Thayer Academy Student Handbook 2020-2021
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Thayer Academy Student Handbook 2020-2021 Revised September 2020 The Thayer Academy Student Handbook (the “Handbook”) is published and distributed to members of the Thayer community for the purpose of providing information on aspects of student and campus life so that students may gain as much as possible from their experience at the Academy. Students, parents, faculty, administration, and staff should all read and be familiar with the contents of the Handbook so that each member of the community knows and understands our community expectations. While policies in this Handbook will generally apply, the Academy may take actions that it determines to be in the best interests of the Academy, its faculty, and its students. This Handbook does not limit the authority of the Academy to alter, interpret, and implement its rules, policies, and procedures before, during, and after the school year. 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 Thayer and any parent, guardian, or student affiliated with or attending the Academy. Thayer may, in its sole discretion, add, revise, and/or delete School policies before, during, and after the school year. Table of Contents Essential Information 8 Contact Information 8 Campus Map 9 Attendance Reporting 9 Emergency & Closing Information 9 Thayer Academy Mission Statement 9 Thayer Academy Core Values 9 Accreditation 10 Governance 10 Thayer Academy Honor Code 10 Thayer Academy Safe Homes Policy 10 Thayer Academy Guidelines & Expectations Regarding Conduct 11 Discipline 11 Consequences 12 Tier I Behavioral Infractions 12 Tier II Behavioral Infractions 12 Tier III Behavioral Infractions 13 Thayer Academy Anti-Discrimination Statement 14 Anti-Discrimination Policy 14 Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, Hazing, Sexual Assault, & Sexual Harassment 15 Definitions 15 Legal Definitions And School Policies 17 Reporting Complaints 18 False Complaints 18 Responding To Complaints 18 Notification To Parents/Guardians 19 Notification To Government Authorities 19 Sanctuary Policy Applicable To Sexual Assault 20 Anti-Bullying Policies & Plan 20 Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting 25 Illegal Drug & Alcohol Policy 25 Education 25 Intervention 26 Consequences 26 Thayer Academy Anti-Tobacco Policy 27 Scope Of Policy 27 Penalties 27 Enforcement Responsibility 28 Sanctuary Policy 28 Invoking The Sanctuary Policy 28 Appropriate Use Of Mobile Devices, Social Media, & Technology 29 1 THAYER ACADEMY AUTP (Appropriate Use Of Technology Policy) 30 AUTP Top 10 32 Email 33 Security 33 Reporting Violations 33 Sexting & Sexually Explicit Material 33 Social Media 33 e-Safety Policy 34 School Events On Campus 34 School-Sponsored Off-Campus Trips 35 Dress Code 35 Attendance & Religious Holidays 36 Parental Communication Guidelines 36 The Hale Learning Center (HLC) 36 Tutoring 37 Accommodations 37 Middle School Policies & Procedures 38 General Information 38 Attendance, Arrival, Early & End-of-Day Dismissal, After-School Study Halls & Supervision 38 Bookstore 39 Computer Use 39 Cell Phones 39 Lockers 39 Lost & Found 40 Lunch & Break 40 Study Periods 40 Middle School Activities 40 Student Ambassadors Program 40 Social Life 40 Valuables & Non-Essentials 40 The Advisor System 41 Advising & Support 41 Extra-Help Periods 41 Parent Conferences 41 Parent Awareness Forms (PAs) 42 Middle School Library 42 Middle School Academic Program 42 Homework 42 Placement (For Accelerated Math & English Classes) 43 Honor Roll & Grades 43 Academic Warning 44 Academic Probation 44 Exams 45 Promotion 45 2 Disclosure To Next Schools 45 Upper School Policies & Procedures 46 Academic Life & Expectations 46 Graduation Requirements 46 Course Selection 47 Add/Drop Deadlines 47 Honor Roll & Grades 47 Cum Laude Society 48 Valedictorian 48 Academic Probation 48 Promotion To The Next Grade 49 Attendance & Class Credit 49 Late Work 49 Incompletes 50 Health & Wellness Classes 50 Study Hall 50 Independent Study 50 Summer Projects & Courses 50 Expectations Of Student Conduct 51 General Expectations 51 Scholarly Integrity & Responsibility (Academic Honesty) 51 Definitions Of Disciplinary Consequences 51 Disciplinary Procedures 52 Disclosure To Colleges 53 Food In School 53 Use Of Cell Phones & Headphones 53 Attendance Procedures & After-School Supervision 53 Absences 54 Tardiness 54 Absence Or Tardiness And Participation In Extracurricular Activities 54 Absence & Missed Work 54 Passes 55 Early Dismissals When Students Are Sick 55 Lockers 55 Advising & Counseling 55 Southworth Library 55 Online Resources 56 Loan Period & Lost Book Policy 56 Computer Use In The Libraries 56 Passes To The