UPPER SCHOOL Family Handbook a Resource for Guidelines and Expectations 2016-2017

UPPER SCHOOL Family Handbook A Resource for Guidelines and Expectations 2016-2017

1 Table of Contents:

School Mission, Vision, and Philosophy...... 3 Honor Statement...... 4 Citizenship...... 4 Diversity and Inclusivity...... 5 Contact Information ...... 5 Upper School Guidelines...... 6

2 Why the need for this Handbook?

The primary purpose of the Family Handbook is to provide students and their families with information, guidelines and policies of the Friends’ Central School community .

Mission: We cultivate the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical promise of our students .

Vision: To awaken courage and intellect - and peacefully transform the world .

Friends’ Central School Philosophy

Since its establishment in 1845 by the Religious Society of Friends, Friends’ Central School, a coeducational, college preparatory day school for nursery through grade 12, has been guided by Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality . Underlying all facets of School life is the belief that “there is that of God in everyone .” Meeting for Worship is central, providing time for connections among members of the community and between individuals and their spiritual sources . Peaceful resolution of conflicts, seeking truth, and collaborative process are key aspects of a Friends’ Central education . Friends’ Central offers rigorous and varied educational experiences in academics, the arts, and athletics, helping our students realize their potential and achieve on the highest levels possible . We encourage trial and error, critical thinking and questioning, and intellectual courage in all areas of our curriculum . We strive to balance competence in using sophisticated technology with the richness of a humanistic education . Students’ individual interests are encouraged and supported while essential skills are carefully honed . We intentionally seek a wide spectrum of diversity in our School community . We respect unreservedly that diversity and strive to enhance and support it . Diversity influences how we teach, learn and communicate . It enriches the community and furthers understanding that each human life is intrinsically valuable and interrelated, one with another . We realize that our students have instant access to world events, and we help them generate a social conscience in their actions within the community as well as in the wider world . We want them to develop compassion for fellow human beings across national boundaries and to value the environment . Accordingly, there are many opportunities for service, where experiential learning provides us with the awareness that we, to whom much has been given, can make a difference both locally and globally . We believe that a friendly, nurturing, and kind school environment fosters true scholarship and helps students develop strong ethical values . In a well-ordered community, adults model behavior for students and encourage inner discipline . In such an environment, it is our strong belief that students will grow into contributing, optimistic members of society who will have a positive impact on human life .

3 Honor Statement

As a member of the Friends’ Central community, founded on Quaker principles, I promise to act with integrity and to treat others and our shared environment with respect .

Stewardship: Am I caring for our community’s shared spaces and resources, or do my actions degrade them?

Peace: Am I helping to foster a safe environment for authentic expression, or are my actions provoking conflict?

Integrity: Is my work reflecting my own learning, or have I taken ideas from another person without crediting her or him? Am I respecting the property of others?

Community: Am I collaborating in the spirit of inclusivity to strengthen our community, or am I excluding others and detracting from our shared Mission?

Equality: Am I treating others the way I wish to be treated, or am I disregarding others and privileging myself in some way?

Simplicity: Am I fully in this moment, or am I letting things and tasks distract me from what and who are present in this moment? Am I committed to being here, now?

Citizenship Statement

Friends’ Central students are expected to uphold the highest standard of conduct in academic, athletic, and extracurricular settings, or in the broader community where they are known and highly regarded . Our classrooms seek to foster respectful thought, study, and discussion, all of which are critical to a vibrant educational environment . We work to ensure every member of the School community has an equal opportunity to learn and develop to their potential .

Unreserved respect for the rights and feelings of others is essential to the life of the School and requires the support of both student and family . To provide an environment of mutual respect, every member of the community, which includes all students, faculty, staff, and parents, must recognize certain guidelines for appropriate behavior . Inappropriate and unacceptable behavior includes bullying, unwelcome physical contact or verbal remarks, derogatory or discriminatory statements based on race, ethnicity, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, or physical appearance .

