KENT SCHOOL
2016-2017 STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION
Simplicity of Life Directness of Purpose Self-Reliance
Kent School P.O. Box 2006 Kent, Connecticut 06757 860-927-6000 www.kent-school.edu Founded 1906
The School's central mission, rooted in its Episcopal heritage, is the realization of the individual's intellectual and personal potential in a community that stresses moral growth.
School Colors Navy blue and gray
School Mascot The Lion
School Song "The Haze on Algo's Height" Words by Robert Hillyer, Class of 1913 Music by R. Lee Gilliam
From the Headmaster and Rector
This booklet contains information about Kent School which will be useful to both students and their parents. I urge you to read it carefully. Answers to every question may not be found here and you should inquire with your advisor or the Dean‟s Office about matters which are unclear to you.
Kent is a community built on trust. The guidelines in this booklet provide a framework for cooperation and mutual respect.
Let‟s work together to make 2016-2017 a school year of which we can all be proud.
I would be glad to hear from you anytime. I look forward to seeing you in September.
Richardson W. Schell Headmaster and Rector
TABLE OF CONTENTS Vacations and Transportation ...... 22 EXPECTATIONS REGARDING CONDUCT ...... 1 Valuable Articles ...... 23 KENT SCHOOL HONOR CODE ...... 1 Vending Machines ...... 24 ACADEMICS ...... 2 Weekends and Overnights ...... 24 Academic Guidelines...... 2 Weekend Permission Requests ...... 24 Study Conditions ...... 3 Work Hours ...... 25 Description of Schedule ...... 3 DAY STUDENTS ...... 25 Evening Schedule ...... 4 Absences ...... 25 Academic Designations, Definitions of: ...... 5 Attendance ...... 25 Class Absences ...... 5 Cars ...... 25 Grading System ...... 6 Overnights and Weekends - ...... 25 Taking a Term-Contained Major Independent Study ..... 6 Study Hall Expectations ...... 25 TEXTBOOKS ...... 7 SPIRITUAL LIFE ...... 26 COLLEGE COUNSELING ...... 8 Academic Program ...... 26 Discipline Issues and Applying to College ...... 8 Chapel Choir ...... 26 College Visits ...... 8 Dominic Rich Fund ...... 26 Procedure to Obtain Permission for College Visits ...... 9 Episcopal Confirmation ...... 26 Hillel ...... 26 JOHN GRAY PARK ’28 LIBRARY ...... 9 Mission Committee ...... 26 ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER ...... 11 Other Services on Campus and in the Community ...... 26 TECHNOLOGY ...... 11 Pastoral Counseling ...... 27 STUDENT AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE ...... 13 Services in St. Joseph’s Chapel ...... 27 Absences...... 13 Study Groups ...... 27 Advisors ...... 13 Sunday Schedule ...... 27 Air Conditioners ...... 13 Youth Group ...... 27 All School Notification ...... 13 ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES ...... 28 Attendance Policy ...... 13 Athletics Mission Statement ...... 28 Boundaries ...... 14 Athletics Program Overview ...... 28 Cellular Telephones ...... 14 MUSIC LESSONS AND ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS Chapel ...... 14 ...... 29 Communications ...... 15 Music Department Mission Statement ...... 30 Cooking/Food ...... 15 Diploma Music Requirement ...... 30 Debit Card ...... 15 Music Lesson, Ensemble and Course Enrollment ...... 30 Diploma ...... 15 Ensembles ...... 30 Disciplinary System...... 15 Lesson Attendance ...... 30 Dorm Infractions ...... 16 Lesson Charges ...... 30 Drones ...... 16 Instrument Storage and Renting Instruments ...... 30 Dress Code ...... 16 Practice Room Use ...... 30 Emergency Contact ...... 17 MEDICAL CARE AND THE HEALTH CENTER31 Enrollment Meeting - ...... 17 Faculty Homes ...... 18 Advising and Counseling ...... 32 Guests ...... 18 Alcohol, Drug, and Substance Abuse Policy ...... 32 Harassment of Other Persons ...... 18 Infirmary Policy ...... 33 Headmaster Holiday ...... 18 Medical Leave of Absence ...... 33 In the Presence of ...... 18 Personal Leave of Absence ...... 33 Inter-Visitation ...... 18 Tobacco Policy ...... 33 Jobs ...... 18 STUDENT SPENDING ACCOUNT ...... 34 Laundry, Linens, and Clothing ...... 18 Categories Which Can Be Restricted ...... 34 Locks ...... 18 Unrestricted Categories ...... 34 Merit System ...... 19 STUDENT PERSONAL SPENDING ...... 35 Money ...... 19 VISITOR INFORMATION ...... 36 Motor Vehicles ...... 19 Resources ...... 36 Off-Campus Rules ...... 19 CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 37 Packing List – Reminders ...... 19 Parent Permission ...... 20 Privacy ...... 20 Room Furnishings ...... 20 Room Search ...... 20 Safety: Drills and Plans Information ...... 20 School Property ...... 21 School Store ...... 21 School Vacations ...... 21 Skateboarding/In-line Skating/Bicycling ...... 21 Student Center ...... 21 Telephone ...... 21 Town ...... 22 Transportation ...... 22 TV/Video Games ...... 22
EXPECTATIONS REGARDING CONDUCT Kent students are expected to act in a responsible manner at all times. Respect for other people and for oneself is essential for community living.
Unacceptable conduct, on and off campus, will lead to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from the School. The town of Kent is considered an extension of our campus.
Use or possession of drugs and/or alcohol will result in immediate dismissal. Drug and alcohol testing will be used to resolve questions about use. Refusal to take a drug/alcohol test will be considered an admission of use and will result in dismissal. Tampering with a drug/alcohol test or evidence of tampering will be considered an admission of use and will result in dismissal. Possession of empty alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia will be considered tantamount to possession of alcohol or drugs, and will result in dismissal.
Major offenses which are reviewed by our disciplinary process and may result in dismissal, include 1. Lying, stealing, cheating, plagiarism, fraud, forgery, and other forms of dishonesty. 2. Physical, verbal, sexual, racial, and psychological harassment of other persons; threatening language and behavior; hazing, bullying, and cyber bullying. 3. Abuse or destruction of property (including but not limited to graffiti and the burning of any material in any building) and fire safety equipment (such as alarms and extinguishers). 4. Disregard for dormitory and campus bounds, permissions, and school appointments. 5. Use or possession of tobacco in any form, and liquid nicotine products (i.e. electronic cigarettes). 6. Abuse of medication; all medications, including prescription and over the counter, must be stored in and regulated by the Health Center. Unauthorized possession or misuse of any medication may be considered illicit drug use. 7. Use or possession of dangerous or hazardous materials, including any weapons of any kind.
It is expected that Kent students will, on and off campus, exercise good taste, good judgment, and concern for others in all interpersonal relations and in all communication media (i.e. social networking sites, messaging, posting online).
Kent is not the appropriate place for students to engage in sexual relationships. We consider all Faculty and Staff to be mandated reporters as required by Connecticut State law in cases of suspected abuse of a minor. If a student or adult causes you to be uncomfortable in any way, please contact the Dean of Students.
The disciplinary (or judicial) process is available to every student in a situation involving a major school rule. This process includes peer review and faculty review of the case. These two committees then make a recommendation to the Headmaster who reserves the right to decide what will be considered unacceptable conduct and the penalties therefore.
KENT SCHOOL HONOR CODE On my honor, I pledge to be respectful of others and truthful in my behavior. I will abide by our Expectations Regarding Conduct.
I make this pledge of academic integrity: that I will follow assignment guidelines when submitting my work and only give or receive authorized assistance on assignments and assessments.
As part of the Kent School community, I will support this Honor Code and encourage my peers to do the same. As a means of affirming my commitment to these goals, I will add the words “On my honor” and my signature to any graded work that I submit.
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ACADEMICS
Academic Guidelines In order to receive a diploma a student must meet both the credit and the course requirements for graduation. Kent does not award credit for work done at other schools, and so the number of credits required for the diploma varies according to the year a student enters Kent.
Kent Credits Entering Year Required Third Form 18 Fourth Form 13 Fifth Form 9 Sixth Form 4
Each major year-long course counts as 1 credit. Each major term-contained course counts as 1/3 credit. Each minor term-contained course counts as 1/6 credit.
The required courses, for which a student must earn credit, are:
English each year Language, either classical or modern, through the Kent third year level, Mathematics- Geometry and Algebra 2 plus enrollment through the Fifth Form year, Science - a minimum of two year-long laboratory sciences, Theology: minor term-contained course in the Fourth Form year and major term-contained course in the Fifth or Sixth Form year, History - a minimum of two years, one of which must be US History in either the Fifth or Sixth Form year. Minor term-contained courses in art and music, usually taken in the Fourth Form year.
A student entering in the Third Form year must take New Student Seminar, a minor term-contained course in study skills.
A student entering in the Fourth Form year must take New Student Seminar, a minor term-contained course in study skills, and also meet the Western Civilization requirement by taking one of the following: Two years of classical language with one of the years at Kent Classical Civilization or Modern European History
The course load for students is five major courses, with the minor courses in theology, art, and music generally added to the load in the Fourth Form year. Please note that courses in theology, art, and music taken at a previous school may not be used to satisfy the Kent School requirements.
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Study Conditions The following study regulations are in effect in the dormitories during the academic day and during evening study hours. 1. All students, including day students, are to study in one place and not move about without purpose. 2. Students must ask permission to study in the rooms of other students. Students may also study together using a conference room in the Library or in a dorm common room. 3. Telephones, TVs, radios, iPods, iPads, MP3 players, cell phones, musical instruments, or similar devices or instruments may not be used. 4. Once study hours begin in the evening, quiet should be maintained for the rest of the evening in the dormitories. 5. Hours of Study Hall are: Sunday - Friday 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Description of Schedule Mon-Thurs-Fri Schedule Tuesday Schedule BLOCK A 8:00am - 8:45am BLOCK A 8:00am - 8:40am BLOCK B 8:50am - 9:35am BLOCK B 8:45am - 9:25am *MEETING 9:40am - 9:55am CHAPEL 9:35am - 10:00am BLOCK C 10:00am - 10:45am BLOCK C 10:10am - 10:50am BLOCK D 10:50am -11:35am BLOCK D 10:55am - 11:35am BLOCK E 11:40am - 12:25pm BLOCK E 11:40am - 12:20pm BLOCK F 12:30pm - 1:15pm BLOCK F 12:25pm - 1:05pm BLOCK G 1:20pm - 2:05pm BLOCK G 1:10pm - 1:50pm BLOCK H 2:10pm - 2:55pm BLOCK H 1:55pm - 2:35pm
Wednesday Schedule (rotates) Saturday Schedule (rotates) BLOCK A 8:00am - 8:45am BLOCK A 9:00am - 9:45am BLOCK B 8:50am - 9:35am BLOCK B 9:50am - 10:35am BLOCK C 9:40am - 10:25am BLOCK C 10:40am - 11:25am BLOCK D 10:30am - 11:15am BLOCK E 11:20am - 12:05pm
*Monday: ALL SCHOOL MEETING Thursday & Friday: ADVISORY PERIOD Tuesday: CHAPEL See the Academic Calendar (published separately) for class rotation schedule for Wednesday and Saturday.
Conference Periods: Monday and Thursday include conference periods, which follow a full eight-period rotation (see Academic Calendar).
