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GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR UPPER SCHOOL
Information about Upper School policies and practices follows.
To download a pdf file of the 2008-2009 Upper School Handbook, click here.
Advising
Appropriate Speech
Attendance
Campus Visitors
Cell Phone Policy
Committees
Community Affirmation Statement
Community Life
Community Trust Violations
Disciplinary Actions
Dress Policy
Driving Policy
Drop-Add Policy
Evaluation
First Aid
Graduation Requirements and General Program of Study
Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Policy
Inclement Weather Policy
Library
Math Placement
Music on the Patio
Network Use Policy
Non-Class School Days
Non-Traditional Class Offerings
Philosophy of Carolina Friends School
Physical Violence Policy
Plagiarism Policy
Probation
Quaker Practices
Sexuality Education Policy
Sign Out Policy
Smoking Policy
Staff Room
Use of Computer Lab
Website
Advising
The advisor-advisee relationship is at the core of a Friends School education. These relationships are rewarding; they can also be time-consuming. Advisors establish channels of communication with advisees and their parents; although a certain amount of out-of-school contact is valuable and encouraged, some sensitivity on the part of students and parents to the advisor’s need for privacy and family time is essential. Each advisor is encouraged to establish guidelines for out-of-school contact and to budget time according to his or her needs. The Head Teacher will assist in this process and will intervene when requested.
Some responsibilities of the advisor include:
Advisors are expected to share student problems of a serious nature with the Head Teacher.
The advisor is responsible for helping the student plan his or her academic program each trimester. Any change in schedule after the beginning of the trimester must first be approved by the advisor. (See “Drop-Add Policy.”)
Occasionally, a student will schedule a free period. The advisor should counsel a student and guide him or her in using free periods to the best advantage. The reason for the free period--and conditions governing its use-- should be clearly established.
Advisors are encouraged to suggest program changes to students whose needs are not being met or whose progress is not satisfactory.
Advisors keep complete records of each advisee’s activities in a “working file.” These records include a copy of the student’s schedule, a collection of End-of-Term reports, an up-to-date record of the student’s credits, and a record of service and other Upper School activities. Any written communication is kept in the student’s working file for future reference. Students are encouraged to review their file periodically with their advisor.
Advisors will have conferences with advisees’ parents at the regularly scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences and may call parents in for additional conferences. Advisors may request other staff members to be present at parent conferences.
Advisors are responsible for writing End-of-Year Reports to each of their advisees and their parents.
Appropriate Speech
In a community built on mutual trust and respect, it is imperative that our behavior should reflect those fundamental values in both deed and word. Honest communication and courteous, respectful interactions with all members of the community are fundamental elements of Upper School life. Words that demean others, that are blatantly profane, that are designed to deceive, that communicate threats of physical aggression, that constitute unwelcome sexual advances, that pressure another to participate in illegal or inappropriate activities, or that convey insulting or discriminatory messages are particularly unacceptable at Carolina Friends School.
Humor is a cherished aspect of life at CFS, but we must guard against humor that ridicules other persons or groups. We honor the honest expression of feeling at CFS, but we must be mindful not only that profanity usually constitutes unimaginative use of language but also that it offends the sensibilities of many in our community.
Students whose speech is inappropriate will be told so by staff members and may face disciplinary consequences, including the possibility of suspension or separation from the School. Students who are offended by the speech of another should let the offending person know. Staff members may also be made aware of such speech.
May our language serve the search for truth in a community that honors both all persons and the differences among people. Let us all strive to make our words instruments of love, respect, and understanding.
Attendance and Lateness Policy
It is essential to the smooth running of the School and to every student’s academic progress that all members of the School community arrive to school and to all scheduled meetings, classes, and other events on time.
If a student will be late or absent, please call Willy (ext. 226) or the Head Teacher at (ext. 230) by 9:00 A.M. If we have not received parental notification that the tardiness or absence should be excused on that morning, we will assume otherwise and attempt to reach parents by phone to make them aware that their student is not at school. Additionally, parents must also call if their student will be leaving school before the 3:15pm dismissal time.
