ParentHandbook-January2016

Parents are urged to keep the following important and content of an email message before it GENERAL INFORMATION
points in mind when using email communication: is sent. Emails written in haste or in anger/
• Because of the nature of their work, teachers frustration rarely help to sort out issues or 51
concerns.
spend almost all of their time in the classroom. In the interests of both convenience and
When not in the classroom, teachers may be in environmental responsibility, the Westminster
staff meetings, on field trips, planning, grading School administration frequently communicates
papers, or fulfilling other responsibilities. news, invitations to events, and other general
Therefore, teachers may not see an email information via emails to parents (school-wide
from a parent for several hours. Teachers will or to a relevant grade). (More urgent messages,
strive to respond to parent emails just as such as an announcement of weather-related
they respond to parent phone calls—within school closing, are sent via Instant Alert, an instant
24 hours. However, please remember that messaging service.)
if you choose to send an email message to a Names/Surnames - Over the years, some parents
member of our professional staff, you may not have inquired about the Westminster custom of
get an immediate reply. addressing parents and staff members by their
• A signed email permission form must be on file surnames. This is a long-standing Westminster
with the school and must be renewed every tradition, which we continue to observe for the
school year. The permission slip indicates following reasons:
the email address(es) that will be used to • The use of surnames is a courtesy which
communicate with parents. is consistent with our belief in traditional
• Please keep all email communication etiquette;
professional and relevant to your child only. • The use of surnames encourages a respectful
• Send only non-vital messages through email. attitude and a professional objectivity
For example, do not use email to inform a which supports uniform, fair treatment and
teacher that your child is not to go home on evaluation of the students.
the bus. This sort of time-sensitive and crucial Parents, therefore, are respectfully requested to
information must still be communicated honor this tradition and not encourage teachers
through the school office in order to ensure to call them by their first names. We hope that
student’s safety. parents will understand the reasons for this
• Email is appropriate for questions of a general custom, and not mistake our touch of formality for
nature, such as class activities, curriculum, a lack of warmth or friendliness.
clarification of assignments, projects, tests, Parent Coffees - Twice each year, once in the fall
after-school-help, and special events. However, and once in the spring, the administration hosts
parents are encouraged to check the school coffees for parents in each grade. Parents are
calendar or web site calendar for dates of field urged to attend these important and informative
trips and due dates for projects, etc. events. The coffee dates and times are included on
• Your child’s academic progress, learning the School Calendar and the monthly calendars,
expectations, or behavioral issues are best and invitations are emailed to parents in advance.
addressed through a telephone conversation The coffees provide an opportunity for parents to
or by scheduling a personal conference with socialize with one another and to gain important
your child’s teacher. insight into their child’s school experience. In the
• It is important to reflect upon the tone, timing

GENERAL INFORMATION fall, the Headmaster and teachers typically present in the form of the annual Griffin Fund Campaign.
information about the Westminster philosophy, All members of the community—current families,
curriculum, and developmental program as it staff, alumni, trustees, and friends—are asked to
relates to the student’s current grade level. The make an annual donation to the school. Such gifts
spring coffee provides an opportunity to meet help the school improve in the areas of technology,
the teachers and learn about the program in the textbooks and other classroom materials, field
student’s upcoming grade. Often, PowerPoint trips, athletic equipment, etc. Donations are
and/or video components provide a window into also set aside for specific capital goals, such
the classroom, and parents leave with renewed as buildings and grounds improvements or
excitement about their child’s daily experience additions. All donations to Westminster School are
and the professional expertise of his/her teachers. tax deductible.