If a teacher does not arrive at the beginning of a class, students must wait quietly for five minutes, then send a representative to either the Department Chair or the Director of Studies, who will attempt to locate the teacher. The students are to remain until the teacher arrives or until a faculty member dismisses them.
Students are encouraged to plan ahead if teachers have independently asked for a number of major assignments to be completed on the same day. However, students may e-mail or talk to their teachers and advisor in advance (at least one full day) to re-schedule due dates for tests and papers when asked to complete three or more major assessments on any given day. Page 3
Evening Schedule
Sunday through Friday
Town permission ends 6:00pm Fall and Spring Term
5:00pm Winter Term
Cafeteria Dinner (except Thursdays) 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Chapel on Thursdays 6:00pm
Formal Dinner on Thursdays Following Chapel
Leisure Time* 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Snack bar open 7:30pm – 10:25pm
Gym closed 7:45pm
Study Hall (campus quiet after 8 pm) 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Dorm Check-in/Third and Fourth Form 10:00pm
Dorm Check-in/Fifth and Sixth Form 10:30pm
Lights out for Third/Fourth Form 10:30pm
In rooms for the night Fifth/Sixth Form 11:00pm
*Leisure Time will afford students the opportunity to unwind, reflect, socialize, or study. The time is also available for student club and organization meetings, and for get-togethers with advisors. Club and organization meetings must be coordinated through Mrs. Sokolnicki. Music rehearsals will take place in their traditional evening times.
Starting at 8pm, all students should be studying either in their rooms, a dorm common room or the library. The gym and fitness center will be closed to all students at 7:45pm (except for team practices).
Fifth and Sixth Form students are allowed one half hour of free time outside their dorms from 10:00 to 10:30pm. However, the campus must remain quiet after the beginning of study hours at 8:00pm. Students who wish to be in the student center or around campus may do so knowing that they must not disturb the integrity of quiet study hours on the campus. This standard of quiet will be set with leadership from the Dean‟s Office, Dorm Faculty, and the Sixth Form.
Third and Fourth Formers must check in to their dorm at 10:00pm when study hall ends. They will have a half hour to be in the dorm, visit friends, and get ready for bed. Lights out will be at 10:30pm. Fifth and Sixth Formers will have 10:30pm check-in and must be in their rooms at 11:00pm for the night.
The snack bar will open at 7:30pm and close at 10:25pm. Third, Fourth, and Fifth Formers will be able to get food from 7:30pm to the beginning of study hall, while Fifth and Sixth Formers will be able to get food after study hall. Sixth Formers will be allowed to visit the student center briefly during Study Hall to pick up Page 4 food. The last delivery for off-campus food to campus will be 7:45pm. Food deliveries should be brought only to the Student Center.
Academic Designations, Definitions of:
Academic Warning Denotes serious academic deficiency on the part of the student. A student receives Academic Warning from the Headmaster and the Academic Committee because of poor class standing, failing work, and/or insufficient effort.
The Headmaster and the Academic Committee will review the record of a student who receives an Academic Warning at the end of the next marking period and the student may:
Be returned to good academic standing Continue to receive Academic Warning Be placed on Academic Probation Be dismissed from school
Academic Probation Denotes academic deficiency on the part of the student so grave as to raise doubts of the student‟s ability to meet the requirements for graduation. The Headmaster and Academic Committee place a student on Academic Probation after a thorough review of his or her academic performance.
The Headmaster and the Academic Committee will review the record of a student on Academic Probation at the end of the next marking period and the student may:
Be returned to good academic standing Continue to be on Academic Probation Be dismissed from school
After due consideration of the merits of the individual case, the Academic Committee may elect to place a student on or remove a student from Academic Probation during a term.
A student receiving an Academic Warning or on Academic Probation will not be granted weekend privileges.
Class Absences When an extended absence from school becomes necessary, Kent teachers will supply course syllabi and related information. Where possible, teachers will endeavor to provide reasonable additional support, including testing. For absences of two weeks or more, home tutors are recommended.
Classroom activities and discussion are essential to assessment of student progress. Course credit may be imperiled even by necessary absences. Credit may be withheld and additional work required of the student if ten or more classes are missed in a term course, or twenty or more classes in a year-long course. Minors and other credit-earning activities may be treated similarly. Final credit determinations in such instances will be made by teacher and academic department, subject to review by a special committee.
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Biweekly medical and academic progress reports to the school are required of students who are home on leave. In the absence of timely and complete reports, leaves may not be extended.
A student with an Incomplete on their academic record due to a medial leave will not participate in an afternoon sport/activity until the Incomplete has been resolved. The afternoon sport/activity time will be used to make up missing academic work and/or exams.
Grading System Our school year is divided into six indicators and three terms. At each indicator, grades are issued in all courses. Students with failures or unsatisfactory effort marks will have accompanying information from their Advisor, after consulting with the teacher. At the end of the fall and Winter Terms, parents will receive term grades reflecting the accumulation of the indicator grades, term papers, and term-end examinations. At the end of the year, in June, parents will receive grades covering the entire year‟s work. Three times a year we will send parents narrative reports written by the students‟ instructors.
Highest to Approximate Equivalent Lowest Range
6.0 A+ 5.5 A 5.0 A- 4.5 B+ 4.0 B 3.5 B- 3.0 C+ 2.5 C 2.0 C- 1.0 F
Effort Marks: E – Excellent, so outstanding as to be worthy of particular note. U – Unsatisfactory. Honors: A grade point average of 4.10 or better with no grade below 3.0 High Honors: A grade point average of 5.10 or better with no grade below 4.0
Students carrying less than a normal load (5 major subjects) of courses are ineligible for Honor Roll.
Class Rank (reported in deciles) will be determined and reported to parents according to the following schedule: Form 6 At the end of each term Form 5 At the end of Fall Term and at the end of the year Forms 3 and 4 At the end of the year based on the year‟s grades
Rank reflects a student‟s position relative to all members of the form and is primarily for internal use.
Taking a Term-Contained Major Independent Study Any Fifth or Sixth Former may apply to substitute a term-contained major Independent Study for a term- contained elective not required for graduation. An Independent Study may involve traditional or non-traditional pursuits judged to have academic merit. The basis for final assessment of the Independent Elective may be a paper, journal, construction, artwork, or other form of expression. Page 6
Independent Study applicants must secure the sponsorship of a faculty member who has obtained department approval to undertake it. With the sponsor‟s support, the applicant should create a written proposal for the term‟s work, including a statement of what will be the basis for the sponsor‟s final course assessment. The student‟s Faculty Advisor must approve the proposal, which then may be submitted. Final approval rests with the Director of Studies.
Independent Study applicants will find the application form available in the Studies Office. It should be filled out, signed by the required parties, and along with the proposal, submitted to the Studies Office during the term preceding the proposed study.
Taking a Course Honors – Pass – Fail The purpose of the H-P-F option is to encourage students to take an interesting course which, graded numerically, might seem a risk to their GPA. An H or P is not counted toward GPA. An F is calculated into the GPA as a 1.0. H-P-F is not always advantageous. A standard grade of 2.0 would appear as a P, but so would a 3.5. An H won‟t raise GPA, but a 5.5 may.
In any term, a member of the Sixth Form may opt to have ONE elective subject graded Honors-Pass-Fail rather than on the numeric grading scale 1.0 through 6.0. The option is unavailable in AP and Honors courses and in courses required for the diploma.
Because of potential risks and disadvantages, the written H-P-F application requires signatures verifying that the student has consulted with his/her Teacher, Department Head, College Counselor, and Advisor. Application for a term course to be graded H-P-F must be submitted by the Friday prior to the date of the course’s first marking period (indicator). Final approval of H-P-F is given by the Director of Studies.
(Note: In certain circumstances, a year-long course may be taken H-P-F. The deadline for applying for year- long H-P-F is the last class day of the Fall Term.)
TEXTBOOKS
New, used or rental textbooks are available through our bookseller: Classbook.com. For extra value, Classbook.com provides a Book Buy Back program for textbooks that are in reasonably good condition (without excessive writing or highlighting) at the end of the year.
During the summer, your students will receive their course lists from the Studies Office. To order books: Log onto http://www.classbook.com/KENTS.asp Enter first name, last name, and student‟s Kent School email address; click ADD. . Choose DIVISION (Fall Term, Winter Term, or Spring Term) . choose DEPARTMENT (subject) . choose COURSE TITLE . select your books At checkout, create your account. A credit card is needed. We suggest you choose SCHOOL SHIPPING.
If you prefer, you can call Classbook powered by Follett toll free at 1-888-FVC(382)-3383 or email customer service at fvc.follett.com. If you choose SCHOOL SHIPPING, your student‟s books will be here and ready for the start of school. Page 7
COLLEGE COUNSELING
Preparation for college admission starts when students first arrive at Kent. When students embark on our college preparatory program, they begin to build effective independent study habits, and define their many roles in the School community. The College Counselors work with the Director of Studies in developing an appropriate course curriculum for each student during his/her time at Kent.
The application process, per se, officially begins in the Winter Term of the student‟s Fifth Form year, though students begin to meet individually with their College Counselor during the Fourth Form year. During the Fall Term Fifth Form year, students are also enrolled in a College Seminar, a non-graded, required course that covers all aspects of the application process. Students continue to meet with the College Counselors throughout the winter and spring and a list of colleges is developed so that college visits can be planned, either during March recess or over the summer.
Students are encouraged to begin their applications and to visit schools during the summer between Fifth and Sixth Form year. When they return to Kent in the fall of their Sixth Form year, students continue to meet individually with the College Counselors to discuss their applications. The counselors meet and work with students throughout the Sixth Form year, until students matriculate at the college of their choice in the spring.
The SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests are administered on campus in the fall, winter, and spring, allowing students to test multiple times on campus. An SAT Reasoning Test preparation course is offered in the spring of the Fifth Form year, just before the administration of the May SAT. Both underformers and upperformers are encouraged to take the SAT Subject Tests in June in appropriate subjects (e.g., students taking Honors Biology may elect to take the SAT Subject Test in Biology during their Third or Fourth Form year).
The ACT will be administered twice during the school year, once in October and again in April. An ACT preparation course is offered in the spring of Fifth Form year, just before the administration of the June ACT (offered off campus).
Each fall over 100 college admissions officers visit Kent to provide information to interested students. In addition, a College Fair is held in April for Fifth Formers and their parents.
A Parent College Workshop is held each year in February to provide parents with an overview of the college application process.
Counselor and teacher recommendations are considered confidential.
Discipline Issues and Applying to College Students placed on disciplinary Probation as a result of the disciplinary process or an equivalent punishment at another school must report that offense to colleges. In the case of withdrawal or dismissal of a student, it is the policy of Kent School to notify all colleges to which a student applies or has applied. The counselors will work with students and families in reporting disciplinary matters to colleges.
College Visits During senior year, Sixth Formers may request to miss up to three days of classes to visit colleges. A student should miss no more than two consecutive days of classes. The College Counselor must approve all college
Page 8 visits. Permission to leave campus is granted by a Dean. To be approved, the college visit must include official contact with the college‟s admissions office in the form of one or more of the following:
An interview A tour An information session or class attendance
Fifth Former requests for college visit days will be considered on a case by case basis. It is the view of the College Counseling Office that missing class time can be detrimental to a student‟s academic focus; thus Fifth Formers are encouraged to visit colleges during the three-week March Break and over the summer before Sixth Form year.
