want to contact the parent giving the party and: • Verify the location. • Verify that parents will be present. • Verify the starting and ending time. • Offer assistance (e.g., chaperone, food, etc.). • If there is to be a sleepover, find out what the ground rules will be.
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There are two regularly scheduled weekend programs for parents. At Fall Family Weekend, October 18-19, all parents have an opportunity to meet faculty and school officials, visit classes, and attend special programs of interest to parents. Spring Family Weekend, April 18-19, also includes a presentation from the College Counseling office. When visiting, parents may take their children off campus. The students must follow the usual sign-out procedures and are not permitted to miss any school obligations without permission from the dean on duty.
SUPERVISED HOME VISITS
As a school that includes both boarding and day students, we welcome opportunities for day students to be involved on campus and for boarding students to visit the homes of day students, whether for an evening or overnight. There are deliberate policies on campus to provide a safe social environment for students, and
it is expected that parents will provide an adult-supervised and drug- and alcohol-free environment whenever Williston students are guests in their homes. When a day or boarding parent extends an invitation to a boarding student as an overnight guest, the school assumes the invitation means that a parent will be at home and will not permit student use of alcohol or drugs. Parents are urged to communicate with each other to ensure that all student gatherings are supervised and substance free.
In the Upper School, each year there are special trips organized by faculty members traveling to destinations of interest during the vacation periods. These are announced to the students during assemblies and parents are notified of these opportunities via email. The chief financial officer oversees these trips and should be contacted for more information on policies regarding these trips.
DANCES
Parents are strongly encourage to communicate with the dean of students or the associate head regarding any unsupervised party or substance abuse concerns, so that there may be discreet and diplomatic follow-up. Parent calls inviting students to visit should be made to the Dean’s Office well before the students are scheduled to leave campus for the visit.
SCHOOL TRIPS
The school offers a variety of field trips during the school year. At the Middle School, parents/guardians are notified of upcoming off campus trips via email from the head of the Middle School. At the Upper School, parents may or may not be told of the trip in advance depending on the length of the trip and travel associated with it. All school trips should be alcohol, drug, and tobacco free. Students participating in school trips must comply with all applicable school rules and all applicable laws. The school reserves the right to deny a student participation on a trip if the school cannot accommodate his or her needs safely or the student is not in good standing.
SPECIAL OVERNIGHT TRIPS
Dances are a popular on-campus social activity that are wellattended and are overseen by the director of student activities. In past years, there has also been a winter semi-formal dance in February and a senior prom in May. Williston students wishing to bring a guest should notify the Dean’s Office in advance to receive permission to do so. This includes completing and submitted a form signed by the visiting student’s parent and their own school administration. Other schools are often invited to Williston dances and these students travel and attend with their own school’s chaperone. The following guidelines express our expectations for conduct at all Williston dances. All students are expected to act respectfully and appropriately towards each other. If inappropriate behavior is observed, the student will be addressed and asked to stop the offensive behavior. If the behavior persists, the faculty chaperone will be notified and the visiting student will be asked to leave the dance floor, and will spend the remainder of the evening with their school’s chaperone. Similarly, Williston students who continue to engage in inappropriate conduct after being addressed will be subject to discipline as deemed appropriate by the dean on duty. Students are expected to act respectfully towards each other, the DJ, and the adult chaperones that enable dances to occur at Williston.
In the Middle School, all 8th graders travel to Washington, D.C. during the last week of school. It is a faculty chaperoned trip and additionally there are experienced tour guides in D.C. For more information about this trip, please contact the head of the Middle School.
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THE ROBERT PARKER CLAPP LIBRARY Students go to the library to study, gather information, write papers, browse current magazines, work quietly in groups, and indulge in leisure reading. A professional librarian is available to give individual attention to students’ questions as well as to teach research strategies to classes. The library has 10 iMacs, 16 laptops, and wireless access. Computers are to be used only for academic or informational purposes during the academic day; academic needs have priority over recreational pursuits. All use of these computers should be in conformity with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.
The timely return of library material is the responsibility of the individual to whom it was loaned. Students should not pass books on to others, but rather return them to the library to be signed out anew. Any questions about overdue materials should be directed to the library at (413) 529-3348.
INTERLIBRARY LOAN
Although Williston’s collection is selected to amply provide resources for class assignments, interlibrary loan requests are sent out when needed. The library participates in the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System.
LOAN PERIOD
Books and CDs circulate for a loan period of approximately three weeks; DVDs for one week. Students may take out an unlimited amount of books and CDs, unless others are also pursuing the same topic for a class; in that case, books are set aside in the library. Borrowers must return items if requested for class use or reserve. Signing out DVDs is limited to three at a time.
RETURNS AND RENEWALS
Students are encouraged to renew material as needed. This can be done in person or by email. An overdue notice is sent shortly before the book is due, and a fine of 10 cents a day is assessed for late items. If the book is not returned after the third notice (approximately one month later), the student is billed the replacement cost plus a non-refundable $10 processing fee per item. If the book is subsequently returned, the student is credited the cost of the book.
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CONDUCT
Students are expected to behave considerately towards others by respecting the need for quiet of those who are studying. Students are encouraged to be environmentally conscious in their use of paper. The library adheres to campus-wide expectations during evening study hall. Electronic devices may not be used to communicate with others during this time. All students sign in when they arrive, sign out at departure, and may not come and go in between. Beverages in covered containers and light snacks are acceptable, with the understanding that recyclables and trash will be disposed of in the containers provided.
ATHLETICS In keeping with the school’s mission, the Athletic Department seeks to instill in students purpose, passion, and integrity. For many, athletic involvement and daily physical activity are an integral part of Williston life, whether a student is a member of one of the numerous teams competing interscholastically or participates in something of a more recreational nature. Students are encouraged to participate in a minimum of one season of interscholastic athletics each school year. The associate athletic director coordinates and oversees the signup each season. Students are encouraged to try new sports, and they have the opportunity to change sports within the first three weeks of each season. After this period of time, students are expected to remain committed to their program for the remainder of the season. The school requires that every student attend all weekend practices and games. Upper School students may elect to apply for a one-trimester waiver to participate in an athletic offering outside of the regular afternoon program. These would include either pursuing a sport that Williston does not offer off campus in a formal program (examples include rock climbing, gymnastics, and figure skating) or pursuing a sport specialization (examples include spring soccer, fall baseball). Regarding the sport specialization option, it is important to note the school does not encourage students to specialize at Williston but rather to have a variety of athletic experiences. Over the years, our most talented individuals have thrived on maintaining such diversity in their athletic involvement. That said, truly exceptional students will be considered for a single trimester waiver. Applications and further details may be found online.
COMMITMENT
Commitment is an important aspect of all students’ involvement in the athletics program. The school recognizes that students will miss games and practices due to illness, religious holidays, etc. but expects that all parents will appreciate what the school is trying to accomplish and be supportive of its efforts in this regard. Leaving school early on a long weekend, and missing a commitment, is considered a serious breach of a student’s commitment to the school.
ATHLETIC CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Each student is responsible (at cost of replacement) for all items of clothing and equipment issued to him or her by the Athletic Department. Clothing and equipment is to be returned in a condition similar to when it was issued, taking into consideration normal wear. Cutting the sleeves off a jersey would not constitute normal wear and players would be charged for a new item. The school does not assume responsibility for missing articles that are left in lockers; students must keep their lockers secured at all times. Uniforms need to be returned on the day of a contest so they can be cleaned. The following protective equipment is supplied: football equipment; hockey equipment with the exception of gloves and elbow pads; and lacrosse/field hockey equipment with the exception of gloves, arm pads, and goggles. The school does not supply footwear.
ELIGIBILITY
GAME DAY INFORMATION
All students must have on file a medical form completed and signed by a medical doctor stating that the student is physically fit to participate in physical education classes and athletics. No one will be allowed to participate until this form is on file. To reiterate, students must attend at least 50 percent of their classes on a given day to be eligible for participation in athletics and all extracurricular activities on that day.
