studenthandbook 2009-06-22
TRANSCRIPT
2009-2010
PRO DEO ET GENERE HUMANO
(For God and Humankind)
Holderness School
Handbook of Student Life
A Guide for Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff
Contact Phone Number
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Switchboard (603) 536-1257
Auto-Attendant Line (603) 536-1713
Admissions Office (603) 536-1747
Business Office (603) 536-1748
Alumni/Development Office (603) 536-1742
Administrator On Duty (AOD) (603) 254-8912
School Resource Officer (603) 779-5337
Livermore Fax Line
(Business Office & Admissions)
(603) 536-2125
Schoolhouse Fax Line
(Academic & Student Information)
(603) 536-1267
DORMITORY NUMBERS
Dormitory (Barton) (603) 536-1323
Dormitory (Connell) (603) 536-5167
Dormitory (Day) (603) 536-9649
Dormitory (Flinders) (603) 536-7561
Dormitory (Head’s House) (603) 536-9807
Dormitory (Hoit) (603) 536-9866
Dormitory (Houseman) (603) 536-9655
Dormitory (Macomber) (603) 536-9626
Dormitory (Niles) (603) 536-2959
Dormitory (Pfenninger) (603) 536-9658
Dormitory (Rathbun) (603) 536-7521
Dormitory (Sargent) (603) 536-1029
Dormitory (Galvin) (603) 536-9682
Dormitory (Teaford) (603) 536-7567
Dormitory (Webster) (603) 536-4826
Holderness School
PO 1879, Chapel Lane
Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264
Tel. (603) 536-1257
Fax. (603) 536-1267
Website: www.holderness.org
Health Services: (603) 779-5367
Administrator on Duty (603) 254-8912
Emergency: 911
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
From the Head of School .......................................................................................................................... 1
Mission and Core Values ............................................................................................................................... 2
About this Handbook .................................................................................................................................... 3
Getting Started at Holderness ...................................................................................................................... 4
Mail ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Telephone ................................................................................................................................................. 4
EMail ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Cell Phones ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Money and Expenses ................................................................................................................................ 5
Who’s Who at Holderness ........................................................................................................................ 6
Academics ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Academic Standards .................................................................................................................................. 7
Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Adding, Dropping, or Repeating a Course................................................................................................. 8
The Grading System .................................................................................................................................. 9
Mid-Year and Final Exams ....................................................................................................................... 10
Summer Study ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Repeating an Academic Year .................................................................................................................. 11
Student Record ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Study Policies .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Room Study ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Daytime Study Halls ................................................................................................................................ 12
Evening Study Halls ................................................................................................................................. 12
Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................................ 13
The Library .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Special Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Arts in the Afternoon .............................................................................................................................. 14
Technology at Holderness ........................................................................................................................... 15
HolderNet Resources .............................................................................................................................. 15
Internet Access........................................................................................................................................ 15
Student Computers ................................................................................................................................. 16
Acceptable Use Policy ............................................................................................................................. 17
Rules and Standards of Behavior ................................................................................................................ 19
Honor Code ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Major School Rules ................................................................................................................................. 19
Discipline Process .................................................................................................................................... 22
Other Discipline Issues ............................................................................................................................ 25
Daily Life at Holderness............................................................................................................................... 27
Attendance .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Weekends ............................................................................................................................................... 27
Vacations ................................................................................................................................................. 30
Dress Code .............................................................................................................................................. 35
Meals ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Food Delivery .......................................................................................................................................... 37
Automobile Policy ................................................................................................................................... 38
Bicycles/Helmets ..................................................................................................................................... 39
Skateboards ............................................................................................................................................ 39
Community Life ........................................................................................................................................... 40
On Campus .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Off Campus ............................................................................................................................................. 41
Student Leadership ..................................................................................................................................... 43
Student Government .............................................................................................................................. 43
School Government Leaders 2009-2010 ................................................................................................. 44
Student Job Program .............................................................................................................................. 44
Residential Life at Holderness ..................................................................................................................... 47
General Policies ....................................................................................................................................... 47
Dorm Hours ............................................................................................................................................. 48
Fire Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 50
Day Student Life at Holderness ................................................................................................................... 53
Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 53
Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 53
Health and Wellness ................................................................................................................................... 55
General Overview ................................................................................................................................... 55
Ill Students .............................................................................................................................................. 55
Personal Health Issues ............................................................................................................................ 57
Harassment ............................................................................................................................................. 60
Hazing ...................................................................................................................................................... 62
Bullying .................................................................................................................................................... 62
Athletics ...................................................................................................................................................... 64
Program................................................................................................................................................... 64
NEPSAC Code of Ethics and Conduct ...................................................................................................... 67
Equipment ............................................................................................................................................... 68
Facilities .................................................................................................................................................. 68
Injuries .................................................................................................................................................... 69
School Calendar 2009-2010 ........................................................................................................................ 70
First Semester – First Quarter ................................................................................................................. 70
First Semester – Second Quarter ............................................................................................................ 71
Second Semester – Third Quarter ........................................................................................................... 71
Second Semester – Fourth Quarter ........................................................................................................ 72
Fall/Spring Daily Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 74
Contacts By Need ........................................................................................................................................ 75
Notes ........................................................................................................................................................... 76
1
INTRODUCTION
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Summer 2009
Dear Holderness Family,
The heart of Holderness School is community. That community is built around a strong framework of
relationships between students, teachers, staff, alumni, and parents. These relationships are supported
by several guidelines for life that hold our school together:
• Care for one another: do unto others as you would have them do unto you, never compromising
trust, respect, and honesty.
• Live a life of reflection: be thoughtful about making connections in every learning experience at
Holderness School.
• Pay attention to details: your commitment to the small details, from dress code to fire safety,
make an important difference in the ongoing health of the school.
These guidelines must permeate our entire community, and their modeling should be a priority for
everyone, particularly for the adults, older students, and leaders at Holderness.
In an ideal world, we would need no official handbook, but simply a reminder of these overarching
values. Nonetheless, clarity and consistency require that these values be outlined and described in the
enclosed handbook. We hope that the policies and rules contained therein will enable all of us to enjoy
a rich and fulfilling Holderness experience. Please review carefully the letter and spirit of the information
enclosed in this handbook.
Sincerely,
R. Phillip Peck
Head of School
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MISSION AND CORE VALUES
Within the context of a caring community, Holderness School fosters equally the resources of the mind,
body, and spirit in each student, instilling in all the resolve to work for the betterment of humankind and
God’s creation.
COMMUNITY
We begin with an affirmation of the bonds that unite us to friends and family and teachers, to the
breadth of humankind, and to God and all creation. We affirm the role that such bonds play in learning.
CHARACTER
We believe that community cultivates character, and that character sustains and reinforces community.
At Holderness, all community members are asked to lead through strength of character, and all students
participate in programs that test and enhance character.
SCHOLARSHIP
We celebrate intellectual achievement and nurture its catalysts—curiosity, passion, and initiative. We
also celebrate the learning that occurs no less crucially in settings other than the classroom— the
chapel, the dormitories, the athletic fields, the outdoors, and the Job Program—and the fundamental
connections that exist between them.
BALANCE
We anchor our sense of community in a reverence for all aspects of a young person's potential: mind,
body, and spirit. We hold these aspects in a dynamic balance, each as important as the other.
INVOLVEMENT
We insist on involvement, and its corollary, a readiness to accept new challenges. We believe that effort
and determination, even in the face of setbacks, prepare the way for success, and that such resolve is
most available to those involved in a warm and supportive community.
3
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
This Handbook of Student Life sets forth the rules and policies of the Holderness School. It is intended as
a guide to help you understand both what is expected of you as a student at Holderness School, and
what you can expect from the school.
We are hopeful that this handbook will answer many of the questions that you may have about matters
relating to academics, security, discipline, school rules, dorm living, safety, athletics, and other topics. If
your question is not answered directly, we encourage you to use the contact lists included in the
handbook. These lists provide the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of our faculty,
administration, and staff.
Please understand that no set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable set of circumstances
that may actually arise at a school. Holderness School reserves the right to deal with individual
circumstances as they arise as deemed necessary by the school. Likewise, the rules and guidelines in this
handbook may be revised during the school year. You will be advised as these changes occur.
In reading this handbook, there may be sections that seem regimented or formalistic. We are sensitive
to this concern, especially given our desire to be a true community. However, a formal tone is
sometimes unavoidable, as Holderness School must comply with numerous government laws and
regulations affecting teachers, parents, and our students.
We would ask that parents and students take time to review the handbook before the beginning of the
school year. Any student or parent with a question about any policy or statement that follows should
feel free to speak with a faculty member or member of the administration.
4
GETTING STARTED AT HOLDERNESS
Student mail is delivered each day to the student mailboxes in Lower Weld. Friends and family can reach
students by addressing their letters to a particular student at:
Regular Mail Shipping (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Holderness School
Chapel Lane
P.O. Box 1879
Plymouth, NH 03264
Holderness Private School
33 Chapel Lane
Holderness, NH 03245
Students will be issued a box number and a key upon arrival at school. Lost keys may be replaced for a
fee. The mailroom is open during lunch each day Monday through Saturday. Mail is distributed each day
around 10:00 AM. Package notification slips are placed in a student's mailbox. In the mailroom, students
can send outgoing mail, arrange for packages to be sent, or buy stamps, tape, and packaging materials.
United Parcel Service is also available for sending packages and overnight mail. Students will receive
school-related messages via both traditional mail and email, and should be sure to check both mailboxes
daily.
TELEPHONE
School offices are open between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM on
Saturday. After-hours callers may leave messages on the school's voice mail ((603) 779-5204) that will be
passed on to the appropriate person the next day. Callers wishing to reach or leave a message with a
specific faculty member or administrator may use the auto-attendant line (see below). Callers wishing to
reach a student must dial the dormitory phone directly, as phone calls to the main switchboard or the
auto-attendant cannot be transferred to the dormitory. In case of an emergency after hours, please call
the administrator on duty at (603) 254-8912.
If a caller knows a faculty or staff member's extension, he/she can call that extension directly from the
outside. To do this, dial (603) 779-5XXX, where XXX is the person's extension. Alternatively, the school
has an auto-attendant line through which callers may find and dial individual extensions. To reach a
specific extension, dial the three-digit number at any time during the auto-attendant's recorded
message. If the caller does not know the extension number for a particular person, they may locate it by
dialing "1" for the directory, followed by the first three letters of the faculty/staff member's last name.
Dorm rooms will be assigned for new students when they arrive on campus. Parents can talk with dorm
parents/advisors at any time during the year. Parents will receive advisor telephone numbers and
dormitory assignments on the first day.
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Students and faculty can also be reached via email. The address convention is
[email protected]; for example, Molly Smith's email address would be
CELL PHONES
Students may have cell phones on campus for use in the privacy of their own rooms. This privilege is
granted in order to allow students to maintain good communication with their families. Cell phones are
not to be used during academic hours, including study hours or after lights out, unless needed for an
emergency. Cell phones are not to be used for Internet access. Cell phones with cameras may not be
used to take a photograph of any person without their knowledge and permission. Cell phones with
cameras may not be used to take a photograph of any test or other private or protected matter.
Day students may use their cell phones (with permission of their coach) when returning from an athletic
event, if they need to communicate pick-up times with parents. On campus, day students may only use
cell phones in Day Rooms.
Note: Possession of a cell phone by a student is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails
to abide by the terms of this policy.
MONEY AND EXPENSES
The Business Office will set up student accounts with money deposited by parents. These accounts are
for on-campus expenses, including: transportation costs, books and bookroom supplies, testing fees,
team pictures, medical prescriptions, and yearbooks. Parents should open a personal checking account
for their student's miscellaneous needs either at home or in Plymouth. The Pemigewasset National Bank
((603) 536-3339), Citizens Bank ((603) 536-6900), and Meredith Village Savings Bank ((603) 536-8228)
are conveniently located in Plymouth. Students may cash checks at the mailroom from noon to 1:00 PM,
Monday through Saturday, for a total of $25.00 per week.
6
WHO’S WHO AT HOLDERNESS
Position Name Email Address
ADMINISTRATION
Head of School Mr. R. Phillip Peck [email protected]
Assistant to the Head of School Mrs. Thalia Christiansen [email protected]
Assistant Head of School Mr. George Macomber [email protected]
Business Manager Mr. Peter Hendel [email protected]
Director of Admission Mr. Tyler Lewis [email protected]
Director of Diversity Ms. Tobi Pfenninger [email protected]
Director of Leadership Giving Mr. Peter Barnum [email protected]
Executive Director for Advancement &
External Relations
Mr. Robert Caldwell [email protected]
Assistant Director of Development Ms. Jane McNulty [email protected]
Director of Athletics Mr. Lance Galvin [email protected]
Buildings & Grounds Director Mr. Richard Stevens [email protected]
Athletic Trainer Mr. Jeff Nadeau [email protected]
Chaplain Rev. Richard Weymouth [email protected]
College Counselor Ms. Margot Moses [email protected]
Assistant College Counselor Mr. Bruce Barton [email protected]
Assistant College Counselor
School Counselor Ms. Carol Dopp [email protected]
Dean of Academic Affairs Mr. Peter Durnan [email protected]
Dean of Faculty Mr. George Macomber [email protected]
Dean of Students Ms. Katherine Weymouth [email protected]
Director of Residential Life Mr. Duane Ford [email protected]
Assistant to the Deans Ms. Kate Forbush [email protected]
Registrar Ms. Joan Barnum [email protected]
Director of Technology Mr. Wayne Oldack [email protected]
Director of Food Services Ms. Gayle Youngman [email protected]
Director of Housekeeping Ms. Pam Bliss [email protected]
Librarian Ms. Mary Kietzman [email protected]
Director of Publications Mr. Rick Carey [email protected]
Director of Communications Mr. Stephen Solberg [email protected]
School Physician Dr. Viking Hedberg
School Nurse Ms. Nancy Thurrell [email protected]
School Resource Officer Mr. Michael Barney [email protected]
DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS
English Chair Ms. Doonie Brewer [email protected]
Fine Arts Chair Ms. Monique Devine [email protected]
History Chair Mr. Sean Glew [email protected]
Languages Chair Ms. Janice Pedrin-Nielson [email protected]
Mathematics Chair Mr. Michael Peller [email protected]
Science Chair Mr. Randy Houseman [email protected]
Theology Chair Rev. Richard Weymouth [email protected]
Senior Thesis Program Director Mr. Stephen Solberg [email protected]
7
ACADEMICS
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
One of the purposes of education at Holderness is to establish a truly high standard of achievement.
Students must learn to distinguish between clear and muddled thought, between sound and shaky logic,
and between cliché and originality. Students must learn what it means to be thorough, and the
difference between truly fine work and average performance.
Holderness expects that a student will strive to do his or her best. The school recognizes that effort and
objective achievement are not always equal, and that grades do not always signify true accomplishment
in education. Through the advising system and conversation, faculty members try to encourage a
student to do his or her finest work and to learn to make a realistic appraisal of their own potential. This
in turn allows the student to establish an achievable set of goals.
During each year of attendance at the school, students must take a minimum of five courses per
semester. This minimum holds true even for students who have repeated a grade in high school or who
are second-year seniors. Students who find that their personal circumstance would make a five-course
load very difficult (serious illness, for example) may petition the Academic Committee for permission to
maintain a four-course load for that one semester. Chorus and/or Band may be taken in addition to the
five courses. Students must take English during each year of attendance at Holderness, even if they are
repeating a grade and have taken the English course for that grade during a previous year.
REQUIREMENTS
Students must have successfully completed the following requirements in order to be considered for a
Holderness School diploma:
• Attendance at the school for a minimum of one year
• Completion of a minimum of 54 credits (year-long courses earn 3 credits, semester courses earn
1.5 credits)
Note: Students who repeat a course may earn credit for that course only once.
• Completion of the following courses:
Subject Requirements
English (during each year of attendance) 4 years
Mathematics 3 years
Foreign Language (of the same language) 2 consecutive years
Science (including Biology and Chemistry or Physics) 2 years
History (including History 1 or 2 and US History) 4 semesters
8
Theology 1 semester
Fine Arts 1 semester
Human Development (tenth grade only) 1 quarter
• Fulfillment of the community service requirement, by participating in one of the following:
o Project Outreach (two-week Special Program open to ninth graders)
o An approved service project as a sports alternative for one season
o A single, significant service experience of a minimum of 40 hours in length undertaken
during a school vacation. The service must be helpful to needy persons.
o On occasion and as offered, seniors may complete their service requirement as part of a
Senior Colloquium class held during the Special Programs period
• In addition, to be eligible for a Holderness School diploma, a student may have:
o No more than six year-end grades in the "D" range during his or her secondary
education
o No more than two year-end grades in the "D" range during his or her senior year
o No grades of "F" in his or her senior year, including Senior Colloquium and Senior
Honors Thesis.
