KENT SCHOOL
2020-2021 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 Head of School
Dear Kent Students and Families,
Welcome to Kent School! The following handbook contains useful information about Kent School and our community.
You should read this guide carefully as it will provide you with a clear sense of the values by which we aspire to live. If you have any questions about its contents or about anything it does not specifically address, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your advisor or the Dean's Office.
I look forward to welcoming you to Kent School in person!
Michael G. Hirschfeld Head of School
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
EXPECTATIONS REGARDING CONDUCT ...... 1 STUDENT AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE (CONT'D) KENT SCHOOL HONOR CODE ...... 2 Town ...... 33 ACADEMICS ...... 3 TV/Video Games ...... 33 Academic Guidelines...... 3 Valuable Articles ...... 33 Study Conditions ...... 4 Vending Machines ...... 33 Evening Schedule ...... 4 Work Hours ...... 33 Academic Designations, Definitions of: ...... 5 STUDENT TRAVEL ...... 34 Class Absences ...... 6 Day Trips...... 34 Grading System ...... 6 Motor Vehicles ...... 34 Taking a Term-Contained Major Independent Study ..... 7 Parent Permission ...... 34 Taking a Course Honors-Pass-Fail ...... 8 REACH travel program………………………………..34 Withdrawing from a course……………………………..8 School Vacations ...... 35 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY ...... 9 Transportation ...... 35 TEXTBOOKS ...... 10 Vacation Transportation ...... 35 COLLEGE COUNSELING ...... 11 Weekends and Overnights ...... 35 Discipline Issues and Applying to College ...... 12 DAY STUDENTS ...... 37 College Visits ...... 12 Absences ...... 37 Procedure to Obtain Permission for College Visits ...... 12 Attendance ...... 37 JOHN GRAY PARK ’28 LIBRARY ...... 13 Cars ...... 37 ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER ...... 15 Overnights ...... 37 Study Hall Expectations ...... 37 TECHNOLOGY ...... 16 SPIRITUAL LIFE ...... 38 MAIL CENTER ...... 21 Academic Program ...... 38 STUDENT AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE ...... 22 Chapel Choir ...... 38 Absences...... 22 Dominic Rich Fund ...... 38 Advisors ...... 22 Episcopal Confirmation ...... 38 Air Conditioners ...... 22 Hillel ...... 38 All School Notification ...... 22 Mission Committee ...... 38 Attendance Policy ...... 22 Other Services on Campus and in the Community ...... 39 Boundaries ...... 23 Pastoral Counseling ...... 39 Chapel ...... 24 Services in St. Joseph’s Chapel ...... 39 Communications and Telephones ...... 24 Study Groups ...... 39 Cooking/Food ...... 24 Youth Group ...... 39 Diploma ...... 25 ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES ...... 40 Disciplinary System...... 25 Athletics Mission Statement ...... 40 Dorm Infractions ...... 27 Athletics Program Overview ...... 40 Dress Code ...... 27 Emergency Contact ...... 28 MUSIC LESSONS/ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS…43 Enrollment Meeting...... 29 Music Department Mission Statement ...... 43 Evacuation ...... 29 Diploma Music Requirement ...... 43 Faculty Homes ...... 29 Music Lesson, Ensemble and Course Enrollment ...... 43 Guests ...... 29 Ensembles ...... 43 Harassment of Other Persons ...... 29 Lesson Attendance ...... 43 Head of School Holiday ...... 29 Lesson Charges ...... 44 In the Presence of ...... 29 Instrument Storage and Renting Instruments ...... 44 Inter-Visitation ...... 29 Practice Room Use ...... 44 Jobs ...... 30 MEDICAL CARE AND THE HEALTH CENTER..45 Laundry, Linens, and Clothing ...... 30 Advising and Counseling ...... 46 Lion Card...... ……………30 Concussion Information and Policy……………...……47 Locks ...... 30 Alcohol, Drug, and Substance Abuse Policy ...... 47 Merit System ...... 30 Infirmary Policy ...... 48 Money ...... 30 Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) ...... 48 Off-Campus Rules ...... 30 Nicotine Policy ...... 49 Privacy ...... 31 STUDENT SPENDING ACCOUNT ...... 50 Room Furnishings ...... 31 STUDENT PERSONAL SPENDING ...... 51 Room Search ...... 31 CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 52 Safety: Drills and Plans Information ...... 32 School Property ...... 32 School Store ...... 32 ADDENDUM………………….…………………….53 Skateboarding/In-line Skating/Bicycling ...... 32 Student Center ...... 33
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 or nicotine products in any form, including liquid nicotine products (i.e. electronic cigarettes and vaping materials).
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.
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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 Head of School 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.
Entering Year Credits 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 in math through the fifth form year, • Science - a minimum of two year-long laboratory sciences, • Theology - a 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 Wellness, a minor term-contained course.
The course load for students is five major courses, with the minor courses in 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. Page 3
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 da
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
Evening Schedule**
Sunday through Friday Study Hall (campus quiet after 8 pm) 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Dorm Check-in:Third and Fourth Form 8:15pm
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
** Please see addendum for changes to the 2020-21 Academic schedule.
Starting at 8pm, all students should be abiding by study conditions. Underform students can be studying in their dorm room or a dorm common room. The gym and fitness center will be closed to all students at 7:45pm (except for team practices).
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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 8:15pm. Before lights out, 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 food. The hours of the Snack Bar are subject to change at the discretion of the Food Services Director.
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 Head of School and the Academic Committee because of poor class standing, failing work, and/or insufficient effort.
The Head of School 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 Head of School and Academic Committee place a student on Academic Probation after a thorough review of his or her academic performance.
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The Head of School 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.
