LOWER SCHOOL HANDBOOK

THE DOANE STUART SCHOOL 199 WASHINGTON AVENUE • RENSSELAER, NY 12144

DOANESTUART.ORG • 518.465.5222

2017 - 2018

Table of Contents

Mission and Philosophy..................................................1

Statement of Faith...........................................................2

School Policies, Procedures, & Events..........................3

Arrival and Dismissal.....................................................4

Attendance.......................................................................5

Before school, Afterschool, and Enrichment................5

Behavioral Expectations..............................................5-7

Birthdays..........................................................................7

Buses.................................................................................7

Change of Address, Family Situation............................8

Chapel...............................................................................8

Dress Code..................................................................8-11

Early Dismissal..............................................................11

Emergency Drills...........................................................11

Elevator..........................................................................11

Financial Assistance......................................................12

Friday Folders...............................................................12

Harassment....................................................................12

Health/Physical Exams............................................12-13

Homework......................................................................13

Library...........................................................................13

Lost and Found..............................................................13

Lunch..............................................................................14

Money/Valuables...........................................................14

Office Hours...................................................................14

Parental Responsibility.................................................14

Parking...........................................................................14

Personal Electronics......................................................15

Property.........................................................................15

Public Displays of Affection.........................................15

Recess.............................................................................15

Report Cards and Conferences...................................15

School-Sponsored Activities.........................................16

Snack..............................................................................16

Snow Days and Emergency Closings......................16-17

Telephone/Messages/Cell Phones.................................17

Uniform Exchange.........................................................17

Visitors............................................................................17

Voice Mail......................................................................17

Acceptable Use Policy..............................................18-19

Social Networking Policy..............................................20

Doane Stuart was founded in 1975 by a merger of the Episcopal St. Agnes School and the Roman Catholic Kenwood Academy. These century-old institutions combined to create a new school, strong in its academic orientation, committed to coeducational, interfaith religious inclusiveness, and proud of its heritage.

The name, Doane Stuart, reflects the School’s origins. The Right Reverend William Croswell Doane, the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, founded the St. Agnes School in 1870. Mother Janet Erskine Stuart was an internationally known educator and member of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the religious order that founded Kenwood Academy in 1852.

Mission and Philosophy of the Doane Stuart School

The mission of Doane Stuart is education for students from every quarter. In a college preparatory context, where the joy of discovery is valued, Doane Stuart emphasizes serious study, educates to

social responsibility and lays the foundation for a strong faith.

We depend upon a partnership based on mutual respect and trust with all Doane Stuart School families. We place special emphasis on attitudes and behaviors that reflect kindness, appreciation of

difference, honesty and intolerance of exclusion and bigotry.

Doane Stuart is a long-standing member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). The mission of NAES is to:

§ Affirm the spiritual dimension of learning that values both faith and reason§ Create and nurture an extended community of leaders in order to foster partnerships, unity,

mutual support and professional growth§ Promote personal formation through moral, spiritual, intellectual, creative, physical and social

development§ Assist Episcopal schools in creating supportive communities through worship, learning,

pastoral care and service§ Recognize, appreciate, and support the diversity within and among Episcopal schools§ Help schools explore, discover, and articulate their visions and ministries as Episcopal

schools

As a member of NAES, Doane Stuart commits itself to the goals of the Association:

§ to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose and service§ to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being§ to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a

loving and empowering God

Doane Stuart is, also, a member of long-standing of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). Doane Stuart is accredited by NYSAIS every ten years.

1

Statement of Faith

STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE DOANE STUART SCHOOL ~ THERE ARE MANY ROOMS IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE.

John 14:2

Doane Stuart is an interfaith community. Created by the merger of our region’s oldest Episcopal independent school and the area’s oldest Sacred Heart independent school, Doane Stuart is inspired by the vision and courage of its founders. As individuals we embrace different beliefs and practices. As a community we welcome, celebrate and honor the world’s religious traditions. As members of the community we welcome and honor all peoples with respect and hospitality.

We expect the members of our community to act with civility and social responsibility, and to make choices guided by a moral and ethical compass set firmly in the School’s Judeo-Christian foundation.

We recognize the essential role that faith plays in our lives. We encourage members of our community to develop an active and personal faith through exploration of their own and other religious traditions, nurturing lives of genuine meaning and purpose.

