Middle School Student Handbook 2007-2008

The terms, conditions, and regulations published in this Handbook for 2007-2008 are agreed to as part of the contract signed by parents and/or guardians with Hackley School.  Students, parents, and guardians are responsible for reading this Handbook, and failure to do so will not serve as an exemption from these terms, conditions, and regulations.

PHILOSOPHY


General Statement

Hackley School offers a rigorous, traditional, and personalized college-preparatory education to able and motivated students whose parents value education. The academic program is rigorous: students encounter serious classes, demanding homework assignments, and an insistence on unreserved effort. The School is traditional: students are expected to dress and conduct themselves decorously. More importantly, Hackley exposes its students to classic texts and traditional disciplines, maintains an informed skepticism of educational fads, and attempts to inculcate the more serious elements of American culture—the democratic ethic and the work ethic.

Hackley students are expected to be good citizens. The School shares with its parent community an active commitment to character development as well as academic excellence. Students are encouraged to have respect for and to act responsibly towards themselves and others. The School strives to provide an overall environment which supports the development of virtuous qualities and good personal habits. Hackley students are expected to go beyond mere observance of the rules and to strive to make Hackley a civilized community where courtesy, kindness, and forbearance reign, and incivility and intolerance are shunned.

Hackley believes that students will grow in character and responsibility by participating in structured activity that serves the needs of people outside the spheres of home and school. By committing their energy, time, and imagination to serving those needs, students can experience the satisfaction of serving others, and can gain some appreciation of the complexity and concerns of the larger community. Accordingly, Hackley administers a Community Service program, encouraging and supporting regular student participation in a wide range of worthwhile activities. A premise of the program is that all Hackley students, through involvement in a one-time or a continuing project, will participate actively in some phase of the service opportunities endorsed by the School.

The School is personalized, offering small classes, extra help, frequent communication with parents, student-teacher interaction outside the classroom, a predominantly residential faculty, and a high level of participation in team sports, coached primarily by the academic faculty. The School believes in a diverse student body and assigns a significant percentage of its budget to scholarships.

The literature studied is that which has withstood the test of mature criticism throughout time; the history program concentrates on the course of human events over the millennia during which our civilization evolved. Students study mathematics and the sciences, including computer science, for their logical discipline as well as for their power over the practical world; they study foreign languages for scholarly interest as well as for conversational application.

Families from Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties as well as from New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut make up the Hackley community. The School attracts the children of these families by doing certain things well. It does not aspire to comprehensiveness and is candid about the limitations of its remedial programs. Although eager to help students overcome their academic shortcomings, Hackley does not believe in diverting resources from its ablest students.

Division Statements

Hackley sets high standards for its Lower School students, encouraging them to work diligently within the traditional disciplines; however, its curriculum also stresses the importance of an appreciation of both art and music. The School believes that projects, field trips, and “hands-on” activities are also influential and enhance daily instruction. Interdisciplinary projects are common. Community service, environmental awareness, international studies, and geography are integral aspects of the curriculum. The Lower School program attempts to relate courses to the students’ experiences. Concerned with the social and emotional well-being of the individual student, Hackley firmly believes that its younger students can be happy, enthusiastic, and creative while learning to write, compute, and reason.

The Middle School also expects its early adolescents to work within the framework of a traditional academic program. The sciences assume greater importance, study of foreign languages expands, and the workload increases and becomes more demanding. Personal contact between teacher and student is frequent. Field trips, assemblies, extracurricular activities, sports, and social events in the Middle School educate and foster greater camaraderie. Although the School recognizes the zest, playfulness, and energy of the early adolescent, it believes that these qualities are compatible with serious academic endeavor.

In the Upper School, Hackley becomes specifically college preparatory. Students enjoy the freedom of choosing from a wider array of courses, sports, and activities. The demands of the Upper School academic program, however, require that the students demonstrate increasing self-discipline and motivation as they encounter sizable homework assignments, longer papers, and serious scholarship. For the more talented and ambitious, the program offers sixteen Advanced Placement courses. Opportunities for independent study are also offered in many disciplines and are a distinctive feature of the Upper School experience.

Curriculum and Classes

Hackley is a traditional college preparatory school. The curriculum is classic and conservative, but faculty are constantly reexamining what is taught and when, and they believe in judicious experimentation. The School is cautious about the use of machine-scored tests and believes that effective writing demonstrates understanding.

Ideally, each class at Hackley is valuable, a work of art; it is not conducted in a mechanical or mindless way. Each has a shape and design requiring careful preparation. Although spontaneity and improvisation are part of charismatic instruction, they must emerge from a controlling structure. Lesson plans and objective lists, while useful, are never slavishly followed. The essential goals of a course are not just mastery of facts, skill in memorization, or preparation for the next sequence. Instead, each course strives to change the students’ perspective, to alter their habits, and to enlarge their sympathies through interaction with curious, intelligent teachers committed to their subject.

Whenever possible, a course is imaginatively connected to the students’ experience, regardless of how limited that experience may be. A Hackley education is traditional, but not irrelevant. Ideally, every course offers pace and variety; every course also provides both challenge and satisfaction, along with occasional frustration. Although the School allows each instructor considerable autonomy, it expects a high level of excellence, acknowledging that such excellence is not confined to a particular viewpoint, instructional style, or personality.

Hackley stresses the primacy of books and is proud of the resources and organization of its libraries. We do use films, tapes, and other audio-visual devices, but judiciously, since our major goal is to produce students who read fluently and analytically, and write clearly and gracefully.

Athletics, Arts, Activities

Hackley’s academic tradition is matched by a strong athletic tradition. Sports contribute significantly to individual development and to campus life. Sports help focus the students’ pride, encourage participation, and build camaraderie and a sense of community, while fostering hard work, fidelity, and courage. Finally, sports offer a necessary release for a student’s natural exuberance while promoting physical fitness.

In the Middle School, physical education continues in grades five and six. In grades seven and eight, the athletic program offers a variety of team sports options, while emphasizing participation according to each student’s individual ability.

Hackley offers a number of courses and enrichment experiences that foster both participation in and an appreciation of the arts. Dramatic productions occur regularly in all three divisions and the School offers a diverse program in studio arts. Hackley has a strong tradition in music. Band, orchestra, chorus, chamber ensembles, and the Music Institute provide musical training at all levels. The School believes that extra-curricular activities, such as the chess club, environmental club, community service, math team, Model UN, Community Council, Mental Olympics, and the student newspapers, literary magazines and yearbook, are valuable supplements to the academic program. It is proud of the contributions of carefully selected field trips, assemblies, festivals, plays, concerts, and community service projects.

