The Pike School : Pike Handbook

Rather than the traditional "Frequently Asked Questions" format of Q & A, we offer here a Table of Contents that will link you directly to information about the subjects you wish to explore.

Questions

Absence, Tardiness, and Excuses
Books, Supplies, and Activities
Change of Address/Telephones
Communication Expectations
Communication Timetable
Consulting Psychologist
Contacts at Pike
Development
Discipline
Dress Code
Extended Day Program
Extracurricular Activities
Flex Day Program
Financial Aid Information
Food, Allergies, and Lunch Program
General History Form
Gift-Giving Policy
Health Records and Illness
Learning Services Department
Library
Lower School Reading Specialist
School Closing Announcements
School Hours
School Nurse
Secondary School Advising
Teacher Training Program
Technology and Computer Use
Technology Department
Traffic
Transportation

Answers

Q: Absence, Tardiness, and Excuses

A: Communications
Permission for change in transportation arrangements, dismissal times, etc., requires a telephone call to the Main Office from parents or a note sent directly to the anchor teacher/advisor. A note from home should support excuses from physical education. Medical and/or dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours.

Students needing to use a telephone should see their teacher. No beepers or cell phones are to be used during the school day. Parents may contact the receptionist with messages.

Absence
Excused absence is the unavoidable result of sickness, injury, or compelling family circumstances. Anticipated absences should be reported to the school in advance. All absences must be reported to the school. If Pike is not informed of an absence before 9 a.m. on a school day, a telephone call will be made to the parent. Upon return to school after an absence, a student must bring a note from his/her parents explaining the absence.

Students who are absent from school are responsible for homework assignments. Middle School parents should request homework from a child's anchor teacher. Books and assignments will be placed at the reception desk by dismissal time for parent pick-up. Upper School students should call their classmates for the homework assignments.

The school discourages student absences as a result of family vacation trips. Parents are urged to respect the school calendar, which is published prior to the start of the school year. If, for any reason, parents anticipate an absence, they are required to call the appropriate Division Head as far in advance as possible to discuss the absence. A student may not participate in after school activities, unless he/she has been in school for a majority of the day.

Tardiness
ALL students arriving late or leaving early MUST check in and out at the reception desk in the Main Office.

Q: Books, Supplies, and Activities

A: Parents are billed a flat fee for books, supplies, and activities on the first billing of the year (July 10). This fee includes books (hardbound texts, paperbacks, and workbooks), supplies (assignment book, theme tablet, composition book, journal, etc.), fees (e.g., art, drama and science), and regularly scheduled field trips. Most books and supplies are distributed within the first few days of school with the balance being distributed, as needed, during the school year. Lost books may be replaced by checking with your child’s teacher. Students choosing to utilize previously used books may do so, but should confirm that the book is the same edition as the one being used in the current class. Please be aware that it is not possible to adjust the books and supplies fee if a student chooses to work with previously used texts.

Please note: The Middle School ski program is not included in the standard fee. Sargent Camp (grade 5), Camp Kieve (grade 6), the trip to Washington D.C. (8), and Chewonki (grade 9) are included in the fee for those grades. Refunds cannot be made for trips missed because of absence.

Q: Change of Address/Telephones

A: Parents are requested to report changes of address and telephone numbers to the receptionists in order to facilitate communications and keep all records current.

Q: Communication Expectations

A: Teachers and parents share a common interest in the well-being and growth of the children for whom they care. One of the values in The Pike School mission statement says, “We believe children develop best when there is an active and willing partnership between school and family.” Pike is committed to close communication between home and school. Scheduled opportunities exist for parents to learn about their child’s progress and program. The following lists of contacts, expectations, and scheduled events are intended to create an effective communication system.

Principles of Good Communication

Good communication is direct (to the person involved)
It is fine to disagree, but not to shame, blame or attack
It is important to honor confidentiality
It is helpful to use ”I” statements
It is most effective to talk when both parties have the time to fully discuss the issues at hand. Only scheduled meetings provide the opportunity for such focus.

As a parent at The Pike School, you can expect the following:

Calls or email will be returned within 24 hours from when a Pike teacher or staff member receives the message.
On Back-To-School Nights, all teachers will provide you with the most effective way to contact them.
True emergencies will be dealt with immediately upon notification of the receptionist at the front desk.
The school will contact parents when they see patterns of behavior that are cause for concern.
The school will respect the privacy of all members of the community.
The school wants to be alerted to any concerns a parent may have.

As a parent at The Pike School, you are expected to:

Sign in at the front desk when visiting the school
Respond promptly to calls from school
Schedule teacher meetings and classroom visits in advance to avoid interrupting classes
Refer to the contact list when you have questions
Bring questions or concerns directly to the appropriate person at school
Attend Back-to-School Night and parent conferences

Q: Communication Timetable

A: Pike is committed to close communication between home and school. Scheduled opportunities exist for parents to learn about their child's progress and program.

Reports and conferences focus on the child's social and academic progress (see following schedule). Anchor teachers and advisors contact families whenever there is a significant change in a student's effort or achievement.

Parent Communication Schedule
Pike Previews (weekly)
Head of School and Division Head Letters
The Quill (Twice per year)
Summer Mailing from Head of School and Division Heads

Back-to-School Nights
Each division holds a Back-to-School night in the early fall. This is an opportunity for parents to become acquainted with the academic program and meet the faculty.

Grade Meetings
Lower and Middle School Division Heads convene informal parent meetings to discuss issues of adjustment and transition from grade to grade.

Parent Forums
Throughout the year, faculty and consultants make in-depth presentations on relevant academic topics and social issues, such as reading, mathematics, portfolios and social development.

Lower School Timetable

First 2 weeks:      Anchor teacher contacts parents
September 27:    Back-to-School Night
October 25:          Parent Conference w/ Anchors (letter to follow)
February 22:        Parent Conf. Day w/ Anchor (written comments)
April 18:                Grade 2 Parent Meeting
May 5:                   Grade 1 Parent Meeting
May 2:                   Kindergarten Parent Meeting
May 16:                 Pre-Kindergarten Parent Meeting
June:                     Written year-end reports mailed

Middle School Timetable

First 2 weeks:   Anchor teacher contacts parents
September 14:     Grade 5 Parent Meeting
September 20:     Back-to-School Night
October 12:           Grade 3 Parent Meeting
October 25:           Parent Conference Day with Anchor Teacher
Mid-December:    Term I reports mailed
February 22:         Parent Conference with Anchor Teacher
Mid-March:            Term II reports mailed
May 1:                    Grade 5 Parent Step-up Evening
May 23:                  Grade 4 Portfolios Conferences
May 27:                  Grade 5 Class Supper
May 30:                   Grade 3 Portfolios Conferences
June 5:                   Grade 5 Author's Tea and Portfolios
June:                       Term III reports mailed

Upper School Timetable

First 2 weeks:         Advisor contacts parents – Pike Card Sent
September 26:       Back-to-School Night
October 5:               Grade 8 & 9 Secondary School Parent Meeting
October 26:             Advisor/Parent Conferences
November 20:        Term 1 Ends (Reports to follow)
February 23:           Advisor/Parent Conferences
March 2:                  Term II Ends (Reports to follow)
April 17:                   Grade 7 Secondary School Info Mtg
May 24:                   Grade 7 Meeting About Grade 9 Program
Week of June 18:   Term III Reports and Advisor Letters Mailed

Q: Consulting Psychologist

A: The school works closely with a consulting psychologist. Division Heads and the Head of School will contact the consulting psychologist with any concerns. A parent with concerns about their child should contact the Division Heads to determine the steps to be taken.

Q: Contacts at Pike

A: Contact the Receptionists, Linda Holden (a.m.), lholden

pikeschool.org, or Roz Winne (p.m.), rwinne

pikeschool.org, if:

Your child is absent or tardy (Please call the receptionist before 9:00 AM)

Your child’s drop-off and/or pick-up plans have changed

Contact the Nurse, Jana Stone, x258, jstone

pikeschool.org, if:

You have questions about medical policies, procedures or forms

Contact your Coach if:

You have questions about your child’s progress in that sport

Contact the Athletic Director, Wayne Arsenault, x206, warsenault

pikeschool.org, if:

You have questions about the overall athletic program or philosophy

You have questions about the specific sport or game schedule

Contact the Assistant to the Head of School, Jackie Connor, x 204, jconnor

pikeschool.org, if:

You would like to schedule the use of school facilities

You need to make changes in scheduled Flex arrangements

Contact the Director of the FLEX Program, Susan Schott, x295, sschott

pikeschool.org, if:

You have questions about the Flex program

Contact the Director of Technology, Terry Dash, x294, tdash

pikeschool.org, if:

You have questions about the technology program or policies that are not answered from the technology link on the website

Contact the Director of Learning Services, Denise Elliott, x281, delliott

pikeschool.org, if:

You have questions about the philosophy of the Learning Services program

You have questions about your child’s learning services program

Contact the Anchor Teacher (Lower and Middle School) or Advisor (Upper School) if:

