Student Handbook
Green Mountain Valley School
2014-2015
271 Moulton Road
Waitsfield, VT 05673
802.496.2150
Fax 802.496.6819
GMVS Mission Statement
Through the unique sport of ski racing
and through education in the liberal arts tradition,
it is our mission to develop the whole person
with a life-long love of
learning, sport, and adventure.
Our goal is to create an environment
in which our students can become well-rounded
scholars, athletes, and citizens who value:
Discipline
Responsibility
Respect
Independent initiative
Total commitment and effort!
i
Table of Contents
GMVS Mission Statement ........................ i
Dorm Hours ............................................... 11
Letter from GMVS Founder ...................... ii
Day Student Life ...................................... 11
Introduction ............................................. 2
Day Student Policies .................................. 12
Major Expectations .................................... 2
Day Student Car Policy ............................. 12
Discipline .................................................. 2
Campus Visits ............................................ 12
Non-Punitive Response (NPR) .................. 3
Academics ................................................. 13
School Policies .......................................... 4
Your Classes and Studies .......................... 14
Substance Use Policy................................. 4
Curriculum ................................................. 14
Drug/Alcohol Testing ................................ 4
On-line Courses ......................................... 15
Harassment and Hazing Policy .................. 4
Learning Support Programs ....................... 16
Weapons Policy ......................................... 5
Study Guidelines........................................ 16
Fire Protection Policy ................................ 5
Academic Travel Policy ............................ 17
Academic Honesty Policy ......................... 5
Attendance Policy ...................................... 17
Check-out Policy ....................................... 6
College Admissions ................................... 17
Car Policy .................................................. 7
Senior Class Project ................................... 20
Policy for Prescriptions/Medications ......... 7
GMVS Senior Internship ........................... 20
Student Review Policy............................... 7
Post Graduate Program .............................. 21
Student Life .............................................. 7
Computer/Media Use Agreement .............. 21
Advisor System ......................................... 7
Athletics .................................................... 23
Typical Daily Schedule ............................. 8
Preface ....................................................... 24
Community Service Requirements ............ 8
What You Can Expect From Your Child’s
Coach and the GMVS Coaching Staff ..... 24
Dish Crew Responsibilities........................ 8
Relationships at GMVS ............................. 8
Fire Emergency Policy .............................. 9
Damage Deposit Policy ............................. 9
Transportation Policy ................................ 9
Campus Life ............................................. 9
Statement on Residential Life .................... 9
Dorm parents ............................................. 9
Health and Attendance Policy ................... 10
Cleanliness ................................................. 10
On-Snow Preparation ................................ 24
Yearly Camp Schedule .............................. 24
Race Entries & Equipment Costs .............. 26
Memberships ............................................. 26
Athletic Participation and Accountability .. 27
GMVS On-Snow Training Facilities and
Policies ...................................................... 28
Physical Evaluations .................................. 29
Nordic Athletes .......................................... 30
Elevation Physical Therapy Center ........... 30
Valuables ................................................... 10
Video Game and Television Policy ........... 10
Campus Damage ........................................ 10
Fire Safety Policy ...................................... 10
Important Phone Numbers ..................... 32
Letter from GMVS Founder
At Green Mountain Valley School, you will have the opportunity for an exceptional high school
experience, athletically, academically, and especially in terms of the development of character.
In order for you to take advantage of the privilege of attending a special school like GMVS, you
must accept a high level of responsibility for making the school work for yourself and also for
others.
If you want to become a world class ski racer the place to start is by becoming a world class
person. That is, you must be a person who is focused on goals, who likes to work, who
understands how to learn, and at the very least, who knows how to work with the people who can
help, like teachers, coaches, and friends. That is being responsible to yourself…and achieving it
isn’t easy.
At GMVS we must take responsibility for every aspect of our daily lives. We ask for students to
help make the school work well for everybody else. Because we are trying to accomplish
something really difficult (developing world class athletes who are ready for college) we need
help to create an atmosphere where hard work can happen, where people can sleep, and where
each athlete and coach benefits from the support of the other. This doesn’t mean giving up
having fun, but it may mean becoming more creative at finding “supportive” ways to have fun
and being willing to give up some freedom for the sake of the needs of group living. Beyond
that we ask our students to make a contribution to the community and to the world, to do their
small part to make the world work better…responsibility in the broadest sense.
While top ski racers are often relatively fearless and aggressive and are sometimes inclined to
experiment without much concern for the consequences, the school is willing to take a tough
stance when necessary for the sake of the community and the future of the school and for the
growth of the offender…even if it means dismissing a talented competitor.
We are asking a lot: unusual maturity in this day and age. You should understand this very
clearly before you sign on. Your signature on the handbook acceptance form means that you
accept the rules stated here and you understand that if you don’t follow them, there will be
consequences.
Al Hobart, GMVS Founder
ii
INTRODUCTION
Green Mountain Valley School is a coeducational
college preparatory school that seeks to maintain a
high level of commitment to academic excellence
while simultaneously pursuing an elite level in ski
racing. It is the school's belief that academics and
athletics are not divergent endeavors but are
complementary endeavors that contribute to the
development of the person as an integrated whole.
The positive relationship between academic
achievement and athletic participation mutually
enhance each other to foster both character
development and moral development. With these as
the cornerstones of our program, our students are
encouraged to pursue their individual potential while
being reminded of their duties and obligations to the
community as a whole. No handbook can list all
possible infractions. GMVS students are expected to
use common sense and put community first.
Students will conduct themselves in a manner
that is becoming of a GMVS student, and will
treat others with respect.
2.
Students will be honest—stealing and lying are
considered two of the most serious offenses
against individuals and the community.
Borrowing without permission is stealing and
will be subject to disciplinary action. A person’s
room, desk and belongings are absolutely
inviolate.
3.
Students will be honest in their academics—
cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.
4.
Students will obey all federal, state and local
laws.
5.
Students will not bully, haze, or verbally,
physically, electronically, sexually, or
emotionally harass another person*.
6.
Students will adhere to all school policies.
2.
Act as a positive role model for my child and
other parents.
3.
Drive slowly in the parking lots at GMVS and on
Moulton Rd.
Appropriately express concerns to the right
person in a timely manner.
6.
Strive to help my child become an independent
problem solver.
7.
Endeavor to read all GMVS-related emails.
We must define the boundaries of the school's
jurisdiction. Students are under the school's
jurisdiction in the Mad River Valley (Waitsfield,
Warren, Fayston, Duxbury, Moretown, Buel's Gore)
while school is in session. Jurisdiction also applies
when students are participating in school activities or
school sponsored trips, even when school is not in
session, because during these times they are acting as
representatives of GMVS. School-sponsored
activities include, but are not limited to: school trips,
senior project, ski camps (holiday, summer, Europe,
Chile, etc.), or trips sponsored by school-related
organizations including USSA. Any time students are
traveling with GMVS staff, they are also under the
school's jurisdiction. Students who violate school
rules will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
BEHAVIOR - MAJOR EXPECTATIONS OF
PARENTS
Support the mission and policies of the school.
5.
In the course of growing from adolescents to young
adults, students sometimes make mistakes in choices
and judgments. It is our intent to guide our students
in making wise decisions which will reflect well on
them, their peers, and their school. In the event that a
student makes a mistake, it is the duty of the school
to work with him or her so that he or she will make
positive decisions and choices in the future. We
often give second chances. Sometimes we attach
disciplinary and/or counseling measures to these
opportunities. Disciplinary measures may include
work hours, fines, apologies, community service,
suspension and dismissal. Failure to comply with our
requests and /or continued violations of the school
rules will cause us to question seriously a student’s
desire to be at GMVS. In any disciplinary case,
representatives of the school weigh as fairly as
possible two factors: the personal reasons for a
student’s misconduct and the effect that it has on the
school community. Consideration is given to a
student’s past record and the degree of honesty with
which he/she approached the situation.
*See http://www.stophazing.org/laws/vt_law.htm
for details/definitions of the State of Vermont Hazing
Law (Legislative Act 120).
1.
Support the efforts of the Staff and attend as
many school functions as possible.
DISCIPLINE
BEHAVIOR - MAJOR EXPECTATIONS OF
STUDENTS
1.
4.
It is impossible for us to list every rule. We expect
students to have a solid grounding in the difference
between right and wrong and to behave in a manner
consistent with the school’s mission regardless of
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jurisdiction. Students whose behavior jeopardizes
the welfare or reputation of GMVS or is inconsistent
with the school’s mission may be subject to student
review (see pp. 7) even if the behavior occurs outside
of the school’s jurisdiction.
(i.e., the people who have already heard all evidence
and arguments).
The Headmaster reserves the right to suspend or
dismiss at any time a student whose behavior, attitude
or influence is considered unsatisfactory or
detrimental. Major infractions or repeated minor
infractions of the rules will be considered in
disciplinary decisions even if that infraction occurred
in a previous year.
Step 5 - The Headmaster and/or the student informs
parent(s) of consequences both by phone and in
writing.
The Discipline Committee is formed to make fair and
honest decisions in response to alleged rule
violations. Each case presents its own unique facts
and circumstances; the school will therefore always
try its best to act in a logical, reasonable, and
consistent manner.
Disciplinary action may include, but may not be
limited to, restrictions to or from specific areas,
confiscation of offending items, community service,
fines, apologies, or work hours. Campus work hours
must be completed on campus, under staff
supervision, and in a timely fashion (see check-out
policy).
Step 4 - The student(s) involved are informed of
consequence by the Headmaster/Disciplinary
Committee.
Step 6 - The community is informed of the decision.
Step 7 - A faculty member will be assigned the
responsibility of overseeing work hour completion.
Standard Disciplinary Procedure
Students suspected of activities detrimental to their
health may be required to seek help from a health
care professional or a counselor in order to remain at
GMVS.
Disciplinary Committee: Headmaster (or Assistant
Headmaster) plus four staff members and Student
Judiciary Committee.
Step 1 - The Headmaster is informed of the details of
the infraction. At this time, the Headmaster may
meet with the student(s) involved to discuss the
details of the infraction and to decide whether there is
reasonable cause to proceed with a disciplinary
procedure. If it is decided that the matter will be
presented to the disciplinary committee, the student
then makes every effort to notify his/her parent(s).
This notification is the responsibility of the student.
Major infractions of school policy may result in
suspension or dismissal. Any suspension or dismissal
will be indicated on the college counselor’s report.
NON-PUNITIVE RESPONSE (NPR)
Objective
To create a safe and confidential way for students to
ask for help for themselves or other students, without
the threat of disciplinary action, in any situation
where a student is not complying with the mission,
goals, and expectations of the GMVS community.
Parents who want to seek help for students can use
NPR as well.
The student(s) involved may choose any person such
as an available faculty member, friend, or family
member as an advocate to help them present their
case to the disciplinary committee.
Step 2 - A brief faculty meeting may be called to
explain the incident.
Rationale
Input is received from the staff and student judiciary
committee concerning the infraction. No decisionmaking occurs during this stage. This serves only as
an information-gathering phase. While student
representative and non-committee staff have no vote,
they may, at this time, express their views concerning
the incident and an appropriate consequence.
NPR is necessary because students are not likely to
admit to, and seek help for, a problem if they risk
punishment. NPR will allow students: [a] to come
forward before they or another student further
endangers him or herself, or others; [b] to receive the
appropriate mental or physical health response; and
[c] to take responsibility for their own actions.
Step 3 - The Disciplinary Committee meets and
receives information from all involved parties.
Proposals are formed and discussed by committee
members. The committee decides the consequences.
Any decision of the Disciplinary Committee can only
be rescinded by the same Disciplinary Committee
Examples
Some of these situations are, but are not limited to, a
student’s concern for self or another student due to:
a.
b.
3
academic honesty*
drug, alcohol or tobacco use and abuse*
c.
any type of physical, sexual, or
psychological harassment [including
hazing]*
d. eating disorder
e. depression
f. sexual activity
g. diseases, pregnancy
h. any type of self-destructive behavior
[*these situations would result in punitive measures
under circumstances where NPR is not being used.
All other situations listed do not result in punitive
measures, but are appropriate for NPR because they
are situations where students may desire the
assurance of confidentiality.]
academic work missed during the suspension,
without aid from the instructors. Work hours will
also be assigned, the number of which to be
determined by, among other factors, the level of
honesty shown by the student throughout the
disciplinary process.
Anyone who is in the presence of illegal alcohol
consumption may be subject to disciplinary action.
Suspected use or possession of alcohol will warrant
further investigation, as will the possession of a false
form of identification. (see drug/alcohol testing).
The possession for any reason of any illegal drug or
drug paraphernalia will result in suspension or
dismissal. This rule may also apply to anyone who is
present where use or possession occurs. Suspected
use or possession of illegal drugs will warrant further
investigation (see drug/alcohol testing). Anyone who
distributes, or causes to be distributed, illegal drugs
will be most likely expelled.
Procedure
A student who has a problem or believes a fellow
student has a problem will approach the Dean of
Students and explain that it is an NPR situation.
Written documentation about the nature of the NPR,
along with the date and time will be created.
Counseling and/or some kind of follow up will be
mandatory, but the details will be left up to those
involved in that particular case. Parents may be
notified; in life threatening situations parents will be
notified immediately.
Because of the complex nature and scope of the
problems often related to involvement with drugs and
alcohol, GMVS deals with such offenses through
both our disciplinary and health counseling system
(see health section). The school’s intention is to
encourage students to deal with chemical use issues
and to discourage experimentation and use. As a
school, GMVS continues to explore ways to raise
awareness and educate our community about the
personal and social hazards involved with chemical
abuse.
NPR is invalid in the following circumstances:
a)
A student is “caught in the act” of violating
a handbook policy or expectation.
b) There is concurrently a concrete suspicion
held by a faculty member(s) that involves an
infraction of the handbook.
c)
Drug/Alcohol Testing
GMVS reserves the right to administer tests such as
urinalysis, hair tests, and breathalyzer tests to all
students. In such instances staff members will be
present while the test is administered and parents will
then be informed. These tests will be at the cost of
the student [parent] if positive. Any student who has
violated the GMVS Substance Abuse Policy will be
subject to regular testing. Students who test positive,
even after a school Break or out of our jurisdiction,
