Westminster School
PARENT/STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2021 EDITION
AN OVERVIEW OF GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
Est. 1962 | A Classical Education for the 21st Century
Presenting Challenge | Building Character | Instilling Confidence
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL …………….……… 4 STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS ….…….. 20
Mission and Philosophy ……………………………………….......…….…… 4 Introduction ……………………………………………....……………………….…… 20
Classical Education ……………………………....…………………............…… 4 Classroom Rules ……………………………………..………………………..…… 20
School Environment ………………………………………….……………….…… 5 Community Service ……………………………………..…...…....……….…… 20
School/Parent Partnership: The Golden Triangle ….… 5 Comportment at School-Sponsored Events …………… 20
History of Westminster School ………………………………....….…… 6 Dress Codes (Non-Uniform) ………….……………….…………...…… 21
Introduction to Goals, Policies, and Procedures …...… 6 Forgotten Items ………….……………….…………..….……………..….…….... 22
Playground Rules ………….……………….……....….……………..….…….... 22
ACADEMIC PROGRAM ………......................................….......….……… 7 School Bus Regulations ………….….………….…..…………..….…….... 23
Academic Program Overview ……………………….…..……..….……....... 7 Student Use of Cell Phones/Internet/Technology
Course of Study ………………………………………………..……..…......….…....... 7 (texting, emails, social media sites) .……....…..….…….... 23
Instruction ………………………………….……….………...…….………....….……....... 7 Westminster Courtesies .……....….….…….…….…….…….…..…….... 24
Faculty ………………………………….……….……….……….……….………...….……....... 7
Goals …………………………….……….……….……….……….………………...…...……..... 7 STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE ….…….….…….. 25
Overview of Guidance Program .……....…...….…....….….……….... 25
Assessment ……………………….…..……...….……...….……...…….....…...……........ 7
Grading System/Progress Reports ………………….……...……....... 7 Guidance for 8th Grade Families Planning for High
Standardized Tests ………………….…….….…….….…….….…….....….......... 9 School ………….……………….……………….…………….………...............……… 25
Tests and Quizzes ………………….…….….…….….…….….……........……....... 9
Discipline .……....…...….….….…….….….….….….….….….….........….….……….... 25
Academic Practices and Standards ……………….…….....……....... 9 Strikes ………….……………….……………….…………….…........................…...…. 26
Accountability ………………….…….….…….….…….….…….........……............... 9 Demerits ………….……………….………….…………….…….......................……… 26
Attendance ………………….…….….…….….…...…….….…….........……............... 9 Demerit Hall (Saturday) ………….………….…….......................……… 27
Extra Help ………………….…….….…….….…...……....…….........…..…............... 10 Suspension ………….………….…….…….…….…….……........................……… 27
Field Trips ………………….…….….…….….…...…….….…….........…..…............... 11 Explusion …………......................................…...................................……… 28
Homework ………………….…….….…….……...…….….…….........…..…............... 11 Off-Campus Offenses …………................................................……… 28
Honor Roll ………………….…….….…….……...…….….……........…..…............... 12 Withdrawal, Recommended ………….................................……… 28
Integrity (Cheating, Plagiarism) ……………….…...…..…............... 13 Withdrawal, Involuntary …………..........................................……… 28
Make-Up Work ……………….…..….…..….…..….…..….…............…............... 13
Projects ……………….…..….…..….…..….…..….…............…........…..…............... 13 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS, CLUBS,
Redirections/Redirections Hall/Saturday AND ACTIVITIES ….……..….……..….……..….……..….……...........….…….. 29
Redirections Hall ….…..….…..….….....….….....….….....….….......…...... 13 After-School Care Programs …………......................................... 29
Requirements ….…..….…..….….....….….....….….....…........….…........…...... 15 Athletic Program …………...........................................................……… 29
Schedules ….…..….…..….….....….….....….........….....…..…....….…........…...... 16 Camps …………....................................................................................……… 30
Clubs ........................................................................................................... 30
UNIFORMS ………................................................................….......….……… 17 Drama Program ................................................................................... 30
Description & Regulations ….…..….…...…..........................…...... 17 Early-Care Program .......................................................................... 31
Dress Uniform (for assemblies, field trips, Library ........................................................................................................ 31
special occasions) ….…..….…......…..................….…....…........…...... 18 Orchestra Program ........................................................................... 31
Sizing, Maintenance, and Repair ….…..….…..…...........…...... 19 Safety Patrols ....................................................................................... 31
Wearing the Uniform ….…..….…..…......................................…...... 19
P.E. Uniform ….…..….…..….....................…............................................. 19
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 2
GENERAL INFORMATION ….…….….……..….……..….…….….……... 32 THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND
Absences ……………………………………..………………..……….…….................. 32 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS ........................... 46
Academic Year/School Calendar ………………..……................. 33 Being involved in school life ……………….…………......................... 46
Closure Make-Up Days ……………………...................................... 33
After-School Activities ………………………........................................ 34 Westminster Parents Club ………..…..…….…................................ 46
Arrival and Dismissal (School Hours) …….......................... 34 Volunteer opportunities (Library, Room Parent,
Weather-Related Delays, Cancellations, and Early
Closures ……...................................................................................... 34 Club Assistance) ………………..…………..……….................................. 46
Birthday Treats …….............................................................................. 35 Coffees and other social events ……….…............................... 46
Books …….................................................................................................... 36
Bus Service ……....................................................................................... 37 How to support your child ………………..………….............................. 47
Carpool .........……....................................................................................... 37 Communication with teachers …………..…............................... 47
Causes/Soliciting .........……............................................................... 39 Parent/Teacher Handbook …………..…........................................ 47
Communications .........……................................................................. 39 Respecting your child’s responsibilities ………................. 47
Conferences (Parent/Teacher Conferences; Parent/ Supporting the class plays …………..…....................................... 49
Administrative Conferences) .........…….............................. 39
Email .........……........................................................................................ 39 How to support Westminster School ………........................... 50
Names/Surnames .........……......................................................... 40 Positive attitude, appropriate expressions
Online Parent/Teacher Communication .................... 40 of concern ……….................................................................................. 50
Parent Coffees ................................................................................ 40 Enrollment outreach ………............................................................. 50
Westminster School Social Media Sites ...................... 41 Social media support ………............................................................ 51
Westminster School Web Site ............................................. 41 Financial support ………...................................................................... 51
Development/Fundraising .............................................................. 41 IN LOCO PARENTIS
Emergency Preparedness ................................................................ 41
Homeroom Assignments .................................................................. 41 In all matters relating to the safety, management,
Illness .............................................................................................................. 42 and discipline of students, Westminster School
Late Pick-up Policy ............................................................................... 42 administrators, teachers and other school employees
Lost and Found ........................................................................................ 42 shall stand in the relation of parents and guardians
Lunch ............................................................................................................... 42 of the pupils. Westminster School administrators,
Medications ................................................................................................ 43 teachers and other school employees shall exercise
Parental Concerns ................................................................................. 43 such oversight in the school, on school grounds owned
Parking ........................................................................................................... 44 or leased by Westminster School, on school buses,
Parties (hosted by students)/Invitations ............................ 44 and during excursions organized by the school. This
School Supplies ....................................................................................... 45 relationship shall extend to all activities connected
Technology .................................................................................................. 45 to the school program, including all athletic and
Toys, Games, Electronics, Etc. ....................................................... 45 extracurricular programs, and may be exercised at any
Use of Office Telephone by Students ..................................... 45 time for the safety and supervision of the pupils in the
Walkers ........................................................................................................... 45 absence of their parents and/or guardians.
Bicycle Riders ............................................................................................ 45
*For the most up-to-date version of the Parent/
Student Handbook, please refer to the on-line
version (school web site). Updates are added to the
online version as they occur.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 3
WELCOME TO WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY upon essential, human values that they wish to pass on
to their children. Among these are respect, tolerance,
Westminster School is dedicated to providing a superior kindness, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, integrity,
elementary and middle-school education whose fundamen- and the love of learning.
tal goals for each child are a disciplined and well-informed
mind, strength of character, dedication to learning, generos- • We believe in the essential goodness and forward
ity of spirit, and joy in the possibilities of life. The West- striving nature of children who, if properly motivated
minster program is founded on a traditional curriculum, and imaginatively taught, are capable of the highest
rigorous academic standards, and an atmosphere that pro- levels of achievement in all areas of endeavor.
motes respect, integrity, kindness, and a sense of excellence.
Westminster’s academic program provides thorough train- • We believe that civility, courtesy, and good manners are
ing in basic subjects within a broad humanities curriculum. the essential foundation for all human interaction and
The classical tradition, great books, and exposure to the arts participation in society.
are emphasized and integrated throughout an accelerated,
thoroughly rounded program. • We believe that genuine freedom can only be achieved
through self-discipline, and that discipline is acquired
The school’s philosophy springs from deeply held beliefs through guidance and practice.
about human potential and responsibility, which are drawn
from the classical tradition of Western civilization and • We believe that enthusiasm, industry, and perseverance
humanist philosophy. These ideals form a standard against are the keys to success.
which all aspects of Westminster’s curriculum and policies
are measured, and underlie the core beliefs of Westminster • We believe that challenge is necessary for growth and
School: that high expectations, lovingly and firmly held, result
in achievement and genuine self-esteem.
• We believe that all people, regardless of gender, race,
religion, nationality, or other differences, can agree • We believe in the importance of developing mind, body,
and spirit, and of striving for balance among these
energies.
• We believe in the power of great works of art to
All Illustrations
by Rachel Scheer
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 4
Q: What does Westminster mean by a “humanist” philosophy?
Humanism is a term that has been interpreted in a variety of ways and, for some, may be associated
with secularism. However, this is not our focus at Westminster. We use the term partly in its
original meaning as a teacher or scholar who valued the ancient Greeks and Romans and
emphasized study of the humanities. We also think of humanism as confirming the importance
of each individual life, and the obligation to develop oneself to the best of one’s ability. The
entire Westminster program is designed to nurture in each child the best possible version of
him/herself. That’s our humanist philosophy.
transform the individual. diverse community of students, staff, and their families, and
strives to create an environment where all members of the
• We believe that creativity is the essential act of the community find warmth, respect, courtesy, and kindness,
human spirit, and that engagement in the arts is and where each individual is encouraged toward personal
a lifeline for self-discovery, self-expression, and growth and fulfillment.
connectedness with the world.
CLASSICAL EDUCATION Beginning in Kindergarten, students are taught how to
properly conduct themselves in academic and social set-
Westminster School provides a classical education for the tings, and this is reinforced throughout their years at West-
21st century. The fundamental goal of a classical education minster. They wear school uniforms and are taught to take
is to teach students not what to think, but how to think: how care in their personal presentation. It is the responsibility
to approach learning something new, how to analyze and of every staff member to encourage students to exhibit good
solve a problem, how to recognize a well-reasoned argu- posture, speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and practice
ment and a poor one, how to reach an intelligent, informed good manners. Whether the child is visiting the office to
opinion, and how to articulate that opinion clearly, concise- deliver a message, passing an administrator in the hall, or
ly, persuasively, and elegantly. These are the thinking skills picking up the class milk order from a maintenance helper,
demanded by almost any field of human endeavor and they he encounters adults who reinforce these social graces.
are particularly valuable in a rapidly-changing technological These practices not only prepare the child for life outside
and economic environment such as ours. Those who have of school, but also contribute to the pleasant civility that
been classically educated will be in the optimal position for characterizes daily school life.
adapting to future challenges and opportunities. The West-
minster academic program is carefully designed to instill in There is a similarly unified approach to guiding students’
students these skills, acquired and practiced through study character development. Expectations are clear regarding
of a well-rounded, exceptionally rich curriculum. self-control, consideration for others, honesty and integri-
ty, and consequences for misbehavior are well established
SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT and applied evenhandedly. Instances of undesirable social
behavior, such as unkindness or disrespect for someone
At Westminster, we believe that the physical environment else’s property, are considered important and are addressed
teaches. To be surrounded on a daily basis by order, cleanli- immediately. The students themselves grow to appreciate
ness, attention to detail, engaging displays, and works of art and take pride in Westminster’s emphasis on good charac-
encourages calmness, a sense of well-being, engagement, ter and good manners.
imagination, appreciation, and responsibility—all states
of mind helpful for learning and personal growth. High SCHOOL/PARENT PARTNERSHIP: THE
standards for the maintenance and presentation of the GOLDEN TRIANGLE
buildings, interiors, and grounds are deeply embedded in
school tradition, and both staff and students take pride in By enrolling their children in Westminster School, parents
the appearance and “feeling” of Westminster School. also enroll themselves as participants in delivering the edu-
The human environment, of course, is of ultimate impor- cational and cultural mission of the school to their children.
tance at Westminster School. Westminster embraces a
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 5
The parents help protect the integrity of the overall program
by respecting the school’s philosophy, established curricu-
lum, policies, and procedures. Parents contribute individ-
ually, in cooperation with the teachers and administrators,
in educating their children, and as a group in supporting
a community that fosters civility, integrity, and individual
responsibility.
“The golden triangle” is a metaphor for the mutually undergoing comprehensive accreditation reviews every five
respectful and supportive relationship among the parents, years. It is also a member of the Association of Independent
teachers, and administrators who guide and safeguard the Schools of the Greater Washington Area (AISGW).
child’s development as a person and as a student. The child,
at the center of this triangle, has the opportunity to learn, Affiliations
mature, assimilate new ideas and concepts, and strengthen Westminster is independent of affiliation with any other
in character and sense of self. As the student matures in organized group for religious, social, racial, or civic/political
understanding and independence through the years, the purpose.
“triangle” expands until, upon graduation, it opens, and a
knowledgeable, kind, capable, and confident young person SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
emerges prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities
of an expanded horizon. Introduction
The policies and procedures of Westminster School have
HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL been developed as practical manifestations of the school
philosophy and program and in response to specific issues
Origin which have arisen through the years. Each policy and pro-
Westminster School was founded in 1962 by Jane L. Goll as cedure is carefully considered in light of the school’s values
a personal undertaking. The school opened in rented facil- and goals and with respect for all members of the school
ities at St. Albans Episcopal Church, Annandale, Virginia, community, including fair and equitable application. All
as an independent, coeducational school with an initial staff members are charged with the consistent implemen-
enrollment of 100 students in grades K-2. A grade was added tation of school policies. Parents and students are urged to
each year, culminating with the 8th grade in 1968. Enroll- review this handbook carefully, and refer to it whenever a
ment reached the capacity of the rented facility in 1965-66, question or concern arises.
necessitating acquisition of a larger facility.
Non-discrimination/Non-harassment Policy
Facility Development Westminster School admits students without regard to
A permanent site was acquired at 3819 Gallows Road, gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual
Annandale,Virginia, in 1969. The school has been built in a orientation, or sexual identity. It does not discriminate on
series of construction phases, completed in 1971, 1975, 1978, the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic
1981, 1985, and 2003. Westminster opened a preschool, origin, sexual orientation, or sexual identity in the admin-
designated The Griffin Academy, in rented facilities in 2010. istration of its personnel policies, educational policies,
The preschool moved to the main building in August 2018. athletic programs, financial aid and loan programs, or other
school programs.
Legal Status
Westminster School was incorporated by the Common- Harassment of any kind is against Westminster School
wealth of Virginia in January, 1966, as a not-for-profit cor- policy. A school community member who has questions or
poration; it was granted federal tax exemption status by the concerns regarding the implementation of school non-dis-
Internal Revenue Service in letter ruling on January 9, 1967. crimination or non-harassment policies, or would like to
It is governed by a Board of Trustees, who serve without share a concern or complaint in these areas, should address
compensation. Management of the school is vested in the those concerns to the Head of School.
Head of School, 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),
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 6
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Westminster School’s academic program is developed from Goals
the school’s mission to provide a superior elementary and The immediate academic goals are development of keen-
middle-school education based on a classical curriculum ness and depth of reasoning, proficiency in the content and
and high academic standards, as well as the ongoing per- skills of each subject area, expansion of general knowledge
sonal development of each student. and appreciation of learning and the achievements of civili-
zation, and stimulation of imagination and creativity.
The academic curriculum is fully articulated, and policies
that govern the classroom are well established. However, ASSESSMENT
within these guidelines, teachers are encouraged to use a
variety of teaching strategies in order to engage different GRADING SYSTEM/PROGRESS REPORTS
learning styles and to awaken interest and reinforce learn-
ing for all students. Overview
Evaluations of progress are issued four times a year for
We believe children’s cognitive development increases in all students. The academic year is divided into grading/
sophistication with age and that academics should reflect reporting periods of approximately 8 weeks each (desig-
these developmentally appropriate expectations and nated quarters), and reports of student progress are posted
challenges. Our program is carefully designed to enhance on Blackbaud (online) soon after the end of each quarter.
our students’ logical and conceptual growth to the greatest (Individual teachers regularly update grade reports online
degree possible. throughout the quarter, and this information is immedi-
ately accessible to the student and his/her parents only.) In
Course of Study addition, overviews of grade-level progress are issued twice
The course of study for all grades includes the following yearly for art, music, and physical education classes. A copy
subjects: English language arts, literature, mathematics, of the final progress report (report card) for the year, which
history, science, geography, fine and performing arts, phys- includes all quarterly reports, is mailed home.
ical education, and French. Latin is taught in grades 7-8.
Technology instruction is included in grades 3 – 8. In the event of outstanding issues regarding policy ful-
fillment, final (4th quarter) progress reports may not be
Instruction posted or mailed until the issue(s) has been resolved. Such
Instruction is presented in an orderly, teacher-directed issues may include, but are not limited to, the following:
classroom environment. A fully articulated curriculum
guide is in place for all subjects. Teachers are specialists in -The student has not completed required Redirection or
their subject(s), and each classroom provides an “immer- Demerit Hall service;
sion” environment in the subject. The traditional approach -The student has not returned all school property, such as
of a classical program utilizes a Socratic approach and textbooks, library books, etc.;
emphasizes logical, sequential learning which also stresses -Monies are owed to the school.
the interconnections and interdependence of all subjects.
Note to Students in 8th Grade: Final grades for Algebra,
Geometry, French, and Latin may become a part of the stu-
dent’s high-school grade point average; this determination
The far-reaching goals are to prepare 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.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 7
is made by the high school. One point each (no maximum) will be deducted for errors
in:
K – 2nd Grade
Letter grades are not issued to students in K – 2nd grades. • Spelling of words that are included in the text of the
Progress Reports are mailed to parents at the end of each quiz/test/assignment;
quarter, indicating student progress in various aspects of
development, academic achievement, and work habits. In • Spelling of subject-related vocabulary or other
Kindergarten, marks of “Satisfactory,” “Improving,” “Needs vocabulary that has been clearly and specifically
Improvement,” or “To be evaluated at a later time” are required by the teacher; and
given. In grades 1 and 2, Progress Reports include marks of
“Excellent,” “Good,” “Fair,” “Needs Improvement,” • Spelling, word usage, mechanics, and grammar on
and “Unsatisfactory” to indicate the student’s progress in long-term assignments (i.e., of two days or longer) done
academic achievement and work habits. at home (where reference guides are easily available).
