WEST NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY
Student Guidebook
Table of Contents
Values and Expectations at WNA -------------------- 2
Academic Life ---------------------------------------------- 4
Study Hall ----------------------------------------------------- 9
Library --------------------------------------------------------- 10
Athletics------------------------------------------------------- 12
Attendance ------------------------------------------------ 14
Student Dress Code--------------------------------------- 16
Support Services ------------------------------------------- 19
Health Services --------------------------------------------- 21
Activities & Student Services -------------------------- 24
Senior Privileges ------------------------------------------- 27
Student Accounts ---------------------------------------- 28
Use of Technology ---------------------------------------- 31
Transportation ---------------------------------------------- 33
Day Student Information -------------------------------- 35
Residential Life --------------------------------------------- 37
Behavioral Expectations -------------------------------- 43
Behavioral Infractions ----------------------------------- 45
Student Records ------------------------------------------ 51
Fire Emergency Procedures --------------------------- 52
The Alma Mater ------------------------------------------- 53
Mission Statement
West Nottingham Academy is a diverse, student-centered, boarding and day school for young men and women in grades 9 – 12.
Since its founding in 1744, the Academy has prepared students for the challenges of college and life through a curriculum
grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, and a commitment to the intellectual, spiritual, and social growth of each student.
Diversity Statement
Every individual of the West Nottingham Academy community brings an intricate combination of cultural traditions, personal
and family beliefs, and life experiences. As an historically inclusive Academy, West Nottingham respects and supports the
ethical and educational importance of a multicultural curriculum and co-curricular program in accordance with its mission
statement and core values.
1
Core Values and Expectations
West Nottingham Academy has adopted the following Core Values and expectations for the
community.
CORE VALUES:
Respect, Responsibility, Passion, Perseverance, Service, Spirituality and Integrity.
EXPECTATIONS:
West Nottingham is a college preparatory institution.
We expect you to be good students inside and outside of the classroom, to work hard, to take advantage of the many educational
opportunities, and to push yourself to excellence.
All members of the community share responsibility for the community.
We expect you to participate in a variety of sports and activities, including music, art, drama, and student government. If you
are a boarding student, we expect you to be a positive influence in the dorm and to carry your weight as a community builder.
West Nottingham prides itself on being a multicultural community. You will meet
students here from around the world.
We expect kindness of action and an appreciation of differences.
You will represent this school often in town, on trips, and as a member of
athletic teams. This school community includes alumni, your parents or
guardian, faculty, their families, and our frequent guests.
We expect you to exhibit exemplary behavior in representing yourself, your school, and your team. We expect you to use
respectful language, to be friendly and helpful to visitors, and to be sensitive to the young children who share this campus with
you. We expect you to be discriminating in your public displays of affection and to present yourself with dignity.
Every person on this campus has the right to feel safe and free from bullying
and intimidation.
We expect you to be kind, supportive and respectful to all members of this community.
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As a boarding and day school, we embrace community living standards.
We expect you to honor confidentiality, prevent the spread of rumors, respect school and personal property, and to uphold the
high standards of community living.
This campus is spacious and beautiful.
We expect you to treat the buildings and grounds with respect and to keep the campus clean. We expect you to be respectful of
school and personal property and to insist on the same from others.
The Parent-School Relationship is essential for student success.
West Nottingham Academy believes that a positive and constructive working relationship between the school and the student’s
parent or guardian is essential to the fulfillment of the school’s mission. It reserves the right not to continue enrollment or not to
re-enroll a student if the school reasonably concludes that the actions of a parent or guardian are inconsistent with a positive and
constructive relationship or seriously interferes with the school’s accomplishment of its educational objectives. As members of
the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS), West Nottingham supports the AIMS Code of Conduct for
parents.
The use of drugs, including alcohol and other intoxicants, on this campus
interferes with learning and the productive habits of the mind; drug use will not
be tolerated.
We expect you to refrain from the use of alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicants while you are a student at the academy, both on
campus and off.
The use of tobacco is harmful both to the user and to those nearby and
interferes with the healthy pursuits available in an independent school.
We expect that all members of the community will honor our smoke-free campus.
3
Academic Life
The following is a summary of the academic policies and requirements of WNA. Additionally, this section speaks to the nature
of WNA’s academic program and the kinds of support we provide for it – both formal (the Chesapeake Learning Center and
International Student Services) and informal.
West Nottingham Academy’s academic program is student-centered and college preparatory in scope and direction.