will be automatically dismissed. For any student who
has a prior violation of the GMVS Substance Use
Policy, the boundaries of the school’s jurisdictional
limits will be extended to include all geographical
areas, as well as the entire year, whether GMVS is in
session or not.
The student in question has already received
an NPR for similar behavior.
d) Students may not use NPR to avoid
discipline.
In NPR circumstances, students will be expected to
make amends for their actions.
SCHOOL POLICIES
1. SUBSTANCE USE POLICY
The use or possession of alcohol, drugs and tobacco
has no place at GMVS. Our stand is clear and
unequivocal. Students and parents are responsible
for understanding Green Mountain Valley School’s
position on alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
2. HARASSMENT AND HAZING POLICY
GMVS is a community in which every member has
the right to feel safe and respected. We seek to treat
every individual with sensitivity and compassion and
will neither condone nor tolerate actions that
A first violation of the GMVS substance use policy
will result in at least a seven (7) day suspension. The
student will be responsible for making up all
4
constitute harassment of any kind. Harassment is
abusive or offensive conduct towards others and may
include adverse statements, conduct or treatment
relating to a person’s race, color, religion, national or
ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability,
age or other personal characteristics. It includes both
easily identified acts of verbal, written or physical
abuse and more subtle, but equally damaging forms
of harassment, such as graffiti, text or online
comments, epithets, stereotypical remarks of
“humor,” or any behavior that contributes to the
creation of an offensive or hostile environment.
Dissemination of abusive, vulgar or threatening
language or images whether by mail, recordings,
electronic media, Internet, Facebook, email or other
means is likewise harassment and is strictly
prohibited.
3. WEAPONS POLICY
Absolutely no guns (or ammunition) of any kind,
including paint guns, BB guns and air guns, are
allowed on campus at any time. No weapons of any
kind including throwing stars, knives (knives used for
ski tuning must be approved by dorm parents), slingshots, and numchucks are allowed. No explosive
devices, including homemade devices or fireworks,
are allowed.
4. FIRE PROTECTION POLICY
Any tampering with any part of the fire protection
system (including smoke detectors, sprinklers,
etc.) will result in severe financial and disciplinary
actions.
Harassment is in direct conflict with the mission of
GMVS and is prohibited by policy.
5. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
Hazing
If your education is to be worthwhile, you must be
honest with yourself and with other people about
your work. If you write essays using someone else’s
words, if you allow someone else to do homework
for you, if you take a test and copy someone else’s
answer or use material you are not supposed to have,
you learn little and have been dishonest.
Direct and indirect forms of verbal and written abuse,
threats, physical harassment and abuse, intimidation,
or violence against another person or their property,
as well as conduct that threatens the health and safety
of self, are not tolerated on the campus. Hazing will
not be tolerated. Those involved in hazing will face
disciplinary action and will be referred to the Dean of
Students. Violation of this policy can result in action
by GMVS as well as criminal charges.
The academic experience at GMVS is predicated
upon integrity, particularly since ski-related travel
requires that tests and papers be completed
unsupervised at remote locations and that students
who miss tests and quizzes must make them up after
others in the class have taken them.
Sexual Harassment Policy
GMVS will not tolerate and prohibits rape,
acquaintance rape, and sexual assault in any form.
Sexual assaults violate the rules of GMVS as well as
Vermont Laws prohibiting sexual harassment. If
there is reason to believe that GMVS regulations
prohibiting sexual assaults of any kind have been
violated, the administration will pursue disciplinary
action.
Students who cheat or plagiarize will be subject to
serious sanctions, as set forth below.
Cheating is the intentional use or attempted use of
materials, information (including information from
other students or other students’ work), or study aids
other than those specifically authorized by the
instructor. Students may not have cell phones in their
possession during test taking and use of computers is
prohibited unless specifically authorized by the
instructor. Anyone who sells or purchases previous
years’ course materials (except those expressly
authorized by the instructor) is guilty of academic
dishonesty.
Sexual harassment is sometimes more difficult to
identify and understand than other forms of
harassment. The overriding factor in sexual
harassment is that the offending behavior is uninvited
and/or unwanted. Any student who feels that he or
she has been the victim of harassment, or who
witnesses or earns of the harassment of another
student, is encouraged to discuss the matter with his
or her advisor, the Health Coordinator, Dean of
Students or any other adult with whom the student
feels comfortable.
For those taking makeup exams, tests or quizzes,
cheating also includes any undisclosed prior
knowledge of the specific contents of the exam, test
or quiz being made up. A student who inadvertently
discovers the contents of such tests must disclose that
fact before taking the makeup.
GMVS will report any incident of sexual harassment
to the Vermont Department of Children & Families
(DCF).
5
Plagiarism is the failure to acknowledge the source of
all information gathered in the preparation of class
and/or written work. It includes the use of direct
quotations, paraphrases, and information of facts
which are not common knowledge without
acknowledging the source through the mechanism
required by the instructor. In some instances the
rules of various teachers will differ (e.g., whether and
when collaboration is allowed; the mechanics of
citation for sources). A student who is uncertain
about the requirements of a particular assignment has
the responsibility to ask the instructor for help and
clarification.
whom they are driving, and all phone
numbers. A parent must agree to be
present when students check out to private
homes.
All students are expected to adhere to the following
Honor Code in all aspects of academic work: I have
not given or received help, nor have I discussed the
difficulty or content of any quiz, test or exam. I have
not copied another’s work, nor used a previously
submitted work without citation. I have not used or
possessed aids deemed inappropriate by the teacher
during test-taking situations.
Academic Dishonesty will result in a penalty
ranging from a “0” on the work/test done to
expulsion. The student’s willingness to accept
responsibility for his/her actions and the age of the
student will impact the severity of the penalty.
Although subject to suspension, younger offenders
may be given a lesser penalty if the Disciplinary
Committee feels that the circumstances justify it.
Unless there are compelling and unusual
mitigating circumstances, upperclassmen [juniors
and seniors] will be suspended. Suspensions
resulting from academic dishonesty will become
part of the student’s permanent record.
Regardless of age, students who are caught
cheating or plagiarizing a second time will most
likely be expelled. There is no statute of
limitations with regard to work found to have
violated this academic honesty. Academic
dishonesty that becomes apparent weeks or even
months after the act will receive the same punitive
response as above.
2.
Parents must e-mail the Ass’t Dean of
Students (mmonette@gmvs.org) with
permission for ALL of the above by 3:00 pm
on Friday. On Friday, after 3:00 pm or on
the weekend, call the OOD cell phone (802793-6817). After 3:00 pm on Friday, an email or phone call to the front desk is NOT
sufficient. If parents intend to pick up their
child for the weekend, and the child has not
previously signed out, parents must
PERSONALLY notify the staff member on
duty (OOD). If you cannot find the OOD, call
the OOD cell phone (802-793-6817). To take a
student to dinner, or another evening activity,
please have him/her back in the dorm by 9:30
pm.
4.
If students will be driving with, or the
passenger of, another student, BOTH sets of
parents need to give permission. A parent
must agree to be present when students check
out to private homes.
5.
All school rules with regard to alcohol, drugs,
tobacco, etc. apply. Regardless of destination,
students are expected to obey all local, state,
and federal laws.
6.
If students sign out for the weekend and return
to campus, they must then remain on campus
for the rest of the weekend.
7.
If a student will miss a dish duty, he/she must
find a replacement.
For weekday check-out the student is responsible for
getting the proper parental and school permission
prior to leaving campus. If classes are missed, the
Academic Director must give approval. The
student’s coach must give approval if training is
missed. If study hall or dorm time will be missed, the
dorm parent must also be informed.
Failure to adhere to check-out policy may result in
disciplinary action.
6. CHECK-OUT POLICY
1.
3.
Students must fill out paperwork asking for
permission to check out for the weekend by
THURSDAY, 6 pm. The check-out book is
located in the Ass’t Dean of Students' (Megan
Monette) office until Friday morning. On
Friday, the check-out book is kept on the Front
Desk in the Hobart Bldg.
Off Campus Sign-out
Off campus sign-out is for leaving campus to go
downtown to Waitsfield, on foot or on a bike
(students must wear helmets), to run errands, have
dinner, etc. No classes or training can be missed. To
leave the GMVS campus a student needs to sign out
at the front desk in the main office.
Students must state when they are leaving
and returning, where they are staying, with
6
Students or the Dean of Students. Boarding Students
may not have prescription medications in their rooms
without a Medication Distribution Plan in place.
Long term medication use must be listed on the
GMVS Health Information and Release Form.
Students, and their parents, requiring prescription
medications must see the Dean of Students to make a
Medication Distribution Plan. Any change in the
plan must be approved by the prescribing physician,
parents and Dean of Students.
Visitors
Visitors are welcome on the GMVS campus as long
as they abide by the school rules, and come at times
that do not interfere with the athletic, academic, or
residential life of the school. Anyone visiting the
GMVS campus must first check in with the front
office and /or the OOD, or Dorm Parent. At
appropriate times and after checking or signing out,
students may leave campus with visitors.
Students may not share prescription medications.
Sharing prescription medications will result in
disciplinary action and will most likely lead to
suspension or expulsion. Students recuperating from
surgery may not return to school until they no longer
need prescription pain medicine.
7. CAR POLICY
Only seniors, post graduates, and students living with
their parents are allowed to have cars at GMVS.
Student cars must be parked in the Sports Center
area.
1. All students with cars on campus at any time must
submit to the office a completed GMVS Automobile
Registration Form, a copy of their insurance card and
a copy of their registration.
9. STUDENT REVIEW POLICY
Student participation and performance in the GMVS
community will be reviewed by the faculty during the
school year. The review will be based on the
following criteria:
2. Boarding students must relinquish car keys at the
start of school. Keys may be retrieved for check-out
once paperwork is complete.
 Community effort and behavior
3. Students wishing to ride with anyone other than a
staff member, parent, or relative, must get specific
permission first from the Ass’t Dean of Students,
Dean of Students or Headmaster and then from their
parents.
 General attitude and behavior.
 Rule infractions.
 Academic effort and performance.
 Athletic effort and dedication.
4. Students are REQUIRED to ride in school vans to
races or other school-sponsored events. Only if van
space is limited, and with parental and faculty
permission, may a student drive him/herself to an
event. In the rare instance that a student is granted
permission to drive to a race series, keys must be
given to the coach in charge for the duration of the
series.
A poor review may result in dismissal from the
school immediately or at year’s end or the loss or
reduction of scholarship aid for the following year. If
there is an adverse report, students and parents will
be promptly notified.
STUDENT LIFE
5. Senior boarding students may not use their cars
during the week. Senior boarding students may use
their cars on weekends if they follow the Weekend
Check-out procedure.
ADVISOR SYSTEM
Each student has a faculty advisor. Students and
advisors celebrate strengths and interests, prioritize
academic, athletic, and social objectives, and work on
self-reflection, goal setting and decision making
together. Advisors and students collaborate with
teachers, coaches and families to support and
encourage each other. Students wishing to switch
advisors should see the Dean of Students.
6. Senior Day Students may use a car to go into town
as long as they checkout at the front desk. No
passengers are allowed.
Any driving or passenger violation will result in
disciplinary action.
8. POLICY FOR PRESCRIPTIONS/
MEDICATIONS
Day Students may not bring prescription medication
to campus without permission from the Asst Dean of
7
centers, etc.). Working without pay for a typical forprofit business does not qualify.
TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE
Fall & Spring
7:00-7:30 am
7:40-10:05 am
10:15-12:00 am
12:00pm-12:30 pm
1:00-3:55 pm
4:05-6:00 pm
6:00-6:30 pm
6:30- 8:00 pm
6:30 pm
8:30-9:25 pm
9:30 pm
Students are encouraged to keep up with the annual
ten hour requirement. Transcripts of graduating
seniors will not be released until this requirement is
met.
Breakfast
Classes
Dryland Training
Lunch
Classes
Dryland Training
Dinner
Mandatory Study Hall
Quiet Hours Begin
Dorm visits allowed
In own room; day students
leave campus
DISH CREW RESPONSIBILITIES
Each student will be assigned to a dish crew. It is the
student’s responsibility to keep track of the days and
specific meals on which they are assigned. If the
student is scheduled for dish crew, they must arrive
in the first 5 minutes of the meal.
If a student is going to miss a dish crew for any
reason (soccer game, lacrosse game, weekend signout), he or she must find a replacement. Students
traveling with GMVS for skiing do not need to find
replacements. Plan ahead. If a student misses a dish
crew, and has not found a replacement, he or she will
be assigned a kitchen work hour. A student may
work off a half-hour by filling in for a missing crew
member at meal time, if needed. If a student is
approached by the OOD to work, and he or she owes
hours, he or she MUST work.
Winter
6:45-7:15 am
Breakfast
7:30-12:30 am
On-Snow Training
(No scheduled training on Mondays)
12:30-1:00 pm
Lunch
2:50-6:00 pm
Classes
6:00-6:30 pm
Dinner
6:30- 8:00 pm
Mandatory Study Hall
6:30 pm
Quiet Hours Begin
8:30-9:25 pm
Dorm visits allowed
9:30 pm
In own room; day students
leave campus
If a student accumulates more than five hours, he will
be put on the no train/no travel list until he has
brought his hours under the five hour threshold and a
plan is in place to work off the rest of the hours.
COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT
RELATIONSHIPS AT GMVS
All students are expected to perform at least ten hours
of community service for each year that they attend
GMVS; for a four year student this would equal a
total commitment of forty hours of service. These
hours can be performed locally during the school
year or, more appropriately due to the hectic
academic and training schedule, on vacations or
during the summer in the student’s home community.
Home area community service also tends to be more
meaningful for the student. Nonetheless, Mad River
Valley area service options will be posted at school in
the Hobart Building lobby and/or announced by
email. All community service must be documented
with a signed letter or email from the sponsoring
organization stating the type of service performed
and the number of hours; the contact person should
also be clearly identified.
GMVS encourages open, honest, caring relationships
among all members of the GMVS community.
Fundamental to good relationships are respect,
honesty, and genuine concern for the rights and
privacy of others. Staff will help students develop
the skills necessary to get along with roommates,
teachers/coaches and members of the opposite sex.
GMVS neither condemns nor condones student
sexual relationships. Behavior suggesting that sexual
intercourse is likely may result in a call home.
Students with concerns about their actions or the
actions of others should consult their advisors or
other staff.
The letters/emails are to be submitted to the Outreach
Coordinator, Sam Jackson.
Educational opportunities about sexual issues are
provided. These include inviting professionals to
GMVS to speak on related topics, in addition to
periodic group discussions with advisors and other
faculty.
Community Service should be performed with
not- for- profit organizations or other serviceoriented businesses that function to support
people in-need (i.e. hospitals, schools, senior
In cases regarding questions of sexuality and birth
control, we strongly believe that these moral
questions should be discussed between parents and
students. The school urges parents to be proactive in
8
initiating this discussion. At a student’s request, it is
our policy to refer him/her to a counselor.
allocated to individuals will be assessed to the floor,
dorm or student body as a whole. Any balance will
be refunded.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY
FIRE EMERGENCY POLICY
GMVS provides transportation for GMVS activities.
If at any time, smoke or fire is suspected, report it to
the nearest staff member. The signal for fire is the
continuous ringing of the fire alarm. At this signal,
immediately leave the building by the nearest exit or
fire escape.
GMVS will charge each student for transportation
under the following circumstances:

