Handbook - Holton

Transcription

Handbook - Holton

Handbook
Table of Contents
General Information . . . . . . . . . . .
Mission Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
School Motto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
School Philosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vision Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Holton-Arms Alma Mater. . . . .
The Holton-Arms Crest. . . . . . . . . .
Holton’s Second Century Logo . . .
A Short History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Board of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parents Association. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Faculty by Department. . . . . . . . . .
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Honor and Behavior Expectations. . 130
Statement of Respect . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Diversity Mission Statement . . . . . 130
Academic & Behavioral Expectations.131
Bullying and Harassment Policy. . . 132
Lower School Honor Code. . . . . . . 132
Upper & Middle School
Honor Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Major Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
School Policies and Procedures. . . 136
Attendance and School Closures. . 136
Absence & Attendance Procedures . . . .
Religious Holiday Policy . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow/Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . .
After School or Weekend Pick-up. . . . . .
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Drug and Alcohol Policies. . . . . . . . 137
Community of Concern . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Alcohol Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Smoke-Free Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Technology: Purchasing & Support.140
Technology: Guidelines and Policies.141
Student Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Learning Needs and Tutoring. . . . . 143
Learning Resource Services. . . . . . . . . . 143
Tutoring Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Fingerprinting Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Transportation and Traffic. . . . . . . . 145
Carpool (Traffic) Rules. . . . . . . . . . .146
Sustainability Mission Statement. . 147
Uniforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Uniform Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . 149-150
Admissions and Enrollment. . . . . . 151
Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Strategic Communications . . . . . . 153
Strategic Communications Mission.153
Internal Communications Plan . . . . 153
Schedule for Communications . . . . 153
Parents Association Emails . . . . . . . 154
Subscribing to School Alerts . . . . . 154
Changes to Contact Information. . 154
Media Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Non-School Related Flyer Policy . . 155
Communication
with Non-Custodial Parents. . . . . . 155
Photographic Images and Videos. . 155
Photography Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Use of School Logo. . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
After School and Summer Programs.157
Fine and Performing Arts
Adjunct Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
After School or Weekend Events
Parent Pick-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Special Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Extended Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fun Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Sports Clinics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Gingerbread Workshop. . . . . . . . . . 158
Creative Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Parent Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volunteers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Holton Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Major School Events . . . . . . . . . . . .
Planning an Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parent Support for Athletes . . . . . .
Gift Giving to Teachers. . . . . . . . . .
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General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young
women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.”*
SCHOOL MOTTO
Inveniam viam aut faciam • I will find a way or make one.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Founded in 1901, Holton-Arms is a college-preparatory school for girls grades 3-12
dedicated to the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.”
The School provides rigorous and dynamic programs in the traditional academic
areas, the fine and performing arts, and athletics. Here, young women of diverse
backgrounds can take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue opportunities for leadership, and build lifelong friendships. Holton-Arms is a vibrant community that values
consistency and order as well as creativity and freedom.
We seek to develop personal integrity and the sense of responsibility that help young
women to make wise and ethical choices. We work to build the values of respect,
compassion, and service to others, within the School and in local, national, and
global communities.
We believe that with intellectual curiosity, self-reliance, tenacity of purpose, and
commitment to others, Holton women will make a difference in a complex and
changing world.
* Jessie Moon Holton (1866-1951, co-founder)
VISION STATEMENT
Inspiring young women to lead lives of positive influence
THE HOLTON-ARMS ALMA MATER
Far into the distant future,
Strong and clear above
Shines the star of our dear Holton,
Shines the star we love.
It is there to aid and guide us
As the years pass by,
Holding us to all that’s finest,
Making standards high.
Hail to thee, our Holton-Arms,
Alma Mater dear,
You will be our inspiration
Through each coming year.
Thoughts of you we’ll cherish ever,
Be we far or nigh,
Weaving in our hearts and lives
Blue and White for aye.
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General Information
THE HOLTON-ARMS CREST
From the Script for the Presentation of the School Flag at the Installation
of Diana Coulton Beebe as Holton-Arms’ sixth Head of School, September 11, 1992.
At the top of the crest, the lamp symbolizes the light cast by knowledge.
The orb signifies a guild, which from the old meaning of the word is a group that
comes together for a purpose. Thus, the three orbs symbolize the three groups of
students at Holton — Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools — who come together
to learn how to learn, to develop character, and to provide service to community.
The bay leaf symbolizes youth.
The open book symbolizes the teacher’s role in imparting knowledge and the
staff ’s role in supporting the educational process.
The banner Inveniam viam aut faciam is the underpinning of the crest. The Latin
phrase, the school’s motto, means “I will find a way or make one.”
HOLTON’S SECOND CENTURY LOGO
This design reflects fresh clean lines tying us to our traditions. The bay leaf, a
symbol of youth, comes from the original crest created by Mrs. Holton. The
logo shows both simplicity and strength, recognizing the pillars upon which we
operate – integrity and intellectual curiosity.
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General Information
A Short History
Nineteen years before women had the
right to vote, an independent school
for girls opened its doors in temporary
quarters on Hillyer Place in northwest
Washington. The year was 1901, and the
vision of the founders of the Holton-Arms
School, Jessie Moon Holton and Carolyn
Hough Arms, began to take shape.
The high academic standards for which
Holton-Arms School is renowned today
were set during those first years at 2125 S
Street. Small classes were maintained to
afford a maximum amount of individual
attention to each student, and only the
most qualified teachers were invited to
2125 S Street, N.W. [Scribe, 1976]
join a faculty dedicated to the education
of youth – “not just to the education of the mind but of the soul and spirit.” Mrs.
Holton’s dream was to create an “open door,” where her students would be inspired
to explore new ideas and develop their full potential. She also insisted that they give
back to the community.
At the time of Mrs. Holton’s death in 1951, Mildred Brown became President of
Holton-Arms and Sallie Lurton, Class of 1923, Headmistress. In 1963 the School
moved to the Granger Campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The expanded facilities allowed for increased enrollment, and new courses were developed to augment a strong
traditional curriculum.
In 1969 Jim Lewis became Headmaster. During his tenure, greater emphasis was
placed on advanced academic courses and the improvement of the facilities. Major
additions included the Alice S. Marriott Library, a photography lab, an art studio, an
art gallery, an infirmary, and the Advancement Center. Once again with new facilities
came new programs: Creative Summer, a day camp, and LEEAP, the forerunner to
the Holton-Arms Center of the Arts, an after-school program, offering art, music,
dance, and drama classes.
Charlie Lord became Headmaster in 1987. Under his leadership, the School expanded its sense of diversity and focused on ecological concerns, ethics in the professions,
and service to the community. The student activities center, housing expanded dance
facilities, a double gymnasium, pool, theater, rehearsal rooms for chorus and orchestra, and several classrooms, was completed in 1989.
Diana Coulton Beebe became Head of School in September of 1992. During her 15
years of leadership, Holton worked to create equity for its diverse student population,
develop a strong sense of community among its constituents, support a variety of
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General Information
learning styles, strengthen its athletic programs, enhance the curriculum in the areas
of math, science, and technology, and improve faculty salaries. The School celebrated
its Centennial in 2001. The Centennial Building Project, providing students with
a new science wing, expanded performing arts rehearsal and performance facilities,
renovated academic spaces, and a new all-weather track and field, was completed in
the 2003-2004 academic year.
Susanna A. Jones became Holton’s
Head of School in September
2007. In the first year of her tenure,
the School instituted a global education program to educate Holton
students about emerging countries
and to prepare them to be 21st century global citizens by broadening
their perspectives. Small groups of
rising seniors first traveled to Senegal and Costa Rica in the summer
7303 River Road [Scribe, 1976]
of 2009. The program has since
expanded in with travels to India,
Rwanda, and China as well.
Over the past three years, Holton-Arms’ faculty, staff, trustees, parents and alumnae
formed Strategic Planning Committees to answer the question: “How do we best
educate our students for the 21st century?” The School explored this question in an
environment of unprecedented change in education brought on by several factors
including, new brain research on how girls learn and the changing use of technology.
The Strategic Planning Committee believes that enhancing Holton-Arms’ competitive position as well as safeguarding the School’s financial health depends on implementing the best thinking regarding pedagogy and enduring long-term financial
sustainability. The Board of Trustees adopted the Strategic Plan in December 2010.
Today, more than 100 years since its founding, Holton-Arms appears to be quite different from the school on Hillyer Place, yet in many ways it is the same. The School
continues to maintain a high academic standard. It is a place for personal involvement, a place where parents support the School by helping out in the library, on field
trips, on committees of the Board, and at special functions, and a place where outstanding faculty continue to give maximum attention to individual students. Students
and teachers enjoy close relationships, sharing all kinds of learning experiences.
These are the qualities which have made Holton a special place for students to learn,
grow, and prepare for the future. The Head of School, the faculty and staff, and
the students strive to sustain all that is finest in the Holton tradition – academic
excellence, development of character, and responsibility to the community. Holton
remains dedicated to the education “not just... of the mind but of the soul and spirit.”
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General Information
The Holton-Arms School Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees provides the governance structure for the School and acts as
a collective body. The Board carries the overall and ultimate trust of the School’s
mission, legal responsibilities, and long-term financial health. The Board hires, supports, and evaluates the Head of School. The Head of School is responsible for and
oversees the daily operation of the School. The Head of School serves on the Board
as an ex officio member. Together as a team, the Board of Trustees and the Head of
School work to maintain a vision for the School, consistent with its mission, and to
develop and approve long-range and strategic plans.
Officers
Martha L. Dippell ’68, P ’05, ’08, ’14
Chair, Board of Trustees
Mary Wallack P ’07, ’10
President of the Corporation
Lori S. Larson P ’13
Treasurer
Eileen Zola Joseph ’65
Secretary
Trustees
Sharlene Petry Amitay ’85
Leslie Armitage P ’17
Alex Barth P ’20, 23
Adrena Ifill Blagburn’87
Carol Calomiris-Edmunds ’85 P ’18, ’19
Tony Capuano P ’19
Raul Fernandez Jr. P ’21
Sandra Engle Gichner ’84, P ’16, ’18
Julia Grandison
Faculty
Susanna A. Jones, ex officio
Head of School
Sassan Kimiavi P ’19
John Klick P ’21, ’23
Gabrielle J. Korab P ’09
Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale P ’18
Amy Mehlman P ’21
President of the Parents Association
Eric Mockler P ’20
David Pollin P ’21, ’23
Lisa Hammond ’87
President of the Alumnae Board
Andrew Schwartzberg P’22, ’24
Anna-Liza Harris P ’14
R. Howard Taylor III P ’10, ’12, ’15
Claudia Mispireta Hinsch ’85, P ’12
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Cynthia Stroman P ’14, ’21
General Information
Honorary Trustee
Christine Lallouette Lagarde ’74
Trustee Emeriti
Sally Colclough Alexander ’51
David M. Kanter
Patricia P. Andringa
Thomas E. Korengold
Nicholas J. Arrindell
Barbara J. Krumsiek
Pamela G. Bailey
Richard Landfield
Diana Coulton Beebe
Leslie Lawley
Lisa Brandt Beek ’76
Chris Miller Leahy ’67
Joel F. Brenner
Kenneth L. Marks
Eleanor McConihe Cain ’56
Richard E. Marriott
Anne Davis Camalier ’47, ’49C
Ellen Wills Martin ’56C
The late G. Bradford Cook
Suzanne Frazier Martin ’57
The late Karl W. Corby III
C. Irene McGarry
Amy C. DeLouise ’81
Leo C. Mullen
Martha L. Dippell ’68
Melanie G. Dorsey
Mary Jane G. Puckett
The late W. Leslie Douglas
Patrick M. Regan
Peggy Ann Eacho Fechnay ’67
The late Thomas P. Roddy
Gail McGregor Fearing ’62
Kimberly Hoffman Samperton ’73
Bonnie T. Feld
The late Brereton Sturtevant ’38
Kimball C. Firestone
Sally Johnson Fogarty ’71
Muffin Crocker Gillam ’60
Sara Fogarty Hayes ’66
William N. Herman
Winton Smoot Holladay ’70
Nathan R. Isikoff
William E. Jackson
The late Gertrude Breckinridge
Peyton ’39, ’40C
The late Mary Elizabeth MacArthur Symington ’31
Mary Catherine Jones Thompson ’79
Constance Corby Tompkins ’69
Dorothy Wade
Deborah Camalier Walker ’70
Susanne Cole Wean ’67
John P. Wintrol
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General Information
The Holton-Arms Parents Association
The Parents Association supports and enhances the Holton-Arms School
community through programs and activities involving parents, students, faculty and
staff; provides open and effective channels of communication among the School’s
various constituencies; and responds to the changing times and needs of the School
community. The Parents Association is headed by an Executive Committee which is
elected at the Annual Meeting in May.
Executive Committee
President
Amy Mehlman
VP of Committees
Cathy Butz
VP of Grade Reps
Jessica Roth
Secretary
Marci Gaines
Treasurer
Teresa Fynes
Assistant Treasurer
Gazelle Kimiavi
US Division Representative
Joy Evans
MS Division Representative
Lisa Williams
LS Division Representative
Debbie Forrest
Volunteer Coordinator
Cheryl Heller
Nominations Chair, ex officio
Patricia DeNovio
Staff Liasons, ex officio
Susanna Jones
Danielle Beyda Aronson
Immediate Past President
Susan Soltany
Parents Association Committees
A number of committees support the activities of the School and the Parents
Association. These committees depend on volunteers to accomplish their work
and welcome your interest. Volunteering at Holton-Arms is an excellent way to
get involved and meet new friends. If you would like to know more about the
opportunities available, send an email to volunteer@holton-arms.edu or select
“Volunteer” under the Support tab of on the Holton website (www.holton-arms.edu).
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General Information
Grade Representatives
Grade Reps are the main point of contact for Parents Association activities.
Generally, Middle School has two Grade Reps per class; Lower and Upper Schools
have three. The term of a Grade Rep is two years. Terms are staggered so that the
term of an experienced Grade Rep overlaps with a new Grade Representative (*
denotes second year).
Grade Representatives
Grade 3
Judith Ross
Leigh Holley
Grade 4
Alla Iaquinto
Elizabeth Brody
Mandana Tavakoli
Grade 5
Vicky Magid
Dorine Risser
Sharon Bradley
Grade 6
Kate Bradley-Ferrall
Liz Muhlbaum
Wanda Zachary
Grade 7
Tracy Armstrong
Britt Engen
Julie Johnson
Grade 8
Beatriz Tuncer
Lydia Aronold
Lisa Rymsza
Grade 9
Padmini Mahurkar
Pam Taylor
Cheryl O'Connor
Grade 10
Tina Gaskins
Tracy Abdo Polkowske
Sharon Slotkin
Grade 11
Amber Hsu
Faith Apt
Liza Fues
Grade 12
Danielle Saunders
Madeline Michael
Kathy Looney
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General Information
Faculty by Department
[‡] denotes Department Chair • [§] denotes Lower School Coordinator • [†] denotes Administrative Team
Academic Technology
Mary Dobroth
Lucia Hassell
Global Education
Melissa Brown [‡]
Mala Marquedant
Art
History and Social Sciences
Anita Carr
Steven Cutts
Ambria Archibald
Kathleen Chaney [§]
Ben Ferry
Nandini Giridharadas [‡]
Donna Maclean
Barbara Mandel
College Counseling
Katie McEnroe
Tish Peterson
Dance and Drama
Jean McDonald
Mark Robinson
Sarah Roney [‡]
Elizabeth Andrews Zitelli
English
Ellen Case [‡]
Lydia Fields
Julia Grandison
Dena Greene
Kathy Gregg
Rachel Herlein [†]
Karri Hill McFadden
Karen Philipps ’83
Melinda Salata
Marsha Scherbel
Tony Shawe [†]
Martha Macon Smith ’09
Maggie Spak ’98
Shay Squeglia
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Alyce Dillon
Emily Edery
Craig Falk
Shrita Gajendragadkar
Ruth Hummel
Yolanda Keener
Christopher Lynch [†]
Joel Seltzer [‡]
Bob Tupper
Shannon Voulgaris
Christopher Wilson
Health
Carrie Braun
Kristen Edma
Toni Henderson
Lori Herringa [‡]
Annette Levitine-Woodside
Cami Roth
Maureen Siburt
Julie Rodríguez
Learning Specialists
Laura Scanlon [‡]
Margo Tintle
Gail Whitley
Library
Joy Colbourn
Carolyn Stenzel
Jillian Van Ells [§] [‡]
General Information
Lower School
Claire Brown ’98
Sandy Fowler
Laura Myers
Sally Paradis
Eileen Shelton
Sherry Wells
Mathematics
Stephanie Acerra [‡]
Art DeJohn
Gail Dufek [§]
Mike Hannam
Alessandra King
Hannah Krug
Katherine Laco
Katie Lavelle
Kate Mitchell
Caitlin Pike
Liz Poppi
Tim Sneathen
Tucker Sowers
Sandi Takis
Music
Carol Baker
Jon Hansen
Jean McDonald
Mary Jane Pagenstecher [†]
Rich Tilly
Physical Education and Athletics
Carrie Braun
Jacquelyn Fernandes
Whitney Groseclose
Toni Henderson
Janet McCormick
Sarah Roney
Cami Roth
Maureen Siburt
Nan Byrd Smith
Julie Treadwell [†]
Graham Westerberg [‡] [§]
Pure and Applied Sciences
Linda Baily
Patty Carver
Jen Chen
Lisa Lamphere Craig ’76
Elizabeth Wallman Davis ’90
Christy Diefenderfer
Xu Duan
Janeth Eby
Cheryl Hansen [‡]
Margaret Harrison
John Howard
Chris Lee
Tiffany Reddinger
Julia Walthall
World Languages
Diego Bautista-Melero
Caroline Bosc
Melissa Brown
Maria José González
Ezequiel Guanire
Celine Guisset
Maria Valeria Hornung Iglesias
Ning Jiang
Claudia Chadwick Langbehn
Amy Liao
Gabrielle Loperfido
Roxana López [‡]
Mary Quirk
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Honor and Behavior Expectations
HONOR AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
STATEMENT OF RESPECT
Opening Statement
At Holton-Arms we believe that by demonstrating understanding and acceptance
of each person, we enable one another to thrive. Our goal is to create a respectful
environment, based on trust, which allows for individuality, support, and security for
all members of the community. This Statement of Respect is the first step toward
that goal.
Definition of Respect
We define respect as the recognition and consideration of the dignity, worth, rights,
and safety of each person, as an individual and as a member of the community.
Respect entails acknowledging and seeking to understand different beliefs and values,
even if they are not our own.
Guidelines for Conduct
We believe that successful learning is a process which depends upon a willingness to
take risks, ask difficult questions, and make mistakes. We strive to be a community
where individuals are aware of the impact their actions may have on others and where
each of us assumes responsibility for acting in a way that helps to create and maintain
a respectful community. Such a community should be a place where we interact and
engage in conversation openly, explore similarities and differences candidly, and view
experiences of conflict as an opportunity to grow.
DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
Statement
The Holton-Arms School, within the context of its educational mission, seeks inclusion, equity, and pluralism in its policies, practices, and programs and teaches respect
for the rights of all people.
Rationale
An essential part of the Holton-Arms mission is to prepare young women for a
changing world, to endow each girl with a profound sense of respect for herself and
her community, and to help each girl reach her full potential. In founding this school,
Jessie Moon Holton believed that education has the power to liberate the mind
and spirit. She was a strong advocate of kindness, understanding, cooperation, and
service. At Holton-Arms we understand the importance of education in achieving
flexibility of thinking, respect for differences, moral courage, and appreciation for
common ground. We also recognize that these educational goals are rarely achieved
without occasional conflict; Holton-Arms, therefore, provides a forum for reasoned
and honest discussion involving a range of opinions and personal experiences where
civility, respect, and depth of understanding may be developed.
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We will work toward the following goals:
1. A Board of Trustees which is inclusive in its membership and provides the
leadership necessary for fostering an equitable and just school community.
2. A diverse school community that encourages all of its members (students, parents, faculty and staff ) to develop mutual respect, integrity, moral courage, and
civility through discourse, teamwork, and a variety of community experiences.
3. A curriculum which is broad and inclusive.
4. Increased participation of alumnae of all backgrounds to participate in the life
of the School, to support one another, and to mentor current students.
5. Provision of the training and skills necessary to achieve these goals.
ACADEMIC & BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
The School expects each student to behave in a manner that is consistent with
Holton’s school philosophy and Honor Code. Each student should seek to exhibit
personal integrity, responsibility to herself and others, and respect for cultural and individual differences. We hope that these principles will guide students in their interactions with faculty and peers and help to inform them when faced with moral decisions.
It is the responsibility of each student to behave in such a way that she does not
interfere with the normal functioning of classes, the library, or any part of the school
program. Each student has an obligation to treat school property with care and to
behave so that she does not detract from the purposeful activities of her classmates
and teachers. Each student is expected to behave thoughtfully and respectfully in her
relationships with her classmates, faculty, and staff. The School reserves the right
to suspend or dismiss any student whose behavior is disruptive or inappropriate,
whose progress or attendance is unsatisfactory, or whose conduct is in violation of the
Honor Code or the rules of the School.
Education is recognized as a cooperative undertaking, a responsibility held jointly by the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the School. The parent(s) or guardian(s) agrees
along with the student to accept the full share of this responsibility, to maintain the
academic standards, and to discharge all obligations as cooperative members of the
School community. These obligations include, but are not limited to, participation in
school activities, staying informed by reading School communications, and communicating openly, constructively, and in a civil manner with all School personnel. Rules
cannot cover all situations, and the absence of a rule does not constitute approval. It
is therefore essential that students and their parents understand and support both the
letter and the spirit of the rules. While a girl is enrolled at Holton, she is responsible
to the School for any conduct that may bring discredit upon the School.
The faculty and the appropriate student leaders will inform the student body of
the federal and state laws pertaining to the possession and use of alcohol, drugs, and
cigarettes. Within the jurisdiction of the School, any violation of these laws will immediately jeopardize the position of the student within the school community.
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BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY
Holton-Arms School prides itself on providing a comfortable and safe environment
for all. Harassment, whether intentional or unintentional, is a form of inappropriate
or unwanted conduct which annoys, intimidates, frightens, threatens or belittles another person. Harassment does not belong in school and is not tolerated. The School
prohibits any form of harassment, verbal, physical or sexual.
Verbal harassment includes, but is not limited to, spoken, written, emailed or
online posted communications. Physical harassment includes, but is not limited to
stalking, intimidating, physically threatening, or assaulting another person. Sexual
harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwanted suggestion, touching, spreading
sexual rumors, sexual jokes or statements, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Any student who has a complaint of harassment or bullying, or who is aware of
harassment or bullying directed toward another student, should report it immediately
to the Guidance Counselor, Dean of Students, or Division Director. Students found
guilty of harassment or bullying may face suspension or expulsion or other disiplinary
action.
LOWER SCHOOL HONOR CODE
The Lower School Honor Code, A Holton Girl CARES, was developed by Lower
School students to reflect what they felt exemplified Holton girls at their very best.
Each letter in CARES represents a different character trait: Character, Awareness,
Responsibility, Empathy and Spirit. The concept of caring goes to the very heart of
what is expected of all our students: caring about doing their very best work, caring
about each other, and caring about our school.
We expect each student to behave in a manner that is consistent with Holton’s
Honor Code. Each student should seek to exhibit personal integrity, responsibility to
herself and others, and respect for cultural and individual differences. We hope that
these principles will guide students in their interactions with faculty and peers and
help guide them as they strive to reach their full potential.
UPPER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR CODE
One of the goals of the Holton-Arms School is to encourage personal integrity. The
School stresses the value of personal honor and ethical responsibility and believes
that a strong school community is founded on concern for the individual and mutual
trust.
An Honor Code was established by juniors and seniors in 1950, and each
Middle and Upper School student is expected to abide by it. In the Middle or Upper
School, should a student observe an honor offense (lying, stealing, cheating, plagiarism), she is obliged to tell the offender to report herself or to report the offender.
Students are asked to consider their actions in light of these values.
The four honor offenses are lying, stealing, cheating, and plagiarism.
Lying is making a false statement with the intent to deceive.
Stealing is taking another person’s property without permission.
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Cheating is looking at notes, texts, the Internet, or a classmate’s paper during a
quiz, test, exam, or evaluative exercise, regardless of intent.
Plagiarism is submitting another’s language, thoughts, or ideas as one’s own,
either intentionally or unintentionally.
It is also considered an honor offense to knowingly aid another student to commit one of these acts. For instance, allowing a student to see or use one’s work in
order to cheat or plagiarize is an honor offense. Students are responsible for taking
reasonable precautions to ensure that their work is not improperly obtained and used
by others. It is important that students assume that any work to be graded is to be
done independently unless instructed otherwise by the teacher.
Any student who violates the Honor Code may be subject to expulsion, suspension, or other disciplinary action.
MAJOR RULES
School rules at Holton are few. In addition to the Honor Code, the following rules
are designed to support the values of respect, courtesy, responsibility, and integrity.
