Riverfield Country Day School

2020-21 Family – Student Handbook

Mission Statement The mission of Riverfield Country Day School is to provide an excellent education in a family-oriented atmosphere. Students are motivated and encouraged to learn, develop, and mature in a respectful, secure, and diverse environment. A caring, creative faculty and a challenging, integrated, and personalized curriculum promote the development of the whole student as a confident and responsible learner prepared for success today and tomorrow.

*Please note that all green text found in the Handbook is information specific to 6th – 12th grade students. Alphabetical List of Topics Privacy Academic Advisor Academic Enrichment & Support (AES)/Study Hall Family Involvement Privileges, Responsibilities, & Consequences Academic Integrity Field Day Proper Placement Academic Risk/Academic Probation Field Trips Public Display of Affection (PDA) Accreditation Financial Assistance Publications Adding/Dropping Classes Financial Information Raven’s Club Administrative Organization Food at School Raven Roll/Honor Roll Admissions Procedure Free Periods Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education Advertising/Solicitation Friday Nights Out RenWeb After School Club/Before School Club Fundraising Respect Allergies Goals & Objectives Resting/Napping in Pre-School Animals/Pets Grade Point Average (GPA) Riverfield Family Association (RFA) Annual Giving through the Raven Fund Graduation Requirements for Upper School Riverfield “Lifer” Award Arrival Times Gum Chewing Riverfield Rocks/Rock Band Athletics Harassment Round-Up Attendance/Absences Health & Medication Scheduling Awareness Classes Holidays School Counselors/Psychologist Backpacks Homecoming School Pictures Behavioral/Social Probation Home Visits: Infants – 3s School Year Fee/School Supplies Belongings from Home Homework Scouting Groups Big Blue Honor Code Security Birthday Celebrations/Invitations Honor Council Senior Privileges Board of Trustees Hours Severe Weather Booster Club Housee Snacks Boundaries during Lunch & Free Periods Immunization Requirements Snow Days Campus Incident Management Plan Social Events Cell Phones/Smart Watches Infant Needs Social Media Check In & Check Out Infant Safe Sleep Specials Child/Employee Protection Insurance Spring Break College Counseling IXL Spring Trips Common Spaces Late Pick-Up Fee Standardized Testing Communication with Families Late Start Tuesdays Student Government Community Service Library Tardies Concurrent Enrollment Lost & Found Technology Conferences Lunches Threats Curriculum Morning Meetings Tobacco Free 24/7 Dismissal Time Multi-Age Grouping Traffic & Parking Dress Code for Students Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Assn. (OSSAA) Tutoring Electives Open House/Activity Fair/First Day Visiting Day Eligibility for Extra-Curricular Activities Orientations Visitors Email Outdoor Environment Website Extra Credit Parties: Classroom & All-School Extra-Curricular Activities: Pre-School & Lower School PE Attire & Requirements 2020-21 Calendar Extra-Curricular Activities: Middle & Upper Philosophy RCDS Administrative Directory Extra Days/Extra Hours Pick-Up Pass Fall Campout/Retreat Potlucks

Non-Discriminatory Statement Riverfield Country Day School is a non-profit, independent school with no religious affiliation. Riverfield is a welcoming community that strives to treat everyone fairly. All decisions regarding admissions, employment, administration, and student and faculty life are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or any other criteria prohibited by law. All rights, privileges, educational, athletic, school-administrated programs, and activities made available by the school are extended to all students, families, faculty, and staff.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR Each Middle and Upper School student at Riverfield has a faculty advisor who acts as the student’s special resource and with whom he/she can discuss academic and/or personal concerns. The advisor is a communication link with the family, a person to whom both students and parents may take questions and problems, and from whom they can expect assistance. Students have weekly meetings with their Advisor to discuss progress and status in their classes.

While many matters discussed between a student and an advisor or school counselor are fairly routine, other matters may be of a personal nature. Students and parents may assume that any such personal matters will be treated discretely. In any case involving serious potential harm to a student, the advisor or Division Head will make the appropriate contact.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT & SUPPORT (AES)/STUDY HALL Academic Enrichment and Support (AES) and Study Hall provide additional help to students. Students in 6th – 12th grades can select AES elective classes that meet twice per week. It can be a Study Hall or an opportunity to seek the help of an individual teacher. Students should come to AES/Study Hall prepared to use this time wisely, to work together on projects, study for tests, complete IXL or Duolingo, acquire reading minutes, or complete other assignments. Students who consistently do not have school work to complete during this time may be asked to move to another elective to allow students who need the extra study time to join the class.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Students, faculty members, and families should model and facilitate honorable behavior for each other and strive to uphold our school standards of academic integrity. Stated simply, all work done by an individual must be his or her own work. Violations of this expectation will be dealt with severely and can result in suspension or expulsion.

Students are expected to:  Turn in work that is their own and reflects their own fairly acquired knowledge  Deal truthfully with all members of the Riverfield community

The following list includes some, but not all, of the choices that would violate our shared standard of academic integrity: plagiarizing passages or ideas in a written assignment, sharing information between classes about what is on a test or a quiz, misrepresenting one’s achievements, copying homework, using crib sheets or other unfair aids during a quiz or test, using a calculator in a manner other than that prescribed by the teacher, feigning illness in order to miss a class, lying about absence from school or from class, taking anything belonging to another person without that person’s stated permission.

Faculty are expected to:  Make the standards for academic integrity in their discipline clear and enforce those standards consistently  Monitor testing situations closely to provide students with an environment conducive to honorable behavior

Families are expected to:  Meet their responsibilities by supporting the school’s mission of instilling honorable values and behaviors in their students

ACADEMIC RISK/ ACADEMIC PROBATION If a 6th – 12th grade student earns a “D” for a quarter or a semester grade, he/she is considered to be on Academic Risk. In Upper School, the student will meet with the Academic Dean to create a plan for success. In Middle School, he/she will likely be required to attend Study Halls instead of M.A.A.P. (Music, Arts, Academics, Athletics, PE), and it may be recommended to replace electives or other available time in a supervised Study Hall.

Any 6th – 12th grade student receiving an “F” in any class will be put on academic probation. An “F” for a semester or for the year could result in a student being required to do summer work or courses or being asked to leave the school. Students are required to take at least four core courses a year, but may take five. It may be wise for a student who is struggling to consider taking only four core courses until improvement is seen.

ACCREDITATION In 1999, Riverfield Country Day School (RCDS) became the fifth school in the state of Oklahoma and the second in Tulsa to be accredited by ISAS, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. ISAS is made up of over 80 schools in six states (Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) and Mexico, which hold membership and are accredited by this Association. Other Oklahoma schools that meet standards for membership are Casady School, Heritage Hall, and Westminster Day School in Oklahoma City, and Holland Hall in Tulsa. In 2019, Riverfield was successfully re-accredited by ISAS through 2029. With ISAS accreditation, Riverfield is also accredited by the state of Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Private School Accreditation Commission. In 1985, Riverfield was the second institution in the state of Oklahoma and the first in Tulsa to be accredited by the National Academy for the Education of Young Children, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). RCDS was re-accredited by NAEYC in 2014. Riverfield’s Pre-School is licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). A compliance file is kept at the front desk of the Main Building and is available for review upon request.

2 ADDING/DROPPING CLASSES In Middle and Upper School, there will be an add/drop period in the first two weeks of the semester for core and elective courses. After two weeks, students may not drop or add classes. Add/drop forms must be completed, and parent and teacher permission is required to make changes to the student’s schedule.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION The school is a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the fiscal well-being of the school. The Head of School is hired by the Board and reports to it. When the Head of School is not present on campus, the Division Heads assume responsibility. Division Heads are responsible for the Pre-School, Lower, Middle, and Upper School supported by Wing Coordinators who work with teaching teams. Non-faculty services, such as financial, clerical, security and maintenance, are provided by additional staff. The heart of the school is, of course, the faculty and the students in the classrooms.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE Admission to Riverfield is based on a combination of criteria including interviews, student visits, and a review of records from previous schools. To begin the process, families arrange for a tour with the Director of Admissions or attend one of the many scheduled Open Houses. Pre-School children are encouraged to visit the school with their family. Kindergarten – 12th grade prospective students complete an application, visit in a classroom during the regular school day, and provide a transcript release and teacher observation/recommendation forms. The admissions process marks a first step toward building on-going relationships with Riverfield families.

ADVERTISING/SOLICITATION The use of directories, rosters, class lists, RFA lists, etc., is intended for the Riverfield community only and information so published is not to be distributed to individuals or organizations outside the school for any other purpose. Families desiring to promote or advertise their business, services, or goods may advertise in various Riverfield publications such as the yearbook, auction catalog, or family business directory.

Although the school would like to support charitable causes and other events in the greater community, the distribution of printed materials not directly connected with the school will need to be reviewed by the Head of School on an individual basis prior to distribution. It is Riverfield’s position that schoolchildren and their families are not a captive audience for advertising.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/BEFORE SCHOOL CLUB “After School Club/Before School Club” is the name of the Extended Day program for infants – 8th grade students. An extension of the day, before or after school, is by prior enrollment only. A late fee of $1.00 per minute is billed for each student when not picked up on time, depending upon each family’s enrollment agreement. If a delay is inevitable, the school office should be notified so arrangements can be made to care for the student until he or she can be picked up.

In the afternoon, After School Club is an extension of the student’s regular day. Depending on their age, students may enjoy a snack, time on the playground, activities in classrooms or the commons, homework, arts, sports, Scouts, ballet, gymnastics, Taekwondo, chorus, drama, or music lessons. Some of these activities are provided by organizations outside of Riverfield and may require an additional fee and registration.

A student may occasionally arrive early or stay late ONLY IF the required ratios allow for additional students. Families who wish to request an occasional extended morning or afternoon, should complete a request form at the front desk for Pre-School and Lower School or email the Division Heads or Administrative Assistant for Middle School. These requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance; it is not safe to assume the extra hours will be available. The cost for extra hours is $16.00/hour. This is also the case for students who remain at Riverfield while other siblings are participating in extra-curricular activities.

Pre-School and Lower School: Activities for Extended Day take place in the Wings, classrooms, playgrounds, and the library. In addition to some full-time teachers, part-time After School Club/Before School Club teachers supplement the schedules of full-time teachers.

Middle School: Students who arrive between 7:00am and 7:30am should be dropped off at the Main Building. At 7:30am, the Rogers Building will be unlocked and a staff member will be on duty. Students use Before School Club time to gather on the patio, in a classroom, or in the commons for quiet conversation, games, and reading. After School Club is utilized for additional study and sports time. Students meet in the LAC commons after school, for a snack, outdoor recess, and study hall. Students involved in after school sports may meet in the gym or other areas as directed by coaches. At 5:30pm, students will go to the Main Building library, and parents should pick students up at the Main Building after this time.

Upper School: There is no formal Extended Day program for Upper School students, but older students are permitted to be on campus for additional study, project work, and extra-curricular activities. See Arrival Times and Dismissal Times.

ALLERGIES Regarding nut allergies, the Pre-School and Lower School are “nut-free”; no student should bring products with any type of nut in it to school in these Divisions. The nut allergies of Middle and Upper School students and non-nut allergies of all students will be handled on an individual basis with those affected. 3 ANIMALS/PETS There are many animals found throughout the Riverfield campus. From goats, peacocks, and alpacas in the barnyard to hamsters, fish, and chinchillas in the classrooms, the school believes that animals provide hands-on opportunities for learning about the care and feeding of animals, setting up their environment, and responsibility for having a pet.

ALL pet and wildlife visitors must be registered before entry into the school. This includes even short visits, like bringing pets in during drop-off and pick-up of students. A Visiting Pet Agreement, which confirms a pet’s good health and current immunizations, is available at the front desk in the Main Building or on RenWeb. It must be on file at the front desk prior to the animal’s visit. The teacher must sign the Visiting Pet Agreement, noting his/her approval prior to the day of classroom visit. On the day of the visit, please check in all animal visitors at the front desk.

Service animals with appropriate documentation on file are the only student-owned animals permitted on campus on a regular basis.

Dogs that that belong to teachers that are regularly on campus are required to have passed Canine Good Citizen certification in addition to having good health and current vaccinations. This verifies that the dog has the training and disposition necessary to be on campus with our students. Canine Good Citizen certificates should be submitted to the front desk. Check www.AKC.org for information regarding the certification process. In cases when a student has allergies or fears concerning animals, student needs always take precedence over pets and the animal(s) in question may not be at school.

ANNUAL GIVING THROUGH THE RAVEN FUND The Raven Fund is Riverfield’s Annual Giving Fund. It is a tax-deductible opportunity for parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends to enrich educational programs. Like other independent schools, Riverfield’s tuition covers approximately 85% of the cost of educating each student. The school relies on Annual Giving and other fundraisers to help bridge the gap between tuition income and operating expenses. Our goal is 100% family participation in Annual Giving each year.

ARRIVAL TIMES The school expects students to be punctual and regular in attendance. Late arrivals, as well as absences, should be reported to the front desk of the student’s building by 8:30am. We request that families with children of several ages drop off the eldest first. Field trips often leave at 8:30 or 9:00am. It is not school policy to delay departures to accommodate late-arriving children. Families and students who plan to enter the Main Building after 8:30am must park in the front parking lot and enter through the main doors. The front circle of the Main and Upper School buildings and the curb at the north entrance are fire lanes; they are not for parking. Students enrolled in Extended Day should go to their designated classroom, the library, playground, or commons if they arrive before 8:30am. See After School Club/Before School Club.

Riverfield will have a “late start” each Tuesday morning to provide increased opportunities for professional development for our faculty. School will begin at 9:00am each Tuesday. If your child is enrolled in Extended Day, he/she can still be dropped off at the regular time, starting at 7:00am. For those not enrolled in Extended Day, students may be dropped off at 8:50am, with classes beginning at 9:00am.

Pre-School: Children not enrolled in Extended Day should arrive no earlier than 8:25am. This will ensure that child:teacher ratios stay at the appropriate level. All children must be signed in to the classroom by name along with time of day and name of person expected to pick up. Children should be signed out of each classroom in the same manner. This is for the safety of the children in Riverfield’s care. Pre- School children must always be accompanied by an adult when going to and from the parking lot, areas of the building, and/or the playground to find their group. At various points in development, young children may have difficulty separating from parents. If parents need assistance, please ask a teacher to help. Please do not drop off or pick up children over the fence of the playground or use the gates of the playgrounds to enter or exit the school.

Lower School: Students not enrolled in Extended Day should arrive no earlier than 8:25am. They may be dropped off in the front circle or the rear parking lot of the Main Building. Parents must remain with their vehicle and exit the circle as quickly as possible. This north entrance is locked at 8:30am.

For any arrival after 8:30am, K-3rd children should be brought to the teacher by their adult escort for security purposes, even if the student would prefer to wave goodbye in the hall and enter class on their own. After the school day begins, 4th/5th grade students must sign in at the front desk of the Main Building.

Middle School and Upper School: Students who arrive between 7:00am and 7:30am should be dropped off at the Main Building. At 7:30am, 6th – 12th grade students move to their respective buildings, as the Rogers Building and Upper School will be unlocked and a staff member will be on duty at this time. Students not enrolled in Extended Day should arrive between 8:15 – 8:25am; classes will begin promptly at 8:30am. After 7:30am, students can be dropped off and should check in with the front desk of their building. As they school day begins at 8:30am, late arrival requires 6th – 8th grade students to sign in at the front desk of the Rogers Building before proceeding to class, while 9th – 12th graders should sign in with the Upper School front desk personnel for an admit slip.

