ParentHandbook-January2016

Westminster School
Established 1962
A Classical Education for the 21st Century
Presenting Challenge | Building Character | Instilling Confidence

Parent/Student
Handbook

An Overview of Goals, Policies, and Procedures

WWW.WESTMINSTERSCHOOL.COM 1

Table of Contents

4 WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
Mission and Philosophy • Classical Education • School Environment • School/Parent Partnership: The
Golden Triangle • History of Westminster School • Introduction to Goals, Policies, and Procedures

8 ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Academic Program Overview

Course of Study • Instruction • Faculty • Goals
Assessment

Grading System/Progress Reports • Standardized Tests • Tests and Quizzes
Academic Practices and Standards

Accountability • Attendance • Extra Help • Field Trips • Homework • Honor Roll • Integrity (Cheat-
ing, Plagiarism) • Make-Up Work • Projects • Redirections/Redirections Hall/Saturday Redirections
Hall
Requirements
Schedules

20 UNIFORMS
Description & Regulations • Dress Uniform (for assemblies, field trips, special occasions) • Sizing,
Maintenance, and Repair • Wearing the Uniform • P.E. Uniform

24 STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS
Introduction • Classroom Rules • Community Service • Comportment at School-Sponsored Events •
Dress Codes (Non-Uniform) • Forgotten Items • Playground Rules • School Bus Regulations • Student
Use of Cell Phones/Internet/Technology (texting, emails, social media sites) • Westminster Courtesies

32 STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE

Overview of Guidance Program

Guidance for 8th Grade Families Planning for High School
Discipline

Strikes • Demerits • Demerit Hall (Saturday) • Suspension • Explusion • Off-Campus Offenses •
Withdrawal, Recommended • Withdrawal, Involuntary

37 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES
After-School Care Programs • Athletic Program • Camps • Clubs • Drama Program • Library
Orchestra Program • Safety Patrols • Sports Program

2

GENERAL INFORMATION 41

Absences
Academic Year/School Calendar

Closure Make-Up Days
After-School Activities
Arrival and Dismissal (School Hours)

Weather-Related Delays, Cancellations, and Early Closures
Birthday Treats • Books • Bus Service • Carpool • Causes/Soliciting
Communications

Conferences (Parent/Teacher Conferences; Parent/Administrative Conferences) • Edline.net • Email •
Names/Surnames • Parent Coffees • Westminster School Social Media Sites • Westminster School Web Site •
Development/Fundraising • Emergency Preparedness • Homeroom Assignments • Illness • Late Pick-up Policy
• Lost and Found • Lunch • Medications • Parental Concerns • Parking • Parties (hosted by students)/Invitations
• School Supplies • Technology • Toys, Games, Electronics, Etc. • Use of Office Telephone by Students • Walkers,
Bicycle Riders

THE INSIDE SCOOP: Expectations and Recommendations for Parents 60

Being involved in school life
Westminster Parents Club • Volunteer opportunities (Library, Room Parent, Club Assistance) • Coffees and

other social events
How to support your child

Class play expectations • Communication with teachers • Parent/Teacher Handbook • Respecting your
child’s responsibilities
How to support Westminster School
Positive attitude, appropriate expressions of concern • Enrollment outreach • Social media support •
Financial support

IN LOCO PARENTIS

In all matters relating to the safety, management, and discipline of students, Westminster School
administrators, teachers and other school employees shall stand in the relation of parents and guardians
of the pupils. Westminster School administrators, teachers and other school employees shall exercise such
oversight in the school, on school grounds owned or leased by Westminster School, on school buses, and
during excursions organized by the school. This relationship shall extend to all activities connected to the
school program, including all athletic and extracurricular programs, and may be exercised at any time for the
safety and supervision of the pupils in the absence of their parents and/or guardians.

Illustrations by Rachel Scheer

3

WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY What does Westminster mean by a
“humanist” philosophy?
Westminster School is dedicated to providing a
superior elementary and middle-school education Humanism is a term that has been interpreted in a
whose fundamental goals for each child are a variety of ways and, for some, may be off-putting
disciplined and well-informed mind, strength because of its association with secularism. However,
of character, dedication to learning, generosity this is not our focus at Westminster. We use the term
of spirit, and joy in the possibilities of life. The partly in its original meaning as a teacher or scholar
Westminster program is founded on a traditional who valued the ancient Greeks and Romans and
curriculum, rigorous academic standards, and emphasized study of the humanities. We also think
an atmosphere that promotes respect, integrity, of humanism as confirming the importance of each
kindness, and a sense of excellence. Westminster’s individual life, and the obligation to develop oneself
academic program provides thorough training to the best of one’s ability. The entire Westminster
in basic subjects within a broad humanities program is designed to nurture in each child the best
curriculum. The classical tradition, great books, possible version of him/herself. That’s our humanist
and exposure to the arts are emphasized and philosophy.
integrated throughout an accelerated, thoroughly
rounded program.

The school’s philosophy springs from deeply held beliefs about human potential and responsibility, which
are drawn from the classical tradition of Western civilization and humanist philosophy. These ideals form
a standard against which all aspects of Westminster’s curriculum and policies are measured, and underlie
the core beliefs of Westminster School:

 We believe that all people, regardless of gender,  We believe that enthusiasm, industry, and
race, religion, nationality, or other differences, perseverance are the keys to success.
can agree upon essential, human values that
they wish to pass on to their children. Among  We believe that challenge is necessary for
these are respect, tolerance, kindness, self- growth and that high expectations, lovingly and
discipline, a strong work ethic, integrity, and the firmly held, result in achievement and genuine
love of learning. self-esteem.

 We believe in the essential goodness and  We believe in the importance of developing
forward striving nature of children who, if mind, body, and spirit, and of striving for
properly motivated and imaginatively taught, balance among these energies.
are capable of the highest levels of achievement
in all areas of endeavor.  We believe in the power of great works of art to
transform the individual.
 We believe that civility, courtesy, and good
manners are the essential foundation for all  We believe that creativity is the essential act
human interaction and participation in society. of the human spirit, and that engagement
in the arts is a lifeline for self-discovery, self-
 We believe that genuine freedom can only expression, and connectedness with the world.
be achieved through self-discipline, and that
discipline is acquired through guidance and
4 practice.

CLASSICAL EDUCATION WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

Westminster School provides a classical education for the 21st century. The fundamental goal of a classical
education is to teach students not what to think, but how to think: how to approach learning something
new, how to analyze and solve a problem, how to recognize a well-reasoned argument and a poor one, how
to reach an intelligent, informed opinion, and how to articulate that opinion clearly, concisely, persuasively,
and elegantly. These are the thinking skills demanded by almost any field of human endeavor and they
are particularly valuable in a rapidly-changing technological and economic environment such as ours.
Those who have been classically educated will be in the optimal position for adapting to future challenges
and opportunities. The Westminster academic program is carefully designed to instill in students these
skills, acquired and practiced through study of a well-rounded, exceptionally rich curriculum.

5

WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT There is a similarly unified approach to guiding
students’ character development. Expectations
At Westminster, we believe that the physical are clear regarding self-control, consideration for
environment teaches. To be surrounded on a daily others, honesty and integrity, and consequences
basis by order, cleanliness, attention to detail, for misbehavior are well established and applied
engaging displays, and works of art encourages evenhandedly. Instances of undesirable social
calmness, a sense of well-being, engagement, behavior, such as unkindness or disrespect for
imagination, appreciation, and responsibility—all someone else’s property, are considered important
states of mind helpful for learning and personal and are addressed immediately. The students
growth. High standards for the maintenance and themselves grow to appreciate and take pride in
presentation of the buildings, interiors, and grounds Westminster’s emphasis on good character and
are deeply embedded in school tradition, and both good manners.
staff and students take pride in the appearance and
“feeling” of Westminster School. SCHOOL/PARENT PARTNERSHIP: THE
The human environment, of course, is of ultimate GOLDEN TRIANGLE
importance at Westminster School. Westminster
embraces a diverse community of students, By enrolling their children in Westminster School,
staff, and their families, and strives to create an parents also enroll themselves as partners in
environment where all members of the community delivering the educational and cultural mission of
find warmth, respect, courtesy, and kindness, the school to their children.The parents help protect
and where each individual is encouraged toward the integrity of the overall program by respecting
personal growth and fulfillment. the school’s philosophy, established curriculum,
Beginning in Kindergarten, students are taught policies, and procedures. Parents contribute
how to properly conduct themselves in academic individually as partners with the teachers and
and social settings, and this is reinforced administration in educating their children, and as a
throughout their years at Westminster. They wear group in building a community that fosters civility,
school uniforms and are taught to take care in integrity, and individual responsibility.
their personal presentation. It is the responsibility “The golden triangle”is a metaphor for the mutually
of every staff member to encourage students to respectful and supportive partnership created
exhibit good posture, speak clearly, maintain eye by the parents, teachers, and administrators who
contact, and practice good manners. Whether the guide and safeguard the child’s development as a
child is visiting the office to deliver a message, person and as a student. The child, at the center of
passing an administrator in the hall, or picking up this triangle, has the opportunity to learn, mature,
the class milk order from a maintenance helper, assimilate new ideas and concepts, and strengthen
he encounters adults who reinforce these social in character and sense of self. As the student matures
graces. These practices not only prepare the child in understanding and independence through the
for life outside of school, but also contribute to the years, the“triangle”expands until, upon graduation,
pleasant civility that characterizes daily school life. it opens, and a knowledgeable, kind, capable, and
confident young person emerges prepared to meet
the challenges and opportunities of an expanded
horizon.

6

HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

Origin – Westminster School was founded in 1962 Introduction – The policies and procedures of
by Jane L. Goll as a personal undertaking.The school Westminster School have been developed as
opened in rented facilities at St. Albans Episcopal practical manifestations of the school philosophy
Church, Annandale, Virginia, as an independent, and program and in response to specific issues
coeducational school with an initial enrollment of which have arisen through the years. Each policy
100 students in grades K-2. An additional grade was and procedure is carefully considered in light of
added each year, culminating with the addition the school’s values and goals and with respect for
of an 8th grade in 1968. Enrollment reached all members of the school community, including
the capacity of the rented facility in 1965-66, fair and equitable application. All staff members
necessitating acquisition of a larger facility. are charged with the consistent implementation
Facility Development – A permanent site was of school policies. Parents and students are urged
acquired at 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale,Virginia, to review this handbook carefully, and refer to it
in 1969. The school has been built in a series of whenever a question or concern arises.
construction phases, completed in 1971, 1975,
1978, 1981, 1985, and 2003. Westminster opened
a preschool, designated The Griffin Academy, in
rented facilities in 2010.

Legal Status – Westminster School was
incorporated by the Commonwealth of Virginia
in January, 1966, as a not-for-profit corporation; it
was granted federal tax exemption status by the
Internal Revenue Service in letter ruling on January
9, 1967. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, who
serve without compensation. Management of the
school is vested in the Headmaster, assisted by a
small administrative staff.

Accreditation – Westminster School is a fully
accredited member of the Virginia Association
of Independent Schools (VAIS) and the National
Association of Independent Schools (NAIS),
undergoing comprehensive accreditation
reviews every five years. It is also a member of the
Association of Independent Schools of the Greater
Washington Area (AISGW).

Affiliations – Westminster is independent of
affiliation with any other organized group for
religious, social, racial, or civic/political purpose.
It is open to all without regard to race, religion, or
national origin.

7

ACADEMIC PROGRAM ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Westminster School’s academic program is Course of Study –The course of study for all grades
developed from the school’s mission to provide a includes the following subjects: English language
superior elementary and middle-school education arts, literature, mathematics, history, science,
based on a classical curriculum and high academic geography, fine and performing arts, physical
standards, as well as the ongoing personal education, and French. Latin is taught in grades 7-8.
development of each student. Technology instruction is included in grades 5 – 8.

The academic curriculum is fully articulated, Instruction – Instruction is presented in an orderly,
and policies that govern the classroom are well teacher-directed classroom environment. A fully
established. However, within these guidelines, articulated curriculum guide is in place for all
teachers are encouraged to use a variety of teaching subjects. Teachers are specialists in their subject(s),
strategies in order to engage different learning and each classroom provides an “immersion”
styles and to awaken interest and reinforce learning environment in the subject. The traditional
for all students. approach of a classical program utilizes a Socratic
approach and emphasizes logical, sequential
We believe children’s cognitive development learning which also stresses the interconnections
increases in sophistication with age and that and interdependence of all subjects.
academics should reflect these developmentally Goals – The immediate academic goals are
appropriate expectations and challenges. Our development of keenness and depth of reasoning,
program is carefully designed to enhance our proficiency in the content and skills of each
students’ logical and conceptual growth to the subject area, expansion of general knowledge and
greatest degree possible. appreciation of learning and the achievements of
civilization, and stimulation of imagination and
The far-reaching goals are to prepare creativity.
students for intelligent and responsible
citizenship, to inspire them to pursue further
learning and to become educated, cultured
people, and to direct them toward a life of
great scope and self-fulfillment.

ASSESSMENT K – 2nd Grade - Letter grades are not issued to
students in K – 2nd grades. Progress Reports
are mailed to parents at the end of each quarter,
GRADING SYSTEM/PROGRESS REPORTS indicating student progress in various aspects of

Overview – Evaluations of progress are issued development, academic achievement, and work
four times a year for all students. The academic habits. In Kindergarten, marks of “Satisfactory,”
year is divided into grading/reporting periods of “Improving,” “Needs Improvement,” or “To be
approximately 8 weeks each (designated quarters), evaluated at a later time” are given. In grades
and reports of student progress are posted on 1 and 2, Progress Reports include marks of
Blackboard Engage (online) soon after the end of “Excellent,” “Good,” “Fair,” “Needs Improvement,”
each quarter. (Individual teachers regularly update and “Unsatisfactory” to indicate the student’s
grade reports online throughout the quarter, and progress in academic achievement and work habits.

this information is immediately accessible to the
student and his/her parents (only).) In addition,
overviews of grade-level progress are issued twice
yearly for art, music, and physical education classes.
A copy of the final progress report (report card) for
the year, which includes all quarterly reports, is
8 mailed home.