3rd – 8th Grade *Note: There will be no limit to the number of points
In quarterly Progress Reports, students in grades 3 – 8 deducted in English class for the errors indicated, as well as
receive letter and percentage grades (e.g., B+/91), reflecting for other aspects of English usage and style that have been
achievement in academic areas, and a rating of “Excellent,” covered in the English curriculum to date.
“Good,” “Fair,” or “Poor” for various aspects of classroom
deportment and study/work habits. If make-up work in a Quarterly Grades
subject is outstanding at the close of the grading period,
either quarter or interim (see below), the student receives Quarterly grades are calculated using the following
an “Incomplete.” Once the work has been completed, a formula:
grade is issued.
Quizzes 30%
30%
Tests, Book Reports & Projects 20%
20%
Homework
Class participation
The letter grade for any academic subject is based on arith- Final Grades
metical scores (see grading scale below) earned on quizzes,
tests, reports, and projects, as well as homework comple- In grades 3 – 6, final grades in each academic subject
tion and participation in class discussions/activities. (Also, reflect the average of the four quarterly grades. In 7th and
see notes below regarding quiz/test completion standards 8th grades, in which semester exams (mid-term, final)
and writing standards, which may affect a student’s score are given, the final grade for each subject is calculated by
on graded work.) Grades are based on the student’s accom- averaging the four quarterly grades plus the average of the
plishment of what he/she has been asked to do, rather than two semester exam grades. (This means that each quarter is
his/her accomplishment in relation to that of others. In worth 20% of the final grade, and each exam is worth 10% of
other words, there is no grading “on the curve.” the final grade.)
Grading Standards for Writing Grading Scale
School policy has been established for the purpose of Letter grades correspond to the arithmetical averages
maintaining high and consistent standards for writing in shown below:
all disciplines, for students in grades 3 – 8:
A+ = 100* B+ = 91 - 92 C+ = 82 - 83 D = 70 - 74
One point each, up to a maximum of 5, will be deducted B = 86 - 90 C = 77 - 81 F = 69 or below
from graded quizzes, tests, and compositions written in A = 95 - 99 B- = 84 - 85 C- = 75 - 76
class* or assigned as homework to be completed in one A- = 93 - 94
night, for errors in:
* A+(100) is only awarded on completely objective assign-
• Basic punctuation, mechanics, and grammar; ments such as a math or Wordly Wise assessment.
• Spelling of simple, common words and vocabulary Interim
words that have been taught or are reasonable
expectations for the grade level; and Interim is the halfway point of the quarter. Each quarter at
interim time, the teachers ensure that the live gradebook
• Neatness and legibility. on Blackbaud is up-to-date, and parents are alerted via
email to check the current grades posted online. However,
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 8
Caught in a huge traffic jam on 495? We understand!
On those days when severe weather or huge traffic delays bring everything to a standstill, late
arrivals are forgiven. We call them “no strike days” because no one receives the customary strike
for arriving late. Keep in mind, however, that this leniency occurs only when the vast majority of
drivers are affected. If you slept late, had to return home for a forgotten item, or faced a neighborhood
traffic jam, we’re sorry, but lateness earns a strike. (Fortunately, you can get nine of them before facing
any real consequences—that should cover a few difficult mornings!)
each student’s grades are accessible to the parents online Two tests and one quiz, one test and two quizzes, or three
on a daily basis, and both parents and students are encour- quizzes may be given in a single day. In rare instances—for
aged to check those grades as they progress from week to example, in case of missed school days due to inclement
week, rather than waiting for the interim date to do so. weather or other unexpected events—it may be necessary
to intensify the quiz/test schedule in order to keep assess-
STANDARDIZED TESTS ments in sync with what is being studied at the time or to
ensure preparation for upcoming exams.
Students in all grades participate in standardized testing
once each year. Westminster School administers the ERB *Note: Students who talk, for whatever reason, during a
(Educational Records Bureau) tests, which are used by test or quiz period will incur a penalty, possibly includ-
many private schools and high-achieving public schools ing receiving a zero for the test/quiz grade, depending on
across the country. Test results for individual students are circumstances.
mailed to their parents, along with an explanation of the
various scores. ERB scores are also recorded in the stu- ACADEMIC PRACTICES AND STANDARDS
dent’s official school record.
Yearly standardized testing provides one means of assess- ACCOUNTABILITY/RESPONSIBILITY
ing a student’s abilities and acquired skills in language arts The school’s academic standards teach students that
and math. Overall results are also used to help the school achieving excellence requires genuine effort and persever-
assess the efficacy of its academic program. ance. They are taught organizational and time management
skills, and come to understand that these are fundamen-
TESTS AND QUIZZES tal tools for getting a job done. Westminster students are
A student’s knowledge of the material covered in any class expected to take responsibility for their actions, including
is measured, to a degree, by tests and quizzes. One of the academic obligations. They learn this partly as a result of
goals of the Westminster program is to develop in students clearly stated expectations and partly as a result of conse-
a sense of ownership and responsibility for their own quences incurred with lapses in responsibility (see Redirec-
education. Therefore, they are encouraged to review study tion). These firm policies regarding student accountability
materials for a short time every day to avoid the less effec- are grounded in the school’s philosophy: “. . . genuine
tive practice of “cramming” before a quiz or test. freedom can only be achieved through self-discipline, and .
. . discipline is acquired through guidance and practice.”
Teachers announce tests at least two to three days in ad-
vance and quizzes at least one day in advance. Occasionally, ATTENDANCE
pop quizzes, based on recent class notes or the previous In Westminster’s accelerated, rich program, daily atten-
night’s homework, may be given. dance at school and prompt arrival for each class are very
important. (See ABSENCES and ILLNESS for further
Grades 3-6 information.) Daily attendance is taken by the homeroom
Generally, only one test and one quiz (per grade) may be giv- teacher at 8:05 a.m. Teachers in each class also record class
en on any specified day. In some instances, however, when attendance.
scheduling presents no alternative, two tests and one quiz,
or one test and two quizzes may be given in a single day. Late Arrival
A student who arrives after 8:05 a.m. is counted as tardy
Grades 7-8 (see DISCIPLINE, Strikes). If a student arrives between
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 9
8:05 and 8:10 a.m., he or she is to report directly to home- great a concern among children and parents that an ab-
room class. The teacher will mark the student tardy in sence due to sickness will result in the child’s not receiving
Blackbaud. If a student arrives after 8:10 a.m., the parent a perfect attendance award at the end of the year. However,
must accompany the student to the school office and sign it is inevitable that children will fall ill occasionally and,
him/her in. The office attendant will complete a tardy slip, therefore, must absent themselves from school. Although
which the student must turn in to the teacher upon enter- a child may initially be disappointed about missing out on
ing the classroom. a perfect attendance award, if the adults take a sensible
approach, so will the child. Children need to learn that life
*Note: In order to be eligible to participate in an af- comes with a variety of challenges and opportunities, but
ter-school activity, e.g., athletics or drama, a student must that he/she won’t always be the winner or top achiever.
arrive at school no later than 11:10 a.m. on the day of the Sometimes, that’s due to lack of necessary effort, which
activity. Exceptions to this rule include 8th-grade students may be corrected, but sometimes it’s just a matter of luck.
who are late due to visiting a high-school and students Being able to put such disappointments in perspective is an
arriving late due to attendance at a funeral service. important part of growing up. Parental understanding and
support of this common-sense approach is greatly appreci-
Early Departure ated.
When there are plans for a student to leave before the end
of the school day (see note below), he/she should bring a CLASS PARTICIPATION
note from the parent and turn it in to the homeroom teach-
er. At the appropriate time, the student will be dismissed Westminster teachers expect students to be confident
to pack up and report to the school office. The parent must expressing complex ideas aloud, asking thought-
come to the office to sign the student out of school. Parents provoking questions, taking detailed notes during teacher
who are picking up a student early are requested to do so no presentations, actively contributing to collaborative work,
later than 2:40 p.m. (see CARPOOL). and demonstrating thorough preparation for class - in
other words, fully engaging in the lesson. Therefore, those
Perfect Attendance behaviors are promoted by valuing class participation
Perfect attendance is achieved by attending every day that (CP) as 20% of the quarterly grade for third through eighth
school is in session. Those students who have achieved graders. Two CP points are awarded for each day of class,
perfect attendance are recognized at an awards assembly one for preparation for class and one for engagement in the
at the end of the school year. A student who is at school for lesson. The grade level teachers provide the students with a
at least half a day (i.e., three hours or more) is counted as list of the types of engaged behaviors they will be expecting
in attendance. However, a student who accumulates more the students to exhibit each day. At the end of the week, the
than three “half days” will be disqualified for the perfect at- teacher will enter a CP grade for the week in Blackbaud. For
tendance award. Likewise, a student who has nine or more example, if a class meets five days per week, then the student
late arrivals to school will be disqualified. will receive a CP score out of 10 at the end of the week. [Also
see HOMEWORK]
*Note: The perfect attendance award was established to
emphasize the importance of dependability and to encour- EXTRA HELP (See Student Resource Program)
age children to rise above minor discomforts. It was never
intended to encourage children to attend school when they Occasionally, a student needs extra help in order to under-
are truly ill and/or infectious. In some cases, there is too stand a particular concept or skill, or could benefit from an
additional review before an upcoming test. Westminster
provides extra academic help at no extra charge, Mon-
day-Friday during Flex period. A schedule by subject is pro-
Q: What is Extra Help and how does it work?
The teachers are available to give students extra academic help during Flex Period (2:30-3:10), Monday through
Friday. Any student who could use extra help understanding a concept, mastering a skill, or could benefit from an
additional review before a test is welcome to attend Help. Sometimes, a student may need one-on-one assistance with
organizational or 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.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 10
“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps.
The sleeper must awaken.” — Frank Herbert
Westminster’s generous field trip program is one of the most important aspects of its curriculum. A student who
attends Westminster from Kindergarten through 8th grade ventures on more than 70 field trips ranging from apple
farms to opera halls. These are directly related to topics studied at school, and give the student a hands-on experience
of what he is learning about in the classroom. Often interactive, many field trip venues allow the student to learn and
apply specific skills in a real-world setting. Westminster field trips also teach students the proper way to behave in
a wide variety of public venues. At the very least, this extraordinary level of travel broadens the children’s cultural
horizons enormously, 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.
vided by the team leader at the beginning of the school year. Unless otherwise specified, the dress uniform (blazer, tie,
In coordination, parents and teachers determine a younger white shirt) is required for all field trips. See UNIFORMS,
child’s attendance at Extra Help; upper-school students including Dress-Up Dress Code.
typically arrange their own attendance.
HOMEWORK
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an important aspect of the learning program Homework is an important component of learning. It is
at Westminster. Typically, at least one field trip related to intended to reinforce material presented in the classroom
each academic subject will be scheduled each year, includ- and give students the opportunity to practice skills import-
ing excursions related to music and art. ant to the subject under study as well as general scholar-
ship. Additional goals are to encourage resourcefulness in
Field trips are not optional. However, if there is a valid the student, as well as confidence in his/her own thinking
reason for a student not to participate in a field trip, the process. Homework is never assigned as a punishment.
student is nonetheless expected to report to school for Students in all grades are assigned homework on a daily
the school day. Suitable arrangements for an academically basis (see exceptions below), in an amount and degree of
productive day will be made for the student, and an assign- difficulty appropriate to their age and academic level. Some
ment will be given in the subject to which the field trip was homework is given in the form of long-term assignments,
related. such as book reports, research reports, creative writing
assignments, science experiments, projects, etc.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 11
Those who have not made the Honor Roll in a given quarter are never
made to feel ashamed, but are encouraged to keep trying. Many students
achieve this honor only after sustained effort, and they can take special
pride in their perseverance and success in the face of obstacles.
Kindergarten through 5th grade homework time. Enough time is allotted for a book report
Students in grades K - 5 are not assigned written homework or reading assignment to allow students to complete the
over weekends. The exception to this may be French and assignment by reading approximately 20 minutes per day
Wordly Wise as this class or type of lesson does not take (30 minutes in grades 7-8). Study time for tests is accom-
place five days per week. modated in the schedule, as there is typically no written
homework the night before a test.
6th grade
Parents who believe that their child’s homework is taking
During first semester of 6th grade, students are not as- significantly longer than the times indicated above are
signed written homework over weekends. The exception to urged to observe the student closely during homework
this may be French and Wordly Wise as this class or type of time. Often, students extend their work time by including
lesson does not take place five days per week. However, for texting, on-line chats, online games, telephone calls, watch-
6th grade, weekend homework assignments (one day only) ing television, playing with siblings or pets, getting snacks,
and Monday assessments begin in second semester. sharpening pencils, or indulging in a wide and imaginative
variety of activities other than remaining on task until the
7th and 8th grades work has been completed. After eliminating such distrac-
tions, parents who find that their child’s homework time
For students in grades 7 and 8, one day of homework may be exceeds the guidelines above by more than 30 minutes
given over the weekend. should confer with the teacher or, if this does not amelio-
rate the situation, the team leader.
Students in all grades are not assigned homework over a
holiday period, including Columbus Day, Fall Break, Winter All homework assignments are expected to be turned in on
Break, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, time, to be complete, neatly and clearly presented, and in
Spring Break, and Memorial Day. Exceptions to this include the format designated by the teacher. Students may not use
drama memorization and exam preparation for 7th and 8th word processors or computers to complete assignments
graders.
unless specifically permitted or assigned to do so. Tech-
Homework assignments for each class are carefully
designed by teachers to require a certain amount of time nology skills may be integrated in academic classes and
for completion. In grades where team teaching takes assignments in grades 3-8.
place, teachers coordinate with one another regarding the
amount of work in each subject. Excluding reading assign- Teachers review the homework daily, noting in the grade
ments and study time, the typical amount of time expected book the overall achievement, that is, timeliness, complete-
for completion of all written homework is given below: ness, and level of effort, awarding the student a grade from
zero to four points. This daily grade out of four is the basis
Kindergarten – 20 minutes per day for the student’s homework grade, which accounts for 20%
1st Grade – 30 to 45 minutes per day of the student’s quarterly grade in that subject.
2nd Grade – 45 minutes to 1 hour per day
3rd Grade – 1 to 1 1/4 hours per day All student work is expected to be done neatly, complete-
4th Grade - 1 to 1 1/2 hours per day ly, and with pride. Failure to turn in daily homework in
5th Grade – 1 ½ to 1 3/4 hours per day complete form and on time will result in a homework grade
6th Grade - 1 1/2 to 2 hours per day deduction. A student who turns in careless, messy home-
7th and 8th Grades – 2 to 2 ½ hours per day or weekend work will be required to re-do it. Failure to turn in a long-
term assignment (project, research paper, book report, etc.)
As noted, reading time for book reports is in addition to on time will result in the loss of 10 points for each day the
assignment is late.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 12
Note: Homework missed due to observance of religious
holidays (parental note required) may be made up on the
standard make-up schedule. (See ABSENCES.)
HONOR ROLL
It is part of the Westminster program to encourage a strong
work ethic, perseverance, and striving for excellence. As an
incentive to all students, and in recognition of outstanding
achievers, an assembly is held following the end of each
quarter to honor those students in grades 3-8 who have
earned a grade of 86 or better in every subject. Certificates
are issued to those students who have qualified for the Hon-
or Roll. Parents are cordially invited to attend the Honor
Roll assemblies, the dates 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 Subsequent offenses may result in dismissal from West-
minster School.
Westminster School encourages good character in its stu-
dents by expecting honesty and accountability for actions. MAKEUP WORK
Especially when being called to account for a misdeed, a Students who are absent from school must make up any
child may be tempted to lie about or deny responsibility missed work within the time specified under ABSENCES.
for his/her actions. In such circumstances, the student
will certainly be counseled against lying and may incur a Failure to make up the work (including tests, quizzes, proj-
punishment for lying. ects and homework) in the time required results in the loss
of ten points for each day that the work is late.
Cheating is considered a serious offense. Considerable time
is devoted to preventive education regarding cheating in When a student has an excused absence, he/she may earn
any form, including plagiarizing reports or term papers, back some or all of the class participation points for the
copying another student’s homework, bringing notes to days missed by copying the class notes for those days into
copy when taking tests, quizzes, or exams, or passing infor- his/her spiral or completing any classwork assignments
mation in any manner during such times. The school policy and then presenting that work to the teacher. Please
regarding cheating is as follows: note that whether excused or unexcused, it is the absent
student’s responsibility (perhaps with parental assistance
First offense of cheating or plagiarism: for younger students) to obtain missed class notes and/or
• The student receives a zero for the test, quiz, exam or classwork. If he/she is finding it difficult to get these from
a classmate’s spiral notebook, then he/she should approach
assignment; the teacher as soon as possible to request support in this
process.
• The student receives counseling from the
administration; Students who leave school early for medical or other rea-
sons and, in so doing, miss a quiz or a test, are required to
• The student receives a demerit; and make up the quiz / test during Flex Period on the day they
return to school. Any exception to this must be approved by
• The parents are notified. the faculty team leader.
Second offense of cheating or plagiarism: PROJECTS
• The student receives a zero for the test, quiz, exam or Student projects are intended to be a challenging and
relevant adjunct to the learning process that takes place in
assignment;
• A conference is held with the student, his/her parents,
and the administration; and
• The student is suspended from school for 1 to 3 days, at
the discretion of the Head of School (see DISCIPLINE,
Suspension).
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 13
the classroom. They provide important opportunities for However, if a student regularly earns redirections or
creativity, independent thinking, application of acquired amasses an unacceptable number of redirections, it is
knowledge, and time management—all important skills essential that parents work closely with teachers and the
for future learning and achievement. Students should be administration to correct the situation and help the child
encouraged to work independently on projects, with paren- get back on track.
tal involvement limited to assisting the child in organizing
the concept and procuring materials for the assignment. Policy
The learning that results from a less-than-perfect product Students in grades 2 (beginning in the 4th quarter) – 8
created by the student is far greater than that derived from receive redirections for the following reasons:
a near-perfect project executed by the parent. • reporting to class without the proper supplies,
REDIRECTION including binder, pencil, textbook, paper, or other
designated supplies; or
Every effort is made by the teachers to encourage students • not bringing all parts of the gym uniform to P.E. class.
to organize their assignment notebooks, binders, desks,
and lockers so that they can arrive in class prepared for Receiving a redirection requires the student to attend Flex
the day’s lesson. In an effort to emphasize the importance Period to devote 40 minutes to the subject or class in which
of being prepared for class and avoiding carelessness, he/she earned the redirections.
