STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2008 – 2009 Pingree is a diverse community that believes that respect for individuals and their talents is primary. In order for each member of the school to discover one’s talents and achieve one’s potential, there must be a shared understanding of common rules. These rules are designed to make the school function effectively and allow the necessary time for work and reflection. This handbook is designed to provide specific answers to most questions asked by students and parents. It is hoped that confusion will be avoided if students and parents go through this book completely. If you have questions or need further explanation, do not hesitate to contact your advisor or the Dean of Student Life. This Student/Parent Handbook contains important information about the school’s code of conduct, discipline policies and procedures, and students’ rights. Translations of this handbook in your primary language are available upon request. To request a translation, please notify Lynette Gray, Assistant to the Head of School, at 978-468-4415, extension 201 . The policies and practices contained herein may be amended from time to time and are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the school. The policies set forth in this Handbook are not intended to create, nor are they to be construed to constitute, any contractual rights or obligations. 1 FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Pingree is an independent school which emphasizes academic, athletic, and artistic excellence and the moral growth of its students. The mission statement of the school, which embodies the concepts of a quest for excellence in a diverse setting and an appreciation for human values such as integrity and selflessness, guides the faculty in their daily instruction in the classroom and on the athletic fields. The Handbook provides students and parents with the basic rules and guidelines that are intended to create an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth and to the smooth daily operation of the school. While there are times when the letter of the law must be enforced, it should be understood that that the sum total of our school rules ad policies are guided by the spirit of our Mission as expressed in the school’s statements of Mission, Character and Purpose, Diversity, and Core Beliefs . While serving as a helpful reference, the fundamental purpose of the handbook is to define the commitments we (school, students, and parents) are making in choosing to work together to provide the best possible educational experience. It is the responsibility of both parents and students to read the handbook to become familiar with the rules and expectations that you are agreeing to abide by when you join the community each year. Please note that because unexpected events and extenuating circumstances can and do exist in the life of a school, it should also be noted that modifications of these rules, guidelines, and standards may be made when deemed in the best interest of the school and/or its students to do so. With best wishes for a rewarding school year! Tony Blackman Headmaster 2 CONTENTS Calendar 4 Academic Information ............................................................................................................... 5 Administration.......................................................................................................................... 10 Advising and Counseling........................................................................................................... 13 Athletic and Afternoon Program............................................................................................... 13 Attendance.................................................................................................................................17 Behavior and Discipline............................................................................................................ 19 Daily Student Life..................................................................................................................... 23 Health and Safety.................................................................................................................... 25 School Policies ........................................................................................................................ 26 Parents Information................................................................................................................ 32 Voluntary Support at Pingree.................................................................................................. 34 Who’s Who................................................................................................................................ 35 Parents Association, Board of Trustees, Overseers ..............................................................36 3 PINGREE SCHOOL PARENTS CALENDAR 2008-2009 September 1 Mon. Labor Day - Holiday 2 Tues. 2:30 p.m. Seniors to Forks 3 Wed. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sophomores to Project Adventure 3 Wed. TBD Junior Trip 3 Wed. 1:00 p.m. Freshman Orientation 3 Wed. 5:00 p.m. New Students & Parents Cookout & Travis Roy 4 Thurs. 5:00 p.m. Seniors Return from Forks 5 Fri. 9:30 a.m. First Day of Classes October 2 Thurs. Parent Visiting Night 13 Mon. Columbus Day – Holiday 15 Wed. 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. PSAT’s for Sophomores & Juniors Freshmen Community Service November 11 Mon. Veterans’ Day – Holiday 24 Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 25 Tues. 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 26 Wed. 12:00 noon Dismissal for Thanksgiving Holiday December 1 Mon. 8:00 a.m. Classes Resume/Winter Class Schedule 19 Fri. 2:15 p.m. Dismissal for December Vacation January 6 Wed. 8:00 a.m. Classes Resume 19 Mon. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Holiday February 13 Fri. 2:15 p.m. Dismissal for Winter Recess 18 Wed. 8:00 a.m. Classes Resume March 13 Fri. 2:15 p.m. Dismissal for March Break 30 Mon. 8:00 a.m. Classes Resume/Spring Class Schedule April 20 Mon. Patriots’ Day – Holiday May 19 Tues. 1:00 p.m. Awards Assembly 20 Wed. Last Day of Senior Classes 25 Mon. Memorial Day – Holiday 28 Thurs. Last Day of Classes – Grades 9-11 29 Fri. Reading Day/Exam Prep June 2 Tues. 6:00 p.m. Senior Dinner 4 Thurs. Prom 6 Sat. 5:00 p.m. Baccalaureate 7 Sun. 2:00 p.m. Commencement 4 Due to unforeseen circumstances, dates and/or times sometimes need to be changed. We will notify parents in the event such changes are necessary. For the most current school calendar of events, please check the school’s website frequently: www. pingree.org. 5 ACADEMIC INFORMATION Successful completion of 39 semester courses, to include ENGLISH one for each semester enrolled (through Level IV) MATHEMATICS 6 semesters (through Trigonometry) FOREIGN LANGUAGES 6 semesters (or through Level III) HISTORY 6 semesters to include Themes in World History, Modern European Civilization, U.S. History SCIENCE 4 semesters to include Biology CREATIVE ARTS 2 semesters or approved equivalent COMMUNITY SERVICE 50 hours minimum (30 hours for transferring juniors) (20 hours for transferring seniors) Freshmen must take 12 semester courses. All other students are encouraged to take 12 semester courses and must take a minimum of 10 (5 each semester). Twelfth graders, in order to receive their diplomas/certificates, must pass all courses during the second semester and successfully complete year-long courses. To enter the sophomore class, a student must have passed a minimum of 10 semester courses. To enter the junior class, a student must have passed a minimum of 19 semester courses. To enter the senior class, a student must have passed a minimum of 29 semester courses. To graduate, a student must have passed a minimum of 39 semester courses. A student cannot be promoted with more than one failure in a semester course on his/her record. Academic Warning. Students in danger of failing to meet one or more of departmental or promotion requirements or those who receive a grade of less than C- at the end of any quarter may be placed on academic warning, which indicates a student is not in good academic standing. In placing a student on academic warning, the faculty will set minimum standards the student must meet by the next marking period. In the event that students are unable to fulfill the terms of the warning, they may be dismissed from the school; required to repeat; required to undertake summer study; or they may continue on warning. Decisions with regard to students on academic warning are made by vote of the faculty and forwarded to the Head of School for approval. Students on academic warning will receive a letter from the Director of Academic Planning stating the terms and conditions of the warning at the time the warning is voted. Eligibility for such students for Senior Projects, Student Council, and for the privilege of Open Campus will be reviewed by the faculty. Students who fail a course and retake it in summer study receive a grade of D-. 6 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. AP Exams are offered to any student involved in a designated AP course or section of a course. The AP Exams include U.S. History, Biology, Chemistry, English, European History, Fine Arts, French, Calculus, Physics, Spanish and Studio Art. Class attendance during AP exams is at the discretion of the teacher. Class Attendance. Please see the “Attendance” section of this Handbook. Community Service. Each student must fulfill a requirement of service to the community. Tour Guides may earn five hours of Community Service