Parents Handbook 2017–2018
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Valley Forge Military Academy & College PARENTS HANDBOOK 2017–2018 VALLEY FORGE MILITAR Y ACADEMY & COLLEG E 1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, PA 19087 - 3695 / 610 - 989- 1200 / FAX: 610 - 975- 9642 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Dear Valley Forge Parents, Thank you for choosing to become part of the Valley Forge Military Academy & College community! The entire faculty and staff are excited that your child is now a member of our 90th Corps of Cadets. We are proud and privileged to have your family join our “Forge Family.” Since 1928 at the Academy and since 1935 at the College, we have challenged and cherished young people. We successfully and enthusiastically embrace a military model approach to education. We stress structure, teamwork, character, integrity, leadership and discipline. We develop the cadet as a whole person. This distinct technique best meets the immediate and future needs of your child. We motivate cadets in a safe and secure learning environment. We hold them accountable for their actions. Here, they learn to respect others, manage their time, prioritize appropriately and develop life skills; most essential for our cadets, our communities and our country. We develop the whole person using a military model, firmly grounded in our Five Cornerstones - Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development and Leadership. Our cornerstones guide each cadet to his or her fullest potential. We embrace critical thinking so cadets can become life-long learners. The cadets emerge as ethically grounded citizen leaders of character. They learn how to make wise decisions. They become service-oriented and committed to civic responsibility. They live a lifestyle of fitness. Here, they learn the courage to conquer life! A successful Valley Forge experience relies on a true team effort involving the cadet, the faculty and staff, and parents. Please read the information in this Parents Handbook carefully. This handbook, along with The Guidon, which every cadet receives upon arrival, contains the rules and procedures governing cadet conduct on and off campus. Please do keep it handy and refer to it often. Feel free to consult with our faculty and staff to answer any questions you might have about your cadet or any of our programs. We all are here to help guide you and your cadet! Because Valley Forge’s leadership laboratory can be a challenge, your constant love and support are vital to motivating your cadet to do his/her best. Moreover, your reinforcement of the Valley Forge approach, whether here or home, will further contribute to your cadet’s success. On behalf of the entire Forge Family, I extend our sincere best wishes for future success to your cadet and your family. I look forward to meeting and talking with you on campus soon and often thereafter. Together, we will Forge a new path and bright future for your cadet! Valley Forge For Thee! Col John C. Church, Jr., USMCR (Ret.) President Courage, Honor, Conquer 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission, Military Model, Vision and Philosophy ........................................................................................................................ 5 Advice to Parents ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Homesickness Emergency Information Always Available Return of Cadet Property Following Departure Care Packages Security in the Barracks Personal Property Insurance Property Damages Communicating with Your Cadet .................................................................................................................................................... 7 General Fax Mail Cellular Telephone Policy E-Mail TAC (Teach/Advise/Counsel) Officer Basic Rules of Valley Forge................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Establishing a Partnership for Success Anti-Bullying Policy Unauthorized Articles Jurisdiction Resolution of Respect Civilian Clothing Standards for Off Campus Behavior The Honor System Storage of Food Items in Rooms Sexual Harassment Policy Automobiles Policies Hairstyles Policies: Chemical Substance and Alcoholic Beverage Policy / Security Measures in the Barracks and the Honor Code / Cadet Statement of Understanding ............................................................................................. 14 Information Technology and Electronic Communications Acceptable Use Policy and Registration Agreement ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 The Technology Policy and Computer Information .......................................................................................................... 20 Academy Programs and Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 22 General Academic Support Graduation Requirements Academic Honesty Academic Eligibility for Activities and Athletics Advanced Placement Academy/Parent Communications Unauthorized Class Absences The Valley Forge Day (VFD) Student Program ........................................................................................................................ 25 Athletic Programs ............................................................................................................................................................................... 27 The Department of Student Activities and Summer Camp ................................................................................................... 27 The Commandant’s Department—The TAC Officer .................................................................................................... 29 Character Development .................................................................................................................................................................... 30 The Plebe System ................................................................................................................................................................................ 31 Goals The Plebe System Begins Recognition Day Duties and Responsibilities Cap Shield Post Recognition Duration Communication Cadet Disciplinary Policies and Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 33 General Hazing and Bullying At Home Detentions Disciplinary System Conduct Probation Clearance, Discharge or Separation Tiered Disciplinary System Area Tours Dismissal and Dismissal Appeal Processes Categories of Offenses Academy Academic Detentions Bars to Campus Leave Policy and Procedures ........................................................................................................................................................... 39 Routine Leave Procedural Requirements –Signing Out on Leave Travel by Rail Special Leave Routine Corps Leave Periods Taxi and Limo Services Regimental Leave Travel Arrangements Directions to VFMAC Health and Wellness and Counseling Services .......................................................................................................................... 42 General Hospitalization Possession of Medication Insurance Physical/Dental Examinations Medication Distribution Health Center Immunizations Medical Leave Care and Treatment Medication/Health Supplements Local Appointments Off Campus Treatment Sources of Medication The Cadet Counseling Center May H. Baker Memorial Library .................................................................................................................................................... 44 Valley Forge Parents Association ................................................................................................................................................... 45 Alumni Association ............................................................................................................................................................................ 45 The Forge Fund ................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 General Campus Information ......................................................................................................................................................... 45 VFMAC Website Visits to Campus Birthday Cakes Parking Tobacco Policy Dress Code Restroom Facilities Services .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 46 Cadet Store Basic Issue Additional Services Line of Credit Parade Gear Internet and Credit Cards Allowance Account Textbooks Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Order Form for Personal Items Buyback Glossary of Cadet Expressions ....................................................................................................................................................... 48 Where Do I Call? and Fax Numbers ...........................................................................................................................................