You have questions about your child’s performance in any area (academic, athletic, social, or developmental) or, if you see patterns of behavior that are cause for concern

You have information about your child that will help teachers or coaches work more effectively with your child

Contact the Division Head, Lower School/Debbie Anderson, x221, danderson

pikeschool.org, Middle School/Bo Baird, x280, bbaird

pikeschool.org, and Upper School/Laura Russell, x 230, lrussell

pikeschool.org, if:

You have further questions after talking with the anchor teacher or advisor

You have questions about overall academic philosophy or curriculum of that division

You have questions about academic placement, scheduling or testing

Contact the Business Office, Mark Graziano, x208, mgraziano

pikeschool.org, or Kathy Foderaro, x247, kforderaro

pikeschool.org, if:

You have a question about the financial aspects of your child’s attendance at Pike

Contact the Development Office, Tara McCabe, Director, x203, tmccabe

pikeschool.org, Christen Hazel, x207, chazel

pikeschool.org, or Alison Brandi, x202, abrandi

pikeschool.org, if

You have questions about fundraising programs and special events at Pike

You wish to make a charitable gift to the school

Contact the Head of School, Muddy Waters, x205, mwaters

pikeschool.org, if:

You wish to discuss any issue after the steps outlined above have been followed

You have questions about school-wide policies

Q: Development

A: Fundraising

The Office of Development and Alumni Affairs
The Pike School encourages the solicitation and acceptance of gifts that enable it to fulfill its mission to develop within its community a life-long love of learning, respect for others, the joy of physical activity and a creative spirit. For an institution dedicated to these goals, fundraising is essential to its continued success. All fundraising efforts on behalf of The Pike School are approved by the Office of Development, Alumni Affairs, and Communications including, but not limited to letter, email, and phone solicitations.

The primary objectives of The Pike School Office of Development and Alumni Affairs are:

To ensure a secure financial future for The Pike School by engaging current parents, alumni parents, alumni, grandparents, Trustees, faculty, staff and friends philanthropically to benefit Pike
Provide excellent stewardship of all donations
Maintain and cultivate the sense of community that alumni experienced as students and work to strengthen their affiliation with the school through an active alumni association

Annual Fund Q & A

Q: Why does PIKE need an Annual Fund?
A: The Annual Fund provides 6% of the school's operating budget. PIKE needs the Annual Fund to:

Sustain the growth and improvement of our educational programs
Provide students with the necessary resources to engage in multiple forms of academic exploration
Maintain and improve facilities

Q: Doesn't tuition cover the cost of a student's education?
A: Tuition does not cover all of the annual costs of educating students. The qualities we value most about a PIKE education--dedicated, well-trained faculty; high academic standards; individual attention to student learning; a diverse community, state of the art resources--are all expensive to maintain. PIKE, like all independent schools, relies heavily on tax-deductible contributions every year to close the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of operating the school.

Q: Who is asked to give to the Annual Fund?
A: Each year in the fall we ask the Board of Trustees, current parents, former parents, alumni, the faculty, staff, administration, grandparents and friends to support the Annual Fund.

Q: How much should I give to the Annual Fund?
A: We ask everyone to make a tax-deductible gift to the Annual Fund that best represents their giving ability.

Q: Are these gifts tax deductible?
A: Yes. Gifts to non-profit educational institutions like Pike qualify as charitable contributions and can be fully deducted if you itemize.

Q: Can I pay my pledge with appreciated securities or credit card?
A: You may transfer appreciated securities to Pike or pay with a credit card.

Q: Discipline

A: Effective education requires a safe and orderly environment for learning. The Pike School believes that all members of its community must behave in a way that creates such an environment. The general principles of honesty, respect for others, and support of the rules of the community are the foundation of the school's expectations for students. These concepts are discussed with students as part of the curriculum within advisor and anchor groups to make the school's expectations as clear as possible and to encourage children to be the "responsible citizens" envisioned by the school's mission statement.

Violations of the school's rules are dealt with on an individual basis according to the specifics of the infraction. Faculty is encouraged to resolve minor offenses immediately in a manner they deem appropriate. For continued minor offenses or more serious offenses, teachers work with the appropriate Division Head to plan a course of action. Discipline may take the form of detention, student/teacher conferences, parent/student/teacher conferences, or conferences with the appropriate Division Head or Head of School.

Serious offenses that include (but are not limited to) cheating and plagiarism, physical violence, harassment, possession or use of drugs (including alcohol and tobacco), theft, vandalism, misuse of the Internet, stealing etc., can result in an in-school, all-day detention, suspension, probation or dismissal. In these instances, the parents and child are required to meet with the Division Head and Head of School. At that meeting, the incident will be reviewed and the disciplinary response explained.

Detention: Upper School students who commit minor deportment violations are subject to a detention. Detentions are served as soon as possible after the incident from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and take precedence over any other school activity. Families will be contacted.

In-School All-Day Detention: Upper School students who commit serious offenses may receive an all-day detention. This action results in a student being isolated on campus for one day to write a detailed explanation of the incident and to answer in writing other questions related to his/her behavior at school. Also, students will be required to do pertinent academic work, including taking any quizzes or tests assigned for that day. They will not participate in after school Pike activities. Depending on the circumstances, a student could be placed on probation for a period of time.

Out-Of-School Suspension: This action results in a student being barred from the campus and all school events for a specific amount of time. The family is responsible for carrying out the plan prescribed by the school to meet academic, social, and emotional responsibilities. It is the policy of the school that the burden of the suspension falls on the student for doing all required work in a timely and complete manner. Any students in this category will be placed on probation for at least the remainder of the academic year and possibly the following academic year, as well.

Probation: While on probation, any further violations of school rules will result in suspension or dismissal.

Dismissal: A student will be dismissed for a major violation of school rules or when he/she represents a threat to the safe and orderly environment for learning. The school will work with the family to facilitate a change to a different school.

Dismissal is the only disciplinary action noted on a child's formal transcript. The school is obligated to note suspensions or dismissals only when specifically asked about such issues by secondary schools as a part of the application process. It is the expectation of secondary schools, after a child is admitted in the spring, that the family be responsible for reporting to that school any significant discipline situations that occur after acceptance.

The ultimate responsibility for the safe and orderly environment of the school rests with the Head of School. Any questions about serious incidents or the school's disciplinary response to those incidents should be directed to the Head of School.

Q: Dress Code

A: The purpose of the The Pike School student dress code is to identify simple, neat and equitable standards of personal appearance that reflect the school’s high standards and positive attitude toward learning.

It is expected that all Pike students follow the dress code that applies to all students and and to the dress code specific to their division. The dress code in Lower School is informal. Students in Middle School have a stricter dress code and students in Upper School have the most formal dress code. All Divisions have occasional dress down days. On these days, the “dress down day guidelines” apply.

Students and families are asked to comply with the spirit of the dress code, rather than find ways to challenge it.

All faculty in the community are committed to explaining and enforcing the school’s expectations for appropriate dress. Teachers will review the dress code in anchor and advisor groups.

A student who is deemed to be in violation of the dress code will be issued a warning and be required to comply with the dress code. Parents will be notified of violations of the dress code.

This is a dress code for students; faculty and staff dress appropriately for their professional job descriptions.

Rules for All Students in All Divisions

(Please see Lower, Middle and Upper School sections for additional requirements.)

Prohibited for all students:

Hats in buildings
Excessive jewelry including but not limited to heavy chains/choke collars
Jewelry associated with body piercing
Outside coats in classrooms
Untied shoelaces
Open-backed footwear
Ripped clothing
Revealing clothing
Clothing with inappropriate messages and pictures

Permitted for all students:

Hats outside
Ear piercing
Clean supportive shoes
Clean supportive sneakers
Sandals with backs (April 15 – October 15 only)
Shorts (April 15 – October 15 only)

Rules for Lower School Students

(in addition to the dress code for all divisions)

Prohibited for Lower School students:

Any type of blue denim clothing* worn indoors

* Sweatshirts and Jean jackets may be worn outside.

Permitted for Lower School students:

All Athletic Clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, gym shorts, team jersey, etc)
Any type of indoor clothing
Pike School T-shirts
Additional Requirements for Lower School students: hats, mittens, coat or jacket, snow pants, and boots (all with child(ren)’s name written in them) must be worn at recess in winter.

Rules for Middle School Students

(in addition to the dress code for all divisions)

Prohibited for Middle School students:

All Athletic Clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts*, gym shorts, team jersey, etc)
Any type of indoor clothing with large/bold writing (except Pike T-shirts)
Any type of indoor clothing with logos/insignias larger than approximately 1 inch in size
Any type of blue denim clothing* worn indoors

* Sweatshirts and Jean jackets may be worn outside.

Permitted for Middle School students:

T-shirts and collared shirts with no insignias or insignias approximately 1 inch in size (similar to the size of the Izod crocodile)
Pike T-shirts
Additional Requirement for middle school students: skirt/dress and shorts length must be no more than 3 inches above the knee; shirts worn underneath sweaters and fleece must conform to the dress code.