Social Media Sites - Westminster School EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
communicates through a variety of social media,
including Facebook and Twitter. We hope that all The safety of students and staff members is the
of our families will “like” our page and “follow” us first priority of the school. While many policies
on Twitter. These platforms provide a quick, fun and daily practices support this goal, Westminster
way to stay on top of school events, and sharing School also has in place plans and procedures for
Westminster’s posts with relatives and friends a wide range of emergencies, including, but not
goes a long way in promoting the school in the limited to, the following: medical emergencies,
greater community. evacuation of the building, severe weather, shelter-
Web Page - Many important messages are in-place, and violent intruder. Drills of various
posted or linked on the official school web emergency procedures are scheduled and carried
page, www.westminsterschool.com, including out regularly. The school’s crisis management plan,
urgent announcements, school calendar, and including all emergency plans and procedures as
development information, as well as reviews well as hierarchy of command, is reviewed and
and photographs of plays, music programs, field revised annually.
trips, and other special events. It also serves
as a venue for “position papers” explaining the Westminster School participates in the Honeywell
school’s philosophy regarding important aspects Instant Alert program for schools. This allows
of education. Parents are urged to visit the web emergency messages to be instantly relayed to
site regularly for updates and other valuable parents via telephone, cell phone, smart phone,
information. email, etc. Parents are urged to enroll in the Instant
Alert program to ensure the most efficient contact
DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRAISING in case of a school-wide emergency or urgent
message, such as school closure due to inclement
Westminster School is constantly striving to weather. Instructions on enrolling are included in
maintain and improve the high quality of its the back-to-school packet and are available from
program. Development efforts go a long way the main office.
toward helping the school achieve these goals.
Development activities include all efforts to
promote Westminster within the school and
greater community, building relationships
between the school and its supporters, and
helping to spread the word about Westminster
among potential supporters.

Development also includes fundraising, principally

52

HOMEROOM ASSIGNMENTS ILLNESS GENERAL INFORMATION

Students in all grades are assigned to a homeroom. Important to the Westminster philosophy are
The homeroom teacher has a special responsibility personal fortitude and striving to meet one’s
toward his/her students, which varies from the obligations even if that is not the most comfortable
lower and middle-schools (grades K-6) and the thing to do. Students are therefore encouraged
upper-school (grades 7-8). In all cases, however, to attend school and remain throughout the
the homeroom teacher keeps a special eye on the school day whenever they are well enough to do
academic and social/emotional development of so. However, in the event of illness, the following
his/her students. guidelines are to be observed:
In grades K-6,“homeroom”occurs three times each • Parents are requested not to send a child to
day: school opening, lunchtime, and at the end of
the day (students will also visit this classroom and school under the following conditions: 1) has
have this teacher for an academic class during the a fever, or has had a fever within the past 12
day). Homeroom is intended as a time for social hours; 2) is sick at stomach, e.g., is significantly
learning and development. Therefore, parents are nauseous or has vomited within the past eight
respectfully requested not to ask that their child hours; 3) has a severe cough or sore throat.
be paired with or separated from a particular • If a student feels unwell in class, the teacher
student or teacher for homeroom. Allowing a will send him/her to the office for attention.
child to experience a variety of social situations If the child is ill, an office staff member will
will nurture in him/her a greater ability to cope phone the parent, who is expected to pick up
with personal and professional relationships the child within one hour. If this is not possible,
throughout life. the parent must arrange for someone else to
As the students get older, it is part of the pick up the child.
Westminster program to refine the development • If a student visits the office to request
of their social skills, including the practice of medication for a mild complaint, an office
tolerance and kindness, and learning how to staff member will telephone the parent
make friends and get along with a variety of to ask permission before dispensing such
personalities. After the second quarter of the medication, e.g., pain reliever, antacid, etc.
6th grade, students’ homeroom assignments are Please see GENERAL INFORMATION / Medications
reorganized. This allows the children to get to for policies regarding medications sent to school
know everyone in their grade and to strengthen with the student.
the bonds among them before moving on to When a student returns to school after an absence,
the upper school, where socialization becomes he / she is to bring a note from the parent (to be
a greater priority. In grades 7 and 8, groupings turned in to the homeroom teacher) indicating
for break and lunch are changed each quarter to the reason for the absence. Failure to bring a
maximize the opportunity for social interaction. note will result in the absence being counted as
unexcused (see ACADEMIC PROGRAM / Practices
and Standards / Make-up Work).