Drugs: Any student found using, sharing, possessing, selling, or under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription drugs for which the student does not have
a valid prescription in School, en route to or from School, on a school bus, or
at a school function, is subject to immediate expulsion.
No drugs, either patent or prescription, may be used at or brought to
School without the knowledge of the School Nurse; medication must be taken
through the nurse’s office. In addition, no student may accept any drugs or
medication from another student. All prescription medication needed during
the school day must be dispensed by the School Nurse.
Alcohol: A student may not be on the campus nor come to any off-campus
school function possessing, consuming, or having consumed alcohol.
The School requires any student in violation of the drug or alcohol policy to
have a substance abuse evaluation by a School-approved facility. The student
and her family must follow the recommendation of the evaluation.
Tobacco: No student may smoke, or use tobacco in any other manner, on campus,
at a school function, or on a school bus.
Invasion of Privacy and Property: No student may invade the privacy of other
members of the school community by entering lockers, bookbags, desks, files,
or cars without permission of the owner. This rule includes the disturbing,
defacing, or “decorating” of any car on campus. The School attempts to foster
respect for personal property and the privacy of the individual.
Defacing School Property: No student may abuse or deface school property.
This includes making a mess or writing on desks, walls, lockers, or in the dining room. Having this rule obviates time-consuming and costly repairs and an
unsightly physical plant, both of which are detrimental to the morale of the
students and the faculty.
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Falsifying the Signing Procedure: No student may sign another student in or
out of School or flip another student’s attendance tag. Each student must be
responsible for recording her own coming and going. When a student arrives
late, she must sign in immediately. When she leaves early, she must sign out
at the time of departure. The exact time and destination and the name of the
person granting the permission must be recorded on the sign-out sheet to assure the best possible school security.
Skipping School: No student may be absent from school (including classes, study
hall, assemblies, class meetings, and consortium classes) without the permission of the School.
Swimming Pool/Theater: No student may be in the natatorium/theater without
Holton-approved personnel present. This rule is strictly enforced. Unauthorized presence in the swimming pool building and failure to comply with
swimming pool regulations are major offenses punishable by severe disciplinary action.
Technology: All students must abide by the guidelines and rules set forth in the
Holton-Arms School Technology Guidelines for Acceptable Use. Access to
the School’s computing equipment, facilities, and networks is a privilege, not a
right, and places on all students the responsibility to use these resources in an
effective, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Students are prohibited from any
activity that impedes the work of others, threatens user privacy, or uses system
resources for purposes unrelated to legitimate learning in a school setting.
Any student who violates one of the Major Rules is subject to expulsion, suspension, or other disciplinary action.
Self discipline is an important goal of a Holton education. Students are expected
to develop increasing levels of discipline as they progress through the School.
In addition to the Major Rules, please remember the following:
• Students who arrive after 10 a.m. may neither participate in nor attend after
school activities.
• No gum-chewing on campus at any time.
• The privilege of parking is limited to juniors and seniors.
• Student use of the elevators is restricted to those students who have suffered
an injury or are ill.
• Food and drinks may not be taken out of the Dining Room, Middle School
Study Hall, or the Senior Lounge.
• The Senior Lounge is a senior privilege.
• The kitchen and the woods (including the Amphitheater) are off limits.
• Requests to bring guests to School should be made several days in advance.
Unauthorized visitors are not allowed on campus during school hours.
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• Squirt guns, lighters, matches, televisions, and any other such item that
may impede the learning process or cause distraction to others are not to be
brought to school.
• Students are not to light matches or lighters on the school campus.
• Students may not walk through school buildings wearing cleats or tap shoes.
• Upper School students may not drive to the Lower School between the hours
of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. except to drop-off or pick-up a Lower School student.
• Lower School and Middle School students must keep their cell phones turned
off and out of sight during the school day. Upper School students may only
use their cell phones during break and at lunch in designated locations.
Other division-specific rules are included in the Student Handbook & Planner for
each division.
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School Policies and Procedures
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Attendance and School Closures
ABSENCE AND ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
So that students and families can make vacation plans, the school calendar is published in the spring of the preceding academic year and posted online. Extended or
special vacations while classes are in session complicate the work of teaching and
studying. Assignments for all students are available on the School website so work
should not be missed. A student’s progress is seriously impaired by extensive absences. Therefore, the promotion of any student who has had excessive absences is subject
to review by the faculty and approval by the director of her division.
Parents are asked to contact the appropriate division office by 8:30 a.m. if their
daughter is going to be absent or late in order to save having to verify the absence by
phone. Students who arrive after 10 a.m. may neither participate in nor attend after
school activities.
When a student’s absence can be anticipated (for example for medical appointments or religious observances) the school should be given advance notice in writing.
Parents are urged to inform the school when they will be away from home
and to provide names and telephone numbers of the adults responsible for their
daughter(s) during their absence.
Promptness and regular attendance are important to a successful school experience. In extracurricular activities, absence can negatively impact not only the individual’s experience but also that of the group or team. Any student with excessive
absences from extracurricular activities may be suspended from participation for a
period of time. Always check the online calendar for the most current information as
all dates are subject to change.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY POLICY
Holton-Arms is a non-sectarian school that celebrates diversity within its community. The School encourages its members to honor their various religious commitments
that may fall on a school day. For that reason, all absences for religious observance
are automatically recorded as excused. Holton asks its students to communicate their
needs openly and expects its faculty to support those students and their religious
beliefs and practices. It is necessary, however, for the safety and well-being of our
students, that the school be aware of all student absences. Therefore, the following
policy is in effect for religious holidays that occur when school is in session:
Students shall bring a note from home or have a parent email or call their
division office prior to the holiday absence so that we do not intrude on religious
observation with a phone call regarding the student’s whereabouts. As with any
anticipated absence, it is the responsibility of the students to talk with teachers to
find out what schoolwork will be missed, and when the work is due after the holiday.
Teachers understand that for many holidays it is not appropriate for students to work
during the holiday. Accordingly, teachers will not require make-up homework on the
day students return, unless a non-holiday weekend precedes or immediately follows
the holiday.
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SNOW/INCLEMENT WEATHER
On days where weather may be a factor (school closing, late opening, early closing), updated information is posted on the home page of the Holton website (www.
holton-arms.edu) and on the recording at 301.365.5300, #2.
Families are encouraged to sign up for email and/or text message Emergency
Alerts through the website. To register: sign in to the community login. Once in the
Parent Portal, click on the “My Subscriptions” link in the My Account box; then
click on the “Settings” link to the right of “News.” Next to “Emergency Alerts” you
may select either email or text-message enabled phone, or both. Confirm the email
address and the phone number where the Alerts should be sent, then click on
“Update Settings” as the final step. Please contact our Director of Digital Media and
Databases, Liz Gouldman at 301.365.6490 with any questions.
AFTER SCHOOL OR WEEKEND EVENTS PARENT PICK-UP
Parents must pick up their daughters at the stipulated time after school events. A
school employee must wait after each event until all students are picked up. Extraordinary lateness is inconsiderate of the faculty or staff member required to wait.
Drug and Alcohol Policies
COMMUNITY OF CONCERN
The Community of Concern is a coalition of Washington-area independent schools
that provides a forum to share information, best practices, and concerns about the
subjects of underage drinking and substance abuse, and establishes a partnership
between the schools, the students, and the parents to address these issues. The heads
of school have written a joint position statement adopted by all the schools. For more
information on the Community of Concern, visit their website, www.thecommunityofconcern.org.
Statement of the Community of Concern
We the undersigned heads of the Washington Metropolitan Area Community of
Concern schools, stand together in our belief that our students harm themselves,
their families, our schools and our communities when they engage in the illegal use
of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
We are committed to working together with parents, students and other schools to:
• Educate our entire community about current scientific findings—that underage drinking, smoking, and drug use can adversely and permanently affect the
physical, psychological, and emotional development of adolescents.
• Share in the responsibility of requiring, promoting, and modeling safe, ethical,
and legal behavior in regard to alcohol and drug use.
• Provide and support social activities that are alcohol and drug free.
• Provide or recommend counseling services wherever needed.
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We expect:
• All enrolled families to be knowledgeable about their school’s prevention
policy on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use as laid out in the school’s handbook and to support the rules of the school and the laws of the state.
• All parents to honor the school’s substance abuse policy when sponsoring
private off-campus parties.
• All schools to inform each other of students who are involved in alcohol,
tobacco, or other drug use while visiting another school’s campus or schoolsponsored activity.
Member Schools
The Academy of the Holy Cross
Alexandria Country Day School
Alexandria City Public Schools
Archbishop Carroll High School
Archdiocese of Washington
Elementary Schools
Arlington Public Schools
Bishop McNamara High School
The Bullis School
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Connelly School of the Holy Child
DeMatha Catholic High School
Elizabeth Seton High School
Episcopal High School
Flint Hill School
Foxcroft School
Georgetown Day School
Georgetown Preparatory School
Georgetown Visitation Preparatory
School
Gonzaga College High School
The Heights School
Highland School
Holton-Arms School
Landon School
Langley High School
The Langley School
The Madeira School
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Maret School
Mater Dei School
McLean School of Maryland
Montgomery County Public Schools
National Cathedral School
The Nora School
Norwood School
Notre Dame Academy
Our Lady of Good Counsel
High School
Parkmont School
The Potomac School
Prince William County Public
Schools
Pulaski County Public Schools
Sandy Spring Friends School
St. Albans School
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
St. Anselm’s Abbey School
St. John’s College High School
St. John’s Episcopal School
St. Mary’s Ryken High School
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
St. Vincent Pallotti School
Sidwell Friends School
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred
Heart
Thornton Friends School
Walter Johnson High School
Washington Episcopal School
Washington International School
Woodberry Forest School
ALCOHOL POLICY
Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Alcohol by Adults at Holton-Arms School
and at all of its functions
1. As a general rule, alcohol will not be served at school-sponsored events except
under special circumstances by prior approval from the Head of School.
2. No alcohol shall be brought on campus by individuals for any event without
advance permission from the Head of School and shall be coordinated only
through the caterer or school event office.
3. At any function where alcohol is permitted, only adults of legal age will be
permitted to use alcohol.
Off-Campus Party Policy
Maryland law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under
the age of 21 and prohibits the consumption of illegal drugs by all persons, regardless of age. These laws recognize, among other things, the social and health hazards
from substance abuse and the devastation caused by combining drinking and driving.
Holton-Arms agrees with the public policies embodied in these laws and unequivocally supports them.
Whether it takes place on campus or off, any event called a “Holton party” must
be chaperoned by Holton-Arms faculty or staff members. At such parties, all school
rules and regulations apply. A student may not be on campus nor come to any offcampus school function possessing, consuming, or having consumed alcohol or illegal
drugs. Any student found using, possessing, selling, or under the influence of alcohol
or illegal drugs in School, en route to or from School, on a school bus, or at a school
function, is subject to immediate expulsion.
Holton-Arms will clearly identify all functions that it sponsors. For parties not
sponsored by the School: working in cooperation with the Parents Association and
grade representatives, the School will encourage parents to communicate with each
other about the plans for a party and will cooperate with parent and student leadership to promote alcohol- and drug-free parties.
Parents and students need to understand that students represent the school at all
times, and any behavior that might bring discredit upon the school can jeopardize a
student’s good standing at Holton.
SMOKE-FREE BUILDING
The school building and facilities are smoke-free. This policy applies to all persons
on campus, including faculty, staff, visitors, parents, and others.
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Technology: Purchasing and Support
COMPUTER PURCHASES
Holton-Arms has designed its 1:1 computing program to ensure that students have
a device that meets their developmental and educational needs. Fifth grade students
purchase their own iPad that will be managed by the School. Sixth grade students
use school-provided iPads for their academic work and are charged a nominal technology fee. Seventh and eighth grade students purchase their own iPads for school
use. Students in grades nine through eleven purchase either an approved Lenovo PC
or an approved Apple Macbook Air through the School’s designated vendor, DSR
Computers. The Lenovo computers are required to have warranty and accidental
breakage protection. The Apple Macbook Airs are required to have AppleCare.
While on campus, students in grades seven through eleven may only use their required school computer or iPad and may not bring a non-designated device to school
for school use.
For the 2015-2016 school year, the School will again offer a BYOD (bring your
own device) program for members of the class of 2016 who are required to bring a
laptop device, which may be one of their own choosing.
SUPPORT
The Technology Department provides on-site service and support for all DSR
purchased Lenovo computer. If the Department cannot resolve the problem, it will
work with off-campus repair providers or direct families to the appropriate resource.
For BYOD devices, the Technology Department will not be able to provide hardware
support on computers not purchased through the School. Computers will have to be
taken to a third party for repair by the student/family and the cost must be covered
by the family. Holton will not provide support for maintenance or repairs. The Technology Department will guide students in troubleshooting software issues, but may
not be experts on every software students choose to use.
In the event that a student machine is sent out for repairs, the School will make
every effort to provide the student with a loaner computer or iPad for that period of
time. The IT Help Desk, located on the second floor of the Middle/Upper School
building, is open during the academic year, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. and during the summer Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It also can be reached via telephone at
301-365-6468 or by email at help@holton-arms.edu. Once a student graduates or
leaves Holton, the Help Desk cannot support the student’s computer or iPad.
BACKING UP DATA
Many devices become infected by viruses or have their data corrupted in other
ways. In some situations, the data cannot be retrieved. Help Desk technicians will use
normal means to try to recover any data on a machine, but they cannot spend more
than 30 minutes recovering data on any one machine, in order to be able to help all
students, faculty, and staff in need. Therefore, it is every student’s responsibility to
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back up her work daily to minimize the chance of data loss in the event of a virus infection or hardware failure. We strongly encourage students to back up personal files
to other devices (such as an external hard drive) or to use their Holton-Arms Google
Drive account. Students with questions on how to back up their data should check in
with the Technology Department for help on learning how to do so.
INTERNET FILTER
Holton-Arms provides content-filtered Internet access to students on campus. While
on campus, students should limit Internet browsing to what is required for classes
and other school activities. For the class of 2016, unfiltered internet will be provided.
This applies to the class of 2016 and for the 2015-2016 school year, as part of our
BYOD program.
Technology: Guidelines and Policies for Acceptable Use
GUIDELINES
Students are expected to act responsibly and appropriately when using the Internet.
The growing use of the Internet has blurred the lines between personal and schoolrelated conduct. Students should understand that certain expectations for conduct
extend into the personal online world of social networking, blogs, and other communication tools, especially as regards any mention of the School or members of the
school community. Students should at all times respect the privacy of the HoltonArms community, and not divulge or post online personally identifying information
about any member of the school community without permission (including names,
addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, photos, videos, etc.). Students must take
proper care in any online interactions and maintain high standards of conduct.
POLICIES
1. Any conduct online that reflects poorly on students or on the School, regardless of when or where it occurred, may be grounds for disciplinary action.
2. All members of the Holton community need to respect copyright law. This
includes not using music or video for which a fee has not been paid and
crediting the authors of any material used in student work. Students may not
copy software without the license to do so. The school librarians are excellent
resources for helping to learn and follow copyright rules.
3. Students may not take pictures, video, or sound recordings of anyone without
her or his permission. If photographing a school activity for a student publication, she must obtain prior authorization from the publication’s advisor.
Regardless of permission, the recording features of any device may not be used
in bathrooms or locker rooms under any circumstances.
4. Any use or posting online of personally identifying information about any
members of the school community (including photos, videos, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or work) without their permission is
prohibited.
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5. Students must use school-approved methods (primarily Holton email) when
contacting school employees.
6. The School reserves the right to confiscate and examine the contents of any
electronic device if an employee has reason to believe that it is being used in
violation of school policy. The School also monitors the use of its network and
Internet connection, and students should have no expectation of privacy when
using Holton technology resources.
7. Students must not deliberately introduce viruses or other malware to Holton
systems.
8. Students must not seek to circumvent Holton security systems such as (but
not limited to) antivirus software or the web filter.
9. Holton may restrict or terminate student access to its information systems at
any time for any reason.
POLICY VIOLATIONS
Any violation of this policy is grounds for Holton-Arms to:
(a) Take disciplinary action against the student;
(b)Revoke and/or restrict the student’s use of or access to Communication and
Information Systems, including restricting networking privileges, access to the
Internet and/or use of email; and/or
(c) Take such other action as Holton determines appropriate in its discretion.
Middle and Upper School students should report any policy violations to the Director of Library and Information Services, their Division Director, and/or the Head of
School. Lower School students report to the Lower School Division Director.
Student Health
The Infirmary, located near the Advancement Center, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday during the school year. It is equipped to handle first aid and
emergency cases for all students and is supervised by a registered nurse, Lori Herringa
at 301.365.6002; Fax 301.365.6050.
The State of Maryland lists vaccines required for school on their website: http://
phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/IMMUN/Shared%20Documents/Min_Vacc_
Req%2015_16_FINAL.pdf. A physician’s examination is required for all students
annually and must occur within six months prior to the first day of school. Student
health forms are due on June 30.
The Infirmary is meant to handle first aid and emergency cases and to provide
care for students who become unwell during the course of the school day. It is not
the job of the School Nurse to identify illness and/or injury nor to treat students sent
to school with illnesses and injuries identified at home. In such cases, the student’s
parents will be notified immediately and asked to come to pick up their daughter. In
addition, students who are sick may not come to school “just to take a test.” If they
are sick, they belong at home until they are ready to return full-time.
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In the event of a hospitalization and/or absence of greater than five days, a physician’s note stating the nature of the illness, current medications, and permission to
return to school is required before the student is allowed to return to class.
For the well-being of the entire Holton-Arms community, the parents/guardians
of any student diagnosed with a communicable disease (e.g. strep throat, mononucleosis, etc.) should inform the nurse directly as soon as possible.
If health reasons limit a student’s participation in physical activity on a particular
day, she must bring a note from her parents. If she is to miss P.E. for more than a day
or two, she must bring a doctor’s note.
Parents are asked to sign a form notifying the Infirmary of their daughter’s
special needs (e.g., allergies or drug sensitivities). Emergency telephone numbers
must be given for parents in case of emergency. The number of an additional relative
or friend who may be contacted if the parents are not available must also be given.
Emergency information can be supplied in the Parent Portal, accessed from the Parent Portal on the School website.
Prescription medications are given from a pharmacy-labeled container only. The
first dose of a prescription medication must be given at home. A physician’s signature
is required for permission for the nurse to give over-the-counter drugs. All prescription medication needed during the school day must be dispensed by the School
Nurse. No medications of any kind, including herbal or over-the-counter, may be
carried by the student.
Learning Needs and Tutoring
LEARNING RESOURCE SERVICES
Holton-Arms faculty is committed to serving the needs of every student. The Learning Resource Specialist in each division supports faculty and students in their roles
as teachers and learners in Holton’s academic program. Work with students takes
place on an individual basis, in small groups organized by need, or in an entire class.
The focus is to strengthen skills needed for success in academic work and to provide
assistance with areas of difficulty. Learning Resource Specialists also collaborate
with faculty to develop and apply instructional strategies that enable each student to
experience growth and progress in her academic pursuits. Recognizing that communication between school and home is vital to the success of our students, Learning Resource Specialists work closely with students and their families to ensure that
information pertinent to our students and their academic needs is available to faculty
and administration.
In addition to working with all students and faculty, Learning Resource Specialists support the particular needs of students with documented learning issues.
We understand that individuals may have specific weaknesses in attention controls,
organizational abilities, or processing which can significantly impact academic performance. We strive to work with these students to provide accommodations in both
instruction and assessment. Overall, the goal is to promote dialogue about learning
and to nurture our students in their growth and development as active, effective, and
confident learners.
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For students who have documented learning issues, parents should provide a
complete copy of the most current report of psycho-educational testing to be kept
by the Learning Resource Specialist as a part of the student’s official file. Recommendations in the report form the basis for a plan of support for the student. Those
students who may be eligible to receive accommodations as recommended by the
diagnostician and approved by the Learning Resource Specialist must have a report
on file with the School. Parents can also collaborate with the Learning Resource
Specialist to initiate and complete the testing process.
The process for identification of learning issues:
• Teachers and parents will consult with the Learning Resource Specialist to
determine a need for diagnostic testing
• Learning Resource Specialist will recommend diagnosticians
• Learning Resource Specialist will gather information from teachers to be
shared with diagnostician during the assessment process
• Parents will give diagnostician waiver to discuss information and results from
testing with Holton’s Learning Specialist
• Learning Specialist will summarize the report in an Individual Learning
Profile (ILP)
• Parents will provide a copy of the final testing report for the student’s Holton file
• Learning Resource Specialist will meet with parents and students to discuss
test results and review ILP
• Learning Resource Specialist will provide an ILP to teachers and administrators
Holton faculty see accommodations as playing a role in the student’s growth and
development as a learner. With increasing understanding of her needs, she can take
responsibility for her own learning as she matures in her independence. HoltonArms may provide the following accommodations on the basis of diagnostic evaluation and recommendations:
• 50% extended time on all tests and assessments in school
• Marking answers directly on test paper
• Use of a laptop for tests and assessments
• Testing in a reduced-distraction space
• Preferential seating in class
• Enlarged print or test format
• Note-taking support
TUTORING POLICY
We encourage students to seek support from teachers and the Learning Specialist in
each division to meet any individual needs in course work. However, for some students, it may be necessary for families to use the support of outside academic coaches
or tutors for more specialized work. We ask that families confer with Learning Specialists in making the decision and plans for outside tutoring.
In Lower and Middle Schools, work with tutors must take place outside the
scheduled school day. There is no time allotted for students to meet during their
daily schedules.
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In Upper School students with ILPs which recommend the support of specialists
may meet with tutors or coaches as recommended and coordinated with the Learning Specialist. This takes place during free blocks designated as study times. ONLY
Only students with identified learning issues may see tutors on campus during the
scheduled school day.
Tutors coming into Upper School to work with students should meet the
Learning Specialist to discuss the plan. Also tutors must meet Holton-Arms security
requirements. Please see Kevin Wilson to complete these requirements.
Finally, there is no designated space for tutors in the school. Most students meet
with their tutors in the Marriott Library. Again, coordinate with the US Learning
Specialist to learn about space options.
Fingerprinting Policy
Effective July 1, 2008, the School added several groups to its present practice of fingerprinting all School employees. Fingerprints are sent to the FBI (through the Central Justice Information System) for a national criminal history records check. The
Security & Grounds Manager and the Director of Human Resources shall receive
the results of the records check and the Human Resources office will then provide
a list of approved volunteers and tutors to the Division Directors. Results should be
received at the School prior to the start of volunteer service or on-campus tutoring.
The following groups will be fingerprinted:
• All volunteer parents or other chaperones who accompany students on day or
overnight trips;
• All tutors who work with students on Holton’s campus.
Transportation and Traffic
As part of the continuing focus on transportation issues affecting Holton and the
surrounding community, the School has worked to develop plans for alleviating some
of the congestion on River Road and on campus. The School continues to conduct
traffic studies, monitor traffic concerns, and work to reduce the amount of traffic to
and on campus. It is important that Holton reduce the traffic to campus – and we
need you to work together with us towards this goal.
Carpooling is the easiest and most cost-effective method to reduce traffic. To
locate Holton families living in your area sign in to the community login. Once in
the Parent Portal click on the Holton Student Database under the Links box, choose
the Directory link, and then the “Nearby Families” tab.
A shuttle service runs between Holton and Landon before and after school for
families with students at both schools.
In addition, the School runs a number of bus routes with daily morning and
afternoon bus service to the School from the Friendship Heights Metro station
(including both an early and a late afternoon option), Upper Marlboro/Silver Spring,
Northern Virginia (including both an early and a late afternoon option), Gaithersburg and Potomac Village, Alexandria, Georgetown, and Spring Valley. We are
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always exploring adding new routes based on the interest of families. Copies of the
current schedules and required transportation contract are available on Holton’s Parent Portal. There is an annual fee, based on route, for bus service. For more information, please contact Billy Merino at 301.365.6483.
CARPOOL (TRAFFIC) RULES
Holton asks that parents strictly observe the traffic and parking rules. They are
designed to safeguard our students and protect pedestrians, as well as to facilitate
traffic flow.
• Please follow the instructions of those directing traffic during peak hours.
• Parents may drop off and pick up students at designated locations along outside curb lane ONLY.
• Drivers may not use cell phones while in carpool line.
• Drivers must obey the posted speed limit of 15 mph within school zone.
• Pay attention to other vehicles and pedestrians while in carpool lines
• Exhibit courtesy during drop-off/pick-up by not blocking other vehicles
• Students should exit vehicles in a safe manner with little delay.
• Have materials ready for loading/unloading
• Drive at a reduced speed while on campus.
With cooperation and courtesy from all, we will get to our destinations safely and set
good examples for our students. If there are any traffic complaints or concerns, please
contact Kevin Wilson, Assistant Director of Facilities, 301.365.6070.