Note: In the cases of successive courses (i.e., French II followed by French III), and only for the purpose of
receiving a diploma, a grade of "C-" or better in the subsequent course may offset one "D" received in the
preceding course. However, all earned letter grades are always listed on a student's transcript.
In order to be awarded a Holderness School diploma, a student must fulfill all standards of the school,
not just those related to academics. Otherwise, at the Head of School's discretion, the student may
receive a Holderness School certificate, which is the equivalent of a high school diploma. Certificates
may only be awarded to students who have completed the necessary 54 credits.
ADDING, DROPPING, OR REPEATING A COURSE
A student may add or drop a fall semester or year-long course during the add-drop period
(approximately three weeks) at the beginning of the fall semester. Students may add or drop second
semester courses during the add-drop period (approximately two weeks) at the beginning of the second
semester. The student must have the approval of the instructor, parents, the Dean of Academic Affairs,
and the student's advisor. All decisions regarding the adding or dropping of a course should begin with a
conversation between the student and his or her instructor.
If a student wishes to add or drop a full-year course after the third week in the semester, and has
received appropriate approval, he or she must also petition the Academic Committee for permission to
9
add or drop the course. If a student receives permission to drop a course near the time the first quarter
grade is posted (or later), he or she will receive a Withdrawal/Passing or Withdrawal/Failing grade on
the transcript.
At Holderness, great value is placed on the relationships between students and faculty, and the learning
that takes place both within and outside of the classroom. Students often acquire lifelong skills and
understandings through the development of relationships and communication with their teachers, even
when situations arise that may at first appear less than ideal. For this reason, students may not change
instructors in a course or request schedule changes for the purpose of a change in instructor. Students
and parents who request an exception to this policy must put in writing the specific reasons for the
request, to be reviewed by the Academic Committee.
Students who wish to repeat a course must first receive the approval of their parents, the course
instructor, the department chair, their advisor, and the Academic Dean. With this approval, they must
then petition the Academic Committee. If permission is granted, students will receive credit only once
for the same course, although the courses and their year-end grades will be listed on the transcript both
times.
THE GRADING SYSTEM
Holderness employs an alphabetical grading system as follows:
A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69
A 93-96 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66
A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62
Passing grades at Holderness School are 60 and above. Honor grades are 85 and above.
Because one of the indications of achievement is a consistent record, a student must have the following
in order to achieve recognition on the Honor Roll:
• An average of 85 or higher, with only one grade of C
• No grade below C-
• Not more than two effort grades of satisfactory and no effort grades of fair or poor
To achieve recognition on the High Honor Roll a student must have:
• An average of 90 or higher, with the same additional requirements as for the Honor Roll
Students who earn year-end grades of D or F in required courses (i.e., Algebra I or French I) will not be
permitted to take the next course in succession (i.e., Geometry or French II) until the successful
completion of one of the following has occurred:
• A summer course in that discipline, approved by the Academic Dean and the department chair
10
• A summer tutorial program in that discipline, arranged by the student and his/her parents, and
approved by the Academic Dean and the department chair
In these cases, the instructor and the department chair will verify that the work completed is of
satisfactory quantity and quality for the student to progress to the next level. Some departments require
that students pass an exam with a grade of C or better after their summer course or tutorial. Summer
courses do not receive credit nor are the grades listed on a student's transcript.
MID-YEAR AND FINAL EXAMS
Examinations are given twice during the academic year at Holderness: once at the end of the first
semester, and again at the end of the second semester. These exams count for 20-25% of the semester
grade, with both semesters averaged in order to determine a student's year-end grade. Final exams are
considered an important part of both the student's current educational experience and as preparation
for his or her future. Therefore, a student who earns less than 40% on a year-end final exam will receive
a failing grade for that course, regardless of the grade earned prior to the exam.
Note: Students are required to follow the school exam schedule and may not reschedule exams without
the permission of the Academic Committee. Students who fall ill during the examination period must
make arrangements with their instructor and the Academic Dean to make up the exams missed before
leaving campus.
SUMMER STUDY
Students are encouraged to develop their interests during the summer months. Many Holderness
students attend summer workshops, programs, camps, and other schools. Over the summer some
students take courses that are not available at Holderness School, or courses that enable them to
advance in a particular discipline. Students are welcome to take courses for enrichment and should be
aware of the school's policies:
• Courses taken at other institutions may be listed on the student's transcript, as long as
appropriate certification is received from the institution, in a separate section from Holderness
School courses
• Holderness School does not give its own credit for courses taken at other institutions while a
student is enrolled at Holderness School
• Students who wish to use courses taken during the summer for purposes of advancement in a
particular discipline (math, foreign language) must receive approval from the chairperson of that
department and from the Academic Dean. Again, Holderness School credit is not given.
• Summer study is necessary for students who earn a year-end grade of D or F in a continuing
discipline. Summer tutorial programs are not listed on a student's transcript.
11
REPEATING AN ACADEMIC YEAR
Holderness has occasionally granted a student permission to repeat an academic year, when all parties
involved with the student feel that it is in the student's best interest to do so. Students who would like
to request permission to repeat the year must:
• Put the reasons for the request in writing to the Academic Committee
• Show parental support for the request, either in writing or in conference with a member of the
Academic Committee
• Discuss intended course selections for the repeated year and successive years with the
Academic Dean
In these cases, each request is considered individually, with the particular student and circumstances in
mind. The Academic Committee discusses the student's request in order to determine what benefit a
repeated year would have for the student and for Holderness School. The Academic Committee then
makes a recommendation to the Head of School.
STUDENT RECORD
A student's record consists of the student's transcript and grading records. All other records are
considered the records of the school, and are subject to disclosure at the discretion of the school or as
may be required by law.
12
STUDY POLICIES
ROOM STUDY
Eleventh and twelfth graders are generally permitted to study in their rooms during their free periods if
they have all "Satisfactory", "Good", or "Excellent" effort grades. Ninth and tenth graders are generally
permitted to study in their rooms when they:
• Have an average of 80 or higher
• Have no “Fair” or “Poor” effort grades
• Have shown that they use their room study time productively
A student's advisor makes the final decision about room study, regardless of the student's grades. Some
students work best in their room, while others need the supervision of the proctored study hall. An
advisor may assign a student to study hall during the day or night, even if his or her grades are
satisfactory.
DAYTIME STUDY HALLS
Students who have not qualified for room study are required to study in the proctored study hall during
academic periods when they are not in class. Students who qualify for room study must study in their
rooms, in the library, or in the proctored study hall during their free periods.
Note: Outdoor activities and music are not allowed on the Quad during the academic day.
EVENING STUDY HALLS
Evening study hours are 8:00 PM - 9:55 PM on every night except Saturday. All students study in their
rooms during this time, unless they are required to attend evening study hall. Permission to go to the
library or to see a faculty member must be obtained from the dorm parent or the faculty member on
duty. In certain cases, a note will be required before a student may study in another location.
During evening study hours, we ask that students observe a "one-place, one-time" guideline. This means
that students should remain in one location for the entire study period in order to minimize disruptions
for other students, and to keep the campus, dormitories, and library quiet during study times. If a
student wishes to see a teacher after study hours have begun, he or she must wait to do so until the
passing time of 8:55 PM - 9:00 PM. Day students are encouraged to stay on campus or to return home
during evening study hours. Day students may leave campus by 7:45 PM, 9:00 PM, or 10:00 PM.
13
PLAGIARISM
"Plagiarism" means directly copying words, ideas, or organizational structure from a source (author,
speaker, website, program, movie, etc.) without giving credit to that source. Plagiarism may take the
form of direct quotation, but it may also be in the form of paraphrasing, examples, comparisons,
analogies, or other references for which credit is not properly assigned. A footnote always avoids
plagiarism.
Students are encouraged to work with other students when appropriate and may, when doing various
assignments, quiz each other, proofread papers, and cooperate in learning. However, students must
understand the boundaries for the use of source material. Students must write their own assignments
even when working together, and must be particularly careful to distinguish between cooperation and
copying. Plagiarism also includes copying homework assignments, handing in the same paper for two
different courses without making prior arrangements with both instructors, or handing in work that has
been completed for some other assignment in the past. If a student has a question about cooperation
with classmates or use of an outside source for an assignment, he or she should consult the teacher
involved.
Plagiarism is not permitted at Holderness School. Students must understand that plagiarism is
intellectual dishonesty, and therefore is a breach of the Honor Code. Plagiarism may subject a student to
dismissal from the school. Any violation of the plagiarism policy will be reviewed by the Dean of
Academics, the Dean of Students, and will most likely go before the Discipline Committee.
THE LIBRARY
The Barbara Lawrence Alfond Library is dedicated to meeting the research needs of Holderness
students. Resources include approximately 13,000 volumes, subscriptions to 80 periodicals on paper,
microfilm, and microfiche, and membership to several online databases. Through inter-library loan,
students have access to materials from the University of New Hampshire System libraries, as well as
from other college libraries.
The Alfond Library features a main reading room, a periodical room, microfiche access, two computer
labs, three seminar rooms, a tower room for quiet study, a lounge, and offices for the staff. Students
may access its resources with an online catalogue system. The library connects students to the school’s
computer network, HolderNet, which provides email service and access to the World Wide Web.
Orientation sessions to familiarize new students with the library's resources are held each fall. The staff
welcomes inquiries about research methods, use of equipment, or study strategies.
The library supports the business of learning, and students should maintain an atmosphere conducive to
those pursuits. During evening study hours, students working in the library must adhere to the school's
"one-time, one-place" rule. The library is open until 10:30 PM each day. As part of their senior privileges,
seniors may study in the library until 10:25 PM. Given the nature of print and electronic resources, food
and drink are prohibited in the building.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
At the end of the winter term students will spend approximately two weeks in March in a learning
environment that differs dramatically from the normal Holderness School curriculum. Ninth graders are
involved in Project Outreach. This service project provides an opportunity to contribute to others in
need, and a chance to get to know other participants better.
Note: Participation in Project Outreach satisfies the school’s graduation requirement in community
service.
Tenth grade students engage in Artward Bound (AB), an intense art experience. AB activities range from
hands-on work (such as painting, sculpture, or dance) to trips to museums in Boston. Students spend all
day, every day involved in art or performances.
Juniors spend the Special Programs period in the woods of New Hampshire in an "Outward Bound"-type
program. The program develops resourcefulness, concern for others, confidence, and class unity. It is
often the first topic of conversation when two Holderness alums reunite.
Seniors either spend the Special Programs period pursuing the experiential part of their Seniors Honors
Thesis (a program of independent study during the second semester) or engage in Senior Colloquium.
Senior Colloquium exposes students to the rigors of a college-level seminar course through a wide
variety of workshops (e.g., classic American cinema, bridge-building, French cuisine, and robotics).
All Special Programs are conducted during school days, and are therefore required of all students.
ARTS IN THE AFTERNOON
Students may choose to pursue an interest in the arts on a per season basis, limited to one season per
year (new students are required to play a fall sport in their first year). Students may choose to take one
of the Art Department offerings or request to use the afternoon period to prepare a portfolio, practice a
musical instrument, etc.
Students who request independent Art in the Afternoon programs must receive permission from the Art
Department Chair and the Director of Athletics, and must check in daily with the member of the Art
Department who is supervising the student’s independent study.
2009-2010 offerings include:
• Fall - Photography, Improv/Theater
• Winter - Ceramics, Recording Studio
• Spring - Art with Kathryn, Dance
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TECHNOLOGY AT HOLDERNESS
HOLDERNET RESOURCES
The purpose of the network and network services at Holderness School is to support appropriate
communication and mission-appropriate teaching and learning opportunities. The use of the school’s
computer network is a privilege, not a right, and must at all times be used in consideration of this
purpose.
The technology resources at Holderness (including the telephone system, fax machines, voice mail
system, email system, computers, computer network system, as well as the data stored on these
systems) are considered school property. The computer resources at Holderness are collectively known
as HolderNet, and are made available as considered appropriate to students and faculty at Holderness.
In addition to these school-provided resources, students have the opportunity to connect their own
computers to HolderNet from the academic buildings and dormitories, in accordance with established
policies and availability.
HolderNet is a resource shared by all members of the Holderness community. As such, and because
problems on a single network-attached computer can affect the larger community, the Technology
Department may suspend service to individual devices or individuals without prior notice.
INTERNET ACCESS
The Technology Department makes every effort to ensure that all services are available at all times, but
can make no guarantee with regard to service availability. To facilitate prompt resolution of any issues,
please make the Technology Department aware of problems encountered with HolderNet resources as
soon as possible.
Web access is viewed as a resource to be used responsibly, whether in the dormitory or in the academic
buildings. The Technology Committee, the Administrative Team and the faculty, in consultation with the
Head of School, determine the degree of student access to this resource.
Filtered web access is available at all times in the academic buildings. Filtered web access is available in
the dormitories from 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
The following categories of web sites will be blocked at all times in the dormitories and academic
buildings:
• Hate Speech
• Criminal Skills
• Dating
• Sex
• Drugs
• Extreme/Obscene/
Violence
• Mature
• UseNet News
• Gambling/Gaming
• Hacking and Anonymizers
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Additional filters will be applied during study hall times in the dormitories:
• Online Sales
• Humor
• Dating
• Entertainment
• Chat
• Lifestyle
• Sports
• Travel
• Social Networking
• Others may be added as
conditions dictate
In the event of a web filter failure, unfiltered access may be made available in order to maintain service.
Instant Messaging applications (e.g., AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, mIRC, ICQ, Skype) are recognized as legitimate
and important methods of communication. However, Instant Messaging applications will be blocked
during study hall hours and from 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM.
The Technology Department recognizes that streaming media (i.e., online movies, Internet television,
YouTube, Internet radio, gaming, and similar services) can be used for educational purposes. However,
because they often utilize a disproportionate amount of bandwidth, these services are bandwidth-
restricted on the student network in order to ensure business and academic needs can be met at all
times.
STUDENT COMPUTERS
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Technology Department recommends the following minimum system requirements:
• Operating System. Windows XP or Vista with the latest service packs and patches installed, or
MAC OS 10.2.8 or higher with the latest patches installed. Please contact the Technology
Department if using other operating systems.
• Anti-Virus Software. The Technology Department recommends AVG Free (free.grisoft.com) for
Windows and SOPHOS (www.sophos.com) for Apple computers. It is the responsibility of the
student to keep their anti-virus software up-to-date with the latest virus definitions.
• Anti-Spyware Software. The Technology Department recommends MalwareBytes
(malwarebytes.com). It is the responsibility of the student to keep their anti-spyware software
up-to-date with the latest definitions.
• Email. Holderness uses FirstClass for email. Students may download the FirstClass client (9.1 or
higher) from http://mail.holderness.org/clientdownloads.
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SERVICING STUDENT COMPUTERS
Because of staffing realities, the Technology Department is unable to provide more than in-person
configuration advice and support with respect to student computers. Problems requiring more focused
attention will be directed to an outside repair facility.
If a computer is under warranty, the Technology Department can help facilitate the repair with the
appropriate vendor. For out of warranty work, the Technology Department recommends A-Bit
Computer Systems of Plymouth, NH. Holderness has established a relationship with A-Bit Computer
Systems whereby work on student computers is performed at a discounted rate, and payment can be
billed directly to a student account. The Technology Department is happy to facilitate this process.
CONNECTING TO HOLDERNET
The wireless student network, HolderStudent, supports the 802.11b/g standards, and should work with
most wireless network devices. When a student attempts to connect to this wireless network on their
computer, they should open a web browser, where they will be prompted to enter a username and
password. Students should use their provided Windows username and password to be authenticated.
Students should then be able to surf the web and use Internet applications according to the policies
stated previously.
Students may also follow published instructions to connect to the HolderSecure wireless network. This
network offers the same access as HolderStudent with the added advantage of encrypting all
communications. HolderSecure also allows login credentials to be stored on the local computer so logon
is not necessary every time the user connects. A third wireless network, HolderGuest, is available for
guest access to the Internet. After opening a web browser and providing an email address, guests will
have access to a limited set of services.
Students who cannot connect their computer to the wireless network will be directed to contact a repair
facility. The Technology Department can facilitate repairs through A-Bit Computer Systems, a local
computer service provider.
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND HOLDERNET
Although students may have individual passwords, encryption keys, or access codes to their email and
computer network systems, any communications created, stored, sent, or retrieved on such systems are
not confidential, as these systems are accessible at all times by the school. Communication that has
been erased or deleted may remain stored in backup files and may be retrieved and reviewed. Simply
put, deleted does not necessarily mean it is gone. Students are still responsible for that information.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Members of the Holderness community are responsible for their actions at all times. Holdernet is a
public forum and the student should conduct herself or himself in the same manner as would be
expected in the classroom, on the athletic field, or any other pubic space. The same standards that
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govern appropriate behavior in our community apply to the use of HolderNet. Actions taken while using
the campus network must reflect the spirit and values of our school.