The College Counselor and the student's teachers will judge whether the student's academic situation would be adversely affected by missing classes and will make a decision accordingly. It is the intention of the College Counselors to support and enforce this policy as strictly as possible. While it is important for students to visit colleges, it is also vital that their college visits in no way compromise the quality of their course work, as there are ample days of vacation for a student to visit colleges.
Procedure to Obtain Permission for College Visits 1. Obtain permission from the student‟s College Counselor and the Dean‟s Office prior to making plans for a college visit. 2. In order to receive permission students must fill out the form available in the College Counseling Office. The form requires the following information:
Date and time of interview or tour Transportation plans Overnight accommodations Written permission from a parent or guardian Signatures of student, College Counselor, and a Dean
3. Once the student‟s College Counselor has granted approval, the official permission form needs to be submitted to the Dean‟s Office at least 48 hours before departure to request permission to leave campus. 4. Students need to inform all teachers and coaches of plans to be away. 5. Students need to make up all missed work.
JOHN GRAY PARK ’28 LIBRARY
Open daily with extended hours during exam periods.
The library is a center of intellectual life at Kent. Between library and ARC staff members, and with help from a student tutoring program, assistance is provided in all aspects of the academic program including research, course work, and organizational skills. We also offer a variety of study spaces and access to the library‟s 40,000 print books and extensive digital resources.
Online Resources: libguides.kent-school.edu Students may bring their laptop to the library, or access these resources from anywhere on campus wirelessly through the network. This makes it easy to find:
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The library catalog: where students can search our book collection by author, subject, or keyword Links to online databases for your research, both for classes and to pursue your interests. The library subscribes to a number of scholarly databases which provide access to reference materials, thousands of magazine, journal and newspaper articles, and a wealth of images, music, and video materials. Please don‟t hesitate to ask a librarian if you need assistance using any of the databases or finding resources in the library.
Traditional Resources Books Our collection of over 40,000 volumes is shelved on three levels. Books are checked out electronically at the circulation desk by the front door. We also have eBooks available through our catalog on any computer connected to our network. Reference Collection The Reference collection is shelved in the main reading room. These books must remain in the library for all to use. Newspapers & Magazines Current magazines and daily papers are displayed at the front of the main reading room. Back issues are kept in the stacks. Magazines and newspapers remain in the library. Popular Collection Leisure reading, both fiction and nonfiction, is in the main reading room with new books displayed as they arrive. Young Adult titles and Graphic Novels can be found under the mezzanine. Please feel free to suggest books you would like to read. Inter-Library Loan Please request material you cannot find by asking at the circulation desk. We work with most of the libraries in the state and can get almost anything you need. Photocopying & Printing All copying and printing by students is done in the Print and Copy Center off the Schoolhouse Lobby.
Procedures and Rules Quiet Study Conditions The library is a place to work and to get help with your work. In response to student requests and feedback, the following guidelines for library study conditions are in effect during study hall: o The entire library space will be quiet. o The Campbell Reading Room on the main floor and the 3rd floor are silent areas. This means no talking. None. o If you are at a table in the main reading room and need to communicate with another person at your table, please whisper. o Moving about the library is disruptive to people working around you. Please come, settle down in one place, and remain there. o To ensure that students who require group study rooms for their work have access to them, there will now be a sign-up for these spaces.
We expect you to make this your place to work and a good place for others to do their work. If you do not, you will need to find another place to be in the evening. Appropriate Behavior Dress and manners must match the rules set by Kent School. Food and uncovered drinks are not to be carried into or consumed in the library. Personal belongings, whether laptops or books or clothing, should not be left unattended.
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Responsibility Check out all library material at the circulation desk. Return or renew books on time. Fines for overdue materials are imposed as appropriate, with replacement cost charged for lost items.
Student Jobs in the Library and ARC Students help the library run smoothly by contributing to its operations in countless ways through the jobs program. Underformers might assist us with keeping things in order, watering the plants, or feeding our popular fish. Upperformers and those who have shown particular motivation in research and writing skills can participate in one of our two more formal job programs, with appropriate training provided: . Peer Research Tutors, trained by the library staff, are available every night during study hall to field student questions related to library research and finding resources. . Peer Writing Tutors, trained by the Academic Resource Center staff, are available for students who seek feedback on their writing or need help getting started. Although peer tutors will address basic questions about citation and mechanics, their job is not to be a proofreader: it is to help writers reach a clearer understanding of what it is they want to say. . Subject tutors in Math and the Sciences, nominated by those departments, are also available each night during study hall in the library.
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER
At Kent‟s Academic Resource Center (ARC), we guide students in developing effective reading and note- taking skills, study strategies for homework and tests, and improved time management. We support students in setting their academic goals, and help them cultivate the self-discipline to achieve those goals through daily and weekly action plans. The ARC staff, which during study hall includes English faculty and Peer Writing Tutors, is also available to provide assistance at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and revising. Students can visit the ARC for feedback on writing of all sorts, including expository essays, research papers, and creative writing.
Located in the library, the Academic Resource Center is open during the academic day and every night for study hall. Students can drop by without an appointment, or teachers and advisors may require that a student schedule a meeting. The Studies Office may also refer a student to the ARC for required visits.
TECHNOLOGY
The Tech Center is the place to go if you have any problems or questions related to your use of technology at Kent, from hardware to software to network access. We are located on the ground floor of the Administration Building and are open Monday through Friday.
Laptop Requirements All students are required to have a working notebook computer. Failure to have or maintain the proper equipment and software is the same as being unprepared for class in any other respect. The Studies Office does not accept computer problems as an excuse for missing or late work.
Your school computer must meet the minimum requirements as laid out on the school website: www.kent- school.edu/technology. Be sure to review these guidelines before deciding which computer you will bring to
Page 11 school. If you are planning to purchase a new computer, we strongly recommend that you buy accidental damage insurance.
Hardware and Software Support When possible, repairs are done on campus. Repairs that cannot be done on site will be sent to an authorized repair center if needed. Repair costs will be billed to your student account.
If you have a computer problem that cannot be resolved quickly, you will receive a loaner laptop to use free of charge until the repair work is completed. If you keep the loaner laptop for more than 30 days, a rental fee of $2 per day will be charged until the loaner is returned.
Additional Equipment You May Bring You may bring additional computing devices to school, provided you have a notebook computer that satisfies the school‟s requirements. In the Tech Center, priority will be given to students having issues with their primary school computer; we will support other devices to the best of our ability, as time allows.
If you have a specific technical interest, such as digital photography, filmmaking, or computer programming, you are welcome to bring equipment related to that interest. Please note that gaming devices are subject to rules established by the Dean‟s Office, as listed elsewhere in this handbook.
Network and Internet Access All students have wireless access to our computer network and the internet in their dorm rooms, all academic areas, public spaces such as the dining hall and snack bar, and some exterior locations on campus. Routers are not needed, and are not allowed.
We do not block or filter the internet. We do, however, log all student traffic to the internet from our network. This log may be reviewed at the request of the Deans.
Backing Up Your Work It is critical that you have a good backup system for your academic work. We recommend that you use your Kent School Google Drive for this purpose, although you are welcome to use another method as long as it‟s reliable. If you are unsure how to access your Google Drive, just ask at the Help Desk. (If you are a new student, this will be covered in your technology orientation prior to the start of school.)
Student Printing The student printers are located in the Print and Copy Center next to the library lobby. To use them you will need to make sure your computer is correctly configured on our network. New students will receive help connecting to the printers during technology orientation. All others should visit the Tech Center for assistance.
Cellular Service Our campus has good cellular coverage from AT&T and Verizon; Sprint will also work in most areas. If you have a smartphone or other mobile device with a data plan, you will want to connect it to our wifi network to avoid using up your monthly data quota.
Acceptable Use Policy During August, every new and returning student is required to read and sign an online document titled Expectations Regarding Conduct, which includes school policies on acceptable use of technology and social media. This document can also be found in the Dean‟s Office section of the web portal, at www.kent- school.edu/expectations-regarding-conduct. Following are some highlights: Page 12
Use of Kent School‟s technology infrastructure and services is guided by the same principles that govern all aspects of life at Kent School. Always treat others in a respectful, positive, and considerate manner. Cyber bullying will not be tolerated. Engaging in online activities intended to emotionally harm another person or damage his or her reputation will result in severe disciplinary action and potentially the involvement of the police. Impersonating someone else on a social media site or through email is strictly forbidden. You must not share your Kent password with any other person. Password sharing will be treated as a disciplinary matter. If you wish to share photos, videos, or other content on a Kent School social media channel (such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram), be sure that you own or have obtained the rights to what you post, and include any necessary credits/attributions.
Contact Us The Tech Center is located on the ground floor of the Administration Building, under the covered walkway. We are open Monday through Friday. You can also reach us at [email protected] or 860-927- 6333.
For general inquiries about technology at Kent, please contact Melissa Holcombe, Director of Information Technology, at [email protected] or 860-927-6158.
STUDENT AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Absences – Students must have permission to be absent from school. Parents sign out and in with the Dean‟s Office or Health Center every day their student is absent from school.
Advisors - Faculty Advisors are assigned the primary responsibility for overseeing the student's academic and social development. They are the principal link between school and home, and between school and student. They are available at all times for advisee needs.
Air Conditioners – Students will need a note from their physician or Dr. Lefebvre in order to have an air conditioner in their dorm room. Air conditioners are only allowed for medical reasons and should be floor model units (not window).
All School Notification – To alert the parent community about routine events such as Headmaster‟s holidays or to contact parents in the case of a school emergency, we use Alert Now. Alert Now is a service that provides us with the ability to contact parents simultaneously for important or urgent notices. We will periodically ask for updated contact information; changes to contact information can be submitted any time via the Parent Page or by contacting Beverly Brennan at [email protected]. It is critical that all parents and emergency contacts supply accurate information to the school.
Attendance Policy - Attendance is recorded for students in all their classes, afternoon activity/sports commitment, chapel, job, and formal dinner. Absences are collected in the Dean‟s Office, and students have an announced amount of time to excuse or clear those absences.
Students may have four unexcused absences in an indicator.
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Five to nine unexcused absences in an indicator will result in the student being placed on Warning. At 10 unexcused absences, the student may undergo a routine medical evaluation to discern any obstacle to better attendance. The student will also be placed on Restriction. A second indicator of 10 or more unexcused absences will result in a more in-depth medical evaluation at the discretion of the school physician, which may include blood work and a drug test (with results being managed in the medical department).
Communication with parents concerning attendance will occur through the advisor and the Form Dean. Students with perfect attendance for the school year will be awarded the William H. Armstrong certificate at Prize Day weekend ceremonies.
Boundaries - Except for authorized visits to the town of Kent, or unless given specific permission to leave bounds, students are expected to remain within the stated boundaries of the school. These general boundaries are listed below. If you have any questions about bounds, ask your Advisor or a Dean. NORTH – The fork in the road for Skiff Mtn. and River Roads EAST – The town of Kent proper SOUTH – The athletic fields at South Fields WEST – Schaghticoke Road behind the school and the intersection of Schaghticoke Road and Rte. 341. (Mount Algo is OFF LIMITS.) Hikes to Numeral Rock may be done in pairs or groups for safety sake. Students should sign in and out with the Dean on Duty.