53

GENERAL INFORMATION LATE PICKUP POLICY LUNCH

Students who are not picked up within 15 minutes There is no cafeteria at Westminster. Many students
of scheduled release time at the end of the school bring lunch from home; others participate in a
day, or at the end of an after-school activity (other vendor-provided lunch program (see below).
than an athletic event) having a published pick-up Students eat in their homeroom under the
time, are sent to Drop-In After-School Care until supervision of their teacher. Lunch is considered
signed out by an authorized parent or guardian. a social occasion and, with this arrangement, in
(See EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS / After- contrast to a cafeteria-style environment, attention
School Care Programs.) may be given to good manners, neatness, and
Payment of fees (as published in registration appropriate social interaction. In addition, on a
materials) is due at the time of pick-up. Pick-up rotating basis, the students are assigned regular
time from After-School Care is 6:00 p.m. A late fee chores associated with lunch, such as fetching the
of $17.00 per hour or partial hour is charged after milk, emptying the trash, etc.
6:15p.m. Payment may be made with either credit It is assumed that parents have provided a
card (Visa, MasterCard) or check. nutritious lunch in the appropriate amount for
Students whose siblings/carpool mates are their child. Therefore, students are not allowed to
participating in after-school drama rehearsals trade items, and they are strongly encouraged to
for 6th – 8th grade may remain at school during eat all of their lunch. Items that are not consumed
drama rehearsals at no charge. Students in this are to be wrapped up and returned home, not
category will be supervised in the theater where discarded in school trash cans.
rehearsal is taking place. (Parents may choose to Students who bring their lunches leave them
take advantage of Drop-In After-School Care on in their homerooms/lockers. All lunch bags or
these days, but must pay the regular fees.) boxes should have the student’s name printed
clearly on them. Carbonated drinks and drinks in
LOST AND FOUND glass containers are not permitted. No fast-food
lunches may be delivered to a student. It is not
Found items should be taken to the school office. courteous to others to be tantalized by the aroma
Inquiries about lost items should be made in the of burgers, and French fries, etc.
school office. Hot Lunch/Box Lunch Program – Westminster
Parents are reminded that all uniform parts (and School partners with an outside vendor to provide
other clothing, such as jackets, hats, etc.) should the option of a hot lunch for students in grades
be labeled with the student’s name. K-8 and a boxed-lunch for students in grades
5 – 8. Parents/students may order lunch for the
upcoming month on the vendor’s web site. There
is one meal offered each day, and families may
order lunch for as few or as many days as they
wish. Prices are shown on the vendor’s web site.

Milk - Milk for the school year is available for
purchase through the school office. Information
regarding this is included in the back-to-school
packet posted on the school web site before fall
opening.

54

Forgotten lunches – Forgotten lunches may be MEDICATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION
delivered to the school, but must arrive before the
student’s lunch time. If lunch time arrives and a Generally speaking, the dispensing of medicine
student is without his/her lunch, the teacher will to students at school is discouraged. However, in
send the student to the office to check on lunch some cases, a pain reliever (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen,
delivery. In the event that no lunch has been etc.) or antacid tablet may be administered by
delivered, it is a Westminster custom for classmates the school office staff if a parent can be reached
to share their food with the student. to approve such a request by a student. (See
GENERAL INFORMATION / Illness.)
Prescription medicine (including inhalers)
brought to school by students or parents for
students to take during the day is to be left in the
school office, accompanied by an Authorization
for Medication form (available in the school office)
to be filled out by the student’s doctor and the
parent, outlining instructions for dispensation and
dosage.
Students with severe allergies, for whom an
EpiPen is recommended, should provide the office
with an EpiPen (in a labeled bag), along with a
completed Authorization for Medication form.
Over-the-counter medications are to be labeled
by the parent with the student’s name and dosage.
Cough drops may be brought to school only if
accompanied by a note from the parent verifying
the need for their use, effective up to three days.
After three days, another note will be required.
Medication at home – Parents are requested to
send a note to the homeroom teacher regarding
any prescription medication being administered
to students at home.
If consideration is being given to placing a student
on medication to address an emotional or
mental condition, parents are urged to consult
with the Headmaster before starting such
medication.