Principals, teachers, advisors, and administrators are available to support anyone who feels victimized . When students fail to uphold the citizenship standards of our community, the Principals, in consultation with the Head of School, will be the arbiters of fair consequences which may include suspension or expulsion .

4 Diversity and Inclusivity

From the founding of the Society of Friends in the mid-17th Century, Quakers have recognized the spiritual equality of all persons . This basic tenet of Quakerism stems from the belief that there is “that divine spark” in everyone . This philosophy has guided Friends’ Central School’s commitment to the ideal of respecting all persons .

Friends’ Central School is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse community . All constituencies - faculty, staff, students, administrators, parents, trustees, and alumni/ae - are responsible for an awareness of and ongoing dialogue around equity issues of race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, privilege, religion, physical ability, and family structure .

Our commitment is based on Quaker testimony and practice in which we honor each perspective and life experience . Through an intentional curriculum and differentiated methods of teaching, we seek to empower and engage all traditionally marginalized groups . Our community as a whole benefits when we listen and involve a broader range of voices .

Contact Information

Administration Principal Art Hall 610 .645 .5065 Dean of Students Tom MacFarlane 610 .645 .5080 Student Affairs Coordinator Heather Tomes 610 .645 .5102

Department Chairs Arts Hilary Takiff Weiss 610 .645 .5650 English Al Vernacchio 610 .645 .4490 Foreign Language Cristina Perez 610 .645 .5650 History James Rosengarten 610 .645 .4491 Mathematics Bill Darling 610 .645 .5104 Science Chris Guides 610 .645 .5121 Technology Daniel Crowley 610 .645 .5074 Physical Education Robert Folwell 610 .645 .5622

Upper School Student Affairs Coordinator Heather Tomes 610 .645 .5102 Attendance Line 610 .645 .5136 Grade 9 Dean Alex McDonnell 610 .645 .5110 Grade 10 Dean Jeanette Kelleher 610 .645 .5111 Grade 11 Dean Frank Fisher 610 .645 .5126 Grade 12 Dean Bill Kennedy 610 .645 .5101

College Counseling Office Co-Director of College Counseling Grant Calder 610 .645 .5100 Co-Director of College Counseling Michael Keaton 610 .645 .4483 Administrative Assistant to College Counseling Mary Lynne Jeschke 610 .645 .5133

Support Services Director of Support Services & Middle School Learning Support Dianne Forman 610 .645 .5612 Lower School Counselor Jessica Corsaro 610 .642 .7575 ext . 7507 Middle and Upper School Counselor Frederick Pratt 610 .645 .5134 Upper School Learning Specialist Rachel Slaughter 610 .645 .5188

