LOWER SCHOOL Student-Parent Handbook 2019-2020

LOWER SCHOOL

Student-Parent Handbook

2019-2020

TELEPHONES

Lower School Office (610) 868-8571 Business Office (610) 868-4744 Transportation (610) 868-4744 Extended (after 4:00 p.m.) (610) 442-4326

MORAVIAN ACADEMY LOWER SCHOOL

422 Heckewelder Place Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018

Phone: (610) 868-8571 Fax: (610) 868-9319 www.moravianacademy.org

Head of School Jeff Zemsky

Interim Assistant Head of School Erica D’Agostino

Interim Director of Lower School/ Assistant Head of School Ann Mindler

Administrative Assistant & Database Manager Elizabeth Stitt

Administrative Assistant Rachel Levin

Director of Admissions Ingrid Gerber

Assistant Director of Admissions Stephanie Falzone

School Psychologist Elizabeth Zhe

Student Support Team Director and School Counselor Kristi Johnson

Moravian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid awards, and athletic or other school administered programs.

Applicants who are disabled (or applicant's family members who are disabled) requiring any type of accommodation during the application process, or at any other time, are encouraged to identify themselves and indicate what type of accommodation is needed.

LOWER SCHOOL HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Letter 4 Moravian History and Philosophy 5 Faculty and Administration 7 Academic and Student Life (Home/School Communication) 8 Attendance 15 Chapel Service 17 Child Safety 18 Dress Code 20 Guidelines and Conduct for Student 22 Health and Wellness 26 Inclement Weather 29 Programs Before and After School 31 Programs, Lovefeasts and Special Events 33 Technology 35 Transportation 40 Governance and Business 43 Index 45

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to the new 2019-20 school year! Moravian Academy is a special place where students develop strong relationships with peers and teachers, acquire confidence in academic and moral decisions, and enjoy so many meaningful experiences. We expect there to be close working relationships between students, parents and all faculty and staff members and encourage you to become involved in the life of the school.

The Student-Parent Handbook contains helpful information on school policies, procedures, and a variety of topics that we hope you will find beneficial throughout the year. We request that you read it with care and take the time to familiarize yourself with the guidelines of our Lower School.

We look forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Ann Mindler Interim Director of Lower School Assistant Head of School

Disclaimer: This handbook is designed to familiarize the reader with the major policies and practices in place at Moravian Academy Lower School at the time of publication. While every effort has been made to make this handbook as complete and encompassing as possible, it cannot address all situations and does provide general guidance in many areas. This handbook does not constitute a signed contract. The Lower School Administration reserves the right to revise, modify, delete, or add to any and all policies and practices stated in this handbook.

Updated: August 2019

MORAVIAN ACADEMY SCHOOL HISTORY

Moravian Academy traces its origins to the Moravians who settled Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1741. The Academy descends from the first school for girls founded in the American colonies in 1742. We are the ninth oldest independent school in the United States. Moravian Academy was incorporated in 1971 with the merger of Moravian Seminary for Girls and the Moravian Preparatory School.

The early Moravians who founded our school viewed education as a sacred responsibility. They were guided by the wisdom of John Amos Comenius, a Moravian bishop who lived in 17th century Europe. Comenius is known to educators everywhere as the Father of Modern Education.

Comenius envisioned an education in which all would participate, and an education that would allow each individual to develop fully in mind, body, and spirit. Early Moravian schools also emphasized music, which continues to be a vital part of our education.

Moravian Academy’s goal is to create an atmosphere of love and understanding. As an independent school, we welcome people of all religious faiths, and live our religious identity in ways that honor and celebrate this diversity. As a church-related school, we value the beliefs and traditions of the Moravian Church, a heritage that both formed and informs our collective identity.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Moravian Academy is a church-related school whose Moravian tradition affirms that young people best realize their potential in an atmosphere of love and understanding. We seek to promote the child's full development in mind, body, and spirit. Since 1742 the school has encouraged sound innovations to meet contemporary challenges while recognizing the permanence of basic human values.

The school will seek to fulfill its mission by pursuing these goals:

● Provide a strong academic foundation in preparation for college work.

● Help students develop self-respect, dignity, and concern and respect for others.

● Promote creativity and appreciation of aesthetic values.

● Help students to develop their physical skills and encourage positive attitudes about health and fitness.

● Encourage students in experiences that will develop maturity, independence, adaptability, integrity, and love of learning.

● Help students to become aware of the spiritual dimension of life and further their understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

● Encourage students and their parents to recognize their responsibilities in the educational process and demonstrate their commitment to the purposes and goals of Moravian Academy.

It is Moravian Academy Lower School’s expectation that all students will conduct themselves in the spirit of this philosophy. In keeping with their levels of development and maturity, all students are expected to respect themselves and others.

Lower School Faculty and Administration

Head of School Mr. Jeff Zemsky Interim Director, Lower School/Assistant Head of School Mrs. Ann Mindler Associate Director of Admissions Mrs. Stephanie Falzone Administrative Assistant & Database Manager Mrs. Elizabeth Stitt Administrative Assistant Mrs. Rachel Levin School Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Zhe Director of Student Support Services, P-8 Mrs. Kristi Johnson Primer Lead Mrs. Brooke Bauer Primer Mrs. Wendy Burcaw Prekindergarten Lead Ms. Melissa Hummel Prekindergarten Mrs. Becky Berkenstock Prekindergarten Lead Mrs. Holly Haines Kindergarten Lead Mrs. Amy Bowser Kindergarten Lead Sra. Melika Matlack Kindergarten Mr. John Whelan Kindergarten Sra. Damaris Torres Grade 1 Mrs. Emily Anglund-Nellen Miss Robyn Endress Srta. Veronica Pascuzzi Grade 2 Mrs. Shea Andriko Sra. Yuli Vanegas Grade 3 Mrs. Vanessa Norrell Sr. Marc Yerrington Grade 4 Mrs. Cheryl Hinkle Mrs. Beth Matlock Sra. Lisa Molina-Cheung Grade 5 Mr. George Andriko Mrs. Anne Fessler Srta. Veronica Guevara Science, Grades K-5 Mr. Bradbury Pomeroy Art, Grades K-5 Mr. Brian Elstein Educational Technology Specialist Mrs. Sara Polefka Global Languages Srta. Barbara Medina Mrs. Emily Quinn Mrs. Jane Wang Music Mr. Benjamin Wallace Mrs. Lou Carol Fix Instrumental Music Mrs. Christine Wetzel Ms. Chase Morrison Dr. Richard Fanning Librarians Mrs. Sarah Harshman, Mr. Matt Laubscher, & Srta. Barbara Medina Physical Education Mrs. Becky Miller Nurse Mrs. Toni Woods Maignan Director, Extended Session Ms. Gabbey Stone Security Mr. Bill Breckon & Mr. Michael Williams

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT LIFE

Academic Curriculum Moravian Academy Lower School offers an enriched and nurturing environment where children develop academically, socially, and spiritually. The curriculum is built to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and reasoning through cooperative learning, small-group instruction, and discussion. Class projects, presentations, and performances allow children to share their learning with others both in person and in digital form. Intellectual risk-taking in all subject areas develops competence and confidence to become lifelong learners.

The Lower School is proud of these and many other programming efforts: ● Dedicated teachers offering rigorous curricula in a loving, caring environment ● Physical education, art, vocal music, band, orchestra, science lab, and library classes taught by specialists in these fields ● Suzuki Method violin and cello instruction starting in kindergarten ● Global Language: Spanish Immersion kindergarten through fourth grade, Spanish instruction primer through fifth grade, introduction to French and Mandarin in fifth grade ● Science lab experiences for all students highlighting STEAM initiatives ● Frequent field trips at every grade level; Overnight trips in third, fourth, and fifth grade

Homework Moravian Academy is a college preparatory school that believes in academic excellence. Homework is an extension of the academic day. Just as teachers make a conscious effort to assign meaningful homework, our scholars must meet the challenge with concerted effort.

The amount of homework assigned increases as students progress through the grades. As a general guideline, students in first grade should expect to spend about 10-20 minutes a night, second grade 20-30 minutes, third grade 30-40 minutes, fourth grade 40-50 minutes and fifth grade 50-60 minutes. Homework may include a variety of assignments: reading, writing, memorizing, completing projects, board games, practicing math facts, and spelling words. Reading and/or listening to stories read and math review should be part of each child's daily routine, outside of the assigned homework. Long range assignments beginning in first grade may range from two to five days, whereas longer periods of a month or more are given at the intermediate grades.