Users should be aware that while respecting integrity and confidentiality of personal information, the
network administrator does have the capability to monitor all activities on HolderNet. Computers owned
by students may be subject to search by the school.
The following specific actions in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and are considered a major
school rule violation:
• Violating rules of copyright and personal property. Possession of text, music, software, or other
media is protected to the full extent of the law and must be respected
• Using HolderNet resources for illegal activities
• Knowingly spreading malware in any form (e.g., viruses or spyware)
• Impersonating others or employing tools to hide one’s identity. Any hardware, software,
network device, or technique designed to hide one’s identity or actions or impersonate another
is unacceptable.
• Attempting to access, use, or harm other users’ accounts or data.
• Vandalizing or harming the function of the network physically or electronically, including
attempts to bypass restrictions, or abuse/destroy computer or networking equipment.
• Acting in a manner that would harm others. This includes but is not limited to any action that
could bring emotional harm to others, including cyber-bullying, stalking, hazing, harassment,
expressions of hate, or racial or ethnic slurs.
• Viewing, storing, possessing, or transferring obscene, sexually explicit or pornographic materials
If unacceptable use does occur, infractions will be handled by the Technology Department and the
Deans’ Office. Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy will be treated as a major school rule violation and
may result in a Discipline Committee meeting. In addition to any disciplinary or remedial actions taken
by the Deans’ Office or Disciplinary Committee due to incidents involving HolderNet, the Technology
Department may take whatever actions it deems necessary to protect the network and its users. Access
may be denied without warning or notification.
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RULES AND STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
HONOR CODE
A considerable amount of the educational experience at Holderness is directed toward helping young
people make thoughtful, reasonable decisions. Students learn to foresee the consequences of their
actions and the necessity of taking responsibility for them. In a small school like Holderness, the
relationships between all members of the community are vital. Students and faculty live in a close space,
and all are vulnerable. All must behave with integrity and respect for one another. Guiding principles are
honesty, respect, and trust.
The Honor Code, covering all aspects of school life, states:
Students and faculty at Holderness School consider themselves responsible for upholding a code
of honor in all situations, whether they involve academics, athletics, or community life. A code of
honor supports the trust we place in each other. Elements of honor are honesty and integrity;
one demonstrates honor by acting in the spirit and intention of honesty. Being honorable means
doing what is right, even if no one else will ever know.
All students who attend Holderness School become members of the school community when they
arrive, and as such are expected to uphold the school's Honor Code.
MAJOR SCHOOL RULES
Holderness assumes that students enter with a serious purpose, and that good sense, along with a
feeling of responsibility, is the best guide to behavior. Holderness endeavors to be guided by principles
rather than by a mass of rules and penalties, and under our system of school government, the faculty
and the student leaders seek to lead the school and to cultivate a sense of responsibility in all members.
Within a system of reason and persuasion, students have enormous potential for learning. It is expected
that students will develop a mature sense of decision-making and learn to make healthy choices for
themselves and the community.
However, the school believes that reasonable restrictions and rules defining them are necessary in order
to maintain relative freedom for all. There are some major offenses that may result in an immediate
dismissal for a first offense, even for a student whose behavior is otherwise exemplary. Each situation is
judged on its own merits. This listing, of course, cannot be considered to be all-inclusive.
Major school offenses include inappropriate acts of any kind that destroy community. These include any
actions that violate trust, respect, or honesty. Because it is acknowledged that "we are our brothers' and
sisters' keepers", the school also considers it to be a major school offense for an individual to be present
during the commission of an inappropriate act.
Major school offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Dishonest acts of any kind
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o Stealing, which includes shoplifting, misuse of credit cards or ski passes, and check
forging; unauthorized copying of printed, audio/visual, and computer materials; or being
in possession of items belonging to another
o Cheating, lying, and plagiarism
o Unauthorized entry to school buildings, dormitory basements, classrooms, offices, and
faculty apartments; unauthorized possession of school equipment
o Vandalism of school or student property
• Violation of Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Please see details of this policy listed in the Technology Acceptable Use section in this Handbook
• Drugs and alcohol
o Use or possession of illegal drugs; the misuse of over-the-counter or prescription drugs;
possession of prescription drugs without the school's permission; possession of drug
paraphernalia, including but not limited to drug-masking substances; being in the
presence of others using these substances
o Use of aerosols or chemicals as inhalants; being in the presence of others misusing these
substances
o Use or possession of alcoholic beverages; being in the presence of other minors using
alcohol
• Tobacco
o Possession, use, sale, or being in the presence of tobacco products or paraphernalia,
including snuff
• Violation of fire safety regulations
o Tampering with fire-fighting or detection equipment
o Smoking in the dormitories
o Having an open or smoldering flame
Note: Due to the life-threatening danger, smoking in the dormitory or having any type
of open or smoldering flame, or a vaporizer apparatus (purchased or handmade), is
likely to result in a student's dismissal from school on the first offense.
• Absence
o Leaving the dormitory without faculty permission after reporting in at night check-in or
leaving before 6:00 AM.
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o Leaving the campus without permission
o Extensive unexcused absences from school commitments
• Car policy violation
o Leaving campus in a car driven by someone under 21 years of age
o Day student departure and return during the academic day
o Any misuse of a vehicle
o Any day student transporting a boarding student in his or her car
• Harassment, hazing, or bullying
o Sexual, verbal, physical, mental, or emotional exertion of strength over another student,
whether explicit or implicit
o Disrespect towards the gender, sexual preference, family circumstances, privacy, or
safety of any member of our community
o Threatening the safety of any member of the community through taunting, hazing,
harassment, physical, or verbal abuse
o Disrespect toward community or individual property, including vandalism
o Uninvited pressure for sexual activity
o Email and voice mail that is used in a manner that is offensive, derogatory, obscene,
harassing, unlawful, or otherwise inappropriate
o Any hostile physical encounter
• Weapons
o Possession or use of firearms, fireworks, ammunition, hunting knives, air guns, blow
guns, BB guns, or sling shots
o Possession or use of any items that the school designates as attack weapons or which
are items designed to resemble attack weapons
• Being in rooms and dorms of students of the opposite sex
o Inter-visitation without permission from a faculty member
o Hosting a non-family member of the opposite sex in the dorm or room without
permission
• Conduct detrimental to the welfare of the community
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• Inappropriate out-of-school and off-campus behavior
• Fighting or any physical hostile encounter
Students should also be aware that certain activities that take place outside of school hours or off of
school property may result in loss of school privileges or other disciplinary action, up to and including
suspension or expulsion. Some examples of such outside conduct are violations of laws, underage
purchase of alcohol, driving while intoxicated, rape, or use or misuse of computers or personal
computer websites which do, or could, impact the welfare of any member of the school community or
the reputation or functioning of the school.
DISCIPLINE PROCESS
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
The Head of School may at any time suspend or dismiss a student whose conduct is considered to be
injurious to the school as a whole. When any major school offense is committed by a student, the Head
of School may also request, at his discretion, that the Discipline Committee make a recommendation to
the Head of School as to appropriate disciplinary action for said offense. The Discipline Committee shall
consist of two or three faculty members and two senior students (appointed by the Dean of Students).
The student in question may be required to appear before the Discipline Committee and, if so required,
may appear with his/her faculty advisor and a peer advocate.
The goal of the meeting is educational. The Committee will try to ascertain how well the student is doing
at Holderness, why he or she committed the offense, and the circumstances of the offense. The
Discipline Committee may then make a recommendation to the Head of School as to the appropriate
disciplinary consequences for the offense.
CONSEQUENCES
In general there are three broad recommendations that could result from this process:
• Warning: The student's offense is deemed serious enough to have a letter of warning on file.
Any further offense could result in a more severe punishment.
• Probation: The student's offense is deemed serious enough to result in the student being placed
on probation. In order to continue his or her education at Holderness School, the student will be
required to sign a Student Probation Contract that will be designed by the Head of School and
the Dean of Students based on the recommendation from the Discipline Committee. In addition,
the student will be asked to articulate his or her goals and why he or she wants to be at
Holderness School; these goals will then be incorporated into the contract. Any subsequent
offense or violation of the contract may be grounds for immediate separation from the school.
There are two phases of probation. General Probation lasts at least one year from the time of
the offense against the community. At the end of one year, the student is given the opportunity
to petition the Head of School to be removed from General Probation. The Head consults a
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review board, consisting of the Dean of Students and members of the community deemed
appropriate by the Dean of Students. The student must provide specific evidence to show that
he or she has met the expectations written in the contract. The student may then be removed
from General Probation and placed on Specific Probation/General Warning. If the student has
not adequately lived up to the contract, then the student may be allowed to petition after an
additional six months. If a student is on Specific Probation/General Warning, and he or she is
caught violating a different major school rule, that student is either expelled or placed back on
General Probation for the remainder of his or her time at Holderness School.
• Expulsion: The student's offense is deemed serious enough to require his or her immediate
dismissal from the community. These offenses are especially harmful to the community. They
may include, but are not limited to, an open flame in a building, selling drugs or alcohol,
repeated hazing or harassment, or violating inter-visitation between 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM.
The Head of School may, but is not required to, adopt any recommendations of the Discipline
Committee, in whole or in part.
Note: In certain instances, violations will go directly to the Head of School and Dean of Students to be
dealt with at their discretion.
PROBATION CONTRACT
In the case of probation, a student will have a Student Probation Contract approved by the Head of
School. A contract for an alcohol violation might contain some of the stipulations included in the sample
below.
Note: The school reserves the right to raise at school meetings any issue of discipline regarding a
student for the purpose of furthering the educational and learning experience of the school
community.
A sample probation contract follows:
“I will be suspended from Holderness School until the following conditions have been met (or for a given
amount of time):
• I will write letters of apology to people who were hurt by my behavior or whose trust was
violated (peers, roommate, teachers, advisor, parents, and community members). I will submit a
copy of each letter to the Dean of Students by this date____________.
• I will identify one adult in the community with whom I will meet at least once a month for the
next twelve months to talk about my personal goals regarding substance abuse. The Dean of
Students and the person chosen will receive a copy of those personal goals.
• I will write a five-page paper on binge drinking and alcohol poisoning, submitted to the Dean of
Students upon return.
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• I will complete a comprehensive substance evaluation (student's family is responsible for cost),
and I will follow through with the recommendations.
• I will stay on top of my homework while away from school and will communicate with teachers
through email.
• I will be subject to random testing for illegal substances (student's family is responsible for cost).
• Upon completion of suspension, my parents will return with me to talk with the Dean of Students
and the Head of School about my continuation at Holderness School.
• I will complete two Sunday community service days at Holderness School.
• I will be campused for at least one month.
• I will be on general probation for a minimum of twelve months, and another major school rule
violation will subject me to separation from the school. At the end of twelve months, I may write
a letter requesting to be removed from general probation and placed on specific probation.
• A Holderness School contract for my return the following school year is contingent upon a
favorable faculty vote in the final June faculty meetings.”
NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OF STUDENT CONDUCT
The school will inform the appropriate law enforcement agency of student acts of theft, destruction, and
violence as may be required by law (Safe School Zone law [RSA-D]), or as otherwise deemed
appropriate, including conduct involving an assault, unlawful possession or distribution of controlled
drugs, and unlawful possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon.
Students are also advised that Federal and State of New Hampshire laws provide for the imposition of
substantial penalties for those convicted of certain conduct, including in some instances mandatory
revocation of driver's licenses, mandatory minimum fines, and even mandatory minimum periods of
incarceration where certain conduct (such as distribution of a controlled drug) occurs in the area of a
school.
The Holderness School is covered by the New Hampshire Drug Free School Zone law (RSA 193-B). Under
the Drug Free School Zone, a drug free school zone is broader than just the school grounds and includes
any property used for school purposes by the school, whether or not owned by the school, areas within
1,000 feet of any such property, and areas within and immediately adjacent to school buses. Likewise,
under the Safe School Zone law, a safe school zone includes school property and school buses as well as
any property, public or private, at which a school sponsored or school related event occurs. New
Hampshire law also prohibits any person under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing any liquor
or alcoholic beverage. Effective January 1, 2004, New Hampshire law prohibits anyone under the age of
21 from being intoxicated by the consumption of an alcoholic beverage and defines intoxication, for
those under 21, to be an alcohol concentration of .02 or more.
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OTHER DISCIPLINE ISSUES
ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE, AND TESTING
Students are expected to be completely drug and alcohol free while enrolled at Holderness School.
Abusing prescription medication is also prohibited.
A student consuming, buying, selling, in possession of, or under the influence of such substances at the
school, or preceding any school activity or event, is subject to dismissal and possible prosecution by local
authorities. In the event of such offenses, the school reserves the right to require drug and/or alcohol
testing, substance abuse counseling, or other counseling or education for the offending student.
In addition, at the direction of the Head of School or the Dean of Students, the school may require
without prior notification that a biochemical test for drugs and/or alcohol be performed on a student at
any time. The cost of such testing is the responsibility of the student's parents/guardians.
ROOM SEARCH
The school may conduct room searches at any time and without prior notification. A search of a
student's room may be warranted if a member of the faculty has good reason to believe that a
disciplinary infraction or the existence of materials that could cause physical or other potential harm to
the student or others will be discovered. The faculty member should present the request for a room
search to the Dean's Office, which will decide whether a search should be made. When a search is
undertaken, the Dean, the student whose room is being searched, the faculty resident of the dormitory,
the Director of Residential Life, and a student leader from the building are present.
Note: At the discretion of the Dean of Students, a room search may be undertaken without following
the above procedure.
SENIOR SPRING RULE
At the discretion of the Head of School, all seniors may be put on a probationary status (a one-strike
policy) in the fourth quarter. If a student breaks a major school rule at this time, his/her graduation will
be impacted.
DISCIPLINE RESPONSE DURING SPECIAL PROGRAMS
If a student breaks a major school rule during Special Programs, the student will take part in a Discipline
Committee meeting as soon as possible. While the student's advisor and/or student advocate may not
be on campus at the time, the school will process the student's infraction immediately. If it is
determined that the student did violate a major school rule, the student will be suspended (at
minimum) for the remaining Special Program time. In addition, he or she will not be allowed to
participate in any school-sponsored trip during spring vacation.
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STUDENT PRODUCED APPAREL
No student may produce, distribute, or sell apparel of any kind with the Holderness School name or
shield on it without prior permission from the Athletic Director and the Dean of Students.
SEXUALITY
The mission of Holderness School promotes respect for one another, self-respect, and the making of
thoughtful decisions. These values are the basis of community fabric, life together, and relationships. As
a church school, Holderness wants to underline that the gift of sexuality should be honored; however,
such a gift requires individuals to make responsible decisions in the interests of each other and the
community.
The school, therefore, encourages meaningful relationships amongst students. For a variety of reasons,
the school's policy toward student sexual intercourse is to support the practice of abstinence.
Unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases have life-long effects. All members of the
school community should be aware that, under New Hampshire state criminal statutes, a teenager or
older person who "engages in sexual penetration with a person other than his/her legal spouse who is
under 16 years of age" is guilty of a felony offense (sometimes referred to as statutory rape), regardless
of whether or not the activity is mutually voluntary and consensual.
Students who are caught engaging in sexual intercourse (or other related sexual activity) on campus at
anytime may be subject to a disciplinary process, including expulsion. This is not because "sex is bad,"
but because such behavior at Holderness is inappropriate and constitutes conduct contrary to the
welfare of the school. In cases where it is deemed necessary or in the best interests of a student, the
school will communicate with parents about student activity that violates this policy.
The school strongly promotes abstinence. It realizes that not all students will make this choice and that
students need honest and accurate information. Holderness does not provide comprehensive
reproductive health services; however, necessary reproductive health care will be arranged when
necessary.
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DAILY LIFE AT HOLDERNESS
ATTENDANCE
Note: In the event of teacher lateness, the class should wait 15 minutes and then send a student to the
Dean’s Office for instructions. Students may not leave class unless so instructed by an administrator.
At Holderness, all members of the community are expected to be on time and to attend all classes,
study halls, sports practices, job meetings, assemblies, School Nights, chapel services, required meals
and other required school functions. It is the responsibility of the student to talk with the appropriate
person in charge of the activity before the commitment if the student wishes to be excused. In the case
of an unexcused absence, it is expected that the student will take the initiative and meet with the
appropriate person immediately after the absence takes place.
The Deans' Office maintains a database monitoring missed commitments. Every student begins each
quarter with a clean attendance record, allowing them a fresh start to improve and renew their
diligence in making all of their commitments.
The list of missed commitments is posted at 3:30 PM each afternoon on the HolderNet Bulletin Board
(located on the campus email system) to remind students that they have been reported as missing an
expected commitment. Each student must report to morning payback from 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM the next
morning after the missed commitment. If the student misses a payback, the student will automatically
have to attend Saturday night study hall, and he or she will lose weekend privileges.