trips to physicians or therapists (excluding
Mad River Valley Heath Center and Valley
Dental Associates)

optional school-sponsored trips involving
significant distances

senior project

personal airport trips

Fees for rides*:
In dorm:
a)
Awaken your roommate.
b) Keep calm. Do not promote confusion or
panic in others. Remember, in a fire
emergency panic in a large group frequently
causes injury.
c)
Leave the building by the fire escape or
designated exit and proceed to a preordained
check-in area.
* Barre/Berlin/Montpelier
* Waterbury
* Burlington/Stowe
* Rutland
* Manchester
d) Maintain quiet during a fire so that
instructions by persons in charge can be
heard by everyone.
Do not re-enter a building until permission is given to
do so.
$70.00
$50.00
$80.00
$130.00
$160.00
* costs for shared rides will be billed at 75% of
above costs. Costs for destinations not listed above
will be charged at approximately 50% of the cost of
a taxi.
At the sound of the fire alarm, everyone is required to
follow these procedures immediately, whether the
alarm sounds for an emergency or for a drill.
Any tampering with any part of the fire protection
system (including smoke detectors, sprinklers,
etc.) will result in severe financial and disciplinary
actions.
CAMPUS LIFE
STATEMENT ON RESIDENTIAL LIFE
The GMVS residential life curriculum stems directly
form the mission statement. Boarding Students at
GMVS are provided with a safe, healthy environment
in which to grow and develop. Dorm Parents and
faculty work in the dorms to teach students life skills
like independence, communication, cooperation,
discipline, time management and self advocacy.
ABESTOS MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (40
CFR 763.93 [g] [4]) requires that written notice be
given that the Green Mountain Valley School has a
management plan for the safe control and
maintenance of asbestos-containing materials found
in their buildings. The management plan is available
and accessible to the public at the administrative
office: Green Mountain Valley School, 271 Moulton
Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673.
Whenever possible, 8th and 9th grade students will be
clustered in one dorm to promote close supervision
and support of, as well as connectivity among, our
youngest students.
DORM PARENTS
DAMAGE DEPOSIT POLICY
GMVS dorm parents are coaches and teachers who
live in the dorms. They support the school’s mission
and work with students to promote independence. All
full-time faculty take turns relieving the dorm parents
on either Tuesday or Thursday and on the weekends.
Each evening the dorm staff helps students by
The damage deposit may be used to offset the cost of
damages caused to school premises or property.
Money will also be deducted for extra cleaning
expenses incurred during the year. Damages and
cleaning expenses which cannot be specifically
9
maintaining quiet hours, encouraging positive living
skills, checking students in and encouraging sleep.
CAMPUS DAMAGE
Students and staff take pride in the wonderful
facilities and beautiful campus at GMVS.
Occasionally damage occurs. Students and Staff are
expected to come forward and accept responsibility
for damage they cause. Accounts will be billed
directly. Boarding students are responsible for rooms
and common areas. Rooms and common areas
should be in the same condition when students move
out as they were when they moved in. Necessary
repairs or cleaning will be billed to the occupants of
the room or hall.
HEALTH AND ATTENDANCE POLICY
Day Students: Students too ill to train or attend
classes must have parents call the front office and
report their illness. Students who become sick during
the day must see a faculty member to arrange for
healthcare or receive permission to go home.
Boarding Students: Students too ill to train or attend
classes must inform one of their dorm parents or the
Ass’t Dean of Students to be excused from training or
classes. Most students missing activities will need to
receive professional medical care. GMVS will
schedule appointments with the Mad River Valley
Health Center, or urgent care, as necessary.
STORAGE
During the school year there is limited storage space
for skis, bikes, and luggage in the ski rooms. There
is no on campus storage over the summer. Again
GMVS is not responsible for theft, damage or loss of
personal property.
For severe, contagious illnesses, surgeries or
concussions, students may be asked/advised to
recuperate at home.
FIRE SAFETY POLICY
Due to the obvious danger of fire, the following are
prohibited in the dorms:
CLEANLINESS
Students are expected to keep their rooms in a safe
and healthy condition. While students are
encouraged to be neat and organized, they are given a
certain amount of freedom in their personal space.
Dorm parents and faculty on duty will address
problems directly with students each evening.
 burning of matches, candles, incense, fire
crackers
There are formal dorm clean ups each Sunday and
Wednesday nights. Students are expected to clean
their own spaces as well as the public areas in the
dorm.
 decorative lighting (i.e. Christmas lights, lava
lamps, etc.)
 electric blankets and electric mattress pads, etc.
 use of hot plates, hot pots, toasters, grills, space
heaters, etc.
Surge protectors should be used instead of extension
cords. The furnace rooms are off limits to
students. These rooms cannot be used for drying
clothing, ski boots, etc. Boot heaters are forbidden in
the dorm-rooms, hallways, or common rooms. There
will be specific space allocated for drying of student
possessions.
Traveling students are expected to leave their rooms
neat. Rooms need to be returned to move in
condition when students move out. Accounts will be
charged $200 for non move in condition at the end of
the year.
Wall hangings and tapestries must be treated with a
non-toxic fire retardant and may not be hung to create
partitions, obstruct windows or obstruct file exits.
State fire laws do not permit the hanging of tapestries
or wall hangings on the ceiling or covering sprinkler
heads or pipes. Posters and wall hangings may not
cover more than 50% of the wall. Wall hangings and
posters may be put on vertical wall surfaces only.
VALUABLES
GMVS is not responsible for theft, damage or loss of
personal property. Limit valuables brought to
school. Lock bikes and tuning kits. Use the in room
lock boxes. Label clothes and personal items.
VIDEO GAME AND TELEVISION POLICY
MICROWAVES AND REFRIGERATORS
Students are not allowed gaming systems or
televisions in their rooms. Students may bring
systems for the common room for use on weekends
only.
Students may have microwaves and refrigerators in
their rooms. All appliances must be Energy Star
rated. Students must bring their own kitchenware and
are not allowed to take items from the kitchen for
personal use. Students unable to keep their
10
appliances clean will lose the privilege of having
them.
Note: Students are not allowed computer or
phone use after 10:00 PM. At 9:30 PM individual
students may request permission to continue
studying in the dorm common room.
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
All students use compact fluorescent light bulbs in
their desk lamps. Incandescent bulbs are not
permitted.
Weekend Evening Hours - Fall and Spring**
Friday and Saturday:
9:30 pm – All quiet. Own room Check-in.
10:00 pm – Overhead lights out.
DECORATIONS
Students are allowed to tastefully personalize their
rooms as long as the decorations do not present fire
hazards or cause damage to the room. Minimal
decorations are recommended since student rooms
must be returned to their original condition in the
spring to avoid damage charges.
**10:30 pm – All quiet. Own room Check-in.
**11:00 pm – Overhead lights out.
Sunday:
9:30 pm – Own room Check-in.
10:00 pm – Overhead lights out.
SPEAKERS
Ski Season: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
No speakers with an adjustment for bass and/or an
additional sub-woofer attachment are allowed. If
found speakers will be confiscated.
9:30 pm – All quiet. Own room Check-in.
10:00 pm – Overhead lights out.
**On occasion, such as the night before SATs, dorms
will use the weekday schedule. Staff will announce
this in advance.
DORM HOURS
Weekday Hours
9:30 pm – 7:30 am: ALL QUIET. All quiet means
no music (headphones are permitted), no loud voices,
thumping of doors, etc. Any student should be able
to study and sleep during this time.
OVERNIGHT VISITS
Day students wishing to spend a night on campus
must get permission first from the Dean of Students
or OOD, then from the dorm parent in the dorm in
which they wish to stay, and finally from the
student’s parents. To best facilitate requests, this
permission process should be started as soon as the
desire to stay on campus is known. No day students
may sleep over on prom night.
QUIET POLICY
Students and staff must adhere to dorm quiet hours.
At all times one person’s wish for quiet supersedes
any person or group's wish for noise. Infractions of
this policy are disciplinary issues.
Students may be required to host students from other
dorms or visiting students, as the need arises.
SUNDAY AND EVENING STUDY HALL:
FOOD DELIVERIES
Mandatory Study Hall (in Library) for all boarding
8th and 9th graders and upperclassmen placed on the
study hall list.
Students may order food delivered to campus (e.g.
pizza). Students must meet delivery people in front
of, or inside, the Hobart Building. Delivery people
may not go to dorms.
10:45 am – 12:15 pm - Sunday
6:30 – 8:00 PM – Monday through Thursday
Privileged Responsibility for all 10th, 11th and 12th
graders. Privileged Responsibility means students
may choose to leave their dorm and pursue
responsible activities elsewhere on campus or remain
quietly in their own dorm. The core responsibility
during the evening is academic study! Students may
not visit other dorms between 6:30-8:30 pm.
DAY STUDENT LIFE
Day students comprise a significant portion of the
GMVS student population, and the school works to
provide activities and resources to ensure their
success and a positive experience. Day students who
have enjoyed the greatest success here are those who
have fully involved themselves in the life of the
school, participating in team sports, the fall musical
and weekend outings, among other activities.
9:30 pm: Own room Check-in.
10:00 pm: All quiet. Overhead lights out. In bed.
11
car is permitted for the sole purpose of commuting to
and from school. Any exceptions MUST be cleared
through the Dean’s Office. (See driving policy).
DAY STUDENT RESOURCES
There is a faculty advisor assigned to be the liaison
for day students and their families. This person is
available to field questions or concerns about day
students’ experiences, as well as to communicate
school news and events when necessary. The faculty
advisor oversees the day-to-day experience of day
students, monitoring facilities designated for their
use, and acting as an advocate for their needs on
campus.
Senior day students are afforded the privilege of
leaving campus and returning again in the same day,
but may not carry passengers and must sign out at the
front desk. This Senior privilege may be revoked if
misused.
Day students are never to transport boarding students
unless properly checked out with parental and school
permission.
In the Library & Day Student Center, day students
will find a variety of helpful resources. On the first
floor there are boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, and a
sitting room for quiet study and conversation during
free periods. In the basement, there are boys’ and
girls’ bathrooms with showers and changing space,
and space for bike and ski storage. The faculty
advisor’s office is located adjacent to the sitting
room.
All day students must park in the student parking area
behind the art center.