LS Traffic
Pattern
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Drop
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Drop
Off
TM
Dro
TM
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ff
Drop Off
MS/US
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Sustainability Mission Statement and Goals
Given our school philosophy, which encourages students to make a difference in a
complex and changing world, Holton-Arms supports the core principles of sustainable development to meet the challenges of today while preserving the right of
future generations to meet theirs. Specifically, we commit ourselves to stewardship
of the environment both on our campus and in the larger world. We must encourage
such stewardship in all aspects of our school community, making a commitment to
conservation, recycling, and education. We must promote wise and ethical use of our
resources in all aspects of our school community through our planning, practices, and
curriculum, sending out our students as ambassadors of the environment. Ultimately,
each of us must take personal responsibility for how we affect the environment
around us; and as an educational institution, we must teach ourselves, our students,
and our community how to maintain a more sustainable planet.
More specifically, we pledge to promote:
• The concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Expanded recycling programs and use of recycled products
• Reduced consumption of energy (particularly fossil fuels), food, paper, and
other resources
• Reduced waste in all aspects of school life
• Green design in campus construction
• Green practices in the maintenance of the building and grounds
• High standards for environmental health and safety
• The use of green technologies in furtherance of sustainability goals
• Education about environmental stewardship/sustainability, including formal
educational offerings
• Student leadership in sustainable development
• Increased awareness of these issues in the larger community 147
Uniforms
Uniforms
We have a school uniform in order to minimize economic differences among students and to focus more on learning and less on material possessions. Parents are
expected to support and enforce the uniform. All clothing must be clean, neat, and in
good repair, and must fit appropriately.
NOTE: The Holton plaid is identified in Land’s End materials as the “white plaid.”
The Holton blazer is only available at Land’s End.
Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms, Inc.
www.flynnohara.com
Holton’s school code is MD067 or just type in Holton-Arms School
Lands’ End
www.landsend.com
Preferred school number: 900117060
Logo description: School Name with H
Logo number: 1038357K
Logo application fee: $5.50
Physical Education Uniforms
Both Lower and Middle Schools have uniform requirements for physical education classes. P.E. Uniforms for Grades 3 and 4 Holton consist of the uniform white
golf shirt and shorts. The shorts may be ordered through Land's End. P.E. uniforms
(shirt and shorts) for Grades 5 and 6 may be ordered through Land's End. Middle
School P.E. uniforms are ordered through the Physical Education Department.
All incoming 9th grade athletes are required to purchase a Holton-Arms warmup suit to use throughout their Upper School athletic career. For more information
on the warm-up suit and how to order it please contact Julie Treadwell 301.365.6044.
Previously Owned Uniforms
The Hang Up, Holton's gently-used uniform boutique is available through the Advancement Center and is open during regular school hours. Proceeds from the sale of
these uniforms benefit the Alumnae Scholar Program. Anyone wishing to purchase
or donate old uniforms skirts, jumpers, pants, shorts, P.E. shorts, shirts, and sweats
should visit the Advancement Center.
See the next two pages for uniform charts.
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Uniforms
HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL UNIFORM CHART
Lower & Middle Schools
Logo always refers to the Holton logo. • All clothing must be clean, neat, in good
repair, hemmed, and must fit appropriately. • Jumper hems must touch the top of
the knee. • Skirts must measure no more than five inches above the knee, and they
should be big enough to be buttoned and zipped closed (no rolling) • All clothing should be labeled with student’s name. • No sweatpants may be worn under the
uniform. • Navy bike or gym shorts may be worn under the uniform, but may not be
visible below the uniform. • Dress for field trips is at the teacher’s discretion.
LOWER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SHIRTS
White short or long sleeved golf shirt
White turtleneck
(Shirt tails tucked in)
White short or long sleeved logo golf shirt
White logo turtleneck
Plain white T-shirt under uniform shirt
JUMPERS/SKIRTS
Holton plaid jumper (MUST cover shorts)
See above for details regarding proper length.
Holton plaid skirt
See above for details regarding proper fit.
PANTS
Navy slacks, corduroy or twill
SKORTS/SHORTS
Navy skort
Navy bike or gym shorts (under uniform only)
SWEATERS/
SWEATSHIRTS/
JACKETS
Navy, white, or gray Holton sweatshirt with logo
Navy cardigan sweater
Holton fleece jacket
Navy cardigan or crewneck sweater with logo
SOCKS
Navy or white socks (no logo or decoration)
Navy or white tights
Navy, white, or gray ankle length dance leggings
(no lace trim)
Socks must be visible above the ankle
Navy or white socks
Navy, gray, or white ankle length dance leggings
SHOES
Dark leather with sturdy, rubber soles
No high heels
JEWELRY/
ACCESSORIES
Limited to stud earrings and wristwatch
(no rings, necklaces, bracelets, or anklets)
Simple hair accessories
No nail polish
No requirement
DRESS FOR
FRIDAYS
In uniform
Uniform skirts or slacks
Out-of-uniform shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Grades 3 and 4 Holton P.E. uniform (uniform
white golf shirt and shorts*) and carrying bag
(issued to students)
Grades 5 and 6 Holton P.E. uniform (grey Holton
Athletics T-shirt and shorts*) and carrying bag
(issued to students)
Laced, athletic sneakers with non-marking soles
(to be left at school)
Navy, white or gray Holton sweatshirt and sweatpants for cold weather activities
*ordered through Land’s End
Holton P.E. uniform (shirt and shorts)†
Sneakers
†
Issued to students first day of school and billed
to Holton accounts
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Uniforms
Upper School
Logo always refers to the Holton logo. • All clothing must be clean, neat, in good
repair, hemmed, and must fit appropriately. • All clothing should be labeled with
student’s name. • No sweatpants may be worn under the uniform. • Navy bike or
gym shorts may be worn under the uniform. • Dress for field trips is at the teacher’s
discretion.
The Holton blazer is only available at Land's End.
UPPER SCHOOL
SHIRTS
White or navy blue collared shirt with or without Holton logo
NO sleeveless. NO T-shirts. NO words/writing except the officially sanctioned Holton
logo
SKIRTS
Uniform only. Holton plaid or navy appropriately sized and in good repair
PANTS
Navy slacks, chino/twill or corduroy
SHORTS
Navy bike or gym shorts (worn under skirt only)
NO sweatpants, team pants, or long underwear
SWEATERS/
SWEATSHIRTS/
JACKETS/BLAZERS
Solid white, gray, or navy sweatshirt, with or without Holton logo • NO other words or
writing
Solid navy or white sweater
Holton jacket
Navy blazer with Holton crest
TEAM JACKETS
Officially approved and sanctioned Holton team jackets only*
Holton-Arms warm-up suit*
SOCKS
Navy or white socks
Navy, white, or gray ankle length tights or leggings (worn under skirt)
SHOES
Heels less than 2” only
JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES
No requirement
DRESS FOR FRIDAYS
Out of uniform
[Any daytime wear appropriate for school]
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Clothing and shoes appropriate to the activity
*ordered through Screen Designs
* Team jackets must be approved by the Director of Athletics and the Upper School
Director or the Dean of Students before they can be worn in the school building as
part of the uniform.
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Admissions and Enrollment
It is the policy of the Holton-Arms School that our faculty, alumnae, and sibling
families be given special importance in the admissions process to promote the
continuity of the Holton-Arms tradition. While maintaining standards for academic
excellence, it is our policy to ensure that the Admissions profile be balanced with no
one element considered at the exclusion of another: that diversity in a class include
academic, economic, cultural and racial, and religious differences, and that the whole
family contribution be considered as a support to both the candidate and the Holton
community. Application for admission should be made as early as possible in the year
preceding the expected date of entrance.
New Students
Applicants who have successfully completed the admissions process will be offered
contracts for enrollment in March. A signed contract and a $1,200 deposit will
reserve a space for the following year. Contractual obligations become binding on
June 1.
Returning Students
Contracts for the next academic year are issued in early February. The original
deposit is reapplied. A signed contract should be submitted to the Admissions Office
by mid-February or the Director of Enrollment Management should be notified.
Signing the contract reserves a space for the next academic year. If a student is not
going to be returning, the appropriate Division Director or the Director of Enrollment Management should be notified. Contractual obligations become binding on
June 1.
Leaves of Absence
Semester: When a student chooses to enroll in a different program for the semester, written permission must first be obtained from the Division Director.
Contractual obligations of the year would still apply. Parents may seek reimbursement through the Tuition Refund Insurance program; this applies only
to students that plan on being away second semester. For the student that will
be away first semester, the School will waive 30 percent of the tuition, with the
70 percent balance due in August.
Year: When a student chooses to enroll in another program for the year, written
permission must be obtained from the Division Director. A leave of absence
fee equal to 10% of the tuition is required to hold a place for the following
year. A mid-year report is required to start the re-enrollment process. Assuming satisfactory performance, a contract for the next academic year is issued in
early-February. Coursework must be completed and a final transcript sent to
the division office prior to September matriculation.
Leave for More than One Year: Space cannot be held for more than one year. A
student must reapply for admission. Although we make every effort to readmit
former students (space permitting) as long as satisfactory performance has
been maintained while away, we cannot guarantee re-enrollment.
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Withdrawal
When a student decides to leave the school or not return the following academic
year after submitting a signed contract, the School must be notified in writing
prior to June 1 to rescind that contract. If notification is received after 5 p.m. on
May 31, financial obligations for that school year will be the responsibility of the
parents. The School will ask that payment in full be made at the time of the rescission of a contract.
The School also reserves the right to withhold contracts or rescind them after
they have been issued if, in the School’s judgment, it is in the best interest of either
the School or the student for her not to return for the following school year.
FINANCIAL AID
All financial aid awards are based on need as determined by Holton-Arms. Grants
are made on an annual basis, and students must maintain a strong academic record
and contribute constructively to the school community. Every effort is made to assist
financially as many students as possible. Assistance with additional costs such as
transportation, textbooks, or extended day is at the same percentage as tuition
assistance.
Parents interested in applying for financial assistance should contact the
Financial Aid Office at 301.365.6012. Many students at Holton receive some
financial aid. Grants vary in amount depending on need.
152
Communications
Office of Strategic Communications
The Holton-Arms communications team is dedicated to serving the communication needs of all school constituencies – both internally and externally. At Holton,
we encourage open dialogue throughout our community in order to foster a healthy
environment in which to learn and work. Our expectation is for parents, faculty and
staff to take an active role in receiving and disseminating information in a timely
manner in order to be actively engaged in the education and lives of our students.
HOLTON-ARMS OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MISSION:
• to develop and implement clear, consistent and engaging communications
strategies to enhance the Holton Experience for all members of our community.
• to serve as a resource for all constituencies – both internally and externally –
to inform and shape public understanding of Holton-Arms, our community
members, and our commitment to the mission of the School.
STRATEGIC INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
In an effort to consolidate our communications and be socially and fiscally responsible, Holton-Arms does not duplicate communications by printing flyers, newsletters,
or various other forms and documents. Also, in an effort to not overwhelm parents
with email, we will reduce the number of sporadic emails and adhere to a predictable
and consistent schedule of school communications. Therefore, it is important to read
school communications in a timely manner to ensure you do not miss anything.
If you are not receiving email messages from Holton, please check your profile on the parent portal on our website to be sure your email address is up-to-date.
Please contact our Director of Digital Media and Databases, Liz Gouldman at
301.365.6490 if you are having problems receiving Holton emails.
SCHEDULE FOR SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
Holton Weekly
Our weekly enewsletter is sent each Friday when school is in session and includes
timely notices as well as links to the Head of School’s blog, the week’s latest news
postings and upcoming calendar events.
Division eNewsletters
• Lower School ePouch is sent on Thursday afternoons every week.
• Middle School Medley is sent on the second Tuesday each month.
• Upper School News is sent on the first Tuesday each month.
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Communications
The Scene
The Scene is a light-hearted, “insider’s look” at how Holton students, teachers, staff
and alumnae are “finding their way or making one” inside and outside of the classroom. The blog’s Washington bureau covers all the happenings that make Holton
such a unique place. The Scene reporters’ beats include innovations in the classroom,
fun field trips, cultural delights and much more! Be sure to stay “in the know” by
checking out The Scene! The Scene is a blog and can be found on the “Get Connected” page on the Holton website.
PARENTS ASSOCIATION EMAILS
Parents Association Grade Representatives email invitations and timely information
to parents of their respective grades from their personal email accounts. At the start
of the year, grade reps will contact parents in their grade to introduce themselves.
Please add your grade rep’s email to your contact list to help ensure delivery of their
monthly updates.
SUBSCRIBING TO SCHOOL ALERTS
The School’s website allows you to sign up for alerts about the latest campus news, a
particular event, or a particular athletic team.
• All parents should subscribe to Emergency Alerts. See page 135.
• To sign up for an alert for a particular event, go to the calendar and click on
the alarm bell next to the event; you will be prompted select email or textenabled phone (or both).
• To keep track of your daughter’s athletic team, go to the team’s webpage and
click on the Alerts icon; you will be able to subscribe to email and/or SMS
phone messages to remind you about a game. You may also receive word of
cancellations/postponements and scores/results for the team.
CHANGES TO CONTACT INFORMATION
It is essential for the School to maintain an up-to-date listing of email addresses, cell
and home phone numbers, and mailing addresses for each parent. It is critical that
Holton be able to contact you in emergency situations and with day-to-day updates
from the School. Please check the Holton website (www.holton-arms.edu) to make
sure your contact information is up to date.
To do this, sign in to the login from the home page. Click on the Holton
Student Database link on the right side of the page. On this web page, click the
Update My Household profile link to make changes.
MEDIA RELATIONS
All interaction with the media is coordinated through the Office of Strategic Communications. Anyone who is contacted by the media should first talk to the Director
of Institutional Advancement. Anyone wishing publicity or signage for an activity
should also contact the Office of Strategic Communications.
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Communications
NON-SCHOOL RELATED FLYER POLICY
Holton is frequently asked to distribute non-school related flyers. In order to adequately respond to these requests, the School has instituted the following guidelines:
• Non-school related flyers are not included in our mailings, either in hard-copy
or electronically.
• Non-school related flyers can be available for pick-up at the Front Entry and/
or the Lower School Office when approved by the School administrator most
closely associated with the activity or age range designated in the flyer.
• Community programs that would benefit our students and/or parents can be
listed on the parent portal of the website.
• Commercial ventures, i.e. tutoring and test preparation organizations, sports
clubs, are not listed on the community resource pages on the website.
• In the same way that we do not allow faculty, staff, trustees, and parents to use
our directory information to promote non-school related projects or solicit
charitable contributions, members of the school community may not use our
email list to promote non-school related or personal opportunities and events.
COMMUNICATION WITH NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
In keeping with our commitment to encourage open dialogue with the parents of our
students, all communications generated by the School are distributed to the custodial
parent and the non-custodial parent. Similarly, both are invited to attend all school
functions. However, realizing that there are unique circumstances within each family’s legal agreement, exceptions may be made to this policy. In this case, a copy of the
court order would be requested to determine our course of action.
USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES AND VIDEOS
The enrollment contract grants permission to the School for the use, in whole or
in part, of photographs, videos, written extractions, and voice, instrumental, or
computer-generated recordings of Holton students in School publications, including
those on the Internet. The School also has permission to notify local publications of
a student’s academic, athletic, and other special achievements.
PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
Holton provides photographs of many school events through our website with the
digital downloads available at no cost. Opportunities also exist for parents to photograph their children in the School if abiding the following policy for school photography. It is the intent of this policy to allow personal family photography where and
when possible while respecting the rights of students and ensuring to the best of our
ability their protection. The guidelines for photography are intended to balance the
significant role of photography (including videos) to record important events in the
life of our students while respecting and acknowledging the rights and privacy of
others.
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Communications
Holton-Arms School cannot be held responsible for materials (photos, video,
audio) placed without its knowledge or permission online on personal websites, social
media sites (such as YouTube or Facebook) or other external media. We strongly
encourage parents to:
1. Take photographs of their own children at awards ceremonies, school concerts/shows and sporting events while respecting the rights of others who do
not wish to be photographed.
2. Ensure that the taking of photographs does not interfere with teaching or the
smooth running of any event or ceremony.
3. Respect the privacy of others, and unless specific permission is given, provide
no identification (or first names only) of any students included in online posting of photos, video or audio.
4. Set security parameters around any online posting, limiting access to only
family and friends.
5. Refrain from any video, sound recording or photography of a copyright musical or theatrical performance. This restriction is typically announced as a
reminder at the beginning of such performances.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF SCHOOL MARKS (LOGO, CREST, NAME, ETC.)
This policy is designed to assist faculty, staff, parents, and students in using the
Holton brand for approved promotional purposes while protecting the School
against brand piracy.
The Holton-Arms School marks include, but are not limited to, the School
name, logo, crest, Holton H, bay leaf, and motto. If you’d like to use the Holton
marks in any way, you must contact Director of Institutional Advancement for approval. Please allow three to five business days for approval. Artwork and a copy of
the Holton Graphic Standards will be supplied and Office of Strategic Communications
reserves the right for final approval on the use of the School marks.
156
After School and Summer Programs
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS ADJUNCT PROGRAM
The Holton-Arms Fine and Performing Arts Adjunct Program provides extracurricular arts education for students and adults in the Holton community and those from
the greater Washington metropolitan community. The program consists primarily of
music lessons, and unique workshops, master classes, and other opportunities growing out of the School’s rich curricular programs in the Fine and Performing Arts are
offered when possible.
The focus of the music lesson program is to provide instructional support for
students in the curricular ensemble program, to expand students' musical education
beyond the scope of the School's ensemble program (e.g. guitar and piano), and to
make the same outstanding instruction available to students outside of the Holton
community.
Professional adjunct faculty members offer private and group lessons in vocal
and instrumental music including piano, guitar, and harp. The program includes informal and formal performance opportunities throughout the year with open studios,
studio workshops, and formal recitals.
Information about the Adjunct Program is available through the Fine and
Performing Arts Office at 301.365.6098 or artsadjunct@holton-arms.edu.
To inquire about lesson offerings and fees, to identify a teacher, and to schedule
lessons, please submit an Inquiry Form on the webpage. (Programs=>Arts=>Arts
Adjunct Program.) After lessons are scheduled, an online Registration Form can be
accessed on the webpage. The full Policies & Procedures document is available online
for reference.
AFTER SCHOOL OR WEEKEND EVENTS PARENT PICK-UP
Parents must pick up their daughters at the stipulated time after school events. A
school employee must wait after each event until all students are picked up.
Extraordinary lateness is inconsiderate of the faculty or staff member required to wait.
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Special Programs
EXTENDED DAY AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
LOWER SCHOOL
Homework Zone: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday
This program, staffed by Holton-Arms Lower School teachers, is provided at no
additional charge. Students work on school assignments with support/assistance
from their teachers, if needed. There is no Homework Zone on Fridays.
Extended Day: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. Friday
This program is available on a drop-in basis only and is billed to Holton student
accounts on an hourly basis. Snack is provided daily. Crafts, cooking, outdoor
play and DVD movies (Friday) are some of the activities offered. Special cooking
and/or craft projects are offered on Professional Development days (half day early
dismissal).
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Homework Haven:4:15 – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Middle School students remaining on campus after 4:15 are required to report to
Homework Haven. This program is available on a drop-in basis only and is billed
to Holton student accounts on an hourly basis. Snack is provided daily. Students
work on school assignments Monday through Thursday; DVD movies are offered
on Fridays. Special cooking and/or craft projects are offered on Professional Development days (half day early dismissal).
LOWER SCHOOL FUN DAYS
Offered on Parent-Teacher Conference Days when Lower School is not in session,
Fun Days offer full day programs that may include special baking and/or craft projects, lunch in a Bethesda restaurant, and a movie or activity off campus.
SPORTS CLINICS
Holton offers sports clinics using our campus facilities - in tennis, soccer, lacrosse,
and fencing. These programs are designed to support Holton-Arms School and its
athletic program.
GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP
A Holton holiday tradition, the Gingerbread Workshop, is a family event offered the
first week of December. Parents and children build and decorate a gingerbread house
together. Dinner is provided.
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CREATIVE SUMMER
This six-week summer camp for children ages 4 to 13 is open to the community with
priority given to Creative Summer families, Holton-Arms families, wait list families,
and to families in the 20817 zip code. Creative Summer’s mission is to enable each
child to participate in the worlds of dance, drama, music, visual arts, sports, swimming, outdoor exploration, academics, computers, and more at a comfort level that
will challenge and excite each camper.
Creative Summer offers two programs. The Creative Campers program provides
children ages 7 through 13 an opportunity to experience the visual and performing
arts, crafts, swimming, and outdoor activities, and helps them discover the satisfaction of the creative process. The program consists of five activities daily, selected by
the camper, during each of two three-week sessions. The camp creates a comfortable, creative environment in terms of dress, approach, and structure oriented to
each camper’s needs. At the end of each session, Creative Summer celebrates with
Carnival, an event that features displays and performances by the campers.
The Creative Kids program, for campers ages 4 to 7 years old, offers many of the
same activities as the older campers, but at a level appropriate for the age and ability
of these younger campers. Full day programs are offered for all Creative Kids. Campers enjoy a schedule filled with fun classes: computers, cooking, sports and games,
science and nature, art, music, creative movement, yoga, tae kwon do, and water play.
Swimming and tennis are part of the daily program for Creative 6s and 7s. Creative
Kids also welcomes parents to visit with their camper at an Open House in the
second week of each session. The Creative 6s and 7s light up the stage with a final
performance for parents and guests at Carnival, the last Thursday of each session.
Since Creative Summer is a very popular program, we strongly suggest you
respond as soon as registration opens in January of each year.
159
Parent Activities
Parent Activities
Holton-Arms encourages parents to participate fully in the life of the School.
Students like knowing that their parents are interested in their school and that they
are willing to invest time in school activities. Parents find that their own lives are
enriched by their connection to the School and many stay involved long after their
daughters graduate. This section describes some of the parent programs and outlines
ways you can be involved.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering at Holton-Arms is very simple. A current list of volunteer activities
and contacts can be found on the website. Click on the Support section on the home
page and select "Volunteer." From there, you can read about various opportunities
and select the one that suits your interests. As an alternative, contact Director of
Constituent Relations, dani.aronson@holton-arms.edu, and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.
Please remember that all parent volunteers or other chaperones who accompany
students on day or overnight trips or who, on a foreseeable basis, will work directly
with students for day and overnight trips must be fingerprinted. (see Fingerprinting
Policy on page 145.)
Parent volunteers contribute to Holton in many ways. The success of events is
due in large part to the involvement of parent volunteers. We hope that all parents
will come and enjoy these events and that many will want to serve as volunteers. Parents who help with these programs find them to be an excellent way to make friends
and be part of the School community.
THE HOLTON FUND
The Holton Fund is the keystone of fundraising at Holton-Arms. The School depends on ongoing annual contributions to sustain daily activities, to support excellent
faculty, and to look toward the future. From lab equipment to computers, financial
aid to sports activities, art classes to school plays, the Holton Fund supports programs for every student. Parents are encouraged not only to contribute generously to
the Holton Fund to help sustain Holton’s excellence, but also to volunteer in reaching out to fellow parents.
MAJOR SCHOOL EVENTS
The Holton community gathers several times each year. The Parents Association
sponsors a number of these events, including the Convocation Breakfast,
class socials, the State of the School Address and Annual Parent
Meeting, and Holton Mosaic.
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Parent Activities
Holton Mosaic
This annual event celebrates the cultural and ethnic richness of the Holton-Arms
community – parents, students, faculty and staff. The event provides opportunities
for everyone to share their family heritage with others. Included in the evening are
art and cultural displays, craft presentations, performances, instructional activities
and, of course, food!
Teacher Appreciation Days
During parent conference days in November, the Parents Association hosts a
luncheon for faculty and staff. In February, they host “Sweet Treats,” offering home
baked treats in a festive holiday atmosphere. June brings a celebration of another successful year with the traditional Faculty-Staff Brunch, featuring the beloved Omelet
Man.
Spring Gala
The Spring Gala is Holton’s largest parent-driven fundraiser. This signature fundraising event annually raises more than $300,000 to benefit financial aid at Holton.
This year’s event will feature specially curated Silent and Live Auctions. Our online
auction will feature many fabulous items including getaways, jewelry, unique experiences, tickets to sporting events, restaurants, and much more.
PLANNING AN ACTIVITY
To balance the educational needs of our students with additional community
programming, we ask for the cooperation of our parents when planning events on
campus. All parent events at Holton should be scheduled through the Director of
Constituent Relations in the Advancement Center (Dani Aronson – 301.365.6033
or dani.aronson@holton-arms.edu). Parents also need to consult with their respective
Grade Representative and division office to check on availability of date and location. The full school calendar is available on Holton’s website. Please see page 137 for
Holton’s Alcohol Policy for on-campus events.
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Parent Activities
PARENT SUPPORT FOR HOLTON ATHLETES
The following principles/guidelines will enable us to work effectively and positively
with and for your daughter to make the most of her athletic experience.
1. Be enthusiastic and supportive. Remember that your child is the player
who must establish her own goals and make her own progress toward them.
The most valuable part of your daughter’s experience will be what she learns
about herself while enjoying her sport, interacting with peers and coaches, and
encountering success and disappointment. To build a positive self image, your
support of her experiences and self-discovery is integral.
2. Let the coach be her coach regardless of how much you know about
sports. Your daughter needs you as a parent; she already has a qualified coach.