Our objective is to inspire curiosity, teach critical thinking skills, and cultivate a passion for learning that sets the
foundation and provides the opportunity for a life that is both individually fulfilling and intrinsically valuable to the
larger society. The course of study is regularly reviewed by the Academic Council for Excellence (ACE), which is
chaired by the Academic Dean. This committee works to ensure that WNA’s academic program remains vital and
reflects the educational demands of the 21st century. Toward that end, we offer Chesapeake Learning Center support
to some of our students, namely, those who have been professionally diagnosed with mild to moderate learning
differences, or with underdeveloped compensatory strategies related to such learning differences. In the same vein,
English as a Second Language (ESL) support is provided to address English language needs as necessary.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
WNA’s academic requirements for graduation are based on a four-year course of study, 9th through 12th grades.
Students must earn a minimum of 63 credits over four years to graduate with the WNA diploma. Receiving credit
for a course is predicated on a student earning a grade of D or better. What follows is WNA’s core curriculum. All
courses are year-long, unless otherwise indicated. Successful completion of a year-long course earns three credits
and successful completion of a trimester course earns on credit. Three credits in a year-long course are the
equivalent of one Carnegie unit. Please note that this required core curriculum represents WNA’s minimum course
of study.
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9
9
9
9
5
1
1
1
7
credits in English
credits in History, including US History
credits in Mathematics, through Algebra II
credits in Science, specifically lab sciences
credits in one Foreign Language
 under certain circumstances, 6 credits for students using CLC support services
credits in Art, including satisfactory completion of Freshman Humanities, plus one additional year of Art
credit in Senior Research Project (SRP), a trimester senior requirement
credit in Ethics, a trimester senior requirement
credit in Religion, a trimester senior requirement
additional credits, including health, athletics**, activities, and elective courses
Service Learning Hours – Students are required to serve 15 hours of community service for every year they
are a student at WNA. Failure to complete the requirement may jeopardize a student’s promotion to the
next grade and/or graduation from WNA. (see Service Learning, pg. 25)
.
~ Courses
Consistent with the resources of the school, courses are taught to provide breadth and depth to West Nottingham’s
college preparatory program. Information about particular courses is available from the WNA website, teachers,
department heads, and the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean approves each student’s course of study after a
review of current transcripts and in accordance with state requirements and school policy. When appropriate, the
Academic Dean consults with the Directors of the Chesapeake Learning Center (CLC) and International Student
Services (ISS) determine individual students’ needs in meeting WNA’s requirements.
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~ Course Registration
Current students start the process of course registration for the next academic year in the spring by filling out course
request forms with their advisors. New students are pre-registered for courses following the enrollment process. All
enrolled students receive their schedules for the next year in July at approximately the same time that online books
through MBS become available. All students are encouraged to contact the Academic Dean prior to the start of
school to discuss any curricular or schedule issues.
~ Adding or Dropping Courses
Students may add a course during the first week of each trimester with the permission of the Academic Dean.
Students may withdraw from a course without penalty during the first three (3) weeks of school (for year-long
courses), or the first two (2) weeks of a trimester course. Students seeking to withdraw from a course must discuss
the reason for the change with their advisor and secure the approval of the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean
may reschedule students to assure that a five course minimum is retained. Advisors will be notified of course
adjustments.
FORMAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Chesapeake Learning Center (CLC) support and support in English as a Second Language (International Student
Services or ISS) are provided on the basis of current testing, such as a professional assessment that documents a
learning difference or a SLEP score indicative of the need for English language support. Testing is reviewed by the
Director of CLC or ISS. Possible schedule changes are also reviewed by them, and must be approved by the
Academic Dean.
~ Academic Recitation (AR)
Students are encouraged to meet and work with their teachers during the recitation time available for each class
during the week to ask questions about their classes and receive help with their homework. Faculty may require
students to attend recitation time at any time to make up missing assignments or assessments, to receive additional
help, or to review tests or quizzes.
ACADEMIC STANDING
Any student who receives a grade of D or below in one (1) or more classes on trimester or interim grade reports will
be classified as in “academic jeopardy.” These students will be assigned to one or more of WNA’s academic
assistance programs until their grades improve. These supports include mandatory recitation time, structured study
hall (mandatory for boarders in academic jeopardy), weekend study opportunities and peer tutoring options when
available.
Students must have earned a minimum of 15 credits to become a sophomore, 30 credits to become a junior and 45
credits to become a senior. A student who fails more than one course may not be promoted to the next grade. With
the approval of the Academic Dean or the Assistant Head of School, students may enroll in a summer school
program to remedy such deficiencies and proceed to the next grade.
