THE BLUE BOOK A Community Handbook 2019-2020 CALENDAR 2019-2020 2019 Fall term classes begin . September 2 Last day to enroll in a course for the fall term . September 9 Interim reporting period ends . October 4 Long Fall Weekend begins - 12 p .m . October 4 Long Fall Weekend ends - 8 p .m .. October 8 PSAT/NMSQT Day . October 16 Family and Alumni Weekend . October 18-20 No classes; activities begin - 4 p .m . October 21 Fall term examinations . November 18-21 Thanksgiving Vacation begins - 12 p .m . November 21 Thanksgiving Vacation ends - 8 p .m . December 2 Winter term classes begin . December 3 Last day to enroll in a course for the winter term . December 4 Christmas Candlelight Service - 4 and 7:30 p .m . December 15 Winter Vacation begins - 12 p .m . December 19 2020 Winter Vacation ends - 8 p .m . January 6 Classes resume . January 7 Interim reporting period ends . January 17 Long Winter Weekend begins - 12 p .m . January 31 Long Winter Weekend ends - 8 p .m . February 4 Irving-Marshall Week . February 23-27 Spring Vacation begins - 10 a .m . February 28 Spring Vacation ends - 8 p .m . March 16 Spring term classes begin . March 17 Last day to enroll in a course for the spring term . March 26 Long Spring Weekend begins after classes . April 10 Long Spring Weekend ends - 8 p .m . April 14 Interim reporting period ends . .April 17 Baccalaureate - 7 p .m .. May 22 Commencement - 10 a .m . May 23 Spring term examinations . .May 25-28 End of year for non-seniors . May 29 Reunion Weekend . .June 4-7 TABLE OF CONTENTS MISSION STATEMENT . 2 FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL . 4 ACADEMIC INFORMATION . 5 GENERAL COMMUNITY GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION . .11 Living Our Values .. 11 Student Support . 12 Major Rules . 14 Academic Conduct and the Honor System . 18 Harassment/Bullying/Hazing/Sexual Behavior . 19 Disciplinary Process . 21 General Privileges and Expectations . 24 Residential Life . .30 Student Services . 35 Organizations and Activities . 42 ABOUT MERCERSBURG . 49 COLLEGE INFORMATION . 52 TELEPHONE INFORMATION . 53 APPENDIX I Mercersburg Network–Acceptable Use Guidelines . 55 APPENDIX II Weekly Schedule . 58 Weeknight Evening Schedule (Sunday–Thursday) . 59 MISSION STATEMENT At Mercersburg Academy we embrace the value of hard work, character, and community while learning to balance independence with interdependence and individual humility with collective pride. Our students commit to a life of learning, seek to understand the spiritual nature of human existence, and develop a determination to lead and serve the world. CORE VALUES Lofty ideals We welcome and accept all in the tradition of our egalitarian spirit, expecting everyone to contribute fully to our community and to the world with imagination, gratitude, and love. Great faith We believe in cultivating a faith in self (confidence); in others (trust); and in the future (hope). Noble integrity We build strength of character that inspires generosity, authenticity, and responsibility— when no one is looking and when everyone is looking. Ceaseless devotion to a mighty task We nurture the desire to dream, the courage to persevere, and the will to achieve. TO OUR NEW COMMUNITY MEMBERS Welcome to Mercersburg! We have been anxiously awaiting and busily preparing for your arrival. Starting at a new school requires faith, patience, and courage. You should expect to be challenged as you acclimate to our culture, unique common language, and community expectations. Have faith that with time you will come to understand and embrace all that is unique and special about Mercersburg Academy, and be patient with yourself as you get oriented in your new school family. Mercersburg is a welcoming community; people will do their best to help you feel at home, and we also expect that you will be courageous in asking for help when you need it. You will learn quickly that asking for help is a sign of strength, and before long, you will find yourself a part of the “Long Blue Line”—authentically feeling like part of something much bigger than yourself that spans 126 years of our school’s history. All students are assigned to faculty advisers who serve as the primary contact for students and parents. Advisers can answer questions, explain our customs, and help you feel at home. You will eat lunch with your advisers every Thursday and see them regularly in the dormitory and around campus. Don’t hesitate to go to your adviser for information and advice. We encourage all students to get to know their adviser well, as this is an important connection for students and parents while at school. Additionally, each student has a Grade Dean and a Dorm Dean. Grade Deans and Dorm Deans are another important resource for you. Grade Deans will assist in the oversight of your academic, social, and emotional progress at school. Dorm Deans are ever present in the dormitory and are there to help you adjust to life outside of the classroom. You will find that both your Grade Dean