Remember how difficult it is to grow up and how much added pressure there
is in a competitive sport. You can help your daughter by offering support as
she navigates her way through the academic and athletic demands of HoltonArms.
3. Build self-esteem. Self-esteem comes not only from succeeding, but also
from identifying, accepting, and dealing with limitations as well as strengths.
Knowing how to assess strengths and weaknesses empowers your daughter
and builds a strong sense of self.
4. Contribute to the positive, trusting relationship between your daughter
and her coach. The role of coach is to provide a progressive training situation in which your daughter can develop as an athlete, teammate, and leader.
For this to be most effective and meaningful, your daughter must trust and
respect her coaches and their efforts. Your encouragement, communication,
and support are necessary for such a relationship to develop. Avoid criticism of
a coach or player in front of your daughter, as this would serve as an obstacle
to her success. If you have a concern, please make an appointment with the
Athletic Director and coach to discuss this situation.
5. Demonstrate sportsmanship. At all times treat coaches, officials, opponents,
and team members in a sportsmanlike manner. Rule of thumb: Treat each
person the way you would want your daughter treated.
GIFT GIVING TO TEACHERS
During the winter holiday season or at the end of the year, students may wish to
express good wishes to teachers, administration, and staff members, and the habit
of gift-giving can be a lovely family custom. We suggest that the expression of good
wishes, thanks, or holiday greetings be entirely voluntary on the part of the student
and be restricted to a handwritten note or card, or a contribution in the faculty or
staff member’s name to a favorite charity.
162
2015-2016 academic calendar
AUGUST M
24 US Fall Pre-Season Sports Begin
T-F 25-28 New Faculty and Staff Week
M-F 31-4 All Faculty and Staff Week
SEPTEMBER Th-F 3-4
T
8
W
30
MS and US Orientation
First Day of School, Convocation
All School Early Dismissal at 2:00 p.m.
OCTOBER M
W
F
Fall Break (Campus Closed)
MS/US Professional Day (No Classes for MS/US Students)
12 21
23 NOVEMBER Th-F 12-13
W
18
T
24
T
24
W-F 25-27
LS, MS, and US Parent Conferences
(No classes for students Gr. 3-6,
Gr. 7–12 attend conferences with parents)
LS Grandparent and Special Friend Day
LS Early Dismissal at Noon
MS and US Early Dismissal at 2:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Break (Campus Closed)
DECEMBER W
9
F
18
LS Early Dismissal at Noon
MS and US Early Dismissal at 2:30 p.m.
21-Jan 1Winter Break
JANUARY M
W
M
F
4
13
18
22
Classes Resume
MS & US Early Dismissal at Noon
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Campus Closed)
LS Admissions Day (No Classes for LS Students)
FEBRUARY W
F
M
3
12
15
Professional Day (No Classes for Students)
President’s Day (Campus Closed)
MARCH Th-F 3-4
LS Parent Conferences (No Classes for LS Students)
W
16
MS/US Professional Day
(No Classes for MS/US Students)
W
23
MS & US Dismissal for Spring Break at 2:30 p.m.
24-Apr 4Spring Break (Offices open March 24 & 25)
APRIL T
W
5
20
Classes Resume
MAY W
F
M
18
27
30 All School Early Dismissal at 2:00 p.m.
All School Early Dismissal at Noon
Memorial Day (Campus Closed)
JUNE M
T
W
Th
6
7
8
9
MS Early Dismissal at Noon
LS Early Dismissal at 1 p.m.
Class Day for MS and US
Commencement for US
Dates are subject to change. Please refer to the Holton’s website calendar for updated dates and
information at www.holton-arms.edu.
Holton-Arms School
2015 – 2016 Rotation Schedule
Month
Monday
September October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Friday
SaturdaySunday
1
234
56
7 Labor Day8 A9B10
C11
D1213
14 E15
F16
A17
B18 Non-letter Day19 20
21 C22
D23
E24F 25A 2627
28 B29
C30
D
1
E2F
3
4
5
A6B7C8D9E
10
11
12 Fall Break13 F14
A15
B
16 C1718
19 D20
E21
F22
A23 MS/US Prof Day24 25
26
B27
C28
D29
E30
F31
1
2
A3B4C5D6E78
9
F10
A11
B12 Conferences13 Conferences
14
15
16 C17
D18
E
19 F
20 A
2122
23 B24
C25 School Closed26 Thanksgiving27 School Closed28 29
30 D1E
2
F3A4B56
7
C8D9E10
F11
A1213
14 B15
C16
D17
E18
F 1920
21 School Closed22 School Closed23 School Closed 24 School Closed 25 School Closed
26
27
28 School Closed29 School Closed30 School Closed31 School Closed 1 School Closed2
3
4 A5 B6C7D8E 910
11 F12
A13
B14
C15
D1617
18 MLK Jr Day19 E20
F21
A22
B 2324
25
C26
D27
E28
F
29
A 3031
1
B
2
C3D4E5F
6
7
8
A9B10
C11
D12 Professional Day13
14
15 Presidents’ Day16 E17
F18
A19
B
2021
D24
E25
F26
A 2728
22 C23
29 B
1
C2D3 Non-letter Day4 E56
7
F8A9B10
C11
D1213
14 E15
F16MS/US Prof Day17 B18
C1920
21 D22
E23
F24 School Closed25 School Closed26 27
28 School Closed29 School Closed30 School Closed30 School Closed 1 School Closed
23
4 School Closed5 A6B7C8D910
11 E12
F13
A14
B15
C1617
18 D19
E20
F21
A22
B 2324
25 C
26 D
27 E
28 F
29 A30
1
2
B3C4D5E6F 78
9
A10
B11
C12
D13
E 1415
16 F17
A18
B19
C20
D2122
23 E24
F25
A26
B27
C 2829
30 Memorial Day31 D
1
E2F3A
4
5
6
B7 8 Class Day9 Commencement10 1112
Schedules
Upper School Schedule
A
B
C
D
E
F
Class Meetings
8-8:15
Assembly
8-8:15
Assembly
8-8:15
Assembly
8-8:15
Advisory
8-8:15
Assembly
8-8:15
U1
8:15-9:15
U3
8:15-9:15
U2
8:15-9:15
U1
8:15-9:15
U3
8:15-9:15
U2
8:15-9:15
U2
U1
U3
U2
U1
U3
9:15-10:45 9:15-10:15 9:15-10:45 9:15-10:15 9:15-10:45 9:15-10:15
Break
10:15-10:30
Break
10:45-11:00
Break
10:15-10:30
Break
10:15-10:30
Break
Break
U6
U4
U5
10:45-11:00
10:45-11:00
10:30-11:30
10:30-11:30
10:30-11:30
U4
11:00-12:00
U5
11:00-12:00
U4
11:30-1:00
U5
12:00-1:00
U6
11:00-12:00
U5
11:30-1:00
U6
12:00-1:00
U6
11:30-1:00
U4
12:00-1:00
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
1:00-1:40 1:00-1:40 1:00-1:40 1:00-1:40 1:00-1:40 1:00-1:40
U7
U7
U8
U7
U7
U8
1:40-3:10 1:40-2:40 1:40-3:10 1:40-2:40 1:40-2:40 1:40-2:40
GYTT
Student/Teacher
Clubs, Misc.
Class Meeting
Time
Student/Teacher
Clubs, Misc.
2:40-3:30
Advisory 2:40-3:30 2:40-3:30
3:10-3:30
Assembly
2:40-3:30
165
Schedules
Upper School Late Opening Schedule
A
B
C
D
E
F
U1
U3
U2
U1
U3
U2
10:00-10:50 10:00-10:50 10:00-10:50 10:00-10:50 10:00-10:50 10:00-10:45
U1
U2
U3
U2
U3
U1
10:50-11:40
10:50-11:40
10:45-11:30
10:50-noon
10:50-noon
10:50-noon
Break
Break
U6
11:50-12:40
Break
U4
12:10-1:00
Lunch
12:40-1:10
Lunch
1:00-1:30
U5
1:30-2:20
U4
1:10-2:20
U7
2:20-3:10
U7
2:20-3:30
Student/Teacher
Clubs
Break
U5
12:10-1:00
Lunch
1:00-1:30
U6
1:30-2:20
U8
2:20-3:30
U4
11:50-12:40
Lunch
12:40-1:10
U5
1:10-2:20
Break
U5
11:40-12:25
U6
12:10-1:00
Lunch
12:25-1:00
Lunch
1:00-1:30
U6
U4
1:00-2:00
1:30-2:20
Break
U7
2:20-3:10
U7
2:20-3:10
Class Meetings
Student/Teacher
Clubs
U8
2:00-2:45
Assembly
2:45-3:30
Upper School 2 p.m. Dismissal Schedule
(After school activities and athletics continue at their normal time.)
A
B
C
D
E
F
Class Meetings
Assembly
Assembly
Assembly
Advisory
Assembly
U1
8:15-9:05
U3
8:15-9:10
U2
8:15-9:05
U1
8:15-9:10
U3
8:15-9:10
U2
8:15-9:10
U2
U1
9:05-10:15 9:10-10:05
U3
9:05-10:15
U2
9:10-10:05
U1
9:10-10:25
U3
9:10-10:05
Break 10:15-10:35
Break 10:05-10:20
Break 10:15-10:35
Break 10:05-10:20
Break 10:05-10:20
Break 10:25-10:40
U6
U4
U5
U4
U5
U6
10:20-11:15
10:20-11:15
10:20-11:15
10:35-11:25
10:35-11:25
10:40-11:35
U5
U4
U6
U5
11:25-12:15 11:15-12:30 11:25-12:15 11:15-12:30
U6
U4
11:15-12:30
11:35-12:30
Lunch
12:15-12:50
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
12:15-12:50
12:30-1:05
12:30-1:05 12:30-1:05 12:30-1:05
U7
12:50-2:00
U7
1:05-2:00
166
U8
12:50-2:00
U7
1:05-2:00
U7
1:05-2:00
U8
1:05-2:00
Schedules
Middle School
Schedule
ABCDE F
8:00–8:20
AdvisoryAssembly8:00–8:50 Advisory
M2
Assembly Assembly
8:20–9:10
M1M1
8:50–9:40
M1M1M1
M3
9:10–10:00
M2M3
9:40–10:30
M2M2M2
M4
Break
BreakBreak
10:35–11:20
10:00–10:15 Assembly
Break
Break
Break
10:15–11:05
M4M4 M3M3M3
Lunch Lunch
Lunch11:20–11:55Lunch
11:05–11:40 Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
11:40–12:30
M5M5
11:55–12:45
M5M4M4
M5
12:30–1:30
M6M6
12:45–1:45 M6M6M6
M6
1:30–2:20
M7M7
1:45–2:35
M7M7M5
M7
2:30–3:30PE/SportsPE/SportsStudentPE/SportsPE/SportsStudent
FlexFlex
(2:35–3:30)
167
Schedules
Middle School
Late Opening Schedule
A
B
C
D
E
F
10:00-10:40
M1
M1
M2
M1
M1
M1
10:40-11:20
M2
M3
M3
M2
M2
M2
11:20-11:50
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
11:50-12:30
M4
M4
M4
M3
M3
M3
12:30-1:10
M5
M5
M5
M5
M4
M4
1:10-1:50
M6
M6
M6
M6
M6
M6
1:50-2:30
M7
M7
M7
M7
M7
M5
2:30-3:30
168
PE/Sports PE/Sports
Student
Flex
PE/Sports PE/Sports
Student
Flex
Dear Lower School Students,
Welcome to a new school year that is sure to be filled with challenges, as
well as triumphs. This Lower School planner can be a very powerful tool to
help you stay organized this year! You are probably like most people; you
are fairly good at remembering your schedule and important dates and
assignments, but sometimes you get a little disorganized. If this is the case,
then this planner can be wonderfully helpful to you. This planner can help
you plan your valuable time to stay on top of your responsibilities.
Use your planner to:
• Write down your homework assignments
• Record upcoming tests, quizzes, or special events like field trips
• Write down reminders for your parents
• Write down questions for your teacher about your homework
• Record how long you are spending on your homework
• Plan your time for long-term assignments and special projects
Staying organized is a huge part of success at school, and with a little
practice, a few tricks, and tools such as this planner, you can stay organized
this year. Most importantly, when you are organized, homework will not
pile up and you may have more time for the important things in life such as
spending time with your family, helping your parents at home, taking care of
a pet, or just playing. With a little planning, you are sure to have a wonderful
year because I know you care about doing your very best at school.
Sincerely,
P.S. Don’t forget to take some time with your teacher to write down what you
would like to achieve this year, by completing the “My Hopes and Dreams”
section of the planner.
I will find a way or make one
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mission Statement
The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique
potential of young women through the “education not only of the
mind, but of the soul and spirit.”*
School Philosophy
Founded in 1901, Holton-Arms is a college-preparatory school for
girls grades 3-12 dedicated to the “education not only of the mind, but
of the soul and spirit.”
The School provides rigorous and dynamic programs in the traditional
academic areas, the fine and performing arts, and athletics. Here,
young women of diverse backgrounds can take risks, learn from
mistakes, pursue opportunities for leadership, and build lifelong
friendships. Holton-Arms is a vibrant community that values
consistency and order as well as creativity and freedom.
We seek to develop personal integrity and the sense of responsibility
that help young women to make wise and ethical choices. We work to
build the values of respect, compassion, and service to others, within
the School and in local, national, and global communities.
We believe that with intellectual curiosity, self-reliance, tenacity of
purpose, and commitment to others, Holton women will make a
difference in a complex and changing world.
* Jessie Moon Holton Vision Statement
The Holton-Arms
Alma Mater
Far into the distant future,
Strong and clear above
Shines the star of our dear Holton,
Shines the star we love.
It is there to aid and guide us
As the years pass by,
Holding us to all that’s finest,
Making standards high.
Hail to thee, our Holton-Arms,
Alma Mater dear,
You will be our inspiration
Through each coming year.
Thoughts of you we’ll cherish ever,
Be we far or nigh,
2
LOWER SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK • 2015-2016
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Holton-Arms
Crest
From the Script for the Presentation of the School Flag at the Installation of Diana
Coulton Beebe as Holton-Arms’ sixth Head of School, September 11, 1992.
At the top of the crest, the lamp symbolizes the light cast by
knowledge.
The orb signifies a guild, which from the old meaning of the word
is a group that comes together for a purpose. Thus, the three orbs
symbolize the three groups of students at Holton — Upper, Middle,
and Lower Schools — who come together to learn how to learn, to
develop character, and to provide service to community.
The bay leaf symbolizes youth.
The open book symbolizes the teacher’s role in imparting knowledge
and the staff ’s role in supporting the educational process.
The banner Inveniam viam aut faciam is the underpinning of the crest. The
Latin phrase, the school’s motto, means “I will find a way or make one.”
Holton’s Second
Century Logo
This design reflects fresh clean lines tying us to our traditions. The bay
leaf, a symbol of youth, comes from the original crest created by Mrs.
Holton. The logo shows both simplicity and strength, recognizing the
pillars upon which we operate – integrity and intellectual curiosity.
3
LOWER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Lower School Faculty 2015–2016
Lower School Director
Assistant Lower School Director
Assistant to the Lower School Director
Lower School Counselor
Lower School Learning Specialist
Director of Student Health (Nurse)
Patrick Bane (Grade 6 Advisor)
Christy Diefenderfer
Helen Poon
Julie Rodríguez (Grade 6 Advisor)
Margo Tintle (Grade 6 Advisor)
Lori Herringa
Homeroom Teachers
Third grade:
Christy Diefenderfer (Language Arts, Math, Social Studies)
Eileen Shelton (Language Arts, Math, Social Studies)
Fourth grade:
Claire Brown
Laura Myers (Social Studies, Math)
Sally Paradis
Fifth grade:
John Howard (Science, Math)
Karri McFadden (Language Arts, Math)
Sherry Wells
Sixth grade:
Anita Carr (Social Studies, Grade 6 Advisor)
Janeth Eby (Science, Grade 6 Advisor)
Lydia Fields (Language Arts, Grade 6 Advisor)
Mike Hannam (Math, Grade 6 Advisor)
Specials Teachers
Academic Technology
Mary Dobroth
Lucia Hassell
Art
Ambria Archibald (Grade 6)
Kathleen Chaney (Grades 3-5)
Design Technology
Linda Baily (Grades 3-5, Grade 6 Advisor)
Kathleen Chaney (Grades 3-5)
4
LOWER SCHOOL POLICIES
Health
Toni Henderson
Julie Rodríguez (Grade 6 Advisor)
Cami Roth
Maureen Siburt
Library
Jillian Van Ells
Cynthia Weinberg
Mathematics
Gail Dufek, Math Specialist (Grades 3-5)
Sandy Fowler (Grade 3)
Music
Carol Baker (Grades 3-6 General Music, Grades 5 & 6 Chorus, Grade 6 Advisor)
Jon Hansen (Orchestra)
Jean McDonald
Rich Tilley (Band)
Physical Education
Whitney Groseclose
Toni Henderson
Carrie Johnson
Janet McCormick
Sarah Roney
Cami Roth
Maureen Siburt
Nan Byrd Smith
Graham Westerberg
Science
Linda Baily (Grades 3 & 4, Grade 6 Advisor)
World Languages
Maria Valeria Hornung Iglesias (Grades 3-6, Spanish)
Claudia Chadwick Langbehn (Grades 3-6 Spanish; Grades 4 & 6 French, Grade 6 Advisor)
Amy Liao (Grade 6 Chinese)
5
LS Honor Code
and Behavior
Expectations
CARES
The Lower School Honor Code, A Holton Girl CARES, was
developed by Lower School students to reflect what they felt
exemplified Holton girls at their very best. Each letter in CARES
represents a different character trait: Character, Awareness,
Responsibility, Empathy, and Spirit. The concept of caring goes to the
very heart of what is expected of all our students: caring about doing
their very best work, caring about each other, and caring about our
school.
We expect each student to behave in a manner that is consistent with
Holton’s Honor Code. Each student should seek to exhibit personal
integrity, responsibility to herself and others, and respect for cultural
and individual differences. We hope that these principles will guide
students in their interactions with faculty and peers and help guide
them as they strive to reach their full potential.
Statement of
Respect
At Holton-Arms, we believe that by demonstrating understanding and
acceptance of each person, we enable one another to thrive. Our goal
is to create a respectful environment, based on trust, which allows for
individuality, support, and security for all members of the community.
This Statement of Respect is the first step towards that goal.
We define respect as the recognition and consideration of the dignity,
worth, rights, and safety of each person, as an individual and as a
member of the community. Respect entails acknowledging and seeking
to understand different beliefs and values, even if they are not our own.
We believe that successful learning is a process which depends upon
a willingness to take risks, ask difficult questions, and make mistakes.
We strive to be a community where individuals are aware of the impact
their actions may have on others and where each of us will assume
responsibility for acting in a way that helps to create and maintain a
respectful community. Such a community should be a place where we
interact and engage in conversation openly, explore similarities and
differences candidly, and view experiences of conflict as an opportunity
to grow.
6
Bullying Policy
Holton-Arms School prides itself on providing a comfortable and safe
environment for all. Bullying is any repeated behavior that annoys,
intimidates, frightens, threatens, isolates, or belittles another person.
This behavior may be verbal or physical, and verbal bullying includes
spoken, written, or digitally transmitted communications. Bullying is a
serious violation of our Lower School Honor Code, CARES, and will
not be tolerated.
Any student who has a complaint or knowledge of bullying should
report it immediately to their homeroom teacher, the LS guidance
counselor, or Division Director.
A full explanation of the Holton-Arms Bullying and Harrassment
Policy may be found in the School Directory and on the website.
Attendance
Extended or special vacations while classes are in session complicate
the work of teaching and studying. A student’s progress is seriously
impaired by extensive absences. Therefore, the promotion of any
student who has had excessive absences will be subject to review by the
faculty and approval by the director of her division.
Religious Holiday Holton-Arms is a nonsectarian school that celebrates diversity within
Policy its community. The School encourages its members to honor their
various religious commitments that may fall on a school day. For that
reason, all absences for religious observance are automatically recorded
as excused. Holton asks its students to communicate their needs openly
and expects its faculty to support those students and their religious
beliefs and practices. It is necessary, however, for the safety and wellbeing of our students, that the school be aware of all student absences.
Therefore, the following policy is in effect for religious holidays that
occur when school is in session:
Students shall bring a note from home to their respective division
offices three days prior to the holiday absence. Parents should
understand that school personnel will call the homes of all students
who have not brought a note from home in order to verify the
whereabouts of missing students. As with any anticipated absence, it is
the responsibility of the students to talk with teachers to find out what
schoolwork will be missed, and when the work is due after the holiday.
Teachers understand that for many holidays it is not appropriate for
students to work during the holiday. Accordingly, teachers will not
require make-up homework on the day students return, unless a nonholiday weekend precedes or immediately follows the holiday.
7
The
Lower School
Daily Schedule
8
• All Lower School students are expected to be in their classroom no
later than 8 a.m. daily.
• Lower School Gatherings are held on A and D days beginning
at 8:05 a.m. These gatherings are an important part of the school
day and create opportunities for sharing within the Lower School
community including announcements, student and faculty
presentations, concerts, and skits.
• Members of the Lower School community come together for
lunch in the Holton dining room; parents are always welcome to
join their daughter for lunch at no charge. Grade 3 has lunch from
12:05 until 12:25 p.m. Grades 4, 5, and 6 have lunch from 11:45
a.m. until 12:05 p.m.
• Recess occurs immediately after lunch. Students should be
appropriately dressed for cold weather recess, including boots for
rain or snow. In the event of inclement weather, students will have
indoor recess.
• Students return to homerooms at 3:15 p.m. to pack for dismissal,
which begins at 3:25 p.m.
• Students may attend Homework Zone from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Thursday, where they begin homework with
supervision by Lower School faculty and staff. On these days,
students may also attend Extended Day after Homework Zone
until 6 p.m. On Fridays, students may attend Extended Day in
Lower School from 3:30 to 6 p.m. There is a fee for the Extended
Day program. Please refer to the website for more information.
• Students not picked up by 3:45 p.m. from afternoon carpool, or
4:45 p.m., from Homework Zone, should report to Extended Day.
TECHNOLOGY: SUPPORT
Technology
Program
Support
Lower School students participate in a one-to-one device program.
Students in grades 3 and 4 have access to laptops and iPad carts for
in-school projects. Students in grades 5 and 6 use school-provided
iPads for their academic work and are charged a nominal technology
fee. Students may only use their required iPad on campus and may not
bring a non-designated device to school for school use. Students will
return iPads at the close of school for summer.
The Technology Department provides on-site service and support for
all iPads. If the Department cannot resolve the problem, it will work
with off-campus repair providers or direct families to the appropriate
resource. In the event that a student machine is sent out for repairs, the
School will make every effort to provide the student with a loaner iPad
for that period of time. The IT Help Desk, located on the second floor
of the Middle/Upper School building, is open during the academic
year, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and during
the summer Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It also can be reached via telephone
at 301-365-6468 or by email at help@holton-arms.edu. Once a
student graduates or leaves Holton, the Help Desk cannot support the
student’s iPad.
Backing Up Data
Students sometimes lose data on their iPads, and in some situations,
the data cannot be retrieved. Help Desk technicians will use normal
means to try to recover any data on a machine, but they cannot spend
more than 30 minutes recovering data on any one iPad, in order to
be able to help all students, faculty, and staff in need. Therefore, it is
every student’s responsibility to back up her work daily to minimize
the chance of data loss in the event of a problem or hardware failure.
We strongly encourage students to use iCloud to back up their
files regularly; once set up, the process is automatic. Students with
questions on how to back up their data should check in with the
Technology Department for help on learning how to do so.
Internet Filter
Holton-Arms provides content-filtered Internet access to students on
campus. While on campus, students should limit Internet browsing to
what is required for classes and other school activities.
App Installation
and Use
Students should remember that iPads are intended for school work
only and should not install apps that would distract them from using
the iPads for that primary purpose.
9
LOWER SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY POLICIES
TECHNOLOGY: GUIDELINES AND POLICIES FOR ACCEPTABLE USE
10
Guidelines
Students are expected to act professionally and appropriately when
using the Internet. The growing use of the Internet has blurred
the lines between personal and School-related conduct. Students
should understand that certain expectations for conduct extend into
the personal online world of social networking, blogs, and other
communication tools, especially as regards any mention of the School,
or members of the school community. Students should at all times
respect the privacy of the Holton-Arms community, and not divulge
or post online personally identifying information about any member of
the school community without permission (including names, addresses,
phone numbers, email addresses, photos, videos, etc.). Students must
take proper care in any online interactions and maintain high standards
of conduct.
Policies
1. Any conduct online that reflects poorly on students or on the
School, regardless of when or where it occurred, may be grounds
for disciplinary action.
2. All members of the Holton community need to respect copyright
law. This includes not using music or video for which has not been
paid and crediting the authors of any material used in student
work. Students may not copy software without the license to do so.
The School librarians are excellent resources for helping to learn
and follow copyright rules.