We commit ourselves in our classrooms and in our wider community:

To nurture Faith through tradition, discovery, inquiry, prayer and reflection;

To inspire Hope through the will to act with purpose; and

To practice Charity as learned through meaningful service to others.

2

School Policies, Procedures & Events

As members of the Doane Stuart community, we acknowledge that individual actions and attitudes affect the well being of the entire community. We believe that this community must be built on mutual trust, good intentions and respect for every member. The rules and regulations of Doane Stuart are meant to provide a balance between the needs of the community and the needs of the individual. On becoming a member of the Doane Stuart community, students, parents, and faculty/staff members accept the responsibility not only to observe the rules and regulations, but also to maintain a high standard of respect in all aspects of their lives: respect for others, themselves, academic integrity, property, and the environment.

Any violation of school policy or failure to uphold the values held by the School may result in some degree of disciplinary action. Possible consequences include, but are not limited to, loss of special privileges, lunch detention, after school detention, suspension or, in the most severe cases, expulsion. In addition, the Head of School may condition the student’s continued attendance on an effective and sincere apology; adherence to any commitments that ensure that the student’s continued attendance remains in both the student’s and the School’s interest; professional evaluations; and/or continued receipt of external professional (or academic) counseling and therapy.

While the Head of School, Assistant Heads of School, and Lower and Middle School Coordinators are ultimately responsible for enforcing behavioral standards, everyone bears responsibility for maintaining the guidelines for the community. The only way to maintain a strong community is to have everyone – parents, teachers, staff, and students – support appropriate behavior consistently and fairly.

3

Welcome to the Lower School

Lower School classrooms are located in two clusters on the east side of the 1995 addition. Early Childhood, Kindergarten, First Grade and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Math) classrooms are in the cluster nearest to the Main Office and the Saint Agnes entrance off Anderson Place. Grades Two, Three and Four are located in the cluster just down the hall.

Arrival and Dismissal

School doors are locked except for designated periods at arrival and dismissal times. During arrival and dismissal the Forbes Avenue, Washington Avenue and Anderson Place doors will be open from7:15-8:45a.m. and from 3:00-3:45p.m. To enter during the school day, visitors must come to the Saint Agnes entrance (off Anderson Place), next to the Main Office, or the front entrance; there is a buzzer and an intercom at each entrance.

School officially opens at 8:00 a.m. Early Childhood through Grade Four students arriving at school between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. are to go to the Before School Program in the Kindergarten room in the Blue Pod. Parents will be billed for each day that a child attends this program.

The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. Early Childhood through Grade Four students are dismissed at 3:20 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 2:10 p.m. on Friday. Kindergarten through Grade Four students should be picked up at the front door for dismissal. Early Childhood students should be picked up in the Blue Pod.

Cars may not use the bus lane on the Anderson Place (north) side of campus. This area is a school bus stop and must remain open to allow buses to drop off and pick up students safely.

Drivers are asked to proceed slowly and carefully through the neighborhood surrounding the School and on campus. Drivers who park on the street are reminded to obey parking signs and to be careful not to block the driveways of our neighbors.

If a student is to be dismissed early, the parent or guardian must sign out the student in the Main Office.

All children in Early Childhood through Grade Four who are not picked up by 3:40 will go to the Afterschool Program. Parents will be billed accordingly.

Written permission is required for any change in regular transportation arrangements. Without a note we are required to follow a student's regular transportation routine. If an emergency arises, please contact the Main School Office by 2:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. on Fridays). To be sure that we receive your message in time, do not leave this information on voice mail. If there is no answer in the Main Office, please leave a message with the school operator.

4

Attendance

Students who arrive late must check in at the Main School Office before going to classrooms. The school office must be notified or a message left on the office voice mail or with the Lower and Middle School Secretary (465-5222, ext. 240) on a daily basis if a student will be absent. If a student is not in school and notification has not been received, parents will be called. When a student returns to school, a note explaining the absence is required.

If an absence is planned, a note must be sent to the Lower and Middle School Secretary, Ms. Segerstrom. Requests for work must be made at least one week in advance of the absence. Such requests must be made in writing, and given to the Lower and Middle School Office.

The school encourages parents to plan family vacations during regularly scheduled school vacations to avoid missing instructional time. While the school will do its best to provide assignments, make-up work cannot take the place of missed class time.

Before School, Afterschool and Enrichment

The Before School Program is held from 7:30-8:00 a.m. daily in the Red Pod. All students in Early Childhood-Grade Four who are at school before 8:00 a.m. must be in the Before School Program. Parents will be billed for this program.