Rules for Upper School Students

(in addition to the dress code for all divisions)

Prohibited for Upper School students:

All Athletic Clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, gym shorts, team jersey, etc)
Any type of indoor clothing with large/bold writing including Pike T-shirts
Any type of indoor clothing with logos/insignias larger than approximately 1 inch in size
Any type and any color of denim clothing (including indoor and outerwear)
Baggy clothing (Pants should be proper length and size.)
Platform shoes
Shoes with heels greater than 2”
Sleeveless shirts

Permitted for Upper School Boys:

Shirts:

Collared shirts/turtlenecks with no logos or logos approximately 1 inch in size (similar to the size of the Izod crocodile)
Collared shirts/turtlenecks with no insignias or insignias approximately 1 inch in size (similar to the size of the Izod crocodile)
Shirts with tails (dress shirts) must be tucked in.
Shirts worn underneath sweaters and fleece must conform to the dress code.

Pants:

Khaki or Colored Chinos
Corduroys
Dress Pants
Cargo Pants
Pants should be proper size and length.
Shorts (April 15 to October 15 only)

Permitted for Upper School girls:

Shirts:

Shirts
Blouses
Jerseys
Sweaters
Shirts with tails (dress shirts) must be tucked in.
Shirts worn underneath sweaters and fleece must conform to the dress code.
Shoulders must be covered
Midriffs must be covered

Pants/Etc:

Skirts
Dresses
Shorts (April 15 to October 15 only)
Pants/Dress slacks
Pants should be proper size and length
Skirt/dress/short length must be no more than 3 inches above the knee.

Dress Down Day Guidelines for All Students in All Divisions:

On dress down days, students in all divisions may wear denim clothing, athletic clothing and t-shirts with large/bold writing, if they so choose. All other dress code standards apply.

Q: Extended Day Program

A: For the convenience of parents, Pike has an extended day program daily for Pre-Kindergarten and on Tuesday and Thursday for Kindergarten students. The program begins at 11:45 a.m. and runs until 3:10 p.m. On Wednesday, it ends at 2:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. Extended Day contracts are available from the receptionists. Single-day, "drop-in" registration is available with 24-hours notice by calling Jackie Connor at ext. 204. Parents will be billed for this service.

Q: Extracurricular Activities

A: Middle School

Grade 5 Improv
Ski Program
Service Club

Upper School

Clubs: Chess, Math, Service Speech, Verbatim (Literary Magazine), Model U.N., Special Chorus
Sports: Basketball, baseball, cross country, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and track

Q: Flex Day Program

A: The Flex Day Program offers an extension of the regular school day (or an extension of the Extended Day program for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students). Running from 3:10-6:00 p.m., except on Wednesday when it runs from 2:00-6:00 p.m., the Flex Day program offers relaxing, loosely-structured group and individual activities for Lower and Middle School students. Middle and Upper School students may participate in the Flex Day Study Hall from the close of school until 6:00 p.m. This program provides a quiet study but allows students some "down time" to participate in other supervised recreational activities. Flex Day is also available on most early dismissal and faculty professional days. Flex Day contracts are available from the receptionists. Students may be registered for one to five days on a yearlong basis. If you have questions regarding the contract, please call Kathy Foderaro at ext. 247.

Single day “drop-in” is available if spaces are available, BUT only by calling extension 204 to make a reservation. This reservation must be made 24 hours in advance.

All students who remain at school after normal dismissal hours must be enrolled in sports, the Flex Day Program, or other supervised offerings.

Q: Financial Aid Information

A: Each year the trustees designate an amount of financial aid to be awarded on the basis of need. Families apply for financial aid through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid in Princeton, New Jersey, and submit a copy of their completed Federal Income Tax Form 1040 to The Pike School. The Financial Aid Committee works to equitably distribute the awards based on a family’s need. Families must apply each year for aid. Forms may be obtained from The Pike School Financial Aid Office. The deadline for financial aid application is February 1, 2008.

Q: Food, Allergies, and Lunch Program

A: The school provides mid-morning snacks for all children. Upper School students may also purchase frozen yogurt. Upper School snacks must be consumed in the dining room.

A well-balanced lunch and salad bar are provided for the students who stay past 11:45 a.m.

All students are expected to participate in the school lunch program unless there is a medical or religious reason for non-participation. A letter stating the medical or religious reasons must be on file with the school nurse each year. Except for approved special occasions, students may not bring candy, gum or soda to school or on field trips.

Food Allergies
Nut allergies pose a very serious risk to students in our community and there are students allergic to other food items as well. In an effort to provide a safe environment for our students, all parents/families and students are asked to refrain from bringing in any food containing peanut/nut products and oils. This is especially critical when preparing food from home for classroom parties, social events, or after-school snacks. Cross-contamination from food preparation must be avoided at all times. If cutting boards, utensils, or pots and pans are only wiped clean when using peanut/nut products, there can be enough trace amounts of food left on them to cause an allergic reaction. Please see Pike's Food Allergy Policy and check the list of Allergies by Classroom in the Health Information section of For Pike Parents about additional foods to refrain from using.

When purchasing foods, keep in mind that products are often manufactured using the same equipment as products that contain peanuts or a variety of nuts. Please read the labels carefully before sending any manufactured food to the school. Peanuts and peanut butter have been used to thicken chili sauce, brown gravy, and spaghetti sauce. They have also been used as “glue” for egg rolls, in hot cocoa, and as flavorings in candy and gourmet popcorn.

Peanut butter sandwiches will continue to be offered in the dining room and peanut-free tables will be available for our students. All snacks provided by the school will not contain nut or peanut ingredients.

Q: General History Form

A: General History Forms are mailed to families during the summer. A completed form is required annually for every student and must be returned before the opening of school. This information is kept on file, used in the event of an emergency, and provides accurate and up-to-date information for the Parents Directory.

Q: Gift-Giving Policy

A: Over the years, we have heard that some families were looking for guidelines about gift giving. We understand that each family may have its own feelings about giving gifts, and in a school as diverse as ours, we thought it would be helpful to present some suggestions. We offer them respectfully with the hope that they are helpful to you.

The most important fact is that gifts at any time of year are not an expectation of the faculty or staff. We understand that some families may have the desire to give a gift at a time of year that is significant to them, while other families, for all kinds of good reasons, choose not to do so. We want to repeat that no family at Pike should ever feel that gift giving is required.

If a family chooses to show their thanks to a particular teacher or other staff member, we want you to know that personal notes are highly valued. Another possibility could be a donation to a favorite charity in honor of that person. If a family chooses to give a gift, we strongly suggest that its financial worth be modest. We believe it is the act of showing gratitude that is of value rather than the value of the gift itself.

You should know that faculty make it a point to avoid opening gifts in front of their classes. Space will be designated to allow students to leave gifts in less public ways. We want to be sure that no child feels any pressure to give a gift or to worry that their gift might not be as nice as another.

The faculty and staff of Pike want all families to know how much they appreciate the innumerable ways that the Pike community supports them in their work with children.

Questions about this policy should be directed to the Head of School or the President of the Parents Association.

Q: Health Records and Illness

A: The “Massachusetts School Health Record Form”, or a form provided by your physician, must be on file before the opening of school. This applies to all new students and current Pike students in Kindergarten, Grades 4 and 7, and all students participating in interscholastic sports. No student will be permitted to participate on a sports team without clearance from his or her physician. Should this form expire prior to the start of spring sports, a new form will be required. The physical examination must be preformed in the current calendar year and a physician must sign the form.

Pike’s “Emergency Medical Information Form” is an annual requirement for all students. Parents should report their child’s particular physical and/or emotional problems to the school nurse and appropriate Division Head. Such confidential information is helpful in handling a medical situation should the need arise. Parents are notified when additional medical attention is required. If parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact person or family doctor indicated on the Emergency Medical Information Form will be contacted. Emergency situations are referred to Lawrence General Hospital.

Medications
The school will not administer medicine (both prescription and over-the-counter) without authorization from physician and parent. Authorization for over-the-counter medications would be beneficial for those students who frequently have headaches or adolescent girls who may require occasional pain relievers. All medications must be delivered to the nurse’s office by a parent or guardian. Medication must be in a container labeled by the pharmacist or in it’s original container. The school nurse will administer all medications. Per Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, medications cannot be dispensed from the nurse’s office for field trips. Parents must make arrangements with your child’s teacher.

Health Exams
Pike does not conduct the health exams that the state requires for all public school students. Pike thereby recommends that parents consult with their health care provider, the local school committee, or the local board of health to ensure these exams are carried out for their children.

Many of the faculty and staff are CPR/first aid certified. Basic first aid (band aids, antiseptic, ice, etc.) is provided for minor problems occurring during the school day.

