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THE SCHOOL DAY
ARRIVAL
School begins at 8:05 a.m. The first teachers arrive to supervise the Kindergarten classrooms and the playground/ All-Purpose Room (the lunchroom) at 7:40 a.m., in time for the first bus. Parents should not drop children off before then. Kindergarten students go straight to their classrooms when they arrive. Students in First through Fourth Grade who arrive before 8:05 a.m., go to the Lower School playground or the All-Purpose Room in the event of inclement weather.
We are planning to greet Lower School children at two drop off locations: on the main Quad by the flagpole, and at the Saperstein Middle School archway.Families are welcome to choose whichever locations they find more convenient. Lower School faculty will be stationed at each location to greet arriving Lower School children and see that they are escorted to Symmes Hall, the home of the Hackley Lower School for this academic year. Another faculty member will wait at the footbridge that crosses Symmes Hall as an additional guide for students during the morning arrival. Families are also welcome to park in a Visitors spot on campus and walk their children to Symmes Hall.
Students who arrive later than 8:10 a.m. must check in with the Lower School Office before they go to their classrooms.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Each day consists of reading, writing, math, listening, speaking, and drawing. In addition, students will have several lessons a week of art, music and science. Teachers will explain class schedules at the beginning of the year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students usually attend physical education classes in the Zetkov Athletic Center (gym). Special gym clothes are not necessary, but sneakers are required. Mules, slip-ons, including Merrells, heelies (with or without wheels) and soft-sole non-athletic sneakers are unacceptable for physical education. Good shoe support and cushioning, while not always fashionable, are important in preventing accidents.
First through Fourth Graders swim once a week in the fall and spring. Kindergartners swim in the spring only. Teachers will inform the students of swimming classes and required items.
SNACK AND LUNCH
In the middle of the morning, every class is given a healthy snack. Grades Kindergarten through Two start lunch at 11:00 a.m., and Grades Three through Four have lunch at 11:50 a.m. At the beginning of each month, parents can find on the web page a lunch menu consisting of salads, pasta, sandwiches, soups, hot meals, fruit, and desserts. Lunch is neither optional nor is it open to a student’s decision about whether or not to take the School lunch. Students may not bring a packed lunch to school unless they have a doctor’s note saying they must do so. Students eat lunch with their entire class. Kindergarten through Grade Four students eat cafeteria-style by grade. Once seated, students may not change their seats. While eating, students should speak quietly and use polite table manners. Students may go back for seconds if they wish. Each class is responsible for clearing, wiping, and drying its tables, as well as picking up napkins and other items from the floor.
RECESS
Each class has one scheduled recess a day. Grades One through Four have recess right after lunch. Kindergartners have rest time after lunch and recess later in the afternoon. There are always several teachers at recess who signal when recess is over. There are specific safety rules for recess that will be reviewed with the children.
In bad weather, students will have recess inside their classroom. Students may play board games, use the computer, or engage in other classroom activities.
DISMISSAL
The Lower School is dismissed at 2:45 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and at 2:20 p.m. on Fridays.
Parent Pick-up and Car Pools:: Students who do not take a bus will meet a designated grade level “parent pick up teacher” In the afternoon, families wishing to pick up their children may meet them on the main Quad where teachers will escort them to their car. We ask parents to turn off the ignition while waiting for the children. We ask you to wait until all the children are in their cars before leaving. As an alternative, they may park and meet their children in the Lower School playground. The drive outside Saperstein Middle School will not be used for parent pick up in the afternoons as that is where all the school buses will gather.
If a parent or guardian is late (after 3:00 p.m.), students will automatically be included in the Extended Day Program. They will have to be signed out when picked up. Parents will be billed for this program.
Bus Pick-up: Students who take a bus home will be assigned a “bus teacher” at the beginning of the year, who will supervise them while they wait for and get on the afternoon bus. Bus teachers will show students where to wait each day.
Lower School students may ride the late bus home ONLY IF parents have made arrangements with the bus company or school district. Parents need to forward the specific arrangements to the Lower School office, including the exact pick-up area on campus.
Students who must leave school early must have a note from a parent or guardian stating why they are leaving early. They must give this note to their teacher who will send it to the office.
Each student has a daily dismissal routine filed with the office. If you are making any change to that arrangement, you must notify the Lower School office by 11:00 a.m.
If a friend is going home with a student, each student must bring a note from his or her parent or guardian to the office. If one student forgets a note, he or she will be permitted to call his or her parent for confirmation of their play date. Parents must check with their bus company to find out the rules for bringing a friend on the bus. If friends are not allowed on a bus, a parent or guardian will have to pick the student up.
ROAD SAFETY ALERT FOR PARENTS
Please observe the speed limits posted on school grounds, and pay careful attention to the STOP signs throughout the campus.
Parking can be difficult. There are parking lots throughout the campus if you need to enter the school for any length of time. Please do not park on the Lower School loop roadway.
HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned for two reasons: to practice what is learned in class, and to help students learn to work independently. Individual teachers decide how much homework to give their classes. In general:
Kindergartners: Will occasionally have homework.
First Graders: Will have some homework a few days a week.
Second and Third Graders: Will have some homework each day, Monday through Thursday, and occasionally over weekends. You may be given some assignments in advance.