The Afterschool Program is available from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2:30-6:00 p.m. on Friday in the Afterschool Room on the lower level of the 1995 addition, just inside the Lower Forbes Avenue entrance. All students in grades Early Childhood through Grade Eight who remain at school after 3:40 p.m. must attend the Afterschool Program unless they are participating in another school sponsored activity (e.g., sports, drama, extra help, enrichment program, etc.). Parents will be billed for their children's participation in this program.

Parents should park in the Lower Forbes Avenue lot and ring the buzzer at the entrance when picking up children from the Afterschool Program.

After school enrichment classes will be offered for a fee. Information will be sent home by the Afterschool Director.

Behavioral Expectations

Our behavioral expectations grow naturally from our philosophy and assume the development of a thoughtful and respectful attitude in all of our students. Our goal is to create a community of adults and children who can live and work together successfully.

1. Students are expected to treat every member of the Doane Stuart community and our guestswith courtesy and respect. Students will act in a manner appropriate to their age and grade.

2. Students will be respectful of the work and ideas of others.

3. Faculty and staff will teach students about general behavioral expectations of the LowerSchool e.g "treat others with respect" and "walk quietly in hallways". Behavioral

5

expectations specific to each classroom will be discussed and agreed upon – following the guidelines suggested by the program Responsive Classroom.

Some expectations are givens and pertain to ALL members of the Doane Stuart Community :

4. All members of the community will use appropriate language. Profanity and derogatory orthreatening language are not acceptable.

5. Safety guidelines -- such as not running on the stairways -- will be followed carefully.

6. Only verbal means will resolve conflict; physical force is never accepted.

7. The use of tobacco products of any kind (including e-cigarettes), alcohol and drugs, otherthan those prescribed by a doctor, is not permitted.

9. Weapons of any kind are prohibited.

10. All students are expected to remain on campus from arrival in the morning until officialafternoon departure. During the school day, students may leave campus only with a parentor guardian (or a person for whom we have permission, in writing, from parents/guardians),and only after being signed out in the Main School Office.

11. Cell phones, cameras, iPods, radios, tape recorders, cassette and CD players, electronicgames and toys of any kind are not allowed in school without the permission of theclassroom teacher. If misused, they will be held in the Office until the end of the schoolday. The School is not responsible for loss or damage to these items.

12. Students are expected to be in their classrooms at 8:15 a.m. each day. Students who arechronically late miss valuable information and instruction given first thing in the morning.

13. Gum chewing and eating, at other than appropriate times and designated places, are notallowed.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

1. A positive approach will be used to encourage appropriate behavior. Recognition, praise,addition of privileges, and simple rewards will be used by faculty and staff as appropriatefor the student and the situation.

2. Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with in a manner appropriate to the seriousness of thesituation. Reminders, removal from the group for a period of time, meeting with the Headof School or Division Coordinator, a behavior learning packet, loss of privileges and/ordetention will be used as consequences for disruptive or disrespectful behavior.

3. Inappropriate physical behavior (hitting, punching, pushing, etc.) is unacceptable. A studentwho hits or punches another will be asked to leave school immediately and for the

6

remainder of the day. Parents will come in to school to discuss other consequences as well as strategies for preventing such behavior.

4. Repeated disruptive or disrespectful behavior may require serious consequences, such asdetention, suspension, expulsion, and/or loss of the privilege of participating in field trips,parties, special school activities, etc. Parents will be notified of behavior problems as soonas it is clear that an unacceptable pattern of behavior is developing. Parents, teachers andadministrators will meet to discuss a strategy for improvement.

5. Inappropriate behavior of a more serious nature (e.g., stealing, cheating, lying, dangerouslyaggressive actions) will also be dealt with by removal from the group; detention; loss ofprivileges (including participation in field trips, parties, special school activities, and/orextracurricular activities); and/or suspension or expulsion. Parents will be notified and theappropriate discussions will be required.

6. As in all communities, use or possession of firearms, drugs, alcohol, etc. may be cause forexpulsion.

In all cases, professional consultation and/or treatment may be required.

Birthdays

Birthday party invitations may be sent to school to be distributed only if every student in the class is included. Birthday observances in school must be arranged in advance with the homeroom teacher.

Buses

Application for bus transportation must be made yearly through the school district in which the student resides. Districts require application for bus transportation for the following September by April 1. Students who change any transportation plans must bring a note to verify that change.