Redirections are issued to students who fail to bring proper Forgotten Book Bag/Binder: When a student fails to bring
supplies to class. (See STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPEC- his/her backpack and/or binder to school (presumably,
TATIONS, Forgotten Items, Forgotten Book Bag or Binder). therefore, missing books and supplies for all subjects), he/
This practice reinforces student responsibility and ac- she will receive a maximum of three (3) redirections for the
countability. Redirections are never given for disciplinary day.
reasons.
Procedure
Some students never receive a redirection; many rarely The redirection slip is made out in duplicate by the teacher.
receive them. By the time they enter the upper school, most The yellow copy is retained for record; the white copy is is-
students have mastered the organizational skills required sued by the teacher to the student to give to his/her parents
to fulfill their academic obligations and avoid redirections; so that they may be aware of the redirection and require-
rarely do they get more than a few all year long. If a child ment of its service.
receives an occasional redirection, a calm attitude is the
parent’s best response.
“My child and the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad RD!” or “Why can’t they
just borrow a pencil!?”
Redirections are given to a student for failure to have succeed than those whose approach is hazy and reliant
supplies and materials at the ready, and an RD requires on others. Additionally, an individual who arrives at class,
the student to complete an extra 40-minute assignment in or at a work meeting, without the required materials will
the subject area in which the RD was given. “Mom, I got an delay and inhibit his/her classmates and colleagues as
RD” is never welcome news, yet it is important for parents they attempt to engage and progress in a cooperative
to reflect upon the crucial role that redirections play in endeavor. Habits grow from repeated practice, and RDs are
student growth. firm reminders to our students to practice those actions
that will strengthen them for all coming challenges and
Westminster is preparing your child for life. The habits opportunities and will allow them to properly contribute to
of preparedness, responsibility, and accountability will the community of which they are a functioning part.
play an enormous part in your child’s success in “the real
world” of high school, college, and career. An independent, Will your child be as ready as possible to meet the
conscientious individual who thinks through a situation challenges of the real world? If so, you can thank (at least
ahead of time and arrives prepared for all contingencies partly) the RD program.
will stand out from the crowd and be much more likely to
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 14
Students must serve a redirection within two weeks from a lunch from home.
the date of issue (see note below). Parents are to indicate
on the white copy the date on which the redirection will be Failure to Attend Required Saturday Redirection Hall
served. The white copy is to be returned the following day In the event that a student does not attend a required
to the teacher who issued the redirection. If, within two Saturday Redirection Hall, he/she will incur several
days, the student does not return the signed white copy consequences:
indicating the date when the redirection is to be served, it • On the next school day on which the subject is being
will be necessary for the teacher to call the parents.
taught in which the student earned the (outstanding)
Redirection Hall is held Monday through Friday during Flex redirection, he/she will be sent to the office to serve the
Period (the last period of the day). All students serving a redirection;
redirection on a given day report to the room designated as • The student will be required to make up any class work
Redirection (RD) Hall for their grade. missed while serving the redirection; and
• One (1) point will be deducted from the student’s
*Note: The two-week time limit provides 10 opportunities quarterly grade point average in that subject.
to serve a redirection, i.e., two weeks, Monday through
Friday. Illness or family emergencies are the only excuses Additional outstanding redirections will be served in the
for not serving a redirection within this time period. An same manner on subsequent school days.
extension of the time to serve a redirection may be grant-
ed under extenuating circumstances. In such a case, the REQUIREMENTS
parent should send an explanatory request to the teacher
concerned, and a decision will be made in conference with In order to uphold the integrity of Westminster School and
the team leader. to provide assurance of the consistent scope and worth of
its program, the school has established certain academic
requirements for all students.
Expired Redirections Academic Probation (Grades 3 – 8)
An expired redirection is one that has not been served A student will be placed on Academic Probation if he/she
within the two-week time limit. Students who have any out- ends a quarter under either of the following conditions:
standing, “expired” redirections at the end of the academic
quarter are required to attend Saturday Redirection Hall • Overall academic average for the quarter of 74 or below;
(see below).
• A grade for the quarter of D or F in three or more
REDIRECTION HALL (SATURDAY) subjects.
At the end of each quarter, a Saturday Redirection Hall
(RD Hall) is scheduled (published in the School Calendar), The student will remain on Academic Probation for the
requiring the attendance of students who have outstanding, next quarter, when his/her status will be reassessed ac-
expired redirections (see REDIRECTION, Expired Redirec- cording to the criteria given above.
tions).
While on Academic Probation, a student will be prohibited
Saturday Redirection Hall is not an alternative to serving from participating in the following after-school activities:
redirections at the regularly scheduled Redirection Halls
held Monday-Friday during Flex Period. It is held only for • Athletic practices and competitions (including both
those students who have accumulated redirections too nu- conference and intramural athletics);
merous to be served during the regular Redirection Halls.
• Builders Club service projects (on weekday afternoons
only). Participation in Builders Club activities that take
place during the weekend will be permitted;
• All other extracurricular club meetings.
The dress code for Saturday Redirection Hall is the dress Graduation
school uniform, including blazer and tie. In order to be graduated from Westminster School, a
student must meet the following criteria:
Saturday Redirection Hall begins at 8:30 a.m. and lasts until
all outstanding 40-minute redirections have been served, • Complete at least two years of the Westminster
or until 4:30 p.m., whichever comes first. One half-hour program;
(12:15 – 12:45 p.m.) is set aside for lunch. The student brings
• Complete the 8th grade in good standing regarding
conduct, citizenship, and attendance (missing no more
than 25 days during the school year);
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 15
• Earn a passing grade in 8th grade English, Math, Student Resource Program
History, and Science; and The Student Resource Program (SRP) is in place for stu-
dents identified as in need of remediation or enrichment in
• Complete 8th grade with an overall average of at least reading/English or math beyond what can be addressed in
74. the regular extra help program.
*Any exceptions to these requirements are at the discretion Summer School
of the Head of School. Remedial classes in reading, English, math, French, and
other subjects as needed are offered. Sessions of summer
Promotion to the Next Grade school may range in length depending on need and circum-
In Grades K – 2 stances.
The decision to promote to the next grade is based on the
student’s social/emotional maturity, developmental skills, Attendance at Summer School may be required or strongly
academic performance, and the likelihood of success in recommended in several situations:
the upcoming grade, as assessed by the teaching team and • Students transferring to Westminster from another
administration. Consideration of possible grade retention
is carefully discussed with parents well before the end of school.
the academic year. • Summer classes in French are required of students
In Grades 3 – 7 entering grades 4-7 who have not had prior training in
A student who fails three or more subjects (as determined French.
at the end of the 4th Quarter) may be dropped from further • Students who earn a final grade below 74.5 in any
enrollment in the school. course are required to attend summer school (see
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS for further details).
The following requirements must be met by the Opening
Day of School for the student to be promoted to the *Note: Because Summer School classes are concentrated,
next higher grade. Summer school remediation (see an absence may result in the student’s being required to
Remediation below) may help the student achieve these attend a make-up tutorial session. An additional fee is
requirements. charged for this service.
• The student must earn a final passing grade of 70 or SCHEDULES
above in all subjects other than English and Math (see
below); however, if that passing grade is between 70 and All grades have a fixed daily schedule. This ensures allotted
74, then that promotion is provisional, incumbent upon time for all aspects of the curriculum, as well as regular
completion of summer school (see “Summer School”); breaks. Students are provided with a copy of their sched-
ules to remind them of when their classes meet. Because
• The student must earn a final grade of 74.5 or better in some classes do not meet on a daily basis, assignments due
English and Math; for these classes should be carefully coordinated.
• The student must earn an overall average for the year of Altered Schedules for Weeks with Fewer than Five Days
at least 74. In order to ensure the equitable distribution of class time
and extra help, the weekly schedule may be altered for
Students Leaving Westminster those weeks shorter than five days. These occur when
In order to be promoted to the next grade, students who are there is a holiday or other scheduled school closure. The
leaving Westminster School before graduation must earn schedule for short weeks is posted online prior to the
a passing grade for the year in both English and Math, and school year as part of the “back-to-school” packet. This is
must complete the year with an overall average of at least an important reference, especially with regard to home-
70. work due dates and extra academic help sessions. Parents
and students are advised to refer to this schedule through-
Remediation, Grades 3 – 8 out the school year. n
(See Student Resource Program, Summer School.)
Students who earn a final grade lower than 74.5 in any
academic subject are required to receive remediation either
through a Westminster summer school class or from an
approved Westminster tutor. Work in the remedial class or
tutorial must raise the student’s final grade to 74.5 or above.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 16
UNIFORMS
The school uniform is an important component in the
education and training of a Westminster student. Aside
from the obvious benefits of handsome appearance and
the avoidance of inappropriate dress as well as competi-
tiveness among students, the uniform carries a symbolic
connotation, which enhances the student’s school experi-
ence and personal development.
• The school uniform encourages dignified behavior. It
is human nature to carry ourselves with greater pride
and behave with greater care when we are dressed
nicely; children are no exception.
• Putting on the school uniform helps students adjust
to the mental attitude suitable to the school day, just
as donning professional dress helps adults prepare for
their daily duties.
• The uniform is a symbolic representation of
Westminster School, and wearing it identifies each
student with its ideals and policies, and connects him/
her with all other Westminster students.
Students and parents are encouraged to take pride in the
school uniform, taking care that all uniform parts fit prop-
erly and are kept clean, neat, and in good repair.
UNIFORM DESCRIPTION AND may not wear the green polo shirt when they opt to
REGULATIONS wear the jumper rather than the trousers. The jumper
may only be worn with the white blouse or white
There are a variety of uniform parts, specified for the turtleneck.)
different grades, which may be mixed according to the • Girls in grades K-4 may wear uniform green ankle
guidelines below. Certain uniform parts are restricted as socks until November 1 and after April 1. On and after
to event, e.g. field trip or assembly, as well as season, i.e., November 1 and continuing until April 1, the uniform
fall (prior to November 1) and spring (April 1 or later). All green knee socks or uniform green tights must be
Westminster School uniform parts must be purchased worn with the jumper, while the green ankle socks
from Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms. should continue to be worn if wearing uniform trou-
sers.
The required daily uniform is described below. Please also
carefully review Wearing the Uniform, below.
K-4 Girls: K-6 Boys:
• Uniform jumper with uniform white blouse (Peter Pan • Uniform gray trousers with uniform white shirt with
Griffin logo (long or short sleeves); or
collar, long or short sleeves) or turtleneck, all with
• Before November 1 and on or after April 1, uniform
Griffin logo; or
green polo shirts may be worn in lieu of the standard
• Uniform gray trousers worn with uniform white
uniform shirt.
blouse (Peter Pan collar, long or short sleeves) or
• The uniform white turtleneck shirt with the Griffin
turtleneck WITH the required uniform cardigan or
logo may be worn throughout the year, but only under
blazer and tie (on B/T days) over it; or
the V-neck sweater or vest.
• Before November 1 and after April 1, uniform gray
• When a sweater is worn, K-6 boys may wear the uni-
trousers worn with green polo shirt. (Note: K-4 girls
form green V-neck pullover, sleeveless sweater-vest
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 17
pullover, or cardigan. Shoes
Shoes acceptable in all grades include loafers, docksiders,
• Uniform green socks must be worn. saddle oxfords, traditional oxfords, and (for girls) flats and
low-heeled pumps (up to 1½ inches). The choice of colors
5-6 Girls: includes black, brown, grey, and white.
• Uniform plaid skirt or uniform gray trousers with
*Note: Suitable school shoes and P.E. shoes are available
uniform white blouse with Griffin logo (long or short at Flynn & O’Hara for students in all grades. However, it is
sleeves); or not required to purchase shoes from Flynn & O’Hara.
• Before November 1 and on and after April 1, uniform
green polo shirts may be worn in lieu of the standard • No athletic shoes (or shoes resembling athletic or
uniform shirt. tennis shoes), whether canvas or leather, are to be
• The uniform white turtleneck shirt with the Griffin worn except for P.E., after-school activites, casual
logo may be worn throughout the year, but only under dress days, or field trips where informal dress is
the V-neck sweater or vest. specified.
• When a sweater is worn, 5-6 girls may wear the uni-
form green V-neck pullover, sleeveless sweater-vest • No boots or shoes that cover the ankle bone are to be
pullover, or cardigan. worn.
• Girls in grades 5-6 may wear uniform green ankle
socks, knee socks, or tights year-round when wearing • No shoes with glitter, sparkly material, colored
the uniform skirt. patterns, or contrasting colored parts are permitted.
Furthermore, attention-grabbing shoe laces (e.g.,
7-8 Girls: bright contrasting colors, stripes, polka-dots, etc.) will
• Uniform plaid kilt, uniform gray kilt, or uniform gray not be permitted.
trousers with uniform white blouse with Griffin logo • “Party shoes,” or shoes with thin and/or slick soles
(long or short sleeves); or are inadvisable as students in most grades engage in
• Before November 1 and on or after April 1, uniform outdoor play on a daily basis.
green or purple polo shirts may be worn in lieu of the
standard uniform shirt. Dress Uniform for Assemblies, Field Trips, Special
• The uniform white turtleneck shirt with the Griffin Occasions
logo may be worn throughout the year, but only under On special occasions, such as school assemblies and field
the V-neck sweater or vest. trips, boys and girls in all grades wear the dress (white)
• When a sweater is worn, 7-8 girls may wear the uni- shirt, school blazer, and the applicable uniform tie (flip tie
form green V-neck pullover, sleeveless sweater-vest for girls, clip-on tie for boys in K-6, adult tie for boys in 7-8,
pullover, or cardigan. all with Griffin logo). Girls may opt to wear the gray trousers
• Uniform green or gray crew socks, knee socks, or or jumper/skirt with the dress uniform. If girls in grades 7-8
tights may be worn. Care should be taken to coordi- opt to wear a skirt with the blazer, then they must wear the
nate the polo shirt, kilt, and socks (purple, gray, and plaid kilt and green socks.
gray, OR green, plaid, and green).
7-8 Boys WEARING THE UNIFORM
• Uniform gray dress trousers (without reinforced
*All uniforms and clothes worn to school are to be labeled
knees) and uniform white shirt with Griffin logo (long with the owner’s name. Uniform items look alike, and
or short sleeves); or it is impossible to establish ownership if clothing is not
• Before November 1 and on and after April 1, uniform labeled. The “sew on” labels are recommended.
green or purple polo shirts may be worn in lieu of the
standard uniform shirt. • All Westminster students must wear the regulation
• The uniform white turtleneck shirt with the Griffin school uniform for all classes, assemblies, and field
logo may be worn throughout the year, but only under trips, unless otherwise specified.
the V-neck seater or vest.
• When a sweater is worn, 7-8 boys may wear the uni- • Failure to wear the blazer and tie dress uniform on
form green V-neck pullover, sleeveless sweater-vest an assembly or field-trip day, when formal dress is
pullover, or cardigan. indicated on the school’s monthly calendar, will result
• Uniform green or gray socks may be worn. Care should in a strike for each non-compliant uniform part. Such
be taken to coordinate the color of the polo shirt with students will be loaned a blazer and tie by the school,
the socks (green with green, OR purple with gray). as long as they are available.
Belt • The school uniform is to be worn by students until
When a student (boy or girl) wears the uniform trousers, they have left the campus or, in the case of bus riders,
the Flynn and O’Hara uniform belt must be worn. This belt until they have been delivered to their destination.
is reversible (black/brown), and it should be worn to match
the student’s shoe color.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 18
• Uniform shirts and blouses are to be kept tucked in the order form, showing that the item has been ordered,
waistband; sleeves are not to be rolled up; shoe laces should be sent in with the student.
are to be kept tied; and socks are to be kept pulled up
or folded once. P.E. UNIFORMS
• Girls’ hemlines must be no more than four inches from Grades K-2 – K, 1st and 2nd grade students do not have a
mid-knee. While it is recognized that children’s growth P.E. uniform, but change into tennis shoes for P.E. class
spurts may make it difficult to meet this requirement each day. Tennis shoes must be primarily white and
at all times, notice will be given regarding skirts that without lights or other decoration. Students may bring
are too short, and after reasonable delay, strikes will be sweatshirts from home to wear outside on chilly days.
issued for this uniform violation.
Grades 3-8
• Shoes are to be kept clean and polished (or brushed).
• All students in grades 3-8 must have the full P.E.
• Students may wear only school-issued medals on their uniform, consisting of t-shirt, shorts, tube socks,
uniforms. Medals may be worn on either lapel, but sweatshirt, and sweatpants. These items must be
should be arranged neatly. purchased through Flynn and O’Hara. Just like the
regular school uniform, the P.E. uniform parts must be
SIZING, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR in good condition, i.e., properly fitted, no rips, tears, or
stains, and not overly faded.
Uniform parts should be ordered to fit the child for the
time that the uniform part is to be worn. For example, • All students must wear the regulation gym uniform
purchasing an oversized blazer so that the student can for P.E. classes. (Teams for after-school sports have
“grow into it,” or continuing to wear a blazer that is too an additional uniform provided by the school.) The
small, creates a slovenly appearance which undermines uniform sweatshirt and sweatpants are required for
the pride and school spirit that are intended by-products cold weather (by October 15).
of the uniform code. Also, please note that logo patches
must be sewn completely onto the blazers, not just tacked • Replacement P.E. uniform parts must be purchased
in a few places. through Flynn and O’Hara.
Teachers are charged with keeping a keen eye out for torn • Students provide their own tennis shoes, which must
or shabby uniform parts, missing buttons, missing or torn be primarily white.
patches, and uniforms that are too small or large. When
such lapses are noticed, the teacher points it out to the stu- • Ditty bags for carrying the P.E. clothes are required
dent, explaining the need and time line for correction. The and sold by the P.E. department. n
teacher also gives the student a Uniform Disrepair Notice
to be taken home to the parent. The form provides a check- *Students (grades 3-8) are to take their uniform parts home
list of repair needs, along with the timeline for correction. on Friday for laundering. Parents may wish to check that
the student returns to school on Monday with a complete
uniform to help him/her avoid receiving a redirection.
Timeline for Uniform Repair/Replacement
• If a student has simply forgotten a uniform part, he or
she is expected to be in compliance by the next school
day.
• If a daily uniform part is torn, missing a button, or
otherwise in need of repair, the student is directed not
to wear it again until it has been mended.