3rd – 8th Grade - In quarterly Progress Reports, One point each (no maximum) will be deducted for ACADEMIC PROGRAM
students in grades 3 – 8 receive letter and percentage errors in:
grades (e.g., B+/91), reflecting achievement in
academic areas, and a rating of “Excellent,” “Good,” • Spelling of words that are included in the text
“Fair,” or “Poor” for various aspects of classroom of the quiz/test/assignment;
deportment and study/work habits. If make-up
work in a subject is outstanding at the close of • Spelling of subject-related vocabulary or other
the grading period, either quarter or interim (see vocabulary that has been clearly and specifically
below), the student receives an “Incomplete.” Once required by the teacher; and
the work has been completed, a grade is issued.
The letter grade for any academic subject is based • Spelling, word usage, mechanics, and grammar
on arithmetical scores (see grading scale below) on long-term assignments (i.e., of two days or
earned on quizzes, tests, reports, and projects, as longer) done at home (where reference guides
well as homework completion and participation in are easily available).
class discussions/activities. (Also, see notes below
regarding quiz/test completion standards and *There will be no limit to the number of points
writing standards, which may affect a student’s deducted in English class for the errors indicated, as
score on graded work.) Grades are based on the well as for other aspects of English usage and style
student’s accomplishment of what he/she has been that have been covered in the English curriculum
asked to do, rather than his/her accomplishment in to date.
relation to that of others. In other words, there is no
grading “on the curve.” Quarterly Grades – Quarterly grades are calculated
Note: Failure to turn in a quiz or test at the end of using the following formula:
the testing period will result in a 10-point penalty Quizzes 40%
on the quiz/test grade. Tests, Book Reports & Projects 40%
Grading Standards for Writing - School policy has Homework 10%
been established for the purpose of maintaining Class participation 10%
high and consistent standards for writing in all
disciplines, for students in grades 3 – 8: Final Grades – In grades 3 – 6, final grades in each
One point each, up to a maximum of 5, will academic subject reflect the average of the four
be deducted from graded quizzes, tests, and quarterly grades. In 7th and 8th grades, in which
compositions written in class* or assigned as semester exams (mid-term, final) are given, the final
homework to be completed in one night, for errors grade for each subject is calculated by averaging
in: the four quarterly grades plus the average of the
• Basic punctuation, mechanics, and grammar; two semester exam grades.
• Spelling of simple, common words and
Grading Scale - Letter grades correspond to the
vocabulary words that have been taught or are arithmetical averages shown below:
reasonable expectations for the grade level;
and A = 95 - 99 B+ = 91 - 92 C+ = 82 - 83 D = 70 - 74
• Neatness and legibility.
A- = 93 - 94 B = 86 - 90 C = 77 - 81 F = 69 or below

B- = 84 - 85 C- = 75 - 76


Interim Progress Reports - Interim Progress
Reports (Interims) are reports of grade averages to
date which are officially posted on Edline halfway
through the quarter. The grades for all students
(grades 3 – 8) are updated on the Interim posting
day under the label,“First”(or“Second,”etc.) Quarter
Interims.

9

ACADEMIC PROGRAM Note: In the event of outstanding issues regarding Teachers announce tests at least three days in
policy fulfillment, final (4th quarter) Progress advance and quizzes at least one day in advance.
Reports may not be posted or mailed until the Occasionally, pop quizzes, based on recent class
issue(s) has been resolved. Such issues may include, notes or the previous night’s homework, may be
but are not limited to, the following: given.
• The student has not completed required
Redirection or Demerit Hall service; Grades 3-6 - Generally, only one test and one quiz
• The student has not returned all school (per grade) may be given on any specified day.
property, such as text books, library books, etc.; In some instances, however, when scheduling
• Monies are owed to the school. presents no alternative, two tests and one quiz, or
one test and two quizzes may be given in a single
Note to Students in 8th Grade: Final grades for day.
Algebra, Geometry, French, and Latin may become
a part of the student’s high-school grade point Grades 7-8 - Two tests and one quiz or one test and
average; this determination is made by the high two quizzes may be given in a single day. In rare
school. instances—for example, in case of missed school
days due to inclement weather or other unexpected
events—it may be necessary to intensify the quiz/
STANDARDIZED TESTS test schedule in order to keep assessments in sync

Students in all grades participate in standardized with what is being studied at the time or to ensure
testing once each year. Westminster School preparation for upcoming exams.
administers the ERB (Educational Records Bureau)
tests, which are used by many private schools and Note: Students who talk, for whatever reason,
high-achieving public schools across the country. during a test or quiz period will incur a penalty,
Test results for individual students are mailed to possibly including receiving a zero for the test/quiz
their parents, along with an explanation of the grade, depending on circumstances.
various scores. ERB scores are also recorded in the
student’s official school record. ACADEMIC PRACTICES AND

Yearly standardized testing provides one means of STANDARDS
assessing a student’s abilities and acquired skills
in language arts and math. Overall results are also ACCOUNTABILITY/RESPONSIBILITY

used to help the school assess the efficacy of its The school’s academic standards teach students
academic program. that achieving excellence requires genuine effort

TESTS AND QUIZZES and perseverance. They are taught organizational
and time management skills, and come to
understand that these are fundamental tools for
A student’s knowledge of the material covered in any getting a job done. Westminster students are
class is measured, to a degree, by tests and quizzes. expected to take responsibility for their actions,
One of the goals of the Westminster program is including academic obligations. They learn this
to develop in students a sense of ownership and partly as a result of clearly stated expectations and
responsibility for their own education. Therefore, partly as a result of consequences incurred with
they are encouraged to review study materials for lapses in responsibility (see Redirection). These
a short time every day to avoid the less effective firm policies regarding student accountability are
practice of “cramming” before a quiz or test. grounded in the school’s philosophy: “. . . genuine

freedom can only be achieved through self-discipline,
and . . . discipline is acquired through guidance and

10 practice.”

ATTENDANCE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

In Westminster’s accelerated, rich program, daily attendance at school and prompt arrival for each class
are very important. (See ABSENCES and ILLNESS for further information.) Daily attendance is taken by the
homeroom teacher at 8:10 a.m. Teachers in each class also record class attendance.

Late Arrival – A student who arrives after 8:10 Caught in a huge traffic jam on 495?
a.m. is counted as tardy (see DISCIPLINE, Strikes). We understand.
If a student arrives between 8:10 and 8:15 a.m., he
or she is to report directly to homeroom class. The On those days when severe weather or huge traffic
teacher will complete a tardy slip for the student delays bring everything to a standstill, late arrivals are
and send it to the office along with the attendance forgiven. We call them “no strike days” because no one
log. If a student arrives after 8:15 a.m., the parent receives the customary strike for arriving late. Keep in
must accompany the student to the school office mind, however, that this leniency occurs only when
and sign him/her in. The office attendant will the vast majority of drivers are affected. If you slept
complete a tardy slip, which the student must turn late, had to return home for a forgotten item, or faced
in to the teacher upon entering the classroom. a neighborhood traffic jam, we’re sorry, but lateness
Note: In order to be eligible to participate in an earns a strike. (Fortunately, you can get nine of them
after-school activity, e.g., athletics or drama, a before facing any real consequences—that should
student must arrive at school no later than 11:10 cover a few difficult mornings!)
a.m. on the day of the activity. Exceptions to this
rule include 8th-grade students who are late due Note: The perfect attendance award was
to visiting a high-school and students arriving late established to emphasize the importance of
due to attendance at a funeral service. dependability and to encourage children to rise
Early Departure – When there are plans for a above minor discomforts. It was never intended
student to leave before the end of the school to encourage children to attend school when they
day (see note below), he/she should bring a note are truly ill and/or infectious. In some cases, there
from the parent and turn it in to the homeroom is too great a concern among children and parents
teacher. At the appropriate time, the student will that an absence due to sickness will result in the
be dismissed to pack up and report to the school child’s not receiving a perfect attendance award
office. The parent must come to the office to sign at the end of the year. However, it is inevitable that
the student out of school. Parents who are picking children will fall ill occasionally and, therefore, must
up a student early are requested to do so no later absent themselves from school. Although a child
than 2:40 p.m. (see CARPOOL). may initially be disappointed about missing out
Perfect Attendance - Perfect attendance is on a perfect attendance award, if the adults take a
achieved by attending every day that school is in sensible approach, so will the child. Children need
session. Those students who have achieved perfect to learn that life comes with a variety of challenges
attendance are recognized at an awards assembly and opportunities, but that he/she won’t always be
at the end of the school year. A student who is the winner or top achiever. Sometimes, that’s due
at school for at least half a day (i.e., three hours to lack of necessary effort, which may be corrected,
or more) is counted as in attendance. However, a but sometimes it’s just a matter of luck. Being
student who accumulates more than three “half able to put such disappointments in perspective
days” will be disqualified for the perfect attendance is an important part of growing up. Parental
award. understanding and support of this common-sense
approach is greatly appreciated.

11

ACADEMIC PROGRAM EXTRA HELP (See Student Resource Program) What is Extra Help and
Occasionally, a student needs extra help in order how does it work?
to understand a particular concept or skill, or
could benefit from an additional review before The teachers are available to give students extra
an upcoming test. Westminster provides extra academic help during Flex period (2:30-3:10),
academic help at no extra charge, Monday-Friday Monday through Friday. Any student who
during Flex period. A schedule by subject is could use extra help understanding a concept,
provided by the team leader at the beginning of mastering a skill, or could benefit from an
the school year. Parents of younger children notify additional review before a test is welcome to
the teacher of planned attendance at Extra Help; attend Help. Sometimes, a student may need
upper-school students typically arrange their own one-on-one assistance with organizational or
attendance. study skills, and these can be addressed in Help
sessions, as well. Parents may schedule their
child to attend Help by sending in a “yellow
note” to that effect. (Yellow tablets for this
purpose are sold at the school store.) Extra Help
is included in the tuition.

12

FIELD TRIPS “Without new experiences, something ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Field trips are an important aspect of the learning inside of us sleeps. The sleeper
program at Westminster. Typically, at least one must awaken.” ~Frank Herbert
field trip related to each academic subject will
be scheduled each year, including excursions Westminster’s generous field trip program is one of the
related to music and art. most important aspects of its curriculum. A student who
Field trips are not optional. However, if there is attends Westminster from Kindergarten through 8th
a valid reason for a student not to participate in grade ventures on more than 70 field trips ranging from
a field trip, the student is nonetheless expected apple farms to opera halls. These are directly related to
to report to school for the school day. Suitable topics studied at school, and give the student a hands-on
arrangements for an academically productive experience of what he is learning about in the classroom.
day will be made for the student, and an Often interactive, many field trip venues allow the
assignment will be given in the subject to which student to learn and apply specific skills in a real-world
the field trip was related. setting. Westminster field trips also teach students the
Unless otherwise specified, the dress uniform proper way to behave in a wide variety of public venues.
(blazer, tie, white shirt) is required for all field At the very least, this extraordinary level of travel
trips. See UNIFORMS, including Dress-Up Dress broadens the children’s cultural horizons enormously,
Code. rendering them more sophisticated and comfortable in
the big world than the vast majority of their peers. All
field trips are included in the cost of tuition.

13

ACADEMIC PROGRAM HOMEWORK in the schedule, as there is typically no written
Homework is an important component of learning. homework the night before a test.
It is intended to reinforce material presented in the Parents who believe that their child’s homework is
classroom and give students the opportunity to taking significantly longer than the times indicated
practice skills important to the subject under study above are urged to observe the student closely
as well as general scholarship. Additional goals are during homework time. Often, students extend
to encourage resourcefulness in the student, as their work time by including texting, on-line
well as confidence in his/her own thinking process. chats, online games, telephone calls, watching
Homework is never assigned as a punishment. television, playing with siblings or pets, getting
Students in all grades are assigned homework on snacks, sharpening pencils, or indulging in a
a daily basis (see exceptions below), in an amount wide and imaginative variety of activities other
and degree of difficulty appropriate to their age than remaining on task until the work has been
and academic level. Some homework is given completed. After eliminating such distractions,
in the form of long-term assignments, such as parents who find that their child’s homework time
book reports, research reports, creative writing exceeds the guidelines above by more than 30
assignments, science experiments, projects, etc. minutes should confer with the teacher or, if this
does not ameliorate the situation, the team leader.

Students in grades K - 6 are not assigned written All homework assignments are expected to be
homework over weekends. For students in grades turned in on time, to be complete, neatly and
7 and 8, one day of homework may be given over clearly presented, and in the format designated
the weekend. Students are not assigned homework by the teacher. Students may not use word
over a holiday period, including Columbus Day, Fall processors or computers to complete assignments
Break, Winter Break, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, unless specifically permitted or assigned to do so.
Presidents’ Day, Spring Break, and Memorial Day. Technology skills are integrated in academic classes
and assignments in grades 5-8.