3. Students may not take pictures, video, or sound recordings
of anyone without her or his permission. If photographing a
School activity for a student publication, she must obtain prior
authorization from the publication’s advisor. Regardless of
permission, the recording features of any device may not be used in
bathrooms or locker rooms under any circumstances.
4. Any use or posting online of personally identifying information
about any members of the School community (including photos,
videos, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or work)
without their permission is prohibited.
5. Students must use School-approved methods (primarily Holton
email) when contacting School employees.
6. The School reserves the right to confiscate and examine the
contents of any electronic device if an employee has reason
to believe that it is being used in violation of school policy.
The School also monitors the use of its network and Internet
connection, and students should have no expectation of privacy
when using Holton technology resources.
7. Students must not deliberately introduce viruses or other malware
to Holton systems.
8. Students must not seek to circumvent Holton security systems
such as (but not limited to) antivirus software or the web filter.
9. Holton may restrict or terminate student access to its information
systems at any time for any reason.
Policy Violations
Any violation of the technology policy is grounds for Holton-Arms to:
(b) Revoke and/or restrict the student’s use of or access to Communication
and Information Systems, including restricting networking
privileges, access to the Internet and/or use of email; and/or
(c) Take such other action as Holton determines appropriate in its
discretion.
Students should report any policy violations to their Division Director.
COMMUNICATIONS GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
Lower School
Communication
Policy
We want our Lower School students to develop independence
and strive to create an environment in which students can manage
their busy school lives with minimal disruption. Therefore, we ask
that communications between students and parents be reserved for
emergencies only and coordinated through the Lower School Office.
Our policy requires students to power off mobile devices that are not
being used for school work. Moreover, students are not permitted
to send emails or text home during the school day from 8:00 a.m. to
4:45 p.m. For these reasons, electronic means of communication, such
as email or text messages, are not a reliable way for parents to reach
children. The simplest and surest means for parents and students to
communicate is to contact the Lower School Office.
Snow/Inclement
Weather
On days where weather may be a factor (school closing, late opening,
early closing), updated information is posted on the home page of
the Holton website (www.holton-arms.edu) and on the recording at
301.365.5300, #2.
Families are encouraged to sign up for email and/or text message
Emergency Alerts through the website. To register: sign in to the
community login. Once in the Parent Portal, click on the “My
Subscriptions” link in the My Account box; then click on the
“Settings” link to the right of “News.” Next to “Emergency Alerts”
you may select either email or text-message enabled phone, or both.
Confirm the email address and the phone number where the Alerts
should be sent, then click on “Update Settings” as the final step. Please
contact our Director of Digital Media and Databases, Liz Gouldman
at 301.365.6490 with any questions.
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Uniform Code
All clothing must be clean, neat, hemmed, in good repair, and fit
appropriately. Jumper hems must touch the top of the knee.
All clothing should be labeled with student’s name. Dress for field
trips is at the teacher’s discretion.
LOWER SCHOOL
12
SHIRTS
White short or long sleeved golf shirt
White turtleneck
(Shirt tails tucked in)
JUMPERS/SKIRTS
Holton plaid jumper (MUST cover shorts)
See above for details regarding proper length.
PANTS
SKORTS/SHORTS
Navy skort
SWEATERS/
SWEATSHIRTS/
JACKETS
Navy cardigan sweater
SOCKS
Navy or white socks (no logo or decoration)
Navy, white, or gray ankle length dance leggings (no lace trim)
Socks must be visible above the ankle
SHOES
Dark leather with sturdy, rubber soles
JEWELRY/
ACCESSORIES
Limited to stud earrings and wristwatch
(no rings, necklaces, bracelets, or anklets)
Simple hair accessories
No nail polish
DRESS FOR
FRIDAYS
In uniform
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Grades 3 and 4 Holton P.E. uniform (uniform white golf shirt and
shorts*) and carrying bag (issued to students)
Grades 5 and 6 Holton P.E. uniform (grey Holton Athletics T-shirt
and shorts*) and carrying bag (issued to students)
Laced, athletic sneakers with non-marking soles (to be left at school)
Navy, white or gray Holton sweatshirt and sweatpants for cold
weather activities
*ordered through Land’s End
MY HOPES AND DREAMS
Date
My favorite academic things to do last year in school were
The most fun things about last year in school were
The hardest thing for me last year in school was
If I could change anything about what I did last year, I would
This year, I am a little worried about
This year, I am really looking forward to
Holton-Arms Middle School
2015–2016 Planner and Handbook
CONTENTS
SCHOOL POLICIES
Mission Statement
School Philosophy
Vision Statement
87
87
87
87
Statement of Respect
Diversity Mission Statement
Academic & Behavioral Expectations
Bullying and Harassment Policy Middle School Honor Code
Major Rules
Other Rules and Reminders
87
87
88
88
89
89
90
91
TECHNOLOGY: PURCHASING AND SUPPORT 92
Computer Purchases
92
Support92
Backing Up Data
92
Internet Filter
92
App Installation and Use
92
TECHNOLOGY: GUIDELINES AND POLICIES 93
FOR ACCEPTABLE USE
Guidelines93
Policies 93
Policy Violations
93
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
94
STUDENT CONDUCT
Religious Holiday Policy
94
95
ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION
96
Division Director
96
Counselor96
Learning Resource Specialist
96
Administrative Assistant
96
Advisors96
ACADEMIC POLICIES
97
Holton-Arms Grading Scale
97
Effort Grades
97
Report Cards
97
Exams98
Year Grade Calculation
98
Grade Point Average
98
ATTENDANCE99
Absences and Assignments
100
COMMUNICATION101
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Community Service
Middle School Council
Performing Groups
101
101
101
101
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
P.E. Uniform
102
102
OTHER TOPICS
103
Homework Haven
103
Backpacks103
Field Trips
103
Fire Drills
103
Gifts to Teachers
103
Guests103
Homework104
Alice S. Marriott Library
104
School Service
104
School Store
104
Study Hall
105
Technology Resources 105
Tutors105
School Uniform
106
GOALS/REMINDERS
SCHOOL POLICIES
Mission Statement
The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of
young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and
spirit.”*
School Philosophy
Founded in 1901, Holton-Arms is a college-preparatory school for girls grades
3-12 dedicated to the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.”
backgrounds can take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue opportunities for leadership, and build lifelong friendships. Holton-Arms is a vibrant community that
values consistency and order as well as creativity and freedom.
We seek to develop personal integrity and the sense of responsibility that help
young women to make wise and ethical choices. We work to build the values of
respect, compassion, and service to others, within the School and in local, national, and global communities.
changing world.
* Jessie Moon Holton
Vision Statement
At Holton-Arms we believe that by demonstrating understanding and acceptance of each person, we enable one another to thrive. Our goal is to create a
respectful environment, based on trust, which allows for individuality, support,
and security for all members of the community. This Statement of Respect is the
first step toward that goal.
We define respect as the recognition and consideration of the dignity, worth,
rights, and safety of each person, as an individual and as a member of the community. Respect entails acknowledging and seeking to understand different
beliefs and values, even if they are not our own.
We believe that successful learning is a process which depends upon a willingness
to take risks, ask difficult questions, and make mistakes. We strive to be a community where individuals are aware of the impact their actions may have on others and where each of us assumes responsibility for acting in a way that helps to
create and maintain a respectful community. Such a community should be a place
where we interact and engage in conversation openly, explore similarities and differences candidly, and view experiences of conflict as an opportunity to grow.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK • 2015-2016
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SCHOOL POLICIES
Diversity Mission
Statement
Statement
The Holton-Arms School, within the context of its educational mission, seeks
inclusion, equity, and pluralism in its policies, practices, and programs and
teaches respect for the rights of all people.
Rationale
changing world, to endow each girl with a profound sense of respect for herself
and her community, and to help each girl reach her full potential. In founding
this school, Jessie Moon Holton believed that education has the power to liberate
the mind and spirit. She was a strong advocate of kindness, understanding, cooperation, and service. At Holton-Arms we understand the importance of education in achieving flexibility of thinking, respect for differences, moral courage,
and appreciation for common ground. We also recognize that these educational
goals are rarely achieved without occasional conflict; Holton-Arms, therefore,
provides a forum for reasoned and honest discussion involving a range of opinions and personal experiences where civility, respect, and depth of understanding
may be developed.
We will work toward the following goals:
1. A Board of Trustees which is inclusive in its membership and provides the
leadership necessary for fostering an equitable and just school community.
2. A diverse school community that encourages all of its members (students,
parents, faculty and staff ) to develop mutual respect, integrity, moral courage, and civility through discourse, teamwork, and a variety of community
experiences.
3. A curriculum which is broad and inclusive.
4. Increased participation of alumnae of all backgrounds to participate in the
life of the School, to support one another, and to mentor current students.
5. Provision of the training and skills necessary to achieve these goals.
Academic &
Behavioral
Expectations
Holton’s school philosophy and Honor Code. Each student should seek to exhibit personal integrity, responsibility to herself and others, and respect for cultural
and individual differences. We hope that these principles will guide students in
their interactions with faculty and peers and help to inform them when faced
with moral decisions.
interfere with the normal functioning of classes, the library, or any part of the
school program. Each student has an obligation to treat school property with
care and to behave so that she does not detract from the purposeful activities of
her classmates and teachers. Each student is expected to behave thoughtfully
and respectfully in her relationships with her classmates, faculty, and staff. The
School reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose behavior is
disruptive or inappropriate, whose progress or attendance is unsatisfactory, or
whose conduct is in violation of the Honor Code or the rules of the School.
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SCHOOL POLICIES
Education is recognized as a cooperative undertaking, a responsibility held jointly by the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the School. The parent(s) or guardian(s)
agrees along with the student to accept the full share of this responsibility, to
maintain the academic standards, and to discharge all obligations as cooperative members of the School community. These obligations include, but are not
limited to, participation in school activities, staying informed by reading School
communications, and communicating openly, constructively, and in a civil manner with all School personnel. Rules cannot cover all situations, and the absence
of a rule does not constitute approval. It is therefore essential that students and
their parents understand and support both the letter and the spirit of the rules.
While a girl is enrolled at Holton, she is responsible to the School for any conduct that may bring discredit upon the School.
the federal and state laws pertaining to the possession and use of alcohol, drugs,
and cigarettes. Within the jurisdiction of the School, any violation of these laws
will immediately jeopardize the position of the student within the school community.
Bullying and
Harassment Policy
Holton-Arms School prides itself on providing a comfortable and safe environment for all. Harassment, whether intentional or unintentional, is a form of inappropriate or unwanted conduct which annoys, intimidates, frightens, threatens or
belittles another person. Harassment does not belong in school and is not tolerated. The School prohibits any form of harassment, verbal, physical or sexual.
Verbal harassment includes, but is not limited to, spoken, written, emailed or
online posted communications. Physical harassment includes, but is not limited
to stalking, intimidating, physically threatening, or assaulting another person.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwanted suggestion, touching,
spreading sexual rumors, sexual jokes or statements, sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Any student who has a complaint of harassment or bullying, or who is aware of
harassment or bullying directed toward another student, should report it immediately to the Guidance Counselor, Dean of Students, or Division Director.
Students found guilty of harassment or bullying may face suspension or expulsion or other disiplinary action.
Middle School
Honor Code
One of the goals of the Holton-Arms School is to encourage personal integrity.
The School stresses the value of personal honor and ethical responsibility and
believes that a strong school community is founded on concern for the individual
and mutual trust.
An Honor Code was established by juniors and seniors in 1950, and each Middle
School student is expected to abide by it. In the Middle School, should a student
observe an honor offense (lying, stealing, cheating, plagiarism), she is obliged to
tell the offender to report herself or to report the offender. Students are asked to
consider their actions in light of these values.
89
SCHOOL POLICIES
Lying is making a false statement with the intent to deceive.
Stealing is taking another person’s property without permission.
Cheating is looking at notes, texts, the Internet, or a classmate’s paper during a quiz, test, exam, or evaluative exercise, regardless of intent.
either intentionally or unintentionally.
order to cheat or plagiarize is an honor offense. Students are responsible for taking reasonable precautions to ensure that their work is not improperly obtained
and used by others. It is important that students assume that any work to be
graded is to be done independently unless instructed otherwise by the teacher.
Major Rules
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School rules at Holton are few. In addition to the Honor Code, the following
rules are designed to support the values of respect, courtesy, responsibility, and
integrity.
Drugs: Any student found using, sharing, possessing, selling, or under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription drugs for which the student does not
have a valid prescription in School, enroute to or from School, on a school
bus, or at a school function, is subject to immediate expulsion.
No drugs, either patent or prescription, may be used at or brought to School
without the knowledge of the School Nurse; medication must be taken
medication from another student. All prescription medication needed during
the school day must be dispensed by the School Nurse.
Alcohol: A student may not be on the campus nor come to any off-campus
and her family must follow the recommendation of the evaluation.
Tobacco: No student may smoke, or use tobacco in any other manner, on campus, at a school function, or on a school bus.
Invasion of Privacy and Property: No student may invade the privacy of other
members of the school community by entering lockers, bookbags, desks,
files, or cars without permission of the owner. This rule includes the disturbing, defacing, or “decorating” of any car on campus. The School attempts to
foster respect for personal property and the privacy of the individual.
This includes making a mess or writing on desks, walls, lockers, or in the
dining room. Having this rule obviates time-consuming and costly repairs
and an unsightly physical plant, both of which are detrimental to the morale
of the students and the faculty.
SCHOOL POLICIES
out of School or flip another student’s attendance tag. Each student must be
responsible for recording her own coming and going. When a student arrives
late, she must sign in immediately. When she leaves early, she must sign out
at the time of departure. The exact time and destination and the name of the
person granting the permission must be recorded on the sign-out sheet to
assure the best possible school security.
Skipping School: No student may be absent from school (including classes,
study hall, assemblies, class meetings, and consortium classes) without the
permission of the School.
Swimming Pool/Theater: No student may be in the natatorium/theater without
Holton-approved personnel present. This rule is strictly enforced. Unauthorized presence in the swimming pool building and failure to comply with
swimming pool regulations are major offenses punishable by severe disciplinary action.
Technology: All students must abide by the guidelines and rules set forth in
the Holton-Arms School Communication and Information Systems Code
of Conduct. Access to the School’s computing equipment, facilities, and
networks is a privilege, not a right, and places on all students the responsibility to use these resources in an effective, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
Students are prohibited from any activity that impedes the work of others,
threatens user privacy, or uses system resources for purposes unrelated to
legitimate learning in a school setting.
Other Rules and
Reminders
to develop increasing levels of discipline as they progress through the School. In
addition to the Major Rules, please remember the following:
school activities.
• No gum-chewing on campus at any time.
• Student use of the elevators is restricted to those students who have suffered
an injury or are ill.
• Food and drinks may not be taken out of the Dining Room or the Middle
School Study Hall.
• Requests to bring guests to School should be made several days in advance.
• Squirt guns, lighters, matches, televisions, and any other such item that
may impede the learning process or cause distraction to others are not to be
brought to school.
• Students are not to light matches or lighters on the school campus.
• Students may not walk through school buildings wearing cleats or tap shoes.
• Middle School students must keep their cell phones turned off and out of
sight during the school day.
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SCHOOL POLICIES
TECHNOLOGY: PURCHASING AND SUPPORT
Computer Purchases
Seventh and eighth grade students purchase their own iPads for school use.
Students may only use their required school iPad on campus and may not bring a
non-designated device to school for school use.
Support
The Technology Department provides on-site service and support for all iPads.
If the Department cannot resolve the problem, it will work with off-campus
repair providers or direct families to the appropriate resource. In the event that a
student machine is sent out for repairs, the School will make every effort to provide the student with a loaner iPad for that period of time. The IT Help Desk,
located on the second floor of the Middle/Upper School building, is open during
the academic year, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and
during the summer Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It also can be reached via telephone at 301-3656468 or by email at help@holton-arms.edu. Once a student graduates or leaves
Holton, the Help Desk cannot support the student’s iPad.
Backing Up Data
Students sometimes lose data on their iPads, and in some situations, the data
cannot be retrieved. Help Desk technicians will use normal means to try to
recover any data on a machine, but they cannot spend more than 30 minutes
recovering data on any one iPad, in order to be able to help all students, faculty,
and staff in need. Therefore, it is every student’s responsibility to back up her
work daily to minimize the chance of data loss in the event of a problem or hardware failure. We strongly encourage students to use iCloud to back up their files
regularly; once set up, the process is automatic. Students with questions on how
to back up their data should check in with the Technology Department for help
on learning how to do so.
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Internet Filter
Holton-Arms provides content-filtered Internet access to students on campus.
While on campus, students should limit Internet browsing to what is required
for classes and other school activities.
App Installation
and Use
Students should remember that iPads are intended for school work only and
should not install apps that would distract them from using the iPads for that
primary purpose.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Guidelines
Students are expected to act professionally and appropriately when using the
Internet. The growing use of the Internet has blurred the lines between personal
and School-related conduct. Students should understand that certain expectations for conduct extend into the personal online world of social networking,
blogs, and other communication tools, especially as regards any mention of the
School, or members of the school community. Students should at all times respect the privacy of the Holton-Arms community, and not divulge or post online
personally identifying information about any member of the school community
without permission (including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, photos, videos, etc.). Students must take proper care in any online interactions
and maintain high standards of conduct.
Policies
includes not using music or video for which has not been paid and crediting the authors of any material used in student work. Students may not copy
software without the license to do so. The School librarians are excellent
3. Students may not take pictures, video, or sound recordings of anyone without her or his permission. If photographing a School activity for a student
publication, she must obtain prior authorization from the publication’s advisor. Regardless of permission, the recording features of any device may not
be used in bathrooms or locker rooms under any circumstances.
members of the School community (including photos, videos, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or work) without their permission
is prohibited.
5. Students must use School-approved methods (primarily Holton email) when
contacting School employees.
violation of school policy. The School also monitors the use of its network
and Internet connection, and students should have no expectation of privacy
systems.
Policy Violations
Any violation of the technology policy is grounds for Holton-Arms to:
(b) Revoke and/or restrict the student’s use of or access to Communication and
Information Systems, including restricting networking privileges, access to
the Internet and/or use of email; and/or
Students should report any policy violations to the Director of Library and
Information Systems, their Division Director, and/or the Head of School.
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STUDENT CONDUCT
Middle School follows the Holton-Arms Honor Code, major rules, Statement
of Respect, and other school policies described in the “General Information”
section. Our Honor Code and the major rules are explained at the beginning of
the school year during several advisory and class meetings. These conversations
are designed to ensure that all students understand what the rules mean and
why we have them. Plagiarism in particular is discussed with all Middle School
students in the classroom setting as it pertains to research in specific disciplines.
In all cases involving an honor offense (lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism), the
parents are notified so that a coordinated response with an educational outcome
can be discussed.
Students are expected to behave courteously, respectfully, and responsibly in
Middle School. They are increasingly capable of monitoring and controlling their
own behavior, and we encourage them to assume this responsibility. The success
of the School community depends on the cooperation of all members.
Breaking school rules, acting disruptively, or failing to meet a reasonable responsibility may result in the assignment of “points,” which vary according to the
offense and the teacher’s judgment. The following are general guidelines:
5 points 4 points Breaking a major school rule
Disrespect to another person
Major disruption of teaching/learning
Leaving iPad unattended
Misuse of technology (e.g., using iPad during class for non-academic
purposes)
3 points Minor disruption of teaching/learning
Inappropriate language
2 points Failing to meet a reasonable responsibility
Making or leaving a mess
Use of cellphones and other mobile devices
1 point Chewing gum
Eating or drinking in an inappropriate space (e.g., hallways, classrooms)
Leaving locker unlocked or rigged
Forgetting to flip attendance tag
Arriving late to class
Dressing out of uniform (including P.E. uniform)
Points accumulate by marking period, and the accumulation of five points results
in detention served during the student’s lunch period. Time in detention is spent
in silence, completing a specific detention assignment. Students should not
expect to work on homework, free reading, or other tasks of their own choosing
during detention.
Students, parents, and advisor are notified of each detention. If a student accumulates three or more detentions, a conference with that student and her parents
may be scheduled depending upon individual circumstances. If a student accumulates four detentions, the student is subject to suspension or other disciplinary
action.
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There may also be circumstances whereby a student’s misbehavior prevents her
from participating in upcoming School social events.
The response to extreme misbehavior or an infraction of the Honor Code is
typically suspension or inspension for one or more days and a parent conference.
Graded work missed during a suspension must be made up, but without the
teacher’s help.
Religious Holiday
Policy
Holton-Arms is a nonsectarian school that celebrates diversity within its community. The School encourages its members to honor their various religious
commitments that may fall on a school day. For that reason, all absences for
religious observance are automatically recorded as excused. Holton asks its students to communicate their needs openly and expects its faculty to support those
students and their religious beliefs and practices. It is necessary, however, for
the safety and well-being of our students, that the school be aware of all student
absences. Therefore, the following policy is in effect for religious holidays that
occur when school is in session:
Families will notify the Middle School division office three days prior to the
holiday absence. Parents should understand that school personnel will call the
homes of all students whose parents have not notified the school in advance in
order to verify the whereabouts of students who are not at school. As with any
anticipated absence, it is the responsibility of the students to talk with teachers
to find out what schoolwork will be missed, and when the work is due after the
holiday. Teachers understand that for many holidays it is not appropriate for students to work during the holiday. Accordingly, teachers will not require make-up
homework on the day students return, unless a non-holiday weekend precedes or
immediately follows the holiday.
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DIVISION OFFICE AND ADVISORS
Division Director
Mr. Shawe serves as the Middle School Director, overseeing the academic and
extracurricular programs in grades 7 and 8. He works closely with faculty to
formulate Middle School policy, to evaluate existing programs and procedures,
and to develop new programs. Mr. Shawe also serves as the Seventh Grade Class
Dean, keeping track of academic progress, assisting with schedule changes, and
other tasks designed to support seventh-grade students.
Counselor
Ms. Edma serves as the Middle School Counselor, focusing on the social/emotional well-being of all students. She also works closely with parents and teachers to ensure that students receive the proper support. Ms. Edma supervises the
guidance and advisory programs and she serves as the Eighth Grade Class Dean,
keeping track of academic progress, assisting with schedule changes, and other
tasks designed to support eighth-grade students.
Learning Resource
Specialist
Ms. Whitley serves as the Learning Resource Specialist. She works closely with
students, their parents, and the faculty in the assessment and support of students.
Students may be referred to Ms. Whitley by the student’s parents, her classroom
teachers, her Class Dean, or through self-referral. When necessary, the Learning Resource Specialist can perform baseline assessments and/or refer a student
to outside professionals for psycho-educational testing. Such testing provides
recommendations for accommodations and strategies for both the student and
her teachers. The Learning Resource Specialist plays a pivotal role in interpreting test results, helping to implement accommodations and strategies with the
student and her classroom teachers, and setting up appropriate tutoring.
Administrative
Assistant
Ms. McMillen serves as the Middle School Administrative Assistant, responsible
for the everyday operation of the Middle School Office. She serves as a resource
to students, parents, and faculty.
Advisors
Each Middle School student has a faculty advisor, usually for the full two years,
with whom she consults about school life and any other topics she chooses.
Advisors meet regularly with students to review report cards, help establish goals,
and check in with each advisee about her overall school experience (e.g., friendships, relationships with teachers, extracurricular interests, etc.).
Parents are encouraged to contact their daughter’s advisor any time they have a
concern or wish to share information. Parents may also contact the Class Dean
(Mr. Shawe for seventh grade, Mrs. Edma for eighth grade), who coordinates the
faculty’s and advisors’ work with students in that grade.
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ACADEMIC POLICIES
Holton-Arms
Grading Scale
Effort Grades
Number and letter grade equivalencies:
A+ 97 - 100%
A 93 - 96
B+ 87 - 89
B 83 - 86
C+ 77 - 79
C 73 - 76
D+ 67 - 69
D 63 - 66
A-
B-
C-
D-
F
90 - 92
80 - 82
70 - 72
60 - 62
below 60
Effort grades range from 5 (strongest effort) to 1 (weakest effort).
Effort Grade Criteria
1. Coming to class promptly, with assigned work completed and correct class
materials, ready to begin work.
2. Contributing positively to class discussion: answering questions raised by the
teacher or by a student and sharing ideas and insights with the class.
3. Paying attention in class: listening to the teacher or student who is speaking
and taking notes when appropriate.
4. Exercising self-control by refraining from comments and actions that are
inappropriate in content or timing.
5. Cooperating with the teacher in fostering a classroom atmosphere of courtesy, mutual respect, and productive activity.
6. Taking the initiative to anticipate absences, to make up missed work, to keep
appointments, and to seek help from the teacher when necessary.
7. Correcting homework and classwork, and keeping papers readily accessible
for efficient review.
8. Writing legibly and neatly, heading papers, and keeping notebooks in an
orderly fashion.
9. Making an independent effort to learn.
Additional criteria applying to specific disciplines are discussed in class.
Report Cards
Teachers evaluate student work regularly and report formally to parents at
the end of each quarter. Written comments accompany grades on the schedule
below. At the end of the first marking period, Middle School conducts
parent/teacher conferences on two days in November to discuss student progress
and to collaborate on goals for the year. Students in Grade 8 participate in their
conferences.
