STUDENT/PARENT

HANDBOOK
2023-2024
 CONTENTS
3 GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

4 Board of Governors
Foundation Board
Alumni Association Board Executive Committee HEAD OF SCHOOL
Kirsten Prettyman Adams
School Administration

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

5 School History Bob Weiman
Mission Statement
School Prayer LOWER SCHOOL
Principal Qualities of an Episcopal School LaNessa West, Director
Grades ES-5
6 Academic Expectations 400 Fontaine Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
The Honor System
Philanthropy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
William "Bee" Stribling, Director
7 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Grades 6-8
Environmental Stewardship 4401 West Braddock Road
Service Learning and Community Engagement Alexandria, Virginia 22304
Summer Programs
Extra Help for Students UPPER SCHOOL
Standardized Testing Michael Mallett, Director
School Transcripts Grades 9-12
Promotions and Sales 1000 St. Stephen’s Road
Re-enrollment Contracts Alexandria, Virginia 22304
The Philosophy of Discipline
MAIN PHONE LINE
8 School Rules
703-212-2700
7:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

9 School Life WEBSITE

sssas.org
12 Medical Policies
Athletic Policies St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School admits students of any race,
color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin
to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally
13 Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia accorded or made available to students at the school. It does
Uniform Student Policies not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual
orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of
its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and
18 The Philosophy of Discipline Policy loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered
programs. As a related organization of the Episcopal Church, St.
19 The Extracurricular Participation Acknowledgment Stephen's and St. Agnes School respects the applicable policies
and governing principles of the Episcopal Church
pertaining to nondiscrimination.
20 THE LOWER SCHOOL
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School is a tobacco-free campus.
Therefore, no one on school grounds is permitted to smoke,
29 THE MIDDLE SCHOOL use tobacco products, vape, or use e-cigarettes.

41 THE UPPER SCHOOL SSSAS is a religiously-affiliated institution that is exempt

from Department of Social Services Licensing.

58 PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
 GENERAL
INFORMATION
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 BOARD OF GOVERNORS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD
GENERAL INFORMATION

Tim Adams, Chair EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Barrye Price, Vice-Chair Erin McConnell ‘99, President
Adrian Azer ‘96
Jason Booma
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Eugene Bounds
Kirsten Adams, Head of School
Reginald J. Brown
Bob Weiman, Associate Head of School
Peter Chadwick
Lizzie Callahan ’03, Chief Operating Officer
Sabrina Crawford
Katherine Carbo, Director of Lower School Admission
David Felsenthal
Mike Carter, Director of College Counseling
Amy Hanley ‘87
Beth Chase, Chief Financial Officer
Peter Keefe
Candace Crawford, Associate Director of Middle School
Taylor Kiland ‘85
KiKi Davis, Director of Institutional Equity & Diversity
Sarah Knutson
Susan DeLaurentis, Director of Counseling
Charles Molster, III
Jen Desautels, Director of Communications
Nikita Montgomery
Tim Doyle, Associate Director of College Counseling
Katherine Murphy
Paul Easton, Director of Safety and Security
Shiloh Roehl
Jeremy Hark, Associate Director of Lower School
Elizabeth Siegel
Gretchen Herbst, Director of Middle School Admission
Erin Streeter
Jon Japha, Middle School Dean of Students
Jim Taylor '84
Stephanie Koroma, Director of Athletics
Rob Wadsworth ‘78
Jon Kunz, Director of Upper School Admission
Oran Warder
Melissa Maas ‘76, Director of Design & Production
Katie Woodruff
Mike Mallett, Director of Upper School
Syrus Ziai ‘84
Christine Mason, Director of Auxiliary Programs
Linda McGuire, Upper School Dean of Students
Ex-Officio Members:
Scott McLeod, Admission Operations Manager
Henry Broaddus, President, CSDV
Christina McNamee, Senior Director of Advancement Services
Kirsten Adams, Head of School
Colleen McNeil, Chief Technology Officer
David Nadelhoffer, Director of Information Technology
School Representatives:
Donna O’Connell ‘84, Controller
Erin McConnell ‘99, Alumni Association Board President
Bill Owens, Director of Buildings & Grounds
Lizzie Callahan ’03, Chief Operating Officer
Skylé Pearson, Director of Early Childhood
Beth Chase, Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Rees, Senior Chaplain
KiKi Davis, Director of Institutional Equity and Diversity
Meredith Robinson, Senior Director of Parent and Alumni Engagement
Rachel Jarvis Shah, Chief Advancement Officer
Rachel Jarvis Shah, Chief Advancement Officer
Mike Mallett, Upper School Director
Lana Shea, Director of Teaching & Learning
Jesse Strauss, President, Association of Parents and Teachers
Melanie Stanton, Director of Health Services
John Siegel, Chair, Foundation Board of Governors
William “Bee” Stribling, Director of Middle School
William “Bee” Stribling, Middle School Director
Jim Supple, Director of Transportation and Facilities Rentals
Bob Weiman, Associate Head of School
Libby Weith, Associate Director of College Counseling
Andrew T. Weller, Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Marketing
Andrew T. Weller, Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Marketing
LaNessa West, Lower School Director
Joe Wenger, Associate Director of Institutional Equity & Diversity
LaNessa West, Director of Lower School
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jennie Wills, Executive Director of Advancement
John Siegel, Jr., President and Chair Doug Wong, Associate Director of Upper School
Kirsten Adams, Head of School David Yee, Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement
Tim Adams, Board of Governors Chair
Henry Broaddus, CSDV President
Beth Chase, Chief Financial Officer
Natalie Gunn
Peter Chadwick
Pat Dyson '88
Peter Meyer ’88
John Mustin ‘85
Rachel Jarvis Shah, Chief Advancement Officer
Craig Shapero

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 SCHOOL HISTORY • Demonstrate sensitivity to boys’ and girls’ individual
GENERAL INFORMATION

St. Agnes (founded in 1924) and St. Stephen’s (founded in differences and needs at all stages of development
1944) became one college preparatory school in 1990, and • Develop a strong spirit of community in all who make
Mrs. Joan G. Ogilvy Holden was named head of school. Mrs. up the school family
Kirsten P. Adams became head of school in July 2014. • Emphasize at every grade level the importance of
moral values and community service.
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School (SSSAS) is one of the six
schools of the Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia. The OUR SCHOOL PRAYER
other member schools are St. Catherine’s, St. Christopher’s,
St. Margaret’s, Christchurch, and Stuart Hall. As a member of
Church Schools, SSSAS continues to serve as an educational Our Heavenly Father,
institution within the Episcopal Church. St. Stephen’s and St. we give you thanks this day for all the blessings
Agnes School is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Board of you have showered upon us—
Governors, a group of local people elected on a rotating basis. our free land, food, shelter,
The Board of Governors is responsible solely for the school, and the ability to work and play without fear.
while the Board of Trustees is responsible for the Church We ask that you will look with compassion
Schools in the Diocese of Virginia. The school is administered upon all children in distress
by the President of Church Schools from the Diocesan wherever they may be.
Headquarters in Richmond. Grant them and us your peace,
in the Name of the Christ Child. Amen.
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School consists of three campuses.
The Lower School, Early Saints through fifth (ES-5) grades,
is located at 400 Fontaine Street; the Middle School, sixth PRINCIPAL QUALITIES OF AN EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
through eighth (6-8) grades, is located at 4401 West Braddock (From the National Association of Episcopal Schools website at
Road; the Upper School, ninth through 12th (9-12) grades, is naes.org)
located at 1000 St. Stephen’s Road.
Episcopal schools are Christian communities whose
MISSION STATEMENT missions integrate spiritual formation into all aspects of
the educational experience. Episcopal schools are most
distinctive when they are true to this mission and when
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School is a college preparatory they do so in the graceful and inclusive manner which is
Episcopal Church school in the Diocese of Virginia the hallmark of the Anglican approach to education over
that educates boys and girls from Early Saints through the centuries. All Christian communities, even the most
twelfth grade. To help our students succeed in a complex ecumenical and diverse of Episcopal schools, are upheld by
and changing world, we seek to inspire a passion for the basic principles of the Baptismal Covenant. As expressed
learning, an enthusiasm for athletic and artistic endeavor, in The Book of Common Prayer, this Covenant maintains
a striving for excellence, a celebration of diversity and that individuals and institutions are called by God to adopt
a commitment to service. Our mission is to pursue certain fundamental disciplines and dispositions in order
goodness as well as knowledge and to honor the unique to embrace fully their basic identities. As embodiments
value of each of our members as a child of God in a caring of the Christian faith, Episcopal schools are created to be
community. communities that honor, celebrate and worship God as the
center of life. They are created to be models of God’s love and
grace. They are created to serve God in Christ in all persons,
In support of the above mission statement, the school will: regardless of origin, background, ability, or religion. They
• Create a Christian environment in which each student are created to “strive for justice and peace among all people
can grow in mind, body, and spirit and [to] respect the dignity of every human being.” These
• Foster intellectual curiosity and guide students to principles are the basis on which identity and vocation are to
acquire knowledge, to master skills, and to think be defined in Episcopal schools.
critically, creatively, and independently
• Actively seek students of character and ability Episcopal schools are populated by a rich variety of human
from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, and beings, from increasingly diverse religious, cultural, and
socioeconomic backgrounds economic backgrounds. In fact, the intentional pluralism
• Balance a rigorous academic curriculum with broad of most Episcopal schools is a hallmark of their missions. It
extracurricular programs, including the visual and is also a distinguishing characteristic of these schools that
performing arts in both academic and extracurricular they seek to integrate religious and spiritual formation into
programs the overall curriculum and life of each school community.
• Afford each child the opportunity to develop his or her Episcopal schools are clear, yet graceful, about how they
athletic potential and maintain a fully competitive sports articulate and express their basic identities, especially
program in their religious curricula and traditions. They invite

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 all who attend and work in them—Episcopalians and non- is vital to the school’s pursuit of intellectual and spiritual
GENERAL INFORMATION

Episcopalians, Christians and non-Christians, people of no growth. By adhering to the Code, students learn the value
faith tradition—both to seek clarity about their own beliefs and of honorable conduct and reap the benefits of living among
religions and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully honorable individuals.
in their own lives. Above all, Episcopal schools exist not
merely to educate, but to demonstrate and proclaim the unique THE HONOR CODE
worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a loving, As a member of the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
empowering God. community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal,
nor tolerate those who do.
By weaving these principles into the very fabric of the school’s
overall life, Episcopal schools ensure that their missions are
The Honor Code is rooted in the conviction that all students
built on the sure foundation of a Christian love that guides and
must assume responsibility for their own actions, even those
challenges all who attend our schools to build lives of genuine
beyond the stated requirements of the pledge. Therefore, it is
meaning, purpose, and service in the world they will inherit.
taken for granted that a sense of personal honor will direct a
student’s conduct in all aspects of school life, including the
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS appropriate, ethical use of technology. Students, faculty, and
It is anticipated that students at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes administrators are required to abide by this pledge.
School will grow in responsibility as they progress through
the grades. Students are expected to take initiative and Honor offenses are lying, stealing, and cheating. They are
demonstrate increasing maturity from grade to grade. With the defined as follows:
encouragement, advice, and support of the faculty, students • Lying is deliberately presenting a false impression or
at SSSAS can grow immeasurably in self-awareness, self- giving false information to another person.
confidence, and academic maturity. • Stealing is the taking of another person’s property
without right or prior acknowledgment. A student
Specific academic expectations include the following: should never assume that it is acceptable to “borrow”
1. Regular attendance is a prerequisite to a successful school any item from a community member without
experience at every level. obtaining permission, even in the case of borrowing
2. Students are expected to be prepared for class, to bring all from a friend.
necessary materials to class, and to be on time. • Cheating is deliberately giving or receiving any
3. Students are expected to learn to plan their study time unauthorized information on examinations or
following the advice of faculty and counselors, especially assigned work; in general, cheating is passing off
for long-term assignments. another’s work as one’s own (this includes, but is not
4. Students are expected to avail themselves of opportunities limited to plagiarism from written and/or electronic
for extra help and, in particular, to take advantage of extra sources such as websites and artificial intelligence).
help before and after school and whenever suggested or
requested by faculty. Upholding the Honor Code is central to our school’s life.
5. Students acknowledge and agree that any intellectual Therefore, community members should not tolerate lying,
property created in the scope of the student’s attendance cheating, or stealing. An Honor Code such as ours requires
belongs to the school and, upon request, the student will each community member, at some time, to wrestle with his
sign any assignment or other documentation to effectuate or her conscience. It is in the difficult task of confronting and
and/or confirm the school’s ownership of any such reporting offenses that the code will have a life.
intellectual property.
6. Students are expected to show initiative for makeup work. These definitions must be seen as guidelines for the
At the higher grade levels they should make appointments student’s benefit; they cannot be expected to cover all
to see faculty in order to accomplish this and respond to possible interpretations of honor offenses. If students are
faculty requests and suggestions regarding makeup work. ever uncertain as to what constitutes an honor violation,
7. Students are expected to complete their summer reading. they should ask a teacher or an Upper School Honor and
8. Students are expected to complete all tests, quizzes, and Disciplinary Board member for help. Ignorance of what
written assignments. Incomplete work may adversely affect constitutes an honor offense is never an acceptable excuse.
credit toward graduation.

PHILANTHROPY
THE HONOR SYSTEM Since its beginnings in the 1920s, our school has relied
At St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, emphasis is placed not on funds over and above tuition and school fees in order
only upon physical and intellectual development, but also to achieve its vision. This culture of philanthropy at an
upon the development of personal integrity, self-discipline, independent school is a force that affects not only such day-
and dignity through the Honor System, which governs all to-day expenses as classroom supplies, electricity, and faculty
interactions within the school community. At the heart of the salaries, but also such long-term goals as new facilities and
Honor System is the Honor Code. This common commitment fields and a larger endowment. Participation from each
promotes an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, which member of the community is critical in shaping the resources

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 that will help us adhere to and enhance our School’s mission. Camps. For more information about Summertimes, you can
GENERAL INFORMATION

We encourage each member of the community to participate, at visit summertimes.org. Registration for Summertimes camps
whatever level they are able, in the culture of philanthropy that and classes typically opens in January. For Upper School
helps shape SSSAS, now and in the future. students who are interested in serving as a counselor for one of
our camps, the application period typically opens in January 1.
While there are many ways for parents to be involved with
the school, The Saints Fund (annual giving) is the most EXTRA HELP FOR STUDENTS
important financial contribution outside of tuition. Like other In keeping with the tradition and common practice of
independent schools, SSSAS does not receive federal or state independent schools, all teachers will spend additional time
aid, and tuition comprises only 88 percent of the school’s with individuals or small groups of students who need more
operating budget. Gifts to the school help to make up the individual attention than regular classroom hours permit.
difference.

STANDARDIZED TESTING
For more information, please contact our Advancement Office
Students in grades 4-12 take some form of standardized
at 703-212-2715 or visit sssas.org/saintsfund.
testing while at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes. These scores
provide valuable information on each student’s growth and
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING (DEIB) achievement.
DEIB is intentionally integrated throughout the Saints
community. Student programming and support, faculty and
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
staff development, curriculum integration, and policies are
Transcripts are prepared through the office of each division.
mission driven and ensure that each member of our community
Please submit requests for academic records, including
is seen, heard, valued and validated.
transcripts, by visiting sssas.org/transcripts.
NOTE: Please allow two working days to process requests for
We strive to create a learning environment that asks students to
transcripts.
think critically about who they are and their place in the world
while encouraging them to be active participants in a complex
Following graduation each student’s official transcript will be
and changing world. You may read more about our school's
sent to his or her college as soon as all financial obligations to
DEIB efforts on our website.
the school have been met. Similarly, all financial obligations
must be met before a final official transcript can be sent on
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP behalf of any student who will not be returning to SSSAS.
Learn more about our initiatives on our website, and see our
newsletters on the Green Saints page on our Resource Board.
PROMOTIONS AND SALES
A key element of the school’s Episcopal identity, environmental
Organizations not affiliated with SSSAS may not engage
stewardship guides practices related to energy consumption,
in the solicitation of funds or engage in promotional/sales
waste reduction, efficient transportation systems, and integration
activities on campus, nor may individual students be so
of sustainability in the curriculum.
involved. Advertisements and fliers may not be distributed or
posted.
For a quick overview of some steps you can take to support our
environmental stewardship efforts, please refer to this SSSAS
Environmental Quick Guide for Families.
RE-ENROLLMENT CONTRACTS
Upon the recommendation of the faculty and appropriate
division director, a contract for the following year may be
SERVICE LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT withheld.
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School is committed to playing
a vital role in our local and global communities. By working
beyond our walls, students build a sense of themselves in the
THE PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE
Discipline is a means of encouraging positive growth and
world and the personal gifts that they have to contribute to it.
development in young people. It should not demean or
Our neighbors come to see us as partners. Service Learning and
condemn; it should enhance the development of sound
Community Engagement brings the school’s mission statement
habits, of an awareness of Christian principles and the need
to life and enables students to see all they meet as children of
for standards of conduct, and of the ability to choose and
God, working beside one another to make the complex and
control one’s own destiny. Whenever necessary, disciplinary
changing world a better place. You may read more about what
measures should help students to learn that all actions do
our school is doing locally and globally on our website.
have consequences and that mature life requires constraints
as well as freedom. The approach to disciplinary actions
SUMMER PROGRAMS should emphasize the objective of helping students to learn
For more than 50 years, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School’s
from their mistakes.
Summertimes program has been offering camps and academic
classes designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity, develop
The school believes that discipline has lasting value only
talents, and encourage exploration and personal growth. Camp
when it leads to the development of self-discipline, which
offerings include Day Camps, Sports Camps, and Specialty
enables one to live as a productive and considerate member

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 of any group. Therefore, as it guides students toward maturity, and rules as govern the use of other school equipment,
GENERAL INFORMATION

the school stresses those basic values which are essential to the materials, and information sources. The school explicitly
health, safety, and welfare of a community. regards all forms of digital communication as subject to
the same standards and rules as verbal and print materials
Students are under the jurisdiction of school authorities while (this includes video and photos taken on school grounds,
on school property and during school-sponsored activities and texting, and social media posts). The school emphasizes the
trips. At all times while they are under school jurisdiction, all importance of digital citizenship in the ethical and courteous
students are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous use of technology.
and orderly manner. Additionally, the school’s philosophy of
discipline and implementation of disciplinary actions extends At SSSAS, we expect that all members of our school
to any conduct, whether on campus or not, which is morally community will treat each other with civility and respect.
reprehensible or may constitute a serious criminal offense It is the policy of the school to provide and maintain a
which threatens the health, safety, or welfare of our students learning environment that is free of bullying and any other
and faculty or otherwise damages the reputation of our school verbal or physical misconduct which disrupts the learning
community. The school’s efforts to discourage otherwise environment or makes it unsafe. The school will promptly
impermissible conduct by students beyond school property and investigate any report of bullying. Upon determining that a
school related activities or trips, is an effort to supplement, not case of bullying or retaliation has taken place, we will take
assume, the ultimate responsibility of parents and families for action to stop the behavior and address the safety concerns
the conduct of children, not only as students of our school, but for any member of the community who has been victimized.
also as citizens of our community.
MAJOR SCHOOL RULES
This handbook describes, in general terms, the standards In addition to the Honor Code’s standards regarding lying,
of conduct and rules which govern students. Neither the cheating, and stealing the following rules are extremely
handbook nor the school rules are intended to provide fixed or important for the safety and well-being of the school and all
rigid rules for dealing with all problems that may arise in the its students:
school’s environment; rather, it sets forth a number of defined 1. Students are expected to treat one another with respect;
rules which are subject to modification and interpretation as harassment of any kind is not acceptable. Students may
circumstances may require. This handbook is not intended to not use obscene, profane, or disrespectful language or
serve as a contract or to create enforceable rights on the part actions, including racial, ethnic, homophobic, or sexual
of either students or parents. The school reserves the right slurs. Teasing and joking are not acceptable excuses for
to impose disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, hurtful comments or behavior.
caution, warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal of any 2. Possessing, using, distributing, consuming, or being
student whose academic achievement or conduct is deemed under the influence of illicit drugs (including alcohol
unsatisfactory in the sole and absolute discretion of the head and drug paraphernalia) is prohibited. Please refer to the
of school or his or her designee. All decisions regarding student Extracurricular Participation Contract on p. 19 for off-
conduct, academic performance, and the enforcement and campus behavioral expectations.
interpretation of the school’s rules shall be vested solely with 3. Leaving the school grounds without proper authorization
the head of school in her absolute discretion. is prohibited.
4. A student may not deface or misuse school property or
SCHOOL RULES (ES-12) the property of others.
These rules apply to all students whenever they are on school 5. (a) A student may not possess knives, weapons, or
property and during school-sponsored activities and trips. firearms of any kind on school property or during any
Where appropriate, these rules also apply to a student’s conduct school-sponsored activity or trip. (b) A student who
prior to his or her attendance at school or a school-sponsored knows that knives, weapons, or firearms of any kind are
activity or trip. either in a student’s possession or located on campus
is obligated to report this information to an adult
Student Honor Code standards and school rules apply to immediately.
the use of technology, whether school-owned or personal, on 6. A threat or act against an individual or the institution is
campus or during school activities, and in the off-campus treated as an issue of safety. School officials will comply
preparation of school assignments. Such technology includes fully with local authorities in such matters.
but is not limited to hardware, software, networks and the 7. While on campus, students are expected to follow all
information created and managed by them. safety protocols as conveyed in the 2023-2024 Medical
Policies and Procedures document.
Students are expected to be aware that the Honor Code 8. All members of our school community must remain
and school rules apply to the use of technology (equipment, committed to our safety policies and procedures.
software, networks and the information created and managed
by them) in school as well as off-campus use for school related OTHER SCHOOL RULES
purposes. The school explicitly subjects use of technology 1. A student may not be absent from school, class, study
tools and resources to the same rigorous standards of conduct hall, chapel, classroom period, or other required

8
 meetings without proper authorization. Dismissal is a permanent expulsion of a student from the
GENERAL INFORMATION

2. Students may not misuse, destroy, or intercept official school and it may be effected only by the head of school.
school communications. Although extremely difficult for all concerned, such action
3. A student may not disrupt a class, study hall, chapel, sometimes is a necessary means of helping a student learn
library, or other group meeting. that standards for acceptable behavior must be seen as real
4. A student must observe the school dress code. and meaningful. The school is committed to the principle
5. A student may not misuse fire-protection or safety that every case must be evaluated on an individual basis,
equipment. and extenuating circumstances always receive consideration.
6. A student may not use or possess tobacco, e-cigarettes or Nonetheless, the school will expel a student at any point
vaping materials at any time, in any place, on the school during the year when the head of school, in consultation
property. with the appropriate advisory group, concludes that the best
7. A student may not use school equipment (i.e., telephones, interests of a student, and/or of the school as a whole, require
office equipment) without the specific permission of a such action. When a student is expelled, he or she may not
member of the school staff. return to campus or attend school functions for at least the
8. A student may not loiter in the parking lots, in cars, in the remainder of the academic year.
restrooms, or in any of the wooded areas on campus during
school hours or during a scheduled school activity. SCHOOL LIFE
9. An unlicensed driver may not drive any vehicle on school
property. SWITCHBOARD HOURS
10. A student may not use technology resources in an 7:45 a.m.–3:45 p.m., normal office hours
inappropriate manner. As a general rule, teachers do not monitor their voice mail
11. A student may not possess or use a laser pointer. during vacation periods or throughout the summer.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (GRADES ES-12) SCHOOL HOURS

Possible responses to infractions include counseling by a Classes Begin Classes End
member of the staff; issuance of a warning; the calling of LS Campus 8:20 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
a parent for a conference; requiring an appearance before MS Campus 8:00 a.m. 3:15/3:30 p.m.
a disciplinary body; imposition of restrictions on freedom US Campus 8:20 a.m. 3:15 p.m.
of movement during the school day and/or restrictions on
participation in activities; the removal of privileges; detention; STUDENT SUPERVISION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
warning; probation; suspension; any combination of the above; Parents are expected to pick up students promptly at the
and such other actions as may be deemed appropriate by school conclusion of trips, programs, athletic events and practices,
authorities. dances, and similar activities. Faculty sponsors and/or
chaperones provide supervisory coverage for 15 minutes
A violation of the Honor Code or of the other major school before and 15 minutes after these activities.
rules, and/or a history of serious disciplinary difficulties
constitute grounds for warning, probation, suspension, or SCHOOL CALENDAR
dismissal from the school, defined as follows: Although a print version of our calendar is distributed to
families, it does not include all of our school events this year.
Probation is a specific period of time during which a student Please refer to the online calendar for the most up-to-date
is given an opportunity to prove that he or she has learned information. The online calendar can be viewed in two
from past mistakes and that he or she can comply with different ways, filtered, and customized according to your
school regulations in the future. Failure to do so usually leads needs.
to suspension or dismissal. Probation also may involve the
removal of privileges and/or the imposition of restrictions VISITORS
on participation in activities. The length and precise terms All parents and visitors are to sign in to our visitor
of the probation are determined by the head of school or by management system when entering each campus building.
the director of the school division (Lower, Middle, or Upper
School). In the Upper School, junior and senior privileges SCHOOL COUNSELING
are not extended to students throughout the duration of the Director of Counseling Susan DeLaurentis will be available
probation period. for consultation to all members of the school community.
All meetings are considered confidential. During the year a
Suspension is the temporary separation of a student from variety of programs will be offered for students and adults.
the school and from all school-related activities for a specific St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes adheres to Virginia state child
number of days. Suspensions may be imposed by the head of protection laws. Ms. DeLaurentis works with Lower School
school or, in her absence, by the division director for multiple, students and families (ext. 2780). Ms. Karen Kunz works
repeated, or serious infractions; for violation of warning, with Middle School students and families (ext. 2738). Ms.
probation; or (in combination with probation) for major Susannah Harrison works with Upper School students and
violations as defined above. families (ext. 2750). Ms. Samantha Russell-Porte works with
students and families on all three divisions (ext, 2750).