Homework assignments for each class are carefully
designed by teachers to require a certain amount of Teachers review the homework, noting in the grade
time for completion. In grades where team teaching book (by means of a , +, or -) the overall
takes place, teachers coordinate with one another achievement, that is, timeliness, completeness,
regarding the amount of work in each subject. and level of effort. Upon these notes is based the
Excluding reading assignments and study time, the student’s homework grade, which accounts for 10%
normal amount of time expected for completion of of the student’s quarterly grade in that subject.
all written homework is given below:

Kindergarten – 20 minutes per day Failure to turn in daily homework in complete
1st Grade – 30 to 45 minutes per day form and on time will result in a redirection (see
2nd Grade – 45 minutes to 1 hour per day REDIRECTION). A student who turns in careless,
3rd and 4th Grades – 1 to 1 ½ hours per day messy homework will be required to re-do it.
5th and 6th Grades – 1 ½ to 2 hours per day Failure to turn in a long-term assignment (project,
7th and 8th Grades – 2 to 2 ½ hours per day or weekend research paper, book report, etc.) on time will result
in a redirection, plus the loss of 10 points for each
As noted, reading time for book reports is in day the assignment is late.
addition to homework time. Enough time is allotted
for a book report or reading assignment to allow
students to complete the assignment by reading
approximately 20 minutes per day (30 minutes in
grades 7-8). Study time for tests is accommodated

14

HONOR ROLL • ACADEMIC PROGRAM

It is part of the Westminster program to encourage Those who have not made
a strong work ethic, perseverance, and striving for the Honor Roll in a given
excellence. As an incentive to all students, and in quarter are never made to feel
recognition of outstanding achievers, an assembly ashamed, but are encouraged
is held following the end of each quarter to honor to keep trying. Many students
those students in grades 3-8 who have earned a achieve this honor only after
grade of 86 or better in every subject. Certificates sustained effort, and they
are issued to those students who have qualified can take special pride in their
for the Honor Roll. Parents are cordially invited perseverance and success in
to attend the Honor Roll assemblies, the dates the face of obstacles.
of which are published on the School Calendar.
Students who achieve Honor Roll status for the 4th
quarter will be recognized after the 1st quarter of
the following school year.

INTEGRITY: LYING / CHEATING / PLAGIARISM Second offense of Cheating or Plagiarism:

Westminster School encourages good character • The student receives a zero for the test, quiz,
in its students by expecting honesty and exam or assignment;
accountability for actions. Especially when being
called to account for a misdeed, a child may be • A conference is held with the student, his/her
tempted to lie about or deny responsibility for his/ parents, and the administration; and
her actions. In such circumstances, the student will
certainly be counseled against lying and may incur • The student is suspended from school for 1 to
a punishment for lying. 3 days, at the discretion of the Headmaster (see
Cheating is considered a serious offense. DISCIPLINE, Suspension).
Considerable time is devoted to preventive
education regarding cheating in any form, Subsequent offenses may result in dismissal from
including plagiarizing reports or term papers, Westminster School.
copying another student’s homework, bringing
notes to copy when taking tests, quizzes, or exams,
or passing information in any manner during such
times. The school policy regarding cheating is as
follows:

First offense of Cheating or Plagiarism:

• The student receives a zero for the test, quiz,
exam or assignment;

• The student receives counseling from the
administration;

• The student receives a demerit; and
• The parents are notified.

15

ACADEMIC PROGRAM MAKEUP WORK never given for disciplinary reasons.

Students who are absent from school must make Some students never receive a redirection many
up any missed work within the time specified rarely receive them. By the time they enter the
under ABSENCES. upper school, most students have mastered

Failure to make up the work (including tests, the organizational skills required to fulfill their
quizzes, projects and graded homework) in the academic obligations and avoid redirections; rarely
time required results in the loss of ten points for do they get more than a few all year long. However,
each day that the work is late. if a student regularly earns redirections or amasses
an unacceptable number of redirections, it is
essential that parents work closely with teachers
Students who leave school early for medical or and the administration to correct the situation.
other reasons and, in so doing, miss a quiz or a
test, are required to make up the quiz / test during
Flex Period on the day they return to school. Any
exception to this must be approved by the faculty “My child and the terrible, horrible, no-
team leader. good, very bad RD!” or “ Why can’t they

just borrow a pencil!?”

PROJECTS Redirections, or RDs, are probably the single most
Student projects are intended to be a challenging controversial aspect of the Westminster program.
and relative adjunct to the learning process Given to a student for failure to turn in completed
that takes place in the classroom. They provide homework on time or have supplies at the ready, an RD
important opportunities for creativity, independent requires the student to complete an extra 40 minutes
thinking, application of acquired knowledge, and of school work. “Mom, I got an RD” is never welcome
time management—all important skills for future news. Yet, Mrs. Goll, Westminster’s founder, declared
learning and achievement. Students should be that she would close the doors of the school before
encouraged to work independently on projects, she would jettison the RD program(then known as
Detention, or DT).

with parental involvement limited to assisting the Why did Mrs. Goll feel so strongly about it, and why
child in organizing the concept and procuring do we maintain this particularly rigorous aspect of
materials for the assignment. The learning that the program when so many schools barely ask for
results from a less-than-perfect product created by homework, much less have consequences for not
the student is far greater than that derived from a completing it? The answer is because Westminster is
near-perfect project executed by the parent. preparing your child for life. The habits of preparedness,
REDIRECTION responsibility, accountability, and taking pride in one’s
Every effort is made by the teachers to encourage work will play an enormous part in your child’s success
students to organize their assignment notebooks, in “the real world” of high school, college, and career.
binders, desks, and lockers so that they can An independent, conscientious, hard worker who
complete their assignments and arrive in class thinks through a situation ahead of time and arrives
prepared for the day’s lesson. In an effort to prepared for all contingencies will stand out from
emphasize the importance of being prepared the crowd and be much more likely to succeed than
for class, completing work on time, and avoiding those whose approach is hazy and reliant on others.
carelessness, Redirections are issued to students Habits grow from repeated practice, and RDs are firm
who fail to bring completed assignments or the reminders to our students to practice those actions
proper supplies to class. (See STUDENT BEHAVIOR that will strengthen them for all coming challenges and
AND EXPECTATIONS, Forgotten Items, Forgotten opportunities.
Book Bag or Binder).This practice reinforces student
Will your child be as ready as possible to meet the
challenges of the real world? If so, you can thank (at
least partly) the RD program.

16 responsibility and accountability. Redirections are

Policy – Students in grades 2 (beginning in the 4th Procedure – The redirection slip is made out ACADEMIC PROGRAM
quarter) – 8 receive redirections for the following in duplicate by the teacher. The yellow copy is
reasons: retained for record; the white copy is issued by the
• not turning in work in complete form when teacher to the student to give to his/her parents
so that they may be aware of the redirection and
the teacher calls for it (Note: All student work schedule its service.
is expected to be done neatly, completely, Students must serve a redirection within two
and with pride. Sloppy or careless work will be weeks from the date of issue (see note below).
returned to the student to be re-done.); Parents are to indicate on the white copy the date
• reporting to class without the proper supplies, on which the redirection will be served. The white
including pencil, textbook, paper, or other copy is to be returned the following day to the
designated supplies; or teacher who issued the redirection. If, within two
• not bringing all parts of the gym uniform to P.E. days, the student does not return the signed white
class. copy indicating the date when the redirection is to
Receiving a redirection requires the student be served, it will be necessary for the teacher to call
to attend Flex period to devote 40 minutes to the parents.
the subject or class in which he/she earned the Redirection Hall is held Monday through Friday
redirections. The student is also required to turn in during Flex Period (the last period of the day).
the original, missed assignment. All students serving a redirection on a given day
report to the room designated as Redirection (RD)
Forgotten Book Bag/Binder – When a student fails Hall for their grade.
to bring his/her backpack and/or binder to school
(presumably, therefore, missing books, supplies,
and/or homework in all subjects), he/she will
receive a maximum of three (3) redirections for the
day.

17

ACADEMIC PROGRAM Note: The two-week time limit provides 10 being taught in which the student earned the
opportunities to serve a redirection, i.e., two (outstanding) redirection, he/she will be sent
weeks, Monday through Friday. Illness or family to the office to serve the redirection;
emergencies are the only excuses for not serving • The student will be required to make up any
a redirection within this time period. An extension class work missed while serving the redirection;
of the time to serve a redirection may be granted and
under extenuating circumstances. In such a case, • One (1) point will be deducted from the
the parent should send an explanatory request to student’s quarterly grade point average in that
the teacher concerned, and a decision will be made subject.
in conference with the team leader.
Additional outstanding redirections will be served
Expired Redirections – An expired redirection is in the same manner on subsequent school days.
one that has not been served within the two-week
time limit. Students who have any outstanding,
“expired” redirections at the end of the academic REQUIREMENTS

quarter are required to attend Saturday Redirection In order to uphold the integrity of Westminster
Hall (see below). School and to provide assurance of the consistent

REDIRECTION HALL (SATURDAY) scope and worth of its program, the school has
established certain academic requirements for all
students.
At the end of each quarter, a Saturday Redirection
Hall (RD Hall) is scheduled (published in the School Academic Probation (Grades 3 – 8)
Calendar), requiring the attendance of students
who have outstanding, expired redirections (see A student will be placed on Academic Probation if
REDIRECTION, Expired Redirections). he/she ends a quarter under either of the following
conditions:
• Overall academic average for the quarter of 74
Saturday Redirection Hall is not an alternative to or below;
serving redirections at the regularly scheduled • A grade for the quarter of D or F in three or
Redirection Halls held Monday-Friday during Flex more subjects.
Period. It is held only for those students who have
accumulated redirections too numerous to be The student will remain on Academic Probation
served during the regular Redirection Halls. for the next quarter, when his/her status will be

reassessed according to the criteria given above.
The dress code for Saturday Redirection Hall is the
dress school uniform, including blazer and tie. While on Academic Probation, a student will be
prohibited from participating in the following
Saturday Redirection Hall begins at 8:10 a.m. and after-school activities:
lasts until all outstanding 40-minute redirections • Athletic practices and competitions (including
have been served, or until 4:10 p.m., whichever both conference and intramural athletics);
comes first. One half-hour (12:00 – 12:30 p.m.) is • Drama rehearsals (after school on weekdays
set aside for lunch. The student brings a lunch from only). The student will continue to practice
in drama rehearsals that are held during
home. regular school hours and on weekends, and

Failure to Attend Required Saturday Redirection will be expected to participate in the play
performance;
Hall - In the event that a student does not attend
a required Saturday Redirection Hall, he/she will • Builders Club service projects (on weekday
incur several consequences: afternoons only). Participation in Builders Club
activities that take place during the weekend
will be permitted.
18 • On the next school day on which the subject is

Graduation Students Leaving Westminster ACADEMIC PROGRAM

In order to be graduated from Westminster School, In order to be promoted to the next grade, students
a student must meet the following criteria: who are leaving Westminster School before
• Completed at least two years of theWestminster graduation must earn a passing grade for the year
in both English and Math, and must complete the
program; year with an overall average of at least 70.
• Completed the 8th grade in good standing Remediation (Grades 3 – 8) see Student Resource
Program, Summer School.
regarding conduct, citizenship, and attendance Students who earn a final grade of D or F in either
(missing no more than 25 days during the English or Math are required to attend Summer
school year); School and raise the grade to at least 75.
• Earned a passing grade in 8th grade English, Students who earn a final grade of D or F in an
Math, History, and Science; and academic course other than English or Math are
• Completed 8th grade with an overall average required to receive remediation either through
of at least 74. a Westminster Summer School class or from an
Any exceptions to these requirements are at the approved Westminster tutor. Work in the remedial
discretion of the Headmaster. class or tutorial must raise the student’s final grade
Promotion to the Next Grade by one letter.
In Grades K – 2 Student Resource Program
The decision to promote to the next grade is The Student Resource Program (SRP) is in place
based on the student’s social/emotional maturity, for students identified as in need of remediation
developmental skills, academic performance, and or enrichment in reading/English or math beyond
the likelihood of success in the upcoming grade, as what can be addressed in the regular extra help
assessed by the teaching team and administration. program.
Consideration of possible grade retention is Summer School
carefully discussed with parents well before the Remedial classes in reading (grades K-2), English
end of the academic year. (grades 3-6), Math (grades K-6), and French (grades
In Grades 3 – 7 3-7) are offered in sessions of Summer School
A student who fails three or more subjects (as ranging from three to five weeks in length.
determined at the end of the 4th Quarter) will be Attendance at Summer School may be required or
dropped from further enrollment in the school. strongly recommended in several situations:
The following requirements must be met by • Students transferring to Westminster from
the Opening Day of School for the student to be
promoted to the next higher grade. Summer another school.
School remediation (see Remediation below) may • Summer classes in French are required of
help the student achieve these requirements.
• The student must earn a final passing grade in students entering grades 4-7 who have not had
all subjects; prior training in French.
• The student must earn a final grade of 75 or • Students who earn a final grade of D or F in any
better in both English and Math; course are required to attend Summer School
• The student must earn an overall average for (see ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS for further
the year of at least 74. details).

19

ACADEMIC PROGRAM Note: Because Summer School classes are UNIFORMS
concentrated, an absence may result in the
student’s being required to attend a make-up
tutorial session. An additional fee is charged for this
service.

SCHEDULES

All grades have a fixed daily schedule. This ensures
allotted time for all aspects of the curriculum, as
well as regular breaks. Students are provided with
a copy of their schedules to remind them of when
their classes meet. Because some classes do not
meet on a daily basis, assignments due for these
classes should be carefully coordinated.
Altered Schedules for Weeks with Fewer than
Five Days - In order to ensure the equitable
distribution of class time and extra help, the weekly
schedule may be altered for those weeks shorter
than five days. These occur when there is a holiday
or other scheduled school closure. The schedule for
short weeks is posted on Edline prior to the school
year as part of the “back-to-school” packet. This
is an important reference, especially with regard
to homework due dates and extra academic help
sessions. Parents and students are advised to refer
to this schedule throughout the school year.