Doane Stuart provides bus transportation for students from the City of Albany, Saratoga, Clifton Park, Cohoes and Columbia and Greene Counties. Application for this service is made through the Admission Office.

Any inappropriate behavior on the school bus may result in school sanction and the revocation of bus privileges.

7

Change of Address, Family Situation

Please notify the school as soon as possible of any change in address, phone number, or family situation. If a student is temporarily in the care of a guardian, please leave the name, phone number, and address with the Lower and Middle School Secretary. This is very important in an emergency. The Lower and Middle School Secretary may be reached at 465-5222, ext. 240.

Restrictions regarding those persons who may pick up your child/children from school must be provided in writing to the Lower and Middle School Secretary. This is most important in any situation in which there is a dispute over custody or visitation rights; in such cases, copies of pertinent legal documents must be provided annually to the Head of School.

Chapel

Our community comes together regularly for required chapel services. All students are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior during chapel services, but they are not required to join in prayers or hymns that might conflict with personal religious beliefs.

Dress Code

Our uniform helps us to minimize economic and social differences among us and it identifies all students as belonging to the community equally. We encourage parents to be partners with us in demonstrating to our students their sincere support of the School’s dress code. We count on all members of the School community to uphold the dress code.

Because Doane Stuart is dedicated to the education of its students to assume adult roles in the broader community, we believe that it is important for everyone to recognize that appearance and first impressions do make a difference. We wish to set a standard of appearance that is reasonable, recognizing that there is a difference between work clothes and play clothes.

Students who do not adhere to the dress code will have the opportunity to find necessary items in our used uniform collection. If they are unable to do so, parents may be called to bring in the uniform to school.

All polo shirts, pants, shorts, jumpers, skirts and skorts (lower school only) must be purchased from Lands’ End. Traditional khaki pants may be purchased elsewhere but must be similar to those provided by Land’s End.)All polo shirts, sweatshirts, vests and blazers must have the School logo.

Uniform shopping information: •Lands’ End – LandsEnd.com; “preferred school” code: 9000-3434-9

Please see the complete dress code on the following pages.

8

Out-of-Uniform Days: The School may designate certain days as “out-of-uniform days.” Clothing worn on out-of-uniform days is expected to be appropriate for school. Revealing clothing or clothing with inappropriate writing or graphics may not be worn. If in doubt about an article of clothing, please do not wear it.

Cleanliness: Students (and their clothes) are expected to be clean.

Please note: Students may not alter their uniforms with pins, patches or personal adornments, other than those approved by the Division Coordinator.

Daily Uniform for Grades 1 – 4

Polo shirts (boys and girls) – Lands’ End • Long or short sleeved with logo• White, dark forest green or navy blue

Sweatshirts (boys and girls) – Lands’ End • Doane Stuart sweatshirt

Turtleneck shirts (boys and girls) • White, dark forest green or navy blue

Sweaters (boys and girls) • Dark forest green or navy blue• Crew neck, vest or cardigan• No hoods

Pants or shorts; traditional fit (boys and girls) – Lands’ End • Plain khaki• Shorts must be appropriate length

Socks or tights • Plain white, dark forest green, black or navy blue (footed or footless tights –strongly

recommended with skirt or kilt)• Opaque; no pattern

Jumper (for girls, grades 1 – 4) –Lands’ End • Classic navy/evergreen plaid jumper• Appropriate length

Down vest - optional (boys and girls) • Plain navy or dark green

Skirt and skort – Lands’ End • Classic navy/evergreen plaid pleated skirt or kilt• Skort (lower school) – khaki or navy/evergreen plaid• Appropriate length

9

Fleece jacket or vest - optional (boys and girls) – Lands’ End • Navy, with logo

Shoes • Sneakers or sturdy sandals allowed (no flip flops)

Dress Uniform for Grades 2 – 4 Please note differences between regular uniform and dress uniform.