• In the case of a lost or ruined uniform item, the
student has three (3) school days in which to replace it;
after that, he/she will be issued a strike each day the
item is missing from the 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
that Flynn & O’Hara is out of the item, a copy of the
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 19
STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS
It is an important part of the mission and program of nity. This includes basic guidelines, such as cleaning up
Westminster School to help instill and nurture in stu- after oneself, as well as opportunities to contribute to the
dents the values and character traits that will guide them greater benefit of class, school, and community. Specific
toward good citizenship, success, and fulfilling lives—in expectations and guidance toward community service
short, to help them become the best possible versions of
themselves. Among these are kindness, tolerance, good begin in the earliest grades and increase through the years.
manners, dignified comportment, honesty, integrity,
respect, responsibility, accountability, a strong work ethic, • In all grades, classroom chores are assigned to
and generosity of spirit. Many school policies are in place students on a rotating basis. These may include, but
to support these goals, and teachers and staff members are not limited to: cleaning desks after lunch, bagging
are expected to model these characteristics and provide the trash and/or taking it to the school trash bin,
guidance to the students in their development. sweeping the classroom and hall carpets, etc.
CLASSROOM RULES • All students are instructed in courteous restroom
etiquette, including using the appropriate amount of
Westminster strives to create a respectful, orderly class- paper towels, not leaving paper towels or other trash
room environment which supports learning and discour- on the floor, and wiping off the counter after washing
ages disruptive or distracting behavior. hands. The rule is to leave the restroom tidy for the
next person who uses it.
Expectations:
• Raise a hand and wait to be called on before asking a • In 6th grade, all students serve as Safety Patrols, with
rotating duties, including assisting during carpool
question or offering a comment. operations, assisting bus operations if called upon,
• Place all books and notebooks neatly in or under the escorting classes to assemblies, and other appropriate
tasks as needed.
desk, keeping on the desk only those items specified by
the teacher. • Third through fifth grade students are invited to join
• Remain in one’s seat unless given permission to leave it. K-Club, a volunteer service organization sponsored by
the Kiwanis Club. The students engage in projects such
Prohibited: as establishing a little free library and a micro-pantry,
• Arguing with the teacher or expressing disrespect for as well as participating in charity drives sponsored by
the upper-school Builders Club (see below).
the teacher in any way;
• Calling out to other students or to the teacher; • Sixth through eighth grade students are invited to join
• Talking when the teacher is talking or during class the Builders Club, a volunteer service organization
sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The Builders Club is
work, test or quiz times; involved in many community projects, such as tutoring
• Touching or hitting other students; underprivileged students, cleaning up neighborhood
• Stretching out feet or resting feet on someone else’s streets, making sandwiches for the homeless, and
participating in numerous drives and fundraising
chair;
• Playing with objects, such as rulers, pens, pencils, events to benefit those in need.
jewelry, etc.; COMPORTMENT AT SCHOOL-SPONSORED
• Foot or hand tapping noises, humming, whistling or EVENTS
singing during class; Westminster sponsors many events that take place away
• Pencil sharpening or going to the trash basket after from school or outside of regular school hours, such as
field trips, plays and other presentations, sports compe-
class begins. titions, family picnics and outdoor celebrations, etc. Stu-
dents are expected to comport themselves in a respectful
COMMUNITY SERVICE and decorous manner at all such events.
It is an important aspect of the Westminster program to Field Trips
teach children to be contributing members of the commu-
When on field trips, students are unavoidably represen-
tatives of Westminster School. As such, they are expected
to behave with the respect, courtesy, and comportment
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 20
suitable to such a role. As appropriate, all classroom rules *Special Notes:
are in effect during field trips. Misbehavior on a field trip
may result in exclusion from the next field trip, as well as With the wide variety of clothes and shoes available to
girls, care should be taken to select dress that is appro-
the receipt of demerits. priate for a given occasion. For example, clingy, revealing
The following guidelines are to be followed at Westminster dresses and very high-heeled shoes (i.e., higher than 2”)
events: are not appropriate for elementary / middle-school events,
including banquets, dances, or attendance at evening per-
• Children in grades K-6 must be accompanied by formances on or off campus.
an adult, who is responsible for ensuring that the
child(ren) comply with the guidelines below. Dress-up clothes should be tried on several days prior to
a scheduled event to ensure a proper fit and presentation.
• Students are expected to dress in a respectful and Problems have arisen when neither parent nor student has
appropriate manner for each event. Plays, music noticed that the student had outgrown a formerly suitable
programs, and formal presentations call for “dress- garment.
up” clothes (see DRESS CODES, Dress-Up). More
casual clothes are welcome at family fun events such Despite repeated attempts to persuade students to avoid
as picnics and bingo nights; however, care should be inappropriate attire, it has become necessary to codify
taken to appear clean, neat, and respectful (see DRESS such instances. Therefore, the fashions listed below are
CODES, Casual). considered inappropriate for Westminster School dress-up
events, including banquets, dances, evening field trips, and
• Students are expected to remain in the area specified other occasions which call for the dress-up dress code:
for the event, e.g., the theater, gym, etc. Do not stray
into hallways, classrooms, offices, behind the school, • Girls’ hemlines that are shorter than six inches above
parking lot, or playground (unless such activities have the middle of the knee (this provides greater latitude
been approved by the school). than the four-inch limit for the school uniform);
• During an indoor event, children are not to leave the • Clingy, tight dresses or skirts;
building unless accompanied by an adult. If outside,
children are not to leave the school grounds alone. • Low-cut dresses or blouses/tops;
• There is to be no running, rambunctious behavior, or • Cropped tops that reveal the belly;
inordinate amount of noise.
• See-through fashions;
• Students are expected to behave politely at all times,
remembering to wait patiently in line, if necessary, and • Leggings or yoga pants;
to say “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” etc.
• Boots of any type.
DRESS CODES If a student attends a school event in violation of the dress
code or ignores the prohibition against the inappropriate
In order to ensure appropriate dress for occasions which items listed above, the following consequences may take
do not require the school uniform, dress codes have been effect:
established. When a dress code is in effect for a particular
event, that code will be indicated, and students are expect- • He / she will receive 2 strikes; and
ed to meet it. These guidelines are also intended to teach
the students how to dress appropriately for the various • His / her parent will be called to bring alternative,
events they will encounter in life. Parents are requested to appropriate clothing; or
assist students in meeting the dress codes.
• He / she will be required to change into the school
Dress-Up Dress Code uniform (if available) or the school P.E. uniform; or
• Boys: Jacket and tie, shirt with collar, dress slacks, • He / she will not be allowed to attend the event.
belt, street shoes (no athletic shoes), and dress socks.
Casual Dress Code
• Girls: Dressy dress or skirt/blouse or dressy slacks/ Occasionally, a casual dress code may be indicated for
blouse and dress shoes. “Skorts” are not considered particular school events or field trips. While this designa-
skirts, and are not allowed in the dress-up dress code. tion allows a wide interpretation, certain items are always
prohibited:
• clothing that is torn or tattered;
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 21
• offensive slogans or images; will receive only three (3) redirections for the day, in the
subjects determined by the team leader.
• depictions of celebrities, athletes, and cartoon figures.
As with other forgotten items, in the interests of fairness,
FORGOTTEN ITEMS book bags / binders that are brought to school will be deliv-
ered to the student at the end of the day.
It is part of Westminster’s program to teach children
that they are responsible for bringing to school all of the PLAYGROUND RULES
materials that they will need for the day, and for taking
home all of the materials that they will need to complete Students are required to comply with the playground
their homework or study. The following policies support rules:
this important aspect of the Westminster program, and
parents are requested to review them carefully: • No playing on the playground / field is allowed without
adult supervision.
• Students are not permitted to return to school to
retrieve forgotten books, notebooks, ditty bags (with • Walk in a line to and from the playground / field. Do
gym uniforms), etc. In the interest of fairness to all not run.
students, we cannot permit someone who lives close
by or is able to return to retrieve a forgotten item when • Stay within the playground / field limits.
distance or transportation difficulty might not permit
another student to do so. • Never go after a ball if it leaves the playground / field.
Inform the teacher.
• Parents are requested not to bring articles that a
student has forgotten at home or in the car / bus. • Never throw anything (other than a ball or Frisbee)
Articles delivered to school will be kept in the office and on the playground / field (including, but not limited
given to the student at the end of the school day. This to, sticks, stones, pebbles, mulch, grass, leaves, dirt,
includes forgotten book bags / binders (see below). berries, and snowballs).
Exceptions to this rule are eyeglasses, medicines or med- • No tackle football is allowed.
ical equipment, and lunches, which are accepted until
the time the child is scheduled for lunch (see LUNCH). • Use caution on playground equipment / platforms
Forgotten P.E. uniforms may be delivered to school so / slides / ladders, etc. Never push or crowd another
that the student may participate in P.E. class. However, child. Do not hang upside down from playground
the student will receive a redirection for failure to bring equipment.
the uniform to school.
• When using the slide, go down sitting down, facing
Forgotten Book Bag/Binder forward only (not backward, on knees, or lying down).
When a student fails to bring his/her backpack or binder Only one person may slide at a time.
(presumably containing multiple textbooks and supplies),
he/she might expect to incur a redirection for every • Do not walk or stand close to the front, side, or back of
missing item. However, in order to convey the message of the swings when someone is swinging. Do not swing
responsibility without over-burdening the student, he/she too high, stand on swings, or try to climb up the swing
chains. Always hold the chains with both hands.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 22
• Always stop and look at the teacher when the whistle
blows. Get in line at once when the signal is given to
do so. • Safety Patrols: Safety Patrols who ride buses have
certain assigned duties, which they implement when
SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS requested by the bus driver: 1) assist the riders, if
necessary, in getting on and off the bus; 2) hold the
• After-school activity: It is the rider’s (or parent’s) flag for any students who need to cross the street;
responsibility to notify the driver if he/she will not and 3) help the driver maintain order on the bus. The
be riding home on a particular day. This will prevent Safety Patrols are to be treated with courtesy and
delays in the bus departure at the end of the day. If a respect by all.
student leaves school early, the parent must sign the
student out on the “sign-out” sheet in the office, and • Snow and icy conditions: See WEATHER-RELATED
this information will be forwarded to the bus driver. DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS, AND EARLY CLOSURES.
In case of icy roads, bus drivers will make every effort
• Animals and pets: Students are not allowed to bring to drive the students as close to their stops as is safely
animals on the bus. possible.
• Birthday treats: These items are allowed on the bus, • Windows: Windows may be opened during warm
but only if carried in a covered container small enough weather, but under no circumstances is a rider to
to be placed on the rider’s lap. The bus space is limited, extend any part of his body out of the window, throw
and only items that can safely and comfortably fit on or drop anything out of the window, call or signal other
the rider’s lap are allowed. drivers/passengers/pedestrians.
• Boarding: The students should board the bus in an STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES /
orderly manner and promptly sit in their assigned INTERNET / TECHNOLOGY
seats as the driver will not move the bus until all riders
are seated. Under no circumstances may a rider be out (See TECHNOLOGY for an overview of the school’s educa-
of his seat while the bus is in motion. Students on all tional philosophy and implementation of technology as
buses with seat belts are required to wear them. part of the academic program.)
• Books: Each rider is required to use a book bag Cell Phones
(backpack or satchel) for carrying his/her books. Other Cell phones at school are discouraged, although they are
materials (such as display items or project-related not prohibited (see PHONE CALLS). However, the follow-
material) should be placed in a bag or box. ing guidelines will be strictly enforced.
• Discipline: In most cases, disciplinary action is • If a student brings a cell phone to school, it must
handled by the bus driver. If necessary, however, the remain in the student’s locker (in “off” mode) during
student will be reported to the bus supervisor and regular school hours and must remain in the student’s
necessary action will be taken. Repeated misbehavior backpack (in “off” mode) during after-school activities.
on the bus may result in the student’s being removed
from the bus permanently. • Students may use cell phones at school / school
activities only with permission from the Headmaster,
• Food and drink: No eating, drinking, or gum chewing the Assistant Head of School, or the supervisor for the
is permitted on the bus. activity.
• Parties: No parties are to be held on the bus, including • A demerit will be issued for unauthorized usage of a
unscheduled stops for refreshments. This is a strict cell phone at school or school-sponsored events.
rule, and the students are not to ask the driver to break
it. The bus is neither a safe nor a proper place for a Inappropriate Use of Technology (including texting,
party. emails, social media sites)
• Pickup: In order to keep travel time to a minimum, In accordance with Westminster School’s philosophy and
please make sure that the rider is on time (or early by tradition of respect, kindness, and courtesy, guidelines
a minute or so) at the pickup point. This will allow the and policies have been established to govern student use
bus to stay on schedule. For the first few days of any of internet technology.
school year, please have the rider at the pickup point
a few minutes earlier than scheduled. If the driver Students who engage in the following actions will be sub-
arrives early, he/she will wait. ject to severe disciplinary consequences, at the discretion
of the Head of School, up to and including expulsion:
• Riding with friends: Normally, a bus rider may
• Posting on the internet (including any and all
go home with a rider from another bus if space is social media sites) verbal comments, photographs,
available, but only if prearranged permission from the videos, etc., relating to Westminster School, its
school office has been granted. A permission note from
both sets of parents is required. Non-bus riders may
ride the bus following the same procedures applicable
to regular bus riders. If a student needs to ride the bus
for two or more days, then a fee will be charged.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 23
administrators, teachers, staff members, or students,
which are threatening, derogatory, harassing, bullying,
or inclusive of foul language or images.
• Sending electronic messages (e.g., emails, texts,
tweets, group messages, etc.) to or about a
Westminster School administrator, teacher, staff
member, or student which are threatening, derogatory,
bullying, harassing, or inclusive of foul language.
WESTMINSTER COURTESIES not tolerated.
Westminster believes that all people should be treated • Students on field trips are expected to stand in the
with respect, civility, and kindness. Westminster School presence of a docent or guide (unless invited to sit),
tradition includes many courtesies which are intended to and to actively participate by answering questions and/
teach the children how to implement these values, as well or asking appropriate questions.
as lend warmth and civility to daily school life.
• At the end of a tour or presentation by a docent or
• The children are instructed that it is courteous to guide to upper-school students, a student is selected to
stand up when greeted by an adult. Therefore, every express the appreciation of the group for the attention
class begins with a formal greeting: When the teacher and information that they have received. n
(or other adult) greets the children (e.g., “Good
morning, class” or “Good afternoon, 7th grade”), they
stand and return the greeting (“Good morning, Miss
Ames”). They do not sit until they are invited to do so.
• 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
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 24
STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
GUIDANCE PROGRAM The Head of School offers counsel
to 8th-grade parents who seek
In grades K - 5, homeroom teachers have a special insight regarding the best “match”
relationship with their students. They are expected to keep for their child, and acts as a
a concerned eye on each student’s social and emotional personal advocate for the students’
development, as well as overall academic performance, high-school applications.
including redirection status. In 6th through 8th grades,
small groups of students (approximately 10-15 students) DISCIPLINE
are assigned to one of the upper-school teachers, who
serves as an advisor. Again, the advisor acts as a “guardian The basis of Westminster’s disciplinary, or behavior
angel” to his/her group, monitoring both academic and
social development of the individual students. management, program is an environment in which all
students are treated with respect, courtesy, and kind-
Students are encouraged to go to their homeroom ness, and where each individual is encouraged to exer-
teacher or upper-school adviser for help with cise good habits of scholarship, character, and personal
academic or personal problems. Students may also development. With these values and goals clearly in
seek counsel from the team leader, Head of School, mind, students are appreciated as individuals, but they
or Assistant Head. Teachers will share any concerns are all subject to the same expectations regarding school
they may have with the parents, team leader, and responsibilities and behavior.
administration, and enlist their support in resolving any
problems which may arise.
LIFE AFTER WESTMINSTER Students are encouraged to display positive attitudes
and behavior through good class management, clear
A special guidance / counseling program is in place to delineation of expectations, praise for positive attitudes
and behavior, and verbal discouragement of negative and
help upper-school students and their parents understand disruptive behavior. Overall, the approach to disciplining
their options for high school and assist with 8th-grade the children is loving, yet firm. All Westminster teachers
applications to private schools and other special programs. are trained in consistent classroom management and
Early in the school year, 7th and 8th grade families are handling the children according to the philosophy and
invited to a presentation by members of the administration policies of Westminster School. This creates a consistent
on the high-school application process: environment throughout the school, which goes a long
way toward minimizing unwanted or disruptive behavior.
• Families are given a thorough overview of area private
schools as well as public high schools that offer Policies and practices regarding discipline are well
advanced programs, including details on tuition, established:
admissions requirements, test dates, etc.
• Each teacher is responsible for order in the
• They are informed about the steps of the application classroom, on the playing field, on field trips, or
process which are supported by Westminster, such wherever his/her students may be at any time during
as letters of recommendation, test prep sessions, and the school day or an extension of the school day.
provision of school records.
• Rules governing behavior in classrooms, halls,
Soon after the Life-After-Westminster presentation, the bathrooms, playground, and on field trips are
families are invited to a high-school fair (co-sponsored by discussed with the students at the beginning of the
Westminster School) where they can meet the represen- year, and classroom and playground rules are posted
tatives from more than 50 participating high schools and in the classrooms. Parents should review these rules
gather more information. with their children at the beginning of the school
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 25
year (see STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND MANAGEMENT,
Classroom Rules, Playground Rules, Bus Regulations).
• If a student flagrantly defies a rule or does not
respond to the teacher’s reminder to abide by the
established rules, the teacher may issue an office slip
and send the student to the office. An appointment is
made on the same day for the Head of School to meet
with the student and the teacher from whose class
he/she was sent. The Head of School will counsel
the student and decide whether any punishment is
merited. The parents will be notified of the office trip
and of what action was taken.
STRIKES Three strikes equal one demerit (see below).