20

The school uniform is an important component Grades K-4: UNIFORMS
in the education and training of a Westminster Girls – uniform jumper with uniform white blouse
student. Aside from the obvious benefits of (Peter Pan collar, long or short sleeves) or turtleneck,
handsome appearance and the avoidance of all with Griffin logo.
inappropriate dress as well as competitiveness Boys – uniform gray trousers and uniform white
among students, the uniform carries a symbolic shirt with Griffin logo (long or short sleeves).
connotation, which enhances the student’s school Grades 5-6:
experience and personal development. Girls – uniform plaid skirt, uniform white blouse
• The school uniform encourages dignified with Griffin logo (long or short sleeves).
Boys – uniform gray trousers and uniform white
behavior. It is human nature to carry ourselves shirt with Griffin logo (long or short sleeves).
with greater pride and behave with greater Grades 7-8:
care when we are dressed nicely; children are Girls – uniform plaid kilt or uniform gray kilt,
no exception. uniform white blouse with Griffin logo (long or
• Putting on the school uniform helps students short sleeves).
adjust to the mental attitude suitable to the Boys – uniform gray dress trousers and uniform
school day, just as donning professional dress white shirt with Griffin logo (long or short sleeves).
helps adults prepare for their daily duties. Shirts – Girls in grades 5-8 and boys in grades K-8
• The uniform is a symbolic representation of wear Oxford button-down shirts (long or short
Westminster School, and wearing it identifies sleeves). Before November 1 and on and after April
each student with its ideals and policies, and 1, uniform polo shirts may be worn in lieu of the
connects him/her with all other Westminster standard uniform shirt. (Note: 7-8 students have
students. the option of a purple polo shirt. For girls, the
Students and parents are encouraged to take pride purple polo shirt may be worn only with the gray
in the school uniform, taking care that all uniform kilt.) The white turtleneck shirt with the Griffin logo
parts fit properly and are kept clean, neat, and in may be worn throughout the year, but only under
good repair. the standard uniform shirt, V-neck sweater or vest,
or (by girls in grades K-4) under the jumper.
Uniform Description and Regulations Belts - Belts for boys in grades K-8 are the uniform
black belts available from Flynn and O’Hara.
There are a variety of uniform parts, specified for the Sweaters – Uniform sweaters are optional for all
different grades, which may be mixed according to grades. Students are advised to bring a uniform
the guidelines below. Certain uniform parts are sweater during seasonal changes as the indoor
restricted to fall (prior to November 1) and spring temperatures may vary. If worn, the sweater for
(April 1 or later). All Westminster School uniform each grade is as follows:
parts must be purchased from Flynn & O’Hara
Uniforms.
The required daily uniform is described below.
Please also carefully review Wearing the Uniform,
below.

• Grades K-4 girls – uniform green cardigan 21
sweater only.

• Grades K-8 boys and Grades 5-8 girls – uniform
green V-neck pullover, or sleeveless sweater-
vest pullover, or cardigan.

UNIFORMS Shoes – Shoes acceptable in all grades include Dress Uniform for Assemblies, Field
loafers, docksiders, saddle oxfords, traditional Trips, Special Occasions
oxfords, and (for girls) flats and low-heeled pumps
(up to 1½ inches). The choice of colors includes • On special occasions, such as school assemblies
black, brown, grey, and white. and field trips, boys and girls in all grades wear

Note: Suitable school shoes and P.E. shoes are available at the dress (white) shirt, school blazer, and
Flynn & O’Hara for students in all grades. However, it is not uniform tie. Girls in grades 7-8 must wear the
required to purchase shoes from Flynn & O’Hara. • plaid kilt and green socks.
There is a specified uniform tie for boys in
grades K-8, and a specified uniform tie for
• No athletic shoes (or shoes resembling athletic girls in grades K-8 (as registered with Flynn &
or tennis shoes), whether canvas or leather, are O’Hara).
to be worn except for P.E., after-school activites,
casual dress days, or field trips where informal
dress is specified. All uniforms and clothes worn to school are
• No boots or shoes that cover the ankle bone to be labeled with the owner’s name. Uniform
are to be worn. items look alike, and it is impossible to establish
• No shoes with glitter, sparkly material, colored ownership if clothing is not labeled. The “sew on”
patterns, or contrasting colored parts are labels are recommended.
permitted. Furthermore, attention-grabbing
shoe laces (e.g., bright contrasting colors, Wearing the Uniform
stripes, polka-dots, etc.) will not be permitted.
• Leather sandals with ankle straps may be worn • All Westminster students must wear the
• (with socks only) before November 1 and on • regulation school uniform for all classes,
and after April 1. assemblies, and field trips, unless otherwise
“Party shoes,” or shoes with thin and/or slick specified.
soles are inadvisable as students in most grades Failure to wear the white shirt, tie and/or blazer,
engage in outdoor play on a daily basis. and plaid kilt (for girls in grades 7-8) on an
assembly or field-trip day, when formal dress
is indicated on the school’s monthly calendar,
Socks will result in a strike for each non-compliant

• Boys in grades K-6 wear the uniform green socks uniform part. Such students will be loaned a
• Boys in grades 7-8 grades may wear either the
uniform green or gray socks. blazer and tie by the school, as long as they are
available.
• Girls in grades K-4 may wear uniform green • The school uniform is to be worn by students
ankle socks until November 1 and on and until they have left the campus or, in the case
after April 1. On and after November 1 and
continuing until April 1, the uniform green knee of bus riders, until they have been delivered to
their destination.
socks or uniform green tights are to be worn. • Uniform shirts and blouses are to be kept
• Girls in grades 5-6 may wear uniform green tucked in the waistband; sleeves are not to be
ankle socks or knee socks year round.
• Girls in grades 7-8 may wear the uniform green rolled up; shoe laces are to be kept tied; and
socks are to be kept pulled up or folded once.
or gray crew socks or knee socks when wearing • Girls’ hemlines must be no more than four
the gray kilt, gray socks are required. inches from mid-knee. While it is recognized
• Girls in all grades may wear dark green tights
purchased from Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms. that children’s growth spurts may make it
difficult to meet this requirement at all times,
notice will be given regarding skirts that are
too short, and after reasonable delay, strikes
will be issued for this uniform violation.
• Shoes are to be kept clean and polished (or
22 brushed).

• Students may wear only school-issued medals that Flynn & O’Hara is out of the item, a copy of UNIFORMS
on their uniforms. Medals may be worn on the order form, showing that the item has been
either lapel, but should be arranged neatly. ordered, should be sent in with the student.

Sizing, Maintenance, and Repair P.E. Uniforms

Uniform parts should be ordered to fit the child Grades K-2 – K, 1st and 2nd grade students do not
for the time that the uniform part is to be worn. have a P.E. uniform, but change into tennis shoes for
For example, purchasing an oversized blazer so P.E. class each day. Tennis shoes must be primarily
that the student can “grow into it,” or continuing white and without lights or other decoration.
to wear a blazer that is too small, creates a slovenly Students may bring sweatshirts from home to wear
appearance which undermines the pride and outside on chilly days.
school spirit that are intended by-products of the Grades 3-8
uniform code. Also, please note that logo patches • Each year, the school provides one P.E. uniform
must be sewn completely onto the blazers, not just
tacked in a few places. to students in grades 3-8, consisting of t-shirt,
Teachers are charged with keeping a keen eye out shorts, and socks.
for torn or shabby uniform parts, missing buttons, • All students must wear the regulation gym
missing or torn patches, and uniforms that are too uniform for P.E. classes. (Teams for after-school
small or large. When such lapses are noticed, the sports have an additional uniform provided by
teacher points it out to the student, explaining the the school.)
need and time line for correction. The teacher also • Replacement P.E. uniform parts must be
gives the student a Uniform Disrepair Notice to purchased through the P.E. Department.
be taken home to the parent. The form provides a • Warm-up suits are required for cold weather
check-list of repair needs, along with the timeline (by October 15) and must be purchased from
for correction. the P.E. Department. Old warm-up suits may be
Time Line for Uniform Repair/Replacement used if they are in good condition, i.e., no rips,
• If a student has simply forgotten a uniform part, tears, or stains, and not overly faded.
• Students provide their own tennis shoes, which
he or she is expected to be in compliance by must be primarily white. Ditty bags for carrying
the next school day. the P.E. clothes and warm-up suits are required
• If a daily uniform part is torn, missing a button, and sold by the P.E. department.
or otherwise in need of repair, the student is
directed not to wear it again until it has been Students (grades 3-8) are to take their uniform parts home
mended. on Friday for laundering. Parents may wish to check that
• In the case of a lost or ruined uniform item, the student returns to school on Monday with a complete
the student has three (3) school days in which uniform to help him/her avoid receiving a detention.
to replace it; after that, he/she will be issued
a strike each day the item is missing from the 23
uniform.
• If a blazer is missing a button, has a torn patch,
or is otherwise in disrepair, the student has
three (3) school days in which to make the
repair. (Replacement blazer buttons and logo
patches are available for purchase in the school
office.) After that, he/she will be issued a strike
each day the blazer is in disrepair. If parents find

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS

It is an important part of the mission and program of Westminster School to help instill and nurture
in students the values and character traits that will guide them toward good citizenship, success, and
fulfilling lives—in short, to help them become the best possible versions of themselves. Among these
are kindness, tolerance, good manners, dignified comportment, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility,
accountability, a strong work ethic, and generosity of spirit. Many school policies are in place to support
these goals, and teachers and staff members are expected to model these characteristics and provide
guidance to the students in their development.

CLASSROOM RULES

Westminster strives to create a respectful, orderly well as opportunities to contribute to the greater
classroom environment which supports learning benefit of class, school, and community. Specific
and discourages disruptive or distracting behavior. expectations and guidance toward community
Expectations: service begin in the earliest grades and increase
through the years.

• Raise a hand and wait to be called on before • In all grades, classroom chores are assigned to
asking a question or offering a comment. students on a rotating basis. These may include,
• Place all books and notebooks neatly in or but are not limited to: taking the attendance
under the desk, keeping on the desk only those slip to the main office, fetching milk from the
items specified by the teacher. cooler, cleaning desks after lunch, bagging the
• Remain in one’s seat unless given permission to trash and/or taking it to the school trash bin,
leave it. sweeping the classroom and hall carpets, etc.
• All students are instructed in courteous
Prohibited: restroom etiquette, including using the
appropriate amount of paper towels, not
• Arguing with the teacher or expressing leaving paper towels or other trash on the
disrespect for the teacher in any way; floor, and wiping off the counter after washing
• Calling out to other students or to the teacher; hands. The rule is to leave the restroom tidy for
• Talking when the teacher is talking or during the next person who uses it.
class work, test or quiz times; • In 6th grade, all students serve as Safety Patrols,
• Touching or hitting other students; with rotating duties, including assisting during
• Stretching out feet or resting feet on someone carpool operations, assisting bus operations if
else’s chair; called upon, escorting classes to assemblies,
• Playing with objects, such as rulers, pens, and other appropriate tasks as needed.
pencils, jewelry, etc.; • Seventh and 8th grade students are invited
• Foot or hand tapping noises, humming, to join the Builders Club, a volunteer service
whistling or singing during class; organization which is involved in many
• Pencil sharpening or going to the trash basket community projects, such as tutoring
after class begins. underprivileged students, cleaning up
neighborhood streets, making sandwiches for
the homeless, and participating in numerous
COMMUNITY SERVICE drives and fundraising events to benefit those

It is an important aspect of the Westminster in need.

program to teach children to be contributing
members of the community. This includes basic
24 guidelines, such as cleaning up after oneself, as

COMPORTMENT AT SCHOOL- • Students are expected to behave politely at all STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS
SPONSORED EVENTS times, remembering to wait patiently in line,
if necessary, and to say “please,” “thank you,” 25
Westminster sponsors many events that take place “excuse me,” etc.
away from school or outside of regular school hours,
such as field trips, plays and other presentations, DRESS CODES
sports competitions, family picnics and outdoor
celebrations, etc. Students are expected to comport In order to ensure appropriate dress for occasions
themselves in a respectful and decorous manner at which do not require the school uniform, dress
all such events. codes have been established. When a dress code
Field Trips: is in effect for a particular event, that code will be
When on field trips, students are unavoidably indicated, and students are expected to meet it.
representatives of Westminster School. As such, These guidelines are also intended to teach the
they are expected to behave with the respect, students how to dress appropriately for the various
courtesy, and comportment suitable to such a role. events they will encounter in life. Parents are
As appropriate, all classroom rules are in effect requested to assist students in meeting the dress
during field trips. Misbehavior on a field trip may codes.
result in exclusion from the next field trip, as well as Dress-Up Dress Code
the receipt of demerits. • Boys: Jacket and tie, shirt with collar, dress
The following guidelines are to be followed at
Westminster events: slacks, belt, street shoes (no athletic shoes), and
• Children in grades K-6 must be accompanied dress socks.
• Girls: Dressy dress or skirt/blouse and dress
by an adult, who is responsible for ensuring shoes. “Skorts” are not considered skirts, and
that the child(ren) comply with the guidelines are not allowed in the dress-up dress code.
below. Special Notes
• Students are expected to dress in a respectful With the wide variety of clothes and shoes available
and appropriate manner for each event. Plays, to girls, care should be taken to select dress that
music programs, and formal presentations call is appropriate for a given occasion. For example,
for “dress-up” clothes (see DRESS CODES, Dress- clingy, revealing dresses and very high-heeled
Up). More casual clothes are welcome at family shoes (i.e., higher than 2”) are not appropriate
fun events such as picnics and bingo nights; for elementary / middle-school events, including
however, care should be taken to appear clean, banquets, dances, or attendance at evening
neat, and respectful (see DRESS CODES, Casual). performances on or off campus.
• Students are expected to remain in the area Dress-up clothes should be tried on several days
specified for the event, e.g., the theater, gym, prior to a scheduled event to ensure a proper fit and
etc. Do not stray into hallways, classrooms, presentation. Problems have arisen when neither
offices, behind the school, parking lot, or parent nor student has noticed that the student
playground (unless such activities have been had outgrown a formerly suitable garment.
approved by the school). Despite repeated attempts to persuade students to
• During an indoor event, children are not to avoid inappropriate attire, it has become necessary
leave the building unless accompanied by an to codify such instances. Therefore, the fashions
adult. If outside, children are not to leave the listed below are considered inappropriate for
school grounds alone. Westminster School dress-up events, including
• There is to be no running, rambunctious
behavior, or inordinate amount of noise.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS banquets, dances, evening field trips, and other following policies support this important aspect
occasions which call for the dress-up dress code: of the Westminster program, and parents are
• Girls’ hemlines that are shorter than six inches requested to review them carefully:
• Students are not permitted to return to school
above the middle of the knee (this provides
greater latitude than the four-inch limit for the to retrieve forgotten books, notebooks, ditty
school uniform); bags (with gym uniforms), etc. In the interest
• Clingy, tight dresses or skirts; of fairness to all students, we cannot permit
• Low-cut dresses or blouses/tops; someone who lives close by or is able to return
• See-through fashions; to retrieve a forgotten item when distance
• Leggings (footless tights); or transportation difficulty might not permit
• Boots of any type. another student to do so.