and your Dorm Dean are equally willing to answer any questions. Furthermore, you also have other resources at Mercersburg, including dormitory and day-student prefects, returning students, dorm parents, coaches, teachers, the Health and Wellness Center, and counseling staff. At any time, you should feel confident going to any member of our community for help. In the pages of this book, you will find, among other things, most of the expectations and rules of Mercersburg Academy. At first they may seem somewhat overwhelming in number and detail, but over time and through experience, you will find that most of them are determined by common sense. The basic principle of all Mercersburg’s institutions is that of integrity. If, at any time, there are rules or procedures that you do not understand, feel free to stop by the Office of Student Life to speak with Mr. Chris Howes, the assistant head of school for student life and culture, or Ms. Jo Wrzesinsky, the dean of students, or Mr. Brett Potash, the director of dormitories. A note to new parents: Early in a student’s career, as they come to understand our community and its expectations of students, you may find your child reaching out to you with questions. Please resist the temptation to solve the problem for your child. Instead, help them think through what they can do to get their questions answered. Teaching students independence and problem-solving is one of the reasons you send your child to boarding school. Together, we can help them grow. THE BLUE BOOK 3 WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL At Mercersburg Academy, we all are part of a tradition of excellence that dates back to our founding in 1893. That tradition was set forth by Dr. William Mann Irvine 126 years ago—“lofty ideals, great faith, noble integrity, and ceaseless devotion to a mighty task.” His vision has been fostered over generations of students, faculty, and staff, and the Blue Book serves as a reminder of those values, encouraging us to be our best selves as we live and grow together in this special place. Mercersburg Academy’s distinctive culture—a delicate balance between individual humility with strong collective pride in our school—is based on the active and positive contributions of each and every one of us. Knowing our responsibilities and expectations allows us to embrace a shared purpose rooted in trust and respect. We have a collective responsibility to know and understand both the spirit and letter of expectations outlined in this book and to make every effort to live up to those expectations in both deed and word. While no handbook can provide specific guidance for every possible scenario we may encounter, the ever-present theme is clear—let your actions and words be guided by the basic principle of seeking ways to be your best self, helping others to be their best selves, and contributing to the life of the school that makes our shared experience a positive one. Please note that, while not a regular occurrence, policies and procedures may be amended during the school year. Changes will be clearly communicated to members of the community in a timely manner. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead! Respectfully, Katherine M. Titus ACADEMIC INFORMATION The first concern of every student and faculty Mathematics - 3 credits each year member at Mercersburg Academy is education. until successful completion of Algebra Classes are conducted in a variety of modes, I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or their but the focus is always the interaction among equivalents) students, teachers, and ideas. Discussion is crucial to the process; so is the ability to Religion - 1 credit demonstrate, orally and in writing, one’s Science - 9 credits (3 credits of Biology thinking. Students are coached and supported taken in the ninth grade and 3 credits by teachers as they learn to express themselves taken in the 10th grade), with at least effectively. Student work is carefully evaluated 3 credits of Biology and 3 credits of and discussed with the student to facilitate the Chemistry or Physics learning process. Given the small average size of our classes, it is important for everyone to Interdisciplinary Studies - must either participate actively and creatively. successfully complete a Springboard course or the MAPS program in the senior DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS year In order to earn a diploma, a student must be in good standing and fulfill requirements in the Total Credits: must establish 57 credits following categories while at Mercersburg. Since awarding of the diploma is based upon work done Other Requirements: Must pass 4 courses in and credits earned while a student is enrolled at Physical Education (one course at each grade Mercersburg, both distributional and total credit level) and successfully complete all human requirements are determined according to the development and health programs as required by grade level at which a student enters.