55

GENERAL INFORMATION PARENTAL CONCERNS PARKING

Westminster School strives for clear Parking is limited in the Westminster School
communication with parents regarding all aspects parking lot. The numbered spaces are reserved for
of the school program, including mission and faculty and staff. During the school day, parents
philosophy, curriculum and academic standards, and others are requested to park only in the
guidance and disciplinary policies, as well as the “Visitor”parking spaces or in one of the designated
individual student’s progress and experience at “Quick Drop-off / Pick-up” spaces directly opposite
school. Occasionally, however, parents may have the school entrance (for visits no longer than 15
concerns or questions regarding these or other minutes). Please do not leave a car unattended,
school matters. In order to get the clearest and even briefly, at the curb in front of the school.
most effective response to such concerns, parents After 4:30 p.m., when most staff members have
are requested to follow the steps below: departed, all open spaces are available for visitors.
• Most general questions regarding school On days/evenings when an event is taking place
at school, it may be necessary for parents/visitors
procedures can be addressed by calling the to park on the street. Parents/visitors are urged
school office. to avoid blocking the driveways of Westminster’s
• Questions / concerns about a student’s neighbors. For the sake of efficiency in addressing
progress or experience in a particular class any issues regarding parent/visitor parking, it
should be addressed to that subject teacher. is strongly suggested that parents display their
• If discussions with the teacher fail to resolve carpool / family name cards when parking on or
an issue, or if a parent has general questions near school grounds.
about the program and policies ofWestminster Please be reminded: Fairfax County regulations
School, such concerns/questions should be prohibit parking within 10 feet of a driveway or
directed to the team leader. intersection, and police will issue a parking ticket
• Questions regarding the curriculum should be if a complaint is received.
directed to the relevant subject department
chair. (The names of team leaders, department
chairs, and curriculum coordinator are
included in the back-to-school packet prior
to the opening of school each year or may be
obtained from the school office.)
• If conferences with the teachers fail to resolve
an issue, parents may request a meeting with
the Headmaster.
(See STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE /
Guidance Program.)

56

PARTIES HOSTED BY STUDENTS “Be kind whenever possible. It is always GENERAL INFORMATION
possible.” ~Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama
Westminster students sometimes host parties in
their homes to which they wish to invite classmates. Westminster’s mission statement includes kindness
In order to avoid the hurt feelings that can result as one of our ideals. This is the reason behind asking
when certain children are excluded, parents are students to either invite an entire group to a party or to
requested to choose one of the following options distribute invitations privately, outside of school. But,
when arranging the guest list: kindness goes further. It also means not talking about
• Invite all students in both homerooms for the the party at school, or laughing about something that
happened at a recent sleep-over or trip to the mall,
grade in which your child is enrolled. in the hearing of those who were not included. The
• Invite all the students in your child’s emotional stings children suffer from unkindness
remain long after they have grown to adulthood.
homeroom. No parents want this for their own child. Please take
• Invite all the girls or all the boys in both the same care of others—talk to your child about
kindness, especially when planning events to which
homerooms. not all classmates will be invited.
• Invite all the girls or all the boys from your

child’s homeroom.
If none of these suggestions is followed, students
are not permitted to distribute the invitations
at school. Such invitations should be extended
privately, outside of school.

57

GENERAL INFORMATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES without reliance on a computer. In Kindergarten -
4th grades, students are introduced to technology
usage through classroom smart-board activities.
Each year, students are responsible for bringing As they gain the necessary support skills, students
certain supplies to school for use in their classes. conduct book searches using the on-line library
A list of required supplies is included in the “back- card catalog. They also begin to learn how to
to-school” packet and is posted on the school web responsibly navigate the Internet, as teachers
site year-round. provide links to enriching, subject-related sites for

Basic school supplies, such as paper and pencils, home usage under parental supervision.
may be purchased at the “school store,” a portable
cart manned by parent volunteers each morning Technology instruction is included in the
between 7:55 and 8:10 a.m. academic schedule in grades 5 – 8. In a progressive
curriculum, weekly classes provide instruction and
practice in basic computer operation, keyboarding,
TECHNOLOGY word processing, Internet safety, Internet research,