• 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 medical 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
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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 E – Excellent, so outstanding as to be worthy of particular note. Marks: U – Unsatisfactory. *Honors: A grade point average of 4.60 or better with no grade below 3.5 High A grade point average of 5.10 or better with no grade below 4.0 Honors: *Effective September 2019
In addition to the Honors and High Honors statuses, there will be a Commendation List for students who achieve a grade point average of 4.10 or better with no grade below 3.0. Notification of the Commendation List will appear on the student’s report card, but not on the transcript. Honors and High Honors will appear on both the report card and transcript.
Students carrying less than a normal load (5 major subjects) of courses are ineligible for the Commendation List, Honor Roll, and High 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. Page 7
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.
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.)
Withdrawing from a course On the rare occasion, a student may withdraw from a course, if deemed appropriate by the Department Head, Advisor, College Counselor and Director of Studies. If a student withdraws from a term-contained course (major or minor) after the indicator marking period, the course will appear on the student’s transcript with a “W” for Withdrew. If a student withdraws from a year-long course after the fall term, the course will appear on the student’s transcript with a “W” for Withdraw.
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KENT SCHOOL’S ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Plagiarism includes:
1. Copying three or more words in a row from any source (a book, a magazine, a newspaper, a website, etc.) without putting those words in quotation marks and naming the source. 2. Paraphrasing (putting someone else’s words into your own words) without naming the source. 3. Summarizing something you have read without naming the source. 4. Including an idea that is not your own without naming the source. 5. Collaborating (discussing ideas for an essay) with any person without giving him or her credit (listing his or her name at the bottom of your paper). 6. Presenting an essay you have written for one class to fulfill an assignment for another class.
Your teacher may encourage collaboration with peers when working on an essay, and will encourage you to visit the Academic Resource Center. If you do so, you must then state who helped you at the bottom of your paper. Receiving help from any source not available to all Kent School students, including parents, siblings, and off -campus friends and relatives, is forbidden.
Any paper that contains plagiarism will receive a zero. Students who plagiarize will meet with their teacher and the department head. They may have to go before the Disciplinary Committee, and might be dismissed from Kent School.
Your teacher will explain plagiarism to you in class, and you will review and sign an agreement not to plagiarize. Ask your teacher if you have any questions about it, because you are responsible for understanding plagiarism and its consequences.
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TEXTBOOKS
New and used textbooks are available through our bookseller Higher Learning Supply Company (HLSC). For extra value, HLSC provides a Book Buy Back program at the end of the academic year for select titles. Books must be in reasonably good condition – no excessive writing or highlighting.
During the summer, students will receive their course lists from the Studies Office.
To order books: • Log onto https://kentschoolstore.com/collections/textbooks • Choose the Department (subject) • Choose Course • Select your books. Choose New, or Used (subject to availability) and “Add to Cart” • At Checkout, you will choose “In Store Pickup”. • Your books will be available to pick up in the School Store when you arrive to campus. • Enter your appropriate billing information
You must enter the student’s name and the school’s address in the ship-to address field. It is important to have the street address and the PO box of the school in the address:
If you have any questions, please email the School Store using [email protected].
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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 three times during the school year: September, October and 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.
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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 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. In order to receive permission, students must fill out a leave request titled “College Visit” in the REACH travel program. Be sure to include the following information in the “notes” section of the request:
• Date and time of interview or tour • Transportation plans • Overnight accommodations
2. Once the student’s parent and College Counselor have approved the leave request, the Dean’s Office will also review the request for final approval. 3. Students need to inform all teachers and coaches of plans to be away. 4. Students need to make up all missed work. Page 12
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 30,000 print books and extensive digital resources.
Online Resources: libguides.kent-school.edu/library 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:
• The library catalog: where students can search our book collection by author, subject, or keyword • Links to online databases for research, both for classes and to pursue other 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 30,000 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 Books in the Reference collection must remain in the library for all to use. • Newspapers & Magazines Current magazines and daily papers are displayed in 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 country and can find almost anything you need.
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• 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: The entire library space will be quiet. o rd o The Campbell Reading Room on the main floor and the 3 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 is a sign-up sheet for these spaces at the library desk.
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.
• 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 Upperformers and those who have shown particular motivation in various subjects serve in one of our two student tutoring programs:
• Research and Writing tutors, nominated by faculty and trained by library and ARC staff, are available every night in the library to help with the writing process and answer research-related questions.
• Math and Science tutors, nominated by faculty and trained by library and ARC staff, are available every night in the library to assist with homework questions. Page 14
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER
At Kent’s Academic Resource Center (ARC), we help students find new ways to organize and prioritize their academic lives. Some of the services we offer include:
• guiding students to develop effective reading and note-taking skills, study strategies for homework and tests, and improved time management • teaching students how to set academic goals and helping them build the discipline to achieve their goals through specific action plans • providing feedback throughout the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and revising • helping writers clarify their ideas and reach a clear understanding of what they want to say
Located in the library, the ARC is open at two different times each academic day. From 8am- 4pm, learning specialists and academic coaches work with students in one-on-one meetings. During study hall from 8-10pm, an English teacher is available to offer feedback on writing of all sorts, including expository essays, research papers, college essays, and creative writing.
Students can schedule an appointment, or they may be referred by teachers or advisors for required visits. ARC services are offered to all Kent students free of charge.
Through our jobs program, Peer Tutors are available in the library during study hall and assist in research, writing, math and the sciences. Students can also meet with Kent faculty during conference periods and study hall for content-area assistance.
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TECHNOLOGY
The Tech Center is located on the ground floor of the Administration Building. We are open 8 am to 4 pm Mon-Fri. To contact us, call 860-927-6333 or email techsupport@kent- school.edu.
Laptop Requirements All students are required to have a Windows or Mac notebook computer which satisfies the requirements on the school website (as of their first year at Kent): www.kent- school.edu/portal/technology/student-computers. The computer must be kept in good working condition and brought to class if the teacher requires it. The Studies Office will not accept computer problems as an excuse for late or missing work.
Laptop Repairs Our staff are committed to ensuring that no student is ever without a working computer. If a repair is needed, we will assist with that process and will provide a loaner computer. Use of the loaner is free for the first 30 days, then $2 per day.