The purpose of a strike is to serve as a warning to the stu-
DEMERITS
dent. Strikes may be given by teachers or other members Demerits are warnings to the student for more serious
of the school staff for minor offenses, including: misbehavior and may be issued only by the Head of
School or Assistant Head. Offenses warranting a demerit
• Being late for school in the morning or for class include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Violation of school rules (See STUDENT BEHAVIOR
during the day (the “nine-strike” policy before a
Saturday Demerit Hall is imposed allows latitude for AND MANAGEMENT / Classroom Rules, Playground
occasional tardiness); Rules, Bus Regulations);
• Throwing objects (such as food, paper airplanes, spit
• Infractions of the dress code (A strike is issued for balls, rocks, sticks, snowballs, or other projectiles);
each missing or wrong uniform part [e.g., blazer but • Taking or using another person’s property without
no tie = 1 strike, no blazer and tie = 2 strikes, etc.]. permission, including removing any item from
Please note that the white shirt is required on a another student’s locker or desk;
“blazer and tie day,” and wearing the polo shirt merits • First offense of cheating / plagiarism;
a strike.); • First offense of forgery;
• First offense of the use of obscenities, vulgarities, or
• Bringing items to school that are not allowed (toys, name-calling;
games, electronic games or equipment, MP3 players, • Gambling;
Ipods, etc.) (See CELL PHONES); • Impertinence to a teacher or staff member;
• Harassment or excessive teasing of another student;
• Not having textbooks covered; • Defacement of school property;
• Visiting the playground without permission;
• Writing or drawing on oneself, others, or on books; • Skipping a class, or otherwise failing to report to a
scheduled venue;
• Eating on the school grounds or in the building other • Leaving the boundaries of school property;
than at lunch time or on designated social occasions; • Fighting or serious disruptions or disorderly behavior
on a school bus, on the school property, or at any
• Chewing gum; school function or field trip.
• Running in the hall;
• Note-passing in class;
• Not reporting to Carpool or After-School Care at
the designated time; not reporting promptly to a
scheduled after-school activity;
• Talking in the carpool line;
• Any other minor offense deemed unacceptable by the
administration.
Strikes are not recorded on a student’s permanent record.
However, a student’s strike record is cumulative through
each quarter, and amassing nine strikes (equal to three
demerits) in one quarter requires attendance at a Satur-
day Demerit Hall (see DEMERIT HALL / Saturday).
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 26
In some cases, more than one demerit may be issued if “How do you solve a
the Head of School deems an offense to be particularly problem like [Insert Your
egregious or obnoxious. For some offenses, the Head of Child’s Name Here]?”
School may assign a punishment of two (2) demerits plus
attendance at a half-day of Demerit Hall. Mrs. Goll believed that the best remedy for
anyone who is “out of control” is to “make order
More than three demerits in a grading period may result out of chaos.” There’s a certain Zen-like quality to
in suspension from school for one to three days at the this approach. One of our goals for Westminster
discretion of the Head of School (see below). students is that they become masters of their own
energy, capable of directing it to good purpose;
Demerits assigned during a grading period are automat- another way to express this, of course, is self-
ically erased at the beginning of a new grading period. discipline. If a child is frequently late, leaves his
Demerits are not recorded on the student’s permanent belongings in the hall, chews gum in school, runs
record. However, an accumulation of three (3) demerits in on his way to the gym, launches a banana across
any quarterly grading period (approximately eight weeks) the lunch room, or bonks a classmate on the head
automatically requires the student to attend the next Sat- with his lunch box, it is safe to say that he is not
urday Demerit Hall, as scheduled on the School Calendar. in control of himself.
SATURDAY DEMERIT HALL At Westminster, accumulating enough such
Saturday Demerit Hall calls for the student’s attendance misbehaviors earns a student a Saturday Demerit
from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., during which time he/she Hall, which is spent doing chores around the
will work at chores around the school, such as weeding or school. Spending time washing lockers, putting
raking leaves, washing buses, cleaning class rooms, clean- book shelves in order, polishing blackboards,
ing furniture or athletic equipment, etc.) The student is raking leaves, etc., requires the student to remain
supervised by a staff member. calm, focused, persistent, and to apply himself
to improving his environment—in short, to make
The dress code for Demerit Hall is casual “work” clothes. order out of chaos. What we do on the outside
However, torn, tattered blue jeans and t-shirts depicting affects our spirits on the inside. We share Mrs.
rock groups or disrespectful mottoes are unacceptable. Goll’s belief that such activity is not so much
punishment for misbehavior as it is re-training
Failure to Attend Required Saturday Demerit Hall: In the misdirected energy. Very few students ever end
event that a student does not attend a required Saturday up in Demerit Hall, but most who do show better
Demerit Hall, he/she will incur an in-house suspension, self-control afterwards. (Hint to parents: This
including the following consequences: works at home, too.)
• On the next school day, the student will serve the teacher’s ability to instruct the group. When this is im-
Demerit Hall (8:10 a.m.-3:10 p.m., with a half-hour plemented with younger students, there is no numerical
lunch break). During that time, he/she will be penalty to the student’s quarter grade as there would be
assigned supervised chores around the school. with a formal suspension (see below).
• The student will be required to make up any class SUSPENSION
work missed while serving the Demerit Hall.
A student may be suspended from school for serious
EXTENDED OFFICE STAY forms of misconduct such as, but not limited to, the
A student in grades K through 5 may be sent to the office following:
for an extended stay as a consequence of repeated mis-
behavior. The student is removed from the classroom • Acquiring in excess of three demerits within a
setting and sits in the office to work on class assignments grading period;
under the supervision of the office staff. This corrective
time out is intended to impress upon the student the • Serious disruption of good order within the school, at
expected comportment in the classroom. He/she is a a school activity or function, or on a field trip;
member of a class community in which his/her behavior
must not interfere with the environment such that it • Entering, or attempting to enter, a locked classroom,
inhibits other students’ ability to focus and learn and the private office or other school venue, or the school
itself after it has been closed for the day;
• Disrespectful behavior toward a faculty or staff
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 27
“The wonderful thing about being human is that, every day, we
start fresh.” — Mrs. Goll
Although Westminster keeps track of student violations of the rules, in the form of strikes, demerits, or other formal
consequences for unwanted behavior, the slate is wiped clean at the end of each quarter. While an overall record
is kept for each student here at Westminster, the record of student violations of the rules are not included in the
permanent record that is sent to the child’s next school. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but at Westminster,
facing their consequences and learning to do better earns a fresh start. (The only exception to this policy would be in
the case of egregious misbehavior about which a future school would deserve to be made aware.)
member; minor form of vandalism (restitution would also be
required);
• Repeated instances of cheating or forgery; • Serious physical violence toward oneself or others;
• Possession of drugs, alcohol, firearms or other
• Vandalism; weapons;
• Severe or repeated disrespectful behavior toward
• Theft; faculty or staff;
• Repeated disruptive conduct at school or at school
• Possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, activities;
firearms, knives, sling shots, or other kinds • Egregiously inappropriate use of technology (See
of weapons; STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES / INTERNET /
TECHNOLOGY, Inappropriate Use of Technology);
• Intentionally inflicting bodily injury on another • Incurring a third suspension.
person;
Off-Campus Offenses
• Inappropriate use of technology (See STUDENT USE The school may assert its disciplinary options in the case
OF CELL PHONES / INTERNET / TECHNOLOGY, of off-campus student behavior which has a significant
Inappropriate Use of Technology). negative effect on the school or a member of its student
body or staff.
Suspensions range from one to three school days’ dura-
tion. During this time, the student may not participate in
any school activities, including those which may occur
on intervening non-school days. Students are required to
make up any work missed during the suspension period.
For each day of suspension, one percentage point is de-
ducted from the quarterly grade average in each subject.
The purpose of suspension is to make clear to students WITHDRAWAL, RECOMMENDED
and parents that a serious behavioral problem exists and
that steps must be taken to discourage such behavior. Student withdrawal due to poor academic performance
Both a parent and the student must have a conference or excessive absenteeism is sometimes recommended.
with the Headmaster before the student will be readmit- This occurs only after careful counseling with teachers,
ted to the school. parents and the student, and when the student demon-
strates an unwillingness to expend the necessary effort to
Suspensions are generally not recorded on a student’s master the subject matter, keep up with assignments, and
permanent record. Exceptions to this include egregious take advantage of Extra Help (see below).
offenses or multiple suspensions.
WITHDRAWAL, INVOLUNTARY
EXPULSION
A student may be subject to expulsion for serious forms In cases where there has been a demonstrable breakdown
of misconduct including, but not limited, to the following: of the partnership between the school and the parents of
• Theft (restitution would also be required); a student, the school may exercise the option of terminat-
• Arson (restitution would also be required); ing relations with the family, including withdrawing the
• Vandalism of a serious nature, or repetition of a student from enrollment. n
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 28
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS,
CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES REMINDER: There is no After-School
Care on half-days, holidays, or when
Students are not allowed to remain at school after the end of school is canceled or dismissed
carpool (3:30 p.m.) without prior arrangement and supervi- early due to inclement weather.
sion by a staff member. In cases of unexpected late pickup,
students report to Drop-In After-School Care and a fee is during the After-School Care Program. The sign-out log
charged at the time of pick-up. (See LATE PICKUP POLICY maintained by the ASCP staff must be signed each day be-
and DROP-IN AFTER-SCHOOL CARE.) fore 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
General Activities 6:15 p.m.
Students remaining after school for athletic practice or
games, play practice, club meeting, makeup work, etc., Procedures for Drop-In After-School Care
report to the room designated by the supervising teacher
and at the time specified. Parents will be notified in advance • Any child planning to remain for Drop-In After-School
regarding ending/pickup time. Schedules for play practices, Care should turn in a yellow note to the homeroom
athletic activities, etc., are sent home in advance of the activ- teacher no later than 8:15 a.m. on the day the child will
ity, and pickup times are indicated. stay (a day or more in advance is preferred). Requests
for Drop-In Care received after 8:15 a.m. are subject to a
All pickups should take place within 15 minutes of the con- higher fee.
clusion of any activity. Late pickups place an unnecessary
burden on staff supervisors because they must wait until • Payment is due at the time of pick-up. Acceptable forms
all students have departed. A late charge is imposed on of payment are: VISA, MasterCard and personal checks
families for late pickups exceeding 15 minutes (see LATE payable to Westminster School.
PICKUP POLICY).
• Pick-up time is 6:00 p.m. A late fee is charged after
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM 6:15 p.m.
A state-licensed, on-site, after-school care program (ASCP) • If a child is not picked up on time for dismissal from
is offered to families with children in grades K-8. The pro- an afterschool club or sports practice/game, there is
gram operates under the direction of a Westminster School a 15-minute grace period. Then the child is brought
administrator (See EARLY CARE PROGRAM). to Drop-In Care, and the parent is charged the non-
reservation fee for that service.
There are two components of ASCP: 1) a full-time program, ATHLETIC PROGRAM
which takes place Monday-Friday on every full day of school;
and 2) a drop-in program (on a daily, as-needed basis). Regis- In addition to daily physical education classes, which are
tration is required for either program. Registration for ASCP taught to all grades (K-8), after-school athletics are open
is included in the online school registration packet. Tuition to all students in the following sports and at the levels
for the ASCP and fees for the Drop-In ASCP are set annually. indicated:
The hours of program operation are 3:10-6:00 p.m. (with Soccer Basketball Softball
a grace period until 6:15 p.m.). There is no After-School
Care on half-days, holidays, or when school is cancelled or J.V. Girls (5th & 6th graders)
dismissed early due to inclement weather.
J.V. Boys (5th & 6th graders)
Varsity Girls (7th & 8th graders)
Varsity Boys (7th & 8th graders)
Students may be collected by the parent/guardian (or other In addition to the team sports listed above, an after-school
persons designated on the registration form) at any time intramural basketball program is offered to all students in
grades 5-8.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 29
Westminster also offers track (open to students in grades CLUBS
5-8) and cross country (open to students in grades 4-8)
events. Westminster encourages students to explore a variety of
Westminster School is a founding member of the Capital interests and activities through an array of extra-curricular
Athletic Conference, an interscholastic league of inde- activities and clubs, which also provide opportunities for
pendent schools in the Washington metropolitan area. All fun and friendship. Any club or organization made up of
members of this conference agree to abide by a code of good Westminster students and meeting on school grounds
conduct and sportsmanship. This code is published in detail must be approved by the administration and operate under
in the Athletic Handbook, which is distributed to all West- school rules with an approved adult sponsor in charge.
minster team members.
Examples of clubs and organizations include:
Westminster School stresses good sportsmanship, not only • K Club (community service organization, open to
for players, but also for spectators. Special emphasis is students in grades 3-5)
placed on the following:
• No “booing” or negative comments are to be directed to • Junior Chorus (open to students in grades 3-6)
• French Club (open to students in grades 3-6)
referees or the opposing team; • Chess Club (open to students in grades 3-8)
• No “coaching” by spectators; • Gryphon Chorale (selected students in grades 6 – 8)
• No objections to the referees’ calls should be voiced by • MathCounts Club (open to students in grades 6 - 8)
• Math Club (open to students in grades 6-8)
the spectators. • Science Olympiad (open to students in grades 6 – 8)
• Builders Club (community service organization, open to
CAMPS
students in grades 6-8)
An activity-filled summer camp is offered to enrolled and
non-enrolled children in pre-school – middle-school from Information on school clubs, including general description,
June - August. Varying camp sessions combine on-site ac- meeting times, activities, and any requirements, is
tivities with specialized enrichment classes/workshops and published online.
fun field trips. Camps are also offered during Westminster
School’s winter and spring breaks. DRAMA PROGRAM
All camp programs are state licensed. Information regard- As part of Westminster’s Drama Program, each grade
ing specific camp offerings, dates, tuition, and requirements presents a play during the school year. Each child has a
is posted on the school web site. speaking part, and most productions include group and
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 30
solo singing, and choreographed movement. Participation
in this important class project develops self-confidence
and poise, group cooperation, and provides an opportunity
to be recognized and celebrated by the entire school
community. In grades K – 5, students are directed in their
plays by the drama teacher and homeroom teachers, with
help from parents regarding costumes, set, and props. In
6th grade, the students are directed in a “junior musical”
by the drama teacher and music teacher, with assistance
from the homeroom teachers, and two separate casts
and performances allow greater participation by each
student. The program culminates in grades 7 and 8, when
the plays are directed by senior members of the drama
department. This is a crucial part of the final “polishing” of
a Westminster student. Traditionally, 7th graders perform
a Shakespeare play and 8th graders stage a Broadway-style
musical. (See THE INSIDE SCOOP / Play Expectations.)
EARLY CARE PROGRAM ORCHESTRA
Early Care provides safe and enjoyable morning care, The Westminster Orchestra is open to students in grades 3 –
including a breakfast snack, prior to regular school hours. 8. Students learn about musical styles of different periods of
Early Care takes place from 7:00-7:45 on a sign-up or drop- history, develop proficiency in music reading, and practice
in basis. the art of quality ensemble playing. The orchestra performs
classical and contemporary music at least twice annually at
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES the school music programs as well as throughout the year in
a variety of settings.
A variety of after-school enrichment activities are offered
to students in all grades. Class topics, meeting times, and Orchestra meets twice weekly for ensemble instruction
fees are posted online. Some examples of typical activities and practice. Participating students must be enrolled in
offered are: lessons either at Westminster School (lessons take place
• piano/guitar lessons, during the regular school day) or with an outside instructor.
• soccer, Information regarding meeting times, tuition, instrument
• tennis, purchase/rental, and other details are published online.
• dance,
• STEAM, or SAFETY PATROLS
• chess.
In recognition of their increasing maturity, and as
LIBRARY encouragement of their community service, all students
in the 6th grade serve as safety patrols throughout the
Students in grades K – 8 are scheduled for regular visits school year. The safety patrols assist the administration
to the library. A library curriculum is in place, which by performing valuable duties at carpool time, on buses, at
encourages the love of reading and increases the students’ assemblies, and on other occasions. The safety patrols are
understanding of the organization and use of the library, trained and overseen by a faculty sponsor, and outstanding
including use of an on-line card catalog and an overview of patrols are recognized each month.
internet research.
The safety patrols are to be treated with respect, and
The library houses a wide array of attractive and worthwhile students are to observe directions and instructions given by
literature and audio/visual materials, as well as an safety patrols in the performance of their duties. n
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.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 31
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABSENCES Arrangements for making up work for absences of six
days or longer should be coordinated with the faculty
On the morning of a student absence, the parent must team leader. Missed class instruction may be reviewed in
send the main office and homeroom teacher an email Help sessions or by appointment with the teacher. Work,
or Blackbaud message, explaining the reason for the including tests and quizzes, not made up within the time
absence. Absences will be recorded as “unexcused” (see allowed may be penalized at the rate of 10 grade points
below) if a message from the parent is not received. per day for each additional day that it is late.
Additionally, if a student needs to be excused from P.E. or Please see ILLNESS for further general information.
outdoor break for health reasons, he/she must present a
note of excuse from the parent to the P.E. or homeroom FAMILY EMERGENCY
teacher. Unavoidable absence due to family emergency is also
excused. The Extra Help offered, as well as the timetable
Please also reference “MAKEUP WORK” on page 13 for for make-up work, is the same as that for absence due to
additional information. illness.
Absences fall into three categories: UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
An absence is considered to be unexcused when it is
ILLNESS taken in order to extend a holiday, weekend, family
Absence due to illness is excused. If the absence is for trip or activity, or to allow participation in a non-
one day only, any missed assignments may be made up Westminster-sponsored event (Exception: An 8th grader’s
after the student returns to school (see Time Limit for visit to preview a high school, as pre-arranged with the
Makeup below). As a courtesy to students who are absent 7th/8th grade team leader).
for two or more days of school due to illness, it is school
policy that on the second day of absence, upon request, Unexcused absences are discouraged. The accelerated
homeroom teachers will gather assignments and books curriculum at Westminster School makes it very difficult
and deliver them to the office for pick-up by the parents for a student to retrieve the learning that is lost through
between 3:10 and 5:30 p.m. However, as this is a time- absence. Generous vacations are scheduled during the
consuming project for a teacher and not always possible school year to allow families ample time for trips and
toward the end of the school day, parents are kindly activities.
requested to make such requests before noon on the day
the homework is to be sent. Requests received after noon Please be advised that students will not be given
will be fulfilled on the next day of absence, should there assignments in advance to take with them on trips.
be one. Please be extra careful with textbooks taken on trips
because of the risk of loss and the difficulty in arranging
All assignments, including homework, tests, quizzes, for replacements. Students will be responsible for lost/
and projects, must be made up within the following time damaged books.
schedule:
Length of Absence Time Limit for Makeup Students will be allowed to make up work missed
1 day 2 school days during unexcused absences. However, for all unexcused
2 days 4 school days absences, students will be required to make up their
3 days 6 school days work upon return to school (see makeup time line below).
5 days 10 school days Furthermore, no Extra Help or tutoring will be offered by
teachers for unexcused absences.
For partial-day absences, please see ATTENDANCE, Late For unexcused absenses, all assignments, including
Arrival, Early Departure and MAKEUP WORK. homework, tests, quizzes, and projects must be made up
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 32
Q: Why can’t I pick up homework assignments and books on the first day of my
child’s illness?