All homework assignments are expected to be handed in on the date due. Classroom teachers will establish class rules regarding missed work that are appropriate for their grade level and for the student.

Textbooks Textbooks will be supplied by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or by Moravian Academy. Should a book be lost, parents will be billed the replacement cost. 8

Academic Integrity Honesty is the foundation of community life in the school. At Moravian Academy, we enjoy mutual trust with peers and teachers. Everything we do is built upon trust and respect of others and their belongings. Therefore, honesty is more than the absence of cheating or stealing; it is the presence of everything that upholds truth.

Research and report writing are important techniques to master and an integral part of the educational experience at Moravian Academy. Students begin their exploration of research as early as first grade and report writing in fourth and fifth grades. As part of this process, the elements of ethical research including an explanation of fair use, plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property are discussed during classroom, music and library instruction time. Fair-Use guidelines dictate that material used in student reports must be paraphrased to avoid plagiarism and violation of copyright law. (Plagiarism is defined as the use of more than five words in a row from a work without citation.) Visual works including photographs and illustrations, lyrics and any written works must be cited in the bibliography. We expect Moravian Academy Lower School to respect and use all intellectual property in an ethical and legal manner.

Reports and Conferences Report cards are communicated three times a year and accessed through the parent portal on myMA. These progress reports will contain personalized comments from each teacher, skill updates and comments focusing on the growth and development of each student. Attendance records will be documented on report cards.

Parent conferences are scheduled twice a year for students primer through grade five. Conferences are an ideal time for students to reflect on their goals and for teachers to provide additional information about a student’s progress in all areas - social, emotional and academic. A numeric scale is used in prekindergarten through third grade: 2 - Progressing as Expected, 3 - Needs strengthening. In grades four and five, 1 - Outstanding is added. Finally in grade five, students receive letter grades in their core subjects.

Home and School Communication The school encourages ongoing close contact between faculty and parents. In addition to the periodic written reports and parent conferences, parents are encouraged to review and discuss the work students bring home. Parents are often required to sign a student's work to indicate they have read it. Thursdays and Fridays are the days when students most often bring home messages from the school. The Director will communicate weekly with families via an emailed newsletter with links to additional blog posts on Comenius Corner. Additionally, the monthly MA Voices will provide information on All-School events. All newsletters are archived on the Lower School Resource Board on myMA.

Multiple Household Families Families and students who live in multiple households, including those with separated or divorced parents, should expect the following: ● Communication from the school or an individual is directed to both parents and households; ● Report Cards can be accessed by all holding a myMA password. ● Parent Conferences are scheduled for one time slot per student.

Website Moravian Academy maintains a website that is a source of information for parents: www.moravianacademy.org. The opening page is a public area; parents may move further onto the website by clicking on “Login” in the upper right hand corner. After entering username and password, parents find a great variety of practical information through myMA, such as: ● School calendar ● Lunch menus ● Annual forms ● Newsletters ● Health services information ● Teacher class pages with student schedules and class rosters ● Library information ● News and upcoming events at each division ● Parents’ Association news ● Spirit Store ● and much more

Problem Solving If a question, problem, or suggestion occurs regarding a child's progress, the first step is to contact the student's teacher directly by writing a note, sending an email, and/or calling the school to leave a voicemail. To email members of the faculty, use the first letter of their first name followed by their last name and then @mamail.net. The teacher will return the message as soon as possible. In cases where a parent needs to communicate with a teacher urgently, please call the main office.

Community Service Community service begins at Moravian Academy with the primer program. Each year classes choose how they will give of their talents to help others. Examples of community service projects include: monthly food drives, Jump Rope for Heart, visiting the elderly, running the Lower School’s bookstore, coat/clothing drives. On occasion, the Lower School may collect funds for the support of a school project or a natural disaster.

Library Rules and Regulations The library is the place where students study, read, explore their interests and do research. Primer students have story time in the classroom, for which the librarian brings a new selection of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for the students to enjoy throughout the week. All other classes visit the library two times per 8-day cycle. Children in prekindergarten and kindergarten borrow one book per cycle and keep the books in their classrooms. In mid-spring, kindergarten students may start taking their books home. Beginning in grade 1, students may borrow books equal to their grade plus one. For example: first grade - two books, second grade - three books, etc. The lending period in first, second and third grades is two weeks with a renewal opportunity for two additional weeks. The lending period in fourth and fifth grade is one month with a renewal opportunity for two additional weeks. Books must be brought to the library for renewal. Overdue notices are sent out three to four times per trimester and children are encouraged to return any overdue books promptly. We do not charge overdue fines; however, books two months overdue will be declared lost and billed through the Business Office to the family for the replacement cost. Students who return all books and pay for any of their lost or damaged books by the end of the school year are eligible to borrow up to five books for the summer in conjunction with the summer reading assignment.

Class Placement At the end of each school year, class placement for the upcoming school year is determined through collective input from current classroom teachers, the school psychologist and specials teachers. Great consideration is given to create classes that are well balanced and complementary with respect to ability, learning styles, compatibility and gender.

Parents are asked not to make requests for their child to be placed with specific teachers or friends. If there is a situation that requires special consideration, please contact the director prior to the end of the current school year.

Primer through grade 5 classroom assignments are mailed in mid-August. Prior to opening day , parents of primer, prekindergarten and kindergarten students will join their children for a short orientation and tour of the classroom. The first full day for primer, prekindergarten and kindergarten is the second day of the new school year.

Re-enrollment of Students Re-enrollment at Moravian Academy is by invitation only. Students who are successfully fulfilling their obligations are invited to re-enroll for the following year and will be sent a contract in February. Occasionally it is necessary to hold this invitation until either the student fulfills his/her academic/behavioral obligations or the family fulfills its financial responsibilities.

Testing Standardized assessments are administered at certain grade levels for the purposes of determining developmental strengths and needs, assessing student skills and studying student performance over time.

In December, the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test - Eighth Edition, is given to all fifth grade students.

In February, subtests from Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition and the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement - Third Edition, are administered to all kindergarten students. The Kindergarten Inventory of Developmental Skills is given to all prekindergarten students and a developmental screener is administered individually to all primer students.

In late spring of each year, the Educational Record Bureau’s Comprehensive Testing Program (ERB CTP-4) tests are administered to students in first through fifth grades. All attempts should be made to avoid conflicts with ERB test week. In first and second grades, areas tested include: reading, listening, writing, and math. In the third through fifth grades, the areas tested include: reading, vocabulary, writing, math, and verbal and quantitative reasoning. Student results are emailed to parents. Parents are invited to review the results of the test by making an appointment with the Director of the Lower School during the summer.

In May, the Spanish immersion students in grades 3 and 4 are issued the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) as a performance-based assessment of standards-based language learning across the three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational) as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. The American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) designed this computer-based assessment.

School Psychologist The School Psychologist works closely with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to support students’ learning, social-emotional and behavioral needs, and to promote their strengths and resiliency. The school psychologist also serves as a member of the Student Support Team.

An integral aspect of the school psychologist’s role is individual and group assessment and coordinating and interpreting grade-level standardized testing. In an effort to determine student learning styles and recommend appropriate strategies, interventions, and accommodations, the school psychologist reviews admissions files, conducts classroom observations, interpret testing results from outside sources, and when needed, conducts screenings. In instances where there is a need for a family to pursue outside testing, the school psychologist works with the director to determine the need and appropriately guide the family.

Parents/guardians of children with a documented learning need, such as a learning disability or attention deficit, are encouraged to share the information with our school psychologist and classroom teacher. The school psychologist works with the family and teacher/s to determine

and recommend any necessary programs (e.g., IU-20 reading and/or math support), strategies and accommodations to be implemented and included in a formal educational plan, as well as other supports (e.g., outside tutoring) that would be of benefit to the child.

Student Support Services The Director of Student Support Services works closely with students, families, teachers, and administrators to support the healthy integration of academic, social, and emotional experiences in the Lower and Middle School. This role helps students build strong relationships with their peers, teachers, and other community members. The Director of Student Support Services also strives to be an advocate for students while helping them develop skills to become advocates for themselves. Students will consistently interact with the Student Support Director through 1:1, small group, and classroom gatherings throughout the academic year. The Director of Student Support Services will also be involved in creating and facilitating school-wide programs to help address various trends that appear behaviorally and culturally.

Throughout the Lower School years students will experience social and emotional development and begin to learn decision making skills and identify personal values. The student-parent-teacher relationship is essential to the development and success of each student. We expect there to be close working relationships between students, parents and all faculty and staff members. Students receive guidance from their teachers and may also request to speak with anyone on the Student Support Team (SST) which includes the lower school director, school psychologist, nurse, SST director/counselor and teacher representatives. The school chaplain is also a helpful resource under trying circumstances. Appointments with any of these individuals are available upon request through teachers and parents/guardians.