When students return to school after an absence, they must bring a note from their parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence.
When students know in advance that they will be late or absent, they should inform their advisor and their teachers to collect missed assignments and schedule make-up work.
Repeated unexcused absence, lateness to School, or lateness to class will be first addressed by a student’s advisor and/or the teacher involved.
Persistent problems with lateness or unexcused absences will be dealt with by the student’s advisor, or by the Head Teacher and the Staff-Student Discipline Committee. Chronic absenteeism may result in suspension or expulsion from the School.
Students playing on an interscholastic sports team must be present in a minimum of 3 classes in order to participate in that day’s game, match or practice.
Campus Visitors
The School welcomes visitors. If you hope to bring a friend to visit, please notify the Head Teacher as early as possible, but not later than a day in advance.
Your visitor will be expected to attend class with you unless special arrangements are made to attend different classes. Please introduce your visitor to each teacher before class.
Only a limited number of visitors can be accommodated during public school holidays. The Head Teacher will give permission for just a few such visits.
Because of the sensitive nature of certain school days, there are days when visitors will not be permitted.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones are to be turned off and kept out of sight between 8:30 and 3:15 each day with the exception of break and lunch. Students with free periods must keep their cell phones turned off and out of sight during this time. Students violating this policy will be asked to turn over their cell phones to a staff member who will hold them until 8:30 the following morning.
Committees
There are a number of different committees that an Upper School student may join. These committees include:
Admissions Committee – The Upper School Admissions Committee was formed in 1998 to assist the Upper School Head Teacher and the CFS Admissions Coordinator make decisions about which student applicants to CFS should be admitted to the Upper School. Students on the Admissions Committee will host, interview, and offer feedback about applicants. Committee members may also be involved in outreach functions such as open houses. Students apply in the fall to serve on this committee for the remainder of the year. Members are chosen by the Upper School Head Teacher and the CFS Admissions Coordinator in consultation with members of the Upper School staff.
Clerks Committee – The Student Clerks Committee was formed in the spring of 1982 in order to provide more opportunities for students to contribute to the Upper School community. It was designed: to offer students an opportunity to be involved in planning school activities which will enhance the quality of student life; to provide an open forum for student input; to provide a core group to discuss and implement programs and activities involving student life, as well as advise the staff; to give students the opportunity to have responsibilities and carry them out. Admission to the Clerks Committee, which meets weekly during the school day, is open to any student. Topics for Clerks are announced weekly at Group Collection.
Gay-Straight Alliance – The Gay-Straight Alliance is a student run committee. They facilitate school events and do outreach to GSA groups at other local schools.
Head Teacher Committee – The Head Teacher Committee is made up of a few students from each grade in the Upper School. The purpose of this committee is to keep the Head Teacher in touch with student life and to help the Head Teacher with various activities throughout the year. Members are chosen by application each fall.
Martin Luther King Planning Committee – The MLK Planning Committee is a school-wide committee of teachers and students that plan and run the activities associated with the community celebration of Martin Luther King’s birthday. Interested students should apply to the Head Teacher.
School Life Committee – The School Life Committee is a community wide committee of Board members, staff members and students. This committee meets monthly to discuss important issues in the life of the school. Interested students should apply to the Head Teacher.
Staff-Student Discipline Committee – Serious disciplinary matters are referred by the Head Teacher to the Staff-Student Discipline Committee, [whose student members are selected after an application by the students and staff of the previous years’ committee.] A subset of Discipline Committee members, called a Council, convenes to hear the facts surrounding a student’s infraction and comes to consensus on appropriate consequences. The Council acts in an advisory capacity, making a recommendation to the Head Teacher who will accept, modify, or reject the recommendation and implement a response. (See also “Community Trust Violations”)
Stewardship Committee – The Stewardship Committee is a school wide committee of staff members and students that look at issues of stewardship throughout the school. Among the many responsibilities of this committee is the planning and running of the Earth Day celebration in the spring. Interested students should apply to the Head Teacher.