Additional Equipment You May Bring You may bring additional computing devices to school--provided you have a notebook computer that satisfies the requirements. You are also welcome to bring equipment related to a specific technical interest, such as digital photography or filmmaking.
Please note that gaming devices are subject to rules established by the Dean’s Office, as listed elsewhere in this handbook.
Also note that not all personal devices (including gaming systems) will be compatible with the school’s network. The Tech Center staff reserves the right to determine whether your device can be joined to the network, depending on security considerations, the age of the device, and other factors.
Supporting student laptops is the top priority for tech department staff. Support may be provided for additional personal devices as time allows, on a best-effort basis.
Network and Internet Access The school’s wifi network is available throughout the dorms, 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.
Our firewall blocks certain types of web traffic that the school deems inappropriate. If a site appears to have been blocked in error, a student may appeal to the tech department.
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All student traffic to the internet from our network is logged. The log may be reviewed at the request of the Deans.
Email Policy Students are expected to exercise good judgment and caution in all their communications. Electronic communications in particular can easily pass to an unintended audience. Be sure they are properly addressed and that the information you send is appropriate. All email is:
• owned by Kent School • not to be used to advertise, sell, or promote a personal agenda • able to be viewed by Administrators at the request of the Dean's Office, safety or business office, or the Head of School • subject to monitoring at any time for the purpose of policy enforcement
A Kent School email account shall be provided to every student. Upon graduation, students will maintain access for a period of one year. During that time, it is the responsibility of the student to save files, emails, and any other correspondence they wish to keep. Following the one year period, students may request new incoming emails be forwarded to an outside email address.
Should a student withdraw from Kent for any reason, the student will have a period of one week to save files, emails, and any other correspondence they wish to keep. Forwarding is not available to students who have withdrawn from school.
Backing Up Your Work It is critical that you have a good backup system for your academic work. We recommend using your Kent School Google Drive for this purpose, although you are welcome to use another solution. Our tech staff are happy to provide guidance if needed.
Student Printing The student print room is accessed from the lobby of the Schoolhouse building. In addition to the student print room, Kent has two dorm printers for students to use. One is located in North Dorm and the other is in Hoerle Hall. To use the student printers, you will need to make sure your computer is correctly joined to our network. New students will receive help with the setup process during technology orientation. All others should bring their computer to the Tech Center for assistance.
Cellular Service AT&T and Verizon both have good coverage throughout campus. Sprint will also work in most areas. You will want to connect your smartphone to wifi while on campus to avoid using up your quota.
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Acceptable Use of Technology
Use of Kent School's technology infrastructure and services is guided by the same principles that govern all aspects of life at Kent School.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS: Every student is required to have a notebook computer. You must be prepared to use your notebook at any time in any place that your teachers require. Failure to have or maintain the proper equipment and software (as defined by Kent’s annual notebook offerings) is the same as being unprepared for class in any other respect and your grades may suffer as a result. Technological excuses are not accepted by the Studies Office for missing or late work.
KENT PASSWORD: You must not share your Kent password with any other person. Password sharing will be treated as a disciplinary matter. It is also forbidden to use your Kent password for any other account.
DEVICE PASSWORDS: You are required to have passwords for any personal notebooks and mobile devices (including your smartphone) that you bring to school.
SECURITY: You may not use any computer to probe security, faculty, or administrative files, or attempt to break into another user's computer, Kent School's network, or any external computer system.
DISTRIBUTING EMAIL: You must obtain permission from a Dean for large email distributions, such as sending email to everyone in your form. Chain letters, which ask you to forward a message to people, who will then forward it to more people, are prohibited under all circumstances, even if they appear to be for a good cause.
SCHOOL-PROVIDED SOFTWARE: As a student at Kent School, you are entitled to install school-owned software on your personally owned computer. You are required to remove this software from your personal computer immediately upon graduation or withdrawal from Kent School.
PIRATED CONTENT: Media and software used, loaded, or stored on computers on Kent School's network must be legally licensed.
FILE SHARING: If you choose to share files or folders over the network, you are responsible for their content. You may not share inappropriate material, including material that violates copyrights, at any time for any reason.
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Guidelines for Use of Social Media
We encourage community members to use social media to connect with others, share educational resources, create and curate educational content, and enhance the classroom experience. While social networking is fun and valuable, there are some risks you should keep in mind when using these tools.
SAFETY FIRST WHEN ONLINE
• Never post personal information such as your age, cell phone number, address, or social security number. • Think before you post photos. Once posted, they are public and cannot be retracted or effectively deleted. • Don't reveal personal information through photos such as your dorm. • Never give your password to anyone. • Be careful of relationships developed online. Never under any circumstance meet someone alone in person whom you have only met online. • If you see a message, comment, image, or anything else online that makes you concerned for your safety or the safety of someone else, bring it to the attention of a faculty member or dean immediately.
PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY AND REPUTATION
• Use social networks responsibly. No spamming, bullying, or inappropriate use. • Online engagement with people outside of the community should be selective. Your reputation is important to us and should be important to you. • Online "conversations" are never private. Don't share confidential information about yourself or others. • Regardless of your privacy settings, assume that all information you have shared on your social network is public information.
BE RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE
• Always treat others in a respectful, positive, and considerate manner. • Don't share anything with hate language, profanity, pornographic content, or personal attacks. • Impersonating someone else on a social media site or through email is strictly forbidden. Page 19
• Cyberbullying 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 potential involvement of the police. • If you witness online bullying or harassment involving another student (whether as perpetrator or victim), please bring it to the attention of a faculty member or dean. Your wish to remain anonymous will be respected.
BE CAUTIOUS WITH RESPECT TO COPYRIGHT
• If you wish to share photos, videos, or other content, be sure that you own or have obtained the rights to what you post. Include any necessary credits or attributions. • You may post photos and video clips from Kent’s athletic games, but you are responsible for proper use of any music you put behind a video clip. • All performance videos (theater, music, dance, etc.) must be approved by Communications before posting due to potential copyright issues.