If a student attends a school event in violation of • Parents are requested not to bring articles that
the dress code or ignores the prohibition against a student has forgotten at home or in the car /
the inappropriate items listed above, the following bus. Articles delivered to school will be kept in
consequences will take effect: the office and given to the student at the end
• He / she will receive 2 strikes; and of the school day. This includes forgotten book
• His / her parent will be called to bring bags / binders (see below).

alternative, appropriate clothing; or Exceptions to this rule are eyeglasses, medicines
• He / she will be required to change into the or medical equipment, and lunches, which are
accepted until the time the child is scheduled for
school uniform (if available) or the school P.E. lunch (see LUNCH). Forgotten P.E. uniforms may
uniform; or be delivered to school so that the student may
• He / she will not be allowed to attend the event. participate in P.E. class. However, the student will
Casual Dress Code receive a redirection for failure to bring the uniform
to school.

Occasionally, a casual dress code may be indicated Forgotten Book Bag/Binder - When a student fails
for particular school events or field trips. While this to bring his/her backpack (presumably containing
designation allows a wide interpretation, certain multiple homework assignments, textbooks, and
items are always prohibited: supplies), he/she might expect to incur a redirection
• clothing that is torn or tattered; for every missing assignment or required item.
• offensive slogans or images; However, in order to convey the message of
• depictions of celebrities, athletes, and cartoon responsibility without over-burdening the student,
he/she will receive only three (3) redirections for the
figures. day, in the subjects determined by the team leader.
As with other forgotten items, in the interests of
FORGOTTEN ITEMS fairness, book bags / binders that are brought to
school will be delivered to the student at the end
It is part of Westminster’s program to teach children of the day.
that they are responsible for bringing to school all
of the materials that they will need for the day, and
for taking home all of the materials that they will
need to complete their homework or study. The

26

PLAYGROUND RULES STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS

Students are required to comply with the • Use caution on playground equipment /
playground rules:
platforms / slides / ladders, etc. Never push or
• No playing on the playground / field is allowed crowd another child. Do not hang upside down
without adult supervision. from playground equipment.

• Walk in a line to and from the playground / • When using the slide, go down sitting down,
field. Do not run. facing forward only (not backward, on knees,
or lying down). Only one person may slide at
• Stay within the playground / field limits. a time.

• Never go after a ball if it leaves the playground • Do not walk or stand close to the front, side, or
/ field. Inform the teacher. back of the swings when someone is swinging.
Do not swing too high, stand on swings, or try
• Never throw anything (other than a ball or to climb up the swing chains. Always hold the
Frisbee) on the playground / field (including, chains with both hands.
but not limited to, sticks, stones, pebbles, mulch,
grass, leaves, dirt, berries, and snowballs). • Always stop and look at the teacher when the
whistle blows. Get in line at once when the
• No tackle football is allowed. signal is given to do so.

27

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

• After-school activity: It is the rider’s (or parent’s) This is a strict rule, and the students are not to
responsibility to notify the driver if he/she will ask the driver to break it. The bus is neither a
not be riding home on a particular day. This will safe nor a proper place for a party.
prevent delays in the bus departure at the end
of the day. If a student leaves school early, the • Pickup: In order to keep travel time to a
parent must sign the student out on the “sign- minimum, please make sure that the rider
out” sheet in the office, and this information is on time (or early by a minute or so) at the
will be forwarded to the bus driver. pickup point. This will allow the bus to stay on
schedule. For the first few days of any school
• Animals and pets: Students are not allowed to year, please have the rider at the pickup point
bring animals on the bus. a few minutes earlier than scheduled. If the
driver arrives early, he/she will wait.
• Birthday treats: These items are allowed on the
bus, but only if carried in a covered container • Riding with friends: Normally, a bus rider may
small enough to be placed on the rider’s lap. go home with a rider from another bus if space
The bus space is limited, and only items that is available, but only if prearranged permission
can safely and comfortably fit on the rider’s lap from the school office has been granted. A
are allowed. permission note from both sets of parents
is required. Non-bus riders may ride the bus
• Boarding: The students should board the bus following the same procedures applicable to
in an orderly manner and promptly sit in their regular bus riders. If a student needs to ride
assigned seats as the driver will not move the bus for two or more days, then a fee will be
the bus until all riders are seated. Under no charged.
circumstances may a rider be out of his seat
while the bus is in motion. Students on all buses • Safety Patrols: Safety Patrols who ride buses
with seat belts are required to wear them. have certain assigned duties, which they
implement when requested by the bus driver:
• Books: Each rider is required to use a book 1) assist the riders, if necessary, in getting on
bag (backpack or satchel) for carrying his/her and off the bus; 2) hold the flag for any students
books. Other materials (such as display items or who need to cross the street; and 3) help the
project-related material) should be placed in a driver maintain order on the bus. The Safety
bag or box. Patrols are to be treated with courtesy and
respect by all.
• Discipline: In most cases, disciplinary action
is handled by the bus driver. If necessary, • Snow and icy conditions: See WEATHER-
however, the student will be reported to the RELATED DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS, AND EARLY
bus supervisor and necessary action will be CLOSURES. In case of icy roads, bus drivers will
taken. Repeated misbehavior on the bus may make every effort to drive the students as close
result in the student’s being removed from the to their stops as is safely possible.
bus permanently.
• Windows: Windows may be opened during
• Food and drink: No eating, drinking, or gum warm weather, but under no circumstances is
chewing is permitted on the bus. a rider to extend any part of his body out of
the window, throw or drop anything out of the
• Parties: No parties are to be held on the bus, window, call or signal other drivers/passengers/
including unscheduled stops for refreshments. pedestrians.

28

STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES / INTERNET / TECHNOLOGY STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS

(See TECHNOLOGY for an overview of the school’s Students who engage in
educational philosophy and implementation of the following actions will be
technology as part of the academic program.) subject to severe disciplinary
Cell Phones - Cell phones at school are discouraged, consequences, at the discretion
although they are not prohibited (see PHONE of the Headmaster, up to and
CALLS). However, the following guidelines will be including expulsion:
strictly enforced.
• If a student brings a cell phone to school, it must • Posting on the internet
(including any and all
remain in the student’s locker (in “off” mode) social media sites) verbal
during regular school hours and must remain comments, photographs,
in the student’s backpack (in“off”mode) during videos, etc., relating to
after-school activities. Westminster School, its
• Students may use cell phones at school / administrators, teachers, staff
school activities only with permission from the members, or students, which
Headmaster, the Assistant Head of School, or are threatening, derogatory,
the supervisor for the activity. harassing, bullying, or
• A demerit will be issued for unauthorized usage inclusive of foul language or
of a cell phone at school or school-sponsored images.
events.
Inappropriate Use of Technology (including • Sending electronic messages
texting, emails, social media sites) (e.g., emails, texts, tweets,
In accordance with Westminster School’s etc.) to a Westminster School
philosophy and tradition of respect, kindness, administrator, teacher, staff
and courtesy, guidelines and policies have been member, or student which
established to govern student use of internet are threatening, derogatory,
technology. bullying, harassing, or
inclusive of foul language.

29

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS WESTMINSTER COURTESIES

Westminster believes that all people should be treated with respect, civility, and kindness. Westminster
School tradition includes many courtesies which are intended to teach the children how to implement
these values, as well as lend warmth and civility to daily school life.

30

• The children are instructed that it is courteous to invited to sit), and to actively participate by STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS
stand up when greeted by an adult. Therefore, answering questions and/or asking appropriate
every class begins with a formal greeting: When questions.
the teacher (or other adult) greets the children
(e.g., “Good morning, class” or “Good afternoon, • At the end of a tour or presentation by a docent
7th grade”), they stand and return the greeting or guide to upper-school students, a student
(“Good morning, Miss Ames”). They do not sit is selected to express the appreciation of the
until they are invited to do so. group for the attention and information that
they have received.
• When individually meeting / greeting an adult,
the children are expected to stand up straight,
look the person in the eye, and (if appropriate)
shake hands firmly.

• It is not considered courteous for one to eat or
drink unless there is enough for all to share, and
it is an appropriate occasion to do so.

• Should a student forget his/her lunch, it is
customary for the other students to share
provisions from their own lunches.

• As the class travels through the school or other
building, a student is selected to hold the door
open for his/her classmates, if that is called for.

• In social situations, the children are instructed
to leave no one out; if they notice someone
sitting alone, they are expected to join that
person or invite that person to join them.

• On field trips, a boy is selected to “hand” the
girls/ladies up and down the bus steps, which
are steep. This is meant to be a charming, if
old-fashioned, courtesy. Girls are instructed
that graciously receiving this attention is a
courteous thing to do (it in no way implies that
they are incapable of mounting or descending
the steps independently).

• Students on field trips are expected to exercise
respect for others attending the venue and for
the environment they are visiting. Loudness,
talking during a performance or presentation,
and rambunctious or otherwise disrespectful
behavior are not tolerated.

• Students on field trips are expected to stand 31
in the presence of a docent or guide (unless

STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE

GUIDANCE PROGRAM

In grades K - 6, homeroom teachers have a special relationship with their students. They are expected to
keep a concerned eye on each student’s social and emotional development, as well as overall academic
performance, including redirection status. In 7th and 8th grades, small groups of students (approximately
10 students) are assigned to one of the upper-school teachers, who serves as an advisor. Again, the advisor
acts as a “guardian angel” to his/her group, monitoring both academic and social development of the
individual students.

Students are encouraged to go to their • Families are given a thorough overview of area
homeroom teacher or upper school adviser private schools as well as public high schools
for help with academic or personal problems. that offer advanced programs, including details
Students may also seek counsel from the on tuition, admissions requirements, test dates,
Headmaster or Assistant Head. Teachers will etc.
share any concerns they may have with the parents
and administration, and enlist their support in • They are informed about the steps of the
resolving any problems which may arise. application process which are supported by
Life After Westminster – A special guidance / Westminster, such as letters of recommendation,
counseling program is in place to help upper- test prep sessions, and provision of school
school students and their parents understand records.
their options for high school and assist with 8th-
grade applications to private schools and other Soon after the Life-After-Westminster presentation,
special programs. Early in the school year, 7th and the families are invited to a high-school fair (co-
8th grade families are invited to a presentation by sponsored by Westminster School) where they
members of the administration on the high-school can meet the representatives from more than
application process: 50 participating high schools and gather more
information.

The Headmaster offers his counsel to 8th-grade parents who seek his insight regarding the best
“match” for their child, and acts as a personal advocate for the students’ high-school applications.

DISCIPLINE

The basis of Westminster’s disciplinary, or behavior management, program is an environment in which
all students are treated with respect, courtesy, and kindness, and where each individual is encouraged to
exercise good habits of scholarship, character, and personal development. With these values and goals
clearly in mind, students are appreciated as individuals, but they are all subject to the same expectations
regarding school responsibilities and behavior.

Students are encouraged to display positive attitudes and behavior through good class management,
clear delineation of expectations, praise for positive attitudes and behavior, and verbal discouragement
of negative and disruptive behavior. Overall, the approach to disciplining the children is loving, yet firm.
All Westminster teachers are trained in consistent classroom management and handling the children
according to the philosophy and policies of Westminster School. This creates a consistent environment

32 throughout the school, which goes a long way toward minimizing unwanted or disruptive behavior.