If the student feels there has been some miscommunication or confusion regarding an unexcused
absence, it is his or her responsibility to clear the record by contacting the appropriate teacher, coach,
or job leader, who will then communicate with Mr. Allie Skelley.
The first three absences are managed through discussions with a student's advisor. After the fourth
absence of the quarter, the Deans’ Office will contact the parents to help find the source of the issue.
After the sixth absence during a quarter, the student will most likely sit for a Discipline Committee
meeting.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to check the absence report each day.
WEEKENDS
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
The Weekend Committee, made up of students and a faculty advisor, is responsible for putting together
a variety of student activities. Members of this committee plan dances, trips to Boston, movies, casino
nights, hiking trips, and sporting events. Students are encouraged to share event ideas with any member
of the committee. Events are posted on HolderNet.
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WEEKEND POLICY
Weekends off-campus are a privilege and are subject to the approval of a student's parents, advisor, and
the Deans' Office. For these overnights, cards and permissions must be submitted to the Deans' Office
no later than 10:00 AM on Thursday prior to the planned weekend. Late weekend cards will not be
accepted.
The following table indicates the number of off-campus weekends students may take each semester:
Class Short Weekends Long Weekends
Ninth Grade Unlimited One/Semester
Tenth Grade Unlimited Two/Semester
Eleventh Grade Unlimited Three/Semester
Twelfth Grade Unlimited Unlimited
Weekend regulations apply to any overnight spent away from school, whether for college visits, medical
appointments, or other needs. The following additional rules apply and the Dean of Students must
approve any exceptions ahead of time:
• Weekend cards for short weekends (leaving Saturday after the last school commitment and
returning by 7:45 PM on Sunday) and long weekends (leaving on Friday after the last school
commitment and returning by 7:45 PM on Sunday) must be completed and submitted to the
Deans' Office by 10:00 AM Thursday.
Note: The school requires a parent or guardian to notify the school if they grant permission for
their child’s departure from the school every time the student plans to take a weekend.
• Weekend permission cards must list the address and phone number of the weekend
destination, unless the destination is home. All information on the weekend card must be
specific and complete.
• If a student has job duties over the weekend, a job substitute must be located and the
substitute’s name must appear on the weekend card.
Host adults may approve the visit by writing, emailing, or calling the Deans' Office. Please contact Ms.
Kate Forbush, Assistant to the Deans, during regular office hours at (603) 779-5204. If the weekend
involves special arrangements, please call the Dean of Students during regular office hours at (603) 779-
5315. For regular short and long weekends, however, hosts/parents are encouraged to email permission
to Ms. Forbush ([email protected]). Weekend-request approvals are posted on the Bulletin
Board. Check the posted list. Students may not leave until their names have been posted and approved.
Note: Any student who leaves campus without being approved will face serious disciplinary
consequences.
Weekends end as soon as the student returns to campus, no later than 7:45 PM on Sunday. Students are
then responsible for meeting all commitments. Attendance at evening study hall on Sunday is required
for those students on night study hall.
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Note: at 7:45 PM on Sunday night, all students must check-in, in person, with their dorm parent when
they return from a weekend.
Students are not permitted to leave school on a weekend, return to participate in a school activity (trip,
game, etc.), and then continue on an off-campus weekend.
Leaving school on Friday and returning for classes or sports on Saturday is not considered a weekend.
Students wishing to do so must request special permission, just as they would for leaving school any
other weekday night.
Students may not carry over weekends into Monday, or miss any Monday academic commitments.
A Holderness student may not ride in a car driven by a non-relative under the age of 21 years without
the special permission of the Dean of Students.
Students are not permitted to hitchhike.
Boarding students are not permitted to drive a car (without their parents in the car) to and from a
weekend.
Note: Any breach of the weekend regulations will automatically result in campus restriction for the
following two weeks. Dishonesty regarding weekend plans will result in the student’s going before the
Discipline Committee.
COLLEGE WEEKENDS
In terms of college visits, permission to leave school will be given to seniors on a limited basis for the
purpose of college interviews (long weekend requirements apply). Typically, a "college weekend" begins
on a Saturday after the last commitment, and ends on Monday evening at 7:45 PM. The Director of
College Counseling must approve the plans. Students and their parents are urged to arrange
appointments at colleges during the summer and vacation periods.
PARENTS’ WEEKENDS
Fall Parents' Weekend (October 16-17, 2009) and Winter Parents' Weekend (February 12-13, 2010) are
two special events that will take place during the academic year. During these weekends, parents are
invited to school on Friday and Saturday to meet with teachers and to see the school in action. A long
weekend is granted after athletic contests on Saturday. In the fall, all students must return to campus by
9:00 PM on 10/20/2009. In the winter, all students must return to campus by 9:00 PM on 2/16/2010. All
students must make plans to leave campus during these long weekends.
COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
Commencement takes place on 5/23/2010. The weekend is packed with special events and requires a
great deal of work, much of which is carried out by the under-formers. We ask that all students remain
on campus during Commencement weekend. Students may depart Sunday, 5/23/2010, after the
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morning graduation ceremonies. For those requiring it, school-provided transportation will leave at 8:00
AM on Monday, 5/24/2010.
NON-SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
Commitment to both community life and academic life is paramount at Holderness. To help students
honor this commitment, the school provides guidelines to help explain what constitutes a reasonable
absence from school programs. The purpose of these guidelines is to help students and parents strike
the appropriate balance between family, athletic, and school commitments.
For those students who are pulled away from the community by special events, particularly around
vacation periods, Holderness will only consider requests if they are made three weeks in advance. A
committee headed by the Dean of Students, the Dean of Academics, and a faculty member will decide
the merits of each request. If it is simply a matter of extending vacation time, the request is likely to be
denied. If approval is granted, students will be required to coordinate assignments and tests with their
teachers. Should a request be denied and the student still chooses to leave school, the student will
receive the appropriate academic consequences. Weekends and college visits have their own separate
policies.
For those athletes who find themselves invited to or hoping to attend events outside the dates of the
regular athletic season, the school will only consider requests that put an athlete on either a national or
international stage. The goal is to allow students to compete at the highest levels, but outside of a
regular season an exceptional athlete will only be allowed to compete in an exceptional event. All
requests will be presented to an Athletic Department Committee (Athletic Director, Dean of Students,
and Dean of Academics) for a decision. The request must be made three weeks in advance of the event.
A student will use a pink departure card. When approval is granted, students will be required to
coordinate assignments and tests with their teachers.
Students who miss more than ten school days are required to engage a tutor to help them make up the
work they miss while they are away. Parents are financially responsible for all tutorial sessions.
Note: Because of the numerous activities involving students each day at Holderness, the school cannot
approve absences for family vacations while school is in session.
VACATIONS
During each vacation, all students are expected to leave the campus by noon (except Christmas
vacation) on the starting date, and to return by 9:00 PM on the ending date. Students should plan travel
accordingly so as not to miss any school commitments; the Deans’ Office or the Head of School must
approve any exceptions. During the vacation period, the school will not serve meals and dormitories are
closed.
International students are urged to have a host family within the New England regions to provide a
home stay during the shorter vacation periods and to bridge the gap between school vacation days and
the international student’s actual days of travel to and from home.
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The school vacations for the 2009-2010 school year are listed below:
Vacation Period Notes
Fall Parents’ Weekend Depart after last commitment on Saturday, 10/17. No departing school
transportation is provided. Return Tuesday, 10/20 by 9:00 PM.
Thanksgiving Vacation Depart after last class on Saturday, 11/21. School-provided
transportation departs at 12:15 PM on Saturday. Return on Monday,
11/30 by 9:00 PM.
Winter Break Depart after 8:00 PM on Wednesday, 12/16. School-provided
transportation departs at 3:00 AM and 8:00 AM on 12/17. All students
must depart by 10:00 AM on 12/17. Return on Wednesday, 1/6 by
9:00 PM.
Winter Parents’ Weekend Depart after last commitment on Saturday, 2/13. No departing school
transportation is provided. Return on Tuesday, 2/16 by 9:00 PM.
Spring Vacation Depart after last commitment on Thursday, 3/18. School-provided
transportation departs at 3:00 AM and 8:00 AM on 3/19. All students
must depart by 10:00 AM on 3/19. Return on Wednesday, 3/31 by
9:00 PM.
Summer Vacation Depart with permission from dorm parent at approximately 2:00 PM
on Sunday, 5/23. School-provided transportation departs at 8:00 AM
on 5/24. All students must depart on 5/24.
TRANSPORTATION
Traveling to school can be tricky because of unpredictable weather conditions, particularly during the
winter months. Students should communicate with the school as soon as possible when travel plans
change. Parents must provide students with cash for phone calls, alternate transportation, and possible
overnight lodging (credit cards are strongly encouraged). The following information is very important
and contains helpful hints for students’ travel to and from school.
ARRANGING TRANSPORTATION
The school will arrange transportation to and from school for all vacations with the following exceptions:
no departing transportation for Fall Parents’ Weekend (Saturday, 10/17/2009) or Winter Parents’
Weekend (Saturday, 2/13/ 2010). The cost for school-arranged transportation will be charged to each
individual's student account. A sign-up sheet for departing and returning transportation is posted on the
Schoolhouse bulletin board approximately ten days before each vacation.
Note: Each student who reserves transportation will be charged unless the reserved transportation is
cancelled with at least two (2) business days notice.
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Concord Coachlines
Every morning at 8:00 AM, a Concord Coachlines bus leaves Plymouth. This bus arrives at South Station
(Boston) at 10:20 AM, and at Logan Airport at 10:35 AM. When Plymouth State University is in session,
there are also buses leaving Plymouth on Fridays and Sundays at 2:00 PM, arriving at South Station at
4:30 PM, and Logan Airport at 4:45 PM.
A Concord Coachlines bus leaves Logan Airport everyday at 5:25 PM, picks up at South Station at 6:10
PM, and arrives in Plymouth at 8:30 PM. When Plymouth State University is in session, a bus leaves
Logan Airport on Fridays and Sundays at 9:15 AM, stops at South Station at 10:00 AM, and arrives in
Plymouth at 12:30 PM.
Concord Coachlines also schedules many buses between Concord and Boston every day. For more
information about their schedules, call (800) 639-3317 or visit www.concordcoachlines.com.
Airport Shuttles
School-arranged transportation to and from airport terminals may consist of either a coach bus or a van,
depending on the number of students being transported. Students returning to campus via school-
arranged transportation must be waiting outside the terminal before the pre-arranged departure time.
This is particularly important at Logan Airport, as Logan Airport does not allow school transportation to
wait; the bus arrives, picks up students, and is on its way. In scheduling plane flights from Boston, be
sure to allow ample time for arrival in Boston from Plymouth; we suggest four hours as a minimum, as
arrival times are approximate and subject to weather and road conditions.
An adult chaperone rides in each school-provided bus or van, and carries a list of students who signed
up for the transportation. Before the bus or van leaves the airport, the chaperone will call the school to
inform them of who is missing. If a student misses the transportation, he or she should also notify the
school immediately by calling the Administrator on Duty at (603) 254-8912.
When a student's flight is late, delayed, or canceled, the school must be notified with all pertinent flight
information such as flight number, airline carrier, and arrival time. When school transportation is
missed, the student may consider taking a Concord Coachlines bus. These leave Logan Airport (lower
level at the Bus Stop) at 7:25 PM and 9:25 PM, and travel as far north as Concord, NH. The school works
closely with Buckboard Transportation to help arrange pick-ups for late arrivals.
Vacation transportation to airports in Manchester, NH and Boston, MA are provided by Holderness
School as follows:
Departure Schedule Time (All but Thanksgiving) Time (Thanksgiving Only)
Leaves Holderness 8:00 AM 12:15 PM
Arrives Manchester Airport (MHT) 9:30 AM 2:00 PM
Arrives Boston South Station Rail
Terminal
11:00 AM 3:30 PM
Arrives Logan Airport (Terminal B,
American Airlines) (BOS)
11:30 AM 4:00 PM
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We will also provide returning bus transportation as follows:
Return Schedule Time (All Vacations)
Leaves Logan Airport (Terminal B, American Airlines) (BOS) 7:00 PM
Leaves South Station, Rail Terminal ( meet under large arrival
/departure board)
7:15 PM
Leaves Manchester Airport (MHT) 8:30 PM
Arrives Holderness 10:00 PM
Scheduled Transportation: New York City to Connecticut (2009-2010)
In addition, Holderness School provides a bus to New York City via Connecticut for all vacations with the
exception of the end of school at Commencement.
Note: Please be aware that if a student is not signed up for a posted stop, the bus will NOT stop there.
Departure Schedule Time (All but Thanksgiving) Time (Thanksgiving Only)
Depart Holderness School 8:00 AM SHARP 12:15 PM SHARP
Hartford, CT – EXIT 58 (off I-84) / drop @
hotel
11:45 AM (approximate) 4:15 PM (approximate)
Milford, CT – Turnpike Service Area
(between Exits 41 & 42)
12:45 PM (approximate) 5:15 PM (approximate)
Fairfield, CT – Turnpike Service Area
(between Exits 21 & 22)
1:15 PM (approximate) 5:45 PM (approximate)
Darien, CT – Turnpike Service Area
(Between Exits 11 & 12)
1:45 PM (approximate 6:15 PM (approximate
NYC – Church of Heavenly Rest (E 90th
Street & 5th Avenue)
3:15 PM (approximate) 7:45 PM (approximate)
NYC – Port Authority Bus Terminal 3:45 PM (approximate) 8:15 PM (approximate)
Returning Schedule Time (All)
NYC - Church of Heavenly Rest (E 90th Street & 5th Avenue) 12:45 -1:00 PM SHARP
Darien, CT – Turnpike Service Area (Between Exits 11 & 12) 1:30-1:45 PM (approximate)
Fairfield, CT – Turnpike Service Area (between Exits 21 & 22) 2:00-2:15 PM (approximate)
Milford, CT – Turnpike Service Area (between Exits 41 & 42) 2:30-2:45 PM (approximate)
South Windsor, CT – Exit 63 (off I-84) @ McDonald’s Restaurant 3:30-3:45 PM (approximate)
Arrive Holderness School 7:30 PM (approximate)
Note: As is the case with the airport shuttles, no departure transportation is provided for Fall and Winter
Parents’ Weekends, only return transport.
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It is the responsibility of the student to sign up for scheduled transportation on the sign up sheets
posted approximately 1½ weeks prior to vacation on the Schoolhouse bulletin board. An email will be
sent to the School Assembly mailbox on Holderness’ email system when the sheets have been posted.
The transportation fee will be charged to your student’s Holderness debit account. Cancellations must
be verbally communicated to Elaine Tibbetts at 603-779-5213 two business days prior to transportation
date to avoid a charge.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Elaine Tibbetts at 603-779-5213.
Important Recommendations
Departing from Holderness:
• Scheduled Transportation leaves Holderness School @ 8am sharp. The busses can not wait,
please allow enough time to have breakfast.
Returning to Holderness after break:
• Bus departure times from the airports are very specific, the buses only have a limited time
frame to pick up students. You should plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to departure
time from the airport to allow for baggage claim and flight delays. Then be at designated
location 15 minutes prior to departure time. The bus will not wait!
• For NYC / CT pickups – the times are approximate depending on traffic & weather conditions.
Times could vary as much as ½ hour either way. Please plan to be at designated pick up / drop
off location ½ hour before posted time. The buses do not have a checklist of students, it is the
student’s responsibility to be there on time and ready to board the bus. The bus will not stop at
a posted stop unless someone is signed up for that stop.
Note: Cancellations MUST be given verbally to Elaine Tibbetts (603-779-5213) at least 2 business days
prior to transportation date to avoid transportation charge to your student account.
Other Transportation Resources, To be arranged directly between Student/Parents & Service
Provider:
Buckboard Transportation – Jim Buckland – Phone 603-536-4090
Private sedans & vans
Concord Coachlines – 1-800-639-3317 or www.concordcoachlines.com
Important Phone Numbers
In situations where airport transportation cannot run, flights are cancelled, or students are stranded
elsewhere, communication is extremely important. The school will do all that it can to assist in getting
students back to school.
• Holderness School (603) 536-1257
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• Administrator on Duty (603) 254-8912
• Dean of Students, Katherine Weymouth (603) 536-3513
• Director of Residential Life, Duane Ford (home) (603) 536-9668
• Buckboard Transportation (603) 536-4090
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the above transportation information, please call
the Business Office at (603) 536-1748.
Please be considerate of faculty and staff members at Holderness School. They cannot be expected to
drive students to or from bus stations and airports.
DRESS CODE
At Holderness School, the dress code represents our values: the seriousness of academics; the
importance of community; respect for ourselves and others; and individual expression. All students must
be in dress code during academic hours (7:45 AM- 3:15 PM) if they are in any academic setting. Faculty
members, guided by the dress code, are the final judges of what constitutes "appropriate dress."