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 The school supports transgender students, students who The student’s failure to abide by transportation rules and
GENERAL INFORMATION

are transitioning, and students who are questioning expected conduct may result in the following disciplinary
their gender identity. The school will work with students measures, in addition to consequences assigned by the
seeking institutional support and, in partnership with their appropriate division:
families, construct a plan to support each student. For more • Verbal or written warning to both the student and the
information, please read this statement about full inclusion of parents
transgender persons from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. • Suspension from riding the bus for a period of time
For additional information about how to support your child, • Expulsion from the bus
please reach out to the appropriate division director.
LATENESS
CHAPLAINS Before being admitted late to a class, the student must check
The Chaplains are available to all members of the school in with the appropriate division office.
community, students and parents, as well as faculty and staff
who wish to talk about ethical or spiritual issues or personal ABSENCE
relationships. Such conversations are conducted in strict Please see the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Procedures
confidentiality. Our school chaplains are: for a complete description of our procedures and absence
Lower School: The Rev. Grace Pratt (ext. 2919) policies.
Middle School: The Rev. Sarah Moses (ext. 2872)
Upper School: The Rev. Sean Cavanaugh (ext. 2770) and The Students are expected to attend all classes, assemblies,
Rev. Elizabeth Rees (ext. 2759) chapels, and morning meetings promptly. Failure to attend
these required commitments is considered an absence that
SCHOOL TRIPS must be accounted for by the student.
Each student is covered by the school’s blanket online
permission form, which is part of the Magnus Health record. If The school recognizes that parents have the right to excuse
this standard form is not completed prior to a field trip, it must their child from school. The parents and student must realize
be signed and submitted before the student embarks. that the school also has the right not to accept an excuse
which interrupts the continuity of its educational process and
Overnight trips require that students follow closely the challenges the integrity of the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes
guidelines set forth by the chaperones. On all trips of one or community.
more nights, it is mandatory that the student attends school the
first school day after the trip unless he or she presents a signed School policy is to excuse students only for illnesses, doctors’
statement from a physician. Failure to follow the guidelines appointments, pressing family emergencies, or religious
as set forth by the faculty sponsor, or failure to attend school observances. If parents allow students to be absent for other
as noted, will mean that the student will not be permitted to reasons, they assume responsibility for any academic work
participate in such activities in a subsequent year. missed and cannot expect teachers to provide make-up work
or tests. Parents also run the risk of encouraging the student
On any school-related trip, all students must be transported by to establish bad habits regarding classroom attendance,
school vehicles. Any request for exceptions must be in written which may damage his or her academic record, or diminish
form and approved by the division director. the importance, in the mind of the student, of meeting
his or her obligations. Parents should not undermine the
BUSES school’s efforts to teach honesty and to enforce attendance
While commuting on school buses and vans, students are and lateness policies by failing to be forthright and accurate
expected to conduct themselves in a quiet, safe, and courteous in the excuses they provide. When no explanation or
manner at all times for the safety of all of those on board. information is provided regarding an absence, either in
Students are expected to abide by all of the school rules as stated writing or over the phone, school personnel will inquire about
by the respective divisions. In addition, the following conduct is the nature of the absence. An absence for which no specific
prohibited on the buses: explanation is provided will be recorded as an unexcused
• Standing or sitting on seat backs absence. Please refer to each section for specific divisional
• Moving about the vehicle while it is in motion policy.
• Opening windows without permission or putting any
object out of windows DRESS
• Throwing any objects Each division has an appropriate dress code, which is
• Defacing or damaging the vehicle in any way printed in the division section. However, all students should
• Occupying more than one seat be neat and clean, and they should dress in an appropriate
• Any physically aggressive behavior (e.g. hitting or fashion that complements the students as individuals and
pushing) representatives of the school. A violation of the dress code
• Using inappropriate language may result in disciplinary action.
• Shouting or making excessive noise
• Eating and drinking, unless given permission by the OFF-CAMPUS PARTIES AND ACTIVITIES
driver All school-sponsored activities for students must have

10
 administrative approval and chaperones; participants in THE DISPATCH WEBPAGE: SSSAS.ORG/DISPATCH
GENERAL INFORMATION

school-sponsored activities must observe all of the regular The other main source of information for parents, Middle,
school rules. Students are not permitted to use school meeting and Upper School students is our weekly school newsletter
time to plan or announce activities that are not subject to (updated every Thursday afternoon), the Dispatch. This
school regulations and school chaperones. In addition, no page on the Resource Board has been specially designed as a
invitations to private parties may be issued at school. single source for all your SSSAS news, events, and divisional
information. You will receive an email each Thursday when it
USE OF LOCKERS, DESKS, AND BOOKS is ready for viewing.
Students are encouraged to keep all books, notebooks, and
other personal property in lockers when not in use. Personal ATHLETICS OFFICE INFORMATION
articles should not be left in desks, corridors, in the cafeteria, or Website: sssas.org/athletics
outside the building. School faculty and administration retain Up-to-date information for our athletics can be found on
the right to inspect a student’s locker at any time. Faculty may the website, including directions to athletic venues, athletic
check lockers from time to time. Also, students should not go to schedules, cancellations, and tournament information.
lockers during any class period unless sent by a teacher.
PHOTO AND VIDEO PERMISSION
SCHOOL STORE As stated in the student enrollment contract, the school is
The School Store has locations on the Lower and Upper School authorized to use a student’s image, voice, and/or likeness
campuses with the following days and times of operation under in connection with school-related communications. This
normal circumstances: authorization is continuing until revoked by the parent in
Lower School: Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. writing to the school. Please see the student enrollment
Upper School: Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. contract for further details.

Additionally, there are occasional store pop-up at the Middle Class meetings may be recorded. Recordings will be
School campus. available to students enrolled in this class. This is intended
to supplement the classroom experience. Students are
The school recommends that parents/guardians talk with their expected to follow appropriate school policies and maintain
child about their expectations regarding the use of a charge the security of passwords used to access recorded lectures.
account at the School Store. Recordings may not be reproduced, shared with those not in
the class, or uploaded to other online environments. Doing
You may also visit our online School Store at sssasstore.com. so may constitute a breach of the Honor Code. If the teacher
plans any other uses for the recordings, beyond this class,
STUDENT YEARBOOK: “TRADITIONS” the parents of students identifiable in the recordings will be
The school publishes a school yearbook, “Traditions,” for notified to request their consent prior to such use.
grades ES-12. The yearbook is an Upper School student
publication, including concepts, content, and design. Each EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
year families are given the option to purchase the yearbook and The safety of our students and school community is our
must opt out if they do not want one. top priority. We have in place comprehensive crisis and
emergency procedures on each of our three campuses.
STUDENT PROPERTY Additionally, our school’s security team maintains a
Students are advised to mark all their possessions, particularly partnership with the Alexandria City Police Department and
coats and blazers, and report missing articles to the appropriate receives prompt notification of any important information
divisional office immediately. Parents are asked to advise that affects our community’s safety.
students to leave sums of money and valued possessions at
home. School faculty and administration retain the right to EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
inspect personal belongings, to include, but not limited to, In an emergency the school will communicate with families
backpacks, lockers, cubbies, vehicles, technology, and sports using a mass notification system that allows us to send
bags. The school does not accept responsibility for personal updates and emergency alerts through emails, phone calls,
belongings. and texts. Information about school closures, delayed
openings, or early dismissals will also be available on the
OUR PASSWORD-PROTECTED COMMUNITY WEBSITE: MYSSSAS.ORG school website (sssas.org) and by calling the main school line
The password-protected part of our website, MySSSAS, is the at 703-212-2700.
main source of information for students and parents. It is
important that you log in and familiarize yourself with all the SNOW DAYS/INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
sections. If you click on the drop down by your name (top right SSSAS will make independent decisions regarding closures,
of the screen) and click on “Getting Started,” you can take a delays, early dismissals, and afternoon/evening activity
tour of the internal site. Of particular interest is the “Resources” cancellations due to inclement weather. We will preserve
tab, where you can access a wide variety of information easily. the wonder of the season’s first snow day, and will not hold
Report cards, assignments, and schedules for students can also classes. After the first snow day, teachers will shift to a
be found in MySSSAS. distance learning schedule for their classes. The structure of
this distance learning will vary from division and division.

11
 SSSAS will make most decisions about school-day delays and MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND HEALTH CARE
GENERAL INFORMATION

closures by 5:30 a.m. All weather-related schedule changes will In the event of serious injury or other types of medical
be posted on our website (sssas.org) and on NBC4 television emergencies, the school will send a student to the emergency
(WRC-TV) and WTOP radio (103.5 FM and 820 AM). An room of the local hospital, while trying to reach the parents
email will be sent to all parents, faculty, and staff notifying or their designated representative(s) as specified in the Vital
them of the schedule change, and emergency text notifications Health Record. Parents are responsible for reviewing and
will be sent to those who have elected to receive them. making any changes to their emergency contacts on their
profile in the Magnus Health system.
The safety of our community is the school’s first priority. If
school is open and weather conditions in your area are such The school requires all students to have a current annual
that you feel it is unsafe to travel to school, please make the best physical examination and up to date immunization record.
decision for you or your family. The school will be flexible and The resulting physical form must be updated in the Magnus
support your decision. Health system every 12 months and should be current at
all times. The Vital Health Record and permission to treat
When school is closed or dismissed early due to weather, all forms must be reviewed and resubmitted by the first of July
activities planned for that afternoon and evening are canceled. every year, and the student’s vaccination record must be
When after-school and evening activities are canceled, resubmitted for all rising sixth grade students.
Extended Day/After Care will not hold normal programming,
and parents are asked to pick up children as soon as possible All required forms must be submitted to Magnus Health
when school is dismissed. before the student may:
• Register for classes
When inclement weather occurs on a non-school day, decisions • Begin classes
about activities will be made on a case-by-case basis and • Begin preseason sports practices in mid-August
communicated directly by the organizers to the participants.
Each faculty member in a supervisory position with pre-
If there need to be any make-up days, the head of school will school age children has been certified by a practicing
notify the school community. physician or physician assistant to be free from any disability
which would prevent him from caring for children under his
STUDENT RELEASE supervision.
If you wish to pick up your child before the release time
or wish them to be able to drive home themselves or with
ATHLETIC POLICIES
another parent, please use the SchoolPass app to indicate this
change of plan. If you are unable to use the SchoolPass app
GRADES 9-12 PROGRAM
to indicate the change, please contact the Division Office to
It is the aim of the Athletic Department to offer ample
give your permission. No student will be allowed to leave the
activities to cover the interests and capabilities of all
campus before the release time unless a parent has provided
students.
permission.

Varsity and JV status is ascribed to sports offered by the

MEDICAL POLICIES Athletic Department. Students may receive P.E. credit for
Please see the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Procedures a sport offered outside of the school if it meets the criteria
for a complete description of our procedures and absence outlined by the Physical Education Department. Outside
policies. sports credits do not count toward the Athletic Participation
Award.
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School requires that the proper
medical forms be updated annually in the Magnus Health Seasonal sports are as follows:
system for each student in grades ES-12. These forms include:
• Vital Health Record Fall: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Tennis,
• Parent Consent Form Volleyball
• Student Accident Insurance
• Permission to Dispense Non-prescription medication Winter: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Winter Track, Squash, Swim
• Physical Examination Form & Dive, Wrestling
• Immunizations
• Concussion Awareness Agreement Spring: Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis, Track &
• Medication Administration Form Field
• Emergency Action Plans (Diabetes Action Plan, Asthma
Action Plan, General Medical Action Plan, and Food ATHLETIC CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan) Team athletic uniforms and most equipment needs are
supplied by the school. Some equipment/pads (football,
All students must also complete the Concussion Awareness lacrosse, baseball, softball, etc.) will be issued to the athlete or
Agreement.

12
 team at the outset of the season. Additional gear (shirts, shorts, students and employees can study and work in an open
GENERAL INFORMATION

etc) may also be charged to the student’s account. atmosphere, unhampered by bullying, hazing or harassment.
It is essential for the School to be a safe and supportive
GYM/ATHLETIC FACILITIES environment that cultivates learning and personal growth.
An enormous amount of time, energy, and money has been Bullying, hazing, harassment and sexual misconduct
expended to create this facility for the benefit of our school interfere with this goal. The School will not tolerate any
community. Our pride must manifest itself in the common form of bullying, hazing, harassment or sexual misconduct
effort to maintain this fine complex. The abuse of any part of the of any student, employee, parent, vendor or community
athletic area will be considered a serious breach of discipline. member by another student, employee, parent, vendor or
community member, whether on or off campus and whether
Some specific guidelines follow: online, orally or in writing. Such acts undermine the School’s
1. Food and drink are prohibited in the locker rooms and gym. standards of its community and contribute to a negative
2. Personal articles are to be kept secure in the locker at all educational and developmental environment. The School, at
times; when not in immediate use, lockers must be closed its sole discretion, determines whether conduct rises to the
and locked. level of bullying, hazing, harassment or sexual misconduct
3. The good condition and appearance of team locker rooms is under this policy. The School will take appropriate action
the responsibility of each team member. to prevent and address conduct that violates this policy,
4. Students are not allowed in the gym, weight room, or locker including disciplinary action and other consequences. Any
rooms without proper supervision. violation of the School’s bullying, hazing, harassment and
5. Students must make every effort to get in and out of the sexual misconduct policy by a parent will be considered
locker room area in a reasonable amount of time; no a violation of the School’s behavioral expectations of its
horseplay and/or loitering in the area is allowed. parents and may be grounds for discipline of the offending
parent’s child(ren), up to and including dismissal from the
ABSENCES/ATHLETICS School.
A student who has been absent for a portion of the school day is
generally ineligible to participate in practice and/or interscholastic A. Definitions
competition, and may only do so at the discretion of the
appropriate athletic director. Bullying. Va. Code § 22.1-276.01 defines bullying as
“any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to
In the Upper School, a student is unable to participate in harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real
extracurricular activities after school, including rehearsals and or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or
athletic practices/games, if a student cuts class or misses a portion aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes
of the official school day due to illness, fatigue, or the completion severe emotional trauma. Bullying includes cyber bullying.
of academic assignments at home. If a student misses a portion Bullying does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay,
of the school day because of a medical appointment, the school argument, or peer conflict.” The School also considers
requires confirmation of this appointment from a parent or unwanted behavior that involves written, verbal or electronic
guardian, and may request a note from the doctor. communications, or physical acts or gestures, directed by
one or more individuals to another to be bullying under this
CHURCH SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA UNIFORM policy when those incidents cause physical harm to person or
property, cause emotional distress, interfere with educational
STUDENT POLICIES
opportunity or employment or disrupt School operations.
Bullying may take the form of one event or a series of events.
I. CSDV Non-Discrimination Statement.* The School is
Bullying may be motivated by an individual’s association
a member of Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia, Inc.
with another individual and that individual’s characteristics,
(Church Schools). Each of the Church Schools admits students
behaviors or beliefs. Examples of bullying include, but are
of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights,
not limited to, pressuring another to do something they do
privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or
not want to do, pressuring others to be mean to or ignore
made available to students at the School. The School does not
another person, teasing or name-calling, spreading rumors,
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic
threatening, taunting, embarrassing someone in public,
origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions
assault and battery, extortion and intentionally taking or
policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other
breaking someone’s property. Cyber bullying is a form of
School-administered programs. As a related organization of
bullying conducted through phones, computers, email, text
the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church,
message, social media or other electronic systems or media.
Church Schools respects the applicable policies and governing
All bullying is prohibited by the School.
principles of the Episcopal Church pertaining to non-
discrimination.
Hazing. Va. Code § 18.2-56 defines hazing as “to recklessly
or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or
II. Bullying, Hazing, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.*
students or to inflict bodily injury on a student or students in
The School is committed to being a socially diverse community
connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission
that values mutual respect, human dignity and individual
into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued
differences, and that sustains a school environment in which

13
 membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, working or educational environment.
GENERAL INFORMATION

sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or • Sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation is taking non-
students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in consensual, unjust or abusive advantage of another
the relevant activity.” For purposes of this policy, hazing need in a sexual or intimate context. Sexual exploitation
not involve pressure or acts relating to a formal School club includes, but is not limited to: engaging in, permitting,
or group. Hazing may assume numerous forms, including reproducing or facilitating non-consensual viewing,
any type of physical activity that may adversely affect the photographing, video-recording or audio-recording
mental or physical health or safety of the community member, of obscene, pornographic, sexual or intimate activity
physical brutality, any activity that may intimidate or threaten (such as nudity, sexual contact, sexual conduct,
a community member, verbal abuse or social pressure. In sadomasochistic abuse, dressing, showering, toileting
Virginia, depending on the severity, hazing could rise to the or similar activity); prostituting another person; or
level of criminal activity. All hazing is prohibited by the School. knowingly infecting another person with a sexually
transmitted infection or disease.
Harassment. Harassment refers to conduct or behavior that • Stalking. Stalking is a course of conduct directed toward
has the effect of impairing morale, interfering with a student’s a specific person that is unwanted, unwelcomed or
educational performance or an employee’s employment or unreciprocated and would cause a reasonable person
creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational to fear for their own or a third party’s safety, security
or work environment. Harassment can assume numerous or wellbeing, or feel material emotional distress due to
forms and may include verbal, written, visual and physical repetitive contact or the perception of such conduct.
conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to: making Stalking behaviors may include: non-consensual
disparaging statements, telling jokes or using epithets, slurs, communication by any means; use of surveillance in-
stereotypes, insults or labels based on classifications identified person or via social media or other electronic means
by this policy; threats of physical harm; intimidating conduct, without obtaining consent; collecting information about
such as unwanted touching of a person or a person’s property; a person’s routine, friends, family or co-workers without
and assault or blocking or impeding a person’s movement. their consent; and uninvited visits to a residence,
Harassment may include comments on a person’s appearance, workplace, classroom, place of worship or other locations
including dress or physical features, dress consistent with where an individual is commonly found.
gender identification or making jokes or inappropriate • Dating abuse. Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors
comments focusing on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual one person uses to gain and maintain power and
orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, marital status, control in a personal relationship. Dating abuse
pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including can include emotional and verbal abuse, isolation,
lactation, age, disability or genetic information, whether manipulation, abuse through digital media, written or
communicated in-person or electronically. All harassment is oral communications, stalking and more.
prohibited by the School.
All sexual misconduct is prohibited by the School.
Sexual Misconduct. Sexual misconduct is a broad term
encompassing any behavior of a sexual nature that violates this B. Reporting Bullying, Hazing, Harassment and Sexual
sexual misconduct policy or Virginia law. The School will not Misconduct. If a student, parent or community member
tolerate any form of sexual misconduct, whether occurring on witnesses or otherwise becomes aware of bullying, hazing,
or off campus and whether occurring online, in writing or in harassment or sexual misconduct of any kind, or feels they are
person. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the a victim of bullying, hazing, harassment or sexual misconduct,
following: they should report this information to any employee of the
School with whom they are comfortable. The employee will
• Sexual assault. Sexual assault is non-consensual sexual then report the matter to the Head of School. Under state law,
penetration or sexual contact of one person by another. School employees have mandatory child abuse and neglect
• Sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome reporting obligations, which may apply based on the nature
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other of the report. Any report of bullying, hazing, harassment or
visual, verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual sexual misconduct should be specific and include all relevant
nature when: information so that the School may conduct an appropriate
• submission to such conduct is an explicit or implied investigation.
term or condition of an individual’s employment,
educational or School-related opportunity; When the School receives a report of bullying, hazing,
• submission to or rejection of sexual conduct by harassment or sexual misconduct, the School will strive to
an individual is the basis for any employment, protect the identity of the reporting party, if appropriate under
educational or School-related decision affecting that the circumstances, and, to the best of its ability, conduct an
individual; or investigation of the alleged misconduct brought to its attention.
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of Students considering reporting misconduct to the School,
unreasonably interfering with an individual’s and their parents, should understand that the School can
work, educational or School-related performance conduct an investigation into alleged misconduct only upon
by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive the information it has received about the incident. While the

14
 School does not limit the time period for reporting, immediate report of misconduct was substantiated such that the School
GENERAL INFORMATION

reporting is important, as the School may not be able to fully found the act to have violated School policy, whether the
investigate or consider as wide a range of corrective actions School found no violation of School policy to have occurred
the more time has passed between the alleged misconduct and or whether further investigation is warranted. If the Head of
the report. The passage of time impacts the effectiveness of an School or their designated alternate determines that bullying,
investigation. hazing, harassment or sexual misconduct has occurred, the
Head of School or their designated alternate will determine
Interim measures. Upon receipt of a report of alleged what remedial action, if any, is needed to end the misconduct,
bullying, hazing, harassment or sexual misconduct, the School remedy its effects and prevent recurrence, as well as determine
may request additional information and conduct an initial appropriate disciplinary action against the perpetrator and any
inquiry to determine whether the report alleges a potential other involved party, up to and including dismissal.
violation of policy. The School may meet with the individual(s)
who made the report, the individual(s) who were reportedly No retaliation. The School prohibits retaliation against
subjected to the misconduct and others. If the School anyone who, in good faith, complains or participates in the
determines that the report pertains to behavior that may violate reporting or investigation process under this policy, regardless
this Bullying, Hazing, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct of the outcome of the investigation. Retaliation may result in
policy, the School will undertake an investigation related to the disciplinary or other corrective action. Retaliation includes, but
reported conduct. is not limited to, taking sides against an individual, spreading
rumors about or shunning an individual or making real or
The School may provide appropriate interim support and implied threats of intimidation toward an individual because
reasonable protective measures, if and as needed based on the that individual reported bullying, hazing, harassment or
particular circumstances of a report of misconduct, to protect sexual misconduct or participated in an investigation related
against further acts of misconduct or retaliation, to provide to a report of misconduct. In addition, anyone who knowingly
a safe educational environment and to protect the integrity makes a false claim of bullying, hazing, harassment or sexual
of an investigation. The School reserves the right to suspend misconduct will be subject to discipline, up to and including
a student accused of bullying, hazing, harassment or sexual dismissal.
misconduct on an interim basis if deemed appropriate by the
School based on considerations such as ongoing safety risks III. Mandatory Abuse and Neglect Reporting.* All School
to others and the extent of the School’s ability to separate the employees must follow Virginia’s mandatory reporting
alleged victim and accused during any investigative process. obligations for suspected child abuse and neglect. Any School
The School will, in its sole discretion and judgment, determine employee who, in their professional or official capacity, has a
the necessity and scope of any interim measures, including reason to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child
whether and when to contact the parents of the alleged victim, must immediately notify the Head of School or the Head of
the accused, a witness or others. School’s designee [list designee name and contact information,
who will then take responsibility for immediately reporting
Investigation process. The School’s investigation into alleged that suspicion of abuse or neglect. If the School employee with
misconduct includes one or more investigators who may meet the suspicion of abuse and neglect is, for any reason, unable to
with the alleged victim, the accused, witnesses and other escalate their suspicion to the Head of School or the Head of
relevant individuals and gather information about the reported School’s designee, that employee must report their suspicion of
misconduct. In the School’s sole discretion, and depending abuse or neglect to the local department of social services where
on the conduct alleged, the investigator may be the Head of the child resides or to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
School, a School employee designated by the Head of School or (1.800.552.7096) within 24 hours. Any School employee who
an outside investigator. Students and parents must cooperate makes or receives a report of suspected child abuse and neglect
in any investigation, including meeting with the investigator must inform the Head of School or their designee the day they
and truthfully answering any questions posed to them by the make or receive the report. In compliance with the law, a notice
investigator, providing all relevant information and omitting outlining child abuse and neglect reporting requirements in
none. Any individual who is interviewed during the course of Virginia is posted in the School.
an investigation is prohibited from discussing the substance of
the interview, except as otherwise directed by the investigator Va. Code § 63.2-100 defines an abused or neglected child as
or the Head of School or as required by law. Any individual who any child under 18 years of age:
discusses the content of an investigation or who otherwise fails
to cooperate with the investigation may be subject to discipline. • Whose parents or other person responsible for their care
inflicts or threatens to inflict a non-accidental physical or
At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will mental injury;
issue a written recommendation concerning the allegations. • Whose parents or other person responsible for their care
The Head of School or their designated alternate, in their has a child present during the manufacture or attempted
ultimate discretion, will determine if the alleged misconduct manufacture of a controlled substance or during the
amounts to a violation of School policy. The School will unlawful sale of such substance where such activity would
then communicate to the reporting party, the accused party constitute a felony violation;
and their parents or guardians, if possible, as to whether the • Whose parents or other persons responsible for their