Conclusion

Hackley is a friendly, caring school. In the classroom, on athletic teams, and in extracurricular activities, students forge friendships not only with classmates but also with teachers and coaches. These friendships often last a lifetime. Hackley’s philosophy is best expressed on its seal: Iuncti Iuvamus, which means “United we help one another.”
 
A TYPICAL DAY AT SCHOOL
Arrival
The building opens at 7:30 a.m. and students arrive at school sometime before 8:10 a.m. After they get organized for their morning classes, students visit with their classmates or proceed to their homerooms.

Each student is issued a locker at the beginning of the year. The lockers are large enough for books, backpacks, coats and athletic equipment. Musical instruments are kept in lockers in the Performing Arts Center (although they may be temporarily stored in the Middle School music closet); athletic equipment can be stored in gym lockers.

Homeroom and Advisory

Students begin the day at 8:10 a.m. in homeroom, in their advisory groups or in a weekly divisional assembly. The homeroom period, which lasts until 8:20 a.m., is the time for attendance, announcements, or discussion of special concerns with the group or with individual students. Students in the fifth grade generally have most of their classes with their homeroom section. Students in grades 6-8 are with different classmates in each of their classes.

Assemblies

Once or twice a week, morning homeroom is replaced by a Middle School assembly. At this time, we make general announcements about upcoming schedules for sports, performances, clubs or other special events and recognize certain individuals, teams or groups for their outstanding performance or participation. There are also periodic assemblies when outside speakers or performers come to the Middle School. These special events are sometimes sponsored by the Hackley Parents’ Association, and parents are welcome to attend. Middle School students also attend performances of their classmates and are occasionally invited to see a Lower School or Upper School performance.

Classes
Classes begin at 8:25 a.m., with each period lasting forty minutes. Students have five minutes between periods to walk to their next class. Most classes meet in the Middle School building, but it is possible to have a class in the Upper School building or the PAC. Fifth and sixth grade classes run until dismissal time, which is at 2:45 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and 2:15 p.m. on Fridays. Seventh and eighth grade classes run through 1:45 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 2:35 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 2:05 on Thursdays; classes are followed by athletic practices until 3:30 p.m. and study hall until 4:30 p.m. Friday dismissal is at 2:15 p.m.

Each grade enjoys a modest amount of scheduled free time during the school day. All students have a mid-morning break to see teachers or friends or to organize their materials for their later classes. They may also find time during lunch to socialize with their friends. Later in the day each grade often has free time before or after gym and sports and before study hall to play on the playground or go to the Tuck Shop.

If a faculty member is late for an assigned class, the students in that class should wait quietly in the classroom for ten minutes before reporting to the Middle School Office. It is suggested that one delegate from the class report the teacher’s absence to the office.

Lunch

Middle School students eat lunch in their own dining facility during a free period between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. They have their choice of several hot entrees, cold cuts, sandwiches, and a salad bar. On occasion, lunch may be highlighted by ethnic food celebrations or special desserts. Students should return their trays to the kitchen window, leave their tables neat and clean, and push in their chairs.

Physical Education and Athletics
The fifth and sixth grade physical education program is coed and meets four times a week for approximately forty-five minutes each day. The program continues the instruction of team sports, introduced in the fourth grade, with emphasis on the skills of the sports involved. Intramural contests follow instruction to encourage team camaraderie and leadership.

The athletic program for grades seven and eight stresses team sports at the interscholastic level, and is based on the principle of participation according to each student’s commitment, effort and ability (see Interscholastic Sports for specific team offerings by season). Seventh and eighth graders practice from 1:55-3:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, from 2:40-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 2:10-3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Interscholastic games with other schools can be scheduled at home or away, usually on Monday through Thursday afternoons. Away games may cause students to miss their late bus, so they may need to arrange their own transportation home in advance. Parents may pick their own son or daughter up at an away game, but students riding with parents other than their own must have notes signed by their parents and give them to their coaches before the game begins. Only on rare occasions do Middle School teams practice or play games on Friday afternoons.



Study Hall

For seventh and eighth graders, study halls are scheduled at the end of the day, after classes and athletics have ended, and before the students are excused at 4:30 p.m. Any student intending to leave school prior to study hall time must bring a note from his or her parents and must sign out in the Middle School Office. Seventh grade students may earn study hall “privileges” during the final marking period of the year; these privileges continue in the eighth grade provided that the student remains in good standing. Those students who receive privileges are allowed to leave the Middle School building and go to the library, to home athletic events or to other non-restricted areas on campus.

Dismissal and Buses

The school day officially ends at 2:45 p.m. for fifth and sixth graders and at 4:30 p.m. for seventh and eighth graders, unless a student has written permission from his or her parents to leave earlier (see Early Dismissal for procedures). Students are picked-up by their parents, carpools, or school district buses. Hackley has no direct control over the transportation provided by the local villages or towns, nor over those companies hired by parents on a contract basis. The school tries, however, to cooperate with all these agencies by providing them with the School’s schedule far in advance, and assisting them if there is any problem with student discipline.

Many school districts offer early and late buses. The early buses will pick-up fifth and sixth graders on their 2:45 p.m. dismissal days in front of the Middle School, and seventh and eighth graders on those rare occasions when students must leave school early and have written permission to do so (provided that there is enough room on the bus). Late buses meet students at various assigned locations (mostly on the Quad) at 4:30 p.m. On Fridays, the buses pick up all Middle School students in front of the building at 2:15 p.m. Many of the 4:30 p.m. buses also run on Fridays for those Middle School students who have permission to stay later than the 2:15 p.m. dismissal time. Afternoon pick-up locations may be different from morning drop-off locations and should be verified by the bus driver, a fellow student on the bus, or the Middle School Office.

Busing arrangements must be made with each student’s school district in the spring preceding the school year. Certain school districts do not allow guests on early and late buses or require a note or prior approval. Parents must communicate directly with the bus company and make these arrangements themselves. The Admissions Office may be helpful with carpooling or busing arrangements.

The building is generally locked between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. Student athletes returning from away contests should take their bookbags to the gym and meet their parents there. Students who are being picked up after 5:00 p.m. should make arrangements with their parents to meet at a designated location such as under the Saperstein Arch, on the quad or in the Grille Room next to the switchboard. Students should not wander the campus looking for their parents, and they should never walk down the front driveway to meet their parents or an older sibling at the gym.
 