A student asked by a faculty member to change clothes must do so immediately, as he or she is
responsible for any commitments missed while changing; that student should not expect to return to
the activity from which he or she was dismissed until dressed appropriately.
For all students: Clothes are to be clean, in good repair and unwrinkled. Tattered, frayed, or ripped
clothing is not permitted during the school day. No taped, painted, or ripped shoes are allowed. No
provocative dress is permitted.
The following dress code is required in classes, chapel, family style dinner, when representing
Holderness at other schools, and assemblies.
Specific requirements of the dress code are listed below.
GIRLS’ DRESS CODE
Fall/Spring/Winter
Dress of appropriate length (no more than 3" above the knee) and fit
Skirt of appropriate length (no more than 3" above the knee) with a collared shirt with sleeves. Skirt is
worn at the waist.
Dress slacks or capris worn with an Oxford collared shirt.
Dress/leather shoes, dress sandals or dress boots, clogs
Dress Not Permitted Except for Informal Occasions
Hats or head covers of any kind inside any building, or at any indoor meal, including breakfast and
brunch
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Any denim material including pants, shirts, skirts, and jackets
Cargo pants with loops, Carhartts, carpenter pants, painters’ pants, overalls, pants with rivets, or
Bermuda shorts
T-shirts, sport or rugby shirts
Spaghetti straps, halter, tube, strapless, and tank tops
Garments made of sweatpants material
Sweatshirts
Beach attire
Fleece zip garments
Athletic or wind pants
Visible underwear
Bare midriffs
NO athletic slides, sneakers, "white shoes," trail shoes, flip-flops, or bedroom slippers
BOYS’ DRESS CODE
Fall/Spring Winter
Note: In the spring the Head of School may move
the boys' dress code to "Special Spring Dress." At
this time boys may wear hemmed shorts, sandals
without socks, and a collared shirt with a tie.
Suit coat, sport coat, or blazer to be worn and not
carried or tied at the waist
Slacks, cords, or khakis of appropriate length, fit
(worn at the waist), and condition.
Collared dress shirt, which buttons down the
entire front, and tucked in
Tie, to be worn "up" with shirt buttoned to the top
Socks
Belt
May wear leather shoes, leather hiking boots,
clogs
Note: Winter dress code is in effect when students
return from Thanksgiving, and lasts until students
return from Spring break.
May wear a sweater in place of a sport/suit coat
May wear a turtleneck in place of a tie (in
combination with a sweater or sport/suit coat)
May wear leather work boots or leather hiking
boots
Dress Not Permitted Except for Informal Occasions
Hats or head covers of any kind inside any building, or at any indoor meal, including breakfast and
brunch
Any denim material including pants, shirts, and jackets
Cargo pants with loops, Carhartts, carpenter pants, painter's pants, overalls, or pants with rivets
T-shirts, sport shirts (golf, polo, or rugby)
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Sweatshirts
Fleece zip garments (unless in combination with sport/suit coat)
Athletic or wind pants
Visible underwear
Garments made of sweatpants material
Athletic slides, sneakers, "white shoes," trail shoes, flip-flops, or bedroom slippers
MEALS
All meals are served in the Weld Dining Hall, with the exception of a few picnics that take place during
the fall and spring. Special meal hours are posted for certain occasions (Parents' Weekend, Tabor Day,
etc.). Day students are encouraged to attend any and all meals. Boarding students are required to
attend all dinners except on Saturday, when they can sign out for meals downtown.
Students may miss dinner at school to eat with a visiting family member, provided they have signed out.
As a senior privilege, seniors can occasionally sign out for dinner on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
nights. The sign-out book for signing out or going off campus is available in the Weld foyer.
Upon arrival to a family-style meal, students enter the dining hall in appropriate school dress (no fleece,
winter or rain jackets are to be worn into the dining room) and go to an assigned table. Students are to
remain standing and quiet until grace is given. Following grace, they may be seated.
• Students are to be considerate of others in the dining hall. This includes, but is not limited to,
leaving coats, hats, and books in the cubbies in the foyer of Weld Hall before entering the dining
room.
• At every meal, whether formal or casual, students are expected to conduct themselves with
consideration for others and for an appropriate atmosphere for eating together.
• It is expected that those eating in the dining hall will dispose of dishes appropriately.
• Because of athletics, dress code is not in effect during Wednesday and Saturday lunch.
• No food or beverages are to be taken from the dining hall
FOOD DELIVERY
Students may order food to be delivered to campus, but all deliveries must be made at the Frog Pond
near the main entrance to the school. Food may not be delivered directly to the dormitory. This
regulation is for the safety and security of our community. Food may be delivered at the following times:
• Seniors: 10:00 PM, Sunday through Friday
• All: 1:00 PM-10:00 PM, Saturday.
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• During cafeteria-style dinners Sunday through Friday, no under-formers may order a food
delivery.
• Following Thanksgiving break, seniors can order food to be delivered on Monday, Wednesday,
Friday from 6:00 PM -7:00 PM.
If students violate these rules, faculty members and security staff are authorized to confiscate the food,
in addition to revoking student privileges.
AUTOMOBILE POLICY
Automobile accidents are one of the largest causes of death among teenagers. One of the fortunate
aspects of being a boarding student is that the student lives on campus and does not need a car.
Students are not permitted to have a car at school, as a general policy. Rare exceptions are made when
parents and the Dean of Students have agreed that it is necessary, and after an application form has
been filed with the Deans’ Office.
Note: This year there will be few exceptions to this policy. Exceptions are made only in unavoidable
situations; convenience is not grounds for an exception. A vehicle that is brought on campus without
permission will be towed at the expense of the owner.
In cases where the school makes an exception to this policy, the car may only be used for the expressed
purpose. The following guidelines must be observed:
• Park the car in the Bartsch parking lot as close as possible to Mt. Prospect Road.
• Turn the keys in to the Deans’ Office and fill out the appropriate permission form. Put the
appropriate registration card on the car's dashboard.
• Use the car only for essential transportation to or from campus. Students are not permitted to
transport other students or to run errands.
• Students are not permitted to drive onto the main campus.
Permission will not be granted for a Holderness student to ride in a car driven by a non-relative under
the age of 21 years without special permission from Kathy Weymouth, Dean of Students.
Day students who drive themselves to and from school must comply with the following policies:
• Day students who plan to drive themselves to school must register their car(s) with the Dean of
Students. Once this is completed, the student must apply the Holderness sticker to the rear car
window.
• Day students are not to drive on the main campus.
• Day students are to park in the Bartsch parking lot.
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• Day students are to use school transportation for all school trips such as games and field trips.
• Day students are never to transport boarding students (major school rule violation) in their car.
• Day students are not to leave school and return again on the same day in their cars. Remember
that the use of the vehicle is permitted for the sole purpose of getting to and from school. Any
exceptions must be cleared through the Deans’ Office.
Any violation of the above policies may result in a disciplinary response and the loss of the student's
driving privileges.
BICYCLES/HELMETS
The popularity of bicycles on campus has increased to a point that a strict code of rules is necessary in
order to insure the safety and well being of the members of the community. Therefore the following
requirements apply to all bicycles kept on campus:
• Bicycles are not to be ridden after dark and must be secured with a lock during these hours.
• Bikes must be stored in the school's bike room or taken home between Thanksgiving and spring
vacations.
• All bikes must be ridden safely, with the cyclist always wearing shoes and a helmet when
traveling off the main campus.
The school requires the use of protective headgear during the following activities:
• Biking - off campus, beyond Irving
• Skiing - alpine racing
• Snowboarding - both recreational and competitive
• Hockey - whenever there are sticks or pucks on the ice
Holderness School has a mandatory registration policy for all bicycles and skateboards. The purpose of
the policy is to help the school keep track of all bicycles and skateboards during the school year and in
particular during the winter and summer storage months. Also, in the event of a bicycle theft, the school
will have all the necessary information.
Note: There will be a $25 storage fee for any unregistered bicycle or board that is left behind and found
on school property during school vacations or summer break.
SKATEBOARDS
Skateboards may be ridden on the Holderness School campus before dark. They, however, may not be
ridden in public roads, specifically Mt. Prospect, at any time.
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COMMUNITY LIFE
ON CAMPUS
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Holderness students and faculty meet as a community twice a week for worship. Monday morning is a
traditional Eucharist service, and Thursday is a more ecumenical service. Sunday options for worship
include Mass at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in Plymouth and Jewish services held on campus.
The traditions of the Episcopal Church are often followed, and the services seek to explore the spiritual
truths all people share. Students and faculty are encouraged to volunteer to lead a service during the
year.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The students at Holderness run many clubs and organizations during the year. They have in the past
ranged from the Polar Bear Club to the Dial Yearbook staff. Each year new clubs are formed in response
to particular student interests. If a student has an idea, he or she will have an opportunity to form a club
in the fall of the year.
WALLACE STUDENT CENTER
The Wallace Student Center, located in Lower Weld, contains a variety of amenities and provides an
indoor area in which students may gather socially. Students are asked to be mindful of the appropriate
use of the Center throughout the academic and non-academic periods of the day. The television is not
to be used during the academic periods of the day, or during evening study hours.
DAY STUDENT ROOMS
The day student rooms are located adjacent to the Wallace Student Center and are for use exclusively
by day students. Girls and boys are asked to respect the separation of genders to support the limited
privacy these rooms offer. Boarding students are never permitted to enter the day student rooms
unless specifically invited by a day student of the same gender who is present.
BOOKSTORE/SCHOOL STORE
The bookstore is located in Lower Weld near the Wallace Student Center. Students may purchase books,
clothing, and school supplies at this facility. Items may either be charged to a student's account (via a
school debit card) or purchased with cash.
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SNACK BAR
The Snack Bar is a place for student socializing and snacking. Students are asked to help keep the Snack
Bar clean by clearing their own tables, disposing of litter, cans, and bottles, and treating the soda
machines with care. Snack Bar will be open immediately following dinner and for seniors from 10:00 PM
- 10:25 PM each night. It is open during the weekend, as well.
VIDEO GAMES
The school reserves the right to limit or prohibit the use of video games in any situation the school feels
is proving detrimental to those involved. In no case should video games be played during evening study
hours.
E&R LAUNDRY SERVICE
Laundry turn-in takes place Monday morning during breakfast (the laundry truck will be parked in front
of Weld Hall). Student laundry is returned on Thursdays, and can be picked up in the Wallace Student
Center.
LAUNDRY ROOM
Students wishing to do their own laundry may use a student laundry room located in Livermore. There
are six washers and six dryers, which are operated using laundry cards. These cards may be purchased
and recharged using a machine located in the laundry room. Students are asked to remove laundry from
the machines promptly, as others may be waiting to use the facility. Students must check lint screens
after each use and remove lint as necessary.
OFF CAMPUS
DOWNTOWN
The "downtown" area at Holderness School is defined as that portion of the town of Plymouth beginning
beyond the I-93 bridge. The Irving Station is considered to be downtown, and all regulations for
downtown apply in that location. Trips to other towns (such as Ashland, Holderness, or Waterville
Valley) are considered to be beyond "downtown," and going to one of those places requires the
permission of the student's advisor and the need to sign-out in the Weld book.
Holderness School students are governed by school rules while off campus; this applies to day students
as well. Students should remember that they represent the school even while they are in Plymouth, and
act accordingly.
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OFF-CAMPUS SIGN-OUTS
If a student wishes to leave campus after 6:00 PM, he or she must sign out in the Weld book located in
the foyer, even if he or she is only traveling to the Irving Station.
Note: Failure to sign out may result in the loss of off-campus privileges.
On weekdays, any student may be downtown between the hours of 12:15 PM and the beginning of
dinner, provided the student has met all commitments. Seniors may be downtown until 10:00 PM with
the permission of their dorm parents.
On Saturdays, any student may be downtown between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:30 PM, provided
the student has signed out and met all commitments.
On Sundays, any student may be downtown between the hours of 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY
All students, including day students, are prohibited from entering any buildings or visiting the grounds of
the Plymouth State University campus, unless taking part in a school-sponsored trip.
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STUDENT LEADERSHIP
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
OVERVIEW
Holderness is committed to a system of school government that places much responsibility on each
student. With the support of the faculty, students are charged with much of the responsibility of the
day-to-day running of the school.
In early April the school community gathers to vote for its leaders for the following academic year. Each
rising junior and senior student is ranked numerically for his or her dependability, initiative, and
leadership. The student with the highest total is elected School President; the student with the second
highest number becomes the Vice-President, and so on. Even if not elected to a leadership position,
each student is expected to be a responsible member of the school community.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Leadership positions include the School President and House and Floor Leaders. Working in conjunction
with the administration and the faculty, leaders are responsible for defining and maintaining the morale
of the campus and the dormitories.
JOB LEADERS
Job Leader positions include the Vice President and the Weld Hall Supervisors, in addition to the 39
specific job leaders. These leaders are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Job Program.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council is run by the President of the School. Along with student representatives from the
other classes, this group works to contribute to school activities, to promote cooperation among
students, faculty, administration, and staff, and to provide a forum for student opinions. The Student
Council meets once a week to discuss issues that affect the quality of life on campus. The Student
Council reflects student opinion, presents student-driven proposals to the administration, and acts as
the key liaison between the faculty and the student body. The Student Council, in close consultation
with the Deans’ Office, initiates and carries out projects and social activities and, most importantly,
encourages school spirit throughout the community.
In rotation, the top leaders of school government also sit on the Discipline Committee with two faculty
members. The committee discusses students' transgressions of school rules and recommends
appropriate action. This recommendation is in turn referred to the Head of School and the faculty for
consideration.
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SCHOOL GOVERNMENT LEADERS 2009-2010
House /Floor Leaders 2009 Student Leader
President Ashleigh Boulton
Vice-President Abby Alexander
Weld Hall Mark Finnegan
Weld Hall Jack Hyslip
House Leader-Rathbun Phil Brown
House Leader-Hoit Dillon Corkran
House Leader Will Hoeschler
House Leader- Webster John McCoy
House Leader-Day Students Carter White
House Leader-Day Students Sarah Clarkson
House Leader-Connell Morgan Markley
House Leader-Pfenninger Emily Pettengill
House Leader-Sargent Mimi Pichette
House Leader-Macomber Ashby Sussman
Floor Leader-Hoit Mike Anderson
Floor Leader-Galvin Chris Bradbury
Floor Leader-Niles Sam Copeland
Floor Leader-Day Students Wes Mitchell-Lewis
Floor Leader-Webster Nick Parisi
Floor Leader-Niles Jack Saba
Floor Leader-Rathbun Jeff Wasson
Floor Leader-Macomber Sydney Aronson
Floor Leader - Connell MJ Germanos
Floor Leader-Sargent Erica Hamlin
Floor Leader- Connell Erika Johnson
Floor Leader-Houseman Ji Eun Sung
Floor Leader-Pfenninger Elena Taylor
Floor Leader-Day Students Aubrey Tyler
STUDENT JOB PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
At Holderness the work experience is an integral part of every student's life. The Job Program is a
tangible way for each student to make a contribution to the community, and to learn how membership
in a community demands daily application to certain vital chores. Holderness assumes that the lessons
learned from participation in a student-run work program are basic and necessary. Punctuality, the
importance of following through, self-reliance, common sense, quality of performance, dependability,
responsibility, initiative, and a sense of investment in the community are some of the goals of the Job
Program. Basic skills and dexterity through the cleaning and maintaining of buildings and grounds are
learned, and an appreciation of what such work involves is developed. Each student is assigned to five or
six different job crews throughout the year. Students will be expected to meet responsibilities on a
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regular basis and to carry out the assigned task with a sense of pride in a job well done. In addition,
students will be asked to perform special jobs (ushering or hosting coffee) during special events such as
Commencement or Parents' Weekends. The job leader will submit a job report to his work crew's
advisors at the end of each marking period.
STUDENT JOB PROGRAM LEADERS 2008-2009
Job Title Student Leader
Alumni/Development Emery Durnan
Bartsch Alex Francis
Blue Key Cecily Cushman
Blue Key Chandler Grisham
Blue Key Sam Devine
Bookstore Tizzy Brown
Carpenter Caroline Walsh
Chapel Ben Osborne
Hagerman Cole Phillips
Kiddie Crew Elise Steiner
Library SeHan Cho
Lower Weld Frank Zarzeka
Noon Runner Sarah Stride
Outdoor Crew Nick Ford
Pantry Sam Macomber
Pantry Juliet Dalton
Pantry Carson Houle
Pantry Katie Finnegan
Pantry: Noon Jamie McNulty
Pantry: Noon Nick Stoico
Pantry: Noon Emily Starer
Recycling Betsy Pettitt
Recycling Klaus Vitzthum
Recycling Desi Bennett
Schoolhouse Madde Burnham
Serving Casey Powell
Serving Mimi Patten
Serving Margaret Thibadeau
Serving Jaclyn Vernet
Set-up: Dinner Julia Canelas
Student Activities Gabbie Raffio
Technology Scott Nelson
Weld Clean-up Marion Thurston
Weld Clean-up Ethan Pfenninger
Weld Clean-up Emily Hayes
Weld Clean-up: Noon Mandy Englehart
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SENIOR PRIVILEGES
Holderness expects the members of the senior class to guide the rest of the school community in living
up to school standards and responsibilities, and to enliven school spirit. By allowing seniors to earn
privileges, we hope to better prepare the senior class for the general freedoms they will encounter in
the future.