GRADES & ACADEMIC REPORTING
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West Nottingham uses letter grades to report academic progress. The chart below indicates the letter grading system
as well as percentage and GPA equivalents. Here are some basic grading facts and policies:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A year long course is worth 3.0 credits (1.0 Carnegie Unit)
A trimester course is worth 1.0 credits (.33 Carnegie Unit)
All trimester and year-long grades are recorded as letter grades, A+ through F
Year-long grades determined by averaging letter grades on a 12 point scale. (see below)
A student must earn a final grade of D or better to receive credit for a course.
If a student fails two of three trimesters in a year-long course, the student cannot earn credit for the
year regardless of the grade earned in a third trimester.
An Incomplete grade must be remedied within two (2) weeks of the start of a new trimester, or, for
the spring term, within two (2) weeks of the end of the school year. Failure to do so will result in a
grade of F being recorded.
WNA’s letter grading scale, together with the equivalent percentages and GPA calculations, are as follows:
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
I
Percentage
97-100
93- 96
90- 92
87- 89
83- 86
80- 82
77- 79
73- 76
70- 72
67- 69
63- 66
60- 62
Below 60
Incomplete
GPA (Grade points average)
4.33
4.00
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.67
2.33
2.00
1.67
1.33
1.00 (minimum grade to earn credit)
0.67
0.00
0.00
~ Grades and Comments
Academic progress is reported to families and students six (6) times per year – three times as interim reports
approximately halfway through each trimester. Formal Report Cards are sent out at the end of each trimester.
~ GPA and Academic Honors (trimester and year)
The Academy computes GPA averages for all students each trimester. Grade is used for Honors Distinction courses
(0.075) and AP courses (0.15). Academic Honors are based on the calculated Grade Point Average (GPA),
determined as follows:

First Honors: a GPA of 3.75

Second Honors: a GPA of 3.33-3.74
WNA releases GPA information, but not class rankings, to students and colleges.
~ Valedictorian/Salutatorian
The Academic Council for Excellence (ACE) chooses the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class.
Candidates for these honors are the five (5) seniors who have the highest cumulative GPA’s at the end of the second
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trimester of their senior year, and who have attended WNA for two years or more upon graduation. Each candidate’s
entire career at WNA is considered in the selection process, as is the rigor of the course of study taken.
~ Transcripts
Transcripts are signed and mailed only by the Academic Dean, Assistant Head of School, or Head of School, and
only for students whose financial obligations to the Academy have been satisfied.
~ NATIONAL Honor Society
West Nottingham’s Talisman Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) was chartered in 1958 to recognize and
celebrate the achievements of outstanding students. Membership in the NHS is a special honor bestowed upon
students and is life-long, provided that they maintain the same high standards that qualified them for membership.
Selection for membership is determined by a Faculty Council, which consists of five voting members plus the nonvoting Chapter Advisor. Four criteria have been established by the national organization as guidelines for the
selection of new members: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. At West Nottingham, nominations for
membership in this society are open to juniors and seniors with cumulative GPA’s of at least 3.0. Only academic
work done at WNA is given consideration. A minimum GPA of 3.50 is required for students to be nominated in
their first year at WNA.
At the end of the second trimester, all academically eligible students are notified of their eligibility and asked to
complete an activity information form if they want to be nominated for election to NHS. The information provided
in this form, along with input from the entire faculty, assists the Faculty Council in their selection process. Council
decisions are made by majority vote. The Council considers each student’s leadership, character, and service to the
Academy, looking for positive evidence, not perfection. The list of approved candidates is then presented to the
Head of School for final approval. At the induction ceremony, new members receive a certificate of membership, a
membership card, and an NHS pin. Seniors also receive special blue collars and NHS tassels to wear with their
Commencement gowns.
ACADEMIC WARNING AND PROBATION
Students receiving an F or multiple D’s, or having excessive unexcused absences during a trimester, may be placed
on Academic Warning. This status is less a formal condition and more of an opportunity to send an important signal.
In this situation, the student’s advisor, teacher(s), director of an appropriate support service (if CLC or ISS is in
place or recognized as a possible need), and the Academic Dean confer with the student and family. Strategies for
improvement are developed and put into place.
If the student shows further academic decline, or continuing lack of effort, the student may be placed on Academic
Probation. Additional support steps may be taken, and the objective continues to be to provide a more effective and
structured framework for improvement. However, Academic Probation represents a much more formal condition,
reflecting the seriousness of the student’s current academic situation and underscoring the fact that the student’s
continuing enrollment at WNA is at risk.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty is a corrosive force in the life of a school. It jeopardizes the quality of education and
depreciates the genuine achievements of others. Moreover, apathy in the presence of academic dishonesty is not a
neutral act. All members of a school community – students and faculty alike - share the responsibility to expose acts
of academic dishonesty. Offenses of academic dishonesty are recorded in a student’s permanent file. What follows
represents acts of academic dishonesty at WNA:
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~ Cheating,
which we define as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials or information in any academic
exercise.