ACADEMIC INFORMATION


Curriculum

Academic Courses

All fifth grade students study English, reading, ancient history, mathematics, general science and Spanish. All sixth grade students study English, Medieval and Renaissance history, mathematics, and earth science. These classes generally meet four or five times per week for forty minutes each. Four foreign language courses are offered in the sixth grade, and classes meet five times a week. Students may choose French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese. Those who study French, Spanish, or Chinese during the three Middle School years will receive a total of one year of credit towards the Upper School language requirement. Students who successfully complete three years of Latin will receive two years of credit towards the Upper School requirement.

Seventh grade students study English, the History of Freedom, life science, and either algebra or pre-algebra. These classes meet five times a week for forty minutes each. Selection for algebra is based on previous performance in math, the score on an algebra placement test taken at the end of sixth grade, and the sixth-grade math teacher’s recommendation. The language selected in the sixth grade is continued in the seventh, with classes meeting five times each week. Eighth graders study English, American history, biological science and mathematics. Students take mathematics, algebra, or geometry, based on placement test scores, previous math grades, and teacher recommendations. The language selected in sixth grade is usually continued through the Middle School years. Students who are having difficulty with writing and organization may be encouraged by the School to take etymology in lieu of a foreign language. New students entering in the eighth grade may also take this course if they have no background in French, Spanish, Chinese, or Latin, and then begin a language in the ninth grade.

“Special” Courses

All Middle School students meet two or three times each week for music classes. The Middle School music program places emphasis on performance; students are required to participate in one of the three major performing groups: band, chorus, or orchestra. Some students continue playing the instrument begun in earlier grades, while others take up a new one. Private or group lessons in voice or an instrument can be arranged through the Hackley Music Institute and are generally scheduled after school hours or during study halls or free periods.

At various times, Middle School students also take studio art, computer, health and drama. The frequency and length of these periods differ from grade to grade. Middle School students meet their advisors each morning and in a special group meeting at least once each week.

Class Trips

Class trips are an enriching addition to the Middle School curriculum. The fifth graders begin the year with a one-day outing designed to introduce the students to one another and to their teachers. The sixth graders participate in a two-day camping trip in early September, which enables all students and sixth grade faculty to get to know one another. The seventh grade visits Boston for three days in October, and the eighth grade goes to Washington, D.C., also in October. These trips complement the seventh and eighth grade curriculum. The cost of these class trips is included in the tuition fees. Individual teachers and Class Deans may sponsor additional trips during the course of the year, for which there are generally small surcharges.

Grading System

The Middle School grading system is based on a school year composed of two marking periods per semester and two semesters per year. Grades are sent home four times a year, once for each marking period. Students receive letter grades in English, history, science, mathematics, foreign language and etymology. Music, art, health, computer, and physical education are graded on a Pass/Fail basis with skill grades offered twice a year.

Semester grades for the fifth and sixth grade are an average of the grades of the two marking periods. This is the same for the seventh grade except that the grade on the final examination given in June is part of the second semester average. In the eighth grade formal examinations are given in January and June, and these grades are added to the marking period grades to compute the averages for both semesters. Final grades are an average of the two semester grades. Note: A student whose second semester or fourth marking period grade in any academic subject is an “F” might fail for the year even if the first semester grade is high enough not to result in a failing average. A student’s advancement in foreign language is dependent upon the exam performance even if the final grade is promotional.

Students receive effort grades in all of their courses as well. Teachers evaluate students in such areas as preparation for class, participation in class, and organization, as follows:

1 = Excellent
2 = Good
 3 = Needs Improvement
4 = Poor
5 = Very Poor





Progress Reports

During each marking period there is also a less formal, interim academic assessment. Progress Reports are sent home at the middle of the first marking period for all students and at the midpoint of subsequent marking periods for students receiving unsatisfactory or failing achievement grades or insufficient effort grades.  These reports evaluate students very broadly in both achievement and effort, as follows:
            
Achievement:  P = Passing; U = Unsatisfactory; F = Failing
Effort:           S = Sufficient; I = Insufficient

Evidentials

Evidentials are teacher comments written periodically about student performance. Evidentials for English, history, math, science, foreign language, and etymology accompany the Academic Report for the first and third marking periods. Evidentials for specials classes accompany the Academic Report for the second and fourth marking periods.  Students whose grades fall below C- may receive comments more often.

Incompletes

Students receive an Incomplete when they have not completed enough academic work to justify a grade in the marking period. They should make up all Incompletes as quickly as possible. Any Incomplete not made up within three weeks of the end of the marking period may be listed as a failing grade.

Testing and Exam Schedule

There is no set schedule for when tests will be given, but every effort is made to see that two tests are not given on the same day and that a major paper or project is not due the same day as a test in another subject. This guideline does not apply to quizzes. A calendar is kept in the Middle School on which teachers record their test and project dates, which allows them to keep track of the overall workload of their students.

Middle School students are introduced to semester and final exams in a gradual way. Fifth and sixth graders have only chapter and unit tests throughout the year. Seventh graders have one set of formal exams in June, although some teachers give mid-term exams in class. Formal exams are given to eighth graders at the end of each semester, in January and June.




Study Halls

At Hackley, seventh and eighth grade students have workshop time or study halls at the end of each day. Study halls are held on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:50 to 4:30 p.m. Students may receive study hall “privileges” during the final marking period of the seventh grade year and continuing into eighth grade.

Seventh graders will be given a weekly “budget” of two free days beginning in the fourth quarter of the school year. This scheduled free time must be planned with the students’ advisors and does not excuse the students from required extra help or other school commitments. Eighth graders have unrestricted privileges provided that they do not miss any required extra help or other school commitments. Students who are released from study halls should use their free time wisely and respect the fact that many students will still be assigned to study halls. Hackley believes that this system teaches self-reliance and develops a sense of responsibility among our older students who must learn to manage their free time wisely before entering the Upper School.

Honors
At the end of each marking period, as well as at the end of each semester, honors are computed; seventh and eighth graders can earn Middle School honors by achieving four grades of B+ or better in the five major academic subjects, with no grade below B- and no more than one 3 effort grade in all courses (all others to be a 1 or 2). Eighth graders will receive year-end honors if they have received honors in four of the six possible terms (the four marking periods and the two semesters) provided that at least one is the first or second semester. Seventh graders will receive semester honors if they receive honors in two of the possible three terms (the third and fourth marking period and the second semester). These students receive Honors Certificates at Class Day (or the certificates will be mailed home in the summer to those students who qualify for this designation after Class Day).