If you have any questions about what is appropriate to post, please e-mail photos@kent- school.edu.
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MAIL CENTER
The mailroom is responsible for the receipt, sorting and delivery of all mail and packages at Kent School. The mailroom is located on the lower floor of the Dining Hall, along with the Student Center and School Store. Students are assigned a mailbox and a lock combination that will be provided by school email before the first day of school.
Please note that all local business deliveries of flowers, edible arrangements, balloons, etc. should be directed to our Mail Center. We do not allow vendors to deliver directly to offices or dorm rooms.
Addressing Student Mail and Packages All student mail and packages should be addressed as stated:
Student’s Name (First and Last Name) 1 Macedonia Rd. P.O. Box 2006 Kent, CT 06757
Package Delivery Kent School receives packages from all major carriers: o United States Postal Services (USPS) o United Parcel Service (UPS) o Federal Express (FedEx) o FedEx Ground o FedEx Home Delivery o DHL o Amazon
For time sensitive delivery, you are advised to use next-day services from UPS, FedEx or the U.S. Postal Service (Express Mail) to ensure receipt and proper processing.
All packages are received in the Mailroom. Once each package is scanned into the tracking system, an email notification will automatically be sent to the student’s school email stating a package is ready for pickup in the Mailroom. Students must present their ID in person at the Mailroom window to claim a package. Please keep in mind that students should not come to the window looking for a package until they receive an email notification.
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STUDENT AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Absences – Students must have permission to be absent from school. Parents must notify the Dean’s Office every day that their student is absent from school.
Advisors - 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 the Kent School physician to have an air conditioner in their dorm room. Air conditioners are only allowed for medical reasons and must be floor model units (not window).
All School Notification – We will periodically ask for updated contact information; changes to contact information can be submitted online any time via the Parent Page. It is critical that all parents and emergency contacts supply accurate information to the school.
Attendance Policy - Attendance is recorded for all students in their classes, afternoon activity/sports commitment, chapel, job, and formal dinner. Absences are collected in the Dean’s Office, and students have until Friday noon of each week to excuse or clear absences which may have been inappropriately or incorrectly assigned that week.
• Two unexcused absences in an indicator will trigger a “caution”. The student’s advisor and parents will receive an informal notification about these absences.
• Five unexcused absences in an indicator will result in the student immediately being placed on Warning. “Weekend Restriction” and “Sunday Work-Crew” penalties will also be assessed. Students will not be given permission for a weekend, an overnight or town, and must complete one (1) work hour with the Sunday work crew through the Dean’s Office.
• Six unexcused absences in an indicator will result in the student immediately being placed on Warning. It will also result in “Weekend Restriction” and “Sunday Work- Crew”. Students will not be able to get permission for a weekend, an overnight or town, and must complete two (2) work hours with the Sunday work crew through the Dean’s Office.
• Seven unexcused absences in an indicator will result in the student immediately being placed on Warning. It will also result in “Weekend Restriction” and “Sunday Work- Crew”. Students will not be able to get permission for a weekend, an overnight or town, and must complete three (3) work hours with the Sunday work crew through the Dean’s Office.
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• At eight absences a student will be immediately placed on Restriction and be assigned 4 work hours.
• 10 unexcused absences will trigger an Enrollment Meeting with the Dean of Students, the Form Dean, the student’s parents, the student’s advisor, and the Director of Studies to determine if the student is thriving at Kent. The student may undergo a routine medical evaluation to discern any obstacle to better attendance. The student will also be placed on attendance Probation.
• Successive indicators of 10 or more absences may result in dismissal from Kent.
Note: Students always have the ability to check their absences via their Veracross portal. Students and advisors will also automatically be notified of absence totals via e-mail by the Dean’s Office on Thursday afternoons.
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 and the gun store are off limits.
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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, stairwells to 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. • When open for use, the Rowing Center is for the express purpose of training.
Boundaries during study conditions (between 8pm and 10pm)
• Students should remain on the core of the campus (between Foley Hall and Case dorm). • Students should not be lingering or hanging outside buildings. • Travel on campus should not be beyond Hoerle Hall and to the west of campus. • Areas considered off-limits include unlit areas including club fields, behind the Chapel, behind the hockey rink or the gym building, in the Rowing Center, in academic buildings, etc.
Chapel – Chapel will be held four times a week; each student will attend two of these times with their assigned campus club team. The Chaplain may arrange special religious observances on an individual basis. More specific information can be found in the Spiritual Life section of this booklet.
Communications and Telephones – Every student must arrive on campus with a cellular phone and have the number registered with the Dean’s Office. The phone number must be a domestic number so that teachers, Deans, coaches and others 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. AT&T and Verizon have strong signals in the Kent area; Sprint will also work.
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 Page 24 hot pots, coils, coffee pots or Keurigs, 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.
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 Head of School, 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 independent recommendations to the Head of School who reserves the right to decide what will be considered unacceptable conduct and the penalties therefore.
The following list outlines general consequences for poor behavior: 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 a “three-strike” system in the dorms. 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
Some examples of disciplinary consequences include: 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 . Vaping nicotine (1st time): Restriction 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
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. Plagiarism or academic dishonesty . Improper judgment . Harrassment directed towards another member of the community. This can include physical, verbal, sexual, racial, and psychological harassment of other persons; threatening language and behavior; hazing, bullying, and cyber bullying.
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 Handbook (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 Head of School has determined that a student must withdraw from school, travel arrangements should be made immediately by parents, a guardian or the family-appointed emergency contact person on file with the school. If there is a delay in travel, the student may be housed temporarily at his/her advisor’s home. Sixth Formers should also refer to page 12 for important information regarding discipline issues and college.