There are also a number of student-run clubs in the Upper School. In the past these have included an Amnesty International club, a chess club, a politics club, environment club, community service committee, adhoc committees to interview new teacher applicants and a philosophy club. Students who have a particular interest and are unable to find an outlet for that interest should talk to the Head Teacher about forming a new club or group.
Community Affirmation Statement
Preamble
Carolina Friends School is a dynamic learning community. We strive to attend to each individual’s distinct learning style and create a trusting community that is safe for all. Our goal is to create an opportunity for students and teachers alike to experience an environment dedicated to the pursuit of learning in all its different manifestations. We seek to inspire one another to care and think about the world and to morally and creatively express our uniqueness. We also seek to be a diverse community. We honor one another’s differences even though we know at times they will challenge us. Our strength comes in how intelligently and compassionately we resolve our differences. A community like this doesn’t just exist; it is created and actively maintained. For this Community Affirmation to be effective, every member of the community must be an active participant, willing to work in a constructive and supportive manner. We hope to reach these goals by honoring and acting according to these principles:
Respect
We will be aware and considerate of people’s feelings and the implications of our actions:
We will respect one another and understand and celebrate our differences.
We will respect our environment including property, facilities and nature.
Integrity
We will be honest with ourselves and others:
We will speak and live our individual truths.
We will conduct our academic work to our own high personal standards.
Accountability
We understand that our individual actions impact the whole community since as a community we depend on one another:
We will take responsibility for our personal actions.
We will encourage others to weigh the effects of their actions on the whole community.
Written Spring, 2007
Community Life
The CFS philosophy emphasizes reverence for life and respect for the unique contribution each individual can make to the School. Students are expected to participate actively in all aspects of school life and to work to make the School community a better place. Care in the language we use, the attitudes we express, and our treatment of the School environment and the property of others is essential in achieving this goal.
Community Trust Violations
The Upper School community is animated by a spirit of mutual respect and trust between and among students and staff. Because the CFS philosophy envisions "a community/learning structure that is sensible and devoid of structural trivia," the Upper School has relatively few rules—but we take those rules very seriously and cherish the trust that underlies our shared understandings and the community responsibilities that freedom entails.
The Upper School does not ignore or tolerate breaches of community trust, the most egregious of which are lying, cheating, stealing, and violating the School's policy on illegal drugs and alcohol. Violations of the community's trust (defined as any action not in accordance with the policies of the Upper School) are responded to with disciplinary action taken by the Head Teacher in consultation with members of the Staff-Student Discipline Committee. Offenders who breach the community's trust and come before the Discipline Committee will be treated with respect as individuals, and the circumstances of the particular offender and offense will be examined both for mitigating factors (e.g., character references, previous contributions to the community, professional assessments of social/emotional status, etc.) and for aggravating factors (e.g., "providing" in addition to "using" illegal drugs or alcohol, endangering the safety of oneself or others, prior offenses at CFS, etc.). Repeat offenses will result in more severe consequences. Disciplinary consequences have included and may include (but are not limited to) the following:
Suspension—The offender may not come to School for a specified number of days. Many colleges ask whether student applicants have ever been suspended from high school and if so why. Students who violate the trust of the CFS community need to be prepared to answer such a question. The length of suspension may vary in response to the nature of violations. Suspended students may not be on campus at any time during the period of suspension (including after-school activities such as sports, prom, bear night, etc.). During a period of suspension, the student can collect all assignments (either via email or via a parent coming to Willy’s office) and keep up with their class work from home. They are also encouraged to work with tutors and follow a regular work schedule. All assignments for classes must be completed by the time a student returns to school.
