Emergencies - Ravenscroft School
Emergencies
Emergency Calls
Emergency telephones are located near the main entries to the Finley Activity Center, the Old Middle School, and Lower School. They are fully accessible 24 hours each day.
Use these numbers for help in any emergency:
Switchboard (main School number): (919) 847-0900 (school hours)
Campus Security: Cell phone (919) 369-5927 (after school hours, weekends, holidays)
Head of Upper School: Extension 2735 (school hours, afternoons)
School Nurse, Jones Health Center: Extension 2239 (during school day)
Trainer, Finley Activity Center: Extension 2262 or 2263; cell phone (919) 369-5895
Coaching staff: Cell phone (919) 369-5894 (during school day, through late afternoon)
Maintenance supervisor: Extension 2236; cell phone (919) 369-5892
Accidents
Any accident should be reported immediately to a faculty or staff member. In the event that no adult is present, call the School switchboard operator or School Nurse. In any event the Head of Upper School must be informed and an accident report filed.
Fire
Report any fire immediately to a faculty or staff member. Students will be familiar with fire evacuation procedures through drills during the school year. In general students and staff should exit and assemble in accordance with instructions posted in each building, classroom or activity area. All should remain in the area designated until the Head of Upper School gives instructions; students should remain with their teacher (who must take roll).
Tornadoes
The School will be alerted if a tornado danger exists. Classes and regular indoor activities will continue unless and until a “take cover” order is given; should this become necessary, close doors, turn out lights, and take cover in areas designated. Several drills during the school year will review procedures for faculty and students.
Inclement Weather
In case of sleet, snow or hurricane predictions, Ravenscroft families are asked to check the school website and listen to major local radio and television stations for announcements relative to school closings or delays.
NOTE: Ravenscroft will not necessarily follow the school closing decisions of Wake County Public Schools; listen for “Ravenscroft School” announcements!
Contents
Emergencies inside front cover
Ravenscroft School – Mission, Vision, and Values 3
Statement of Enrollment Policy 5
Upper School Honor Code 6
Message from the Head of Upper School 7
Diversity Statement 7
Ravenscroft School Board of Trustees, 2014-2015 8
Ravenscroft School Leadership Team, 2014-2015 8
Upper School Faculty 9
Academics 16
Graduation Course Requirements 16
Academic Credit and Transcripts 17
Evaluation 17
Grading Standards 18
Grading Scale 19
Academic Eligibility for Upper School Reenrollment 20
Eligibility for a Ravenscroft Diploma 20
Academic Recognition and Honors 20
National Honor Society Membership 21
Selection of Graduation Marshals 21
Senior Internship 22
Major Paper/Project Deadlines 22
Honor Roll 23
Study Release (Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores) 23
Guidelines for Freshman Directed Study Hall 23
Extended Time Evaluations 24
Tutorials 24
Homework Assignments 24
Exam Policies and Procedures 25
Independent Study 26
Procedures for Drop/Add 26
Co-Curricular Activities and Community Service 28
Co-Curricular Involvement 28
Athletics, Publications, Clubs 28
Standards for School-Sponsored Co-Curricular Activities 29
Conditions For Athletic Participation 30
Community Service 31
Attendance 32
School Hours 32
Class Attendance 32
Pre-arranged Absences 34
Schoolwork missed due to Pre-arranged, Co-Curricular Activities 34
Schoolwork Missed due to Illness 35
Tardy Policy 35
Detention 35
Student Conduct 36
General Statement 36
Honor Council 36
Violations and Offenses 37
A. Honor Code Violations 37
B. Other Violations and Offenses 38
C. Expulsory Violations and Offenses 39
D. Harassment 39
Classroom Demeanor 41
Acceptable Use Policy 41
Continuation of Enrollment 41
Additional Guidelines 42
Campus Limits 45
Dress and Grooming 46
General Guidelines 46
Specific Guidelines 46
Game-Day/Special Event Attire 47
Physical Education Uniform Policy 48
Driving on Campus 49
Vehicle Registration 49
Student Driving 49
Parking 49
Lunch Policy and Driving 50
Student Services 51
Faculty Advisor Program 51
Assistant Heads of Upper School 51
Counseling Services 52
College Counseling 52
Letters of Recommendation 53
Health Services 53
Upper School Media Services/Library 54
Food Service 55
The School Store 56
Telephone 56
Lockers 56
Lost and Found 57
Student Government 58
Student Government Association officers for 2014-2015 58
Student Government Constitution 58
Preamble 59
Article I. Functions of the Student Government 59
Article II. Members and Officers 60
Article III. Meetings 65
Article IV. Committees 66
Article V. Student Representation 66
Article VI. Amendment of the Constitution 68
Upper School Daily Schedule 69
Academic Calendar, 2014-2015 inside back cover
Ravenscroft School – Mission, Vision, and Values
Our Mission
The Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world.
Our Vision
Through the implementation of our Strategic Plan, Ravenscroft will build upon its status as the premier comprehensive, independent college preparatory school in our community and will become a preeminent academic institution in the Southeast.
The key elements of our vision include a commitment to the following:
Academic
Provide a rich and appropriately challenging curriculum taught with passion by a nurturing and knowledgeable faculty.
Community
Enhance our contribution to become a more valued member of our community and increase our diversity to better reflect that of our area.
Environment
Promote a working and learning environment that expects and celebrates mutual respect, personal responsibility, ethical leadership, and a sense of humor that restores.
Journey
Inspire our School community to value the educational journey as much as the outcome.
Relationships
Nourish meaningful and supportive relationships among students, teachers, staff, alumni, parents, and in the greater community.
Our Values
Our values ground our School, programs, and initiatives in the most important aspects of the Ravenscroft community -- people and their collective growth. They reflect our legacy of excellence with an inspired commitment to the future.
An Engaged Mind
A student’s mind is engaged by a developmentally appropriate and balanced college preparatory program emphasizing inquiry, critical thinking, and a love of learning.
An Ethical Character
A student’s character is enhanced and horizons are broadened through leadership, extracurricular, community service, and global study/travel opportunities.
An Aesthetic Appreciation
A student’s talents are cultivated and creative mind is enriched by a comprehensive program of Fine Arts.
A Healthy Lifestyle
A student’s personal fitness and physical wellness are promoted through a complete physical education and interscholastic athletic program emphasizing lifelong health, discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
A Spiritual Foundation
A student’s faith is developed as we embrace the Judeo-Christian tradition of Ravenscroft and respect the religious beliefs of each individual. As a community, we will model and teach values such as honor, respect, responsibility, and compassion.
(Adopted 2006)
Statement of Enrollment Policy
Ravenscroft seeks a student body of approximately 1160 students, representing diverse segments of the population, who are identified as academically capable of achieving success in a rigorous college preparatory program, who have exhibited high standards of behavior, motivation, and general character, and who will contribute to a positive school environment.
Ravenscroft School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex or age in violation of existing state or federal law or regulations.
Ravenscroft reserves the right to place students in the grade level or subjects judged most appropriate for their school experience.
Embracing the Judeo-Christian tradition, Ravenscroft School has been established to provide a learning environment for children and young adults that will prepare them for responsible adult citizenship. Neither teenage marriage nor pregnancy is compatible with the learning environment that is desired for our School. Individual situations which develop that are in conflict with this standard will be handled on a case by case basis, with the best interests of the individual student involved and the student body as a whole properly considered.
The School reserves the right of suspension or dismissal at any time during the school year. Any pupil who persistently neglects work, who fails to meet academic or other standards or qualifications or who exercises poor citizenship, one who fails to cooperate, or whose parents fail to cooperate, may be asked to withdraw from the School.
The completion of a Physical Examination Form is required for all new students and for students re-enrolling in Grades 6 and 9, as well as all participants in the competitive athletics program. A Record Card is required to be filled out annually by parents and returned on the start of classes by each student. Students are not admitted on the second day of classes until these reports have been furnished to the School. Unless otherwise indicated, the student will be considered capable of full participation in the physical education and activities programs appropriate to his/her grade level.
Upper School Honor Code
I pledge on my honor not to lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, or vandalize. I realize that any violation of this code is deemed serious enough to warrant an appearance before the Honor Council.
Developed by a student-faculty committee in 1992, the Honor Code sets the standard for behavior in the Upper School. When students sign the Honor Code, they do so with the understanding that their signature is their word and thereby signifies that they will abide by the pledge that they have made. We believe that Upper School students at Ravenscroft must be accountable for their actions, and pledging to abide by the Honor Code is the first step in taking that responsibility.
The Honor Council hears cases in which students breach the Honor Code, demonstrating Ravenscroft's commitment to the idea that the Honor Code is the foundation of our school culture as well as the hallmark of our discipline system. There is a section of this Handbook dedicated to a discussion of the Honor Code/Honor Council.
Message from the Head of Upper School
Dear Upper School Students and Parents,
As I embark upon my second year at Ravenscroft, I wanted to welcome you all to the Upper School, especially our new students and their families. I am excited to get to know each and every one of you this year and encourage you to stop by to introduce yourself; my door is always open.
The purpose of this Student Handbook is to provide basic guidelines for School procedures and student behavior. They have been developed over the years and in some cases have changed as a result of student initiatives. Indeed, in a school population as diverse and articulate as ours, there will always—as there should—be lively discussion of values to be followed and procedures to be adopted. Your Student Government provides a good mechanism for suggesting such changes, but until then, these are the rules we live by.
Inevitably, there will be situations you encounter which are not covered by written guidelines and rules. In such situations please be sure to ask advice of your fellow students and Student Government officers, your Advisor, Guidance Counselor, the Assistant Head of Upper School, or any other staff member. But please remember, Upper School students are always expected to conduct themselves in accordance with Ravenscroft’s core values of honor, respect, responsibility, compassion, spirit, dedication, and courage.
Please familiarize yourself with our procedures, do your best this year, and lend a hand to a fellow student or teacher whenever you can! Best wishes for an enjoyable and a successful year in Upper School.
Peter Bogue, Head of Upper School
Diversity Statement
Ravenscroft believes that a diverse and inclusive community is an essential element of a rich and rewarding educational experience. We are committed to cultivating an environment in which all persons feel embraced and valued. Ravenscroft seeks to nurture respect for diversity in all its forms, through its policies, curriculum, and programs.
Adopted by the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees, January 2007
Ravenscroft School Board of Trustees, 2014-2015
Mr. Charles M. Winston ‘78, Chair
Mrs. Frances P. Pugh, Vice Chair
Ms. Renee Allain-Stockton
Mr. Kevin T. Anderson ‘82
Mr. Sterling Ray Baker, II
Mr. Robert G. Beller
Mr. Santo J. Costa
Mrs. Wynn G. Dorsett ‘78
Mrs. Iren U. Hianik
Mr. Kevin Keim
Mr. Thomas H. Mann
Ms. Easter A. Maynard ‘89
Mrs. Caryn C. McNeil
Mrs. Mary M. Moss
Mr. John E. Parham, Jr. ‘84
Mrs. Donna Preiss
Mr. Lee H. Roberts
Mr. O. Temple Sloan, III ‘79
Mr. Dewayne N. Washington
Mr. Robert G. Wright
Mr. James P. Ziperski
Ravenscroft School Leadership Team, 2014-2015
Mrs. Doreen C. Kelly - Head of School
Mr. R. Peter Bogue - Head of Upper School
Mrs. Denise F. Colpitts - Head of Middle School
Mr. Edward J. Gonet - Director of Athletics
Mr. Philip G. Higginson - Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement
Mr. G. Leonard Johnson - Assistant Head of School for Business and Finance
Mrs. Payton L. Hobbs - Head of Lower School
Dr. David McChesney - Director of Fine Arts Center
Mrs. Margaret M. Mills - Director of Admissions
Mrs. Rebecca D. Poole - Assistant to the Head of School and Coordinator of Licensing
Mrs. Colleen M. Ramsden - Assistant Head of School for Academic
Affairs
Mr. Jason T. Ramsden - Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Matthew P. Taylor - Director of Strategic Communications
Upper School Faculty
Jonathan Reid Avery (1999) Latin, Greek
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill A.B.