At the beginning of each week, the Athletic Department will publish (and post on the bulletin board outside of the cage) a copy of the schedule of events noting time of contests, meal times, departure time, methods of transportation, estimated time of return, etc. All of this information, including directions to all games, is available on the school’s website.
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ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
All new Williston students are expected to purchase a Williston travel suit at registration. This all-school travel suit is used for various purposes but primarily when members of teams are off campus at contests. The cost of this suit is $115. Because of the nature of several of our afternoon offerings (skiing, golf, horseback riding, and crew) that operate at facilities outside of Williston, participation in these specific programs requires an additional expense. It should be noted that when it is necessary for teams to stay overnight in hotels during team trips, students will be charged to help cover the expense.
SPORTSMANSHIP
While the school recognizes the importance of competition in athletics, the school also places great emphasis on good sportsmanship. Whether participating in or attending athletic events, all students are expected to represent the school in a manner that is respectful of others, both on and off the field of play. Sportsmanship goals should include: • Developing a sense of dignity under all circumstances. • Respecting the rules of the game, the officials who administer the rules, and their decisions. • Respecting opponents as fellow students and acknowledging them for striving to do their best while you seek to do your best at the same time. • Looking at athletic participation as a potentially beneficial learning experience, whether you win or lose. • Educating other students and fans to understand the rules of the game, and the value of sportsmanship. • Accepting the personal responsibility that comes with your actions on the court/field. The school also encourages parents to act in a sportsman-like manner. As such, the school hopes parents will: • Realize that athletics are part of the educational experience, and the benefits of involvement go beyond the final score of a game. • Encourage students to perform their best, just as we would urge them on with their classwork, knowing that others will always turn in better or lesser performances. • Participate in POSITIVE cheers and encourage our athletes.
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• Learn, understand and respect the rules of the game, the officials who administer them and their decisions. • Respect the task our coaches face as teachers, and support them as they strive to educate our students. • Respect our opponents as students, and acknowledge them for striving to do their best. MEDICAL AND OTHER EXCUSES
Just as students are expected to prepare and appear on time for all academic appointments, so are they expected to be present for their commitments beyond the classroom. If a student must miss an athletic event for medical or other reasons, the school must be notified well in advance so that arrangements can be made. If a student is out for a medical reason, a return to sports must be approved by the school’s medical team. Sports-related injuries may be assessed by one of the school’s two athletic trainers. Additionally, students and parents are required to comply with the school’s policies and procedures regarding concussions as posted on WillyNet.
COMMUNICATION
For scheduling changes to athletic events caused by inclement weather or other unexpected events, students and parents should visit the school’s website.
DISCIPLINE
All students should understand that they represent the school both on and off campus. Their conduct at athletic events, including events hosted by other schools, is a reflection on the rest of the school community. Behavioral infractions occurring in connection with athletic events will be dealt with in the same way as other inappropriate behavior, with disciplinary action taken when appropriate.
DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES GENERAL
The policies described in this handbook reflect a commitment to excellence and a concern for others, and these guidelines are put forth to help students find the right direction. Just as every student manifests his or her agreement to abide by these rules by attending classes and other activities sponsored by the school, so does every family express its commitment to these policies by enrolling a student at the school. Along with this commitment is the firm understanding by all parties that parents and guardians accept and support any disciplinary action taken by the school. It is not for any student or family to determine what is appropriate disciplinary action. Rather, the school alone reserves the right to decide what constitutes a breach of the school rules and what kind of response, up to and including dismissal and removal of academic credit, any such breach warrants. All behavioral issues are handled on a case-by-case basis, with thought given to individual needs and circumstances, support provided by parents, and a variety of other factors. Teachers and administrators recognize that students make occasional mistakes and experience lapses in judgment. Conversations about behavior happen frequently and students come to expect that faculty will play an active role in their lives. Our approach is proactive. We understand and expect that mistakes will happen, as they are an integral part of growing up. We are, first and foremost, a community of learners. Respect for one another is critical. The most important element in helping students learn to make sound choices is to have them realize the importance of accountability. Students are therefore expected to act with integrity in acknowledging their conduct, to accept the consequences determined by the school, and to move forward, having learned from their mistakes. Every effort is made to be fair, and consequences are carefully considered. Ultimately, however, the school, in its sole discretion, decides upon the appropriate disciplinary response to student misconduct. The school administration may delegate disciplinary matters as it sees fit, within the administration; thus, by way of example, if the head of school or dean of students is unavailable or not the appropriate person to resolve a matter, another administrator may do so.
The school reserves the right to raise at any school meeting or assembly any issue of student discipline for the purpose of furthering the educational mission and learning environment for students and the school community.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Students may be disciplined for any conduct, on or off school grounds, during the academic year, before or after the academic year, which is illegal, contrary to school policies or mission, culture or expectations, disruptive of the educational process or endangers persons or property. Examples of student conduct that may invoke a disciplinary response include, but are not limited to: • Failure to abide by the school’s expectations of students, as outlined in this handbook and otherwise. • Excessive absences, tardiness or being unprepared for academic or extra-curricular activities. • Being out of dress code. • Theft, vandalism or destruction of property of others or the school. • Possession or use of any firearm, knife, explosive or dangerous object. • Possession, sale, use or transfer of alcohol, tobacco or any illegal drug or controlled substance. • Assault on another person. • Improper sexual conduct. • Bullying, hazing, harassment, or other abusive behavior. • Cheating, academic dishonesty, falsifying an overnight signout or a sign-out to travel beyond campus boundaries or going elsewhere other than what is written, forgery, possession of false identification, signing into someone’s email without permission or being dishonest or deceptive. • Acts of unkindness, rudeness or misconduct. • Classroom behavior that impedes other students’ learning. • Distribution or electronic transmission of material that contains obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, disrespectful, threatening, discriminatory, prejudicial, false, defamatory or otherwise inappropriate language or pictures, as determined by the school in its sole discretion. • Reprehensible conduct tending to reflect discredit to the school.
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When a student is found in the presence of a student or students violating the school’s standards of good conduct, he or she will receive similar consequences unless there are particular, extenuating circumstances. Responsibility to avoid such a situation rests with the student. As in all circumstances, a student’s integrity is a prime concern. Boarding students are expected to follow reasonable precautions (such as locking their rooms and not lending out their key or key card) to prevent the use of their rooms by other students for purposes of breaking school rules.
type of violation or behavior of the offense and may result in a warning, loss of use, loss of privileges or permissions, confiscation of an item for a specified period of time, work assignment, room confinement, restriction, or some combination of the above.
Students who provide the space for drug, alcohol, or tobacco use will be held accountable under this “in the presence of” rule. Incidents not specifically covered by the rules in this handbook but falling under the general code of conduct as outlined in the school’s philosophy and rules will be dealt with as the school deems appropriate.
ROOM CONFINEMENT
REPRIMAND
An official reprimand may include a plan for weekly review of a student’s behavior until a satisfactory record of citizenship has been established. Parents will receive a copy of the reprimand.