Marking Period 1
Marking Period 2
Marking Period 3
Marking
Period 4
Major subjects
Course grades
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Effort grades
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Teacher comments
Yes
No
Yes
No
Minor subjects
Course grades
No
Yes
No
Yes
Effort grades
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Teacher comments
Yes
No
Yes
No
Advisor commentsNoYesNoYes
Parent ConferencesYesNoNoNo
97
In addition to scheduled reports, teachers often communicate with parents via
telephone calls, email messages, or progress reports, sent whenever a student’s
work changes significantly or otherwise warrants comment.
Parents are welcome to contact the teacher to discuss the report, the advisor to
discuss the report in the context of the student’s overall progress, or the Class
Dean to arrange for a conference with one or more teachers, the student’s advisor, and/or the Class Dean.
Exams
Year Grade
Calculation
Grade Point Average
Exams occur in March at the end of the third quarter. These cumulative assessments cover material from the second and third quarters and serve as important
practice for students as they learn to organize and assimilate larger amounts of
information. The length of the exam increases from seventh to eighth grade, as
students gain more comfort in taking this type of assessment.
Semester 1
+
Semester 2
+
Exam
=
Year Grade
45% 45%+10%=100%
Holton-Arms does not rank students in class or maintain an honor roll. The
minimum grade point average (calculated on major courses only) for promotion
in Middle School is 73.
Middle School students are assessed on a wide variety of academic performances:
timeliness and completeness of homework assignments; written tests and quizzes,
both timed and untimed; written pieces composed in class and at home under
varying conditions; oral reports and presentations; group research projects; and
individual projects of all kinds. We believe that this variety in assignments is developmentally appropriate while our girls are learning how to be good students.
Because report card grades tend to reflect all of these efforts, not just tests, the
minimum grade point average of 73 (calculated on major courses only) required
for promotion is not necessarily a predictor of success at the next level, where
grades are more likely to be the reflection of written tests and papers. Therefore,
on rare occasions, the Middle School may recommend seeking alternative school
placement even when the 73 average has been achieved, if we believe that such
placement is in the best interest of the student.
Teachers also assess each student’s mastery of skills considered essential for success at the next level. They observe and discuss a student’s learning style and her
approach to her work, including how she goes about her homework, how she
asks questions in class, and how she responds to various challenges. They note
evidence of intellectual curiosity. The Middle School Class Deans, Counselor,
and Learning Specialist contribute to this overall assessment. Information from
consulting specialists outside the school is also considered as applicable. In all
special cases involving a recommendation for alternative school placement, the
school will work closely with parents during the course of the school year.
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ATTENDANCE
Attendance
Attendance is checked daily in morning assembly, advisor/advisee meetings, or
class meetings by means of the tag board. Morning meetings begin promptly at
8 a.m., and any girl whose tag is not flipped at that time is either late or absent. Students arriving after 8 a.m. should sign in at the Middle School Office
before going to class. Attendance at morning meeting is expected. Parents of all
absentees should contact the Middle School Administrative Assistant by email
or phone before 8:15 a.m. to report the reason for the absence. Attendance is also
checked in each class. Any report of a girl missing from class is investigated and
resolved at once.
Students are expected to arrive to campus in plenty of time to get ready for a
smooth and punctual start to their day (which could be morning assembly, advisory, or class). Students receive one point if they are late for the 8 a.m. start twice
within the same week.
Parents are urged to inform the Middle School when they will be away from
home and to provide us with the names and telephone numbers of the adults in
charge during their absence.
Parents are asked to email or call the Middle School Office a day in advance if
their daughter must miss part of a school day for a medical appointment. Students are expected to sign in or out in the Middle School Office if they arrive or
depart during the school day. A student who goes home sick must be excused by
the School Nurse and then sign out in the Middle School Office.
The school nurse is not licensed to diagnose illness, but to identify the signs and
symptoms of illness or injury during school hours. If the student develops signs
or symptoms of contagious illness or injury during the school day, the school
nurse will contact the parents/guardians and the student will need to be picked
up early from school. The nurse will also determine if immediate medical attention is required for the ill or injured student. Students are not allowed to be
left in the nurse’s office for extended periods of time, particularly if potentially
contagious. A student who is absent for an extended period of time due to illness
or injury is expected to bring a note from a licensed medical practitioner upon
her return to school. In an effort to maintain a healthy community, students who
are sick should not come to school for the sole purpose of taking a test or attending a specific class; instead, they should remain at home until they can return to
school full-time.
A student who is not in school by 10 a.m. for her regular classes on a given day
is not allowed to attend practices, games, rehearsals, performances, or activities
after school that day or that evening. An exception may be made if the partial
absence is for a religious observance or a funeral, or in other extenuating circumstances. If health reasons limit a student’s participation in physical activity on a
particular day, she must bring a note from her parents. If she is to miss Physical
Education/Athletics for more than a day or two, she must bring a doctor’s note.
99
Absences are excused for illness and for events such as religious observances,
medical appointments, weddings and graduations of immediate family members,
or visits to siblings at college – provided that notification is received in advance.
It is understood that a student who anticipates an absence must arrange with her
teachers a plan to make up missed work. P.E./Athletics are part of the academic
day for all middle school students; therefore, medical appointments should not
be regularly scheduled during this time.
In Middle School, the student herself is expected to take responsibility for
material missed during absences adjacent to school vacations or for discretionary absences at other times. Teachers are not expected to reteach material missed
during such an absence; nor are they expected to supply materials in advance of
such absences. Attendance is important. An overall absence rate of more than 10
percent may jeopardize a student’s promotion.
Absences and
Assignments
When a student is absent, in most cases she will know most of her homework assignments already from her assignment sheets or her teachers’ postings on course
pages. Teachers are in the habit of posting class handouts on their course pages.
In the event of lengthy absences due to illness, the Class Dean or advisor will assist with the collection, forwarding, and adjustment of assignments.
Following any absence, the student should arrange a plan with her teachers to
make up the work she has missed. It is the student’s responsibility to make this
plan within a day of her return to school. If the student needs assistance in devising this plan, her advisor is available to help her. In the event of an unusually
lengthy absence, the Class Dean will help her to develop the plan, and more than
a day may be necessary.
At the teacher’s discretion, a student may be required to take a test on the day of
her return, especially if the preparation for the test occurred before the absence.
Assigned papers must be handed in at the time and on the day stipulated by
the teacher. Late papers may be penalized for each school day they are late. If a
student is absent because of illness, the paper is due within a day of her return to
class, unless otherwise agreed by the teacher.
Research papers or projects are due at class time on the day specified by the
teacher. Long-term papers and projects are assigned well in advance. If a student is absent, she is nevertheless responsible for seeing that her paper/project is
submitted electronically or delivered by a parent or a classmate. Otherwise, the
paper/project is late unless prior arrangements with the teacher have been made.
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COMMUNICATION
Every Middle School student has a mailbox and should check it frequently.
Mailbox flyers are distributed to students to take home for a variety of events:
school photographs, student social events, and so on. Students also receive notes
from the Office, from their teachers, and from their friends in their mailboxes.
If information is time-sensitive, the Middle School Office will share it with a
student as soon as possible. Unless it is an urgent matter, the office will not interrupt classtime to deliver messages.
Middle School teachers also have mailboxes, accessible only to Holton staff.
Items for faculty mailboxes should be brought to the Middle School Office.
Email is the most reliable message system for teachers.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Community Service
Middle School Council
Our hope is that the experience and the habit of community service will spark
in students a genuine interest in and commitment to helping others. We typically focus on the following areas: the environment, senior citizens, children with
special needs, animal welfare, and food for the needy. Students participate in a
variety of service activities throughout the year, including middle school-wide
service days, advisory projects, and additional opportunities after school and
on the weekend. There is also an eighth grade service trip to New Orleans over
spring break and a Holton-Landon middle school trip to Belize in the summer.
Class officers for each Middle School grade serve one year. Eighth grade class
officers are elected in the spring of their seventh grade year. Seventh grade class
officers are elected in the fall. The class officers from both seventh and eighth
grades form the Middle School Council. Candidates for class or Council office
must be eligible for promotion to the next grade level.
Under the guidance of faculty sponsors, Ms. Whitley and Ms. Walthall, Middle
School Council members strive to serve the entire Middle School community: they plan Middle School social activities, run the snack store, and foster
school spirit in a variety of ways. Council acts as a forum for discussion of issues
brought by students or teachers, and it responds to and initiates suggestions for
change. Seventh and eighth grade class officers also conduct their respective class
meetings and serve as leaders in planning class activities. Parent Grade Reps may
help the girls with these projects.
Performing Groups
Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra musicians are selected by audition from the
membership of the Middle and Upper School instrumental ensembles. These
two groups meet before the school day and offer additional training and performing opportunities for highly motivated musicians.
101
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
The Holton-Arms Middle School program recognizes and responds to the
unique characteristics of young adolescents in its instruction, activities, expectations, and goals. In the Middle School, we seek to develop and strengthen
fundamental skills in a variety of activities. Coaches and students should seek to
explore rather than specialize in athletic opportunities. Middle school athletics
will focus on teamwork and sportsmanship, health and safety, responsibility and
accountability, and building meaningful relationships. At this level, an effort is
made to offer athletes on interscholastic teams equal playing time.
The emphasis at the Middle School level is to encourage participation in the
interscholastic sports program and to improve skills. We also aim to encourage
sportsmanship, socialization, and fun.
All Middle School students are required to participate in “Physical Education/
Athletics” during the last period of the school day. Each season, Middle School
students will gather to choose one activity from a wide range of competitive (interscholastic team) and non-competitive (individual or fitness-oriented) options.
Participation in P.E./Athletics will occur four days out of every six-day cycle and
will usually conclude by 3:30 p.m. (except when there is a game).
All students must have a physical exam report on file prior to participation in
P.E./Athletics. If a student has a prolonged illness, a doctor’s note will be required before returning to practice.
Transportation is provided to away matches. Students are expected to travel to
and from games with the team. A student may leave an away game only with a
parent or a guardian. Exceptions to this rule must have prior approval from the
Athletic Director.
For questions or concerns regarding physical education classes or the interscholastic sports program, parents are invited to call the Director of Athletics
& Physical Education, Julie Treadwell, at 301.365.6044. We welcome parental
input and support.
P.E. Uniform
All Middle School students must purchase and wear the required P.E. uniform,
consisting of the following:
Shorts: navy uniform shorts
Shirts: one navy and one white team jersey
Shoes: sneakers
The P.E./Athletic uniform is available to seventh graders and all new students
during the first days of school through the Athletic Department.
102
OTHER TOPICS
Homework Haven
Homework Haven is a program designed for Middle School students who must
remain on campus after the school day has ended. Adult supervision and snacks
are provided. Its mission is to provide students an opportunity to work on school
assignments in a structured, quiet classroom environment. All Middle School
students who have not been picked up 45 minutes after the close of school must
report to Homework Haven. Students must be picked up by 6 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
Backpacks
Students may not carry their backpacks to class during the school day. They may
carry books for one or two classes only. Lockers are provided for storage. Student
laptops/iPads must be carried in the proper case.
Field Trips
In addition to community service trips, Middle School students take other field
trips during the year, usually related to one of their courses. The generic electronic permission form covers all curricular field trips that occur during school hours.
Separate forms will be issued and collected for any trip that extends beyond regular school hours (such as outdoor education) so that parents are fully informed.
Fire Drills
Students, faculty, and staff should follow the exit routes posted in each room and
proceed without talking or retrieving outer wear in single file to the nearest exit.
Middle School students will gather for attendance as instructed in a designated
area.
Gifts to Teachers
During the winter holiday season or at the end of the year, Middle School students may choose to express good wishes to teachers and staff members, and the
habit of gift-giving can be a lovely family custom. We suggest that the expression
of good wishes, thanks, or holiday greetings be entirely voluntary on the part of
the student and be restricted to a handwritten note or card, or a contribution in
the teacher’s name to a favorite charity.
Guests
If a Middle School student wishes to bring a guest to school, she must present a
written request from her parents three days in advance for approval by the Division Director. Holton reserves the right to limit the number and the frequency of
guests, especially on days adjacent to school vacations. Prospective students must
visit officially, through the Admissions Office, though they may request their
Middle School friends as hostesses.
103
Homework
Our college preparatory program expects that students spend time after school
hours completing homework. We believe that homework is one way to help
students manage their time, to learn effective study strategies, and to develop
a sense of self-discipline and independence. While assignments will differ in
length and type depending upon the content of the course and the nature of
the particular assignment, seventh and eighth graders should expect to spend
approximately 25 minutes on each subject. Students with special learning needs
may need to allot more than the average amount of time to homework preparation. Teachers are expected to post homework assignments on their course pages
several days in advance and work with students on effective ways to tackle longterm projects.
We encourage students to assume responsibility for their homework. If a student
misses school due to illness, she is expected to get the homework assignments
from the course page. If a student knows in advance that she will miss school,
she is expected to speak with her teachers before and after an absence to ensure
she receives all necessary information. Parents should become involved in the
homework process only if a student is spending a consistently inordinate amount
of time on homework or if an issue arises in a particular class. In this case, parents should initiate contact with the teacher, the advisor, or the Class Dean.
Alice S. Marriott
Library
School Service
School Store
Middle School students are encouraged to use the Middle and Upper School library. The Alice S. Marriott Library’s collection consists of about 14,000 volumes
and a large number of periodicals, newspapers, and other audiovisual materials and audiovisual equipment. The library is fully automated and also contains
computer stations for student use. Library hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every
effort is made to provide a wide range of materials to satisfy the students’ needs
and interests. Suggestions for purchase are always welcome, as are ideas for
library programs, services, and displays. A detailed description of library services
and procedures is presented to all students at the beginning of the school year.
All Middle School students rotate by advisor group through several weekly service assignments: lunch cleanup, Study Hall cleanup, and lost and found. Each
student has a service assignment about every four weeks.
School supplies may be purchased from the School Store and charged to the
student’s account. Students purchase textbooks online. During the school year,
the School Store is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bills for School Store charges are
mailed home twice per year. Middle School students have unlimited access to the
School Store. They may need to be reminded that purchases, accomplished in return for stating their name and grade, are not as free as the convenience suggests.
We continue to offer a limited used book program. Students may turn in certain
textbooks in excellent shape during exam week in June. Approved used books
will be sold at a substantial discount in August on a first-come, first-served basis.
If her book is sold, the original owner will receive a small rebate.
104
NOTE: For English courses, all students must have their own, new books. They
may not re-use books inherited from siblings or friends. No used English books will be available for purchase at the used book sale.
Study Hall
Each Middle School student who has a free period is to use this time as a study
hall. The Middle School believes that a reasonably quiet, orderly, yet comfortable
place with varied study options helps the student establish good study habits and
creates a suitable climate for learning. Students are to report to the Study Hall
or a classroom, and during this period, they are expected to complete homework,
meet with teachers, and engage in other academic activities.
Technology Resources
All Middle School students have iPads. In addition, Middle School students
have access to desktop computers in various locations throughout the academic
building, including the Alice S. Marriott Library. Students may use these computers as available and in accordance with the School’s guidelines for acceptable
use of technology. (Signing the School’s acceptable use agreement confers email
and Internet privileges upon Middle School students.) The primary purpose of
the school’s computer resources is educational; therefore, the use of a computer
for educational purposes always takes precedence over any recreational or personal activity. iPads should be carried in an approved case and must not be left
unattended.
Tutors
Any tutoring of Middle School students must take place beyond school hours.
We want our students working with their teachers at school during the school
day. Parents are asked to notify the Middle School Learning Resource Specialist
whenever tutoring is ongoing, starts, or stops.
105
THE HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL UNIFORM
Logo always refers to the Holton logo. • All clothing must be clean, neat, in good repair, hemmed, and must fit appropriately.
• Skirts must measure no more than five inches above the knee, and they should be big enough to be buttoned and zipped
closed (no rolling) • All clothing should be labelled with student’s name. • No sweatpants may be worn under the uniform. •
Navy bike or gym shorts may be worn under the uniform, but may not be visible below the uniform. • Dress for field trips is at
the teacher’s discretion.
NOTE: The Holton plaid is identifed in Land’s End materials as the “white plaid.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SHIRTS
White short or long sleeved logo golf shirt
White logo turtleneck
Plain white T-shirt under uniform shirt
SKIRTS
Holton plaid skirt
See above for details regarding proper fit.
PANTS
SKORTS/SHORTS
SWEATERS/
SWEATSHIRTS/
JACKETS
Navy cardigan or crewneck sweater with logo
SOCKS
Navy or white socks
Navy, gray, or white ankle length dance leggings
SHOES
No high heels
JEWELRY/
ACCESSORIES
No requirement
DRESS FOR
FRIDAYS
Uniform skirts or slacks
Out-of-uniform shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Holton P.E. uniform (shirt and shorts)†
Sneakers
Issued to students first day of school and billed
to Holton accounts
†
106
Holton-Arms Upper School
2015–2016 Handbook
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mission Statement
96
School Motto
96
Philosophy96
96
Diversity Mission Statement
97
Counseling Mission Statement
97
SCHOOL POLICIES
Honor Code
Bullying and Harassment Policy
Major School Rules
98
98
100
100
THE UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT COMMUNITY
Representative Assembly
102
Honor Code and Honor Council
102
Major Rules
102
Minor Rules
102
Detention Policies
103
Reporting Disciplinary Actions
103
Special Procedures - Appeals Process
103
Special Procedures - End of Semester 103
Infractions
Survey Monkey Policy
104
Rules To Remember
104
Community of Concern
105
Off-Campus Party Policy
105
TECHNOLOGY: GUIDELINES AND POLICIES106
Guidelines
106
Policies
106
Policy Violations
106
UPPER SCHOOL INFORMATION
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
107
Requirements for Graduation
107
Community Service
107
Summer Course Work
108
Add/Drop Policy
108
Audit108
Pass/Fail Option
108
Homework108
Testing Calendar
108
Holton-Landon Classes
108
Online School for Girls
109
Independent Study
109
Senior Project
109
Learning Resource Services
Tutoring Policy
110
111
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Holton-Arms Grading Scale
Numeric Grading Criteria
Effort Grades
Marking Period Information
Semester Grade Calculation Year Grade Calculation
Academic Honors
Cum Laude
Academic Probation
112
112
112
113
113
113
113
114
114
114
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
115
Attendance115
Daily Attendance Procedures
115
Full Day Absence
115
Illness at School
115
Religious Holiday Policy
116
Absence Due to Extended Illness
116
Excessive Absences
116
Parents Out of Town
117
End-of-Year Activites
117
Absences, Assignments, and Course Pages 117
Test Absences
117
ATHLETICS118
Your Role As a Student-Athlete
119
The Holton-Arms Athletic Association (HAA) 119
OTHER TOPICS
Fire Drills
Lost and Found
Parking and Driving on Campus
The Holton-Arms School Uniform
120
120
120
120
121
TECHNOLOGY: PURCHASING & SUPPORT 122
Computer Purchases
122
Support122
Backing Up Data
122
Internet Filter
122
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
123
CLASS GOVERNMENT
123
ADMINISTRATION124
Division Office
124
Department Chairs
124
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mission Statement
School Motto
Philosophy
The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of
young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and
spirit.” *
Inveniam viam aut faciam • I will find a way or make one.
Founded in 1901, Holton-Arms is a college-preparatory school for girls grades
3-12 dedicated to the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.”
backgrounds can take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue opportunities for leadership, and build lifelong friendships. Holton-Arms is a vibrant community that
values consistency and order as well as creativity and freedom.
We seek to develop personal integrity and the sense of responsibility that help
young women to make wise and ethical choices. We work to build the values of
respect, compassion, and service to others, within the School and in local, national, and global communities.
changing world.
* Jessie Moon Holton
At Holton-Arms, we believe that by demonstrating understanding and acceptance of each person, we enable one another to thrive. Our goal is to create a
respectful environment, based on trust, which allows for individuality, support,
and security for all members of the community. This Statement of Respect is the
first step towards that goal.
We define respect as the recognition and consideration of the dignity, worth,
rights, and safety of each person, as an individual and as a member of the community. Respect entails acknowledging and seeking to understand different
beliefs and values, even if they are not our own.
We believe that successful learning is a process which depends upon a willingness to take risks, ask difficult questions, and make mistakes. We strive to be a
community where individuals are aware of the impact their actions may have on
others and where each of us will assume responsibility for acting in a way that
helps to create and maintain a respectful community. Such a community should
be a place where we interact and engage in conversation openly, explore similarities and differences candidly, and view experiences of conflict as an opportunity
to grow.
96
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK • 2015–2016
GENERAL INFORMATION
Diversity Mission
Statement
The Holton-Arms School, within the context of its educational mission, seeks
inclusion, equity, and pluralism in its policies, practices, and programs and
teaches respect for the rights of all people.
Rationale
changing world, to endow each girl with a profound sense of respect for herself
and her community, and to help each girl reach her full potential. In founding
this school, Jessie Moon Holton believed that education has the power to liberate
the mind and spirit. She was a strong advocate of kindness, understanding, cooperation, and service. At Holton-Arms, we understand the importance of education in achieving flexibility of thinking, respect for differences, moral courage,
and appreciation for common ground. We also recognize that these educational
goals are rarely achieved without occasional conflict; Holton-Arms, therefore,
provides a forum for reasoned and honest discussion involving a range of opinions and personal experiences where civility, respect, and depth of understanding
may be developed.
Counseling Mission
Statement
The mission of the Holton-Arms counselors is to promote the healthy emotional development of our students. Since its founding Holton-Arms has been
dedicated “to the education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit,” of
young women. Counselors help students to identify and articulate thoughts and
feelings that would otherwise interfere with their ability to focus in the classroom. Students are encouraged to recognize the connection between emotions
and behavior.
Counseling is an integral part of the Holton curriculum and is available in all
three divisions. Counselors help “cultivate that which is unique in each individual,” by using a variety of modalities, including classroom guidance and individual,
group, and family therapy. Counselors work in close collaboration with parents
and teachers.
97
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL POLICIES
Honor and Behavior
Expectations
Holton’s school philosophy and Honor Code. Each student should seek to
exhibit personal integrity, responsibility to herself and others, and respect for
cultural and individual differences. We hope that these principles will guide
students in their interactions with faculty and peers and help to inform them
when faced with moral decisions.
interfere with the normal functioning of classes, the library, or any part of the
school program. Each student has an obligation to treat school property with
care and to behave so that she does not detract from the purposeful activities of
her classmates and teachers. Each student is expected to behave thoughtfully and
respectfully in her relationships with her classmates, the faculty, and the staff.
The School reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose academic
progress or attendance is unsatisfactory or whose conduct is in violation of the
Honor Code, the rules of the School, or whose behavior is disrespectful, disruptive, or inappropriate. Rules cannot cover all situations, and the absence of a
rule does not constitute approval. It is therefore essential that students and their
parents understand and support both the letter and spirit of the rules. While a
girl is enrolled at Holton, she is responsible to the School for any conduct that
may bring discredit upon the School.
the federal and state laws pertaining to the possession and use of alcohol, drugs,
and cigarettes. Within the jurisdiction of the School, any violation of these laws
will immediately jeopardize the position of the student within the School community.
Honor Code
One of the goals of the Holton-Arms School is to encourage personal integrity.
The School stresses the value of personal honor and ethical responsibility and
believes that a strong school community is founded on concern for the individual
and mutual trust.
An Honor Code was established by juniors and seniors in 1950, and each Middle
and Upper School student is expected to abide by it. In the Lower School,
specific guidance is given toward the development of a sense of honor, with the
purpose of preparing students to understand and to accept personally the Honor
Code. In the Middle or Upper School, should a student observe an honor offense
(lying, stealing, cheating, plagiarism), she is obliged to tell the offender to report
herself or to report the offender.
• Lying is making a false statement with the intent to deceive. Calling in sick
to complete a paper or going to the infirmary to avoid a test are examples of
lying.
• Stealing is taking another person’s property without permission. Some
examples of stealing include taking someone else’s notes, textbooks, bookbag,
or anything from another’s mailbox. The unauthorized removal of materials
from the Library is an honor offense.
98
GENERAL INFORMATION
•
•
Cheating is gaining an unfair advantage over fellow students. It can include
looking at a classmate’s paper during a quiz, test, exam, or evaluative exercise,
regardless of intent. It can also include looking at any mobile device such as
a cell phone, electronic documents, notes, texts, or storage device during any
evaluative exercise. Possession of unauthorized materials before or during a
testing situation is an honor offense. The use of another student’s computer,
storage device, or network account or viewing any materials that are not authorized by the teacher or with the permission of the teacher and the other
student is also cheating.
either intentionally or unintentionally. This rule requires that research be
properly documented. Students should refer any questions to their teachers.
It is an honor offense to use Spark Notes or similar study aids in lieu of a
careful reading and analysis of the text to complete any task assigned by the
English Department.*
order to cheat or plagiarize is an honor offense. Students are responsible for taking reasonable precautions to ensure that their work is not improperly obtained
and used by others. It is important that students assume that any work to be
graded is to be done independently unless instructed otherwise by the teacher.