Yale University M.A,.M.Phil. Ph.D.
Sharon M. Beineke (1980) English
University of Missouri, Kansas City B.A.
Katherine B. Belk (2002) Mathematics
East Carolina University B.A.
North Carolina State University M.Ed
Kevin J. Billerman (2000) Academic Skills,
Assistant Head of Upper School
for Student Leadership
Duke University B.A.
R. Peter Bogue (2013) Head of Upper School
Yale University B.A.
Duke University J.D.
Richard D. Cameron (2014) Mathematics
Northeastern University B.S.
The Citadel M.F.A.
Julie Cardillo (2008) Fine Arts
Brandeis University B.A.
University of Pennsylvania M.F.A.
Ann W. Carroll (1995) Mathematics
Carleton College B.A.
Karen Carroll (2012) Mathematics
Princeton University A.B.
Georgia Institute of Technology M.S.
William F. Chissoe, IV (1999) Computer Science
University of Oklahoma B.S.
Jennifer M. Cohen (2011) Social Studies
University of California at Los Angeles B.A.
Loyola Law School J.D.
Erin Colby (2013) Social Studies
University of Virginia B.A., M.A.
Angela L. Connor (1978) Co-Director of College Counseling
University of Florida B.A.
North Carolina State University M.A.
John D. Dover (2004) Science
Long Island University B.S.
Edward J. Durham (1997) Mathematics
U.S. Military Academy B.S.
Central Michigan University M.S.
Old Dominion University M.S.
Noell Egeland (2008) Science
Boston College B.S.
University of New Haven M.S.
Michael Erikson (2010) Mathematics
University of Maryland, Baltimore County B.S., M.S.
University of California, Berkeley M.A.
Joyce Fillip (1996) Fine Arts
University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana B.F.A.
University of California, Davis M.F.A
Kevin Flinn (2010) English
Ithaca College B.A
North Carolina State University M.A.
J. Logan Fortner III (2012) Spanish
Asbury College B.A.
University of Exeter M.A.
James E. Gibbons III (2008) Assistant Director of Athletics
Ithaca College B.S.
State University of New York at Buffalo M.S.
Valerie Giebel (2014) Mathematics
State University of New York College at Cortland B.S.
State University of New York at Brockport M.S.
Edward J. Gonet (1981) Director of Athletics
Duke University A.B.
Shon Hardy (2005) Physical Education
North Carolina State University B.A.
Susann Heckman (2006) Science
Duquesne University B.S.
North Carolina State University M.S.
Mary Elizabeth Immediata (1991) *Social Studies
University of Delaware B.A.
Stanford University M.A.
Martha Janes (1975) School Nurse
Medical College of Virginia B.S.
Bryce W. Jones (2013) History
Southern Methodist University B.A.
Providence College M.A.
Marcia K. Scraper Jones (1980) *English
Purdue University B.A.
John Karny (1996) Chemistry
Clarkson University B.S.
Boston College M.S.T.
David S. Kates (2003) Spanish,
Director of International Programs
Tulane University B.A.
Florida Atlantic University M.Ed.
Allison Kelly (2010) English
Mount Holyoke College B.A.
University of Vermont M.A.
Christopher G. Kelly, Jr. (1999) Science, Admissions
Yale University B.A.
Doreen C. Kelly (1999) Head of School
University of Pennsylvania B.A., M.S.
Pamela B. Kelly (2011) Music
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill B.M.,M.M.
Sean Kennedy (2014) Co-Director of College Counseling
University of Arizona B.A.
University of North Carolina, Greensboro M.A.
Philip H. Kielty (2000) History
Virginia Tech University B.A.
Appalachian State University M.A.
Jenwei Kuo (2008) Mandarin
Taiwan Institute of Technology B.S.E.E.
Kansas State University M.S.E.E.
Mark J. Laskowski (2002) History
Macalester College B.A.
University of Rochester M.S.
University of Alabama M.A.
Cy C. League (2001) English
Clemson University B.A.
University of South Carolina M.A.
Marie W. Lieberman (1993) Science
St. Lawrence University B.S.
Yale University M.S.
Gregg Luna (2010) Spanish
University of California, Santa Barbara B.A., M.A.
James D. McChesney (1999) *Director of Fine Arts Center
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill B.M.Ed.
University of Illinois M.S.Ed.
Indiana University D.M.
Nicole M. Moore (2006) English
Mount Holyoke College B.A.
The University of York M.A.
Kerry L. Norman (2006) Physical Education
St. Lawrence University B.S., M.Ed.
Nelson Nunalee (2007) Physics
North Carolina State University B.S.
Northwestern University Ph.D.
Lee Owen (2005) Academic Skills
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill B.A., M.A.T.
William T. Pendergrass, III (1994) Music
Virginia Wesleyan University B.A.
Southern Baptist Seminary M.Div.
Susan B. Perry (2011) Assistant Head of Upper School for
Faculty Development and Student
Guidance
The American University B.S.
Arizona State University M.S.
Walden University Ph.D.
Smith College M.S.W
Michelle E. Piette (1986) Sports Medicine, Athletic Trainer,
Associate Director of Athletics
University of Wisconsin B.S., M.S.
Deborah A. Pirotte (1994) Registrar
Princeton University A.B.
William H. Pruden, III (1991) Director of Civic Engagement,
College Counseling
Princeton University A.B.
Case Western Reserve University J.D.
Wesleyan University M.A.L.S.
Indiana University M.A.
Susan Ramquist (2009) Latin
Gettysburg College B.A.
Colleen M. Ramsden (2003) Assistant Head of School for
Academic Affairs
Fordham University B.A., M.S.
Maria Ramusevic (2012) Media
Syracuse University B.A
Michael A. Ronco (2012) English
Guilford College B.A.
James Madison University M.A.
Prudence Scott (2013) English
Elon University B.A.
Jason Sharp (2006) Drama
Shenandoah Conservatory B.F.A.
Janet D. Smith (1983) *Academic Skills, Psychology
Lynchburg College B.A.
North Carolina State University M.Ed.
Steven M. Swaim (1986) Spanish
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill B.A.
Aaron D. Sundstrom (2013) *Mathematics
Davidson College B.A.
Columbia University M.A.
Daniel J. Teitelbaum (2006) *French
Bloomsburg University B.A
American University M.A.
North Carolina State University M.Ed.
Elise R. Thrash (2003) Media Specialist
Florida State University B.S.
North Carolina Central University M.L.S.
Shelley Torres (2011) English
California State University, Northridge B.A.
California Lutheran University M.B.A.
Russell M. Vacanti (2000) Theater Manager
State University of New York/Buffalo B.A., M.A.
Marilee A. Vana (2004) Choral Music
Indiana State University B.S.,M.S.
University of North Carolina, Greensboro D.M.A.
Helen Velk (2005) Journalism, Student Activities
California State University, Fresno B.A.
Gregory N. Warren (2005) Aquatics/Physical Education
University of North Carolina, Wilmington B.A.
Zoe M. Welsh (2006) *Science
North Carolina State University B.S.
Carol Wicker (2014) English
Rhodes College B.A.
University of Missouri St. Louis M.Ed.
Jessica Yonzon (2012) Social Studies
Brown University B.S.
University of Illinois M.S.,M.S.
* indicates Chair of Academic Department
Academics
Graduation Course Requirements
To graduate from the Ravenscroft Upper School, a student must earn at least twenty-two credits and successfully complete all required courses during grades 9 - 12. All students are encouraged to accumulate more than the minimum of twenty-two credits prior to graduation through individualized programs designed to meet specific college admission requirements. In addition, a student must complete senior year as a full-time student at Ravenscroft. Any exception to this policy requires approval from the Head of Upper School.
Requirements for All Grades
English English I, English II, English III, English IV 4.5
(Core Options/Advanced Placement English),
and Composition
(Four years of English are required)
Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II 4
(Math is required all four academic years)
Science Biology and Chemistry 3 (A third lab Science is required)
Social Studies World History, Economics, U.S. Government, 3
American History
World at least 2 years required in the same language
Languages and through the 3rd level 2/3
Fine Arts Art, Music, Dance, Drama 1
Physical Health & Physical Education 1
Education (Recommended at 9th Grade level)
Electives English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, 2.5/3.5
World Language, Fine Arts, Physical Education,
Computer Science, other electives
Total Credits Required 22
More information explaining appropriate and permissible course loads may be found in
the Curriculum and Registration Guide.
Academic Credit and Transcripts
• The final year grade determines the unit of credit to be given for a full year course. Semester course grades appear as a year grade but offer .5 credit.
• The cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated on semester grades beginning with the Freshman year.
• A repeated Ravenscroft course is shown on the transcript and is calculated in the GPA, but does not receive additional credit. No fractional credit will be awarded for partial completion of a year long course or partial completion of a semester course.
• Summer School courses taken for Ravenscroft credit are shown on the transcript, but they are not averaged in the GPA. Additionally, Summer School courses may not be taken for advancement if they are specifically required for graduation. Summer school courses taken for enrichment, as well as courses taken elsewhere, are included as part of the transcript “package.”
• Some courses (Choral Ensemble, Wind/Strings Ensemble, for example) may be taken more than once for credit.
• For seniors applying to college, first quarter grades will be sent to colleges to support applications which have been submitted prior to the end of the first semester. Mid-year reports (semester grades) will be sent to colleges for all seniors.
Evaluation
Evaluation Principles: The principles which underlie evaluative standards at Ravenscroft are as follows:
1. The evaluative process will be a part of the learning process, not an end in itself. The overriding goal of instruction at Ravenscroft is that all students will learn what is taught and will benefit from the experience; the system of evaluation is designed to implement that goal.
2. Students will be evaluated with reference to established course content and skill criteria which will be known to students in advance. Criteria for each course will be in keeping with broader learning outcomes established by each Department.
3. While individual teacher flexibility in the evaluative process itself is permitted and perhaps inevitable, uniform grading standards will be applied by all instructors.
4. Grading standards will be applied in a manner which is clear and informative.
5. Student progress will be reviewed and evaluated regularly. To that end, it is crucial that work be graded and returned in a timely fashion so that students know where they stand and can respond to the evaluations.
6. Each student will be evaluated on the basis of individual achievement relative to course criteria, not on the basis of a predetermined grade distribution.
7. Evaluative instruments will be appropriate to the discipline; they will be, so far as is possible, flexible, creative, and varied.
8. The evaluative process will challenge and encourage students without threatening them.
9. A complete evaluative system includes timely written and personal contact between teacher and student, advisor, and parents.
Grading Standards
GRADE STANDARD
A+ Distinguished achievement. Demonstrates a comprehensive
A understanding of subject matter, thorough daily
A- preparation, timely submission of work, seriousness of purpose, valuable contribution to class, and a mastery of required skills.
B+ Significant achievement with no serious deficiency.
B Demonstrates sound grasp of subject matter,
B- constructive class participation, good class preparation, strong
competence in required skills.
C+ Satisfactory achievement. Demonstrates moderate grasp of
C subject matter, but inconsistent class preparation and
C- participation, and mixed competence in required skills.
D+ Passing. Demonstrates minimal grasp of content,
D unsatisfactory daily preparation, inadequate class
D- participation, significant deficiencies in required skills. May prevent advancement in subject area; may jeopardize continued school enrollment.
F Failure. Demonstrates inadequate grasp of content,
unsatisfactory class preparation, inability or unwillingness to master required skills. No course credit awarded. Will jeopardize continued enrollment.
