In the event of school closings for severe weather, information will be broadcast on local television and radio stations.  The school’s voice mail message will be updated to include this information.

V.  ACADEMIC POLICIES

ACADEMIC YEAR: The year is divided into two semesters

Each semester is divided into quarters.

EXAMINATIONS:  Will be given at the end of the first and second semesters.

GRADING SCALE:

A ----- 93-100

B ----- 85-92

C ----- 77-84

D ----- 70-76

F ----- Below 70

Students in Grade 7 or 8 must receive at least an 85 to receive high school credit in Algebra I or Geometry.  A grade below 85 will result in repeating the course the following year. (8th Grade English may also be shown on the high school transcript as “English I” with a grade of 85 or above.)

COMMENT SHEETS: Comments on each student's performance will be issued with grades at the end of each quarter; interim grades and comments will be sent at the mid point of each quarter.

HONOR ROLL:      High Honors -------A average (93 - 100)

                 with no grade below a B.           

                                  Honors ------------ B Average (85 - 92)

                                                                with no grade below a C.

ACADEMIC PROBATION: A student experiencing academic difficulties may, at the discretion of the faculty, be placed on academic probation.  Students earning two or more Fs or three or more Ds, during a formal grading period, will automatically be placed on Academic Probation.  Probationary status will result in a closer monitoring of the student's progress, and may include some restrictions.  Should a student fail to earn his or her way off Academic Probation, his or her re-enrollment for the following year will also be reviewed by the faculty.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY:  A student must pass at least four “core” courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language), or five total courses, each quarter in order to retain eligibility to participate in athletics.

VI.  ADVISORY PROGRAM

Every student at Trinity Collegiate School will be assigned an advisor during the first few weeks of school.  All full-time faculty members serve as advisors; each has a group of approximately ten advisees.  The advisor’s role is to be a designated advocate, an ally, and also a key part of the communication between home and school.  The advisor can be a point of contact for parents who have questions about their child’s performance, and also for teachers who have concerns about a student’s behavior.  Course sign-up and registration each Spring also take place within the  context of the advisory program.

Students will meet with their advisor groups at least once per month.  The meetings serve a variety of purposes, including fellowship and fun, report card review, and discussions of school-related issues such as Honor Code, exam preparation, etc. 

Advisor groups also take responsibility, on a rotating basis, for cleaning up the cafeteria after lunch and wiping down the tables.

Historically, some advisor groups have even gone beyond these parameters by planning community service projects and/or social events outside of school.

VII.  ATTENDANCE

GENERAL:  We urge all parents to have their children attend school every day that we are in session.  Family vacations should be planned to correspond with school vacation dates.  While we will do all that is possible to help students make up missed work, there is no way we can adequately make up for time not in class.  A student who misses more than twenty days in a year-long course will lose credit for that course, unless a waiver is granted.  Waivers must be formally requested in writing.  The Headmaster will review such requests, which are normally granted only in the case of extended medical leave.   The waiver request should include careful documentation.

SPECIFIC:  If your child will miss school for an extended period (more than one day), we ask that you notify the Headmaster as much in advance as possible, so that we can anticipate the absence and make plans to minimize the loss.

If he or she will miss one day or part of a day for unavoidable appointments or illnesses, submit a signed note before the absence, if possible, or upon return to explain the reason for the absence.  A student must be in attendance for at least half of a school day in order to participate in after-school athletics or extracurricular activities on that day. 

Students must sign out and in when they are gone for a portion of the school day.  Students who miss a portion of the school day are expected to complete all assigned work on schedule unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher.  Students missing class should obtain homework assignments from a classmate or from the school’s web site.  Upon the student's return, he or she should make up any missed work or tests within the same number of days that he or she was absent, unless special arrangements have been made.

VIII.  BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Books have become an increasingly expensive part of educating young people.  Trinity Collegiate School will purchase all necessary textbooks and sell them to its students.  At the end of the year, we will buy back used books and resell them when possible and practical.  Books must be returned in good condition.