*Any violation of the above policy may result in the
loss of a student’s driving privileges or a fine.
CAMPUS VISITS
7th, 8th and 9th grade Day Students are not
allowed in the dorms during the week, but may
enter on weekends with permission from OOD.
DAY STUDENT POLICIES
Day students follow the same rules as boarding
students while on campus. Parents of day students
should contact the school before 8:30 am when their
child is too ill to attend classes or training.
Day students are allowed on campus after the
completion of the school day, under certain
guidelines. After 7:30 pm on school nights, day
students may not be in dorms but are allowed in
public areas until 9:30 pm. In the fall and spring, day
students must be off campus at 10:30 pm Fridays and
Saturdays, and 9:30 pm on Sundays. During the
winter, day students must be off campus by 9:30 pm
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
CLEANING
Day students are expected to contribute to the daily
and weekly cleaning schedules in the locker rooms
and the sitting room. The faculty advisor will notify
all day students of their particular assignments, but
all students should expect to maintain orderly lockers
and storage of personal equipment on a daily basis, as
well as periodic participation in deep cleaning of
common areas. GMVS reserves the right to inspect
lockers or any other personal areas or items on
campus.
Day students wishing to stay on campus to study with
boarding students need to do so in public areas,
including: Academic Building, Farm House, Student
Center, and the Library & Day Student Center. Day
students must be out of the dorms during quiet hours.
DAMAGE DEPOSIT
All day students accounts are assessed a damage
deposit at the beginning of each school year. The
damage deposit may be used to offset the cost of
damages caused to school property (including
buildings, furniture, carpets, lockers, etc.). Money
will also be deducted for extra cleaning expenses
incurred during the year. Damages and cleaning
expenses which cannot be specifically allocated to
individuals will be assessed to the day student
population as a whole. Any balance will be refunded.
DAY STUDENT CAR POLICY
Day students are not to leave school and return again
in the same day in their cars. Remember, use of the
12
ACADEMICS
13
Additionally, all 8th/9th grade students will be
required to purchase and use an assignment book to
track academic work.
ACADEMICS
YOUR CLASSES AND STUDIES
During the school year you will spend time attending
classes and studying. You should plan to allocate
several hours every night to your studies and are
expected to be fully prepared for every class. When
you don’t understand something, ask questions!
Your teachers know your work is difficult, and they
want to help you, both in and out of class.
The School Year
The school operates on a semester basis with four
marking periods.
Semester 1: August 18, 2014 – January 9, 2015
Quarter 1: August 19 – October 31
Quarter 2: November 3 – January 9
Semester 2: January 12, 2015 – June 5, 2015
Quarter 3: January 12 – March 20
Quarter 4: March 23 – May 29
However, responsibility lies ultimately with you to
make effective use of your time and to seek out
teachers when in difficulty. Teachers will assist
younger students in developing good study habits.
While teacher assistance is always available, older
students carry a higher level of accountability and are
expected to actively seek out teachers when
assistance is needed.
Winter Term
November - April. GMVS offers a Winter Term
Program for 8th and 9th graders (by special
arrangement only).
Your education here will include far more than you
learn in the classrooms, but the formal, academic
education is the basis of this school. Credits, courses
and grades provide a tangible evaluation of what you
have learned, and are useful to GMVS and others.
9th Grade Winter Term Program: students
participating in the 9th grade Winter Term Program
plan their course of study in consultation with the
Director of Academics and their home school
guidance counselor. Students are integrated directly
into GMVS classes. We do not provide tutoring in
home school courses.
CURRICULUM
Philosophy
8th Grade Winter Term Program: GMVS provides a
specific 8th grade curriculum (we do not provide 8th
graders with tutoring in their home school courses).
Students individually plan their academic schedules
in consultation with the Director of Academics, their
coach, and the College Counselor. Courses and
course load are selected on the basis of academic
preparedness, ability, and the demands of each
student’s travel schedule, not necessarily by age or
grade levels. GMVS continues to offer the traditional
core courses as well as a variety of electives,
opportunities for honors and advanced work.
Students are required to pass basic skills courses
before moving on to advanced courses. Students
earning an end-of-year grade of C- or lower may not
be promoted to the next level course except by
permission of the Director of Academics. The
Director of Academics reserves the right to place
students in appropriate level courses, regardless of
grade earned, based on the recommendations of
teachers.
Course Credit
Most academic courses are full-year courses and
carry one credit. Semester core academic courses
carry .5 credit per semester. Electives carry .25 credit
per semester.
Drop/Add Period
Students may drop or add classes only during the first
two weeks of the block. It is only under
extraordinary circumstances that a student may be
allowed to drop a class after the drop/add period.
However, transcripts will indicate “drop” and the
student’s grade at the time of the drop.
8th/9th Grade Enhanced Curriculum
Dropping a class requires permission by the Head of
Academics. The Head of Academics reserves the
right to withdraw a student from a class and reassign
the student to a different course.
All GMVS students will need to develop effective
study skills in order to be successful in their high
school experience. A variety of faculty members will
collaborate to teach the following topics at the 8th and
9th grade levels, both as separate units of study: time
management, organization, study techniques,
research methods, the myth of multi-tasking, etc.
Requirements for Graduation
Students must take at least 20 credits (of which 18
must be academic credits). In order to receive credit,
students must pass these courses with grades of C- or
14
better. (Only 2 final D grades may be applied toward
graduation.)
all online courses. Online courses must meet
rigorous standards to satisfy core-course
requirements. If you are considering using an
online course, please visit the NCAA’s
Eligibility website:
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_G
LOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/ncaa/media+and+events/
press+room/current+issues/nontraditional+high+scho
ol+reviews
Distribution requirements: In order to maintain a
balanced program, students must take courses in the
following areas and take required courses where
applicable.
English: 4 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits (minimum)
Science: 3 credits (minimum)
Math: 3 credits (minimum)
Foreign Languages: 3 credits (minimum)
GMVS does not ordinarily recommend the taking of
online courses to replace courses offered at GMVS.
However, we understand, as do colleges, that there
are unique circumstances warranting the taking of a
replacement course. These circumstances would
include:
On-Line Courses
The GMVS policy regarding online courses reflects
our ongoing commitment to maintaining high
standards of academics which are well respected both
at the secondary school level and at the college level.
We also understand that there is a time and a place
when taking a replacement course is appropriate.
 Modification of course load due to extraordinary
travel demands associated with elite athletics
 Specific learning needs
 Enrichment
First a few facts with regard to online courses:
If you wish to take an online course as a
REPLACEMENT for a GMVS course you must
adhere to the following procedure:
1) Grades earned through outside courses are NOT
factored into a student’s GPA.
1) Submit a formal request outlining the rationale
for taking the course.
2) Include a detailed course description and
identify the program offering the course.
3) Be prepared to demonstrate knowledge through
an assessment once the course is completed.
4) Submit portfolio of work completed.
2) Online courses are not for everyone! Because
online courses are conducted without direct
teacher contact, students must have highly
developed skills. Students must be personally
disciplined and, in the absence of scheduled
class time, be able to manage their time wisely.
Because communication is conducted online, it
is important for students to write well, be good
readers, and be attentive to details. Finally,
students must be independent learners.
Grading
Credit Grades: A = 94+, A- = 90-93, B+ = 87-89,
B = 84-86, B- = 80-83, C+ = 77-79, C = 74-76,
C- = 70-73, D+ = 67-69, D = 64-66, D- = 60-63, F =
59 and below. No credit is given for F grades.
3) Not all online courses are flexible with regard
to due dates. Some have clear time limits and
time frames for completion of work.
High school level transfer students will get credit for
courses in which they achieved a grade of C or better.
A full course at GMVS is the equivalent of a regular
high school full course.
4) Because of the variability in the quality of
courses available, colleges have mixed feelings
about online courses. The College Counselor
has contacted several college admissions offices
and has asked them to comment on the viability
of online courses. In general, their observations
are as follows: “rarely do online courses
strengthen an academic profile”, “we look
carefully at course names, who is offering them,
and we get input from college counseling for
verification of the rigor of the course.”
GPA is calculated using a standard, unweighted 4.0
scale, using only graded academic classes (and
theater) from grades 9-12.
Academic Honors
Highest Honors = All A’s; High Honors = 2 A’s and
no C’s; Honors = No grade below a B.
Valedictorian
5) Please be aware that the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) does not accept
“Class Valedictorian” is awarded to the senior who
has the highest cumulative GPA. Candidates for
15
“Class Valedictorian” include students who have
transferred to GMVS from another high school.
 Develop individualized tools and techniques for
improving reading, writing and study skills
“GMVS Valedictorian” is awarded to the student
who has earned over the course of four years at
GMVS, the highest cumulative GPA. Candidates for
“GMVS Valedictorian” include only those students
who have attended GMVS for their entire high school
career.

Implement accommodations
 Facilitate collaboration and communication
between student, teacher and parent
 Monitor academic progress
Academic Warning, Probation and Dismissal
Tier 2: Program is designed for students who need
academic support through weekly scheduled
meetings: $1,000 per school year.
You will be placed on Academic Warning if you
receive a D in any semester. Two consecutive
marking periods of Academic Warning become
Academic Probation. If you receive 2 D’s or have
failed one course in any given semester you will be
placed on Academic Probation. The consequence for
Academic Probation in two consecutive semesters is
dismissal. Dismissals will be reviewed by the staff.
You will be removed from Academic Warning or
Probation after successfully completing a semester
with no D’s or F’s. However, in the case of a student
exhibiting a pattern of repeated non-consecutive
academic warnings and probations, the staff will
review the appropriateness of the student’s placement
at GMVS.