Fourth Graders: Will have an average of twenty minutes of homework each night in each subject, and will be given some assignments in advance. In Grades Four, students must write their assignments in their homework notebooks. which are distributed at the beginning of the year.
PARENT HELP WITH HOMEWORK
In general, the teachers believe that supervision of homework time is important in helping children develop good homework habits. Parents should be sure that they explain directions and give clues to help children use their knowledge, but should not "do" the homework. Some assignments will require more help from parents than routine daily homework.
REPORT CARDS
The reporting system for grades K through 4 will operate under a trimester format. Each trimester is approximately twelve weeks. A parent/teacher conference summary will be written by the homeroom teachers and mailed home to parents. The conference will focus on classroom performance in all academic areas, as well as, social development. In addition, the special teachers will complete a report with evidentials. If there is a need, a progress report will be mailed home to parents before the parent/teacher conference. At the end of the second and third trimester a report card, consisting of a checklist demonstrating academic progress, social development and skill acquisition, will be mailed home. Special teachers will complete a report card with evidentials. Again, if the teacher deems necessary, progress reports will be mailed home before the official reporting period There are two scheduled parent/teacher conference days for the Lower School, one in November and one in February, when there are no classes for students. If parents would like to schedule additional conferences, they should contact their child's teacher. Report Cards will be mailed home in December, March and June. ’
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RULES, REGULATIONS, AND BEHAVIOR STUDENT CONDUCT
Hackley teachers, staff, students, and parents together make up our school community. Students look out for each other’s health, safety, and well being. They show respect for each other by being courteous, kind, considerate, understanding, and helpful. They always try to be honest, responsible and fair, and to settle their disagreements by talking rather than fighting. They care for the School’s property and each other’s belongings.
There are many ways to show respect and consideration, such as:
- Greeting teachers, cafeteria staff, building and grounds workers, and classmates.
- Thanking people who have helped us.
- Offering to help other students or teachers.
- Picking up litter in the buildings and on the grounds.
- Welcoming and helping new and visiting students.
- Listening attentively to speakers and performers.
- Walking at a reasonable pace within the Lower School and to and from school buildings.
LANGUAGE
Words can hurt. Teasing, name-calling, swearing, rude language, and disrespect are not tolerated at Hackley. By using kind and thoughtful words, students honor themselves as well as others.
DRESS CODE
At Hackley, everyone is expected to dress appropriately. By wearing clothes that are clean, well-fitting, and in good condition, students show respect for themselves and the school community. Students are expected to take pride in their personal grooming and hygiene.
If a student is unsure if something is acceptable to wear, the student or parent should ask the class teacher. If a teacher deems a student is wearing something out of dress code, at the K-2 levels, the teacher will send a note or call home. At the 3-4 levels, the teacher will inform the student directly. Make-up, including lipstick, may not by worn by students. The school reserves the right to determine when the style of dress is inappropriate.
ACCEPTABLE
Students must wear closed- back shoes. They must have sneakers for gym class and may wear them all day on gym days. Shoes and sneakers must fasten securely to prevent injury.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Mules, “Heelies”, flip-flops, slip-on types of sneakers, or open back shoes are not to be worn.
PANTS, SHORTS, AND SKIRTS
In Kindergarten and Grade One
ACCEPTABLE
Student may wear sweatpants, blue denim jeans, shorts, and skirts.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Students may not wear camouflage.
In Grades Two through Four
ACCEPTABLE
Pant legs must be neatly hemmed.
Students may wear solid-colored or subdued patterned shorts, no shorter than mid-thigh.
Students may wear “non-blue” colors of denim.
Girls may wear Lycra shorts or leggings only under a skirt or dress.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Students may not wear blue denim, camouflage, or any color sweatpants.
Short shorts, cut-offs, athletic shorts, and short skirts are not allowed.
BOYS
ACCEPTABLE
Boys are to wear collared shirts, turtlenecks, or mock turtlenecks.
Shirts with tails must be tucked in.
Boys may wear approved shirts and sweatshirts with the Hackley School logo.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Boys may not wear shirts or sweatshirts with slogans (souvenir or ads), tank tops, camouflage, or athletic uniform tops.
GIRLS
ACCEPTABLE
Girls may wear collared or non-collared shirts, or blouses. Girls may wear approved shirts or sweatshirts with the Hackley School logo.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Girls may not wear shirts or sweatshirts with slogans (souvenir or ads).
Girls may not wear shirts showing midriff, tank tops, camouflage, athletic uniform tops, or narrow strapped tops.
On Class Day and other special occasions, such as concerts and some field trips, students must wear concert dress.
ACCEPTABLE
Jackets and shirts with ties or turtlenecks are acceptable for boys. Dresses or blouses with skirts or dressy pants are acceptable for girls.
Dress shoes are required.
Students should bring sneakers to change into if they will have physical education class that day.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Denim of any color is not allowed in any grade when concert dress must be worn.
Sneakers may not be worn.
On these special days, the dress code is relaxed. Parents will receive a letter announcing each Dress Down Day.
ACCEPTABLE
Students may wear hats outside.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Students may not wear hats in any school building, including the Athletic Center or the PAC.