15
 care neglects or refuses to provide care necessary for the such a situation arise, the School may require the student to
GENERAL INFORMATION

child’s health, including adequate food, clothing, shelter, be placed on medical leave. A medical leave of absence is not
emotional nurturing or healthcare; a punishment; it is intended to be a caring, interventional
• Whose parents or other person responsible for their care response and an attempt to help a student get necessary
abandons the child; treatment so that they can return to full participation in School
• Whose parents or other person responsible for their care, programming, if and to the extent possible.
or an intimate partner of such parent or person, commits
or allows to be committed any act of sexual exploitation Placing a Student on Medical Leave. Whether a student is
or any sexual act upon a child, including incest, rape, placed on medical leave is at the sole discretion of the Head
indecent exposure, prostitution or allows a child to be used of School or their designated alternate. In making such
in any sexually explicit visual material; a determination, the Head of School or their designated
• Who is without parental care or guardianship caused alternate may consult with medical care providers, including
by the unreasonable absence or the mental or physical those who are treating the student, School counselors and
incapacity of the child’s parent, guardian, legal custodian faculty members as deemed appropriate, as well as parents
or other person standing in loco parentis; and caretakers of the student. Circumstances which may
• Whose parents or other person responsible for their care warrant a medical leave of absence include but are not limited
creates a substantial risk of physical or mental injury to attempted or threatened suicide, severe depression or
by knowingly leaves a child alone in the same dwelling mood dysregulation, self-harming behavior, signs of alcohol
with a person, not related by blood or marriage, who has or drug addiction, eating disorders, emergency medical
been convicted of an offense against a minor for which care, surgery, serious physical injury or any other situation
registration is required as a violent sexual offender; or requiring immediate or extended medical, psychological or
• Who has been identified as a victim of sex trafficking or psychiatric care. The School reserves the right to temporarily
severe forms of trafficking as defined in the Trafficking or permanently prohibit any individual from School property
Victims Protection Act of 2000 and in the Justice for or activities, including students who are deemed an imminent
Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. threat of harm to themselves or others or whose medical,
psychological or psychiatric needs exceed the School’s
IV. Sexual Intimacy.* The School recognizes that romantic capabilities.
relationships and sexuality are important aspects of adolescent
development and identity formation. The School also While on Medical Leave. Typically, a medical leave of absence
recognizes that its students and community members are of lasts at least the majority of one grading period, but may be
all ages and levels of development and maturity. The School longer or shorter, at the School’s ultimate discretion, depending
strives to protect the safety and wellbeing of all members of on the nature of the medical leave and student progress. A
its community. All student sexual activity, including kissing, student on medical leave may only visit campus or attend a
sexual touching, intercourse, oral sex or any other sex act School activity with the prior written consent of the Head
whether involving students, parents or others, is therefore of School or their designated alternate, and then, only when
prohibited on School premises or during any School activity. accompanied by a parent or guardian. Students on medical
When students are found to have engaged in sexually intimate leave may be required to undergo medical, psychological or
behavior, responses may include, but are not limited to, psychiatric evaluations in order to assess their condition and
conversations with the students involved, referral to School readiness to return to School. To maintain enrollment, parents
health professionals, parental notification and discipline. of students on medical leave must sign release of information
Some sexually intimate behaviors violate state laws, and forms with non-School affiliated medical care providers in
School personnel may be required to report such instances to order to facilitate communication between the Student’s
mandatory reporting agencies. medical care providers and the School. While students are on
medical leave, they are still members of the School community
V. Medical Leave of Absence.* The School cares deeply and bound by the School’s Code of Conduct and other policies.
about the wellbeing of its students. It is important that School If appropriate, students on medical leave may be expected to
students be able to function effectively and participate fully in complete assigned schoolwork, and in those circumstances,
all School programming. Occasionally, illnesses or injury may students will generally be expected to keep current on
require a student to take time away from School obligations. schoolwork.
In those situations, a medical leave of absence will enable
a student to receive medical, psychological or psychiatric Re-Entry Procedure. When a student is ultimately permitted
treatment away from School and officially remain an enrolled to return to School following a period of medical leave, and
student. Medical leave may be considered when a student any condition upon which a student may be allowed to return
is unable to fulfill their academic obligations as a full-time to campus following a period of medical leave, is at the sole
student of the School as a result of a diagnosed medical issue. discretion of the Head of School or their designated alternate.
In some situations, parents will request that the School place In making such a determination, the Head of School or their
their child on medical leave. In other situations, a student’s designated alternate may consult with medical care providers,
medical condition or behavior may create undue disruption in including those who are treating the student, School counselors
the classroom or School community or may cause the student and faculty members as deemed appropriate, as well as the
to be a threat to the safety of themselves or others. Should student, parents and caretakers of the student. Prior to a

16
 student’s return to school from a medical leave of absence,
GENERAL INFORMATION

parents must provide the School with information and access

to the student’s treating medical care providers and relevant
medical records. The School reserves the right to require the
student’s medical care provider, or an independent medical
care provider designated by the School, to submit a certification
that the student is able to return to campus and fully participate
in a regular course of study. This return to campus certification
may be required to follow a recent or contemporaneous
medical, psychological or psychiatric evaluation, as determined
by the School and paid for by the parents. A student’s return
to campus following medical leave may be conditioned upon
the student continuing to obtain medical, psychological or
psychiatric treatment or other factors, as determined by the
School and communicated to the student’s parents. In order to
help facilitate a smooth transmission back into regular School
life and programming, upon receiving permission to return to
the School, the student and parents will be required to meet
with the Head of School or their designated alternate to review
the conditions of the student’s return, if any, and expectations
of the student’s enrollment, work, conduct and treatment (if
any) moving forward.

*Other than the President of CSDV, no individual or school

possesses editorial rights to this policy. Any proposed change
to this policy must be reviewed and approved in writing by the
President of CSDV.

17
 ST. STEPHEN’S AND ST. AGNES SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE
GENERAL INFORMATION

Approved by the Board of Governors – January 31, 2001

Students are under the jurisdiction of school authorities while on school property and during school-sponsored activities and trips. At
all times while they are under school jurisdiction, all students are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and orderly manner.
Additionally, the school’s philosophy of discipline and implementation of disciplinary actions extends to any conduct, whether on
campus or not, which is morally reprehensible or may constitute a serious criminal offense which threatens the health, safety or
welfare of our students and faculty or otherwise damages the reputation of our school community. The school’s efforts to discourage
otherwise impermissible conduct by students beyond school property and school related activities or trips, is an effort to supplement,
not assume, the ultimate responsibility of parents and families for the conduct of children, not only as students of our school, but as
citizens of our community.

Not only is student use of alcohol and other drugs illegal, it disrupts the educational and extracurricular program of a school and
undermines the morale of the entire school community.

In light of the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in today’s adolescent culture, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School recognizes the
need for the following policy:

A) Possessing, using, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of illicit drugs (including alcohol) is prohibited. Any
student in violation of these rules is subject to disciplinary action by the school including expulsion.

The school reserves the right to administer an alcohol breath test or to require drug testing without any further notice or
consent. This is a “zero tolerance” policy such that any level of alcohol blood content will constitute “being under the influence
of an illicit drug.”

B) Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege afforded to St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School students. Students
who represent St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in extracurricular activities, such as elected school or class offices, on
athletic teams, in musical ensembles, in theatre productions, or as participants in activities such as Model U.N., Model O.A.S.,
Normandy Scholars, or in any other capacity in which the student is officially representing the school, are expected to adhere
at all times to the school’s rules concerning drug and alcohol use. Students and parents are expected to sign a contract stating
that the student agrees to abstain from any substance use at all times (on or off campus). Students who violate the terms of this
contract will be subject to the following consequences:
• The student will be suspended from all extracurricular activities for three weeks.
• The student will lose any leadership role in extracurricular activities, including athletic captaincy and/or elected positions
for the remainder of the academic year.
• The student will be expected to cooperate fully with the recommendations of the school’s counseling program.
• The student will not be allowed to attend school-sponsored events for three weeks.

Any subsequent breach of the school’s alcohol and drug policy will result in the student’s suspension from participation in any
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes extracurricular activities for the remainder of that academic year.

In the Middle and Upper School, concerns regarding student alcohol use should be directed to the Upper or Middle School
dean of students. The dean of students will be in immediate and direct contact with the parents of the student in question to
verify if the student has violated the participation contract. After the dean of students seeks verification from the parent of any
student reported to have violated the school’s alcohol and drug use policy, the dean of students will make such further inquiries
and investigation as he or she deems appropriate under the circumstances. The case will then be referred to the administrative
council that will make a recommendation to the head of school with respect to any disciplinary action. The decision of the head
of school with respect to a student’s conduct will be final. The school’s policy is not intended to replace the jurisdiction of law
enforcement agencies and the judicial system. Rather, any investigation will be conducted in a fair and equitable manner and
based upon the most reliable information available to the school. The school cannot act on the basis of rumors or on information
received anonymously. The school will take such action as it deems appropriate under the circumstances without further review
or appeal.

C) At the discretion of the school, students who need help to overcome substance use, abuse, or dependency will be supported
without penalty. The student may ask for help voluntarily, or others may ask for help on his/her behalf if there is an indication
of a chemical problem. In each case, the school will make recommendations to the student’s parents regarding the need for
professional evaluation and the implementation of any treatment recommendations.

18
 MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION

(This contract is reviewed by Middle and Upper School students and their parents or guardians
and signed online prior to the start of school.)

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School (School) strongly encourages participation by the student body in extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular activities include participation in elected School or class office, athletic teams, musical ensembles, theatre
productions, Model U.N., Model O.A.S., Normandy Scholars or any other activity in which the student is representing the School.
Participation in such programs is not required by the School; therefore, each student chooses to be a member in extracurricular
activities at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, if offered a position in the activity.

The opportunity to represent the School in extracurricular activities is a privilege. By choosing to participate in an offered
extracurricular activity, each student and his or her parent or guardian must be informed of and acknowledge the commitment and
responsibilities of the student being a member of the given activity. A high standard of personal conduct is expected of the students
representing St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in extracurricular activities. Students will be held accountable for their behavior
throughout the duration of the activity.

The School requires that each student participating in any extracurricular activity be aware of and commit to this Acknowledgment
and to the following:

1. The student, as a representative of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, will abide by all applicable School policies during his or her
participation in any extracurricular activity, whether on or off School property.

2. The student is prohibited from possessing, using, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs
at all times, whether on or off School property, including during his or her participation in any extracurricular activity.

3. The student, if found to be in violation of a School policy concerning drug and alcohol use, will be subject to discipline, up to and
including suspension and expulsion from the School. Discipline will also include the following:
• Suspension from all extracurricular activities for three weeks;
• Prohibition from all School-sponsored events for three weeks;
• Loss of any leadership role in extracurricular activities, including athletic captaincy and elected positions for the
remainder of the academic year; and
• Full cooperation with the recommendations of the School’s counseling program.

4. Any subsequent breach of the School’s policies, including its alcohol and drug policy, may result in the student’s suspension from
participation in any School extracurricular activity for the remainder of the academic year.

As a student at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, I have read the above Extracurricular Participation Acknowledgment, understand
the expectations of being a representative of the School in an extracurricular activity and acknowledge the above policy and that
discipline and sanctions may be imposed for violations of School policy.

-------------------
This online form currently requires the signature of the student and of one parent or guardian

19
 THE

LOWER
SCHOOL
20
 LOWER SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY LOWER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
LOWER SCHOOL

The philosopher Aristotle is credited with saying that

“educating the mind without educating the heart is no LaNessa West Director of Lower School
education at all.” Aristotle's words aptly support the mission Jeremy Hark Associate Director of Lower School
of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, “to pursue goodness as Susan DeLaurentis Director of Counseling, Lower School Counselor
well as knowledge.” With Lower School teachers as their early
Skylé Pearson Director of Early Childhood
Ann Bremner Director of Lower School Mathematics
guides, our students embark on a long and rich educational
Marilyn W. Bryant Administrative Assistant (MacKinnon Hall)
journey through SSSAS’s three divisions. At the heart of a
Kim Brown Nurse
ES-12 community is the ability to grow and be appropriately Paul Easton Director of Safety and Security
challenged at every stage of development. As part of a school Julie Esanu Interdisciplinary Learning Coordinator
that values academic rigor, the Lower School stresses the Chuck Jones Security Officer
acquisition of foundational and critical thinking skills through Mary Kelley Director of Extended Day Programs
an age-appropriate, creative, and thoughtful process. Students Erin Lee Lower School Service Learning Coordinator
are provided with an educational program and experiences Kay Ossio Technology Coordinator
that help them to solidify knowledge and skills they already Grace Pratt Chaplain
possess, approach new concepts with confidence, and develop Kate Roessler Director of Lower School Academic Support
increasingly complex thoughts and ideas.
Lara Schwoebel Administrative Assistant (McBride Hall)
Kim Speed School Store Manager
The Lower School program supports the development of the
Michelle Bruch Lower School DEIB Coordinator
whole child. As our students are at different developmental
Israel Zavala Lower School Maintenance Supervisor
stages, our program is rooted in the belief that children
learn from varied experiences and that academics should
be differentiated to provide students with the appropriate LOWER SCHOOL FACULTY
level of challenge and support. Whether in the classroom,
EARLY SAINTS SECOND GRADE FRENCH
on the playing field, in the lab or the studio, our students Co-Teachers: Vera Benjelloun Rosa Hearn
are given opportunities to become scholars, athletes, artists, Taylor Heasley Hannah Bosland
mathematicians and scientists. In a safe and nurturing Kat Moore Anne Kelly LIBRARY
environment, children are able to access their talents and Amber Labrador Julie Esanu
express who they are and can be as an individual learner and JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN Mary Jane Pessaud Erin Hartman
member of a learning community. Co-Teachers:
As a school that has adopted the Responsive Classroom Rebecca Haddad THIRD GRADE MATHEMATICS
approach, we believe that academic and social-emotional Skylé Pearson Katie Anderson Ann Bremner
Megan Grant
growth are equal in importance. As we work to enhance
Co-Teachers: Delema Johnson MUSIC
students’ academic skills, we also focus on building community
Cheryl Van Coverden Laura Ribble Matt Gehlhoff (JK-2)
and creating a positive school climate. Through worship,
Rahel Weldeyesus Kirsten Becker Stammer Rebecca Gehlhoff (3-5)
community service, and leadership responsibilities, children
gain an appreciation of the world and the individuals around Assistant Teacher: FOURTH GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
them. Through their day-to-day interactions, children learn Ale Newman Franny Alston Danielle Brennan
what it means to be compassionate, responsible, honest, and Leigh Angulo Kenny Carrington
respectful. Our hope is that all of our students discover a love of KINDERGARTEN Beth Barrow Anthony Finch
learning and find in our school a sense of belonging and support Katie Gregorian Isabel Edgerton Mike Macrina
to reach their full potential. Sarah Olderman
I am proud to say that I have already observed these traits Whitney Russell FIFTH GRADE RELIGION
Leslie Williams Caitlin Engelberg Grace Pratt (ES-5)
throughout the Lower School. I am grateful for our dynamic
Sean Finan
faculty who have graciously welcomed me. It is evident that they
Assistant Teachers: Jon Lamkay SCIENCE
work passionately to bolster our students’ academic skills, their
Jackie Bailey Erin Lee Mackie Berro (3-5)
role as citizens of our Lower School community, our region and Ali Beach Michelle Bruch (ES-2)
world. Our students are kind, compassionate, optimistic, and Lynne Lucas ACADEMIC SUPPORT
creative. They approach challenges with grit and curiosity and Yolande Roberts Carly Flanigan SPANISH
are eager problem solvers. Through deep partnership with you, Maura Freund Patricia Castegnaro (3-5)
our teachers expertly amplify students’ existing strengths and FIRST GRADE Elizabeth McConnel Larissa Giacomán (ES-2)
support their growth edges. Simply put, they are committed to Staci Alario Kate Roessler
knowing your children well. Katy Chase
The Lower School is made whole by this family/school Terri Haughton ART
Claire Hoffer Cindy Heid (JK-2)
partnership. We value regular conversation in support of each
Jade Xia (3-5)
child’s success. Whether you are a new or returning parent in
Assistant Teachers:
the Lower School, we look forward to working with you to ensure
Jen Knutson COMPUTER SCIENCE
that your child’s journey through St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes is a Katie Murray Kay Ossio
joyful and fulfilling one.

~ LaNessa West, Director of Lower School

21
 character traits of responsibility, compassion, honesty, and
LOWER SCHOOL

WHO CAN HELP WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT... respect as a guide.

ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVALS? Previous Lower School students named specific examples of
Classroom Teacher, Lara Schwoebel
how these traits should be affirmed and lived out:
• Tell the truth and take responsibility for their actions
ACADEMIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS?
Classroom Teacher, LaNessa West, Jeremy Hark, Skylé Pearson (ES-K) • Show good manners looking people in the eye and
saying “please” and “thank you”
ACADEMIC SUPPORT? Kate Roessler • Do what is right no matter who is around
• Treat others the way they want to be treated
EXTENDED DAY? Mary Kelley • Be a good role model for others, especially younger
students
COUNSELING? Susan DeLaurentis • Follow the rules/directions throughout the day
• Keep track of their materials; take care of community
CARPOOL/DISMISSAL?
spaces and classrooms
Classroom Teacher, Marilyn W. Bryant, Lara Schwoebel
• Help, comfort, and stand up for those in need
DRESS CODE? LaNessa West, Jeremy Hark • Admit mistakes and apologize for them
• Listen carefully to teachers and classmates
LIBRARY? Julie Esanu
Students also created a list of behaviors that do not affirm our
LOST AND FOUND? Marilyn W. Bryant (ES-1), Lara Schwoebel (2-5) character traits:
• Lying, cheating, or taking things that do not belong to
MEDICATION AND MEDICAL ISSUES? Kim Brown
them
• Not listening to others and not being supportive
SCHOOLPASS? Colleen McNeil, Lara Schwoebel
• Teasing others based on how they look, what they
SCHOOL STORE? Kim Speed wear, or how they act
• Using inappropriate language and calling people
STUDENT BILLING? Susan Hamon names
• Being overly physical, which can often harm others
SUMMER PROGRAMS? Keith Swadlo • Not being cooperative or not working well with others
• Not taking care of the community
TRANSPORTATION? Jim Supple
• Acting rudely by gossiping about others, laughing at
people, or rolling one’s eyes
• Not stopping people who are picking on someone else
LOWER SCHOOL PROGRAM • Blaming others or not taking responsibility for their
actions
• Excluding others from conversations, lunchroom
ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND STUDENT PROGRESS
tables, activities, or games
The Lower School academic calendar is divided into three
trimesters. Students’ work and progress is assessed and
In the Lower School, students are introduced to the St.
evaluated during each trimester. Students are evaluated on
Stephen’s and St. Agnes Honor Code which states, “As
their academic and social-emotional growth. Classroom
a member of the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
teachers provide feedback through parent-teacher
community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal nor
conferences and report cards. Report cards are completed
tolerate those who do.” The Honor Code and character traits
for first through fifth grade students each trimester, and for
are presented to Lower School students in a developmentally
kindergarten and junior kindergarten during the second and
appropriate manner, and greater understanding of their
third trimesters. Early Saints students receive an end-of-
meaning develops as students progress through the Lower
year narrative report. Specials teachers’ assessments of first
School.
through fifth graders include skills checklists. Classroom
teachers provide students in Early Saints through fifth
Students are expected to be aware that the Honor Code
grade with a checklist that evaluates students in academic
and school rules apply to the use of technology (equipment,
and social-emotional areas. Checklists indicate if students
software, networks and the information created and
need support, are approaching expectations, are meeting
managed by them) in school as well as off-campus when
expectations, or are surpassing expectations. Learning for
using technology for school-related purposes. The school
our students is on a continuum and our evaluation system
explicitly subjects use of technology tools and resources to the
recognizes that students are still developing and growing in
same rigorous standards of conduct and rules as govern the
knowledge, levels of understanding, and independence.
use of other school equipment, materials, and information
sources. The school explicitly regards all forms of digital
CHARACTER
communication as subject to the same standards and rules
Lower School students are expected to behave with the
as verbal and print materials. The school emphasizes the

22
 importance of digital citizenship in the ethical and courteous later than 2:00 pm. More information about SchoolPass can
LOWER SCHOOL

use of technology. be found at sssas.org/SchoolPass.

DISCIPLINE At the end of the school day, students should be picked

In the Lower School, the director, associate director, and faculty up via carpool, depart via bus, or attend extended day or
act as the primary agents for disciplinary actions. enrichment classes. Adults are asked to follow certain safety
protocols during the arrival and dismissal process including
Our goal is for students to learn from their mistakes and avoid the following:
repeating them. • Cars in the car line must display the school-issued
placard with student information during arrival and
Minor disciplinary problems are managed by the teacher. If a dismissal.
student’s behavior is not modified, the student will meet with • The handling of cell phones while driving on campus
the director, associate director, or director of early childhood. is strongly discouraged.
Any student visit to these administrators will be followed up by • Students cannot be left unsupervised on the Lower
communication to the student’s parent(s). School campus before or after the school day.
• We are a “no idling” campus. Drivers are asked to turn
If there is a pattern of behavior that is unacceptable or a off their car engine when stationary in the carpool line
student does something that is considered egregious, the for more than 30 seconds.
director may request a parent conference in order to discuss
a disciplinary concern. The director may also require that the If you have any questions during carpool, all faculty/staff
student be placed on probation and/or removed from the school members assisting for the day will be wearing a colored vest.
for a specific amount of time or permanently. The final decision
is made after consultation with the head of school. DRESS CODE
In the Lower School, students are required to abide by a dress
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS code.
While on campus, students are expected to follow all safety
protocols as conveyed in the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Daily Dress Attire
Procedures document. Students are expected to wear the following:
• navy blue or khaki bottoms (shorts, long pants, capri
All members of our school community are expected to practice pants, skirts, skorts). Note: leggings are permitted
proper hand hygiene. under skirts but not by themselves unless it is a dress
down day
All members of our school community must remain committed • collared shirts or turtlenecks in solid red, navy
to our safety policies and procedures. blue, dark green, yellow, or white; collared shirts or
turtlenecks should not have any logos except for the
ATTENDANCE Saints logo if desired.
Carpool begins at 8:00 a.m. each day. Students are expected to • collared polo style dresses in solid red, navy blue, dark
be in their classrooms, ready to begin the school day by 8:20 green, yellow, or white
a.m. Attendance is taken by each classroom teacher at 8:20 • sweatshirts (with no logo except “Saints”) or sweaters
a.m. If a student appears to have excessive absences, the parent in solid red, navy blue, dark green, yellow, or white;
will be contacted by the administration. gray “Saints” sweatshirts are permissible
• jumpers or skirts in the school’s plaid
If a student is absent, the parent should enter the absence • shoes or sneakers that provide substantial foot support
in SchoolPass. This system will automatically notify the for walking, recess, outdoor play and learning, and
appropriate school office personnel, the classroom teacher(s), physical education classes
and any other parents in the carpool (if applicable).
Students should not wear:
Homework requests that are received after 12:00 p.m. cannot • skirts or skorts shorter than 4” above the knee
be guaranteed for that day. • athletic shirts, shorts, skirts, or pants
• tank tops
Parents should notify the school through SchoolPass if their • flip-flops or slides
child is being picked up early. • variations of the colors specified i.e. turquoise, pink,
light or lime green
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES • sweatshirts with logos other than “Saints”
The school day will end for all students at 3:00 p.m. Anyone
picking up a student in the car line must be listed as an If a student is not in dress code, a teacher and/or
authorized driver in SchoolPass. If a student has a change administrator will connect with the student and family with a
(e.g., a play date with a classmate, a neighbor picking up at reminder of the proper attire for the next school day.
dismissal) to his/her daily mode of transportation, parents are
requested to submit a change via their SchoolPass account no

23
 Dress Down Day Attire of their enrollment at SSSAS. Charges may be incurred for
LOWER SCHOOL

During the school year, some days are designated as “Dress loss or failure to return these items.
Down Days” and students can wear casual attire and not the
daily dress attire. Sometimes these days are themed or include STUDENT LIFE
Saints spirit wear.
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
P.E. Attire The school offers a variety of after-school activities on a
Students at every grade level should wear proper shoes for trimester basis. The optional after-school activities are
physical education classes including shoes that have laces that organized by the after-school enrichment coordinator.
tie and are typically designed for running and active play.
AFTER-SCHOOL AND BEFORE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND USE
Special Attire We know that many families enjoy spending time on the
There may be occasions where students are asked to wear Lower School campus after the school day ends. Although
special attire, such as for Lessons and Carols or Fifth Grade the playgrounds are open for use by our Lower School
Recognition Day. families after school, please be aware that there may be
occasions when no playgrounds will be available after school
HOMEWORK for families due to After-School Enrichment Class activities,
Students begin receiving homework and long-term assignments use by Extended Day students, or other circumstances.
in the second grade. However, there is an expectation that Families must use the age-appropriate playgrounds and
students in the younger grades will read at home regularly. In properly supervise their children in order to ensure the
third through fifth grades, students receive homework on a safety and well-being of all our students. Please share this
daily basis; homework for these grades will be posted on the information with any caregivers who may be picking up
website each day. children from school.

RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY (RUP) Students are not allowed to play on the playgrounds
SSSAS encourages students to use a variety of technologies unattended before or after school.
to enhance learning. To ensure the privacy and safety of
our students and to protect data and our resources, we ask BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION
parents and students to become familiar with the policies and Students enjoy having their birthday recognized at school,
regulations that have been established for the use of school and they may bring treats to distribute to their classmates.
devices and systems. Failure to abide by these guidelines may Special lunches for a class are discouraged for a birthday
result in consequences including temporary loss of device recognition. Individual birthday party invitations may not be
privileges and/or disciplinary action. Each student in grades passed out in school.
3-5 is required to sign the Responsible Use Policy (RUP) form.
Parents are asked to co-sign the form. This signed form must PERSONAL MOBILE DEVICES (CELL PHONES, WATCHES, ETC.)
be returned to the classroom teacher before students may take All personal mobile devices, including phones and smart
laptops or iPads home from school. watches, should be stored in backpacks for the school day. Any
student having a cell phone or other non-school electronic
The RUP covers the following topics: device out or “on” during the school day will have the device
• Students respecting and protecting their own privacy collected by the teacher. At the end of the day, the student may
and the privacy of others retrieve the device. Parents will be informed and if more than
• Students respecting and protecting the integrity, one transgression occurs, a student may lose the privilege of
availability, and security of all electronic resources bringing the device to school in the future. In the event a child
• Students respecting and protecting the copyrighted/ needs to reach a parent during the school day, he or she may
intellectual property of others reach out to the parent with support from an adult using a
• Students respecting and practicing the character traits school phone in the classroom or the office. E-readers may be
of the Lower School: respect, responsibility, honesty, and used at school at teachers’ discretion. They may only be used
compassion to access the device’s digital library.

Fourth and fifth grade students are given access to school— CHAPEL/WORSHIP
based Gmail accounts, which are limited to internal school use Chapel is held each Thursday beginning at 8:35 a.m. It
only. Students and parents in these grades also sign the Student is a joyful, reverent service for the entire Lower School
Responsible Use Policy which outlines the protocols and community including teachers and students. Parents are
expectations for responsible use of these accounts. Please note welcome to attend chapel and most often do so when their
that student laptops and iPads remain the property of school. child is speaking, making a musical offering, or being
They may be required to stay on campus for maintenance acknowledged for their birthday with the traditional birthday
purposes at any time without advance notice. Students must prayer. The worship is distinctly Christian and broad enough
return devices brought home the following school day fully to respect all faith traditions. Chapel is participatory and
charged. Students must return school-provided devices, everyone’s voice is heard, whether in simple songs offered, in
carrying cases or covers, and chargers to the teacher at the end readings from the Bible, through prayers, or from responses

24
 with the refrain to the day’s psalm. Students from Early Saints, as providing a small snapshot of students’ overall academic
LOWER SCHOOL

junior kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade take part in potential and abilities.
groups, and students in second through fifth grade may serve
individually, although individual participation is not required. EVENT SUPERVISION
Chapel behavior is expected from all, including paying close If Lower School students wish to attend an event, such as
attention to the reader or speaker. Often a musical prelude is a varsity game or the Spring Festival, at any of the SSSAS
played by a student. campuses outside of school hours, they must be under the
direct supervision of a parent or caregiver.
Holy Communion
Throughout the school year, Holy Eucharist (communion) EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS: MORNING CARE AND AFTER CARE
is celebrated during chapel. All are welcome to receive the Lower School Extended Day Programs include Morning Care
consecrated bread (only adults at the altar receive the wine). starting at 7:00 a.m., and After Care until 6:00 p.m., with
Families are encouraged to help their children make the several pick-up time options available. To learn more about
decision that is right for them. Children who practice the these programs, pricing, and policies please visit the Lower
Roman Catholic faith, for instance, usually wait until they School Extended Day page on the Resource Board. Drop-in
make their First Holy Communion in their own churches care is available on a limited, reservation-only basis. Requests
before receiving at school. Those who will be receiving the for drop-in care must be emailed 24 hours in advance to
bread hold out crossed hands to the person administering, and Mary Kelley at mkelley@sssas.org. Students who are not
those who would rather not receive the bread will cross their picked up by 3:30 p.m. from carpool due to unforeseen
arms in an X across their chest and receive a blessing. Religion circumstances will be sent to Extended Day and their student
teachers prepare students before each communion service, account will be charged a fee. Please contact Mary Kelley at
especially the first of the year. mkelley@sssas.org or 703-212-2758 with any questions.

Offerings LOST AND FOUND

In recognition that all we give to others is first given to us by Lost and found articles are located in MacKinnon and
God, items and/or money that the school community collects McBride Halls. Parents should encourage students to stop
are acknowledged at chapel. Usually a sampling of the offering by the lost and found in their building to look for a lost
is brought forward by students, and a prayer is said to bless item. At the end of each trimester, all items not claimed
those who will receive the gifts. These offerings have included will be donated. We encourage parents to label all of their
toys for patients at Children’s Hospital, hats and mittens in children’s belongings, especially sweaters, jackets, water
winter, and food donations. bottles, and lunch boxes. Please reach out to Lara Schwoebel
at lschwoebel@sssas.org (grades 2-5) or Marilyn W. Bryant
Birthdays at mbryant@sssas.org (grades ES-1) to check in about a
All birthdays are celebrated in chapel, and this is an occasion specific item that has been lost or misplaced.
children look forward to. Usually, we acknowledge birthdays
occurring on the day of chapel through the following LOWER SCHOOL WIT (WE’RE IN TOUCH)
Wednesday. Exceptions are noted in the weekly Lower School Each Thursday afternoon, the Lower School WIT (We’re In
e-newsletter, the WIT. Touch) will be posted on the Dispatch page on the Resource
Board. Families will receive an email when it is ready for
Questions or suggestions about chapel should be directed to viewing. This page is the main source of communication
Rev. Grace Pratt at gpratt@sssas.org. from the Lower School and includes important information
and a variety of announcements.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
SSSAS works in many facets of campus life to reduce our LUNCH
community’s environmental impact. Our school’s work as All students will have the opportunity to purchase lunch
stewards of God’s creation intends to protect the resources crafted and served by SAGE Dining. To learn more about the
entrusted to us so that they remain available to all people lunch service, nutrition, pricing, and sustainability, please visit
now and in the future. In the Lower School, students play an the Lunch Program page on the Resource Board. Students
active role in reducing waste, composting, conserving energy, will eat in the cafeteria, in their classrooms, or an outdoor
and caring for and learning about nature on our wooded space. Students that do not purchase lunch must bring lunch
campus. You may read more on the Saints Go Green page from home. All students should bring a water bottle to school
on the Resource Board, which includes links to the SSSAS each day. Stations with filtered water are available so students
Sustainability Committee newsletter, EcoNews. may refill bottles. Unfortunately, access to refrigeration and
microwaves will not be possible. We encourage families to
ERB TESTING pack lunches that are easy to “carry in and carry out” to reduce
The Lower School typically administers assessment from the trash and recycling. Additionally, families should select
Educational Research Bureau (ERB) to students in our older a lunch box and food containers that students may open
grades. The test provides our students with their first exposure independently with ease. While the school works with families
to standardized testing. The Lower School views these tests in support of students with nut allergies, please note that the
Lower School is not a nut-free campus.

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 MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND EMERGENCIES cause, students or staff may attend or remain in school with
LOWER SCHOOL

Please see the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Procedures proper documentation from a medical provider.
for a complete description of our procedures and absence
policies. If you have questions or concerns about student health
management, please contact Lower School Nurse Kim Brown
Our Lower School nurse supports the well-being of our at 703-212-2752 or kbrown@sssas.org.
community members through illness/injury prevention,
chronic condition management, and assessments of ill/injured SCHEDULE
students. Her collaborative efforts with students, families, and
faculty/staff assure our safe and healthy school environment. In-Person
Student health information is managed electronically through School will begin at 8:20 a.m. and will end at 3:00 p.m.
Magnus Health. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are asked to maintain After the daily morning meeting in each class, the schedule
current information in this system including: emergency will include blocks of time dedicated to classroom-based
contacts, annual physical, immunization records, permission to curricula (Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies) and
dispense non-prescription medication, and condition-specific other blocks dedicated to specials curricula (Music, Art,
action plans and medication consent forms (when applicable). P.E., Science, World Languages, Religion, Technology, and
At the discretion of the division director and nurse, late or Library).
missing forms may prevent a student’s participation in P.E.
class, field trips, or the school day. The Lower School will follow a 6-day rotation this school year
beginning with Day 1 on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Each
Medications stored or administered at the Lower School day will be numbered one through six, to allow for classes to
must be provided in original packaging with the prescription not be missed on Monday and Friday school closures.
label. Medications must be accompanied by the appropriate
medication authorization form. Parents or guardians must Distance Learning
transport and deliver medication to the office and medication Distance Learning days may be necessary in the 2023-2024
should not be sent with the student to deliver to the office. school year during snow emergencies or unexpected closures.
As the expiration date of medication approaches, parent(s)/
guardian(s) will be contacted to provide replacement At the Lower School, we have affirmed the following tenets of
medication. Students are not permitted to self-carry or self- our philosophy on distance learning:
administer medication (including over-the-counter medication) • Accessible for students, families, and caregivers
without written authorization provided by the parent/guardian • Designed for the home environment
and the health care provider (when applicable). This written • Developmentally appropriate
authorization must be submitted to the nurse who will review • Maintaining connectivity and sense of comfort with
and subsequently approve the permission to self-carry. our students through voice, video, or live sessions
• Designed by our teachers using a shared/group
In the event of an accident or other medical emergency, approach
the student will be sent to the emergency department of a • All grade-levels: direct instruction, extension,
hospital via ambulance. School staff will attempt to contact exploration, expeditions, re-exposure, and practice
the parent(s)/designated guardian as stated in Magnus Health • Specials: direct instruction, extension, exploration,
emergency contacts. Families of students who are absent due to expeditions, and appropriate practice
significant illness are encouraged to contact the nurse to assure
seamless support in the student’s return to classes. SCHOOLPASS ATTENDANCE AND DISMISSAL MANAGEMENT
At the Lower School we use a dismissal management system,
To ensure the health and safety of our school community, called SchoolPass, to enhance student safety and ensure a
students can return to school after an illness adhering to the speedier and more efficient afternoon dismissal. With this
below guidelines: system, classroom teachers are notified when designated cars
• Active vomiting or diarrhea: 48 hours since last episode come onto the campus. The car’s position in the queue is
• Fever (greater than 100.0): 24 hours fever-free without logged by detecting a license plate or RFID tag.
the use of fever-reducing medications
• After 24 hours on antibiotics for a variety of bacterial Parents also have access to the SchoolPass app and/or
causes SchoolPass web interface to make arrival and dismissal
• Health care provider/physician’s note of clearance for changes including the following: reporting an absence,
various student-specific medical conditions. reporting an early pickup, riding the bus to either the Middle
• Symptoms of COVID-19 or a known household or School or Upper School campus, or allowing another family
close contact exposure may require a rapid antigen test to pick up a child. This system will automatically notify the
prior to returning to school. The Saints medical team appropriate school office personnel, the classroom teacher(s),
will make this determination based on the individual and any other parents in the carpool (if applicable).
situation.
Parents are asked to review and update SchoolPass
If symptoms are due to a previously diagnosed non-COVID profiles by the end of the day on Friday, September 1. More

26
 information on how to manage the family profile in SchoolPass challenges during the first trimester. Parents or teachers may
LOWER SCHOOL

is available on the SSSAS internal website (MySSSAS), under request conferences throughout the year.
Resources.
PROFESSIONAL DAYS FOR FACULTY
SERVICE LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; DIVERSITY, EQUITY, Professional Days for faculty growth and development are
INCLUSION, AND BELONGING; AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP scheduled throughout the year. There is no school for students
The Lower School embraces the model of service learning on these days.
in which students help others while engaging in a process of
reflection, self-discovery, and social responsibility. Students in HALLOWEEN PARADE
the Lower School learn about needs inside and outside of our All students in Early Saints through fifth grade are invited
school community. Adults in the community identify needs to participate in Halloween festivities at school by wearing
that emanate from the social studies curriculum, religious a costume to school or changing into a costume at school.
curriculum, and successful service projects completed in Guidelines will be shared for each grade-level.
previous years. Our goal is for students to develop empathy,
broaden their perspectives, develop a lifelong passion for service, In an effort to keep this event safe, inclusive, and enjoyable,
and gain an understanding of why and how our Episcopal we have the following guidelines:
identity and school mission call our community to value and • Students should bring their costumes in a bag and
practice service. Additionally, students are supported in gaining dress at school.
an understanding of the critical importance of racial justice, • Students should not bring weapons of any type as
combating racial injustices, and being environmental stewards. accessories including swords, guns, or knives.
• Students should not wear masks that impair the ability
ACADEMIC SUPPORT to see and walk safely.
Teachers differentiate instruction to provide students with the • Inflatable costumes are permissible as long as the
optimal level of academic support and challenge. In addition to student is able to walk safely.
the differentiation that teachers provide in the classroom, the • Students should not wear costumes or masks that are
Director of Lower School Academic Support, learning specialists, ghoulish, frightening, or involve frightening elements
and Director of Lower School Mathematics are an integral (such as blood).
part of this effort. They consult with the classroom teachers • Costumes should be respectful and in keeping with
and recommend strategies that include appropriate classroom the school’s character traits: respect, responsibility,
accommodations as well as activities for academic enrichment. honesty, compassion.
They also help teachers identify and support the individual needs • Students should plan for individual costumes and not
of our students and implement best teaching practices. plan group costumes.
• Students should also keep in mind that not everyone
The learning specialists work with students who need direct, in our school community celebrates or dresses up, and
ongoing support based on their learning profiles. Students it is important to respect those who do not celebrate
are seen at least two times per week, mostly in small groups Halloween.
of up to three students with similar needs. Areas of support
include early literacy and language skills, reading and spelling, ES-12 THANKSGIVING SERVICE
reading comprehension, written expression, math skills, and The entire Lower School attends a Thanksgiving service at
executive functioning. The learning specialists, administrators, the Upper School. Due to space limitations, we are unable to
and classroom teachers utilize outside evaluations or internal extend an invitation to parents.
screenings to make decisions regarding which students may
benefit from this program. LOWER SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
The Lower School Lessons and Carols Service/Christmas
EVENTS Concert is traditionally held in Daniel Gym and parents/
family members are invited.
LOWER SCHOOL BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
Back-to-School Night will be held during the month of LOWER SCHOOL BOOK FAIR
September. The sessions typically feature presentations by the The librarians and parent volunteers hold a Book Fair for
Head of School and Director of Lower School and provide an all students in the Lower School in the spring. The book fair
opportunity for parents to hear from homeroom and specials runs for a week and the library is closed for book circulation
teachers. and scheduled class visits. All profits from this event are used
to purchase new resources for the library.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES/STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Teachers offer “hopes and dreams” conferences at the beginning GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY
of the school year. Parent-teacher conferences are held towards This day is a special occasion on the Lower School campus.
the end of the first trimester in lieu of narrative comments on Grandparents and other special guests begin the day with
the report card. This is an opportunity for both parents and musical performance by all Lower School students followed
teachers to discuss a student and to summarize achievements and by guided visits to the students’ various learning spaces
throughout the campus, including their classroom. Due to

27
 space limitations, parents may not attend this event unless is crucial to the effectiveness of the Lower School
LOWER SCHOOL

they are volunteering. A dress rehearsal on the day before the program.
performance is open to parents.

FIELD DAYS
Field Day is held during the last weeks of school. The P.E.
Department selects games and activities that students enjoy.
Parents are welcome to volunteer.

FIFTH GRADE RECOGNITION CEREMONY

The Fifth Grade Recognition Ceremony honors fifth grade
students on the last day of school. Following the ceremony, the
students, parents, and guests are invited to a reception.

PARENT RESOURCES

DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING
Susan DeLaurentis, Lower School counselor, is available for
private consultation to students and parents. During the year,
a variety of informational programs are offered for students
and parents. Ms. DeLaurentis can be reached at sdelaurentis@
sssas.org or 703-212-2780.

OUTSIDE EVALUATION
Due to privacy issues, we do not permit students to be observed
in their classes by evaluators for psycho-educational testing or
tutors not affiliated with St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School.
Our teachers are able to talk to or meet with evaluators or tutors
about an individual child’s educational needs and progress.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS
Here are some suggestions about ways to help your child be
successful, content, motivated, and responsible in the Lower
School:
• Have your child go to bed at a reasonable hour in the
evening and come to school on time. Children need to
start the school day relaxed and ready for class work,
activities, and play.
• Help your child acquire personal responsibility for
himself or herself and personal belongings. Throughout
the school day, students are given opportunities to
care for their school work and materials they need for
work and play. When students know expectations and
routines, they become confident and self-reliant. Provide
your child with responsibilities at home to encourage the
development in this area
• Pay as much attention to the process of a child’s
assignments as the final products. Tasks and activities
that focus on process help cultivate a love of learning.
• Join us in encouraging and valuing good character
as much as good grades. In the classroom, on the
playground, and in chapel, we help students to act with
regard to the feelings and the conditions of others. This
requires time, effort and modeling from the adults in
their lives.
• Participate in special events throughout the year and
communicate information with your child’s teachers
about school and home when topics of concern or
changes arise. The school, child, and family partnership

28
 THE

MIDDLE
SCHOOL
29
 MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
MIDDLE SCHOOL

William “Bee” Stribling Director of Middle School

The three years that a student spends in the Middle
Candace Crawford Associate Director of Middle School
School are some of the most exciting times in one’s
Jon Japha Middle School Dean of Students
life. The St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Middle School is Elisabeth Bush Associate Dean of the Middle School
designed to meet the needs of all adolescents during Amie Brock Administrative Assistant and Registrar
this transformative time of life: small classes, an Gretchen Herbst Director of Middle School Admission
advisor for each student, student-centered curric- Dionna Jordan Athletic Director
ulum, a comprehensive, dialogue-based advisory, Karen Kunz Counselor
and teachers and administrators who know and love Sarah Moses Middle School Chaplain
working with this age group. Joy is our North Star Hannah Stone Middle School Medical Professional
-- joy in learning, joy in growing, joy in playing, and Kim Speed School Store Manager
joy in creating -- guide our community and are the
Thomas Lee Security Officer
Marvin Lopez Maintenance Tech
foundation of Middle School life.
Guilmar Morales Maintenance Supervisor
David Nadelhoffer Director of Information Technology
Our philosophy is to provide a supportive and
engaging learning environment tailored to Middle
School students. We strive to listen as well as to guide, MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY
teaching each young adult not only as a student in
the classroom or as an athlete on the playing field, ACADEMIC CENTER LIBRARY
but also as a citizen in a changing world. Our broad Melina McCrary, Director of Middle Alicia Blowers, Librarian (ES-12 Chair)
program encompasses academics, the arts, athletics,
School Academic Support Lin Yuan
Emily Glodzik, Learning Specialist
and extracurricular activities; therefore, our Middle
MATHEMATICS
School students grow to feel competent in a variety
ARTS, PERFORMING Jimmy Gerrity (Coordinator)
of settings. We want our students to recognize their Vaughn Ambrose (ES-12 Chair), Erin Daly (7th Grade Dean)
strengths and weaknesses, to work to their full poten- Band & Orchestra Elisabeth Bush
tial, to accept mistakes as opportunities to improve Ricky Drummond, Drama Dustin Jones
and grow, and to see learning as a lifelong process. To Lindsay Jagodowski, Drama Dania Lee
have this mindset, students must believe in them- Bonny Tynch, Chorus Julie Riedy
selves and be proud of all that they are learning. The
positive attitudes, reverence for ideas, and solid skills ARTS, VISUAL MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
learned in our Middle School are essential for success Kate Elkins (ES-12 Chair) Laura Walker, French (Coordinator)
in later life.
Ida Fehrenbach Nathan Andes, Spanish
Brandon Royal James Wilusz, Latin
Kati Towle Brandon Royal, French
In Middle School, we stress the importance of key
Kristine Sowers, Spanish
characteristics: creativity, curiosity, empathy, kind- COMPUTER SCIENCE Lin Yuan, Chinese
ness, resilience, and teamwork. We want our students Sharon Johnson (ES-12 Chair)
to learn fairness, to respect the rights of others, and David Hunsicker P.E. 6TH GRADE
to be good citizens of their school, their communities, Melanie Stanton (ES-12 Chair)
their country, and the world. We also want them to ENGLISH Kimberly Dubansky
show respect and empathy toward all members of Susanne Wanamaker (Coordinator) Kevin Jackson
our community as well as to recognize and accept the Ricky Drummond
consequences of their behavior. Upstanding character Mark Gannon RELIGION
is essential to the life of our Middle School.
Cameron Hines Rebecca Cooper (ES-12 Chair)
Kristen Silberberg (6th Grade Dean) Sarah Moses
The handbook is a valuable resource for our students
HISTORY SCIENCE
and families. It represents our commitment to Middle Larisa Showalter (Coordinator) Robert Davis (Coordinator)
School education and the care we take with all of our Katherine Bryant Kimberly Dubansky
students. We look forward to partnering with all of Rebecca Cooper Emma Ehrhardt
our families during these important Middle School Jordan Hill Kelley Gorman
years, and we strive to ensure an enjoyable and Dylan Lawroski Alexandra Mooskin
rewarding educational experience that prepares our Katherine Miller Lucia Simpson (8th Grade Dean)
students for our complex and changing world.

~ William "Bee" Stribling

Director of Middle School

30
 WHO CAN HELP WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT... classroom, in tandem with the classroom teacher, to enhance
MIDDLE SCHOOL

the learning of all students. They also provide remediation

and support for students in order to equip them for success
ABSENCES? Hannah Stone
in the Middle School academic program. Short-term support
ACADEMIC QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Teacher, Advisor, includes targeted interventions for those who need to
Candace Crawford, Bee Stribling develop skills in the following areas: test-taking, studying,
ATHLETICS/GAMES? Dionna Jordan organization, planning, close reading, writing, etc. Long-
STUDY CLUB OR AFTER-CARE? Keith Swadlo term support, typically informed by educational testing,
CHANGE TO DISTANCE, HYBRID, OR IN-PERSON LEARNING OPTIONS? takes place in the Academic Center courses at each grade
level. These courses provide remediation and support in the
Bee Stribling
following areas: reading (decoding, fluency, comprehension),
COUNSELING? Karen Kunz writing (organization, mechanics, grammar, etc), math (basic
MEDICAL QUESTIONS? Hannah Stone conceptual skills), and executive functioning skills.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS/DETENTION? Jon Japha
DRESS CODE? Jon Japha HOMEWORK
ACADEMIC CENTER? Emily Glodzik, Melina McCrary In Middle School students should expect roughly 15-20
LIBRARY? Alicia Blowers minutes of homework per class meeting in sixth grade and
roughly 25-30 minutes per class meeting in seventh and
MEDICATIONS? Hannah Stone
eighth grades. Additionally, we ask that all students complete
PLACEMENT QUESTIONS? Bee Stribling 30 minutes of independent reading each night. This reading
SCHEDULING? Candace Crawford opportunity is separate from specific homework assigned
SCHOOL STORE? Kim Speed for classes; however, this is a terrific time to read for English
STANDARDIZED TESTS? Candace Crawford book clubs or additional reading to support projects and
SUMMER PROGRAMS? Keith Swadlo research.