Skill enhancement in reading, writing and study
skills
Extended Time: Students wishing to receive 50%
time extension in testing situations need to have
current comprehensive cognitive evaluations
demonstrating need for extended time on file at
GMVS and must be approved by the College
Board for extended time. Standardized tests like
SATs and ACTs have their own application and
review process for granting extended time to
students; parents and students need to apply well
in advance of testing dates.
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Academic support for all students:
At GMVS the Learning Support Programs accelerate
student learning by providing additional customized
support beyond what the classroom teachers and
advisors offer. The programs recognize students’
talents while helping them acquire skills and
strategies needed to become independent lifelong
learners. These individualized programs are designed
to enhance a student’s reading, writing, organization,
time management and study skills allowing the
student to effectively demonstrate understanding at
GMVS and in college. Support differs based on need.
Some students may meet with the Director of
Learning Services multiple times a week, while
others may access writing assistance a few times a
semester. Some students will begin their lives at
GMVS receiving learning support, while others may
determine support is necessary as they advance
through the GMVS curriculum.
Writing and Math Labs are available for students
who need occasional content support. The regularly
scheduled labs operate on a drop in basis.
Learning Support Program for students with a
documented learning disability:
To be excused from a study hall, the student must
present a signed note from a faculty member at the
beginning of study hall to the study hall proctor. This
means that students must schedule, in advance,
appointments with other faculty members (teachers
or coaches).
Content Tutoring: Students who need regular support
in a specific academic discipline must hire an outside
tutor.
STUDY GUIDELINES
Daytime Study Halls: All students are assigned to
mandatory daytime study halls. Wherever possible,
students are encouraged to do the bulk of their
academic assignments during the academic day.
Focused study during the academic day means not
only greater access to teacher assistance but also
encourages students to better manage their time in
order to get to sleep early.
Tier 1: Program is designed for students who need
remediation, skill improvement and academic
support: $3,000 per school year.
 Create individualized learning plans and goals
in response to identified and specific learning
needs
Evenings
Regardless of academic standing, all students are
strongly encouraged to spend their evening time
16
Monday through Thursday focusing on their
academic development.
library clean and return books and magazines to the
shelves after browsing.
Evening Study Hall - see dorm hours on page 11.
Students who violate the rules of the library will lose
their privilege to use the library.
The library connects students to the school’s
computer network, providing access to the internet.
The school subscribes to Vermont Library Online.
Log-on information is posted in the Library next to
the public access computer located on the second
floor. Teachers will help students develop research
methods and provide instruction on doing citations
and bibliographies.
ACADEMIC TRAVEL POLICY
Travel requirements will be clearly stated by the
teacher, in writing, at the beginning of the course.
Coaches will post a list of athletes traveling (names
and dates) via appropriate electronic means (e.g.,
Outlook Calendar, EDU2, e-mail, etc.).
Teachers will formulate a weekly “Heads Up List”
indicating those students who are in academic
difficulty. Students will be notified when placed on
the “Heads Up List”. Students placed on the “Head’s
Up List” may be withheld from training or travel. In
all cases, coaches and teachers will work with the
student to devise an academic plan.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Our hope is that both students and parents will enjoy
the process of finding a great college. Historically,
GMVS students have been well prepared and very
fortunate to matriculate at wonderful schools.
Almost all of our alumni have/had better GPAs in
college than they had at GMVS. This is directly
related to the GMVS mission of creating
independent, disciplined and life-long learners.
GMVS supports students and parents with a variety
of informational meetings and emails throughout the
year. If you have questions about the process, please
contact Jere Brophy.
Trip deposits and race entries may be forfeited if the
athlete has not satisfied the terms of the academic
plan.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance in class is mandatory and tardiness will
not be tolerated. Unexcused absences, tardiness,
missed work or work handed in late will be
penalized.
Grade recommendations:
7th, 8th and 9th Graders:
 Are advised to challenge themselves with the
most rigorous course load they can manage well
and spend their summers doing activities they
find interesting.
We recognize the importance of family time;
however, if a student chooses to miss school for a
family vacation, the student is fully responsible for
work missed and teachers are not obligated to
provide tutorials.
10th and 11th Graders:
 Are advised to maintain rigorous course loads
they can manage well and begin test preparation
and looking at schools.
 Sign up for and take the PSAT
Students missing classes for family vacation must
obtain permission from the Head of Academics and
complete a permission form which must be signed by
parents.
LIBRARY
11th Grade Spring:
 Plan out which tests to take and when
 Take a test preparation course
 Attend tours and information sessions and
develop working lists of schools
 Communicate college ideas with College
Counselor
 Junior Leadership Weekend: group and
individual focus on the college process
 Contact coaches if appropriate
The GMVS library is located in the Farmhouse.
Students are always welcome in the library for
research, study and book selection. In order to
protect the rights of others, and to maintain an
atmosphere conducive to studying, the library must
remain quiet. No food or drinks are permitted in the
library.
The GMVS library operates on an honor system. In
general, books are circulated for two weeks.
Reference books, including encyclopedias, may not
be taken from the library. Students are welcome to
borrow back issues of magazines, but should enjoy
current issues in the library. Students must keep the
Summer before 12th Grade:
 Determine which additional tests to take (SATs
again, ACT or SAT Subject Tests)
17
 Visit schools and meet with coaches and
admissions officials where appropriate
 Get a good start on Common Application
including the essay
 Consider strategy for ED, ED2 or regular
admittance
standardized tests, and career options, as well as a
computer for on-line searches.
In addition, there is a College Resource site on
EDU2.0, which is open to all students and parents. It
provides a wide variety of texts, links and
PowerPoint presentations with information on all
aspects of the college process.
Fall of 12th Grade:
 Maintain rigorous loads they can manage well
 Communicate with advisor and College
Counselor
 Take tests
 Complete Common Application including essay
 Determine application strategy with advisor and
College Counselor
Standardized Testing
Colleges regularly emphasize how they believe the
SAT Reasoning test (and Subject Tests), and/or the
ACT play just one part in the overall evaluation of an
applicant. We agree with them, but we also realize
that, as we state regularly in our presentations to
students and parents, a high score can ‘grease the
wheels’. Although not a guarantee of acceptance at a
very popular school (some schools routinely mention
how many of their applicants who scored perfect 800
on all parts of the SAT test ended up rejected at their
institution), a high score can tip the scales. However,
just as a poor grade in English, weak extracurricular
experience or an uninspired application essay can do,
a low score can raise enough questions to kick an
applicant into the ‘deny’ pile.
In general we recommend that students choose 4-9
schools they would be very happy attending across a
competitiveness spectrum.
Helpful websites:
www.cappex.comm
www.parchment.com
We also need to emphasize that our school
performance on SAT has been very strong over the
last two decades. Our classes typically average
around the 85-90th percentile nationally, with the
Class of 2013 scoring in the 91st percentile
nationally, our highest ever. This puts us with some
exclusive company, as far as prep school SAT
performance.
www.thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com
and
www.nytimes.com/pages/education
www.strategiesforcollege.com
www.services.vsac.org/wps/wcm/connect/vsac/vsac/pay+f
or+college
The bottom line is: Standardized tests are not going
away as a part of the process (they are, as we often
say, the cod liver oil of the generation), so we would
like to reiterate our stance on the tests. Please see
below for answers to frequently asked questions, as
well as a timeline for testing and the overall process.
The College Counselor is the main resource during
the admission process, but all faculty advisors will
assist students in their college search, with the help of
the College Counselor. All seniors meet with the
College Counselor early in the fall of their senior
year to plan out their application schedule, get
feedback on application essays, and prepare for
interviews. The College Counselor is the liaison
between GMVS and all schools to which a student is
applying. The College Counselor reports grade point
averages, writes the Counselor’s Report (part of
every application), and communicates with parents as
well with admissions and athletic department
personnel regarding GMVS candidates.
Testing FAQs:
Who should take the SAT Reasoning Test?
Juniors, in May. That way you can evaluate how you
did and plan preparations for retesting in the fall, if
needed, and shape where you apply. In addition, the
May test is the only spring administration for which
you can purchase the SAT Question and Answer
Service, which enables you to get your actual test
back for analysis. Then, as seniors, you typically
shoot for the October or November date.
College Library
The College Resource Center is located on the
second floor of the Library. It offers current catalogs
and view books from a large variety of colleges and
universities from around the country. Students may
use the materials at any time. There are also
reference books with information on more schools,
How do I prep for the tests?
We recommend taking a preparation course. The
course we offer here at GMVS has been very
successful in increasing students’ scores on the
Reasoning Test. If you want to take a commercial
18
class in the summer, then by all means, do so. Our
overall philosophy is that the more familiar you are
with the tests, the better you will perform, and so all
prep is good prep. As for preparing for Subject Tests
(SAT II of old) students can either take a professional
class, or work with a study book. We will assist all
students in finding the necessary resources.
Do schools have a ‘floor’ SAT score?
Some do, some don’t, and you won’t get it from
them. We have enough experience here to give a
pretty good indication of what scores are needed to
take SAT out of the picture, so to speak, and we will
let you know if your scores may end up hurting your
chances or if they will be in the running.
Also, the PSAT is a great way to gauge how you
perform on standardized tests, and we encourage
sophomores and juniors to take it, either in the actual
sitting in October, or, if there is a ski camp conflict,
on campus at a convenient time. We provide specific
score analysis to all students who take the test, in an
effort to inform their SAT prep plans.
What about the ACT? Is it true they are
easier/better/more suited to my learning style?
The answer to the second part is the ACT can be all
of those and it can be none of those. Quite simply, if
you are interested in the ACT (which schools accept
in place of the SAT Reasoning and/or Subject Tests),
get a practice book and take a practice test. If your
score is appreciably better than your PSAT
percentile, for instance, then you should prep for and
take the ACT. Our experience has been that in only a
few cases students have scored appreciably better on
the ACT than the SAT, so please don’t look at the
ACT as a salve for the ills of standardized tests.
Check it out for yourself, and if it works for you, then
put it in your plans.
What about Subject Tests?
Only a small number of very selective schools
require Subject Tests (the Ivies, a few NESCAC
schools, plus Stanford, et al). If you are looking
seriously at applying to those schools, then the
Subject Tests should be in your plans. Most require
two or the ACT with writing. However, there are a
few schools who will accept three SAT subject tests
in place of the SAT reasoning test.
A Final Note
As for the whole college application process, we
must emphasize again that SAT performance alone
will not guarantee acceptance at selective schools.
The schools do take a close look at all the other parts
of the application, and admissions officers stress how
valuable ALL the parts of the GMVS applicants’
folder are to their application. Also important to
schools are high grades in tough classes, leadership
roles on and off campus, positive and meaningful
teacher and counselor evaluations, top-notch essays,
and athletic prowess. It is not our intent in writing
this to inflate the grotesque misrepresentation of the
role of SAT and ACT in the admission game which
society has created. We simply hope that you will be
prepared for what lies ahead, and can fit it in with all
the far more important activities in which you
participate throughout the year.
When do I take Subject Tests?
The typical plan is during junior year, in June, then
again in November or December if you need to retake
or add a test or two. The rare exception is a
sophomore who is taking Biology, for example. With
preparation specifically for the test, taking the
Subject Tests that June is also a good idea, as the