Sweater (boys and girls, grades 2 - 4) • Navy blue, with logo/patch• Crew neck, vest or cardigan• No hoods• Navy blue blazer optional

Tie (required for boys, grades 2 – 4) – Lands’ End • Doane Stuart blue/green stripe

White dress shirt (required for boys and girls, grades 2 – 4) • Traditional plain white button-down• Must be long enough to tuck in• Peter pan collar for girls, grades 2 - 4

Jumper (for girls, grades 2 – 4) – Lands’ End • Classic navy/evergreen plaid jumper• Appropriate length

Plain khaki pants; traditional fit (boys and girls, grades 2 – 4) – Lands’ End

Shoes • Optional Black, brown or navy blue leather• Sneaker allowed for grades 2-4, no sandals

Gym Uniform for Grades 2 – 4

• Doane Stuart logo T-shirts and sweatshirts, navy or gray – Lands’ End• Doane Stuart logo gym shorts, sweatpants or windpants (plain navy shorts, windpants and

sweatpants are acceptable)• Sneakers

10

Please note:

•Pants and shorts must be plain, traditional khaki, purchased from Lands’ End or other vendor ifvery similar-- no tight pants, jeggings, corduroys, jeans, etc.•Shorts must be an appropriate length: no shorter than mid-thigh

•Pants and skirts must be high enough at the waist and shirts must be long enough to ensure thatmidriffs are not exposed.

•Uniform polo shirts, white dress shirts or turtlenecks are required under sweaters

•Hats may not be worn inside the school buildings

•Shirts worn under uniform shirts must be plain white, without writing, patterns or graphics

Shopping information:

•Lands’ End – LandsEnd.com; “preferred school” code: 9000-3434-9

Early Dismissal

Medical or other appointments should be made during non-school hours. If it is absolutely necessary to take a child out of school for an appointment, parents must come to the Main Office and sign out their child before departing

Emergency Drills Doane Stuart has three types of Emergency Drills, all of which are practiced periodically throughout the year. Drills will be announced in advance.

“Emergency Commons” drills are practice for an external event that requires us to gather in one place.

“Emergency Classroom” drills are practice for an internal situation or for an external event that requires us to remain in classrooms. (AKA Shelter in Place)

“Exit Drills” are practiced for when it is necessary to leave the building. Exit maps are posted in hallways. Students must be absolutely quiet, walk, and listen to and follow directions during fire drills.

Elevator

Students may not use the elevators without the permission of the Division Coordinators, Upper School Dean of Students, Associate Head or School Nurse.

11

Financial Assistance

The School is sensitive to the financial obligations carried by many of our families, and we maintain a strong commitment to our financial aid program.

Application for financial aid for tuition is made through the Admission Office each winter for the upcoming school year. Financial aid applications are reviewed by the School’s Financial Aid Committee. All information is confidential.

The School can provide additional assistance, if necessary, for non-tuition expenses for families receiving financial aid. We encourage parents to let us know if any school expense presents a financial burden, so that we can provide additional assistance; we have often done this to help with the costs of field trips, special events, other school-related activities and uniform items. Parents should contact the Head of School or Associate Head regarding assistance with non-tuition expenses.

Friday Folders

Folders containing student work, newsletters, announcements, etc. are sent home each Friday. Folders are due back at school, with a parent signature, each Monday morning. Folders include room for parents' comments.

NOTE: Lower School classroom newsletters will be posted on the school’s website.

Harassment

Doane Stuart is enriched by the diversity of its members. The School recognizes and respects individual differences in culture, race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. To provide an environment of respect and sensitivity, it is important that every member of the community recognize that behavior, either verbal or physical, which shows disrespect or demeans another is unacceptable. This includes unwelcome physical advances, inappropriate verbal remarks, derogatory statements, or discriminatory comments. This prohibition includes offensive behavior between individuals, groups or on the Internet.

Any incidents of such inappropriate behavior should be reported to the Lower School Coordinator or Head of School. Depending upon the circumstances, the consequences may include, but are not limited to: mediation, detention, suspension or expulsion.

Health/Illness/Physical Exams

Records of physical examinations, health, immunizations and inoculations must be on file for all students. Under New York State Law, students may not attend school unless they have complied with the immunization requirements. Children in grades nursery-grade 4 who have been out of school for any kind of extended illness should return only when they are able to join the others for outdoor recreation. It is important that children who are sick in the morning be kept home from school for their own sake, as well as that of their classmates. Parents of children who arrive at school ill or become ill during the day will be called to come for them.

12

Health Services: A student who is sick or injured during the school day must report to the Health Office. If that is not possible, the student should go to the Main Office. A student may not go home sick unless parents have been contacted and permission has been given by the school nurse or the Lower and Middle School Secretary. Students who are not well enough to remain on campus must have permission to leave school from the School Nurse, who will contact a parent or guardian. The School Nurse will determine if it is appropriate for the student to be dismissed from school.