TRANSPORTATION? Jim Supple

TWO-TEST RULE
As a general rule, students are not asked to take more than
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM two tests and/or quizzes that require substantive, out-of-class
preparation in a given day. Every effort is made to follow
this rule, and anticipated tests are noted on the assessment
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND GRADES
calendar, which is linked in weekly Messenger. Interruptions
All grades will be reported using letters. For those who would
to the week, snow days, and absences sometimes necessitate
like a numerical equivalent:
taking more than two assessments in a day. Students should
A+ 97 – 100
alert a teacher who assigns a third test or quiz to the issue,
A 93 – 96
and the teacher will try to help find a more suitable date for
A- 90 – 92
the test.
B+ 87 – 89
B 83 – 86
B- 80 – 82 STANDARDIZED TESTING
C+ 77 – 79 Every student in the Middle School takes the Comprehensive
C 73 – 76 Testing Program (CTP) administered by the Educational
C- 70 – 72 Records Bureau (ERB). The CTP assesses students in areas
D+ 67 – 69 such as reading, vocabulary, writing, and mathematics and
D 63 – 66 includes subtests in verbal and quantitative reasoning. These
D- 60 – 62 scores provide valuable information about each student’s
F below 60 aptitude, strengths, achievement, and growth areas. The
results are shared with parents. The Academic Center
The lowest passing grade is a 60. Any student who averages specialists or the associate director of Middle School can help
a C- or below is considered to be passing with difficulty. Such interpret results and answer questions about the tests.
students may need to receive tutorial support during the
year and may be required to complete summer work where LEARNING ACCOMMODATIONS
appropriate. Upon the recommendation of the faculty and Formal psychoeducational evaluations and comprehensive
director of Middle School, a contract for the following year may speech and language evaluations often serve to inform
be withheld in January. If work is incomplete at the end of a how best to support students during these important
trimester, an “Incomplete” may be issued in lieu of a trimester developmental middle school years. One of these two
grade. evaluations is required to receive accommodations (e.g.,
extended time on exams and standardized testing).
THE ACADEMIC CENTER Exemption from a modern/classical language requires a
The Academic Center staff supports classroom instruction full psycho-educational evaluation. Testing generally needs
and student learning. Academic Center specialists work in the to be updated every three to five years. We work closely

31
 with teachers, Academic Center specialists, and families to notification is sent electronically by pushpage.
MIDDLE SCHOOL

determine the best learning plan for students. The learning

plan established will also serve to support the learning needs of HONOR CODE
students as they transition to the Upper School. Students are
encouraged to use the Academic Center as they learn to take As a member of the
full advantage of their learning accommodations and advocate St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School community,
for their learning. I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal,
nor tolerate those who do.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
The Middle School is on a trimester system. Parents receive a The Honor System calls on each student to be committed
grade reports after the first and third trimesters. In addition, to the moral standards of the school’s Honor Code. In
parents will have two conferences with their child’s advisor. the Middle School, students gradually deepen their
The first one will be a parent-advisor conference in the fall. The understanding of the meaning of honor. During these years,
second conference will be student led and will take place after students begin to assume greater responsibility for their
the second trimester. All new students will receive an interim behavior.
report for every subject following the first interim. At each
trimester interim, students whose averages are C- or below in Cheating is deliberately giving or receiving any unauthorized
a subject will receive the grade and a narrative report for that information on examinations or assigned work; in general,
subject. cheating is passing off another’s work as one’s own (this
includes, but is not limited to plagiarism from written
ACADEMIC WARNING AND ACADEMIC PROBATION and/or electronic sources such as websites and artificial
The school is in contact with a family when there is significant intelligence).
academic concern. A student may be given a grade-related
academic warning and be placed on academic probation Infractions of the Honor Code are handled by the
by the division director. The student must show significant administration after consultation with all students and
improvement in order to return to good standing academically faculty involved. Integrity is important to all of us. Therefore,
and to remain in the school. violations of the Honor Code are considered serious breaches
of school rules and result in disciplinary action.
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
The Middle School seeks to recognize individual achievement Infractions of the Honor Code that are committed during
in as many ways as possible—excellence in academic Distance Learning are considered as serious as those
performance, good citizenship, academic effort, physical committed at school, and they will be dealt with in a similar
education, and the arts. We participate in regional and national fashion.
contests.
Every member of the Middle School community, adult and
We award a Dean’s List certificate following each trimester to student alike, signs the Honor Code in a formal ceremony.
each student whose grades in all courses are B+ average with no Throughout the year we emphasize upstanding conduct and
grade lower than a B-. discuss these topics regularly in class, in chapel, and in our
Saints Advisory Program.
We award a Head’s List certificate following each trimester to
each student whose grades in all courses are A average with no SCHOOL RULES AND DISCIPLINE
grade lower than a B.
PHILOSOPHY
Courses are weighted based on the number of hours they meet. In accordance with our school’s mission to pursue goodness
Athletic courses, including sixth grade physical education, are as well as knowledge, the Middle School faculty and
not factored into Honor Rolls. administration are committed to cultivating our students’
character. We believe that every Saint has an obligation to
ACADEMIC CALENDAR treat everyone in the community with respect and dignity.
September 5 Opening Day of School Our Saints Advisory Program strives to instill in our students
October 6 First Trimester Interim the understanding that their actions are powerful enough to
November 9 First Trimester Ends influence their communities.
January 12 Second Trimester Interim
February 23 Second Trimester Ends SCHOOL RULES AND DISCIPLINE
April 12 Third Trimester Interim In accordance with our commitment to fostering a safe and
May 31 Third Trimester Ends productive school environment, we have high expectations
June 3 Middle School Awards Day of our students in their interactions with all members of
June 5 Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony the school community. We believe that both good character
and positive social-emotional learning require a strong
Report cards are posted on our internal website, MySSSAS, and partnership with parents founded on open communication,

32
 respect, and shared values. Therefore, students are expected to: administrative team. Students who receive three formal
MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Treat all members of the school community and their infractions for dress code violations will receive a detention.
property with respect
• Be honest and show integrity at all times Infractions for tardiness will also be handled electronically.
After a first tardy infraction, students are invited to speak
In the interests of safety and the maintenance of an effective with the dean of students or the associate dean. After the
educational environment, all students are also expected to: second infraction for tardiness, students are required to
• Honor and respect all members of the community at all speak to one of the deans. Three infractions for tardiness will
times lead to a detention.
• Be where they are expected to be at all times
• Follow directions given by an adult DETENTIONS
• Observe the dress code If behavior previously addressed by a formal infraction is
• Turn off and put away all phones and smart watches/ repeated, the infraction will likely result in a detention.
devices during the school day and use other electronic Detentions may also be assigned without a prior formal
devices in a responsible manner that accords to our rules infraction notice at the discretion of any member of the
faculty, particularly when the misbehavior poses a safety risk
Minor disciplinary issues will be handled by the adult in charge or involves disrespect toward faculty, other students, or their
by such measures as a conversation, some form of restitution, a property. The following will also likely result in a detention:
formal infraction, or various consequences that suit the offense. • Disregard of school expectations
• Disrupting a class, chapel, or assembly
TAGGING UP • Abuse of technology (see Technology Responsible Use
One common method of handling minor disciplinary Policy)
infractions is Tagging Up. If a student is struggling to positively
participate in class despite attempts from the teacher to help Students who receive a detention are also asked to meet
redirect the behavior, he or she might be asked to Tag Up. This with the dean of students or the associate dean, and parents
means that the student will briefly leave class to fill out a form are notified any time their child is assigned detention.
on an iPad outside of the dean of students’ office. The purpose Detentions are served during the next lunch period following
of this is to give the student a few minutes to think about his or the infraction, unless extenuating circumstances require the
her behavior and to keep the dean of students informed about dean and the student to arrange for another time shortly
behavioral issues. Tag Ups are not reported to parents, but if a thereafter. Students are expected to spend a portion of their
trend emerges, there will likely be follow up conversations with lunch period in detention; they will eat lunch in another part
the dean of students, the student, teachers and parents. of the period. An accumulation of three or more detentions
by any student in a school year represents a pattern of
FORMAL INFRACTIONS misbehavior that may be reason for further disciplinary
We seek to instill in our students a sense of responsibility actions, such as a disciplinary warning or suspension.
and respect for others. Faculty members can assign a formal
infraction to a student for misbehavior or noncompliance with DISCIPLINARY WARNING
a rule. A formal infraction alerts students that their behavior Formal infractions and detentions should result in improved
was inappropriate and provides an opportunity to consider how behavior. If misbehavior continues after being addressed
they could handle the situation better in the future. This will by multiple formal infractions and detentions, this raises
provide students an opportunity for a learning conversation a higher level of concern. Disciplinary warnings may be
and a chance to take responsibility for the behavior. Students issued in these situations. A disciplinary warning involves
will be notified by the faculty member that they have received a conference with the student, parents, and administration,
a formal infraction at the time of the incident, and a digital and a letter is mailed to families that summarizes the content
notification will later be sent to their school email address of the conversation. Disciplinary warning conferences may
and to parents. Conversation will happen with the assigning also be arranged to address Honor Code violations or other
teacher or with the dean of students. significant disciplinary infractions. The purpose of these
meetings is to convey the severity of the concern, to build a
Formal infractions for dress code will be sent electronically to strong partnership with parents, and to outline any necessary
the dean of students. Faculty members will not speak directly to steps to prevent future misbehavior and disciplinary action.
students regarding the infraction, as there is rarely opportunity
during class or passing periods for private, thoughtful SUSPENSIONS
conversation around this potentially sensitive topic. With the In addition to the major school rules noted in the general
first offense, students are invited to have a conversation with section of this handbook, the Middle School faculty considers
the counselor or a member of the Middle School administrative the following behaviors to be among the most damaging to
team if they have questions or concerns regarding the the spirit of trust and mutual support we endeavor to create
infraction. Parents are not notified after the first offense, and may result in a suspension:
but they are notified of subsequent dress code infractions. • Deliberate verbal cruelty or demeaning remarks,
After a second dress code infraction, students are required to including the use of racial, ethnic, homophobic, or
have a conversation with or a member of the Middle School sexual insults

33
 • Physical intimidation and angry fighting Chronic unexcused late arrival at school, class, or school
MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Targeted or repeated physical, verbal, or emotional events is a serious concern that will be treated with
intimidation or harassment of another person commensurate disciplinary consequences.
• Deliberate attempts to make another person feel unsafe
• Disrespect toward school faculty and staff or any person The school policy is to excuse students for illness, doctor’s
or in our community appointments, religious observances, pressing family
• Honor Code violations and other infractions following a emergencies, or other unique and extenuating circumstances.
disciplinary warning Typically, we ask students to take responsibility for missed
• Unexcused absence from class, athletics, assemblies, etc. work, taking the initiative to communicate with teachers
about absences in advance (when possible) and to take
We hold students to high standards of behavior. In order the lead in making sure all work is completed. The school
to encourage all students to be mindful of the feelings and recognizes extenuating circumstances that require excused
perspectives of others, we judge remarks and other actions by absence, and the school will work closely with students
how they were received, as well as how they were intended. and families to support the child’s health, well-being, and
academic progress.
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
Any student who has been suspended during the year may All students who arrive late are asked to go to the front office
be placed on disciplinary probation. Students on disciplinary to sign in as soon as they arrive on campus. Students leaving
probation may not be offered a re-enrollment contract. school early—even if they plan to return to campus before
Violation of a school rule during disciplinary probation could the end of the day—need to be picked up in the front office.
result in dismissal. An adult needs to sign a student out in person (in addition to
completing the SchoolPass App.)

ATTENDANCE
SNOW DAYS OR LATE OPENINGS
In cases of late opening, the regular schedule picks up after a
ARRIVAL
brief Advisory period followed by a revised schedule. During
Students arrive at school from 7:45-7:55. All students are
a snow day students are expected to check the website.
expected to be in their advisories by 8:00. Students who are not
Teachers will post any new work or assignments by noon.
in their advisory by 8:00 will be given a formal infraction for
Snow days may shift to Distance Learning.
being tardy unless there is a documented reason from a parent
or guardian.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDY CLUB
Middle School Study Club offers students the opportunity
DISMISSAL
to complete homework, receive study assistance, and relax
Sixth grade students are dismissed at 3:15 from the Middle
in a supervised study hall setting after school. The service
School campus. Except on Tuesdays, seventh and eighth
is available on a trimester basis from 3:15 until 6:00 p.m.
grade students are dismissed at 3:30 from the Lower, Middle,
Middle School families may choose to sign up their student
or Upper School campus, depending on the location of the
from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. or 3:15 to 6:00 p.m. From 3:30 to
student’s athletic practice or game. On Tuesdays, all students
4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, a math
are dismissed from the Middle School campus at 3:15.
teacher will be available to assist students with any questions
Dismissal locations may change making it important for
they may have regarding math concepts. To learn more about
families to pay close attention to communication from coaches
this program, pricing, and policies please visit the Middle
and from the school regarding end-of-day schedules. Families
School Study Club page on the Resource Board.
are asked to pick up students as promptly as possible after
school and at the conclusion of trips, programs, athletic events,
practices, dances, and other similar activities. Students not DRESS CODE
picked up 15 minutes after the stated ending or return time will
go to Extended Day and their family will be charged for this DRESS—REGULAR SCHOOL DAY
service.
Philosophy
TARDIES AND ABSENCES The purpose of this dress code is to provide guidance to
Please see the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Procedures students, parents and the school community regarding
for a complete description of our procedures and absence appropriate attire for school and any school function. The
policies. dress code is also a means of teaching students a life skill in
how to present themselves while they embody the culture of a
For both on-campus learning and Distance Learning, please larger community.
use the SchoolPass app to alert the school of absences, tardies,
and early dismissals. Students are expected to arrive at school General Rules (these apply for all situations)
and attend all classes, assemblies, chapel services, and all- • All attire should be in good repair with no rips,
school meetings promptly. Unexcused absences from these shredding, or holes, even if manufactured that way.
required commitments will lead to a disciplinary consequence. • Tops and dresses should cover the full torso, front and

34
 back, and one inch of the shoulders. • Uniform attire available for purchase through Lands’
MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Clothing must cover the body from the armpit to where End. Please note the section for formal/chapel attire,
the thumb hits the thigh (midriff must be covered) and please be sure to order sizes that allow skirts to
• Undergarments may not be visible. adhere to the dress code.
• Head coverings (including hats and hoods) may be • Formal sweaters may be worn over all of the above
worn during the school day only outside or for religious options. No denim jackets of any color.
purposes. • Appropriate formal footwear includes dress shoes,
• Attire must be in keeping with our school mission. dress boots, or dress sandals. Informal footwear (such
Clothing with inappropriate, suggestive or derogatory as sneakers, Doc Martens, Vans, UGGs, Birkenstocks,
pictures or phrases may not be worn. slippers, and flip-flops) is not permitted.
• Any non-SSSAS clothing should not have any graphics,
CLASSROOM ATTIRE GUIDELINES (REGULAR DRESS) images, or text.
• Any non-SSSAS logo must be small enough to be fully
Philosophy covered by a closed fist.
Classroom attire guidelines exist to create learning
environments that are comfortable while also embodying the DRESS DOWN DAY GUIDELINES
positive culture of the school.

Philosophy
Students may wear:
Dress Down Day guidelines exist to recognize that certain
• Collared shirts or dressy tops such as blouses or tunic
events and gatherings take place which allow for a more
style tops
relaxed attire. In addition to the options available with
• Sweatshirts or sweaters over collared shirts or dressy tops
classroom or formal attire, casual attire options also include:
such as blouses or tunic-style tops (All may be solid-color,
• Attire with graphics and logos larger than a closed fist
striped, patterned, or official SSSAS gear; no t-shirts)
are allowed
• Dresses
• Blue denim bottoms (pants, shorts, and skirts)
• Jackets (denim included) that meet the above General
• Athletic style of pants, shorts, and skirts (drawstrings
Rules are permitted.
allowed). Shorts length should be in keeping with the
• Non-athletic style of pants, shorts, and skirts (including
length of shorts sold in the SSSAS bookstore.
corduroys, khakis, or colored denim; not blue denim)
• Long tops (which should not cover shorts or skirts).
• Leggings may not be worn in academic settings.
• Informal footwear like slippers, slides, foam shoes, or
• Uniform attire available for purchase through Lands’
flip-flops are permitted.
End. Please be sure to order sizes that allow dresses,
skirts and shorts to adhere to the dress code.
Additional specific guidelines may be communicated for
• Formal or informal footwear with the exception of
certain occasions (school spirit, holiday spirit, etc.).
slippers, slides, foam shoes, rubber flip-flops, or shower
shoes (or the like) are permitted.
• Any non-SSSAS clothing should not have any graphics, TRANSPORTATION & CARPOOLS
images, or text. To ensure smooth drop off and pick up, please use the triple
• Any non-SSSAS logo must be small enough to be fully lane in the access road and drive as far forward as possible in
covered by a closed fist. the circle. Please follow all signage that designates where and
when students will be dropped off and picked up; for safety
CHAPEL DRESS GUIDELINES reasons, children should be dropped off and picked up only
in designated areas. Please drive slowly on campus, adhere to
all traffic rules in the neighborhood, and follow the guidance
Philosophy
of our carpool staff at all times.
Chapel Dress guidelines exist to recognize that certain events,
gatherings, and ceremonies take place which require a more
reverent and respectful attire than outlined in our classroom MIDDLE SCHOOL MESSENGER
attire guidelines. Each Thursday afternoon the Middle School Messenger will
be posted on the Dispatch page on the Resource Board, and
you will receive an email when it is ready for viewing. This
Students may wear:
page is the main source of communication from the Middle
• Formal slacks, formal pants, or formal skirts (no denim
School and includes important information and links to the
bottoms of any color)
morning report and assessment calendar. We do not publish
• All of these may be worn with:
advertising or the results of events not sponsored by the
• Collared button down shirts (tucked in) with a tie and
school.
blazer. The blazer may be removed after chapel; shirt
must remain tucked in.
• Blouses
• Dresses

35
 STUDENT LIFE
MIDDLE SCHOOL

The administrative team is here to support students and

welcomes in-person and electronic communication. Students
ADVISORS
should know they are welcome to drop in to the director’s,
Each student in the Middle School has an advisor, a faculty
associate director’s, dean of students’, and associate dean's
member whose job it is to know each individual student well.
offices and/or send an email to share a comment or concern
Advisors meet regularly each week with their advisory and help
or ask for an appointment.
students with study skills, time management, and goal setting.
We take steps to build a sense of belonging among the members
Parents are encouraged to support children in
of each advisory group.
communicating directly with their teachers and advisors;
this should be the go-to before an adult steps into the
The advisor is an advocate for each student and is a resource
conversation. If parent communication is warranted,
to help students with academic and personal concerns. If an
parents should reach out directly to the teacher or advisor.
issue is beyond the scope of the advisor’s capacity, the advisor
Substantive conversations should happen in person, over the
will work closely with the counselor, academic center, and/or
phone, or by Zoom; email should be reserved for logistics/
administration to seek additional support for the student. The
conveying factual information.
advisor reviews report card comments with each advisee and
TxtAboutIt is an anonymous tool for communicating
helps set goals for the coming trimester.
sensitive and private matters. If a student has a concern
about something they have seen or heard at school, but do
The advisor is also an important resource for families and is
not feel comfortable coming forward in person, they are
often the first point of contact if a family has a question or a
encouraged to let an administrator know via TxtAboutIt.
concern.
Through this app, students can privately communicate with
In addition, the advisor oversees two important programs in the
the director, the associate director, the dean of students, the
Middle School—SAP and STAT.
counselor, the director of institutional equity and diversity,
or the chaplain. Students will receive a response within 24
SAINTS ADVISORY PROGRAM (SAP)
hours, but there will not be an attempt to determine the
The Saints Advisory Program was created in 2017 by a
identity of the messenger.
committee of ten faculty members. Its mission is to teach
and promote understanding, inclusion, and empathy in
All communication should be respectful and based in a sense
order to make our school community a more welcoming
of partnership, the cornerstone of our community.
place. Advisories meet weekly following Chapel, and the
SAP curriculum covers topics from four major categories:
COUNSELING
character skills; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging;
Karen Kunz, our Middle School counselor, is available for
digital citizenship; and Student-Led Conferences. We believe
consultation to all students of the school community. Mrs.
in the importance of directly teaching dialogue skills and that
Kunz is also a resource for parents with concerns regarding
by planning lessons around skills like empathy, inclusion,
students or school-related issues.
leadership, and teamwork, we all can help to make our
community a more welcoming, joyous place.
DELIVERIES
At the Middle School, we believe that students learn from
STAT: STUDENT APPOINTMENT TIME
their mistakes. Therefore, we ask that parents refrain from
Communication between students and teachers is very
dropping materials at the Middle School campus. However,
important. Students are strongly encouraged to use STAT
if you bring forgotten materials to campus, there will be a
(Student Teacher Appointment Time) to seek individualized
bin in the front office to place the materials in. Parents and
help from their teachers.
guardians are asked to label the item and then email the
student and the advisor that the item has been dropped off.
COMMUNICATION
It is the responsibility of the student to come retrieve the
In-person conversations between students and teachers is
item, as the office staff cannot be responsible for delivering
preferred; however, email does play an important role in
materials to students during the school day. Students may
communication as well. Students should check their email at
not use food delivery services before, during, or after the
least once a day and respond to messages promptly. Students
school day. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in
may email teachers for matters that cannot be addressed
disciplinary consequences.
in the extensive time built into the school day for student-
teacher communication (class, STAT, lunch and recess).
LUNCH/RECESS
Students should expect a response within 24 hours and should
Students may bring their lunches to school or pre-order
acknowledge receipt of a teacher’s correspondence. Using
school lunch. To learn more about the lunch service,
proper email etiquette (a salutation and a closing) is important,
nutrition, pricing, and sustainability, please visit the Lunch
as is understanding that not all teachers are on email during
Program page on the Resource Board.
after-school hours. It is important for students to regularly
check their email for announcements from teachers and
Because we often eat in various locations in the building
administrators.
or outside, it is important that students clean up after
themselves. We ask that lunches be packed to support ease
36
 of clean-up, preferably with a “carry-in/carry-out” strategy to Each teacher will discuss necessary school supplies on the first
MIDDLE SCHOOL

limit trash and waste. In choosing snack and lunch packaging, day of classes in each class. It is an important responsibility of
we ask families to be mindful of our institutional priority of each student to obtain all proper supplies as soon as possible.
environmental stewardship.
LIBRARY
Lunch and recess are generally an hour, allowing ample time The Babyak Library is the heart of the Middle School and
for students to eat, play, attend clubs, see the nurse—and provides a welcoming environment for all members of the
generally attend to personal business. We encourage students community. Classes visit the library for information literacy
to use this time wisely, which includes allowing for ample time instruction, research, and to learn about and select books for
for play. independent reading. Throughout the year, the library hosts
visiting authors and provides opportunities for students to
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN connect with one another through reading, including book
The Rev. Sarah Moses is available to provide pastoral care for club discussions and informal book chats. The library offers
all members of the Middle School community (students and a quiet space to work and read, browse for reading material,
families, faculty, and staff ), including conversation about and engage in maker and other activities. In addition to our
ethical and spiritual questions and personal relationships. physical collection, a host of digital resources are available,
All conversations are conducted in strict confidentiality.The including ebooks and audiobooks, databases, and other
chaplain’s pastoral ministry is helped by online subscriptions.
parental communications regarding family upset, death,
hospitalization, or other issues. Students are invited to visit the library independently during
lunch, STAT and break periods. Materials may be borrowed
SERVICE LEARNING for a lending period of 14 (ebooks and audiobooks) to
The Middle School students help others while engaging in 21 (physical items) days. Email notifications for overdue
a process of reflection, self-discovery, and skill building. We materials are sent weekly, but there are no fees assessed for
focus on awareness building of needs in our communities—in late returns. Families will be charged the cost of replacement
our school, city, nation, and world. Our goal is for students to for damaged items and items not returned by the end of the
develop empathy, broaden their perspectives, develop a lifelong school year.
passion for service, and gain an understanding of why and
how the Episcopal identity and Mission of the school call our LOST AND FOUND
community to value and practice service. We strive to have our Lost items will be placed in the Lost and Found. Items
service learning embedded in and connected to our curriculum. of value may be claimed in the Middle School Office.
Periodically, unclaimed items in the Lost and Found will be
STUDENT GOVERNMENT—THE COUNCIL donated; therefore, it is important for students to check for
The Middle School Student Council Association (“The missing items in a timely fashion.
Council”) serves to provide leadership opportunities for
students. The Council will meet regularly and include GUIDELINES FOR SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
representatives from each grade as well as a faculty advisor and All families are asked to sign a blanket permission slip at the
the dean of students. The Council plans Middle School social beginning of the year that allows a child to participate in the
events, sponsors Middle School service projects, and serves as usual array of classroom trips. Students must have specific
leaders of the Middle School. written permission from parents or guardians for riding
in any kind of private car, and for any out-of-the-ordinary
CUBBIES, TEXTBOOKS, AND SUPPLIES activity such as swimming, boating, or outdoor education
All books, notebooks, and other personal property should be activities. Trips of this nature require the presence of trained
kept in cubbies and/or backpacks. Books and articles of clothing certified personnel. We also seek a family’s permission for any
should not be left in classrooms, the cafeteria, hallways, or special event for which parental discretion seems warranted.
outside the buildings. Students generally leave backpacks in their No invitations to private parties may be issued at school. If
cubbies and take to class just necessary materials. Students may students wish to attend a non-Middle School event at SSSAS,
carry their backpacks with them to classes if the backpacks are a they must be under the direct supervision of a parent.
manageable size to carry and to keep under their desks.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Students purchase most of their textbooks through our online While on campus, students are expected to follow all safety
vendor. A few textbooks are given out to students at the protocols as conveyed in the 2023-2024 Medical Policies
beginning of the year or as needed during the year. Students are and Procedures document.
charged for all texts, and families are billed for any additional
texts, such as English book club books. All members of our school community are expected to
practice proper hand hygiene and must remain committed to
Student planners are provided for all students and charged to our safety policies and procedures.
students' accounts. Planners are tailored to our school program
and are a powerful organizational tool for many students.