~ Fabrication,
which we define as the intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an
academic exercise.
~ Facilitating Academic Dishonesty,
which we define as intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic
dishonesty.
~ Plagiarism,
which we define as intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own, in any
academic exercise.
Incidents of academic dishonesty must be reported to the Academic Dean. Consequences are as follows:
Upon the First Offense:
The grade in question will be forfeited, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian, and the student may be
suspended. The student will meet with the teacher, the department head, the advisor, and the Academic Dean, to
discuss the serious nature of the offense. Specifically, for a first offense of plagiarism on a major report or research
paper, the work may be returned to the student for correction and re-submission for a grade no higher than 59%.
Upon the Second Offense:
The grade in question will be forfeited and the Academic Dean will refer the matter to the Head of School for the
consideration of possible dismissal. Additionally, WNA may be obligated to report relevant information to a
senior’s prospective colleges. In the case of any further offenses, the student’s continuation at WNA would be in
grave jeopardy.
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Study Hall
Evening study hall runs from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday evenings, except during the winter season, when
times may be adjusted. Study hall assignments are reviewed each time grades are posted. There is a 5-minute break in the middle
of study hall. Students should always bring all necessary supplies (books, pencils, pens, etc.) to Study Hall.
STUDY HALL
~ Structured Study Hall
Students, whose posted grades are D’s or below, will be assigned to Structured Study Hall. Advisors and parents
may also request that a student be placed in Structured Study Hall if there is room. Structured Study Hall is held in
the dining room and is supervised by faculty.
No iPods, headphones, cell phones, or unauthorized electronic devices will be permitted in Structured Study
Hall.
~ In-Dorm Study Hall
In-dorm study hall is an integral part of the academic day. In-dorm study is not the time to start laundry, watch
movies, play video games, or order take-out food. Students are expected to work at their desks (Not on or in their
beds) in their rooms on appropriate academic course work. Students remain in their own rooms, except during the
break. Talking, eating, and sleeping are not allowed and students’ dorm room doors are to remain open. While
academic use of computers is permissible and encouraged, use of Instant Messenger and email is not appropriate.
Computer screens will be visible from the door at all times. Stereos and TV’s may not be used and cell phones
should be turned off and put away. Headphones and beverages are allowed as long as their use is responsible and
not intrusive to the students or others. Group work may be allowed in the lounge area if approved by the dorm
parent on duty. Students may also be allowed to go to the Library or another study with a pass from an academic
teacher assigning the work and appropriate permissions from study hall faculty.
COMPUTER AND LIBRARY USE
Students who wish to work in the library or computer lab during evening study hall must obtain a pass request from
the teacher on whose assignment they are working. The pass should be obtained prior to the start of study hall, and it
should be written in his/her student planner. The pass request should be shown to the study hall teacher or the dorm
parent on duty before the student leaves. The dorm parent/study hall supervisor will then sign a pass for the student
to take to the library supervisor. At the completion of the library work-time students should return directly to their
study hall with their signed release pass.
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Library
Located in historic Magraw Hall, the West Nottingham Academy library provides a serene and academically
stimulating atmosphere serving all students, faculty, staff, and community members.
RESOURCES
Resources available include a growing and continuously updated collection of books, audio books, music CDs,
DVDs, newspapers, periodicals and web-based database resources accessible from anywhere in the world where you
have Internet access. The Academy is a member of the MDK12 Digital Library which is a partnership among
Maryland public school systems, the Maryland Department of Education and non-public school organizations.
Additionally, students will open and maintain an account at the Cecil County Public Library (it is free) and utilize
public library resources available through Cecil County and across the state of Maryland.
HOURS
Monday through Friday: 8 am – 3:30 pm
Every Sunday through Thursday evening during Study Hall: 8:30 – 9:30 pm
ETIQUETTE
1. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE LIBRARY AT ANY TIME. Food and drinks brought in to the
library will be thrown away and/or placed in the librarian’s office immediately.
2. Be mindful and respect your peers who are already present and studying when you enter the library.
3. No conversations or talking while you are in the library. If one must speak, it will be in a whisper or quiet voice
only.
4. Student-access computers are on a first come, first served basis, unless the library is signed out by a teacher for a
class.