Homework
Parents often ask how much time their children should spend on homework. There is no set answer to this question, but in general the typical Middle School student will spend twenty to thirty minutes per subject each evening. Faster readers may spend less time; slower or more thorough workers may take considerably more time. On some nights students will have only one or two subjects to prepare; on other nights they may have more. If a student is keeping very late hours for his or her age, spending inordinate amounts of time on homework, or seems to have nothing to do night after night, the Class Dean or Director should be notified.
Parents also ask how much help they should give their children. Most faculty members believe that support and guidance in homework can be very helpful, but parents should be sure that they explain rather than do the work. Many Middle School projects and papers have advance due dates, and most tests require more than one night’s preparation, so parents can help their children learn how to work on long-term assignments and plan their time efficiently. Overall, students should be guided toward independent work and should not become too dependent on parental assistance. In some subjects, mathematics in particular, parents should be sure that their method agrees with that of the teacher. If it does not, parental “help” may be counterproductive.

Three times each year, at Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring breaks, Middle School students are not given any homework so they may relax and enjoy their vacations.

Make-Up WorkIf a student must miss class for reasons acceptable to the School, and this is known beforehand, he or she should notify teachers and obtain assignments from them before leaving. If a student is ill, or misses school for religious reasons, he or she can schedule make-up work directly with teachers. For absences of one week or less, students will have two days for each day’s absence to make up their work.

If a student is absent from school, he or she is encouraged to consult their teachers’ websites, or they may call a classmate to receive information pertaining to their schoolwork or assignments. Please do not call the Middle School office and ask the assistant to gather homework for your child except in the case of an extended absence.

The School feels very strongly that families should organize vacations that do not conflict with school. If a family chooses to keep a student out of school for trips or celebrations, the School will generally not assist the student in making up the missing work and will impose all the usual penalties for the student’s failure to make up work missed. Absence for reasons other than illness or recognized religious obligations is not entirely at the family’s discretion. For example, if a student misses an examination, even with parental “permission,” the School may rule the absence unexcused and deny the student a make-up examination.

If a student is suspended from school, he or she may be allowed to make up missed work at the discretion of the Class Deans and the Director. The student’s teachers will not, however, be asked to give extra help for material covered during the time the student was suspended.

If a student is absent more than ten class meetings in any course, he or she may be judged incomplete in his or her course work. At that point a parent conference will be arranged to establish a schedule for completion of the work. If the work is not completed, the student risks failure for that semester. Students who are failing or are in danger of failing one or more courses may be placed on Academic Probation at the end of a marking period.

Incomplete or Missing Assignments / Academic Alerts

When a student repeatedly fails to hand in assignments or struggles to consistently complete work in a timely fashion for reasons other than frequent absences, parents may receive formal notification from the school. The purpose of the notification is two-fold. One reason is to alert parents about the specific assignments that are missing or incomplete in order to help the student catch up in a particular class. More importantly, a prolonged pattern of missing and/or incomplete work may indicate a larger issue that may be interfering with a student’s learning. Depending on the circumstances, the Division Director or Class Dean may request a conference in order to obtain more information, discuss extra help or tutoring options, or help the parents and student formulate a more effective method for completing assignments. The MS Learning Specialist and/or MS Psychologist/Learning Specialist may be consulted as warranted.

Conferences
Students are urged to arrange conferences with their teachers or advisors if they wish to discuss their performance in class, request extra help, or seek advice. Parent-Advisor Conferences for all Middle School families are scheduled in November. In addition, parents are encouraged to call their child’s advisor, teachers, Class Dean or the Middle School Director regarding their child’s academic progress, social development, or other areas of concern. Discussions may take place on the phone or in person.

Special Help / TutoringAll students are encouraged to request extra help from their teachers if they have questions about a particular assignment or lesson. Any student having difficulty with a course may be required to meet with his or her teacher during study halls or free time. Middle School teachers generally establish a special-help schedule, which is posted. In addition to this  regularly scheduled time, special help may be available by appointment. The student or parents can arrange this with the teacher.

Special help is distinct from tutoring. In situations where tutoring is advised by the School, tutorial arrangements can be made through the Middle School Director’s Office. Tutoring is available to students from faculty, from outside teachers, and from fellow students. The Director will help make the arrangements. The maximum accepted rate for Hackley faculty tutors is $100 an hour. Occasionally, there are Upper School students who are interested in tutoring Middle Schoolers. Generally, these students volunteer their time as a community service.

Re-enrollment, Dismissal and Withdrawal

Each student’s performance and citizenship are evaluated in January. Students not performing at acceptable effort, conduct, or achievement levels, as determined in Hackley’s sole judgment, may have their re-enrollment contracts held pending improvement. Their performance will be continuously evaluated for the remainder of the year, and the Division Director will make recommendations on the offering of contracts for the succeeding year to the Headmaster no later than June. In some cases, the Headmaster may, in his sole judgment, determine that the student will not be offered a re-enrollment contract, because it is contrary to the best interests of the School, the student or other students.

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 concludes in its sole judgment 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, determined in its sole judgment, to suspend or dismiss any student whose progress is unsatisfactory or whose conduct is contrary to the best interests of the student, other students or the School itself, or whose tuition and fees are not paid as scheduled. The School further reserves the unconditional 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, other students or the School.

PromotionPromotion to the next grade is not automatic; it is contingent on students’ passing their courses satisfactorily. If a student has a borderline promotional record in any course, he or she may be required to go to summer school or work with a tutor, especially if the subject is sequential. If a student fails one or two courses, he or she may be allowed to move to the next grade after successfully completing summer work. The Division Director will recommend which alternative the student and his or her family should take.
 
ADVISORY SYSTEM


Hackley depends upon a strong Advisory System to address the personal, academic, and social concerns of the students in the Middle and Upper Schools. Each grade in the Middle School has a Class Dean who oversees the students’ academic progress, organizes class activities and assists the Director with administrative and disciplinary matters. In addition, each student has a faculty advisor who serves as an academic, social and personal counselor.

Class Deans

The role of the Class Deans is to monitor the overall atmosphere in the grade and to deal with any general concerns that may arise from students or teachers. They assist the classroom teachers in the grade regarding academic, social and disciplinary matters. They also supervise grade meetings and grade elections, and organize the three-day class trips.

Faculty Advisors

One of the most important aspects of teacher-student relationships at Hackley is the system of faculty advisors. This system exists to help each student make the most of his or her abilities. A strong advisor-student relationship, built by mutual endeavor, can assist a student in learning more about himself or herself and in how to develop and use his or her energies and talents.