4 ATHLETICS Riverfield offers many avenues for athletic participation. Teams of young Riverfield students play in area recreational leagues for baseball, basketball, and soccer often through sign-ups at school. The majority of these opportunities will be through outside groups (YMCA, etc.) with practices scheduled at the coach’s discretion. Sixth – 12th grade students can participate in competitive athletics including cross country, basketball, tennis, golf, soccer, and volleyball. Non-competitive opportunities include cross country, golf, and tennis. Cheerleading opportunities also exist for 6th – 12th grade students. To help cover costs, a per-sport fee will be assessed for all 6th – 12th grade athletes participating in non-competitive and competitive sports. If this is a financial hardship, please notify the Athletic Director or Division Head. All athletic fees will be billed to families by the Business Office. Riverfield is a member of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA). The OSSAA is the governing body of high school athletics and activities in Oklahoma. Riverfield follows all rules of the OSSAA. If there are any questions about the rules, contact Athletic Director Jason Bogle ([email protected]).

After-hours use of any athletic facilities must be approved by Athletic Director Jason Bogle. This includes the Clark Gymnasium, the Green Gym, and any of the campus’s athletic fields.

ATTENDANCE /ABSENCES – PLANNED & UNPLANNED Students in K – 12th grades are expected to be in class every day by 8:30am. Families of students who will be absent are asked to contact the school office by phone (voicemail is available after school hours) at 918.446.3553 or by emailing [email protected] for Pre-School and Lower School, [email protected] for Middle School, and [email protected] for Upper School. If a student is ill or will not be at school, the school requests that you call or email before 8:30am for all ages. If we haven’t heard from you by 9:00am, we will begin calling to check on plans for your student for the day.

RCDS discourages K – 12th grade students from missing school for family vacations and other non-illness related reasons. However, if this cannot be avoided, the student is required to meet with each teacher before leaving to get assignments and plan for the pending absence. The greatest disadvantage is that a student will be missing valuable class time and will be unable to contribute to the learning environment. In addition, absences from classes that are group-based often result in students missing out on information and experiences that are impossible to make up. Doctor’s appointments, music lessons, etc., should also be scheduled after school hours or during school vacations.

Attendance is recorded on K – 12th grade students’ permanent records. Absences due to vacation are still counted as absences.

After 10 or more absences in a semester, families of students in Lower School will be contacted by the Division Head on an individual basis to discuss the issue and create a plan to move forward.

The following sections pertain to absences in Middle and Upper School specifically.

A student must be at school by 11:00am if he or she wishes to participate in after school or evening school-sponsored events. If there are extenuating circumstances justifying the absence, parents and students should contact the Head of Upper School or the Head of Middle School who will have final say in excusing the absence.

In order for a doctor or dental appointment to be considered excused, a written note from the doctor’s office must be submitted to the front desk upon returning to school whether the return is the same day or the next day. Without a note, the absence will be counted as unexcused and immediate disciplinary consequences may result. In order to be readmitted to school, students who are absent for four or more consecutive days due to medical reasons must produce a doctor’s note. Without a note, the absences will be counted as unexcused.

Because time management and responsibility are tenets of our community, students' attendance on days when tests or large assignments are due will be tracked closely. The Dean of Upper School and/or Heads of Upper or Middle School will be in touch with the student and family if a student shows a pattern of missing test days.

In aligning with OSSAA’s policy concerning eligibility for participation in student activities, Riverfield students are expected to be in class 90% of the time. In addition to absences from school based on personal or family needs, students are permitted 10 absences per year for school activities that do not count towards the 90% attendance expectation. The activities that could be affected include athletics, speech and debate, music performances, theatre productions, and after school club activities.

If a student accumulates five absences, a meeting will be scheduled with the student, family, and school administration to discuss the situation and possible solutions. If a student exceeds 10 absences, possible consequences are as follows:  Failure to receive credit for the course  Ineligibility for extra-curricular activities including sports, rock band, speech and debate  Meeting with students and family by Head of Upper School or Middle School  Loss of free periods and/or senior privileges

The severity of the consequences will be determined by the willingness and cooperation of the student to make up work that was missed in a timely manner, the circumstances surrounding those absences, and the number of excused vs. unexcused absences (see below).

5 Absences from school for the following reasons are considered excused: illness, religious holidays, family emergencies, funerals, weddings of close family members, honorary situations (to receive an award, to perform at a special event--music, drama, youth symphony, etc.), approved academic and service events, and approved sports events for those in alternative sports. With teacher permission, seniors and juniors are allowed to miss classes for college representative visits. Sophomores and freshmen are invited to attend college representative visits only if they do not have a class. Forms for such visits are available from the College Counseling Office. Absences for reasons other than above are unexcused.

If a student’s absence is excused, his/her teachers will assist him/her in making up the work with extra help sessions and assignments if necessary. The initiative, however, is left to the student to make arrangements for help. If a student is absent for three or more days, parents may contact the student’s advisor to obtain a compilation of assignments. In the event a test is missed, the teacher will provide a make-up test. Teachers and students should work together to set deadlines for make-up work. All papers must be written and all tests taken before a marking period, term, or final grade is given.

The following policy will be in effect for unexcused absences: 1) Parents and students must assume the burden and/or expense of make-up work, including tutoring outside of school hours, if necessary. 2) Work submitted late due to an unexcused absence may result in a reduction in the grade. Every attempt should be made to fulfill academic responsibilities before the absence or immediately upon returning to school.

AWARENESS CLASSES In 6th – 10th grades, an Awareness class, conducted by school counselors, meets once per week by grade level. The curriculum includes team-building activities, adolescent issues related to puberty, alcohol and drugs, dating, and other timely issues that staff/students/families deem necessary for each age group. Juniors and seniors meet with College Counselors weekly to prepare for the college admissions process.

BACKPACKS As there is a limited amount of space in Middle and Upper School classrooms and common areas, student backpacks should be of a size to fit easily into their locker. In Middle School, backpacks should stay in the locker throughout the day. Rolling backpacks are extremely large and not necessary as students are never far from their lockers.

BEHAVIORAL/SOCIAL PROBATION A 6th – 12th grade student may be placed on behavioral/social probation for any number of reasons. Breaking a major school rule for the first time or an accumulation of infractions can result in being placed on behavioral/social probation. The term of the probation is determined on a case-by-case basis. It may include loss of privilege including school-sponsored social events, athletics, performance, and competition. Continued violation of the school rules may result in suspension or dismissal.

BELONGINGS FROM HOME The school day is busy, so faculty members request items from home remain at home, unless needed on an individual basis or if a child's class has a class project. Electronics and other small items such as money, jewelry, cards, watches, etc., are easily lost and/or broken. Items that should be enjoyed at home include MP3 players, playing cards, and any handheld computer games. The exception to this is for Upper School students who have earned a free period and may listen to music in proctored Study Halls. The school cannot be responsible for items brought from home. Guns, knives, and other weapons of any type (toy or real) are never to be brought to school. Any student bringing any weapon could be sent home immediately and be subject to suspension or dismissal.

If a Pre-School child naps with a stuffed toy, it should be labeled with the child's name — as should any item from home.

BIG BLUE When the school was new, families and students were invited to suggest possible mascots to a committee of administration, parents, faculty, and students. The committee’s top 10 ideas were put up for a vote by the entire school. On the day the winner was announced, raven footprints were in the hallways leading to the room where the announcement was made. The mascot, Big Blue, was adopted that day. This magical raven was selected for the qualities he shares with ravens in the wild: a kind of true grit, intelligence, and loyalty. In the world of nature, ravens mate for life, are tough and clever creatures, and have a mischievous talent for fascinating humans. In the United States, their most famous habitat is the temperate rain forest of the Northwest, where the Raven makes his appearance in the stories of the Haida and other coastal tribes. On a more personal note, the suggestion that the mascot be a raven and that it be blue came originally from Mr. Tom Clark’s first Headmaster, Mr. Harold Corbin, whose last name is French for raven. Blue suggests truth, purity, and sky-worthiness and is Mrs. Clark’s favorite color.

Big Blue was designed by graphic artist Rusty Johnson, husband of former music teacher Caroline Johnson, and appeared on one of the first Riverfield T-shirts. The image is featured on school-related objects, including the gym floor, camp flag, printed products, and the announcement marquee on the driveway. In the 2009-10 school year, Big Blue began making appearances at pep rallies, sporting events, parades, and other school gatherings.

6 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS/INVITATIONS Families may wish to donate a book, CD, or game to the library or classroom in honor of their student's birthday; however, personal gifts are not to be exchanged at school. If a family desires, a birthday greeting for a student can be posted on the front marquee for a cost of $40.00. To arrange this, please contact the front desk. Birthday (or other) party invitations raise issues of inclusion and exclusion at school and may only be distributed at Riverfield if the entire class is invited. Riverfield facilities are available to rent for birthday parties and other celebrations. If interested, please contact Jennifer Nation at [email protected].

In compliance with accreditation guidelines, families may only bring whole foods (uncut fruits, for example) or commercially prepared and sealed foods (e.g. prepackaged vegetable trays or muffins) when bringing snacks to share with the class. It is within guidelines for teachers with valid food handlers permits to prepare food with children for birthday celebrations or other classroom activities.

In the Pre-School, each classroom develops birthday traditions with the children. Families are encouraged to participate in these traditions.

In the Lower School, the tradition is to celebrate and recognize the student during their birthday (or half-birthday for summer dates). All students are welcome to bring a birthday snack to class as long as it follows the food guidelines mentioned above; nutritious snacks such as fruit, plain cookies or muffins, vegetables and dip, etc. are encouraged. Plans for classroom celebrations should be arranged with the teacher in advance. It is a tradition in Lower School to sing Riverfield’s special birthday song to students at Round-Up during their birthday week.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Riverfield is a not-for-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. The fiscal responsibility for non-profit organizations is held corporately by a Board of Trustees, made up of parents, alumni, and interested members of the community. The Riverfield Board of Trustees oversees the school’s fiscal management, approves and initiates major policy changes, raises funds and reduces debt, and hires the Head of School as chief administrator. Board Members are invited to serve for a period of three years and may be re-elected for additional terms.

BOOSTER CLUB The Booster Club is a group of interested parents, coaches, and faculty who come together for the purpose of supporting Riverfield’s athletic program. Memberships are offered for $50.00 annually. These Boosters support Middle and Upper School sports through volunteering in various capacities.

BOUNDARIES DURING LUNCH & FREE PERIODS During lunch and free periods, 6th – 12th grade students must stay within the following areas: Upper School cafeteria, the gym, outside on the path, or the grass south of the Upper School. Students in Upper School should stay in the same areas during free periods as well.

The following areas are examples of locations Middle and Upper School students cannot go: parking lots (without permission), the woods, and classrooms without a teacher. Students should always ask permission if they are unsure if they are allowed in a certain area.

CAMPUS Riverfield’s “country” campus is an integral part of the identity of the school, supporting both the barnyard and programs in outdoor education and environmental sustainability. Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots curriculum including projects, service, and recycling encourages the Riverfield community to reduce, reuse, and recycle. In the summer, the woods can be used for activities ranging from cooking and hiking, to low ropes course activities. Beaver Branch of Mooser Creek flows through the school property, cutting through cliffs and mud banks suitable for exploration. In 1999, Steve Jatras’s generous gift of additional land to the east of the creek bed brought the total to 88 acres. Thanks to a generous donation from Genave Rogers in August 2006, Riverfield purchased adjacent land to the west that increased the campus to 120 acres. Use of all aspects of the campus is strongly encouraged for all ages, from Pre-School through Upper School.

CELL PHONES/SMART WATCHES Students in 4th – 12th grades may bring cell phones and smart watches to school.

In 4th – 8th grades, these devices must remain off (not just in silent/vibrate mode) and kept in students’ lockers and should not be used in any capacity during the academic day (calls, text messages, social media, photography, music, etc.), unless by permission of a faculty member or administrator. For 6th – 12th grades, use in the classroom will be at the teacher’s discretion. We encourage families to limit cell phone communication with their students to before and after school or during lunch periods. For any family communication, school phones will be available for student use. Any phones in use without permission during the day will be confiscated and returned at the day’s end. Repeated infractions will result in a family member being asked to pick up the device and student may be assigned after school work detail.

In the Upper School, increased maturity brings access to these devices. Cell phones may be used during passing periods, free periods and lunch, as well as at the discretion of the teacher.

7 CHECK IN & CHECK OUT As the school day begins at 8:30am, arrival after that time requires Middle School students to sign in at the front desk of the Rogers Building before proceeding to class, while Upper School students should sign in with personnel at the front desk of the Upper School for an admit slip. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late to class will be marked absent. Excessive tardiness may result in disciplinary action. See Tardies.

Students are not to leave class except in the case of an appointment, illness, or family emergency. Only the Dean of Students and Heads of Middle or Upper School may dismiss students from school. Seniors may leave campus with senior privileges. Unscheduled time (free period) is considered valuable educational time and is not time for personal business. Students will not be allowed to use scheduled or unscheduled time for off-campus private lessons or personal business of any kind without the permission of the Dean of Students or Heads of Middle or Upper School.

If a student must leave during the school day, the respective front desk must be notified by a parent/guardian, and the student must sign out prior to the appointment. Upon return to campus, they must provide paperwork documenting the appointment. In the case of an appointment conflicting with an athletic commitment, the note should be given to the Director of Athletics. It is the student’s responsibility to notify all teachers of classes to be missed for an appointment.

Students who become ill during the school day should report to the administrative assistant of the Middle or Upper School. Students leaving on senior privileges must sign out when they leave campus and sign back in upon their return.

Please note: all departures and arrivals during the academic day require the student to sign in/out at the front desk. No student will be allowed to leave campus during the day without parental permission.

CHILD/EMPLOYEE PROTECTION Riverfield seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in its programs and activities. By implementing the practices below, the school’s goal is to protect the children of RCDS from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our employees and volunteers from false accusations.