Grading Scale
The grading scale for the Upper School employs letter grades with pluses and minuses to report quarter, semester, and year-end grades. Semester grades are used to calculate cumulative grade point averages. GPAs will be calculated using the following scale:
GRADE QUALITY POINTS*
A+ (98-100) 4.33
A (93-97) 4.00
A- (90-92) 3.67
B+ (87-89) 3.33
B (83-86) 3.00
B- (80-82) 2.67
C+ (77-79) 2.33
C (73-76) 2.00
C- (70-72) 1.67
D+ (67-69) 1.33
D (63-66) 1.00
D- (60-62) 0.67
F (59 and below) 0.00
Students should add .5 for Honors and 1.00 for Advanced Placement courses.
As noted above, the cumulative GPA is calculated on semester grades beginning with the Freshman year.
Course grades are calculated at the end of each Quarter, with Report Cards issued on a quarterly basis for all students. Incomplete quarter grades remaining on the books longer than two weeks will be converted into an “F” unless exempted by the Head of Upper School.
Although not a formal grading period, Progress Reports (issued as needed between Quarter Report Cards) provide an opportunity to raise concerns about a student’s grades, attitude, behavior, or learning style. They are issued as needed and are not written in response to individual requests. Generally a Progress Report is written in any situation where the teacher’s concern warrants it, but a Progress report must be written where the grade would be a C- or below or if grade in the previous marking period was a D or F. Additionally Progress Reports must be written for all students new to Ravenscroft during their first quarter. Students should use this notification as a call to work toward improving performance and is not necessarily a prediction of the quarter grade. The absence of a Progress Report should not be interpreted as a level of success that will automatically continue through the remainder of the course, as the second part of a term may tend to be more demanding. As the weeks of the school year progress, students should be continually aware of their progress, strengths, and weaknesses as teachers see them. The letter grade and accompanying comments are the formal way of recording the judgment of the teacher.
Academic Eligibility for Upper School Reenrollment
To be academically eligible to reenroll at Ravenscroft Upper School, a student must have achieved a minimum of a 2.0 overall GPA at Ravenscroft with no more than two (2) credits below a C- for that year. To be academically eligible for reenrollment in 9th Grade, a student must have achieved a 'C' average for the 8th Grade, with no more than one class below a C- for that year.
If a student fails to meet the reenrollment criteria, he or she may be granted an exception at the discretion of the Reenrollment Committee. This exception is generally granted only once and only in the event of extenuating circumstances.
Eligibility for a Ravenscroft Diploma
To receive a Ravenscroft diploma, a student must earn a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in all subjects taken at Ravenscroft in Grades 9-12. In addition, a student must satisfy all other credit, distribution, and specific course requirements. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Head of School.
Students who do not meet these requirements may not be permitted to participate in the Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises
Academic Recognition and Honors
Each year Ravenscroft awards numerous academic honors to its students. Some of these are school sponsored, while others are bestowed by outside organizations or institutions. In addition, Ravenscroft students are eligible for induction into a number of honor societies in addition to the National Honor Society detailed below. All determinations are made based on established criteria available from the Head of Upper School, with decisions being made, depending on the award, by the Upper School faculty, the appropriate Academic Department, the Merit Scholarship Committee, or other directed body. The actual presentation of such Honors may take place at the end of year Honors Convocation, an Upper School morning meeting, or a special assembly.
National Honor Society Membership
Ravenscroft hosts a chapter of the National Honor Society and each year a group of juniors and/or seniors are selected for membership, which is based on individual records demonstrating outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Currently, any student who has completed at least 3 semesters at Ravenscroft and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.7 at the end of the first semester of their junior year is eligible to apply for consideration. Eligible students are given an application form which must be submitted by the stated deadline, usually two weeks. The application asks students to list activities – in or out of school – in which they have played a leadership role, and they are asked to get a letter of recommendation from an adult supervisor of one of those activities. The application also asks students to list their community service over the previous 2.5 years. Given that the school requires a minimum of 20 hours of service annually, the outstanding service required for society membership is generally significantly in excess of the required minimum. The final factor – character – is obviously difficult to measure, but honor violations and a pattern of breaking rules, however minor, can disqualify an applicant. Weighing all of these factors, a faculty committee (on which neither the Head of Upper School nor the National Honor Society sponsor serves) makes the final selections.
Selection of Graduation Marshals
Ravenscroft School selects its Graduation Marshals from the Junior class during the Spring Semester based on the following criteria:
• Students earning the top twenty cumulative GPAs based on at least three semesters at Ravenscroft, at the end of the first semester of Junior year.
• Students of high character who have never had major disciplinary and/or honor difficulties.
If ineligibility is declared among the top twenty GPAs, the student(s) having the next highest GPA(s) will be chosen Marshal(s), using the aforementioned criteria.
Senior Projects
The Senior Project, the culmination of the Lead From Here program, is required for graduation. It is intended to be the capstone to the Lead From Here curriculum, offering an opportunity to put into practice the leadership skills the students have developed in a setting that allows them to engage in the world beyond our School community. Working with the Director of Civic Engagement, students arrange for projects that will allow them to experience and oftentimes contribute to the day-to-day activities of governmental agencies, officials or non-profit organizations. Projects are scheduled during the last weeks of the school year, and upon their completion, each Senior will offer some form of final presentation--a paper, a Power Point, a Prezi, or some other form of video presentation--that will allow the individual to reflect upon the experience, explaining what he or she has learned from the Project as well as giving some thought to the issues that the official or organization addressed.
Major Paper/Project Deadlines
On some occasions major papers and projects will be called due (i.e., handed to the teacher) at 8:00 a.m. on the date required. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a late penalty determined by the teacher giving the assignment. Absence from school does not nullify this requirement. Students who cannot personally deliver such work on time are still responsible for its submission by 8:00 a.m.
A major paper or project means an out-of-class written assignment that has been given at least one full week (7 calendar days) before the due date. This policy will not apply to work assigned for less than the one week period or to shorter and simpler types of assignments.
All senior work to be graded before graduation must be turned in by 9:00 a.m. on the day following the end of senior exams, unless a specific exception is granted by the Head of Upper School. Seniors who do not have work handed in by 9:00 a.m. may not participate in graduation activities. Work after this deadline falls under the existing policy of the two-week period for completion of course work to earn course credit. Graduating seniors who complete any course work in this fashion will receive their diploma after graduation.
Honor Roll
The Upper School has a two-tiered Honor Roll based on Quarter grades. To make The Head of School’s List, a student must earn all A's (including A-) in all courses or achieve a Quarter GPA of at least 4.25 with all A's and B's, with no incompletes. To make The Head of Upper School’s List, a student must earn at least 3 A's (including A-), no grade below B-, or achieve a Quarter GPA of 3.90, with no grade below a C- and no incompletes.
Study Release (Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores)
Generally Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores are not required to report to a formal "Study Hall" when not scheduled for class but are expected to make effective use of this time and to maintain an atmosphere conducive to quiet study. Conversations and socializing are best done in Rhonda’s and not in alcoves or study hall rooms. If students do not behave appropriately during their study hall periods, they may be required to report to the formal study hall. During free periods, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors must sign in with the Upper School Administrative Assistant in the Upper School Office. Students in 8th Period must sign in at the end of the period Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and at the beginning on Tuesday and Thursday Note: Failure to sign in on Tuesdays and Thursdays may result in students being considered tardy with multiple infractions leading to detentions.
Guidelines for Freshman Directed Study Hall
Study release for Freshmen is based on making the Honor Roll. Freshman study release begins at the end of First Quarter. While assigned to Directed Study, Freshmen will report promptly to the designated Study Hall area and follow these guidelines to make the study time effective.
Students will…
1. always conduct themselves in a manner conducive to study.
2. come to the study area with enough schoolwork for the entire period.
3. work independently with no talking unless granted permission by the study hall supervisor to work with another student in a designated area.
4. visit another teacher if they return to study hall with a note from that teacher that includes signature, date, and time.
Extended Time Evaluations
The Academic Skills Coordinator will provide a list of students who qualify for extended test time to each faculty member at the beginning of each semester. To qualify for extended test time, a student must have a current (within 2 years) psycho-educational evaluation with a diagnosis of a learning difference and a stated accommodation of extended time. Students who qualify are required to speak to teachers involved to review special testing arrangements. All qualifying students and their parents will be informed in writing of these procedures and requirements by the Academic Skills Coordinator prior to the beginning of school.
Those students seeking extended time on standardized tests like the SAT, ACT and AP exams will need to submit additional documentation. That process can be done in consultation with the School’s Guidance Counselor.
Tutorials
All members of the Upper School faculty provide tutorial sessions. Tutorials may be scheduled during the school day as well as on Monday through Friday afternoons between 3:10 and 3:30 p.m. Students may request tutorial time by arranging a time with the teacher. Faculty may require extra individual and group tutorial sessions if the need exists.
Homework Assignments
Homework is assigned to practice skills and reinforce concepts introduced in class, to provide meaningful, related, independent study, and to develop responsibility for one’s own work. All assignments, including nightly homework, will be posted on the Veracross gradebook for students to access easily. Each student is expected to do at least three hours of "home"-work each week in each academic course; remember that effective use of "free (study) time" in school can reduce the hours spent on academics at home.
There will be no more than two tests, papers, or projects or any combination thereof due per day. The test calendar posted on a google calendar and outside the office should help facilitate this policy, but it is the students' responsibility to speak with their teachers as far in advance as possible when they have more than two in order to make alternative arrangements. There will be no tests, projects or papers due within the first two days after return from Thanksgiving, Holiday, Winter, and Spring Breaks, nor will homework be assigned during these Breaks. An exception to this policy is Advanced Placement courses that may require homework during these Break periods.
Exam Policies and Procedures
End of Semester
End-of-semester exams may count as much as 20% of the overall semester grade.
At the least, in classes having exams, the final two class days before the end-of-semester exams will be devoted to exam preparation and review of the material, and Faculty members are expected to be available for tutorials as announced and arranged in the days prior to their scheduled exams.
Teachers will not tell students their exam grade until the completion of the whole exam period.
School policy is that end of semester exams are not returned to students but they may be reviewed either in class or on an individual basis as requested.
Any student seeking to take an exam other than at the regularly scheduled time should see the Head of Upper School to address that issue, as should any students who have conflicts in their exam schedule.
AP Exams
In order to facilitate student performance on the AP exam, the Faculty has adopted the 24 hour rule under which students are not required to be on campus for the 24 hours prior to their exam (weekends are deemed a proper preparation period for a Monday exam). Immediately after the exam, the students are expected to attend all classes, but no student can be required to turn in a paper or take a graded exercise within the first 24 hours after the completion of the AP exam. For students with multiple AP exams getting caught up can get complicated as work may be postponed to a great degree. Consequently, it is important that students communicate with all their teachers about their individual AP schedule and commitments.
General Exam Procedures
Students are to arrive on time for their exams.
Students are to remain in the exam for the full two hour time period.
All phones, etc. are to be left at the doors and nothing other than exam materials—paper, writing instruments, calculators (as needed and ready to be cleared), etc.--are to be taken into the exam.
Independent Study
After having exhausted curricular resources, a student may design an independent study program (ISP) in concert with a faculty sponsor and
in accordance with these guidelines:
• ISPs primarily are intended to allow the pursuit of an academic interest not otherwise covered by the curriculum.
• An ISP must meet the same rigorous academic standards as a regularly scheduled course.
• An ISP application must include clearly articulated goals, course outline, study materials, and assessment procedures.
• Application forms (available from the Head of Upper School's Office) must be submitted to the Head of Upper School a full three weeks in advance of the semester course registration deadline. A Committee consisting of the Head of Upper School, appropriate Department Chair, and sponsoring faculty member will review and approve or deny each proposal.