It is important for parents and advisors to become acquainted as early as possible and to keep in touch throughout the year. A student’s faculty advisor will contact his or her parents at the beginning of the year. Parents will then have an opportunity to meet with their child’s advisor at a regularly scheduled conference in November.  

Parents should encourage their children to seek out their advisor when guidance or advice is needed. Parents are also invited to call the advisor with any concerns that may arise during the school year.

Advisory Period

Middle School students meet with their faculty advisor as a group briefly each morning and for an extended period at least once each week. The advisors also meet individually with students from time to time to discuss their overall performance and to give them their grades.
 
STUDENT CONDUCT, RULES AND REGULATIONS


Hackley believes that an important aim of the School, in partnership with parents, is to teach good character and encourage virtuous behavior. Virtues such as integrity, tolerance, honesty, fairness, kindness, and compassion are inculcated through the entire Hackley experience: its curriculum, rules, culture and activities.

Hackley students are expected to be good citizens and to strive to grow in character as they increase in knowledge. They are expected to be honest, responsible and fair in their academic, athletic, and social undertakings, and to conduct themselves with courtesy and kindness in all their endeavors. They must care for the well-being of the School as well as for that of every member of the community.

The School depends on cooperation between home and school for the development of good character. Students and parents must be familiar with the rules and expectations of the School and are expected to uphold them.

Middle School students are strongly encouraged to follow this Code of Student Conduct off campus as well. Each student has the power to safeguard or damage his or her own and the School’s reputation by his or her conduct. Consequently, the School reserves the right to deal in a disciplinary fashion with serious misconduct incidents occurring off campus.

Daily Conduct

To maintain a strong sense of community, Middle School students are expected to abide by the following standards of good behavior

Courtesy: Good manners demonstrate a sincere concern for other people’s comfort and well-being. Students should remember to:

•    greet teachers, staff, classmates and visitors
•    open or hold the door for others
•    knock and wait for a response before entering a closed class or office
•    walk at a reasonable pace in the School buildings
•    refrain from sitting on stairs or blocking the passage of others
•    refrain from shouting or using vulgar language
•    keep the classrooms, hallways and locker areas clean and uncluttered
•    leave tables in the Dining Room clean and ready for use.

Dining: All students can help make lunch a pleasant experience for everyone. They should stand quietly and patiently in line and may not cut-in or hold places for friends. While eating, they should talk quietly. Before leaving the table, they should ensure that the table is clean (wiped if necessary) and ready for use. All food and drink must be consumed in the Dining Room. Day students who have an evening School activity and who wish to remain for dinner must request a dinner pass from the Assistant Headmaster’s office before 3:00 p.m.

Riding buses: Good behavior on the bus not only shows respect for others but also is essential for safety. Students should be considerate of children of all ages on the bus. They should not use vulgar language or talk or act in any way that is distracting or discourteous to the bus driver. The School will cooperate with the bus operators to ensure safe conduct of these vehicles, and student misbehavior will incur disciplinary action by the School. Students must wear seat belts when available.

State law requires that Bus Drills are to be conducted three times each school year. These drills include instructions as to how to get on and off a bus correctly in both normal and emergency circumstances. It is imperative that every student listens to all instructions given with regard to proper behavior and safety on buses. Failure to do so can cause a student to become ineligible for bus transportation.

Care of Property: Students are expected to care for both the property of the School and that of other members of the community. Students should use their lockers to keep their own possessions secure and may not appropriate items that are found loose in the hallways. Such items should be brought to the Lost and Found in the Deans’ Offices or at the Middle School Office. The School cannot assume responsibility for losses incurred through carelessness or theft. Students must also treat School property with appropriate care and not mar desks, walls, or floors. Students are accountable for any damage they may cause and should report to the Middle School Office any damage they may cause or observe.

Daily Regulations

Restricted Areas: For reasons of safety, efficiency and adherence to local laws, certain areas within the school are prohibited to students: roofs, boiler rooms, fire escapes (except in case of fire), kitchen, maintenance and storage areas, post office, woodlands, and parking lots (except when students are arriving at or departing from School), offices without explicit permission from or the presence of a member of the faculty or the administration. Day students are not allowed in the dormitories unless given special permission by the member of the boarding staff on duty or by a Boarding Director.

Gum and Candy: Gum may not be chewed anywhere at School; food, drinks or candy may not be consumed indoors except in the Dining Room, the Tuck Shop, the Athletic Center lobby (where soft drink machines are located) or during Middle School snacks or class parties.
Electronic Equipment: Pagers and cell phones are not permitted in class or in the Library. Ipods, walkmen, tape/CD players or radios are not to be used during the school day unless forr educational purposes under the direction of faculty. Students are not permitted to have laser pointers in School.

Games: Electronic games, board games and card playing are not permitted on School grounds during school hours except where authorized by a faculty member. Gambling is prohibited at all times. Ball and Frisbee playing and other sports are restricted to appropriate areas. Snowball throwing is prohibited throughout the campus.

Computer Use: The Middle School has a fully equipped Computer Lab for use by classes and for individual students who have permission from the Computer Coordinator. Computers are also located in the Library for catalogue access and research and are available during the hours that the Library is open. All Middle School students and their parents are required to sign the Computer Use Agreement (a copy of which appears at the end of this handbook) before using the School’s computers. In addition, students must receive clearance from the Computer Coordinator before accessing the Hackley network (see also Computer Misuse). Failure to follow the provisions of the Computer Use Agreement, Computer Lab rules or Library computer rules may result in a rescinding of computer privileges.

Public Displays of Affection: Physical contact that may be interpreted as sexual is inappropriate in a school community and is prohibited on campus and at School-sponsored events. Examples of such behavior include sitting on another student’s lap or lingering hugs. We expect students to exercise common sense and discretion.

Dress Code

Hackley is a traditional school, and our Dress Code is a symbol of our community values and seriousness of purpose. Adherence to such a dress code represents one’s respect for those values; inappropriate dress will be understood to represent, at best, ambivalence about membership in our community. The School reserves the right to determine when the style of dress is inconsistent with the spirit of Hackley’s Dress Code.

Dress in the Middle School should at all times be neat, clean, well-fitting and in good repair. The Dress Code is in effect for the entire school day, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., and it applies indoors and outdoors. The only exceptions are for sports, physical education, and special events, such as Dress Down Days.