General Boundaries Trespassing on property belonging to an entity other than the School is forbidden. The swimming pool is off bounds unless authorized supervision is in effect. Kent School Stables are off bounds except for authorized lessons. Students are to use only the main streets in the town of Kent and may not take short cuts behind buildings or across private property or fields. The Kent Wine Merchant Store is off limits.
On Campus Boundaries The following on-campus areas are off limits to students:
Girls‟ dormitory rooms, hallways and stairwells are off limits to boys and boys‟ dormitory rooms, hallways and stairwells are off limits to girls except during specified hours of visitation. Boiler rooms, all attics and basements, faculty offices, faculty and staff work areas, kitchen staff quarters, faculty bathrooms in the Administration Building, and the kitchen. When open for use, the music rooms (above the dining hall) are for the express purpose of practicing and/or performing music.
Cellular Telephones – See Communications.
Chapel – Students are expected to attend all chapel services. The Chaplain may arrange special religious observances on an individual basis. The following times are for services in St. Joseph‟s Chapel.
SUNDAY: 11:00am TUESDAY: 9:35am –10:00am THURSDAY: 6:00pm Further information is under the Spiritual Life section of this booklet.
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Communications – Every student must arrive on campus with a cell phone and have the number registered with the Dean‟s Office. AT&T and Verizon have the strongest signal in the Kent area although Sprint will also work. Teachers, Deans, coaches and others must have a way to reach students throughout the day. Students will also need to be able to receive emergency messages to individual cell phones though a campus alert system.
While students are encouraged to carry their cell phone at all times, cell phones should not be in use during school functions such as classes, chapel, formal dinner, examinations, etc. During the academic day, cell phones should be used only during non-class times.
Cooking/Food – Students are permitted to keep food and beverages in their rooms in proper containers. A microwave is available in each dorm common room for cooking. No hot pots, coils, coffee pots, sandwich grills, or other cooking appliances are allowed in student rooms: they may be marked with a student name and kept and used in the common room kitchenette area.
Debit Card – At the start of each student‟s enrollment at Kent, he/she will be issued a student key card which also serves as their identification/debit card and will be used for all extra needs. More details can be found toward the end of this handbook under “Financial Information”. Parents/guardians will be required to make deposits into their student’s account prior to any charges being incurred. Please fill out and return the Debit Card Deposit Form in the Registration packet located on the Parent Page of our website.
Diploma – A Kent School diploma is earned through successful completion of our academic, athletic- activity, and citizenship requirements. A senior who is in violation of the School rules and regulations will be subject to the appropriate disciplinary action, to include, at the discretion of the Headmaster, the denial, revocation, or suspension of a diploma. In the case of the withdrawal or dismissal of a Sixth Form student, the School will notify all colleges to which the student has applied that he/she is no longer a student in course at Kent School.
Disciplinary System - The Disciplinary (or judicial) process is available to every student in a situation involving a major school rule. The process includes peer review and faculty review of the case. These two committees then make a recommendation to the Headmaster who reserves the right to decide what will be considered unacceptable conduct and the penalties therefore. 1. Behavior may be corrected through personal and direct contact and communication with a faculty member, senior council member, or Sixth Former. 2. Behavior may be corrected through Early Lights or Breakfast Club. 3. Behavior may be corrected through the assignment of Work Hours. Assignments would be in one- hour increments and would require attendance on Sunday afternoon. 4. Warning 5. Restriction 6. Probation 7. Dismissal
Early Lights: means the student must be in his/her room at 9:30pm for the remainder of the evening. Failure to report results in an extension of Early Lights, an assignment of Breakfast Club, Work Hours, or the disciplinary process for failure to obey.
Breakfast Club: means the student must report to breakfast in the Dining Hall before 7:15am in academic dress. Failure to report results in the assignment of one work hour.
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Work Hour: is an opportunity to repay the community for a rule violation or poor decision. Students with hours may not take weekends or overnights and must report each Sunday at 1:00pm to the Dean‟s Office. Failure to report may result in the disciplinary process.
Warning: may be assigned to a student for disciplinary offenses as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook (page 1). It is viewed as an incremental step higher than work hours and denotes a disciplinary status for a period of time, generally one indicator or one term. Warning would include an assignment of work hours and weekend/overnight privileges are only allowed with approval from the Form Deans.
Restriction: may be assigned to a student for major disciplinary offenses as outlined in the Student-Parent Information Bulletin (page 1). It is viewed as an incremental step higher than Warning and denotes a disciplinary status for a period of time, generally one indicator or one term. Restriction includes an assignment of work hours, loss of town permission, and loss of Weekend/Overnight permission.
Probation: may be assigned to a student for major disciplinary offenses as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook (page 1). It is viewed as an incremental step higher than Restriction and denotes a disciplinary status for a period of time, generally one indicator or one term. Probation includes an assignment of work hours, loss of town permission, and loss of weekend/overnight permission. Additionally, students and parents need to know that some colleges may ask on their application forms whether or not a student has ever been on Probation.
Dismissal: Once the Headmaster has determined that a student must withdraw from school, travel arrangements should be made immediately by parents or guardian. If there is a delay in travel, the student may be housed at his/her advisor‟s home. (Sixth Formers also see page 8.)
Penalties for minor infractions (such as but not limited to) Out of dorm after lights: Warning and hours Unauthorized inter-visitation: Warning or Restriction and hours Signing into chapel and leaving without attending: Warning and hours Tobacco violation (1st time): Warning and hours and health class Riding in unauthorized car: Warning or Restriction and hours Direct disobedience: Warning or Restriction and hours Out of campus bounds: Warning or Restriction and hours
Penalties for major infractions when the student remains in school. A major infraction may result in a student being placed on Restriction or Probation and assigned a large number of work hours. Major infractions include but are not limited to: Lying Plagiarism or academic dishonesty Improper judgment
Dorm Infractions - will generally be handled within the dorm by the Dorm Head. Such infractions include poorly done dorm jobs, dirty rooms, and unacceptable behavior. The burning of any material inside the dorm will be considered a violation of major school rules.
Drones - Students who wish to have a drone on campus must contact the Dean of Students for more information.
Dress Code - The spirit of the Academic Dress Code is to respect the integrity of the academic day and to be well prepared for a full day of work. Students should be properly dressed in clothing which is neat, clean, Page 16 and in good repair. We encourage our students to dress comfortably and simply, avoiding ostentatious clothing and jewelry. Students will be penalized for appearing in class without the proper academic dress during the academic day and will be instructed to change. Academic dress code is to be worn throughout the school day, to chapel, and to formal meals. Lunch on Wednesdays and Saturdays is casual dress. Evening cafeteria meals are casual dress.
Academic dress for boys includes a blazer and tie, dress shirt (tucked in); dress slacks or corduroy pants; socks; and shoes, dress sandals (including Birkenstocks), or sneakers in good repair. Boys must be clean- shaven with sideburns no lower than the earlobe. We suggest that a larger-sized blazer be purchased so that a sweater or vest may fit under it during cold weather.
Academic dress for girls includes a dress or skirt of a length at or about the knee (no mini-skirts). Slacks or corduroy pants may be worn with a traditional blazer (having a collar, lapel, and buttons), dressy top or shirt, shoes, dress sandals with a heel (including Birkenstocks), or sneakers in good repair. Blazers must be worn and not carried. A student‟s midriff, cleavage, or bare shoulders should not show at any time. Strapless dresses, dresses or tops with spaghetti straps, and halter tops are not academic dress. Undergarments should not be visible.
When the weather becomes inclement (too hot or too cold), the Dean will announce a “coat bell”, allowing blazers to be temporarily suspended from the dress code.
Unacceptable for academic dress are: casual sandals (“Tevas”, beach or shower/athletic flip-flops, “Reef” flip-flops) house slippers and moccasins denim/jean slacks, skirts, dresses, and jackets leggings overalls, draw-string-style pants, cargo pants, pajama or casual flannel pants, or sweatpants casual t-shirts with writing or pictures on them sweatshirts outer coats and rain coats worn in place of a blazer hats, sweat bands bandanas should not be worn inside the Dining Hall, chapel, and classroom buildings
Unacceptable dress at any time: Clothing or hats with alcohol or drug or violent insignia or messages
Students are expected to obey requests from any faculty, staff, or Sixth Former of the Kent School community with regard to changing their dress.
Emergency Contact - All international students, including students from Canada and Mexico, and U.S. students whose families live abroad must have an emergency contact person living in the U.S. This person must be over 21 years of age and have written authorization to act on the parents‟ behalf. We will need their full name, preferred phone number, address and email so we may contact this person in the event of an emergency. Our primary contact always is the parents unless otherwise specified.
Enrollment Meeting - An enrollment meeting consists of the student (whose absences are over 15 in the indicator and who has been evaluated by the school physician and the school counselor), the advisor, the Form Dean, the parents (in person or on conference call), the Director of Studies, and the Headmaster. The goal of the meeting is to reinforce to the student the importance of meeting his/her school requirements. Page 17
Should a student‟s attendance not improve after the enrollment meeting, the student may be dismissed from school by the Headmaster.
Faculty Homes - Students may accept an invitation to a faculty home provided all school commitments are met.
Guests - A student may only have a same sex family member stay overnight in his/her dorm. Students must request permission from the Dean‟s Office in advance. Written permission will be required from all parents. All guests are expected to adhere to Kent School rules. The Kent School student is responsible for his/her guest while the guest is at school. Students need to sign their guest in and out of the Dean‟s Office.
Harassment of Other Persons - Kent School will not tolerate any form of harassment: verbal, psychological, physical, racial, or sexual. Harassment and bullying will lead to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from the School.
Headmaster Holiday – Father Schell may spontaneously declare a day off from classes for the community. Generally varsity teams will hold practices and social events are planned.
In the Presence of - refers to a student being in the presence of school rules being broken. Student involvement in such situations will be evaluated and penalties assigned as determined by the Deans and/or disciplinary process.
Inter-Visitation - Inter-visitation is a privilege concerning the mutually agreeable visiting of boys to girls' rooms and girls to boys' rooms. Inter-visitation takes place at scheduled times according to planned social activities. A faculty member and a member of the Senior Council under specific guidelines and regulations supervise inter-visitation in each dorm. Unauthorized inter-visitation includes all members of the opposite sex except parents, as well as failure to follow the proper procedures.
Jobs - At Kent, all students are required to participate in our Jobs program and are assigned a job on campus. Jobs in the dorm, classroom, dining hall, yards, chapel, and Admissions tour guide, are a few examples. The jobs program is an important part of the Kent School experience. Along with classes, chapel, and sports commitments, the campus job is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. Each job is managed by a faculty member and in many cases a senior boy or girl as well who will act as the supervisor. All students are expected to be on time and complete their job responsibilities as assigned by the job captain. Students will receive notification via email, as to the assigned job for the indicator. Some students may be given new assignments each indicator, others will continue to do their same job throughout the school year. The job assignment list will also be posted on the dining hall bulletin board.
Laundry, Linens, and Clothing - A laundry service is available that will pick up and deliver laundry and dry cleaning. Information outlining options and costs is included in our registration materials found on the Parent Page of our website. A representative from the laundry service will also be available for new students during opening day registration. A public coin-operated laundromat is available in town.
Locks - All dorm rooms have electronic locks. Swipe key cards are issued through the Safety Department. Loss of a key card will result in replacement of the swipe key card. Replacement will incur a $25.00 charge to the student's debit account.