Definitions: For the purposes of this policy, please use the following definitions: a) “Child” or “children” includes all persons under the age of 18 years. b) The term “worker” includes both paid and volunteer persons who work with children. For Riverfield purposes, volunteers are anyone who spends extensive time or travels consistently with children. c) “Child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological, or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes the following:  Physical abuse – any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.  Emotional abuse – emotional injury occurring when the child is not nurtured or provided with love and security, such an environment of constant criticism, belittling, and persistent teasing.  Sexual abuse – any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child and another child at least four years older than the victim, including fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.  Neglect – depriving a child of his/her essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

Selection of Workers: All persons who desire to work with Riverfield children will be screened. The screening includes the following: a) Written Application: All persons seeking to work with children must complete and sign a written application in a form supplied by the school. The application will request basic information from the applicant and will inquire into previous experience with children, previous RCDS affiliation, reference and employment information, and disclosure of any previous criminal convictions. The application form will be maintained in confidence on file at Riverfield. b) Personal Interview: Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview may be scheduled with the applicant to discuss his/her suitability for the position. c) Reference Checks: Before an applicant is permitted to work with children, at least two of the applicant’s references will be checked. These references should be of an institutional nature as opposed to personal or family references, preferably from organizations were the applicant has worked with children in the past. Documentation of the reference checks will be maintained in confidence on file at Riverfield. d) Criminal Background Check: Before the required national criminal background check is run, prospective workers will be asked to sign an authorization form allowing RCDS to run the check. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form, he/she will be unable to work with children.  The background check is required for all employees (regardless of position) and for the following categories of workers who plan to volunteer on an extended basis: o Those who will be involved in the school; o Those who will be involved in overnight activities with children; o Those counseling children; o Those involved in one-on-one mentorship of children; and o Those having occasional one-on-one contact with children, such as school-sponsored athletic team coaches and vehicle drivers. 8  Based on crimes revealed by the background check, what constitutes a disqualifying offense that would keep an individual from working with children will be determined by the Head of School on a case-by-case basis in light of surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for an offense involving children and/or offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency, and any conduct contrary to the school’s mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event.  The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at Riverfield. e) Six Month Rule: No volunteer will be considered for any position involving contact with minors until he/she has been involved with RCDS for a minimum of six months. This time of interaction between our leadership and the applicant allows for better evaluation and suitability of the applicant for working with children. The Six Month Rule does not apply to parents or grandparents of current students. Two Adult Rule: It is the school’s goal that a minimum of two unrelated adult workers be in attendance at all times when children are being supervised during Riverfield’s school day as well as extra-curricular programs and activities. Some classes may have only one adult teacher in attendance during the class session; in these instances, doors to the classroom should remain open and there should be no fewer than three students with the adult teacher. Riverfield does not allow minors to be alone with one adult while on campus or at any school-sponsored activity, unless in a counseling situation.

Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse: Childcare workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the children under his/her care. In the event that a worker becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported immediately to the Head of School for further action, including reporting to authorities as mandated by state law.

In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at Riverfield or during a school-sponsored program or activity, the following procedure should be followed: a) The parent/guardian of the child will be notified. b) The worker alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on leave from working with children pending an investigation and will be instructed to remain away from the premises during the investigation. c) Civil authorities will be notified, and the school will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law requires. The school will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities. d) The school’s insurance company will be notified, and the school will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company. e) The Head of School will be the spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect, unless he/she is alleged to be involved. Riverfield will seek the advice of legal counsel before responding to media inquiries or releasing information to the school community. All other representatives of the school should refrain from speaking to the media. f) Any person not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from his/her position working with children.

COLLEGE COUNSELING The college counseling process begins informally as students enter Upper School. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves in their coursework. It is our intent that every RCDS student has the option to go to a college that fits his/her talents and interests. In the fall, the underclassmen and their families will attend a meeting to discuss the college entrance process. Individual meetings will be set up for families and students to discuss his/her specific path. Students take SAT/ACT Prep class during their 10th and 11th grade years.

COMMON SPACES Riverfield’s value for community is reflected in the amount of common spaces in and around our buildings for students and faculty to gather, work, and learn. Students and faculty alike are responsible for the cleanliness and appearance of these spaces, and will be asked as needed to assist with upkeep. Our axiom is to always, “leave it better than you found it!”

COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILIES It is very important for the school and family connection to be strong. Riverfield utilizes many methods to communicate with families – email, “Take Home” folders, RenWeb, the Monday Memo, newsletters, website, etc. If you do not have an email address, please notify the front desk and your student’s teachers that you will need paper copies of school correspondence. A great deal of school communication is done electronically. If a family needs communication in their preferred language or through translation, please contact the school to let us know.

In the Pre-School, faculty messages are posted in the classroom or in designated classroom areas. Families may check the classroom bulletin boards and the “Today We…” announcements for information. These are usually emailed as well. Families should read documentation to gain a sense of what has been happening in class investigations. Information about field trips and other special events is prominently displayed. “Daily Sheet” information about infants’ nap, diaper, and feeding events is exchanged daily in the Bird and Butterfly classrooms. Periodically, Class/Wing newsletters share more curriculum information. A Family Message Book is available for each classroom where family members may leave the teacher a note. Information about changes in routine is especially pertinent here — doctor’s appointments, families’ out-of- town schedules, change in who drops off or picks up, etc. REMEMBER: The front office must be notified by the submission of a Pick-Up Pass. See Pick-Up Pass. 9 In the K-3rd grades, teachers communicate electronically with families on a regular basis. Family information such as class schedules, field trip dates, sign-up sheets, etc. may be found outside each classroom. A Family Message Book is available for each classroom for family members to leave the teacher a note. Information about changes in routine is especially pertinent here — doctor’s appointments, families’ out-of-town schedules, change in who drops off or picks up, etc. REMEMBER: The front office must be notified by the submission of a Pick-Up Pass. See Pick-Up Pass.

Starting in 4th grade, the faculty works toward students being responsible for relaying routine announcements to their families. Modes of electronic communication include the Bloomz and Remind apps, RenWeb, and email. All 4th/5th grade students have a limited-access Riverfield email address usually using the first two letters of their first name and their last name (Example: Jane Smith would be [email protected]).

In the Middle and Upper School, students are expected to act as reliable conduits of information to their families. Routine announcements are on RenWeb, while confidential correspondence will be emailed. The use of computers gives students an added medium for communicating with teachers and each other and for organizational details. All Middle and Upper School students have a Riverfield email address usually using the first two letters of their first name and their last name (Example: Jane Smith would be [email protected]).

In any grade/age, when there are differences or difficulties, families and program staff will have a meeting to discuss the situation and come to a resolution. The meeting may take place with all parties present in person or by phone.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Students in Upper School are required to complete 25 hours of service each year as part of Riverfield’s graduation requirements. They can enroll in a service learning elective, which provides enough hours to meet the requirement. Alternatively, students can work with the Service Learning Coordinator to complete their hours through off campus service projects.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT Students in 11th and 12th grades have the option of taking courses at Tulsa Community College (TCC) or Tulsa Technology Center (TTC). They must comply with entrance requirements at these institutions, which, at TCC, includes taking the ACT.

CONFERENCES In general, Riverfield families participate in scheduled conferences throughout the year, although brief, informal, ad hoc conferencing occurs as needed. Any family member in any Division may request a conference at any time. Styles of conferring about students differ from one Division to another. Note: Riverfield may be unable to provide supervision for siblings who come with families during conferences, unless the child is enrolled and in class at the time of the conference. With advanced notice, it may be possible to arrange supervision for Riverfield students who are not in class during a sibling’s conference.

Pre-School (3-4 times per year): An early fall conference is scheduled for families and teachers to share their hopes and dreams for the child’s year at RCDS. New Infants – 3s families have a Home Visit before school begins in lieu of the fall conference. The winter and spring conferences provide an overview of development of the whole child. Additional conferences are encouraged any time the teachers or family feels it is necessary to support academic or social/emotional growth.

K – 3rd Grades (3 times per year): Three conferences are scheduled for each student. Additional conferences are encouraged any time the teacher or family feels it is necessary to support academic or social/emotional growth.

4th – 12th Grades (2 times per year): Twice each year on a weekday afternoon/evening (November and February) family conferences are held. Families sign up for conferences online via an emailed link. Students are not required to attend conferences unless requested to attend by a family member or teacher. Conferences with advisors and teachers may be held at any time and are encouraged.

CURRICULUM Riverfield is committed to the individual student and to multi-age settings. It is the school’s belief that students should mature in a balanced environment that exposes them to the behaviors, expectations, and achievements of other students of a variety of ages, rather than those of a single age, for at least part of each day. The school also stands behind the concept that students need fresh air and daylight. Classrooms exit to the outdoors, and large windows bring the outdoor world indoors. At lunchtime, weather permitting, K – 12th grade students have an opportunity to be outdoors. Riverfield believes strongly in incorporating and applying the latest research into the curriculum as it pertains to the philosophy of the school.

The Pre-School curriculum educates the whole child, and it is our belief that solid social/emotional development is the foundation for academic learning and success. Working alongside teachers who intentionally bring organization to the day and week, children are invited to engage, think, problem-solve, collaborate, create, and communicate. Literacy and math are deeply embedded in to the child’s daily life. Through full integration of every academic domain, daily life becomes a place not for memorization of facts, void of relevancy to the child, but a place where the very experience and the relationships within it compel the child to co-construct knowledge and make meaning of the world. The Pre-School curriculum and daily practices are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education.

10 The planned activities, daily schedule, availability and use of materials, transitions between activities, and routine tasks of living are all used as learning experiences. Criteria for curriculum implementation reflect the knowledge that young children are active learners, drawing on direct physical and social experience, as well as culturally transmitted knowledge to construct their understanding of the world around them. In 1996, Riverfield was the first school in Tulsa to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our curriculum has always been in line with the goals and objectives provided by NAEYC.

Core components of the Lower School (K –5th grade) curriculum are investigation and research, which often develop from the interests and inquiries of the group. These projects often integrate math, literacy, social studies, science, and the arts and support complex thinking, problem solving, research, and innovation. This instruction is delivered in small groups as well as in whole groups. Life skills like cooperation, critical thinking, decision-making, responsibility, communication, collaboration, and concern for others are integrated throughout the Division’s curriculum.

In the Lower School, literacy begins with a print-rich environment then continues to expand and explore the meaning and possibilities of more complicated text. Using multiple Language Arts methods, each child develops a variety of reading and writing skills and strategies, which form a solid base for on-going growth. The students’ skills and knowledge are challenged through Language Arts coursework with increasing complexity. A variety of methods are used in our constructivist, hands-on approach to mathematics. This curriculum features real-life problem solving, balanced instruction, and multiple methods for basic skills practice, as well as additional resources for math computation. We support student growth by recognizing the value of strong organizational skills and developing further tools and algorithms necessary for future success. Social Studies, Geography, and Science are an integrated part of the Lower School curriculum, as well as enrichment opportunities through Music, Art, PE, Spanish, German, and Library Skills.

The Middle School (6th – 8th grade) curriculum reflects the ways that early adolescents need reliable routines in the school day, coaching in the handling of time management and organization of assignments, increased exposure to scale, and complexity of tools, such as computer- assisted learning or science experiments. They also rely on the consistent emotional presence of the faculty and staff. These acknowledgements of developmental realities clear the way for pre-teens and young teenagers to engage intellectually with a demanding academic plan.

In the Upper School (9th – 12th), the purpose of the academic program is to challenge and support each student so that he/she will graduate from Riverfield ready to meet the demands of a competitive college or university and of life. Departmental course offerings are carefully designed to teach students to read and write well and to think critically and independently as they hone the ability to apply the learning skills essential to achieving their full potential. In small classes, students are encouraged and expected to prepare thoroughly for every meeting and to interact with both the teacher and their peers. Riverfield fosters in each of its students the development of self-confidence and a sense of purpose in academic and personal goals. Course descriptions are available in the Upper School brochure. Also see Graduation Requirements for Upper School.

A typical course sequence is as follows: Freshman Year: English I - History - Algebra I or Geometry - Biology - Foreign Language - Athletics - Electives Sophomore Year: English II - History - Algebra II or Geometry - Chemistry - Foreign Language - Athletics - ACT Prep - Electives Junior Year: English III - History - Algebra II, Algebra III, or Pre-Calculus - Physics or Advanced Environmental Science - Foreign Language - Athletics - Electives - SAT/ACT Prep Senior Year: English IV - History - Algebra III, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus - Anatomy & Physiology, Advanced Environmental Science, or Astronomy - Athletics - Electives Additional information on Riverfield curriculum is available from Division Heads and Coordinators, online, or in brochures.

DISMISSAL TIME For families with students in multiple Divisions/Wings, we ask that families make multiple picks ups, starting with Pre-School pick up in the Main Building at 3:00pm, then Lower School and/or Upper School 3:20pm carline followed by the 3:35pm Middle School carline at the Rogers Building.

Pre-School will dismiss at 3:00pm daily with students enrolled in Extended Day staying after this time. Family members should come into the building to sign the child out by name and time in the notebook or space provided by each classroom. Please do not drop off or pick up children over the fence of the playground or use the gates of the playgrounds to enter or exit the school. If a younger sibling wishes to stay past 3:00pm as a result of an older sibling’s schedule, family members MUST request extra hours in advance and receive prior approval from the Division Head.

Lower School students will be dismissed each day at 3:20pm with students enrolled in Extended Day staying after this time. If a younger sibling wishes to stay past 3:20pm as a result of an older sibling’s schedule, family members MUST request and receive approval for extra hours in advance. Families of Lower School children may prefer to come to the classrooms to pick up their children at 3:20pm. Alternately, Lower School students may be picked up in the carline at the north rear entrance of the Main Building. This door will be locked at 3:35pm, and family members must park in the front parking lot and enter the building through the front door to pick up their students. From 3:30 – 5:30pm, the front desk staff will be happy to “walkie-talkie” After School Club and ask a student to meet family members in the front of the Main Building. Students will NOT be released from the north rear entrance after carline ends at 3:30pm. 11 The Middle School day will end at 3:35pm, with students who participate in after school athletics, extra-curricular activities, or After School Club staying after this time. Students in Middle School participate in a staggered carline from 3:35-3:50pm at the circle drive of the Rogers Building to allow the generally short 3:20-3:30pm Upper School carline to move through. Families of 6th – 8th graders are asked to not arrive at the circle drive until at least 3:30pm. From 3:50 – 5:30pm, the front desk staff will be happy to “walkie-talkie” After School Club and ask a student to meet family members in the front of the Rogers Building.

The Upper School will be dismissed at 3:20pm with a short carline from 3:20-3:30pm. Students may be on campus from 3:20-5:30pm at no charge to work on projects, meet with teachers, or participate in after school athletics or extra-curricular opportunities. Upper School students must be picked up by 5:30pm from the Rogers Building circle drive unless they are still participating in athletics or extra-curricular activities.

DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS Consistent with Riverfield's respect for individuality, the school does not have a uniform. Respect for the learning environment should be shown by coming to school appropriately dressed and within the bounds of responsible decision-making. Students should realize they are representing themselves and the Riverfield community when choosing attire. Generally, dress and grooming that attracts undue attention or infringes on the rights of others is considered not to be in the spirit of the dress code.

Pre-School and Lower School students should have a complete change of clothing at school in a Ziploc bag labeled with his/her name.

Pre-School Clothing: Clothing appropriate for active play and outdoor activity should be worn to school each day. Clothing may include slogans, logos, and pictures that are in good taste and do not promote anything illegal, violent, or offensive. Pull-on shorts or long pants or jeans with elastic waist (not snaps, zippers, belts, suspenders, etc.) are recommended for ease in toileting or diapering.

Children in diapers should wear pants, shorts, or one-piece outfits that have snaps all the way to the ankle so that diaper-changing can take place efficiently. We encourage independence in dressing, toileting, etc. Therefore, “self-help” style clothing is the most practical. Clothes need to be big enough to allow for ease of pulling on and off, yet stay up comfortably (underwear included).

Shoes: Enclosed toe and heel, rubber-soled shoes such as tennis shoes, round-toed hiking boots, or Croc-type shoes with heel straps are required. All children are expected to wear shoes and socks at all times, unless wearing Crocs (in which case no socks are needed). Due to daily indoor climbing and outdoor play, the following shoes are not acceptable: pointed-toe boots, sandals (including Birkenstock-style, jellies, flip-flops), and slippery-soled shoes such as dress shoes.