Boys’ Dress: Boys must wear shirts with collars or turtlenecks (not mock turtlenecks) which must be well-fitting and completely tucked in at all times. Boys may wear sweaters or plain, solid-colored, unhooded sweatshirts over their collared shirts. Boys must wear full-length pants. Blue jeans, athletic wear, military or work clothes are not permitted. Clothing may not have writing or logos. Boys must wear socks and shoes with backs and closed toes. Boots may be worn in winter weather, but boys may not wear any type of footwear that resembles a sneaker. Hats of any kind may not be worn indoors except in the gymnasium. Boys’ hair must be of traditional style and may not come below the top of the collar on their shirts. Facial hair is not permitted nor is any visible body piercing including ears.

Girls’ Dress: Girls must wear appropriate and traditional school clothing. Blue jeans and athletic wear are not permitted nor are low necklines, visible underwear, exposed midriffs or short or tight skirts. Clothing may not have writing or logos, and any clothing that resembles lingerie, pajamas or sleepwear may not be worn. Shoes must have low heels and soles, backs and closed toes. Boots may be worn in winter weather, but girls may not wear any type of footwear that resembles a sneaker. Hats of any kind may not be worn indoors except in the gymnasium. Girls may wear earrings but may have no other visible body piercing.

Game Days: Seventh and eighth graders, who are members of Hackley teams, may wear their team jerseys (over an approved shirt, if necessary) on game days only. This exception does not permit the students to wear hooded-sweatshirts, T-shirts or other team-related apparel.

Spring Modifications: Specific dress code modifications may be announced for warm weather days after May 15th.

Concert Dress: Performers are expected to dress appropriately for concerts. Girls should wear a dress or dressy blouse and skirt with dress shoes, not sneakers. Boys should wear a coat and tie or turtleneck, dress pants, and dress shoes, not sneakers or workboots.

There are some occasions other than concerts when jackets and ties for boys and dresses or skirts for girls are required, such as field trips, Class Day, or other times that will be announced in advance.

Labeling: It is strongly urged that each article of student clothing and equipment be marked. It is much easier to find misplaced property when it is marked clearly with the owner’s first and last name.
 
MORAL EDUCATION


At Hackley, all discipline has an educational purpose: to help students learn from their choices, not only for the good of the community, but also for the development 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 may 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.

In cases involving a student’s alleged use of illegal drugs, the School reserves the unconditional right, determined in its sole judgment, to require a negative result on drug testing arranged by the School as a condition for the student’s continued enrollment.

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. Middle School students are encouraged to be sensitive to others’ feelings and not to engage in activities that 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 Middle School Director, the Assistant Head, the Headmaster or any teacher with whom the student feels more comfortable.

Stealing or Possession of Stolen Property; Vandalism: Stealing includes the theft or misappropriation of property or services including the willful failure to pay for Hackley goods or services. 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 of 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 (see also Computer Use Agreement).

Unauthorized Possession of Hackley Keys: Students may not keep in their possession keys to any Hackley offices, residences or buildings. Keys that are found must be brought immediately to the Office.

Access: 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. Students are prohibited from playing on or using in any way the elements of Hackley’s “Adventure/Ropes Course,” which is sited north of Saperstein Middle School. It can be used only under the supervision of an authorized faculty member, and each element has signage to that effect.

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: What constitutes pornographic material shall be determined by the school in its sole judgment. 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 Middle School Director and the Class Deans. Minor infractions may be handled directly by the Class Deans 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 incident is easily resolved by the student’s teacher. If the behavior persists or is unusually inappropriate, however, the student’s Class Dean will be consulted. Occasionally, the Middle School Director needs to be involved. In such cases, the Director and Class Dean 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:

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 required to attend daily study hall
•    may lose eligibility for end-of-year honors and awards
•    are generally allowed to participate in interscholastic sports and activities;    
   however, in more severe cases, they may be removed from such participation
•    may be prohibited from taking part in overnight School-sponsored trips,
   including trips during vacations; participation in day trips is 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 that may be lost through further misconduct. Suspended students are generally placed on Disciplinary Probation. Suspended students are responsible for making up missed schoolwork (see Make-up Work).

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.

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.



















GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES


Attendance

All Middle School students are expected to be in school in their homerooms by 8:10 a.m. when attendance is taken. They must attend all classes, meet all appointments, and be on campus throughout the school day, unless specifically excused. Permission to leave the campus can be granted only by the Director or Class Dean and should be secured in advance except in emergencies.

In general, parents should try not to schedule appointments for their children that conflict with classes. If this cannot be avoided, a note giving the reason for the departure should be sent to the Office before the start of school on the day of the appointment, and students must sign out before leaving and sign in upon return. Students who leave the School grounds without a legitimate excuse will be subject to a disciplinary response.

Absences

If a student is absent or excused from school for any reason, the School must be notified. A parent should call the Middle School Office at 366-2618 by 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the absence. If an emergency prevents a parent from calling the School, the parent should send in a note with the student on the morning of his or her return. All notes should be written and signed only by the parent and should include the reason for the absence.

Lateness

Students are considered late if they arrive after 8:10 a.m. If a student arrives after homeroom ends, he or she should go to the Middle School Office to sign in with the Administrative Assistant before going to class. He or she is responsible for obtaining the daily assignments from any class(es) missed and for completing them on time. If a student arrives at school after 12:00 noon, he or she will not be permitted to participate in any interscholastic games or other extracurricular activities that day.

Early Dismissal

Students may leave earlier than 4:30 p.m. with special permission from the Middle School Office. A “blanket” year-long permission is generally granted for regular commitments such as religious instruction or music lessons; a one-time permission is normally given for doctor’s appointments or other special circumstances. While seventh and eighth graders will generally be excused from afternoon study halls for good reason, parents should keep in mind that sports
and physical education are required, state-mandated classes and thus should not be canceled casually. Students who leave early for whatever reason must have a note from a parent and must sign out in the Office. Unless it is unavoidable, students should not leave earlier than 3:30 p.m. so that all classes and sports practices can be completed. Students who must leave on the early bus, however, should report to study hall from 1:55 to 2:15 p.m.

After School Program

The Middle School offers an after school program, After School Knowledge (ASK) between the hours of 2:55 and 4:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. This program is open to fifth and sixth graders. A variety of academic and extracurricular activities will be offered on a seasonal basis for a nominal fee. Parents should call the Middle School Office, if they have questions.