A supply list is mailed during the summer.  It is the responsibility of the students to be prepared with paper, pencils, pens, and the appropriate texts and supplies for each course.  Some math students may be asked to purchase a graphing calculator.  We ask all students to place their names in all books and on all equipment, to make it easier to return lost items to their rightful owners.  A locker will be provided for each student.

IX.  DISCIPLINARY POLICIES

A.  GENERAL:  When a student enrolls in Trinity Collegiate

School, the student commits to being a positive member of this community.  This commitment requires that every student conduct himself or herself with respect for every other student, the faculty, and all those associated with the school.  Appropriate behavior emanates from a foundation of trust, honesty, and sensitivity to the needs of others.  Furthermore, we require that every student be responsible for his or her actions, and when those actions detract from the positive environment of the school, we will hold the individual responsible.  The commitment to positive behavior and the acceptance of responsibilities for one's actions are necessary for the healthy maturation of young people.

Disciplinary policies are considered to be in effect at all times while at school, but also at any athletic events or school sponsored trips.  Students who are suspended from school, either in-school or at home, will be required to make up all missed work, but may not receive full credit for this work, at the discretion of the Headmaster.

B.  MAJOR INFRACTIONS: These infractions identify the most important concerns of the school and will most likely result in an appearance before the school's Discipline Committee.  The Discipline Committee is composed of student and faculty members; it hears all cases involving major rule violations, and makes recommendations to the Headmaster regarding punishment.  A separate Honor Court, also composed of student and faculty members, will hear cases involving violations of the Honor Code.

Recommendations may include, among other things, in-school or out-of-school suspension, and in extreme cases dismissal from school. When a potential Discipline Committee or Honor Court case is brought to the Dean of Students, he will meet with the Headmaster to determine whether a hearing is appropriate.  If a case is scheduled, the student will be presented in advance with a copy of the Headmaster's report.  The student will be asked to select a faculty representative to accompany him or her to the hearing.  Following the hearing, the Dean of Students will present a recommendation to the Headmaster.  The Headmaster may accept, reject, or amend the recommendation of the Discipline Committee or Honor Court.

1.  ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Any and all prescribed drugs must be turned in to the Office with directions for dosage.  Any student in possession of, or under the influence of, any illegal substances may be subject to immediate dismissal or suspension as well as prosecution by law enforcement agencies.  The dangers of involvement with illegal substances by young people are well documented.  As an educational institution we seek to educate both students and parents; however, the school's first priority is to provide a safe environment

Substance Abuse Testing, Search & Seizure: To help insure a safe, healthy, and productive educational environment for our students, staff, and employees, the school has adopted a strict policy with regard to the possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances and alcohol.  Students under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol pose serious safety and health risks not only to themselves, but to all those who surround or come in contact with them.

Accordingly, the possession, use, consumption, distribution, or sale of alcohol or controlled substances, or having controlled substances in one's system without medical authorization during school hours, on school property, or while a participant or spectator at a school-sponsored event, or at any time when the student represents the school, will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.  Drug related paraphernalia are also prohibited.

The school reserves the right to search any student's person on campus or off campus while participating in a school-sponsored event, or while representing the school, and to search property belonging to the student, including without limitation the student's vehicle, equipment, clothing, personal effects, lunch and equipment boxes, lockers, bags, purses, cases or other containers.  Such searches may be conducted upon such cause as shall be deemed reasonable by the Headmaster; and, furthermore the school reserves the right to engage in random searches of a student's person and property without the requirement of notice and without the existence of reasonable cause, to include, without limitation, the requirement that students submit, upon demand, to such tests including, without limitation, chemical tests of breath, blood, hair, and urine.  A refusal to submit to testing and/or inspection may be grounds for dismissal.