Westminster School recognizes the valuable and a variety of software programs. Technology
resources for communication and information skills are integrated with the academic program
retrieval provided by the ongoing technological through class assignments.

revolution, and strives to incorporate such TOYS/GAMES/ELECTRONICS, ETC.
resources within the academic program and
the administrative and business functions of
the school. However, Westminster also takes an Students may not bring toys, games, or other
independent stance when it comes to the sweeping superfluous items to school without explicit
conversion to “computers in the classroom” permission. This includes athletic equipment,
and the substitution of software programs for dolls / stuffed animals, games, electronic games
live teaching. As with any other new teaching or equipment, radios / recorders / music players,
methodology, Westminster carefully considers its computers of any kind, electronic watches that
immediate and long-lasting impact on student emit noise or double as games, etc.

learning and preparation for an unknowable Students are not allowed to bring animals to
future. Such consideration has shaped the school’s school. If a science project involves bringing an
current policy on technology within the classroom animal to school, the teacher will notify the office
and student training in the use of technology. to that effect. However, it will be necessary to

Learning is not just an intellectual activity. There transport the animal by means other than school
are important social and emotional components bus, as no animal may travel on the bus.

at the heart of learning, including motivation, Cell phones at school are discouraged, and their
enthusiasm, cooperation, tolerance, learning usage at school is strictly monitored. See STUDENT
styles, group interactions, intuitive understanding, BEHAVIOR / EXPECTATIONS, Use of Cell Phones).
and spontaneity, to name a few. Recognizing and
responding to these components, and weaving
them into a lesson is crucial to the art of teaching. USE OF OFFICE TELEPHONE BY
This cannot be achieved by a computer program. STUDENTS
Westminster believes in the primary educational
importance and effectiveness of live teacher/
student interaction. Because the office is busy throughout the school
day with phone calls and visitors, the use of the
school phone is limited to school business or calls
58 As preparation for the future, Westminster also of an urgent nature. Arrangements to remain
promotes the importance of young students after school for an activity, invite a friend to one’s
gaining independent mastery of basic skills

home or arrange to go home with a friend are not GENERAL INFORMATION
considered urgent. Such arrangements are to be
made in advance with parents, not at school by
telephone.
Students must obtain permission from an office
staff member before using the phone. In the
event of student illness or an emergency situation,
school personnel will facilitate student/parent
communication.

WALKERS/BICYCLE RIDERS

Parents who grant permission for their child to
walk to or from school on a daily basis, or to ride
a bicycle to and from school on a daily basis, must
contact the school office at the beginning of the
year to confirm such arrangements, and must
send written permission, which will be kept in the
student’s file.
A bicycle rack is located in front of the school,
near the carpool entrance. All bicycles should be
secured to the rack with a lock.
Occasional walkers or bikers must bring written
permission signed and dated by a parent. These
students must sign out, or be signed out by their
parents, in the office before leaving the school
grounds.

59

THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS

BEING INVOLVED IN SCHOOL LIFE Library – The school library warmly welcomes
parent volunteers, on a regular or occasional basis,
to assist with tasks such as entering new books
Westminster Parents Club – Every Westminster in the data base, organizing and shelving books,
parent is automatically a member of the covering or repairing books, etc. Volunteering in
Westminster Parents Club (WPC), and parents are the library is a wonderful way to experience the
urged to become active members. The purpose of daily life of the school.
the WPC is to support the school through a wide
range of social events and activities for families as
well as some fundraising events held during the Club Sponsorship/Assistance – There are a number
school year. Active involvement by parents not of extracurricular clubs available to Westminster
only helps the school but sends a clear message students. While every club has a faculty (or staff )
to the child(ren) that their parents consider school sponsor, several also require or benefit from parent
activities important. Children gain confidence sponsors or assistants. School sponsors send out
knowing that their parents are involved in the information on clubs and solicit parent volunteers
school. early in the school year. Serving as a club sponsor/
assistant provides the opportunity to help
direct student activities, including supporting
The activities and contributions of the WPC form preparations for extracurricular competitions.
a vital strand in the life of the school, and provide
a supportive network and friendly resource for
Westminster students and their families. Fliers Attendance at School Events – Westminster
announcing WPC meetings and other activities School invites parents to several informative and/
are emailed or sent home throughout the school or social events during the school year. Parent
year. WPC activities are also included on the school attendance at such events is an important aspect
calendar. of partnership with the school and support of the
children.