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Merit System - A student may accumulate merits by indicator and by term for perfect attendance. Students may also earn merits for achieving Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. Students may use their merits for special permissions, extra overnight weekends, and rooming preference.
Money - An ATM is located outside the Lion‟s Den in the Student Center for students to access cash for personal spending. The ATM does not accept Kent School Student Spending cards.
Motor Vehicles - Motor vehicles for students are not permitted at Kent (on campus or in town) at any time. A boarding student may not drive a car unless accompanied by a parent. No student may drive or ride in a car which is being driven by another student or a driver under 21, unless the driver is a family member. Day students may drive other day students in car pools to and from school with written permission from all parents involved. Hoverboards, motorized scooters and any other type of motorized transportation are also not allowed.
Off-Campus Rules - Students are under school jurisdiction and must adhere to all Kent School rules and regulations in the following situations:
Attending any athletic or special event on or off campus in which Kent School is participating. School-chaperoned, school-sponsored, or public transportation, including private liveries. While in the town of Kent. Must have an adult host (over 21 years old) as identified by parents for all trips away from school.
Packing List – Reminders
What to Bring: Clothes and Shoes School Supplies Dress code clothes Pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters Jackets Notebooks, binders, folders Casual clothes Calculator Socks (athletic and regular) Stapler, staples, scissors Bathrobe Shower sandals Miscellaneous Rain/snow boots Athletic equipment Athletic shoes Cup/mug/bowl power strip with on/off light Bath and Bedding Extension cord-12 or 14 gauge with 3 prongs (6‟ max) Bath towels Desk lamp with light bulbs Wash cloths Standing lamp with light bulbs Toiletry items Laundry bag/hamper Comforter or quilt Hangers Blankets Small area rug Sheets (XL twin size bed 83” – 85”) Wall décor Pillow Water bottle Pillow cases Lock for trunk or wardrobe (optional) Alarm clock with battery back-up *Most of the above items can be purchased on campus in The Lion‟s Dean, our school store.
What NOT to bring: Page 19
Cooking coils/hot pots/coffee No 2 prong extension cord (see allowed maker/Keurig items above) Microwave oven/toaster oven X-Box, PlayStation, any gaming systems Valuable jewelry Halogen lamps Room space heater Multiple outlet plugs Incandescent light bulbs Air Conditioner (except with medical permission and then only portable direct vent style, not window units) Electric blanket/electric bed pad/heating Motorized scooters, hoverboards or any pad (except with medical permission) type of motorized transportation
Kent School is working to conserve energy and reduce the school's carbon footprint. You can help! Please be mindful of energy conservation when choosing electronic items for dorm rooms. Please provide a power strip with an on/off light to handle computers, chargers, and other devices that draw power even when not in use. Shutting down such devices by switching off a power strip at night could reduce a dorm room's electricity use by 5% or more.
Parent Permission – required for all overnights, weekends, and other times when a student is away from school. Written permission is required for any and all adults over 21 years of age who would drive your student in their vehicle. This permission may be given in blanket form for day trips or each time your student makes plans to leave school. Overnights and Weekends require specific individual permission.
Privacy - No student is allowed in another student's room unless an occupant of the room is present and gives his or her consent.
Room Furnishings - Each room is supplied with a bed, an extra long twin mattress (83-85 inches), bureau/desk combination, chair, ceiling room light, and blinds. School furniture is not to be moved from the dormitory rooms. A small refrigerator (only one per room) is allowed. The Fire Marshal will allow only one additional piece of furniture per room (i.e. one chair, one couch, or one futon), and it cannot replace school furniture. School furniture may not be stacked on top of each other. Rooms should be decorated to allow proper entry and exit of the room. Rooms are to be kept clean and decorated in good taste. Alcohol and drug related symbols and pornography are prohibited. Halogen lamps are not permitted. Dorm rooms and their furnishings, except those brought by students, are the property of the School. Furnishings are on loan to students for the school year, and must be left at the end of the year, clean and in the condition in which they were received in September. Rooms are inspected regularly by dorm resident faculty and prefects, and are subject to inspection at any time. The Plant Superintendent and dorm faculty will also inspect rooms at the beginning and end of each term and year. The cost of repair of any damages to the room will be charged to the occupants or the person(s) responsible. A microwave oven has been provided in each dorm. No hot pots, coils, sandwich grills, or other cooking appliances are allowed in student rooms. A television has been provided in dorm common rooms. Pets are not allowed, however, fish are permitted.
Room Search - A student's room, personal belongings, and clothing may be searched by an authorized faculty member when there is reason to do so. Any contraband or other violation of school rules found in the room will be considered the responsibility of the residents and processed in the disciplinary system.
Safety: Drills and Plans Information - Kent School holds fire drills each term in every dorm. We also conduct campus-wide emergency drills and have procedures in place in case of environmental or intruder situations. Page 20
School Property - The Kent School community prides itself on maintaining a beautiful, well-kept campus. Our students play a significant role in this by treating their dorm rooms and the rest of the campus with respect. However, occasionally students may cause some damage. Regardless of whether the damage is accidental or intentional, the School expects the students to take responsibility for their actions. In addition to taking the appropriate disciplinary action, Kent School will handle the financial consequences of such actions in the following manner:
Dorm damage - Any damage that occurs in or around a dorm building or any Kent School property. This includes all dorm rooms, offices, and all common areas (hallways, bathrooms, stairs and windows). Dorm damage is the responsibility of all students residing in that dorm. If the students responsible for the damage are not identified, the costs of the repairs or replacement will be absorbed equally among all students living in that dorm at the time the damage is discovered.
Dorm Room Condition Form: Upon arrival at school, or at times of room changes, students must fill out and sign the Dorm Room Condition form. In the unlikely event there is any existing damage to the dorm room, this form provides students an opportunity to note such damage, so that he or she will not be held responsible. The Dean‟s Office will retain a copy of this form to be used again when a student checks out of his or her room. At that time, any new damage will be noted and billed to the room‟s occupants. It is important that you retain a copy of the Dorm Room Condition form as proof of the room‟s condition at check out. In the event a student leaves without filling out this form with the Dorm Head, Kent School will record any new damages and bill them to parents or guardians. Rooms must be void of any personal belongings and left broom clean at the end of the year in order to avoid a cleaning fee.
School Store – Fondly referred to as The Lion‟s Den, is located in the Student Center. There students can purchase school supplies, basic dorm supplies, a variety of convenience items and more. The store boasts a wide offering of Kent clothing and gift items, also available through www.KentSchoolStore.com.
School Vacations - All dorms and the Dining Hall are closed during vacations. Students are expected to make plans to leave campus for all vacations including the long winter weekend vacation.
Skateboarding/In-line Skating/Bicycling - Students must wear a properly fastened helmet at all times when engaging in these activities. These activities are to be done in designated areas. Indoors at the skating rink and gym floors are off limits for skateboarding, in-line skating, and bicycles.
Students may use roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, and scooters at school. An easy reminder is „if it has wheels, students MUST wear a helmet‟. Students who do not wear a helmet, or who wear a helmet that is not fastened properly, will have their „wheels‟ confiscated. Students may ride their bikes on campus and in town by using the sidewalks and roads only. Bikes should be stored in the bike shed on Schaghticoke Road or locked onto the outdoor racks by the Science Building or under the Middle Dorm arch. Roller blades and scooters must use sidewalks to go back and forth to town.
Student Center - The Student Center is located below the Dining Hall and contains the school store, ATM, student mailroom, snack bar, and TV. The school store is open regularly, and sells personal items and school supplies. Purchases will be charged to a debit card. The snack bar is open daily and debit cards must be used for purchases.
Telephone – See Communications.
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Town - School rules apply while in the town of Kent. Students must be back on campus by 6:00pm each evening. Town curfew may change according to Daylight Savings Time and as announced by the Dean.
Transportation - A student may not drive a car unless accompanied by his/her parent. No student may ride in a car which is being driven by another Kent student, and no student is to drive a car with another student in it. Students are to arrange for their own transportation using taxi services which have been authorized by our Business Office, with the Dean‟s Office as a resource (taxi, bus, train info listed at the end of this handbook). Hitchhiking is not permitted under any circumstances. The Dean‟s Office will arrange transportation to the Metro-North Ten Mile River station on Friday afternoons and Saturday at noon, and an early Sunday evening pick up for all weekends of the academic calendar except closed weekends.
TV/Video Games - Hook up to cable or satellite feeds are not allowed for any student. Sixth Formers may bring free-standing monitors to school not exceeding 42”. All other students may bring free-standing monitors to school not exceeding 24”. Only Sixth Formers may bring video game systems.
Vacations and Transportation - Buses will be chartered to and from the destinations listed below for student travel for the vacation dates listed on the School calendar. PLEASE NOTE: This does not include start or end of school year travel. Students and parents are expected to set up their own arrangements at these times, due to the different days and times that students arrive and depart school.
Students will be required to sign up for chartered buses. Reserved space on these vehicles will be charged to the student's account, unless the Dean‟s Office is properly notified of revised plans. It is the responsibility of the parents or student to notify the School of any alterations in travel plans (i.e. cancelled or missed flights, weather delays, or illness). Please call the Dean‟s Office at 860-927-6083 for travel issues. Parents are expected to make all air and train reservations. Early departures or late returns for vacations which cause the student to miss class(es) must be approved beforehand by Ms. Yammin, Director of Studies.
Chaperones for students cannot be provided by the School. Please check with your airline for age restrictions.
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Van/Bus Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations ** Kent School Buses leave Kent School at 12:30pm on the day of dismissal for Thanksgiving and Winter Weekend. Christmas and Spring Break buses depart at 8:00am.
LaGuardia Airport On Return: Students should meet the chaperone outside the American (LGA) Airlines Baggage Claim area at Terminal B at 6:00pm. Approximate travel - 2 hours Please note: Winter weekend bus will combine LGA and JFK.
Kennedy Airport On Return: Students should meet the chaperone outside Terminal 5 (JFK) (JetBlue Terminal) at 6:00pm. Please note: Winter weekend bus will be Approximate travel - 2 hours combined with LGA and will depart JFK at 5:00pm.
Bradley Airport On Return: Students should meet the chaperone at Terminal A, Lower (BDL) level, outside the baggage area at 6:00pm. Approximate travel – 1 ½ hours Grand Central Station For Drop-off only: Students will be dropped off at the south side of 42nd Approximate travel - 2 hours Street. On Return: Students can take the Metro-North trains to Ten Mile River where Kent Faculty will meet them at specified times.
Penn Station For Drop-off only: Students will be dropped off at 8th Avenue and West Approximate travel – 31st Street. 2 ½ - 3 hours On Return: Students can take the Metro-North trains to Ten Mile River where Kent Faculty will meet them at specified times.
Boston-Framingham Boston Public Library at Copley Square: Students will be dropped off Approximate travel at Blagden Street near Dartmouth Street. Boston - 4 hours On Return: pick up at 3:00pm. Framingham/Natick – 3 ½ Framingham: Students will be dropped off at the Logan-Express Bus hours terminal,(follow signs off Exit 13 of the Mass Pike) On Return: pick-up about 3:30pm at Logan-Express Bus terminal
Ten Mile River Train Station Pick-up times will be posted in the Dean‟s Office.