A second pair of washable tennis shoes, water shoes, or Crocs is required for water play in the summer on the playground or the splash pad sprinkler park. Be sure a pair of dry tennis shoes or Crocs are available to wear after water play. Infants in the Bird and Butterfly Classes may be barefoot indoors and on the outdoor infant patio. When weather is cool, socks with treads are the most helpful, so infants won’t slip as they are learning to walk. Outdoors, rubber-soled shoes or water shoes in warm weather are the most helpful for infants. During the school year, a pair of rain boots is helpful to keep at school for muddy days of outdoor play or hikes. Shoes must stay on a child’s feet without falling off.

Lower School Clothing: Students should wear clothing to school that is neat, clean, comfortable, and the correct size for the wearer. Clothing should not cause distractions or disruptions of the educational process. Clothing with images or labels are permitted, provided they are in good taste and do not include any profanity or inappropriate references. They also may not promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence, or any other illegal, illicit, or offensive topic. Halter tops, spaghetti straps, tube tops, and pants that ride too low when bending or sitting are not to be worn to school. Tank tops must have three fingers of width on the straps. On field trip days, Lower School students wear the RCDS back to school shirt given to each student in the fall.

Shoes: Shoes with enclosed toe and heel are required for safety. Tennis shoes or gym shoes are a requirement for all students on PE days and must have non-skid, non-marking soles. Sandals, flip-flops, and jellies are not acceptable shoes in the Lower School. Croc-type shoes are acceptable if worn with back strap but are not intended for running, i.e. on PE days. Shoes need to be appropriate for the types of physical activity in which students will be involved each day. Children are expected to wear shoes at all times.

Middle and Upper School It is our job as Middle and Upper School educators to prepare our students for the next stage of their lives. That stage will involve interviewing for a job with a dress code. Learning to navigate and consider audience when you are choosing your clothes is an important life skill. It is exactly the same thing we teach in writing, so students already have a point of reference.

 All clothing must be clean and in good repair. Heavily tattered clothing is not acceptable. This includes jeans and shorts that are distressed or have holes above mid-thigh. Distressed jeans are a current acceptable fad, as long as the distressed area is below mid- thigh.  A student’s torso, chest, or undergarments should not show at any time, even while sitting, bending, or leaning. Sleeveless shirts must cover at least two inches of each shoulder.  Pants may not “sag” (drop below the waist line). 12  Leggings/exercise pants must be covered by a top that reaches at least mid-thigh.  Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be at least as long as the student’s fingertips when arms are held loosely by his/her side.  Shirt straps must be at least two inches wide.  Safety and sanitation dictate that students wear appropriate footwear.  Hats and hoods are not permitted inside.  Clothing with images or labels must be in good taste and may not include profanity or any inappropriate references. They also may not promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence, or any other illegal, illicit, or offensive topic.  Examples of unacceptable piercings include, but are not limited to nose hoops, eyebrows, tongues, lips, and other facial piercings. Gauging is not appropriate. Ear piercings and small nose studs are acceptable.

If an article of clothing is deemed inappropriate by the RCDS administrative team, a student could be asked to change, or parents will be called if a suitable alternative is not available. Continued dress code infractions will result in disciplinary action.

ELECTIVES Students in 6th – 12th grades have the opportunity to take two or three electives each semester. Each year electives are determined by faculty and student interest and expertise. There will be an add/drop period in the first two weeks of the semester, after which students must keep their elective. Add/drop forms must be completed, and parent and teacher permission is required to make changes to the student’s schedule.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES All 6th – 12th students are subject to the eligibility requirements of both the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association (OSSAA) and Riverfield Country Day School. Scholastic eligibility for students will be checked after three weeks of a semester and each succeeding week thereafter. A student must be passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in during a semester. If a student is not passing all subjects enrolled in on the day of the grade check, he/she will be placed on probation for the next one-week period. If a student is still failing one or more classes during the next week on the grade check day, he/she will be ineligible to participate during the next one-week period. The ineligibility period will begin on Monday and end on Sunday. A student who has lost eligibility under this provision must be passing all classes in order to regain eligibility. A student regains eligibility under this policy with the first class of the new one-week period (Monday through Sunday). A senior student maintains eligibility by passing the classes required for graduation. School day attendance is required to compete in an activity on the same day. Any exceptions such as personal emergencies must be approved by the Division Head or his/her designee.

EMAIL Emails to Parents: Most often information regarding the school day and upcoming events is sent via email. Please make certain that the email address where you wish to receive school information is on file with the school.

Emails to Front Desk(s): to report absences or update student information email [email protected]. Middle School student absences should also be reported to [email protected], while Upper School families should report absences to [email protected].

Emails to Staff: All teachers and administrators can generally be reached at first initial and last name (example: [email protected] or [email protected]). Herr Tom Clark ([email protected]) and Mrs. Carly Williams ([email protected]) are the exceptions to this rule. Additionally, the co-teachers of all Pre-School and Lower School classes can be reached at class name (example: [email protected] or [email protected]).

EXTRA CREDIT Current educational philosophy views extra credit as counterproductive and as a contributing factor to incomplete and missing work. It also may give students a false sense that they can put less effort into regular work as they will be able to make it up. Students, therefore, should not count on extra credit being assigned as a mechanism to improve their overall grade.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: PRE-SCHOOL & LOWER SCHOOL Opportunities at Riverfield or sponsored by Riverfield include music, sports, Scouting, and more. These groups will have information available and will be accepting enrollment forms during the Activity Fair. Additional fees apply to some of these options. In order to participate in these activities, parents must register with the organization and complete an Extra-Curricular Release Form, available at the front desk.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL Extra-curricular activities will be offered as a part of the school program for 6th – 12th grades. Sports practices, music lessons, and other activities will take place before and after school with varying schedules. Some extra-curricular opportunities could take place during Middle School M.A.A.P. Additional fees may apply.

13 EXTRA DAYS/EXTRA HOURS Parents wishing to add extra days or extra hours to the time they originally contracted will need to complete a request form at the front desk. This is the policy for all ages/grades of students. In all Divisions, requests for extra hours or days will be responded to following a check for availability according to staff/student ratios per age group. Extra days may only be available if another student is absent. If approved, extra hours are $16.00/hour and extra days are $60.00/School Day and $75.00/Extended Day. If a student is not picked up at the approved time, families will be billed $1.00/minute/student.

FALL CAMPOUT/RETREAT Students attend a campout in the fall of each year, generally the week following Labor Day. The 4th – 5th grade campout is Thursday and Friday; the Middle School retreat is Wednesday-Friday; and the Upper School Campout is Wednesday and Thursday. These are separate campouts at different locations.

The purpose of these events is to foster relationships among students and between faculty and students, integrate new students, empower students as leaders, and provide opportunities to connect to the natural world. This enables student to be centered, confident, and respectful members of our community.

Details on these trips are sent to families in advance and, generally, a nominal fee is billed for food and transportation costs. It is the expectation that all students attend, as it is the foundational experience of the community.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Riverfield is a “family school.” Families are encouraged to reinforce school learning at home. They also may take an active role in the classroom, on field trips, and in other school-sponsored events. Parents are welcome to visit and observe in their child’s class at any time. Especially in K – 12th grades, it is helpful to contact the teacher about the date and time of your visit to ensure that the class will be on campus. The Riverfield Family Association (RFA), to which all parents and teachers belong, sponsors various activities throughout the year. A free lending library of books, videos, and magazines on parenting is available. Families should see Division Heads for age-specific selections.

The school advocates that a student be represented by a parent/guardian at three essential events: Family Orientation, Conferences, and Curriculum Nights. These meetings are critical for family/school understanding and communication.

FIELD DAY Lower School students participate in a variety of games and physical activities on Field Day, generally held in the last weeks of the school year. These students are grouped by grade level and participate in a variety of games on the field, water relays, and inflatables.

FIELD TRIPS Students of all ages at Riverfield take field trips. Families will be notified in advance of each field trip by email message, notices sent home, and/or notes posted in the classroom. When traveling by bus or car, Pre-School students will always be in seat belts. Students in K-12th grades will be in seatbelts or in a bus with compartmentalized seating (certified by Oklahoma Highway Patrol). Students are encouraged to arrive on time to ride with their class on the bus for field trips. If a student arrives after the bus has left, parents must check in at the front desk. Parents can take their child to join the field trip, or the child can join another classroom if space is available.

Infants – 3s make their way down the central hallway for indoor trips in strollers and in buddy pairs, holding hands. They visit the barnyard and venture to the sports fields and the woods. Individual classes may schedule evening or weekend family field trips to meet and enjoy an outing together to such locations as a pumpkin patch, the zoo, or a local park or event.

Children in the 3s – 5s Wing learn the routine for bus trips on the Riverfield buses and explore Tulsa. A curriculum of discovery sends them behind the scenes for developmentally appropriate first-hand experiences at grocery stores, the post office, parks, and places that coincide with classroom investigations. Children in the 3s – 5s Wing make trips once a week, alternating ends of the week to accommodate part- week participants. Families of the older 3s – 5s children, if desired, may choose to be host to the class for a short field trip visit to their home. Supervision for safety will be as required by NAEYC: a complete first aid kit, a cell phone (or walkie-talkie for on-campus trips), and access to maintenance/security for alternate transportation arrangements if needed.

Field trips continue in the Lower School, becoming increasingly interconnected with curriculum and class projects. For instance, when the K – 1st grades worked on a rainforest investigation they visited that exhibit at the Tulsa Zoo, and when the 2nd – 3rd grades studied American biographies they spent the day at the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore. Students should wear the RCDS back to school shirt given to each student in the fall.

In the Middle School, 6th – 8th students have a variety of opportunities for local field trips to museums and other destinations that connect to the curriculum. 6th – 8th graders participate in a culminating out-of-town bus trip to Kansas City, Dallas, or Oklahoma City on a three- year rotation. Details on the Spring Trip are sent to families in advance and, generally, a nominal fee is billed for food and transportation costs.

14 In the Upper School, the students and faculty coordinate a series of field trips that range from general introductory team-building experiences to specifically targeted connections with community resources. Each April, Upper School students spend a day visiting a college campus and surrounding points of interest.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Although at this time Riverfield does not have an endowed scholarship program, the Board has made a commitment for tuition support from the operating budget. These funds are supplemented by those raised during a special scholarship-raising portion of the annual auction each spring. Kindergarten – 12th grade students are eligible to apply for a limited number of partial awards, with paperwork available February 1st. It is the intent of the financial assistance program to aid the retention of families committed to the school, as well as to attract a more diverse student body. Applicant need is prioritized through a nationally known service for scholarship applicants. The school uses FACTS, an independent service that assists schools in determining financial need. Potential applicants interested in more information about the financial assistance program may contact Riverfield's Director of Admissions or Business Officer in February. The admissions and enrollment process must be completed before a student can be considered for financial aid. All financial aid applications for the following school year must be submitted online by April 1st.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION School year tuition may be paid by the year, semester, or month. Plan A: tuition for the entire school year is due July 15th. Plan B: tuition is due July 15th and December 15th. Plan C: equal monthly payments are due August through April on the 15th of the month. FACTS (bank draft) is available and is required for those making monthly payments in order to receive the Early Bird discount.

The business office will email statements around the 5th of each month to families with a balance due. If not using FACTS, checks payable to Riverfield, RCDS, or Riverfield Country Day School should be put in the Tuition Boxes at the front desk of the Main or Upper School buildings. A late fee of 5% of the account’s unpaid balance is due after the last day of the month. Please be sure the student’s name is on the check. There is a $30.00 charge for returned checks or drafts.

Please note that tuition is based on the age/grade level of a student, number of days attending for Pre-School students, and hours enrolled. All monthly tuition is based on an annual amount and divided into equal payments. Extended Day tuition covers the cost of Spring Break. Students not enrolled in full Extended Day are not eligible to attend during Spring Break.

The Extended-Extended Day fee is $40.00 per month per student. Unless a student is specifically enrolled for this time (5:30 – 6:00pm) and the family has paid the additional fee, he or she may not be at school after 5:30pm. The families of students who are left on campus past their end-of-day at 3:00, 3:20, 3:30, 5:30, or 6:00pm will be billed $1.00 per minute for the privilege.

There are no withdrawals from the Lower, Middle, or Upper School. Families are responsible for the full year’s tuition. Notwithstanding the other provisions of the school year contract, parents may withdraw a child from the Pre-School at any time before December 15th, giving 60 or more days written notice prior to the next date monthly tuition payments are payable. Parents are responsible for any tuition payments falling due during the notice period. After December 15th, no enrollment changes or cancellations may be made.

FOOD AT SCHOOL Breakfast should be eaten before arrival at Riverfield. This includes Starbucks/coffee/hot chocolate/QT drinks. Soda and candy are not permitted at school, on field trips, or in lunches for Pre-School, Lower, and Middle School students. Soda for Upper School students may be prohibited at any time or in any location at a teacher’s discretion. Energy drinks (Red Bull, Rock Star, etc.) are not permitted for students of any age at school or at any school-sponsored event.

In compliance with our accreditation guidelines, families may only bring whole foods (uncut fruits, for example) or commercially prepared and sealed foods (e.g. prepackaged vegetable trays or muffins) when bringing snacks to share with the class. It is within our guidelines for teachers with valid food handlers permits to prepare food with children for birthday celebrations or other classroom activities. Regarding nut allergies, the Pre-School and Lower School are “nut-free”; no student should bring any products with any type of nut in it to school in these Divisions. The nut allergies of Middle School and Upper School students and non-nut allergies of all students will be handled on an individual basis with those affected.

For Middle School students, food and beverages are to be consumed only at lunch or during special circumstances. Students cannot have food or drink (except water bottles) in classrooms. Consumption must occur in the Upper School cafeteria only. Upper School students have access to The Market during free periods. Food can be consumed in the cafeteria area or outside. As a general rule for Middle and Upper School, food/drink cannot be consumed on any carpeted area without special permission.

FREE PERIODS As students progress into Upper School, the schedule allows for free periods occasionally during the week. A quiet Study Hall room will be designated and available for any student to use during free periods. All 9th grade students are assigned Study Hall during free periods for the first quarter. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with “As”, “Bs”, or “Cs” will earn all free periods. Students with grades of “D” or below will have Study Hall during some or all free periods. After the first quarter, freshmen can earn free periods, if all their grades are “As” and “Bs”.

15 The Academic Dean monitors grades weekly and will assign or remove Study Hall as grades change. Teachers may also suggest that students lose the privilege of free periods. Inappropriate behavior could also result in a write up with a consequence being the loss of free period privileges.

FRIDAY NIGHTS OUT The RFA sponsors a series of on-campus Friday Nights Out for a fee. This service allows parents and infant – 5th grade children a night out and raises money for the school. These events run until 11:00pm and may have seasonal themes that determine the activities planned for the evening. Dinner is included. After games and projects, depending on their age, children change into their pajamas, watch a movie, and rest. Families are welcome to volunteer to help as long as they have passed Riverfield’s background check prior to the event. One child of a parent volunteer may attend at no charge. Many times the dates coincide with social events for Middle and Upper School students as well. See 2020-21 Calendar on page 34.