37
 MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND EMERGENCIES
MIDDLE SCHOOL

The medical professional dispenses over-the-counter Students are evaluated on the basis of their effort, skill,
medications and all prescription medications. In the event of development, and ability to work with others. Every student
an accident or other medical emergency, we will send a student must receive a passing grade in athletics every trimester.
to the emergency room at Alexandria Hospital via ambulance,
while trying to reach the parents or designated guardian as noted While on the athletic fields, students are to be properly
on the Emergency Card in the Magnus Health system. Parents dressed for the activity. Each student is to have sweatshirts
are responsible for notifying the school in writing of any changes and pants for outdoors in cold weather.
in emergency contacts, phone numbers, etc., as well as updating
their contact information in their school profile and in the EQUIPMENT
Magnus Health system. Seventh and eighth grade students: Equipment needs and
costs for each sport varies. A detailed letter will be sent to
EARLY DEPARTURE DUE TO ILLNESS families before each season with specific sport information.
Please see the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Procedures Team athletic uniforms and some equipment are supplied by
for a complete description of our procedures and absence the school, and will be charged to the student’s account if they
policies. are not returned as required.

If a student becomes ill they will be evaluated by the medical Sixth grade students: Parents are asked to purchase a P.E.
professional. If the student needs to go home, the medical uniform. The school will be supplying most of the equipment
professional will contact the student's parent or guardian. needed.
The parent will be asked to pick the student up immediately.
The medical professional will be in communication with the USE OF THE GYMNASIUM AND LOCKER ROOMS
parent or guardian for return to school procedures. In cases The following rules apply to the gymnasium and locker rooms:
where the school cannot reach the student’s parent or guardian, • Food or drinks are not permitted in the locker rooms.
the student may not be permitted to leave. Parents must sign • Students are not allowed to be in the gym, weight room,
students out in person prior to the students leaving school. For or locker rooms without supervision.
the below illness, please follow these guidelines: • Keep lockers closed and locked when not in use.
• Active vomiting or diarrhea: 48 hours since last episode • The good condition of the locker rooms is the collective
• Fever (greater than 100.0): 24 hours fever-free without responsibility of all members.
the use of fever-reducing medications • Students are expected to behave properly and
• After 24 hours on antibiotics for a variety of bacterial respectfully.
causes
• Health care provider/physician’s note of clearance for TRANSPORTATION AFTER GAMES
various student-specific medical conditions. The school provides transportation after away games to the
• Symptoms of COVID-19 or a known household or Middle School campus. Students may be picked up directly
close contact exposure may require a rapid antigen test from games both home and away. Once the team returns to
prior to returning to school. The Saints medical team the Middle School after an away game they should be picked
will make this determination based on the individual up within 15 minutes.
situation.

PARENT RESOURCES
If symptoms are due to a previously diagnosed non-COVID
cause, students or staff may attend or remain in school
with proper documentation from a medical provider or in
COUNSELING
consultation with the Saints Medical Team. Ms. Karen Kunz is available for consultation to all members
of the school community. All meetings are considered
confidential. During the year a variety of programs will be
ATHLETICS
offered to students and adults. Our counselors have a direct
It is the aim of the Athletic Department to offer activities that
number that will be published with all the school phone
cover the range of interests and abilities of Middle School
numbers.
students. Each student participates regularly in athletics. The
goals of the program are the development of skills, team play,
Due to privacy issues, we do not permit students to be
good sportsmanship, and exposure to sports that offer lifelong
observed in their classes by evaluators for psycho-educational
enjoyment.
testing or tutors not affiliated with SSSAS. Our teachers are
available to talk to or meet with evaluators or tutors about an
If a student attends school, he or she is expected to attend
individual child’s educational needs and progress.
athletics unless a doctor’s or parent’s note is brought to school
and given to the Middle School Office. A student who misses
school for any reason may not participate in games or practices HELPING A CHILD DO WELL IN SCHOOL
that day. Skipping athletics is equivalent to skipping a class Becoming motivated and responsible is an important
and will be handled accordingly. If a student cannot attend developmental task for a Middle School child. Though no two
athletics, they should contact their coach in advance. families or children are alike, some general suggestions can be

38
 made about how to help a child be motivated and responsible:
MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Avoid having your child miss school unnecessarily.

• Support your child in understanding that staying home
from school when not feeling well is extremely important
for the wellbeing of the community.
• Be wary of seeking to have your child excused from
obligations.
• We ask students to take responsibility for turning in their
work. Parents should not hand deliver or email forgotten
school work to teachers.
• Pay as much attention to the process as the final product,
and praise a child for steps taken in the right direction.
• Model good judgment.
• Join us in valuing good character and common decency
as much as good grades.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers or advisor via

phone or email. We believe education is a partnership with
the school, you, and your child. We strive to return all parent
communication within one business day.

GUIDELINES FOR HELPING WITH HOMEWORK

The following guidelines are helpful homework suggestions
from “Your Child’s Growing Mind:”
• Wait to be asked. School work is the territory of the child,
who needs to feel responsible and in control.
• Be available and supportive when help is requested.
• Focus on process, not product. Rather than give an
answer, teach how to find it out for yourself.
• The final product must be the child’s work. It is better for
a child to fail now rather than later.
• Encourage with a you-can-do-it attitude, rather than
let-a- child-off-the-hook because the assignment is too
long, difficult, or complicated.
• Let students manage their own challenges whenever
possible. Your moral support is essential, but we
encourage students to take the lead in communicating
with teachers.
• Provide the tools: A quiet, well-lit study area, a regular
routine, a moratorium on screen time, and a place to put
everything where it will be readily available as your child
dashes out the door the next morning.

39
MIDDLE SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE

CHAPEL/SAP
7-DAY ROTATION
TUESDAYS
Chapel Schedule
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No Athletics
ADVISORY
8:00-8:05 ADVISORY/MORNING MEETING
(8:00-8:05)
TRANSITION
8:05-8:10 TRANSITION
(8:05-8:20)
CHAPEL/SAP
8:10-9:15 A E B F C G D
(8:20-9:30)
TRANSITION
9:15-9:20 TRANSITION
(9:30-9:35)
BLOCK 1
9:20-10:25 B F C G D A E
(9:35-10:40)
TRANSITION
10:25-10:30 TRANSITION
(10:40-10:45)
BLOCK 2
10:30-11:35 C G D A E B F
(10:45-11:50)
LUNCH/RECESS
11:35-12:35 LUNCH/RECESS
(11:50-12:50)
TRANSITION
12:40-1:45 D A E B F C G
(12:50-12:55)
BLOCK 3
1:45-1:50 TRANSITION
(12:55-2:00)
TRANSITION
1:50-2:15 STAT
(2:00-2:05)
BLOCK 4
2:15-2:20 TRANSITION
(2:05-3:10)
DISMISSAL
2:20-3:15/3:30 ATHLETICS/VA/PA
(3:10-3:15)

40
 THE

UPPER
SCHOOL
41
 UPPER SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY UPPER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
UPPER SCHOOL

Mike Mallett Director of Upper School

As students enter the Upper School lobby, they are immediately Lisa Hassell Administrative Assistant to Mr. Mallett
greeted by a large sign that reads: “Living Our Mission.” The Doug Wong Associate Director of Upper School
prominent position of this message highlights the importance Linda McGuire Dean of Students
and purposeful integration of the school’s mission into the life Tim Dodds Associate Dean of Students, Grades 9-10
of the Upper School. Susannah Nadler Associate Dean of Students, Grades 11-12
Vashon Winton Assistant Dean of Students, Grades 9-12
Our mission at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School is: “To help
Rachael Ann Creque Director of Scheduling, Registrar,
our students succeed in a complex and changing world, we seek
Attendance Manager
to inspire a passion for learning, an enthusiasm for athletic
and artistic endeavor, a striving for excellence, a celebration of
Melanie Stanton Director of Health Services and
diversity, and a commitment to service.” Chair of the PE Department
Susannah Harrison Counselor
Our Upper School program is designed to challenge, encourage, Allison Smigel Front Office Manager
and support our students as they strive to embody the school’s Hope Rhoads Front Office Manager, Administrative Assistant
mission on a daily basis. to the Dean of Students
Kim Speed School Store Manager
Our Upper School curriculum is defined by rigorous and Eric Ratliff Security Officer
comprehensive coursework that prepares graduates for Juan Wallace Security Officer
success in college and beyond. Our academic offerings reflect
a thoughtful blend of traditional college preparatory courses
Athletics Office:
as well as contemporary and innovative courses in nearly all
Stephanie Koroma Director of Athletics
academic disciplines. Despite the considerable breadth and
depth of the academic program in the Upper School, the goal
Bernard Joseph Upper School Athletic Director
of our efforts remains singular: to inspire a passion for learning Vashon Winton Associate Athletic Director
and to provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and Dionna Jordan Associate Athletic Director
abilities necessary for success in college and beyond. Kadisha Wickham Assistant Athletic Director

Outside of the classroom, our Saints are encouraged to Chaplains:

participate in the exceptional co-curricular offerings in the Elizabeth Rees Senior Chaplain
Athletic, Arts, and Clubs programs. Our community is deeply Sean Cavanaugh Upper School Chaplain
invested and committed to these programs as they afford
students opportunities for self expression, spirited competition,
College Counseling Office:
and exploration of new interests.
Michael Carter Director of College Counseling
Tim Doyle Associate Director of College Counseling
A commitment to service is core to an Episcopal education
Libby Weith Associate Director of College Counseling
and also an integral part of our Upper School program. Upper
School students actively participate in diverse service learning
events through both formal and informal opportunities. Our Information Technology:
community celebrates the gifts, talents, and passions of our Colleen McNeil Chief Technology Officer
students as they seek to support others within, and beyond, our Randy Manogue Network Administrator
community. Sharon Johnson Technology Coordinator and Computer Science
Teacher
In closing, I would like to identify and highlight the feature of
our Upper School community that is most influential in driving
student growth and success: relationships. The transformative
power of our Upper School education begins with relationships
built on shared values. Students and faculty are deeply
committed to the school’s mission and what it means to ‘Pursue
Goodness as well as Knowledge.’ Our talented, dedicated,
and caring faculty teach more than academic subjects. They
challenge, support, and encourage students to stretch and to
push themselves more than they thought possible. It is this
sincere commitment to student growth, achievement, and
enlightenment that is the foundation on which our outstanding
Upper School program is built.

~ Mike Mallett, Director of Upper School

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 UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY & COACHES UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAM
UPPER SCHOOL

ACADEMIC SUPPORT Sebastian Gluzman

Elise Canfield (Chair) Kevin Jefferson
Paige Russell Daniel Lowinger REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
Anne Sellon Brianna Meyer
Allanah Nash-Denis Subject Credits
ARTS, PERFORMING James Potter English 4
Vaughn Ambrose (ES-12 Chair) Kim Scott Modern & Classical Languages Completion of two consecutive
Dallis Byrne Vonnique Van Way
years and level 3 of a language
Valerie Carlson
Jim Criswell PHYSICAL EDUCATION in the Upper School.
Melanie Stanton (ES-12 Chair) History 3
ARTS, VISUAL Patrick Frost Mathematics 3
Kate Elkins (ES-12 Chair) Carl Johnson Science 3
Thomas Bunnell
Religion 11/4
Sean Riley RELIGION
Rebecca Cooper (ES-12 Chair) Performing and/or Visual Arts 1*
COMPUTER SCIENCE Sean Cavanaugh Human Sexuality ½
Sharon Johnson (ES-12 Chair) Elizabeth Rees Physical Education (P.E.) 9 seasons**
Tom Johnson Scott Strednak Singer Electives 1***
ENGLISH SCIENCE Service Project Must be completed before
Mieke Cranford (Chair) Shannon Fusina (Chair) entering senior year
Avram Gurland-Blaker Tim Dodds Total 19 3/4 academic credits
Valerie Carlson Debra Garcia
Laura Halperin Jeanne Hillinck
Roberta Klein Dionna Jordan Elective Courses will vary from year to year. Please see the
Jill McElroy Stephanie Koroma Upper School Curriculum Guide.
Susannah Nadler Julie Krane
Derek Sanders Mike Mallett
**Students may receive 0.5 credit toward the Fine Arts
Andrew Sidle Sarah Oakes
requirement for participation in any of the after school
Nina Tyree
HEALTH & HUMAN SEXUALITY Jarred Vallozzi dramatic productions.
Dawn Mazur Ted Yoder
**Nine seasons of P.E. and/or sports must be completed in
HISTORY FALL SPORTS: grades 9–12. Students will be able to earn a PE credit for
Kate Hardwick (Chair) Cross Country: Derek Sanders each season or training session that they participate in.
Steve Ebner Field Hockey: Dionna Jordan Students may be given permission from the Performing Arts
Bud Garikes Football: Vashon Winton
David Hillinck director and the chair of the Physical Education Department
Soccer: Sebastian Hendi (girls),
Trae Humphreys to waive a season of P.E. for each theater production in
Michael Arandia (boys)
Jean Hunt which they are involved. Students who are involved in the
Volleyball: Elisabeth Wilson
Bill McNiel Tennis: Kinde Taye choral or instrumental program for two years have their P.E.
Kara Sandoval requirement reduced to seven credits.
Carolyn Tapp WINTER SPORTS: Students may also receive P.E. credit for participation
Kevin York-Simmons Basketball: Calvin Crenshaw in smART Team (co-curricular visual arts program) and
(girls), André Hunter (boys) Robotics Team (co-curricular competitive Robotics program).
LIBRARY Ice Hockey: Brian Fleury Students may earn one P.E. credit for each season of these
Alicia Blowers (ES-12 Chair) Squash: Jimmy Gerrity
Izabella Tomljanovich co-curricular programs up to a maximum of four P.E. credits.
Swim and Dive: Evan Stiles
Students may request a variance from this limit from the
Track: Kevin Jackson
MATHEMATICS Upper School Director.
Wrestling: Trae Humphreys
Dave Weis (Chair)
Mark Cortez SPRING SPORTS: ***Students must earn one credit beyond the departmental
Laurel Daly Baseball: Jim Supple graduation requirements listed above. Students have great
Emily Geiger Golf: Matt Moscoso flexibility of choice in obtaining this credit. For instance, a
James Karsten Lacrosse: Kathy Jenkins (girls), Tim student may choose to take an additional year of science,
Maryellen Khosla Dodds (boys) math, history, modern or classical language, or instrumental
Randa Mudarris Softball: Taylor Heasley
Wade Summa music or any combination of semester or quarter courses
Tennis: Kinde Taye
Eric Taylor offered in English, history, science, theater, visual arts,
Track and Field: Kevin Jackson
technology, and religion.
MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Sebastian Bartis (Chair)
Christine Gasper
Jayson Gilbert

43
 SERVICE PROJECT (SERVICE LEARNING AND COMMUNITY one-credit course. In the case of a failed second semester, the
UPPER SCHOOL

ENGAGEMENT) second semester grade becomes the final grade for the course.
In order to graduate, students must complete a service project EXAMPLE: If a student makes a 65 for the first semester and
that reflects commitment to their local or global community. a 57 for the second semester, the yearly average is 57.
During this project, students must complete a minimum of
40 hours of community service between the first day of their GRADING SCALE
freshman year and the first day of their senior year. Five Feedback about student performance is provided in part
hours may be completed in service to our school community, by the assigning of letter grades. While they are a useful,
and students may ask for approval for more. Students that concise way to indicate some aspects of a student’s progress,
spend more than 80 hours in service to their community they do not give a complete picture of student achievement.
may be eligible for a Distinction in Service (see the Service Numerical grade equivalents are as follows:
Learning page on the Resource Board for more information). 97-100 = A+
93-96 = A
Starting in 2023-2024, students will log their hours through 90 -92 = A-
an app called Mobile Serve. This app will allow students to 87-89 = B+
log their hours and see opportunities available to them. An 83-86 = B
orientation on this service will occur in the fall of 2023. 80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+
If students seek more information on Service Learning and 73-76 = C
Community Engagement, they should consult the Resource 70-72 = C-
Board under “Service Learning.” If they have questions 67-69 = D+
on anything related to Service Learning or Community 63-66 = D
Engagement, they should contact the Director of Service 60-62 = D-
Learning and Community Engagement, Mr. David Yee 59 and below = F (Failing)
(dyee@sssas.org) or the Upper School Service Learning
Coordinator, Ms. Brianna Meyer (bmeyer@sssas.org). NOTE: A year-end grade of C- or below in a modern or classical
language or a mathematics class may require additional study
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM at that level for continuation to the next sequential level.
The school participates in the Advanced Placement (AP)
program of the College Board. Following College Board GRADE REPORTING
guidelines, the school offers courses in almost every The Upper School operates on a semester system. There are
discipline that prepares the student for the AP exams, which two semesters during the academic year: the fall semester
are given in May. Depending upon their performance on the and the spring semester. Communication about student
tests, students may be placed in advanced undergraduate progress during each semester is provided to parents by
courses when they enter college, or they may earn college regular progress reports and an end-of-semester grade.
credit for their AP work. Ordinarily, students take AP courses Written comments by teachers for all students will be
in their junior and/or senior year(s). If a ninth grade student provided at the second progress report of the fall semester
wishes to take an AP class, approval must be granted by and the first progress report of the spring semester. Students
the director of Upper School. The faculty members of each have access to their academic progress using the on-line
department select students for the AP courses offered by that gradebook on the mySSSAS learning management system.
department on the basis of departmental criteria. Since AP All information regarding student progress is shared through
courses make considerable demands on a student’s time and the SSSAS website. Dates for the release of grades and
energy, each student will receive guidance from the College comments are published on the on-line school calendar on
Office about the number of AP courses they should take in a the mySSSAS website. Parents and students should contact a
given year. student’s teacher with any questions about grades.

All AP students are required to attend and provide their best SUPPORTED STATUS AND ACADEMIC PROBATION
effort for the entirety of the AP exam in May. Failure to do so A student who earns a single grade in the D or F range on the
may impact the student’s final grade in the course. Similarly, mid-semester or end-of-semester grade report will be invited
as completion of the AP exam is a requirement to complete to be part of Our Saints Supported (OSS) on Supported Status
a given course, students who do not take the AP exam may by the associate director or director of the Upper School.
have their transcript changed to reflect the change in course Students in OSS are placed in a supervised study hall and
status. Please note, there is a fee for each exam a student required to complete a weekly academic report that will be
takes. shared with parents as instructed by the associate director of
the Upper School.
POLICY CONCERNING YEARLY GRADES
A passing grade in Upper School courses is 60 (D-). Upper Similarly, a student who earns two grades of “C-” or below
School students must earn a minimum yearly average of 60 may warrant placement on Supported Status. Students on
in order to pass a one-credit course. They must also earn Supported Status may be placed in a supervised study hall
a minimum average of 60 for the second semester of every

44
 during the academic day and may be required to consistently ADDING OR DROPPING COURSES
UPPER SCHOOL

meet with specific teachers during STAT. During the first two weeks of the school year, a student
who wishes to make a schedule change must complete the
If a student enrolled in OSS or on Supported Status does schedule change request form. The schedule change request
not show significant improvement, they may be placed form can be found on "The Daily" section of the Resources
on Academic Probation. Any restrictions imposed during Board. No course can be added after the first two weeks of the
the period of OSS and Supported Status will continue. In start of the class.
addition, the student must show significant improvement to
return to good standing academically and remain in school. After the first two weeks of the school year, a student who
wishes to make a schedule change must initiate the request
A student on Academic Probation should plan to maintain with the advisor. The student is to follow the original
the support system put in place for them and may have their schedule until receiving notification of the change from the
work reviewed regularly, and, as applicable, may lose the director of scheduling. A student may drop a course only with
privilege to take part in after-school or evening activities, at their parent’s permission and within the following timetable:
the discretion of the director of the Upper School.
Full year classes dropped before the second progress report
EXAMINATIONS (Progress Report 2) of the fall semester are not included on
There are two exam periods in the Upper School. Fall official transcripts. Full year classes dropped after the second
semester exams in December and spring semester exams progress report (Progress Report 2) of the fall semester are
in late May and early June. Seniors are excused from spring recorded on the transcript as "d" (to indicate a dropped
semester exams, unless they are failing a class. Seniors may course).
also be required to take a spring semester exam if they have
demonstrated a significant decline in academic performance Fall semester classes dropped before the second progress
in the spring semester leading up to the final exam. During report (Progress Report 2) of the fall semester are not
the examination period, students come to school only for included on official transcripts. Spring semester classes
their scheduled examinations. dropped before the second progress report (Progress Report
2) of the spring semester are not included on official
In grade nine, exams may count for up to 20 percent of the transcripts. Classes dropped after these dates appear on the
final grade; in grades 10, 11, and 12 exams may count for transcript as "d" (to indicate a dropped course).
up to 33 percent of the final grade. If a student fails a course
because they fail the examination, a re-exam may be granted. All requests for course drops after these deadlines must be
approved by the director of the Upper School.
Students must be present for all scheduled semester
examinations. Make-up examination days are provided only COURSE LOAD
for students who are ill (a doctor’s note will be required) or All Upper School students must be enrolled in a minimum of
have an unexpected family emergency. Students who have six classes and a maximum of seven classes each semester.
two exams at the same time will work with the associate All students must maintain one unscheduled period in their
director of Upper School to arrange for alternate testing. A course schedule each semester. It is expected that students
student who misses a scheduled examination for any other will have no more than two unscheduled (or free) periods
reason may not take an exam without the approval of the without the approval of the director of the Upper School.
director of Upper School.
ACADEMIC HONORS
PLEASE NOTE: Possessing or accessing a cell phone or related At the end of each semester, students with an A average of 93
device during an exam period results in a failing grade on and above and with no course grade lower than a B+ (87) will
that exam and is a violation of the Honor Code. be placed on the Head’s List. Students with a B+ average (87)
and no course grade lower than a B- (80) will be placed on
TWO MAJOR ASSIGNMENT RULE the Dean’s List.
No Upper School student is expected to take or submit more
than two tests or major assignments on the same day. Quizzes At the end of the year, several departments award special
are not included. However, it is the student’s responsibility recognition to students whose work has been particularly
to inform the third teacher who has assigned the test or distinguished. The valedictorian and salutatorian honors are
major assignment that the student now has three major awarded to the highest academic ranking members of the
academic obligations on the same day and that the third graduating class.
must be rescheduled individually. The student must inform
the teacher of this conflict when the test or major assignment
NOTE: According to SSSAS school policy, class rank is not
is assigned (not on the test day or the day the assignment
published or provided.
is due) or the student loses the right to have it rescheduled.
Students are responsible for regularly checking their class
CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
websites for due dates of tests and major assignments.
The Cum Laude Society is a national organization for
recognition of high academic achievement. Selection is