5 UPPER SCHOOL GUIDELINES ACADEMIC CALENDAR ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND WEAPONS The Upper School academic year is divided into semesters Student possession, use, sale or exchange of alcohol, drugs, of approximately 80 class days each . Exams take place or tobacco in any form is prohibited in the buildings, on at the end of the second semester . The school days are the campus, and at any function sponsored by Friends’ labeled as A, B, C, D, E, F and W days . Wednesday is Central School . No weapons of any kind are permitted on always a W-day and all class blocks meet on that day . The campus . Violation of these rules could result in suspension academic day ends at 3:10 pm Monday-Thursday . On or expulsion . Fridays the academic day ends at 2:35 pm . We also ask that students do not bring fake or toy weapons ACADEMIC INTEGRITY to school, such as for Halloween . Students must be aware of their obligation not only to the School’s Honor Statement, but also to help preserve the Guardians/parents are reminded that making available atmosphere of honesty and integrity at Friends’ Central any form of alcoholic beverage to minors, even on private School . It is important, therefore, that students consider premises, is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania, and that the effects of their actions as perceived and understood by adults who do so can be held legally responsible for any others . It is each student’s responsibility to make sure that unfortunate consequences that may result . specific guidelines provided by each teacher concerning assignments are understood and to seek clarification if ATHLETICS uncertain about any direction . Finally, everyone in the Students are required to participate on an athletic team community – students, faculty, and administrators – four out of twelve seasons while in the Upper School . shares responsibility for upholding and enforcing the Upper School students involved in interscholastic sports provisions of the Honor Statement, and for accepting the report for practice at 3:30 pm . Athletic schedules, which further responsibility of taking action when it appears that state the time and location of games and meets, are violations have occurred . Students who are in violation of available on the FCS website . Two athletic credits must academic integrity will be referred to the Dean of Students be earned by the end of the sophomore year . If a student and may face disciplinary action . is not involved in the athletic program during a season, a student is required to take physical education twice a week . ACADEMIC RECORDS REQUESTS AND (see Physical Education) TRANSCRIPTS Any student needing a transcript must contact the Upper FRIENDS SCHOOLS LEAGUE School Office . All bills must be paid, including the cost CODE OF CONDUCT of lost library books, unpaid portions of tuition, or other As a Quaker school, Friends’ Central supports healthy bills, before transcripts can be released . If a student is competition in athletics . Our program provides withdrawing from Friends’ Central School, the guardian/ opportunities for leadership, elite competition, and all parent must arrange with the Admission Office or the levels of participation . Our understanding of athletics Upper School Office to sign a release statement before a extends beyond winning and losing to the teaching of transcript can be processed . Records and transcripts will be excellence in character . We encourage the growth and sent directly to the new school . development of our students as athletes and as people . All students from nursery to grade 12 participate in athletics ADVISORY in some form . Whether it is movement classes designed When students enter the Upper School, they are assigned for the very young or participation on a top team, Friends’ to homerooms, and their homeroom teachers serve as their Central students are learning the benefits of fitness, advisors . The advisors monitor student progress, provide competition, and teamwork . Interscholastic competition counsel when necessary, help with course selection, and begins in grade 6 . Friends’ Central is a member of the communicate with parents on a regular basis . Friends Schools League .

BEHAVIOR - See Citizenship

6 DAILY ATTENDANCE students on the academic impact of school-sponsored Daily Check-In activities and anticipated absences . In the event of extended The school day begins with homeroom at 8:25 or repeated absences due to illness, the Principal will am Students arriving after 8:30 am must check in determine if these absences are included under this policy . with the Upper School Office . Their arrival will be reported as “late-unexcused” unless there has been some ABSENCE CLASSIFICATIONS communication from a parent/guardian (see below) . 1 . Excused - The office has been notified in writing, or Students may not sign in other students . If a student signs phone call of the reason for the upcoming absence . in after 9:00 am s/he will not be eligible to participate Approval of the absence by the US Principal, Dean of in after-school activities (see below) . On any day that Students, or Student Affairs Coordinator means that a student is going to be absent because of illness or for a student will be allowed to make up any work missed any other reason, the parent should telephone the Upper and that arrangements with teachers should be made School Office by 9:00 am at 610 .645 .5136 . ahead of time . Not making prior arrangements may result in a student receiving an F on graded work . Unexcused Late Arrivals 2 . Unexcused - The office has not been notified prior to If a student does not have a written excuse from a parent/ the absence . There will be no excused absences granted guardian or if the Upper School Office has not been for trips or other extended periods, except with the contacted excusing a late arrival, then that student will be approval of the US Principal, Dean of Students, or considered “late unexcused” . Student Affairs Coordinator . To receive any credit for missed assignments, prior arrangements must be Note: made with all teachers . If a student does not notify the Four (4) late unexcused arrivals in a semester will result in School about an absence, then that absence will, in all a Special Report from the Student Affairs Coordinator . likelihood, be considered unexcused . After eight (8) late unexcused arrivals in a semester students will be referred to their grade Dean and the Dean ILLNESS OR UNPLANNED ABSENCES of Students . A parent or guardian must call the Upper School office on the day of the absence . If a student is ill for more than one POLICY FOR LATENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN day, a parent or guardian must call each day to inform the AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES School of the student’s absence . Students who are ill are Students who arrive after 9:00 am, even with parental encouraged to stay home for the entire day . To maintain permission, will not be able to participate in after-school the healthiest environment possible, the School does not extra-curricular activities including, but not limited to, recommend that students with a fever or strong symptoms athletic practices and contests, dramatic rehearsals and come on campus during the time of their illness . If the performances, and/or club activities . Students who arrive student is absent for more than one day due to an illness after 9:00 am because of a doctor’s appointment are not the School may require a doctor’s note in order for the subject to this policy as long as they submit a note from student to return to school . the doctor when arriving on campus . MEDICAL/SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS REPEATED ABSENCES Parents should make every effort to schedule appointments Attending class is a critical component in any student’s outside school hours . In special circumstances it may be education . Missing class means that a student misses necessary to schedule doctor, dental, or other appointments important teacher instruction, class discussion, and during the school day . Parents should notify the school, collaborative work with classmates . Therefore, a minimum preferably with a signed note, by 3:10 pm the day prior attendance policy has been established that determines to any student appointment . If this is not possible, a whether or not credit is earned for a course in the Upper parent must call the Upper School Office the morning School . A student who misses more than 20% of the class of the appointment to notify the School of the student’s meetings of one course during a semester will not receive appointment . Students may not arrive on campus late credit for that course without approval from the Upper or leave campus without parental permission via a note, School Principal . All absences, whether sanctioned by the email, or phone call . parents or approved by the School, will be counted under this policy . Advisors, teachers and coaches will counsel