The Lower School Student Support Team (SST) is “a student-centered problem-solving team that creates support strategies to meet the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of our students, teachers, and community so that they thrive in mind, body, and spirit.” This team meets regularly to review and determine how best to support students, including those with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and/or medical challenges. SST also oversees the development and implementation of individualized accommodation plans for students with documented learning disabilities, physical impairments, and other health conditions.

Services for Students with Disabilities For information regarding accommodations for students with disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, neurological disorders, mental health/psychiatric, general health, physical mobility, hearing, visual) families should contact the Director of SST. Documentation, supporting the need for specific accommodations (e.g., extended time on major tests and quizzes), is necessary from a licensed medical or psychological provider. Documentation must be recent, and in general, it must entail a description of the disability, the degree to which the student’s activities are affected (functional limitation), and the need for specific accommodations requested. Based on the type of presenting diagnosis, parents must provide the appropriate documentation for review and validation by Moravian Academy’s School Psychologist or School Nurse. Documentation is stored confidentially and used to develop an Educational Plan and/or Health Plan that support(s) the needs of the individual student. The SST assists the School Psychologist and/or School Nurse in developing and overseeing the implementation of the plan.

Intermediate Unit (IU) Support The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 provides special auxiliary services for our school. Some students who need extra help in reading or mathematics may receive free help twice a week from a teacher assigned to Moravian Academy by the IU.

Other IU auxiliary services, such as speech-language screenings, are available and conducted by assigned IU personnel. Based on the type of auxiliary service, requests for assessment and subsequent supports may need to be initiated by a student’s family through the school district in which the student resides. Parents/guardians who have questions regarding IU auxiliary services should contact the school psychologist or director.

Accreditation Moravian Academy is accredited by the National Association of Independent School (NAIS), Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). Every ten years the Academy undergoes re-accreditation by PAIS.

Lost and Found Items found at the Lower School will be shown to students on MABC and stored in the Media Room. If you are looking for a lost item, please encourage your child to check the Media Room, or call the office for assistance locating the item. We ask that all belongings, including clothing and school supplies, are labeled.

Class Collections, Solicitations and Contributions Moravian Academy is an economically diverse school, therefore we discourage collections to buy gifts for a class, grade or teacher out of sensitivity for our community. Additionally, please refrain from bringing community fund-raising items (candy, cookies, chances, etc.) to school to sell to classmates and faculty.

ATTENDANCE

School Hours Daily reporting time, K-5 8:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. First Community Circle, K-5 8:10 a.m. Daily reporting time, primer & prek 8:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. First Community Circle, primer & preK 8:20 a.m. Half day dismissal, primer & prek 11:30 a.m. Dismissal 3:00 p.m. Extended Session a.m. (located in the Main Building) 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Extended Session p.m. (located in CE Building) 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Late Arrivals Students who are not in their homeroom by 8:10 a.m. (grades 1-5) or 8:20 a.m. (primer and prekindergarten) must report to the main office with their parent, guardian or authorized adult. Students will be issued a tardy note to present to their teacher for admittance into the classroom. Attendance records are documented on student report cards.

Students arriving late by bus transportation must check-in with the Main Office for attendance purposes but will not be marked late.

Although an occasional lateness is certainly understandable, a pattern of lateness may interfere with learning. A consistent pattern of late arrival will result in a communication home.

Reporting a Student Absent If a student is absent, a parent/guardian should notify the school by 9:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. The school will take the following steps if they are not notified of the student’s absence:

1. The school nurse will call the home or the number that the parent indicated on the emergency sheet. 2. If there is no reply at that number, the school will call parents’ work numbers and either talk directly with a parent or with an assistant or secretary. 3. If parental contact has not been made at this point, the nurse will call the other emergency numbers provided by the parents on the emergency sheet.

Student Absences Requests to miss school for personal reasons should be communicated to the director of the Lower School. The director will determine whether the absence can be classified as excused. In addition to illness, other examples of excused absences include: religious holidays, family emergency, or a unique educational opportunity. In the event of an educational opportunity, the student should keep a journal and will be given the opportunity to present a written report or digital presentation about the trip to their classmates.

Moravian Academy is a school with a diverse population. As such, we strive to be sensitive to the needs of families’ wishes to observe Holy Days which fall during the school year. Students who observe religious holidays are given extra time to complete assignments. Tests and quizzes are not given on most major religious holidays nor are students required to take a test on the day they return from such an observance.

Unexcused Absences Parents are strongly urged not to remove their children from school except under extraordinary circumstances. Given the academic rigors at Moravian Academy, it is essential that students be in school as much as possible. An excess of absences can have an adverse effect on learning and achievement. Families should schedule family vacations to coincide with school breaks.

Absence for a family vacation is not an excused absence.

The following are the expectations of a family/student should a handful of days be missed:

● The director and teacher should be informed in writing of any expected absence at least one week in advance of the first missed day of school. ● Faculty are not required to prepare work for time away. Some advance assignments may be communicated, however it should be understood in the case of any absence, it is impossible to recreate the missed material or the classroom experience(s). ● In the case of an unexcused absence, it is the responsibility of the parent and student to makeup missed material, complete assignments, and make arrangements to complete missed tests or quizzes in a reasonable amount of time.

Homework Arrangements At the beginning of the year, parents are asked to complete a Homework Arrangements Form to inform their child's homeroom teacher how and/or with whom work should be sent home when the child is absent. Work will be automatically sent home after the child is absent for a second consecutive day. It is the student's responsibility to complete work which has been missed during an absence.

Mid-Day Appointments When it is necessary to have a doctor’s appointment during the school day, a note must be brought to school indicating the reason for leaving school. Parents must sign-out their child in the Lower School office and sign in again upon return.

CHAPEL SERVICE Chapel is a foundational pillar of a Moravian Academy education. Chapel services for students in first through fifth grade are held every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Chapel at Moravian Church, and is led by the all-school chaplain. Students take part in the chapel service on a regular basis. Parents and friends are cordially invited to attend. Primer, prekindergarten, and kindergarten students attend Kinderchapel monthly.

By the end of first grade, Lower School students are expected to be able to recite the following parts of the Chapel Service. Students will be taught these parts as a group in first grade.

ALMA MATER To the school that we will cherish, as we go along life’s way, All the friends and classes taught there, we’ll remember all our days. We are proud to be a part of all the things we hold so dear. Dear Moravian, our Moravian, shall shine forth throughout the years.

SCHOOL PRAYER Take into Your Hands, O God , this school and each member of it. Make it a place after Your Own Heart, help us to cast out all that is false or unclean. Give us a true desire to serve one another that shall grow in the days to come into a wider desire to serve one another the world over. Make us lovers of our homes, loyal to our country, and faithful to our church. Grant that all of us, young and old, may strive onward toward the perfect unity that lies in front of us; that through us, Your Kingdom may be built on earth. Amen

ORDERS FOR THE DAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Lord our God is one Lord and we shall I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United love the Lord with all our heart and with all States of America. our soul, And to the Republic for which it stands with all our mind and with all our strength. One Nation, under God, indivisible, This is the great and first commandment, With liberty and justice for all. And the second is like it, We shall love our neighbor as ourselves.

MORAVIAN GRACE Be present at our table, Lord; Be here and everywhere adored; From Thine all-bounteous hand our food May we receive with gratitude. Amen.

CHILD SAFETY

Background Checks Moravian Academy makes every effort to provide our students with a safe and secure environment. Members of our faculty and staff are required by law to have a criminal background check, child abuse clearance and fingerprints submitted to the FBI. By law, parent volunteers who are in the school or traveling with classes on field trips must have the same clearances on file with the Business Office. The required paperwork is available at the Lower School Main Office.

Campus Security We have taken numerous precautions to ensure the safety of our students. Cameras are located inside and outside the buildings and security personnel are on the campus from 7:30 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.

All visitors and parents, including volunteers, must report to the Lower School office in the Main Building, sign in to receive a visitor’s pass and sign-out upon departure at the main office.

All Lower School buildings are protected by a swipe card entry system. These computer-programmed swipe cards open doors at the Main Building, CE Building, deSchewinitz Building, gymnasium and they will also open the primer and prekindergarten classroom doors.

Students are always accompanied by an adult when traveling around campus.