information is more current.
Which Subject Tests should I take?
The conventional wisdom is Math 1C and Literature,
as they are most like the Reasoning Test and require
the least specific preparation. However, if you are a
strong French or German student, or particularly
strong in chemistry, for example, then look into those
tests. You should never take a Subject Test without
first getting the review book and practicing, as they
often have material that may not be covered in your
classes here, or that you have not studied since the
previous fall.
Extra Time
Students who believe they are eligible for extended
time or other accommodations on standardized tests
must complete the College Board Eligibility Form
and be approved by the College Board for
accommodations. Independent testing results must be
on file with GMVS, and will be used by the College
Board to determine whether or not extra time is
warranted. GMVS cannot determine whether or not a
student should receive extra time, but a student
approved for extra time by the College Board and by
independent testing will receive these
accommodations at GMVS.
If I don’t get the scores I want, how often may I
retake the test?
You may take them as many times as you like,
however, it has been our experience that, with very
few exceptions, anything more than 2 times is a
waste, as scores rarely see a jump on the third sitting.
In fact, taking it too often can reflect badly on you, so
the best plan is to give it your best two shots at most.
Most schools super score tests: taking the best result
in each category.
19
a greater awareness of the outside world through
practical work experience conducted over a five day
period. The internship is what you make it! Plan in
advance. Opportunities and ideas for Senior
Internship are endless, especially for the imaginative
student. A student wishing to get a head start in a
computer career might choose to work at the IBM
Center in Burlington, while a student interested in a
medical career could arrange to intern with a
physician or hospital. Advisors help students identify
meaningful Senior Internships, but are by no means
responsible for making arrangements with possible
sponsors. The internship should be initiated by the
student, and should be completed during the
summer break or another school vacation
(internships may be completed as early as the Junior
year). Exceptions will be made for extraordinary
opportunities, but class time missed and academic
standing will be taken into consideration. The
student’s advisor and the internship coordinator must
approve any exceptions.
Applications
GMVS will be responsible for sending the official
records to the appropriate schools, as well as the
Counselor’s Report. Students are to give all
necessary information to the College Counselor.
Teacher recommendations will be sent by the
teachers, as per the application instructions. The
student is responsible for sending all remaining
documents and fees directly to the schools. The
office staff will not be able to collate, package, and
send your application for you. The College
Counselor will help if you have any questions.
A Note About The College Process
The college search and application process contains
so many variables and options that it is important that
the students and parents get an early start. No time is
too soon to begin thinking about college. In fact,
given the busy schedule here at GMVS, it is crucial
that you get started well before you arrive in
September of your senior year. With classes, theater,
soccer, and training all going on at once, this is not
the time to be starting your search. The best strategy
is to follow the timeline below.
Senior Internship Guidelines
1. Every senior must apply. This is a requirement
for graduation. You make your own proposal, which
should explain a) why you’ve chosen this particular
internship and b) the basic details (dates, contact
information for sponsor, what the internship will
involve in terms of work).
SENIOR CLASS PROJECT
Each senior class participates in a group service
project during the last week of the school year,
working with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corp
Farm Program in Richmond, Vermont. The focus of
this project is to provide the students an opportunity
to conclude their senior year as a group engaged in a
project that benefits others, and the experience is the
culmination of their service commitment as members
of the GMVS community. The project is funded, in
part, by money raised by the senior class during their
time at GMVS. The remaining cost is the
responsibility of individual students and their
families. While participation is strongly encouraged,
the Senior Class Project is not a requirement.
However, if a student chooses not to participate in
this project they are expected to use that timeframe to
complete their own individual service project,
performing a minimum of thirty six hours of service
during the week. Students who choose this option
will need to submit their proposal on or before May
1, 2015, to Sam Jackson, Outreach Coordinator. It is
also important to note that service hours completed
during this week do not count towards a student’s
required forty hours of individual community service.
2. Applicants will work with their advisors, as well
as community sponsors. The advisors will aid the
student in creating and developing their project, but
the responsibility is ultimately in the hands of the
student.
3. The applicant must write a formal Internship
Proposal in which he/she outlines his/her project and
the rationale behind the choice.
4. The applicant must submit his/her Internship
Proposal to his/her advisor on or before Jan 31,
2015. The proposal must be neatly typed.
5. The applicant’s parent must sign to indicate
approval of project (or email approval to the advisor
and Senior Internship Coordinator, Sam Jackson).
6. Proposals must be deemed satisfactory by the
advisor and Senior Internship Coordinator.
7. A student must devote a minimum of six hours per
day during the project, for a period of five days (these
do not have to be consecutive days)
8. A student may do his/her project at a place he/she
has worked before only if the activities are different.
GMVS SENIOR INTERNSHIP
Senior Internship is a practical learning situation
whereby each senior adds to his/her formal education
20
9. Students who are working together on a project
are expected to prepare and submit separate
proposals, each written individually. (Copies are not
acceptable.)
These policies shall apply to users of computers
located or accessed at the Green Mountain Valley
School.
10. All students must abide by school rules for the
duration of the entire Senior Internship.
1.
Not interfere with the normal and proper
operation of this network, the Internet or any
other network. This includes: “hacking”,
"cracking”, probing, attempting to gain access to
network servers and equipment, utilizing
excessive amounts of bandwidth, and setting up
servers on the network of any type without
express permission.
2.
Abide by copyright regulations and the ethical
expectations regarding plagiarism and the
attribution of other people’s ideas and
information. (See Academic Honesty Policy on
page 4).
3.
Not attempt to harm, modify, or destroy
hardware or software by knowingly spreading
malware in any form, or interfere with system
security.
4.
Not attempt to bypass restrictions on the
network.
5.
It is essential that PGs are fully involved in activities
other than ski racing and training. PGs must continue
to prepare for the future outside of ski racing and
need other stimulus so the year is not so narrowly
focused just on skiing. Past experience has shown
that PGs who have been fully involved grow more,
are much more stimulated, and perform better than
those who are less involved.
Use electronic information resource in support of
education, research and educational goals and
objectives of Green Mountain Valley School and
not use the GMVS server/network for illegal
activities.
6.
Therefore, seniors who are interested in a PG year
need to fully address their understanding of, and
commitment to, these issues via an application and
interview with the Athletic Director.
Not submit, send, publish, or retrieve any
defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually
oriented, threatening, racially offensive, ethnic,
bullying, harassing, or illegal material. Any
infraction of this rule will result in disciplinary
action.
7.
Not impersonate another person or employ tools
to hide my identity. Any device, technique,
software or hardware used to impersonate
another person is prohibited.
COMPUTER/MEDIA USE AGREEMENT
8.
All students need a computer; laptops are better
suited to the demands of travel by students. A
personal printer is optional, but recommended.
Students should bring extra ink cartridges with them.
Not access, use or harm another user’s account
or data.
9.
Respect the privacy of others’ electronic mail.
I agree to:
11. All students must deliver a presentation prior to
graduation, as well as a written report submitted to
their advisor and the internship coordinator (Sam
Jackson), that briefly explains their internship and
what they have taken away from the experience.
Senior Internship Schedule
Jan. 31, 2015 – Formal Internship Proposal Due
June 5, 2015 – Internship presentations. Parents
invited.
POST GRADUATE PROGRAM
The GMVS Post Graduate Program is designed for
student/athletes who want to commit to a year of
intense growth. To that end, we feel it is important to
empower PGs with responsibility above what they
had as undergraduates.
10. Please "think" before sending e-mail; the tone of
electronic communication may be easily
misinterpreted.
Parents will be given a Children’s Online Privacy
Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) Form for Verifiable
Parental Consent to sign at the beginning of the
school year.
11. Understand that many services and products are
available for a fee and acknowledge that I am
responsible for any expenses incurred (such as
on-line buying, research fees, etc). Possession of
text, music, software or other media is protected
21
to the full extent of the law and must be
respected.
practices, online research and resource assessment, as
well as simple game construction.
12. For further information regarding Facebook,
please review:
http://www.cit.cornell.edu/policy/memos/facebook.html
13. The GMVS Computer Use/Media Policy may
also include other electronic devices such as
iPads, iPhones, cell phones, etc.
Members of the GMVS community are responsible
for their actions at all time. The GMVS
server/computer network is a public forum and the
student should conduct him/herself in the same
manner as is expected in the classroom or on the hill.
GMVS reserves the right to view any student
communications. Any communications created,
stored, sent or retrieved on email and computer
network systems are not confidential. Erased or
deleted communications may remain stored in
backup files and may be retrieved and reviewed.
The use of electronic information resources of the
school is a privilege, not a right. Infractions of the
provisions set forth in this Agreement may result in
suspension or termination of those privileges and/or
appropriate disciplinary action, including expulsion.
Activities in violation of state and federal statutes
will be subject to prosecution by those authorities.
Users should be aware that while respecting integrity
and confidentially of personal information, the
network administrator does have the capability to
monitor all activities on the GMVS server/network.
When there is a reasonable cause to believe that a
student has used his computer files or computer
accessed data bases in violation of GMVS’ mission,
the School shall have the right to search such
student’s computer files and computer usage with
respect to such suspected violation.
If unacceptable use does occur, this will be treated as
a major school rule violation and will result in
disciplinary action.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY
Technology privileges may be graduated by
age/grade level and 8th and 9th grade students may be
subject to stricter technology controls than the rest of
the school.
Positive Technology Skills: 8th and 9th graders will be
given specific lessons in good email communication
22
ATHLETICS
23
ATHLETICS
and supporter. Your child’s coach is the primary
source for the answers to any questions you may have
about your child’s program. We openly solicit
communication from you about our program and how
it benefits your child. We encourage regular
communication between you and your child’s coach.
This is the first step in developing a healthy and
successful athletic environment for your child.
PREFACE
The mission of the school and the mission of the
athletic program are one in the same. The overall
purpose of the athletic program is to provide
opportunities for our athletes to achieve their
personal best, whether that is racing for an Olympic
or Nastar medal, in an atmosphere that supports good
sportsmanship.
DAILY SCHEDULE
In the fall and spring, the daily athletic schedule
consists of four morning and five afternoon sessions
per week with weekends off (except for team
sporting events). In the winter, training is scheduled
in the mornings, usually Tuesdays through Fridays.
We also want to teach young people a love of
involvement in sport for a lifetime, an understanding
of sport specific basic exercise physiology, nutrition,
and sport psychology. We subscribe to a long-range
plan in our development of our young athletes. Thus,
the effort which goes into the process in much more
valuable that the result.
Coaches provide input for planning the year plan, and
for seasonal schedules, which take into account
developmental differences by calling for different
activities at different times for different levels of
athletes.
Our program is built around the principal of “sound
mind, sound body.” We mandate involvement in
daily ski conditioning, and daily ski training. We
encourage voluntary participation in our team sports,
soccer and lacrosse.
ON-SNOW PREPARATION
All out of season skiing has value for motivated
athletes. Our camp structure is guided by three main
principles.
To reinforce these goals, we have adopted a “Ski to
Win” theme, which expects that our athletes (and
staff):