**When dropping off students at the airports, the buses will stop at different terminals by verbal request to the driver.
In addition to the noted locations, with advance notice, the Dean‟s Office can arrange private taxi service to take students to and from other locations. Arrival times are approximate. When making reservations please allow ample time for your student to make connections. On the return to Kent please allow time for your student to arrive, collect baggage, and meet the bus. If the student is unable to meet the bus at the scheduled time it will be the parent‟s responsibility to make arrangements for the student‟s return to Kent and to notify the Dean‟s Office.
Valuable Articles - may be registered with the Dean‟s Office. Students are strongly advised to bring a minimum of such articles and are reminded that the School is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. The School recommends all valuable articles be covered by personal homeowner insurance and be clearly identified. Each dormitory room can be equipped with a lockable wardrobe or locker. All room doors are equipped with a lock. Passports and airline tickets may be kept in the safe at the Dean‟s office.
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Vending Machines – “Grow Health” vending machines are located in every dorm, the gym and hockey rink. These machines can be accessed with cash, credit card or debit card.
Weekends and Overnights The first and the last weekend of each term are Closed Weekends. The student‟s Form Dean must give permission for a student to leave on a Closed Weekend. A student may take two Weekends per term on Open Weekends. A Weekend may be converted into two Overnights. A student could therefore take four Overnights per term. Fifth and Sixth Formers may take an additional Overnight per year. A Weekend begins after the student‟s last academic commitment on Friday. An Overnight begins after the student‟s last academic commitment on Saturday and/or after the sports commitment on Saturday. A Weekend or Overnight ends upon the student's return to the town of Kent and no later than 10:00pm on Sunday.
A Dean may revoke the Weekend or Overnight permission for individual students. Students will be responsible for all assigned work and class work due on the Saturday of their Weekend and the Monday following. Students who are on a Weekend or Overnight should not visit the campus or town during that weekend or overnight without permission from a Dean. All students are subject to all rules and regulations when on school property or in the town of Kent, including the unauthorized use of automobiles. Students may be granted special permission by a Dean to be away from school for medical or family emergencies. Routine medical and dental appointments should be scheduled during vacation.
Students on Disciplinary Warning will need permission from their Form Dean to take an Overnight or Weekend. Students on Disciplinary Restriction or Probation forfeit their Overnight/Weekend permission. Students on Academic Warning or Probation will need permission from the Director of Studies or the Academic Dean to take a Weekend. Overnights for students on Academic Warning or Probation are permitted, without the permission of the Director of Studies or the Academic Dean, as long as all Saturday classes are met. Students may earn extra Overnights or Weekends through the merit system. Students who have disciplinary hours may not take a Weekend or Overnight. Students who miss class for special events or early travel for vacations must have permission from the Director of Studies.
Weekend Permission Requests Parents: Please fill out the Permission Form on the Parent Page or fax your permission to 860-927-6084 or email to [email protected] by 3:00pm on Thursday prior to the proposed weekend. Please state your plans including date and time of both pickup and return of your student and how the student is meant to travel. If your student is invited somewhere, please send us written permission for them to go. AND Students: Must sign out in the Dean‟s Office by 3:00pm on Thursday prior to the proposed weekend. AND Host family: A written invitation from a student‟s authorized adult host is required for the student to spend the weekend in any place where his or her parent(s) will not be in attendance. Please submit your invitation via fax or email by 3:00pm on Thursday prior to the proposed weekend, naming the student(s) that you are inviting, including the date and time for picking up and returning the student(s).
Weekend or Overnight permission may not be granted unless all paperwork (i.e. student‟s Weekend request form, parental permission, and adult host invitation, if applicable) is completed by 3:00pm on Thursday.
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A student may leave school with authorized persons who include: all Kent parents, immediate relatives, family friends authorized in writing by parents, and Kent faculty/staff. A student may not leave or return to the campus or drive about the campus with any non-family member under 21 YEARS OF AGE.
When a student leaves campus for a day trip, an Off-Campus Permission Form (Pink Card) must be completed and signed by the adult with whom the student is leaving and we must have written permission on file for this adult to drive your student. Permission and adult supervision are required any time a student leaves campus or the town of Kent. These permission forms may be obtained at the Dean‟s Office. These forms are not to be used to leave campus overnight. They are only for day trips. Students may request approval from a Dean for off-campus permission with authorized persons at times, which include:
Weekdays from after classes until 8:00pm Saturdays from after classes until 11:00pm Sundays after chapel until 10:00pm. Please note: On Open Weekends we will have a shuttle bus, by sign-up, to take students to Ten Mile River train station on Fridays at 4:00pm and Saturdays at noon, and pick-up Sunday evenings at 7:25pm
Work Hours - A student is assigned work of specified duration as a consequence of violating a school rule. A student who has been assigned hours will not be allowed to take a Weekend/Overnight unless approved by a Dean in advance, for extenuating circumstances.
DAY STUDENTS
Absences - Should a day student be unable to come to school, it is requested that a parent call the Dean‟s Office at 860-927-6083 or the Health Center at 860-927-3308 or 860-927-6209, each day that the student will be absent. The Health Center is staffed 24 hours a day during the school year.
Attendance - Day students are to be on campus no later than the beginning of their first class. On Thursday, students are to attend chapel at 6:00pm followed by formal dinner in the Dining Hall. Day students who have parental permission to miss dinner and chapel are not to be on campus after their last school commitment Thursday. Driving students are urged to leave for home no later than 9:30pm on school nights.
Cars - Any day student who intends to drive a car to school must inform the Dean‟s Office and register the car. Cars are only to be used for driving to and from school once a day. They are not to be used to run errands during the day. Written permission to drive to school must also be obtained from parents. For day students who need to commute together, written permission from both sets of parents is needed.
Overnights and Weekends - Please follow the same steps as described for boarding students. Students are allowed to stay on campus one night per week if needed with prior parental permission. The week is from Monday through Sunday. Day students staying over on Saturday night are required to attend Sunday chapel services.
Study Hall Expectations – If your day student is on campus during study hall, study hall expectations explained in the Study Conditions section apply.
Questions about day students should be directed to the Dean‟s Office and your student‟s Form Dean.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
With its strong roots in the tradition of the Episcopal Church and a current student body that encompasses many different faith traditions, Kent School is deeply committed to helping students explore and deepen their spiritual lives. Opportunities abound, from speaking or performing at an all-school chapel service, held three times a week throughout the school year, or participating in the School choir or ringing in the School‟s well-known bell tower, to joining a study group or pursuing a summer mission trip. The School Chaplains are eager to help direct anyone toward these opportunities, as well as provide liturgical leadership and pastoral support for the campus community.
Academic Program: All students are required to take Theology I, an introduction to biblical interpretation and nineteenth century philosophy, and Theology II, which explores the Gospels and contemporary issues concerning religion today. In addition, the Theology department offers electives including “Psychology and Religion,” “Dreams,” “Introduction to Philosophy,” and “World Religions,” and also sponsors independent studies, proposed and designed by students.
Chapel Choir: the choir is the foundation of the choral program at Kent. The choir leads worship and performs concerts throughout the year. Music is an important part of the ministry of St. Joseph‟s Chapel, and all those interested are warmly encouraged to speak to the school‟s Choirmaster and Organist.
Dominic Rich Fund: provides financial support for students to do summer mission work at home or abroad. Recent recipients have worked with Habitat for Humanity or served with Youth for Christ in Venezuela and Northern Ireland.
Episcopal Confirmation: classes begin in January. Students will meet on a regular basis from late January until early April, when the Bishop of Connecticut will confirm the participants in a service at St. Joseph‟s Chapel. The date will be publicized and we encourage family members to attend if at all possible.
Hillel: is organized by and for Jewish students and all those interested in learning about Judaism. The group meets weekly during dinner and coordinates a range of activities throughout the year. In addition to attending Friday night services at Temple Shalom in New Milford, the group organizes chapel services, Holocaust Remembrance Day observances, and a Passover Seder, and provides support for all those seeking to deepen their faith as Jews at Kent.
Mission Committee: is a student group that helps the chaplains to energize the outreach work of the Church at Kent. To this end, the committee researches and identifies worthwhile organizations for the community to support through the Sunday offering at St. Joseph‟s Chapel; it also prepares meals once a month for Loaves and Fishes, a local organization that feeds the homeless in the greater Danbury area.
Other Services on Campus and in the Community
Friday Evenings: service for Jewish Students at Temple Shalom, New Milford, CT 860-354-0273
Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim services on campus as posted.
Saturday 5:00pm; Sunday 8:30am & 10:00am (For baptized Roman Catholic students) Roman Catholic Mass - Sacred Heart Church, Kent, CT 860-927-3003
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Roman Catholic Students: Because of limited space, Roman Catholic students who would like to worship at Sacred Heart Church must provide a letter from their pastor at their home parish. The letter should state that the student is a practicing Roman Catholic. The letter should be sent to Dean Kate Kelderman at Kent School. Once the letter is on file with the chaplain, the student may then attend Mass at Sacred Heart.
Pastoral Counseling: is available through the chaplains on a formal and informal basis. Contact the chaplain to make an appointment. In an emergency, contact the Dean‟s Office, the Health Center or the Headmaster‟s office to notify the chaplain.
Services in St. Joseph’s Chapel SUNDAY: 11:00am Holy Eucharist TUESDAY: 9:35am – 10:00am All-school service THURSDAY: 6:00pm All-school service
Students are expected to attend all chapel services. The Chaplains may arrange special religious observances on an individual basis.
Study Groups: offer another forum for religious exploration by students. Facilitated by the Chairman of the Theology department, Dr. David Greene, interested students arrange to meet (generally weekly or biweekly) in order to study a topic of mutual interest.
Sunday Schedule 8:0am – 10:45am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 10:15am JOBS 11:00am CHAPEL 12:00 – 12:45pm BRUNCH 5:30 – 6:15pm DINNER 8:00 – 10:00pm STUDY HALL 10:00pm Third & Fourth Form – CHECK-IN 10:15pm Third & Fourth Form – LIGHTS OUT 10:30pm Fifth & Sixth Form – CHECK-IN 10:45pm Fifth Formers – STAY IN ROOM 11:00pm Sixth Formers – STAY IN ROOM No permission to leave campus on Sunday until after chapel.
Youth Group: is organized by and for students, and it meets Fridays at 6:30pm for Bible study, prayer, praise and worship, and community service. The style is informal and the emphasis is on celebrating and strengthening Christian identity. The group occasionally travels to other independent schools for praise and worship, as well as fellowship.
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ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES
Athletics Mission Statement
The goal of Athletics at Kent School is excellence. A strong work ethic promoting personal and team growth as well as respect for the spirit of fair play, teammates, opponents, and officials is the standard which measures this excellence. Values consistent with the school‟s educational mission are taught on our playing fields in order to develop character as well as skills.
Our coaches and student-athletes embody the tradition of excellence Kent Athletics represents. We will not allow our will to succeed to overshadow the core values of hard work and respect upon which athletics at Kent are founded.