Most children who miss school due to sickness are absent for only one day. Although the desire to keep up with school
work is commendable, a sick child should probably not be doing school work, but resting and getting
well. Furthermore, it takes a significant amount of time for the homeroom teacher to gather the
assignments and necessary text books from every teacher. Since most classes have at least one
student absent each day, this would place an undue burden on the teachers, who must attend to
an entire class of students at the end of the day. For these reasons, it is school policy to provide
homework assignments and books only for students who are absent for more than one day.
according to the following time schedule:
Day Assignments Due/ Date To be *Note: In the highly unlikely event of a prolonged, forced
Tests & Quizzes Given: Made Up By: school closing (due to weather-related destruction,
pandemic (or precautionary ruling by a local or regional
1st day of absence 1st day of return Board of Health), terrorist activity, or other similarly
2nd day of absence 2nd day of return catastrophic event), and in accordance with current
3rd day of absence 3rd day of return practices among independent schools, Westminster
4th day of absence 4th day of return School may continue to operate on a distance-learning
5th day of absence 5th day of return basis for a period no longer than four weeks. In the
event that the school needs to remain closed beyond
Arrangements for making up work for unexcused that time, the school may extend the academic year up
absences of six days or longer should be coordinated to and including June 30. The school may also schedule
with the faculty team leader. Work, including tests and weekend classes.
quizzes, not made up within the time allowed, may be
penalized at the rate of 10 grade points per day for each OPENING DAY
additional day late. Due to the very full schedule which must be encompassed
between the beginning of the academic year and the
EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF ABSENCES winter break, it is not always advisable to wait until
after Labor Day to open school. Therefore, the following
Absences of more than 25 days in a school year may result schedule has been created to guide the administrative
in the student not being promoted to the next grade. staff in the decision regarding Opening Day. This guide
may also be helpful to parents as they plan their family
schedules.
ACADEMIC YEAR If Labor Day falls on: Opening Day will be:
September 1 September 2
The academic year spans the period of time from September 2 September 3
September 3 August 28
Opening Day (see below) through the Last Day of School, September 4 August 29
as published in the school calendar. The Basic School September 5 August 30
Calendar, which includes the dates for Opening Day, Last September 6 August 31
Day of School, and all scheduled school closures, is issued September 7 September 1
several months prior to the beginning of the academic
year (typically in late January). A more detailed school BREAKS / HOLIDAYS
calendar is issued in mid-August prior to the opening
of school and is updated one or more times during the
academic year. Monthly calendars are also issued and
posted on the school web site.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 33
In addition to single-day holidays, there are three ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL (SCHOOL HOURS)
multiple-day breaks scheduled each school year:
Westminster School receives students as early as 7:45
Fall Break: This break traditionally comprises a.m. Under no circumstances are students to be dropped
Thanksgiving Day plus the day before and the day after. off at school earlier than 7:45 a.m. There is no supervision
As this is always followed by a weekend, families may before this time and it is not safe to leave children outside
enjoy five days of Fall Break. and unaccompanied.
Winter Break: This break reflects the practice of most Between 7:45 a.m. and 8:05 a.m., students are to report
American schools in providing a lengthy break in the directly to their homeroom classes. Student preparation
latter part of December. At Westminster, the winter for class takes place from 7:45–8:05 a.m., with homeroom
break usually comprises 10 school days plus three beginning at 8:05 a.m. Students who arrive between 8:05
weekends. Specific dates are determined each year and 8:10 are allowed to go directly to their classroom,
depending on the needs of the academic program and the although they are considered tardy. Students who arrive
logical placement with regard to the December/January after 8:10 must go to the school office and be signed in by
calendars. the parent. (See ATTENDANCE, Late Arrival.)
Spring Break: Westminster School Spring Break It is a good idea for carpool students to arrive at school no
comprises six school days plus two weekends at the later than 7:55 a.m. so that they have time to prepare for
beginning of April. Specific dates are published in the the first class without being hurried or risking a strike for
School Calendar. being late to class after the 8:05 bell has rung.
Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m., with bus and carpool operations
beginning promptly at that time.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WEATHER-RELATED DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS, AND EARLY
CLOSURES
Students are not allowed to remain at school after
dismissal time (3:10 p.m.) without prior arrangement and In the event of inclement weather, Westminster
supervision by a staff member.
School makes independent decisions regarding
In case of unexpected late pickup at the end of the school school cancellation, late opening, early closing, and
day, the student is escorted to Drop-In After-School Care. cancellation of after-school activities. Please tune into
A late charge is imposed on families picking up such radio or T.V. broadcasts for bulletins regarding these
students after 3:30 p.m. See LATE PICKUP POLICY. decisions. Subscribers to School Announcement will be
notified automatically of such decisions. News of delays,
General Activities cancellations, and early closures will also be posted on
Students remaining after school for athletic practice or the school web site.
games, play practice, club meeting, makeup work, etc., On days when there is a potential early closing, parents
report to the room designated by the supervising teacher are requested not to phone the school office for an update
and at the time specified by that teacher. Parents will on the school’s decision. In the case of early closing, it is
be notified in advance regarding ending/pickup time. important that the phone lines remain open so that office
Schedules for play practices, athletic activities, etc., are staff can monitor emergency conditions, communicate
sent home in advance of the activity, and pickup times are with bus drivers, and ensure that the students arrive
indicated. home safely. Once a decision has been made regarding
late opening, early closure, or cancellation of after-
All pickups should take place within 15 minutes of the school activities, Westminster School will automatically
conclusion of any activity. It is essential that pickup times implement the following procedures:
be observed. Failure to do so imposes an unnecessary
burden on supervisors because they must wait until LATE OPENING / EARLY CLOSING / AFTER-SCHOOL
all students have departed. After the 15-minute grace CANCELLATION PROCEDURES
period, the supervisor will take any remaining students
to Drop-In Care, and the parent will be charged the non- • 2-hour late opening: Westminster receives students
reservation rate. (see LATE PICKUP POLICY) as early as 9:45 a.m.; classes begin at 10:05 a.m.
• 2-hour early closing: Westminster bus and carpool
operations begin at 1:10 p.m.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 34
• Cancellation of after-school activities: All on Opening Day. The assignment notebook is to be kept in
Westminster after-school activities are cancelled, the student’s three-ring binder (see below).
including After-School Care, athletic practices
or games, drama or music rehearsals, and club Assignments for homework are always written on the board
meetings. before the end of each class. Test dates and due dates for
long-term assignments are also written on the board and are
• After-School Care Programs: There is no After- not erased until after the due date. Students are expected to
School Care (ASCP), including Drop-In After-School write this information in their assignment books and use it
Care, when school is cancelled or closes early or when as a guide.
after-school activities are cancelled due to inclement
weather or emergency. Binders
Three-ring binders are used in grades 2-8. Binder
• Parents should have well understood contingency organization is a key to good study and work habits.
plans in place for early closings and cancellations of Students are taught to keep notes, course guidelines, and
after-school activities so that the child will know what homework in their binders in an orderly manner. Dividers
to do without having to call home. If the plan deviates are used to separate subjects within the binder. Wide-lined
from the normal routine, written instructions from paper is required in grades 2-6; either wide- or college-ruled
the parents should be on file in the school office. paper is acceptable in grades 7-8. (Trapper keepers and
pocket folders are not a good choice because papers tend to
BIRTHDAY TREATS fall out of them.)
Over the years, it has become a tradition at Westminster Book Bags (backpacks, satchels)
for students to bring in treats on their birthdays to share All students are to carry their books to and from school in
with classmates. (Children born during summer months book bags. The color and design of the book bag are matters
may arrange a special alternative date sometime during of personal choice. The size, however, must be such that
the school year with their homeroom teacher.) Naturally, the bag can be stored in the student’s locker (see below)
observance of this custom is voluntary. or cubby. All bus riders must carry book bags that will fit
under their seats.
In order to avoid messy or time-consuming treats and
to reduce competition among the children, parents are • Locker dimensions: 9” wide, 10 ½ ” deep.
requested to observe the following guidelines. • Wheeled book bags are permitted in grades 3 – 8 if they
• Please let the homeroom teacher know at least one fit the standards given above.
day in advance if a student plans to bring in birthday
treats. Library Books
Library books are loaned under conditions and rules
• Please restrict birthday treats to cookies, brownies, established by the librarian. Late fines are imposed for
cupcakes, or doughnuts (ready to serve, please— overdue books, and books reported as lost must be paid for
nothing that requires cutting or other preparation). according to the librarian’s cost list.
A student’s final report card may be held in the school office
• Please provide enough treats for the entire number in until the student has returned all school property, including
the grade (both homerooms). Parents may verify the textbooks, library books, etc. (see ASSESSMENT / Grading
number of children by referring to the class list. System / Progress Reports).
• No “treat bags,” favors, or other gifts are allowed, so Silent-Reading Books
that all birthdays are celebrated equally. In an effort to encourage the habit of reading and the
appreciation of works of depth and meaning, all students
• If a parent is concerned about a child’s food allergy, are required to have a silent-reading book with them at all
this issue should be discussed in advance with the times. These are to be school library books, books assigned
homeroom teacher. in English class, or other works of literary merit, such as a
high-quality novel, biography, work of history or science,
BOOKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES or poetry. Vulgar novels, comic books, fashion/pop maga-
All books are to be treated with respect and are not to be
defaced in any way.
Assignment Notebooks
Assignment notebooks are issued to students in grades 2-8
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 35
zines, catalogs, compilations of “facts,” joke books, etc. are A word about book covers ...
not considered appropriate for silent reading. Teachers
are expected to monitor the students’ choice of silent-read- In order to identify and protect school books, it is
ing books and to guide them toward worthwhile choices. required that they be covered with Westminster
Silent-reading books are to be read when a student has book covers. Free paper covers are issued to
finished a quiz, test, or class work assignment early, and at students along with the books on the first day
other times when the teacher instructs the students that of school. Additional paper covers may be
they are free to read. purchased from the school store throughout the
year. The school store also sells Westminster
Textbooks cloth book covers (book socks), which, for the
Textbooks are issued on a loan basis. Each textbook bears sake of consistency, must be labeled according to
the student’s name, grade, and book number. instructions issued by the homeroom teacher at
the beginning of the school year.
Textbooks must be covered with either Westminster School
paper book covers or Westminster School cloth book socks school office. The student will be issued a single redirection
and must be neatly labeled. Paper book covers are distribut- for the loss of a book.
ed free-of-charge at the beginning of the school year. Cloth
book socks and replacement paper book covers are for sale Workbooks: Workbooks are the property of the students.
at the school store, sponsored by the Westminster Parents However, workbooks are to be kept neat and clean and are
Club (WPC). not to be defaced.
Book inspections are conducted regularly by the teachers, Supplies
and any damages inflicted by students are subject to fine.
Lost textbooks: If a textbook is misplaced and assumed to Each year, students are responsible for bringing certain
be lost, this information should be reported in writing to supplies to school for use in their classes. A list of required
the office. A “loan” book will be issued, but if the textbook supplies is included in the “back-to-school” packet and is
is not found within a week, a replacement book must be posted on the school web site year-round. Basic school sup-
purchased through the office. The request for a replacement plies, such as paper and pencils, may be purchased at the
book must be made in writing by a parent, addressed to the “school store,” a portable cart manned by parent volunteers
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 36
each morning between 7:50 and 8:05. Students must first
report to homeroom to obtain permission to go to shop at
the school store.
BUS SERVICE
Bus transportation to and from school is available for many
areas in Northern Virginia. Information on the availability
of service to a specific area, as well as information regard-
ing bus fees, may be obtained from the bus supervisor. Bus
drivers operate under regulations set by the school adminis-
tration, and bus riders are governed by the School Bus Reg-
ulations (see STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS /
School Bus Regulations).
Prior to the beginning of the school year, the assigned bus
driver will communicate with parents regarding the route,
pickup and drop-off times, and other information pertinent
to the safe and efficient operation of the bus service.
Questions or concerns regarding the bus service or a stu-
dent’s experience on the bus should be addressed to the bus
supervisor.
CARPOOL (MORNING DROP-OFF AND All Westminster families are given a numbered carpool
AFTERNOON PICK-UP) card. After the first week of school, students will be released
only to vehicles displaying the school-issued card. In cases
At Westminster School, the “carpool” includes all drivers where there is no carpool card on display in a vehicle, the
who participate in the morning drop-off or afternoon pick- teacher on duty will ask the driver to park and go to the
up of students. school office to collect the student. This procedure is fol-
lowed in the interests of safety, fairness, and efficiency.
Morning carpool is supervised by a staff member and safety
patrols, who can assist students out of the car and see them Substitute drivers must also display the carpool card. Extra
safely into the building. A staff member is on duty from 7:45 cards are available upon request from the school office.
– 8:05 a.m., or longer when traffic build-up has delayed the
operation. Carpool cards should be affixed to the sun visor on the
passenger side. When waiting in carpool line, the visor
The afternoon carpool operation takes place from 3:10 should be lowered so that the number (or name) is clearly
to 3:30 p.m. Afternoon carpools are supervised by staff visible. Carpool numbers are relayed by the staff member on
members, assisted by student safety patrols. Students who outside duty to the carpool caller inside the school. Student
have not been picked up at the end of the carpool time are carpool passengers, who are lined up in the hall under their
escorted to Drop-In After-School Care, and parents must numbers, will then exit the school and be assisted into the
report there and pay the requisite fee before the child can waiting cars by student safety patrols.
be dismissed (see GENERAL INFORMATION / Late Pick-Up
Policy). Carpool Regulations and Courtesies
The regulations and courtesies that govern the carpool line
Carpool Cards are essential to ensuring the safety of the students, treating
In the interest of safety, all carpool participants must all participants fairly, preserving the good will of school
display an up-to-date Westminster-issued carpool card. In neighbors, and maintaining pleasant relations among car-
order to obtain a carpool card, all automobiles that are used pool drivers. All carpool drivers are expected to observe the
in carpool, even occasionally, must be registered with the following guidelines.
school office (a form for this purpose is included in the back-
to-school packet each year; any change or addition to this • Please do not use cell phones during the carpool
information should be communicated to the school office).
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 37
Q: Why are there so many rules about carpool?
The safety of the children in our care is the tip-top priority at Westminster School, and most of the rules that govern
carpool are in place for that reason. The most important one is not releasing a child to a driver without an official
carpool card, which is our best insurance against the horrifying possibility of a child being taken by a
dangerous person. But there are also guidelines for progressing through the carpool which are meant
to keep things orderly and reduce the likelihood of autos colliding or striking a pedestrian. Some
rules are in place to ensure fairness. Everyone would like to simply pull up to school
and collect his/her child, but with so many drivers, the only fair thing to do is to form
a line—first come, first served. Finally, guidelines are in place to ensure that the
carpool operation does not inconvenience our neighbors. That’s the respectful and
courteous thing to do and, besides, we need their good will. Please help us with this
complex and important aspect of daily school life: follow the rules!
operations; a distracted driver is a dangerous driver. • During carpool times, do not turn left into the school
driveway, but proceed to the end of the carpool line and
• Do not drop students off on the street or anywhere enter the driveway via a right turn only. This helps with
on campus except directly in front of the main school safety, lessens congestion at the school entrance, and is
building. We cannot ensure the safety of students who respectful of those drivers who have taken their place in
are dropped off outside the school grounds or in the line on Gallows Road.
parking lot. Moreover, our Special Use Permit, issued
by Fairfax County, limits pick-ups and drop-offs to the • Do not make a U-turn at Brookcrest Drive in order
school property, specifically in front of the main school to join the carpool line. It is particularly offensive to
building. drivers in line on the other side of Brookcrest Drive to
see a driver make a U-turn and get in line ahead of them.
• Do not park and walk your child to the school building. Proceed to the church at 3901 Gallows Road, enter and
Please take your place in the carpool line. It is the turn around in the parking lot, exit, and proceed to the
safest, most efficient way to deliver your child to school. end of Westminster’s carpool line.
If everyone parked and walked, there would be an
unmanageable crowd in the school lot and on the street. • Once on campus, remain in line through the entire
It is not fair for one family to park while all others are circle of the carpool route, passing the main school
abiding by the rules and taking their turn in the carpool entrance. Do not cut through the teachers’ parking area
line. to exit the lot or pass other drivers who are loading or
unloading students.
• When in carpool (morning or afternoon), please turn
on emergency flashers. This signals non-school drivers • When approaching the front of the school, please
that this is a school-related carpool line, not the line
for the traffic light. It also clearly shows other carpool mind the curb and avoid scraping tires against the
drivers the end of the line. safety-yellow curb. Please do this out of respect for
our maintenance crew, who otherwise must spend
• For afternoon carpool, cars are not to begin lining up unnecessary time repeatedly painting blackened curbs.
in the school driveway before 2:45 p.m. Doing so blocks
access to the school parking lot. Carpool begins after • Observe the 5-miles-per-hour speed limit at all times.
the school buses have departed. When stopping to pick up students, cars should be
pulled up close to one another so that five-to-six
• Do not block driveways/intersections. County law vehicles can be loaded at one time.
requires a 10-foot clearance from the nearest driveway.
• Follow any traffic directions given by supervising staff
• Leave a car’s length between your car and any members and safety patrols.
intersection to allow neighborhood traffic to proceed
safely. • For safety reasons, the Fairfax County Police
Department prohibits left turns out of the school
• Do not cut in front of a car that is waiting for the driveway onto Gallows Road between 7:40 – 8:10 a.m.
clearance described above; take your place at the end of and 3:10 – 3:30 p.m.
the carpool line.
• If there are plans for a student to ride home in a
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 38
carpool other than his/her usual one, a note is required Parent – Teacher
from parents of both families involved. Notes should be During two days in the fall and two days in the spring, school
handed in to the homeroom teacher at the beginning is closed for Parent/Teacher Conferences. Conference dates
of the school day. are published in the School Calendar and parents are sent
advance notice of the specific conference date and time.
In order to avoid misunderstanding and resentment on the At conference times, parents are scheduled to meet with
part of those waiting in carpool line: all their child’s academic teachers. In addition, parents or
teachers may request a conference at any time. Please note
• Parents who are picking up a child early from school that children are not allowed at school on Parent-Teacher
should do so before 2:40 p.m. Conference days unless there is a specific notification that
babysitting services will be available.