Students should bring appropriate jackets, gloves and hats to be able to play comfortably outside in all seasons. Boots and snow pants are required to play in the snow.
Students must have a smock for art. This can be an apron or someone’s old shirt.
Please put nametags in all clothing, including:
student’s jackets, sweaters, hats, mittens, bathing suits, towels, smocks, etc.
GENERAL RULES
There are classroom rules which teachers review with students at the beginning of the year. There are also rules for particular places and activities.
Crossing Roads and Going to and from Class
A teacher or parent must accompany students when crossing roads. (A teacher will accompany students to all classes, lunch and recess.)
Hallway Behavior
- Students must walk at all times.
- Students should speak softly. They must not shout or make any loud noises.
- Students should keep to the right when using the stairways.
Room Care
All students are responsible for taking care of their classrooms. This includes:
- Keeping desks neat.
- Picking up papers from the floor.
- Putting materials away neatly.
- Hanging coats on hooks or in cubbies.
- Storing book bags neatly and safely out of others’ way.
- Putting white paper in the recycling box.
Playground and Recess (During the School Day and Extended Day)
- Students may go down the slide one at a time and feet first only.
- Students may play hide and seek, but no rough, chasing games, and no throwing pebbles or wood chips.
- Students may climb, swing and have fun on the equipment, but no jumping off.
- Only playground balls, rubber footballs, and basketballs are allowed. Baseballs, softballs, and lacrosse balls are not allowed.
- Students may not throw snowballs at any time!
Gum and Candy
Gum or candy may not be chewed at any time during the school day, including while on field trips.
Collectibles
Students enjoy playing with trading cards and other collectibles, but they sometimes lead to hurt feelings and unfair play. They are not to be brought to school or to our Afterschool Programs.
Computer Use
The Lower School has a fully equipped Computer Room for use by classes and for individual students who have permission from the Computer Coordinator. Computers are also located in classrooms. Students must receive clearance from the computer coordinator or from their teachers before accessing the Hackley network. Failure to follow these rules may result in a rescinding of computer privileges. See Computer Misuse in the Parent Supplement.
Electronics
Electronic games, cassettes, gameboys, walkmans, CD players, tape players, or radios of any kind are not to be brought to school or to our Afterschool Programs.
FIRE DRILLS
Most schools never have fires, but all have unannounced fire drills. Students must be quiet, follow the rules, and pay attention in order to know what to do if there is a fire. When the alarm rings, students must line up quickly and quietly. There is an exit guide near the classroom door. Lights must be left on and windows and doors must be shut. Students walk out of the building with their teachers. When it is safe, teachers will tell students to return to the building.
ABSENCES
If a student is absent or excused from school for any reason, the School must be notified. A parent should call the Lower School Office at 366-2613 by 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the absence. Parents may request classwork and homework assignments be sent home with a sibling or a student who lives nearby, or make arrangements to pick them up from the Lower School Office in the early afternoon. The parent should send in a note, including the reason for the absence, with the student on the morning of his or her return.
Parents who know that their children will miss school for reasons acceptable to the School, such as religious observances, should notify teachers by note in advance.
The School feels very strongly that families should arrange vacations so as not to conflict with school.
If parents decide to take students away on vacation or for family celebrations while school is in session, the children will have to make up the work when they return. Teachers will probably not be able to provide assignments in advance.
HEALTH/ NURSE
A Registered Nurse is available in the Infirmary located at Saperstein Arch in the Middle School between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Emergency patients will be seen at any time. In non-emergency situations, a student who is ill must tell his or her teacher before going to the Infirmary. Students will be escorted to the Nurse. In some cases the School Nurse may call a student’s parents to have him or her taken home. Parents whose children have special health problems or require over-the-counter or prescription medications should inform the School Nurse and be aware of the guidelines for administering medications.
Students who must take medication at school must take it in the presence of the School Nurse. It should be brought directly to the school nurse in the original container. The School Nurse must have written requests from parents and doctor to administer any medicine, including aspirin, Tylenol, cough medicine, etc. Students are not, under any circumstances, to carry medication.
TELEPHONE
A student must have the permission of his or her teacher and the Lower School Office to call home. The telephone is located in the Lower School Office.
If parents need to bring something to a student during the day, they should take it to the Lower School Office and it will be delivered.
BIRTHDAYS
Parents should arrange with the classroom teacher when to bring in treats and what kinds of treats to bring.
If the entire class or all boys or all girls are invited to a birthday party, students may distribute the invitations in class. Otherwise, parents must send them by mail. If the entire class or all boys or all girls are not invited to the party, please do not plan to leave for your party from school. Plan instead to meet at the place where the party will be held, so as not to hurt the feelings of those not invited.
LOST AND FOUND
There is a Lost and Found Closet near the main office of the Lower School. Be sure to check there for missing items. Items may also be found in the Athletic Center or Performing Arts Center. After several months, unclaimed items are contributed to needy children through a local charity.
Students who find something in the Lower School building, which does not belong to them, should bring it to a teacher or to the Lower School Office.
DISCIPLINE
Teachers expect students to concentrate in class and to finish their class work and submit homework on time. They expect students to be kind and respectful and tolerant of others in the community.