Athletics Program Overview
Kent School‟s athletics and afternoon activity program is an integral component of student life, providing physical exercise through a range of intramural and interscholastic offerings and instruction in faculty sponsored non-athletic activities. Athletics and afternoon activities at Kent are designed to satisfy the varied interests of a diverse student body. There are three categories of offerings from which students may choose – interscholastic sports, intramural sports, and non-athletic activities. Students (with certain exceptions) are required to participate in physical activities two of the three terms annually, with the goal of improving the physical fitness of all participants and instilling in them an appreciation of an active lifestyle we hope will last a lifetime. Non-athletic activities are allowed one term per year as a substitute for athletics (drama being an exception in which two terms of participation are allowed). A complete list of requirements and offerings is included in an Athletics and Afternoon Activity Registration Form sent to all students during the summer.
Through a comprehensive athletics program, Kent aims to maximize the athletic potential of each student while instilling a strong work ethic promoting personal and team growth. Coaches model and teach core values such as discipline, commitment, and respect in order to promote development of character as well as sport specific skills. The teacher-coach model ensures that values promoted on our playing fields and requisite for academic achievement and social development are consistent. A source of pride and spirit among students, faculty, and alumni, Kent athletics also provide a meaningful connection among these constituencies of the Kent School community.
Approximately 50% of our students, both male and female, participate in interscholastic sports (at the varsity or sub-varsity levels) any given term with, on average, 35% involved in intramurals and approximately 15 % participating in non-athletic activities. Physical education classes are not offered during academic blocks, thus the afternoon program, along with required health related lectures, sponsored by our Health Center, comprise the school‟s physical education curriculum.
Upper form students in good academic and disciplinary standing can pursue a faculty sponsored Minor Independent Study one term per year in lieu of an afternoon sport/activity. Intramurals, Activities and Minor Independent Studies meet 4 days per week for approximately 1 ½ hours daily. The smaller time commitment - as compared to interscholastic sports that meet, on average, twenty hours weekly - allows those so inclined to pursue extra-curricular activities or other academic or recreational interests.
New students are encouraged to take part in an interscholastic sport during the fall term in order to better acclimatize them into the school community. Third and Fourth formers are also encouraged to try out for at least two interscholastic sports.
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Kent offers 27 interscholastic sports divided equally among males and females. We field 49 interscholastic teams in these sports annually. Twenty-five intramural sports and 27 non-athletic activities complete the array of offerings (the number of offerings varies annually). Our primary league affiliation is the Founders League, which offers among the highest level of competition throughout New England. Founders League schools vary significantly in terms of size and composition yet all are similar minded in terms of athletic philosophy. We abide by Founders League and NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) rules governing conduct of players, coaches, and spectators. Kent teams have won New England or league championships in several sports in recent years and each year graduates extend their athletic careers at colleges ranging from Division 3 to scholarship level Division 1 programs. We have a nationally acclaimed crew program and compete at the A level (the highest) in most sports.
Recognizing not all students are interested in competitive sports, some of our greatest successes involve introducing students to offerings such as dance, mountain biking, skiing, tennis or Yoga – all intramural offerings that can lead to lifetime interest and promote active and healthy lifestyles. A chapel talk given several years ago by a self-proclaimed “non-athlete” lamented her reluctance to participate in a required physical activity and the subsequent transformation that occurred as her eyes opened to a world she had not previously experienced after participating in an intramural sport. She credits participation in a dance class with instilling in her a newfound confidence and latent passion for this form of physical activity and creative expression. This is but one example of what we hope to accomplish among students not predisposed toward physical activity with our “two sport per year” recommendation.
While we strive to develop varsity-level interscholastic athletes through sub-varsity teams, we are committed to allowing each student who wishes to compete in sports a chance to do so at the level that best suits his or her abilities. Consequently, some upper class students play at the Junior Varsity or, in some cases, 3rds levels – deriving the same benefit of interscholastic competition as their varsity-level counterparts. Our sub-varsity interscholastic teams have two models of participation that vary purposely from the varsity level since our priorities at the sub-varsity are shifted, with winning secondary to teaching fundamentals and making the activity safe and fun for all participants.
Formal assessment of every student takes place each term in the form of a written comment by the head coach or activity director. Parents receive a mailing from the Athletics Director prior to the start of each school year communicating the Athletics Mission Statement, what they can expect from coaches and what we expect from them.
All students undergo baseline testing every two years as part of a school wide concussion protocol. These tests are administered by the training and nursing staffs and coaches are sent reminders at the start of each term noting the procedures to follow in the event of a suspected concussion (as well as other emergency care procedures).
We recognize interscholastic achievement by selecting weekly male and female “Athletes of the Week” (the Athletics Director also writes notes of commendation to any student nominated yet not selected). Founders League Certificates are earned each term by interscholastic athletes who are positive contributors to their team (as determined by the head coach) and meet all their school commitments throughout the term (i.e. are demerit free). Blue and Gray Certificates are awarded at the end of each year to three varsity-level sport athletes and all coaches support multi-sport participation as we seek to curb the ever growing pressures on students to specialize. To encourage exploration of a broad range of physical activities we allow only 6th formers (as well as 5th formers provided they play on interscholastic teams the other two terms) to take Fitness Class (one of our most popular intramural activities) and limit participation to once per year.
MUSIC LESSONS AND ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS Page 29
Music Department Mission Statement The mission of the Kent School Music Department is to provide an environment of learning and creativity where every student has the opportunity to develop meaningful experiences in the understanding, appreciation, and performance of music as an artistic, academic discipline and form of human expression.
Diploma Music Requirement There are many opportunities for students to become involved in the study and performance of music at Kent. To earn the Kent School diploma, every student must fulfill the music requirement through one year of dedicated participation in the orchestra, concert band, or choir; three terms of committed private lesson attendance; or the successful completion of the Music Survey course. The lessons or ensemble requirement must be completed before the Spring Term of a student‟s Sixth Form year.
Music Lesson, Ensemble and Course Enrollment Students enroll in ensembles and lessons prior to the first day of classes. The location, date, and time for enrollment are posted on the school term calendar and an e-mail is sent to the student body. Course enrollment for Music Theory and Music Technology is completed through the Studies Office.
Ensembles Ensemble rehearsal and concert schedules are posted and distributed to ensemble members at the beginning of the school year. Students should share the schedule with their family and refer to it when making weekend and vacation travel plans. Students are reminded that their participation in the Orchestra, Concert Band, and Choir is considered an academic commitment. They receive a grade and comment each term. Students are graded, primarily, on their attendance at rehearsals and concerts, effort, attitude, and musical development. One year of dedicated participation in one of the core ensembles satisfies the music requirement. This must be completed before the Spring Term of a student‟s Sixth Form year.
Lesson Attendance Private instrumental, vocal, and keyboard lessons are available for a fee per lesson. Each enrolled student is scheduled for one lesson per week; however, more lessons may be scheduled if desired and feasible. If a lesson must be cancelled, the student should give the instructor 24 hour notice to avoid billing. If a student is ill, they should send a message informing their instructor. Students must attend their lessons consistently for three terms in order to satisfy the music requirement. This must be completed before the Spring Term of a student‟s Sixth Form year.
Lesson Charges A student‟s account is charged monthly for their lessons. Unexcused lesson absences and cancelled lessons due to poor planning on the student‟s behalf are charged. Student scholarships for music lessons may be awarded to qualified individuals according to financial need. Need is determined by the Director of Financial Aid. Interested students or parents should contact the Music Department Chairman.
Instrument Storage and Renting Instruments Students are asked to store their instrument(s) in a locker assigned by a member of the Music Department. The lockers are padlocked and located in the music building. Students are fined for locker damage and lost locks. Students who need to rent an instrument for their use should contact the Music Department several weeks before their arrival in the fall so that an instrument can be prepared. Students are held responsible for the care of rented or borrowed instruments; this includes repair costs for any damage that may occur.
Practice Room Use
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The practice rooms in the music building are available for instrumental or vocal practicing daily from 7:45am to 9:45pm. Water bottles must be kept on the floor of the room. No food or drinks, other than water, are permitted. The pianos and other equipment must be treated respectfully. The practice rooms are to be used for musical activities only.
MEDICAL CARE AND THE HEALTH CENTER
The Tracy H. Dickinson '73 Health Center, located on the ground floor of Case Dorm, is licensed by the State of Connecticut as an infirmary requiring that medical staff be present in the Health Center 24 hours per day while school is in session. The Health Center is responsible for supporting student wellness by providing routine and urgent medical care, dispensing medications, and facilitating access to counseling, psychiatric and specialist services. The Health Center may be reached 24 hours per day by telephone (860-927-6209), email ([email protected]), or fax (860-927-6217).
Kent School requires all students have a yearly physical examination within six (6) months of the start of the school year. Although immunization requirements differ from state to state and country to country, students must meet State of Connecticut immunization requirements prior to their arrival at School. Medical forms should be completed by your family physician and should be accurate and updated every year. Complete medical and psychiatric histories are vital to the appropriate care of your student. Failure to provide accurate and complete health information may result in a student‟s separation from the School.
Your student’s registration process for the upcoming academic year will be considered incomplete until a copy of the student’s health insurance card and all medical forms are complete and returned to the Health Center. A student will not be allowed to participate in school programs without a completed health record.
KENT SCHOOL MEDICAL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY JULY 15.
The Health Center provides an urgent-care style clinic Monday through Friday. It is staffed by the Kent School physician and Health Center nursing personnel. Students are evaluated by the School physician and treated accordingly. If indicated, the Health Center may provide a student with non-prescription medications at no charge to the student. As a result, please do not send over-the-counter medications to School with your son/daughter. If a prescription medication is deemed necessary, it will be ordered through Kent Station Pharmacy, our local pharmacy, and delivered to the Health Center. The Pharmacyaccepts most insurance plans. If there is a cost for a medication, the pharmacy may contact the student‟s parent or guardian for payment arrangements. Should you need to contact the Kent Station Pharmacy, call 860-927- 3725.
If a student requires a medication prescribed by another physician, an Authorization to Administer form must be completed and signed by the prescribing physician before any medication can be dispensed to the student. Prescription medications will only be accepted in single dose blister packaging. If your pharmacy is unable to provide unit dose packaging, send the prescription to the Health Center and it will be filled at the Kent Station Pharmacy in appropriate unit dose blister packaging. There is a fee charged by the pharmacy for this service.
Over-the-counter medications including vitamins, supplements, Tylenol, Motrin, etc. are not permitted in students‟ rooms unless authorized by the Health Center. The Health Center stocks a variety of over-the- counter medications which may be dispensed to your student if appropriate and consistent with Health Center policy. The School physician reserves the right to limit the use of over-the-counter supplements and
Page 31 medications based on available safety data for the product. Just because it can be obtained without a prescription does not mean it is appropriate or safe for your student (i.e. herbal medicines, dietary supplements). All prescription medications not properly authorized by the Health Center will be considered illicit drugs and the student disciplined accordingly.
If a student is significantly ill or requires intensive observation and treatment, he or she may be cared for in the Health Center Infirmary. In the case of serious illness, injury, or medical condition requiring hospital- based services, a student‟s parent or guardian will be informed. An attempt will be made to contact the parent by telephone. However, if Health Center personnel are unsuccessful, email will be utilized and attempts to establish telephone contact will continue.
There are times when your student may require a medically related appointment off campus. The health center staff will help facilitate making the appointment and arranging transportation. If transportation is provided by the school, a transportation fee will be billed to the student‟s account. Please contact the business office or health center for fee information.
The Health Center staff takes seriously the confidential nature of students‟ health care. The Health Center is committed to acting in the best interest of the student, recognizing its responsibility to keep parents and faculty informed of issues that impact a student‟s performance and sense of community at Kent School. If there is ever a question or issue concerning the care of your student, please contact the Health Center directly.