Community work experience—The offender must volunteer time in an organization whose mission or activities pertain to the nature of the violation or participate in supervised work on the CFS campus.
Assessment/Intervention—The offender must submit to tests, services, or consultations that provide additional information about his/her behavior (e.g., Is an offender's pattern of drug use "habitual" or "experimental"? Is CFS an appropriate placement for an individual with a particular psychological profile?).
Response—The offender must write about or make a presentation of what s/he has learned from the experience that includes both the offense and the disciplinary consequences applied to it.
Separation—The offender is separated (expelled) from the Upper School community—at least for the remainder of the school year and/or for the next school year—and can only return if s/he reapplies and is readmitted to CFS. Many colleges ask if student applicants have ever been expelled from high school and if so why. Students who violate the trust of the CFS community need to be prepared to answer such a question.
Disciplinary consequences suggested by the Staff-Student Discipline Committee and applied by the Head Teacher will be shared with the Upper School community of staff and students. Parents, CFS Board members, and staff in other units of the School may also be informed. Specific offenses and consequences will be publicly enumerated, and the name(s) of the offender(s) will be mentioned at the discretion of the Head Teacher. Offending students and their parents will be informed in writing of how the community trust was breached, what disciplinary consequences were applied, and when the work associated with those consequences must be completed in order for the students to retain good standing in the community.
Disciplinary Action
The teacher is responsible for maintaining a classroom learning environment that he or she deems appropriate. If, for any reason, the teacher wishes to modify a student’s behavior, a conference will be held, usually with the student, the teacher, and the student’s advisor. Notes to parents are typically sent whenever a student’s classroom behavior becomes particularly problematic.
Serious disciplinary matters (those involving a breach of community trust) are referred by the Head Teacher to the Staff-Student Discipline Committee. (See also “Community Trust Violations”)
Dress Policy
The School asks that students wear clothes that are “clean, comfortable, and appropriate for a work and learning environment.”
Driving Policy
All drivers (student, parent and staff) should be aware that the speed limit on the CFS campus is 14 mph and drops to 7 mph around the Upper School.
Cars are to be parked in designated areas only. Cars should not be moved at any time once on campus (including driving to Gym for after-school practices) except to leave campus at the end of the day.
Students who have their “After Nine” driver’s license, and who have parental permission to do so, may sign out during lunch and free periods. (See “Sign Out Policy”).
No students may drive off campus during morning break unless they have a free period directly before or after break.
Seniors who have had their licenses for one year, and who have parental permission to do so, may drive other students (who also have parental permission to ride as passengers) only when participating in staff-sponsored field trips.
Student drivers may not have student passengers in their car during the school day except as part of a staff-sponsored trip. Otherwise, passengers are only allowed if a student is driving to school at the beginning of the day or leaving school at the end of the day. Students may not drive other students off campus during lunch or free periods.
Students in good standing have the privilege of signing out and leaving campus, provided they are responsible in the use of this privilege. Any of these driving and sign-out privileges may be suspended or revoked by the Head Teacher for disciplinary reasons. The Upper School does not have jurisdiction over students who drive other students to or from school at the beginning and end of the school day.
Drop-Add Procedure
No student is permitted to drop or add a course until:
a. The advisor is consulted.
b. Written permission is given by the teacher of the course to be dropped through the signing of a drop/add form
c. Written permission is given by the teacher of the course to be added through the signing of a drop/add form.
The deadline for adding a course is two weeks after the term begins. The deadline for dropping a course without receiving an “Incomplete” or “No Credit” is eight weeks after the term begins; however, a new course may not be added at this time.
Evaluation
Students at Carolina Friends School are evaluated separately and individually. Teachers in all classes establish clear expectations for students, monitor their performance frequently and carefully, and fill out a report at the close of each term on each student in each class. “Credit,” “No Credit,” “Withdraw Passing,” “Withdraw Failing,” “Audit,” and “Incomplete” are the only grades a student may receive in a course. The subtleties of student performance are explicated on this form, called an End-of-Term Report, and suggestions for further development and study are made.