• ISPs occasionally may be arranged to address irreconcilable schedule conflicts, although in many cases, students will simply have to make a choice as to what course they will take. Applications for ISPs in courses currently offered through the Curriculum and Registration Guide but which cannot be scheduled will be considered by the appropriate committee prior to the start of the semester. (Students are routinely notified in advance of schedule conflicts.)
Procedures for Drop/Add
Much time and attention is given to individual course recommendations and selections, and it is important that students and parents realize that the alteration of a schedule involves a variety of factors, and thus changes should be made only after carefully considering how the changes might affect the fulfillment of graduation and/or college admissions requirements, the burden/appropriateness of the student’s academic load, and the impact of the changes on overall commitments (co-curricular, community service, employment, etc.)
Once a decision to drop/add has been made, students should follow the following procedures:
1. Discuss intended changes with faculty advisor, teacher(s) and parents.
2. Obtain the signatures of the faculty advisor, involved teachers, a parent and the Upper School Head on the form provided.
3. Bring the completed, signed form to the Upper School Head, who will see that the official changes to the schedule are made.
4. Wait for notification from the office of the date that the change
will take effect.
Copies of the “new” schedule will be sent to and kept by the faculty advisor, Counselor, and Upper School Head, as well as the student.
Any changes made to a student’s schedule after the first interim period will result in having W (withdrew) noted on the student’s official transcript, unless specifically excepted by the Upper School Head; upon inquiry by colleges, the School will indicate withdrawal status (passing, failing). Barring extraordinary circumstances, or specific permission from the Head of Upper School, no student will be allowed to drop an individual course once they are at least a week into the second quarter. If allowed, it will be with the expectation that the dropped course will be replaced by another, and that all course requirements will be fully satisfied.
Co-Curricular Activities and Community Service
Co-Curricular Involvement
In general, it is recommended that every student at Ravenscroft be involved in at least two co-curricular activities during the year (these co-curricular commitments are in addition to community service obligations). Such participation is a part of the total educational process, reflects the School philosophy, and contributes to the college admissions process. Involvement should be compatible with interest, abilities, and time management skills; however, since excessive co-curricular participation coupled with academic demands may create stress, prioritizing is important. Co-curriculars include athletics, arts, clubs, or literary publications. The following team sports, clubs, and organizations are offered most years; others not on this list often are announced during the year, and new clubs often arise from student interest and initiative. Students interested in starting a new organization should see the Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Leadership or the Assistant for Student Activities for information about the process.
Athletics, Publications, Clubs
|Athletics |Publications |Clubs |
|*Baseball |Corvus (yearbook) |Allies |
|*Basketball |Nevarmore (newspaper) |Amnesty International |
|*Cheerleading |The Living Hand (literary |Art |
|*Cross Country |magazine) |Billiards |
|*Field Hockey | |Book |
|*Football |Other Activities |Chinese |
|*Golf | |Classics |
|*Lacrosse |*Student Government |Dance and Yoga |
|*Soccer |*Fall/Spring Play |Eco Club |
|*Softball |*Fall/Spring Musical |Español |
|*Swimming |Bigger Buddies |Fashion for a Cause |
|*Tennis |Peer Helpers |FCA |
|*Track | |French |
|*Volleyball | |Global Ravens Org. |
|*Wrestling | |Habitat For Humanity |
| | |Key Club |
|*Students involved in | |Ragin Ravens Club |
|co-curricular activities marked | |Quiz Bowl |
|with an asterisk are expected to| |Science |
|meet academic standards | |Teen Democrats |
|explained in the following | |Young Republicans |
|section. | | |
Standards for School-Sponsored Co-Curricular Activities
The School has adopted detailed rules regarding co-curricular participation to help ensure the continued eligibility of each student for re-enrollment.
With the exception of any student who has been granted a one-time only exemption to the re-enrollment standards (see below), a student's continued eligibility for participation in any co-curricular activity designated in the Upper School Student Handbook shall be determined by his or her academic performance as measured at the end of the 1st Quarter, 1st Semester, and/or 3rd Quarter. If the student's grades at any of those points would
a. fall below a 2.00, or
b. include more than two grades below a C-, then they would be ineligible.
At the next Progress Report, the student’s situation will be reevaluated with the Division Head seeking as accurate, as forward-looking, and as grade-based an evaluation as possible. If, in the Head of Upper School’s judgment, the student has improved his/her situation sufficiently as to be out of imminent danger, eligibility may be restored. Normally a student will not be reinstated more than once in a single school year. With the exception of the one situation detailed below, Progress Report grades will be used to notify students whose eligibility is in jeopardy and to introduce remedial measures.
Any student who is ineligible may appeal his or her status to the Head of Upper School. The Head of Upper School may grant a waiver once in a student’s career, but such a grant shall only be based on exceptional circumstances unrelated to the specific co-curricular activity in question.
In the rare instance in which a student is given a re-enrollment exemption and allowed to re-enroll despite a failure to satisfy the published re-enrollment requirements, he/she shall be eligible to participate in all co-curricular activities at the start of the year. However, such a student will have a full review of his/her performance at the First Progress Report to ensure compliance with the criteria listed above, and if such compliance is not achieved, that student shall be deemed ineligible until the end of the First Quarter, at which point a new evaluation will be made. If at the end of the First Semester, a student who has re-enrolled by virtue of an exemption has a record which would not allow him or her to return for the following year—i.e., a cumulative GPA below 2.0 (if the cumulative GPA has improved to the point that maintenance of the First Semester grades would raise the cumulative GPA above a 2.0 by the end of the year, then eligibility may be retained), then the student shall be deemed ineligible for the remainder of the year with no possibility of reinstatement in that academic year.
In addition, students participating in co-curricular activities are expected to maintain citizenship standards as defined in the Student Handbook. Students who disregard citizenship standards may be subject to a loss of eligibility.
Conditions for Athletic Participation
Any student who participates on a Ravenscroft School-sponsored athletic team must have signed and dated parental permission forms on file in the Athletic Office prior to the first day of practice. The following terms and conditions will apply.
1. The student is covered by a School sponsored insurance program. This insurance functions as a secondary carrier to other insurance carried by the student’s family.
2. Students are not permitted to engage in tryouts or practices for Fall athletic teams unless enrolled in school.
3. All students who participate on athletic teams are required to have a yearly physical; this physical must be administered after May 15 of the upcoming academic year in order to be valid for the entire year. No student is allowed to begin practice unless the School has this physical examination form on file; the original of the physical form should be sent to the School Nurse and a copy given to the Athletic Department.
4. Where local travel is involved, students may be asked to provide their own transportation. Students will not be allowed to drive, or ride with another student, without written permission from the parent of both the driver and the passenger on a per game basis. Athletes are also required to return from away events with their team unless written parental permission has been given to the coach in advance.
5. Each Ravenscroft student athlete is expected to adhere to high training standards and will confirm his/her commitment with a signed Parental Permission and Student Standards Form prior to any team participation. Therefore, the use of tobacco products, alcohol, or any other illegal substances will not be permitted at any time either on or off campus. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if such offenses occur and will likely result in removal from the team.
Community Service
As a part of one’s total education and personal growth, an awareness of those less fortunate and those in need is important. To foster this awareness, Ravenscroft School requires a community service commitment of twenty hours per year from each of its Upper School students.
At least ten of these hours must be fulfilled through volunteering with civic, religious, or community non-profit agencies involved in outreach and service activities, especially ones that aid those who are less fortunate. The primary emphasis of this service should be on moving beyond one’s social network to truly gain an understanding of the tremendous need in our community.
The other half of these twenty hours may be completed on the Ravenscroft campus; however, it should be noted that responsibilities associated with a co-curricular activity or requirements for a specific class may not be counted as community service.
A verification form signed by the non-profit or campus sponsor is to be submitted to the Community Service Coordinator as soon as the service activity is completed. No parent or relative may sign the verification form. The honor system is in effect for the total number of hours submitted. Forms are available from the front office, the CS Coordinator’s office, and on the Ravenscroft website. Anyone having questions about the appropriateness of their activity should see the Director of the Community Service program or the Division Head, preferably in advance of their participation.
Students will be continuously informed of service opportunities via morning announcements, posted flyers, and the Ravenscroft website.
Attendance
School Hours
The class day is 8:00 a.m.-3:10 p.m. daily, with the exception of announced partial days.
The Upper School building is open by 7:00 a.m. Students should not linger in the halls after school as talk and activity can disrupt tutorials. Students should instead go to Rhonda’s, the alcoves or Senior Study Hall. Any students remaining in the Upper School after 4:00 p.m. must be with a teacher or in Rhonda’s.
Parents are responsible for students who are on campus before or after school hours.
Class Attendance
Ravenscroft students are required to attend all classes. A student missing all or part of a school day is required to bring a note to the Upper School Office upon arrival indicating
• the reason for the absence
• date and times covered by the absence
• a parent signature
The student then receives an “admit to class” slip. Failure to bring a note or communicate the above information in a timely manner will result in an unexcused absence; please be aware that not all “excuses” will justify excused absences.
Students missing an entire school day(s) must bring a note to the Upper School Office before their first class which includes the same information specified above.
Students are responsible for schoolwork missed because of absence. Students can work with teachers on an individual basis to decide how this is to be made up. In order to receive credit for a course, a student must attend 80% of the class periods. The Upper School Head must clear any exceptions to this policy.
Students who miss part of a day--for whatever reason, and whether leaving early or coming in late--are expected to communicate that day with the teachers of the missed class or classes in order to get their assignments and make arrangements for making up any work they may have missed. Failure to do so may result in an unexcused absence and attendant academic penalties. This is especially true when tests have been missed.
Important: Students are not to leave school without checking out through the Upper School Office. No student may leave campus during the school day without parent permission. Permission must be obtained by the student and received by the Office before a student can be dismissed.
a. Students must check out at the Upper School Office before going to the Nurse or for any special need to leave campus.
b. In case of illness, students must go to the School Nurse before leaving campus. Parents will be contacted from the Nurse's Office to obtain permission for the student to go home.
c. Upon return to campus, students should check in at the Upper School Office.
• Faculty will report absences to the Upper School Office each day in the manner designated. The Office maintains individual attendance records for each student. When a student is absent, a telephone call may be made to his or her home by the Division Head or designate.
• Absence totals are reported to advisors who will communicate as appropriate with parents. Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness are addressed in college placement narratives.
• Any absence should be explained with a note or appropriate communication from the parents within 48 hours of the student’s return to school or it will be deemed “unexcused.” Any absence which is determined to be “unexcused” may prevent students from making up missed tests or papers. In such cases, the grade will be recorded as “0” by the classroom instructor. Students, of course, are expected to assume responsibility for catching up on missed assignments resulting from the unexcused absence.
• Students must be in school and in class the full academic day of any co-curricular activity in order to participate in the activity. This includes school dances, drama productions, rehearsals, athletic events and practices. Excuses involving illnesses, doctor appointments, and family emergencies will be considered on an individual basis.
• Student participation in any off-campus education program is expected and exceptions must be specifically exempted by the Head of Upper School.
Pre-arranged Absences
A. One day or longer
Students will bring to the Upper School Office a note from home providing the reason for the anticipated absence, dates of missed school days, and a parent signature. After obtaining a “Pre-arranged Absence Form” from the Office and clearance from the Head of Upper School, a student must take the form to each of his/her teachers for their signatures and a list of assignments the student must complete before leaving school or submit when he/she returns to school. This completed form must be turned in to the Upper School Office at least one full day before the student leaves campus. Please keep in mind:
1. Prolonged or frequent absences for any reason can have an adverse effect on student progress, placing an unusual burden on him/her as well as on teachers.
2. Requests for absences on the day before or the day after a school holiday are disruptive to the school program and families are asked to limit such requests.
3. Students should arrange to turn in all missed and due assignments either before or the day immediately following the absence, or according to a pre-arranged schedule at teacher discretion.