Note: The senior class must remember that these are privileges and not entitlements. These privileges
may be rescinded at any time, either individually or collectively, if abused.
Seniors with privileges may:
• Following Parents’ Weekend, occasionally sign out from seated dinner - this is not allowed on
Tuesday and Thursday nights.
• Check in on school nights by 10:30 PM.
• Travel to Boston via Concord Trailways on Sunday if they are on the Honor Roll or the High
Honor Roll or who have earned three or more excellent effort grades (and no fair or poor effort
grades) during the previous quarter.
• Be in the library, the Webster Room, academic buildings, or in faculty homes or apartments
during evening study hours. However, seniors must respect the "one-place one-time" rule for
evening study hall.
Note: Because of the way noise travels, seniors may only use the Wallace Student Center before
or after evening study hours.
• Be downtown until 10:00 PM with permission of the dorm parent.
• Request a senior skip day in the spring term. Permission must be given by the Deans’ Office, and
plans must be submitted according to a Dean’s specifications well in advance.
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RESIDENTIAL LIFE AT HOLDERNESS
GENERAL POLICIES
RESPONSIBILITIES
The quality of the relationship between the student and the dormitory family is unquestionably a key
element in a successful Holderness experience. The dormitory must serve students in a variety of ways,
as it is a place for living, studying, and resting. Because these purposes can easily cross one another, the
following rules apply to all dorms:
• It is the student's responsibility to keep his or her room in order during the year. Students will
be charged for damage considered beyond normal wear and tear. Students are responsible for
activities that take place in their rooms. If an activity is unauthorized, they are encouraged to
stop it!
• Student rooms are to be cleaned daily and kept in respectable condition. Dorm leaders and
dorm faculty will check room cleanliness and adherence to fire safety regulations on a weekly
basis. Wastebaskets are to be emptied, sheets on beds changed, laundry cared for, and floors
vacuumed. All of these room responsibilities should be done routinely.
• House or Floor Leaders will organize cleaning schedules so that the halls and stairs are swept or
vacuumed daily by the students on the floor and done on a rotating basis. These areas, as well
as the outside areas around the dorm, must also be kept clear of litter and equipment.
• Room decorations are subject to the approval of the Director of Residential Life. All decorations
must be in good taste. Students are not permitted to display materials that are explicit,
offensive, or demeaning with respect to race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual
orientation.
• Furniture must be in good repair and of reasonable appearance. Only one stuffed chair or couch
is permitted per room.
• Room décor, furnishing, and configuration are subject to stringent regulation by the Fire Code.
• Under no circumstances may school furniture that has been attached to the wall be moved or
removed.
• School furniture is not to be removed from the room without the permission of the Director of
Residential Life. If furniture removal is necessary, students may submit a request to the Director,
who will arrange for the unwanted furniture to be removed by Buildings and Grounds.
• Most theft at Holderness takes place in the dormitory while the victim is away. That said, no
student is to enter or be in another student’s room unless that occupant is present.
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Note: Any violation of this rule will result in a disciplinary response, including a Disciplinary
Committee meeting.
• Second story dormitory porches are to be used only for entering and exiting the building. They
are not to be used for recreational or lounging purposes.
• No pets are allowed in the dormitories.
• Computer games (not games over the network) are allowed during appropriate free time, but
not during academic time or after lights out. Use of computer peripherals and software must
conform to the Holderness Acceptable Use Policy.
Note: Students are not allowed to have televisions (including products intended to receive
television programming over the Internet), projectors, monitors larger than 23” in size, or fax
machines. This will be strictly enforced this year.
• Rooms must be cleaned thoroughly before each vacation. The Director of Residential Life, the
dorm parents, and maintenance staff will inspect rooms for damage when students depart.
Damaged rooms or furnishings will be assessed.
• Homemade lofts and homemade beds are forbidden
DORM HOURS
QUIET HOURS
Quiet hours are to be observed during blocks 1-7, and from 8:00 PM - 9:55 PM each night except
Saturday. During these times the campus, classroom buildings, and dormitories should have an
atmosphere conducive to study. No music or sports are allowed during the academic day or evening
study hours. Beginning at 10:30 PM and continuing through the night, dorm members must allow an
environment for sleep.
CHECK-IN
• Under-formers check-in at 10:00 PM
• Seniors check-in at 10:30 PM from Sunday - Friday
• For all students, Saturday night check-in takes place at 11:00 PM
LIGHTS OUT TIMES
• Ninth and Tenth Grade: lights out by 11:00 PM from Sunday - Friday
• Eleventh and Twelfth Grade: lights out by 12:00 midnight from Sunday - Friday
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• All dormitories are to be locked at 10:30 PM Sunday - Friday, and 11:00 PM on Saturday. The
dorm parent on duty is responsible for locking the outside dorm doors.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in a variety of restrictions, including early check-in,
campusing and loss of weekend privileges, or Discipline Committee action. Dorm parents, House
Leaders, the Director of Residential Life, and the Deans’Office will all respond to dormitory violations.
INTER-VISITATION
Non-family members of the opposite sex are not permitted in the dorms or rooms at Holderness School,
except during specified inter-visitation hours.
The following policy governs inter-visitation times:
• There must be a faculty member on duty and in the dormitory for inter-visitation to occur. The
person visiting must check in with an adult. Inter-visitation is four nights a week: Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, beginning at 7:00 PM and concluding at 7:45 PM as follows:
o Monday and Thursday: Girls’ dormitories
o Tuesday and Friday: Boys’ dormitories
• "Open House" at a particular dorm means that the dorm parent will chaperone the dorm, and
has agreed to allow inter-visitation. The dorm parent does not have to be present during the
entire interval, but must be nearby so that he or she can check in from time to time. Each dorm
parent has the right to close his or her dorm for any reason.
• Inter-visitation is permitted in order to encourage social mixing on campus, and not to provide a
place for intimate relationships. During inter-visitation, doors must be open and lights on.
• For day student rooms, additional "Open House" times may be declared as requested by
students and approved by the Deans’ Office.
SECURITY
Holderness School is a safe place in which to live; however, students do need to take precautions for
themselves and their personal belongings. A trunk or lock box for storing valuables is suggested.
Similarly, students are discouraged from keeping large sums of money in student rooms; rather,
students should give cash to a dorm parent for safekeeping until needed.
Valuables such as computers, laptops, stereos, or bicycles should be cared for prudently. During the first
week of school, each student may fill out a special form identifying serial numbers on special items.
Officer Mike Barney will collect the sheet and offer security pens to mark these items.
Officer Mike Barney is the School Resource Officer and may be reached at (603) 779-5337 if one has
questions about security or wish to file a stolen item report.
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VISITORS AND GUESTS
Friends and families may come to Holderness to visit students, but must be aware of a student's
commitments. At appropriate times, and after signing out in Weld, students may leave the campus with
visitors, but students cannot ride in a car driven by a non-family member under the age of 21. Students
may request permission from the Dean of Students or the Weekend Chief to invite friends or a family
member to a Saturday night activity. Students must introduce their guests to the Weekend Duty Chief
upon the guest’s arrival. All guests are subject to school rules at all times.
Although it is not encouraged, students may have an overnight guest at school. The permission of the
dorm parent and the Dean's Office is required for non-family members. It is the student's responsibility
to make it clear to his or her guest that the guest will be subject to school rules while visiting. If the
guest has driven to Holderness, he or she must park at the Bartsch lot, and under no circumstances will
the Holderness student be permitted to ride in the car.
FIRE SAFETY
FIRE CODE ENFORCEMENT POLICY
With stricter State fire regulations and inspections occurring annually, Holderness School is taking a very
proactive approach to our Fire Safety Standards. Students must be aware not do anything that might
cause a fire in a dorm. All students need to read and adhere to all of the following fire safety rules:
• Door must open at least 90 degrees
• Compact fluorescent bulbs required in all lights
• Surge protectors required for stereos, refrigerators, etc.
• Nothing is allowed to hang from ceiling
• No hot pots/space heaters of any kind
• No electrical cords allowed under rugs
• Sprinkler heads must stay free and clear
• Hallways must remain completely clear
• Top bunk must be at least 36 inches from the ceiling
• No frivolous lighting / Christmas lights, mood lights, lava lamps, etc.
• Only one piece of stuffed furniture per room
• No open or smoldering flames in dormitories
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• Clear and easy access to all windows and doors
• Desks and closets must be kept against walls
• No decorations may create a canopy or tent over or around a bed
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF THE FIRE CODE
First Violation Second Violation Third Violation
• Notification to
advisor and/or dorm
parent and student
and immediate
correction of the
violation #1
• Payback
• Immediate correction of
violation #2
• Full room inspection and
meeting with the
Director of Residential
Life
• Parent notification of
warning status
• Sunday morning work
• Immediate correction of
violation #3
• Meeting with the
Discipline Committee
Note: The school reserves the right to proceed to a harsher disciplinary result, depending on the nature
or seriousness of the violation involved. The school reserves the right to take immediate action to
eliminate the safety concern.
In the interest of fire safety, energy conservation, and convenience for our students, we require that all
incandescent bulbs be converted to compact fluorescent. Our school store makes two bulb sizes
available to students:
• 15 w mini-spiral – brightness equivalent to 60 watt bulbs, these small size bulbs are ideally
suited for bed side, small reading lamps
• 20 w spiral – brightness equivalent to 75 watt bulbs, for desk lamps and all other fixtures.
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE
In the event of a fire, any or all of the following alarms will be sounded:
• Chapel bell ringing continuously
• Academic building bells ringing continuously
• In dormitories a variety of alarms will sound, but any continuous sounding of a bell or horn will
signify a fire
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In the event of a fire:
• Leave the building as quickly as possible
• Report a fire by:
o Notifying emergency personnel by dialing 911
o Saying: "Fire at Holderness School" and the name of the building, on either of the three
campus roads: Chapel Lane, South Campus Road, or Mt. Prospect Road
• At night:
o Turn on lights
o Slip on shoes and bring a coat
o Check door temperature before opening
o Proceed to dorm or floor muster stations
• Dorm parents should:
o Check each room
o Take attendance at muster station, notifying the Director of Residential Life or the Dean
of Students if anyone is missing
FURTHER FIRE CODE ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES
• Tampering with fire detection or prevention equipment is forbidden
• No open or smoldering flames are allowed in the dormitories (see Major School Rules). This
means the smoking or burning of incense or candles is prohibited.
• Heating and cooking devices systems are prohibited in dormitory rooms
• No more than 20% of student wall space can be covered with flammable material
• Fire retardant "tapestries" are allowed, but students are limited to two 4' x 8' tapestries per
room
• The amount of furniture in a room may not exceed the needs of the occupants. There may be
only one piece of stuffed furniture in each room. Students are required to keep a clean and
orderly room.
• Halogen lights of any kind are prohibited in student rooms
All student leaders and faculty will be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers
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DAY STUDENT LIFE AT HOLDERNESS
OVERVIEW
Holderness embraces the day student population and believes that they are an important component of
the community. Each individual, day or boarding, can play a key role enriching and being enriched by the
school community. It can be a challenge, however, to feel part of a community when not experiencing
the boarding component. The most successful day students at Holderness have fully involved
themselves in the life of the school by participating in some of the extras that the school has to offer.
Day students are encouraged to get involved and look for options in free-time activities. Try taking a
hike with the Outing Club, participating in evening softball, working on the yearbook staff, or trying any
of the other numerous activities that the school has to offer. Plan to be at the school for a little longer
than the normal participation in classes and sports require. Be around. Stay for meals.
The Day Student Rooms are located in Lower Weld. In the separate rooms for girls and boys, there are
lockers, cubbies, and areas where studying can take place.
Note: Cell phones may only be used in the day student rooms.
Day students are encouraged to invite boarding students to their homes. It is understood that the
parents of a day student, or adults designated by the parents, will be in residence and are responsible
for visiting students.
POLICIES
Due to their travel between on- and off-campus locations, day students must abide by some additional
school rules. The following guidelines should help them meet the school's expectations:
• Day students follow the same rules as boarding students when on campus, or when under the
jurisdiction of Holderness School
• Day students are expected to check their student mailbox and email daily for school notices or
important communications
• Day students are expected to attend Chapel, School Nights, and all family-style dinners. Day
students may leave campus by 7:45 PM, 9:00 PM, or 10:00 PM, except for special school
activities. On Saturday nights, departure time is 11:00 PM for all day students.
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• Parents must call the main school phone number (603) 536-1257 by 9:00 AM to leave a message
for the school nurse if a student is too ill to attend classes. Parents may also use this main school
phone number to leave a message if a student will be late due to inclement weather.
• Day students are expected to care for and clean the Day Student Rooms in Lower Weld
regularly. House and Floor Leaders will organize cleaning schedules.
• Inter-visitation rules for the Day Student Rooms is by permission only, either by the Deans’
Office, or by the Weekend Duty Chief on weekends. Please respect the privacy and/or study
needs of all day students who use these rooms.
• Day students are permitted to spend the night in a boarding student's room with the permission
of the Dean of Students, the host's dorm parent, and the student’s parents. Overnights should
not be a regular practice.
• Day students being driven by a parent or sibling may only be dropped off in front of Weld or in
the Bartsch parking lot.
• Day students who drive to school must get a parking sticker from the Dean of Student's office
and park in the Bartsch lot. Day students are not to drive cars on and off campus during the class
day. See “Daily Life at Holderness, Automobile Policy” for further information.
Any exceptions to the above rules are to be made through the Deans’ Office. Any violations of the above
policies may result in a meeting with the Dean of Students and/or loss of day student privileges.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Health Team is committed to supporting each Holderness student to optimize their health and well-
being. The team consists of the School Counselor, Carol Dopp, M.Ed., the School Nurse, Nancy Thurrell,
R.N., the Athletic Trainer, Jeff Nadeau, A.P.T, and the School Physician, Viking Hedberg, M.D., M.P.H.
The Health Team at Holderness School provides outpatient medical care for minor illnesses and injuries,
school nursing services, day infirmary care, on-call overnight infirmary services, injury prevention and
rehabilitation care, assistance with emotional issues, and behavioral and emotional assessments and
treatment planning. The School Nurse can be reached at (603) 779-5367. The School Counselor can be
reached at (603) 536-1713 x 163.
Parents will not routinely be notified of minor illnesses. However, the school encourages students to
discuss any illness or injury with their family, and it welcomes calls from concerned parents. In the event
of a serious injury or illness, Holderness School staff will make every reasonable attempt to contact the
student’s family in a timely fashion.
On weekdays, the School Nurse (Nancy Thurrell) is on campus from 7:30 AM to approximately 3:00 PM.
There are additional nurses available until 7:30 PM on weekdays and on Saturday mornings from 7:30
AM to 11:30 PM. There is no nurse on campus on Sundays. Physician hours are by appointment from
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The School Physician (Viking Hedberg) can also be
reached through his office at (603) 536-3700. The Athletic Trainer (Jeff Nadeau) is available on the fields
and at the athletic center for guidance on the prevention of injuries, and for the evaluation and
treatment of athletic injuries. The School Counselor (Carol Dopp) is available to discuss emotional or
behavioral concerns, to provide students with support during difficult times, and to assess problems and
recommend appropriate interventions.
ILL STUDENTS
Students too ill to attend class will be cared for during the school day at the Health Center. Students can
either rest in private infirmary rooms or, if able, in the Health Center’s day room, where they can do
homework or relax with a cup of hot tea and light snacks. Day students may go home if permission is
given by the nurse. Meals for ill students will be served in the Health Center. Students too ill to attend
class will not be permitted to spend the day unsupervised in their dormitory. If a student needs to be
cared for overnight or on weekends because of illness, additional coverage will be provided.
COMMITMENTS
If a student is unable to make a commitment because of illness or injury, the student must see the nurse
prior to missing any commitments in order to obtain a medical excuse. Retroactive excuses are not
given. Students too ill to attend classes will need to remain at the Health Center during class hours.