Boarding students are to return to their dormitory at 7:30 p.m. on weeknights (7:00 p.m. on weekends), to check in with the dorm parent on duty, and to remain in their room until 6:00 a.m. the next morning. They are not allowed to have visitors in their room. DEAN’S RESTRICTION
DISCIPLINARY TERMS AND PROCESS
The school reserves the right to discipline and/or dismiss a student without a disciplinary hearing if it deems it most appropriate, in its sole discretion. The school further reserves the right to suspend, separate, or dismiss students at any time for conduct that is unacceptable and detrimental to its program, or for conduct that violates the laws of Massachusetts, regardless as to whether or not a specific rule has been violated, whether actions or events occurred on or off campus, or whether they were committed by boarding or day students. For a violation of discipline guidelines, on the first offense, if the incident was not egregious and the student takes full responsibility for the action, the dean of students may determine the consequences to the offense for the student. If a student receives two dean’s warnings as a result of either attendance or decorum units (described further below) during a school year, the student will be placed on probation, receive a disciplinary response, and may meet with the Discipline Committee. Below is a list of defined terms and likely sequencing of consequences. However, the school reserves the right to impose student discipline in any way it deems appropriate, and is not restricted by these definitions or sequences. CONSEQUENCE
A disciplinary response by the dean of students that addresses the
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For boarding students, the student may not leave campus and is restricted to his or her room at 7:30 p.m. on weeknights and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings and must remain there until 6:00 a.m. the next morning. A restriction on the weekend limits a student’s ability to have an off campus overnight and the student may not travel beyond campus boundaries for the weekend. For day students, they are expected to leave campus after athletics (by 6:00 p.m.) and not return until classes the next day. Weekend restrictions for day students preclude them from being involved with campus activities in the evening and restrict them from coming onto campus on Sunday or participating in weekend student activities. In addition, day students may not have another student sign out overnight to their home when restricted. CLIPBOARDING
Both day and boarding students will remain on campus and check in with the dean on duty every hour on the hour from noon on Saturday until 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., boarders are to return to their dorms and continue serving restriction for the evening. On Sunday, students will resume check-ins with the dean on duty at 10:00 a.m. and continue hourly through 6:00 p.m. In addition, students may be assigned a work job that is to be completed during their first hour of clipboarding on Sunday. Day students are to promptly leave campus and return home. DEAN’S WARNING
A dean’s warning is a formal written warning issued by the dean of students that indicates that repetition of a specific behavior or set of behaviors, or any other disciplinary infraction, will result in a more severe disciplinary action. A second dean’s warning for the same type of violation will be considered a second probationary
offense and will merit a meeting with the Discipline Committee. PROBATION
Probation is a disciplinary action that results from specific behaviors and is the usual sanction for serious misconduct on the first offense. For boarding students, it is accompanied by one week of room confinement and a weekend restriction. Day students may expect two weeks of restriction. If the offense warrants suspension, the boarding student will begin the one-week cycle of room confinement and weekend restriction upon return to campus. When a student has been placed on probation, parents are often asked to come to campus to discuss the matter with the dean, the student’s advisor, and the student. Serious misconduct while on probation generally results in a student’s dismissal from the school. In addition, a student generally may not be placed on probation twice in the same school year. A second incident of serious misconduct usually results in separation or dismissal of the student. When seniors are placed on probation in the third trimester, the school reserves the right to deny the privilege of participation in graduation ceremonies. This may result in a student not graduating and the diploma could be withheld. SUSPENSION
The student will be sent home for a specified period of time. Parents of a suspended student may be required to return to school with their child for a meeting with the dean, the student’s advisor, and the student. When a student is suspended, he or she bears the burden and responsibility for obtaining all missed assignments and completing them. Major papers due during a suspension must be submitted on time. SEPARATION
The student is sent home for the remainder of the academic year. Return is possible and requests for reinstatement are made to the head of school. Colleges to which the student applies will be notified of any separation as the school deems appropriate and certainly during the senior year. DISMISSAL
The student is dismissed from school with no possibility for return. Actions likely to result in separation or dismissal include: gross violations of personal or academic honor; theft; multiple, egregious,
simultaneous, or successive major or minor offenses; abusive language or actions toward person or property; and significant misconduct or disrespect for the rules and/or reputation of the school. Students who have been separated or dismissed from Williston may not return to campus unless they are accompanied by their parents and have the written permission of the head of school, associate head of school, or dean of students. While the school may offer a student who is separated or dismissed late in the academic year an opportunity to complete course work, this privilege is not given automatically and may be granted at the school’s sole discretion. The College Counseling Office will report disciplinary infractions during the senior year that result in suspensions, separations, and dismissals. There may also be options for students to make up academic work in the event of separation or dismissal earlier in the academic year. If the school allows the privilege of completion of academic work for credit, the student may take exams and receive regular numerical averages for the marking period, only if the separation/dismissal occurs so close to the end of the trimester that the only remaining graded work for the trimester is the exam(s). If the separation occurs for any substantial length of time before the trimester closes, all assigned tests, papers, and exams must be completed for credit to be granted. Evaluation in that case will be on a pass/fail basis, and the student’s transcript will show only numerical grades earned before he or she left the school. The teacher will be asked to evaluate all assigned work on a pass/fail basis to determine whether credit should be granted.
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
The Discipline Committee, chaired by the associate head of school, consists of students elected by the student body, faculty members, and a representative from the Dean’s Office. The committee meets with an equal number of students and faculty members. Generally, students are accompanied by their advisors to Discipline Committee hearings. Parents and others from outside the school community are not permitted to attend Discipline Committee meetings. The Discipline Committee may recommend suspension, separation, dismissal, and/or any other actions. The Discipline Committee decisions are recommendations to the head of school, who may accept, reject, or modify such decisions, in the head of school’s sole discretion.
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Students are generally required to meet with the Discipline Committee in the following situations: 1) for a first offense, when the facts are in question; 2) for a second offense in the same year; 3) for a third offense within two years; 4) for a third offense in three consecutive years; 5) for a situation that might result in dismissal on a first offense, such as an egregious violation of school rules. A student who commits a second probationary offense after faculty intervention, but prior to the meeting of the Disciplinary Committee for the first offense, may be subject to separation or dismissal. Moreover, students on probation are subject to review at the end of the school year, where the issue of non-continuance or continuance at the school will be determined. A student whose actions necessitate a second meeting of the Discipline Committee in the same academic year may expect separation or dismissal as the outcome. In some cases, students will be afforded the opportunity to withdraw from school prior to a meeting with the Discipline Committee. However, once the meeting convenes, this option becomes unavailable to the student. The decisions and recommendations of this committee are reviewed by the head of school, who makes the final decision on disciplinary matters. 2013-2014 STUDENT DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Class of 2014: Oliver Demers, Gia Parker, Nick Pattison, Maddy Stern, Michael Walters • Class of 2015: Colin Brown, Brittany Engelman, Terrence O’Brien, Emmett O’Malley, Julia Valine • Class of 2016: Amelia DeFrancis, Connor Murray, Rachel Rockwell COLLEGE REPORTING
Williston expects that its students will answer questions about disciplinary history honestly on college applications. The College Counseling Office will answer truthfully any direct questions from colleges about students’ disciplinary history. If a student has ever been suspended or placed on disciplinary probation at Williston, or at a previous high school, he or she must address this with his or her college counselor. In addition, college counselors have an ongoing obligation to provide accurate information about students to colleges and will report changes in status that occur during senior year, including withdrawals from the school. With regard to discipline, counselors will report disciplinary
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infractions during the senior year that result in suspensions, separations, and dismissals. The College Counseling Office will provide information about the incident to colleges within 14 days. If the incident occurs prior to the mailing of application materials, notice will be provided along with the school letter of recommendation. While disciplinary matters are of concern to colleges, the college counseling experience is that colleges often understand that young people make mistakes. Admission committees are typically more concerned with the manner in which students respond to disciplinary sanctions than the actual event leading to the sanctions. A mature and graceful response to a discipline infraction can illustrate a student’s growth and development as a young adult.
ATTENDANCE AND DECORUM UNITS
At Williston, the system of student accountability for upholding daily expectations of attendance and behavior is based on units. There are two distinct tracks for accumulating unit points: attendance and decorum. While accumulating a certain number of units in either type will yield consequences, the types of units are accounted for separately. Students’ attendance units will be cleared to zero at the start of each trimester. However, students will be held accountable to serve whatever consequences were assigned to them for the previous term if not already completed. The Dean’s Office oversees the accounting of attendance and decorum units. CONSEQUENCES FOR ATTENDANCE UNITS
Students accumulate one attendance unit for an unexcused absence to any school commitment or upon every third lateness to a school commitment, in accordance with the attendance policies outlined in this handbook. Faculty will notify the Dean’s Office of all absences and the Dean’s Office will notify students and their advisors of unexcused attendance units. The dean of students has discretion to assign work hours, clipboarding, and limit a student’s permissions. • 3-4 units: If a student accumulates three or four attendance units in a given term, the student will meet with the class dean and be placed on restriction for the upcoming Saturday evening. • 5 units: If a student accumulates a fifth attendance unit in a given term, the student will be placed on dean’s restriction for Saturday night and Sunday and parents will be notified. Day students will be expected to leave campus following their last commitment on Saturday and not return until Monday morning.