2.  DISHONESTY AND STEALING: Lying, cheating and stealing are unacceptable.  The Honor Code spells out the details on intellectual dishonesty.  Anyone who takes another's property or school property is stealing.  Anyone who tolerates such an act may be guilty also.

3.  FIGHTING AND HARASSMENT: Physical or verbal abuse is a serious violation of school regulations.  Differences between individuals in our community will occur and may require the intervention and counsel of faculty.  Fighting, however, is never acceptable and will be strictly punished. Verbal abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, and physical or verbal harassment of any kind are equally unacceptable and will be punished.                         

4.  VANDALISM:  Respect for the property of others and of this school is an absolute requirement of this school.

5.  WEAPONS AND PROHIBITED ITEMS: No firearms, knives, or other potentially dangerous items are permitted at school.  (Other prohibited items include beepers, pagers, Walkman, Discman, and other electronic devices, except where specific permission has been granted to possess such electronic devices at school.)

6.  TOBACCO:  Use of tobacco in all forms is not permitted on school grounds or at school activities.

7.  DISRESPECT TO FACULTY AND STAFF: Any language or action of disrespect may be considered a major infraction.

8.  MISSING A REQUIRED APPOINTMENT: Any failure to meet school appointments (classes, assemblies, chapel, etc.) without an adequate excuse is prohibited.  Leaving campus at any time without advance permission is also considered a major rule violation, as is frequent or chronic tardiness. 

C.  MINOR INFRACTIONS: These infractions will be responded to by individual teachers or the Dean of Students.  Repeated infractions will result in an appearance before the Discipline Committee.

1.  DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: Any behavior that disrupts the conduct of regular school activities or risks injury to persons or property is unacceptable at school, or on the way to or from school activities.

2.  DRESS CODE: Violation of the rules or spirit of our dress code will be dealt with by the Dean of Students (see specific dress code policy below).

3.  OTHERS: Other minor rule violations cannot be spelled out completely in this Handbook, but include eating or drinking in a classroom, chewing gum at school, and leaving materials lying around in the halls.

4.  TARDINESS: Late arrival without cause to any school appointment indicates a disregard for one's personal responsibilities and will be dealt with as a disciplinary matter.  The school may not automatically accept excuses from home for tardies to school, particularly in the case of excessive tardies.

5.  CARS:  Students may not enter their cars during the day.  All student vehicles should be registered with the office.

D.  DETENTION POLICY: After school detention may be assigned by a teacher or by the Dean of Students for minor rule infractions; detentions will last until 5:00 p.m.  Detentions will be served when assigned.  Students will not be excused from detention because of an athletic event or other school function.  If a student cannot serve a detention on the date assigned, a note must be provided, in advance, from a parent or guardian.  A student who fails to appear for an assigned detention will be sent to the Discipline Committee.

A student who is assigned two or more after-school detentions during an academic quarter will be required to serve a three-hour Saturday detention.  During detentions, a writing assignment will be given, and must be completed.  Students should bring pen and paper to detention.  During some detentions, service projects will be assigned around the school, subject to available supervision.

Academic Detentions:  Students who regularly fail to complete homework will be assigned to an after-school “back work” detention.  The student will be required to complete the missing homework assignment during the detention.  The Dean of Students will establish specific policies, and will communicate with parents.  Academic detentions must be served immediately (same day or next day).

X.  DRESS AND APPEARANCE

GENERAL:  School dress should reflect the fact that students are at school for the purpose of education, not recreation.  In effect, school is a student’s “job”, and he or she should be dressed accordingly.

The dress code, below, reflects the school’s sense of what is in good taste, but may not cover all situations.  The dress code may be amended by the Headmaster at any time.  The school requests that parents help enforce the dress code by ensuring that students are appropriately attired before leaving home                            

SPECIFIC: 

All students -

1.   All clothing should be clean and should not be torn or tattered.

2.   All shorts and skirts must be full-length; mini-skirts and “short-shorts” are prohibited.

3.   Sweat pants or wind suits, fatigues/camouflage clothes, and excessively baggy pants which sag below the waist are not to be worn.