Emergency Drills Moravian Academy conducts practice drills for fires, extreme weather and lock-down situations in accordance with the laws required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Bells or announcements signal drills. Talking is strictly prohibited from the time the first bell sounds until the drill is concluded. Students should behave in a calm, orderly, quiet fashion during all of these drills. Re-entry into the buildings is not permitted until school personnel indicate the drill has ended and the buildings are safe.

Playground The playground is for the use of Moravian Academy students only. For safety reasons, we ask that younger pre-enrollment children not play on the playground among the older students during or after school. Extended Care uses the playground until 6:00 p.m.

Mandatory Reporting/Child Abuse All employees of Moravian Academy and school employees in the state of Pennsylvania are mandated reporters and are required to report suspected child abuse if reasonable causes exists.

After making the report to ChildLine, mandated reporters are required to immediately thereafter notify the Director of Lower School.

Child abuse, according to the CPSL (Child Protective Services Law), means intentionally, knowingly or recklessly harming a child or circumstances without any resulting visible injury or condition. Additional information pertaining to Pennsylvania child abuse information may be found at:http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/index.htm

DRESS CODE

Moravian Academy students in grades 1-5 are required to wear uniforms to school. Items must be purchased from Flynn O’Hara School Uniforms or the Lower School used-uniform closet. The Moravian Academy logo and the Moravian Academy seal are acceptable on Lower School uniform items. Accessories such as socks, tights, belts, shoes and shorts worn under jumpers or kilts may be purchased elsewhere. All clothing should be labeled with the child’s name.

Informal Uniforms worn on Non-Chapel Days (Typically Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)

● Grey pants (flannel, twill, or cord) or plaid kilts (grades 4 & 5) or plaid jumpers (grades 1, 2 & 3) ● Moravian Academy short/long-sleeved blue or white polo shirts or white tops described in dress uniforms ● Navy shorts prior to Nov. 1 and after April 1 ● Moravian Academy navy v-neck, crew neck, cardigan sweater, navy fleece or any Moravian Academy Spirit-wear ● Socks: navy or black socks or plain white athletic socks above the ankle; plain navy or black knee socks, tights or leggings can be worn under kilt or jumper. ● Black, brown or navy blue belt (grades 2-5) ● Shoes: sneakers, black or brown shoes; no clogs, heels, sandals or blinking sneakers.

Formal Uniform for Chapel (typically Wednesdays) and other Specific Occasions ● Navy Blazer with Moravian Academy logo ● Grey pants or plaid kilts (grades 4 & 5) or plaid jumpers (grades 1, 2 & 3) ● Moravian Academy short or long-sleeved white polo shirt or white Peter Pan collar blouse with jumper, or white button down shirt with kilt. ● Navy shorts prior to Nov. 1 and after April 1. ● Socks: navy or black socks, plain navy knee socks or plain navy tights or leggings can be worn with jumpers and kilts ● Black, navy blue or brown belt (grades 2-5) ● Black or brown shoes (oxfords, loafers, completely black leather sport shoes). ● Optional - Moravian Academy navy sweater in addition to the blazer.

The Moravian uniforms should be worn with pride and neatness: belts worn with pants (grades 2-5), shirts tucked in, socks worn with shoes. Pins worn on uniform blazers must pertain to Moravian Academy. Kilts, jumpers and shorts should be of a reasonable length, no shorter than three inches above the knee.

Jewelry should be appropriate and not distracting. Dangling earrings are a safety hazard and should not be worn. Hair color should remain natural; makeup, lipstick, fingernail polish, are reserved for the Middle and Upper School years.

Non-uniform days are announced for special occasions. Families are informed by the director through specific emails or announced in the weekly newsletter. Footwear should be safe for the stairs and playground and clothing such as t-shirts must be tasteful.

Students in grades primer, prekindergarten and kindergarten are welcome to wear shoes and clothing that allows for gross-motor movement and free-play. Teachers will communicate additional details when preparing for field trips or outdoor activities.

GUIDELINES AND CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS

Students will learn much about themselves and others while at the Lower School. They may make mistakes during their early years and test boundaries established by teachers or figures of authority. Children need to know that there are positive and negative consequences to their decisions. A goal of the Lower School is to establish an atmosphere of love, understanding and mutual respect. Teacher or director disciplinary actions are handled in a developmentally appropriate fashion, and each situation or issue is treated as a unique event.

Student Expectations Working to one’s ability with drive and commitment is an admirable goal for all. We also believe academic integrity is essential. Being courteous shows you care about yourself and others. It is a sign of maturity. Good manners are a natural part of expressing respect.

Lower School behavior guidelines (listed below) teach children to appreciate the differences and similarities among people and practice techniques for reducing conflict. It is important that young children learn to use words and to find their voices to express their feelings and perspectives; as it is important that young children learn to listen to one another, and be open to another individual’s point of view.

Community Expectations Our community expectations are informed by Developmental Design practices. As shared on The Origins Program website, Developmental Design is "a powerful collection of teaching practices to help elementary staff work together to achieve education equity and excellence in their classrooms. Developmental Designs for Elementary School: Teaching for Education Equity—based on research and strengthened by developmentally responsive teaching strategies—present a personalized learning approach to help your staff better connect with students, address children’s specific strengths and needs, and help students develop essential cognitive and social-emotional skills. These practices also help build trust among the adults in the school and with families." Our entire community has committed to the following DD practices:

(a) "Show Five" - This signal is a cue for the following behaviors (1) Voices Off; (2) Eyes on Speaker; (3) Listen; (4) Hands Free; (5) Body Still.

(b) Social Contract - This is an agreement that is constructed through a collaborative process to ensure that all voices are represented. The agreement revolves around the behaviors that the community believes are critical to creating a safe, healthy, and equitable environment.

Ambassadors Implicit to enrollment at Moravian Academy, all students are ambassadors for the school. The way children interact on our campus and outside in the community reflect our intentions to inspire intentional citizenship at all times.

Behavioral Guidelines Behavioral guidelines are expected to be followed during the school day, on school-sponsored trips, at extended session and during after school programs. Students should: 1. Keep hands, feet and other objects to themselves 2. Use language and a tone of voice that are appropriate and positive 3. Move through hallways, stairs and outdoor campus safely and respectfully 4. Follow the Golden Rule - treat others the way you want to be treated 5. Respect and uphold Community Expectations and Lower School Social Contract

Commendations Commendations for good deeds, thoughtful acts and considerate behavior may be given to students by faculty and staff. The commendations will be shared with the school during MABC. It is easy to catch students being awesome, and we enjoy acknowledging this.

Desired Conduct Moravian Academy’s statement of philosophy included the importance of “developing self-respect, dignity and a concern and respect for others.” It is our expectation that all students will conduct themselves in the spirit of this philosophy. In keeping with their levels of development and maturity, all students are expected to respect themselves and others.

Our goal is to have students learn to be neither the aggressor nor the victim. No aggressive act, be it physical, verbal, gestural, relational, or written (including electronic messages and texting that come into the school setting), is to be tolerated. Whether the aggression they experience is active or passive, students need to report incidents to a teacher, staff member or Lower School Director. Consequences will be appropriate to the situation and to the developmental level of the child. We will help students to analyze the situation and come to an understanding of the roles of all of the participants.

We teach the Golden Rule, stress the Lower School rule to keep hands, feet and objects to oneself, and rehearse techniques for reducing conflict. When students learn to use these tools and strategies, then being a “victim” or a “bully” should cease to exist.

Lunch Program (Food Service) The Academy’s food and beverages are provided by Sodexo, which is contracted by the school. Sodexo provides the school with daily lunches, snacks and food for school-sponsored trips.

A daily hot lunch is served at the Lower School cafeteria located in the Devey Dining Room. Participation in the lunch program is mandatory for all students in first through fifth grades. Kindergarten, full-day pre-kindergarten and primer students are expected to pack a lunch and snack daily. Lunches for those students are eaten in their classrooms.

Parents are expected to communicate their student’s food allergies by submitted an allergy action plan form, found on the Resource Board on myMA. For students with food allergies, special meals may be prepared by dining services.