Advising and Counseling: The School provides advising and counseling for students.
Chaplain – The Chaplain is available for private counseling. Confidentiality is predicated on a prior understanding between student and Chaplain. Outside this understanding, the Chaplain counsels on the same basis as other faculty.
Medical Staff - The School's medical staff, counselors, and medical consultants are available for consultation upon request.
Counseling – Dr. Joseph Struckus, PhD. Neuro-psychologist, and Amy Raskind, MA, LPC, are available by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Mrs. Raskind is available to students and parents throughout the school year and can be a valuable resource for you and your student.
Psychiatry – Dr. Jack Miller, a board-certified psychiatrist, is available to students for evaluation and consultation. An initial visit, arranged by a student or the School, is free of charge. Any follow-up visits are the financial responsibility of the parent. Students will be seen at Kent School.
Peer Counseling - Peer Counselors are students who have completed a Peer Counseling training program. They are available to other students at almost any time to help solve minor problems, and to identify issues which require the help of professional counselors.
Alcohol, Drug, and Substance Abuse Policy: Kent School is committed to being a drug-free community. Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or other illicit substances will result in dismissal. Possession of alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia will be considered tantamount to possession of alcohol or drugs.
Drug and alcohol testing plays a part in our zero-tolerance approach. Testing can be implemented (1) by voluntary student request, (2) by School request based on concern for your student‟s academic performance and socialization, and after consultation with parents, (3) by School requirement as a means to resolve a Page 32 disciplinary issue. In the first two circumstances, a positive alcohol/drug test result will refer the student to counseling, rehabilitation, and drug testing for the remainder of the student's career at Kent School. In the third circumstance, a positive result will lead to dismissal, regardless of when and where the drug was used. If the school seeks to administer a drug test in disciplinary circumstances, refusal to take a test will be considered an admission of use and will result in dismissal.
Infirmary Policy: A student who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or who feels he/she has a substance abuse problem may receive help without disciplinary action in the following three ways:
1. by voluntarily presenting him or herself to the Health Center. 2. by requesting assistance from a faculty/staff member. 3. by having a peer invoke the infirmary policy for the student.
The student in question will be admitted to the Health Center and medical care provided to ensure the safety and well-being of the student. All contraband in the student‟s possession should be surrendered at this time, and he or she may be subject to urine drug screen testing and breathalyzer testing for alcohol. Parents will be notified of their student‟s admission to the Health Center and the reason for it. When the student is no longer impaired by drugs or alcohol, the student‟s statement will be taken, the situation discussed with parents and student, and the student referred for formal substance abuse evaluation and counseling. The evaluation and counseling must be done by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor or qualified mental health professional in an appointment scheduled within 72 hours. The results of this evaluation will be used to develop a plan for further treatment and support for the student. The expense of this evaluation and follow up is the responsibility of the parents including future testing.
The Infirmary Policy supervision remains in place for the remainder of a student‟s matriculation at Kent School. (Disciplinary action will be taken for any subsequent drug or alcohol policy violations if disciplinary circumstances are present.) If a student violates an enacted Infirmary Policy (by failing a random drug test or failing to comply with recommended counseling or non-compliance with prescribed medications), the student may be given a Leave of Absence for the remainder of the school year. If this involves an underformer during Spring Term, the Leave of Absence will extend to the beginning of the next academic year‟s Winter Term. If a student is confronted by a faculty member for the use of or possession of alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia (disciplinary circumstances), the Infirmary Policy cannot be invoked by a student.
Medical Leave of Absence: On the recommendation of the Kent School health team, a student may be away from school to address medical issues for a period of less than two weeks. Academic work will be provided to the student during this time at home. A medical leave of absence will require approval from the school physician, the Dean‟s office and the studies office.
Personal Leave of Absence: At the discretion of the Headmaster and School Physician, a student may be away from school for longer than two weeks to address personal issues. While away from Kent, the student is responsible for making his or her own academic arrangements, i.e. correspondence work is not available from the Kent faculty. Return to Kent after the Leave of Absence will be handled through a committee, which will review and evaluate all that the student has done while away at home and make a recommendation to the Headmaster.
Tobacco Policy: Because tobacco use is both unhealthy and addicting, Kent School has a non-use policy for all tobacco products including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, chew, and snuff. For a first offense of our tobacco policy, students are placed on Warning for four weeks, and given an eight- hour work project. The student will receive tobacco cessation counseling as well. For a second offense, a
Page 33 student is placed on Restriction for four weeks, given twelve hours of work and an additional smoking cessation class. A third offense results in referral to the Disciplinary process. Smoking inside any Kent School facility will result in immediate referral to the disciplinary process.
STUDENT SPENDING ACCOUNT
Every student is issued a Kent School ID card which serves as their student ID, spending card, and dorm key card. The card is valid while your child is actively enrolled at Kent School. The ID card is the only accepted form of payment for students at the Lion‟s Den (book store) and the Snack Bar.
All student charges, with the exception of tuition and mandatory special fees, will be billed through the Student Spending Account (i.e. transportation, class/lab fees, postage, and testing fees). Lost or damaged cards can be replaced by visiting the Technology Department at a cost of $25 per card.
Spending limits can be placed on selected expense categories. Some expense categories may be restricted upon parental request, while others must remain unrestricted. If there are insufficient funds in your student‟s spending account to cover a transaction at the Lion‟s Den (school store) or the Snack Bar, the transaction will be declined.
Categories Which Can Be Restricted
1. The Lion‟s Den (school store): The store sells school supplies (notebooks, pens/pencils, etc.), health and beauty aids, various clothing items (sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, athletic shorts, etc.), lamps, clocks, batteries, tapestries, cards, stationery, etc. Students generally spend approximately $300/$400 per term, with the Fall Term having the most expenses. A budget of $300 - $400 per term is suggested.
2. Snack Bar: The school operates a snack bar for the convenience of the students. It sells items such as sodas, juices, donuts, fries, pizza, hamburgers, and hotdogs. A budget of $20-$35 per week is suggested.
Unrestricted Categories
1. Student Activities/Miscellaneous: This category covers all student charges not provided for in the other expense categories. Items included are academic testing, laboratory fees, music, voice lessons, dance lessons, library charges, damage charges, medical/infirmary charges, key card replacement, art supplies, yearbook, postage and shipping, equestrian charges, etc. Estimate $500 to $600 per term depending on the student‟s activities.
2. Transportation: This category covers all transportation charges such as taxis, limousines, bus trips, mall trips, school medical transportation, vacation buses to airports, etc. The amount budgeted in this category could vary dramatically depending on your student‟s travel/medical requirements.
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Type of Transportation Estimated Expense Medical Appointments $80 - $165 each trip with Kent School vehicle/personnel (no-shows, wait time, tolls and parking additional) Vacation Buses $40 - $70 one-way fare Outside Taxi Services $35 - local train station $100 - $200 – New Milford, Danbury, Sharon, Torrington $175 - $300 – CT and NY airports
3. Athletic Charges: Generally, students participating in interscholastic sports will be issued uniforms by the school. Charges to this account would include lost athletic clothing or equipment, skiing, ski rentals, figure skating, orienteering, etc. Riding participants will need funds for show entry fees, transportation, veterinarian charges, farrier, etc. Equipment such as footwear, gloves, skates, lacrosse sticks, and hockey sticks will be the student‟s responsibility. An outside sports equipment supplier will be available on-campus at the beginning of each sport season; however, payment to the supplier can only be made directly by cash.
Please complete your Student Spending Allowance Form in the online Registration process.
Payments can be made to the Student Spending Account via the My Kids Spending website https://www.mykidsspending.com/Kent.aspx or Flywire by Peer Transfer http://kent- school.peertransfer.com/. Daily activity can be viewed on the MKS website. For more information and frequently asked questions “FAQ‟s” about MKS please visit the Student Spending Account page on the Parent Portal at Kent-School.edu.
Questions about your student's account should be addressed to the Business Office (860-927-6054) 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Permissions or changes to the account can only be made by the responsible parent or guardian by writing, faxing, email, or phone:
Kent School Fax: 860-927-6052 Attn: Student Spending Account Phone: 860-927-6054 P.O. Box 2006 Email: [email protected] Kent, CT 06757
STUDENT PERSONAL SPENDING
An ATM is located outside the Lion‟s Den for students to access cash for personal spending. The cost is $.90 per transaction. Depending on the bank, an additional fee may be charged for using a non-bank ATM. The ATM is available when the Student Center is open (7:00am to 10:00pm). All bank debit cards are accepted. The ATM does not accept Kent School Student Spending cards. We encourage students to have a bank ATM/debit card before arriving on campus. There are two banks in town (Webster Bank and Union Savings Bank) if you would like to open an account when you arrive.
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VISITOR INFORMATION Please refer to these website resources: www.kent-school.edu www.kentct.com www.townofkentct.org www.litchfieldhills.com
Livery Services (only these licensed and insured services have been approved by our Business Office) All Transportation Network 1-800-258-9879 Berkshire Livery 1-860-567-8769 Dover Plains Taxi 1-845-877-4747 Executive Livery 1-877-854-8379 or 860-491-3955 Kee Limo/ I‟ll Drive Livery 1-800-ILL DRIV or 860-354-1712 Lakeville Taxi 1-860-435-8000
Train Information Metro-North Trains For train schedules 1-800-METROINFO or www.mta.info: Metro-North Railroad, schedules, EAST of Hudson (Ten Mile River is the closest station to campus)
Shuttle Service from NY area www.nyairportservice.com airports to Grand Central Shuttle Service from Newark www.panynj.gov/airports/newark-liberty.html Airport to Grand Central
Resources Clothing labels: “stuckonyou.biz”
Personal safe boxes: www.safedec.com
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CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS For United States Postal Service, please mail to: Your Student’s Name, Kent School, PO Box 2006, Kent, CT 06757
For FedEx, UPS, etc. please mail to: Your Student’s Name, Kent School, One Macedonia Road, Kent, CT 06757
EMAIL ADDRESSES Faculty Example: Joan Smith would be [email protected] Whole last name followed by first initial
Student Example: Joan Smith ‟18 would be [email protected] Whole last name followed by first initial followed by two digit graduation year
DEAN’S OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION
DEAN‟S OFFICE: 860-927-6083 (8:00am–4:30pm M-F, 9:00am–12:00pm Sat) Dean on Duty: cell phone 860-601-0223 Parent permissions can be faxed to: 860-927-6084 or emailed to [email protected]
Catherine Mazza „76, Dean of Students and Form Dean, Class of ‟19 860-927-6089 Cell phone 860-601-1538
Pape Seye, Form Dean, Class of ‟17 860-927-6088
Brian Sullivan, Form Dean, Class of ‟18 860-927-6085
Connor Wells, Form Dean, Class of ‟20 860-927-6086
Elizabeth DeLuca, Assistant to the Dean of Students 860-927-6087
HEALTH CENTER PHONE 860-927-6209, Academic Day 860-927-3308 (24 hours)
SECURITY/SAFETY OFFICER 860-927-1663
FAX NUMBERS Dean‟s Office 860-927-6084 (for all permissions) Alumni Office 860-927-6027 Admissions 860-927-6109 Business Office 860-927-6052 Health Center 860-927-6217 Studies/College Guidance 860-927-6036
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