• 6 units: If a student accumulates a sixth attendance unit in a given term, the student will meet with the assistant dean of students and parents will be notified. The student will be placed on dean’s restriction for the upcoming weekend and will serve a room confinement for the academic week. Boarding students will return to their rooms at 7:30 p.m. each evening and remain there until 6:00 a.m. the next morning and lose all visitation privileges for the academic week. Day students will be expected to leave campus following their last commitment on Saturday and not return until Monday morning. In addition, for the next academic week, day students will be expected to leave campus daily at 6:00 p.m. and not return until the following morning for classes. • 7 units: If a student accumulates a 7th attendance unit in a given term, the student will meet with the dean of students and serve the same consequence as for the sixth unit (dean’s restriction and academic room confinement.) In addition, the student will do one day of clipboarding on the weekend, and parents will be notified. • 8 units: If a student accumulates an 8th attendance unit in a given term, the student will be issued a dean’s warning, parents will be notified, the student will meet with the dean of students, and the student may meet with the Disciplinary Committee. Note: As stated in the attendance section of this handbook, the school reserves the right to deny academic credit to a student who misses 10 or more class meetings of any individual course in a trimester. DECORUM UNITS
Williston students are expected to maintain a level of decorum in speech, dress, and behavior that is illustrative of the community’s core values of respect for self and others, responsibility and trust, and honesty and integrity. Due to the nature of decorum units, they accumulate during the course of the year and do not reset at the beginning of each trimester. Students accumulate decorum units for dress code violations, tobacco violations, riding and/or driving and other vehicle violations, disrespectful language or behavior, unauthorized use of an elevator, unauthorized use of a cell phone or other electronic device, failing to properly sign out during the academic day or on a day permission, upon every third room confinement issued in the dorm, and when conduct is otherwise deemed to be of an inappropriate nature.
Faculty are expected to engage in a conversation with the student about the violation at the time of the offense and then notify the Dean’s Office of such offense. CONSEQUENCES FOR DECORUM UNITS
In most situations, the consequence assessed to the student as a result of a decorum unit is directly related to the type of violation or behavior and may result in a warning, loss of use, loss of privileges or permissions, restrictions, work hours, room confinement, restriction, or some combination of the above. The severity of the consequence assigned will increase as the number of units accrue and will be decided by the Dean’s Office in its sole discretion. It is our hope that through conversation and consequences, the cited behavior will be corrected. However, if that is not the case, the following are general guidelines in addition to the above-mentioned consequences: • 2 units: If a student accrues two decorum units based on similar acts, or four total decorum units in a given school year, the student will meet with the class dean and be placed on dean’s restriction for the upcoming Saturday night and Sunday. Day students will be expected to leave campus following their last commitment on Saturday and not return until Monday morning. For the next academic week, the day student will be expected to leave campus daily at 6:00 p.m. and not return until the following morning for classes. Parents will be notified. • 3-5 units: If a student accumulates three decorum units based on similar acts or five total decorum points during the school year, the student will be issued a dean’s warning, be restricted to campus for the upcoming weekend, assigned to clipboarding, meet with the assistant dean of students, and the student’s parents will be notified. If a student does not complete these obligations, he or she may meet with the Disciplinary Committee. • 4-7 units: If a student accumulates four decorum units based on similar acts, or seven total decorum units during the school year, the student will meet with the Discipline Committee; the dean of students has discretion to assign work hours and/or clipboarding in the interim.
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BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS WHILE AWAY FROM CAMPUS
Students are expected to remember that they represent the school community at all times, both on and away from campus. While it is not the school’s intention to monitor students in all of their off campus activities, the school reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal, in response to inappropriate conduct occurring off campus, during the school year, as well as on vacations and during the summer.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Disciplinary matters and student issues are handled directly by teachers, administrators, and appropriate staff. If a student is having an issue with another student, parents should not attempt to deal with the other student directly about that matter. Doing so may put
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a student in an intimidating situation and is best resolved, when appropriate, through a school administrator. Please speak to the appropriate school administrator for guidance with any questions about contacting another student or parent about a school-related problem.
NON-CONTINUATION
The school reviews the citizenship and academic standing of all students in June and reserves the right to deny continuation to any student whose behavior, attitude, or disciplinary record is judged to be detrimental to the welfare of the school community, regardless of whether or not a specific school rule has been violated or academic requirement has been met.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES HEALTH AND WELLNESS STAFF
HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES HOURS OF OPERATION
At Williston, we believe that physical and emotional wellness is an integral part of academic, professional, and personal success and fulfillment. We actively encourage our entire campus community to aspire towards high levels of personal health, well-being, and satisfaction. Nursing and counseling staff are available to assist students in making personal decisions as they deal with illness, injuries, and other health, wellness, social, and emotional matters. Health and Wellness Services is staffed by registered nurses. When Health and Wellness Services is not open, a nurse is always on call. To reach the nurse outside of routine clinic hours for urgent care, call (413) 529-3911. For life threatening emergencies, call 911. • Medical Director: Peter Elsea, M.D. • Director of Health and Wellness Services: Kerry-Beth Garvey, M.S., R.N., CNL • Director of Psychological Services: Benjamin Thompson, LICSW, BCD
• • • •
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and 6:00–8:30 p.m. Class Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Non-class Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:30 p.m.
ORIENTATION
Health and Wellness Services staff orient students at the beginning of each school year to services available at the Health and Wellness Services and in the local community.
HEALTH EDUCATION
OUR STAFF
Together with the Dean’s Office, Health and Wellness Services partners with other departments and faculty to offer health and wellness programs on a variety of topics to all students throughout the year. Individual topics are tailored to each grade and age level. The goal is to provide all of our students with easy access to quality health information and provide a safe, supportive environment for all inquiries.
Registered nurses with a collective experience in pediatric, emergency, student, and community health are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to care for our students.
Health and Wellness Services maintains a webpage with links to a variety of current health topics.
Williston believes the physical and emotional safety of its students is paramount. If a student feels that he or she may have been the subject of harassment of any kind, bullying, or hazing, by an adult or another student, he or she should report the alleged incident immediately to his or her adviser, dean of students, director of Health and Wellness Services, school counselor, or any trusted adult in the school. Any reports of alleged bullying, harassment of any kind, or hazing will be promptly investigated. Williston categorically prohibits all sexual contact, relationships, or advances between adults and students, both on campus and off.
HEALTH RECORDS, REGULATIONS, AND ACCESS
A yearly health form, which includes an annual physical, immunization records, and consent for medical treatment, is required for every student and must be submitted each year by August 1st. Please note that Williston does not conduct the health examination that Massachusetts provides for public school students. All records are kept in a confidential file at Health and Wellness Services. All required health forms can be found on WillyNet. Parents are asked to provide the school with information about their children’s physical, emotional and mental health. In part, this information is obtained to comply with state law; it is also
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needed to keep the school well-informed of the health of all students. The school is sensitive to the privacy of this information and is committed to protecting the confidentiality of students and their families by restricting the use of and access to this information for necessary medical management only, in accordance with applicable law.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All students must have health insurance while attending Williston. A copy of a current medical insurance card and of a prescription card must be kept on file at Health and Wellness Services. Changes in insurance information must be updated immediately by contacting Health and Wellness Services. International students, students who do not have a U.S.-based health insurance plan, and students with state health coverage must arrange for the purchase of the comprehensive student health insurance policy offered by Williston. This insurance information is available from the Business Office.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
In an effort to keep the Williston community healthy and safe, we have devised careful guidelines regarding prescription and over-thecounter drugs. We are committed to ensuring that all students have safe daily access to their prescription medications. Students will need a doctor’s note to validate the need for medication. If students need to keep medications refrigerated in their rooms, they may only use a micro-fridge (11”x 8”) unless they are proctors. Students may purchase a micro-fridge through the school or on their own. All students must submit a physician-verified list of medications and register their medications with the health services staff, in their original containers, at the beginning of every academic year. This information is listed on the required health forms and includes the name of each medication, reason for use, and daily dose with prescriptive provider name, address, telephone, and fax numbers. All prescription drugs, with the exception of contraception, asthma inhalers, and epi-pens, are held and dispensed by the nursing staff at Health and Wellness Services. Any student who is found to be in possession of prescription medication that is not a current prescription in their own name, or is not currently registered at Health and Wellness Services may face disciplinary action. Medications will be dispensed at the Health and Wellness Services
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during regular clinic hours. When presenting at Health and Wellness Services for medication, the following procedures will take place to ensure each student’s privacy and safety. The nursing staff will see student individually. The student will be asked for his or her name, date of birth, and name and dose of the medication. All students will stand or sit directly in front and facing the nursing staff while taking their medication. We are happy to work with and each student and family to address any concerns or needs regarding medication shipments and refrigeration.