Privacy of Health Information
The infirmary, school psychologist and coaches maintain the personal health information of students. This information is shared on a need-to-know basis among the staff at The Pike School and with outside medical service providers. While The Pike School is not a covered entity under HIPPA, it makes every reasonable effort to maintain the privacy of the personal health information of its students. If you have questions or concerns about this issue, please contact the school nurse at extension 258.

Q: Learning Services Department

A: The Director of Learning Services works with Division Heads and Learning Specialists in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools to provide support services for small groups and individual students. The Director also oversees programming for children receiving learning services at Pike.

All members of the Learning Services Department work collaboratively with classroom teachers to address individual learning styles by designing and implementing instructional strategies that are appropriate to the school's mission of "preparing students to be independent learners." They serve as a liaison between the school, families and outside evaluators.

Q: Library

A: The Pike School Library supports the school's mission to develop students' love of learning, while also upholding principles central to all libraries. The library provides physical and online access to resources that support the curriculum at all grade levels and in a variety of formats. The library also celebrates reading for pleasure and fosters an appreciation for a wide range of literary genres.

Pike's two full-time librarians work with all faculty to support and enhance students' learning. They provide a wide range of print and electronic resources to all students and collaborate with teachers to design and provide instruction in essential information literacy skills such as the research process and evaluating web sites. The librarians also serve as a resource for students, teachers, and parents in the area of literature selection.

The library is open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. daily, and until 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Students visit the library individually, in small groups, or with their class for research, reading, study, or work in the library computer lab. Lower and Middle School classes have an assigned class in the library during the week when they choose books and enjoy a story or receive instruction. Upper School classes visit the library in conjunction with research or literature enrichment projects. All students are responsible for library materials and will be billed or asked to replace lost or damaged items.

The Book Fair provides an opportunity for the entire Pike community to celebrate reading. The librarians and a parent volunteer group coordinate this annual fundraising event for the library.

The Birthday Book Program was created to enhance Pike's library while giving students an opportunity to give a lasting gift to The Pike School. On his or her birthday, a student may donate a book to the library. A bookplate with the student's name and birthday will be placed in the book. All students are encouraged to participate, and anyone interested may check with the librarians to receive a recommendation.

Q: Lower School Reading Specialist

A: The Lower School Reading Specialist works with all children in the Lower School on their journey of learning to read and reading to learn. The specialist teaches concepts about print, phonemic awareness, reading skills and strategies, and language arts enrichment to individuals, small groups, and whole classes. She also serves as a resource for teachers. Creative expression through children’s literature, drama, puppetry, and poetry, is incorporated into the lessons.

Q: School Closing Announcements

A: School may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Beginning around 6:00 a.m., announcements are made on the radio and TV stations listed below. A school-closing announcement will also be on the school automated phone system (978-475-1197) and on the home page of the school's Web site by 6:00 a.m. Please remember that The Pike School operates independently of the public school system. There will be school at Pike unless the school’s name is mentioned specifically in the NO SCHOOL announcements.

Fox 25 TV
WCVB - TV Channel 5
WBZ – TV Channel 4 and 1030 AM Radio
WHDH - TV Channel 7
WRKO - 680 AM Radio

Q: School Hours

A: Office Hours:
8 a.m.-6 p.m.   School Year
9 a.m.-3 p.m.   July and August

School Hours:
8:00 a.m.   Buildings Open

Pre-Kindergarten:
8:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.   Monday through Friday

Kindergarten:
8:15 a.m.-3:10 p.m.   Monday and Friday
8:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m.   Wednesday
8:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.   Tuesday and Thursday

Grades 1 – 2:
8:15 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Wednesday

Grades 3 – 9:
8:15 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:15 a.m.-2:10 p.m. Wednesday

Upper School Sports Practice:
3:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m.    Monday, Tuesday, Friday
2:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m.    Wednesday
No Practice                  Thursday

Pike provides morning supervision of students on campus in the Dining Room. AFTER 7:30 a.m.

Students may not remain on campus unsupervised after 3:45 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). All students who remain at school after normal dismissal hours must be enrolled in either sports or Flex Day.

Student activities, such as athletic competitions or play rehearsals, are scheduled after school and are supervised by faculty. Lower and Middle School students are permitted to watch athletic events, if parental supervision is provided. The school cannot be responsible for students using school grounds and facilities before or after school hours without permission of the Head of School. Lower and Middle School students who are not picked up by 3:45 will be taken to the Flex Day program and families will be charged the full Flex Day fee.

For the safety of our students, all parents and visitors are required to sign in at the reception desk in the main office and pick up an identification badge to wear during their visit.

Q: School Nurse

A: The School Nurse is on duty each day during school hours. She is responsible for the treatment of any health problems, the dispensation of prescription and over-the-counter medications, communication with parents and maintenance of required health records. Health-related questions should be addressed to her office in the infirmary (ext. 258) located in the administration building.

Q: Secondary School Advising

A: Families receive assistance in identifying and selecting the appropriate secondary schools from the Secondary School Advising Team starting with an introductory parent meeting in the Spring of the seventh grade year. Parents considering independent secondary schools for their children are encouraged to visit the schools during the fall of their child’s eighth or ninth grade years. These visits are considered excused absences from the school. Applications are usually made by January 15. During the eighth and ninth grade school year, assigned secondary school advisors meet with advisees to inform and support their application process. The Secondary School Advising Team also works with the Upper School faculty to send complete and candid evaluations of the students to the secondary schools.

Annually in September, Pike hosts a secondary school fair, where admissions representatives from day and boarding schools are available to discuss their programs. This event is open to the public. In October, a panel of local secondary school admission officers meets with eighth and ninth grade Pike families to share perspectives upon types of schools, choosing a matching school, and the admission process.

Q: Teacher Training Program

A: In collaboration with Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, The Pike School offers a teacher training program, known as the Intern Program. Interns are assigned to work with two directing teachers, one for each half of the school year. In addition to taking classes at Lesley University, half of their coursework is taken on Pike’s campus and taught by Pike faculty. The interns receive a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Massachusetts State Initial Licensure. They are prepared for teaching positions in both public and independent school settings.

Q: Technology and Computer Use

A: All students at Pike will become lifelong learners and competent users of technology and its resources. Beginning in Pre-K and continuing through Grade 9, students will develop technology skills, including keyboarding skills (Grades 3-5) through exposure and experience in the classroom.

Technology is used at all levels of the school and is available for use in every classroom. There is a computer lab in the library and one in the Upper School; four mobile wireless laptop carts; and desktop computers in classrooms for Grades Pre-K through Grade 2 and in Upper School Science. A wide variety of technology resources, such as digital cameras, SMART Boards and LCD projectors are available to both teachers and students.

There is no need for students to bring personal laptops to school as Pike provides adequate computing facilities for its students with labs, classroom workstations and wireless laptops. On a case-by-case basis, the school may recommend that a student be allowed to use personal electronic aids for his/her support in the classroom. The school will not be held liable for any loss/damage to these personal laptops/electronic devices. Please read more on the technology section of this Web site.

All school computers provide access to local, national and international sources of information via the Internet. Users are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in alignment with Pike’s mission and values. All Upper School students, along with their parents are asked to read, discuss and sign the School’s “Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)” to indicate their full cooperation.

Q: Technology Department

A: Technology continues to play an integral role in the school community. The Technology Department is responsible for the daily maintenance of the network, systems and software. The Department also provides support to the faculty and works closely with them to integrate technology into the different curriculum areas. The Technology Director provides the direction for the school and implements the school’s technology plan.

Q: Traffic

A: More than one hundred cars drop off and pick up students each day. The traffic flow may include commercial vehicles. The school’s access road must be kept clear at all times for the movement of emergency equipment if necessary. All traffic must proceed in by the Sunset Rock Road entrance and exit by Hidden Road. Traffic is always limited to one-way exiting to Hidden Road only. With everyone's cooperation, dismissal will be smooth and safe.

Children should be dropped off and picked up ONLY at designated areas. Students should NOT walk down the line of waiting cars. Parents must NOT pick up their children off campus in the immediate residential areas. Parents are further reminded to respect the areas designated as faculty parking, handicapped parking, loading zones, visitor parking, admission parking and bus parking.

For the safety of the children, please refrain from the use of cell phones during dismissal.

At dismissal time, the roads and walks of the school are filled with children. Sunset Rock Road and Hidden Road carry heavy traffic to and from the school. To be courteous to our neighbors, to area residents, other motorists, and, above all, for the safety of the children, it is necessary that everyone comply fully with traffic regulations and exercise particular caution and alertness when driving in the school area.

Q: Transportation

A: The majority of Pike students are transported each day through cooperative carpools among families. Lists of students by communities are available from the Main Office upon request.

The Town of Andover provides bus transportation for Andover residents. Pike provides the town with a list of Pike’s Andover residents from which the town develops bus routes. There is a transportation user fee for students in grades 7–12. Questions should be addressed to the Town of Andover’s Transportation Coordinator, Mim McLaughlin, at (978) 623-8510.