Physical Exams: A physical form must be completed by a physician for all new students, for all students entering prekindergarten, kindergarten, grades two, four, seven and ten.

Medication Policy: If a student is under treatment for any medical condition or is receiving medication, the Health Office must be notified. In order to have the medication administered during the school day, it is necessary to provide the written order of the physician, the written request of the parents, and the medication in a separate, clearly labeled container that remains in school.

Communicable Diseases: Communicable diseases such as chicken pox, strep throat, and conjunctivitis (pink eye) must be reported to the Health Office.

Physical Education Excuses: Excuses will be issued on a one-day basis by permission of the School Nurse. Longer excuses require a physician's note stating reason and duration of absence. This type of excuse will be processed through the Health Office.

Homework

Homework is intended as a reinforcement of those skills being learned in the classroom, and as an opportunity for independent creative thinking and problem solving activities using those skills. It helps students develop responsibility and depends upon the support and encouragement of parents. Homework times may vary, but a general guideline follows:

• Grade 1: 15-20 minutes of reading daily• Grades 2-4: 20-30 minutes daily, plus reading

Homework may include written work, as well as study assignments. Students should not spend appreciably MORE time than suggested.

Library

The Library is open daily for browsing, research, and library classes. Materials are to be checked out at the circulation desk before being taken from the Library. Periodicals and reference books must remain in the Library. Overdue books are normally subject to fines of ten cents per school day. Parents will be charged for lost or damaged books.

Lost and Found Lost and found articles, including textbooks, are located in the Main Office, and in bins in the PE Office and the Middle School Green Pod. Unclaimed items will be kept for only five days

13

after a major vacation Moving Up ceremonies in June. All clothing, including footwear, and textbooks should be clearly marked with the student's name.

Lunch

Early Childhood and Kindergarten students bring lunch or purchase lunch. They may purchase milk for lunch. Classroom teachers will provide information. Students in Grades One through Four may bring or buy lunch and/or beverages in the cafeteria. A menu is posted on the website each month with the School’s “Calendar, News and Notes.” It is suggested that younger children bring lunch money to school in a sealed envelope.

Money/Valuables

Students should not bring substantial amounts of money to school. The School cannot be responsible for lost money or personal items (e.g., clothing, electronic games and equipment, etc.). If, under special circumstances, money or valuables are brought to school, they should be given to the Lower School Coordinator or Lower/Middle School Secretary for safekeeping.

Office Hours

The Main Office/Lower and Middle School Office is open from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on school days, and on the vacation days noted on the school calendar. A receptionist is in the office until 6:00pm

Parental Responsibility

As a community, Doane Stuart holds each family and each student responsible for the demonstration of fidelity to our mission and to the values and rules outlined in our publications and contracts.

Parking

City of Rensselaer police and fire officials remind us that parking regulations must be followed to ensure our safety and the safety of our neighbors in the event that fire or other emergency vehicles are needed at School or in the immediate neighborhood.

Parking is not allowed in the bus drop-off area on the Anderson Place side of campus. Parking on this side of campus is allowed only in the marked spaces above the Saint Agnes entrance to the School.

The front driveway (Washington Avenue entrance) is for drop-off and pick-up only. Drivers must remain with their cars.

You are asked not to park in the immediate neighborhood and not to block driveways or crowd the streets to the extent that it would be difficult or impossible for emergency vehicles to travel on them.

14

We appreciate your cooperation.

Personal Electronics

Personal electronics should serve a legitimate, academic purpose. The School is not responsible for loss or damage to electronic items. Students are not to receive or make personal phone calls on cell phones at school. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are to be turned off during classes. If a cell phone rings or is used during class, it will be confiscated by the teacher, and returned by the Division Coordinator at the end of the day.

Property

Both school and personal property should be respected at all times. Lost and found articles should be taken to the division offices and claimed there. Each student is expected to take responsibility for his or her personal belongings and to respect the belongings of others. Any theft should be reported to the Division Coordinator or teacher immediately.

Damage, defacement, or theft are serious offenses, not only because they are destructive of property, but because such actions connote a lack of concern for the life of the individual and the community and affect the level of trust among the students. Accordingly, any such offenses are sufficient cause for suspension or dismissal from Doane Stuart. The School reserves the right to bill parents for intentional or accidental damage.

Public Displays of Affection

Any display of affection that has exclusionary and/or sexual overtones is inappropriate and not acceptable at any time or any place on school grounds or at school-sponsored events.