Lunchroom Expectations Lunch is meant to be a nourishing experience for each student. It is a time to socialize, relax and eat a well-balanced meal. To ensure a rejuvenating time for everyone, the following is expected of the students:

● Enter the lunchroom quietly, use hand sanitizer or wipe, and remain on the carpet until there is room to get utensils and a tray. ● Politely tell the servers exactly what you want, addressing staff with “please” and “thank you.” ● Take only what you can eat. Servers will cut portions in half when asked. Students may have two milks; water is unlimited. ● When possible, take all of your supplies before sitting down: utensils, napkins, cups, salad, food, drink and dessert. ● Do not save seats. ● Once the entire grade is seated, the Lunch Ambassador will ring the bell. Students prepare for the blessing by getting silent and putting down utensils. Be respectful by reciting the prayer or remaining silent. ● Remain seated until you go back for seconds, use the restroom or bus your tray. Please do not roam. ● Use proper table manners: Speak in a quiet voice to the person on your right, on your left, or across the table. ○ Sit properly in your chair. Four on the floor. ○ Use appropriate utensils and finish chewing and swallowing before speaking. ○ Clean your area after you have finished eating. ● Clear your dishes and tray thoroughly and stack your dishes in the properly labeled places. For your cups, remember “three or four, never more.” ● Dismissal: The Lunch Ambassador will raise his or her hand. This signals “Quiet” and all students should raise hand and stop speaking. Announcements may be made followed by standing, pushing in chair, checking to see the area is cleaned and dismissing back to class. ● Students may not take food or drinks outside of the cafeteria unless given permission from their teacher.

Lunchroom Ambassadors Roles and Responsibilities in Grades 3, 4 and 5 1. Lead Prayer (with bell) 2. Offer five minute reminder to finish eating and bus trays (raised hand) 3. Call to students to rise, push chairs in and inspect immediate area for food and trash (raised hand w/ teacher assistance) 4. Collect pitchers (5th grade only)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS (Health Policies)

School Nurse One full-time registered nurse is employed by the Lower and Middle School to tend to the daily health needs of students during school hours. The school nurse manages special needs, helps oversee dietary issues and allergies and serves on the Student Support Team (SST). The nurse maintains student health and attendance records and is available to answer any questions or health concerns a student or parent may have. The nurse’s office is located in the Main Building of the Lower School.

Restricted Activity To excuse a student from PE class or recess for a day or two, a note from home is sufficient; but, for longer periods of time, a certificate from a doctor is required. A student who has been excused for a broken bone, a sprain, etc. needs to bring a doctor’s note stating when the student should resume physical education activities. Students who return to school following an injury, surgery, or extended illness and are in need of medical accommodations need to provide a physician’s note explaining the need and duration of time necessary. These communications should be made to the nurse prior to return to campus.

First Aid All students who become ill or injured at school must report to the nurse’s office. The nurse will perform an assessment, give first aid and advise the student as to appropriate care. Parents will be notified if their child needs to leave school. For temperatures over 100.2, students will be sent home and must be fever free for twenty-four hours before returning to school. Students sent home early for injury or sickness should be picked up within forty-five minutes of receiving notice from the school. If a parent is unable to pick up a sick child, parents are responsible for finding an alternative caregiver.

Medication Policy for Administering Medication by the School Nurse

1. All medications are to be stored in the nurse’s room. 2. Parent consent to over-the-counter medication is given through an online school form. 3. Prescription medication: a written statement will be required from the attending physician, indicating the necessity for the medication to be given to the child during school hours, the type of medication, when it is to be given, the dosage, and possible reaction, if any. Please talk to your physician to see if medication can be given before or after school. 4. Over the counter medications must be placed in a ziplock bag, marked with the student's name, name of medication, dosage, and time to be given.

It is important to note that this policy is in effect during all school-related activities and field trips as well as on school grounds.

Students are not to have medication in their possession to take during the day. If medication is necessary it should be given to the school nurse, or main office in her absence, and the above procedure will be followed.

It is also important that parents notify the nurse immediately in writing if changes are made to the prescribed medications. Please note that medications left in the office at the close of the school year will be returned to the parents.

In the event that a significant injury occurs, the school nurse, a member of the Lower School administration, or a faculty member may contact 911 at his/her discretion.

Commonwealth of PA Health Record Requirements (Health Records) Students will not be permitted to attend classes, field trips, or receive any interventions without the appropriate online forms on file for the given academic year. These forms are shared on myMA and are updated annually by parents/guardians.

By law, parents are required to provide the school with the following: 1. Physician's Physical Exam - upon admission to the Academy, and updated with any changes in a child’s immunization record 2. Dental Exam - on admission and grade 3 3. Visual and hearing screenings are performed annually during school hours by a public school nurse 4. Immunizations: ● Four (4) doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoid (last one given after 4 years of age) ● Three (3) doses of OPV (oral polio vaccine) or four (4) doses of IPV (injected polio vaccine) ● Two (2) doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) after 12 months of age ● Three (3) doses of hepatitis B ● Two (2) doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the disease ● Exemptions: The only exemptions to the school laws for immunization are medical reasons and or religious beliefs. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak.

EpiPens and Inhalers Parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the school about a child with severe allergies. Once confirmed, allergy information for the student will be noted by school and health staff. The appropriate information will be placed in the student’s records and communicated to the appropriate faculty and staff.

The administration of the EpiPen is the responsibility of the school nurse and/or the trained members of the faculty or staff. Parents should make two EpiPens available to the school so that they can be housed in the nurse’s office and lunchroom in case of ingestion or exposure.

EpiPens and inhalers are to be provided to the school on or before the opening day of school.

Toilet Training Toilet training is a requirement for all students in the Lower School. We are not a licensed daycare, therefore we can not address changing and toileting needs, except for occasional wetting accidents. We ask parents to provide a change of clothing to be kept at school. If a child has a bowel movement in their clothing at school, the nurse will call the parents with the expectation that the child will be picked up as soon as possible by a caregiver.

Moravian Academy early childhood students will be able to independently: ● Tell the adult they have to use the restroom BEFORE it becomes an emergency ● Pull down their underwear and pants and get them back up ● Wipe themselves after using the toilet (tissue or cottonelle wipes are available) ● Wash and dry hands ● Rejoin the group after washing/drying hands

Moravian Infectious Disease and Pandemic Policy Moravian Academy is committed to the well-being of its students and staff, and to providing a healthy environment for all members of the school community. This policy is intended to maintain that commitment and to safeguard the school community against the transmission of infectious diseases.

The school shall respect the privacy of individuals who are known to be infected or suspected of being infected with an infectious disease. Information regarding those individuals, if available, will be kept in strict confidence. Members of the school community will be informed on a need-to-know-basis. The use of universal precautions will continue to be implemented throughout the school community. Age appropriate education about infectious diseases, will continue to be incorporated into the curriculum.

Acute Communicable Diseases Head lice, pertussis, pink eye or other acute communicable diseases can affect students. The nurse will consider notifying parents if cases increase beyond the occasional case. In regards to head lice, parents are informed via email every time a case is identified in a grade. The nurse performs examinations of every student in the grade. Since there is no immunity, please note that preventive measures will help. Instruct children not to share combs, brushes or hats.

Concussion Policy All medical documentation related to a student concussion is to be submitted to the school nurse including requests for academic accommodations. ● Parents are responsible for notifying the nurse of any student concussion occurring outside of MA. ● All medical documentation related to a student concussion is to be submitted to the nurse including requests for academic accommodations. ● The nurse will initiate a student-specific Concussion Management Team to coordinate return to academics. ● The director and classroom teachers will coordinate the implementation of necessary academic accommodations.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Instant Alert Moravian Academy uses Honeywell InstantAlert system to send messages concerning school closings and late openings to parents via emails, home telephones, and cell phones. The Lower School will create an account for each family, and parents can update information and set preferences by registering and logging in to https://instantalert.honeywell.com.

Radio Stations Broadcasting Moravian Academy school closings are: WCTO 96.1/FM, WODE 99.9/FM; WLEV 100.7/FM, WBYN 107.5/FM WEST 1400/AM and WAEB 790 AM.

TV Stations Channel 69 WFMZ, Channel 16 WNEP, Channel 6 WPVI, Channel 10 WCAU

Website www.moravianacademy.org

Closings At times, most often during the winter months, hazardous road conditions may result in school closings when not expected. When storms are forecasted, check local radio and television stations and the internet.

If a public school district is closed, they will not provide transportation to Moravian Academy. In those instances where Moravian Academy is open and the home district is closed, parents will be responsible for transporting students. Please call the school if you cannot provide transportation and your child. An absence is considered excused.

When Moravian Academy is closed, no activities take place. Both morning and afternoon extended sessions are closed.

Early Dismissal At the beginning of each year, parents are asked to complete the Inclement Weather Going Home Plan form. When the public school district request an impromptu early dismissal, the students will be sent home as indicated on this form. Students should be familiar with his or her family’s emergency plans for early dismissals. If riding the bus during inclement weather, students should know the name of their school district and bus number.

**On days with inclement weather, please be watching for both Moravian Academy dismissal changes, as well as your public school districts’ announcements. Dismissal times may vary from district to district and may require your student be dismissed to board the bus before Moravian Academy’s dismissal time.