	Pike at a Glance PIKE HANDBOOK	Login Directions Contact Us Site Map
Overview From the Head of School Mission & Values Quick Facts History Pike Handbook Leadership Board of Trustees Faculty & Staff Directory Faculty & Staff Profiles Diversity Initiative FLEX/Extended Day Programs	Rather than the traditional "Frequently Asked Questions" format of Q & A, we offer here a Table of Contents that will link you directly to information about the subjects you wish to explore. Questions Absence, Tardiness, and Excuses Books, Supplies, and Activities Change of Address/Telephones Communication Expectations Communication Timetable Consulting Psychologist Contacts at Pike Development Discipline Dress Code Extended Day Program Extracurricular Activities Flex Day Program Financial Aid Information Food, Allergies, and Lunch Program General History Form Gift-Giving Policy Health Records and Illness Learning Services Department Library Lower School Reading Specialist School Closing Announcements School Hours School Nurse Secondary School Advising Teacher Training Program Technology and Computer Use Technology Department Traffic Transportation Answers Q: Absence, Tardiness, and Excuses A: Communications Permission for change in transportation arrangements, dismissal times, etc., requires a telephone call to the Main Office from parents or a note sent directly to the anchor teacher/advisor. A note from home should support excuses from physical education. Medical and/or dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours. Students needing to use a telephone should see their teacher. No beepers or cell phones are to be used during the school day. Parents may contact the receptionist with messages. Absence Excused absence is the unavoidable result of sickness, injury, or compelling family circumstances. Anticipated absences should be reported to the school in advance. All absences must be reported to the school. If Pike is not informed of an absence before 9 a.m. on a school day, a telephone call will be made to the parent. Upon return to school after an absence, a student must bring a note from his/her parents explaining the absence. Students who are absent from school are responsible for homework assignments. Middle School parents should request homework from a child's anchor teacher. Books and assignments will be placed at the reception desk by dismissal time for parent pick-up. Upper School students should call their classmates for the homework assignments. The school discourages student absences as a result of family vacation trips. Parents are urged to respect the school calendar, which is published prior to the start of the school year. If, for any reason, parents anticipate an absence, they are required to call the appropriate Division Head as far in advance as possible to discuss the absence. A student may not participate in after school activities, unless he/she has been in school for a majority of the day. Tardiness ALL students arriving late or leaving early MUST check in and out at the reception desk in the Main Office. Back to Top Q: Books, Supplies, and Activities A: Parents are billed a flat fee for books, supplies, and activities on the first billing of the year (July 10). This fee includes books (hardbound texts, paperbacks, and workbooks), supplies (assignment book, theme tablet, composition book, journal, etc.), fees (e.g., art, drama and science), and regularly scheduled field trips. Most books and supplies are distributed within the first few days of school with the balance being distributed, as needed, during the school year. Lost books may be replaced by checking with your child’s teacher. Students choosing to utilize previously used books may do so, but should confirm that the book is the same edition as the one being used in the current class. Please be aware that it is not possible to adjust the books and supplies fee if a student chooses to work with previously used texts. Please note: The Middle School ski program is not included in the standard fee. Sargent Camp (grade 5), Camp Kieve (grade 6), the trip to Washington D.C. (8), and Chewonki (grade 9) are included in the fee for those grades. Refunds cannot be made for trips missed because of absence. Back to Top Q: Change of Address/Telephones A: Parents are requested to report changes of address and telephone numbers to the receptionists in order to facilitate communications and keep all records current. Back to Top Q: Communication Expectations A: Teachers and parents share a common interest in the well-being and growth of the children for whom they care. One of the values in The Pike School mission statement says, “We believe children develop best when there is an active and willing partnership between school and family.” Pike is committed to close communication between home and school. Scheduled opportunities exist for parents to learn about their child’s progress and program. The following lists of contacts, expectations, and scheduled events are intended to create an effective communication system. Principles of Good Communication Good communication is direct (to the person involved) It is fine to disagree, but not to shame, blame or attack It is important to honor confidentiality It is helpful to use ”I” statements It is most effective to talk when both parties have the time to fully discuss the issues at hand. Only scheduled meetings provide the opportunity for such focus. As a parent at The Pike School, you can expect the following: Calls or email will be returned within 24 hours from when a Pike teacher or staff member receives the message. On Back-To-School Nights, all teachers will provide you with the most effective way to contact them. True emergencies will be dealt with immediately upon notification of the receptionist at the front desk. The school will contact parents when they see patterns of behavior that are cause for concern. The school will respect the privacy of all members of the community. The school wants to be alerted to any concerns a parent may have. As a parent at The Pike School, you are expected to: Sign in at the front desk when visiting the school Respond promptly to calls from school Schedule teacher meetings and classroom visits in advance to avoid interrupting classes Refer to the contact list when you have questions Bring questions or concerns directly to the appropriate person at school Attend Back-to-School Night and parent conferences Back to Top Q: Communication Timetable A: Pike is committed to close communication between home and school. Scheduled opportunities exist for parents to learn about their child's progress and program. Reports and conferences focus on the child's social and academic progress (see following schedule). Anchor teachers and advisors contact families whenever there is a significant change in a student's effort or achievement. Parent Communication Schedule Pike Previews (weekly) Head of School and Division Head Letters The Quill (Twice per year) Summer Mailing from Head of School and Division Heads Back-to-School Nights Each division holds a Back-to-School night in the early fall. This is an opportunity for parents to become acquainted with the academic program and meet the faculty. Grade Meetings Lower and Middle School Division Heads convene informal parent meetings to discuss issues of adjustment and transition from grade to grade. Parent Forums Throughout the year, faculty and consultants make in-depth presentations on relevant academic topics and social issues, such as reading, mathematics, portfolios and social development. Lower School Timetable First 2 weeks: Anchor teacher contacts parents September 27: Back-to-School Night October 25: Parent Conference w/ Anchors (letter to follow) February 22: Parent Conf. Day w/ Anchor (written comments) April 18: Grade 2 Parent Meeting May 5: Grade 1 Parent Meeting May 2: Kindergarten Parent Meeting May 16: Pre-Kindergarten Parent Meeting June: Written year-end reports mailed Middle School Timetable First 2 weeks: Anchor teacher contacts parents September 14: Grade 5 Parent Meeting September 20: Back-to-School Night October 12: Grade 3 Parent Meeting October 25: Parent Conference Day with Anchor Teacher Mid-December: Term I reports mailed February 22: Parent Conference with Anchor Teacher Mid-March: Term II reports mailed May 1: Grade 5 Parent Step-up Evening May 23: Grade 4 Portfolios Conferences May 27: Grade 5 Class Supper May 30: Grade 3 Portfolios Conferences June 5: Grade 5 Author's Tea and Portfolios June: Term III reports mailed Upper School Timetable First 2 weeks: Advisor contacts parents – Pike Card Sent September 26: Back-to-School Night October 5: Grade 8 & 9 Secondary School Parent Meeting October 26: Advisor/Parent Conferences November 20: Term 1 Ends (Reports to follow) February 23: Advisor/Parent Conferences March 2: Term II Ends (Reports to follow) April 17: Grade 7 Secondary School Info Mtg May 24: Grade 7 Meeting About Grade 9 Program Week of June 18: Term III Reports and Advisor Letters Mailed Back to Top Q: Consulting Psychologist A: The school works closely with a consulting psychologist. Division Heads and the Head of School will contact the consulting psychologist with any concerns. A parent with concerns about their child should contact the Division Heads to determine the steps to be taken. Back to Top Q: Contacts at Pike A: Contact the Receptionists, Linda Holden (a.m.), lholdenpikeschool.org, or Roz Winne (p.m.), rwinnepikeschool.org, if: Your child is absent or tardy (Please call the receptionist before 9:00 AM) Your child’s drop-off and/or pick-up plans have changed Contact the Nurse, Jana Stone, x258, jstonepikeschool.org, if: You have questions about medical policies, procedures or forms Contact your Coach if: You have questions about your child’s progress in that sport Contact the Athletic Director, Wayne Arsenault, x206, warsenaultpikeschool.org, if: You have questions about the overall athletic program or philosophy You have questions about the specific sport or game schedule Contact the Assistant to the Head of School, Jackie Connor, x 204, jconnorpikeschool.org, if: You would like to schedule the use of school facilities You need to make changes in scheduled Flex arrangements Contact the Director of the FLEX Program, Susan Schott, x295, sschottpikeschool.org, if: You have questions about the Flex program Contact the Director of Technology, Terry Dash, x294, tdashpikeschool.org, if: You have questions about the technology program or policies that are not answered from the technology link on the website Contact the Director of Learning Services, Denise Elliott, x281, delliottpikeschool.org, if: You have questions about the philosophy of the Learning Services program You have questions about your child’s learning services program Contact the Anchor Teacher (Lower and Middle School) or Advisor (Upper School) if: You have questions about your child’s performance in any area (academic, athletic, social, or developmental) or, if you see patterns of behavior that are cause for concern You have information about your child that will help teachers or coaches work more effectively with your child Contact the Division Head, Lower School/Debbie Anderson, x221, danderson pikeschool.org, Middle School/Bo Baird, x280, bbairdpikeschool.org, and Upper School/Laura Russell, x 230, lrussellpikeschool.org, if: You have further questions after talking with the anchor teacher or advisor You have questions about overall academic philosophy or curriculum of that division You have questions about academic placement, scheduling or testing Contact the Business Office, Mark Graziano, x208, mgrazianopikeschool.org, or Kathy Foderaro, x247, kforderaropikeschool.org, if: You have a question about the financial aspects of your child’s attendance at Pike Contact the Development Office, Tara McCabe, Director, x203, tmccabepikeschool.org, Christen Hazel, x207, chazelpikeschool.org, or Alison Brandi, x202, abrandipikeschool.org, if