A student who is dismissed from school for violating the drug and alcohol policy may re-apply to Kent. A place for the student will be subject to space availability and mutual agreement, with the following conditions: . the student is away from school for the remainder of the term in which the violation occurs PLUS an additional term, Page 26
. the student successfully completes a drug/alcohol evaluation by a licensed professional, . the student submits negative urinalysis tests, . the student submits acceptable academic work, . the student submits a personal experiential essay, . and the student and parents agree that the student returns to Kent under the school’s Infirmary Policy protocol.
Need-based financial aid will be considered but it will not be guaranteed. Merit awards will not be reinstated and all normal filing deadlines for aid must be met.
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.
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 dressed in clothing which is neat, clean 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. Boys are to be clean shaven with sideburns no longer than the earlobe. Academic dress code is to be worn at all times during the school day, to chapel and to formal meals. Lunch on Wednesdays and Saturdays is casual dress. Evening cafeteria meals are casual dress.
The Academic dress code requires all students to wear two layers of top clothing and one layer of bottom clothing.
Acceptable as first layers of top clothing: Collared, button down shirts tucked in, dress shirts (not a t-shirt), turtlenecks, dresses and any religious wear. All of these may be long or short sleeved. All must have over the shoulder straps, cleavage and midriff coverage. Undergarments should not be visible.
Acceptable as second layers of top clothing: blazers, ties, cardigan sweaters, sweater vests, formal scarves.
Acceptable as layers of bottom clothing: dress pants, colored denim slacks (except blue) and skirts of reasonable length.
Dresses require a second top layer but do not require a bottom layer (however nylons, tights and leggings may be worn with dresses)
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Acceptable clothing for the academic day but not considered a second layer: puffy vests, outerwear (see below), winter coats, rain coats, winter scarves, ¼ zip pullover jackets, fleece jackets.
Unacceptable for academic dress are:
• casual sandals (“Tevas”, beach or shower/athletic flip -flops, “Reef” flip flops), house slippers and moccasins
• blue denim jean material
• flannel shirts and slacks
• leggings, yoga pants, overalls, draw-string style pants, cargo pants, pajama or flannel pants, shorts, sweatpants
• casual t-shirts, especially those with writing or graphics on them, all sweatshirts and polo shirts
• outer coats and rain coats worn in place of a blazer
• hats, sweat bands and bandanas are not be worn inside the Dining Hall, Chapel and classroom buildings
Unacceptable dress at all times:
• Clothing or hats with alcohol or drug or violent insignia or messages.
• Undergarments as outer garments.
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), U.S. students whose families live abroad, and U.S. students who live further than 400 miles from campus must have an emergency contact person/guardian living in the U.S. This person must be over 21 years of age (unless the guardian is a sibling), live within 400 miles of the Kent campus, 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.
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Enrollment Meeting - An enrollment meeting consists of the student (whose absences are over 10 in the indicator and who has been evaluated by the school physician and the school counselor), the advisor, the Form Dean, the Dean of Students, the parents (in person or on conference call), and the Director of Studies. The goal of the meeting is to reinforce to the student the importance of meeting his/her school requirements. Should a student’s attendance not improve after the enrollment meeting, the student may be dismissed from school by the Head of School.
Evacuation - In the event of an emergency and students must be evacuated from their dorm rooms, the administration will consider three options depending upon the circumstances: 1) Temporary evacuation (hours in duration) to St. Joseph’s Chapel or the Dining Hall. 2) Moderate evacuation (12-36 hours in duration) to the gym. 3) Full evacuation would mean closing the dorms and campus. It is critical that all students have a domestic emergency contact, family member or guardian to help the student make travel plans. The Dean’s Office will also assist in matching students to host families. Transportation to airports will be provided by the school.
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 with the Dean on Duty (cell # 860-601-0223).
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.
Head of School Holiday – The Head of School may spontaneously declare a day off from classes for the community. Generally, varsity athletic 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. Page 29
Jobs - At Kent, all students are required to participate in our Jobs program and are assigned a job on campus. A few examples include jobs in the dorm, classroom, dining hall, yards, chapel, and Admissions tour guides. 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 or staff member and, in many cases, a senior boy or girl 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.
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 or can be found on the Parent Page of our website A public coin- operated laundromat is available in town.
Lion Card – Every student is issued a Kent School Lion Card which serves as their student ID, spending card, and dorm key card. More details regarding this card can be found under the section titled “Student Spending Account”. Parents/guardians will be required to make deposits into their student’s account prior to any charges being incurred.
Locks - All outside doors to the dorms and all dorm rooms have electronic locks. Loss of a key card will result in replacement of the key card. Replacement will incur a $25.00 charge to the student's spending account.
Merit System - A student may accumulate merits by indicator and by term for perfect attendance. Students may use their merits for special permissions, extra overnight weekends, and rooming preference.
Money - An ATM is located outside the school store in the Student Center for students to access cash for personal spending. The ATM does not accept the Kent School Lion card.
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.
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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. 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 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. Wall tapestries must be properly labeled as fire-resistant.
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, but fish are permitted in the dorms.
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.
What NOT to bring: • Cooking coils/hot pots/coffee maker/Keurig/microwave oven/toaster oven • Room space heater • Electric blanket/electric bed pad/heating pad (except with medical permission) • Incandescent light bulbs or halogen lamps • 2-prong extension cords or multiple outlet plugs • Air conditioner (except with medical permission and then only portable direct vent style, not window units) • Valuable jewelry • Motorized scooters, hoverboards or any type of motorized transportation
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.
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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.
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:
o 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.
o 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 that 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 that 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 – The school store is located at the Student Center. The store will accept cash, credit cards and student spending cards as methods of payment. Students can purchase textbooks, school supplies, basic dorm supplies, and a variety of convenience items. The store offers Kent clothing and gift items, also available through www.KentSchoolStore.com.
Skateboarding/In-line Skating/Bicycling - Students may use roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, and scooters at school. 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 must wear a properly fastened helmet at all times when engaging in these activities. An easy reminder is ‘if it has wheels, students MUST wear a helmet’. Students who do not Page 32 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, outside Hoerle Hall or under the Middle Dorm arch. Please use the sidewalks when using roller blades and scooters to go back and forth to town. All long bike trips off campus and out of town should be planned with the Dean on Duty.