Moravian Academy will announce an early dismissal for the Academy by InstantAlert and the Moravian Academy website. The above noted radio and TV stations may also broadcast early closings. Students that are picked up or that go to extended will be dismissed at Moravian Academy’s announced dismissal time.

Late Starts Moravian Academy students transported by public school district buses will be picked up at the time designated by their public school district.

Morning Extended Care will be in session starting thirty minutes before the late-start. For example, on a 2-hour delay, Extended Session begins at 9:30 am. Families should continuously check changes in status before leaving for school to stay apprised of further delays or closings.

Field trips scheduled for that day may be cancelled, depending upon the circumstances and time of the scheduled trip.

Make-up Days for Snow Days Make-up days due to school closings will be scheduled as necessary and are at the discretion of the Head of School.

PROGRAMS BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL

Morning and Afternoon Extended Session Extended Session is a before and after school program that Moravian Academy provides for Lower School students in primer through fifth grade.

Morning Extended Session for all grades is held in Miss Endress's classroom in the Main Building starting at 7:30 a.m. Registration is not required for Morning Extended, however, students must be escorted to the classroom and signed in by a parent. Students in morning extended will get to play, read, and socialize with schoolmates. Students in primer, prek, and kindergarten are walked to their classrooms by MA teachers. Students in grades 1-5 will walk to their classrooms when the morning bell rings.

Afternoon Extended for all grades is held in the C.E. Building. Primer through first grade students meet in the primer classroom on the first floor and second through fifth grade students meet in the second floor classroom. Afternoon Extended Session is available from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. During Extended, dedicated staff members work with students to supervise outdoor play, complete homework assignments, play games, and build meaningful relationships. The program works to accommodate each family's weekly schedule. While advance notice is appreciated, we also accept drop-ins. Please notify the Main Office at 610-868-8571 if there is a change in your child's going home plans.

For the 2019-2020 school year, the cost for Extended Session is $9.60 per hour, billed in half hour increments. Students picked up after 6:00 p.m. will be charged a $35.00 late fee. Bills will be sent monthly from the Business Office and the charges will appear on your monthly student account statement.

School doors open at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving before 7:55 a.m. (except students arriving by bus) and students remaining on campus after the 3:15 p.m. pick-up will be sent to extended care and billed through the Business Office.

Registration for Extended Session is done electronically through a google form. The link to register can be found on the Lower School Resource Board of myMA. The program works to accommodate each family's weekly schedule but can also accommodate drop-ins. Advance notice is appreciated. Please notify the main office if there is a change in the extended session plans.

After-School Enrichment Opportunities

After-School Programs. Six to eight week programs are offered for a fee in fall, holidays, winter and spring to students in the Lower School. The content of the programs is varied and each year brings new and exciting offerings. Past programming includes coding, chess, drama, art, crafts, cooking, geocaching, cup stacking, knitting and sewing. Students are invited to enroll in the programs on a first-come, first-served basis each trimester. Students attending after-school activities, such as after-school programs and Lower School Players, should be met by their parents immediately after the activity finishes. If parents are late, the instructor of the particular program will send the children to Extended Session, and student accounts will be charged accordingly.

Intramural Sports Program. Fourth and fifth graders may participate in three team sports: basketball, Newcomb, and indoor field hockey. The program typically runs January through April.

Lower School Players. Drama is offered to fifth grade students during the fall. Students involved rehearse weekly. The musical production is staged in late November.

PROGRAMS, LOVEFEASTS and SPECIAL EVENTS

Birthdays In School A birthday is a very happy time for a child. Parents may celebrate a child’s birthday in several ways. They may donate a birthday book for the library, read a book to the class or deliver a modest treat for classmates. Please arrange with the teacher in advance of any birthday plans. Nutritious snacks such as fruit cut in small child-size pieces or veggies and dips are appropriate snacks. Large sheet cakes, cupcakes or other sugary treats should be avoided. Goodie bags are discouraged for any occasion.

At Home Out of sensitivity to students' feelings, we ask that all party invitations (for birthdays and other occasions) be made privately by email, phone or mail. We suggest, if inviting more than three or four students, invite all the boys and/or all the girls in the class. Please do not exclude one or two students.

Field Trips Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum for every class and all students are expected to participate. There may be charges for special field trips. Overnight field trips are taken in third, fourth, and fifth grades. These will be billed through the Business Office.

● All school rules are in effect on all field trips. ● Students should not arrive more than 15 minutes before a field trip departure when departure is earlier than the start of the regular school day. Trips will leave on-time to preserve scheduled reservation times. Trips are scheduled carefully to arrive back to campus on-time unless an emergency develops. In those situations, texts and phone chains will be utilized. ● Room parents help arrange for snacks on longer trips in collaboration with teachers. ● No electronic devices are permitted on the bus. Cameras are allowed, and if they are part of a smart-device, they are to be used for photos only. The school assumes no responsibility or liability for these items. ● Appropriate dress will be explained before each trip. Formal uniforms are most often worn with the exception of trips to parks and nature centers when informal or non- uniform will be announced. ● On trips requiring prepaid fees, in the event of an excused absence, those fees which can be refunded without increased costs for others, will be refunded.

Moravian Lovefeasts Each year we hold special days for parents and grandparents of students in first through fifth grades. In October, fathers or father-figures visit classes from 8:00-9:15 a.m. and then attend a special chapel service called a Lovefeast with their children. The program is over between 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. In May, we hold a similar day called Mothers’ Lovefeast for mothers or mother-figures. In November, grandparents or other special guests are invited to visit classes and join their grandchildren for a Thanksgiving Lovefeast. Dismissal on this day is at 11:15 a.m.

Bookstore The third grade operates a bookstore located on the second floor of the Main Building. Basic school supplies are available. Proceeds are donated to an organization or cause of the third grade’s choice. Students may bring money to purchase items at the bookstore only. Trading, exchanging or selling any personal items or trading cards is prohibited at the Lower School.

School Concerts and Programs Throughout the school year, evening musical programs and plays are presented by the school. These programs are part of the curriculum and therefore student participation is required.

The students who attend Moravian Academy are taught to use proper concert manners: sit quietly, listen attentively, applaud politely. The same manners are expected from students, siblings and friends attending all scheduled Academy events whether during school hours or after. Please be considerate of performers and audience members.

Flash photography is distracting to students and is not permitted during programs. Moravian Academy records most special events and evening performances and will share these recordings electronically.

TECHNOLOGY

Electronic Technology Classroom teachers are responsible for student instruction on computers and iPads and the educational technology coordinator provides technical help and support. Internet usage at the prekindergarten and kindergarten levels is only delivered by the teachers. Use of the Internet in first through third grades is specifically directed and supervised by the teacher. In grades four and five students begin to use the Internet for resources and research on a specific subject, under the supervision of the teacher. With increased knowledge and computer skills, students in these grades are more individually responsible for appropriate use of the Internet.

Classrooms at the Lower School in kindergarten through fifth grade and classrooms for music, science, library, foreign language, art and the Media Room are equipped with interactive Smartboards. Students may use video and digital cameras and iPads to enhance lessons across the curriculum and are used in the Lower School curriculum through teacher-directed activities. Students are occasionally permitted to take cameras and iPads home but may use them only for assigned activities. Students are responsible for returning these items in the condition in which they were received.

Software licensing agreements stipulate Moravian Academy not allow students to copy software for home use nor allow students to bring programs from home for use at school. Web-based licenses are used in some language arts and mathematics curricula. If you have questions concerning a software program used at school, speak with the lower school educational technology coordinator.

Moravian Academy Broadcasting Company, MABC, conducted by the fifth grade, operates out of the Media Room on the second floor of the Main building from 10:20-10:30 a.m. each school day. The students research, write, produce and present this news program using live reports as well as student and faculty-produced video. Features such as daily weather reports and “advertisements” for the Student Bookstore are enhanced by the use of a green screen. Copies of the programs are available upon request.

Technology Use In and Outside the Classroom Email and the Internet are powerful tools for communication, being both positive and negative. All students in first through fifth grades are required to read and agree to the acceptable use policy. Students need to be aware that emails are traceable. Do not write anything in an email you would not want your mother, father or teacher to read. Parents, please guide and supervise children in the use of both the Internet and email to keep children from inadvisable situations. Sending inappropriate or unkind email messages--text or videos--to fellow students is not acceptable.

Parents are requested to communicate with the parents of involved students or with the Lower School director if negative or inappropriate messages are exchanged between Moravian Academy classmates on their home computers or cell phones. Working together, we will try to help our children develop into responsible electronic communication users.