You have questions about fundraising programs and special events at Pike You wish to make a charitable gift to the school Contact the Head of School, Muddy Waters, x205, mwaterspikeschool.org, if: You wish to discuss any issue after the steps outlined above have been followed You have questions about school-wide policies Back to Top Q: Development A: Fundraising The Office of Development and Alumni Affairs The Pike School encourages the solicitation and acceptance of gifts that enable it to fulfill its mission to develop within its community a life-long love of learning, respect for others, the joy of physical activity and a creative spirit. For an institution dedicated to these goals, fundraising is essential to its continued success. All fundraising efforts on behalf of The Pike School are approved by the Office of Development, Alumni Affairs, and Communications including, but not limited to letter, email, and phone solicitations. The primary objectives of The Pike School Office of Development and Alumni Affairs are: To ensure a secure financial future for The Pike School by engaging current parents, alumni parents, alumni, grandparents, Trustees, faculty, staff and friends philanthropically to benefit Pike Provide excellent stewardship of all donations Maintain and cultivate the sense of community that alumni experienced as students and work to strengthen their affiliation with the school through an active alumni association Annual Fund Q & A Q: Why does PIKE need an Annual Fund? A: The Annual Fund provides 6% of the school's operating budget. PIKE needs the Annual Fund to: Sustain the growth and improvement of our educational programs Provide students with the necessary resources to engage in multiple forms of academic exploration Maintain and improve facilities Q: Doesn't tuition cover the cost of a student's education? A: Tuition does not cover all of the annual costs of educating students. The qualities we value most about a PIKE education--dedicated, well-trained faculty; high academic standards; individual attention to student learning; a diverse community, state of the art resources--are all expensive to maintain. PIKE, like all independent schools, relies heavily on tax-deductible contributions every year to close the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of operating the school. Q: Who is asked to give to the Annual Fund? A: Each year in the fall we ask the Board of Trustees, current parents, former parents, alumni, the faculty, staff, administration, grandparents and friends to support the Annual Fund. Q: How much should I give to the Annual Fund? A: We ask everyone to make a tax-deductible gift to the Annual Fund that best represents their giving ability. Q: Are these gifts tax deductible? A: Yes. Gifts to non-profit educational institutions like Pike qualify as charitable contributions and can be fully deducted if you itemize. Q: Can I pay my pledge with appreciated securities or credit card? A: You may transfer appreciated securities to Pike or pay with a credit card. Back to Top Q: Discipline A: Effective education requires a safe and orderly environment for learning. The Pike School believes that all members of its community must behave in a way that creates such an environment. The general principles of honesty, respect for others, and support of the rules of the community are the foundation of the school's expectations for students. These concepts are discussed with students as part of the curriculum within advisor and anchor groups to make the school's expectations as clear as possible and to encourage children to be the "responsible citizens" envisioned by the school's mission statement. Violations of the school's rules are dealt with on an individual basis according to the specifics of the infraction. Faculty is encouraged to resolve minor offenses immediately in a manner they deem appropriate. For continued minor offenses or more serious offenses, teachers work with the appropriate Division Head to plan a course of action. Discipline may take the form of detention, student/teacher conferences, parent/student/teacher conferences, or conferences with the appropriate Division Head or Head of School. Serious offenses that include (but are not limited to) cheating and plagiarism, physical violence, harassment, possession or use of drugs (including alcohol and tobacco), theft, vandalism, misuse of the Internet, stealing etc., can result in an in-school, all-day detention, suspension, probation or dismissal. In these instances, the parents and child are required to meet with the Division Head and Head of School. At that meeting, the incident will be reviewed and the disciplinary response explained. Detention: Upper School students who commit minor deportment violations are subject to a detention. Detentions are served as soon as possible after the incident from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and take precedence over any other school activity. Families will be contacted. In-School All-Day Detention: Upper School students who commit serious offenses may receive an all-day detention. This action results in a student being isolated on campus for one day to write a detailed explanation of the incident and to answer in writing other questions related to his/her behavior at school. Also, students will be required to do pertinent academic work, including taking any quizzes or tests assigned for that day. They will not participate in after school Pike activities. Depending on the circumstances, a student could be placed on probation for a period of time. Out-Of-School Suspension: This action results in a student being barred from the campus and all school events for a specific amount of time. The family is responsible for carrying out the plan prescribed by the school to meet academic, social, and emotional responsibilities. It is the policy of the school that the burden of the suspension falls on the student for doing all required work in a timely and complete manner. Any students in this category will be placed on probation for at least the remainder of the academic year and possibly the following academic year, as well. Probation: While on probation, any further violations of school rules will result in suspension or dismissal. Dismissal: A student will be dismissed for a major violation of school rules or when he/she represents a threat to the safe and orderly environment for learning. The school will work with the family to facilitate a change to a different school. Dismissal is the only disciplinary action noted on a child's formal transcript. The school is obligated to note suspensions or dismissals only when specifically asked about such issues by secondary schools as a part of the application process. It is the expectation of secondary schools, after a child is admitted in the spring, that the family be responsible for reporting to that school any significant discipline situations that occur after acceptance. The ultimate responsibility for the safe and orderly environment of the school rests with the Head of School. Any questions about serious incidents or the school's disciplinary response to those incidents should be directed to the Head of School. Back to Top Q: Dress Code A: The purpose of the The Pike School student dress code is to identify simple, neat and equitable standards of personal appearance that reflect the school’s high standards and positive attitude toward learning. It is expected that all Pike students follow the dress code that applies to all students and and to the dress code specific to their division. The dress code in Lower School is informal. Students in Middle School have a stricter dress code and students in Upper School have the most formal dress code. All Divisions have occasional dress down days. On these days, the “dress down day guidelines” apply. Students and families are asked to comply with the spirit of the dress code, rather than find ways to challenge it. All faculty in the community are committed to explaining and enforcing the school’s expectations for appropriate dress. Teachers will review the dress code in anchor and advisor groups. A student who is deemed to be in violation of the dress code will be issued a warning and be required to comply with the dress code. Parents will be notified of violations of the dress code. This is a dress code for students; faculty and staff dress appropriately for their professional job descriptions. Rules for All Students in All Divisions (Please see Lower, Middle and Upper School sections for additional requirements.) Prohibited for all students: Hats in buildings Excessive jewelry including but not limited to heavy chains/choke collars Jewelry associated with body piercing Outside coats in classrooms Untied shoelaces Open-backed footwear Ripped clothing Revealing clothing Clothing with inappropriate messages and pictures Permitted for all students: Hats outside Ear piercing Clean supportive shoes Clean supportive sneakers Sandals with backs (April 15 – October 15 only) Shorts (April 15 – October 15 only) Rules for Lower School Students (in addition to the dress code for all divisions) Prohibited for Lower School students: Any type of blue denim clothing* worn indoors * Sweatshirts and Jean jackets may be worn outside. Permitted for Lower School students: All Athletic Clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, gym shorts, team jersey, etc) Any type of indoor clothing Pike School T-shirts Additional Requirements for Lower School students: hats, mittens, coat or jacket, snow pants, and boots (all with child(ren)’s name written in them) must be worn at recess in winter. Rules for Middle School Students (in addition to the dress code for all divisions) Prohibited for Middle School students: All Athletic Clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, gym shorts, team jersey, etc) Any type of indoor clothing with large/bold writing (except Pike T-shirts) Any type of indoor clothing with logos/insignias larger than approximately 1 inch in size Any type of blue denim clothing worn indoors * Sweatshirts and Jean jackets may be worn outside. Permitted for Middle School students: T-shirts and collared shirts with no insignias or insignias approximately 1 inch in size (similar to the size of the Izod crocodile) Pike T-shirts Additional Requirement for middle school students: skirt/dress and shorts length must be no more than 3 inches above the knee; shirts worn underneath sweaters and fleece must conform to the dress code. Rules for Upper School Students (in addition to the dress code for all divisions) Prohibited for Upper School students: All Athletic Clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, gym shorts, team jersey, etc) Any type of indoor clothing with large/bold writing including Pike T-shirts Any type of indoor clothing with logos/insignias larger than approximately 1 inch in size Any type and any color of denim clothing (including indoor and outerwear) Baggy clothing (Pants should be proper length and size.) Platform shoes Shoes with heels greater than 2” Sleeveless shirts Permitted for Upper School Boys: Shirts: Collared shirts/turtlenecks with no logos or logos approximately 1 inch in size (similar to the size of the Izod crocodile) Collared shirts/turtlenecks with no insignias or insignias approximately 1 inch in size (similar to the size of the Izod crocodile) Shirts with tails (dress shirts) must be tucked in. Shirts worn underneath sweaters and fleece must conform to the dress code. Pants: Khaki or Colored Chinos Corduroys Dress Pants Cargo Pants Pants should be proper size and length. Shorts (April 15 to October 15 only) Permitted for Upper School girls: Shirts: Shirts Blouses Jerseys Sweaters Shirts with tails (dress shirts) must be tucked in. Shirts worn underneath sweaters and fleece must conform to the dress code. Shoulders must be covered Midriffs must be covered Pants/Etc: Skirts Dresses Shorts (April 15 to October 15 