Get something out of every situation

Think about solutions

Think and act positively

Concentrate on what to do

Be prepared

Be consistent

Be early

Want to learn

Share and help others

Seek responsibility

Do more

Be energetic

Know

Confront adversity

Recognize that adversity is part of the
sport and life
First, camps are progressive in nature. Fall camps
build off summer camps, and so on. Our main goals
are to establish a sound technical and tactical base for
the coming season.
Second, as the sport becomes more power-specific as
equipment advances allow for more continuous arc
and carving, conditioning for skiing becomes more
significant and more specific. We therefore plan
snow camps leaving significant blocks of summer for
off-snow conditioning.
Third, and again guided by the above two principles,
we want our athletes to ski as fits into the summer
through early-winter period. Only with a significant
accumulation of snow training can an athlete have a
chance to continue to keep pace in this sport.
YEARLY CAMP SCHEDULE
Below is the GMVS menu of summer and fall ski
camp options. There are many choices and very few
absolutes about what is right for young racers to do
for out-of-season skiing. One thing that is certain is
that all out-of-season skiing is beneficial for
motivated athletes. No amount of conditioning for
skiing can make up for a lack of accumulated ski
time, regardless of proximity to competition season.
We recommend on-snow training for all motivated
and able GMVS athletes, and all the camps described
herein have my (and this program’s) full
endorsement. The overriding theme at all camps is to
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR
CHILD’S COACH AND THE GMVS
COACHING STAFF
A coaches’ job demands of being a mentor, taskmaster, adviser, confidant, teacher, tutor, ski-tuner,
24
work on mastery of technique and tactics in a
deliberate and repetitive way.
in lacrosse or June Term. Coaches--FIS and U16
staff coaches TBD.
Parents should prioritize spending for camps by
conferring with our Alpine Program Director. For
those who will be U16/14s in the 2014-15 ski season,
individual schedules, abilities, and motivation all
play a role in sorting out summer camp plans. We
recommend U16/14s participate in a summer ski
camp, Valle Nevado and Colorado camps.
Fundamentals II June 27-July 7, 2014
Same content and intentions as Fundamentals I.
Targets FIS-age and U16 athletes, especially those
who have June Term or lacrosse commitments.
Coaches—FIS and U16 staff coaches TBD
GMVS Junior Development June 22-July 3 2014
Headed by Adam Julius, this camp’s content
mirrors Fundamentals I and II—but the target
group is U14 or U16 academy athletes for whom
this camp makes sense from a scheduling
perspective.
For motivated FIS-age (U21/U18) athletes we
recommend a June/July camp and September camp.
We want to see technical proficiency in our FIS-age
athletes before we move to the next levels of training,
and an early-summer camp provides the basic skills
on which the Valle Nevado and Colorado camps
build. If only one camp is possible for FIS-age kids,
we recommend the Valle Nevado camp over any of
the early summer camps. We have three preparation
tracks (Nor Am, FIS and Devo FIS/USSA) for the
specific needs of each level of racing. The closer we
get to the race season, the more specific the training
needs of each group. Please take a look at the table
and camp descriptions on the page below. If you
have any questions, please contact me.
Les 2 Alpes Summer Ski Camp June 20-July 3
Luc and Jen Robillard run this camp in France with
a focus on skills-based training.
FALL
Valle Nevado September 5-24, 2014 (FIS Speed
group); September 7-23 (U16/14s); September 824 (FIS group)
NOTES: Athletes participating in all camps must
have a current USSA competition license. For camps
ending on or before June 30, a 2013-14 license
works. For any camp dates in July or later, even
camps that start in June, a 2014-15 competition
license is necessary. Dates stated below are subject
to change. I have yet to calculate camp costs.
All ages and abilities are welcome at this camp.
We will work on fundamentals, introduction to
gate training, gate training, and speed elements—
all depending on age, prior summer skiing
progression and individual needs.
Colorado (FIS, Devo FIS, U16/14), November 521, 2014 (U18-16 groups); November 8-21(U14
group);
SUMMER
New Student Orientation May 24 & 25, 2014
For all incoming new students, and all previous
year’s winter termers, we have conditioning and
testing sessions that are part of the New Student
Orientation weekend.
The objective of the Colorado camp is to give our
FIS athletes a high-level, pre-competition gate
training experience. The U16/14s ski camp in
Colorado in November is directed toward building
the athletes’ technical free skiing base (for those
who have not had much, if any, previous ski camp
time in the prep period), or to offer a gate training
camp (for those who have had previous summer
camp training in the prep period). Most free skiing
will take place at Loveland, Copper and Keystone.
Gate training will be focused at Vail, Copper,
Loveland, and Echo Mt.
Fundamentals I June 9-19, 2014
This camp focuses on working to develop strong
technical fundamentals for all returning GMVS
athletes regardless of age. This camp exists as an
option for those who cannot attend camp later in
June. Location depends on snow conditions.
Potential sites include Mammoth Mountain, Mount
Bachelor or Mount Hood. This camp is open to
FIS-age and U16 athletes who are not participating
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Average total:
DECEMBER
FIS & U16:
$3,400-$4,000 per yr (depending on binding needs)
U14:
$2,400-$3,200 per yr (depending on binding needs)
Sugarbush late-November and December
Conditions permitting--we’ll train gates at Mount
Ellen and free ski at Lincoln Peak. Any training at
Mount Ellen before the date that they open to the
public. We started our training this past season on
Inverness on Friday, November 22 and had full
length GS training available by the following
weekend. Weather permitting we look forward to a
similar opening next season!
Tools & Wax: average of $750 per yr (all ages)
A NOTE ON PAYMENT FOR CAMPS, RACE
SERIES, and EQUIPMENT:
We require that parents have a VISA, Discover or
MasterCard on file in the Business Office at GMVS,
and that they have given permission to the Business
Office to charge camp fees, race trip fees, ski
equipment, and the like to that credit card. A credit
card on file at Winter Park Travel will facilitate air
ticket purchases. If parents are behind in payment for
trips, race entries etc., and has made no attempt to
make good on the payment thereof, GMVS reserves
the right to withhold an athlete from future race and
camp trips.
EUROPEAN MID-WINTER RACE TRIPS
Led by our European Coordinator, Mike Loidl, we
send, on average, four to six groups to Europe per
year for racing and training opportunities. Based out
of the school’s Koessen, Austria home, our athletes
train at nearby venues (sometimes with National
Team members), and race throughout central
Europe. We have expanded a U16/14 European
offering to include robust and varied training and the
chance to compete in Salzburg region races. The
purposes and goals of specific trips, and for specific
athletes, vary. Generally speaking, the school
supports such travel to provide ski-specific race
education and opportunity, and to increase cultural
awareness.
Please be sure to fill out the credit card form that is emailed with other GMVS registration forms.
Almost all notices for camps and in-season race trips
will come from the coach (or Program Director) via
e-mail to the parent and racer. Parents: please take
the time to review and reply to those e-mails in a
timely manner. Any questions regarding the camp
should be addressed to the coach/Program Director;
questions with regards to payment should be made of
the business office.
Ski Camp Costs
In an effort to help with budgeting, below are listed
approximate costs for the above-mentioned camps
and race opportunities. All camps at a bare minimum
cover the cost of ski tickets, lodging, and ground
transportation while at the camp. Most also include
full board (meals). Other costs to consider for camps
include food on travel days, racing fees, and any
personal expenses an athlete may incur.
June Camp
Valle Nevado
Nov. Colorado
MEMBERSHIPS
USSA MEMBERSHIP
ALL GMVS students (Nordic and Alpine) need to
hold USSA competitor licenses.
$2,450 plus airfare
(Mt. Hood/Mammoth)
$3,600 plus airfare
$2,800
USSA has sent an early renewal to alpine competitors
with a FIS registration (to be filled out by USA racers
born ’96 or earlier). If athletes wish to make the first
alpine FIS list, renewals must be complete by May
30, 2014.
May 2015 Camp $2,200 + airfare
Race Entries and Equipment Costs
Renewals for all other USSA members will be sent
out the beginning of June and again in early
September. This deadline is also for athletes who
wish to compete in the Southern Hemisphere this
summer.
This list is as extensive as possible. Extreme variation
from athlete to athlete is likely. Races: entry fees.
Prices are averaged for skis, boots, bindings (one set).
FIS & U16s:
Skis ($700), Boots ($600), Bindings ($275)
U14s:
Skis ($500), Boots ($400), Bindings ($200)
NOTE: Online registration and renewal will be
available soon. Check the website at www.ussa.org
for online registration and renewal. You may be able
to complete your early FIS renewal online.
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As most GMVS families also travel extensively, GR
recommends you consider the opportunity to upgrade
to a Family Membership. This upgrade offer from
Global Rescue is for a limited time only, since you
are getting full credit for the automatically enrolled
student applied towards an already discounted family
membership. To upgrade to a Family Membership,
please go to the following website
(www.globalrescue.com/gmvsfamilyupgrade) or
contact Sandy Chivers
(schivers@globalrescue.com or 617-426-6607). If
you have two or more children enrolled in GMVS,
please contact August Felix, who will help you with
the family upgrade and answer any questions you
may have.
FIS MEMBERSHIP
All GMVS alpine athletes born 1999 or earlier must
hold a FIS competition license. Registration for this
license is done through the athlete's national
governing body (USSA for US competitors, ACA for
Canadian competitors, etc). In the case of US
athletes, see USSA membership information above
for procedure. Late registration for FIS is possible
but very costly relative to the on-time registration.
Time your FIS registration application with joining
USSA. In other words, do it in May or June.
VARA MEMBERSHIP
All GMVS alpine athletes must hold a VARA
competitor license. Renewals and new membership
applications may be done on-line at www.vara.org.
Please note again that all GMVS students, regardless
of family membership status, will be billed for
membership through GMVS. Please contact Steve
Utter (sutter@gmvs.org) if you have any questions.
NENSA MEMBERSHIP
All GMVS Nordic athletes must be members of New
England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA).
Membership information is available at
www.nensa.net.
Note: First Aid Clinics at Sugarbush
Sugarbush Resort's first aid clinics at Lincoln Peak
and Mt. Ellen are operated by the Sugarbush Ski
Patrol and provide basic first aid. Attached to the
Lincoln Peak first aid clinic is the Fletcher Allen
Health Care Orthopedic Specialty clinic, a medical
treatment facility operated by Fletcher Allen Health
Care physicians and staff. If the ski patrol thinks
your child has suffered a sprain or a broken bone, he
or she will be taken to this clinic.
GLOBAL RESCUE MEMBERSHIP
We require that all GMVS Alpine & Nordic athletes
enroll in Global Rescue for the upcoming year (GR
membership for GMVS runs August 1, 2014 through
July 31, 2015). The price for membership with
Global Rescue will be at the sharply reduced rate of
$175/athlete. GMVS pays in one lump sum for all
memberships. In turn GMVS will bill your GMVS
account for memberships. We accept payment for
this membership by check or cash only. No credit
card payment allowed. All students will be
automatically enrolled (or reenrolled for returning
students) in Global Rescue on August 1 as student
members.
The Fletcher Allen Health Care clinic at
Sugarbush is not considered an emergency or urgent
care facility, so for insurance purposes, if your child
is treated there, it will be coded as an office visit and
thus not recognized as urgent care. Should your child
require medical treatment at Fletcher Allen Health
Care at Sugarbush, you will need to contact your
insurance company directly if your insurer requires
pre-authorization or referrals for non-emergency or
non-urgent care treatment. We recommend that you
contact your insurance company before Sugarbush
opens so that you know what to do to maximize your
insurance benefits in the event you may need to use
them.
For those of you not familiar, Global Rescue is a
company that provides exceptional emergency
medical evacuation services. They are the exclusive
provider for the US Ski Team, many ski academies
and clubs, and tens of thousands of individual,
corporate and government travelers. Global Rescue
memberships include Field Rescue from the
mountain and an evacuation back to the home
hospital of choice, if you are 160 miles or further
from home and in need of inpatient hospitalization.
In addition, Global Rescue provides direct 24hr
access to a US paramedic and each case is reviewed
by specialists at Johns Hopkins Medicine, the leading
hospital in the US. For more information on GR’s
services, please visit their website:
www.globalrescue.com.
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
Athletic training, like class time, offers an athlete the
opportunity to learn new techniques, which when
coupled with practice, leads to the acquisition of new
skills. Without adequate and productive training
opportunities, competitive opportunities quickly
become secondary in importance. Our staff places
tremendous value on both attendance and
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 We ask that all boarding students adhere to
dormitory rules regarding study hours, quiet
hours, and lights out. We feel strongly that a
minimum of 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is
necessary for growing bodies and active minds.
productivity during training sessions, whether
dryland or on-snow. It is, therefore, consistent with
the GMVS experience that attendance is taken during
training sessions. Of equal importance is
productivity, which is a direct function of, among
other factors, nutrition, adequate sleep time, and
emotional health and well being. In order to achieve
athletic excellence:
We believe that the GMVS curriculum works best
when seen as a whole. In the true spirit of
participation, we ask that our students actively
participate to the best of their ability in all aspects of
the school’s curriculum: academic, athletic, and
social. It is through this commitment to active
participation that we can help to develop the whole
individual, as well as to further individual athletic
aspirations.
 Students must participate in each athletic training
session. An athlete may be excused for specific
reasons such as illness, injury, medical
appointments, or personal and or family reasons
as determined by the coach. Studying for tests or
laxity of homework completion will not be
acceptable reasons to miss training. This applies
to all sports activities while at GMVS.
GMVS ON-SNOW TRAINING FACILITIES
AND POLICIES
 Permission to miss training for other reasons
must be requested by the student at least 12
hours in advance. (By 6:00 PM, at the end of
dinner.)
The GMVS Nordic program will focus its training at
Ole’s Cross Country Center in Warren, though the
team will also make use of other local areas, such as