FUNDRAISING The school calendar of all private independent schools, even the most heavily endowed, is punctuated by the fundraising schedule; tuition at a school never covers all the expenses a school incurs. Such events as the Raven Fund, Sapphire Celebration, Golf Tournament, Legacy, a Raffle on Visiting Day, and the occasional Capital Campaign are the foundation for additional resources to enrich the school’s program. Families in an independent school can expect to be invited to participate in these events by donating money and/or time. Categories for giving include gifts of cash, gifts through purchases, gifts in-kind, tributes and memorials, gifts of property, securities, beneficiary life insurance, gift annuities, trusts, and bequests. It is often possible to maximize a financial contribution through corporate matching programs. Varieties of fundraising opportunities are available at Riverfield with something for everyone!

GOALS & OBJECTIVES Riverfield has a unique culture that is embedded in the mission as well as the daily routine. Riverfield has a strong family-centered atmosphere and strives to meet the needs of families and students with personal attention. Through the Master Planning process there was a conscious effort to keep the buildings close together to allow for interaction among students of all ages. As our school continues to expand, maintaining the culture will be a challenge, but it is a focus of all major constituencies and the Board of Trustees.

Goals of the school include:  To develop the whole individual. The unique social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and moral needs of each student are continually evaluated as a program is tailored to the student as he or she continues to grow and develop, from infancy through Upper School.

 To offer developmentally appropriate and excellent education. Teachers are well versed in the developmental stages of the ages with whom they work. They know each student well and have high expectations for the individual’s learning and development. Considering abilities, developmental levels and learning styles, teachers plan the environment, schedules, activities, and projects. They strive to provide opportunities for every student to actively participate, contribute successfully, and work to potential.  To maintain a family-like atmosphere. Students, teachers, and families work together closely. Small student-teacher ratios and family/advisor groups provide personalized attention. A student may stay with the same teacher for two to three years even through their Middle and Upper School years; some teachers instruct in more than one Division to add continuity. Opportunities to interact with all ages occur through regularly scheduled events and on-going programs.  To serve the family as well as the student. Year-round programming, before- and after-school care, and special services, such as on-site tutoring and extra-curricular activities, help meet the needs of family schedules. Parenting education programs are on- going, and families are encouraged to become involved. Many family members volunteer in the classroom or for events, on a committee, or Board.  To provide a diverse population. An open admissions policy encourages students of varying learning styles and abilities to apply. As an independent school, the tuition is purposely set at mid-range to allow for a broad socio-economic mix. Financial assistance is available for K – 12th grade students who qualify through FACTS, an independent service that assists schools in determining financial need.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) Riverfield operates on 4.0 scale with the following breakdown and percentages. A 4.0 93-100% C 2.0 73-76% A- 3.67 90-92% C- 1.67 70-72% B+ 3.33 87-89% D+ 1.33 67-69% B 3.0 83-86% D 1.0 63-66% B- 2.67 80-82% D- .67 60-62% C+ 2.33 77-79% F 0.0 59% or below

16 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR UPPER SCHOOL To graduate from Riverfield, students must:  Earn at least five credits each year they attend RCDS (four core credits, ½ credit for a graded elective, and ¼ credit each for Awareness and Service Learning) for a total of 20 credits required for graduation.  At least 15 of the 20 credits must be in core subjects as described by the minimum entry requirements for Oklahoma Colleges and Universities.  Be enrolled in at least four core courses (though five is recommended) each year they attend Riverfield.  Students are required to complete 25 service hours a year. See Community Service. Students can accumulate seven credits per year if they take the recommended five cores, three possible electives, and the required Awareness and Service classes. Students should earn as many credits as possible to strengthen their transcript for college admissions.

Following are the guidelines for the senior year at Riverfield.  All 12th grade students must earn four core subject credits during their senior year.  Since many seniors only need one English credit to complete the required 15 core subject credits, they have the opportunity and flexibility to choose from Riverfield courses or concurrent enrollment options at Tulsa Community College (TCC) or Tulsa Technology Center (TTC). o A three-hour semester TCC course equals ½ core credit. o A half-day program at Tulsa Tech equals three core credits.  Seniors must take a math course at Riverfield or TCC unless they are enrolled in a Tulsa Tech program or receive special permission from the Upper School Division Head. Students enrolling in concurrent programs like TCC and Tulsa Tech will still be responsible for full tuition at Riverfield. If a student takes multiple college courses that require tuition and fees and submits receipts to the Upper School Division Head, Riverfield will pay a portion (usually 50%) of these costs.

GUM CHEWING The chewing of gum is prohibited in the Main Building for students. It is also prohibited off campus during school-sponsored or school- related activities. Upper School and Middle School students may chew gum on the south side of the bridge only. Gum may be prohibited at any time or in any location at a teacher’s discretion.

HARASSMENT Riverfield believes that a respectful, sensitive, and safe working and learning environment for all members of the community is of utmost importance. To maintain such an environment, all students, students’ families, staff, and employees of contracted service providers are expected to adhere to the highest standards of decency, goodwill, mutual respect, empathy, and sensitivity to others. While Riverfield values open discussion about religious, political, and other personal beliefs and values, it expects all such discussion to be engaged in in a respectful manner and in a way that adheres to the standards set out in this policy. Riverfield does not tolerate any behavior whatsoever that violates these standards. Specifically, Riverfield prohibits any and all forms of harassment, whether such harassment takes the form of physical, verbal, or electronic interaction. Prohibited harassment includes acts of discrimination based upon actual or perceived race, religion, religious or spiritual practices, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, handicap, disability, physical body type, weight, marital status, family structure, economic situation, neighborhood of residence, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, sex, creed, genetic predisposition, disease carrier status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Prohibited harassment includes behaviors commonly recognized as bullying, hazing, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse/assault. All are prohibited by this policy.

HEALTH & MEDICATION By order of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, students may attend school when they are well and fever-free. Any student will be excluded from school when his or her temperature is 101 degrees or greater and/or if a student shows behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness, as some contagious diseases may not include fever. If a student becomes ill during the day either on campus or on a field trip, parents will be notified and required to take the student home immediately (within an hour). A student must be free of fever (99 degrees or lower), diarrhea, and vomiting for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Riverfield reserves the right to deny admittance to any student who is ill or has not been out the required length of time. Furthermore, some ailments (i.e. rashes, recurring diarrhea, and/or vomiting) may require written release by a doctor who has examined the student.

The family of any student with a contagious illness or condition such as measles, fifth disease, chicken pox, or head lice or other infestations must report the condition to the school immediately, so other families can be notified that a case has occurred. Riverfield follows the Oklahoma State Department of Health guidelines regarding policies for notification, exclusion, and re-admittance; confidentiality is maintained. Children are observed throughout the day to monitor health and safety.

Riverfield's preference is that medicine be dispensed at home. However, if absolutely necessary, a prescription being given for a specific illness (after being examined by the student’s physician) may be administered at school in a pre-measured single dose, in the original labeled container. The pharmacist should prepare a second labeled bottle for a pre-measured single dose to avoid accidentally leaving the medication at school overnight or over the weekend. Instructions for giving medication at school must be written on the form 17 designated for each classroom. All medication and medical supplies must be labeled with the student's full name and must be kept in the medicine box in the appropriate Wing of the student’s Division – not a cubby, locker, or lunch box. In the Pre-School, medicines should go home with the student each day or be disposed of in the designated medical waste box. NOTE: For students in Pre-School – 5th grades, the school will ONLY give Tylenol/Motrin for pain if directly advised in writing by a physician AND if no fever is present. Faculty may administer over the counter medications to students in 6th – 12th grades with parent’s written permission on the Student Emergency Sheet.

Students who become ill during the day must be evaluated by a faculty/staff member or Division Head before contacting their parents/guardians. This ensures that both school and home are informed and can make the best possible decisions regarding care.

HOLIDAYS Riverfield is closed for holidays on Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, Winter Break, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. When a holiday falls mid-week or at a time when the school is closed for additional days, this will be noted in the school calendar. The school is also closed for Staff In-Service days in May and August. See 2020-21 Calendar on page 34.

HOMECOMING As Riverfield students graduate and move on to other adventures, the school desires to maintain a connection with these graduates and their families. Basketball homecoming takes place each winter. This event is highlighted by a spirit week, pep rally, and varsity basketball games and an alumni event.

HOME VISITS: INFANTS – 3S All Infants – 3s children enrolling for the first time receive a short home visit so families may meet teachers informally and become acquainted before the opening of school. This will be done for students enrolled before July 15th for those starting in the fall and by May 1st for summer families.

HOMEWORK The general homework guideline for all Riverfield families is that they should read every night with their student, regardless of the student’s age. As children begin to read independently, some of this reading must be done alone, but we encourage family book reading from Pre-School through Upper School.

Homework is an integral part of school and family life and serves several purposes, though the balance between homework and family life is a delicate one. An assignment offers practice and opportunities for learning and equally becomes an exercise in accepting responsibility. The school does not believe it is in the student’s best interest to assign tedious, irrelevant, or inappropriate tasks for home, nor is it the parent’s responsibility to instruct the student in how to do the work.

In the Lower School, children in K – 3rd grade classrooms should spend approximately an hour a week on homework in addition to reading time each night. All students, regardless of grade, should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

In 4th – 8th grades, most work can be done in class or during the school day with the exception of nightly reading and math practice and review. Most time after and outside of school should be dedicated to outside interests and family. This also helps support the student’s growing independence, as is developmentally appropriate. These students will have a homework folder or student planner in which to write daily assignments, tests, projects, special events, and teacher comments. Students are responsible for having their planner at school each day. 4th – 12th Grades: Assignments are posted on RenWeb, accessible to both family members and students. The amount of homework will vary on a given night. Below are approximate nightly guidelines per grade level, in addition to required reading assignments: 4th – 5th 40 minutes 6th – 7th 1 hour 8th 1 ½ - 2 ½ hours, depending on the number of Upper School classes being taken 9th – 12th 2 or more hours

In the Middle and Upper School, there will be short-term and long-term, individual, and group assignments.

HONOR CODE In 2018, Riverfield Middle and Upper School Student Councils created an Honor Code, which was later ratified by the entire student body, faculty, and staff. It is as follows:

As a student of Riverfield Country Day School, I will uphold and respect values of academic and personal integrity by being honest, doing my own work, and respecting the environment, and the property and individuality of others. I will hold myself accountable to adhere to the honor code, and I accept the consequences if I fail to do so.

As a member of the Riverfield community, I strive to preserver in all my academic and personal pursuits. I aim to grow in my personal awareness and make a positive impact in my community. By being the best version of myself, I aspire to embody the Riverfield Way in all that I do. 18 HONOR COUNCIL An Honor Council will consist of four elected students (one per grade level for 9th – 12th grades) and four selected or elected faculty members. The Honor Council will meet upon referral of a student by the Dean of Students or Head of Upper School for a disciplinary infraction/violation of school policy, or repeated instances of such, deemed appropriate for Honor Council to review. Honor Council decisions will act solely as a recommendation to the Dean of Students and/or Head of the Upper School for final disciplinary action. The Honor Council may recommend such actions as already defined in disciplinary remedies or other actions that Honor Council may deem appropriate.

HOURS School Day for Pre-School 8:30am – 3:00pm School Day for K – 5th grades 8:30am – 3:20pm School Day for 6th – 8th grades 8:30am – 3:35pm School Day for 9 – 12th grades 8:30am – 3:20pm Extended Day for Infants – 8th grades 7:00am – 5:30pm (by enrollment only) Extended-Extended Day for Infants – 8th grades 5:30pm – 6:00pm (by enrollment only)

The Extended-Extended Day hours are for the convenience of families who need extra travel time to and from work. A day limited to nine-and-a-half hours or less is recommended.

The exception to this is Late Start Tuesdays. Riverfield will have a “late start” each Tuesday morning to provide increased opportunities for professional development for our faculty. School will begin at 9:00am each Tuesday. If your child is enrolled in Extended Day, he/she can still be dropped off at the regular time, starting at 7:00am. Substitute teachers will be with Extended Day children arriving during the professional development time. For those not enrolled in Extended Day, your students may be dropped off at 8:50am, with classes beginning at 9:00am.

HOUSE In Middle School, all students and faculty members belong to one of five Houses (Air, Earth, Fire, Space, Water), which meet daily as a mechanism for announcements, community-building, skill development, and Division-wide activities. House points are tallied weekly for a quarterly House competition that celebrates the values of respect, responsibility, spirit, and community.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS The State of Oklahoma requires that a current Immunization Record or Certificate of Exemption be filed with the school. Please use the following chart or check with your physician for immunization requirements. Note: There are several shots listed on the American Academy of Pediatrics chart below that are not required by the State of Oklahoma. For more information, or for a delayed shot schedule, visit http://www2.aap.org/immunization/izschedule.html. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these shots with your child’s physician and indicate any changes or deviations on the form returned to Riverfield. Students of any age will not be permitted to begin school in August without the appropriate Immunization Record or a Certificate of Exemption on file. If your child receives any immunizations throughout the year, please bring in a copy of the updated Immunization Record.

Families whose religious tenets, personal beliefs, or health restrictions conflict with this requirement may obtain an Oklahoma Certificate of Exemption to have on file in the school office. The exemption form is then submitted to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for review and approval. Children with state-approved exemptions might be excluded from school in the event of an outbreak of a disease for which he/she is exempted. The decision to exclude children with exemptions is made by the Oklahoma Commissioner of Health. Exemption forms are required at the beginning of the Kindergarten year. They may be required at other times for those on adjusted immunization schedules or as state requirements change.

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INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PLAN Riverfield’s administration and Incident Management Team have made preparations to effectively deal with emergency situations that could occur in or around our school during the school day and on field trips. In the event of an emergency, faculty and students follow emergency procedures as stated in the Incident Management Plan. An Incident Management Chart is posted in all offices and classrooms.

Please DO NOT call the school or the cell phones of staff or students in the event of an emergency, as personnel will be dealing with the situation and telephone circuits need to remain open. Families will be contacted through our Parent Alert System via text message, voicemail, and email in the event of an emergency.

INFANT NEEDS Riverfield believes that secure emotional relationships are the foundation of all learning and are vital to the overall functioning of a classroom. The goal of the infant classrooms is to create an environment that is nurturing and comfortable for every child. As such we cannot support the practice of any philosophy that is not responsive to the needs of children. The faculty members and administrators will respond to a child’s expressed needs. If an infant is showing signs of hunger, food will be offered; if he or she is showing signs of sleepiness, teachers will try to help them sleep; if a child wants to play, he or she will play. From an early age, children must be able to know and trust that their needs will be met.

INFANT SAFE SLEEP Riverfield follows the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OK DHS) guidelines and requirements for Infant Safe Sleep Environments. Infants are placed on their backs in approved cribs for sleeping, and blankets and other soft materials are not allowed in cribs. As required by OK DHS, “Infants birth through three months of age may be swaddled with an infant-sized, thin fabric such as a receiving blanket, only when: requested by the parents and permission is maintained and the infant is not mobile enough to move the fabric over his or her face.” Sleep sacks are acceptable for the Infant Safe Sleep Environment.

20 INSURANCE The school’s insurance does not have medical coverage for accidental injury to students during school hours/activities/athletics. Riverfield requires families to have this coverage and list it on the Student’s Emergency Card. Arrangements should be made for each student to have this insurance coverage before the time of enrollment.

IXL IXL is a web-based math program that supplements all math classes from Kindergarten through Algebra II. It can be accessed from home and school. Each student in these grade levels has a 12-month subscription so the program can also be utilized as a summer review program. Students in grades 9-12 have one period each week dedicated to working on IXL. It can also be used during class and a small percentage (up to 10%) of a student’s math grade will be based on their progress. Lower School classes may also utilize IXL’s language arts program to supplement in-class learning.