The Honor Code applies under all circumstances including the Testing Center.
No bookbags, books, pencil cases, etc. are permitted in the Testing Center and
students using a laptop to complete an assessment must sit in such a manor that
their screen is visible from the hallway outside the Testing Center.
*The English Department strongly recommends that students not rely on Spark
Notes (or similar such study aids) in general. Students should be aware that
there are many serious errors and omissions in guides of this type. Students will
lose credit if, in any form of written work, a student has relied on Spark Notes
or similar study aids as the source of ideas presented. The English Department
also wants students to understand the potential risk that, having used these
study aids, they may inadvertently use the ideas presented therein as their own.
Spark Notes or similar study aids should not be used as a critical source for
papers where the assignment calls for students to use critical sources. The only
legitimate use of these aids is for review purposes, although even the most basic
information in these guides (such as character lists and plot description) may be
inaccurate or incomplete.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Bullying and
Harassment Policy
Holton-Arms School prides itself on providing a comfortable and safe environment for all. Bullying and harassment, whether intentional or unintentional, are
forms of inappropriate or unwanted conduct which annoy, intimidate, frighten,
threaten, or belittle another person. Bullying and harassment do not belong in
school and will not be tolerated. The School prohibits any form of bullying or
harassment — verbal, physical, or sexual.
Verbal bullying and harassment includes but is not limited to spoken, written,
emailed, or online posted communications. Physical bullying and harassment
includes but is not limited to stalking, intimidating, physically threatening, or
assaulting another person. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwanted suggestion, touching, spreading sexual rumors, sexual jokes or statements,
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature.
Any student who has a complaint of bullying or harassment or who is aware of
bullying or harassment directed toward another student is encouraged to report it
immediately to the Guidance Counselor, Dean of Students, or Division Director.
Students found guilty of bullying or harassment may face suspension or expulsion.
Major School Rules
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School rules at Holton are few. In addition to the Honor Code, the following
rules are designed to support the values of respect, courtesy, responsibility, and
integrity.
• Drugs: Any student found using, sharing, possessing, selling, or under the
influence of illegal drugs or prescription drugs for which the student does
not have a valid prescription while in School, on route to and from School,
on a school bus, or at a school function, is subject to immediate expulsion.
No drugs, either patent or prescription, may be used at or brought to School
without the knowledge of the School Nurse; medications must be taken
medication from another student or any adult other than the School Nurse
or medical technician. All prescription medication needed during the school
day must be dispensed by the School Nurse and be given from a pharmacylabeled container.
• Alcohol: A student may not be on the campus nor come to any off-campus
and her family must follow the recommendations of the evaluation.
• Tobacco: No student may smoke or use tobacco in any other manner on
campus, at a school function, or on a school bus.
• Invasion of Privacy and Property: No student may invade the privacy of
other members of the school community by entering lockers, bookbags,
desks, files, or cars without permission of the owner. This rule includes the
disturbing, defacing, or “decorating” of any car on campus. The School attempts to foster respect for personal property and the privacy of the
individual.
GENERAL INFORMATION
•
•
•
•
•
This includes making a mess or writing on desks, walls, lockers, or in the
dining room. Having this rule obviates time-consuming and costly repairs
and an unsightly physical plant, both of which are detrimental to the morale
of the students and the faculty.
out of school or check another student’s attendance box. Each student must
be responsible for recording her own coming and going. When a student arrives late, she must sign in immediately. When she leaves early, she must sign
out at the time of departure. The exact time and destination and the name
of the person granting permission must be recorded on the sign-out sheet to
assure the best possible school security.
Skipping School: No student may be absent from School (including classes,
advisory, study hall, assemblies, and class meetings) without the permission
of the School.
Swimming Pool/Theater: No student may be in the swimming pool/theaters without Holton-approved personnel present. This rule will be strictly
enforced. Unauthorized presence in the swimming pool building and failure
to comply with swimming pool regulations are major offenses, punishable by
severe disciplinary action.
Technology: All students must abide by the guidelines and rules set forth
in the Holton-Arms School Technology Guidelines and Policies. Access to
the School’s computing equipment, facilities, and network is a privilege, not
a right, and places on all students the responsibility to use these resources in
an effective, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Students are prohibited from
any activity that impedes the work of others, threatens user privacy, or uses
system resources for purposes unrelated to legitimate learning in a school
setting.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
THE UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT COMMUNITY
Representative
Assembly
Representative Assembly serves as the Upper School student government, acting
as a recommending body to the School and as a communications link among the
students, the faculty, and the administration. Representative Assembly works for
the students and is receptive to any ideas that students bring to it. Open meetings and forums are held so that students may offer ideas, opinions, and suggestions. In addition, Representative Assembly hears cases involving infractions of
Major Rules.
The membership of Representative Assembly consists of the following students:
the R.A. Director, Honor Council President, Assistant R.A. Director, the class
president, and two representatives from each class. The Dean of Students and
two faculty representatives serve as advisors. A copy of the student government
constitution is available upon request in the Upper School Office.
Honor Code and
Honor Council
The purpose of the Honor Council is to foster personal integrity and to guide
the students to value and to support the Honor Code. Because the Honor Code
is an expression of a school community’s integrity, a student who witnesses an
honor offense is obliged to tell the offender to turn herself in or to report the offense to a member of the faculty or the Honor Council. Students who have committed an honor offense will be asked to come to Honor Council which, when
appropriate, will recommend disciplinary action to the Director of the Upper
School, who makes the final decision. The members of the Honor Council are:
the Honor Council President, R.A. Director, Assistant R.A. Director, the class
president, and two representatives from the class of the student whose Honor
Code violation is in question.
Major Rules
Representative Assembly reviews all Major Rules violations. A student accused
of violating one of the Major Rules will be asked to come to an R.A. meeting
where the matter will be fully discussed. When appropriate, Representative Assembly will recommend disciplinary action to the Director of the Upper School,
who makes the final decision.
Minor Rules
It is each student’s responsibility to behave in such a way that does not interfere with the normal functioning of classes, the library, or any part of the school
program. Each student should treat school property with care and behave quietly
enough so that she does not interfere with classroom activities. Students are
expected to behave thoughtfully and respectfully in their relationships with
classmates, teachers, and staff. Students who do not behave in a respectful and
thoughtful manner will be disciplined.
A faculty or staff member may give points for any inappropriate behavior. For
example, two detention points are customary for being out of uniform, chewing
gum, being late to class, or having food or drink outside the dining room. Food
and drink may not be carried out of the dining room. Food or drink may be
consumed in classrooms or offices only during advisor/advisee meetings, when
a student is eating lunch due to a scheduling conflict, or when food is part of a
class’s curriculum for the day (i.e. when studying international foods in World
Languages class). Four points are typical for being late to school two or more
times within one week, for parking in a non-student space, for leaving a laptop
computer unattended, or for passing through the Middle School hallway while
classes are in session.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Students are expected to be courteous to all members of the community. Any
student who is discourteous by being uncooperative or disrespectful may be assigned four points - an automatic detention. In addition, the student can expect to have a conversation with the person who has judged her behavior to be
discourteous.
Detention Policies
Upon accumulating four points within a semester, the student will be assigned
to detention. Detention is held in the morning, before school begins, from
7 a.m. until 7:55 a.m. Students must report to detention on the day that they are
assigned to do so. Students may reschedule one detention due to a conflict once
during a semester, without penalty. If she receives a second detention in the same
semester, she may not reschedule it. If it is impossible for her to serve that second
detention due to a conflict, she may reschedule the detention, but she will also
receive an additional two points for having done so. Excessive detentions may
result in a student and her parents being asked to meet with the Upper School
Director and may ultimately result in additional disciplinary action.
The Dean of Students keeps a cumulative record of students’ points and detentions. However, this information is kept privately and is not reported on students’
report cards or transcripts.
Reporting
Disciplinary Actions
So that the School’s position will be clear with respect to the Major Rules and
the Honor Code, and in an effort to encourage responsible behavior within the
community, it is the School’s practice to provide a summary of disciplinary actions to the Upper School students and faculty. It is not, however, the School’s
policy to report such actions to colleges or to record them in a student’s permanent file. We believe that students learn and grow from their mistakes and that
past transgressions should not necessarily impede future opportunities. The one
exception to this philosophy is for elections to Cum Laude, where honor is a
primary consideration.
Special Procedures
- Appeals Process
A student receiving a disciplinary action of expulsion for a violation of a Major
Rule or the Honor Code may request a review of the decision by the Head of
School. A request for review must be submitted to the Head of School in writing
within 48 hours of the disciplinary action.
Special Procedures
- End of Semester
Infractions
Violations of the Major Rules and the Honor Code, which are reported during
the final two weeks of each semester, may be reviewed by the Director of the
Upper School and the Dean of Students. The Honor Council President and the
R.A. Director will be informed of the case.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Survey Monkey Policy
Survey Monkey and other similar online resources provide a straightforward and
efficient means to gather feedback and input. Students who wish to send out a
survey to all or part of the Upper School Community must first obtain approval
of the instrument from the Dean of Students.
Rules To Remember
to develop increasing levels of discipline as they progress through the School. In
addition to the Major Rules, please remember the following:
school activities.
• Two unexcused latenesses in one week result in detention.
• The Dress Code is in effect Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 3:30
p.m.
• The privilege of parking is limited to juniors and seniors.
• In order to prevent disruption to Middle School class time, no Upper School
student may be in the MS classroom areas during the school day. This will
result in automatic detention.
• Student use of the elevators is restricted to those who have suffered an injury
or are ill.
• No gum-chewing is permitted on campus at any time.
• Food and drinks may not be taken out of the dining room or the Senior
Lounge.
• The Senior Lounge is a senior privilege.
• Requests to bring guests to school should be made several days in advance.
• Squirt guns, lighters, matches, and any other such item that may impede
the learning process or cause distraction to others are not to be brought to
school.
• Students may not walk through the school buildings wearing cleats or tap
shoes.
• Upper School students may not drive to the Lower School between the
hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. except to drop off or pick up a Lower School
student.
• Mobile devices and cell phones may be used during break and lunch only and
only on the second and third floor of the academic building. Seniors may also
use their phonesat these times in the Senior Lounge.
• Students may not fix their lockers so that they do not lock when shut. This is
referred to as “rigging the locker” and results in automatic detention.
• No club, team, or class (or parent representatives thereof ) may order t-shirts
or other attire without the approval of the Dean of Students or the Director
of Athletics.
Unless otherwise noted, violating any of the above rules results in detention or
points leading to detention.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Community of
Concern
The Community of Concern is a coalition of Washington area independent
schools that provides a forum to share information, best practices, and concerns
about the subjects of underage drinking and substance abuse, and establishes a
partnership between the schools, the students, and the parents to address these
issues. The heads of school have written a joint position statement adopted by
all the schools. (For more information on the Community of Concern, visit their
Web site - www.thecommunityofconcern.org.)
Statement of the Community of Concern
We the undersigned heads of the Washington Metropolitan Area Community of
Concern schools, stand together in our belief that our students harm themselves,
their families, our schools, and our communities when they engage in the illegal
use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
We are committed to working together with parents, students, and other schools:
• To educate our entire community about current scientific findings—that underage drinking, smoking, and drug use can adversely and permanently affect
the physical, psychological, and emotional development of adolescents.
• To share in the responsibility of requiring, promoting, and modeling safe,
ethical, and legal behavior in regard to alcohol and drug use.
• To provide and support social activities that are alcohol and drug free.
• To provide or recommend counseling services wherever needed.
We expect:
• All enrolled families to be knowledgeable about the school’s prevention
policy on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use as laid out in the school’s
handbook and to support the rules of the school and the laws of the state.
• All parents to honor the school’s substance abuse policy when sponsoring
private off-campus parties.
• All schools to inform each other of students who are involved in alcohol,
tobacco, or other drug use while visiting another school’s campus or schoolsponsored activity.
Off-Campus
Party Policy
Maryland law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons
under the age of 21 and prohibits the consumption of illegal drugs by all persons,
regardless of age. These laws recognize, among other things, the social and health
hazards from substance abuse, and the devastation caused by combining drinking
and driving. Holton-Arms agrees with the public policies embodied in these laws
and unequivocally supports them.
Whether it takes place on or off campus, all School rules and regulations apply
at any event called a “Holton party.” A student may not be on campus nor come
to any off-campus School function possessing, consuming, or having consumed
alcohol or illegal drugs. Any student found using, possessing, selling, or under the
influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in School, en route to or from School, on a
school bus, or at a School function, is subject to immediate expulsion.
Holton-Arms will clearly identify all functions that it sponsors. For parties not
sponsored by the School: Working in cooperation with the Holton-Arms Parents
Association and grade parents, the School will encourage parents to communicate with each other about the plans for a party and will cooperate with parent
and student leadership to promote alcohol- and drug-free parties.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Guidelines
Students are expected to act professionally and appropriately when using the
Internet. The growing use of the Internet has blurred the lines between personal
and School-related conduct. Students should understand that certain expectations for conduct extend into the personal online world of social networking,
blogs, and other communication tools, especially as regards any mention of the
School, or members of the school community. Students should at all times respect the privacy of the Holton-Arms community, and not divulge or post online
personally identifying information about any member of the school community
without permission (including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, photos, videos, etc.). Students must take proper care in any online interactions
and maintain high standards of conduct.
Policies
includes not using music or video for which has not been paid and crediting the authors of any material used in student work. Students may not copy
software without the license to do so. The School librarians are excellent
3. Students may not take pictures, video, or sound recordings of anyone without her or his permission. If photographing a School activity for a student
publication, she must obtain prior authorization from the publication’s advisor. Regardless of permission, the recording features of any device may not
be used in bathrooms or locker rooms under any circumstances.
members of the School community (including photos, videos, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or work) without their permission
is prohibited.
5. Students must use School-approved methods (primarily Holton email) when
contacting School employees.
violation of school policy. The School also monitors the use of its network
and Internet connection, and students should have no expectation of privacy
systems.
Policy Violations
Any violation of this policy is grounds for Holton-Arms to:
(b) Revoke and/or restrict the student’s use of or access to Communication and
Information Systems, including restricting networking privileges, access to
the Internet and/or use of email; and/or
Students should report any policy violations to the Director of Library and
Information Systems, their Division Director, and/or the Head of School.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Requirements for
Graduation
A minimum of 21 credits including:
English (4 credits)
Fine or Performing Arts (1 credit: 2 minors or 1 major)
World Languages (3 credits in one language; successful completion of
Level 3)
History and the Social Sciences (3 credits – one year of history in grade 9;
The West in the World: 1492-1871 and The West in the World: 1871
to the Present)
Mathematics (3 credits in Upper School, one of which must be Algebra 2
and Trigonometry. Summer work will not count towards graduation
credits.)
Pure & Applied Sciences (3 credits, including Biology and two additional
credits in Upper School science; the third credit can be earned through
OSG school year class, but not through summer course work; one credit
of science must be earned during grade 9.)
Physical Education (2 credits - ½ credit for each semester or season - by
taking physical education classes or participating on interscholastic
teams in Upper School. Fundamentals of Physical Education must be
taken by the end of grade 10.)
Electives to complete requirements: The minimum course load in grade 9 is
five major courses and one minor. In grades 10 through 12, the minimum load is four major courses in each semester. The recommended
course load for most students is five majors. If space permits, students
may take six majors with permission of the Upper School Director.
To graduate, a student must have a 70 average in each of her last two years,
and her final grade in Senior English must be at least 70.
Community Service (50 hours during grades 9-11) Community Service
projects, including all paperwork, must be completed prior to the first
day of a student’s senior year.
Swimming Competency: Students must pass a swimming competency test
by the completion of the first semester of senior year.
In the interest of ensuring that every student is best prepared for success at the
college level, the School strongly recomends students to continue in the study
of the core academic courses (English, history, mathematics, science, and world
languages) throughout their four years in high school.
All graduation requirements must be taken on the home campus while enrolled
at Holton.
Community Service
Each student is required to participate in 50 hours of voluntary service. A
proposal for a summer placement must be submitted in early May. Projects may
be initiated during the summer before a student’s freshman year and must be
completed prior to the first day of a student’s senior year. The Community Service Coordinator oversees the community service requirement. Please see her to
initiate your project after accessing the information on the Community Service
course page.
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Summer Course Work
Students who undertake summer course work may petition to have the course(s)
listed as additional course work on the transcript. Such courses will neither count
towards a students GPA nor substitute for any graduation requirements.
Add/Drop Policy
A student may add a course during the first week of the course. She may add
a course during the second week of the course only with the permission of the
instructor. In both cases, a student may only add a class if there is space available,
the schedule can accommodate the change, and section sizes in other affected
classes permit. Students requesting to add an extra academic class in addition to
the recommended load of five majors must receive special permission.
A student may drop an elective course during the first six weeks of the course.
She may not drop a required course.
A student wishing to add a course should initiate a discussion with her Class
Dean. A student wishing to drop a course should talk with her classroom teacher
and her Class Dean.
Audit
A student may audit a course with the permission of the instructor and her
Class Dean. Arrangements for auditing are made at the beginning of the course.
Guidelines are available from the Upper School Office.
Pass/Fail Option
Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 have the option of taking a fifth subject on a
Pass/Fail basis. No course taken in satisfaction of a graduation requirement may
be taken Pass/Fail. A student may elect to take a course Pass/Fail only during the
first six weeks of the course. After that date, the course may be taken for a letter
grade only.
Homework
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Upper School students can expect their homework assignments to average approximately 45 minutes per subject per night. Assignments in Advanced Placement courses may be longer. Upper School teachers usually give students their
homework assignments at least a week in advance.
Test Calendar
There is an online test calendar on which Upper School teachers record all dates
for tests and major papers or projects. No student is expected to have more than
two tests, major papers, or projects due on a single day. A student can have any
number of quizzes on a single day. If a student already has two major pieces of
work assigned for that day, she should check the test calendar to see which test
was put on the test calendar last. She should then go to that teacher and reschedule her work for another day.
Holton-Landon
Classes
Certain elective classes are open to both Holton and Landon seniors. Class size
is limited and enrollment requires approval by the respective department as well
as by the Upper School Division Director. Classes meet either at 7 a.m. or in the
evening, or a combination of both and take place on the home campus of the
teacher.
Online School
for Girls
Students may take courses through the Online School for Girls, of which Holton
is a founding member (www.onlineschoolforgirls.org). OSG classes may count
toward credits earned for graduation, but cannot be used to fulfill disciplinespecific requirements, with the exception of science, for which an OSG class can
be used to complete the third of three required years. Students seeking to earn
Holton credit for an OSG class must seek permission in advance from the Upper
School Director, who will review such requests with the Class Dean, advisor,
and, where applicable, the Learning Specialist. If the course is approved, grades
and credits from the OSG class will be recorded on the student’s Holton-Arms
transcript. Grades earned in an OSG class are not included in the student’s
Holton-Arms GPA. Students taking an OSG class as one of six major classes
will be responsible for the OSG tuition. For further information about OSG
classes, such as how to register and payment requirements, see the Upper School
Director or the 11th Grade Class Dean.
Independent Study
The independent study program is designed to give able and motivated juniors
and seniors the opportunity to design and pursue a course of study independently. Independent study does not replace a course offered in the existing curriculum
or any course required for graduation, and a student pursuing independent study
must carry four major courses in addition to the independent study. Independent
study may be pursued for one semester or a full academic year; the topic for study
may be interdisciplinary or restricted to one major field. Criteria for an independent study project are established by the departments. Evaluation of the study
will be honors, pass, or no credit. A student who wishes to pursue an independent study program should initiate the process by consulting with her faculty
advisor and requesting “Independent Study Guidelines” from the Upper School
Office. Year-long or first semester Independent Study projects must be submitted
to the Upper School Director for approval by the end of April of the preceding
school year. Spring semester Independent Study projects must be submitted to
the Upper School Director for approval by the end of November of the previous
semester.
Senior Project
Upon completion of her academic commitments, each senior undertakes a
senior project of her own design (subject to Senior Project Committee approval).
Students explore possible future careers; others select community service work
or creative pursuits; all find in the experience an opportunity to push beyond
their comfort zone and learn in a different environment and in different ways.
Seniors meet to present their projects to their classmates, the 11th grade, and
advisors preceding Commencement. They also prepare and submit some tangible
evidence of their experience such as a journal, a photographic essay, a portfolio of
sketches, or a performance or recital. Students whose academic commitments for
graduation have not been fulfilled may not begin their senior project until those
requirements are met. Senior projects are assessed an Honors/Pass/Fail grade
which will appear on the final transcript.
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Learning Resource
Services
Holton-Arms faculty is committed to serving the needs of every student. The
Learning Resource Specialist in each division supports faculty and students in
their roles as teachers and learners in Holton’s academic program. Work with
students takes place on an individual basis, in small groups organized by need, or
in an entire class. The focus is to strengthen skills needed for success in academic
work and to provide assistance with areas of difficulty. Learning Resource Specialists also collaborate with faculty to develop and apply instructional strategies
that enable each student to experience growth and progress in her academic pursuits. Recognizing that communication between school and home is vital to the
success of our students, Learning Resource Specialists work closely with students
and their families to ensure that information pertinent to our students and their
academic needs is available to faculty and administration.
In addition to working with all students and faculty, Learning Resource Specialists support the particular needs of students with documented learning issues. We
understand that individuals may have specific weaknesses in attention controls,
organizational abilities, or processing which can significantly impact academic
performance. We strive to work with these students to provide accommodations
in both instruction and assessment. Overall, the goal is to promote dialogue
about learning and to nurture our students in their growth and development as
active, effective, and confident learners.
For students who have documented learning issues, parents should provide a
complete copy of the most current report of psycho-educational testing to be
kept by the Learning Resource Specialist as a part of the student’s official file.
Recommendations in the report form the basis for a plan of support for the student. Those students who may be eligible to receive accommodations as recommended by the diagnostician and approved by the Learning Resource Specialist
must have a report on file with the School. Parents can also collaborate with the
Learning Resource Specialist to initiate and complete the testing process.
The process for identification of learning issues:
• Teachers and parents will consult with the Learning Resource Specialist to
determine a need for diagnostic testing
• Learning Resource Specialist will recommend diagnosticians
• Learning Resource Specialist will gather information from teachers to be
shared with diagnostician during the assessment process
• Parents will give diagnostician waiver to discuss information and results from
testing with Holton’s Learning Specialist
• Learning Specialist will summarize the report in an Individual Learning
Profile (ILP)
• Parents will provide a copy of the final testing report for the student’s
Holton file
• Learning Resource Specialist will meet with parents and students to discuss
test results and review ILP
• Learning Resource Specialist will provide an ILP to teachers and administrators
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Holton faculty see accommodations as playing a role in the student’s growth
and development as a learner. With increasing understanding of her needs, she
can take responsibility for her own learning as she matures in her independence.
Holton-Arms may provide the following accommodations on the basis of diagnostic evaluation and recommendations:
• 50% extended time on all tests and assessments in school
• Marking answers directly on test paper
• Use of a laptop for tests and assessments
• Testing in a reduced-distraction space
• Preferential seating in class
• Enlarged print or test format
• Note-taking support
Tutoring Policy
All tutors who meet with students during the school day must register with the
Learning Specialist in order to have a space in which to work. The Learning
Specialist will schedule all tutoring spaces. When they arrive, tutors must sign in
at the front desk to confirm their meeting space and schedule. Tutors may meet
on campus only with students who have a documented learning disabilty on file
at school.
There are currently no spaces for on-campus tutoring of Middle School students
and limited spaces for on-campus tutoring of Upper School students.
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ACADEMIC POLICIES
Holton-Arms
Grading Scale
Numeric Grading
Criteria
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Number and letter grade equivalencies:
A+ 97 - 100%
B
A 93 - 96
B-
A- 90 - 92
C+
B+ 87 - 89
C
C-
83 - 86
D+
80 - 82
D
77 - 79
D-
73 - 76
F
70 - 72
67 - 69
63 - 66
60 - 62
below 60
NOTE: Each level assumes positive qualities of the lower levels.
97-100 [A+] Student consistently produces work that significantly
exceeds expectations of course and grade level. Produces
exceptionally creative and independent work. Applies concepts and skills to novel situations.
93-96 [A]
Student consistently expresses ideas with precision and
clarity of thought. Demonstrates mastery and retention of
course material. Assumes responsibility for her own learning. Actively and energetically participates in the intellectual community of the class. Synthesizes and applies
information to achieve specific goals or purposes.
90-92 [A-]
Student demonstrates a thorough understanding of concepts. Usually expresses ideas with clarity and precision.
Demonstrates the confidence to take risks.
87-89 [B+]
Student consistently demonstrates accurate knowledge of
course content. Engages actively in class activities. Often
expresses ideas with clarity and precision.
83-86 [B]
Student demonstrates competence. Meets expectations.
Academic skills are at grade level for college-bound students. Class participation is satisfactory.
80-82 [B-]
Student meets most expectations. Demonstrates
some understanding of course content. May take insufficient responsibility for her own learning. Class participation
may be minimal.
77-79 [C+]
Student meets some expectations of the course. May
have difficulty grasping and retaining course material.