Recess

All Lower School students are required to participate in recess unless we have a doctor's note stating otherwise. Students must have appropriate outdoor clothing.

Report Cards and Conferences

The Lower School divides the year into trimesters. Report cards for Lower School students are sent home after the end of each trimester, and consist of grades and written narratives and/or comments from core teachers and special area teachers (music, art, physical education, religion, foreign language). Formal parent/teacher conference days are scheduled twice a year. Parents are invited to request a meeting with teachers whenever necessary.

15

School-Sponsored Activities

School-sponsored activities are those that are held at the School, or are paid for by funds raised under School auspices, or are associated with an official event at Doane Stuart, provided that the activity is planned with the knowledge and approval of the School, and that the activity conforms to the rules set for Doane Stuart activities. The following regulations apply to all school activities, whether they are held on or off campus:

• The expectations outlined in this Handbook apply to all school-sponsored activities.

• Doane Stuart students are expected to communicate the expectations of the School totheir guests who attend school functions.

• The School may cancel any school-sponsored activity for which there are an insufficientnumber of chaperones.

The School is not responsible for the behavior of its students at private parties not designated as school-sponsored, even though these parties might be held in connection with a school-sponsored activity. However, any off-campus conduct that is not proper and reflects poorly on the good name of Doane Stuart can become a matter for disciplinary action. The School, therefore, strongly recommends that these parties be well-chaperoned by parents.

Snack

Morning and afternoon snacks are provided for students in Early Childhood and Kindergarten. Students in Grades One through Four should bring a morning snack each day.

Snow Days or Other Emergency Closings

If school is closed or delayed because of weather conditions or other emergency, it will be announced on the following radio and television stations: Radio: WGY, WROW, WQBK, WKLI, WABY, WPTR, WFLY, WGNA Television: WRGB, WTEN, WNYT, CHANNEL 9 *Many of these stations list school closings online.

Doane Stuart will list closing and delay information, also, on our website (www.doanestuart.org), and our Facebook page, as well as at TimesUnion.com.

The Doane Stuart School may occasionally have late openings. However, dangerous weather conditions in some areas may make it necessary for parents to decide that their children cannot attend school. In that event, please telephone the Lower and Middle School Secretary at 465-5222, ext. 240, before 8:15 a.m.

Occasionally, bad weather will force local school districts to close early, in which case they will send school buses to Doane Stuart to pick students up before the close of school. We will not allow students to go home early without parents' permission; we will call parents before allowing students to leave.

16

Emergency Closings Doane Stuart will occasionally close early if a serious storm threatens. In the event that Doane Stuart is closing early, we will post information as noted above. Also, we will email all parents with closing information, and will ask that you reply to the email with information about how your child should be sent home. Options include:

• My child will be picked up at a certain time by me, or by another person to whomI give permission

• My child should take the bus home (times may vary depending on the schooldistrict/bus service)

Parents who are unable to respond to the email will be contacted via phone before students are allowed to leave school, either by bus or by car. Parents are also welcome to contact the Lower/Middle School Office via phone with emergency dismissal information.

We urge you to try to pick up students as early as possible when driving conditions are dangerous. Extracurricular activities, the Afterschool and Enrichment Programs may be canceled in inclement weather. Please listen and check online for announcements.

Telephone/Telephone Messages/Cell Phones Students may not be called to the telephone during the day. In case of emergency, please ask for the Lower and Middle School secretary, or leave a message with the Receptionist. Do not leave a voice mail message in an emergency. Teachers are not available to come to the telephone during class hours. Parents may contact the Lower and Middle School Secretary and ask that the faculty member return the call during a free period. Parents may also leave voice mail messages for teachers. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day without permission from the coordinators.

Uniform Exchange

Clean, slightly used uniform items are available at no charge in the Main School Office.

Visitors

Students wishing to have a friend visit classes must make arrangements in advance with the Associate Head and also notify the Admission Office.

Voice MailMembers have voice mail. Messages may be left at any time. Please be aware that teachers have limited opportunity to check their voice mail during the school day. They will make every effort to return calls or emails as soon as possible.

Please do not leave emergency messages on voice mail. Ask for the Lower/Middle School Secretary, extension 240, or leave a message with the Receptionist.

17

The Doane Stuart School Computer Network Policy 2017-2018 These guidelines pertain to all members of the DS community.