Bolton Cross Country Center in Bolton, and Sleepy
Hollow Ski and Bike Center in Huntington. All
GMVS Students will abide by the posted policies at
each ski center.
 Any teaching staff member may place an athlete
on the “Head’s Up” list at any time. At this
time, the teacher must also e-mail the student,
the parents, the advisor, and the coach giving the
specifics of the situation. The immediate
consequence of this measure is that the student
may not participate in either training or
competition that same day until the cited teacher
is satisfied that the missed work has been
completed to a satisfactory level. This includes
extra-curricular sports practices, games
(including soccer, lacrosse or any other school
sponsored sport), skiing, or a ski race. Given the
fast- paced nature of our overall curriculum, it is
true that much is asked of our students. Our
inherent task is that student athletes keep up with
their class work as well as with their training.
We understand that this does require a level of
discipline, organization, and commitment. We
ask for your support in teaching these values.
The GMVS Alpine program is proud to have
Sugarbush Resort as its home mountain and training
center. Our relationship with the Resort has many
benefits and responsibilities. We are not just skiers
or racers, but also ambassadors for Sugarbush and the
Mad River Valley. As such, our example and actions
have a greater significance.
The following guidelines must be followed by
students when at Sugarbush Resort, or at other racing
and training venues:
All students and coaches will abide by Your
Responsibility Code which states:
1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or
avoid other people or objects.
 Coaches reserve the option of withholding from
competition any athlete who is in violation of
GMVS rules, regardless of jurisdiction, and in
addition to consequences handed down by the
disciplinary Committee. Coaches may inform
equipment manufactures, USST/USSA and
NENSA representatives of an athlete’s
indiscretion.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is
your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or
are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a
trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway
equipment.
 Students may not participate in extra-curricular
sports, games, or races [skiing or other sport] if
they, without prior permission or approval as
described above, miss the last scheduled practice
prior to the game or race.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off
closed trails and out of closed areas.
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7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the
knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload
safely.
aerobic fitness. Results from these evaluations will,
in some cases, serve as the basis for selection to
upper level on-snow training camps.
8. Without exception, all GMVS athletes, while
alpine skiing (all training and free skiing) must
wear a crash helmet and a full-spine back
protector.
Ski Pass Use
It is not acceptable for any GMVS student (or anyone
else) to allow their pass to be used by someone else,
to use another’s pass, to sell a day ticket handed out
on for race day lift access, or counterfeiting and
fabricating a fake pass or ticket intended to gain lift
access. It doesn’t matter if one of you uses a pass of
a friend that is not skiing—that isn’t acceptable and
in fact, it’s against the law in addition to penalty
meted out by the resort operator and GMVS. Below
is some season pass theft of service information
included in the criminal statute for Vermont.
“Fraudulent” use of a pass or ticket includes any use
of a pass or ticket by anyone other than the
buyer/passholder. Ticket checkers receive a
monetary reward if they catch someone using
someone else’s pass. The individual who is caught
could be cited by the State Police and then would
have to appear in court. It is a crime similar to eating
at a restaurant, getting gas or receiving another
service and not paying.
In addition:
1. Outside the race course, skiing will be in control
and at the speed acceptable and comfortable to
the other skiers on the trail.
2. Ski slowly through all designated slow skiing
zones, beginner and intermediate trails, all
intersections, and near all lift loading and
unloading areas.
3. Do not cut any lift lines (unless predesignated for
special events).
4. Move patiently and orderly through all lift
mazes.
5. Have your pass or ticket visible for ticket
checker or operator each time.
6. Ride the lift with the retention bar in the down
position.
In addition to the obvious criminal consequences of
misusing lift tickets/season passes, think about how
much GMVS depends on the good relationship it
enjoys with Sugarbush. GMVS students have a great
responsibility to help foster this relationship, and
misuse of passes does not help the school.
7. Stop to assist any skiers/boarders that are down
or having difficulty.
8. Do not purposely ski near other skiers on the
trail. Respect their space and comfort zone.
When you ski- use only your own pass or ticket. Do
not loan your pass or ticket to anyone else. Do not
ask to use anyone else’s pass or ticket. Do not offer
to sell or give away day tickets you have gotten for
your own use (as part of entry fee or as a stand alone
purchase). If you have lost your pass, do the right
thing and pay the replacement cost ($50?) to get a
new one.
9. Be clean, neat, and courteous at all times.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in
disciplinary action including:
1. First offence: Loss of ski pass and privileges for
two weeks. (*)
2. Second offence: Loss of ski pass and ski
privileges for the season.
Taken from Ski Area season pass release form:
(* Some serious first offenses may result in loss of
ski pass and ski privileges for the entire ski season.)
“Season Passes are not for resale and are nontransferable under Vermont Theft of Services Laws,
13 V.S.A. 2581 & 2582. Skiing or riding without a
lift ticket or pass, or with a fraudulent lift ticket or
pass will result in prosecution.”
PHYSICAL EVALUATIONS
Alpine Athletes
CHAPTER 57. LARCENY AND EMBEZZLEMENT
Subchapter V. Theft of Services
§ 2581. Definitions
As used in this subchapter:
Three to four times per year, we will evaluate the
physical fitness of each athlete. Physical evaluation
serves to allow individual athletes the chance to track
individual improvement. We do not intend for each
athlete to gauge success relative to other athletes.
The tests are simple to understand, are relatively
transportable, and evaluate strength, power, and
(1) "Services" includes labor, professional service,
transportation, public services not provided for in section
2021 of this title, accommodation in hotels, restaurants or
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elsewhere, admission to exhibitions, or amusements or
recreational facilities, use of vehicles or other movable
property.
fall. As the training gains specificity, the volume is
lowered and interval training is increased.
The intensity of interval sessions progresses
throughout the summer. In May and June, the
majority of work is completed in Level 3
(Threshold), which builds into the fall and snow
preparation period where speed increases and more
work is completed in Level 4 (Race Pace) and Level
5 (Vo2 Max). True speed work is incorporated into
weekly training throughout the year.
(2) "Movable property" means property the location of
which can be changed, including things growing on, affixed
to, or found in land, and documents although the rights
represented thereby have no physical location.
(3) "Obtain" means: (A) in relation to property, to bring
about a transfer or purported transfer of a legal interest in
the property, whether to the obtainer or another; or(B) in
relation to labor or service, to secure performance thereof.
(Added 1967, No. 202, § 1, eff. April 17, 1967; amended
1973, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1999, No. 35, § 3.)
In the months prior to competition season hours are
decreased and focus is placed on moving at racing
speeds. The November on snow camp concentrates
on efficient technique and low intensity volume.
§ 2582. Theft of services: (a) A person who purposely
obtains services which he or she knows are available only
for compensation, by deception or threat, or by false token
or other means to avoid payment for the service shall if the
services exceed $900.00 in value be imprisoned for not
more than ten years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or
both. Otherwise, a person who violates a provision of this
subsection shall be imprisoned for not more than one year
or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both. Where
compensation for service is ordinarily paid immediately
upon the rendering of such service, as in the case of hotels,
restaurants, and transportation, refusal to pay or
absconding without payment or offer to pay gives rise to a
refutable presumption that the service was obtained by
deception as to intention to pay.
Athletes are pushed and inspired to achieve their
personal best and find success at the Junior National
level. Our program is aligned with the US Ski Team's
"Pipeline" progression. We aim to place athletes on
international trips with both the US Ski Team and the
US Biathlon Association.
Training Camps 2014-15
Mals, Italy: Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2014. On
snow/dryland camp. Cost - $1,600 (approx).
(b) A person who, having control over the disposition of
services of others, to which he or she is not entitled,
knowingly diverts such services to the person's own benefit
or to the benefit of another not entitled thereto shall if the
services exceed $900.00 in value be imprisoned for not
more than ten years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or
both. Otherwise a person who violates a provision of this
subsection shall be imprisoned for not more than one year
or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both. (Added 1967,
No. 202, § 2, eff. April 17, 1967; amended 1973, No. 199
(Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2005, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
West Yellowstone/Bozeman: Nov. 18 - Dec. 2,
2014. Cost - $2,350 (approx). (Back-up is
Craftsbury).
Senior Nationals – Soldier Hollow, UT: Dec. 29,
2014 - Jan. 9, 2015. Selected athletes. Cost - $2,100
(approx).
Junior Nationals – Trapp Family Lodge, VT. March
2015 (dates TBD).
NORDIC ATHLETES
Super Tour Finals - TBD: March 20-30, 2015.
The Nordic program operates on a volume based
year-round plan, with specific aerobic, intensity and
strength training. Athletes experience high level
training while developing a strong sense of adventure
and respect for the environs we travel and live in.
ELEVATION PHYSICAL THERAPY (IN THE
PARKER CENTER)
Physical Testing
During the Spring of each school year, all students
(June for incoming students) are required to
participate in a comprehensive postural evaluation
administered by Elevation Physical Therapy. The
purpose of this evaluation is to identify any
underlying muscle imbalance which may affect
athletic performance, prevent injury and improve ski
technique. Based on the results of the evaluation, an
During the summer athletes focus on volume training
with the majority of training in low intensity zones.
Coaching continues throughout the summer through
a system of camps and time trials. A wide variety of
activities are employed to create a solid foundation
for more specific on foot training in late summer and
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individual exercise program will be implemented to
address these imbalances. GMVS will cover the
initial cost of these services on a case by case basis.
Continuation of this program and further
performance services are available directly through
Elevation Physical Therapy and student/parent.
Elevation Physical Therapy will either bill the
appropriate insurance company or the parents directly
to be compensated for this care.
Durable Medical Equipment in Place of Special
Equipment
If a student requires any special bracing or durable
medical equipment, the student and/or parents are
responsible for the cost. Due to insurance contracts,
Elevation Physical Therapy will not bill insurances
directly for any durable medical equipment. Payment
is required prior to durable medical equipment being
given to the students.
Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Training
Services
GMVS contracts rehabilitation and athletic training
services to Elevation Physical Therapy. Elevation
Physical Therapy will provide GMVS with a certified
athletic trainer and physical therapist to meet the
outpatient rehabilitation and sports performance
needs of the student athletes.
A Certified Athletic Trainer holds a college degree
and state licensure in an area of special training in the
recognition, care, and prevention of athletic injuries.
Elevation Physical Therapy will provide a certified
athletic trainer at home soccer and lacrosse games.
Acute injuries that occur on the hill will be under the
care of the ski patrol. Elevation Physical Therapy
also provides the school with state licensed Physical
Therapists who specialize in treating musculoskeletal
disorders throughout the body. A physical therapist’s
knowledge generally has more expertise in the
rehabilitation of spinal disorders in addition to
extremity disorders.
Acute Care Coverage
If a student athlete does sustain an injury, Elevation
Physical Therapy will make reasonable efforts to
contact the parent as to the nature and severity of the
injury. For minor injuries that will usually not require
the athlete to miss a day of practice, Elevation
Physical Therapy will not contact parents. If the
injury is significant, Elevation Physical Therapy will
contact the parents within 24 hours to discuss the
injury. If time allows we will make an attempt to
contact the parents before referral for a consult with a
physician. In the case of an emergency, we will use
our professional discretion to get the student athlete
to the physician that is most qualified and then notify
the parent as promptly as possible.
Health Care Coverage Protocol
Athletic training services will be paid by GMVS for
the initial two weeks following any acute injury that
occurs during participation in any school sponsored
activity or athletic event. If an athlete requires care
beyond the initial two weeks post-injury, Elevation
Physical Therapy will transfer care of the athlete to a
Physical Therapist in the Elevation Physical Therapy
office. These services are offered by Elevation
Physical Therapy at a fee to GMVS students.
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
0.0.D. cellular phone (in case of emergency)
802-793-6817
State Police/Fire/Ambulance
911
Hospitals
Central Vermont Medical Center
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
802-371-4100
802-847-0000
603-650-5000
Physicians
Mad River Valley Health Center
802-496-3838
Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic (Rutland) 802-775-2937
Vermont Poison Control Center
802-658-3456
Dorms
Clark
New Dorm
Poundcake
Witch’s Hat
Austria House
Phone
802-496-4461
802-496-2150 ext. 247
802-496-8815
802-496-8835
011-43-5375-6082
Banks
TD BankNorth Vermont
Peoples’ United Bank
Northfield Savings Bank
Pharmacy
Kinney’s Drug
802-496-2596
802-496-2585
802-496-9700
802-496-2345
Dentist
Valley Dental Associates
802-496-2524
Transportation (Bus and Taxi)
Vermont Transit
89 Taxi
Middlebury Transit
866-361-9671
802-383-8294
802-388-3838 (car service - reservations required)
Accommodations
Waitsfield Chamber of Commerce
Sugarbush
802-496-3409 (www.madrivervalley.com)
1-800-53-Sugar
Racing Organizations
USSA – Park City, UT
VARA
435-649-9090
802-236-4695
To e-mail faculty (and students):
(first initial and last name)
jdoe@gmvs.org
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