LATE PICK-UP FEE A late fee of $1.00 per minute is billed for each student when students are not picked up on time, 3:00, 3:20, 3:30, 5:30, or 6:00pm, depending upon each family’s enrollment agreement. If a delay is inevitable, the school office should be notified so arrangements can be made to care for the student until he or she can be picked up.

LATE START TUESDAYS Riverfield will have a “late start” each Tuesday morning to provide increased opportunities for professional development for our faculty. School will begin at 9:00am each Tuesday. If your child is enrolled in Extended Day, he/she can still be dropped off at the regular time, starting at 7am. Substitute teachers will be with Extended Day children arriving during the professional development time. For those not enrolled in Extended Day, your students may be dropped off at 8:50am, with classes beginning at 9:00am.

LIBRARY Riverfield’s Davis Library is located in the Main Building and houses an expanding collection of children’s books, young adult books, and research materials. Books are available for check out for families to use at home. Lower School students are entered in the system each fall and have library cards kept in the library; others may request a library card by talking to Librarian Cindy Fisher or Technology Director Tom Tucker. Self-checkout is available for anyone with a library card by using the computer system on the self-checkout computer. A maximum of two books may be check out at a time. Late notices are distributed monthly by email. No late fees are assessed, but lost books require replacement.

LOST & FOUND Anything from home should be labeled with the student’s name. Riverfield partners with Mabel’s Labels, a company that provides a variety of laundry and dishwasher safe labels, to help with this task. A portion of each purchase made through www.campaigns.mabelslabels.com is sent to the school.

Items not claimed will be placed in Lost and Found, an area within each Wing set aside for this purpose. Students and family members should check promptly to claim any lost article. Several times a year, all lost articles will be displayed in an attempt to help them find their way home. Any items not retrieved will be donated to local agencies that distribute items to families in need.

LUNCHES Lunches (and snacks for Pre-School and After School Club) are provided by Riverfield and may be ordered through RenWeb on a day- to-day basis for Upper School or on a day-to-day basis or a full month K – 8th grade students. Lunch is included in Pre-School tuition. Every effort is made to serve a well-balanced nutritious meal, with meals planned to meet one-third of a student’s daily nutritional needs. Portions are adjusted for age. Menus are posted each month by the Main Building front desk and on RenWeb. Family members are welcome to join their student at school for lunch – either bringing a lunch from home or purchasing school lunch for $6.00. The school must be notified via your RenWeb lunch order by 9:30am on the day you would like to purchase lunch. If a student occasionally forgets a lunch, the charge is $6.00 to be paid when ordered. Regarding nut allergies, the Pre-School and Lower School are “nut-free”; no student should bring any products with any type of nut in it to school in these Divisions. The nut allergies of Middle and Upper School students and non-nut allergies of all students will be handled on an individual basis with those affected.

Parents of students in K – 12th grades may bring students lunch from area restaurants on occasion; however, school guidelines regarding home lunch are still applicable. In 6th – 8th grades, students may be granted permission by the Division Head or their designee to go off campus for lunch with parents for special occasions. This must be requested at least 24 hours in advance so teachers on duty for lunch may be notified.

Seniors have the privilege of off-campus lunch one day a week.

Note: Soda and candy are not permitted at school, on field trips, or in lunches for Pre-School, Lower, and Middle School students. Soda for Upper School students may be prohibited at any time or in any location at a teacher’s discretion. Energy drinks (Red Bull, Rock Star, etc.) are not permitted for students of any age at school or at any school-sponsored event.

21 Pre-School: Lunches are included in the tuition. Meals are planned to meet DHS licensing requirements. Food allergies and restrictions should be noted on the Student Emergency Sheet. If, due to allergies, nutritional preference, or religious beliefs, an individual child is unable to eat planned foods, families must arrange to send substitute food for that item only. Home lunches should be “ready to eat” and not require heating. Infants eat baby food provided by families until ready for “table food.” Lunch is served family style with teachers sitting at the table with their family group of children.

K – 3rd Grades: Lunch is served family style in the classroom with teachers sitting at the tables and eating with their students. The purchasing of lunch is optional for students in Kindergarten – 3rd grades. If lunch is to be provided by Riverfield, it should be ordered online via RenWeb on a day-to-day or monthly basis. Students wishing to bring home lunch should bring a well-balanced meal providing one-third of their daily nutritional requirements. Students are encouraged to drink milk or water provided by Riverfield. They may not bring Kool-Aid, soda, etc. Home lunches should be “ready to eat” as microwaves and refrigerators are NOT available.

4th – 8th Grades: The purchasing of lunch is optional for students in 4th – 8th grades. If lunch is to be provided by Riverfield, it should be ordered online via RenWeb on a day-to-day or monthly basis. Lunch is prepared for those who have prepaid. Students wishing to bring their own lunch should bring a well-balanced meal providing one-third of their daily nutritional requirements. Students are encouraged to drink milk or water provided by Riverfield. Home lunches should be “ready to eat” as a refrigerator is not be available for student use. Microwaves are available to cook or reheat lunches.

Upper School: The purchasing of school lunch on a day-to-day basis is optional for 9th – 12th grades. A minimum of two items per day will be available for purchase to provide these older students with some choices at lunch. The Market is also available during lunch time and free period with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks available for sale. The method of payment will be cash or debit against a deposit made from the family’s FACTS account. Seniors have the privilege of off-campus lunch one day a week.

Students in 4th – 12th grades are responsible for cleaning up their respective lunchrooms on a rotating basis. Specific jobs are outlined and students must check in with a faculty member to verify they have done an acceptable job. Students late for school will assist with lunch duties each day. In 4th – 12th grades, a bell may be rung during lunch each day for announcements and to remind students who is responsible each day.

MORNING MEETINGS Pre-School: Children and teachers participate in morning meeting in order to welcome each other, build community, and share plans for the day. K- 3rd Grades: All classes hold a morning meeting to set a tone of community. Each individual is welcomed and information is shared while preparing for a positive school day. 4th – 5th Grades: Classroom meetings are held at various times throughout the week in the homeroom classes. 6th – 12th Grades: Students in 6th – 12th grades will have a meeting on Tuesday mornings at 9:00am in the Upper School cafeteria to go over announcements and updates for the week. 6th – 12th grade lunch periods also includes an opportunity for announcements.

MULTI-AGE GROUPING Students in the 3s – 5s Wing of the Pre-School, in the Lower School, and in some Middle and Upper School classes mix at least two age/grade levels. When possible the school tries to give the younger students in Pre-School through 5th grade benefit of being with the same teacher for two consecutive years. Multi-age classrooms offer developmentally appropriate education for all children, as each child’s individual needs are met.

The multi-age program is structured with a flexibility that fosters the individual rate of growth, development, self-esteem, and learning style of each child. Multi-age class groupings help children develop social skills. The older children learn patience and tolerance and have leadership opportunities while acting as peer coaches and the younger children learn to model and imitate as they discover that older friends are good resources. Riverfield has been a leader in fully integrated multi-age programs since the school began in 1984.

OKLAHOMA SECONDARY SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (OSSAA) Riverfield Country Day School is a member of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA). The OSSAA rules govern eligibility in all cases (sports as well as other activities); however, the policies and rules of Riverfield Country Day School supplement those of the Activities Association. The rules of the OSSAA can be found on their website www.ossaa.com. This website is also available to get forms such as the physical and medical consent form, the new student form, and other important information.

OPEN HOUSE/ACTIVITY FAIR/FIRST DAY Open House is held on the Sunday prior to the opening day of school from 4:00 – 6:00pm. This event gives families a chance to meet new faculty members and young children a chance to feel secure about a new environment. Also during Open House, an Activity Fair is held in the Green Gym of the Main Building for families to learn more about the clubs, activities, and extra-curricular options available to Riverfield students and families. Groups will have items for sale (t-shirts, athletic season passes, raffle tickets, etc.) or will be accepting enrollment forms and payments during the Activity Fair.

22 Electronic copies of back-to-school forms will be sent to each family in the summer. They should be filled in, printed, and returned to school no later than the due date specified each year (generally the last week of July).

At Open House or on the first day of school, families of Pre-School and Lower School students should bring a full change of clothes in a Ziploc bag to be kept at school: shirt, shorts, socks, shoes, underwear. Each item should be labeled with the child’s name. Infants and toddlers should bring three sets. Families should switch out the clothes in the Ziplocs when seasons change. Toddlers – 5th graders should bring mud shoes or rain boots for walks in the woods.

Additionally, Pre-School families should also bring the following to Open House:  A small blanket for rest/nap time (travel-sized pillows are allowed in toddler and older classes, but not in infants)  Security items if needed (small stuffed animal for rest or pacifier for infants and toddlers)  Sunscreen if needed (SPF 15 or above) for reapplication in the afternoon (March – September)  Diapers in Infants – 3s Wing, if needed

Lower, Middle, and Upper School: Packing school supplies, sports gear, rain boots, and an extra change of clothes into lockers is an exercise in efficiency and may require parental coaching. All items MUST fit in the locker (keep size in mind when purchasing backpacks).

ORIENTATIONS New Parent Orientation At the end of each summer, we offer a New Parent Orientation. During orientation, parents/guardians learn about general topics in a large group meeting then divide based on a student’s age or grade for more specific information. This is a time when families’ questions can be answered as well.

Family Orientation Family Orientation is the Riverfield equivalent of back-to-school night, and each Division schedules a meeting in the first weeks of school. Families may expect a full agenda at all age levels and should make every effort to attend this meeting. Childcare for infants – 8th graders will be available.

Curriculum Night Curriculum Nights are held in the first weeks of the second semester, as families begin to think about re-enrollment for the following school year. Parents attend meetings with the Division Head and teachers in the Wings their child(ren) will be attending in the next school year. Information on daily schedules, classroom set-up, course availability, and many other age/grade specific details will be shared, with time provided for parent questions. Childcare for infants – 8th graders will be available.

OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT Riverfield’s 120-acre campus, with wooded hiking trails, a barnyard, a low-ropes course, and athletic fields, offers abundant opportunities to extend and enrich student learning. It is an integral part of all students’ experiences. Students will be spending time outside each day unless temperatures are single digit or triple digits, when taking wind chill and heat index into account. As such, students should be dressed appropriately for the weather each day. A student who is too ill to go outside should not attend school.

Pre-School: Time spent outdoors is an important part of the daily curriculum. Through our playgrounds, the woods, the barnyard, the child-tended gardens, and our greater campus, children experience the beauty and enchantment of: the change of seasons, the flight of a butterfly, the mystery of water, the sheer joy of being outside, and many other things. Encounters with our natural campus offer authentic opportunities for scientific inquiry, theory-building, imagination, and stretching the bounds of physical development. The classes typically go outdoors two or three times each day.

Lower School: Recess is before or after lunch, based on Wing. Students may use this time to practice skills such as basketball, ball wall games, and soccer or to socialize with friends. Often extra outside time is scheduled during the week for a walk in the woods, a science experiment, or any activity the teacher feels is appropriate for an outdoor environment. Students should bring a warm jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt the first cold day and leave it in their assigned locker/hook.

Middle School: Recess is before school and after lunch. Students may use this time to practice skills such as basketball, four square, and soccer, or to socialize with friends. Often extra outside time is scheduled during the week for a walk in the woods, a science experiment, or any activity the teacher feels is appropriate for an outdoor environment. Students should bring a warm jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt the first cold day and leave it in their assigned locker.

Upper School: Should outdoor field trips, hikes, or experiments require dry or clean clothes or an extra pair of shoes, students will be notified in advance.

23 PARTIES: CLASSROOM & ALL-SCHOOL Pre-School: In late October, each classroom in the 3s – 5s Wing has a Pumpkin Party following their school-wide Hat Parade. The Hat Parade is a Riverfield tradition in which all the children in the Wing parade throughout the school wearing a multitude of fun hats created with their families at home. The Toddlers and Twos-Threes classes have an Orange Tasting Snack while they watch the Hat Parade participants meander through their classrooms. Twos-Threes classes then participate in their own Hat Parade through the 3s-5s Wing. (No costumes are allowed by children or adults entering these Wings due to fears of many young children.) For Valentine’s Day, the Toddlers and Twos-Threes have a Red and Pink Tasting Snack. The 3s – 5s Wing requests that children and their families create individual homemade (please!) Valentines for their friends to exchange at their class party. Class-created Valentine sacks and snacks complete the Valentine Party activities. Other parties and celebrations will be announced by individual classrooms. These may include celebrations or culminating events of classroom projects and investigations.

Lower School: Two seasonal classroom parties, one in October and one in February, are planned each year in the K – 5th grades. Riverfield encourages the exchange of homemade Valentine’s Day cards (not store-bought), and will facilitate mailboxes, sacks, etc., for student delivery.

Middle School: 6th – 8th grade students have several school-sponsored social events throughout the year, such as dances, game fests, or other activities, that provide opportunities for students to develop socially. These events are sponsored by faculty of the school and often are non-profit activities just for fun and camaraderie! Families will be notified of these events through newsletters and via RenWeb.

Upper School: As with other social endeavors, Upper School activities and celebrations evolve as our Upper School students collaborate with the faculty and families. Several events are coordinated by the Middle and Upper School Student Governments and include 6th – 12th graders. Examples of past activities include game nights, dances, and café nights. Families will be notified of these events through newsletters and via RenWeb.

In addition, there are several all-school events held throughout the year, including those coordinated by the school, the students, and the Riverfield Family Association (RFA).

PE ATTIRE & REQUIREMENTS Lower School students attend PE class two or three times a week, depending on their Wing. Students should wear clothing and shoes appropriate for physical activity on PE days.

Middle School students should wear clothing and shoes appropriate for physical activity to PE. Clothing should be taken home and washed regularly. Students in Middle School have three PE/sports classes per week, and, depending on the sport, practices may occur during the PE class period or extend to after school. With parental permission, students who play sports outside of school can be excused from PE class and attend a Study Hall.

Upper School students do not have PE class during the academic day but are strongly encouraged to participate in competitive or non- competitive after school sports offerings.

PHILOSOPHY The school’s philosophy is to provide a student-centered approach to education with an innovative program of authentic, experiential learning in which individual differences (strengths and challenges) are valued and the interests, talents, and needs of the whole child are honored. In the Pre-School and Lower School, interdisciplinary curriculum in multi-age classrooms, combined with adaptive learning environments, encourage each student to grow and develop with teacher support. In the Middle and Upper School, interdisciplinary and collaborative projects foster the same growth.

This philosophy’s primary focus is to make success a habit. As self-confidence is built and a student’s potential is maximized, a positive self-concept is developed. A mastery of fundamental skills serves as a foundation for life-long learning. Beyond mastering facts, students are encouraged to be strong readers, problem-solvers, and independent critical thinkers.

The school’s philosophy and its teachers are not bound by a single theory. The Pre-School and Lower School are Reggio–inspired and the student-centered approach continues as students progress through each Division. Teachers continually use many of today’s best practices in education including, but not limited to, active learning, collaborative activities, design-doing, peer interaction, and individualized instruction while constantly guiding students toward real-world thinking.