45
 based on the top 10 percent (cumulative GPA for tenth guardians are encouraged to call the Advisor for general
UPPER SCHOOL

and eleventh grade) for juniors, and the top 20 percent questions and concerns.
(cumulative GPA for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades) for
seniors. Students are expected to be in good standing with The Advisory group meets weekly at the Upper School.
the school in order to be considered. Advisory sessions may involve unstructured conversations
and relationship building time or can be dedicated toward
INCOMPLETE WORK more focused conversations related to a school initiatives
Students receiving an “Incomplete” at the mid-semester or (e.g., Digital Citizenship, Study Strategies, etc.).
end-of-semester reporting period must submit the missing
work to the teacher within two weeks. A student who is Several times each semester, the Advisory group will engage
incomplete may lose the privilege to take part in after- with our DEIB Advisory program in partnership with another
school or evening activities until the work is complete, at the Advisory group. During the DEIB Advisory session, students
discretion of the director of the Upper School. A failing grade learn the important dialogue skills of listening, speaking,
may be recorded for work not received by this deadline. (In responding, and reflecting, which are essential transferable
the case of extenuating circumstances, the faculty member skills that will help students navigate a complex and
must consult with the director of the Upper School in order changing world.
to extend the deadline.) In situations where extended illness
was the cause of the incomplete, the director of the Upper COLLEGE COUNSELING
School may make an exception. The mission of the College Office is to educate and support
students and families through all portions of the college
OVERNIGHT TRIPS AND STUDY ABROAD application process. Above all, we seek to find the “right fit”
The school supports the interests of students who wish in a college or university for each student and family.
to study away from the school campus or take part in an
overnight trip. School criteria for students include the Each year, the College Office hosts several information
following: a high level of maturity, strong self-reliance, strong sessions for students and parents at grade appropriate levels.
academic work, self-motivation, good school citizenship, These will be listed in the all-school calendar and families
good representation of the school, and good relationships will be notified in advance by email.
with students and adults at SSSAS. The student’s reasons for
studying away from campus should be in the best interests of Due to the ever-changing nature of college admissions, the
the school. The school also considers the following criteria College Office will send out an updated electronic version of
in regard to the program with which the student wishes to the SSSAS College Handbook to Upper School families prior
affiliate: the program should be comparable to the one at our to the first day of school each year.
school, well organized, and academic in nature. The Honor
Code, as well as all school rules, apply when a student is
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
participating in a school sponsored trip. The school reserves
The academic year is divided into two semesters: a fall
the right to deny participation for a school trip for the above
semester and a spring semester.
reasons, and reasons that may not be outlined above.
August 31 Ninth Grade Orientation
September 1 Welcome Day and Orientation Day for
Only a limited number of students are eligible for these
Grades 9-12
programs, and the program must be approved by the director
September 5 First Day of Classes (Fall Semester Begins)
of the Upper School and the head of school. Students
December 12-15 Fall Semester Exams
interested in study away should initiate the process by
January 19 Fall Semester Ends
consulting with the director of the Upper School by March 1
January 23 Spring Semester Begins
to discuss program guidelines and contractual obligations.
May 6-17 Advanced Placement Exams
May 29 Spring Semester Ends
ADVISORY June 1 Upper School Commencement
Each student in the Upper School is assigned to an Advisory May 30-June 4 Second Semester Exams for Grades 9-11
group which is led by an Upper School Faculty member who
serves as the Advisor. The Advisor helps students navigate
DAILY SCHEDULE
academic and social dynamics at school and serves as a
The Upper School day begins with the first class at 8:20 a.m.
liaison between the family and the school. The Advisor takes
and ends at 3:15 p.m. Regardless of when a student’s first
a special interest in the lives of their Advisees and helps
class of the day may begin, all students are expected to arrive
to develop a warm, supportive, and caring Advisory group
at school by 8:20 a.m. Seniors with free period privileges are
dynamic.
exempt from this requirement. Students who do not have a
class during the first period of each day are required to sign
The Advisor is the contact person for parents who are
in with the attendance manager, Ms. Creque, prior to 8:20
concerned about their child’s academic standing. The
a.m. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary consequences.
Advisor is also a contact and advocate for students. If parents
have academic concerns, the classroom teacher is the
Students should not arrive before 7:30 a.m. The school
parent’s first point of contact; the Advisor is second. Parents/

46
 cannot be responsible for students who arrive early. After student’s benefit; they cannot be expected to cover all
UPPER SCHOOL

3:15 p.m. students are not under school supervision unless possible interpretations of honor offenses. If a student is ever
they are participating in a school-sponsored activity. uncertain as to what constitutes an Honor Code violation,
However, administrative personnel are present and available they should ask a teacher, an administrator, or an Honor and
if needed until 5:00 p.m. Disciplinary Board member for guidance. Ignorance of what
constitutes an Honor offense is never an acceptable excuse.
Individual class schedules will vary from student to student
and by each day of the week. It may be helpful to post the DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
student’s individual schedule at home for reference purposes. The disciplinary response to academic dishonesty includes:
Letters of Caution, Disciplinary Warning, and Suspension/
HONOR CODE Probation.
At St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, emphasis is placed
not only upon intellectual and physical development but • Letters of Caution are not counted as first offenses,
also upon the development of personal integrity. The Honor but instead serve as an educational intervention as a
System centers around the Honor Code, which all students student adjusts to the Upper School. These are issued
pledge adherence to at the beginning of each academic year. for minor offenses in the first half of the year for
This common commitment promotes an atmosphere of trust Freshmen and for upperclassmen who are new to the
and mutual respect, vital to the school’s pursuit of intellectual school. When a student receives a Letter of Caution
and spiritual growth. By adhering to the Code, all students on summative school work a grade of 0 will be entered
learn the value of honorable conduct and reap the benefits of into the gradebook until the student has re-done the
living among honorable individuals. work. When the work is completed, the teacher will
grade this work and the student can earn back 60% of
The Honor Code their earned grade. Formative work will receive a zero.
As a member of the This same policy is in place when a student shares
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School community, their completed work.
I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal, • Disciplinary Warning is reserved for most first
nor tolerate those who do. offenses. When a student receives a Disciplinary
Warning on summative school work a grade of 0 will
The fundamental principle of the Honor Code is that all be entered into the gradebook until the student has
students must assume responsibility for their own actions, re-done the work. When the work is completed, the
even those beyond the stated requirements of the Code. teacher will grade this work and the student can earn
Therefore, it is expected that a sense of personal honor back 60% of their earned grade. Formative work will
will direct a student’s conduct in all aspects of school life, receive a zero. This same policy is in place when a
including the appropriate, ethical use of technology. student shares their completed work.
• When a student has a second academic dishonesty
Honor offenses are lying, cheating, and stealing. They are incident, they will receive a Suspension and Probation,
defined as follows: and that work will receive a 0%, and where possible
• Lying is deliberately presenting a false impression or and appropriate is to be re-done by the student. This
giving false information to another person. Evasiveness same policy is in place when a student shares their
falls under the category of lying. completed work.
• Stealing is the taking of another person’s property • In first time offenses where a student has persistently
without right or prior acknowledgment. A student lied, they are likely to receive a Suspension and
should never assume that it is acceptable to “borrow” Probation and the grading policy for Disciplinary
any item from a community member without obtaining Warning will be applied.
permission, even in the case of borrowing from a friend.
Stealing may be considered grounds for dismissal. UPHOLDING THE HONOR CODE
• Cheating is deliberately giving or receiving any Upholding the Honor Code is central to this school’s life.
unauthorized information on examinations or assigned Therefore, community members should not tolerate lying,
work; in general, cheating is passing off another’s cheating, or stealing. The strength of the Code and the trust
work as one’s own (this includes, but is not limited to within the school community depend on each individual’s
plagiarism from written and/or electronic sources such cooperation. An Honor Code such as ours requires each
as websites and artificial intelligence). Collaboration, community member to, at some time, wrestle with their
which is not permitted on any assignment unless a conscience. It is in the difficult task of confronting and
teacher explicitly states otherwise, is a form of cheating. reporting offenses that the Code will have a life.
A student who violates the Honor Code will receive a
failing grade on the work in question, may be given an In determining what action to take after witnessing or
official warning, and could be suspended and placed on hearing about a possible Honor Code violation, one
probation. Repeated offenses could lead to dismissal. should remember that the main purpose of the Honor and
Disciplinary Board is not to punish students but to sustain
These definitions must be seen as guidelines for the an atmosphere of honor in the school and to help individuals

47
 learn. The best way to ensure that an atmosphere of honor The HDB handles, confidentially, any potential honor or
UPPER SCHOOL

exists is not to tolerate violations of the Honor Code. This major school rule offense. The dean of students, or their
may be done in many ways, one of the most effective of designee, meets with any student who potentially has broken
which is consulting with a teacher, a member of the Honor the Honor Code or a major school rule. The dean of students,
and Disciplinary Board, or the dean of students. While it is or their designee, will then call the student’s parents,
understood that reporting a friend or peer may be difficult, it with the student present when possible and appropriate.
is often what is best for that student and for our community. Usually, two out of three teams of the HDB will meet with
Clearly, the preservation of the Honor Code depends on the the student. When appearing before the HDB, the student
willingness of each community member to step forward and may choose a faculty or staff member, or a fellow student,
be willing to not tolerate Honor Code violations. to accompany them to the meeting. This person is present
to support the student, but may not speak on behalf of the
THE HONOR PLEDGE student or take an active role in the proceedings. Before the
In addition to pledging adherence to the Honor Code at the formal HDB meeting begins, the dean, or their designee,
beginning of each school year, students are required to write will describe the incident to the board members. Once the
the Honor Pledge upon completing every test, quiz, paper, or student joins the meeting, they will have the opportunity to
assignment which requires the individual to present his or explain what happened, and to answer questions posed by
her own work. The Honor Pledge states that “I have neither the board members. The student may be asked in advance
given nor received any unauthorized information pertaining of the HDB meeting to prepare and/or present a written
to this (test, quiz, paper, assignment).” Writing the Honor statement or to answer written questions. At the conclusion
Pledge and signing one’s name after it provides a reminder to of the question and answer period of the HDB meeting, HDB
each student to obey the Honor Code at all times. Whenever will excuse the student and their advocate from the meeting,
a student writes the pledge, they affirm the commitment to discuss the situation, and then make a recommendation to
obey the Honor Code, a pledge which should not be taken the director of the Upper School. The final decision as to
lightly. Not only is it dishonorable to “pledge” an assignment the consequences as a result of the situation will be made
on which unauthorized information has been given or by the director of Upper School, after reviewing the HDB’s
received, falsely writing the pledge is also considered lying recommendation and conferring with the head of school, or
and thus constitutes a serious breach of the Honor Code. their designees.

THE HONOR AND DISCIPLINARY BOARD SCHOOL RULES AND DISCIPLINE

The duties of the Honor and Disciplinary Board (HDB) are The goal of imposing student discipline is to build character
threefold. It must educate the community about the honor by developing self-control and teaching consideration for
system and the major school rules so that each student may other people. The imposition of student discipline should
develop a sound sense of right and wrong. It is also the HDB’s be seen as learning opportunities and not as blemishes on
responsibility to enforce the Honor Code and the major a resume. Each student in the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes
school rules by investigating possible violations and acting community is expected to exhibit self-control and respect for
to ensure a fair hearing for those concerned. The HDB also other people and the school.
serves to advise the school administration in cases where the
Honor Code or a major school rule may have been broken. Any student who develops a habit of lateness or
The HDB is moderated by the dean of students, associate inappropriate dress, behavior, language or other
dean of students, or assistant dean of students. inappropriate action or conduct may be required to attend
detention. The school uses a point system for more common
The HDB is composed of twelve students. The HDB’s infractions. A student’s receipt of five points results in a
selection of its members occurs in the following way: In the detention. A conduct detention can also be assigned at the
spring, the sophomore and junior classes nominate students discretion of the deans’ office. Detentions are held twice
from within their grade. Any current HDB member found a week during lunch. A student who misses a scheduled
in violation of the Honor Code or major school rule will be detention may be removed from extracurricular participation
removed from the HDB. The current HDB, dean of students, until the detention is served. Additional detentions may be
associate dean of students, assistant dean of students, and assigned as well.
HDB faculty representatives then interview the sophomores
and juniors with the most nominations. From this group, A student who serves repeated detentions and/or continues to
students will be chosen as final nominees, who will then struggle with basic community rules and expectations may be
be considered for election by all students in grades nine, placed on disciplinary warning or probation. The school may
ten, and eleven. The three sophomores with the most votes also place a student on disciplinary warning or probation
will serve on the Board for the next two years, and the six for more serious offenses and for repeated offenses,
juniors with the most votes will serve on the Board during regardless of whether those offenses necessitate the HDB or
their senior year. The faculty elects faculty representatives Administrative Disciplinary Committee process. If a student
each year to serve on the Board for two years. This system is unable or unwilling to comply with the expectations of the
of staggered voting ensures that there will always be school, that student may be suspended or dismissed, at the
experienced members on the Board. discretion of the head of school and considering the input of
the director of Upper School.

48
 without proper authorization. The school emphasizes the
UPPER SCHOOL

A student’s status on disciplinary caution, warning, or importance of self-discipline in the ethical and courteous use
probation does not limit a student’s school activities or of technology resources.
their attendance at school events. However, junior and
senior privileges are not extended to students who are on Major School Rules: In addition to the Honor Code’s
disciplinary warning or probation. In addition, students on standards regarding lying, cheating, and stealing, the
disciplinary warning or probation may be restricted from following rules are extremely important for the safety and
holding student leadership positions. Violation of a major well-being of the school and all its students.
school rule during a disciplinary probation may result in 1. Students are expected to treat one another with respect;
dismissal. harassment of any kind is not acceptable. Students may
not use obscene, profane, or disrespectful language or
When suspended from school, students are responsible actions, including racial, ethnic, homophobic, or sexual
for meeting all deadlines for academic work (including slurs. The use of derogatory slurs is likely to result in
homework), which is to be turned in to the teacher. If a dismissal. Teasing and joking are not acceptable excuses
student is scheduled to take a quiz or test on the day of a for hurtful comments or behavior.
suspension, it is expected that the student will take the test or 2. Possessing, using, distributing, consuming, or being
quiz the day they return to school. under the influence of illicit drugs (including alcohol
and drug paraphernalia) is prohibited. A student may
ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE not use or possess tobacco, e-cigarettes or vaping
At the sole and absolute discretion of the head of school in materials at any time, in any place, on the school
consultation with the director of the Upper School and the property. Violations in this category are likely to result in
dean of students, the Administrative Disciplinary Committee suspension and could lead to dismissal. Students should
(ADC) may meet in place of the Honor and Disciplinary make every effort to separate themselves, and may be
Board. The ADC is composed of administration and the held accountable for accompanying students, from the
faculty elected to serve on the HDB. The ADC meets use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and/or vaping. Please
with a student if they are on probation at the time of their refer to the Philosophy of Discipline and Extracurricular
infraction, or if the alleged infraction places the student Participation Contract beginning on page 15.
in jeopardy of being expelled or if the student’s personal 3. Leaving the school grounds without proper authorization
circumstances should not be shared with other students. This is prohibited. (Standard Penalty: a one-day suspension
group acts in place of the Honor and Disciplinary Board, and disciplinary probation.)
meets with the student involved to discuss the infraction, 4. A student may not deface or misuse school property or
and makes a recommendation as to possible consequences to the property of others.
the director of Upper School and the head of school, or their 5. (a) A student may not possess knives, weapons, or
designees. The student will also meet separately with the firearms of any kind on school property or during any
director and the head of school if the student is in jeopardy of school sponsored activity or trip. (b) A student who
being dismissed. knows that knives, weapons, or firearms of any kind are
either in a student’s possession or located on campus
MAJOR SCHOOL RULES is obligated to report this information to an adult
These rules apply to all students whenever they are on school immediately.
property and during school-sponsored activities and trips. 6. A threat or act against an individual or the institution is
Where appropriate, these rules also apply to a student’s treated as an issue of safety. School officials will comply
conduct prior to their attendance at school or a school fully with local authorities in such matters.
sponsored activity or trip. 7. All members of our school community must remain
committed to, and uphold, our health and safety policies
Students are expected to be aware that Honor Code and procedures.
standards and school rules apply to the use of technology,
whether school-owned or personal, on campus or during OTHER SCHOOL RULES
school activities, and in the off-campus preparation of school 1. A student may not be absent from school, class,
assignments. Such technology includes but is not limited to study hall, chapel, advisory period, or other required
equipment, software, networks and the information created commitment without proper authorization. Students
and managed by them. The school explicitly subjects use who fail to report to an adult during the time in question
of technology tools and resources to the same rigorous may receive a detention and are subject to loss of
standards of conduct and rules as govern the use of other privileges.
school equipment, materials, and information sources. The 2. Students may not misuse, destroy, or intercept official
school explicitly regards telecommunications (including, school communications.
but not limited to, email, online chat, use of electronic 3. A student may not disrupt a class, study hall, chapel,
bulletin boards, file uploading and downloading, and library, or other group meeting.
videoconferencing) as subject to the same standards and 4. A student may not misuse fire-protection or safety
school rules as verbal and print communications. Therefore, equipment.
no audio or video recordings may be made on school grounds 5. A student may not use school equipment without the

49
 specific permission of a member of the school staff. no adult will be present may only be held in classrooms
UPPER SCHOOL

6. A student may not loiter in the parking lots, in cars designated for this purpose. No matter where students
(whether parked on campus or in the neighborhood), choose to eat lunch, they should make sure to clean up
in the restrooms, or in any of the wooded areas on any after themselves and dispose of all trash in the appropriate
campus during school hours or during a scheduled receptacles. A student who violates this policy will be
school activity. reported to the dean of students.
7. A student may not use technology and computer
facilities or services inappropriately. FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
8. No gambling (including online gambling) is allowed on Students may not use food delivery services before, during,
campus. or after the school day. Failure to adhere to this policy will
9. No audio or video recordings may be made on result in confiscation of the food as well as disciplinary
school grounds without proper authorization by the consequences. Students who plan to stay at school into
administration or the teacher involved. the evening hours to attend school related events and
10. Students are not to be in restricted areas of the school programs may ask for permission from the Upper School
after 6:00 p.m. administration to utilize food delivery services.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS LOCKERS

While on campus, students are expected to follow all safety The school faculty and administration retain the right to
protocols as conveyed in the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and inspect a student’s locker at any time.
Procedures document.
GENERAL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
All members of our school community are expected to
practice proper hand hygiene and must remain committed to DAILY ATTENDANCE
our safety policies and procedures. Upper School students are expected to attend all classes,
morning meetings, advisory meetings, assemblies,
CELL PHONE USE and chapel services. Failure to attend these required
The current cell phone policy is under review. The cell commitments is considered an absence for which the student
phone policy may be modified for the 2023-2024 school will be held accountable. Excessive absences can negatively
year. The cell phone expectations are as follows: (a) In each impact student progress and achievement and may prevent
classroom, the teacher will set their own guidelines for phone the school from granting credit for a given course.
use that must be followed in their class; (b) Between the start
and the end of classes each day, students may talk on their SCHOOL BOUNDARIES AND STUDENT PRIVILEGES
phones only in the gym lobby, senior lounge, or outside; During the school day, students must remain within the
(c) During lunch and in between classes, students may use school boundaries, which are the school building and the
their phones (but not talk on them, with the exception of cleared fields surrounding the school. All wooded areas and
the locations listed above) as long as they are not moving residential areas are off limits, including the steps to St.
through the halls, (d) In chapels, assemblies, class meetings Andrew’s Chapel and the chapel grounds. Students may not
or morning meetings, phones shall not be used, seen, or loiter in cars in the parking lot or on streets surrounding the
heard. If a student violates these rules, they are likely to campus before, during, or after school. Please note, parking
be assigned an infraction point and may have their phone is not permitted at St. Andrew’s Chapel.
confiscated. Subsequent violations will result in further
consequences, possibly including parent notification and/ Seniors are eligible for lunch and free period privileges.
or phone confiscation by the dean of students. Please note, Senior privileges begin during the first week of school and
possessing or accessing a cell phone or related device during allow seniors to leave campus during lunch and free periods.
an exam period results in a failing grade is a violation of the Senior privileges and/or free periods may be revoked if a
Honor Code. senior does not complete the planning and paperwork for
their senior project by the project’s assigned due date. Juniors
Students may not use cell phones or other devices to record are granted lunch privileges when all Juniors have completed
(either audio or video) community members or events their planning and paperwork for their service requirement.
(classes, assemblies, etc.) without receiving explicit approval Parental permission must be acquired to enjoy junior and
from the classroom teacher or an administrator. senior privileges, and these can be retracted at any time by
the parent or by the school. No student will be eligible for
EATING IN SCHOOL privileges if they are on disciplinary warning or probation.
We encourage students to eat outside on the Upper School
campus when weather permits. There are several grassy Communication about early departures must be from the
areas, picnic tables, and seating areas that provide space parent or guardian, and should be directed to Upper School
for students to eat together during lunchtime. We ask that attendance manager, Ms. Creque, through School Pass.
students not eat lunch in the following areas in the building:
the library, the front entrance lobby, and any area designated Student safety is a paramount concern. For that reason,
by the administration. Student meetings during lunch where the school strives to know who is on campus at all times.

50
 Students leaving or returning to campus for any reason must absence that the parents may have authorized but the school
UPPER SCHOOL

sign in and out using the attendance system located in the does not excuse.
office of the attendance manager, Ms. Creque. If a student
fails to sign in or sign out, it is considered an unauthorized LATE ARRIVALS TO SCHOOL
absence and may result in discipline. Additionally, the When students arrive late to school, they must report directly
school expects students to honestly report their intended to the attendance manager’s office to sign in. Usually, traffic is
destinations. A failure to do so would be in violation of the not considered as an excuse for lateness.
Honor Code. The school cannot be responsible for students
once they have signed out, if they fail to sign out, or if they TARDY TO CLASS
have left campus without permission. The school strongly A student who is late to class will be marked as tardy. Each
encourages parents to actively engage with their child around tardy is worth one infraction point. Two infraction points
the use of off-campus privileges. will be issued for any single tardy of 10 minutes or longer.
Students who are repeatedly tardy may lose privileges and/or
ABSENCES free periods.
Generally, students are excused only for illness, doctor’s
appointments, pressing family emergencies, religious ABSENCE AND EARLY DEPARTURE NOTIFICATION PROCESS
observances, and family events such as weddings and When a student knows in advance they may be absent for all
graduations. All absences are considered unexcused unless or part of a school day, their parent or guardian should enter
a call or note from a parent has been received within two it into SchoolPass. A parent or guardian may also telephone
days; medical or dental appointments require a note from the (703-212-2747) or email the Upper School attendance
doctor or dentist. If parents allow a student to be absent for manager to discuss a student’s possible absence from school.
other reasons, they run the risk of encouraging the student
to establish bad habits regarding classroom attendance, When no explanation or information is provided, in
which may damage their academic record, or diminish the SchoolPass, email, or over the phone, regarding an absence,
importance, in the mind of the student, of meeting their school personnel will inquire about the nature of the absence.
obligations. While the school recognizes that parents have An absence for which no specific explanation is provided
the right to excuse their child from school, the parents and will be recorded as an unexcused absence. In cases where the
student must realize that the school also has the right not absence is not excused, the dean of students or an associate
to accept an excuse which interrupts the continuity of its dean will notify the student and parent/guardian.
educational process and challenges the integrity of the
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes community. (See unexcused Unless prior notification to the attendance manager, parents
absences below.) or guardians are requested to enter absence information into
SchoolPass, or call by 8:30 a.m. on each day a student is
PLANNED ABSENCES absent from school. Parents leaving a message on voicemail
Planned absences that will result in several missed school or email should provide the name of their child and an
days need to be approved by the director of the Upper School. explanation for the absence. Please note that the school must
Parents and students are asked to complete the planned receive parental permission for absences. In other words,
absence form in advance of their departure. The planned students may not excuse themselves from classes or other
absence form can be obtained from the attendance manager. required school obligations.