There is no class rank or grade point average at Carolina Friends School. There is some deliberate placement of students in particular courses, based on the staff’s understanding of individual needs, and some courses, designated “Upper” or “Advanced,” are usually limited to juniors and seniors.
Lack of investment of time and effort is considered grounds for discontinuing a student in a course. Lack of investment may also result in a student’s not earning credit.
Students are told their course credits are in jeopardy as soon as this possibility becomes apparent to the teacher. The advisor and parents are also notified. If a student has not earned Credit in a course at the end of the term, the reasons for this are clearly stated on the End-of-Term Report.
If an “Incomplete” is given, the student must complete the required work by the date specified by the teacher. “Incompletes” cannot be carried over into the following year.
First Aid
If you need minor first-aid assistance, go to the Upper School Office or find a staff member. The School may not give out any medication without written parental permission.
Any injuries (even minor ones) should be reported immediately to a staff member
Graduation Requirements and General Program of Study
The Upper School year is divided into three ten-week trimesters, with time devoted to the Upper School Retreat, Service, Symposia, End-of-Year Sessions, as determined by staff. Satisfactory completion of one term in any subject area constitutes one credit in that area. For graduation, the following distribution of credits is required:
Core Requirements
Language Arts * ----------------12 Social Studies -------------------9
Mathematics ----------------------9 U.S. History -------------3
Foreign Language Culture ------3 European History -------1
Physical Education ** -----------8 Non-Western History ---1
Cultural Arts ----------------------8 Geography ----------------1
Performing Arts ------------2 Science --------------------------6
Visual Arts ------------------2 Physical Science --------3
Music ------------------------1 Biological Science ------3
Adolescent Health Issues --------1
Community Service ** ----------8
* Enrollment during each trimester is required.
** Enrollment during two trimesters per year is required.
Core credits……………………………….64
Enrichment credits in above area................26
(Including end-of-year sessions – The End of Year Sessions run approximately two weeks – 1 credit per session.)
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION ---- 90
Revised June 1999
Illegal Drugs and Alcohol
The Upper School community is valued as a drug- and alcohol-free environment. The following are strictly prohibited on CFS property or at CFS functions: being under the influence, selling, possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs or alcohol. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action. At a minimum, those who violate the Upper School's policy on illegal drugs and alcohol will be suspended from the Upper School until a council of the Staff-Student Discipline Committee can meet.
Violations may result (and have resulted) in offenders being separated from CFS.
Inclement Weather Policy
Answers to questions about school closure and delay due to inclement weather can be found in three places:
www.cfsnc.org – Under News & Events
Calling 383-6602 and pressing 8
Listening to local radio or TV
Library
The Middle and Upper School library is a facility that is shared by both units of the school.
Please be mindful of both the need for quiet study space and the presence in that space of younger adolescents.
Please observe the posted regulations regarding library use.
The librarian is eager to give you assistance with research, reading suggestions or other information. Please feel free to make an appointment.
There is no food or drink allowed in the library.
Math Placement
Students who enter the Upper School are placed in our math sequence based on the recommendation of their previous math teacher and math courses completed to date.
Sometimes students wish to accelerate in the math curriculum. Independent summer work to accelerate the curriculum is difficult to complete successfully; such study requires extraordinary self-discipline, gifted levels of insight, and significant tutorial assistance. Typically the level and depth of understanding which students gain in such circumstances tend to be lower than what can be achieved during the school year.