FOOD ALLERGIES
The goal is to provide a safe and respectful environment for all students, to educate the school community about the nature of food allergies, and to provide support and encouragement as students develop good decision-making skills and learn the critical lessons of managing their allergies. We hope to foster self-confidence, selfrespect, and self-advocacy in our students, and to support families as they help their children learn to take control of their allergies. For students without allergies, our goals are to increase their awareness of food allergies, and to encourage the development of empathy and the skills needed for them to become supportive allies for their peers. As a school, we will have succeeded in our mission of educating our students if they graduate with the skills and confidence to advocate for their health and physical safety. The school is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Parents of students who have severe allergies with the potential for developing anaphylaxis, must meet with the director of Health and Wellness Services to develop an action plan prior to the start of the school year. Successful management of food allergies is the jointly held responsibility of the school, families, and student with the allergy. Education encompasses the entire school community including employees, parents, and students. It focuses on preventive strategies, the symptoms of anaphylaxis in individual students, and emergency care. We recognize that the management of food allergies is a developmental process, and we strive to take reasonable measures to protect our younger students, while recognizing that students must learn to assume increasing responsibility for their own health and safety as they mature.
ASTHMA MANAGEMENT
Parents of students with asthma should contact the director of
Health and Wellness Services prior to the start of school to discuss an asthma management plan.
clinics and physicians, Health and Wellness Services will offer the above services, providing students with the choice of being able to talk with those health professionals whom they know and trust and who have their health and well-being as their foremost concern.
HEAD LICE
It is the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Harvard School of Public Policy, and the National Association of school Nurses that the management of head lice should not disrupt the educational process. Lice are not a major health problem since they do not transmit diseases or cause permanent problems. Nonetheless, the school understands the unpleasantness of the condition and the desirability of limiting its spread across the school community. The school therefore has a “no nit” policy.
EMERGENCIES
Students with any nits may be asked to remain in their dorm rooms or sent home. The parent will be contacted by phone. It will be at the discretion of the director of Health and Wellness Services whether to check other students.
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION
In all cases where nits have been found, the student must be treated before returning to the classroom or to other activities where the student will be in close proximity with others. The director of Health and Wellness Services or designee must evaluate the student and then will determine, in her sole discretion, whether the student is free of nits and thus able to resume classroom and extracurricular activities.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
The reproductive health needs of adolescents include general wellness concerns such as good health care and dealing with issues of friendship, romantic attachments, and intimacy, as well as specific concerns about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
The medical director and counseling staff maintain regular office hours at Health and Wellness Services and are available on call for emergencies. The nurse on duty will make appointments for students should the need arise. Serious illnesses or injuries are treated at local hospitals.
We appreciate that it may be difficult, for children and parents alike, for a student be ill or injured when away from home. Parents are generally notified when a student is ill or injured, has an appointment with the school physician, is treated at the hospital, or stays overnight at Health and Wellness Services for medical reasons. It is the responsibility of each parent to provide the school with current phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contact information so that we can be in contact with your family. All other notifications are at the discretion of the medical staff, and take into consideration a student’s wish to make confidential appointments in accordance with applicable law. We encourage our students to seek the counsel of the trusted adults in their own families.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING AND TREATMENT REFERRALS
The school does not condone intimate sexual contact between teenagers, but we understand that the adolescent developmental urge to express sexual feelings may result in such contact. We therefore recognize that there will be occasions that necessitate counseling and care in areas specifically related to sexuality.
Where faculty members observe sufficient indications to believe that a student may be involved in substance use, there will be administrative intervention with required evaluation and follow-up treatment. If a student discloses substance use to a faculty member, the faculty member will report such information to the Dean’s Office, which will initiate a formal intervention.
With acknowledgment that adolescents should be free to schedule gynecological exams, obtain non-prescription and prescription prevention for both sexually transmitted diseases and contraception, arrange pregnancy tests, and seek counseling from
A student who violates the school’s alcohol or drug rules is required to have an evaluation by a trained health professional. Parents may have the evaluation performed at home during a period of suspension, or it can be arranged through Health and Wellness
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Services. The evaluation must be completed within two weeks of the student’s return to campus. Regardless of the source of the counselor/consultant, his or her recommendation concerning appropriate follow-up and support must be followed. The director of Health and Wellness Services, in consultation with the evaluator, will oversee implementation of the recommendation. The director or Health and Wellness Services will communicate with parent(s) throughout the procedure.
HEAD INJURIES AND CONCUSSIONS
As a school, we take head injuries seriously and follow current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, Massachusetts law, and the nationally recognized ImPact ™ protocols for head injuries and/or concussions. The athletic trainers, coaches, and health and wellness staff members have
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training regarding head injuries and are provided with clinical updates on a regular basis. In situations where a head injury is witnessed or suspected, immediate notification to a member of Health or Wellness Services or the athletic trainers is expected. Our head injury and concussion management protocols employ a team approach and provides for daily monitoring of the student. In addition, the director of Health and Wellness Services serves as a liaison between coaches, teachers, advisors, the student, and the family until the injury is resolved. Prompt and appropriate care is provided to the student and individualized modification may be made to the student’s academic expectations as needed. For more information on the school’s head injury and concussion management protocols, please contact Health and Wellness Services.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ACCOMMODATIONS
The school does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of learning disabilities that may be reasonably accommodated. The school will discuss with families of applicants with known learning disabilities whether the school will be able to offer their children the appropriate accommodations to help them be successful at the school. The school is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities are provided with equal access to all of the school’s programs and services, in accordance with applicable law. For students who need additional support or curricular adjustments, the school requires documentation indicating that the student’s disability substantially limits a major life activity, including learning. Students who present the school with appropriate documentation of disability will be granted those requested academic accommodations that are supported by the documentation and considered reasonable in this educational setting. Any adjustments to the academic program would be made through an interactive process between the student, the teacher, the advisor, and the academic dean. No waivers of academic graduation requirements will be granted to students. Even after supportive services and accommodations have been put in place, a student may still not be able to fulfill his or her academic requirements satisfactorily. In such instances, the student’s advisor, the academic dean, or other support personnel may notify the student’s parents that the accommodations put into place may not be sufficient to ensure the student’s success at the school. At that time, the academic dean, the student (if age appropriate), and his or her parents will discuss whether it is is the best interest of the student and the school for the student to continue at the school. If there is a disagreement, the school will decide, in its sole discretion, whether to issue a re-enrollment contract to the student.
• • • •
Reduced course load for a trimester. Progress reports obtained from the teachers on a bi-weekly basis. Arranging student/teacher/advisor/parent conferences. Tutoring by qualified students who volunteer their services through Areté, a student group that organizes peer tutoring on campus. Areté tutors, most of whom are seniors, are available during the class day, activities periods, and evening study hall hours. • Boarding students may be referred to an assigned study hall during evening study hours. All academic support plans are implemented with the ultimate aim of increasing the student’s independence and responsibility for his or her own learning.
THE MATH RESOURCE CENTER
The Math Resource Center, located in the Schoolhouse, offers assistance by student tutors who have been selected by the faculty. The center has regularly scheduled hours each school day.
THE WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center, located on the second floor of the Clapp Library, offers one-on-one instruction for students who wish to improve their writing skills. Staffed by several members of the English Department and a dedicated and well-trained group of student tutors, the Writing Center, through a collaborative and supportive process, strives to improve each student as a writer, rather than focusing exclusively on the paper at hand. The staff is experienced in working with a wide variety of writing assignments from the school’s academic departments.