7 EARLY DISMISSAL Each student’s college advisor monitors the reference A student seeking permission to leave the campus during materials, completing applications and making decisions . the school day must bring a note from home signed by her All students meet individually with the college counselor . or his parents, email to the Student Affairs Coordinator, or phone call to the Upper School attendance line stating the COMMENCEMENT AND SENIOR CLASS EVENTS reason for the request . Before leaving school, the student • Time and Location- The ceremony takes place on must come to the Upper School Office to sign out . The Commencement Terrace located on the side of the student must return to the Upper School Office and sign Main Building near the hockey and lacrosse fields . in upon his or her return to campus . The program will begin at 10:00 am and lasts about one hour . Immediately after Commencement, RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS seniors, families, and friends are invited to an outdoor Since it is important that our records are an accurate reception . representation of daily attendance, those students who miss • Arrival for seniors and Class photo - A graduating school for any reason, including religious observations, are Class photo will be taken at 8:45 am on the morning recorded as absent excused . of Commencement on Commencement Terrace (adjacent to the Main Building) . We suggest that all BUSES (See Transportation) seniors plan to arrive by 8:30 am time to ensure that the formal photograph can be taken promptly . CAMPUS/SERVICE DAYS • Guests - Commencement announcements will Students participate in an on-campus work program be available in the Upper School office by May, designed to foster responsibility, cooperation, teamwork, and seniors will be able to pick them up at their and self-discipline . Students are assigned to jobs with convenience . While each student will receive ten faculty and staff supervision . In addition, during a three- announcements, seniors may invite an unlimited day program in the fall and a two-day program in spring, number of guests to the ceremony . Tickets are not Upper School students work in areas of social concern with required for the event and seating is on a first come, the focus on community service . first served basis . • Weather - In the event of inclement weather, the CELL PHONES - See Technology ceremony, class picture, and reception will take place in Shimada Athletic Center . There is ample seating CLUBS for all who wish to attend . Additionally, our physical At the beginning of the school year, Student Council plant staff will provide transportation from the parking will organize a Club Fair so that clubs may promote their lot to the gymnasium and back for anyone who needs activities and solicit membership . If a student is interested assistance . in starting a new club s/he is more than welcome to do so . • Senior Night - During the week before Many teachers are veteran advisors and can provide helpful Commencement, graduating seniors and their parents support and guidance . are invited to join faculty for a celebration dinner . This dinner will be followed by a program for seniors, their COLLEGE COUNSELING family members, and faculty . A video presentation College Counseling is available to assist all Upper School and statements of recognition about each student are students in the process of college selection and application . planned, and the evening will conclude with dessert This process is completed during the student’s junior and and a chance to view senior projects on display . senior years . Students are made aware of various colleges • Baccalaureate Meeting for Worship - While seniors and universities during their freshman and sophomore are not required to attend, we have enjoyed a very long years . Course selections throughout the high school tradition of students, parents, families, and faculty years affect college options . When a senior wants to meet gathering together in the manner of Friends on the with a visiting college representative, a permissions slip evening before Commencement . must be completed . The permission slip is available in the College Counseling Office and must be signed by the student, teacher and college advisor and returned to the College Counseling Office 24 hours before the visit . The college counseling process includes group and individual sessions with parents and students to clarify the procedures and necessary steps for college application .