The school’s mission and philosophy are reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees. They appear frequently in school communications and are discussed at parent events such as curriculum nights and potlucks. A thorough examination of both was conducted by Board Members, parents, students, and staff during the Strategic Planning process. The Strategic Planning Committee felt so strongly about how the philosophy translates into practice that they made our “culture” the first topic in the Strategic Plan.

24 PICK-UP PASS Pre-School and Lower School students must have a Permanent Pick-Up Pass on file at the front desk. People listed on the pass will be allowed to leave the school with your child after showing valid ID at the front desk. Temporary Pick-Up Passes are available at the front desk for single time pick-ups. Verbal authorizations from parents are not valid for temporary pick-ups; signed forms can be submitted in person, scanned to email, or faxed to the school.

POTLUCKS During the fall of each school year, parents in each class are invited to a potluck dinner at the home of a fellow family. These dinners are a time when parents get to know the families of your student’s classmates. There is a brief meeting, during which the Head of School, Division Heads, and the faculty review pertinent developments of the year, but for the most part, the evening is devoted to sampling great food and establishing the all-important family network. Students do not attend this event.

PRIVACY Riverfield Country Day School respects the individual privacy of its students. Misconduct and discipline issues are considered a private matter between the students involved, the students’ family members, select faculty, and administration. Specific misconduct or discipline issues involving a specific incident should not be discussed with outside parties or the Riverfield community at large.

PRIVILEGES, RESPONSIBILITIES, & CONSEQUENCES Behavioral Expectations Riverfield accepts students as capable individuals and values diversity in our staff, faculty, board, and families. In the development of the whole student socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and morally, we strive to build character by targeting positive growth in these areas: Acceptance Leadership Respect Accountability Perseverance Self-Regulation Cooperation Positive Attitude Tolerance Empathy Resiliency Trust Integrity Resourcefulness

Students are expected to do well in school: that is, to succeed in interpersonal relationships with fellow students and teachers, to apply themselves to the experiences taking place in the classroom, and to become responsible and independent learners.

Consistent messages from their earliest years at Riverfield guide students through the process of social maturation. Clear limits and boundaries for classroom and playground behavior are established, and the faculty consciously seeks to recognize positive behavior. As students mature in a multi-age setting, they are encouraged to become academic and behavioral role models for younger children. All Riverfield students are expected to strive toward the following positive expectations:  Respect for self, others, and physical properties of individuals and of the school.  High desire to learn by coming to class on time, prepared, actively listening to teachers and classmates, positively contributing to class discussions, and asking for help when needed.  Openness and acceptance of individual differences as each individual deserves to be treated with civility and dignity.  Positive interpersonal skills including the show of respect and empathy toward others, taking the initiative in helping others, and cooperating in small/large groups to achieve a shared goal.  An effort to self-reflect on individual, community, and world issues for increased levels of awareness and moral integrity.  Accountability for actions including making reparations when necessary. Conduct Riverfield students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that they show pride in themselves and pride in their school. There are several types of conduct that are not acceptable under any circumstance, will not be tolerated, and may be grounds for suspension or dismissal from school. No tuition credit is given if the student is withdrawn or dismissed. Unacceptable student conduct includes but is not limited to the following:  Behavior that may endanger the physical/emotional health, safety, and/or welfare of another or self  Bullying/Harassment of others, including but not limited to physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or technological  Defiance, disobedience, and/or disrespect of any faculty or staff member  Academic cheating, fighting, lying, profanity, stealing, and/or vandalism  Possessing or using illegal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes (vaping), or drugs  Possessing/accessing pornography  Possessing dangerous weapons, firearms, and/or explosive devices  Behavior that disrupts or limits the learning opportunities of others  Inappropriate use of social media sites  Destruction of property, either intentional or accidental. Destruction of property may result in the family or student bearing financial responsibility for repair or replacement of the property.  Using language that is threatening to the self, others, or school in general 25 Throughout the school, students are coached to take developmentally appropriate steps in finding solutions for interpersonal conflicts as well as other problems. Self-discipline is encouraged for all ages, but when additional support for students becomes necessary, the teacher most familiar with the situation provides the initial guidance.

In extreme cases, if the situation fails to be resolved and if it is determined that there is not a good fit between the student and the school, a student may be asked to leave.

Discipline varies by Division, based on the age/grade of students within the Division. All behavior issues will be dealt with internally and remain confidential. See Privacy.

Pre-School Consistent positive discipline with young children lays the foundation for children to learn self-discipline. This process requires positive guidance, logical consequences, and active assistance from the important adults in their lives, especially family members and Pre-School teachers. The way adults act and serve as role models greatly influences children as they learn how to get along with other adults and children. Children are coached on the desirability of “using their words” as the first step to help solve interpersonal differences. Steps two and three – “using their feet” and “using their resources” – emphasize the immediate need to walk away when conflict cannot be resolved verbally and to seek adult assistance when needed. The Division Head and administrators are available to help children and teachers as needed. Discipline in the Pre-School generally involves:  Positive guidance – giving short, clear, specific directions in positive terms, telling children what they can do or what is expected  Catching children being good and reinforcing successful behavior with a hug, pat on the back, a “high five”, or specific praise about their actions  Offering children freedom within limits in order to encourage success for each child

Misbehavior usually is handled by teachers through:  Redirecting the child to a teacher-approved area or activity  Using logical consequences together with natural consequences  Losing a privilege  Giving the child the time and space to regroup in the classroom  Assisting the child in talking through the situation

Frequent or more serious misbehavior consequences may include such things as:  Spending a short time being separated from others to calm and regroup  Having a child write a note or draw a picture and dictate information to the teacher or family member as a way of apologizing or explaining how that child will cooperate in the future; doing something thoughtful for the other person  Holding a meeting with faculty and family members as a team in order to work together for improved behaviors  Developing a simple behavior chart in order to track specific behavior expectations with reinforcement at home, such as quality time spent with the family as a result of improved behavior at school  Counseling from an outside professional may be recommended or required  Providing a shadow or mentor may be recommended or required of families

Lower School In the Lower School, learning how to work together, be part of a group, and follow rules and directions is critical. Working with these behavior issues helps children develop social skills that enable them to be successful in school. The goal is to help children learn how to manage their own behavior. If students display unacceptable behavior, the teacher is the first to mediate, then other team teachers, the Wing Coordinator, Division Head, or Head of School. The teacher will inform families if behavior challenges persist or escalate, and families will be included in the discussion and/or informed as consequences are determined. Students share ownership for their actions through the creation of goals (academic, social/emotional, environmental) and the procedures put in place to achieve these goals. Discipline in the Lower School generally involves:  Positive guidance – giving short, clear, specific directions, telling students what is expected  Catching students being good and reinforcing with specific and authentic praise about their actions  Listening, supporting, and offering options to encourage success for each child

Unacceptable behavior is usually handled by teachers through:  Using logical and realistic consequences  Giving a student time to regroup or separate from others  Losing a privilege  Contacting family members for a conference in order to find ways to solve the problem, prevent the behavior in the future, and/or make amends and reparations as necessary  Recommending to the Head of School that the student be placed on probation (behavioral/social and/or academic), suspended, or expelled from school. No tuition credit is given if the student is withdrawn or dismissed. 26 Middle and Upper School In the 6th – 12th grades, teachers directly involved in a discipline situation are the first to mediate and then other teachers or Advisors, Coordinators, Division Head, and Head of School. Families will be notified by a Division Head, teacher, or Advisor if the behavioral challenge persists or escalates, and families will be included in the discussion and/or informed as consequences are determined. Students who display unacceptable behavior and who do not respond to the initial guidance of the teacher will be referred to a Division Head. Upper School students may be recommended to appear before the Honor Council. See Honor Council. The normal sequence of disciplinary action employed is as follows:  Counseling with the student to help determine the situation that led to the unacceptable behavior and to help decide upon appropriate, corrective actions and solutions.  Imposing a loss of simple privileges and/or assigning work-type consequences, such as writing an apology or cleaning up an area related to the misconduct.  Contacting families for a conference with the Advisor and/or Division Head and the student and teacher(s) and/or administrators, as needed, in order to find ways to solve the problem, prevent the misconduct in the future, and/or make amends and reparations as necessary. Counseling from an outside professional may be recommended and/or required.  Imposing a loss of major privilege, such as not being allowed to attend a social event, receive an honor, or participate in an important activity or trip.  Recommending, with input from other teachers or administrators, as needed, to the Head of School that the student be placed on behavioral/social probation or suspended for a specified period of time or expelled from school for the remainder of the school term or permanently. No tuition credit is given if the student is withdrawn or dismissed.

In adhering to the Statement of Principles of Good Practice of The National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC), Riverfield Country Day School is required to “report any significant change in the candidate’s academic or status of qualifications, including personal conduct record or a reduction of extracurricular activities, between the time of evaluation and graduation if requested by an institution’s application.” This might include a dramatic drop in grades, disciplinary proceedings, or a significant change in a student’s enrollment. It is Riverfield’s policy to report the following disciplinary categories generally used in the Upper School: general probation (if the nature of the incident involves risk to self or others), suspension, or dismissal from Riverfield.

PROPER PLACEMENT The decision to repeat a grade is often not necessary in a multi-age school; but if the need for a growth year arises, the family and faculty work together to determine what is best for the individual student. A child may show developmental need to benefit from a growth year or advancement. Advancement may occur in specific subjects. Often the determining factor is the social/emotional development of the child, rather than some particular academic issue.

Occasionally a student may be asked to withdraw from school, when it is decided that Riverfield is not the proper place for the student. This generally occurs when the combination of tutoring/counseling/faculty and family interventions have not been sufficient to resolve an issue. The decision that Riverfield and a particular student are mismatched is not made lightly or routinely; each case is considered individually, always with the input of the families. On occasions when these discussions take place during the enrollment period, the school will not extend a contract for the following school year until a decision is reached.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA) Public displays of affection can make others uncomfortable. In the 6th – 12th grades, casual hugs and handholding are acceptable in the appropriate environment. Sitting on laps, extended embracing, and kissing are examples of unacceptable behavior. No PDA of any kind will be tolerated in the classroom. No PDA of any kind is permitted north of the bridge. Violations will be dealt with on an individual basis as they occur. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action.

PUBLICATIONS Riverfield distirbutes a Monday Memo via email most weeks during the school year and the BLUEprint magazine twice during the year. Generally, the Annual Report of Giving, which is presented at the end of the fiscal year, is included in the summer edition of the BLUEprint. The Office of Giving sends The Grove, a monthly e-newsletter with information on the status of current fundraising efforts and opportunities. Administrative publications include the Family – Student Handbook and fliers/sign-up sheets for upcoming events. Teachers provide individual classroom or Wing information on an as-needed basis. Upper School students can enroll in the Yearbook elective, working to create the school-wide yearbook that is distributed each spring. In 2006-2007, Upper School students started our school newspaper, The Commons. It prints every two weeks and is distributed to Upper School students and staff.

RAVEN’S CLUB The Raven’s Club was established in 1997 to honor donors of one thousand dollars or more in a given year. A reception is held annually for Raven’s Club members. Additionally, the list of Raven’s Club donors is published in the Annual Report of Giving each year.

RAVEN ROLL/ HONOR ROLL Ravens Roll is earned by any 6th – 12th grade student with a 3.75 GPA or above. Honor Roll is earned by any 6th – 12th grade student with a 3.5-3.74 GPA. 27 REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Reggio Emilia is a town in Northern Italy internationally acclaimed for its high quality Pre-School and Lower School education. Many of the most respected educators, psychologists, and researchers from all over the world acknowledge that the Reggio Approach is the most exceptional example of the highest-quality early education that the world has ever seen. “These schools pulse with the energy of stories that trace the search for meaning, the joy of the journey and an abundance of children’s fresh ideas in clay and paint, pen and words, numbers and theories” (Cadwell, 1993). Riverfield is proud to be among those inspired by this approach, which furthers the quality of early childhood education. In collaboration with our partnership with Reggio Emilia, we were proud to bring The Wonder of Learning: The Hundred Languages of Children exhibit to the Tulsa area in January – June 2009. As part of the exhibit, Riverfield opened its doors to visitors from around the world as an example of a context in dialogue with the Reggio Approach. In March 2012, over 40 faculty members and administrators took part in a customized week- long study tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy. To date, we are the only group to participate in such an experience at the schools of Reggio Emilia.

The distinguishing features of the Reggio Emilia schools include an Atelier or Art Studio, and an Atelierista or Studio Teacher, thoughtfully designed classroom environments, the participation of families, and a commitment to research, investigation, communication, observation, documentation, and interpretation of children’s work. All these elements are integral to and embedded in Riverfield’s early childhood education program, encouraging children to become life-long learners engaged in joyful discovery.

RENWEB Riverfield families can find a wealth of information regarding school activities, grade reports, lesson plans, homework, family and student directories and more on RenWeb, our school management website at www.renweb.com. To log onto RenWeb for the first time, families will need to input the district code RCDS-OK and the email address where parents receive Riverfield email. RenWeb will then issue each family member a password. Faculty and staff do not have access to family passwords. Questions or concerns about RenWeb should be directed to [email protected].

For families with students in Middle and Upper School, although the Renweb app is useful and convenient, it is not a comprehensive look at a student’s progress, as doesn’t show areas like teacher’s notes regarding specific assignments and student resources posted by the teacher.

In addition to grades, Riverfield utilizes the following codes for gradebook: A - Absent (student must complete missing work) E - Excused (no action required) I - Incomplete (student has not yet finished work) M - Missing (assignment was not handed in) P - Pending (assignment has been collected but not yet graded) Most teachers will write notes to clarify assignments receiving low grades.

RESPECT Riverfield is a community that values respectful interactions among all of our constituents. It is only appropriate that all communication (verbal, written, etc.) be respectful to all members of the Riverfield community.

RESTING/NAPPING IN PRE-SCHOOL Riverfield believes that secure emotional relationships are the foundation of all learning and are vital to the overall functioning of a classroom. The goal of the infant classrooms is to create an environment that is nurturing and comfortable for every child. As such we cannot support the practice of any philosophy that is not responsive to the needs of children. The faculty members and administrators will respond to a child’s expressed needs. If an infant is showing signs of hunger, food will be offered; if he or she is showing signs of sleepiness, teachers will help the child sleep; if a child wants to play, he or she will play. From an early age, children must be able to know and trust that their needs will be met.

Each Pre-School child has a crib or cot with his/her name on it for resting and napping. Sheets are washed and cribs or cots are disinfected weekly or between uses by different part-week children. Children are spaced three feet apart and cribs have solid barriers between each in order to decrease the spread of infection.

RIVERFIELD FAMILY ASSOCIATION (RFA) The Riverfield Family Association (RFA) is a non-governing board whose purpose is to “fundraise and friend-raise.” All Riverfield families are members of the RFA upon enrollment and/or employment. The RFA Board meets monthly, and all parents/guardians are invited to attend. The RFA sponsors a series of all-school events such as the Sapphire Celebration, Run for Riverfield, Visiting Day Raffle, Friday Nights Out, and Staff Appreciation Week. Many of these contribute significantly to the annual budget. The RFA President is a member of the Board of Trustees. There are several opportunities for families to be further involved in a student’s classroom through the RFA. Notices of these opportunities are included in the Monday Memo and/or in emails from the RFA or school.

28 RIVERFIELD “LIFER” AWARD At Upper School Commencement, special recognition is given to those graduates who have attended Riverfield for the 13 years of school from K – 12th grades. These “Lifer” Awards are a meaningful tradition at RCDS.