There are consequences for breaking rules and for misbehaving. Generally, the class teacher handles discipline, and the Director of the Lower School is in overall charge of discipline. Further information on Discipline may be found in the Parent Supplement under Moral Education.
Students may be given detention if they do not turn in their homework or if they misbehave. That is, they must stay after school until 3:30 p.m., and their parents will have to arrange for them to get home. The details of detention, why and how it is given, will be explained to students by their teachers at the beginning of the year.
Academic Detention (A.D.): Students who repeatedly forget their homework or come unprepared to class may be given A.D.
Incident Reports and Disciplinary Detention (D.D.): Students who misbehave, are unkind to someone, do not obey classroom or school rules, or use inappropriate language, might be given an Incident Report. Students who have received three Incident Reports must serve a D.D. A student, who misbehaves seriously, can be given D.D. for a single incident. The school keeps a record of Incident Reports, and informs parents when a student is to serve a D.D.
The Lower School Director or teachers will contact parents if a student breaks school rules or misbehaves. Students will also have to inform their parents of their behavior.
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SPECIAL PLACES, CLASSES AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
KASKEL LIBRARY
The School Library is located on the main quad. The Library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Lower School Librarian will teach students how to use the Library, help them choose books to read, work with students and their teachers on research projects (including how to use online services), and will read stories, poetry and, sometimes, non-fiction books ’ A teacher or parent must escort students to the Library.
Parents may also use the Library for research, reference or recreational reading. In addition, any parent who is interested in assisting in the Library is urged to get in touch either with the Hackley Parents’ Association Library Committee Chair or with the Head Librarian.
Online Services
Some teachers may ask that students use Kas Cat, our on-line presence, when doing research. In such cases, the students will be given specific instructions as to which databases are to be used. To access the online services from home, go to http://library.hackleyschool.org. Please see the Lower School Technology Coordinator for your login; the password is "hornets".
Circulation Policy
Kindergarten through Fourth grade students come to the Library once a week. Kindergarten through Third Grade students will be able to check out one library book and can keep it for one week. Fourth Grade students are allowed to take out two books for one week. If a student finishes a book early, he/she may come (with a parent or teacher) to the Library to return it and borrow another.
When returning books or other items to the Library, students must bring them to the Circulation Desk. They should not leave them on a table or outside the Library.
Charges for Lost Items
The Library does not charge fines for overdue items; however, items overdue for a period of one month will be onsidered "lost" and a letter with replacement information will be sent to the appropriate parent or guardian. Students should advise the library as soon as possible if they have misplaced or lost any item they have checked out. Please note that any lost items will incur a $2.00 replacement charge.
If, within a six-month period after a student has paid for or has been charged for a lost item, the student finds and returns the item to the Library, the student will receive a refund of all but the $2.00 processing fee.
Conduct
Proper behavior in the Library and responsible use of Library materials are required at all times. All students should remember to be quiet in the Library and treat all resources with respect.
CLASS TRIPS
Lower School students will take trips to interesting places. Parents need to complete a Permission Trip Form at the beginning of the year, which is good for all trips. When a trip is scheduled, teachers send parents notes, which state the date, time, and destination of the trip, dress requirements, and whether or not to pack a lunch (no glass bottles, soda or candy). Occasionally parents are invited to chaperone the class as arranged by the classroom teacher. Children are expected to come to school at regular time, 8:05 a.m., ride the bus to the field trip destination, and return with their class on the bus for the remainder of the school day.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
The Hackley School Performing Arts Department offers free-of-charge group lessons on band and orchestral instruments for Fourth Graders. Lessons are held during the school day. In Fourth Grade these lessons are optional. These groups meet during the instrumental music period once a week. Information about the Performing Arts Department Program is sent to parents of Third Graders in the spring.
In addition, the Hackley Music Institute offers private instruction with outstanding professional musicians on the Hackley campus during the school day and/or after school. Students at all grade levels may enroll. The Music Institute sends details to parents.
The Hackley Music Institute provides the opportunity to pursue intensive musical study on campus by offering private music lessons. Parents and caregivers are expected to establish and monitor a daily practice routine to insure steady and consistent progress.
Absence Policy: When a student is unable to attend a scheduled lesson or class, the private teacher must be notified before the start of school on the day of the expected absence. Absences are excused only if the student or the parent contacts the private teacher directly. Students who leave school during the day due to illness will be excused as long as they notify the Music Institute Office. Students are allowed only two excused absences for each lesson package. Absences are considered unexcused if the student or the parent fails to contact the teacher or, the student fails to bring his/her instrument or other necessary materials to the lesson. Unexcused absences cannot be made up and will be charged against the lesson package. The absence policy is strictly enforced.
Extended Day Program
Parents may enroll students in the Extended Day Program if they wish their children to stay at school past dismissal time. Kindergarten through Fourth Grades are supervised by teachers from 2:45 to 6:00(Fridays from 2:15 ) p.m. Weather permitting, everyone plays outside. On Monday through Thursday, students who have homework must begin completing their assignments in the homework room around 2:45 p.m. A classroom is designated as a homework room and a teacher is there to supervise. In bad weather, students engage in arts and crafts or other quiet activities or play indoor games, etc. Parents may pick up students anytime before 6:00 p.m on Mondays through Thursdays and by 5:00 p.m. on Fridays.