Snow Days

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/about/news and also recorded on the school’s voicemail message at 914-631-0128 or 914-366-2600. This information is normally posted between 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. Families can also listen for a message regarding Hackley’s closing on the radio: WOR 710 am, WVOX 1460 am, WHUD 100.7 fm and WFAS 103.9 fm. Westchester Channel 12 television also carries the information. If any Hackley family lacks access to these sources of information or for any other reason requires an alternative, please contact the Hackley Parents Association. In addition, a staff member will be available in each division office beginning at 8:00 a.m.

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, Lower School parents will be called by the School or a parent volunteer, and Middle and Upper School parents will be contacted by their children.  Parents should also listen to school closing updates on the radio.

A delayed opening implies unsafe roadways, so please keep your child home until school is officially open. In the event of an opening delay for the public schools in your district, the bus to Hackley will usually arrive in accordance with the school district’s delay schedule.

If it starts snowing during the day, certain districts will send their buses before the close of school to take students home. These early departure times will be posted on the message board outside the Middle School Office. Students will be excused fifteen minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus so that they may gather their belongings and call their parents. Those who plan to drive home with another student or family must have parental approval and have notified the School of this approval, and the student should sign out in the Middle School Office before departing. If the School is officially closed early, students may leave without signing out.

Vacations

The School calendar is planned well in advance and published as early as possible. It is usually available sometime during the previous spring and is mailed with enrollment contracts to every Hackley family. Since it is very disruptive to a class to have a number of students leave early or return late from vacations, permission for such absences is only granted in the rarest of circumstances. Parents requesting such permission should notify the Middle School Director in writing at least two weeks prior to vacation. If a student misses work because of an extended vacation, the School is not responsible for helping the student make up the work (see Make-up Work).

Special Days

A student is welcome to participate in certain special events or other celebrations or rallies off campus that have educational, civic, or moral content – but only if the School has parental permission in writing at least one day before the event. Sports events and entertainment do not qualify. Students in severe academic difficulty may be refused Special Day privileges.

Excursions and Field Trips

Because Hackley is close to New York City, the School tries to take advantage of the many enriching opportunities that the city and its environs offer. Such trips often result in additional expenses, usually collected in advance. Mode of dress is determined by the faculty leader. For some events, parents are called upon to help chaperone. Many parents enjoy accompanying their children and classmates on a School trip, and their assistance is greatly appreciated.

In addition to grade trips (see Class Trips), Middle School students also may participate in various field trips during the course of the year. Specific dates, costs, and other pertinent information are made available at the earliest possible time. The School reserves the right to exclude a student from a School-sponsored field trip or vacation trip, if the student’s tuition has not been paid.






Telephones and Messages

Pay phones are available around the campus, and they should be used by students only for necessary calls. Students may bring cell phones, but they are not allowed to be turned on during school hours. Except for emergencies, students should not use School phones. Fraudulent use of the School phones is considered a serious offense. Parents who wish to leave messages for their children should call the Middle School and speak to the Administrative Assistant. Messages are posted on a bulletin board outside the Office; students are urged to check it regularly. Parents are asked not to call the Office for routine family matters, but only in cases of urgent need.

Lost and Found

Students should be careful about their belongings and diligent about keeping track of them. If they find something in the Middle School building which does not belong to them, they should take it to their Dean’s Office or to the Middle School Office.  

Articles found in the cafeteria and around the Quad are generally turned in to the Upper School Office. Articles found in the gym should be turned in to the Assistant Athletic Director’s office, where there is a Lost and Found box. Articles found in the Performing Arts Center should be turned in to a teacher.

Clearly marked names on all articles from jackets and books to musical instruments will make it easier for lost things to be returned to their rightful owners.

Student Guests

Guests are welcome at Hackley, but invitations must be cleared with the Middle School Director at least two days before the visit. Generally, guests are expected to have gone through the admissions process. All guests must observe School dress and conduct regulations. Student hosts should remember to introduce their guest to the Director and Class Dean. They are responsible for their guest, and if a guest breaks a School rule, the host will be held accountable. Students seen with uninvited guests will be disciplined.

Occasionally, a student will be asked to escort a prospective student around the campus on behalf of the Admissions Office. This is an opportunity for students to provide a service to the School and provide the visitor with a look at Hackley from a student’s point of view.  





Fire Drills

Fire Drills are called by the Fire Marshall or the Middle School Director periodically and without warning, at various times of the day. Students must be silent and walk promptly to their assigned areas, under faculty supervision.

Fire equipment must never be touched by any student except to sound an alarm in the case of an actual emergency. Each student’s only responsibility is to get out of the building. Violators of these rules may be suspended from school.

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.

 
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS


Interscholastic Sports

Objectives

Hackley’s academic tradition is matched by a strong athletic tradition. Sports contribute significantly to individual development and to campus life. Sports help focus the students’ pride, encourage participation, and build camaraderie and a sense of community, while fostering hard work, fidelity, and courage. Finally, sports offer a necessary release for the students’ natural exuberance while promoting physical fitness.

Hackley has always had a vigorous, enthusiastic interscholastic athletic program that has won more than its share of honors. The aim of this program is to foster excellence in performance and team spirit under mature and skillful coaching. To provide an opportunity for all interested students in the Middle School to engage in this program, the athletic offerings are as diverse as possible.

The athletic program in the Middle School, while stressing team sports in grades seven and eight, is based on the principle of each student participating according to his or her ability. Even though Hackley tries to be competitive, every team member is expected to participate in the games for a significant amount of time. Hackley believes that students at this age need to develop notions of “team concept” and “team member.” Part of the team concept is the importance of working together towards a single purpose. A member of the team has a responsibility to the team to attend all practices and games, to work hard, and to support other members at practice as well as at games.

In the Middle School, we generally adhere to a “no-cut” policy, although certain teams with limited court space, such as squash or tennis, may have to restrict their numbers or encourage students to try out for other sports.

It is expected that Hackley students will demonstrate good citizenship on the athletic field. Hackley hopes to win, but puts a higher premium on good sportsmanship. Students who lose control and are abusive to either teammates or opponents will be subject to discipline. Hackley fans should be supportive and positive in their cheering.
 
Athletic Offerings

FALL    WINTER    SPRING
        
Cross Country    Boys’ Basketball    Baseball
Field Hockey
Football
Boys’ Soccer
Girls’ Soccer    Girls’ Basketball
Fencing
Squash
Swimming
Wrestling    Boys’ Lacrosse
Girls’ Lacrosse
Softball
Tennis
Track & Field

Independent Sports

The Middle School athletic program is an integral part of the curriculum. Every year, however, a small number of students request and receive permission to substitute an outside activity for a Hackley sport. To qualify for such an exemption, the student and family must apply in writing and receive permission prior to the start of school. The faculty committee reviewing these requests will base its decision on: (1) the length of time the student has been involved in the outside sport, (2) the level of expertise achieved in the sport, (3) the weekly time commitment to the sport and (4) whether the sport is offered at Hackley. Generally, this type of exemption is only granted for one athletic season per year.