OUTSIDE TESTING/EVALUATION ACADEMIC SUPPORT PLANS
The student’s faculty advisor works with teachers to coordinate appropriate levels of academic support which may include: • Individual or group meetings with teachers outside of class.
In some instances, a student’s academic difficulties may indicate that outside testing or evaluation of the student is appropriate. In such instances, the school can help parents explore potential resources and may make the necessary arrangements for such testing or evaluation.
2013-14 Student Handbook 53
When parents arrange for such outside testing or evaluation, the school requests and strongly recommends that the testing results be shared with the school, in order to enhance the school’s ability to assist the student.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Psychological counseling services are provided through a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed clinical psychologist who hold regularly scheduled hours and are on call for emergencies. They provide short-term counseling and will refer students in need of more intensive care to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or other behavioral health providers in the community.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Members of the school community commit themselves to maintaining appropriate professional tact and discretion with regard to confidential information they receive. However, confidential information may be disclosed to school employees, outside professionals, law enforcement officers, parent/guardians, or others when there is a compelling reason for doing so, including, without limitation, in cases of health and safety emergencies (when students or others are in imminent danger of harm); when there is concern about an individual’s ability to function academically, emotionally, physically, and/or mentally within the school environment; or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING
The school is committed to the highest standards of care for the school’s students. The following policy is intended to ensure that students are protected from any inappropriate or hurtful actions
54 2013-14 Student Handbook
by adults responsible for their care. In addition, Massachusetts law requires professionals responsible for the care of children (including, but not limited to, teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, etc.) to make a report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when, in their professional capacity, they have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from abuse or neglect. The responsibility to report rests both on the school and all professionals responsible for the care of children who are associated with the school. The following procedure is established to ensure that reports are made in a timely and effective manner. When an employee learns of a situation of possible neglect or abuse, the employee should consult immediately with the head of school or his designee about the situation so that appropriate action can be taken to protect the student and timely reports can be made to DCF. Similarly, if a parent or a student learns of a situation of possible abuse or neglect, the parent or student should immediately notify the head of school or the dean of students. The head of school (or his designee) will review the information immediately and may consult with the school’s physician or mental health consultant, and, if appropriate, the student’s family. Furthermore, if appropriate, legal counsel and/or a consultant specializing in the care and protection of children also may be involved in these reviews. If appropriate under the circumstances, the head of school (or his designee) will make the first report to DCF by telephone call (Child-At-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200). As required by law, a written report must follow within 48 hours after making the oral report of abuse or neglect. If there is any disagreement as to whether a report should be made, any member of the school community should feel free to make a report to DCF.
PARENTAL COMPORTMENT PARENTAL COMPORTMENT AND SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL POLICIES
At Williston, we believe that a positive relationship between the school and a student’s parents or guardians is essential to the fulfillment of the school’s mission. We recognize that effective relationships are characterized by clearly defined responsibilities, a shared commitment to collaboration, and open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a common vision of the goals to be achieved. To assist in creating the most effective relationship, the school expects that parents will observe the following guidelines. The school understands and appreciates that parents and guardians may employ different means to meet the expectations and responsibilities expressed in this policy. Nevertheless, the school at all times reserves the right to dismiss a student whose parent, guardian, family member, or other adult involved with the student, in the sole judgment of the school, fails to comply with this or any other policy or procedure of the school, engages in conduct either on or off the school’s property that could undermine the authority of the school’s administration, and/or otherwise behaves in a manner that is unbecoming of a member of the school community. The school also reserves the right to refuse re-enrollment of a student if the school, in its sole discretion, believes the actions of a parent or guardian on or off the school’s property make a positive, constructive relationship impossible, or otherwise may interfere with the school’s accomplishment of its mission and/or educational goals. In sum, the school hopes that families will abide by the principles described below. SHARE IN THE SCHOOL’S VISION.
• Support the mission of the school. • Understand and support the school’s philosophy, policies, and procedures. • Support the school’s disciplinary process, and understand that the school’s authority in such matters is final. • Be supportive of the school’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive community.
• Acknowledge that the payment of tuition is an investment in the education of the student, not an investment of ownership in the school. • Support the school’s emphasis on sustainable practices. • Be aware of the student’s online activities and use of computers, television, and video games. • Encourage integrity and civility in the student. • Be a role model, especially when it comes to behavior at school and at athletic events. • Encourage the student’s participation in events that promote high standards; actively discourage participation in events that can lead to illegal or unwise behavior. • Participate in the establishment of a home/school and school community relationship built on communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. • Maintain tact and discretion with regard to confidential information. In cases when students or others are in imminent danger of harm, when there is a compelling reason for doing so, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information must be revealed, information may be disclosed to the head of school, administrators, outside professionals, or law enforcement officers. • Respect the school’s responsibility to do what is best for the entire community, while recognizing the needs of an individual student. • Seek to resolve problems and secure information through appropriate channels (i.e., teacher/advisor/counselor, head of school, in that order). • Acknowledge the value of the educational experience at the school by making regular and timely school attendance a priority, scheduling non-emergency appointments outside the classroom day. • Share with the school any religious, cultural, medical, or personal information that the school may need to best serve students and the school community. • Understand and support the school’s technology policies.
2013-14 Student Handbook 55
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT Welcome, Middle School families! While the Middle School section in the Student Handbook should serve as a valuable resource, we ask that you read the entire handbook with your child, as there are many topics that pertain to Middle School students and families, including information on school rules and discipline. We have included the Middle School section to further highlight topics specific to the Middle School, such as information on our academic day, the advising program, and contact information. We want to emphasize that communication is the key to our success as a community and the success of your student. We use WillyNet and email as our primary mode of communication with families. When you log in to WillyNet, you will find school resources including a family directory, helpful school calendars, and schedules. You will also find documents specific to the Middle School. As always, if you ever need additional clarification, or have questions about how to access this information, please do not hesitate to call. Coming to a new school is a transition for everyone. We hope that you quickly feel welcome and a part of our community. The Middle School is a special place, designed to provide opportunities for students to grow as learners, to take risks and try new things, and to challenge themselves artistically, athletically, socially, and academically. It is our privilege to share this important time with your children and with you. We hope you have a wonderful year. Best regards,
Jen Fulcher Director of the Middle School ACADEMICS THE ACADEMIC DAY
The first academic period begins at 8:30 a.m. Classes end at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday, the last class period ends at 12:25 p.m. All students are welcome to stay for lunch on Wednesday. SCHOOL DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS
In the case of a weather-related change in Middle School hours, a message will be left on the school’s weather line, 413-529-3191.
56 2013-14 Student Handbook
When school is cancelled, the message will be posted by 6:30 a.m. on this line. In addition, an email will be sent directly to all Middle School students and faculty. THE AFTERNOON PROGRAM
The Afternoon Program is an integral part of Williston life, whether a student is a member of one of the numerous athletic teams competing interscholastically, participates in something of a more recreational nature, or joins one of the Arts Intensives in music, studio art, or theater. In our experience, being part of an athletic team or any of the Afternoon Program offerings at Williston is a wonderful social experience and provides an opportunity to learn something new, connect with students from all grades, and meet new faculty. 7th graders are not required to participate in the Afternoon Program but they may. 8th graders are required to participate in two of the three seasons. Practice times vary from sport to sport. At the beginning of each week, the Athletic Department will post (online and on the bulletin board outside of the cage) a copy of the schedule of events for the coming week noting the time of practices, contests, meals, departures, method of transportation, and estimated time of return. You may check game schedules online at www.williston.com/ athletics. AFTER SCHOOL STUDY HALL
A Middle School faculty member runs a study hall from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. While the structure is informal, we ask that students leave the Middle School if they are not in study hall. It is our hope that this hour provides an opportunity for students to get extra help and/or complete the homework for a few subjects. In light of their very busy days, we try to help students balance the need for down time with the demands of homework. Students who are not participating in the Afternoon Program are free to go home after the academic day. HOMEWORK
7th graders will receive approximately 20 minutes of homework a night per subject. 8th graders should expect approximately 30 minutes per subject. The school pays careful attention to the transition for new students and asks for any feedback from you about difficulties with homework. Homework, as review or in preparation for the next day’s class, is an essential part of a student’s
education. If a student is struggling in any way, or is taking longer than expected to complete homework, this is important information for us to know. Please do not hesitate to communicate your concerns to your child’s advisor or to the head of the Middle School.