RIVERFIELD ROCKS/ ROCK BAND Riverfield Rocks is one of the most unique and progressive school band programs in the country. It uses modern and classic rock music to teach 4th – 12th grade students the fundamentals of musical performance, theory, and expression in an environment that is both supportive and moderately competitive. The program is currently split into multiple bands. Over the course of the school year, each band works up a set of songs by memory and performs several concerts, including Café Night, Cain’s Ballroom, and Llamapalooza. These concerts give the students an opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of people, with a large elevated stage, professional lighting, and sound reinforcement.

Additionally, many members of the program have professionally recorded original songs and perform outside of the school with other bands. The creative environment that is encouraged at Riverfield makes this possible.

ROUND-UP Riverfield's commitment to community spirit is reaffirmed weekly in Round-Up, a Lower School assembly on Friday mornings, with 6th – 12th graders or Pre-School classes invited occasionally. The program lasts 30-45 minutes and provides a forum in which to celebrate birthdays, make announcements, and spotlight class work. Classes and faculty members prepare performances (skits, musicals, readings, or dances) to share with the rest of the school. Occasionally, a presentation is scheduled from outside the school. Family members are always welcome, especially when their child's class presents.

SCHEDULING Each spring, elective enrollment sheets are sent home with 6th – 12th grade students to be completed, signed by parents, and returned before school starts. Scheduling is done over the summer by administration and students receive their schedules at Open House the day before school begins. Some courses may require pre-selection (e.g. Foreign Language). Changes will be possible in the first few weeks of school.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS/PSYCHOLOGIST Riverfield employs certified School Counselors to assist students with personal issues. Students have an avenue to discuss issues confidentially. If a student reveals information that relates to harming oneself or others this confidentiality will be broken.

In alignment with our college prep philosophy, our College Counselors are available to assist students and families with the college testing, application, acceptance, and scholarship process.

Riverfield’s school psychologist and educational diagnostician, Kim Harper, is available to conduct assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses in problem solving, processing, and academic skills in students ages six and older. Following interpretation of evaluation results, any necessary accommodations may be developed in order to support academic success and to document eligibility for accommodations on annual school testing and college entrance exams.

SCHOOL PICTURES Individual and class/grade photos are taken each September. Families will receive information and pricing regarding school pictures as the date approaches. Appointments for individual pictures are scheduled during the day, class by class. The school also takes an all- school photograph early in each school year that families may order.

SCHOOL YEAR FEE/SCHOOL SUPPLIES All families are assessed a school year fee per student, which may be paid at the time of registration or by May 15th. Division Heads and Coordinators oversee purchasing of materials and supplies at discounted prices throughout the year, as needed. Supplies are distributed directly to classrooms and include tissues, paper, art supplies, field trip transportation, and other age-specific materials.

For Lower, Middle, and Upper School students, the fee covers most school supplies including binders/notebooks, subscriptions, field trips, and some activities. However, there are a few items that families may need to purchase including a calculator for certain math classes (teachers will inform families), pencils, pens, lined paper, and other miscellaneous items as needed.

SCOUTING GROUPS Scouting groups such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Daisies, and Brownies may be present at the Activity Fair on the Sunday before school starts and also hold organizational meetings in the fall, depending on parental interest and leadership. Not all groups meet on campus.

29 SECURITY RCDS security is on duty during all hours of operations and events. An off-duty police officer is stationed at the school entrance on 61st Street during arrival and dismissal times to assist with traffic flow when it is at its heaviest. Riverfield has a comprehensive Incident Management Plan, which is available for review at the front desk of the Main Building.

The front entrance of the Main Building is accessible Monday-Friday, 7:00am – 6:00pm. The Main Building north door by the rear parking lot is only unlocked from 8:00 – 8:30am and 3:15 – 3:30pm during peak arrival and departure times. The Upper School and the Rogers Building is unlocked from 7:30am until daily activities are over. The LAC is open from 8:15am – 4:30pm.

All visitors, even those who visit frequently, are required to sign in and out at the front desk of the Main, Rogers, or Upper School buildings and wear a visitor badge while visiting.

SENIOR PRIVILEGES The Upper School offers senior privileges to each 12th grade student with the understanding that these privileges must be continually earned through responsible observance of Riverfield’s student conduct and attendance expectations/policies. Senior privileges are defined and granted by the Upper School Head and may vary in differing school years. Failure to comply with required procedures, accumulation of disciplinary infractions, or problems with attendance may lead to the suspension and/or revocation of any or all privileges. Parents may also choose to suspend or revoke any of their child’s senior privileges at any time.

SEVERE WEATHER Regularly scheduled fire and severe weather drills are held throughout the year. Evacuation routes are posted in each room. The students and teachers are familiar with the drill routine and with the importance of moving directly to their assigned places in a calm and orderly manner where attendance is checked. If severe weather is threatening at a time students are arriving or leaving the campus, family members are encouraged to take shelter with their students in the building until the warnings are over.

SNACKS Snacks are scheduled regularly during the day, depending on ages. Morning snacks for Pre-School are served in the child’s classroom and are provided by the school. Morning snacks for K – 5th grades are brought from home on a daily and individual basis. Afternoon snack is provided for Extended Day students at all age/grade levels. Soda, energy drinks, and candy should not be brought for snacks.

SNOW DAYS There are three types of snow events: 1. Late Start: When a late start is declared, classes will begin at 10:00am and proceed on the late start schedule. Campus will not be open until 9:45am.

2. Campus Closed: The school will be closed if the campus cannot be safely prepared for the arrival of employees and students.

3. Cyber Day: After one “campus closed” day each semester, Cyber Days will be in effect for K – 12th grades. During these days, teachers will send assignments via email by 10:00am and be available to respond to questions via email until 3:20pm. Elective teachers may send work if their classes were scheduled to meet that day. For notification of snow day decisions, staff and families will be notified by email and/or phone via the Parent Alert System.

SOCIAL EVENTS As with other social endeavors, 6th – 12th grade activities and celebrations evolve as students collaborate with faculty and families. Several events are coordinated by the Middle and Upper School Student Councils and include 6th – 12th graders. Examples of past activities include game nights, dances, and movie nights. Families will be notified of these events through newsletters and email.

In addition, there are several all-school events held throughout the year, including those coordinated by the school, the students, and the Riverfield Family Association (RFA).

SOCIAL MEDIA Riverfield Country Day School maintains several pages on Facebook, including the main page, Camp Raven, alumni, and others. Riverfield is also found on Instagram at @rcdsravens. Events, reminders, photographs, and student and teacher accomplishments are featured on both sites. Families and students are encouraged to add #rcdsravens on social media posts featuring Riverfield activities, events, or occasions.

Regarding personal social media accounts, students must understand that what is posted on these sites may be viewed by many others. If postings are deemed inappropriate, threatening, or bring discredit to the school or the school community (students, faculty, etc.), disciplinary action may be taken by the school. Riverfield staff are not to be “friends with” or “follow” students on social media sites. The Middle School has a closed group on Facebook, where photographs and videos are shared. These images are for personal use only and should not be shared widely unless an image is only of your student or you have permission from all the families involved.

30 SPECIALS In the Lower School, the “specialty” subject areas offered in the curriculum are foreign language(s), art, music, PE, and library and technology skills. These classes typically meet in areas to which the students travel and may be part of the elective choices for Middle and Upper School students. Because specials faculty may teach a student from Lower to Upper School, they provide an additional loop of continuity in the lives of students as they move through the grades.

SPRING BREAK During Spring Break, Riverfield is open only for infant – 8th grade students enrolled in Extended Day. Reservations must be submitted by the designated sign-up date.

SPRING TRIPS Each spring, students in Middle School take a trip to Dallas, Kansas City, or Oklahoma City on a rotating basis. Museums and other interesting landmarks are visited in what is typically a whirlwind tour. Middle School students raise money through Legacy, an annual fundraiser to offset parents’ expense for the trip. The goal is to raise funds for 2/3 of the trip cost so that families only pay 1/3.

Students in Upper School also take a spring trip. In recent years, they have visited the campuses of University of Tulsa, University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University as well as various points of interest around the colleges.

STANDARDIZED TESTING The school administers standardized tests yearly for grades 3-11. Riverfield values the results primarily as a crosscheck to authentic assessments already in place in the classroom, such as student-led conferences, portfolios, and cumulative patterns of accomplishment revealed by math, reading, or spelling assessment. Standardized testing follows the grade level plan below:  3rd – 8th grades: ASPIRE (a pre-ACT assessment)  9th grade: Pre-ACT  10th grade: Pre-ACT, PSAT  11th grade: PSAT, ACT, and/or SAT  12th grade: ACT and/or SAT

The school emphasizes that standardized test results are one indicator of individual progress. Day-to-day observations by faculty members remain the most accurate picture of student progress.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT Lower School: In K – 5th grades, students are encouraged to participate in Student Council. Delegates from each age group volunteer and/or are elected to be part of a leadership council that has opportunities to explore school challenges and create solutions.

Middle and Upper School: The 6th – 8th grades and 9th – 12th grades elect separate Student Councils. In the spring, a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Social Chair are selected for each. Grade level representatives are elected in the fall of each year. Members of the Student Government must maintain 2.0 GPA or higher and must understand all expectations outlined in the Student Council constitution.

TARDIES Although sometimes a tardy arrival to school is unavoidable, frequent tardies disrupt the learning environment, generate stress, and affect the quality of the educational experience. To protect the integrity of the beginning of the school day, students are expected to be in their classrooms ready to engage by 8:30am.

Middle and Upper School: As they school day begins at 8:30am, late arrival requires 6th – 8th grade students to sign in at the front desk of the Rogers Building before proceeding to class, while 9th – 12th graders should sign in with the Upper School front desk personnel for an admit slip. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late to class will be marked absent. Consequences for tardies per semester are as follows. After a fifth tardy, whether excused or unexcused, the Upper School Dean or Head of Upper or Middle School will meet with the student and may contact parents. After the seventh tardy, after school work detail will be assigned and parents will be notified. A tenth tardy will result in a Saturday work detail. Additional tardies may result in loss of privileges for the remainder of the semester

TECHNOLOGY Riverfield’s technology philosophy aligns with our Mission Statement as we aim to develop students as “responsible learners prepared for success today and tomorrow.” Because technology plays a role in almost every aspect of life, the school is charged with helping students to master necessary skills. Curriculum emphasizes technology as a tool for communication, presentation, and research. Technological learning is integrated into the educational program for all students.

Each Division handles technology integration in various methods, always focusing on age-appropriateness. All K – 12th grade students are required to have a signed User Agreement on file before they are permitted to use the school’s technology. Violation of the User Agreement can result in termination of computer privileges, internet privileges, and/or disciplinary action. 31 Middle School students are issued a device that they will use during their 6th – 8th grade years. This allows for standardization and provides a strong base of technology as a tool. Devices will be housed in carts on campus, ensuring students have access as necessary.

Upper School students are required to have a personal laptop, which is integrated into their classes. Most classes will require complete integration; thus, a working knowledge is critical to the student’s success. Troubleshooting will be provided, but service needs cannot always be met.

As individuals who work with technology are aware, difficulties with any part of a system will affect the entire system. Therefore, the Technology Director must authorize all technology acquisitions and donations. Software must be approved by the teacher and the Technology Director. Any questions regarding technology should be directed to the Technology Director.

THREATS According to the National Association of School Psychologists, a threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something. It may be spoken, written, or symbolic. Threats can be expressed directly or indirectly to the victim or others, and threats may be explicit or implied. All threats will be taken seriously until proven otherwise.

In all instances of a threat, the Riverfield administration team will investigate swiftly and seriously; an outside psychological evaluation/assessment may be required prior to the student’s return to school. School counselors will be involved in all parts of the process to ensure safety and support for all students.

TOBACCO FREE 24/7 The use of all forms of tobacco is prohibited completely on school property, at school-sponsored events, and in school vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, staff, and visitors. E-cigarettes, vapes, and juules are also prohibited.

TRAFFIC & PARKING For the safety of our students and families, parents should refrain from cell phone use while driving on campus.

A current RCDS parking pass should be displayed clearly in the driver’s side bottom corner of your windshield for security purposes. Two passes per household are mailed prior to each school year, and additional passes for students, grandparents, nannies, etc. are available for purchase at the Activity Fair or at the Main Building front desk. The front parking lot just past the pond is reserved for families and visitors at arrival and departure times. Drivers should follow the ENTER and EXIT signs when passing through this parking lot. Cars enter this lot at the south entrance and exit to the north — arrows point the way! There is no parking in the front circles of the Main or Upper School buildings, or along the curb at the Main Building north entrance. These areas are fire lanes and are reserved exclusively for Lower, Middle, and Upper School student drop-off before 8:30am and for field trip buses. See Arrival Times.

Note: The carline in the Main Building north rear parking lot functions differently in the morning than in the afternoon. Drop-off traffic will drive with the vehicle passenger side next to the curb. Pick-up traffic will operate the opposite way; that is, with the vehicle driver side next to the curb. The driver must stay in the car during pick-up and drop-off periods when in the carline.

TUTORING Faculty will at times recommend tutoring when classroom work for an individual child is not progressing in a timely fashion. Tutorial services are arranged privately. Some families have found it convenient to arrange for these services at Riverfield when space and personnel allow, while others prefer to confer off campus.

The Middle and Upper School administration keep a list of 8th – 12th grade tutors who offer tutoring services and are capable of helping in many areas. Middle School families should email [email protected] and Upper School families should email [email protected] with their student’s name and areas in which they need assistance so that a good match can be made.

VISITING DAY It is a tradition at most country day schools to celebrate Visiting Day. The November event is for parents and grandparents (or a substitute) whom children wish to honor and introduce to their school. Invitations are sent prior to the event. This special day provides families and friends the opportunity to become familiar with the school and to see students in a classroom setting. Student exhibitions are often displayed for the occasion.

VISITORS Visitors, even those who visit frequently, are required to sign-in at the front desk of the Main, Rogers, or Upper School buildings. A visitor badge is to be worn during the time at Riverfield in all buildings.

WEBSITE Our website, located at riverfield.org informs families and the general public about the school’s mission and programs. For more information pertaining to current families, Riverfield families may also utilize our school management software, RenWeb, at www.renweb.com. Homework and lesson plans, grade reports, the Monday Memo, and more can be found at this site. See RenWeb. 32 Administrative Directory 2020-21 School Year

Division Heads Jerry Bates Head of School [email protected] Jason Bogle Head of Upper School; Athletic Director [email protected] Melissa Bogle Assistant to the Head of School; College Counselor [email protected] Kacey Davenport Director of Admissions [email protected] Jennifer Kesselring Head of Pre-School [email protected] Dee Maxey Head of Middle School [email protected] Katie Musick Head of Lower School [email protected]

Other Helpful Contacts Jennifer Nation Administrative Assistant (Main Building) [email protected] Laura Lindsey Morning Administrative Assistant (Upper School) [email protected] Candace McCaffery Afternoon Administrative Assistant (Upper School) [email protected] Karen Goodenberger Administrative Assistant (Middle School) [email protected] Debbie Aycock Administrative Assistant (Lower School) [email protected] Kari Brummett Food Service Coordinator [email protected] Georgene Zinn Business Officer [email protected] Kristy Busenburg Assistant Business Manager/Tuition [email protected]

33 2020-21 School Year Calendar

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