8 COMMUNICATION DINING SERVICES If you have questions or concerns about your child’s Some students bring their snacks and lunches from home, achievement or experience in a particular class, please while others purchase food from the dining hall . Each contact that classroom teacher directly . If you have student will receive a pin number enabling the purchase questions or concerns related to your child’s overall food with a debit system that can be replenished with cash, academic progress or social/emotional well-being, please check or via a credit card online . There are several options contact your child’s advisor . By contacting the teacher or for school lunch plans . Please visitfriendscentral .org/extras advisor directly, your concern can be addressed in the most for more information on our dining services . direct and timely manner . If additional work or attention is required, the grade dean can work as a lead advisor . DRIVING AND PARKING ON CAMPUS Finally, if you need additional assistance, please contact • Parents and students driving on campus are urged one of the Upper School administrators . Please follow that to exercise extreme caution at all times . Please drive guideline of classroom teacher or advisor, then grade dean, slowly, observe posted speed limits, and respect then administrator as the ideal process of communicating reserved parking areas . Fire lanes (indicated by solid questions and/or concerns . yellow lines) and walkways must be clear at all times. All vehicles must be parked within the confines Our goal is to create an atmosphere of trust, openness, of one marked space . mutual respect and ongoing communication with your • Only seniors may use the designated student parking family and your child . We ask that you do the same when areas, and only if a current FCS parking sticker is communicating with or working with us so that we can join displayed and that the car is registered with the Upper in partnership to address issues effectively and constructively . School which can be done through READ DeSabato . • Students may not sit in their cars during the school COURSE SELECTION day nor may they use cars as lockers . The only time The Upper School curriculum provides students an a student should be in her/his car is upon arrival or exceptional college preparatory program in an atmosphere departure from campus . that sets the highest of academic and personal standards . • During the academic day, no student may leave The program includes a required service component as well campus without permission from a parent/ as numerous athletic, artistic, and leadership opportunities . guardian, faculty member or administrator and, The course selection process occurs in April . The academic no student may leave campus with another student in year is run on a semester system . her or his car unless both the driver and the rider have obtained permission from the Upper School office to DISCIPLINE do so . All guidelines must be followed in order to keep Discipline at Friends’ Central School is considered a part this privilege . of the educational process and is normally an internal • For more detailed information see “transportation” . matter . However, conduct infractions by FCS students may have consequences beyond the confines of school . DRESS CODE Colleges have become increasingly concerned about Students are expected to be dressed simply, neatly, and student behavior on their campuses, and many colleges modestly in clothing appropriate to their ages and to all the now ask applicants about their high school disciplinary activities of the school day . In accordance with the Friends’ records . When asked, students are expected to respond belief in simplicity and moderation, extremes of style honestly regarding serious disciplinary infractions, which should be avoided . Examples of inappropriate dress include we define as suspension, probation or dismissal . College exposed midriff and chests, military attire, camouflage, counselors, as representatives of Friends’ Central, will also, exposed undergarments, excessively short clothes and when asked, report student disciplinary infractions . Such torn clothing . The faculty and administration reserve the reporting occurs at the time the application is submitted, right to use their discretion about the appropriateness of when the application is being reviewed, or after the a student’s attire . All clothing and personal articles should admission decision has been made, depending upon when be clearly marked with the student’s name . If a student is the rule violation occurs . When a student is separated in violation of the dress code, s/he may be asked to change from FCS for any reason, colleges at which the student has her/his clothing to something that fits within the FCS active applications for admission or at which the student is guidelines of dress . holding an offer of admission will also be notified . As their advocates, the college counselors will work closely with students in reporting disciplinary matters to colleges .