B. Less than one day
Medical or dental appointments should be pre-arranged with the Upper School Office by a phone call or note from the parent(s). Parents are urged to make such appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.
Students are responsible for pre-arranging with their teachers to make up work including homework, tests, quizzes and papers due in classes missed for athletics, drama, choir, or other school-related events or trips. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the teacher that he/she will miss class at least one full day before the absence so that adequate arrangements for completing all assignments can be made.
Schoolwork missed due to Pre-arranged, Co-Curricular Activities
While coaches and activity sponsors have a responsibility to advise students of upcoming scheduled absences, it is the student's responsibility to coordinate such a known absence with his or her classroom teachers. In general students with a pre-arranged absence must submit assignments and complete tests for classes missed before departure and get assignments which will be due upon return. For an extended absence, tests and assignments are to be made up at the teacher's discretion. Students who do not notify teachers of a known absence may suffer grade penalties similar to those for late papers.
Schoolwork Missed due to Illness
Homework assignments will be posted on password-protected class pages of the School website, accessible to students as well as parents. If a lengthy illness has caused several days to be missed, a student should work with the Advisor to prepare a schedule to make up missed schoolwork. Students should schedule tutorials to go over missed work, be sure that all missed homework has been completed, and schedule a time with the teacher to take any missed tests as soon as possible.
Tardy Policy
Punctuality is important. Students are held accountable for being on time to school, to classes, and to scheduled meetings/assemblies:
• Advisors will report students late to Morning Meeting; these students will also sign in upon arrival. These tardies are summarized and passed to parents at Quarter conferences.
• Teachers will establish individual tardy policies for their classes, explain all expectations fully and clearly, and respond appropriately to tardies as they occur.
• Excessive tardiness to Morning Meetings or to class may result in any or all of the following: conference with the Assistant to the Head of Upper School; detention; contact with home; conference including the student, the Assistant to the Head of Upper School, and parents; loss of special privileges (including off-campus lunch); additional disciplinary action. Four morning tardies will result in a detention. Each subsequent tardy will result in an additional detention. In addition, excessive tardiness may be addressed in college placement narratives.
Detention
Generally, detention will be held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, as well as Tuesday mornings at 6:30, although other times may also be utilized. Detentions are an obligation for all assigned students. The first unexcused tardy to/absence from detention will require a make-up plus an additional detention (total 2). Subsequent unexcused absences may result in multiple detentions, weekend work details, or in-school suspensions served over vacations or breaks.
Student Conduct
General Statement
Ravenscroft students are expected to show respect for the rights and property of others, to exhibit courtesy and good character, and to engage in behavior which brings credit to the school and to the community, whether they are on or off campus. Inappropriate and/or unlawful behavior off campus may result in School imposed disciplinary measures. It may also result in a student being deemed ineligible to participate in a School sponsored/co-curricular activity. This commitment is further reflected in each student’s pledge to abide by the Upper School Honor Code:
I pledge, on my honor, not to lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, or vandalize. I realize that any violation of this code is deemed serious enough to warrant an appearance before the Honor Council.
Honor Council
Any student who is determined to have breached the Honor Code will be brought before the Honor Council.
l. The Honor Council is composed of six students elected by their peers (1 Freshman, 1 Sophomore, 2 Juniors, 2 Seniors) and four faculty members appointed by the Head of the Upper School. One of the faculty members serves as chairperson of the committee and only votes in the event of a tie.
2. The Honor Council’s function is to make recommendations for disciplinary action to the Head of the Upper School and the Head of School.
3. Ravenscroft School policy is to report to colleges any major disciplinary action (suspension, dismissal) which results from an Honor Code violation and as well as any other suspension or dismissal. This applies at any time during the student's Upper School career.
Violations and Offenses
A. Honor Code Violations
Following are examples of violations and offenses which may be grounds for an appearance before the Honor Council and consequent disciplinary action which may include suspension or expulsion.
1. Stealing
The taking of any property or work, whether in a locked or secured location or not, is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of the owner.
2. Vandalism
Vandalism is a serious breach of trust. The care of our school campus and equipment is important so we can all live, work and learn in a pleasant physical environment. Students and faculty alike share responsibility for the general appearance and upkeep of our facilities. Destructive or careless behavior will not be tolerated.
a. The person or persons responsible for unintentional damage or breakage, or neglect will be expected to pay for replacement or repair of school equipment.
b. Intentional introduction of viruses into computer systems or other types of mistreatment of computers, software, or related items is considered vandalism. Unauthorized copying of school-owned software is considered stealing.
3. Cheating
If a student gives or receives any unauthorized assistance on homework, quizzes, tests, papers, or projects, he or she has violated the Upper School Honor Code.
4. Plagiarism
Plagiarism “is the act of using another person’s ideas or expressions without acknowledging the source” or giving the “impression that you have written or thought something that you have in fact borrowed from someone else.”1 Additionally, plagiarism includes borrowing ideas which are not commonly accepted and which can be credited to a particular source. Intent need not be a part of the offense. It is the uncredited or unacknowledged use, rather than an intent to use someone else's work that is central to the offense.
“Electronic,” “high tech,” or “Web-based plagiarism” also can be a significant problem in the Internet era. Downloading or “cutting and pasting” information directly into a paper from the Internet or other electronic sources without quotations or citation of that source is yet another form of plagiarism.
Related to the issue of plagiarism is the question of “self-plagiarism,” that is borrowing from oneself, specifically, the act of submitting a paper in one course that has previously been submitted to fulfill an assignment in another. Also included under this heading would be the submission of a revised version of a previously submitted paper without first conferring with the teacher and notifying him/her about the previous use of the basic text. Such actions violate the spirit of learning, especially the idea that a student is expected to do the work assigned, at the time it is assigned, in a way that is responsive to the specific assignment. Consequently, such actions are similarly prohibited.
Although students should feel free to use the ideas of others and to build upon such ideas in research papers and essays, they must be careful to note when those ideas have been drawn from other sources, be it printed or electronic material. Students, therefore, must provide proper documentation for all borrowed words or ideas, following carefully the MLA guidelines (in English handbooks) and the instructions of their teachers.
________________________________________________________
1 Joseph Gibaldi and Walter S. Achtert, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Third Edition (Modern Language Association of America: New York, 1988), 21.
5. Lying
A student who provides information known to be untruthful to a member of the faculty or other School authority at any time is in violation of trust and of the Honor Code.
B. Other Violations and Offenses
1. Drugs or Alcohol
Alcohol, addictive substances, and drug paraphernalia are strictly forbidden on the Ravenscroft School campus. Illegal use of such substances at any School-related function off campus is also prohibited. Persons under the influence of alcohol or addictive substances are not permitted on campus. This policy applies both to students and to employees of the School. Violations of these rules may result in expulsion or termination. The School reserves the right to administer a breathalyzer to students who may be suspected of drinking during the school day.
Buying, selling, or otherwise transferring addictive substances or alcohol at Ravenscroft will result in expulsion or termination. (See 'C' below.)
2. Tobacco
Use of tobacco, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and chewing tobacco, is forbidden on the Ravenscroft School campus and, by students, at any School-related function, on or off campus.
3. Fighting and Abusive Language
Fighting, physical harassment – including sexual harassment, the creation of a sexually threatening or hostile environment, hazing of any sort, and/or the use of obscene, profane, or foul language on campus or at School-sponsored events are forbidden. Violations of this sort, or the use of language that harasses or demeans others may result in disciplinary action.
C. Expulsory Violations and Offenses
The following are examples of violations and offenses that will result in expulsion from Ravenscroft:
l. Buying, selling or otherwise transferring drugs or alcohol on the Ravenscroft campus or at school-related functions.
2. Possession of or use of guns, or other unauthorized weapons on the Ravenscroft campus or at school-related functions.
D. Harassment
Sexual harassment is a violation of laws against discrimination (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Harassment of any kind is forbidden at all Ravenscroft school-related activities, on or off campus, and school- sponsored social activities, on or off campus.
Any form of harassment related to a student’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law will be treated as a disciplinary matter, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from school.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct. It includes, but is not limited to: Deliberate and repeated offensive and/or suggestive comments or gestures of a sexual nature; physical actions and/or threats of a sexual nature; continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body; sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; differential treatment as a result of submission to or rejection of sexual requests or demands; unwelcome sexual advances whether involving physical touching or not.
Slurs, jokes, other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability, medical conditions or citizenship status are also forms of harassment prohibited by the School.
Bullying is a form of repeated physical, verbal and/or emotional harassment, intimidating or demeaning behavior toward another student by an individual or group of students. Cyber-bullying is bullying behavior conducted through electronic text or images. Any form of bullying or cyber-bullying by a student or a group of students is strictly forbidden, whether on or off campus.
If you feel you are being harassed by another student or a teacher, or if you have witnessed harassment, you should report the incident immediately to the Division Head, Assistant Head, Guidance Counselor or the Student Advisor. The matter will be investigated promptly and confidentially. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible considering the school’s obligation to take appropriate responsive action. Some forms of sexual harassment are considered violations of criminal law and or covered by mandatory reporting obligations, and may need to be reported to legal authorities. Disciplinary action will be based on the results of the investigation. The reporting person is protected from retaliation for making a good-faith harassment complaint or for participating in a harassment investigation. Anyone with a concern that he or she is being retaliated against should immediately bring it to the attention of the Division Head, Assistant Head, Guidance Counselor or the Student Advisor.
Classroom Demeanor
Every student has the right to learn. Since a chief purpose of Ravenscroft School is to foster academic learning, any attitude or behavior that disrupts or destroys the learning process is unacceptable. Any student who repeatedly disrupts in any way the learning process in the classroom may be removed from the classroom and face disciplinary action.
The following are examples of proper behavior in Upper School classes:
1. Come to class promptly, prepared with the proper materials.
2. Treat your teacher and fellow classmates with respect and courtesy.
a. Follow directions the first time they are given.
b. Speak only after raising your hand and being called on.
c. Remain in your seat unless otherwise instructed.
d. Refrain from horseplay.
e. Avoid argumentative or confrontational behaviors. If you are having a problem with a teacher or another student, talk to that person in private or consult with your Advisor, Guidance Counselor, the Class Sponsor, Assistant to the Head of Upper School, Head of Upper School or your parents.
3. Use all classroom materials and equipment properly and safely.
4. Do not bring or consume unauthorized food and drink.
Acceptable Use Policy
Users of campus computer network facilities are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette, all relevant State and federal laws, and School rules as stipulated on the Acceptable Use Form, which was revised by the student government association in 2014. A copy of this form must be signed by each student and on file with the School prior to using the Ravenscroft computer network. In addition, in keeping with the academic focus of the computer network, game playing on school computers is prohibited.
Continuation of Enrollment
Ravenscroft reserves the right of student suspension or dismissal at any time during the school year. Any pupil who persistently neglects work, who fails to meet academic standards, or who exercises poor citizenship on or off campus, who fails to cooperate or whose parents fail to cooperate, may be asked to withdraw from school. (See specific academic standards for Upper School reenrollment elsewhere in this Handbook.)
It is understood that when a student has been accepted for admission to Ravenscroft School, the faculty and staff will make available all campus resources necessary and useful for the student’s continued enrollment. In the event that the student’s academic performance, behavior, and/or attitude raise questions concerning his/her continued presence as a Ravenscroft student, the following procedures will be used:
1. Any instructor or staff member becoming aware of the student’s problem or tenuous situation will notify both the Head and the Counselor of that Division;
2. Conferences will be scheduled with the student and, if necessary, with that student’s parents to clarify the extent of the problem and the steps necessary for correction;
3. When steps for correction do not affect the desired change, the student and his/her parents will be notified in writing that the student’s continued enrollment is in jeopardy.