This program runs five days a week and is an additional charge. Parents who are late picking up their children are charged a late fee. The program is not in session the last day of school in June. There is no Extended Day Program when school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, on holidays or on snow days.
After-school Classes
Twice a year an after-school program of courses is offered in such areas as art, pottery, chess, movement, foreign languages and nature studies. Each class meets once a week for eight to ten weeks, usually from 2:45-3:45 or 3:45- 4:45 p.m. There is also a fee for this program. If parents are late in picking up their children, the children will be placed in the Extended Day Program. Parents will be charged for this additional supervision.
Clubs
Three sessions of after school clubs will be offered by the Lower School teachers beginning in September, January and April.
On days that school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, all afterschool programs are canceled.
LATE BUS INFORMATION
Lower School students may ride the late bus home ONLY IF parents have made arrangements with the bus company or school district. Parents need to forward the specific arrangements to the Lower School office, including exact pick-up area on campus.
HORNET’S NEST
The Hornet’s Nest, located in the Main Building, is the school book and supply store where students may go with their parents to purchase school supplies as well as Hackley sportswear. Fourth grade teachers take their classes there at the beginning of the year to pick up assigned books. Students sign for their purchases and their parents are later billed for them.
PHOTOS
Every fall, individual and class photos are taken. After pictures are taken, parents may choose whether or not they want to purchase copies. The class photos also appear in the Hackley Yearbook. The Hackley Parents’ Association is in charge of Photo Day.
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FESTIVITIES & SPECIAL EVENTS
A few highlights of the year:
Class Day: is a special day near the end of the school year. This is another time of the year when the entire School comes together as a community, and selected Middle and Upper School students are recognized for their achievements. Parents are welcome to attend.
Class Parties: There is a party every Halloween when students bring costumes to school and march in a parade. Class parents usually organize other holiday parties and end-of-the-year parties.
Concerts, Recitals and Assemblies: Kindergarten through Fourth Graders present a holiday performance in December. The School and the Hackley Parents’ Association at various times during the year also arrange student recitals and performances by outside artists and speakers.
Field Day: Field Day is a half-day of games. Students are divided equally into two separate teams wearing dark or light-colored clothes and they participate in various events. The last event is the famous “Tug O’ War” between the teachers and the Fourth Graders. This takes place at the end of the school year.
Field Trips: Extending classroom learning is an important facet of the Lower School learning experience. Throughout the year each class will take a number of curriculum-related excursions to enrich their wealth of knowledge.
Grandparents/Special Guest Day: is a spring event when grandparents and special guests of Lower School students are invited to enjoy a student performance, visit students in their classrooms and participate in classroom activities.
Kindergarten Art Exhibit: takes place at the end of the year. The Kindergarteners offer tours and explanations as a culmination of the year’s study of famous artists.
Plays and Musicals: Throughout the year, various classes perform on stage for student and parent audiences. For example, our first graders perform Flat Stanley Across America in the spring. One of our second grade classes performs “Around The World” and the other a Poetry Revue. Our third graders perform the musical revue for Cinco de Mayo in connection with our Spanish program and our fourth graders present the Americana Festival in the spring.
Pound Ridge Day: takes place in the fall. Students and teachers in Kindergarten through Grade Four go to the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, enjoy a picnic lunch, take nature walks, and engage in various activities.
Science Fair. This is a schoolwide event that is developmental starting with class presentations in Kindergarten through Grade 2; group experiments in Grade 3; and individual controlled studies in Grade Four. Each child will contribute and present to Lower School learners.
S.T.R.I.D.E.: (Students and Teachers Recognizing the Individual Development of Excellence).The goal of this program is to make information about different enrichment opportunities outside of school readily available to students and their families. The focus will be on sharing entry information and requirements for national and local contests and competitions. Children will enjoy the opportunity to expand their optimum levels of learning.
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PARENT SUPPLEMENT
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Business Office
All business and financial matters of the school, food service, telephones, and many of the special service functions are handled through this office. No agent or salesman of an outside firm is permitted to do business with any student in the School with out the prior approval of the Headmaster or Business Office.
Enrollment Contracts: Faculty and staff salary commitments are made in advance of the school year and, in addition, the costs of plant operation are fixed for each year. The School’s planning process, both academic and budgetary, occurs well in advance of the plan year. In addition, space, curriculum, and budgetary requirements are reviewed, determined, and implemented in advance of the plan year. As a result, the number, age, and curriculum requirements of all students must be specifically determined in advance. Therefore, it is the School’s policy that it will make no financial adjustment for cancellation of a student Enrollment Contract.
RE-ENROLLMENT
Each student’s performance and citizenship are continually evaluated. Students not performing at acceptable effort, conduct, and achievement levels may be subject to having their contracts held pending improvement. Parents are informed in January if a contract is to be held. A final decision is reached in April. In some cases, the School may recommend that the student and family look for placement in another school.
Hackley believes that a positive and constructive working relationship between the School and a student’s parent(s) (or guardian) is essential to the fulfillment of the School’s mission. Thus, the School reserves the right not to continue enrollment or not to re-enroll a student if the School reasonably concludes that the actions of a parent (or guardian) make such a positive and constructive relationship impossible or otherwise seriously interfere with the School’s accomplishment of its educational purposes.