On the basis of this experience, the Upper School math department has adopted the following policy: Only in exceptional cases will Upper School students be permitted to accelerate their math curriculum by pursuing summer study. Such study must be carried out within the context of a professionally supervised summer school program. Students interested in summer work to advance their standing in the Upper School math curriculum must petition the math department well before the end of the school year, preferably as soon as the student begins to consider this option. This written proposal must present compelling evidence of the student’s ability and desire to condense the curriculum. The organization or institution overseeing the proposed study must be specified. The proposal will then be considered by the department in consultation with the student’s advisor. The student and his/her parents will be notified of the department’s decision in writing. Proposals made during the summer cannot be reviewed in the manner outlined above; therefore, they will be neither accepted nor approved.
Upper School math teachers feel strongly that summer acceleration should not occur more than once in an individual student’s high school career. Students progressing at an accelerated rate may sacrifice thorough knowledge and understanding for speed and may later encounter conceptual difficulties as they take up higher mathematical topics. Highly motivated students are urged to explore enrichment options before choosing to compress their math curriculum.
Music on the Patio
Music may not be played on the patio during class time. It is only appropriate during break and lunch.
Network Use Policy
The campus-wide CFS “intranet” is able to access the internet. Guidelines for computer and internet use have been formulated for students in all units of CFS. These guidelines are available in the Upper School office, and students must agree in writing to abide by them before they may use the network.
Non-Class School Days
At certain times during the year, we supplement our regular schedule of classes in order to pursue intensive, non-traditional learning opportunities. Such “Mini-Sessions” take three forms: small-group activities, usually teacher-led; all-school activities; and a twelve-day End-of-Year session including teacher-led and independently designed opportunities for study. The purposes of these Mini-Sessions are multiple: to bring students closer to the larger community and to experience some of the problems and opportunities that exist there; to explore and be informed about values and skills not normally treated in our regular schedule; to give students the opportunity to explore and develop interests; to avail ourselves of the diverse talents to be found in the wider community; and to enable students to take some responsibility for planning and implementing learning programs. All school rules and regulations apply to off campus school activities.
Small Group Activities – It has become established practice for staff and students to use the two days before Winter Break to perform a variety of service projects for needy families and individuals in the wider community. These projects are organized by staff and students in conjunction with local welfare agencies and are an adjunct to our regular Mini-Sessions. Advisee Groups may also perform community service during one of the scheduled Advisee Days during the year.
All School Activities – Programs of general interest are presented from time to time and are planned by students and staff. Ordinarily, several times per term are set aside for Activity Periods. The Upper School Retreat and the CFS community’s half-day observance of Martin Luther King Day are examples. Such programs and events are an integral part of the educational activities at Carolina Friends School and attendance is expected of all students. Each fall since the 1970s, Upper School students and teachers have held retreats at nearby conference centers. The purpose of the retreat is to foster and support student leadership and to build community. Students and staff plan the program. Attendance is mandatory.
End-of-Year Sessions – Each year, after the conclusion of final examinations, Upper School students and staff spend approximately two weeks in alternative courses of study. Staff-led classes and trips comprise the bulk of the program, yet students are also encouraged to develop an independent study course or to arrange an internship during this time. The program is paid for through regular tuition, with the expectation that each student will be involved in two “off-campus” programs (trips) in a four-year period. The other two years would involve an “on-campus” program or an internship. Each student in good standing is guaranteed a place on two “off-campus” programs, though it is not required to participate in two. Internships must be funded by the student and his/her family.
Non-Traditional Class Offerings
Upon consultation with their advisor, students may find it appropriate to enroll in a non-traditional course during their four years in Upper School. These non-traditional class offerings fall into three general categories:
Independent Study (not to be confused with individualized work within a course) may be undertaken for Credit, either in lieu of a course or as an extension of a course, and is done by permission of the Head Teacher after consultation with the student’s advisor. In the event that a student is applying for independent study in the course that is offered in the Upper School, the Head Teacher and advisor will also consult with the teacher of that course before approving the independent study. Application for independent study must be made prior to the beginning of the term in which the study is to be undertaken. Application forms are available in the Upper School office.