only) Pants/Dress slacks Pants should be proper size and length Skirt/dress/short length must be no more than 3 inches above the knee. Dress Down Day Guidelines for All Students in All Divisions: On dress down days, students in all divisions may wear denim clothing, athletic clothing and t-shirts with large/bold writing, if they so choose. All other dress code standards apply. Back to Top Q: Extended Day Program A: For the convenience of parents, Pike has an extended day program daily for Pre-Kindergarten and on Tuesday and Thursday for Kindergarten students. The program begins at 11:45 a.m. and runs until 3:10 p.m. On Wednesday, it ends at 2:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. Extended Day contracts are available from the receptionists. Single-day, "drop-in" registration is available with 24-hours notice by calling Jackie Connor at ext. 204. Parents will be billed for this service. Back to Top Q: Extracurricular Activities A: Middle School Grade 5 Improv Ski Program Service Club Upper School Clubs: Chess, Math, Service Speech, Verbatim (Literary Magazine), Model U.N., Special Chorus Sports: Basketball, baseball, cross country, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and track Back to Top Q: Flex Day Program A: The Flex Day Program offers an extension of the regular school day (or an extension of the Extended Day program for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students). Running from 3:10-6:00 p.m., except on Wednesday when it runs from 2:00-6:00 p.m., the Flex Day program offers relaxing, loosely-structured group and individual activities for Lower and Middle School students. Middle and Upper School students may participate in the Flex Day Study Hall from the close of school until 6:00 p.m. This program provides a quiet study but allows students some "down time" to participate in other supervised recreational activities. Flex Day is also available on most early dismissal and faculty professional days. Flex Day contracts are available from the receptionists. Students may be registered for one to five days on a yearlong basis. If you have questions regarding the contract, please call Kathy Foderaro at ext. 247. Single day “drop-in” is available if spaces are available, BUT only by calling extension 204 to make a reservation. This reservation must be made 24 hours in advance. All students who remain at school after normal dismissal hours must be enrolled in sports, the Flex Day Program, or other supervised offerings. Back to Top Q: Financial Aid Information A: Each year the trustees designate an amount of financial aid to be awarded on the basis of need. Families apply for financial aid through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid in Princeton, New Jersey, and submit a copy of their completed Federal Income Tax Form 1040 to The Pike School. The Financial Aid Committee works to equitably distribute the awards based on a family’s need. Families must apply each year for aid. Forms may be obtained from The Pike School Financial Aid Office. The deadline for financial aid application is February 1, 2008. Back to Top Q: Food, Allergies, and Lunch Program A: The school provides mid-morning snacks for all children. Upper School students may also purchase frozen yogurt. Upper School snacks must be consumed in the dining room. A well-balanced lunch and salad bar are provided for the students who stay past 11:45 a.m. All students are expected to participate in the school lunch program unless there is a medical or religious reason for non-participation. A letter stating the medical or religious reasons must be on file with the school nurse each year. Except for approved special occasions, students may not bring candy, gum or soda to school or on field trips. Food Allergies Nut allergies pose a very serious risk to students in our community and there are students allergic to other food items as well. In an effort to provide a safe environment for our students, all parents/families and students are asked to refrain from bringing in any food containing peanut/nut products and oils. This is especially critical when preparing food from home for classroom parties, social events, or after-school snacks. Cross-contamination from food preparation must be avoided at all times. If cutting boards, utensils, or pots and pans are only wiped clean when using peanut/nut products, there can be enough trace amounts of food left on them to cause an allergic reaction. Please see Pike's Food Allergy Policy and check the list of Allergies by Classroom in the Health Information section of For Pike Parents about additional foods to refrain from using. When purchasing foods, keep in mind that products are often manufactured using the same equipment as products that contain peanuts or a variety of nuts. Please read the labels carefully before sending any manufactured food to the school. Peanuts and peanut butter have been used to thicken chili sauce, brown gravy, and spaghetti sauce. They have also been used as “glue” for egg rolls, in hot cocoa, and as flavorings in candy and gourmet popcorn. Peanut butter sandwiches will continue to be offered in the dining room and peanut-free tables will be available for our students. All snacks provided by the school will not contain nut or peanut ingredients. Back to Top Q: General History Form A: General History Forms are mailed to families during the summer. A completed form is required annually for every student and must be returned before the opening of school. This information is kept on file, used in the event of an emergency, and provides accurate and up-to-date information for the Parents Directory. Back to Top Q: Gift-Giving Policy A: Over the years, we have heard that some families were looking for guidelines about gift giving. We understand that each family may have its own feelings about giving gifts, and in a school as diverse as ours, we thought it would be helpful to present some suggestions. We offer them respectfully with the hope that they are helpful to you. The most important fact is that gifts at any time of year are not an expectation of the faculty or staff. We understand that some families may have the desire to give a gift at a time of year that is significant to them, while other families, for all kinds of good reasons, choose not to do so. We want to repeat that no family at Pike should ever feel that gift giving is required. If a family chooses to show their thanks to a particular teacher or other staff member, we want you to know that personal notes are highly valued. Another possibility could be a donation to a favorite charity in honor of that person. If a family chooses to give a gift, we strongly suggest that its financial worth be modest. We believe it is the act of showing gratitude that is of value rather than the value of the gift itself. You should know that faculty make it a point to avoid opening gifts in front of their classes. Space will be designated to allow students to leave gifts in less public ways. We want to be sure that no child feels any pressure to give a gift or to worry that their gift might not be as nice as another. The faculty and staff of Pike want all families to know how much they appreciate the innumerable ways that the Pike community supports them in their work with children. Questions about this policy should be directed to the Head of School or the President of the Parents Association. Back to Top Q: Health Records and Illness A: The “Massachusetts School Health Record Form”, or a form provided by your physician, must be on file before the opening of school. This applies to all new students and current Pike students in Kindergarten, Grades 4 and 7, and all students participating in interscholastic sports. No student will be permitted to participate on a sports team without clearance from his or her physician. Should this form expire prior to the start of spring sports, a new form will be required. The physical examination must be preformed in the current calendar year and a physician must sign the form. Pike’s “Emergency Medical Information Form” is an annual requirement for all students. Parents should report their child’s particular physical and/or emotional problems to the school nurse and appropriate Division Head. Such confidential information is helpful in handling a medical situation should the need arise. Parents are notified when additional medical attention is required. If parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact person or family doctor indicated on the Emergency Medical Information Form will be contacted. Emergency situations are referred to Lawrence General Hospital. Medications The school will not administer medicine (both prescription and over-the-counter) without authorization from physician and parent. Authorization for over-the-counter medications would be beneficial for those students who frequently have headaches or adolescent girls who may require occasional pain relievers. All medications must be delivered to the nurse’s office by a parent or guardian. Medication must be in a container labeled by the pharmacist or in it’s original container. The school nurse will administer all medications. Per Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, medications cannot be dispensed from the nurse’s office for field trips. Parents must make arrangements with your child’s teacher. Health Exams Pike does not conduct the health exams that the state requires for all public school students. Pike thereby recommends that parents consult with their health care provider, the local school committee, or the local board of health to ensure these exams are carried out for their children. Many of the faculty and staff are CPR/first aid certified. Basic first aid (band aids, antiseptic, ice, etc.) is provided for minor problems occurring during the school day. Privacy of Health Information The infirmary, school psychologist and coaches maintain the personal health information of students. This information is shared on a need-to-know basis among the staff at The Pike School and with outside medical service providers. While The Pike School is not a covered entity under HIPPA, it makes every reasonable effort to maintain the privacy of the personal health information of its students. If you have questions or concerns about this issue, please contact the school nurse at extension 258. Back to Top Q: Learning Services Department A: The Director of Learning Services works with Division Heads and Learning Specialists in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools to provide support services for small groups and individual students. The Director also oversees programming for children receiving learning services at Pike. All members of the Learning Services Department work collaboratively with classroom teachers to address individual learning styles by designing and implementing instructional strategies that are appropriate to the school's mission of "preparing students to be independent learners." They serve as a liaison between the school, families and outside evaluators. Back to Top Q: Library A: The Pike School Library supports the school's mission to develop students' love of learning, while also upholding principles central to all libraries. The library provides physical and online access to resources that support the curriculum at all grade levels and in a variety of formats. The library also celebrates reading for pleasure and fosters an appreciation for a wide range of literary genres. Pike's two full-time librarians work with all faculty to support and enhance students' learning. They provide a wide range of print and electronic resources to all students and collaborate with teachers to design and provide instruction in essential information literacy skills such as the research process and evaluating web sites. The librarians also serve as a resource for students, teachers, and parents in the area of literature selection. The library is