Student Center - The Student Center is located below the Dining Hall and contains the school store, ATM, student mailroom, snack bar, and TV. The snack bar is open daily.
Town Permission - 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.
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”. Gaming systems are only to be used at appropriate times, and not during study conditions or following lights out in the dorms.
Valuable Articles - 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 may be turned in at the Dean’s Office for safekeeping.
Vending Machines – “Grow Healthy” vending machines are located in every dorm, the gym and hockey rink. These machines can be accessed with cash, credit card or debit card.
Work Hours - A student is assigned work of specified duration as a consequence for 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.
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STUDENT TRAVEL
The permission process is completed through the Dean’s Office. Weekend or Overnight permission may not be granted unless all information is complete (i.e. student’s request form, parental approval, and proper adult host invitation, if applicable). Late permissions or incomplete steps in the permission process may result in unnecessary student absences.
Day trips - Permission and adult supervision are required any time a student leaves campus or the town of Kent. For an off-campus day trip, a student must submit a leave request to the Dean’s Office using the REACH travel program. A parent must also grant permission and the Dean’s Office must have permission on file for the adult chaperone to drive your student.
Students may request approval from the Dean’s Office for off-campus permission with authorized persons at certain times, which would include: • Weekdays from after classes/athletics/activities until 8:00pm • Saturdays from after classes until 11:00pm • Sundays after chapel until 10:00pm.
Students who sign out for day trips during Formal Dinner or Chapel will not be excused from attendance unless prior approval is granted by the Form Dean.
Motor Vehicles - Motor vehicles for boarding 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 only 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.
Parent Permission – required for all overnights, weekends, and other times when a student is away from school. Overnights, Weekends and day trips will require specific individual permission each time. Permission must also be given by a parent for any adult 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.
REACH travel program – The Dean’s Office uses the REACH program to monitor student travel away from campus. Students must enter information pertaining to their travel as a leave request in REACH. A parent will need to approve or decline permission through an automated e-mail that will be generated after a request is submitted. The Dean’s Office reviews the leave request for final approval. Page 34
School Vacations - All dorms and the Dining Hall are closed during vacations and students are expected to make plans to leave campus.
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.
Kent School does not book reservations for private transportation. When students and families arrange their own transportation, we recommend using taxi services which are licensed and insured (these services can be found online at www.kent-school.edu). Students are not permitted to leave campus using transportation network companies such as Uber or Lyft. Hitchhiking is not permitted under any circumstances.
Vacation Transportation - Buses will be chartered to assist with student travel on vacation dates listed on the School calendar. Students will sign up for the chartered buses using the REACH travel program. Reserved space on these vehicles will be charged to the student's account. The Dean’s Office must be properly notified in advance of revised plans that no longer require seating.
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 to report travel issues. All early departures or late returns for vacations which cause the student to miss class(es) must be approved beforehand by the Director of Studies.
Parents are expected to make all air and train reservations. Please check with your airline for age restrictions. Chaperones will accompany the chartered buses on travel days, but the school cannot provide individual chaperone/escorts for student check-in at airports. Students who qualify as unaccompanied minors will need to make alternate arrangements to have an adult present to either sign in or check out with the airline.
Weekends and Overnights - A student may leave school with Kent faculty/staff and also persons authorized in writing by a parent or guardian. This may include immediate relatives, family friends, and other Kent parents. A student may not leave or return to campus or drive about the campus with any non-family member under 21 YEARS OF AGE.
A “Weekend” begins after the last academic commitment on Friday. An “Overnight” begins after the last academic commitment on Saturday and/or after sports commitments on Saturday. A Weekend or Overnight ends upon the student's return to the town of Kent and no later than 10:00pm Sunday.
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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.
Students are 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.
A “Closed Weekend” is a weekend that boarding students should plan to remain on campus. Closed weekends for the year are noted on the school’s travel calendar. Special permission must be given by the student’s Form Dean for a student to leave campus overnight on a Closed Weekend.
A Dean may revoke the Weekend or Overnight permission for individual students. 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.
Other important notes to consider:
• 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 to take a Weekend. Overnights for students on Academic Warning or Probation are permitted without the permission of the Director of Studies as long as all Saturday classes are attended.
• Students may earn extra Overnights or Weekends through the merit system.
• Students who have disciplinary hours to work 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 before signing out with the Dean’s Office.
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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 to report each day that the student will be absent.
Attendance - Day students are to be on campus no later than the beginning of their first obligation (this includes class, form meetings, chapel, etc.)
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. Driving students must park in designated lots and are urged to leave for home no later than 9:30pm on all school nights.
Overnights - Day students are allowed to stay overnight on campus in a dorm room one night per week if needed. The week is from Monday through Sunday. Day students staying over on Saturday night are required to attend Sunday chapel services. Day students should submit an overnight request using the REACH travel program.
Study Hall Expectations – If a day student remains 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 to the 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 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, 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 coordinates a range of activities throughout the year. In addition to attending Friday night services at Temple Shalom in New Milford, the group organizes celebrations for Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Passover (which is led by the Rabbi from New Milford).
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 identifies worthwhile organizations for the community to support through the Sunday offering at St. Joseph’s Chapel.
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Other Services on Campus and in the Community:
Jewish Services: On Friday evenings, transportation is provided for service at Temple Shalom, New Milford, CT 860-354-0273
Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim Service: On campus as posted, usually on Fridays.
Catholic Worship: Baptized Roman Catholic students may attend Catholic Mass at St. Kateri Takekwitha Parish, Kent, CT: 860-927-3003. This service is at 10:00 AM on Sunday. Because of limited space, Roman Catholic students who wish to worship here must provide a letter from the preist at their home parish. The letter should state that the student is a practicing Roman Catholic, and be sent to Dean Kate Kelderman at Kent School. Students wishing to worship at St. Kateri Takekwitha Parish must also attend a meeting at the beginning of the year as an introduction to the parish.