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It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her dorm parent and coach of any medical excuse. A
student who misses any commitment due to illness may not attend sports. It is the student’s
responsibility to notify the nurse of any test, quiz, paper, presentation, or other major commitment
when the student first arrives in the Health Center. If the nurse determines that a student is too ill to
participate in a major commitment, the nurse will notify the teacher directly to authorize the medical
excuse. If the student does not notify the nurse of the commitment, the student will receive a zero
grade for that commitment.
Specific notes are provided by the nurse for following absences:
• Sports: Requests for excused sports must be made to the nurse before noon. After 12:00 PM
students must see the athletic trainer.
• Dinner: If the nurse determines that a student is too ill to go to dinner, meals will be brought to
the Health Center.
• Job Commitments: The nurse does not excuse missed job commitments. It is the student’s
responsibility to provide a substitute or communicate directly with the job leader.
Unless given specific permission from the nurse or the Dean of Students, students with medically
excused absences may not:
• Go downtown
• Work out in the weight room
• Watch athletic practices or games
• Attend snack bar
• Attend inter-visitation
• Be in Weld
PRIVACY POLICY
Holderness endeavors to be guided by principles and not a mass of rules. Consistent with the Holderness
values of "honesty, respect and trust in all matters," the Health Team is committed to respecting
student and family privacy. The Health Team recognizes the developing maturity of teenagers and
adolescents’ need for privacy, but also recognizes that parents need to be actively involved in the
medical care of their adolescents. Our policy is also crafted to meet the unique needs of the boarding
school environment, in which faculty and staff often act in loco parenti and parents are often not
physically present when their child needs health care.
• By signing the health form, parents and students give written permission for any health
professional to share any and all protected health information about the student with
Holderness staff as clinically appropriate. Parents must realize this is a very broad permission.
However, to respect the privacy of the student and their family, health information is expected
57
to be shared only on a “need-to-know” basis to optimize the well-being and safety of the
student and the community. The judgment about whether there is a “need-to-know” will be
made by the health professional, in consultation with Holderness staff, the student’s family, and
the student, when feasible.
• Prior to any health information being shared by a member of the Health Team or other health
professional with another Holderness staff member, the health professional will clarify with the
student what information will be shared with whom and for what purpose.
• Information about injuries or illnesses that affect a student’s ability or require specific care to
safely participate in athletics or other aspects of Holderness School life will be routinely shared
with the appropriate Holderness staff including the trainer, coaches, dorm parents, and
advisors.
• Consistent with State and Federal law, the Health Team will be particularly careful in protecting
the privacy of "sensitive" health information such as information relevant to mental health,
sexuality, substance use, or family concerns.
• If any student or family member has any questions about the Health Team’s privacy policy and
practices, or feels his or her privacy has not been appropriately respected, he or she is
encouraged to address this directly with Health Services or the Head of School.
PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUES
MEDICATIONS
The Health Center must be notified of all medications, vitamins, and supplements used by students.
The nurse provides students with routine over-the-counter medications including ibuprofen,
acetaminophen, cold medications, and lozenges. Even these medications can be dangerous if taken
improperly, so for safety’s sake, all large quantities of medicines should be kept at the Health Center.
With prior permission from the Health Center those students with ongoing health conditions that
require medication (e.g., asthma or diabetes) may be permitted to keep needed medication in their
room. If this medicine requires refrigeration, please have the student’s physician or nurse practitioner
note this on the health form so that accommodations can be made.
Medications prescribed by the School Physician will be ordered from Oliver Drug ((603) 536-1086) unless
the Health Center is specifically notified that your insurance company requires a different pharmacy.
Costs incurred for prescription medications, non-reusable medical equipment, and transportation to
medical appointments will be charged to student accounts. Pharmacy receipts will be sent home
periodically.
Holderness School does not permit students to have controlled drugs (i.e., Ritalin, Adderall, narcotics)
in their possession. Controlled substances such as narcotic pain medication or medications for ADD such
at Ritalin, Focalin, or Adderall must be kept at and dispensed by the nurse at the Health Center. In
addition, when medically indicated, other prescription medications may be held and dispensed in the
58
Health Center. Controlled substances must be mailed to the school and not hand carried to Holderness
by students. Please have these medications sent directly to the Health Center.
MEDICAL LEAVES
A student might, during the course of the academic year, face a serious psychological or medical
situation requiring an extended absence from the school. Students granted or placed on a medical leave
must be under the care of a doctor, psychologist, or therapist and may not return to school until
approved by Holderness School in consultation with the Health Team or others selected by the school.
The decision whether to grant or place a student on medical leave is entirely within the discretion of
Holderness School and will be based on the needs of the student and the ability of the school to provide
services to the student.
Note: Students who are away from school more than ten school days are required to engage a tutor to
help them make up the work they miss while away. Parents are responsible for the engagement of the
tutor and all costs of the tutorial sessions.
When a student is placed on medical leave, the medical issues take priority and may often preclude the
student’s ability to complete academic work or earn representative grades. For all medical leaves, the
decision regarding the best way for a student to complete coursework will be at the discretion of
Holderness School. The Dean of Academics and the Dean of Students will be informed of a student’s
medical leave and will be advised by the school’s health professionals as to the circumstances and
expected duration of the leave, in order to make decisions regarding academic work for that student.
GUIDANCE, ADVISING, AND COUNSELING
An effective education includes the recognition of the human need for help. Such help may come in
many forms, from simple advice and information, to deeper emotional support. It may come from
different sources: friends, faculty members, health professionals, or other community members. Part of
the goal of a good education is to increase emotional stability; to learn to accept criticism; to turn
distress, disappointment, and defeat into personal growth; and to learn personal limits. A good
education will also uncover sources of strength, health, and happiness within each student.
Holderness School attempts to create an environment in which all students can flourish. The School
Counselor, Carol Dopp, is an important resource and is available to the students for ongoing support.
She is available to assist students experiencing emotional, family, relationship, and campus life
problems. If serious emotional problems arise, she can provide recommendations for further
assessment and intervention. Medical management of, and ongoing psychotherapy for, emotional or
attention problems are beyond the scope of services provided by Holderness School; however,
arrangements can be made for such specialized care to be provided locally. For more information,
please contact the School Nurse or the School Counselor. Campus life places multiple demands on
students including: intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. In certain instances, those
demands may prove to be too much for a student. If one is struggling, please seek counsel from one’s
family, advisor, the Chaplain, other faculty members, or a member of the Health Team.
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At times it may be apparent to faculty, staff, or administrator that a student is struggling and needs
assistance. In some cases, a student’s safety or the ability of a student to meet the demands of
Holderness life is in serious question. At these times, the Head of School, in conjunction with the
student’s advisor, the Dean of Students, appropriate faculty, and members of the Health Team, will
involve the student’s family. The school reserves the right to make professional counseling a requisite
part of that student’s life at Holderness. Parents are responsible for all costs for such care.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO
There is no appropriate place for illicit drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at Holderness School. Substance use by
students directly interferes with the academic, social, and athletic goals and objectives of the school.
Holderness expects students to abstain from mind-altering substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and
illicit drugs at all times. Students are strongly encouraged to uphold the school’s drug and alcohol
policies through personally discouraging others’ use of substances, and by reporting inappropriate
activities to faculty or staff.
HEALTH SANCTUARY
While at Holderness a student may become concerned about another student’s health or behavior. This
concern might include, but is not limited to, alcohol or drug use, nicotine use, unhealthy eating
behaviors, or sleeping patterns. A student with concerns about another student can speak in confidence
with a member of the Health Center staff or any other adult in our community. The Health Center staff
will take the student’s concerns under advisement and intervene as appropriate from a purely
therapeutic perspective. Confidentiality of the referring student’s name is kept unless that student
requests to be involved. The school will not invoke a discipline response toward a student based on
concerns voiced by another student; rather a thoughtful, therapeutic response will be developed.
EMERGENCY CARE TEAM RESPONSE
An Emergency Care Team response is a specific example of sanctuary for when the health concern is
urgent. Safety is our first priority. If a student is concerned for another student’s immediate safety
(e.g., the student is highly inebriated), the observing student can contact any faculty or staff and
request assistance without initiating a disciplinary response. The faculty/staff will assess the urgency of
the situation and ensure appropriate and timely care is provided. If an emergent problem is identified,
the student will be transported for emergency treatment, the student’s family will be involved and the
student will have a mandatory separation from the school to process the situation with their family.
Prior to returning to campus, the student will meet with a member of the Health Team to assess the
nature of the problem and to ensure appropriate diagnostic assessments and treatment are in place.
Students should be clear that involvement with the Emergency Care Team does not prevent disciplinary
responses if a student is found by an adult using, under the influence, or in the possession of alcohol,
drug paraphernalia, or other substances.
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CHILD ABUSE
As required by law, the school reports all suspected cases of child abuse, including sexual abuse and/or
neglect to the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families.vAny student who feels that he
or she has been the victim of abuse of any kind should speak with the School Counselor, School Nurse,
Dean of Students, Head of School, or advisor immediately. Any member of the school community who
suspects abuse of a student should report the suspicion to the School Counselor, Dean of Students,
School Nurse, or Head of School.
BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOS
Due to health concerns and parental consent issues, it is inappropriate for students to get tattoos or
body piercings while under school jurisdiction. Although the school does not have authority over
students when they are in the care of their parents, the school strongly encourages students and
parents to make decisions together regarding piercings and tattoos. It is extremely important that
before proceeding with either tattoos or body piercings, one researches the health precautions taken by
a piercing or tattoo establishment. Follow-up care is necessary to prevent infection.
INFECTION PREVENTION
To prevent the transmission of disease students and adults need to follow common-sense precautions.
These precautions include but are not limited to frequent hand washing, not sharing drinking containers,
razors or chapstick, wearing shower shoes, covering coughs, and wearing gloves during the handling of
blood and body fluids.
HARASSMENT
OVERVIEW
It is the policy of Holderness School to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from all
forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. Holderness School will not tolerate harassment of
any kind, whether it is of a general or sexual nature, or whether it is based on specific characteristics
such as a person's race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. The
school will not tolerate sexual or other harassment of employees or students by anyone, whether on
school property, at school or work-related assignments off school property, or at school-sponsored
social functions or activities. Where inappropriate conduct is found, the Holderness School will act
promptly to eliminate the harassing conduct and take other appropriate corrective action, with the
likelihood that the offender will be separated from the school.
Any form of harassment, including written or verbal harassment in the form of voice mail, electronic
messaging systems, electronic mail, or use of the school's Internet or intranet sites will not be tolerated.
Harassment may include easily identifiable acts of verbal, written, or physical abuse. It may also include
more subtle but equally damaging forms of harassment such as graffiti, epithets, and remarks or
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"humor" that stereotype individuals. No matter what form it takes, harassment of any member of our
community is strictly prohibited.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment may be described as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and
other physical and expressive behavior of a sexual nature. The following are examples of sexually
harassing behaviors:
• Physical assault, including rape or any coerced or non-consensual sexual relations
• Sexual advances, whether or not they involve physical touching
• Unwelcome sexual physical contact
• Sexual or lewd jokes, remarks, leering, whistling, brushing against the body, or other suggestive
or insulting gestures or comments
• Intimidating or suggestive remarks about an individual's sexual orientation, whether actual or
implied
• Sexually suggestive or degrading sounds or remarks (written, oral, or electronically transmitted)
including graffiti and spreading of sexual rumors, made to or about another member of the
community
• The use of school technology to transmit sexually suggestive, offensive, and/or degrading
material, whether received at the school or elsewhere
PROCEDURE REGARDING HARASSMENT
When a person feels offended or harassed by someone else, he or she can sometimes stop the behavior
by confronting the offender, telling the person that he or she has offended them, and asking the person
to stop. However, the school is also committed to assisting any student who feels that he or she has
been harassed. A student should not feel that they must allow an inappropriate situation to continue,
regardless of who is creating the problem. Students can seek the assistance of the Head of School, an
advisor, or any other trusted adult on campus regarding any harassment or other situation. The school
will promptly conduct an investigation and take action necessary to deal with the situation.
Students should follow this procedure if they feel they have been harassed:
• Let the offending person or people know you want the behavior to stop. Say NO firmly! Look
directly at them with a straight face to give a clear message about how you feel. Do not
apologize.
• Keep a record of when, where, and how you have been mistreated. Include witnesses, direct
quotes, actions, evidence, and any written communication.
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• Promptly contact an adult at school about the situation, such as an advisor, faculty member,
administrator, or school counselor.
HAZING
The Holderness School does not permit hazing or related behavior among students. Hazing is defined as
any conduct, coercion, or intimidation used as a method of initiation into a student organization, team,
or dorm that is likely to endanger the physical or mental health of any student.
Hazing may include but is not limited to:
• Paddling or striking in any manner
• Marking or branding
• Preventing or restricting class attendance or sleep
• Forcing a student to destroy or steal property
Hazing will not be tolerated at Holderness School. Offending students will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action including the possibility of suspension or expulsion.
Holderness School is covered under the New Hampshire Hazing law (RSA 631:7). Under New Hampshire
law, it is a crime to (1) participate as an actor in any student hazing, (2) knowingly submit to hazing and
fail to report it to the school or to law enforcement, or (3) be present at or have direct knowledge of
hazing and fail to report such hazing to law enforcement or school authorities. Every member of the
school community must report hazing to the Head of School or to Dean of Students. In addition, the
school is required by law to report to the local police any hazing reported to it or of which it becomes
aware.
Keep in mind that, under the law, the implied or even expressed consent of any person toward whom
any act of hazing is directed is not a defense of hazing. Any student who thinks that he or she has been
the victim of hazing should report it immediately to the Head of School or to the Dean of Students.
BULLYING
Bullying will not be tolerated at Holderness School. Bullying occurs when a student is the target of
negative actions usually in the form of intentional, repeated, hurtful acts, words or behavior such as, but
not limited to:
• Intimidation, such as name calling or threatening
• Social alienation such as shunning or spreading rumors
• Physical aggression such as spitting or pushing
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Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of bullying should report it to any trusted
adult at school for assistance. Any student who is found to have engaged in bullying may be subject to
disciplinary action including probation, suspension, or expulsion. No student shall retaliate against any
student who has made a complaint about bullying.
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ATHLETICS
PROGRAM
GOALS
Students at Holderness are expected to participate in an afternoon activity each season: team sports, an
outdoor program, or the arts. While physical activity is viewed as an important part of an adolescent's
development, the school is receptive to the idea of an individual pursuing his or her special interest in
the arts. The school is not open to letting people opt out of vigorous physical or artistic training, nor is it
open to someone "specializing," or training to specialize, in one particular sport. The school’s goals are:
• Cultivate the highest standards of sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, leadership, and self-
discipline.
• Expose students to a variety of athletic experiences: competitive and non-competitive, team and
individual.
• Instill a love of sport and an appreciation of the outdoors.
• Encourage good health and physical fitness as a lifelong commitment.
REQUIREMENTS
Each season, depending on grade level, every student is required to participate in a competitive or non-
competitive sport. It is important to consider the physical and mental demands of the program and to
work together with coaches toward making athletics a safe and enjoyable experience.
• The requirement for competitive sports by class is as follows:
o Ninth/Tenth: Three seasons
o Eleventh/Twelfth: Two seasons
• All new students must take part in a competitive sport for their first season at school.
• A student with interest in the visual and/or performing arts may request an athletic exception,
on a per season basis, in order to pursue an artistic interest. Students must fill out a proposal
outlining their visual/performing art project for any athletic exemption, subject to the approval
of the Athletic and Fine Arts Departments. This option only applies to a student once per year.
• A ninth or tenth grader choosing not to participate in three competitive sports may petition the
Athletic Director for a waiver. In this case, a special activity may replace a competitive sport for
one season only.
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• Individualized weight/cardiovascular training programs are not an option or a substitute for the
athletic or competitive sport requirement for any student. Each student must be part of a team
sport or afternoon activity.
• A limited number of positions as athletic managers will be available to upperclassman and
injured athletes. Any athlete interested in this option must see the Athletic Director and trainer
for approval. Every manager is required to participate each day of the week.
• Ninth or tenth graders who choose skiing or snowboarding are required to participate in
competitive skiing or snowboarding.
OFFERINGS AND LEVELS
Competitive Offerings - Boys Competitive Offerings - Girls
Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Ice Hockey
Alpine Skiing
Eastern School Team
Nordic Skiing
Snowboarding
Freestyle Skiing
Basketball
Tennis
Lacrosse
Cycling
Golf
Baseball
Outing Club (limited enrollment)
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Soccer
Ice Hockey
Alpine Skiing
Eastern School Team
Nordic Skiing
Snowboarding
Freestyle Skiing
Basketball
Tennis
Lacrosse
Cycling
Golf
Softball
Outing Club (limited enrollment)
Non-Competitive Offerings
Team Managers (may count for one competitive season)
Arts in the Afternoon Alternative (see Academics, Arts in the
Afternoon for activities)
Non-competitive offerings (i.e., team manager) are offered to juniors and seniors (and injured athletes)
for only one season per year, in place of participating on an athletic team. The option of manager is
offered to only a handful of students, and each season the number needed will vary (seniors with
injuries that prohibit them from participation will be given first priority). Options are granted to meet
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the needs of students who wish to explore an extracurricular activity other than competing in athletics.