9 FREE BLOCKS Please review the curriculum planner with care, paying Eleventh and twelfth graders in good standing have the particular attention to the prerequisites that may be privilege of determining how best to use their unscheduled necessary for enrollment in upper level courses . It is always class blocks . While study halls are available, eleventh advisable for students at course selection time to think not and twelfth graders may elect to meet and/or work only about the courses they wish to take in the following independently at various locations on campus . year, but also about the courses in which they may wish to enroll in future years . Please be reminded that courses GRADING may change from year to year . Visit our website for more The Upper School functions on a semester system, and an information regarding the Upper School curriculum . academic report will be available on Veracross at the end of each semester . Letter grades are given for each course in the HEALTH AND SAFETY areas of effectiveness in oral, written communication, and Friends’ Central has a full-time registered nurse and a mastering course content . Mid-semester progress reports certified athletic trainer to provide your child with safe, provide parents and advisors with academic updates . quality health care during school hours . Please feel free to contact the school nurse at 610.645.5084 or the certified Assessment & Feedback athletic trainer at 610.937.0688. We recognize the importance of specific and timely feedback on student work . Our expectation is that Emotional Health and Safety teacher feedback will be thorough, thoughtful, fair, and Our school counselor, Frederick Pratt, is available as individualized . Such assessment is also time-consuming . a resource for students who may be having difficulty Although exceptions will apply, depending on the emotionally . He is also available as a resource to families for assignment, our expectation is that short-term assignments advice and referrals . Please contact Frederick for assistance . and tests will be returned within one week and that large projects/assignments will be returned within two weeks . Allergies We ask teachers to communicate early and clearly with FCS is allergy aware but cannot guarantee an environment students and families about significant academic issues via free of allergen contamination . While our kitchen a Veracross comment . In addition to Veracross comments, preparation area is allergen free, our cafeteria is not nut- mid-semester reports, and report cards, teachers may also free or gluten-free, and students may bring in food that use phone calls or email to communicate about a student’s contains allergens . Families and students should work with progress . our cafeteria staff and school nurse to ensure a plan for safe eating while on campus or for field trips . GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students must complete 32 semesters in total to receive a LEARNING SUPPORT (see Support Services) Friends’ Central diploma . Students must pass at least four Blackburn Library, on the City Avenue campus, is open major courses at Friends’ Central during their senior year . every day from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm . The library program is focused on reading and curricular support, as well The Friends’ Central School curriculum is flexible enough as assisting students with research, writing, and digital to allow students to take a variety of academic paths . Many content creation . The library also circulates Chromebooks students choose to pursue four years of study in each of for in-library academic use . Students have online access the major disciplines . Other students have special interests to a collection of scholarly databases, as well as an inter- they choose to emphasize in their studies . Please refer to library loan program comprised of over 75 million the course descriptions found in this curriculum guide for holdings . information about all of our required and elective course offerings . As noted above, students should consult with LOCKERS advisors and other Friends’ Central adults (grade deans, Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of department chairs, teachers, or college counselors) as they the school year . Students are encouraged to purchase a plan their courses of study . lock and use their lockers for books and any personal or valuable items .

LOST AND FOUND Items which are lost and found are posted in the daily announcements throughout the school year .