Additional Guidelines
1. Audio/Video Equipment and Cell Phones: Radios, IPods, or other audio/video equipment are not to be used during any formal school functions but may be used by individuals who are studying independently. The use of Cell phones and/or pagers in class or during any formal school function/activity is strictly prohibited, but they may be consulted and used only for texting during passing times, break, lunch, and an individual’s study hall, but they may not be used in the supervised freshman study hall. Any calls made during the Academic Day (7:45 am – 3:30 pm) must take place outside the School buildings, in Rhonda’s or the alcoves, and such use is limited to break and lunch. Violation of these rules and guidelines may result in confiscation of the phone with no guarantee that the phone will be returned by the end of the day. Students are not to use any type of recording devices—audio or video, even in class, without permission from the instructor.
2. Litter and Recycling: Please use the trash cans provided around campus, and use recycling containers where possible.
3. Bookbags: Bookbags, athletic bags and the like scattered in hallways are unsafe and sloppy and must not be left on hallway floors. They may be kept with students, in lockers, on hooks in hallways, or in other designated stowing areas. Bags left on hallway floors may be confiscated.
4. Athletic Equipment in Upper School Building: The use of athletic equipment such as basketballs, tennis balls, lacrosse sticks, Frisbees, etc. is prohibited in the Upper School building.
5. Food and Drink in Upper School Building: In the general course of events food and drink are not permitted in Upper School, except as provided under "Student Services." Food and drink (except for water in clear bottles) are not permitted in classrooms during instructional time.
6. Behavior at Evening Social Activities: Each student is expected to follow the social codes of the school as described in this handbook.
7. School- Sponsored Dances: Students must abide by the “45 Minute Rule”-No one may arrive more than 45 minutes after the scheduled beginning or leave more than 45 minutes before the scheduled ending of the dance. Appropriate attire at dances varies depending upon the occasion, but the dance sponsors will communicate the expectation for each individual event. In addition, given the School’s concerns and responsibilities about safety, the School reserves the right to administer a breathalyzer test to students attending a dance. The test will be administered by an Upper School administrator or faculty member and the results recorded. If the test results in a positive reading, a second test will be administered in the presence of at least one other administrator, faculty member, or off-duty police officer and the results recorded. If the results are positive, a second test will be administered under the same guidelines. If these tests indicate a Blood Alcohol level above 0.00, the student’s parents will be contacted immediately and requested to come pick up the student. Refusal by a student to submit to a breathalyzer test will be treated as a positive test. In all cases, discussions and decisions about the appropriate disciplinary action will be undertaken on the next academic school day or within a reasonable time period given the severity of the incident. It should be noted that this policy may also be applied to other school sponsored evening activities.
8. Student Assemblies: Student conduct will be courteous and attentive, and will provide a warm and cordial atmosphere to guests. Gum is not permitted in the Fine Arts Theater. Remember, "Respect the passions of others."
9. Behavior at Athletic Events: Ravenscroft students, players and spectators alike, are expected to exhibit sportsmanship at all athletic events, home and away. Sportsmanship demonstrates respect—and earns respect.
a. Students should endeavor to demonstrate the following characteristics of sportsmanship:
1) Always play your hardest—but always play by the rules.
2) Accept the decisions of officials. Remember that occasional upsetting decisions are part of the game.
3) Sports are supposed to be fun, so have fun! Be cheerful and enthused—no one enjoys a whiner.
4) Praise the good play of opponents whenever you can, not just at the end of the game. It will earn you respect.
5) Never make excuses—they only add to the hurt of a loss and earn you no respect. A player or spectator who holds his/her head high after defeat is a winner.
6) Cheer for your own side; never jeer at an opponent.
7) Treat visiting schools as guests, not enemies.
8) Be gracious in victory and defeat.
b. Inappropriate and unsportsmanlike conduct by players and/or spectators (i.e. baiting the opponents, ridiculing them and displaying tasteless signs, throwing objects onto the playing area, etc.) is entirely unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action.
c. Food and drink are not permitted in campus gyms.
10. Senior Pranks: “Senior pranks” and “Senior skip days” are not permitted.
11. Visitors: Students may invite visitors to the School while it is in session; however, students must inform the Head of Upper School or other school administrator of the visitor’s presence. Visitors to Upper School must register at the Upper School Office and will be assigned a Visitor's Pass; all are expected to uphold the same standards of citizenship expected of Ravenscroft students.
Any members of the media who seek to visit campus or obtain information about the School, School or campus events, or individual students must go through the Director of Strategic Communications in the Office for Institutional Advancement. All arrangements will be made through that office.
12. School e-mail Accounts: In order to help ensure effective and timely
communication, students are provide with school email accounts. They are expected to check their accounts regularly and they are responsible for communication that school officials and faculty members may share or transmit via email.
Campus Limits
Safety and security require that Upper Schoolers stay in appropriate campus areas during class time and for lunch. For example, the track may be an appropriate location for Physical Education class or track team practice after school; it is inappropriate during study time, class time or lunch. Other generally inappropriate areas during normal class time and lunch include parking lots, wooded areas, playing fields, locker rooms, unused areas of the old Middle School building, and others.
Dress and Grooming
General Guidelines
The Upper School dress code is designed to encourage modesty, neatness, and comfort without sacrificing individual expression. It also reflects the fact that the Upper School is first and foremost an academic institution. The whole community loses, and our academic efforts are undermined, when specific clothing or general issues of proper attire become a distraction. Indeed, that ultimately is the overriding concern and the standard, admittedly, a judgment based one, on which determinations about appropriate dress will be made. Student dress should show respect for the educational process in which the students are engaged, while also reflecting good personal grooming and hygiene habits.
Students not upholding dress standards will be required to change into appropriate clothing or School-provided attire. Additional consequences may include: a request that a parent bring proper clothing to campus; parent conference; unexcused absences from class while obtaining proper dress; and, for chronic inattention to these standards, disciplinary action. Please know that students may be refused participation in any School function either on or off campus if their attire in not in accord with these guidelines (see especially "Game Day/Special Event Attire" below).
Specific Guidelines
Recommended attire for school: Shirts/blouses with collars; khaki pants/skirts; sports shoes
Unacceptable attire for school includes but may not be limited to:
• clothing with advertising for or suggestions of substances and items not permitted on campus (beer, cigarettes, drug paraphernalia, etc.); indecent, provocative, or violent pictures or language;
• halter-tops, tube-tops, low necklines, spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, tank tops, sheer tops, spandex or excessively tight tops, tops without backs; all tops must have sleeves that cover the shoulders;
• hemlines of shorts, skirts, or dresses which do not extend below the thumb of the student when his/her arms are fully extended downward; gym or athletic shorts, spandex, yoga pants or other tight-fitting pants (without a top covering the buttocks), sweatpants;
• hats, caps, bandannas, toboggans, or any other headgear (indoors);
• bare feet;
• ripped or tattered clothing, cut-offs;
• visible undergarments.
If in doubt about the appropriateness of campus dress, check with your Advisor, the Assistant Head of Upper School or the Head of Upper School before you wear the item to school. Since opinions as to proper attire will often differ, the final arbiters of appropriateness are the Assistant Head of Upper School and the Head of Upper School.
Relaxed dress during exam weeks is permissible, but attire must reflect the principles established in the "General" paragraph at the top of this page.
Game-Day/Special Event Attire
Special campus events require special attire, by custom referred to as "Game Day Dress" since members of School teams are required to wear similar clothing on days of athletic contests.
1. Game Day/Special Event attire must conform to all the specifications as noted in the previous section, “General Attire.”
2. Game Day/Special Event attire should be worn for the duration of classes and any travel on game days or special event days, unless there is a special theme on that day in which case Game Day Dress must only be worn for travel.
3. Boys must wear the following on game days and for special events:
• collared dress shirt and tie
• dress slacks (no jeans or shorts)
• dress shoes
4. Girls must wear the following on game days and for special events:
• dress skirt or dress slacks and blouse
• dress shoes
5. Special days when Game Day Dress is required include but are not limited to the following (please remember that students may be refused participation in any School function either on or off campus if their attire in not in accordance with guidelines):
Tuesday, November 25: Thanksgiving Chapel
Friday, December 12: Holiday Chapel
Friday, April 3: Easter/Passover Chapel
Tuesday, April 21: Honor Society Inductions
Thursday, June 4: Honors Convocation
Other occasions, such as the Fall and Winter Sports Banquets and Commencement events, require special attire for the event though not during the school day; students should be alert to reminders at Morning Meetings, in the Upper School Bulletin, etc.
Physical Education Uniform Policy
1. Physical Education students are expected to dress out in an official Ravenscroft School gym uniform.
2. Required gym uniforms may be purchased at the School Store during the first week of school.
3. A locker in the Finley Activity Center is provided to each student taking physical education. Students are required to bring their own combination locks and the combinations will be registered with the Physical Education Department. Lockers must be kept locked at all times and should not be shared.
4. Students are responsible for uniforms and locks unless there is evidence of forcible entry into an assigned locker.
Students have a one week period to replace their uniform before being considered unprepared for gym class.
Driving on Campus
Driving is hazardous. This is especially so on a school campus with traffic congestion and hundreds of pedestrians, including small children; campus construction traffic adds to the danger. Be advised that careless or reckless driving is not tolerated—a single moving traffic offense (speeding, reckless passing, off-road driving, etc.) can result in an extended loss of driving privileges on campus.
Vehicle Registration
All motor vehicles shall be registered with the School on a form provided by the Upper School Office. Students will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle to school or to register such a vehicle unless they hold a valid North Carolina license and drive a vehicle which meets North Carolina Motor Vehicle Operating requirements. Vehicles driven or used by students on campus may be searched by school officials. The on-campus use of a vehicle by a student constitutes consent by that student for school officials to search the vehicle and to seize illegal or unauthorized materials and contraband discovered during the search.
Student Driving
The Ravenscroft community includes students as young as 4 years old and safety is a paramount concern. Consequently, students must recognize that driving on campus is a privilege--one which can be suspended--and which requires common sense, courtesy, caution, and alertness. Campus speed limit is 15 mph. Approaches to the campus (Falls of Neuse Road and Newton Road) are also particularly dangerous areas. Even though these roads are not on school property, traffic violations and lack of courtesy and caution on them can result in both legal and school action against the driver.
Parking
All student vehicles are to be parked in designated lots during school hours, and should display a Ravenscroft parking tag. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the loss of the driving privilege for a designated period of time. Students are not to be in the parking lots during school hours, and if they need to get something they should secure permission from the office. Seniors may go to and from their cars to go off campus for lunch, but they may not remain in cars during the lunch period.
Lunch Policy and Driving
Seniors have the privilege of going off-campus for lunch. These and other actions may lead to the loss of this privilege for a specified time: Unexcused absence from detention; chronic tardiness in returning to campus from lunch in time for Period 6; careless or reckless driving.
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors may not leave campus for lunch.
Please drive safely, on and off campus!
Student Services
Faculty Advisor Program
Each student has a faculty advisor. The role of the advisor includes providing academic advice and support, sharing curricular and extra-curricular information on a regular basis, and lending a helpful and sympathetic ear on occasion. Advisors communicate with advisees’ parents formally at scheduled conferences and informally throughout the year; they also collaborate with counselors, faculty, and staff to help the student find success and satisfaction during his/her Upper School years. The faculty advisors, counselor, Assistant Head of Upper School, and others will work together to deal with academic or personal problems, which may arise in connection with school life.
Advisors and advisees meet often during the school year. There will be times that all students eat lunch with their advisory groups; guidelines for ordering lunch off-campus are established by the Head of Upper School.
Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Leadership
The Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Leadership assists the Head of Upper School in maintaining a healthy climate for the students. He oversees all student leadership and disciplinary matters and attends to other issues that affect student morale and the proper operation of the Upper School.