open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. daily, and until 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Students visit the library individually, in small groups, or with their class for research, reading, study, or work in the library computer lab. Lower and Middle School classes have an assigned class in the library during the week when they choose books and enjoy a story or receive instruction. Upper School classes visit the library in conjunction with research or literature enrichment projects. All students are responsible for library materials and will be billed or asked to replace lost or damaged items. The Book Fair provides an opportunity for the entire Pike community to celebrate reading. The librarians and a parent volunteer group coordinate this annual fundraising event for the library. The Birthday Book Program was created to enhance Pike's library while giving students an opportunity to give a lasting gift to The Pike School. On his or her birthday, a student may donate a book to the library. A bookplate with the student's name and birthday will be placed in the book. All students are encouraged to participate, and anyone interested may check with the librarians to receive a recommendation. Back to Top Q: Lower School Reading Specialist A: The Lower School Reading Specialist works with all children in the Lower School on their journey of learning to read and reading to learn. The specialist teaches concepts about print, phonemic awareness, reading skills and strategies, and language arts enrichment to individuals, small groups, and whole classes. She also serves as a resource for teachers. Creative expression through children’s literature, drama, puppetry, and poetry, is incorporated into the lessons. Back to Top Q: School Closing Announcements A: School may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Beginning around 6:00 a.m., announcements are made on the radio and TV stations listed below. A school-closing announcement will also be on the school automated phone system (978-475-1197) and on the home page of the school's Web site by 6:00 a.m. Please remember that The Pike School operates independently of the public school system. There will be school at Pike unless the school’s name is mentioned specifically in the NO SCHOOL announcements. Fox 25 TV WCVB - TV Channel 5 WBZ – TV Channel 4 and 1030 AM Radio WHDH - TV Channel 7 WRKO - 680 AM Radio Back to Top Q: School Hours A: Office Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. School Year 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July and August School Hours: 8:00 a.m. Buildings Open Pre-Kindergarten: 8:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday Kindergarten: 8:15 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Monday and Friday 8:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Wednesday 8:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Grades 1 – 2: 8:15 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Wednesday Grades 3 – 9: 8:15 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:15 a.m.-2:10 p.m. Wednesday Upper School Sports Practice: 3:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday 2:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Wednesday No Practice Thursday Pike provides morning supervision of students on campus in the Dining Room. AFTER 7:30 a.m. Students may not remain on campus unsupervised after 3:45 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). All students who remain at school after normal dismissal hours must be enrolled in either sports or Flex Day. Student activities, such as athletic competitions or play rehearsals, are scheduled after school and are supervised by faculty. Lower and Middle School students are permitted to watch athletic events, if parental supervision is provided. The school cannot be responsible for students using school grounds and facilities before or after school hours without permission of the Head of School. Lower and Middle School students who are not picked up by 3:45 will be taken to the Flex Day program and families will be charged the full Flex Day fee. For the safety of our students, all parents and visitors are required to sign in at the reception desk in the main office and pick up an identification badge to wear during their visit. Back to Top Q: School Nurse A: The School Nurse is on duty each day during school hours. She is responsible for the treatment of any health problems, the dispensation of prescription and over-the-counter medications, communication with parents and maintenance of required health records. Health-related questions should be addressed to her office in the infirmary (ext. 258) located in the administration building. Back to Top Q: Secondary School Advising A: Families receive assistance in identifying and selecting the appropriate secondary schools from the Secondary School Advising Team starting with an introductory parent meeting in the Spring of the seventh grade year. Parents considering independent secondary schools for their children are encouraged to visit the schools during the fall of their child’s eighth or ninth grade years. These visits are considered excused absences from the school. Applications are usually made by January 15. During the eighth and ninth grade school year, assigned secondary school advisors meet with advisees to inform and support their application process. The Secondary School Advising Team also works with the Upper School faculty to send complete and candid evaluations of the students to the secondary schools. Annually in September, Pike hosts a secondary school fair, where admissions representatives from day and boarding schools are available to discuss their programs. This event is open to the public. In October, a panel of local secondary school admission officers meets with eighth and ninth grade Pike families to share perspectives upon types of schools, choosing a matching school, and the admission process. Back to Top Q: Teacher Training Program A: In collaboration with Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, The Pike School offers a teacher training program, known as the Intern Program. Interns are assigned to work with two directing teachers, one for each half of the school year. In addition to taking classes at Lesley University, half of their coursework is taken on Pike’s campus and taught by Pike faculty. The interns receive a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Massachusetts State Initial Licensure. They are prepared for teaching positions in both public and independent school settings. Back to Top Q: Technology and Computer Use A: All students at Pike will become lifelong learners and competent users of technology and its resources. Beginning in Pre-K and continuing through Grade 9, students will develop technology skills, including keyboarding skills (Grades 3-5) through exposure and experience in the classroom. Technology is used at all levels of the school and is available for use in every classroom. There is a computer lab in the library and one in the Upper School; four mobile wireless laptop carts; and desktop computers in classrooms for Grades Pre-K through Grade 2 and in Upper School Science. A wide variety of technology resources, such as digital cameras, SMART Boards and LCD projectors are available to both teachers and students. There is no need for students to bring personal laptops to school as Pike provides adequate computing facilities for its students with labs, classroom workstations and wireless laptops. On a case-by-case basis, the school may recommend that a student be allowed to use personal electronic aids for his/her support in the classroom. The school will not be held liable for any loss/damage to these personal laptops/electronic devices. Please read more on the technology section of this Web site. All school computers provide access to local, national and international sources of information via the Internet. Users are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in alignment with Pike’s mission and values. All Upper School students, along with their parents are asked to read, discuss and sign the School’s “Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)” to indicate their full cooperation. Back to Top Q: Technology Department A: Technology continues to play an integral role in the school community. The Technology Department is responsible for the daily maintenance of the network, systems and software. The Department also provides support to the faculty and works closely with them to integrate technology into the different curriculum areas. The Technology Director provides the direction for the school and implements the school’s technology plan. Back to Top Q: Traffic A: More than one hundred cars drop off and pick up students each day. The traffic flow may include commercial vehicles. The school’s access road must be kept clear at all times for the movement of emergency equipment if necessary. All traffic must proceed in by the Sunset Rock Road entrance and exit by Hidden Road. Traffic is always limited to one-way exiting to Hidden Road only. With everyone's cooperation, dismissal will be smooth and safe. Children should be dropped off and picked up ONLY at designated areas. Students should NOT walk down the line of waiting cars. Parents must NOT pick up their children off campus in the immediate residential areas. Parents are further reminded to respect the areas designated as faculty parking, handicapped parking, loading zones, visitor parking, admission parking and bus parking. For the safety of the children, please refrain from the use of cell phones during dismissal. At dismissal time, the roads and walks of the school are filled with children. Sunset Rock Road and Hidden Road carry heavy traffic to and from the school. To be courteous to our neighbors, to area residents, other motorists, and, above all, for the safety of the children, it is necessary that everyone comply fully with traffic regulations and exercise particular caution and alertness when driving in the school area. Back to Top Q: Transportation A: The majority of Pike students are transported each day through cooperative carpools among families. Lists of students by communities are available from the Main Office upon request. The Town of Andover provides bus transportation for Andover residents. Pike provides the town with a list of Pike’s Andover residents from which the town develops bus routes. There is a transportation user fee for students in grades 7–12. Questions should be addressed to the Town of Andover’s Transportation Coordinator, Mim McLaughlin, at (978) 623-8510. Back to Top	Older students reading to younger students is one of the regular activities that binds Pike as a community. A Day in the Life Get a Pike peek at sample activities from each of the subject areas in all three schools. Related Links Learning Services Resources For information on our curriculum, visit the curriculum pages of the appropriate school.
	© 2008 The Pike School 34 Sunset Rock Road, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810, 978-475-1197

Pike at a Glance

PIKE HANDBOOK

Questions

Answers

Lower School Timetable

Middle School Timetable

Upper School Timetable

Annual Fund Q & A

Rules for All Students in All Divisions

Prohibited for all students:

Permitted for all students:

Rules for Lower School Students

Prohibited for Lower School students:

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Rules for Middle School Students

Prohibited for Middle School students:

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Rules for Upper School Students

Prohibited for Upper School students:

Permitted for Upper School Boys:

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Dress Down Day Guidelines for All Students in All Divisions:

Upper School

For the safety of the children, please refrain from the use of cell phones during dismissal.

A Day in the Life