10 ORIENTATION AND PRE-ORIENTATION whereabouts and telephone number of their children Each August, an orientation/pre-orientation letter is sent throughout the night . Most importantly, we support your to all Upper School students . To make the transition into efforts to create Post-Prom environments that adhere to the the school year as smooth as possible, we welcome all new law and promote students’ safe and healthy behaviors . students, as well as all grade 9 students to a pre-orientation day the day before orientation . New students have the PUBLICITY OF SCHOOL EVENTS opportunity to connect with their guides over bowling and Students are prohibited from blanket advertising on social dinner, and spend time learning about the school computer networking sites . network, academic offerings, athletic opportunities and other important details . All students meet their advisors RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS (see Attendance) and peer mentors and learn what to expect in the first few weeks of school . SAFETY/SECURITY Please contact Tom McDaniel (x5645) regarding any PERMISSION (Junior and Senior) campus safety questions or concerns Obtaining junior or senior permission allows one the opportunity to leave campus during the school day, SCHOOL CLOSING/DELAYS provided that the student’s academic record, attendance, The FCS school closing/two hour delay number is and punctuality are initially intact and maintained 345 . Early Morning response to weather emergencies is throughout their use of this privilege . Students in grade 11 announced as follows: driving to school are not permitted to park on campus until friendscentral .org homepage announcement the spring when seniors are participating in off-campus KYW 1060am radio projects . Grade 11 and 12 students interested in parking FCS Switchboard Hotlines: on campus should see READ DeSabato to obtain a parking Middle/Upper School Campus: 610-649-7440 sticker (completed application and fee apply) . They will Lower School Campus: 610-642-7575 be required to use the designated student parking areas Social Media provided that a current FCS parking sticker is displayed and If you suspect that there may be news of a closure or that the car is registered with the Upper School . late opening and it does not appear on the homepage, remember to hit refresh! PHYSICAL EDUCATION Upper School physical education is a combination of Mid-day closing decisions are announced as above . traditional physical education and fitness . If you suspect that there may be news of a closure or If a student is a manager for an athletic team, the student is late opening and it does not appear on the homepage, required to attend physical education classes while earning remember to hit refresh! an athletic credit . If a student is participating at the elite level in an out of school athletic activity, the student may Regular bus riders will be sent home on their buses . If submit a proposal to receive an athletic credit waiver . public schools close during the middle of the day, their Because of the importance we place on the FCS athletic buses will be sent at any time to FCS . As buses arrive at experience, an athletic waiver is a very detailed process . school — both Philadelphia public and suburban buses — students will be sent home . FCS private vans and PROM buses may leave school earlier than the usual time . When Students in grades 11 and 12 are invited to ask one guest school is closed due to weather or campus emergency, all each and attend the Prom, an annual tradition . The Prom afternoon and evening programs are canceled, as well . itself is the School’s responsibility, and principal, dean of students, and faculty chaperones are active and visible SCHOOL STORE throughout the evening . Students are expected to arrive Located on the City Avenue campus on the first floor of on time, to remain for the duration of the event, and are Shallcross Hall right past the Meeting Room . Store Hours not permitted to leave the Prom and return at a later time . are from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Monday through Thursday . Pre-Prom activities for students, their guests, parents and Students and adults may purchase school supplies, FCS well-wishers will be held on the day of the prom from 6:30 apparel and novelties, locks, supplies for athletics, and gift – 7:30 pm on either the Friends’ Central’s Upper or Lower items . School Campus . Post-Prom activities are the responsibility of the parents . We encourage parents to be aware of the