a Middle School student goes to Health and Wellness Services, the registered nurse on duty will call us in the Middle School. If the student needs more care or needs to go home, one of the nurses will contact the parents directly. LOST AND FOUND
GRADE REPORTS
The Middle School operates on trimesters and reports academic comments three times a year. Comments are written for all Middle Schoolers at the midterm of each trimester. ADVISING
Each Middle School student is assigned a faculty advisor for the year. Typically, students will change advisors when they move from 7th to 8th grade. Advisory groups consist of 8–10 students. The student’s advisor will serve as a point person for both the student and the family. If a parent has any questions or concerns, the advisor is often the best person to contact. Parents are welcome to contact individual teachers directly, but the advisor will be able to find out any information and should have a good overall picture of the student’s day-to-day experience. The small size of the Middle School enables teachers to stay in very close contact with parents when a student is not progressing well. In addition to discussing students’ academic, athletic, and social life at Williston, each advisory group will help plan one social event during the school year. The students generate ideas for the event and choose a charity that will benefit from the proceeds earned through a small admission fee. These events are typically held on Friday evenings.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Lost and found items are always plentiful in the Middle School. Texts and notebooks left around the building are collected every afternoon before the building closes. Clothing is usually kept until the end of the trimester. We give clothing marked with a name directly to the student. Other items are displayed frequently and then donated to an organization at the end of the trimester. If a student is missing something, we recommend that they post the listing. Students tend to lose items at the dining commons, in the campus center, and at the Athletic Center with frequency. Administrators in each of these locations also have a lost and found. We ask that all items be labeled and that any expensive items be left at home; we do not have locks on our lockers. WAITING AREAS
Middle School students have access to the Athletic Center, the library, and the student center in the Reed Campus Center. There is no direct adult supervision in these areas but the same behavioral expectations are expected as when students are in the Middle School building. Students who need to wait for a ride home often wait in one of these locations. COMPUTERS
Every Middle School student will be issued a computer for use during the academic day. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the campus. Students have access to school printers. All Middle School students are expected to adhere to the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.
DINING COMMONS
The Birch Dining Commons at Ford Hall offers many dining choices. Middle School students have lunch in the dining commons, usually sitting in the Cox Family Room. Middle School students are allowed to stay for dinner if they are required to be on campus for a school event. HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES
Middle School students use Health and Wellness Services as needed. We ask that students let a teacher administrator know if they are feeling ill or need medical attention. Occasionally, a student will call or email home without the school knowing, and we try to stress to students that we are responsible for them while they are at school and need to know if they are not feeling well. If
COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS AND RULES
We at Williston consider certain values and principles central to our daily life. Each of us must be able to rely upon members of our community to understand and adhere to these values and to act in accordance with them. Key concepts that guide our community are respect for self and others, responsibility and trust, and honor and integrity. The specific rules and guidelines described in the Student Handbook are derived from our core values, and we take them very seriously. The head of the Middle School is responsible for overseeing and adjudicating all social, disciplinary, and academic matters that arise among students in the Middle School.
2013-14 Student Handbook 57
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
Please call Linda Kretchmar at (413) 529-3230 by 8:30 a.m. if your child will be late or absent for the day. Both lateness and absences affect a student’s academic experience, so we ask that you try to deliver students to school by 8:15 a.m. We also ask that families try to schedule outside appointments after the academic day. Individual teachers have different policies for missed class time or recurring lateness. Students are responsible for any late work within a time frame worked out by the student and the teacher. Early departure or late return for a weekend or vacation that results in missed classes should be approved by the head of the Middle School. Accommodations may be made to get work to the student prior to any excused absence, so letting the school know with ample time is helpful. Students are responsible for any missed work. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain class notes from classmates and assignments from teachers. Students should be prepared for the next class, including taking quizzes or tests and handing in papers, unless there have been multiple class absences for illness or other extraordinary circumstances that would require extra teacher help. Advisors will support students as they make up missed assignments. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES AND ACTIONS
Similar to the Upper School, the Middle School uses a unit system for minor disciplinary infractions. These may include, but are not limited to, dress code violations, gum chewing, classroom behavior, and improper use of cell phones or other electronic devices during the academic day. When units accumulate, the head of the Middle School will have conversations with parents and students. Conversations about behavior happen frequently with students and there is an emphasis placed on being honest in all aspects of a student’s life, whether it be academic or social. The head of school may place a student on behavioral probation as result of repeated units or a major offense. Academic probation occurs when a student receives two D’s at the marking period. After two trimesters on academic probation or a second major rule violation, a student’s continuation at Williston is in question and discussed. Parents will be kept abreast of, and may be included in, some of these discussions.
COMMUNICATIONS CONTACTING YOUR CHILD
If you need to reach your child during the academic day, please call Linda Kretchmar at (413) 529-3230. She will make sure to
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get a message directly to the student if possible. If she is unable to speak directly with the student, she will leave a message in the student’s locker in the Middle School. Students should get in the habit of checking their mailbox regularly. For non-urgent matter that can be addressed after the academic day, parents may also leave a voicemail if the student carries a cell phone to school, which the student may check after the school day.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOURS
Drop-off.................................................................. 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. Academic Day Begins Monday-Friday.................................................................. 8:30 a.m. Academic Day Ends Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.................................... 3:00 p.m. Wednesday....................................................................... 12:25 p.m. Middle School Building Closes Monday – Friday................................................................ 4:00 p.m. Afternoon Program Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday practice times vary ................................................................................3:45 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday game times vary.....................................1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Saturday................................................................ game times vary MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICES
Jennifer H. Fulcher.................................................... (413) 529-3229 Director of the Middle School jfulcher@williston.com Linda Kretchmar........................................................ (413) 529-3230 Administrative Assistant lkretchmar@williston.com Andrew Syfu.............................................................. (413) 529-3250 Middle School Coordinator of Student Affairs asyfu@williston.com Middle School Weather Line....................................... (413) 529-3191
APPENDIX A: PROHIBITION AGAINST HAZING The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires secondary schools to provide students and families enrolled at the school with a copy of the state law defining and prohibiting hazing. All members of the school community are reminded that these laws include a requirement to report promptly any alleged incidents of hazing. Students are briefed on this matter during assemblies and team meetings. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269, §§17-19 are provided below. SECTION 17
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. The term “hazing’” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
SECTION 18
Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to herself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law
enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
SECTION 19
Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations. Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections 17 and 18.
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SCHEDULE & HOURS UPPER SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE BLUE WEEK MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
8:30-9:30 D
8:30-9:30 G
8:30 MEETINGS
8:30-9:30 F
8:30-9:30 E
8:30-9:20 A
9:40-10:40 F
9:40-10:40 C
9:05-10:05 B
9:40-10:40 E
9:40-10:40 G
9:30-10:20 F
10:50-11:50 C
10:50-11:50 E
10:15-11:15 D
10:50-11:50 B
10:50-11:50 A
10:30-11:20 D
L1
12:301:30 B2
L1 12:001:00 B1
L1 12:001:00 F1
12:301:30 F2
L2 1:402:40 E EH
1:403:00 E AP & LAB*
L1
11:25-12:25 A
12:001:00 G1
12:301:30 G2
L2 1:402:40 A
L2
1:403:00 A AP & LAB*
AH
1:403:00 C AP & LAB*
1:402:40 C
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
ACTIVITIES
12:301:30 D2
12:001:00 D1
CH
3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
L2
1:40-2:40 B
ACTIVITIES 3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
DINNER 5:15-7:00 EVENING ACTIVITIES & CLASSES 6:00-8:00 STUDY HALL 8:00-10:00
* Chemistry, Biology, and all AP classes extend into the H block as noted. Note: English, History, and Language classes eat during L1. Fine Arts, Math, and Science eat during L2.