The WPC operates according to an established set Parent Coffees – Twice yearly, parents are invited
of bylaws, and is directed by a board of officers
elected annually by the members. General to a coffee with their child’s grade-level teachers.
meetings are held several times a year. At the coffees, the teachers and administrators
present valuable information about the curriculum,
the character-building and personal development
Volunteer Opportunities – In addition to helping program, special events, and the overall goals
with Westminster Parents Club activities, parents of the Westminster program. Often, PowerPoint
may volunteer in several ways: presentations and videos provide a window into
Room Parent – Each year, four volunteers serve as the classroom, allowing the parents to see the
Room Parents for each grade. Their mission is to curriculum in action and experience the richness
help make the school year fun for the students.With and variety of their child’s school life. Many parents
general guidance from the school administration, say that attending the coffees reminds them of
Room Parents coordinate grade-level celebrations, what Westminster is all about and confirms their
such as Halloween and Valentine’s Day, the decision to enroll their child here.
class play reception, and other special activities.
Volunteering as a Room Parent is a great way to be Attending Upper-School Plays – Most parents
a presence in your child’s school life and put your enthusiastically attend the performances of
60 personal touch on creative endeavors. their own child’s grade-level play each year.

However, parents may not realize the importance regularly scheduled conferences, parents should THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS
of supporting the upper-school (7th-8th grade) contact their child’s teachers if they have questions
drama productions. Westminster’s drama program or concerns regarding the child’s academic
graduates to full-scale, night-time productions progress, social/emotional development, or
of a Shakespeare play in the 7th grade and a experience at school. In addition, it is important to
Broadway-style musical in the 8th grade. The let teachers know about any situation affecting the
creative and material resources of the Drama child which might also impact him/her at school,
Department, directed by the Head of School, for example, a medical condition, family illness or
are poured into these culminating productions. death, or parental separation/divorce.
Parents of younger children are encouraged to Be Familiar with the Parent/Student Handbook
attend and bring the children to see the plays. Not – Parents and older students are expected to
only will the entire family be well-entertained, but carefully review the Parent / Student Handbook.
it is important for both parents and children to see The handbook articulates the rules, policies, and
what will be possible for them in the future. procedures that govern school life, and includes
WPC Events – The WPC sponsors several events explanations of school philosophy as well as
during the school year which are intended as helpful tips for negotiating school life successfully.
fun, community-bonding experiences. Bingo, Before calling the teacher or school office with
movies, and karaoke are just a few of the engaging a question about the academic program, daily
activities provided for the whole family. The school procedures, etc., it is very helpful to consult the
year kicks off with the WPC back-to-school picnic, Parent / Student Handbook. This will either answer
a wonderful opportunity for a relaxed, family-style the question or provide a basis for informed
evening of good food, good fun, and good friends. discussion with the staff member.
These and other whole-school events, such as
International Day and the Gala (the WPC’s major 61
fundraising event) are important ways for families
to get to know one another and experience being
part of the school community.
Halloween Parade – The celebration of Halloween
is a beloved Westminster tradition. Most students
and staff wear costumes to school. The staff
decorates a “spooky walk” for the students, and
special treats are served at lunch. Festivities begin
with a special presentation by the Headmaster,
Assistant Head, and the 8th graders, followed by a
lively parade of costumed K – 4th graders. Parents
are most welcome to attend this out-door event,
and many say they wouldn’t miss it. The Halloween
parade is on the school calendar and fliers are sent
home ahead of the event.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD

Communicate with Teachers – Meaningful
communication with their child’s teachers is
one of the main ways parents can support their
child in school. (See GENERAL INFORMATION,
Communications.) In addition to attending

THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS Help the Student Meet Responsibilities – your child may otherwise feel at the end of the
Progressing through the Westminster program school day.
is a complex, nuanced, and challenging—but • Support their homework duties. Homework
ultimately extremely rewarding—journey for your is a valuable and regular part of learning at
child. But, children cannot manage it alone; they Westminster School. Parents show respect and
need consistent parental support and respect for support for their child when they consistently
the expectations and responsibilities they bear (or do the following:
are learning to bear) at school.