11 SERVICE DAYS (see Campus/Service Days) FCS Students Should: • during class time, use technology only for approved STUDY HALLS academic purposes Grades 9/10 are assigned to study halls . Juniors or seniors • be responsible for all work done on their account may be assigned to study hall, but in general these students and device . Thus, sharing passwords and devices is are free to manage their own time when not in class . strongly discouraged . (NOTE: sharing with parents/ guardians is encouraged!) TECHNOLOGY • be aware of copyright, trademark and fair use law Upper School students are welcome to use personal • only use school email for school/academic purposes electronic devices for both academic and social purposes, • only take pictures, video, and audio of community including texting and email communication, during free members after permission is granted time in the school day . As we assess the impact of “virtual” • check school email and Veracross accounts daily communication on the nature of our community, one FCS Students Should Not: whose focus is to “be here now,” please use the guidelines • attempt to harm, disable or remove data, devices or in this section when using a personal electronic device . configurations • Impersonate another person online . This includes, Cell Phones but is not limited to: logging into an internet-based Upper School students are welcome to use personal account as another person, posting material in the electronic devices during the school day for both name of another person, or changing settings in academic and social purposes, including texting and email another person’s internet based account . communication during free time in the school day . As we assess the impact of “virtual” communication on the nature TRANSPORTATION of our community, one whose focus is to “be here now,” Friends’ Central students get to school in many different we have developed the following guidelines for the use of ways, including private vehicles, school buses, and SEPTA . personal electronic devices: Transportation is coordinated by JB Bowie, who can be 1 . Headphones or earbuds should not be in use (except reached at 610-247-3520 or jbbowie@friendscentral . with teacher approval) . org . Friends’ Central School provides door-to-door 2 . Talking on the phone is not permitted (except with transportation to both campuses, a shuttle service between permission from a teacher) . the campuses, and a shuttle service to the Overbrook train 3 . Devices must be kept on silent mode at all times . station . Buses are staffed with experienced and safe drivers (“Vibrate” should be off as well .) who meet all of the current state and federal requirements . 4 . No use in the Meeting Room or at community gatherings without permission . Route Service 5 . Use of devices in the classroom is at the discretion of Most morning routes are designed to go directly to the the teacher . Lower School, after which Middle and Upper School riders 6 . Devices must be used safely (e .g . no use on stairs or in are transported to the City Avenue campus . Afternoon crowded corridors) . routes originate from both campuses . Afternoon departure time from the Lower School is 3:00 pm; departure from RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY the City Avenue campus is promptly at 3:20 pm . Early Friends’ Central School encourages the use of technology registration helps the director anticipate demand, as well to enhance and support student learning . Students need as plan efficient routes . As routes are established and to exercise responsible behavior when using technology finalized, parents will receive written confirmation of and understand that using any device on campus you are busing information . expected to adhere to our community values . Inter-Campus Shuttle Morning and afternoon shuttle service runs between the City Avenue and Lower School campuses . In the morning, a shuttle leaves the City Avenue campus for the Lower School at 8:10 am . In the afternoon, a shuttle departs from City Avenue for the Lower School at 3:20 pm .

12 Train Shuttle Dismissal A free bus service is available to transport students between End of the day dismissal for Upper School students is the Overbrook train station and the City Avenue campus . at 3:10 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays . The The morning pick-up times coordinate with the train formal end of the academic day on Tuesday is 2:35 pm; schedule . In the afternoon, students reach the station at however, it is strongly suggested that students use the 2:35 approximately 3:30 pm . pm -3:10 pm time slot to meet with teachers for extra help or attend club meetings . Students are dismissed Bus Information from school at 2:35 pm on Fridays . When requested by For your convenience in contacting school districts: the student, teachers are available to meet with students School District Snow Closing # Phone Number until 4:00 pm each day, with the exception of Thursdays . Cheltenham 306 215-881-6316 School district buses and FCS buses are scheduled to pick Chester Upland 451 610-447-3601 up their students between 3:10 and 3:30 pm . Students Colonial 305 610-834-1671 traveling off campus by car should be picked up after 3:30 Haverford 455 610-853-5929 pm, in order to allow for safe, fluid, and efficient access of Interboro 450 610-237-2167 student pedestrian traffic and school bus traffic . Lower Merion 302 610-645-1940/41 Marple-Newtown 454 610-359-4299 TRIPS/PERMISSION SLIPS Philadelphia 100 215-875-5860 There are several different kinds of trips offered to the Radnor 457 610-293-1947 students, ranging from traditional field trips or class Ridley 453 610-237-7186 trips to longer trips over several days as well as a school Rose Tree-Media 542 610-627-6477 vacation period . Families will receive trip information and Southeast Delco 464 610-522-4300 permission slips electronically . Springfield (Delco) 526 610-938-6085 Tredyffrin/Easttown 854 610-240-1680 Upper Darby 452 610-352-7112 Upper Merion 307 610-337-6083 Wallingford-Swarthmore 460 610-892-3416 William Penn 467 610-284-8005

I/we, and our child(ren), have read and understand the FCS Upper School Handbook.

Please send me a paper copy of this Handbook.