Policies and practices regarding discipline are well books; STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
established: • Eating on the school grounds or in the building
Each teacher is responsible for order in the 33
classroom, on the playing field, on field trips, or other than at lunch time or on designated
wherever his/her students may be at any time social occasions;
during the school day or an extension of the school • Chewing gum;
day. • Running in the hall;
Rules governing behavior in classrooms, halls, • Note-passing in class;
bathrooms, playground, and on field trips are • Not reporting to Carpool or After-School Care
discussed with the students at the beginning of at the designated time; not reporting promptly
the year, and classroom and playground rules are to a scheduled after-school activity;
posted in the classrooms. Parents should review • Talking in the carpool line;
these rules with their children at the beginning • Any other minor offense deemed unacceptable
of the school year (see STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND by the administration.
MANAGEMENT, Classroom Rules, Playground Rules, Strikes are not recorded on a student’s permanent
Bus Regulations). record. However, a student’s strike record is
If a student flagrantly defies a rule or does not cumulative through each quarter, and amassing
respond to the teacher’s reminder to abide by the nine strikes (equal to three demerits) in one quarter
established rules, the teacher may issue an office slip requires attendance at a Saturday Demerit Hall (see
and send the student to the office. An appointment DEMERIT HALL / Saturday).
is made on the same day for the Headmaster to Three strikes equal one demerit (see below).
meet with the student and the teacher from whose
class he/she was sent. The Headmaster will counsel Demerits – Demerits are warnings to the student
the student and decide whether any punishment for more serious misbehavior and may be issued
is merited. The parents will be notified of the office only by the Head of School or Assistant Head.
trip and of what action was taken. Offenses warranting a demerit include, but are not
Strikes – The purpose of a strike is to serve as a limited to, the following:
warning to the student. Strikes may be given by • Violation of school rules (See STUDENT
teachers or other members of the school staff for
minor offenses, including: BEHAVIOR AND MANAGEMENT / Classroom
• Being late for school in the morning or for class Rules, Playground Rules, Bus Regulations);
• Throwing objects (such as food, paper
during the day (the “nine-strike” policy before airplanes, spit balls, rocks, sticks, snowballs, or
a Saturday Demerit Hall is imposed allows other projectiles);
latitude for occasional tardiness); • Taking or using another person’s property
• Infractions of the dress code. (A strike is issued without permission, including removing any
for each missing or wrong uniform part [e.g., item from another student’s locker or desk;
blazer but no tie = 1 strike, no blazer and tie = 2 • First offense of cheating / plagiarism;
strikes, etc.]. Please note that the white shirt is • First offense of forgery;
required on a “blazer and tie day,” and wearing • First offense of the use of obscenities,
the green polo merits a strike.); vulgarities, or name-calling;
• Bringing items to school that are not allowed • Gambling;
(toys, games, electronic games or equipment, • Impertinence to a teacher or staff member;
MP3 players, Ipods, etc.) (See CELL PHONES); • Harassment or excessive teasing of another
• Not having textbooks covered; student;
• Writing or drawing on oneself, others, or on • Defacement of school property;
• Visiting the playground without permission;
• Skipping a class, or otherwise failing to report
to a scheduled venue;

STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE • Leaving the boundaries of school property; More than three demerits in a grading period may
• Fighting or serious disruptions or disorderly result in suspension from school for one to three
days at the discretion of the Headmaster (see
behavior on a school bus, on the school below).
property, or at any school function or field trip. Demerits assigned during a grading period are
In some cases, more than one demerit may be automatically erased at the beginning of a new
issued if the Headmaster deems an offense to grading period. Demerits are not recorded on
be particularly egregious or obnoxious. For the student’s permanent record. However, an
some offenses, the Headmaster may assign a accumulation of three (3) demerits in any quarterly
punishment of two (2) demerits plus attendance grading period (approximately eight weeks)
at a half-day of Demerit Hall. automatically requires the student to attend the
next Saturday Demerit Hall, as scheduled on the
Saturday Demerit Hall - Saturday Demerit School Calendar. More than three demerits in a
Hall calls for the student’s attendance from grading period may result in suspension from
8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., during which time school for one to three days at the discretion of the
he/she will work at chores around the school, Headmaster (see below).
such as weeding or raking leaves, washing
buses, cleaning class rooms, cleaning furniture
or athletic equipment, etc.) The student is
supervised by a staff member.
The dress code for Demerit Hall is casual “work”
clothes. However, torn, tattered blue jeans and
t-shirts depicting rock groups or disrespectful
mottoes are unacceptable.
Failure to Attend Required Saturday Demerit
Hall: In the event that a student does not attend
a required Saturday Demerit Hall, he/she will
incur an in-house suspension, including the
following consequences:
• On the next school day, the student will

serve the Demerit Hall (8:10 a.m.-3:10 p.m.,
with a half-hour lunch break). During that
time, he/she will be assigned supervised
chores around the school.
• The student will be required to make up
any class work missed while serving the
Demerit Hall.

34

“How do you solve a problem like STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
Your Child’s Name Here?”

Mrs. Goll believed that the best remedy for anyone who is “out of control” is to “make order out of chaos.”
There’s a certain Zen-like quality to this approach. One of our goals for Westminster students is that they
become masters of their own energy, capable of directing it to good purpose; another way to express this, of
course, is self-discipline. If a child is frequently late, leaves his belongings in the hall, chews gum in school,
runs on his way to the gym, launches a banana across the lunch room, or bonks a classmate on the head
with his lunch box, it is safe to say that he is not in control of himself. At Westminster, accumulating enough
such misbehaviors earns a student a Saturday Demerit Hall, which is spent doing chores around the school.
Spending time washing lockers, putting book shelves in order, polishing blackboards, raking leaves, etc.,
requires the student to remain calm, focused, persistent, and to apply himself to improving his environment—
in short, to make order out of chaos. What we do on the outside affects our spirits on the inside. We share
Mrs. Goll’s belief that such activity is not so much punishment for misbehavior as it is re-training misdirected
energy. Very few students ever end up in Demerit Hall, but most who do show better self-control afterwards.
(Hint to parents: This works at home, too.)

Suspension – A student may be suspended from Suspensions range from one to three school days’
school for serious forms of misconduct such as, duration. During this time, the student may not
but not limited to, the following: participate in any school activities, including those
• Acquiring in excess of three demerits within a which may occur on intervening non-school days.
Students are required to make up any work missed
grading period; during the suspension period. For each day of
• Serious disruption of good order within the suspension, one percentage point is deducted
from the quarterly grade average in each subject.
school, at a school activity or function, or on The purpose of suspension is to make clear to
a field trip; students and parents that a serious behavioral
• Entering, or attempting to enter, a locked problem exists and that steps must be taken to
classroom, private office or other school discourage such behavior. Both a parent and
venue, or the school itself after it has been the student must have a conference with the
closed for the day; Headmaster before the student will be readmitted
• Disrespectful behavior toward a faculty or staff to the school.
member; Suspensions are generally not recorded on
• Repeated instances of cheating or forgery; a student’s permanent record. Exceptions to
• Vandalism; this include egregious offenses or multiple
• Theft; suspensions.
• Bringing to school drugs, alcohol, tobacco,
firearms, knives, sling shots, or other kinds
of weapons;
• Intentionally inflicting bodily injury on another
person;
• Inappropriate use of technology (See
STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES / INTERNET
/ TECHNOLOGY, Inappropriate Use of
Technology).

35

STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE Expulsion - A student may be subject to expulsion According to Mrs. Goll,
for serious forms of misconduct including, but not “The wonderful thing about being
limited, to the following: human is that, every day, we start fresh.”
• Theft (restitution would also be required);
• Arson (restitution would also be required); Although Westminster keeps track of student
• Vandalism of a serious nature, or repetition of violations of the rules, in the form of stikes, demerits,
or other formal consequences for unwanted behavior,
a minor form of vandalism (restitution would the slate is wiped clean at the end of each quarter.
also be required); No such records remain in the student’s file, and
• Serious physical violence toward oneself or none are included in the permanent record that
others; is sent to the child’s next school. Everyone makes
• Possession of drugs, alcohol, firearms or other mistakes sometimes, but at Westminster, facing their
weapons; consequences and learning to do better earns a fresh
• Severe or repeated disrespectful behavior start. (The only exception to this policy would be
toward faculty or staff; in the case of egregious misbehavior about which a
• Repeated disruptive conduct at school or at future school would deserve to be made aware.)
school activities;
• Egregiously inappropriate use of technology
(See STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES /
INTERNET / TECHNOLOGY, Inappropriate Use
of Technology);
• Incurring a third suspension.
Off-Campus Offenses – The school may assert
its disciplinary options in the case of off-campus
student behavior which has a significant negative
effect on the school or a member of its student
body or staff.
Withdrawal, Recommended – Student
withdrawal due to poor academic performance
or excessive absenteeism is sometimes
recommended. This occurs only after careful
counseling with teachers, parents and the
student, and when the student demonstrates
an unwillingness to expend the necessary effort
to master the subject matter, keep up with
assignments, and take advantage of Extra Help
(see below).
Withdrawal, Involuntary – In cases where there
has been a demonstrable breakdown of the
partnership between the school and the parents
of a student, the school may exercise the option
of terminating relations with the family, including
withdrawing the student from enrollment.

36

EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS, EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES
AND ACTIVITIES

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM

Students are not allowed to remain at school A state-licensed, on-site, after-school care program
after dismissal time (3:10 p.m.) without prior (ASCP) is offered to families with children in grades
arrangement and supervision by a staff member. In K-8. The program operates under the direction of a
cases of unexpected late pickup, students report to Westminster School administrator.
Drop-In After-School Care and a fee is charged at There are two components of ASCP: 1) a full-time
the time of pick-up. (See LATE PICKUP POLICY and program, which takes place Monday-Friday on
DROP-IN AFTER-SCHOOL CARE.) every full day of school; and 2) a drop-in program
General Activities - Students remaining after (on a daily, as-needed basis). Registration is
school for athletic practice or games, play practice, required for either program. Registration for ASCP
club meeting, makeup work, etc., report to the is included in the online school registration packet.
room designated by the supervising teacher and Tuition for the ASCP and fees for the Drop-In ASCP
at the time specified. Parents will be notified in are set annually.
advance regarding ending/pickup time. Schedules The hours of program operation are 3:10-6:00
for play practices, athletic activities, etc., are sent p.m. (with a grace period until 6:15 p.m.). There
home in advance of the activity, and pickup times is no After-School Care on half-days, holidays, or
are indicated. when school is cancelled or dismissed early due to
All pickups should take place within 15 minutes of inclement weather.
the conclusion of any activity. Late pickups place an Students may be collected by the parent/guardian
unnecessary burden on staff supervisors because (or other persons designated on the registration
they must wait until all students have departed. A form) at any time during the After-School Care
late charge is imposed on families for late pickups Program. The sign-out log maintained by the ASCP
exceeding 15 minutes (see LATE PICKUP POLICY). staff must be signed each day before the child will
be released. Students are to be picked up by 6:00
p.m. each day. A late fee will be charged beginning
at 6:15 p.m.

Procedures for Drop-In After-School Care

• Any child planning to remain for Drop-In After-
School Care should turn in a yellow note to
the homeroom teacher no later than 8:15 a.m.
on the day the child will stay (a day or more in
advance is preferred). Requests for Drop-In Care
received after 8:15 a.m. are subject to a higher
fee.

37

EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES • Payment is due at the time of pick-up. Acceptable REMINDER: There is no After-School Care
forms of payment are: VISA, MasterCard and on half-days, holidays, or when school
personal checks payable to Westminster School. is canceled or dismissed early due to
inclement weather.
• Pick-up time is 6:00 p.m. A late fee is charged
after 6:15 p.m.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

In addition to daily physical education classes, which are taught to all grades (K-8), after-school athletics
are open to all students in the following sports and at the levels indicated:

Soccer Basketball Softball metropolitan area. All members of this conference
J.V. Girls (5th & 6th graders) * * *
J.V. Boys (5th & 6th graders) * * * agree to abide by a code of good conduct and
Varsity Girls (7th & 8th graders) * * * sportsmanship. This code is published in detail in
Varsity Boys (7th & 8th graders) * * * the Athletic Handbook, which is distributed to all
Westminster team members.

In addition to the team sports listed above, an Westminster School stresses good sportsmanship,
after-school intramural basketball program is not only for players, but also for spectators. Special
offered to all students in grades 5-8. emphasis is placed on the following:

Westminster also offers Track (open to students in • No “booing” or negative comments are to be
grades 5-8) and Cross Country (open to students directed to referees or the opposing team;
in grades 4-8) events.
Westminster School is a founding member of the • No “coaching” by spectators;
Capital Athletic Conference, an interscholastic • No objections to the referees’ calls should be
league of independent schools in the Washington
voiced by the spectators.

38

CAMPS At Camp Griffin, campers will: EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES
1. Try new things.
An activity-filled summer camp is offered to 2. Develop social skills and make new
enrolled and non-enrolled children in pre-school
– middle-school from June - August. Varying friends.
camp sessions combine on-site activities with 3. Build character.
specialized enrichment classes/workshops and 4. Foster independence.
fun field trips. Camps are also offered during Camp Griffin’s main goal is to make sure
Westminster School’s winter and spring breaks. that children have the time of their lives,
All camp programs are state licensed. Information are given a break from the academic year
regarding specific camp offerings, dates, tuition, with creativity, adventure, thrills, fun, and
and requirements is posted on the school web site. smiles everyday.

CLUBS

Westminster encourages students to explore a
variety of interests and activities through an array
of extra-curricular activities and clubs, which also
provide opportunities for fun and friendship. Any
club or organization made up of Westminster
students and meeting on school grounds must
be approved by the administration and operate
under school rules with an approved adult sponsor
in charge.
Current clubs and organizations include:
• Junior Chorus (open to students in grades 3-6)
• French Club (open to students in grades 3-6)
• Odyssey of the Mind (open to students in

grades 3 - 8)
• Chess Club (open to students in grades 3-8)
• Gryphon Chorale (selected students in grades

6 – 8)
• Mathcounts Club (open to students in grades

6 - 8)
• Science Olympiad (open to students in grades

6–8
• BuildersClub(communityserviceorganization,

open to students in grades 7 and 8)
Information on school clubs, including general
description, meeting times, activities, and any
requirements, is published on Edline.net.