Library 56 Upper School Library Staff 56 The Hale Learning Center 56 The Hanflig Technology Center 56 Upper School Extracurricular Activities 57 3 College Counseling 57 Athletics Policies & Offerings 58 COVID-19 Athletics Guidelines For The 2020-21 School Year 58 The Thayer Athletics Philosophy 59 Eligibility 59 ISL Athletics Guidelines For Students And Parents 59 Athletics Department Staff & Coaches Contact Information 60 Middle School Athletics Programs (Grades 5-8) 60 Middle School Athletics Offerings 61 Middle School Waiver Program Policies 61 Middle School Student Varsity Tryout / Participation Policy 62 Upper School Athletics Policies (Grades 9-12) 62 Upper School Preseason Optional Workouts 62 Upper School Health & Wellness Requirements 62 Varsity & Sub-Varsity Teams 62 League Affiliations 63 Upper School Athletics Offerings 63 Upper School Waiver Program Policies 64 Coaching Expectations & Communication With Coaches 64 Practice & Game Information 65 Weekly Practice & Game Schedules 65 Transportation 65 Lockers, Equipment & Uniforms 65 Athletics Health & Safety Policies 65 Sports Clothing & Equipment 66 Medical & Other Excuses 66 Student Health, Safety, & Support 67 School Nurses & Illness 67 COVID-19 Health & Safety Practices 67 Daily Self-Assessment & Remaining Home When Ill 67 Face Masks 68 Physical Distancing 68 Diligent Hand Hygiene 68 Regular Robust Cleaning & Disinfection Of Surfaces 68 Plan For Response To Reported COVID-19 Cases & Support Of Contact Tracing 69 Prompt Dismissal for Illness Symptoms Possibly Related to COVID-19 69 Miscellaneous Measures 69 Minor Illness Or Injury During The School Day 69 Health Requirements For School Attendance 70 Annual Physical Exam & Up-to-Date Immunizations 70 Communicable Illnesses 70 Medications At School 71 Medical Marijuana 72 4 Food Allergies 72 Asthma Management 73 Head Lice 73 Medical Appointments 73 Health Screenings 73 Mental Health 74 Counseling Services 74 Other Counseling 74 Safety & Security 74 Campus Security Personnel 74 Secure Campus Building Access 74 Before- & After-School Supervision 75 Security Cameras 75 Security Call Boxes 75 Testing of Emergency Procedures & Communication 75 Guidelines For Specific Emergency Situations 76 Contacting Emergency Police Or Medical Services 76 Enhanced Lockdown Response 76 Partial Lockdown 76 Concussion Guidelines 76 Signs And Symptoms Of Concussion 76 Concussion Management Program And Guidelines 77 Medical Leave Of Absence 79 General Information 80 Leave Of Absence 80 Student Media Information 81 Background Checks 81 Students Age 18 & Older 81 School Directory 82 Confidentiality 82 Transportation 82 School Buses 82 MBTA Passes 83 Parking On Campus & Parking Permits 83 Parking/Carpool 84 Rideshare Services 84 Permission To Leave Campus 84 Standardized Testing 84 Jobs 84 Search & Seizure 84 Gambling 85 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act 85 Family Involvement 85 5 Parental Comportment & Support For School Policies 85 Current Family Contact Information 86 Multiple Households 86 Thayer Academy Parent Association (TAPA) 87 Annual Fund & Fundraising 87 Enrollment And Financial Information 88 Enrollment Contracts 88 Tuition Assistance 88 Tuition Billing Schedule 88 Billing 88 Student Accident Insurance 89 DEWARS Tuition Refund Plan 89 Reenrollment 89 Family Leave 89 APPENDIX A: Anti-Hazing Policy 90 APPENDIX B: Student Gender Diversity Guidelines 92 APPENDIX C: Thayer Academy Daily Class Schedules 96 6 Parent & Student Handbook Acknowledgment Thayer Academy students and parents are required to support the Academy and its mission and to acquaint themselves with and abide by the Academy’s policies and procedures. This Handbook is meant to be used by those affiliated with the Academy community. 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 the Academy and any parent, guardian, or student affiliated with or attending the Academy. The terms and conditions of the Enrollment Contract signed by parents and guardians determine their relationship with the Academy. The Academy may, in its sole discretion, add, revise, and/or delete Academy policies before, during, and after the school year, and such updates need not be in writing or incorporated into this Handbook. By September 14, 2020, Parents and guardians may indicate that they have reviewed and familiarized themselves with the contents of the Student Handbook and agree to abide by the Academy’s policies and procedures by following the directions below. Electronic signatures will have the same legal effect and validity as a written signature, and this Acknowledgment is valid and will be given the same legal effect as a written and signed Acknowledgment. Students will review and sign the Handbook in accordance with the