Fourth and fifth grade students are issued Google accounts by the school. These accounts are specifically designed for educational use in the Lower School. Student accounts are restricted to communication with other Lower School students who have a mamail.net account or Moravian Academy teachers with their mamail.net accounts. Student accounts do not permit students to send or receive emails to or from the outside world. Google accounts are monitored, managed, and archived for search and retrieval if necessary. Students will be able to access these accounts from home when their teacher issues an assignment. Passwords are not to be revealed to other users, nor is a student permitted to attempt to learn another student’s password.

Using Google accounts for anything other than school-approved work or violating any other technology guidelines can result in the following consequences: restricted network access, loss of network privileges and additional disciplinary actions such as detention or suspension. Individual grade levels or teachers may have additional guidelines that govern student computer use. If requested, Moravian Academy will fully cooperate with the authority in the investigation of any activity and may turn over logs and records upon receipt of proper orders or subpoenas.

Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

The Academy’s policies regarding acceptable uses of technology apply to, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Use of computers, iPads and other devices, and the networks, hardware and other technology (printers, scanners, etc.), and software, belonging to the Academy 2. Use and possession of electronic devices and any electronic storage device on school property 3. Use of digital cameras on school property 4. Use of music players on school property 5. Computer games on school property

In this policy, “devices” includes any sort of existing or future computers, laptops, cell phones, smart phones, iPods, iPads, tablets, MP3 players, electronic game devices, flash drives, memory cards, or other similar electronic technology.

The general rule is that devices and technology belonging to the Academy and personal devices brought onto school property must be used only for legitimate, legal, school-related purposes.

Acceptable Use of Technology The following are examples of acceptable uses of school devices and the Internet: 1. Educational research 2. Obtaining information for school projects and authorized student activities 3. Preparing presentations for school productions 4. Performing school work

Cautions, Responsibility and Security Information that is available on the Internet is constantly changing. Much is appropriate for educational purposes, but much is not. The Academy reserves the right to filter, monitor or block any content or access. Access to school computers and the Internet is a revocable privilege. The Academy provides access to the Internet but does not guarantee the accuracy of any information found on the Internet.

The Academy monitors and records usage of its systems for the purpose of testing and optimizing network performance as well as for planning for future growth of the network, and to protect the Academy and its students. Students must assume that all the information that they transmit or receive may be monitored. The Network Administrator performs this monitoring as a normal duty while several of the Academy’s systems record traffic information automatically.

Although the Academy tries to take reasonable steps to maintain the integrity of the Academy’s computer network, to protect everyone’s privacy, and to protect the Academy and its students against misuse of technology, the Academy does not have unlimited technology resources. The Academy cannot guarantee that its systems or networks will function at all times, or assure absolute protection from any offensive or harmful content, or absolute privacy of anybody’s personal information.

If requested, the Academy will fully cooperate with any authority in the investigation of any activity and may turn over logs and records upon receipt of proper orders or subpoenas.

Some material on the Internet is considered unacceptable by the Academy. If a student comes across something that is unacceptable on the Internet at school, it is that person's responsibility to stop the connection immediately.

Use of the Internet requires responsible behavior. Students are responsible for good behavior while on the network just as they are responsible for their behavior in the classroom or when involved in any school related activities.

The Academy’s computer technology is provided for the serious academic use of students and faculty on a daily basis throughout the year. The Academy has limited computer resources that are shared by many; therefore, computers are only available for a limited time during the

Academy day. During school hours, teachers provide guidance for computer use. Outside of school, families need to provide guidance as they do for other media services.

The Academy will reserve final judgment about what content or use of its resources will be allowed or prohibited.

Unacceptable Uses of Technology The following are examples of unacceptable uses of technology by students at The Academy:

1. Using abusive or suggestive language 2. Searching and/or visiting Web pages that offer exploitative or obscene images 3. Any use of others’ passwords and materials 4. Damaging or modifying files that are the property of others 5. Damaging or tampering with remote computer sites 6. Copying of software provided by The Academy 7. Downloading of materials to a hard drive without authorization 8. Using unauthorized copies of commercial software 9. Using the Internet for personal profit 10. Connecting any personal device to the Academy’s network 11. Playing non-educational games on school devices 12. Viewing social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc) except as needed for a legitimate school-related project 13. Accessing video entertainment on school devices 14. Using or creating any technology outside those already defined as acceptable that might harm the Academy or its students 15. Attempting to defeat or bypass any security software or virus protection 16. Entering chat rooms without explicit permission from a teacher 17. Using instant messaging systems without explicit permission from a teacher 18. Attempting to access any computer or data without authorization 19. Creating accounts on social networks, chat rooms or messaging services using MAmail accounts unless requested by a teacher for academic purposes

Cell Phones/Smart Phones/Personal Devices The Academy acknowledges that cell phone technology is ever-developing, and the Academy may change its policies accordingly without prior notice. Student use of cell phones and other personal devices are not permitted during the school day. Therefore, if parents send a cell phone with their child, it needs to remain in the student’s book bag, on silent, while they are at school.

Photography, Video and Recordings Students are asked to use common sense and consider the rights and feelings of the subject as well as the copyright laws protecting the legitimate rights of authors, artists and musicians.

Generally, the use of cameras is permitted as long as the subject consents. Taking pictures, videos or audio recordings of people without their permission in circumstances when they may

reasonably expect privacy violates their right of privacy, may violate copyright or child pornography laws (whether or not the subject consents), and could result in the confiscation of the recording device and the deletion of the picture, video or recording and further disciplinary or legal action, depending on the circumstances. Taking pictures, videos or audio recordings with cell phones is prohibited whenever other use of cell phones is prohibited.

When taking pictures or video recordings during class, permission of the teacher and any students who may appear in the picture or video must be obtained.

It may be illegal to disseminate recordings (audio or video) of copyrighted material (plays, stories, music, etc,) without the copyright owner’s consent in addition to the consent of the performers. Students should assume that any contemporary song, video, story, book or play is copyrighted.

The Academy may make videos or recordings for its own archives of any event occurring on school property or under the Academy’s sponsorship, such as concerts or other events off school property. The Academy will own all copyrights in all recordings, photographs and videos taken by anybody on its property or at Academy-sponsored events.

Loading Images Onto the Internet Students must use common sense and consider the rights and feelings of the subject, as well as copyright and other laws. No one is allowed to load an image, video or recording of other students or adults (including teachers and administrators) taken on school property onto the internet or otherwise distribute it publicly without specific permission from the individuals in question, unless (i) the picture or video is taken at a school event that is open to the public or conducted in public, such as a play, concert, debate, field trip or sports event, and (ii) does not contain material that would violate the copyrights or other legal rights of others and is not otherwise illegal. Violation of this rule could be viewed as harassment or cyberbullying or violation of law. If the subject of the video or the owner of the copyright objects, the person responsible for posting it must immediately take all reasonable steps to remove it.

Electronic Game Playing Electronic games (including, but not limited to computer games, Gameboys, PlayStation, hand-held game stations, cell phones, PDAs, iPods, iPads) are not permitted during the academic day. Use of personal or school devices for unsupervised game playing during the Academy day will result in a loss of privileges and/or confiscation of the device and may lead to disciplinary action.

The Academy reserves the right to amend this policy at any time due to changes in technology or in response to changed laws or circumstances.

TRANSPORTATION

Moravian Academy faculty and staff are stationed around the campus every morning and afternoon to assure the safety of all students. Please use the following guidelines to help drop-off and pick-up run smoothly.

Bus Transportation Students traveling on public school district buses in grades kindergarten through five are dropped off and picked up on Church Street. Students being transported by Moravian Academy to Stroudsburg or New Jersey (including those riding to the Upper School) are dropped off and picked up on Market Street.

While waiting for a bus, students need to assemble in an orderly manner, away from the curb, private homes and property. All campus guidelines apply.

Students are transported in large buses, minibuses and vans. They are expected to behave properly and obey safety regulations. Bus drivers will submit the names of students who misbehave and do not comply with safety rules. A suspension of transportation service may result. We urge parents and students to discuss proper bus decorum.

Each public school district has its guidelines for behavior. Moravian Academy students are expected to follow behavior standards specified in this handbook, including but not limited to the following: ● to remain in their seats on the bus, ● to speak in soft voices, ● to wear seat belts if provided, ● not to distract the bus driver in any way, ● not to eat or drink on the bus, ● not to deface bus property, ● not to run in the aisle, ● to keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.