60 2013-14 Student Handbook
11:30-12:20 G
GREEN WEEK MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
8:30-9:30 D
8:30-9:30 G
8:30 MEETINGS
8:30-9:30 F
8:30-9:30 MEETINGS
9:40-10:40 F
9:40-10:40 C
9:05-10:05 C
9:40-10:40 E
9:40-10:40 G
10:50-11:50 C
10:50-11:50 E
10:15-11:15 A
10:50-11:50 B
10:50-11:50 A
L1
12:301:30 E2
L1 12:001:00 E1
L1 12:001:00 A1
12:301:30 A2
L2 1:402:40 B BH
1:403:00 B AP & LAB*
L1
11:25-12:25 D
12:001:00 C1
12:301:30 C2
L2 1:402:40 F
L2
1:403:00 F AP & LAB*
FH
1:403:00 G AP & LAB*
1:402:40 G
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
ACTIVITIES
12:301:30 B2
3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
GH
12:001:00 B1
L2 1:402:40 D DH
1:403:00 D AP & LAB*
ACTIVITIES 3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
DINNER 5:15-7:00 EVENING ACTIVITIES & CLASSES 6:00-8:00 STUDY HALL 8:00-10:00
2013-14 Student Handbook 61
MIDDLE SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE BLUE WEEK MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
8:30-9:30 D
8:30-9:30 G
8:30 MEETINGS
8:30-9:30 F
8:30-9:30 E
9:40-10:40 F
9:40-10:40 C
9:05-10:05 B
9:40-10:40 E
9:40-10:40 G
10:50-11:50 C
10:50-11:50 E
10:15-11:15 D
10:50-11:50 B
10:50-11:50 M
LUNCH
LUNCH
11:25-12:25 G
LUNCH
LUNCH
12:30-1:30 B
12:30-1:30 F
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
12:30-1:30 G
12:30-1:30 D
1:40-2:40 E
1:40-2:40 D
1:40-2:40 C
1:40-2:40 B
3:00 EH
3:00 DH
3:00 CH
3:00 HELP
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
GREEN WEEK MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
8:30-9:30 D
8:30-9:30 G
8:30 MEETINGS
8:30-9:30 F
8:30-9:30 MEETINGS
9:40-10:40 F
9:40-10:40 C
9:05-10:05 C
9:40-10:40 E
9:40-10:40 G
10:50-11:50 C
10:50-11:50 E
10:15-11:15 F
10:50-11:50 B
10:50-11:50 M
Lunch
Lunch
11:25-12:25 D
Lunch
Lunch
12:30-1:30 E
12:30-1:30 M
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
12:30-1:30 C
12:30-1:30 B
1:40-2:40 B
1:40-2:40 F
1:40-2:40 G
1:40-2:40 D
3:00 BH
3:00 FH
3:00 GH
3:00 HELP
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
3:45-5:35 AFTERNOON PROGRAM
62 2013-14 Student Handbook
TRAVEL DATES 2013-2014 This calendar is intended to aid you with travel plans for the year ahead. Please pay close attention to departure times. We carefully plan and provide shuttle service so as not to conflict with school commitments. If you schedule your own transportation, please respect all school commitments for your child. A complete academic schedule will be posted in the spring. Please call (413) 529-3266 or email deanofstudents@williston.com with any questions. SEPTEMBER 2013
JANUARY 2014
3
6 m 7 tu 30 th
tu Proctors
and other invited student leaders return (10:00 a.m.) 4 w Invited preseason athletes arrive and registrater (8:00–11:30 a.m.) New International Students arrive and register 6 f 9th grade registration (9:00–10:00 a.m.) Middle School registration (10:30–noon) 9th grade departs for orientation trip (noon) 7 sa All other students register (1:30–3:30 p.m.) 8 su Orientation Upper School Opening Assembly (4:00 p.m.) 9 m Middle and Upper School classes begin OCTOBER 2013
18-19 f-sa 19 sa 22 tu 23 w
Fall Family Weekend Long weekend begins* Athletes return, dorms open at 2:00 p.m. Boarders return, 7:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School classes resume
FEBRUARY 2014
3 m 4 tu
4 tu 24 m 25 tu
Spring vacation begins, 12:05 p.m. ** Athletes return, dorms open at 2:00 p.m. Boarders return, 7:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School classes resume
APRIL 2014
NOVEMBER 2013
22
MAY 2014
23
Athletes return, dorms open at 2:00 p.m. Boarders return, 7:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School classes resume
MARCH 2014
18-19 f-sa 19 sa 22 tu 23 w
f Middle School Thanksgiving vacation begins, 3:00 p.m. sa Upper School Thanksgiving vacation begins, 10:00 a.m. **
Athletes return, dorms open at 2:00 p.m. Boarders return, 7:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School classes resume Winter long weekend begins, 12:05 p.m. *
25 26-29 29
su m-th th
Spring Family Weekend Long weekend begins* Athletes return, dorms open at 2:00 p.m. Boarders return, 7:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School classes resume
Commencement, 9:30 a.m. Grades 9-11 Trimester 3 assessments Middle School closing ceremony
DECEMBER 2013
2 m Athletes return, dorms open at 2:00 p.m. Boarders return, 7:30 p.m. 3 tu Middle and Upper School classes resume 19 th Middle and Upper School Winter Vacation begins, 12:05 p.m. ** 2013-14 Student Handbook 63
FACILITY HOURS BIRCH DINING COMMONS
LIBRARY HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY
CLASS SATURDAY
Monday-Thursday........................................... 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. Friday before non-class Saturday.....................8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday before class Saturday............................ 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. Class Saturday.............................................. 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Non-class Saturday.............................................................. closed Sunday.................................................................. 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 – 9:45 p.m.
Breakfast.................................................................7:15 – 8:15 a.m. Lunch............................................................11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Dinner.....................................................................5:15 – 6:45 p.m.
REED CAMPUS CENTER HOURS
Breakfast.................................................................7:15 – 8:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast............................................. 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. Lunch.............................................................11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dinner.................................................................... 5:15 – 7:00 p.m.
NON-CLASS SATURDAY
Continental Breakfast............................................ 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Brunch........................................................ 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dinner.....................................................................5:15 – 6:45 p.m. SUNDAY
Continental Breakfast............................................ 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Brunch........................................................ 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dinner.................................................................... 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.
HEALTH SERVICES
Monday – Friday............................................ 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Class Saturday.............................................. 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Non-class Saturday......................................11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sunday.............................11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. At other times an on-call nurse is available at (413) 529-3911.
ATHLETIC CENTER
Pool................................................................ 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 p.m. Workout Room............................................... 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 p.m. Trainer’s Room............................................... 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 p.m. Squash Courts................................................ 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 p.m.
64 2013-14 Student Handbook
Monday-Thursday........................................... 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 p.m. Friday before non-class Saturday....................7:30 a.m. – 10:50 p.m. Friday before class Saturday............................ 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 p.m. Class Saturday...............................................7:30 a.m. – 10:50 p.m. Non-class Saturday............................................... 1:00 – 10:50 p.m. Sunday...................................................................1:00 – 9:50 p.m. STUBOP SNACK BAR HOURS
Weekdays except Wednesday........................... 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday..................................................... 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Class Saturday.............................................. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CAMPUS STORE HOURS
Weekdays except Wednesday........................... 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.....................................................8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Class Saturday.............................................. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2013-14 Student Handbook 65
QUICK LIST School Switchboard..................................................................................................................................(413) 529-3000 Emergencies (life-threatening)................................................................................................................................... 911 Dean on Duty, Health and Wellness Services, and Campus Security.......................................................... (413) 529-3911 Athletics Information............................................................................................................................... (413) 529-3910 Middle School Weather Line..................................................................................................................... (413) 529-3191 Theatre Box Office....................................................................................................................................(413) 529-3434 The Williston Northampton School Student Handbook is an evolving document whose content is subject to change. Updated August 2013