Off-Campus Work during the school day may be undertaken with permission of the Head Teacher after consultation with advisor and parents. Such work does not relieve a student of his or her regular course responsibilities and graduation requirements.
Apprenticeships/Internships can be arranged by students who wish to learn a particular skill that is not taught in the regular curriculum. The type and extent of credit to be awarded for apprenticeships will be determined on an individual case basis.
Philosophy of Carolina Friends School
The philosophy of Carolina Friends School is reflected in the following beliefs, which are rooted in the tenets of the Religious Society of Friends.
BELIEF THAT TRUTH IS CONTINUALLY REVEALED, which implies:
Openness to answer the light in others; willingness to listen and respond to the still small voice within; belief that answers are dynamic, not static; commitment to look beyond and beneath the obvious and identify falsehood; engagement in the search for truth because of its inherent value, not simply to find answers.
BELIEF IN SEEKING PEACE WITH ONESELF AND OTHERS, which implies:
Commitment to achieve a level of self-awareness necessary to interact genuinely with others; effort to foster relationships founded on trust; commitment to a life of nonviolence; belief that peace is not the absence of conflict but the peaceful resolution of conflict; acceptance of the fact that the resolution of personal and interpersonal conflict is a lifelong task.
BELIEF IN ACCEPTING AND RESPECTING EACH INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUENESS, which implies:
Commitment to employ and enroll individuals of diverse backgrounds; commitment to provide community members opportunities to learn to know one another; shared resolve to be open to the differences in others; commitment to provide a curriculum that enables each to celebrate her/his unique talents and heritage; acceptance of the responsibility for one’s own learning. Commitment to lessen divisions among ages, among school units, and between the School and the broader community; acceptance of that of God in each person; belief that the individual achieves identity in relation to community; shared resolve to promote tolerance and address the issues of prejudice.
BELIEF IN THE SPIRITUALITY OF LIFE, which implies:
Effort to instill a sense of awe and reverence for nature; intentional teaching of humble interaction with, rather than an arrogant attitude toward, living things; commitment to serve and empower others; celebration of the inner life of persons; respect for the harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
BELIEF IN THE VALUE OF SIMPLICITY, which implies:
Respect for the fact that the simple is often very complex; reliance on one’s own creative resources when possible; resolution to speak plainly, clearly, and honestly; wariness of the slick and shallow; awareness of the ofttimes fine line between the necessary and the frivolous; acknowledgment that our capabilities and possessions are gifts to be shared with others; commitment to create a community/learning structure that is sensible and devoid of structural trivia.
BELIEF IN THE POWER OF SILENCE, which implies:
Experience of times of silence during the school day; development of awareness of the significance of shared silence; the discipline of centering as a means to deeper understanding; desire to foster deep and profound listening; Meeting for Worship as a part of significant school events; silence as part of the consensus process; recognition of the distinction between quiet and silence.
Revised October 1993
Physical Violence Policy
Each person at Carolina Friends School has a right to feel safe and valued. Any form of verbal or physical harassment violates this right and creates an atmosphere which is intimidating and demeaning. Students involved in any form of verbal or physical abuse will at a minimum meet with both the Head Teacher and the Staff-Student Discipline Committee. Upon consultation with the advisor, an appropriate disciplinary response will be made.
Plagiarism
The Upper School staff understands plagiarism as it is defined by The Modern Language Association of America:
“The wrongful act of taking the product of another person’s mind, and presenting it as one’s own...In short, to plagiarize is to give the impression that you have written or thought something that you have in fact borrowed from someone else.”
If a student is found plagiarizing on any assignment, this will be considered grounds for appearing before the Staff/Student Discipline Committee and possible failure for the course.
Probation
The staff may decide, after reviewing a student’s record, to place that student on probationary status. In that event, specific guidelines and expectations, academic and/or behavioral, will be established and parents will be notified by letter. In such cases, the student’s continued membership in the Upper School community usually depends on the satisfactory fulfillment of the terms of the probation.