Parents can make school life a great deal more • Westminster students are encouraged and
comfortable for their children through the expected to do their homework “neatly,
following supportive measures: completely, and with pride” in their work.
• Get them to school on time. There is much to Parental praise for effort and a good
attitude toward homework goes a long
learn, experience, and enjoy at school each way in supporting your child in his/her
day. It is important for students to arrive in homework responsibilities.

time to visit their lockers, use the restroom, • Ideally, there should be a regular time for
say hello to friends, and organize their books homework. Most children respond best to
and materials for upcoming classes. The routines. Each family works out what is best
recommended arrival time is between 7:50 for them, but a good after-school schedule
and 8:00 a.m. Aside from receiving a strike for a might include a session of outdoor play,
late arrival (i.e., arriving in the homeroom class followed by homework before dinner; any
after 8:10), a late or last-minute arrival places remaining homework and/or study may be
unnecessary stress on the child and starts the completed after dinner.
day on the wrong note.
• Help them meet uniform requirements. • There should also be a designated place (or
Regular review of the school calendar will places) for the child to work, which is stocked
prompt parents and students regarding the with necessary supplies, such as paper,
need for blazers and ties (required for field pencils, a dictionary, etc. Many families
trips, assemblies, and other special events). In find it helpful for the child to do homework
addition to receiving a strike for each uniform “in reach” of the parent (away from
violation, many children suffer embarrassment technology and other tempting activities),
when they stand out because of not having so that questions may be answered and
the appropriate uniform. This is a discomfort distractions minimized, but at a distance
easily avoided through daily review of the that encourages independence.
calendar. (Please be aware that it is the custom
to loan students a blazer and tie for the field • Treat homework as a normal and valuable
trip or assembly; however, they still receive the part of learning and of school life. Children
strike[s]). take their cues from the adults around
• Clarify after-school arrangements. It is them, so a calm, practical approach is the
important to plan ahead with the child for best way to help your child with homework.
any deviation from the usual after-school If your child is confused or “stressed” about
arrangements. This includes plans for the an assignment or the amount of homework,
child to attend sports practice, attend an below are some helpful tips:
enrichment class, ride home with a friend, etc. • Have him/her complete the most
In addition to smoothing school operations difficult or longest assignment first.
and ensuring proper and safe supervision The sense of pride and relief at getting
of your child, clear communication of after- this out of the way will provide an
emotional boost during the remainder
62 school plans removes any confusion or worry of the homework.

• If homework time is delayed and the personal strength, and typically communicate THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS
child is working later than usual or is the desired date by which the children should
getting frustrated due to tiredness, all know their lines.
have him/her go to bed and get up • As much as possible, ensure that the students
a bit early to finish the homework. attend all scheduled rehearsals. In grades K-5,
Most students find that what seemed most rehearsals take place during the school
overwhelming the night before is day; however, some after-school rehearsals
relatively easy after a good night’s may be scheduled.
sleep. In grades K – 6, parents are expected to:
• Provide a costume for their child. Typically,
• If your child earns an occasional the teachers/directors send home costume
redirection(RD) due to failure to complete requirements for each child’s role. Depending
or turn in a homework assignment, the on the role, costumes may be created,
parent’s calm, “no-big-deal” attitude is the purchased, or, in some cases, rented. Parents
best response. Of course, if RDs become of children who share roles usually coordinate
frequent, conference with the teacher is to ensure that children playing the same
recommended to help the student get character dress (more or less) the same.
back on track. • On a volunteer basis, assist with set
construction and props acquisition.
• Finally, remember that it is not necessary • Provide refreshments for and host a post-play
for a student to get all the answers “right” reception. This effort is coordinated by the
on a homework assignment. In fact, it Room Parents.
is important that the teacher see any
mistakes or misunderstandings in order to 63
clarify the information under study.