For any such special activity, please see the Athletic Director.
While Holderness School values the experiences that individual and team sports provide students, the
school does understand the need for exploring individual talents. In this regard, the individual is
expected to set the highest of standards in achieving his or her special activity goals. Therefore, students
choosing this option must develop a comprehensive outline/plan that encompasses a time commitment
and work ethic equivalent to that of athletics, including weekends. Students may also be asked to
contribute to the school community by acting as ball people, etc. on game days. This option cannot be
used as a means to specialize in one particular sport.
Note: Weight training alone is not an option. You cannot take a season off to train for the upcoming
(next) season.
Each student pursuing this option will be required to keep a weekly journal, which is signed by his or her
special activity advisor. It must be given to the Athletic Trainer each Monday by 5:00 PM. These students
will also be asked to check in and out daily at the site of their activity. Failure to meet the standards set
in this proposal may result in termination of the special activity, and the Athletic Director and the Dean
of Students will deal with the individual accordingly.
GAME AND PRACTICE POLICIES
• Attendance is mandatory for each practice and each game. If an absence must occur due to
unforeseen circumstances, the student must notify the coach in person by lunch that day. If a
student is confined to bed, the School Nurse will notify the coach and the Athletic Trainer.
• If a student is too ill to attend classes in the morning, the student may not participate in a sport
that day.
• No student is allowed to walk down the road to the Lower Fields. Only Alfond or Chapel paths
may be used to travel to the tunnel that leads to the Lower Fields.
• It is strongly recommended that students dress and shower in Bartsch.
• Dress for away games is school dress, except when traveling in uniform.
• The athletic department strongly encourages each athlete to launder their personal equipment
and clothing on a regular basis through our equipment manager, to ensure safe, healthy
practices in regards to infectious diseases. The Athletic Department is readily available to wash
all clothing any day of the week for athletes.
• The Athletic Department continues to look after the safety and health of the individual as the
number one concern. We demand that all athletes follow all rules of the game (including proper
use of mouth guards, helmets, and other safety products), so we can prevent injury as much as
possible.
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• We encourage any individual to pursue concussion baseline testing on their own if they deem it
appropriate. Currently, we do not offer baseline testing on campus, but we do have many
resources in our area that can assist you and us in education, prevention, and safe practice in
regards to head injuries.
NEPSAC CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
OVERVIEW
As a basic principle, we believe that the lessons learned from fairly played athletics, whether
interscholastic or not, and including games and practices, are of benefit to our students and our schools.
The purpose of this Code of Ethics and Conduct is to define what "fairly played" means and to provide
guidelines for NEPSAC athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to follow.
PROPER CONDUCT AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
At the heart of this matter lie several terms that are often hard to define - yet no more important task
confronts teachers and coaches than to set standards that are fair and honorable. Throughout this Code,
when such terms as "proper conduct" and "good sportsmanship" are mentioned, they refer to such
standards as these:
• Treat other persons as you know they should be treated, and as you wish them to fairly treat
you.
• Regard the rules of your game as agreements, the spirit or letter of which you should not evade
or break.
• Treat officials and opponents with respect.
• Accept absolutely and without quarrel the final decision of any official.
• Honor visiting teams and spectators as your own guests and treat them as such. Likewise,
behave as an honored guest when you visit another school.
• Be gracious in victory and defeat; learn to take defeat well.
• Be as cooperative as you are competitive.
• Remember that your actions on and off the field reflect on you and your School.
NEPSAC EXPULSION RULE
Players who are ejected from interscholastic games for “unsportsmanlike conduct” or other
flagrant behavior will forfeit their eligibility to play in the next regularly scheduled interscholastic
game or tournament played in that sport.
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EQUIPMENT
OVERVIEW
The Athletic Department provides socks, towels, practice jerseys, and all game uniforms. Most required
protective equipment is also provided. Those items not provided are available through the School Store
on a cash basis.
It is recommended that students purchase, and break in, athletic shoes during the summer and not wait
until arrival at school. Molded sole shoes are strongly recommended, instead of the detachable cleated
shoe, for safety reasons.
Students will be charged for any lost or stolen equipment. Carefully keep track of gear, especially when
traveling to other schools. The school is not responsible for items missing from an unlocked locker.
The equipment cage is off limits to students unless accompanied by a coach or by permission of the
Athletic Director or Equipment Manager. Equipment for recreational play can be obtained at the
equipment cage upon request.
SPORTS LAUNDRY
Laundry service will be provided on a daily basis. Students may turn in their used items and trade them
for a clean "roll." Personal athletic wear can be turned in for washing as posted.
FACILITIES
General Use
Bartsch and the Gallop Athletic Center will provide students with hours of valuable fun and exercise.
Please treat the facility with care and take pride in how one leaves it for others. The hours of operation
for the facility will be posted once school begins in the fall.
• All cleats must be removed before entering the building.
• Black-soled shoes or footwear are prohibited in the gym and on the squash courts.
• No food or drink (except water bottles) are allowed in Gallop Athletic Center.
FITNESS ROOM
• The weight room is equipped with nautilus equipment, free weights, and cardiovascular
machines.
• This room is for student, faculty, and staff use. All those wishing to use any of the equipment
must first be checked out by Mr. Capaul, Mr. Nadeau, or the coach for proper procedure.
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Students should design a program with an end in mind. If a student is unfamiliar with weight
lifting, the Trainer will be glad to help the student get started.
• Do not lift without a program.
• Spotters are required at all free weight stations. Free weights should be stored after use.
• Please help keep the weight room clean.
• No food or drink is allowed in the fitness room.
• Please follow policies regarding proper attire.
SQUASH COURTS
Proper non-marking footwear and safety glasses are required.
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM
The Athletic Trainer will be in the training room from 2:15 PM to 6:00 PM. All taping and treatment
should be done during this time, unless the Trainer schedules an appointment for another time.
Students may see the Trainer upon request during free periods.
INJURIES
• All illnesses and injuries should be reported to the Athletic Trainer.
• Students are not excused from practice unless they have reported to the Health Center or to the
Athletic Trainer.
• If a student is injured, he or she is not automatically excused from practice. If there is a
possibility that the student will be able to compete in the sport after recovery, he or she will be
expected to observe practices and learn from them. It may also be possible for the student to
continue actively on a limited basis by omitting activities that would affect the injured part. If a
student is out for the season, he or she will be expected to assist the team in a managerial role.
• Students are never to leave practice without permission from the coach.
• Students should be aware of the inherent risk of injury that accompanies participating in sports.
Note: A physician must clear an athlete who has been restricted by a physician from participation
due to an injury or illness before returning to participation. The athletic training staff reserves the
right to restrict an athlete from participation even with medical clearance, if in their professional
opinion, the athlete remains at risk of further injury or re-injury.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 2009-2010
FIRST SEMESTER – FIRST QUARTER
SEPTEMBER Activity
September 3 Day Student Parent Meeting
September 7 International Student Orientation, Senior Leaders Arrive
September 8 International Student Orientation;
Student Leadership Program, Faculty Meetings with Leaders
September 9 New Students Arrive; Orientation Hike Departs
September 11 Orientation Hike Returns in AM
Returning Students Arrive by 2:30 PM
September 12 First Day of Classes and Sports
First Quarter Begins
Closed Weekend
September 19 Rosh Hashanah
Closed Weekend
September 20 Ramadan Ends
September 24 Last Day to Change Fall Sport
September 28 Yom Kippur
OCTOBER Activity
October 2-4 Chuseok
October 3 Last Day to Add/Drop a Course
October 6 Signups for Parents’ Weekend Conferences
October 9 KUA Day - Home
October 10 SATs (Seniors)
October 14 PSATs (Sophomores and Juniors) at Holderness
College Day for Seniors
October 15 Fall Play – School Night
October 16-17 Fall Parents’ Weekend – School Play Performance for Parents
October 17-20 Long Weekend after Games – No School Transportation for Departure
October 20 Students Return by 9:00 PM, School Provided Transportation Return Only
October 24 First Quarter Ends
ACTs (Seniors)
Closed Weekend
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FIRST SEMESTER – SECOND QUARTER
OCTOBER Activity
October 26 Second Quarter Begins
October 29 Community Service Day
October 29 Halloween Dinner
NOVEMBER Activity
November 1 Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 5 Community Service Day (Rain Date)
November 7 SATs (Seniors)
November 13 Tabor Day Bonfire
November 14 Tabor Day - Away
November 16-18 Rest Days (except for Fall Sports Playoff Teams)
November 18-22 Fall NEPSAC playoffs
November 19-20 Tryouts for Varsity Winter Sports
November 21 Thanksgiving Recess Begins after Classes
School Provided Transportation Departs 12:15 PM
November 26 Thanksgiving
November 30 Students Return by 9:00 PM
DECEMBER Activity
December 1 Winter Block Schedule Begins
December 3 Fall Sports Banquet
December 5 Closed Weekend
December 6 Preparation of Greens
December 10 Last Day to Change Winter Sport
Hanging of the Greens
December 12 Closed Weekend
December 13 Reading Day
December 14-16 Semester I Exams
December 16 Lessons & Carols, Holiday Dinner
Students May Depart after 8:00 PM
Second Quarter, First Semester End
December 17 School Provided Transportation Departs at 3:00 AM and 8:00 AM
December 17-21 Varsity Hockey Tournaments @ Phillips Exeter Academy and Southfield
December 25 Christmas
SECOND SEMESTER – THIRD QUARTER
JANUARY Activity
January 1 New Year’s Day
January 1-2 Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament, St. Sebastian’s School
January 6 Students Return by 9:00 PM
January 7 Third Quarter, Second Semester Begin
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January 9 Closed Weekend
January 18 Martin Luther King Day
January 21 Last day to Add/Drop Second Semester Course
January 22 Short Weekends Only
FEBRUARY Activity
February 2-5 Winter Carnival
February 11 School Night - Winter Concert
February 12-13 Winter Parents’ Weekend – Winter Concert Performance for Parents
February 13-16 Long Weekend after Games – No School Transportation for Departure
February 16 Students Return by 9:00 PM, School Provided Transportation Return Only
February 20 Closed Weekend
February 26-27 Lakes Region Hockey Tournament
February 27 Last Day of Winter Sports (Except Playoff Teams)
February 27 Third Quarter Ends
SECOND SEMESTER – FOURTH QUARTER
MARCH Activity
March 1 Fourth Quarter Begins
March 1-3 Rest Days (Except Playoff Teams)
March 3-7 Winter NEPSAC Playoffs
March 4-5 Tryouts for Varsity Spring Sports
March 8-18 Special Programs
March 14 Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 18 Special Programs end, followed by Special Programs Chapel
Students May Depart after Last Commitment
March 19 School Provided Transportation Departs at 3:00 AM and 8:00 AM
March 21-27 Florida Trip for Lacrosse Players
March 31 Students Return by 9:00 PM
APRIL Activity
April 4 Easter
April 10 ACTs (Juniors)
April 16 Last Day to Change Spring Sport
April 23 School Night - Musical
April 29 College Fair (Juniors)
Leadership Chapel
MAY Activity
May 1 SATs (Juniors)
May 3-14 AP Exams
May 7 School Night - Visiting Poet
May 8 Family Day, Junior/Senior Formal,
Closed Weekend for Juniors and Seniors
May 10 Outdoor Chapel
May 12-22 Senior Art Show
May 16 Reading Day
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May 17-21 Semester II Exams
May 20 Senior Movie, Senior Dinner
May 21 Fourth Quarter, Second Semester End
May 22 Alumni Games, Awards Ceremony, Commencement Dinner
May 23 Commencement
May 24 School Provided Transportation Departs at 8:00 AM
May 31 Memorial Day
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FALL/SPRING DAILY SCHEDULE
MONDAY TUESDAY
6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Breakfast 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Breakfast
7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Jobs 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Jobs
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM Chapel 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Morning Classes
9:05 AM – 12:20 PM Morning Classes Lunch
Lunch 1:25 PM – 3:05 PM Afternoon Classes
1:25 PM – 3:05 PM Afternoon Classes 3:30 PM Athletic Practices
3:30 PM Athletic Practices 6:00 PM Dinner Required for All
6:00 PM Dinner 8:00 PM-9:55PM Evening Study Hours
8:00 PM – 9:55 PM Evening Study Hours
10:00 PM Underclass Check-in 10:30 PM Senior Check-in
10:30 PM Senior Check-in 11:00 PM Lights-out for 9th & 10th
11:00 PM Lights-out for 9th & 10th 12:00 AM Lights-out for 11th & 12th
12:00 AM Lights-out for 11th & 12th
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Breakfast 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Breakfast
7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Jobs 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Jobs
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Classes 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Morning Classes
Lunch Lunch
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Athletic Contests 1:25 PM – 3:05 PM Afternoon Classes
5:45 PM – 6:30 PM Cafeteria Style Dinner 3:30 PM Athletic Practices
8:00 PM – 9:55 PM Evening Study Hours 6:00 PM Chapel
10:00 PM Underclass Check-in 6:15 PM Dinner Required for All
10:30 PM Senior Check-in 8:00 PM – 9:55 PM Evening Study Hours
11:00 PM Lights-out for 9th & 10th 10:00 PM Underclass Check-in
12:00 AM Lights-out for 11th & 12th 10:30 PM Senior Check-in
11:00 PM Lights-out for 9th & 10th
12:00 AM Lights-out for 11th & 12th
FRIDAY SATURDAY
6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Breakfast 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM Breakfast
7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Jobs 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Jobs
8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Morning Classes 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Morning Classes
Lunch Lunch
1:25 PM – 3:05 PM Afternoon Classes 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Athletic Contests
3:30 PM Athletic Practices 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Cafeteria Style Dinner
6:00 PM Dinner 11:00 PM Check-in for All
8:00 PM – 9:55 PM Evening Study Hours
10:00 PM Underclass Check-in
10:30 PM Senior Check-in
11:00 PM Lights-out for 9th & 10th
12:00 Midnight Lights-out for 11th & 12th
SUNDAY ADVISEE /ADVISOR TIME
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast 12:50 PM - 1:20 PM on Friday
11:00 11:45 AM Brunch
Cafeteria Style Dinner SNACK BAR FOR SENIORS
6:45 PM Optional Chapel 10:00 PM – 10:25 PM, Sunday through Friday
7:45 PM Return from Weekends
8:00 PM - 9:55 PM Evening Study Hours
10:00 PM Underclass Check-in
10:30 PM Senior Check-in
11:00 PM Lights-out for 9th
& 10th
12:00 AM Lights-out for 11th
& 12th
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CONTACTS BY NEED
Need Name Email Phone
Academic Program Peter Durnan [email protected] (603) 779-5305
Activities Kathy Weymouth [email protected] (603) 779-5315
Advisor Program Duane Ford [email protected] (603) 779-5300
Athletics Lance Galvin [email protected] (603) 779-5371
Business Office Elaine Tibbetts [email protected] (603) 779-5213
College Counseling Margot Moses [email protected] (603) 779-5311
Counseling Carol Dopp [email protected] (603) 536-1713 x163
Dean of Students Kathy Weymouth [email protected] (603) 779-5315
Discipline Kathy Weymouth [email protected] (603) 779-5315
Dormitory Life Duane Ford [email protected] (603) 779-5300
Health Center Nancy Thurrell [email protected] (603) 779-5367
Job Program Duane Ford [email protected] (603) 779-5300
Kitchen Gayle Youngman [email protected] (603) 779-5241
Library Mary Kietzman [email protected] (603) 779-5325
Parent Relations Amy Woods [email protected] (603) 779-5225
Religious Studies Rev . Rich Weymouth [email protected] (603) 779-5307
Security Concerns Mike Barney [email protected] (603) 779-5337
Community
Service
Janice Pedrin-Nielson [email protected] (603) 779-5313
Student Billing Elaine Tibbetts [email protected] (603) 779-5213
Student Schedules Peter Durnan [email protected] (603) 779-5305
Trainer, Athletic Jeff Nadeau [email protected] (603) 779-5372
Technology Wayne Oldack [email protected] (603) 779-5353
Transportation Elaine Tibbetts [email protected] (603) 779-5213
Web Site Stephen Solberg [email protected] (603) 779-5206
Weekend Permissions Kathy Weymouth [email protected] (603) 779-5315
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NOTES
77
NOTES
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Holderness School
PO 1879, Chapel Lane
Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264
Tel. (603) 536-1257
Fax. (603) 536-1267
Website: www.holderness.org
Health Services: (603) 779-5367
Administrator on Duty (603) 254-8912
Emergency: 911
©Holderness School 2009-2010, All Rights Reserved