Under PA Act 372, transportation is provided by the State of Pennsylvania free of charge to students who live more than a mile and one half from the school. To be eligible for transportation, non-public school pupils must attend a school located within their school district or no more than 10 miles outside their public school district boundaries. School districts are required to provide the same service for private schools as they do for public schools. The school districts determine the bus routes.

Because of insurance restrictions, school districts will transport ONLY those students who live within their district. If a schoolmate is accompanying a child home and does not meet this requirement, parents must provide the transportation that day.

If you have questions regarding a route, call your public school transportation department. If you are using Moravian Academy transportation, please call Mrs. Emily George, Director of Transportation, at (610) 868-4744. Residents of New Jersey should contact the Director of Transportation regarding possible New Jersey reimbursement.

Car Transportation

Drop Off Parents dropping off students, please stay to the extreme right as you enter the alley; continue to stay right as you go around the fence. Move all the way towards playground before dropping a child via the passenger side of the car. Several cars may unload at one time and drivers are asked to remain in their cars. Parents of primer and prekindergarten students may park briefly (up to ten minutes) in spaces west of the fence between 8:05-8:20 a.m. or in parking spaces on nearby streets.

Pick Up Students are dismissed from the Main Building by the front (north) door, CE Building, and from the Ella Jane Kunkle Learning Center at 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Parents picking up students by car, should not enter the alley until 2:50 p.m. Double parking on New Street may result in tickets issued by police, so early arrival is not encouraged. Stay to the extreme right as you enter the alley. Turn left with the permanent fence on your left and the orange barriers on the right. Move slowly to the pick-up point at the south end. Students will wait to the right of the orange barriers, and as each car arrives at the loading spot the teacher on duty will dismiss the child(ren) riding in that vehicle. Several cars will load at a time. If, for any reason, your child is not ready to get into the car, please circle the block.

Walkers Walkers from the Lower School cannot leave campus without adult supervision. Parents of walkers should park on the street and meet their children in front of the Main Building or CE Building. Please take note of the following ways to enter and exit campus on foot.

a. Market Street and New Street - use paths through the cemetery b. Church Street - follow the path beside the Christian Education Building c. Heckewelder Place - path leads to the school. Do not pull cars up into this private driveway. For the safety of all, never walk on the Wall Street alley, and do not cross between buses on Church Street. Walkers going to the public library or to the south side of Church Street should cross at the corner of New and Church.

Students may not walk unaccompanied to Heckewelder, Market, New or Church Streets.

Dismissal Any changes in usual arrangements for going home should be reported to the homeroom teacher immediately upon arrival to school in a written note from the parent/guardian. If there is a change of plans after the start of the school day (including last-minute changes), please communicate with the Main Office directly. Do not communicate changes with the student via cell phone, as students are not permitted to use their phones during the school day, or in the carline.

If a child is not picked up, he/she will be returned to the main office, where parents will be notified. If your child is unable to be picked up by 3:15 p.m., s/he will be taken to Extended Session and your student account will be charged accordingly.

After dismissal, students need to have permission from the office to re-enter the classrooms, and teachers will be notified via the speaker system of a student’s request to re-enter.

Parking Our limited campus parking is shared by the museum, church, school, apartment houses, and faculty housing. Therefore, do not park on the playground lot from 8:00 a.m. until 3:20 p.m. The only exceptions are parents of primer and prekindergarten students (who will be able to park on the main lot between 8:05 and 8:20 a.m. and morning extended session students may park briefly (up to ten minutes).

Parking spaces may be found on Market Street (10 hour meters), New Street (3 hour meters), or Wall Street (limited 2 hour free parking). If you are planning to spend a longer period of time at the school and the 10 hour metered parking spaces are taken, consider the public parking garage on Walnut Street one block north of Market Street off of New Street.

GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESS

Board of Trustees Our school exists through the dedication and support of school friends, parents, alumni, Moravians and community leaders. Moravian Academy is an incorporated institution with final responsibility for governance vested in its Board of Trustees. The work of the Board is carried out mainly by its standing committees. Included on the Board of Trustees are representatives from the Moravian Church, a representative from the Parents' Association, and the president of the Alumni Board. Associate members of the Board include a faculty member from each division. Administrative personnel are advisors to the Board. In addition to Trustees, people with expertise in specific areas may occasionally be asked to join standing and/or ad hoc committees in order to share their knowledge and contribute to the welfare of our school.

Business Office Any questions about billing should be directed to our Business Office located at 7 E. Market Street, Bethlehem or (610) 868-4744.

Office of Institutional Advancement Moravian Academy attempts to meet the highest standards of teaching, as well as develop in our students’ moral values, leadership qualities and a sense of personal and community responsibility. Tuition provides the bulk of the funds needed to operate the school. Our fundraising efforts and income from our endowment account for the balance required to meet vital educational needs.

The staff of the Office of Institutional Advancement oversees the Academy's fundraising programs which include:

o The Annual Fund, which provides financial resources to meet day-to-day expenses, o Capital giving, which provides funds for major building and renovation projects and for endowment growth, o Planned giving, which assures long-term, future growth of the endowment, o A major Academy fundraising event is held each spring and a golf outing each fall.

All parents, alumni, and other friends of the school are asked to participate in the Annual Fund and, from time to time, in a capital campaign.

Parents, alumni and friends are also asked to offer their time and expertise in a variety of volunteer activities through our fundraising programs, the Parents' Association and the Alumni Association.

Parents’ Association We firmly believe that parents and schools are partners in a student's education. The Moravian Academy Parents' Association is a crucial and vital asset to our school. Not only does it undertake important services for our school but it provides an opportunity for parental involvement. The Parents’ Association seeks to build a sense of community among the families of Moravian Academy and encourages participation in a variety of ways. At grade meetings in the fall, activities are explained in detail. Please fill out and return the Parent Volunteer Opportunities form found on the school website to indicate how you would like to participate.

All Moravian Academy parents are automatically members of the Parents' Association. The Parents’ Association executive board consists of officers, chair people of activity committees, and division chair people and meets monthly. The officers sit on several pertinent committees of the Board of Trustees.

Index Academic and Student Life 8-14 After-School Programs 31 Alma Mater 17 Attendance 15 Background Checks 18 Behavioral Guidelines 23 Birthdays 33 Board of Trustees 43 Bookstore 34 Bus Transportation 40 Business Office 43 Campus Security 18 Car Transportation 41 Cell Phones/Smart Phones/Personal Devices 38 Chapel Service 17 Child Safety 18 Class Placement 11 Class Collection/Solicitations/Contributions 14 Closings 29 Commendations 23 Commonwealth of PA Health Record Requirements 27-28 Community Service 10 Concerts and Programs 34 Concussion Policy 28 Desired Conduct 23 Dismissal 42 Dress Code 20-21 Dress Uniform for Chapel and Specified Occasions 20 Early Dismissal 29 Electronic Game Playing 39 Electronic Technology 35 Emergency Drills 18 EpiPens 27 Excused Absences 16 Extended Session 31 Faculty and Administration List 7 Field Trips 33 First Aid 26 Food Service 24 Formal Uniform 20 Governance and Business 43 Guidance and Student Support 13 Guidelines and Conduct for Students 22-23 Health and Wellness 26-28 45

Home and School Communication 9 Homework 8 Homework Arrangements 16 Inclement Weather 29 Infectious Disease and Pandemic Policy 28 Informal Uniform 20 Inhalers 21 Instant Alert 29 Intermediate Unit (IU) Support 14 Intramural Sports Program 32 Late Arrivals 15 Late Starts 30 Library Rules and Regulations 11 Loading Images Onto the Internet 39 Lost and Found 14 Lovefeasts 33 Lower School Players 32 Lunch Program 24 Lunchroom Expectations 24 Mandatory Reporting/Child Abuse 19 Medication 26 Mid-Day Appointments 16 Moravian Academy History and Philosophy 5 Moravian Grace 17 Morning Extended Session 31 Multiple Household Families 10 Office of Institutional Advancement 43 Orders for the Day 17 Parents’ Association 44 Parking 42 Photography, Video and Recordings 38-39 Playground 18 Pledge of Allegiance 17 Problem Solving 10 Programs Before/After School 31 Programs, Lovefeasts, & Special Events 33 Radio Stations 29 Re-enrollment of Students 11 Reporting a Student Absent 15 Reports and Conferences 9 Restricted Activity 26 School Hours 15 School Nurses 26 School Prayer 17 School Psychologist 12

Student Expectations 22 Textbooks 8 Technology 35-29 Transportation 40 TV Stations 29 Unacceptable Uses of Technology 38 Unexcused Absences 16 Walkers 41 Website 10