• Parents who are taking their child(ren) with them after
performing volunteer work at school are asked either Parent – Administration
to collect their child and depart by 2:40 p.m. or to wait A conference with parents is sometimes called by the ad-
until carpool ends at 3:30 p.m. ministration, or parents may request a conference with the
administration by contacting the school receptionist. Please
CAUSES / SOLICITING note, however, that parental concerns about a student’s
progress or experience at school should be addressed first
On occasion, a member of the school community may wish to the relevant classroom teacher and then, if concern re-
to enlist Westminster staff and/or families in supporting a mains, to the team leader or department chair, and, finally,
charitable cause or one that promotes social reform or med- the Head of School (see GENERAL INFORMATION / Parental
ical research. Although these causes may be quite worthy, Concerns).
the school and its staff members cannot be expected to sup-
port them all and should not favor one over another. There- Email and Blackbaud Communication
fore, no fundraising campaigns, selling of items, publicizing Parent/teacher communication is one of the most critical
of special events, or other promotion of causes by individ- factors in ensuring student success at school. Westminster
uals (students, parents, or staff members) may take place School has always prided itself on a high level of personal
at school. Nor may the school directory of staff or family communication with parents. Parents may rest assured that
members be used for such solicitation. The only exceptions email or Blackbaud messaging will never take the place of
are fund-raising on behalf of the school itself, such as the the personal phone calls and face-to-face meetings that have
Griffin Fund (annual giving) Campaign, events sponsored by always been a signature of Westminster School.
the Westminster Parents Club (WPC); charity drives held by
the Builders Club; and fundraising by the 8th grade (which Many issues pertinent to a student’s progress or experi-
traditionally raises money to support its yearbook project ence at school are best addressed either in person or by
and to pay for its class gift to the school). telephone. However, on occasion, parents and teachers
may find it appropriate and convenient to communicate by
COMMUNICATIONS email or through Blackbaud messaging. In order to facili-
tate appropriate communication, guidelines for email and
CONFERENCES Blackbaud messaging usage have been established for both
Student – Teacher parents and teachers.
Student-teacher conferences or conferences that involve
students and the administration may be initiated by staff Parents are urged to keep the following important points in
members or students. mind when using email or Blackbaud communication:
*Note: Westminster School firmly supports the principle • Because of the nature of their work, teachers spend
of respect among all community members. Students are almost all of their time in the classroom. When not in
expected to be respectful of their teachers, and vice versa. the classroom, teachers may be in staff meetings, on
Should a student wish to bring something to a teacher’s field trips, planning, grading papers, or fulfilling other
attention, for example, a concern or disagreement about a responsibilities. Therefore, teachers may not see an
test grade, he/she is very welcome to do so. However, this email or Blackbaud message from a parent for several
should not take place during class or take the form of argu- hours. Teachers will strive to respond to these messages
ing. Students are advised to approach the teacher respect- just as they respond to parent phone calls—within 24
fully, between classes or after school, asking the teacher to hours. However, please remember that if you choose to
consider the student’s concern.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 39
send a digital message to a member of our professional sons for this custom, and not mistake our touch of formality
staff, you may not get an immediate reply. for a lack of warmth or friendliness.
• All parents must provide at least one email address
through Blackbaud for school communication. Online Parent/Teacher Communication
• Please keep all email or Blackbaud communication Westminster School provides online school/home commu-
professional and relevant to your child only. nication through Blackbaud. Once students and/or parents
have established an account with the service, they are able
• Send only non-vital messages through email or to visit a variety of school mini-websites, including a site for
Blackbaud. For example, do not use email or Blackbaud each teacher/class. There, a teacher may post helpful links,
to inform a teacher that your child is not to go home enrichment activities, dates for tests, quizzes and field trips,
on the bus. This sort of time-sensitive and crucial as well as access to the student’s grades. A teacher might
information must still be communicated to the school also share a video that was shown in class or give updates
office by phone in order to ensure the student’s safety. and news about what’s to come in the next unit.
• Email or Blackbaud are appropriate for questions of
a general nature, such as class activities, curriculum,
clarification of assignments, projects, tests, after- Daily homework assignments and class notes are not
school-help, and special events. However, parents are available online. Westminster School’s tenet that students
encouraged to check the school calendar or Blackbaud must learn to be responsible for themselves and not rely on
calendar for dates of field trips and due dates for outside resources still stands. The value of a student learn-
projects, etc. ing to write down his assignments in his own assignment
book and not rely on a teacher or parent to remind him is
• Your child’s academic progress, learning expectations, an invaluable tool, which will serve him well for the rest of
or behavioral issues are best addressed through a his academic career and beyond. The same holds true for
telephone conversation or by scheduling a personal learning how to take proper, legible notes during a lecture.
conference with your child’s teacher. Therefore, the student will not be able to rely on the online
portal to remind him of his responsibilities. However, dates
• It is important to reflect upon the tone, timing and for quizzes, tests, and project assignments will be available
content of an email or Blackbaud message before it is on the student’s calendar.
sent. Emails written in haste or in anger/frustration
rarely help to sort out issues or concerns.
In the interests of both convenience and environmental Parent Information Sessions
responsibility, the Westminster School administration
frequently communicates news, invitations to events, and Each year, the administration hosts information sessions
other general information via emails to parents (school- for parents in each grade. Parents are urged to attend these
wide or to a relevant grade). (More urgent messages, such important and instructive events. The dates and times are
as an announcement of weather-related school closing, are included on the monthly calendars, and invitations are
sent via an instant messaging service.) emailed to parents in advance.
Names/Surnames The sessions provide an opportunity for parents to socialize
Over the years, some parents have inquired about the West- with one another and to gain important insight into their
minster custom of addressing parents and staff members child’s school experience. After chatting over coffee, the par-
by their surnames. This is a long-standing Westminster ents typically gather in the theater for a presentation from
tradition, which we continue to observe for the following the administration, team leader, or individual teachers.
reasons: This might be about Westminster’s philosophy, curriculum,
or childhood development as it is relevant to a particular
• The use of surnames is a courtesy which is consistent grade or team level. The presentation may be followed by
with our belief in traditional etiquette; an opportunity for the parents to visit the classrooms and
watch their children and the teachers in action during that
• The use of surnames encourages a respectful attitude morning’s lessons. Parents typically leave with renewed
and a professional objectivity which supports uniform, excitement about their child’s daily experience and the
fair treatment and evaluation of the students. professional expertise of his/her teachers.
Parents, therefore, are respectfully requested to honor this Social Media Sites
tradition and not encourage teachers to call them by their Westminster School communicates through a variety of
first names. We hope that parents will understand the rea-
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 40
social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and expression of appreciation for Mr. Glover’s outstanding loyalty
YouTube. We hope that all of our families will “like” our page to the mission, program, and community of Westminster School,
sand “follow” us. These platforms provide a quick, fun way and as a targeted intention to ensure the growth and success of
to stay on top of school events, and sharing Westminster’s the school. Current and future donations to the Gryphon Legacy
posts with relatives and friends goes a long way in promot- Fund may also be made in recognition of others who have
ing the school in the greater community. retired from Westminster School, alumni, graduate classes, or
current staff and students.
Web Page
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Many important messages are posted or linked on the offi-
cial school web page, www.westminsterschool.com, includ- The safety of students and staff members is the first priority
ing urgent announcements, school calendar, development
information, and curriculum overview. It also serves as a of the school. While many policies and daily practices
venue for “blogs” centered on education and related topics. support this goal, Westminster School also has in place plans
Parents are urged to visit the web site regularly for updates and procedures for a wide range of emergencies, including,
and other valuable information. but not limited to, the following: medical emergencies,
evacuation of the building, severe weather, shelter-in-place,
DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRAISING and violent intruder. Drills of various emergency procedures
are scheduled and carried out regularly. The school’s crisis
Westminster School is constantly striving to maintain and management plan, including all emergency plans and
improve the high quality of its program. Development ef- procedures as well as hierarchy of command, is reviewed and
forts go a long way toward helping the school achieve these revised annually.
goals. Development activities include all efforts to promote
Westminster within the school and greater community, Westminster School employs an emergency alert program
building relationships between the school and its support- for schools. This allows emergency messages to be instantly
ers, and helping to spread the word about Westminster relayed to parents via land line, cell phone, text message,
among potential supporters. and email. All parents are enrolled by the school in the pro-
gram to ensure the most efficient contact in case of a school-
The school cannot survive on tuition alone, and develop- wide emergency or urgent message, such as school closure
ment also includes fundraising, principally in the form due to inclement weather. Parents are urged to ensure that
of the annual Griffin Fund Campaign. All members of the their information is current on Blackbaud.
community—current families, staff, alumni, trustees,
and friends—are asked to make an annual donation to the HOMEROOM ASSIGNMENTS
school. Such gifts help the school improve in the areas of
technology, textbooks and other classroom materials, field Students in all grades are assigned to a homeroom. The
trips, athletic equipment, etc. Donations are also set aside homeroom teacher has a special responsibility toward
for specific capital goals, such as buildings and grounds his/her students, which varies from the lower and mid-
improvements or additions. All donations to Westminster dle-schools (grades K-5) and the upper-school (grades 6-8).
School are tax deductible. In all cases, however, the homeroom teacher keeps a special
eye on the academic and social/emotional development of
Gryphon Legacy Fund: To Remember and Honor his/her students.
On the occasion of Mr. Glover’s retirement after 45 years of In grades K-6, “homeroom” occurs three times each day:
dedicated service, Westminster School’s Board of Trustees school opening, lunchtime, and at the end of the day (stu-
established the Griffin Legacy Fund, to help ensure the growth dents will also visit this classroom and have this teacher for
and future success of the school. Westminster’s annual giving an academic class during the day). Homeroom is intended
fund solicits gifts that help the school meet its current needs as a time for social learning and development. Therefore,
and capital plans. Alternatively, the Gryphon Fund is intended parents are respectfully requested not to ask that their
to provide project-based support, beyond the annual budget, child be paired with or separated from a particular student
for the programs and spaces that are so critical to the fabric of a or teacher for homeroom. Allowing a child to experience a
Westminster School education. Projects supported by this fund variety of social situations will nurture in him/her a greater
will be identified by the Head of School and approved by the ability to cope with personal and professional relationships
Board of Trustees before being implemented. throughout life.
You are invited to contribute to the Gryphon Legacy Fund as an As the students get older, it is part of the Westminster pro-
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 41
gram to refine the development of their social skills, includ- of an after-school activity having a published pick-up time,
ing the practice of tolerance and kindness, and learning how are sent to Drop-In After-School Care until signed out by an
to make friends and get along with a variety of personalities. authorized parent or guardian. (See EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Sometimes, after the second quarter, homerooms may be PROGRAMS / After-School Care Programs.)
reorganized in grades 3-8. This allows the children to get to
know everyone in their grade and to strengthen the bonds Payment of fees (as published in registration materials) is
among them before moving on to the upper school, where due at the time of pick-up. Pick-up time from After-School
socialization becomes a greater priority. In grades 7 and 8, Care is 6:00 p.m. A late fee is charged after 6:15 p.m. Only
groupings for break and lunch are changed each quarter to electronic payment is accepted.
maximize the opportunity for social interaction.
Students whose siblings/carpool mates are participating
ILLNESS in after-school drama rehearsals for 6th – 8th grade may
remain at school during drama rehearsals at no charge.
Important to the Westminster philosophy are personal Students in this category will be supervised in the theater
fortitude and striving to meet one’s obligations even if that is where rehearsal is taking place. (Parents may choose to take
not the most comfortable thing to do. Students are therefore advantage of Drop-In After-School Care on these days, but
encouraged to attend school and remain throughout the must pay the regular fees.)
school day whenever they are well enough to do so. Howev-
er, in the event of illness, the following guidelines are to be LOST AND FOUND
observed:
Found items should be taken to the school office. Inquiries
• Parents are requested not to send a child to school about lost items should be made in the school office.
under the following conditions: 1) has a fever, or has had
a fever within the past 24 hours; 2) is sick at stomach, Parents are reminded that all uniform parts (and other
e.g., is significantly nauseous or has vomited within the clothing, such as jackets, hats, etc.) must be labeled with
past twelve hours; 3) has a severe cough or sore throat. the student’s name. Uniform items all look alike. Without a
name, items cannot be returned to the rightful owner.
• If a student feels unwell in class, the teacher will send
him/her to the office for attention. If the child is ill, LUNCH
an office staff member will phone the parent, who is
expected to pick up the child within one hour. If this is There is no cafeteria at Westminster. Many students bring
not possible, the parent must arrange for someone else lunch from home; others participate in a vendor-provided
to pick up the child. lunch program (see below). Students eat in their homeroom
under the supervision of a teacher. Lunch is considered
• If a student visits the office to request medication for a a social occasion and, with this arrangement, in contrast
mild complaint, an office staff member will telephone to a cafeteria-style environment, attention may be given to
the parent to ask permission before dispensing such good manners, neatness, and appropriate social interaction.
medication, e.g., pain reliever, antacid, etc. In addition, on a rotating basis, the students are assigned
regular chores associated with lunch, such as emptying and
Please see GENERAL INFORMATION / Medications for poli- taking out the trash, sweeping the floor, etc.
cies regarding medications sent to school with the student.
Seventh and eighth grade students are granted the privi-
When a student returns to school after an absence, he / she lege of eating in the theater, rather than in the classrooms.
is to bring a note from the parent (to be turned in to the There, they sit at round tables of a maximum of eight seats.
homeroom teacher) indicating the reason for the absence. They are supervised by teachers who guide their behavior
Failure to bring a note will result in the absence being and arrange for variation in seating throughout the week
counted as unexcused (see ACADEMIC PROGRAM / Practic- in order to encourage interaction between a wide-range of
es and Standards / Make-up Work). students throughout the year. The students continue to per-
form regular chores as well.
Additionally, if a student needs to excused from P.E. or out-
door break for health reasons, he/she must present a note of It is assumed that parents have provided a nutritious lunch
excuse from the parent to the P.E. or homeroom teacher. in the appropriate amount for their child. Therefore, stu-
dents are not allowed to trade items, and they are strongly
LATE PICKUP POLICY encouraged to eat all of their lunch. Items that are not
consumed are to be wrapped up and returned home, not
Students who are not picked up within 15 minutes of sched-
uled release time at the end of the school day, or at the end
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 42
discarded in school trash cans. outlining instructions for dispensation and dosage.
Students with severe allergies, for whom an EpiPen is
Students who bring their lunches leave them in their home- recommended, should provide the office with an EpiPen
rooms/lockers. All lunch bags or boxes should have the stu- (in a labeled bag), along with a completed Authorization for
dent’s name printed clearly on them. Carbonated drinks and Medication form.
drinks in glass containers are not permitted. No fast-food
lunches may be delivered to a student. It is not courteous to Over-the-counter medications are to be labeled by the
others to be tantalized by the aroma of burgers, and French parent with the student’s name and dosage.
fries, etc.
Cough drops may be brought to school only if accompanied
Optional School Lunch Program by a note from the parent verifying the need for their use,
Westminster School partners with an outside vendor to effective up to three days. After three days, another note will
provide the lunch choices for students in grades Pre-K-8. be required.
Parents/students may order lunch on the vendor’s web site.
There are several options offered each day, and families may Medication at home – Parents are requested to send a note
order lunch for as few or as many days as they wish. Prices to the homeroom teacher regarding any prescription medi-
are shown on the vendor’s web site. cation being administered to students at home.
If consideration is being given to placing a student on med-
Milk ication to address a learning or behavioral condition,
Milk for the school year is available for purchase through parents are urged to consult with the Head of School before
the school office. Information regarding this is included in starting such medication.
the back-to-school packet posted in Blackbaud before fall
opening. PARENTAL CONCERNS
Forgotten lunches Westminster School strives for clear communication
Forgotten lunches may be delivered to the school, but must with parents regarding all aspects of the school program,
arrive before the student’s lunch time. If lunch time arrives including mission and philosophy, curriculum and academ-
and a student is without his/her lunch, the teacher will send ic standards, guidance and disciplinary policies, as well as
the student to the office to check on lunch delivery. In the the individual student’s progress and experience at school.
event that no lunch has been delivered, it is a Westminster Occasionally, however, parents may have concerns or ques-
custom for classmates to share their food with the student. tions regarding these or other school matters. In order to get
the clearest and most effective response to such concerns,
MEDICATIONS parents are requested to follow the steps below:
Generally speaking, the dispensing of medicine to students • Most general questions regarding school procedures
at school is discouraged. However, in some cases, a pain re- can be addressed by calling the school office.
liever (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) or antacid tablet may be
administered by the school office staff. The parent needs to • Questions / concerns about a student’s progress or
fill out the Medication Permission Form, indicating specific experience in a particular class should be addressed to
medicines approved for their child. That form is then kept that subject teacher.
on file in the office. In the event that dispensing that medi-
cation to the student is necessary, the office staff will call the • If discussions with the teacher fail to resolve an issue,
parent for approval to administer the medication on a case- or if a parent has general questions about the program
by-case basis. (See GENERAL INFORMATION / Illness.) and policies of Westminster School, such concerns/
questions should be directed to the team leader.
Prescription medicine (including inhalers) brought to
school by students or parents for students to take during • Questions regarding the curriculum should be directed
the day is to be left in the school office, accompanied by an to the relevant subject department chair. (The names
Authorization for Medication form (available in the school of team leaders, department chairs, and curriculum
office) to be filled out by the student’s doctor and the parent, 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 Head of School.
(See STUDENT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE / Guidance
Program.)
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 43
PARKING which your child is enrolled.
Parking is limited in the Westminster School parking lot. • Invite all the students in your child’s homeroom.
The numbered spaces are reserved for faculty and staff.
During the school day, parents and others are requested • Invite all the girls or all the boys in both homerooms.
to park only in the “Visitor” parking spaces or in one of
the designated “Quick Drop-off / Pick-up” spaces directly • Invite all the girls or all the boys from your child’s
opposite the school entrance (for visits no longer than 15 homeroom.
minutes). Please do not leave a car unattended, even briefly,
at the curb in front of the school. After 4:30 p.m., when most If none of these suggestions is followed, students are not
staff members have departed, all open spaces are available permitted to distribute the invitations at school. Such invi-
for visitors. tations should be extended privately, outside of school.
On days/evenings when an event is taking place at school, it SCHOOL SUPPLIES
may be necessary for parents/visitors to park on the street.
Parents/visitors are urged to avoid blocking the driveways Each year, students are responsible for bringing certain
of Westminster’s neighbors. For the sake of efficiency in supplies to school for use in their classes. A list of required
addressing any issues regarding parent/visitor parking, it is supplies is included in the “back-to-school” packet and is
strongly suggested that parents display their carpool / fami- posted on the school web site year-round.
ly name cards when parking on or near school grounds.
Basic school supplies, such as paper and pencils, may be
Please be reminded: Fairfax County regulations prohibit purchased at the “school store,” a portable cart manned by
parking within 10 feet of a driveway or intersection, and parent volunteers each morning between 7:50 and 8:05 a.m.
police will issue a parking ticket if a complaint is received.