5. During the academic day, students must remain in dress code.
6. International students must speak English when in the library.
7. Always seek the librarian’s assistance for any guidance or need.
Students who do not conform to the guidelines and rules stated above will be asked to leave and a demerit will
be issued, or they may be sent to the Dean of Students’ office immediately.
LOAN POLICY
All fiction and nonfiction books, audio books, video recordings, DVDs, and music CDs may be borrowed for a
period of three weeks, and are renewable if there has been no hold placed on that particular item. There is a threeday grace period to return books without receiving a fine.
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Reference books are lent OVERNIGHT ONLY. There is no fine-free grace period for Reference books. The number
of books a student may check out on a particular subject may be limited.
~ Overdue notices
Students are expected to return books on time. Overdue notices are e-mailed to the student on a regular basis.
Students are expected to check their student e-mail accounts on a regular basis.
~ Fines
Fines due are paid from student accounts. Overdue fines are $0.25 per day per fiction and nonfiction book, audio
books, video recordings, DVDs, and music CDs.
Overdue fines are $1.00 per day for reference books.
~ Lost and Damaged Books
Lost books are assessed at the end of each trimester period. Books are routinely inspected for damage upon their
return to the library. Once the determination has been made that a book has been lost or damaged then the cost of
replacing the book will be charged to the student’s school account.
All library obligations must be cleared before the student leaves for summer vacation. Seniors must clear library
obligations before commencement.
INTERLIBRARY LOANS
The library at West Nottingham Academy has an interlibrary-loan relationship with the Rising Sun
Branch of the Cecil County Public Library. The resources accessible through the public library system
augment the resources available in our library. All students are encouraged to fill out an application for a
Cecil County Public Library card during the beginning of school registration each year. With this card,
the student may access free resources such as books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, databases, and
downloadable materials through the Cecil County Public Library and the Maryland Public Library system
via the Internet. Students are encouraged to utilize the public library resources with the assistance of the
librarian. This is an excellent resource to use at school, at home, or from anywhere in the world!
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Athletics
West Nottingham Academy believes that athletics are an important part of a student’s secondary education. The athletic
department focuses on sportsmanship, good conduct, spirit of competition, adherence to rules, and development of skills. The
academy offers a range of both team and individual athletic opportunities to male and female students during the fall, winter,
and spring sports seasons. The athletic program is undertaken as an integral component of the educational process under the
direct guidance of educational leaders.
Athletic & Adventure Attendance
1. Athletes are expected to meet their competition or practice obligations EVERY DAY including the days
they are excused to start any and all break periods. This means that if a game or practice is scheduled on the
day you can depart, you MUST meet the obligation before departing for your break. A missed obligation of
this nature will result in detention and possibly a suspension from the team for a period of time determined
by the Director of Athletics with input from the coach.
2. Adventure classes and athletic team commitments are considered to be the same as academic classes and
students are expected to treat them the same. Just as in the academic realm, 3 unexcused absences will
result in the student failing their commitment for the term. They will, however, be expected to continue to
attend and to participate with everything their class/team does.
3. Suspension from either adventure classes or athletics will be treated just as an in-school suspension.
From 3:30-5:30 the student will report to “Athletic Study hall” where attendance will be taken and work
will be checked to ensure the student is not wasting time.
4. Each sport/activity per term counts as 1/3 of a credit. Each student will earn one (1) full credit per year
towards graduation. Grades will be pass/fail and appear on transcripts.
Athletic & Adventure (PE) Grading & Attendance Criteria 2011-2012 School Year
Passing Grade Criteria
Failing Grade Criteria
Concrete Measures:
1.Absences*:
0-4 Excused
Five or more excused
2 unexcused
3 unexcused
Awesome Leader,
Totally committed, no distractions
No real commitment,
Problem, negative attitude
(See exceptions below)
Subjective Measures:
2.Attitude:
3.Commitment:
Invested in the team,
Very supportive, no distractions.
Negative attitude,
Little, if any, effort, a detractor
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*Absence Exceptions:
1.
2.
3.
Family emergency: any situation requiring a student to not attend due to a family emergency would not
count against them with the number of excused absences.
Any illness/injury where the WNA nurse or a medical doctor excused the student from participation would
not count against them.
THE DEAN OF STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY IN DETERMINING ALL
ABSENCES.
Injured - Misses Significant (more than 50% ) of season: Athlete will report to practice every day if physically
able (or to Athletic Study Hall if not) and will go to all games and support his/her team. This would allow the athlete
to receive a passing grade for the term.
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Attendance
Students are expected to be on time and to meet all school obligations, including: morning meeting, classes, academic assistance,
sports, activities, appointments, convocations, and other required meetings and programs. Weekend permissions for boarding
students will be granted only when attendance matters are in order.