39

EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES DRAMA PROGRAM ORCHESTRA

As part of Westminster’s Drama Program, The Westminster Orchestra is open to students in
each grade presents a play during the school grades 3 – 8. Students learn about musical styles
year. Each child has a speaking part, and most of different periods of history, develop proficiency
productions include group and solo singing, and in music reading, and practice the art of quality
choreographed movement. Participation in this ensemble playing. The orchestra performs classical
important class project develops self-confidence and contemporary music and performs twice
and poise, group cooperation, and provides an annually at the school music programs.
opportunity to be recognized and celebrated
by the entire school community. In grades K – Orchestra meets twice weekly for ensemble
5, students are directed in their plays by their instruction and practice. Participating students
homeroom teachers, with help from parents must be enrolled in lessons either at Westminster
regarding costumes, set, and props. In 6th grade, School (lessons take place during the regular
the students are directed in a “junior musical” school day) or with an outside instructor.
by the Music Teacher, and two separate casts Information regarding meeting times, tuition,
and performances allow greater participation instrument purchase/rental, and other details are
by each student. The program culminates in published on Edline.net.
grades 7 and 8, when the plays are directed by
the Headmaster, Assistant Head of School, and SAFETY PATROLS

Music Teacher. This is a crucial part of the final
“polishing” of a Westminster student. Traditionally, In recognition of their increasing maturity, and as
7th graders perform a Shakespeare play and 8th encouragement of their community service, all
graders stage a Broadway-style musical. (See THE students in the 6th grade serve as safety patrols
INSIDE SCOOP / Play Expectations.) throughout the school year. The safety patrols
assist the administration by performing valuable
duties at carpool time, on buses, at assemblies,
LIBRARY and on other occasions. The safety patrols are

Students in grades K – 6 are scheduled for regular trained and overseen by a faculty sponsor, and
visits to the library. A library curriculum is in place, outstanding patrols are recognized each month.
which encourages the love of reading and increases
the student’s understanding of the organization The safety patrols are to be treated with respect,
and use of the library, including use of an on-line and students are to observe directions and
card catalog and an overview of internet research. instructions given by safety patrols in the
Seventh and 8th grade students are welcomed to performance of their duties.
the library during breaks and after school.

The library houses a wide array of attractive and
worthwhile literature and audio/visual materials,
as well as an impressive collection of non-fiction
amassed to support and enhance the Westminster
academic program. Students are encouraged
to visit the library first when assigned a research
project. The library staff is eager to assist the
children, whether in finding “a great read,”
exploring a special interest, or finding excellent
sources for research.

40

GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION

ABSENCES

When a student returns to school after an absence, Why can’t I pick up homework
a note from the parent explaining the reason for assignments and books on
the absence must be turned in to the homeroom
teacher on the day the student returns to school. the first day of my child’s illness?
Absences will be recorded as “unexcused” (see
below) if a note from the parent is not received. Most children who miss school due to sickness are
Absences fall into three categories: absent for only one day. Although the desire to keep
Illness up with school work is commendable, a sick child
Absence due to illness is excused. If the absence is should probably not be doing school work, but resting
for one day only, any missed assignments may be and getting well. Furthermore, it takes a significant
made up after the student returns to school (see amount of time for the homeroom teacher to gather
Time Limit for Makeup below). As a courtesy to the assignments and necessary text books from every
students who are absent for two or more days of teacher. Since most classes have at least one student
school due to illness, it is school policy that on the absent each day, this would place an undue burden
second day of absence, upon request, homeroom on the teachers, who must attend to an entire class of
teachers will gather all homework assignments students at the end of the day. For these reasons, it is
and books and deliver them to the office for pick- school policy to provide homework assignments and
up by the parents between 3:10 and 5:30 p.m. books only for students who are absent for more than
However, as this is a time-consuming project for a one day.
teacher and not always possible toward the end of
the school day, parents are kindly requested to Arrangements for making up work for absences of
make such requests before noon on the day the six days or longer should be coordinated with the
homework is to be sent. Requests received after faculty team leader. Missed class instruction may
noon will be fulfilled on the next day of absence, be reviewed in Extra Help sessions by appointment
should there be one. with the teacher. Work, including tests and
All assignments, including homework, tests, quizzes, not made up within the time allowed will
quizzes, and projects, must be made up within the be penalized at the rate of 10 grade points per day
following time schedule: for each additional day that it is late.
Please see ILLNESS for further general information.
Length of Absence Time Limit for Makeup Family Emergency
1 day 2 school days Unavoidable absence due to family emergency is
2 days 4 school days also excused. The Extra Help offered, as well as the
3 days 6 school days timetable for make-up work, is the same as that for
5 days 10 school days absence due to illness.
Unexcused Absence
For partial-day absences, please see ATTENDANCE, An absence is considered to be unexcused when
Late Arrival, Early Departure and MAKEUP WORK. it is taken in order to extend a holiday, weekend,
family trip or activity, or to allow participation in a
non-Westminster-sponsored event (Exception: An 41
8th grader’s visit to preview a high-school, as pre-
arranged with the 7th/8th grade team leader).

GENERAL INFORMATION Unexcused absences are discouraged. The ACADEMIC YEAR/SCHOOL
accelerated curriculum at Westminster School CALENDAR
makes it very difficult for a student to retrieve the
learning that is lost through absence. Generous The academic year spans the period of time from
vacations are scheduled during the school year to Opening Day (see below) through the Last Day
allow families ample time for trips and activities. of School, as published in the School Calendar.
Please be advised that students will not be given The Basic School Calendar, which includes the
assignments in advance to take with them on trips. dates for Opening Day, Last Day of School, and
Please be extra careful with textbooks taken on all scheduled school closures, is issued several
trips because of the risk of loss and the difficulty months prior to the beginning of the academic
in arranging for replacements. Students will be year (typically in late January). A more detailed
responsible for lost/damaged books. School Calendar is published on the school web
Students will be allowed to make up work missed site in late August, prior to the opening of school,
during unexcused absences. However, for all and is updated regularly throughout the academic
unexcused absences, students will be required year. Monthly calendars are also issued and posted
to make up their work upon return to school (see on the school web site.
makeup time line below). Furthermore, no Extra In the highly unlikely event of a prolonged,
Help or tutoring will be offered by teachers for forced school closing (due to weather-related
unexcused absences. destruction, pandemic (or precautionary ruling
For unexcused absenses, all assignments, including by a local or regional Board of Health), terrorist
homework, tests, quizzes, and projects must be activity, or other similarly catastrophic event),
made up according to the following time schedule: and in accordance with current practices among
independent schools, Westminster School may
Assignments Due/ To be continue to operate on a distance-learning basis
Tests or Quizzes Given on: Made Up By: for a period no longer than four weeks. In the event
1st day of return that the school needs to remain closed beyond
1st day of absence 2nd day of return that time, the school may extend the Academic
2nd day of absence 3rd day of return Year up to and including June 30. The school may
3rd day of absence 4th day of return also schedule weekend classes.
4th day of absence 5th day of return Closure Make-Up Days (See above: Weather
5th day of absence Related Delays, Cancellations, and Early Closures)

Arrangements for making up work for unexcused Every school day is important at Westminster.
absences of six days or longer should be coordinated Teachers plan carefully and work hard to deliver our
with the faculty team leader. Work, including tests rich curriculum in the time allotted by the school
and quizzes, not made up within the time allowed, year. Therefore, it is important that unscheduled
will be penalized at the rate of 10 grade points per closures, such as those due to inclement weather,
day for each additional day late. be made up so that the students do not miss out

Excessive Number of Absences on important information and experiences.

WestminsterSchoolincludesfive daysintheSchool
Absences of more than 25 days in a school year may Calendar which allow for make-up of days missed
result in the student’s not being promoted to the due to unscheduled school closures. If more than
next grade. four unscheduled closures occur, the additional

days will be made up according to the following
schedule, as possible: Martin Luther King Day,
42 Presidents’ Day, last (or first) day of Spring Break,

and Memorial Day. If the school experiences more Spring Break: Westminster School Spring Break GENERAL INFORMATION
unscheduled closures than can be accommodated comprises six school days plus two weekends at
by this make-up schedule, a plan for making up the beginning of April. Specific dates are published
the additional lost days will be communicated in the School Calendar.
by the administration. It is considered a matter of
good character on the part of students and staff to AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
attend school on closure make-up days.
Opening Day Students are not allowed to remain at school
Due to the very full schedule which must be after dismissal time (3:10 p.m.) without prior
encompassed between the beginning of the arrangement and supervision by a staff member.
academic year and the winter break, it is not In case of unexpected late pickup at the end of
always advisable to wait until after Labor Day to the school day, the student is escorted to Drop-
open school. Therefore, the following schedule In After-School Care. A late charge is imposed on
has been created to guide the administrative staff families picking up such students after 3:30 p.m.
in the decision regarding Opening Day. This guide See LATE PICKUP POLICY.
may also be helpful to parents as they plan their General Activities - Students remaining after
family schedules. school for athletic practice or games, play practice,
club meeting, makeup work, etc., report to the
If Labor Day falls on: Opening Day will be: room designated by the supervising teacher and
September 1 September 2 at the time specified by that teacher. Parents
September 2 September 3 will be notified in advance regarding ending/
September 3 August 28 pickup time. Schedules for play practices, athletic
September 4 August 29 activities, etc., are sent home in advance of the
September 5 August 30 activity, and pickup times are indicated.
September 6 August 31 All pickups should take place within 15 minutes
September 7 September 1 of the conclusion of any activity. It is essential that
pickup times be observed. Failure to do so imposes
Breaks / Holidays an unnecessary burden on supervisors because
they must wait until all students have departed. A
In addition to single-day holidays, there are three late charge is imposed on families for late pick-ups
multiple-day breaks scheduled each school year: exceeding 15 minutes (see LATE PICKUP POLICY).

Fall Break: This break traditionally comprises
Thanksgiving Day plus the day before and the
day after. As this is always followed by a weekend,
families may enjoy five days of Fall Break.

Winter Break: This break reflects the practice
of most American schools in providing a
lengthy break in the latter part of December. At
Westminster, the winter break usually comprises
10 school days plus three weekends. Specific
dates are determined each year depending on the
needs of the academic program and the logical
placement with regard to the December/January
calendars.

43

GENERAL INFORMATION ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL (School “Baby, it’s cold outside!”
Hours)
Out of consideration for working parents,
Westminster School receives students as early Westminster opens its doors at 7:45 to receive and
as 7:45 a.m. (Such students are supervised in supervise students until school begins at 8:10. The
the school lobby until 7:50 a.m.) Students are not school provides this service at no extra charge to
to be dropped off at school earlier than 7:45 a.m. parents. Please do not drop your child at school
There is no supervision before this time and it is not before 7:45. Aside from cold weather, no restroom,
safe to leave children outside and unaccompanied. and other discomforts, there is no one available to
Between 7:50 a.m. and 8:10 a.m., students are to supervise your child and make sure that he/she is safe.
report directly to their homeroom classes. Student (Early care is available for a fee; registration forms are
preparation for class takes place from 7:50–8:10 available on Edline)
a.m., with the first period class beginning at
approximately 8:10 a.m. Students who arrive On days when there is a potential early closing,
between 8:10 and 8:15 are allowed to go directly parents are requested not to phone the school
to their classroom, although they are considered office for an update on the schools decision. In
tardy. Students who arrive after 8:15 must go to the case of early closing, it is important that the
the school office and be signed in by the parent. phone lines remain open so that office staff can
(See ATTENDANCE, Late Arrival.) monitor emergency conditions, communicate
It is a good idea for carpool students to arrive at with bus drivers, and ensure that the students
school no later than 7:55 a.m. so that they have arrive home safely. Once a decision has been
time to prepare for the first class without being made regarding late opening, early closure, or
hurried or risking a strike for being late to class cancellation of after-school activities, Westminster
after the 8:10 bell has rung. School will automatically implement the following
Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m., with bus and carpool procedures:
operations beginning promptly at 3:15 p.m.

Weather-Related Delays, Cancellations, and Late Opening / Early Closing / After-School
Early Closures Cancellation Procedures

In the event of inclement weather, Westminster • 2-hour late opening – Westminster receives
School makes independent decisions regarding students as early as 9:45 a.m.; classes begin at
10:10 a.m.
school cancellation, late opening, early closing, and
cancellation of after-school activities. Please tune • 2-hour early closing – Westminster bus and
into radio or T.V. broadcasts for bulletins regarding carpool operations begin at 1:10 p.m.
these decisions. Subscribers to Instant Alert will be • Cancellation of after-school activities – All
notified automatically of such decisions. News of Westminster after-school activities are
cancelled, including After-School Care, athletic
delays, cancellations, and early closures will also practices or games, drama or music rehearsals,
be posted on the school web site.
and club meetings.
• After-School Care Programs – There is no
After-School Care (ASCP), including Drop-In
After-School Care, when school is cancelled
or closes early or when after-school activities
are cancelled due to inclement weather or
44 emergency.

• Parents should have well understood parents are requested to observe the following GENERAL INFORMATION
contingency plans in place for early closings guidelines.
and cancellations of after-school activities so • Please let the homeroom teacher know at
that the child will know what to do without
having to call home. If the plan deviates from least one day in advance if a student plans to
the normal routine, written instructions from bring in birthday treats.
the parents should be on file in the school • Please restrict birthday treats to cookies,
office. brownies, cupcakes, or doughnuts (ready to
serve, please—nothing that requires cutting
BIRTHDAY TREATS or other preparation).
• Please provide enough treats for the entire
Over the years, it has become a tradition at number in the grade (both homerooms).
Westminster for students to bring in treats on their Parents may verify the number of children by
birthdays to share with classmates. (Children born referring to the class list.
during summer months may arrange a special • No “treat bags,” favors, or other gifts are
alternative date sometime during the school allowed, so that all birthdays are celebrated
year with their homeroom teacher.) Naturally, equally.
observance of this custom is voluntary. • If a parent is concerned about a child’s food
In order to avoid messy or time-consuming treats allergy, this issue should be discussed in
and to reduce competition among the children, advance with the homeroom teacher.

BOOKS

All books are to be treated with respect and are not to be defaced in any way.