Students who participate in any extra-curricular activity (sports, drama, dance) must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their participation in that activity. Staff members will identify students of concern who will then be notified of their “warning” status. With “warning” status, students can still participate in activities be must work to improve their academic standing. If a student does not improve, he or she will be placed on “academic probation” and will be unable to participate in extra-curricular activities until the staff aggress that his or her academic standing has improved.
Quaker Practices
The Upper School runs meetings with an emphasis on Quaker practice. Friends consider their Meetings for Business as worship experiences to which they come prepared, open and willing to search for truth with others on each issue considered. Anyone with a concern about a particular issue is invited to speak to that issue. Brevity and clarity are great assets. All present are strongly encouraged not to dominate any discussion, to attempt to “speak to the center” rather than to debate a particular person’s perspective, and to delay responding to another statement for a few moments so that all may ponder the last statement.
Students are welcome to attend the Upper School Staff Meeting for Business on Wednesdays 3:30 – 5. The Clerk of the Meeting may find it necessary to excuse student attenders when confidential matters are being discussed.
No one at a Meeting for Business is a “representative” of a particular segment of the School community. Therefore, no one is free to advocate (or lobby for) a particular outcome. Rather, each person present is charged to bring one’s whole person to the open consideration of each issue before the Meeting. Occasionally, in the process of reaching a consensus, a member or an attender of the Meeting may find it necessary to step aside from the decision that is being made. This action indicates that the member or attender who is stepping aside does not agree with the consensus being built and will stand aside and accept the decision of the group.
On Wednesday afternoons (1:50 – 2:15) staff and students gather in silence usually in the Upper School Meeting Hall. Though no staff member or student is required to speak, anyone so led may do so, whether in response to a specific query or, simply, out of the shared silence. In an effort to maximize opportunity for participants to center themselves, we ask that students enter the Meeting Hall in silence without food, drink, or other sources of distraction. Students are also asked to minimize physical and verbal contact during Meeting for Worship.
Sexuality Education Policy
Students may receive condoms and contraception information from staff members and students who have been trained as Peer Educators through the program at Planned Parenthood.
Each Student is required to take one term of Adolescent Health Issues before graduating from the Upper School.
Sign Out Policy
Carolina Friends School is a community built upon individual responsibility and trust. As such, we offer students in good standing the privilege of leaving campus during the school day, provided they sign out and are responsible in the use of this privilege.
Before signing out, students must check with their advisor. In the event that their advisor is occupied, they may check with Willy or the Head Teacher.
When signing out, students must put the time out and a specific destination of travel. Writing vague destinations such as “lunch” does not help the staff find that student in cases of emergency.
For reasons of safety and security, we ask that students walking or biking off campus do so with another person and that these students make sure to sign out on the sign-out sheet. This includes walks along the school nature trail.
Because the morning “Break” time between classes is short, students may not sign out during this time. An exception would exist if a student has a free period either immediately before or after “Break.” (See also “Driving Policy”)
Students who do not meet their community responsibilities or who violate the community trust regarding the proper use of the sign-out privilege place in jeopardy their use of this privilege and may face loss of the privilege or other disciplinary action.
Smoking
The use and distribution of tobacco are prohibited on the CFS campus; tobacco use and distribution are also prohibited on private land adjoining the campus and at Duke Forest. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Staff Room
The Staff Room is the designated place for teachers to meet privately, to make personal telephone calls, or to enjoy quiet time. Students are asked to respect teachers’ need for privacy; however, students may use the Staff Room with permission of a staff member as long as it is free.
Use of Computer Lab
Equipment in the computer lab may be used only by students who have read and agreed to the CFS Network Use Policy. Computer lab users are responsible for making sure that the equipment is turned off. No food or drink is to be brought into the computer lab at any time.
Website
www.cfsnc.org/units/US1/index.htm
The CFS website is a good source of information about current programs, practices, and policies.
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