MAKE-UP WORK—EXCUSED ABSENCES EARLY DEPARTURE DUE TO ILLNESS

Students are expected to take assessments on the day they If a student becomes ill they will be evaluated by the health
are assigned. If a student is absent, they are expected to take office. If the student needs to go home, the health office will
the assessment the day they return to school or make prior contact the student's parent or guardian. The parent will be
arrangements with their teacher before they return. Students asked to pick the student up immediately. The health office
are expected to take assessments on their assigned day even will be in communication with the parent or guardian for
if they miss the previous class. If a student misses more return to school procedures. In cases where the school cannot
than one day they are required to reach out to their teacher. reach the student’s parent or guardian, the student may not
We encourage students to be proactive communicators and be permitted to leave. The health office will communicate the
to reach out to their teachers and make a plan to complete student’s departure to the US attendance manager prior to
make-up work. leaving school.

MAKE-UP WORK—UNEXCUSED ABSENCES EARLY DEPARTURE DUE TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENT

In the case of an unexcused absence, such as an extended If a student needs to leave school during the school day to
family vacation prior to or following a school vacation, an attend a health-related appointment, the parent or guardian
absence or late arrival to catch up on sleep, or a skipped should enter it into SchoolPass prior to the student leaving for
class, the student will be required to make up all academic the appointment, or the parent or guardian must speak to, or
work missed during the absence without individual tutoring leave a message with, the Upper School attendance manager
from the teacher. In some cases, an unexcused absence is an (703-212-2747). Upon return to school, students must
provide a note from the doctor to the attendance manager.

51
 EARLY DEPARTURE DUE TO EXTRACURRICULAR COMMITMENTS With these principles in mind, the following guidelines
UPPER SCHOOL

A student must make prior arrangements with their teacher apply:

for any missed class work due to an early departure for • All attire should be clean and in good repair with no
extracurricular commitments. If a student leaves class rips, shredding, or holes, even if manufactured that way
prior to their scheduled early release time, the student may • Clothing needs to have sleeves or straps of at least one
receive discipline and could be suspended from the next inch
extracurricular event. The dean of students, in consultation • Clothing must cover the body from the armpit to where
with the athletic directors and faculty members, makes all the thumb hits the thigh (midriff must be covered)
decisions regarding extracurricular participation. • All clothing must be void of images or text that pertain
to, or encourage the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or
ABSENCES AND ATHLETIC/EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION related products, or violence, and must align with our
A student is unable to participate in extracurricular activities mission and values (see specific rules for sweatshirts
after school including rehearsals and athletic practices/games and t-shirts)
if they have an unexcused absence from class, or if they have • Head coverings (including hats and hoods) may be
been excused from class due to illness. If a student misses a worn during the school day only for religious purposes
portion of the school day because of a medical appointment,
the school requires confirmation of this appointment from Acceptable class day clothing:
a parent or guardian, and a note from the doctor must be • Tops with sleeves or straps of at least one inch
provided. • Solid colored or patterned T-shirts in good repair,
without graphics, logos, or text on the front or back
ABSENCES AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS larger than two fingers
For absences of one or two days, students should • Solid colored sweatshirts with no graphics other than
obtain homework assignments online. In the event of a those representing college or SSSAS sweatshirts
lengthy illness, students or parents should contact the • Sweaters, fleeces, and jackets
student’s advisor, who will collect assignments and make • Opaque leggings (No mesh or open panels)
arrangements to have them picked up or forwarded. • Non-athletic pants (including corduroys and khakis)
or solid colored, non-“blue jean” denim (no fading,
MEDICAL POLICIES whiskering, or acid-washes)
Please see the 2023-2024 Medical Policies and Procedures • Skirts or dresses with sleeves or straps of at least one
for a complete description of our procedures and absence inch, which meet the coverage requirements and
policies. permit freedom of movement (freedom of movement
includes sitting on the floor as well as walking up stairs
For the below illness, please follow these guidelines:s: with no tugging, pulling, or risk of undergarment
• Active vomiting or diarrhea: 48 hours since last exposure)
episode • Non-athletic, non-blue jean shorts that meet the
• Fever (greater than 100.0): 24 hours fever-free coverage requirements and permit freedom of
without the use of fever-reducing medications movement that includes sitting on the floor as well as
• After 24 hours on antibiotics for a variety of bacterial walking up stairs with no tugging or pulling
causes • Team attire ONLY when expressly permitted by the
• Health care provider/physician’s note of clearance for athletic directors
various student-specific medical conditions. • Shoes should fit the occasion and therefore slippers,
slides, rubber flip-flops, and shower shoes are not
permitted
DRESS CODE
• All clothing must be in good repair, with no holes, rips,
or fraying (even if manufactured that way)
Our dress code is built on the following principles:
• Students should appear neat and clean
On chapel days, SSSAS students dress in a manner that
• We want our community to feel safe and comfortable
acknowledges the chapel service as a sacred space. Pants,
for all of our students
skirts, dresses, and shirts must follow the general guidelines.
• We want our students to dress in a way that reflects the
In addition, the following types of clothes are unacceptable:
high expectations of our school community without
• Casual pants, including denim of any color and cargo
excluding any member of that community
pants
• We want our students to have freedom of movement
• Shorts
that allows for a range of activities including sitting
• Leggings
on the floor, reaching up to write on a whiteboard, and
• T-shirts
using stairs
• Sweatshirts or hoodies
• We do not want daily dress decisions to create stress,
economic hardship, competition, or derision
Chapel dress options include a tucked in button down shirt
• We want our students to help build and maintain a
with a blazer and tie, worn with dress pants (no denim and
friendly, open, and supportive community
no leggings); or, dress pants or a skirt, with a dressy top, or

52
 a dress, all worn with boots, shoes, or sandals. Length and STUDENT LIFE
UPPER SCHOOL

style should reflect what one would wear to a traditional job

interview or a formal service at a place of worship. Chapel DANCES
dress should be worn throughout the day, although blazers The Upper School typically holds a Homecoming Dance in the
and ties may be removed after chapel (shirts must remain fall, a Winter Formal in the winter and a Prom in the spring.
tucked in). Some students prefer a uniform option, and
therefore, we have made some uniform options available STUDENT LEADERSHIP
through Lands’ End. Participation in school leadership and extracurricular
activities is dependent on a student’s good standing both
Given the latitude our dress code provides, violations of the academically and with regard to the school’s discipline and
dress code will receive clear consequences. A student who Honor Code.
violates the dress code will receive a dress code infraction. As
with all minor infractions, this violation is worth one point,
ATHLETICS
and five points results in a detention. If necessary, a student
All interested students have the opportunity to participate
who develops a pattern of inappropriate dress will be sent
in our interscholastic athletic program. Prior to each season,
home to change clothing, and may not be able to return to
students may sign up with the appropriate coach who will,
campus until their parents or guardians have been contacted
along with the coaching staff, conduct tryouts. The nature
to arrange a meeting with the dean of students.
and duration of these tryouts will be dictated by the particular
sport and coach. The tryout period generally lasts no longer
DRESS DOWN DAY ATTIRE than one week during which time all participants are
On days officially designated as “Dress Down Days,” students
evaluated and placed accordingly. Any student in grades nine
may wear appropriate T-shirts, jeans or sweatpants, and
through12 is eligible to tryout for a varsity team. Depending
footwear. All other guidelines for appropriate classroom
on circumstances in an individual sport, not all participants
dress apply to attire for dress down days. Exam dates are
will make a given team. Our policy is to keep as many
sanctioned as dress down days.
athletes as we can on a particular squad, but there are some
restrictions (normal team size, uniforms, transportation, etc.)
TRANSPORTATION/PARKING that must be taken into consideration when a team is chosen.
It is essential that all drivers use caution when driving on Those students who do not make a team will have ample
campus, and in the neighborhood surrounding the school. In options whereby they may fulfill nine credits of their athletic/
addition to the consequences exacted by state and local laws, physical education requirement.
any student’s driving observed to be careless or dangerous
will result in immediate action by the school. In some cases All students who participate at the varsity level will be eligible
a student will receive a warning, however, in most cases to receive varsity letters and/or pins. These awards are
a student driving carelessly will lose campus driving and presented to seniors at the conclusion of their senior year.
parking privileges for one month. A student committing a
second careless driving offense will lose privileges for the In order to participate on a freshman, junior varsity, or varsity
remainder of the school year. Students may be asked to take a team, each student must have completed the following signed
defensive driving class at their own expense before privileges forms preceding the start of practice: (A-C are submitted
are restored. Reckless driving may result in serious discipline through the Magnus Health website) A) Vital Health Record;
consequences including suspension or dismissal. B) Emergency Treatment Form; C) Physical Examination
Form; and D) Extracurricular Participation Form (see p. 19).
Parking on campus is a privilege afforded to senior and junior
student drivers with valid licenses and parking tags. Students CONFERENCE AFFILIATIONS
are expected to park in designated areas and are not to park SSSAS belongs to two athletic conferences. The boys compete
in visitor spots or faculty areas. Parking is not permitted at in the Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) and the girls
St. Andrew’s Chapel. Parents and visitors are expected to in the Independent School League (ISL). Both leagues are
park in the areas designated for visitors. Parking is limited, strong and balanced and offer us the opportunity to compete
so student carpooling is greatly encouraged. Students must against other schools that are similar in size as well as in
register their car in order to obtain a parking tag. athletic and academic philosophy. Following is a list of the
participating schools in each league:
All vehicles without valid parking tags, parked in areas
designated for faculty, or parked illegally are subject to towing ISL
at the owner’s expense. Students who violate the school’s St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Madeira
expectations for parking will receive an official warning Bullis Maret
for their first offense and a parking infraction. A student Connelly School of the Holy Child National Cathedral
committing a second parking offense will lose parking Episcopal Potomac
privileges for two weeks. Subsequent parking offenses Flint Hill Sidwell Friends
may result in the student losing parking privileges for the Georgetown Day Stone Ridge
remainder of the school year. Georgetown Visitation St. Andrew’s
Holton-Arms

53
 IAC THE SCHOOL CHAPLAINS
UPPER SCHOOL

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Georgetown Prep The Rev. Sean Cavanaugh and The Rev. Elizabeth Rees are
Episcopal Landon available to all members of the Upper School community
St. Albans Bullis (students and parents, faculty and staff ) who wish to talk
about ethical or spiritual issues or personal relationships.
RESOURCES: SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR STUDENTS Such conversations are conducted in strict confidentiality.
The chaplain’s pastoral ministry would be helped by
FACULTY ADVISORS parental communications regarding family upset, death,
Academic Advisors serve as the point of contact for parents hospitalization, or other issues.
and guardians who are concerned about their child’s
academic situation including work missed due to illness. COUNSELING
Advisors also serve an advocacy and support role with their Ms. Susan DeLaurentis, the director of counseling, and
advisees. The advisor meets regularly with the advisory group Ms. Susannah Harrison, the Upper School counselor, are
to discuss academic progress, study skills, the importance of available to all members of the Upper School community. All
the Honor Code, and other elements of our advisory program meetings are considered confidential.
curriculum.
THE ACADEMIC CENTER
STUDENT-TEACHER APPOINTMENT TIME (STAT) The Academic Center is available to help all students develop
The STAT time provides an opportunity for students to better study and organizational skills and to give specific
meet with teachers for extra help, academic support, and support to students with diagnosed learning needs. The
to complete make-up work. STAT is an important element learning specialists, Ms. Elise Canfield, Ms. Anne Sellon,
of our college prep program and represents a model for the and Ms. Paige Russell work with students enrolled in the
office hours system students will experience at the post- academic center class. Students who are not enrolled in
secondary level. the Academic Center class are encouraged to make an
appointment during STAT to meet with a learning specialist
STUDY HALLS
All ninth grade students will be assigned to a study hall STUDENT TUTORS PROGRAM
during their free periods. Any student can be required to Through the Student Tutors program, students participate
attend study halls if deemed necessary by the director or in collaborative learning. The program is available to all
associate director of Upper School. students who need additional academic support. The Student
Tutors hold sessions during shared free periods, lunch or
THE LIBRARY STAT and offer more general support during Study Hall and
The Upper School librarians are available to work with midterm/final exam periods.
scheduled classes or with individual students who are
welcome to use the library to read, study, or research during APPENDIX: DEPARTMENTAL HONOR CODE POLICIES
their free time. The librarians teach students to refine
techniques for gathering, evaluating, and interpreting MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
information using the library collection of books, periodicals, The Honor Code. All students are expected to comply
videos, online databases, and other Internet resources. The with the SSSAS Honor Code. All work is to be pledged
librarians also encourage individuals to read for pleasure and and completed by the student without assistance from
provide reader advisory assistance. classmates, advanced Spanish/French/Chinese/Latin
students, native speakers, or applications, unless otherwise
Books from the circulating collection may be borrowed indicated by the instructor. Tutors or other students may
for three weeks at a time, with renewal possible. Students answer specific questions after a student has completed their
can download e-books and audiobooks from the Overdrive work independently. Any violations of the Code in or outside
collection on their personal devices. Periodicals and class will be brought to the attention of the administration for
reference books may be checked out from the end of one appropriate action.
school day until 8:00 a.m. the next school day. Students
check out their own materials on the honor system; checking The following are examples of violations of academic
out materials to someone other than oneself or leaving the integrity guidelines:
library with library materials that have not been checked out • Help from other students and/or native speakers
are violations of the Honor Code. • Translation of entire phrases or sentences or more
• Plagiarism of any kind
Students will be notified if materials become overdue. The • Sharing your work with another student
library does not charge overdue fines, but students are
expected to pay for lost or damaged materials. Families will SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HONOR POLICY
be billed at the end of the year for any outstanding materials. While collaboration is an essential part of science, in
a science course, as you are assessed on your personal
understanding, there are times when your work should be
strictly your own.

54
 Obviously, all quizzes, tests and test corrections should material stored on the calculator is an Honor violation. The
UPPER SCHOOL

represent your own work. Laboratory tends to be done in math department may inspect your calculator and clear its
groups. Unless clearly indicated in writing, the following memory, if deemed appropriate.
expectations apply:
• No falsifying data! 5. Phones and Smartwatches
• All labs must be pledged. You cannot access your cell phone and smartwatch during
• During lab you can be talking/taking notes. assessments. You will be asked to store them in a designated
• Lab reports must be original work; unless specifically location.
allowed by your teacher, no one should be copying any
part of another student’s lab report. When in doubt, 6. Make-up Assessments
please ask. You may not talk about the assessment to another student
• Once you leave the classroom you should not be until the papers are returned.
discussing the material unless otherwise indicated by
your teacher. If you are allowed to work together, you ENGLISH DEPARTMENT POLICIES
should only be working with your assigned partner(s).
• You should not be comparing or sharing lab analyses. Late Assignments:
• Bring all questions to teachers. • No late papers will be given full credit without prior
• All borrowed data must be attributed (e.g. if you were arrangement. If a student is ill or has an emergency,
absent, your teacher may allow you to use another the student must e-mail to notify the teacher that the
group’s data). paper will not be submitted on time. Assignments will
be docked 10% per day late. If a student submits a paper
Your teacher may allow you to collaborate on certain more than three days late without having notified the
assignments. Be sure that you pay attention to whether that is teacher, the highest possible grade is a 59%. After the
permitted. teacher is notified that the paper will be late, the student
must make arrangements with the teacher as to when the
In no cases should materials from previous years in the paper will be submitted.
course be used. Additionally, with the exception of directed
research, the Internet is not a place for looking up answers to Honor:
your assignments. • Plagiarism: If the HDB finds a student guilty of
plagiarism, the student will receive a failing grade on
Failure to meet these expectations will result in disciplinary the assignment. Plagiarism equates to the three honor
action. offenses listed in the Honor Code: lying, stealing, and
cheating. Unless otherwise specified in the assignment,
MATH DEPARTMENT HONOR POLICY students should not be consulting any outside sources
(including internet sites) or working with others.
1. Homework • Turnitin.com: All major written assignments must
You may work with classmates on your homework unless be submitted to Turnitin.com. Late submissions on
the directions on the assignment state otherwise. However, Turnitin, regardless of whether a hard copy has also been
you may not copy someone else’s work (including solutions submitted, will accrue deductions in accordance with the
found on the Internet), and submit it as your own. Copying English Department Late Assignment policy.
is cheating, and it is a direct violation of the Honor Code. • Study Aids: All students must read the assigned texts.
Allowing someone to copy your work is also cheating. No online summaries or criticism may be used at all.
Instead, the student should consult with the instructor
2. Assessments and the Academic Center. In writing critical essays,
In no cases should you use assessments in the course from students may NOT consult any outside sources unless
previous years or from other sections of the course. You directed to do so by the instructor.
should not ask another student for information about an • Independent Work: Homework, essays, research
assessment that you have not yet taken, and you should not papers, and other projects are to be done independently.
give out information about an assessment to a student who Teachers will notify students when collaboration is
has not yet taken it. allowed.
• Parent/Tutor Support: A student working with a
3. Take Home and Online Assessments tutor must notify the teacher, giving the tutor’s name,
You must follow the directions on the assessment pertaining telephone number, and email address. Students may
to collaboration and sources of help, and you must pledge discuss assignments with parents and tutors, but parents
that you have followed these directions. and tutors may not compose, revise, or copy-edit work for
the student. Students are expected to type, proofread,
4. Graphing Calculator Usage and spell-check their own written work.
You may not use or store any unauthorized information or
programs in your calculator, because using unauthorized Materials:
E-Books: Students are required to purchase physical copies

55
 of assigned books for their English class. E-books are work you submit furthers your personal understanding of the
UPPER SCHOOL

acceptable only in consultation with the instructor and/or the concepts taught in class.
Academic Center. • Students are expected to follow the SSSAS Honor
Code. All violations will be brought to the attention of
HISTORY DEPARTMENT POLICIES the administration for appropriate action.
As stated in the Honor Code, academic honesty is a serious • Unless otherwise stated, collaboration on assignments
matter. The teacher will report honor violations directly to is not allowed. When collaboration is allowed, each
the dean of students and the Honor and Disciplinary Board. student is expected to understand all work that is
submitted. It is also required that you cite whom you
Your character, attitude, and integrity are more important collaborated with.
than any single assignment. • Quizzes and tests are always to be completed
independently.
What is academic honesty in history class? • Use of assessments or homework solutions from
Academic honesty in history class means relying on your own previous semesters or other sections of the course is a
ideas and words, and always providing a reference when you violation of the Honor Code.
use the ideas and/or words of others. • Allowing someone to copy your work is a direct
violation of the Honor Code.
Avoiding plagiarism and cheating: • Certain assignments may allow for the use of
• All work is individual unless otherwise stated. Copying generative AI platforms (such as ChatGPT). The use of
the work of another or allowing your work to be copied such platforms is only allowed when explicitly stated
by another is considered cheating. This includes work in the directions for the assignment. In assignments in
that you have completed for another class or a previous which generative AI is permitted, you must cite which
history class. platform you used and how you used it. Failure to do
• Materials from previous years in a course should never so is a violation of the Honor Code.
be used. • Late homework policies are found in the syllabus for
• All students are expected to make up tests and quizzes each course.
in a study hall room or under the supervision of a
faculty member.
• Collaboration on assignments is not permitted unless
otherwise stated by your teacher. If you are permitted
to collaborate, you should use your own words and cite
the ideas of classmates in your work.
• Peer editing: refer to school document / teacher
• Laptop guidelines: when using laptops during
assessments no other tabs should be opened and no
outside sources should be consulted.
• Cite when:
▫ You are using the exact words of another person.
Place ALL such phrases within quotation marks.
▫ You are paraphrasing another person’s words.
▫ You are using another person’s idea.
• There is no need to cite if the information is common
knowledge, i.e. George Washington was the first
president of the United States. If you’re not sure
whether the information is common knowledge or not,
cite it.
• Consult the teacher if you are not sure how or when to
cite or if there are any questions regarding the honor
code.

The full honor code and definitions are outlined starting

on p. 46. You can see specific department policy regarding
violations of the honor code in the History Department
Policies.

COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HONOR POLICY

Academic integrity in the fields of computer science
and engineering has broad societal impacts, and our
departmental policy reflects this fact. While collaboration is
an integral part of the creative process, it is our goal that the

56
UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE AND ROTATION 2021-2022

ASSEMBLY
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
SCHEDULE

Faculty Meeting Faculty Meeting Faculty Meeting Faculty Meeting Faculty Meeting Faculty Meeting
7:45-8:15
Time Time Time Time Time Time

8:20-9:30 1st Period 1st Period 1st Period 1st Period 1st Period 1st Period

9:40-10:50 2nd Period 2nd Period 2nd Period 2nd Period 2nd Period 2nd Period

Chapel Advisory/DEIB Morning Meeting/ Lunch

11:00-11:15 Morning Meeting Clubs/STAT
(11:00-11:30) (11:00-11:30) Class Meeting (11:00-11:50)

Lunch Lunch
11:15-12:05 Lunch Lunch Lunch Assembly
(11:30-12:20) (11:30-12:20)

3rd Period 3rd Period 3rd Period

12:05-1:15 3rd Period 3rd Period 3rd Period
(12:20-1:30) (12:20-1:30) (12:45-1:55)

4th Period 4th Period

1:25-2:35 4th Period 4th Period 4th Period
(1:20-2:50) (1:40-2:50)
4th Period
STAT: 25 min STAT: 25 min (2:05-3:15)
2:35-3:15 STAT: 40 min STAT: 40 min STAT: 40 min
(2:50-3:15) (2:50-3:15)

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

A E D H C G B F

B F A E D H C G

C G B F A E D H

D H C G B F A E

57
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

THE

PARENT
ORGANIZATIONS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
58
 PARENT ORGANIZATIONS OVERVIEW Schools, but also through concessions sales and Encore
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

Donations. The PAB partners with the performing arts

PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES faculty and student leadership to identify specific areas
Community, philanthropy, and service are at the heart of of need within the programs and to help bring greater
what it means to be a Saint. Our school is fortunate to have community awareness to the band, chorus, and theater
many parents who devote their time and energy to assist the performances.
school in a variety of programs that would not be possible
without volunteers. Opportunities abound and range from For more information about the Performing Arts Boosters,
working several hours a week to helping with a single event. If their events, and leadership, please visit sssas.org/pab.
you are interested in volunteering you can reach out directly
to any of the organizations or contacts listed below, or email THE SAINTS FUND
Executive Director of Advancement Jennie Wills at jwills@ The Saints Fund provides our school with nearly $2 million
sssas.org. a year in unrestricted funds which allow our faculty and
staff the flexibility to address specific needs and provide
unique opportunities for our students. Thanks to our
THE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS (APT) parent volunteers we are able to reach out to every Saints
The APT is an organization for all parents in the Saints family during our October Parent Participation Challenge
community, new or returning. Our goals are to support (PPC) to ask how the start of their year is going, answer
initiatives of the head of school and division directors, build questions about school life, and talk about the impact their
and sustain a vibrant SSSAS parent and school community, participation has on SSSAS. Volunteer opportunities include
and raise funds to support the school’s mission. All profits grade level PPC chairs to help with parent outreach and
raised by the APT fund the APT Holden Summer Study stewardship, and event partners to help plan our Celebration
Grants for Faculty, student scholarships, and other items that of Parent Philanthropy along with the APT committee. For
directly impact Saints faculty and students. We encourage more information about The Saints Fund and volunteer
you to get involved with the APT through one of the various opportunities, please contact Director of The Saints Fund,
volunteer opportunities, such as the Fall Festival, the Winter Nicole Morrell at nmorrell@sssas.org or visit sssas.org/
Parent Party, or the Spring Festival. If you have just a couple saintsfund.
of hours to spare for one event, or are interested in joining
a committee, the APT welcomes you to get to know other
SSSAS parents and join in our mission.

For more detailed information about the APT and a full

listing of their events, leadership, and event chairs, please
visit sssas.org/apt.

THE SAINTS ATHLETICS CLUB

The purpose of the Saints Athletics Club is to support school
spirit and athletics throughout the St. Stephen’s and St.
Agnes School community. Through membership and event
sponsorship, we’re able to offer financial support for athletics
and physical activity facilities for students ES-12 on all
three campuses. The Saints Athletics Club hosts a number
of school events, including the Saints Invitational Girls
Basketball Tournament, Sleepy Thompson Boys Basketball
Tournament, Holiday Classic Wrestling Tournament,
and Girls Lacrosse Spring Fling Tournament. The Saints
Athletics Club is open to all who wish to become more
involved in athletics.

For more information about the Saints Athletics Club, their

events, leadership, volunteering, and how to become a
member, please visit sssas.org/saintsathleticsclub.

THE PERFORMING ARTS BOOSTERS (PAB)

The Performing Arts Boosters is a parent volunteer
organization that works throughout the year to support
performing arts programs and students across all three
campuses. The PAB raises funds to enhance these programs
primarily through pizza sales at the Middle and Upper

59