Support the Class Plays – The drama program is
at the heart of Westminster’s ability to turn out
poised, confident graduates. Along with many
other opportunities for public speaking and
performance at school, participation in the class
play each year delivers a cumulative effect that
sets our graduates apart from their peers. While
it is common knowledge that many people fear
public speaking, Westminster graduates have
been trained through the drama program to speak
clearly and articulately, to remain poised under
pressure, to work cooperatively toward a team
goal, to express their personalities and talents, and
to present themselves confidently to an audience.
What a boon this is, no matter what they choose to
do once they leave Westminster!

In support of their child’s drama experience,
parental assistance is needed in a number of areas:
In all grades, parents are expected to:
• Ensure that the children memorize their lines.

The teachers/directors strive for a reasonable
number of lines for the child’s grade and

THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS Westminster School has each play videotaped and Please be assured that, during this intense
photographed. The resulting videos and photo rehearsal period:
CDs are offered for sale. • Academic needs are carefully attended to by
Note: The 6th-grade play is a “bridge” from the
lower-grade drama program to the more involved the upper-school teachers. Arrangements are
endeavors characteristic of the upper school. made for students to attend Help, serve RDs,
There are two casts and two performances (during complete make-up work, etc., as needed.
the school day). This provides more opportunities • Students who are not actively rehearsing
for individual students to develop their dramatic are allowed to do homework. (During
abilities and share their talents and personalities. week-end rehearsals, students are typically
Traditionally, the 6th-grade play is a junior allowed to bring electronic devices for
musical, so singing and dancing are highlighted, their entertainment, as well as books and
and the play is directed by the music teacher, with homework.)
assistance from the homeroom teachers. Given • Students who have Westminster sports
the greater demands on the director (two casts, team obligations are excused from rehearsal
musical program), rehearsals may be scheduled during those events, as are students who are
after school on a regular basis, and one or two scheduled for orchestra lessons.
weekend rehearsals may be called.

In grades 7 and 8, the demands of the play increase • Siblings and carpool mates of rehearsing
significantly, and these plays are important rites of students are allowed to remain in the theater
passage at Westminster School. The plays are full- at no charge.
length, professional-level endeavors (Shakespeare
in 7th grade, Broadway musical in 8th grade). The • Students who remain past 4:30 p.m. are given
students have dozens of lines to learn, songs and/ a snack and drink.
or choreography to master, and significant back-
stage responsibilities. There are two casts for each In 7th / 8th grades, the Drama Department
play and two evening performances. Tickets are takes care of all production aspects of the play,
sold for the upper-school productions, which are including set, props, lighting and sound, music,
open to the public. and costumes. There is no post-play reception;
however, a special toast is held for all cast and
Students begin working on their play in Drama crew at the end of the closing performance.
Class (part of the 4th-period, alternating
“specials” schedule) approximately six weeks In 7th / 8th grades, parents are expected to:
prior to the performance. After-school rehearsals
are scheduled Monday – Friday. beginning • Ensure that their child learns his/her lines
approximately five weeks before the performance. by the requested date. It is important to not
After-school rehearsals increase in length simply ask the child if he/she knows the lines
throughout the rehearsal period, and week-end but insist that he/she prove it by reciting them
rehearsals are scheduled during the last three on cue. Delays in the students learning their
weeks prior to performance. A rehearsal calendar lines places an enormous drag on staging,
is provided early in the process. This intense acting instruction, and the ensemble practice
schedule is necessary to unite the class for such a that is needed for a high-quality production.
challenging project and achieve the professional Parents are urged to support the Drama
level of performance characteristic of the upper- Department in this regard.
school plays.
• Have their child attend all scheduled
64 rehearsals, especially during the final three