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 Head of School’s office to notify the chaplain.
Services in St. Joseph’s Chapel: Students are expected to attend required chapel services. Students of other faith traditions attend their own worship service in lieu of Sunday worship. 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, interested students arrange to meet (generally weekly or biweekly) in order to study a topic of mutual interest.
Youth Group: is organized by and for students, and it meets regularly 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 that 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
Page 40 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, eighteen 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 annually.
Kent offers 29 interscholastic sports divided equally among males and females. We field 50 interscholastic teams in these sports. Twenty-six 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 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 “active” term annual requirement.
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 Page 41 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 medical staff 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 in this class to one term per year.
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MUSIC LESSONS AND ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS
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. Note: Post-graduates should speak with the Studies Office regarding the music requirement options available to them as one-year students.
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 is asked to give the instructor 24 hour notice to avoid billing. If a student is ill, they must send a message informing their instructor and the Health Center should verify the absence. Students must attend their lessons consistently for three terms to satisfy the music requirement. This must be completed before the Spring Term of a student’s Sixth Form year. Page 43
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 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.
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MEDICAL CARE AND THE HEALTH CENTER
The Tracy H. Dickinson '73 Health Center 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, urgent and emergent medical care, administering & 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 summitted through Magnus Health. Without a completed health record, the student will not be allowed to participate in school athletic programs.
The Health Center provides clinic visits with the school physician Monday through Friday. 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 child. 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 Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans. If there is a cost for a medication, the pharmacy may contact the student’s parent or guardian for payment arrangements.
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 administered to the student. Prescription medications will only be accepted in single dose blister packaging. If your pharmacy is unable to provide unit dose packaging, please contact Kent Station Pharmacy to be packaged in the required unit dose blister packaging.
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 Page 45 appropriate and consistent with Health Center policy. The School physician reserves the right to limit the use of over-the-counter supplements and 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 medication 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 contacted as soon as the situation allows.
There are times when your student may require a medical 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 within the Health Center.
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 – Amy Raskind, MA, LPC is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis to students and parents throughout the school year and can be a valuable resource for you and your student.
Joseph Struckus, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. He provides both counseling and evaluations on a consultation basis. The initial appointment is free of charge, with subsequent appointments arranged privately with families.
Devonna Hall, LMSW, is our Diversity and Inclusion advisor, and is available for counseling. Page 46
Faculty member David Greene, PhD, is our advisor to the Peer Counseling program, and is also available for counseling.
Psychiatry – Dr. Jack Miller, a board-certified psychiatrist, is available to students for evaluation and consultation. An initial visit is free of charge. Any follow-up visits are the financial responsibility of the parent.
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.
Concussion Information and Policy: Concussion, the term used to describe a brain “bruise” or mild head injury, has become a topic of much research and discussion in professional sports. Research has focused on prevention but also on treatment and best practices to ensure a safe, full recovery from concussion. As a result, the State of Connecticut has developed concussion related laws to ensure better student and parent education in the hopes of reducing concussion and its complications. In accordance with Connecticut statute, we are required to provide concussion education information. Parents/guardians and students are required to read this information and then sign an informed consent authorizing participation in athletics at Kent School. Since concussions are a risk for non-athletes as well, we believe it is important that all Kent School parents and students understand concussion and the symptoms and risks associated with concussion. No student will be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity with Kent School without a signed “Participation Agreement and Assumption of Risk and Release Regarding Concussions” and “Parent Guardian Written Permission to Return to Play” form.
Concussion information and the associated releases can be found online in Magnus Health. You may submit the signed concussion Participation Agreement and Return to Play forms to Magnus Health with your child’s medical forms.
Kent School takes concussion and concern for concussion very seriously. In the event that your child sustains a concussion, we strive to ensure a safe recovery by following industry best practices.
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 may 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 Page 47 your student’s academic performance and socialization, and after consultation with parents, (3) by school requirement as a means to resolve a 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.
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 to address ongoing drug and alcohol concerns. 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 (MLOA): On the recommendation of the Kent School health team, a student may be away from school to address medical issues for a period of two weeks or more. 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. MLOA will require communication between the treating health care provider and a member of our medical team prior to the student’s return. Page 48
Nicotine Policy: Because nicotine use is both unhealthy and addicting, Kent School has a non-use policy for all nicotine products including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes and/or vaporizers, chew, and snuff. For a first offense of our nicotine policy, students are placed on Warning for four weeks, and given an eight-hour work project. The student will receive nicotine cessation counseling as well. For a second offense, a 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. Students who are found smoking inside any Kent School facility, or using or in possession of electronic cigarettes or similar paraphernalia, will result in immediate referral to the disciplinary process.
The Health Center staff takes the confidential nature of student health seriously. 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.
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STUDENT SPENDING ACCOUNT
Kent School Lion Card Every student is issued a Kent School Lion Card which serves as their student ID, spending card, and dorm key card. The Lion Card is valid while your child is actively enrolled at Kent School. The Lion Card is accepted at the School Store and Snack Bar, allowing students to charge purchases to their student spending account. Other school charges that may be billed to a student’s spending account are transportation, postage, testing fees, and music lessons.
Each student’s spending account card should be prefunded via “My Kids Spending” (MKS) during the online registration process. Every parent or guardian must create an MKS account in order to view and monitor spending activity online and receive monthly statements by email. See below for more detail and approximate cost that will assist you in deciding how much to fund the card. Lost or damaged cards will be replaced by visiting the Technology Department at a cost of $25 per card.
School Store and Snack Bar Expenditures
Spending limits can be placed in the School Store and the Snack Bar. If there are insufficient funds in your student’s spending account to cover a charge, or if the student has reached a spending limit, the transaction will be declined. If you wish to place a spending limit on your student’s account, please complete a Student Spending Allowance Form during the online registration process.