Access to the Internet allows students and faculty to explore thousands of resources and share data with users all over the world. While Doane Stuart’s intent is to provide access to materials that are consistent with its mission and educational goals, we realize that users may find access to other information as well. We believe that the benefit to our community from access to the Internet outweighs the potential danger. The responsibility to use these resources wisely rests solely with the individual user.

Additionally, using the Internet and Doane Stuart’s Email are privileges, and inappropriate use of that privilege can result in its loss and a letter home to parents, outlining the details of any transgression(s).

General Policies Respect others. Digital communication should maintain common standards of civility. In addition, please follow all rules outlined in the Student Handbook.The following are strictly prohibited:• sharing account passwords;• cyber-bullying, which includes anonymous, libelous, defamatory, or otherwise hurtful Emailand postings;• inappropriate language;• sexually explicit, obscene, racist, bigoted, or violent material (ask a faculty member ifuncertain);• violating copyright, intellectual property, other contracts, or any other laws;• excessive use of bandwidth;• downloading and storing large files that are unrelated to school activities;• using Doane Stuart’s network for financial or personal gain;• deletion, alteration, or movement any data from a school or another’s account;• attempts to override security, evade filtering software, or subvert time / access restrictions;• intentionally wasting resources;• using any remote proxies, anonymizers, and VPNs;• using personal hot-spots with the intent to evade the policies of Doane Stuart;• knowingly spreading Malware, viruses, and other malicious programs;• using any music/video/file sharing software (e.g., P2P, .torrents, etc.).

18

19

RegistrationUsers must first register their computers, tablets, and phones MAC addresses with Mr. Costa. Students may email their device MAC address(es) to SCosta@DoaneStuart.org.The bandwidth allowance for unregistered devices will be reduced by 50% for both uploads and downloads.

Computer SecurityThe hardware, the software, and any information stored on school machines or the doanestuart.org domain is the legal property of the school. Doane Stuart Email is accessible by The Doane Stuart School and its administrative representatives. The Doane Stuart School Administration reserves the right to read and retain any doanestuart.org Email.In addition:• Do not disclose personal / financial information over the Internet or the school network.• A person’s password is their own responsibility. Keep it a secret. If a password is compromised, see Mr.Costa immediately.

Piracy and Plagiarism Do not download or copy commercial software from school-owned machines or the Internet. That is software piracy, and it is a criminal offense.

Give credit and use proper citation for all information gathered from The Doane Stuart School Network or the Internet. Failure to do so is considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Also, submitting papers downloaded from the Internet as one’s own is considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Please see the Parent/Student handbook for more information on plagiarism.

*** The Doane Stuart School may alter and amend these policies at any time. The Doane Stuart School has the right to deny Email and network access to members of the community who abuse these policies. Inappropriate use of the school network can result in loss of privilege and a letter home to parents, outlining the details of any transgressions. A copy of this agreement must be signed and handed in at the beginning of the year.***

On- and Off-Campus Social Networking and Blogging Policy

This policy applies to students’ use of the Internet at any time, whether at School or at home. In general, The Doane Stuart School views social networking sites (e.g., Instagram, Facebook Twitter, etc.), personal websites and blogs as potentially positive, and it respects the right of students to use them as a medium for self-expression. If a student chooses to identify himself or herself as a Doane Stuart student on such Internet sites, some readers of such websites or blogs may view that student as a representative or spokesperson of the School. In light of this possibility, Doane Stuart requires, as a condition of participation in the School, that students observe the following guidelines when referring to the School, its programs or activities, its students, and/or employees, in a blog, social network or on a website:

1. Students must be respectful in all communications and blogs related to or referencing theSchool, its employees and other students.

2. Students must not use obscenities, profanity or vulgar language.3. Students must not use social networks, blogs or personal websites to disparage the

School, other students or employees of the school.4. Students must not use social networks, blogs or personal websites to harass, bully or

intimidate other students or employees of the School. Behaviors that constituteharassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, comments that arederogatory with respect to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, color, or disability;sexually suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments; and threats to stalk, haze, orphysically injure another person.

5. Students must not use social networks, blogs or personal websites to discuss engaging inconduct that is prohibited by the Student Handbook or other School policies, including,but not limited to, the use of alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment, andbullying.

6. Students must not post or send pictures of other students or employees on a personalmedia device, cell phone, social network or website without first obtaining permissionfrom that individual.

7. The use of the copyrighted Doane Stuart School name or logo is not allowed withoutwritten permission from the Head of School.

Any student found to be in violation of any portion of this Policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

20