HORACE MANN SCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK January, 2012 Horace Mann School (“Horace Mann” or the “School”) encourages parents and students to consult the Horace Mann School Family Handbook for guidance regarding School rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and expectations. Parents and students should keep in mind, however, that the School is a vital, constantly changing entity, evolving as circumstances require. Accordingly, the School may modify its procedures and expectations from time to time. Changes to specific School policies, rules, and expectations need not be in writing or incorporated into this Handbook to be effective. The terms and conditions of the Enrollment Contract signed by each Horace Mann family (see Appendix 1) determine the relationship of that family to the School. The Handbook is published only for the use of the Horace Mann community. It is School policy that for privacy, safety, and business reasons, we do not distribute the Handbook to anyone for commercial purposes, nor do we permit its use by anyone within the Horace Mann community for any other purpose not approved by the School. Inquiries regarding Handbook use should be directed to the Head of School. i TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Introduction, Core Values, and Missions Statement ........................................................................ 1 Appropriate Parent Expectations of the School ............................................................................... 2 Appropriate School Expectations of Parents ................................................................................... 4 Appropriate School Expectations of Students ................................................................................. 6 Appropriate Students’ Expectations of the School .......................................................................... 8 Campus Description ....................................................................................................................... 10 I. ACADEMIC PROGRAM Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 11 Divisional Structure ....................................................................................................................... 12 Course Selection ............................................................................................................................ 17 Homework ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Library ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Testing ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Grading .......................................................................................................................................... 21 Standardized Testing ...................................................................................................................... 23 College Counseling ........................................................................................................................ 23 Parent-Teacher Conferences and Student Progress Reports ......................................................... 24 The Role of Specialists .................................................................................................................. 25 Academic Guidance ...................................................................................................................... 26 Tutoring ......................................................................................................................................... 28 Outplacement Counseling and Expulsion ...................................................................................... 29 Co-Curricular Offerings ................................................................................................................. 32 Physical Education ......................................................................................................................... 32 Athletics ......................................................................................................................................... 33 Performing and Visual Arts ........................................................................................................... 35 After School Programs ................................................................................................................... 35 Community Service and Service-Learning .................................................................................... 35 Center for Community Values and Action .................................................................................... 36 Summer Programs.......................................................................................................................... 37 II. COMMUNITY ETHICS Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 38 Respect for Others ......................................................................................................................... 38 Lower Division Expectations –Code of Conduct .......................................................................... 40 Middle Division-Disciplinary Rules .............................................................................................. 42 Middle Division Honor Code ........................................................................................................ 42 Upper Division Code of Conduct and Discipline .......................................................................... 43 Upper Division Honor Code .......................................................................................................... 47 Plagiarism and Cheating ................................................................................................................ 48 ii Using Cell Phones at Horace Mann ............................................................................................... 49 Building-Related Conduct for All Divisions ................................................................................. 49 Student Responsibilities-John Dorr Nature Laboratory ................................................................. 50 Attendance ..................................................................................................................................... 51 Dismissal ........................................................................................................................................ 53 Lateness ......................................................................................................................................... 54 Attire .............................................................................................................................................. 54 Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 55 Driving and Parking Rules ............................................................................................................. 56 Computer Use ................................................................................................................................ 57 Anti-Harassment & Bullying Policy .............................................................................................. 59 Anti-Harassment & Bullying Policy List of Point Persons ........................................................... 63 Mandatory Reporting Procedures for Child Abuse and Maltreatment .......................................... 63 III. COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE / SUPPORT SERVICES Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 66 Support Services Team (Nursery and Lower Divisions) ............................................................... 66 Departments of Counseling and Guidance (Middle and Upper Divisions) ................................... 67 Policy on Learning Differences and Other Disabilities ................................................................. 68 Procedures Regarding Learning Differences and Other Disabilities ............................................. 70 Student Threats to Self or Others/Severe Psychological Difficulties ............................................ 74 Medical/Psychological Leave ........................................................................................................ 75 IV. HEALTH AND SAFETY Physical Exams .............................................................................................................................. 76 Medication ..................................................................................................................................... 76 Health Information and Referrals .................................................................................................. 76 Emergency Procedures .................................................................................................................. 77 Weather-Related School Closing Information ..............................................................................