• School Store: The store sells textbooks, school supplies (notebooks, pens/pencils, etc.), health and beauty aids, various clothing items (sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, athletic shorts, etc.), batteries, 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.
• 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.
Other Expenditures
Student Activities/Miscellaneous: Possible charges could include academic testing, laboratory fees, music lessons, voice lessons, dance lessons, library charges, damage charges, infirmary charges, art supplies, yearbook, postage and shipping, etc. Page 50
Other charges might include lost athletic clothing/equipment as well as fees charged for participation in certain activities such as golf, skiing, yoga, music and studio art. Equipment such as footwear, gloves, skates, lacrosse sticks, and hockey sticks will be the student’s responsibility. Estimate $500 - $600 per term depending on the student’s activities.
Transportation: School transportation fees can be charged to the student spending account. This includes use of the Kent shuttles to the train station, reserved seating on chartered buses for travel breaks, weekend student activities, and/or transportation arrangements made through the Health Center. The amount that you decide to budget could vary dramatically depending on your student’s travel/medical requirements.
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 $50 - $80 one-way fare Local car services $100 - $200 for New Milford, Danbury, Sharon, Torrington (one-way fare) $180 - $350 for CT and NY airports
Payments can be made to the Student Spending Account via the My Kids Spending (MKS) website www.mykidsspending.com. Daily activity can be viewed on the MKS website. For more information, Common Questions/Tips & FAQs regarding MKS, please visit the Student Spending Account page on the Parent Portal at Kent-School.edu. Funds for the spending account can also be wired via Flywire by Peer Transfer http://kent- school.peertransfer.com/.
Questions about your student's account should be addressed to the Business Office (9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday). Permissions or changes to the account can only be made by the responsible parent or guardian.
STUDENT PERSONAL SPENDING
An ATM is located outside the school store for students to access cash for personal spending. The ATM is available when the Student Center is open (7:00am to 10:00pm). The cost is $.90 per transaction and all bank debit cards are accepted. Depending on the bank, an additional fee may be charged for using a non-bank ATM. The ATM does not accept the Kent School Lion Card. 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).
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CONTACT INFORMATION
• Health forms, medical information, and medical transportation: contact the Health Center at 860-927-6209 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]
• Grades, transcripts, academic testing and course schedules: contact the Studies Office at 860-927-6026
• Textbooks and ordering assistance: contact Kent School store at 860-927-6140 or e-mail [email protected]
• College counseling: 860-927-6034
• Residential life, school attendance, or student travel: contact the Dean’s Office at 860-927-6083 or e-mail [email protected]
If you need immediate assistance after hours, the Dean on Duty is available by phone at 860-601-0223.
• Campus safety (24 hours): 860-927-1663
• Technical support: e-mail [email protected] or call 860-927-6333
• Sports and activities: contact Director of Athletics Cortney Duncan at 860-927-6038 or e-mail [email protected]; or Anne Schmidt-Sabia at 860-927-6040 or [email protected]
• Tuition billing and payments: contact James Scanlin, Business Office at 860-927- 6051 or e-mail [email protected]
• Alumni and Development: For Alumni and Development matters, contact Candie Fredritz at 860-927- 6230 or [email protected] For Parents Fund matters, contact Denny Mantegani at 860-927-6274 or [email protected]
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Kent School Student and Parent Handbook ADDENDUM FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR
Due to policies and procedures recommend by our medical advisors, there are addendums to our Student and Parent Handbook to start the 2020-2021 school year. Please review these addendums below.
Page 4: Academic Schedule. For the 2020-21 school year, a modified, rotating block schedule has been adopted at the recommendation of the Scheduling Committee (comprised of Department Heads, faculty, the Associate Head of School and the Head of School). Page 10: Textbooks. The school is encouraging students to purchase E-texts whenever possible. Students may not be permitted to bring textbooks to the classroom in many circumstances and are asked not to share textbooks with peers. Page 12: College Visits. Off-campus travel will not be permitted once students arrive to start the fall term, including senior fall visits to college campuses for tours and interviews. We encourage you to speak with your College Counselor about other ways to communicate with colleges and universities. Page 24: On Campus Boundaries. Students will not have access to dormitories other than their own. Page 24: Chapel: Students will attend Chapel one time a week with their assigned campus club team. Page 29: Guests. Students will not be able to have visitors from off campus. A designated process will be put in place to allow for parents to visit their students in designated areas on campus. Page 30: Laundry, Linens and Clothing. Students will not have access to town to use the laundromat located there. Page 31: Room Furnishings. The furniture in our dorm rooms has been placed to mitigate as much risk as possible for the students living in the room by our medical team. Furniture is not to be moved around the dorm room. Students should not bring couches, futons, chairs, or any other extra furniture to the dorms. Page 33: Town Permission. Town permission will not be permitted at this time. Students are required to remain on campus.
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Page 34: REACH travel program. Weekend leaves from campus will not be permitted. If a student must leave campus in the case of an emergency, they should communicate this through their Form Dean or through the Dean of Students. The return process to campus must then be coordinated through the Health Center and the school physician. Page 35: School Vacations. Kent will not offer a campus stay option during our Thanksgiving Break. It is expected that all students depart campus for the Thanksgiving break. The calendar for the winter and spring term is still being determined and may include adjustments to Winter Weekend. The updated calendar will be communicated to our families no later than November 20, 2020. Page 37: Day Students - Overnights. Day students will not be permitted to stay overnight. In the case of expected inclement weather, students should prepare in advance through discussions with teachers and use their discretion about whether to attend classes that day in person or attend from home using online learning. Page 38-39: Spiritual Life. There will be changes to spiritual life at Kent including being unable to attend services held off-campus. Please be on the look-out for future communication from Dean Kelderman regarding these changes. Page 40-42: Athletics. Changes to our Athletic Program for the fall of 2020-2021 will continue to be communicated by our Athletic Department.
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