Class participation is often minimal.
73-76 [C]
Student may show limited grasp of basic course content.
Work may contain errors in understanding and expression.
May fail to engage actively in class activities.
70-72 [C-]
Student meets minimal expectations of course or demonstrates minimal understanding of course content. May
frequently fail to meet deadlines.
60-69 [D]
Student’s work rarely meets basic expectations of the
course. Student may fail to take responsibility for her own
learning.
Below 60 [F] Student’s work does not meet expectations of the course.
Effort Grades
Effort grades range from 5 (strongest effort) to 1 (weakest effort).
Effort Grade Criteria
1. Coming to class promptly, with assigned work completed and correct class
materials, ready to begin work.
2. Contributing positively to class discussion: answering questions raised by the
teacher or by a student and sharing ideas and insights with the class.
3. Paying attention in class: listening to the teacher or student who is speaking
and taking notes when appropriate.
4. Exercising self-control by refraining from comments and actions that are
inappropriate in content or timing.
5. Cooperating with the teacher in fostering a classroom atmosphere of courtesy, mutual respect, and productive activity.
6. Taking the initiative to anticipate absences, to make up missed work, to keep
appointments, and to seek help from the teacher when necessary.
7. Correcting homework and classwork, and keeping papers readily accessible
for efficient review.
8. Writing legibly and neatly, heading papers, and keeping notebooks in an
orderly fashion.
9. Making an independent effort to learn.
Additional criteria applying to specific disciplines are discussed in class.
Marking Period
Information
The academic year is broken into four marking periods. Students receive grades
and teacher or advisor comments according to the schedule in the following
table.
Marking Period 1
Marking Period 2
Marking Period 3
Marking
Period 4
Major subjects
Course grades
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Effort grades
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Teacher comments
YesNoYesNo
Minor subjects
Course grades
No
Yes
No
Yes
Effort grades
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Teacher comments
NoYesNoYes
Advisor commentsNoYesNoYes
Parent ConferencesYesNoNoNo
Semester Grade
Calculation
Year Grade
Calculation
Marking Period 1/3 + Marking Period 2/4
=
Semester Grade
Teachers have discretion over the relative weights of the marking periods.
The year average is figured as follows:
Semester 1 + Semester 2 + Exam
= Year Grade
45%* 45%*10%* = 100%
*In certain upper-level courses, the exam may be weighted more than 10%.
In all classes, each semester will be weighted equally.
113
Academic Honors
Holton-Arms School does not publish class rank or maintain an honor roll,
though we do recognize a ranking scholar – the graduating student with the
highest weighted cumulative grade point average – at Commencement.
Academic honors are awarded at Commencement to those students who meet
the criteria listed below (based on weighted averages of major courses only):
Highest Honors: A cumulative average of 93 or higher in the Upper School.
High Honors: A cumulative average between 90 and 92.9 in the Upper
School
Honors: A cumulative average between 87 and 89.9 in the Upper School.
Cum Laude
Holton-Arms is a member of the Cum Laude Society, a national academic
honorary society for students in Independent Schools. According to Cum Laude
by-laws, the school may elect up to 20 percent of the senior class to become
members. Half of the members are selected in their junior year and the remaining half are selected at the conclusion of the senior year. To become a member of
Cum Laude, students must be in the top 10 percent of their junior class, or the
top 20 percent of the senior class, and exhibit good character and integrity. Any
Honor Code violation will disqualify a student from consideration.
Academic Probation
Students whose grade point average in major subjects is below 70 after the first
semester will be placed on academic probation. In this case, the student’s enrollment contract for the coming academic year will be held pending the achievement of a cumulative year-end average of at least 70. This average will be based
on both semesters’ work and includes major subjects only. Students on academic
probation who do not achieve the required average will not be issued an enrollment contract and, thus, will not be able to continue at Holton-Arms.
Students whose enrollment contracts were issued, but who complete the year
with a cumulative or semester average below 70, may be placed on academic
probation for the following academic year. Under these conditions, and in some
instances, a student may be asked to withdraw from the school before the end
of the school year if her mid-year grades indicate that she cannot find academic
success at Holton-Arms.
There may be other situations that warrant placing a student on academic probation. Consistently low performance, chronic absence, achieving below a 70 in
more than one subject, inability to pass a required course, or other similar situations may lead to academic probation. In such instances, the terms of probation
will be determined by the Upper School Director.
114
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Attendance
Daily attendance and prompt arrival are vital to a student’s success in school.
While students who are ill or contagious need to stay at home, in all other cases
families are expected to make every effort to avoid student tardiness or absences.
So that students and families can make vacation plans, the school calendar is
published in the spring of the preceding academic year. Extended or special vacations while classes are in session complicate the work of teaching and learning. A
student’s progress is seriously impaired by extensive absences. Therefore, the promotion of any student who has had excessive absences will be subject to review
by the faculty and approval by the Director Division.
Daily Attendance
Procedures
Upper School students begin the day with morning assembly, advisory, or class
meeting. Students are expected to be in school by 7:50 a.m., to attend all of their
classes, and to meet all of their scheduled commitments for the day unless they
are home due to illness or have obtained permission to be absent from the Upper
School Director or Dean of Students. To indicate that she is present and on time,
each student checks her box before 8 a.m. If she arrives after 8 a.m., she must
sign in before she checks her box. A student may not attend any school activities
after 3:30 p.m. if she has not been in school that day by 10 a.m. Students who
show a pattern of late arrivals, especially those who regularly miss first or second
period, may be subject to disciplinary action.
If the absence will be for part of the day only, the student must sign in or out and
check her box in the Upper School Office when she arrives at or leaves school.
A student who needs to leave school because of illness during the school day
must be excused by the School Nurse, the Upper School Director, or the Dean of
Students.
Full Day Absence
An excused absence is an absence due to illness, medical appointments, or urgent
family business. If a student is absent because of illness, her parents should inform the school as early as possible, preferably before 8 a.m., by sending an email
to upper @holton-arms.edu or calling 301.365.6045. Any student who must be
absent for medical appointments or personal business must have a parent call or
email the Upper School Office at least one day in advance of the absence. After
obtaining a pre-excuse slip from the Upper School Office, the student is to have
it acknowledged by the Upper School Director or the Dean of Students. Then
she will take it to each of her teachers (including P.E. teachers) to sign and return
it to the office for approval. Before her absence, the student should confer with
her teachers about making up the work she will miss. A YELLOW slip is given
to students planning to miss school for a college visit; a PINK slip is used for all
other pre-excused absences.
Illness at School
If a student becomes ill during the day, the School Nurse may excuse her, or, in
her absence, the Division Director or Dean of Students may also excuse a student
who is ill.
If a student has been taken to the emergency room (either by ambulance or with
a parent) during the school day, she must bring a doctor’s note of clearance in
order to return to school.
If a student-athlete is not feeling physically able to participate in practice on a
particular day, she must see the athletic trainer for permission to sit out from that
day’s activity. In such cases, the student-athlete is still expected to attend and
observe practice.
115
Religious Holiday
Policy
Holton-Arms is a non-sectarian school that celebrates diversity within its community. The school encourages its members to honor their various religious commitments that may fall on a school day. For that reason, all absences for religious
observance are automatically recorded as excused. Holton asks its students to
communicate their needs openly and expects its faculty to support those students
and their religious beliefs and practices. It is necessary, however, for the safety
and well-being of our students, that the school is aware of all student absences.
Therefore, the following policy is in effect for religious holidays that occur when
school is in session: Students shall bring a note from home or have a parent
email or call their division office three days prior to the holiday absence. Parents
should understand that school personnel will call the homes of all students whose
parents have not notified the school in advance in order to verify the whereabouts
of students who are not at school. As with any anticipated absence, it is the
responsibility of the students to talk with teachers to find out what schoolwork
will be missed, and when the work is due after the holiday. Teachers understand
that for many holidays it is not appropriate for students to work during the
holiday. Accordingly, teachers will not require make-up homework on the day
students return, unless a non-holiday weekend precedes or immediately follows
the holiday.
Absence Due to
Extended Illness
In the event of hospitalization and/or absence of greater than five days, a physician’s note stating permission to return to School will be required before the
student is allowed to return to class. Any medications required during the school
day must be administered by the School Nurse.
Excessive Absences
Every so often, students must miss school for extended periods of time due to
illness or serious family matters. When a student is under the care of a physician
or licensed therapist, the School will make every effort to work with the student
and her family to help her keep up with her studies. Such absences are excused
and will not be held against a student in calculating her final grades. However,
in other cases, students can develop a pattern of missing an excessive number of
classes or full or partial days of school. Absences are deemed excessive when a
student has missed 10 percent or more of a class (or classes) during a quarter or a
semester. Excessive absences can result in an academic penalty. Students who repeatedly miss a class (or classes) may find that their course grades will be reduced
as a result of excessive absences. Students who are absent from school more than
10 percent in a given quarter or semester must meet with the Upper School
Director. In addition, her parents will be asked to schedule a meeting with the
Upper School Director to discuss her attendance patterns and to seek solutions
to her chronic absenteeism.
Enrollment at the outset of an academic year does not guarantee that a student will earn credit for work not completed or credit for any given course. The
School will work with any student who is unable to perform her academic duties
to find alternative solutions.
Students who are deemed by a medical professional to be incapable of completing their course work may be asked to withdraw from the course(s) and/or
explore home-schooling or online options.
116
Parents Out of Town
Parents are urged to inform the school when they will be away from home and
to provide the names and telephone numbers of the adults in charge during their
absence.
End-of-Year Activities
Attendance for grades 9-12 is required for Class Day in June. In addition, juniors
and seniors are required to come to school each day of Commencement week,
to attend the rehearsals for Class Day and Commencement, and to attend the
Commencement ceremony.
Absences,
Assignments and
Course Pages
When a student is absent, she should obtain homework assignments from the
course page to which all students and parents have access on the school website.
Following any absence, the student should arrange with her teachers a plan to
make up the work she has missed. It is the student’s responsibility to make this
plan within a day of her return to school. If the student needs assistance in devising this plan, her faculty advisor or Class Dean is available to help her. In the
event of an unusually lengthy absence, the student’s Class Dean will help her to
develop the plan, and more than a day may be necessary.
Students who have missed one day of school should expect to make up any tests
missed on the day following her absence, provided this does not exceed the two
test per day limit. In such cases, priority is given to tests scheduled for the day of
her return.
All assignments must be handed in on time as stipulated by the teacher.
Teachers have discretion regarding how they will accept assignments - via email,
dropbox, network folder or file, or a hard copy. Generally speaking, any assignment received after the due date (and time) will be penalized 3 points per day.
For example, a paper that earns a grade of 88, but is two days late, would receive
a final grade of 82 (3 points off for each of the two days it was late). Absences for
any portion of the day on which any major project or paper is due will be scrutinized. Exception to the “late” policy may apply in cases of illness, family emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances.
Term or research papers are due at class time on the day specified by the instructor. Long term papers are assigned well in advance. If a student is absent for a
reason other than illness, she is nevertheless responsible for seeing that her paper
is delivered to the instructor. The paper is late unless prior arrangements have
been made with the instructor.
Test Absences
When a student has missed a test because of illness, she should speak with the
teacher within a day of her return to school to arrange a new test date. To take
a make-up test, students sign their test out from the Registrar and take the test
in the Test Center, located in the Upper School Office. A teacher can require a
student to take a test the day of her return if the preparation for the test occurred
before her absence.
Scheduling make-up tests: Make-up tests also fall under the guidelines of two
per day, and should be taken, preferably in the order that they were missed, as the
student’s schedule allows. (See also “Test Calendar,” p. 108.)
117
ATHLETICS
Holton Athletics is open to all students in grades 9-12 and is designed for those
just beginning to play interscholastically as well as for those students who have
been involved with competitive sports on recreational teams, club teams, or during their experience in Middle School.
Holton offers students team experience through three athletic leagues: the ISL
(Independent School League), the WIHLMA (Women’s Ice Hockey League
of the Mid-Atlantic), and the WMPSSDL (Washington Metropolitan Private
School Swimming & Diving League). The crew team rows as an independent
club. Listed below, by season, are the team offerings:
Fall:
Cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball
Winter: Basketball, ice hockey, swimming, indoor track, winter crew training
Spring: Crew, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track and field
Commitment to the team and to daily practice is essential to our success. Any
interested student must be in attendance for tryouts at the beginning of each season. Practice is held daily after school from approximately 3:45-5:45 p.m. Games
are held both during the week, and in some cases, on weekends. It is expected
that all athletes will be present at all practices and games. Should there be any
reason for absence from a practice or game, it is expected that the athlete will
speak directly to her coach and, if appropriate, the Athletic Director. Students
arriving after 10 a.m. may not attend or participate in after-school sports.
Transportation to practices and games will be provided by the School. Keeping the team together for trips to and from competition significantly helps team
bonding. Occasionally a family may have a specific reason why a student must
drive to an event. Permission may be given for a student to drive only with a
written note from a parent and approval by the Athletic Director. Student drivers must follow the school-sponsored bus. No student is allowed to ride with
another student to a game/practice or home from a game/practice with another
student driver. A player or manager must have a separate note from her parent
for each game to which she plans to drive and arrangements must be made prior
to noon.
Third teams are available in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse when numbers and
resources allow. The purpose of these teams is to gain skills and strength necessary to move up in the future to JV or Varsity level. While third team members
should not expect equal playing time, all players are guaranteed to play in every
game.
In most sports, Holton will compete on both the Varsity and Junior Varsity
levels. Junior Varsity is designed to be a “feeder” program for Varsity athletics,
although not every JV player moves to the Varsity level. Knowledge of the game,
a strong fitness level, skills specific to the sport, and coachability are necessary to
make the JV team. The coach determines playing time, with the goal being to
give every girl an opportunity to compete. In some games or in games where the
competition is close, it may happen that not all members of the team will play.
118
On the Varsity level, the players will be highly skilled, highly motivated, and
dedicated enough to make sacrifices over the course of the season, including vactions, to ultimately help make the TEAM experience successful. The goal of the
team is be a top team in the league and to build within the group a high level of
respect, trust, selflessness, school pride, and lasting fun-filled memories.
Your Role As a
Student-Athlete
At Holton-Arms it is your unique privilege and your full responsibility to follow
expectations that will lead you to success.
1. Communicate Positively and Purposefully. Learning to express yourself, to
listen, and to have purposeful conversations are invaluable skills. We expect
that you will communicate with your teammates and with your coach to the
best of your ability. This means encouraging teammates on and off the field,
reaching out to establish relationships with those you may not know, valuing the concerns and thoughts of your teammates and coach, and speaking
supportively and positively at all times throughout your season. Positive and
purposeful communication is the key to successful teams.
2. Objectively Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses. Begin to think
objectively about your strengths and your weaknesses without judgment.
This awareness will allow you to reach your potential, embrace constructive
criticism, work with others, and build self-reliance.
3. Be a Team Player. “Team” is about commitment, selflessness, respect, and
hard work. Your expectation should be to work relentlessly to build relationships and create a group identity that unites individuals.
4. Respect Yourself and Your Opponent. Both verbal and non-verbal sportsmanship and fair play must be maintained at all times.
5. Stay in Tune with Your Body. If you experience strain or injury, seek help
and advice early. With early diagnosis, the Athletic Trainer can assist you in
strengthening and rehabilitating more quickly. Be sure to hydrate, eat a balanced diet, and sleep eight hours a night.
6. Be Accountable and Responsible. You are responsible for arriving at all
practices in shape, focused, on time, and with all equipment. Such preparation will allow you to work as hard in practice as in games, and this will
allow you to perform at your best.
Team managers are also vital to a team’s success. For all Upper School teams, a
student can volunteer to work for the season as the manager of a team. The manager’s duties vary depending on the needs of each team, but in all cases managers
will work at all games whether home or away and travel with the team. Keeping
statistics, score keeping, reporting of scores, helping with equipment, and being a
motivation leader within the team are all jobs of every manager. This position is a
highly respected and important position on the team.
If a student manager would like to earn credit toward her physical education
requirement, there will also be an expectation of fulfilling a physical activity component during the season in addition to her duties as manager. Anyone interested
in being a team manager must contact the Athletic Director.
The Holton Arms
Athletic Association
(HAA)
The purpose of the HAA is to promote the school’s athletic program and to
honor Holton’s outstanding athletes. HAA encourages the development of
athletic ability, responsibility, respect, integrity, good sportsmanship, and self control among Holton’s athletes. A student becomes a member by exhibiting all the
characteristics above and by accumulating points through significant participation on a Varsity, JV, or third/club team, or by being a manager.
At each sports banquet, new members are inducted through a traditional ceremony. All new inductees will be expected to wear, with pride, their Holton
beanie for one full week after the ceremony.
119
OTHER TOPICS
Fire Drills
Students, faculty, and staff should follow the exit routes posted in each room and
proceed without talking in single file to the nearest exit. Do not stop to get outer
wear. Middle and Upper School students will gather for attendance as instructed
in the Farmers Garden, front parking lot, or turf field as dictated by weather
conditions.
Lost and Found
Parents and students can help prevent loss by marking items clearly. Please
remember that books, calculators, laptop computers, and uniforms all look alike!
Prominently displayed names are a big help. At the end of each day, students
have time to gather their belongings. There are lost and found areas in each
Division area, the theater lobby, and the pool lounge. At the end of each month,
items left in the Upper School will be displayed and then donated to charity.
Parking and Driving
on Campus
Due to limited student parking availability, permission to park on campus is limited to licensed juniors and seniors. All cars must display a parking permit, available through the Upper School Office. Sophomores may apply to drive and park
on campus at the conclusion of AP exams. At that time, a licensed sophomore
may apply for parking privileges. Freshmen may not drive and park on campus.
It is important that cars be identifiable in case of an emergency. For this reason,
parking permits should be displayed at all times. Students may not park on the
Front Circle and are reminded that they may not drive to the Lower School
between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Unsafe driving while entering the campus, driving on the campus, or leaving
the campus will result in suspension of campus driving privileges. In addition,
extreme weather conditions may necessitate a temporary limit on student driving.
120
THE HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL UNIFORM
Logo always refers to the Holton logo. • All clothing must be clean, neat, in good repair, hemmed, and must fit appropriately.
• All clothing should be labeled with student’s name. • No sweatpants may be worn under the uniform. • Navy bike or gym
shorts may be worn under the uniform. • Dress for field trips is the school uniforn.
NOTE: The Holton plaid is identifed in Land’s End materials as the “white plaid.”
UPPER SCHOOL
SHIRTS
White or navy blue collared shirt with or without Holton logo
NO sleeveless. NO T-shirts. NO words/writing except the officially sanctioned Holton
logo
SKIRTS
Uniform only. Holton plaid or navy appropriately sized and in good repair
PANTS
Navy slacks, chino/twill or corduroy
SHORTS
Navy bike or gym shorts (worn under skirt only)
NO sweatpants, team pants, or long underwear
SWEATERS/
SWEATSHIRTS/
JACKETS
Solid white, gray, or navy sweatshirt, with or without Holton logo • NO other words or
writing
Solid navy or white sweater
Navy blazer with Holton crest
TEAM JACKETS
Officially approved and sanctioned Holton team jackets only*
Holton-Arms warm-up suit*
SOCKS
Navy or white socks
Navy, white, or gray ankle length tights or leggings (worn under skirt)
SHOES
Heels less than 2” only
JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES
No requirement
DRESS FOR FRIDAYS
Out of uniform
[Any daytime wear appropriate for school]
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Clothing and shoes appropriate to the activity
*ordered through Screen Designs
The dress code is an important extension of Holton’s fundamental philosophy which is dedicated to the
education of the mind, soul, and spirit. The uniform is intended to focus student energies on intellectual
growth rather than personal adornment. At the same time, the Upper School dress code recognizes the
need of older students for individual expression. Thus, the dress code is slightly more flexible than those
of the Lower and Middle Schools, and on Fridays, students may be out of uniform. At all times, however,
clothing is expected to be clean, appropriate to the occasion, in good repair, and properly sized. Students
who are out of uniform or whose uniform is inappropriate will be assigned two points.
* Team jackets must be approved by the Director of Athletics and the Upper School Director or the Dean of Students before
they can be worn in the school building as part of the uniform. All incoming 9th Grade Athletes purchase a Holton-Arms
warm-up suit to use throughout their US athletic careers.
121
TECHNOLOGY: PURCHASING AND SUPPORT
Computer Purchases
Students in grades nine through eleven are required to purchase Lenovo tablet
PCs through the School’s designated vendor, DSR Computers*. That computer
must have warranty and accidental breakage protection and a licensed copy of
Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition for the duration of the student’s
tenure at Holton. Students may only use their required school computer on campus and may not bring a non-designated device to school for school use.
For the 2014-2015 school year only, the school will pilot a BYOD (bring your
own device) program for members of the class of 2015 who are required to bring
a laptop device, which may be one of their own choosing.
122
Support
The Technology Department provides on-site service and support for all Lenovo
computers. If the Department cannot resolve the problem, it will send it off
campus to DSR Computers for repair. In the event that a student machine is
sent out for repairs, the School will make every effort to provide the student
with a loaner computer for that period of time. For BYOD devices, the Technology Department will not be able to provide hardware support on computers
not purchased through the School. Computers will have to be taken to a third
party for repair by the student/family and the cost must be covered by the family.
Holton will not provide support for maintenance or repairs. The Technology
Department will guide students in troubleshooting software issues, but may not
be experts on every software students choose to use. The IT Help Desk is open
during the academic year Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
and during the summer Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Help Desk office, located on the second
floor of the Middle/Upper School building is open during that time; it also can
be reached via telephone at 301-365-6468 or by email at help@holton-arms.edu.
Once a student graduates or leaves Holton, the Help Desk cannot support the
student’s computer.
Backing Up Data
Many computers become infected by viruses or have their data corrupted in other
ways. In some situations, the data cannot be retrieved. Help Desk technicians
will use normal means to try to recover any data on a machine, but they cannot
spend more than 30 minutes recovering data on any one machine, in order to be
able to help all students, faculty, and staff in need. Therefore, it is every student’s
responsibility to back up her work daily to minimize the chance of data loss in
the event of a virus infection or hardware failure. We strongly encourage students
to back up personal files via a third-party service such as Carbonite or with an
external hard drive. Students with questions on how to back up their data should
check in with the Technology Department for help on learning how to do so.
Internet Filter
Holton-Arms provides content-filtered Internet access to students on campus.
While on campus, students should limit Internet browsing to what is required
for classes and other school activities. For the class of 2015, and for the purposes
of the pilot program, unfiltered internet will be provided. This applies to the class
of 2015 and for the 2014-2015 school year.
Upper School R.A. and Class Officers for 2015 – 2016
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
R.A. Director:
Honor Council President:
Assistant Director:
Advisor:
Faculty Representatives:
Mimi Chouikha ’16
Ali Richards ’16
Maryam Gilanshah ’17
Mrs. Craig
Shay Squeglia
Kate Mitchell
In addition, the president and two representatives elected from each
class in Upper School are members of Representative Assembly.
CLASS GOVERNMENT
Grade 12 – Class of 2016
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
R.A. Reps:
President:
Taylor Simpson
Vice-President: Secretary:
Treasurer:
R.A. Reps:
Class Dean:
Class Dean:
Mrs. Keener
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
R.A. Reps:
Class Dean:
Ms. Mitchell
Mrs. Squeglia
President:
Zainab Jaffa
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
R.A. Reps:
Emily Willard
Class Dean:
Mr. Sowers
BLUE-WHITE TEAM LEADERSHIP
Blue Team Captain:
Blue Team Assistant Captain:
Grade 12 Blue Rep:
Grade 11 Blue Rep:
Grade 10 Blue Reps:
Grade 9 Blue Reps:
White Team Captain: White Team Assistant Captain:
Grade 12 White Rep:
Grade 11 White Rep:
Grade 10 White Reps:
Grade 9 White Reps:
123
ADMINISTRATION
Division Office
Director
Lisa Pence
Dean of Students
Lisa Lamphere Craig ’76
Class Dean, Grade 12
Yolanda Keener
Shay Squeglia
Kate Mitchell
Class Dean, Grade 9 Tucker Sowers
College Counseling
Tish Peterson (Director)
(Asst. Director)
Guidance Counselor
Annette Levitine-Woodside
Upper School Learning Specialist
Laura R. Scanlon
Registrar
Liz Poppi
Upper School Administrative Assistant Adriane Anderson
Community Service Coordinator
Ambria Archibald
Clubs Coordinator
Nandini Giridharadas
Department Chairs
Art
Nandini Giridharadas
English
Ellen Case
Global Education
Melissa Brown
History & Social Studies
Joel Seltzer
Health
Lori Herringa
Library
Carolyn Stenzel
Mathematics
Stephanie Hedges
Music
Ann Vaughn
Physical Education
Graham Westerberg
Science
Cheryl Hansen
World Languages
Ning Jiang
Director of Athletics
Julie Treadwell
Director of Fine & Performing Arts
Mary Jane Pagenstecher
Director of Library Information Services Mike Robertson
Dean of Faculty
124
Chris Lynch

Handbook - Holton

Transcription

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