Equipment

The School provides most basic equipment, including uniforms, for interscholastic sports. There are, however, additional costs in several sports of which all participants should be aware: shoes (e.g., football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball), gloves, tennis rackets, lacrosse sticks, bathing suits, and other personal items. All students are required to have appropriate athletic attire as defined by the Director of Athletics.

Lockers

Students are given athletic lockers in the gym where they can store their equipment and clothes. They must provide their own locks and are strongly encouraged to secure carefully their possessions in the lockers at all times. Lockers must be cleaned out by the first Friday in June.

Parent Attendance

Parents are urged to attend games whenever possible. The students are very appreciative of such support. Each season’s athletic schedule is posted on the school’s website.

Performing Arts

In addition to required music courses, Hackley offers a number of extracurricular opportunities to perform that foster both participation in and an appreciation of the arts. A Middle School dramatic production or musical is presented once or twice a year, as is a talent show. Concerts and individual recitals generally occur throughout the year.

Special Programs

The Music Institute

The Hackley Music Institute, located in the Hackley Performing Arts Center, offers private instruction with outstanding professional musicians. Vocal and instrumental private lessons are offered for two fourteen-week semesters. Private lessons help a child’s awareness and appreciation of the arts, advance technical ability, and provide an opportunity for a mentor relationship with a performing artist. The study of music in a serious and consistent manner also encourages growth in self-expression, confidence and motivation.

Private Music Lessons and Counseling

Information on music lessons and choice of instruments is available from all music teachers. In addition to opportunities provided by the Music Institute, members of the music faculty have information on private teachers and music schools in the area. Summer study information is also available. We encourage students who are enrolled in pre-professional studies to discuss their work and progress with our faculty on a regular basis so that we may offer appropriate guidance when needed.

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 help 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 considered 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.



All-State and All-County Festivals
The School participates in the N.Y.S.S.M.A and W.C.S.M.A. music festivals by preparing and sponsoring qualified students in grades four through twelve. Interested parents and students should contact the Hackley NYSSMA/ WCSMA Coordinator for further information about audition requirements and deadlines. It is important to keep in mind that audition requirements include a minimum of two printed copies of the student’s chosen music. Xeroxed copies are not acceptable and will result in disqualification. Students should be reminded to use the Hackley dress code as a guideline for audition attire.

The Chamber Ensemble Program

Instrumental ensembles are open to all string players, woodwind players, and pianists taking private music lessons either at the School or from an off-campus teacher. Information is available from instrumental teachers in the Performing Arts Department.

Accompanying

The School encourages advanced pianists in grades four through twelve to become involved in chamber ensembles and in choral accompanying.

The Recital Series

All students are eligible if they are taking instrumental or vocal private lessons, at Hackley or elsewhere, to perform in a recital at the School. Division recitals take place several times a year. Students who wish to perform in Division recitals should contact the Recital Coordinator. Participation request forms are also available in Division offices, along with a list of recital dates. The form must be received by the Coordinator, along with any accompaniment part, at least two weeks before the recital date. Students who do not follow this procedure may not be scheduled. All recitalists must conform to the School’s concert dress code.

Participation in the “Young Artists’ Showcase” is by faculty nomination. Students must have performed in a regular Division recital before being selected for this honor.

Drama

Plays and musical productions are planned for each of the three Divisions of the School. In the Middle School there are generally two dramatic productions each year as well as one-act plays performed at various times during the year. Casting for all productions in the fifth through twelfth grades is by audition.


Stage Crew

There are some opportunities for students in fifth through twelfth grades to work behind the scenes as stagehands and lighting technicians for student performances. Interested students should contact the Performing Arts Department.

Instrumental Rental / Storage

Hackley does not provide instruments for band members, but it does help with recommendations and rental forms from local companies. Information about instrumental rental is available from the music teachers and the Performing Arts Department. Please remember that this is a private contract between the parents and the rental company. There will be a designated drop-off day at the end of the year; instruments not returned on that day must be returned to the rental company by the parents. Storage lockers for musical instruments exist in the Performing Arts Center.

Practice Rooms

Rooms for student musical practice are available in the Performing Arts Center. Reservation sheets will be posted on all practice rooms and coordinated by the Performing Arts Assistant. Use of the Performing Arts Hall, practice rooms and large music rooms by students and faculty must be coordinated with the music faculty. Reservations for the large classrooms should be made with the Assistant at least 24 hours in advance.

Clubs and Activities

Extracurricular activities in the Middle School vary greatly according to the desires of the student body and the faculty; additions may be made as an activity becomes of interest. Currently, students can choose from the following clubs and activities which meet during the study hall period: Art Activity, Computer Activity, Latin Club, Literary Magazine, Film Club, Math Club, Model Congress and School Newspaper.

Community Service

The goal of the Middle School Community Service Program (known as Hackley Helping Hands) is to instill in our students an awareness of and sensitivity toward the world beyond their home and the school environment as well as an inner strength resulting from their character development. The program provides a variety of projects and activities, both during the school day and after hours, with hope every student will get involved in some way that appeals to him or her. Among the choices are monthly visits to Blythedale Childrens’ Hospital, bike- and walk-athons, feeding the homeless, and dress down days to raise money for worthy projects. A newsletter is sent home, informing parents of past and future projects. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences in an oral and written format.

Community Council

The Community Council is the student government of the Upper School to which Middle School grades elect representatives. There is one representative from each grade; these Council “reps” are elected in the spring for the upcoming academic year. Their role is to keep Middle School students informed about School-wide activities. Each homeroom also elects a representative to the Middle School Community Council in the fall. A Middle School teacher supervises these representatives. Their responsibilities include helping organize social and other activities, representing student concerns to the administration, and assisting with School-wide events such as the Hackley Spring Fair.

Gym Nights, Dances and Talent Show

Several times a year on Friday nights, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., there are social activities for Middle School students organized by the Community Council or the Parents’ Association. Gym Night is an evening of free activity when students come to play basketball, soccer, squash, volleyball, or to swim with their friends and to have fun. Parents and teachers chaperone. Dances are held once a quarter in the Dining Room. Once e