TECHNOLOGY
PARTIES HOSTED BY STUDENTS
Westminster School recognizes the valuable resources
Westminster students sometimes host parties in their for communication and information retrieval provided by
homes to which they wish to invite classmates. In order to the ongoing technological revolution, and strives to incor-
avoid the hurt feelings that can result when certain children porate such resources within the academic program and
are excluded, parents are requested to choose one of the the administrative and business functions of the school.
following options when arranging the guest list: However, Westminster also takes an independent stance
• Invite all students in both homerooms for the grade in when it comes to the sweeping conversion to “computers in
the classroom” and the substitution of software programs
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 44 for live teaching. As with any other teaching methodol-
ogy, Westminster carefully considers its immediate and
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama
Westminster’s mission statement includes kindness as one of our ideals. This is the reason behind asking students to
either invite an entire group to a party or to distribute invitations privately, outside of school. But, kindness goes further.
It also means not talking about the party at school, or laughing about something that happened at a recent sleep-over
or trip to the mall, in the hearing of those who were not included. The emotional stings children suffer from unkindness
remain long after they have grown to adulthood. No parents want this for their own child. Please take the same care of
others—talk to your child about kindness, especially when planning events to which not all classmates will be invited.
long-lasting impact on student learning and preparation for internet.
an unknowable future. Such consideration has shaped the
school’s current policy on technology within the classroom Students are not allowed to bring animals to school. If a
and student training in the use of technology. science project involves bringing an animal to school, the
teacher will notify the office to that effect. However, it will
Learning is not just an intellectual activity. There are be necessary to transport the animal by means other than
important social and emotional components at the heart of school bus, as no animal may travel on the bus.
learning, including motivation, enthusiasm, cooperation,
tolerance, learning styles, group interactions, intuitive Cell phones at school are discouraged, and their usage at
understanding, and spontaneity, to name a few. Recognizing school is strictly monitored. See STUDENT BEHAVIOR /
and responding to these components, and weaving them EXPECTATIONS, Use of Cell Phones).
into a lesson is crucial to the art of teaching. This cannot
be achieved by a computer program. Westminster believes USE OF OFFICE TELEPHONE BY STUDENTS
in the primary educational importance and effectiveness
of live teacher/student interaction. As preparation for the Because the office is busy throughout the school day with
future, Westminster also promotes the importance of young phone calls and visitors, the use of the school phone is
students gaining independent mastery of basic skills with- limited to school business or calls of an urgent nature.
out reliance on a computer. Arrangements to remain after school for an activity, invite a
friend to one’s home or arrange to go home with a friend are
However, Westminster recognizes that training in the not considered urgent. Such arrangements are to be made
appropriate and balanced use of technology is essential for in advance with parents, not at school by telephone.
students in the 21st century. All students in kindergarten Students must obtain permission from an office staff mem-
through 8th grades have a weekly STEAM class with a spe- ber before using the phone. In the event of student illness
cialized instructor. In grades 3 – 8, a progressive curriculum or an emergency situation, school personnel will facilitate
is delivered through weekly technology classes providing student/parent communication.
instruction and practice in basic computer operation,
keyboarding, word processing, Internet safety, and Internet WALKERS/BICYCLE RIDERS
research. The students learn how to use both Microsoft Of-
fice and Google Suite. Technology skills are integrated with Parents who grant permission for their child to walk to or
the academic program through class assignments. 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
Additionally, Westminster School possesses the capability beginning of the year to confirm such arrangements, and
to pivot to virtual learning if necessary, allowing teachers must send written permission, which will be kept in the
and students to conduct classes through virtual platforms student’s file.
during a long-term shutdown of the physical school facility.
A bicycle rack is located in front of the school, near the
TOYS/GAMES/ELECTRONICS, ETC. carpool entrance. All bicycles should be secured to the rack
with a lock.
Students may not bring toys, games, or other superfluous
items to school without explicit permission. This includes Occasional walkers or bikers must bring written permission
athletic equipment, dolls / stuffed animals, games, electron- signed and dated by a parent. These students must sign out,
ic devices, computers of any kind, electronic/smart watches or be signed out by their parents, in the office before leaving
that emit noise, double as games, or allow access to the the school grounds. n
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 45
THE INSIDE SCOOP: EXPECTATIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS
BEING INVOLVED IN SCHOOL LIFE The school library warmly welcomes parent volunteers,
on a regular or occasional basis, to assist with tasks such
WESTMINSTER PARENTS CLUB as entering new books in the data base, organizing and
Every Westminster parent is automatically a member of shelving books, covering or repairing books, etc. Volun-
the Westminster Parents Club (WPC), and parents are teering in the library is a wonderful way to experience the
urged to become active members. The purpose of the WPC daily life of the school.
is to support the school through a wide range of social
events and activities for families as well as some fundrais- Club Sponsorship/Assistance
ing events held during the school year. Active involvement There are a number of extracurricular clubs available
by parents not only helps the school but sends a clear mes- to Westminster students. While every club has a faculty
sage to the child(ren) that their parents consider school (or staff ) sponsor, several also require or benefit from
activities important. Children gain confidence knowing parent sponsors or assistants. School sponsors send out
that their parents are involved in the school. information on clubs and solicit parent volunteers early
in the school year. Serving as a club sponsor/assistant
The activities and contributions of the WPC form a vital provides the opportunity to help direct student activities,
strand in the life of the school, and provide a supportive including supporting preparations for extracurricular
network and friendly resource for Westminster students competitions.
and their families. Fliers announcing WPC meetings and
other activities are emailed or sent home throughout ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL EVENTS
the school year. WPC activities are also included on the Westminster School invites parents to several informa-
school calendar, and the organization maintains a web- tive and/or social events during the school year. Parent
page on Blackbaud. attendance at such events is an important aspect of part-
nership with the school and support of the children.
The WPC operates according to an established set of
bylaws, and is directed by a board of officers elected an- Parent Information Sessions
nually by the members. General meetings are held several At various times during the school year, parents may
times a year. be invited to an information session with their child’s
grade-level teachers, team leader, and administration. At
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES these meetings, the teachers and administrators typically
In addition to helping with Westminster Parents Club present information about the curriculum, the charac-
activities, parents may volunteer in several ways: ter-building and personal development program, special
events, and the overall goals of the Westminster program.
Room Parent The parents may also be invited to attend that morning’s
Each year, two volunteers serve as Room Parents for each classes to allow them to see the teachers, the curriculum,
homeroom. Their mission is to help make the school and their children in action and to experience the rich-
year fun for the students. With general guidance from ness and variety of their child’s school life. Many parents
the school administration, Room Parents coordinate say that attending these sessions reminds them of what
grade-level celebrations, such as Halloween and Valen- Westminster is all about and confirms their decision to
tine’s Day, the class play reception, and other special enroll their child here.
activities. Volunteering as a Room Parent is a great way
to be a presence in your child’s school life and put your Attending Upper-School Plays
personal touch on creative endeavors. Most parents enthusiastically attend the performances of
their own child’s grade-level play each year. However, par-
Library
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 46
ents may not realize the importance of supporting the up-
per-school (7th-8th grade) drama productions. Westmin-
ster’s drama program graduates to full-scale, night-time
productions of a Shakespeare play in the 7th grade and a
Broadway-style musical in the 8th grade. The creative and
material resources of the Drama Department, directed
by the Head of School, are poured into these culminating
productions. Parents of younger children are encouraged
to attend and bring the children to see the plays. Not
only will the entire family be well-entertained, but it is
important for both parents and children to see what will
be possible for them in the future.
WPC Events
The WPC sponsors several events during the school
year which are intended as fun, community-bonding
experiences. Bingo, movies, and karaoke are just a few
of the engaging activities provided for the whole family.
The school year kicks off with the WPC back-to-school
picnic, a wonderful opportunity for a relaxed, fami-
ly-style evening of good food, good fun, and good friends.
Each spring, the WPC puts on their annual parents’ play.
Parent and student actors bond during rehearsals and
light up the Ellis Glover Theater with their two-night
performance. These and other whole-school events, such
as International Day and the Gala (hosted in partnership
with the school) are important ways for families to get
to know one another and experience being part of the
school community.
Halloween Parade throughout the fall and winter seasons, and parents are
welcome to attend those games to cheer on our Griffin
The celebration of Halloween is a beloved Westminster athletes. On the Friday evening of Spirit Week each
tradition. Most students and staff wear costumes to spring, the varsity basketball team challenges a group of
school. The staff decorates a “spooky walk” for the stu- parents and alumni to a friendly competition. The parents
dents, and special treats are served at lunch. Festivities and alumni prepare and bond during evening practices
begin with a special presentation by the Head of School, scheduled during the weeks leading up to this game.
Assistant Head, and the 8th graders, followed by a lively
parade of costumed K – 4th graders. Parents are most HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
welcome to attend this outdoor event, and many say they
wouldn’t miss it. The Halloween parade is on the school Communicate with Teachers
calendar and fliers are sent home ahead of the event. Meaningful communication with their child’s teachers
is one of the main ways parents can support their child
Athletic Events in school. (See GENERAL INFORMATION, Communi-
Westminster fields travel soccer and basketball teams
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 47
cations.) In addition to attending regularly scheduled
conferences, parents should contact their child’s teachers
if they have questions or concerns regarding the child’s
academic progress, social/emotional development, or
experience at school. In addition, it is important to let
teachers know about any situation affecting the child
which might also impact him/her at school, for example,
a medical condition, family illness or death, or parental
separation/divorce.
Be Familiar with the Parent/Student Handbook
Parents and older students are expected to carefully review
the Parent / Student Handbook. The handbook articulates
the rules, policies, and procedures that govern school life,
and includes explanations of school philosophy as well as
helpful tips for negotiating school life successfully.
Before calling the teacher or school office with a question
about the academic program, daily procedures, etc., it is
very helpful to consult the Parent / Student Handbook.
This will either answer the question or provide a basis for
informed discussion with the staff member.
Help the Student Meet Responsibilities easily avoided through daily review of the calendar.
(Please be aware that it is the custom to loan students
Progressing through the Westminster program is a a blazer and tie for the field trip or assembly;
however, they still receive the strike[s]).
complex, nuanced, and challenging—but ultimately ex-
tremely rewarding—journey for your child. But, children • Clarify after-school arrangements. It is important
cannot manage it alone; they need consistent parental to plan ahead with the child for any deviation from
support and respect for the expectations and responsibil- the usual after-school arrangements. This includes
ities they bear (or are learning to bear) at school. plans for the child to attend sports practice, attend
an enrichment class, ride home with a friend, etc.
Parents can make school life a great deal more comfort- In addition to smoothing school operations and
able for their children through the following supportive ensuring proper and safe supervision of your child,
measures: clear communication of after-school plans removes
any confusion or worry your child may otherwise feel
• Get them to school on time. There is much to at the end of the school day.
learn, experience, and enjoy at school each day. It is
important for students to arrive in time to visit their • Support their homework duties. Homework is a
lockers, use the restroom, say hello to friends, and valuable and regular part of learning at Westminster
organize their books and materials for upcoming School. Parents show respect and support for their
classes. The recommended arrival time is between child when they consistently do the following:
7:45 and 8:00 a.m. Aside from receiving a strike for a
late arrival (i.e., arriving in the homeroom class after • Westminster students are encouraged and
8:05), a late or last-minute arrival places unnecessary expected to do their homework “neatly,
stress on the child and starts the day on the wrong completely, and with pride.” Parental praise for
note. effort and a good attitude toward homework goes
a long way in supporting your child in his/her
• Help them meet uniform requirements. Regular homework responsibilities.
review of the school calendar will prompt parents
and students regarding the need for blazers and
ties (required for field trips, assemblies, and other
special events). In addition to receiving a strike
for each uniform violation, many children suffer
embarrassment when they stand out because of not
having the appropriate uniform. This is a discomfort
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 48
• Ideally, there should be a regular time for How to handle homework
homework. Most children respond best to
routines. Each family works out what is best for Treat homework as a normal and valuable part
them, but a good after-school schedule might of learning and of school life. Children take their
include a small snack and session of outdoor cues from the adults around them, so a calm,
play, followed by homework before dinner; practical approach is the best way to help your
any remaining homework and/or study may be child with homework. If your child is confused or
completed after dinner. “stressed” about an assignment or the amount of
homework, below are some helpful tips:
• There should also be a designated place (or
places) for the child to work, which is stocked • Have him/her complete the most difficult
with necessary supplies, such as paper, pencils, or longest assignment first. The sense of
a dictionary, etc. Many families find it helpful pride and relief at getting this out of the way
for the child to do homework “in reach” of the will provide an emotional boost during the
parent (away from technology, television, and remainder of the homework.
other tempting activities), so that questions may
be answered and distractions minimized, but at a • If homework time is delayed and the child
distance that encourages independence. is working later than usual or is getting
frustrated due to tiredness, have him/her
• Finally, remember that it is not necessary for a go to bed and get up a bit early to finish the
student to get all the answers “right” on a homework homework. Most students find that what
assignment. In fact, it is important that the teacher seemed overwhelming the night before is
see any mistakes or misunderstandings in order to relatively easy after a good night’s sleep.
clarify the information under study. Homework is
assessed for effort and completeness. It is worth
20% of the student’s quarterly grade.
Support the Class Plays some after-school rehearsals may be scheduled.
The drama program is at the heart of Westminster’s
ability to turn out poised, confident graduates. Along In grades K – 6, parents are expected to:
with many other opportunities for public speaking and
performance at school, participation in the class play • Provide a costume for their child. Typically, the
each year delivers a cumulative effect that sets our grad- teachers/directors send home costume requirements
uates apart from their peers. While it is common knowl- for each child’s role. Depending on the role, costumes
edge that many people fear public speaking, Westminster may be created, purchased, or, in some cases,
graduates have been trained through the drama program rented. Parents of children who share roles usually
to speak clearly and articulately, to remain poised under coordinate to ensure that children playing the same
pressure, to work cooperatively toward a team goal, to character dress (more or less) the same.
express their personalities and talents, and to present
themselves confidently to an audience. What a boon • On a volunteer basis, assist with set construction and
this is, no matter what they choose to do once they leave props acquisition.
Westminster!
• Provide refreshments for and host a post-play
In support of their child’s drama experience, parental reception. This effort is coordinated by the Room
assistance is needed in a number of areas: Parents.
In all grades, parents are expected to:
• Ensure that the children memorize their lines. The Westminster School has each play videotaped and
teachers/directors strive for a reasonable number of photographed. The resulting video and photos are offered
lines for the child’s grade and personal strength, and for sale.
typically communicate the desired date by which the
children should all know their lines. *Note: The 6th-grade play is a “bridge” from the lower-
grade drama program to the more involved endeavors
• As much as possible, ensure that the students characteristic of the upper school. There are two casts and
two performances (during the school day). This provides
attend all scheduled rehearsals. In grades K-5, most more opportunities for individual students to develop their
rehearsals take place during the school day; however, dramatic abilities and share their talents and personalities.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 49
Traditionally, the 6th-grade play is a junior musical, so In 7th / 8th grades, parents are expected to:
singing and dancing are highlighted, and the play is directed
by the music teacher, with assistance from the homeroom • Ensure that their child learns his/her lines by the
teachers. Given the greater demands on the director (two requested date. It is important to not simply ask
casts, musical program), rehearsals may be scheduled the child if he/she knows the lines but insist that he/
after school on a regular basis, and one or two weekend she prove it by reciting them on cue. Delays in the
rehearsals may be called. students learning their lines places an enormous
drag on staging, acting instruction, and the ensemble
In grades 7 and 8, the demands of the play increase practice that is needed for a high-quality production.
significantly, and these plays are important rites of Parents are urged to support the Drama Department
passage at Westminster School. The plays are full-length, in this regard.
professional-level endeavors (Shakespeare in 7th grade,
Broadway musical in 8th grade). The students have dozens • Have their child attend all scheduled rehearsals,
of lines to learn, songs and/or choreography to master, and especially during the final three weeks leading up
significant back-stage responsibilities. There are two casts to the performance. Upper-school play dates are
for each play and two evening performances. Tickets are published early in or prior to the school year. Parents
sold for the upper-school productions, which are open to should carefully review the calendar and refrain from
the public. scheduling conflicting events or appointments during
rehearsal period, if at all possible. If parents foresee
Students begin working on their play in Drama Class significant conflicts with the rehearsal schedule,
(part of the 4th-period, alternating “specials” schedule) they are requested to let the director know at the
approximately six weeks prior to the performance. After- beginning of drama class; their child will be assigned
school rehearsals are scheduled Monday – Friday. beginning a smaller, less demanding role.
approximately five weeks before the performance. After-
school rehearsals increase in length throughout the • Make a donation to the Drama Department to help
rehearsal period, and week-end rehearsals are scheduled defray costume costs.
during the last three weeks prior to performance. A
rehearsal calendar is provided early in the process. This While the focus on the upper-school drama productions
intense schedule is necessary to unite the class for such a may seem excessive, and certainly tax all concerned,
challenging project and achieve the professional level of generations of Westminster students have experienced
performance characteristic of the upper-school plays. the long-lasting positive results of these culminating class
projects. Many recall their upper-school play experiences as
Please be assured that, during this intense rehearsal period: among the highlights of their Westminster years. The power
of the drama experience to bring out unknown strengths
• Academic needs are carefully attended to by the and abilities in previously shy or fearful students, and to
upper-school teachers. Arrangements are made for bond the class in lasting friendship, cannot be overstated.
students to attend Help, serve RDs, complete make- Parental support through these transformational projects
up work, etc., as needed. is much needed and deeply appreciated.
• Students who are not actively rehearsing are allowed HOW TO SUPPORT WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
to do homework. (During week-end rehearsals,
students are typically allowed to bring electronic POSITIVE ATTITUDE
devices for their entertainment, as well as books and
homework.) The Westminster experience, for both students and parents,
is a rich and rewarding one, but it can be challenging. The
• Students who have Westminster sports team level of expectations is high, and parents may not always
obligations are excused from rehearsal during understand the reason behind a particular policy or the
those events, as are students who are scheduled for long-term value of various school practices. However, the
orchestra lessons. school works hard to present its mission, philosophy, and
methods to prospective and enrolled parents, and it is hoped
• Siblings and carpool mates of rehearsing students are that their decision to join the school is a well-informed one.
allowed to remain in the theater at no charge. Maintaining respect and trust in the school, and working in
partnership with teachers and administrators are the most
• Students who remain past 4:30 p.m. are given a snack important way parents can support Westminster.
and drink. Should a concern or problem arise, parents are urged
to consult the person who can best help, whether that
In 7th / 8th grades, the Drama Department takes care of all
production aspects of the play, including set, props, lighting
and sound, music, and costumes. There is no post-play
reception; however, a special toast is held for all cast and
crew at the end of the closing performance.
Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 50
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