MORNING MEETING
All students and faculty meet Wednesdays at 8:20 am to share announcements regarding activities and commitments
for the day, the week, and the weekend. Attendance will be taken. If a student is LATE to morning meeting then a
demerit will be turned into the Dean’s office. If a student is ABSENT and UNexcused from morning meeting, then a
detention will be issued. This includes day students.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
All students are expected to attend every one of their scheduled classes. If a student misses ½ of a particular class,
then it is considered a class absence. If a student misses a class and it is UNexcused, then the student will also
receive a detention. Exceptions will be made for lengthy illnesses, which are confirmed by a medical doctor and
approved by the Academic Dean and Dean’s office.
CONVOCATIONS AND EVENING PROGRAMS
School convocations and other special evening programs occur occasionally throughout the academic year and are
clearly indicated on the school calendar. All students, including day students, are expected to attend and encouraged
to participate in all school-wide programs. Absences will be considered unexcused and may result in a detention.
TARDIES
All students are expected to be seated and prepared for the day’s lesson at the beginning of class. Arriving late ( 15
minutes or less) may result in a demerit. Arriving 16 minutes or more late to class (unexcused) can also warrant a
detention per the teacher’s discretion.
ABSENCES
~ Excused
The Academy will accept medical excuses from the school nurse and from the parent or guardian if phoned in to the
receptionist by 8:30am on the day of the absence and followed by a note on the day of return. The Academy may
require a doctor’s note in cases of long or repeated absences. The nursing/counseling staff is not permitted to issue
excuses for classes and other obligations missed prior to visiting the office. Students who are excused from classes
by the nurse or counselor are dormed for the remainder of the day and may not participate in athletics or activities.
Students who are excused from athletic practice must report to the coach and observe practice unless dormed.
~ Unexcused
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Students are responsible for all work missed when they are not in class. A student is allowed no more than two (2)
unexcused absences per course per trimester without loss of credit. Detention will be served for such absences and
grades for work missed due to an unexcused absence will be forfeited. A third unexcused absence will be reported to
the Academic Dean and will result in a grade of 59% or their current grade, whichever is lower, being recorded for
the class in question for the trimester.
~ College Visits
Seniors may be granted leave for college visitation if they are in good academic standing and arrangements are made
well in advance, first with the College Counseling office, then with Dean’s Office. Submissions of request made
with less than a week’s notice run the risk of an excused absence being denied. All requests are to be made by
utilizing the College Visitation Request form available in the Office of College Counseling or the Dean’s Office. It
is WNA’s expectation that seniors will use vacation time to schedule any visit that may extend more than one (1)
day. Juniors may not receive excused absences for college visits.
~ Vacation and Travel
The Academy has generous vacation periods at Thanksgiving, the winter holiday break, and in March. Absences due
to family vacations will not be excused. Students are not permitted to leave before the start of a vacation period and
are required to return on time. (International students and students traveling long distances must keep these
restrictions in mind when making their travel plans). Failure to meet these guidelines may result in failing grades for
work missed and could lead to disciplinary action. Boarders returning to campus early without prior arrangements
made through the Dean’s office will be charged a substantial fee.
~ Special Events
Families wishing to have their son or daughter excused for special family events such as weddings, graduations, or
family reunions should follow this procedure. A student must:
1. Submit a written request to the Dean of Students a minimum of two weeks prior to the event.
2. Complete an excused absence form which may be obtained from the Dean’s office.
3. Be responsible for the timely completion of all missed academic assignments.
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Dress Code
There are four designated styles of dress that set the tone for various school functions.; Academic Day Dress, Evening and
Weekend Dress, Convocation Dress, and ‘Warm Weather Options.’ Students are expected to abide by not only the letter, but
also the intended spirit of the dress code.
GENERAL APPEARANCES AND PROVISIONS
1. Students are responsible for making sure that all clothing is neat, clean, in good repair, properly fitting, and
appropriate for a school setting.
2. Students are expected to exercise habits of good grooming.
3. Hair styles should always be appropriate for every school occasion. The length and style should be subdued and
not distracting to other students, teachers, or the administrative staff. Hair should have a natural, human color, and
be clean and combed at all times. No portion of the scalp may be sculpted. Students with hair that appears unkempt
will be required to address it.
4. Male students are to be clean-shaven at all times.
5. Students are permitted to have traditional ear piercing. Facial piercing of any kind is not allowed.
6. Midriff, undergarments or cleavage should not show at any time including sports/activities.
7. Headgear is not permitted during formal occasions or in any academic building (Foutz – including the Dining
Room, Finley, Bathon, Magraw, and Old Academy). Exceptions are made for religious reasons as approved by the
Dean of Students.