Assistant Head of Upper School for Faculty Development and Student Guidance
The Assistant Head of Upper School for Faculty Development and Student Guidance will support the Head of Upper School in overseeing the implementation of a well-articulated faculty evaluation plan and professional development process that is grounded in self-awareness, while concurrently maintaining congruence between the School’s mission, the vision of the Head of the Upper School, and all academic activities. In addition to these duties, the Assistant Head of Upper School for Faculty Development and Student Guidance’s primary responsibility is to provide the counseling services below.
Counseling Services
Counseling offices are located in each school division. Counselors provide confidential personal and academic counseling. Information on academic and extra-curricular program planning, and interpreting test results are among the academic topics which can be explored with a counselor. The counselor also is available for confidential discussions of personal and interpersonal issues. With parents’ permission, arrangements for off-campus counseling or evaluation may be made through the counselor. A peer-helping program has been started and is available to all students. Requests for a peer helper can be made through the counseling offices.
The Community Health Team
The non-disciplinary Community Health Team (CHT) is designed to help and support students before potential alcohol or other drug use becomes a health problem or a disciplinary issue. A Community Health Team (CHT) is concerned with student alcohol and/or other drug use as a health issue. The CHT seeks to prevent damage done by alcohol or other drug use. The CHT is elected by the Upper School student body and is composed of three to five members of the faculty. The CHT is chaired by the Upper School Counselor. The CHT receives written referrals/concerns from members of the community who are worried about someone’s alcohol or other drug use. Any community member who makes a referral to the CHT must provide their name, but will do so in strict confidentiality. No one except the intervention team members and Upper School Counselor will have knowledge about who made a referral. The CHT meets with students for whom there is sufficient concern. These conversations include only providing educational and professional resources. The CHT does not provide counseling.
College Counseling
The College Counseling Department provides information and guidance to students and their parents to assist them in making an informed decision regarding the selection of colleges best suited to the needs and abilities of each student. To support families in college planning and preparation, the college counselors continually update their educational background and professional development by attending regional and national conferences and through visits to colleges and universities nationally and internationally.
Preparing for college includes programming designed for each of the four years of secondary education, as well as programs presented for all families. The emphasis throughout the college process is on promoting understanding of both student individual strengths and on understanding college expectations.
Each student is encouraged to give foremost focus to developing academic strengths, while also pursuing personal interests. During the college search, students typically find the best college fits are those that match the student’s record and interests. A list of programs and processes are detailed in the college brochure.
Letters of Recommendation
Frequently, students will ask a faculty member for a letter of recommendation for college admissions (or perhaps summer programs, employment, etc.) To clarify and facilitate this process...
• students should ask the faculty member politely and with at least a two-week notice;
• students should provide all addressed and stamped envelopes;
• all letters should be mailed by the School or faculty member directly to the intended recipient; none will be given directly to the student or family;
• all letters are confidential; students and families should not ask to see their contents.
Health Services
The School employs a registered nurse who assists the student body in the area of health services. The School Nurse maintains a medical and immunization record on each student, assists students who become ill or injured during school hours, and administers all medication. Upper School students who wish to take medications on their own on a regular basis on campus must have a permission form signed by their parent; these forms are available in the Upper School Office. Required medical forms are due prior to a student’s beginning school.
The Nurse’s office is located in the Jones Health Center at the north end of the campus Green.
Upper School Media Services/Library
The media program exists for the purpose of accommodating and facilitating the use of a variety of media in the educational process. Ravenscroft’s media centers are more than depositories for books: They provide faculty and students a variety of materials and services to meet the needs and challenges of the curriculum. The new Library/Technology Center houses books, periodicals, and reference materials, printed and electronic.
Hours: The Library/Technology Center is open for student and faculty use from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during regular school days. Students are encouraged to come to the Library before and after school and during tutorial for quiet study and use of media. Policies for after-school use will be outlined at the beginning of the school year.
Services: Orientation to available services will be provided to all students at the beginning of the school year through English classes. Media specialists will assist students in locating materials and developing skills in the use of resources, information retrieval, etc. Students interested in producing non-print/computer-generated educational materials that complement class work and assignments can receive assistance in planning and producing such materials.
Circulation: Checkout of Library materials is self-service, using barcodes on student identification cards. Proper procedures are explained during orientation. Library books are circulated for a period of four weeks; students will be notified of overdue books through advisors. Books may be renewed by bringing them to the Library and rechecking them for an additional four weeks. Students abusing circulation guidelines will be denied the privilege of checking out other materials until overdue items are returned.
Reserve and Reference Materials: All reserve and reference materials must be available for use in the Library during school hours. Reference and reserve materials may be checked out for overnight use at the end of the school day through special arrangements provided by the media specialists. These materials must be returned by 8:00 a.m. the following day to ensure access to needed information by all students.
Photocopying: A copying machine is available for student use in the Library free of charge. This machine, not those in the faculty workroom, should be used for all student copying.
Periodicals: Current periodicals are not circulated. Students are encouraged to use them in the Library. Many back issues are circulated for overnight use.
Lost Materials: Materials checked out from the Library are the responsibility of the student. Materials will be declared lost if missing for 90 days. If you think your materials are lost, inform a Media Specialist immediately; students will be billed for lost materials.
Behavior: The Library staff has a responsibility to the students of Ravenscroft to provide a quiet place to read and study independently. Students are expected to assume responsibility for acceptable behavior, as judged by the Library staff and faculty.
Food Service
The School provides a self-serve Dining Room in the Fine Arts Center. Food and snack items may be purchased there by Upper Schoolers during Morning Break and the lunch period. In addition, a satellite food service, open to all Upper School students, will be operated in Rhonda’s in the Upper School building. Some general rules govern the use of food and drink in the Upper School, regardless of the nature of the food service:
• Food—regardless of where it is obtained—may be consumed only in Rhonda’s, the Alcoves, and the Patio, except in an organized gathering—Advisee Lunch, club meeting, etc.--under direct faculty supervision; no food may be consumed by any student in the hallways at any time--before, during, or after school. Open food and beverage containers (with the exception of water in clear plastic bottles) are not permitted in hallways at any time.
• Club-sponsored food sales (“Bake Sales”) may be held in Rhonda’s during Morning Break or lunch, but food must be consumed only in the areas specified above; unwrapped Bake Sale items may not be carried through hallways. Clubs wishing to hold Bake Sales should clear the date and location with the Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Leadership.
• Students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the Patio, the Alcoves, and Rhonda’s.
The School Store
The School Store, The Raven Zone, located in Richards Hall, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 3:45 p.m. On sale in the store are workbooks, general school supplies, as well as a variety of Ravenscroft sweatshirts, windbreakers, decals, and other paraphernalia. Purchases may be made only with cash, checks, Visa, or MasterCard.
Telephones
There is no public phone available for student use, but Office and classroom phones in both the Upper School and Finley Center may be used with faculty permission.
Lockers
Each Upper School student is assigned a locker to use appropriately during the school year. Student lockers are school property and at all times remain under the control of the school. In using a locker, students assume full responsibility for the security, use and contents of their assigned locker and give school officials consent to inspect and search the locker. Lockers may be inspected and searched by school officials periodically and at any time without notice or further consent by the student. Students are expected to keep lockers free of writing, decals, trash, etc. Given that the lockers are in public areas and that important messages are often left for students on their lockers, it is important there be adequate space for those communications. Thus students are free to decorate the top half, but should leave the bottom part free any decorations.
Students may put a combination lock (only) on their locker if they wish. The combination to any such lock must be given to both (1) the student’s advisor and (2) the Upper School Office. Lost locks are the responsibility of the student. Should a School official need to open a locked locker and the combination is not available as required, the lock will be cut. Whether or not his/her locker is locked, each student should be alert to the security of his or her belongings, especially given the building’s proximity to athletic facilities and playing fields, which attract many visitors to campus.
Lockers are subject to being searched if there are concerns about safety, hygiene, or cleanliness.
Lost and Found
The School Administrative Assistant will be responsible for provision of a lost and found area near her desk. Any articles found should be given to her and may be claimed there at the end of each day.
Student Government
Student Government Association (SGA) functions, duties, and procedures are detailed in the Student Government Constitution, printed below. This document may be changed according to the Amendment procedure outlined in Article VI.
Student Government Association officers for 2014-2015:
President: Wes Stroud ‘15
Vice President: David Reynolds ‘15
Secretary: Sydney Schwarz ‘16
Treasurer: Lucy Russell ‘16
Class Officers:
Class of 2015
President: Moira Pelton
Vice President: Alex Romley
Secretary/Treasurer: Jessica Kim
Class of 2016
President: D.J. Washington
Vice President: N/A
Secretary/Treasurer: Menaka Atree
Class of 2017
President: Reed Margolis
Vice President: Jaxson Stocks
Secretary/Treasurer: Ian Conley
Class of 2018
To be determined in the fall.
Student Government Constitution
The Student Government
The Student Government has been established as the official representative of the student body. The purpose is to provide leadership in all aspects of student life, and to act as liaison among faculty, administration, and the student body.
Preamble
Ravenscroft functions as an educational institution through the competence, cooperation, and interest of its students, faculty, and staff. Each of these groups offers a necessary and unique contribution to the success of the institution.
Not only the ideas and philosophies of the groups, but also the opinions of the individuals within, must be expressed and related in an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding. At the same time, students, faculty, and staff must realize that each group has unique concerns and needs which must be dealt with within a group.
The concern of the Student Government Association are those areas of life at Ravenscroft which most affect students. Through this body, the students express their needs and concerns in order to communicate these beliefs to the entire school community. Also, the administration may communicate its wishes and expectations of the students by means of the Student Government Association.
Article I. Functions of the Student Government
Section 1. To act as an official means of communication between students and the rest of the institution.
Section 2. To represent the opinion of students and to provide a place for these opinions to be expressed.
Section 3. To make necessary recommendations that will assist in the formulation of school policy pertaining to students.
Section 4. To submit a list of names to the administration from which a sponsor to the Student Government Association may be chosen.
Section 5. To meet according to the following schedule:
Executive Council and Class Presidents- weekly
Entire Council (with Class Representatives)- when necessary
The President of the SGA has the right to call a meeting at any time.
Article II. Members and Officers
Section 1. Members
Clause 1. The Student Government Association will consist of the student body, class representatives, four class presidents, four class vice presidents, four class secretary/treasurers, and the Executive Council.
Section 2. Officers and Qualifications for Office
Clause 1. The officers of the Student Government Association will be the members of the Executive Council (which consists of the SGA president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) and well as each class’ president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer.
Clause 2. The SGA president must be a senior, must have served for at least one year in a class-wide elected office (including class president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, or service on the Honor Council). He or she may not have been subject to Academic or Honor Code disciplinary action or probation in the two years prior to the beginning of the term as president.
Clause 3. The SGA vice president must be a junior or senior, must have served for at least one year in a class-wide elected office (including class president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, or service on the Honor Council). He or she may not have been subject to Academic or Honor Code disciplinary action or probation in the year prior to the beginning of the term as vice president.
Clause 4. The SGA secretary and SGA treasurer must be a sophomore, junior or senior. He or she may not have been subject to Academic or Honor Code disciplinary action in the year prior to the beginning of the term as secretary or treasurer.
Section 3. Duties and Rights of Members
Clause 1. All Student Government Association officers and representatives have the duty as representatives of the school to support, in all aspects, the school’s policies and procedures, and to follow its rules and regulations Officers and representatives are role models for the students and must hold themselves to a higher standard, and they are held to a higher standard by the school. As such, even minor infractions may result in disciplinary action as stated in the student handbook and/or removal from office by the school. In addition, attendance at all meetings is mandatory. Officers with two unexcused absences from meetings may be placed on probation by the SGA sponsor. An additional unexcused absence, occurring while the student is on probation, may result in removal from office.