The School reserves the unconditional right to suspend or dismiss any student whose progress is unsatisfactory or whose conduct is detrimental to the student, other students, or the School itself, or whose tuition and fees are not paid as scheduled. The School reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student from the School when, in the opinion of the Headmaster, such action would be in the best interest of the student or the School.
PROMOTION
Promotion to the next grade is not automatic; it is contingent on the student’s ability academically and emotionally to meet the standards of his or her subsequent grade. The Director, in consultation with the classroom teacher(s), will make the decision. The Director may also consult the learning specialist and/or the school psychologist.
SUPPORT SERVICES
The School is cautious about entering the clinical domain. When intervention seems necessary, the School strives to educate the parents rather than to supersede them. A Lower School and Middle School psychologist and a learning specialist are available to do informal assessments and to work with students and their families. The School also maintains a close relationship with several local clinicians. Students are not referred to outside sources unless their parents are notified. Although stressing that the family is the primary educator and is responsible for the social and emotional well-being of the child, the School recognizes that it has some extra-academic responsibilities as well.
For more information regarding support services, please contact your Division Director or the Director of Support Services.
CONDUCT
Hackley believes that an important aim of the School is to teach good character and encourage virtuous behavior in partnership with parents. Good character is as important as a trained and informed mind. The School seeks to inculcate virtues such as integrity, tolerance, honesty, fairness, kindness, and compassion through the curriculum, the rules, the culture, as well as through activities and sports.
Hackley Students are expected to be good citizens and to strive to grow in character as they increase in knowledge. They are mindful of each other’s health, safety, and well-being. They conduct themselves in a manner which shows respect for themselves and for others by being courteous, kind, considerate, understanding, compassionate, and helpful. They always try to be honest, responsible, and fair in academic, athletic, and social endeavors. They care for the School’s property and each other’s belongings.
A child becomes virtuous by seeing virtue both at home and in school, as well as in the community at large. Therefore, teachers and administrators are role models for the students. Teachers depend, however, on cooperation between home and school to produce virtuous students. All members of the community must be familiar with the rules and expectations of the School and are expected to uphold them.
MORAL EDUCATION
The disciplinary system is operated by the Director, the Class Dean (Grades 4) and teachers. Most incidents are easily dealt with by a student’s teacher. If the behavior persists or is unusually inappropriate, however, the Director and other School personnel will be consulted. In such cases, the Director and other School personnel will evaluate the situation, determine if consequences are warranted, and discuss them with the child’s parents. Students may be merely
reprimanded for their behavior or, depending on the severity of the behavior, they may be required to serve a detention. Most minor incidents are not communicated to parents, but if a student receives a “D.D.”, or if his or her inappropriate behavior persists or is “out of character,” parents will be contacted.
Furthermore the following passages on “Moral Education” include “Major Disciplinary Rules” that apply to all students at Hackley School, from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The behavior of Lower School Students is unlikely to require application of most of these rules, however, it is important for all parents to be familiar with them. The School will discuss these rules and the values underlying them with Lower School students as appropriate to age and situation; similarly, parents should have such discussions with their children, as they think appropriate.
At Hackley, all discipline has an educational purpose: to help students learn from their moral choices, not only for the good of the community, but also for the health of their own characters. Discipline is an essential part of moral education for all students, and Hackley’s structure of behavioral rules, disciplinary processes and consequences is, in our view, a moral curriculum that parallels our academic curriculum. We know that students on occasion will make poor moral choices; when they do so, they need to be held accountable for such bad behavior if they are to be free of its influence in shaping their future identity. That is the positive educational purpose of discipline. Only with the greatest reluctance do we dismiss a student or require a student’s withdrawal, and when we do so, it is in the hope and expectation that even this final action from the School may have a positive, educational effect.
MAJOR DISCIPLINARY RULES
Described below are some of the types of behavior that will result in major disciplinary action (suspension, non-renewal of contract, required withdrawal or dismissal). The list is not exhaustive, and the School reserves the unconditional right to impose major disciplinary action in extreme cases where the Headmaster determines in his sole judgment that a student’s conduct is contrary to the best interests of the student, other students or the School itself.
Weapons: The possession or use of firearms, ammunition knives other weapons, or the use or threatened use of any object as a weapon will result in required withdrawal or dismissal.
Drugs: Illegal use or possession of drugs will result in required withdrawal or dismissal.
Voluntary admission of substance abuse problems will be treated as a matter for medical intervention and counseling rather than discipline. In partnership with parents, the School will support students who come forward and seek help of their own accord for substance abuse. Similarly, friends or parents may advise the School about another student’s substance abuse problem without incurring disciplinary action for the student. However, a student who has made such an admission or whose friends or parents have so advised the School is still subject to the School’s prohibition on illegal use or possession of drugs. In other words, admission of the problem is not a license for future violations.
Harassment: Harassment is abusive or offensive conduct towards others and may include adverse statements, conduct or treatment relating to a person’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or other personal characteristics. Physical confrontations, cruel teasing or jokes, coercion, intimidation, threats, hazing, and sexual advances are examples of harassment, but do not constitute an inclusive list.