8. Footwear must be neat, clean, and appropriately fastened. All students will need at least one pair of dress shoes
for convocations and formal events.
Note: Students out of dress code should expect to be asked to fix what is unacceptable or be sent home/to the
dormitory to change before attending classes.
ACADEMIC DAY DRESS
WNA’s Academic Day Dress policy is in effect from breakfast until the end of the academic day at 3:00 p.m.,
regardless of when a student has completed the last class for the day. This dress code is in effect year-round, and
only includes warm weather options (see ‘Warm Weather Options’) when stipulated by the Dean of Students.
WNA has partnered with Lands’ End Clothiers to provide the standard academic dress options for both males and
females. A link is posted on the WNA website which will take you directly to the on-line store set up specifically
for WNA students.
The options include long or short-sleeved polo shirts (without a logo) in a variety of colors (see Lands’ End
site for list of acceptable colors) and khaki, black or navy blue pants. Girls may also wear skirts in the same
colors. Shorts and Capri pants are available in those colors for warm weather option as well. Shirts must be tucked
in and shoes must be appropriate closed-toe shoes, boots or sneakers. Boys must wear a belt.
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Additionally, students may layer with sweaters, fleece jackets/vests of their choice. WNA sweatshirts are also
allowed so long as the appropriate collared shirts are worn underneath.
EVENING AND WEEKEND DRESS
WNA’s Evening and Weekend Dress policy is in effect beginning at 3:00 p.m. or after sports/activities, and on
weekends. Casual dress includes jeans or shorts, t-shirts and sweatshirts. As always, clothes must be clean and not
torn.
CONVOCATION DRESS
Convocation Dress is needed six to eight times per year.
Females
Dress with sleeves or straps
Skirt and dressy blouse with blazer or suit jacket
Appropriate, dress shoes, dress boots or heels (no athletic shoes, or athletic sandals)
Males
Dress pants with belt (if the pants have belt loops)
Collared dress shirt and tie
Suit jacket or blazer
Dress leather shoes (no boots, athletic shoes or sandals)
WARM WEATHER ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Warm Weather Dress is announced at the discretion of the Dean of Students. There is usually a period at the
beginning of the school year and again at the end where students are allowed to dress in warm weather options.
Options include appropriate polo shirts, shorts, Capri pants, or skirts (according to WNA’s preapproved Lands’ End
selection). Footwear includes Dressy sandals, Birkentsocks, Tevas or similar. No flip flops.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
1. No midriff, undergarments or cleavage should show at any time including sports/activities.
2. Denim may not be worn during the academic day except for specified “jeans days” as determined by the Dean of
Students office.
3. Sweatshirts, hoodies, and zip-front sweatshirt jackets are not to be worn as part of academic dress on any day of
the week. The only exceptions are appropriate WNA sweatshirts or hoodies.
4. Clothing that explicitly or implicitly displays foul language, inappropriate behavior, or the use/abuse of alcohol or
drugs is not permitted.
5. No frayed hems on skirts, dresses or pants during academic day.
6. No t-shirts worn over collared shirts.
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7. No flip-flops (including leather ones) during academic day.
8. No leather pants, skirts or shirts.
9. No sheer or see through shirts, skirts or dresses at any time.
10. No hats in buildings.
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Support Services
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
The Academy employs a full-time counselor to work with students whose adjustment to the school or to the
demands of increasing maturity is difficult. The counselor is available on an as-needed basis to offer the support of a
receptive ear, to do more formal evaluations, to act as liaison with other professionals, to assist the student through
time of personal difficulty, and to assist the school in providing cohesive support throughout the period of growth
years. The counselor does not, however, take the place of a full-time therapist for individual students.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
The College counselor is responsible for helping students to search for appropriate colleges, assist students and their
parents or guardians with the application process, and the coordination and mailing of completed applications. S/He
also makes arrangements for students to sit for the PSATs, NMSQTs, SATs, and ACTs.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
The Dean’s office handles most student-related affairs, including room and roommate assignments, weekend
permissions, transportation to and from airports and train stations, residential life issues, discipline, prefect training,
and student activities. The Dean of Students also works closely with the SGA to institute school-wide changes and
improvements.
ACADEMIC OFFICE
This office keeps all student records up to date and ready for the printing of transcripts. All comments and grades are
collected and mailed from this office.