45

GENERAL INFORMATION Assignment Notebooks – Assignment notebooks A word about book covers . . .
are issued to students in grades 2-8 on Opening
Day. The assignment notebook is to be kept in the In order to identify and protect school books, it is
student’s three-ring binder (see below). required that they be covered with Westminster
Assignments for homework are always written on book covers. Free paper covers are issued to
the chalk board before the end of each class. Test students along with the books on the first day
dates and due dates for long-term assignments are of school. Additional paper covers may be
also written on the chalk board and are not erased purchased from the school store throughout
until after the due date. Students are expected to the year. The school store also sells Westminster
write this information in their assignment books cloth book covers (book socks), which, for the
and use it as a guide. sake of consistency, must be labeled according to
instructions issued by the homeroom teacher at
the beginning of the school year.

Binders – Three-ring binders are used in grades Book Bags (backpacks, satchels) – All students
2-8. Binder organization is a key to good study and are to carry their books to and from school in
work habits. Students are taught to keep notes, book bags. The color and design of the book bag
course guidelines, and homework in their binders are matters of personal choice. The size, however,
in an orderly manner. Dividers are used to separate must be such that the bag can be stored in the
subjects within the binder. Wide-lined paper is student’s locker (see below) or cubby. All bus riders
required in grades 3-8; college-ruled paper is must carry book bags that will fit under their seats.
acceptable in grades 7-8. (Trapper keepers and • Locker dimensions: 9” wide, 10 ½ ” deep.
pocket folders are not a good choice because • Wheeled book bags are permitted in grades 3
papers tend to fall out of them.)
– 8 if they fit the standards given above.

Library Books – Library books are loaned under
conditions and rules established by the librarian.
Late fines are imposed for overdue books, and
books reported as lost must be paid for according
to the librarian’s cost list.

A student’s final report card may be held in the
school office until the student has returned all
school property, including textbooks, library
books, etc. (see ASSESSMENT / Grading System /
Progress Reports).

Silent-Reading Books - In an effort to encourage
the habit of reading and the appreciation of works
of depth and meaning, all students are required
to have a silent-reading book with them at all
times. These are to be school library books, books
assigned in English class, or other works of literary
merit, such as a high-quality novel, biography,
work of history or science, or poetry. Vulgar
novels, comic books, fashion/pop magazines,
catalogs, compilations of “facts,” joke books, etc.

46 are not considered appropriate for silent reading.

Teachers are expected to monitor the students’ Prior to the beginning of the school year, the GENERAL INFORMATION
choice of silent-reading books and to guide them assigned bus driver will communicate with
toward worthwhile choices. Silent-reading books parents regarding the route, pickup and drop-off 47
are to be read when a student has finished a quiz, times, and other information pertinent to the safe
test, or class work assignment early, and at other and efficient operation of the bus service.
times when the teacher instructs the students that Questions or concerns regarding the bus service
they are free to read. or a student’s experience on the bus should be
Textbooks – Textbooks are issued on a loan basis. addressed to the Bus Supervisor.
Each textbook bears the student’s name, grade,
and book number. CARPOOL (Morning Drop-off and
Textbooks must be covered with either Afternoon Pick-up)
Westminster School paper book covers or
Westminster School cloth book socks and must be At Westminster School, the “carpool” includes all
neatly labeled. Paper book covers are distributed drivers who participate in the morning drop-off or
free-of-charge at the beginning of the school year. afternoon pickup of students.
Cloth book socks and replacement paper book Morning carpool is supervised by a staff member,
covers are for sale at the school store, sponsored who can assist students out of the car and see
by the Westminster Parents Club (WPC). them safely into the building. A staff member is on
Book inspections are conducted quarterly by the duty from 7:45 – 8:10 a.m., or longer when traffic
teachers, and any damages inflicted by students build-up has delayed the operation.
are subject to fine. The afternoon carpool operation takes place
Lost textbooks – If a textbook is misplaced and from 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. Afternoon carpools are
assumed to be lost, this information should be supervised by staff members, assisted by student
reported in writing to the office. A “loan” book will safety patrols. Students who have not been picked
be issued, but if the textbook is not found within up at the end of the carpool time are escorted to
a week, a replacement book must be purchased Drop-In After-School Care, and parents must report
through the office. The request for a replacement there and pay the requisite fee before the child
book must be made in writing by a parent, can be dismissed (see GENERAL INFORMATION /
addressed to the school office. The student will be Late Pick-Up Policy).
issued a single detention for the loss of a book. Carpool Cards – In the interest of safety, all
Workbooks – Workbooks are the property of the carpool participants must display an up-to-date
students. However, workbooks are to be kept neat Westminster-issued carpool card. In order to
and clean and are not to be defaced. obtain a carpool card, all automobiles that are used
in carpool, even occasionally, must be registered
BUS SERVICE with the school office (a form for this purpose is
included in the back-to-school packet each year;
Bus transportation to and from school is available any change or addition to this information should
for many areas in Northern Virginia. Information be communicated to the school office).
on the availability of service to a specific area, as All regular carpool drivers are given a numbered
well as information regarding bus fees, may be carpool card. All other families are issued family-
obtained from the Bus Supervisor. Bus drivers name cards. After the first week of school, students
operate under regulations set by the school will be released only to vehicles displaying the
administration, and bus riders are governed by the school-issued card. In cases where there is no
School Bus Regulations (see STUDENT BEHAVIOR
AND EXPECTATIONS / School Bus Regulations).

GENERAL INFORMATION carpool card, the teacher on duty will give the Why are there so many
driver a token and ask him/her to park and go to rules about carpool?!
the school office to collect the student. The token
signals the office staff that the driver is not trying The safety of the children in our care is the tip-top
to circumvent the carpool wait, but has proceeded priority at Westminster School, and most of the rules
through the carpool line. This procedure is that govern carpool are in place for that reason. The
followed in the interests of safety, fairness, and most important one is not releasing a child to a driver
efficiency. without an official carpool card, which is our best
Substitute drivers must also display the carpool insurance against the horrifying possibility of a child
card. Extra cards are available upon request from being taken by a dangerous person. But there are also
the school office. guidelines for progressing through the carpool which
Carpool cards should be affixed to the sun visor on are meant to keep things orderly and reduce the
the passenger side. When waiting in carpool line, likelihood of autos colliding or striking a pedestrian.
the visor should be lowered so that the number Some rules are in place to ensure fairness. Everyone
(or name) is clearly visible. Carpool numbers are would like to simply pull up to school and collect his/
relayed by the staff member on outside duty her child, but with so many drivers, the only fair thing
to the carpool caller inside the school. Student to do is to form a line—first come, first served. Finally,
carpool passengers, who are lined up in the hall guidelines are in place to ensure that the carpool
under their numbers, will then exit the school and operation does not inconvenience our neighbors.
be assisted into the waiting cars by student safety That’s the respectful and courteous thing to do and,
patrols. besides, we need their good will. Please help us with
this complex and important aspect of daily school life:
follow the rules!

Carpool Regulations and Courtesies – The line. It is the safest, most efficient way to
regulations and courtesies that govern the deliver your child to school. If everyone parked
carpool line are essential to ensuring the safety and walked, there would be an unmanageable
of the students, treating all participants fairly, crowd in the school lot and on the street. It is
preserving the good will of school neighbors, and not fair for one family to park while all others
maintaining pleasant relations among carpool are abiding by the rules and taking their turn
drivers. All carpool drivers are expected to observe in the carpool line.
the following guidelines.

• Please do not use cell phones during the • When in carpool (morning or afternoon),
carpool operations; a distracted driver is a please turn on emergency flashers. This signals
dangerous driver. non-school drivers that this is a school-related
carpool line, not the line for the traffic light. It
• Do not drop students off on the street or also clearly shows other carpool drivers the
anywhere on campus except directly in front end of the line.
of the main school building. We cannot ensure
the safety of students who are dropped off • For afternoon carpool, cars are not to begin
outside the school grounds or in the parking lining up in the school driveway before
lot. Moreover, our Special Use Permit, issued 2:45 p.m. Doing so blocks access to the
by Fairfax County, limits pick-ups and drop- school parking lot. Carpools are dispatched
offs to the school property, specifically in front beginning at 3:15 p.m., after the school buses
of the main school building. have departed.

• Do not park and walk your child to the school • Do not block driveways/intersections. County
law requires a 10-foot clearance from the
building. Please take your place in the carpool nearest driveway.
48

• Leave a car’s length between your car and any Department prohibits left turns out of the GENERAL INFORMATION
intersection to allow neighborhood traffic to school driveway onto Gallows Road between
proceed safely. 7:40 – 8:10 a.m. and 3:10 – 3:30 p.m.
• If there are plans for a student to ride home
• Do not cut in front of a car that is waiting for in a carpool other than his usual one, a note
the clearance described above; take your place is required from parents of both families
at the end of the carpool line. involved. Notes should be handed in to the
homeroom teacher at the beginning of the
• During carpool times, do not turn left into the school day.
school driveway, but proceed to the end of In order to avoid misunderstanding and
the carpool line and enter the driveway via a resentment on the part of those waiting in carpool
right turn only. This helps with safety, lessens line:
congestion at the school entrance, and is • Parents who are picking up a child early from
respectful of those drivers who have taken school should do so before 2:40 p.m.
their place in line on Gallows Road. • Parents who are taking their child(ren) with
them after performing volunteer work at
• Do not make a U-turn at Brookcrest Drive in school are asked either to collect their child
order to join the carpool line. It is particularly and depart by 2:40 p.m. or to wait until carpool
offensive to drivers in line on the other side of ends at 3:30 p.m.
Brookcrest Drive to see a driver make a U-turn
and get in line ahead of them. Proceed to the CAUSES / SOLICITING
church at 3901 Gallows Road, enter and turn
around in the parking lot, exit, and proceed to On occasion, a member of the school community
the end of Westminster’s carpool line. may wish to enlist Westminster staff and/or
families in supporting a charitable cause or one
• Once on campus, remain in line through the that promotes social reform or medical research.
entire circle of the carpool route, passing the Although these causes may be quite worthy, the
main school entrance. Do not cut through the school and its staff members cannot be expected
teachers’ parking area to exit the lot or pass to support them all and should not favor one over
other drivers who are loading or unloading another. Therefore, no fundraising campaigns,
students. selling of items, publicizing of special events,
or other promotion of causes by individuals
• When approaching the front of the school, (students, parents, or staff members) may take
please “mind the curb” and avoid scraping place at school. Nor may the school directory
tires against the safety-yellow curb. Please do of staff or family members be used for such
this out of respect for our maintenance crew, solicitation. The only exceptions are fund-raising
who otherwise must spend unnecessary time on behalf of the school itself, such as the Griffin
repeatedly painting blackened curbs. Fund (annual giving) Campaign, events sponsored
by the Westminster Parents Club (WPC); charity
• Observe the 5-miles-per-hour speed limit at all drives held by the Builders Club; and fundraising
times. When stopping to pick up students, cars by the 8th grade (which traditionally raises money
should be pulled up close to one another so to support its yearbook project and to pay for its
that five-to-six vehicles can be loaded at one class gift to the school).
time.
49
• Follow any traffic directions given by
supervising staff members and safety patrols.

• For safety reasons, the Fairfax County Police

GENERAL INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS Edline.net – Online Parent/Teacher Communication

Conferences Westminster School provides online school/home

communication through the services of Edline,
Student – Teacher: Student-teacher conferences www.edline.net. Once students and/or parents
or conferences that involve students and the have established an account, they are able to visit
administration may be initiated by staff members a variety of school mini-websites, including a site
or students. for each teacher/class. There, a teacher may post

helpful links, enrichment activities, dates for tests,
Note: Westminster School firmly supports the quizzes and field trips, as well as (code sensitive)
principle of respect among all community access to the student’s grades. A teacher might
members. Students are expected to be respectful also share a video that was shown in class or give
of their teachers, and vice versa. Should a student updates and news about what’s to come in the
wish to bring something to a teacher’s attention, next unit.
for example, a concern or disagreement about
a test grade, he/she is very welcome to do so. Daily homework assignments and class notes are
However, this should not take place during class not available via the Edline account. Westminster
or take the form of arguing. Students are advised School’s tenet that students must learn to be
to approach the teacher respectfully, between responsible for themselves and not rely on outside
classes or after school, asking the teacher to resources still stands. The value of a student
consider the student’s concern. learning to write down his assignments in his own

assignment book and not rely on a teacher or
Parent – Teacher: During two days in the fall parent to remind him is an invaluable tool, which
and two days in the spring, school is closed for will serve him well for the rest of his academic
Parent/Teacher Conferences. Conference dates career and beyond. The same holds true for
are published in the School Calendar and parents learning how to take proper, legible notes during a
are sent advance notice of the specific conference lecture. Therefore, Edline will not serve as a crutch
date and time. At conference times, parents are for a student to rely on others to remind him of his
scheduled to meet with all their child’s academic responsibilities. However, dates for quizzes, tests,
teachers. In addition, parents or teachers may and project assignments will be available on the
request a conference at any time. Please note student’s calendar.
that children are not allowed at school on Parent-
Teacher Conference days unless there is a specific Email – Parent/teacher communication is one of
notification that baby sitting services will be the most critical factors in ensuring student success
available. at school. Westminster School has always prided

itself on a high level of personal communication
Parent – Administration: A conference with with parents. Parents may rest assured that email
parents is sometimes called by the administration, will never take the place of the personal phone
or parents may request a conference with calls and face-to-face meetings that have always
the administration by contacting the school been a signature of Westminster School.
receptionist. Please note, however, that parental
concerns about a student’s progress or experience Many issues pertinent to a student’s progress or
at school should be addressed first to the relevant experience at school are best addressed either in
classroom teacher and then, if concern remains, to person or by telephone. However, on occasion,
the team leader or department chair, and, finally, parents and teachers may find it appropriate
the Headmaster (see GENERAL INFORMATION / and convenient to communicate by email via
Parental Concerns). Edline.net. In order to facilitate appropriate email

communication, guidelines for email usage have
50 been established for both parents and teachers.