Dissemination of abusive, vulgar or threatening language, or images whether by mail, recording, electronic media, Internet, or other means is likewise harassment and is strictly prohibited.
Teasing of other students, even though it is meant in a lighthearted manner, can also be very unkind and hurtful. Lower School students are encouraged to be sensitive to others’ feelings and not to engage in activities, which make fun of or ridicule other classmates.
Should any student feel that he or she is being harassed sexually, or in any other manner, he or she should consider telling the offending party that he or she objects to that conduct. If a student is not comfortable with such a confrontation, or if the harassment continues, he or she should promptly bring the matter to the attention of any of the Deans, the Lower School Director, the Assistant Head, the Headmaster or any teacher with whom the student feels more comfortable.
Stealing or Possession of Stolen Property: Stealing includes the theft or misappropriation of property or services including the willful failure to pay for Hackley goods or services.
Vandalism: Vandalism includes willful or negligent damage to property belonging to the School, members of the School community or visitors to the School.
Alcohol: The use or possession of alcoholic beverages in the buildings of the School, on School grounds, on school buses, at School-related events or on School trips is prohibited.
Cheating, Plagiarism and Dishonesty: The dictionary defines cheating as: “to defraud, to trick or to obtain advantage by deceit.” Giving or receiving help on a test, quiz or assignment is cheating. Possession or unauthorized data or equipment during a test is cheating as is using another student’s answers. Plagiarism is the act of representing, as one’s own, the words or ideas of another. Language or ideas from another source may be used in a paper only with full and explicit acknowledgment of origin. Offenses of this nature will generally result in both academic consequences (which may include a failing grade for the semester) and disciplinary action such as detention, suspension or the withholding of the re-enrollment contract for review at the end of the academic year. The use of Cliff Notes or similar reading summaries is prohibited, unless the use is expressly approved or assigned by the teacher.
Computer Misuse: Student misuse of computers or the Internet may fall under various categories Major Disciplinary Rules. Harassment via e-mail, instant messaging or transmission of images; unauthorized access to school or individual sites or accounts; vandalism through distribution of computer viruses, deletion or alteration of programs or data; cheating or plagiarism through computer use are examples, but not an inclusive list.
Unauthorized Possession of Hackley Keys: Other than boarders, who are supplied with keys to their boarding rooms, students may not keep in their possession keys to any Hackley offices, residences or buildings. Keys which are found must be brought immediately to the Office.
Unauthorized Entry: Students are not allowed in School offices or residences without explicit permission from or the presence of a member of the faculty or the administration.
Tobacco: Students are prohibited from smoking or using smokeless tobacco on School grounds, on school buses, at all School-related events and on School trips.
Possession, Display or Distribution of Pornographic Material: The school, in its sole judgment, shall determine what constitutes pornographic material. Its possession, display or distribution is strictly prohibited.
Disregard for Authority: Acknowledgement by students of the authority of teachers and staff is essential to the educational mission of the School. Students whose behavior shows a disregard for authority may be subject to major disciplinary action.
Accumulation of Disciplinary Violations: Accumulation of repeated violations of school rules, especially when a student has been corrected previously for that violation, may incur major disciplinary action.
Off-Campus Behavior: Conduct leading to the institution of criminal or juvenile proceedings for a violation of the law wherever it may occur may result in major disciplinary action as decided by the Headmaster in his sole judgment with such consultation as he deems appropriate.
Students are responsible for their behavior off-campus whether School is, or is not, in session. Violation of “Major Disciplinary Rules” at any time, in any place, is subject to Hackley’s disciplinary action, as is a student who violates the law. Disciplinary action in such cases, which may include non-renewal of contract, required withdrawal or dismissal from School, is decided by the Headmaster in his sole judgment with such consultation as he deems appropriate.
Although Hackley School is not responsible for supervising students when they are at home, the School expects parents to provide supervision consistent with the School’s rules on alcohol. Though a parent or guardian may serve alcohol at home to his or her own child under age 21, it is illegal under Penal Law Section 260.20 to furnish alcohol to other children under 21 years of age. Further, under General Obligation Law Section 11-100, any person who is injured by a minor under the influence of alcohol may sue whoever knowingly served that minor alcohol. Parents should supervise parties and gatherings accordingly. A parent’s or guardian’s failure to do so may result in a withholding of his or her child’s re-enrollment contract for the succeeding year, or in the dismissal of the child from Hackley School.
Disciplinary Process
Disciplinary matters are handled by the Headmaster, who may, in his sole judgment, act with the consultation of the Lower School Director, Class Deans, and faculty members. Minor infractions may be handled directly by the Class Deans in grades four or five or by faculty members. All disciplinary decisions by the School are final and binding on the student involved and his or her parents and are not subject to review. A student or parent may, however, seek reconsideration by the School in its sole discretion.
In most disciplinary matters, the student’s teacher or Class Dean easily resolves the incident. If the behavior persists or is unusually inappropriate, however, the Lower School Director needs to be involved. In such cases the Director, with the Class Dean and/or faculty member, will evaluate the situation, determine if consequences are warranted, consult with the Headmaster, and discuss them with the student and his or her parents. Although minor incidents are not always communicated to parents, if a student receives a detention or if his or her inappropriate behavior persists or is “out of character,” the parents will be contacted.