Clause 2. The President will have the following duties:
A. To preside over all meetings of the Student Government Association, the Student Government Association Officers, and the Executive Council.
B. To use a formal order of business in conducting such meetings.
C. To ensure that all sides of a proposal be given equal opportunity to be heard and that all students be given the opportunity to express their opinion.
D. To represent the Student Body or Student Government Association Officers at any time when such representation is necessary.
E. To ensure that all proposals or recommendations from the students be given to the person or persons best able to act on such proposals.
F. To inform the sponsor of the Student Government Association of all meetings and activities.
Clause 3. In order to carry out the above mentioned duties, the President will have the following rights:
A. All those expressed in Robert’s Rules of Order.
B. The right to express opinion on the business under discussion.
C. An equal vote with the other members of the Student Government Association.
Clause 4. The Vice-President will have the following duties:
A. To assume the responsibilities of the President when the President is absent.
B. To accompany the President to any meeting at which the presence of both officers is necessary.
Clause 5. The Secretary will have the following duties:
A. To take the minutes of every meeting of the Student Government Association and be responsible for the accuracy of their contents.
B. To handle all typing and copying of Student Government Association materials and publications.
C. To handle all correspondence.
D. To report, upon request, the minutes of the Student Government Association.
Clause 6. The Treasurer will have the following duties:
A. To keep the Student Government Association and the Business Office informed of financial matters.
B. To organize and keep detailed records on all financial matters of the Student Government Association and its committees.
C. To be responsible at all times for the cash box.
D. To manage any Student Government Association fundraising.
Clause 7. The Class Officers will have the following duties:
A. To represent the opinion of the class.
B. To inform their classes about Student Government Association functions.
C. To acquire and to recall (when necessary) homeroom representatives.
D. To call class meetings when necessary.
E. To be responsible for planning any dance that the SGA President delegates to his/her class.
F. The Junior Class President and his/her class are responsible for the Spring Formal.
Clause 8. Class Representatives will have the following duties:
A. To represent their classmates.
B. To carry out dutifully the instructions of the Student Government Association.
C. To assist in class activities and fundraisers.
D. To attend all reps/class meetings.
Clause 9. The Executive Council, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, will have the following rights:
A. To review and to approve all of the Student Government Association publications.
B. To poll the student body at any time, on any issue, either by a survey or other comparable means.
C. To interpret the Constitution when questions arise and to resolve ambiguities in the Constitution.
Section 4. Election of Officers
Clause 1. Election of Executive Council
A. The Executive Council Officers will be elected at a time determined by the President-in-Office during the spring preceding the school year when the President-elect will serve his/her office.
B. Each Executive Council candidate will be nominated by petition signed by one-fifth of the student body, three faculty members, and the Head of Upper School. A student may sign the petitions of more than one candidate if he/she feels those candidates are qualified.
C. Each candidate must be approved by Student Government Association sponsor, class sponsor, and Head of Upper School. Each candidate will return his/her petition to the Student Government Association sponsor for verification. If his/her petition is approved, his/her name will be placed on a ballot which will be voted upon by the student body.
D. Democratic procedures will be adhered to, with a majority vote being required for election. Only Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors may vote. A student absent from school on the day of an election may contact his/her Class Sponsor by the end of school on the day after the election to receive a ballot and vote.
E. Candidates for SGA offices must submit typed copies of their campaign speeches to the SGA sponsor and/or class sponsor; the speeches must be approved at least twenty-four hours prior to scheduled delivery time.
F. All campaign materials are subject to approval by the SGA sponsor and/or class sponsors. Candidates are reminded that campaigns must adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Under no circumstances may students distribute food, provide services, or promise favors as a means of securing support in the election. Infractions of this rule may result in disqualification.
G. In the event that more than two candidates run for any given office, the SGA sponsor may choose either to institute an instant run-off voting system or to hold a run-off election between the two students with the most votes.
H. Officially, the officers-elect will take office on the date of the annual Honors Convocation, but they are expected to attend the meetings following their election.
I. The order of succession to the presidency will be the Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, respectively. If a vacancy still exists in the presidency, the Student Government officers will elect an acting president until an all-school election can be held.
J. Anyone who succeeds to the presidency must assume all the responsibilities of that office.
K. A vacancy in any other office may be filled for the year by Presidential appointment, in consultation with and subject to approval by the SGA sponsor and appropriate Class Sponsor.
Clause 2. Elections of Class Officers
A. The Class Presidents will be elected in the spring of the school year prior to that year in which they will be serving.
B. Each candidate will be nominated by a petition signed by one-third of the class. A student may sign the petition of more than one candidate for each office if he/she feels those candidates are qualified.
C. Each candidate will return his/her petition to the Student Government Association Sponsor for verification. If his/her petition is approved, his/her name will be placed on a ballot which will be voted on by his/her class members.
D. Elections rules in Section 4, Clause 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I and 1J will apply to class elections.
E. Any vacancy in class officers may be filled for the year by Presidential appointment, in consultation with and subject to approval by the SGA sponsor and appropriate Class Sponsor.
Article III. Meetings
Section 1. Quorum Standards
Clause 1. Attendance at meetings is mandatory, and they begin precisely at the appointed time. The SGA secretary will record the attendance for each meeting. Students with two unexcused absences or several unexcused tardies may be placed on probation by the SGA sponsor. A quorum will consist of: 1/3 of the student body for the Student Government meetings; six (6) members for the Student Government Officer’s meetings; three (3) members for the Executive Council meetings.
Clause 2. If no quorum is reached, but a need for discussion is expressed, the meeting will continue with minutes taken. No action, however, may take place at this meeting.
Section 2. Proposals
Clause 1. Any proposals or recommendations of the Student Government Association will go through the following procedure:
A. The proposal must be approved by a majority of the members present at a meeting.
B. If passed, a proposal becomes a resolution of the Student Government Association, which is then channeled to the respective administrative offices.
Article IV. Committees
Section 1. The President may appoint standing committees, provided that each committee be approved by the Student Government Association.
Section 2. Both the temporary and the standing committees will consist of volunteers and, if necessary, an appointed chairman.
Section 3. When in the opinion of the Executive Council and/or the Student Government Association, and/or a Class President, a committee is no longer serving a useful purpose or is not necessary, it will be dissolved.
Article V. Student Representation
Section 1. When appropriate, there may be student representation on all major Administrative Committees.
Section 2. Referendum
Clause 1. If the Student Body feels that the Student Government Association Officers have acted upon a matter unsatisfactorily or have not pursued a matter concerning the Student Body, they may make a recommendation to the administration by carrying out the following procedure: by circulating a petition signed by a least one third of the Student Body, and by giving that petition to the President of the Student Government Association for verification, the Student Body will require the President to call an election of the Student Body concerning the motion within two weeks of receiving the petition.
Clause 2. Should the motion carry by a two-thirds majority of those casting ballots, the President will order that the request be handled as a motion passed by the Student Government Association.
Clause 3. Class referendum should follow the same procedure outlines for the Student Government Association referendum.
Section 3. Recall of an Officer
Clause 1. Petition for recall of an officer.
A. To recall a Student Government Association officer, one-third of the Student Body must sign a petition requesting that a vote on recall be taken by the students at some future date.
B. When the petition has been signed by the sufficient number of students, it is to be presented to the Student Government Association sponsor, to the President, or to the Vice-President. This member will then validate the signatures of the petition.
C. To recall a Class President, the class members must follow the procedure within the class as outlined for the Student Body.
Clause 2. Hearing for a recall of an officer.
A. A hearing will be held at a date specified by the Student Government Association Officers within two weeks of receipt of the petition. The purpose of the hearing will be to clarify the issues involved in the impeachment of the Student Government Association Officer. The hearing will also provide a basis for judgment by the students.
B. At the hearing, the charges against the impeached officer will be explained. The impeached officer will be given an opportunity to defend himself/herself.
Clause 3. Voting for recall of an officer.
A. No later than two weeks after the conclusion of the hearing proceedings, the students will vote on the recall of the Student Government Association Officer. The vote will be held under the auspices of the remaining officers and of the students that have been authorized to help them.
B. Two-thirds of the vote cast will be required in order to recall the officer.
C. If the officer is recalled, the vacancy will be filled as directed in Article II; Section 4, Clause 1,F; and Article II; Section 4, Clause 2, E.
Article VI. Amendment of the Constitution
Section 1. This Constitution may be amended by the administration in consultation with the student government; a full justification must be given to the student body prior to implementation. For students to amend the Constitution, there must be a two- thirds vote of the Student Government Association and ratified by a three-fourths vote.
Clause 1. The amendment will be treated as a proposal by the Student Government Association and the procedure in Article III; Section 2, Clause 1. will apply.
Clause 2. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the Student Body at least one week before it is voted upon.
Clause 3. The procedure involved in ratification of amendment(s) will extend over a time not shorter than two weeks and not longer than six weeks.
Section 2. Any proposed amendment to the Student Government Association Constitution must be submitted to and approved by the Administration before being proposed as an amendment to the Student Body.
Section 3. General revision of the Constitution may be proposed by a motion of the Student Government Association Officers or by a petition with fifty students’ signatures. In either case, a two-thirds vote of the Student Government Association officers will be required before such change may be shall be presented to the whole student body for ratification.
Section 4. The Constitution will be declared in effect when it has been ratified by a two-thirds vote of the acting Student Government Association Officers and adopted by a three-fourths vote of the Student Body.
Upper School Daily Schedule
|Monday – Wednesday – Friday |
|Morning Meeting |8:00 – 8:20 |
|1 |8:25 – 9:12 |
|2 |9:17 – 10:04 |
|Break |10:04 – 10:14 |
|3 |10:16 – 11:03 |
|4 |11:08 – 11:55 |
|Lunch |11:55 – 12:39 |
|6 |12:39 – 1:26 |
|7 |1:31 – 2:18 |
|8 |2:23 – 3:10 |
|Tutorials |3:10 – 3:45 |
| | |
|Tuesday – Thursday |
|8 |8:00 – 8:45 |
|7 |8:50-9:35 |
|Common Period |9:35 – 10:10 |
|Assemblies, Clubs, Advisor | |
|Meetings | |
|Break |10:10 – 10:20 |
|3 |10:25 – 11:10 |
|4 |11:15 – 12:00 |
|Lunch |12:00 – 12:45 |
|6 |12:45 – 1:30 |
|2 |1:35 – 2:20 |
|1 |2:25 – 3:10 |
|Tutorials |3:10 – 3:45 |
| | |
|9-period Day |
|1 |8:00 – 8:45 |
|2 |8:50-9:35 |
|8 (short) |9:40 – 10:15 |
|Break |10:15 – 10:25 |
|3 |10:25 – 11:10 |
|4 |11:15 – 12:00 |
|Lunch |12:00 – 12:45 |
|6 |12:45 – 1:30 |
|7 (short) |1:35 – 2:10 |
|Special Event |2:10 – 3:10 |
2014-2015 Academic Calendar – Upper School
August 20 First Day of School; Early dismissal
September 1 Labor Day Holiday
October 13 Fall Holiday
October 24 End First Quarter Report Period;
Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
November 6 Parent Conferences; No Classes
November 26-28 Thanksgiving Break
December 15-19 Semester Exam Period
December 20-January 2 Holiday Break
January 5 Classes Resume, 8 a.m.
January 16 End First Semester; Noon dismissal
January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 29 Parent Conferences; No Classes
February 16-20 Winter Break
February 23 Classes Resume, 8 a.m.
March 20 End Third Quarter Report Period;
Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
April 1 Parent Conferences; No Classes
April 6-10 Spring Break
April 13 Classes Resume, 8 a.m.
May 4-15 AP Exams
May 25 Memorial Day Holiday
May 26-29 Junior Mountain Trip
May 29-June 4 Semester Exam Period (June 5-Make-ups)
June 4 Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate
June 5 Commencement
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