4.   No clothing may be worn which promotes or advertises alcohol, tobacco, or drug use nor may clothes display sexual references or innuendo.

5.   No tie-dyed clothing or any type of T-shirt may be worn.

6.   Shoes must be substantial and supportive.  No flip-flops, rubber soccer sandals, shower shoes, or beach shoes may be worn. 

7.   Hats and head coverings are not to be worn in the halls or in classrooms.

8.   Nose studs and other exotic body piercings are not permitted.  Extreme fashion jewelry is not allowed.

9.  If a student is dressed inappropriately, the Dean of Students may remove the       student from class until the violation can be rectified.  If a change of clothing is not available at school, the  student may be held out of class until such clothing can be provided from home.  It is important to us that our students be successful.  Dressing appropriately for school has been proven  to be a positive factor in school success.

10.  In cases where there is a question regarding appropriateness of dress, Mr. Kaye will make the final determination for boys, Mrs. Heitsman for girls.

Boys -

1.   No facial hair.

2.   Earrings are not permitted

3.   Collared shirts only.

4.   All shirts, including over shirts, must be tucked in at all times.

5.   Sweaters or sweatshirts must fit appropriately and have elastic hemmed bottom.

Girls –

1.    Miniskirts, bare midriffs, bare backs, low-cut tops, and strapless sundresses are

       not permitted.

2.   Any clothing deemed too revealing, including tank tops or clothing which reveals undergarments, may be deemed inappropriate.

3.   Collared blouses are preferred, but collarless blouses and knit shirts will be       

      permitted if they are not cut inappropriately.

4.   Boy’s-style shirts, with tails, must be kept tucked in at all times.

XI.  EXAMINATIONS

Each semester will be completed with an examination covering the work for that semester.  In cases where the material is sequential, the concepts from earlier semesters will, by necessity, be included.  Middle school final exams will last ninety minutes and will count as 15% of semester grade.  Upper school final exams will last two hours and will count as 20% of semester grade.  Other forms of tests and evaluation will be assigned throughout the school year.  Teachers will coordinate major tests and papers through the use of a test calendar and grade-level teacher meetings, so that students do not face an unreasonable load on a given day.

XII.  HONOR CODE

Each member of the student body will be asked to sign the following statements at the beginning of the school year and on the completion of many examinations and longer written assignments:

A.  Pledge at the beginning of each year:

"As a member of the TCS community, I believe that a commitment to personal integrity is critical to my own development and to that of our school."

"I, therefore, pledge to abide by the principles of the honor code which are not to cheat, lie or steal nor to tolerate these activities by others."

Signature: __________________________

B.  Pledge on graded work:

1.   Full:  "I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this work."

Signature: __________________________

2.      Short:  "I pledge."

C. Honor Code Violations

1.   Plagiarism: Any use of someone else's ideas or words without proper recognition of the source constitutes intellectual dishonesty.  The methods of acknowledgment instructed by the MLA style manual will serve as guidelines, unless a teacher provides other specific instructions.

2.   Self-Plagiarism: Submitting the same piece of work in more than one course without the explicit permission of the instructors involved.

3.   Cheating: Giving or receiving assistance from written material, another person, or another person's paper, during an examination, test, quiz or any other assignment which is to be the product of one individual.

4.    Tolerating a violation of the Honor Code is deemed to be an offense also.

XIII.  VISITORS

A.  Friends are always welcome to visit our school.  However, advance permission must be secured from the Office.  Students will be responsible for their visitors during the duration of their visit.  Visitors are required to follow school dress code.  Students should be sure to introduce their guests to their teacher in each class.

B.  Parents are always welcome to visit.  Parents wishing to sit in on classes are asked to notify the office at least one day in advance.  Parents are welcome to attend “chapel” or other school events at any time, without advance notification.