Possible disciplinary consequences may include but are not limited to:
Academic Detention (A.D.): Students who repeatedly forget their homework or come unprepared to class may be given A.D.
Incident Reports and Disciplinary Detention (D.D.): Students who misbehave, are unkind to someone, do not obey classroom or school rules, or use inappropriate language, might be given an Incident Report. Students who have received three Incident Reports must serve a D.D. A student who misbehaves seriously can be given D.D. for a single incident. The school keeps a record of Incident Reports, and informs parents when a student is to serve a D.D.
The Lower School Director or teachers will contact parents if a student breaks school rules or misbehaves. Students will also have to inform their parents of their behavior.
Disciplinary Probation: Probation is a formal warning to a student and his or her parent or guardian that a similar violation of the School’s rules and expectations will lead to more serious disciplinary consequences, which may include but are not limited to suspension, non-renewal of re-enrollment contract, required withdrawal, or dismissal. The purpose of probation is to help a student modify his or her behavior by keeping consequences of past behaviors in mind.
Students on Disciplinary Probation:
- are generally allowed to participate in school activities; however, in more severe cases, they may be removed from such participation;
- may be prohibited from taking part in School-sponsored trips at the discretion of the Director;
- are ineligible to run for or serve in school or class office.
Suspension: Suspension from School is a temporary separation from the community intended to remind the student that membership in the Hackley community is a privilege, which may be lost through further misconduct. Suspended students are generally placed on Disciplinary Probation. Suspended students are responsible for making up missed schoolwork.
Non-Renewal of Re-enrollment Contract: When the Headmaster determines in his sole judgment that a student’s re-enrollment is contrary to the best interests of the School, the student or other students, an enrollment contract will not be issued for the following school year.
Dismissal and Required Withdrawal: In extreme cases, the School will dismiss a student, or require a student’s withdrawal, during the school year as described in the section entitled Re-enrollment, Dismissal and Required Withdrawal.
Primary or Secondary Schools to which a student applies will be notified of any suspension, dismissal or required withdrawal incurred during the academic year in which the student makes application or subsequently.
During a period of suspension or following a required withdrawal or dismissal from School, students may not frequent the campus or attend school events.
ACCESS
The School retains the absolute right to open and search, at any time, all lockers, book bags, and handbags or the like. Additionally, the School may, in its absolute judgment, remove and take possession of anything found during the course of such a search which it considers to evidence or tend to evidence conduct (including, without limitation, possession) which violates the rules, regulations, standards of conduct, policies, or other requirements of the School or of applicable Federal, state or local or administrative law. In such event the School will, within a reasonable time after such removal, notify the person from whose locker, book bag, or handbag the article is removed, and/or his or her parent or guardian. The School may also notify the local police or Federal authorities if it deems it necessary or appropriate under the circumstances.
HEALTH / NURSE
Here are some guidelines for when your child should not come to school or might have to be sent home:
- If your child has a fever in the morning, he or she may not return to school until he or she is without fever for a FULL 24 hours after onset of a temperature.
- If he or she vomits or has diarrhea.
- If he or she has a rash.
- If he or she complains of a stomachache, accompanied by a cluster of other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, and headache.
- If he or she has a headache that persists for a day or two, or recurs.
- If he or she has a persistent cough.
- If you suspect chicken pox, fifth’s disease, pink eye, or any other highly contagious illness.
If any of the above symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day, contact your child’s physician. In the case of a highly contagious illness, a physician must check your child, and a doctor’s note sent to the School. In the case of chicken pox, your child must, in addition, be checked by the School Nurse before entering the Lower School building.
For children who are in school and go to the Infirmary, the Nurse will assess the illness/injury, contact the parents describing symptoms/injury, observe the child for 30-45 minutes, and then make a decision as to whether the child will return to class or be sent home. If the Nurse decides to send your child home, you must pick up your child from the Infirmary with all due haste.
A child who has a fever and/or is vomiting will be sent home!
The School’s medical officer is Lawrence W. Goldstein, M.D., Tarrytown, New York.
EMAIL COMMUNICATION
Enrolling a child at Hackley constitutes affirmative consent to receive emails from Hackley that may in part contain commercial or promotional content related to the school’s community identity or educational mission. Receiving such emails is essential to the communication necessary to a constructive relationship between parent and school as specified in the Handbook as a pre-condition of continuing enrollment. (updated 2/8/05)
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SNOW AND ICE
Hackley decides whether school will be closed, and whether there will be a delayed opening or early closing. All Hackley School closings or morning delays will be posted on the school’s website, www.hackleyschool.org <http://ww.hackleyschool.org>, and also recorded on the school’s voicemail message at 914-631-0128. This information is normally posted between 5:45 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Families can also listen for a message regarding Hackley’s closing on the radio: WOR 710 am, WVOX 1460 am, WRKL 910 am, WHUD 100.7 fm and WFAS 103.9 fm. Westchester Channel 12 television also carries the information.
Some bus districts may declare a delayed pick-up or early return home when others do not. At the beginning of the year, parents should check with their school district or bus company to learn their notification procedure for delayed pick-up or early return home. In case of early dismissal, parents will be called by the School or a parent volunteer. Parents should also listen to school closing updates on the radio.
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