DIRECTOR OF THE CHESAPEAKE LEARNING CENTER
The director coordinates all aspects of the Chesapeake Learning Center and works with students and teachers to
assist them in finding strategies, which empower students with learning disabilities. The director will help students
and parents or guardians identify needs and arrange testing for a learning difference. The CLC Director is also in
charge of arranging training for CLC faculty in the area of learning differences.
DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
This director coordinates all aspects for the English as a Second Language program at WNA and helps to foster a
warm, family-like atmosphere for our many international students. The director helps students make the transition to
American culture, stores their VISAs/passports and I-20 forms, secures testing assignments to sit for the TOEFL and
SLEP tests, arranges for home stays and helps to train the ESL faculty.
ADVISOR
The advisor is an important resource person and will be involved in academic, social, and personal issues facing the
student. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the advisor to ascertain the student’s progress or to inform
the school of special circumstances as needed. The Dean of Students and Assistant Head of School, with help from
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the Admissions Office, assign all students an advisor upon enrollment to the Academy. Advisor assignments often
last the length of a student’s career at the Academy, however, if a good relationship is not established between the
student and advisor, the student is permitted to select a new advisor through the Assistant Head of School.
FACULTY INTERVENTION TEAM (FIT)
The Academy’s FIT members are trained to address, help, and support students in stopping their drug and/or alcohol
use or abuse in a non-disciplined manner. They are concerned with student substance use/abuse as a health issue, not
as a violation of school rules. FIT members receive referrals from concerned members of the community about
students whose behavior might indicate the use or abuse of a substance. These referrals are kept confidential. The
team will intervene when there is sufficient concern for a particular student. The interventions are also confidential
and include educational and professional resources. A student can self-refer to FIT, but cannot do so after a
disciplinary process has begun.
DORM PREFECTS
Dorm prefects help to ease the transition for new students and are responsible for monitoring study halls; organizing,
planning, and directing weekly programs; and working as important liaisons with students, dorm parents, and the
Assistant Head of School. Dorm prefects are on duty weeknights and remain on campus 2 out of 4 weekends. They
are accorded privileges including permission to have a small refrigerator (no larger than 2 cubic feet) and a small
television in their rooms at the discretion of the lead dorm parent and the Dean of Students. In the spring, the lead
dorm parents in conjunction with the Dean and Assistant Head of School interview and select qualified prefect
candidates. All students wishing to become prefects must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meet all
expectations regarding service learning, detention hours, and behavioral standards. Students who fail to maintain
these standards as prefects may be removed from their prefecture at the discretion of the Dean of Students or the
Assistant Head of School.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Academy is non-denominational. Periodic convocations are held in the nearby West Nottingham Presbyterian
Church. Students are required to attend and encouraged to be involved in the convocations. The school may arrange
transportation to religious services upon request.
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Health Services
HOURS
Health Center hours are 7:45am to 3:00pm on school days. Be certain to contact the nurse about a health issue or
problem as soon as it occurs and during regular hours if at all possible. Although medical coverage is provided 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, students are expected to adhere to regular hours except for urgent situations. An urgent
health situation is one that demands immediate attention. In an urgent situation, contact an adult immediately. The
adult will contact the nurse or call the ambulance.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Physical exams must be performed on a yearly basis. Students will not be permitted to participate in athletics or
activities if they do not have a yearly physical on file in the Health Center. This form is to be completed and signed
by the student’s parent or guardian and the student’s physician.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
All prescription medications should be brought to the School Nurse during registration. No student is permitted to
keep prescription and/or controlled substances in their dorm room, on their person, or in their backpack under any
circumstances. All regimens of treatment must be followed precisely as ordered by the physician and/or nurse.
Medications dispensed after-hours will be monitored by the nurse. Prescription medications must be properly
labeled with the student’s name, drug, dosage and instructions.
Boarding students may require prescription refills on a regular basis. Please discuss this with your son or daughter’s
physician and work out a plan to obtain prescription refills while your son or daughter is away from home. “Sun
Pharmacy” is located in nearby Rising Sun. The phone number is (800) 472-4434. Please make sure a current
insurance card is on file with the nurse so that a copy can go with the student when prescriptions are picked up.
Students should be prepared to pay the insurance co-pay amount at the time of the visit.
Over-the-Counter Medications, Herbal Preparations and Homeopathic Remedies not Allowed: Students are
prohibited from possessing any over-the-counter medications, herbal preparations, or homeopathic remedies. While
these substances are not generally controlled substances, many can pose a significant threat to the health and safety
of the student. This is particularly critical if the substances are misused or used in conjunction with prescribed
medication.
~ Allergy Injections
The school nurse may give allergy injections. A parent conference must be held before this is instituted for the
student.
ILLNESS DURING THE ACADEMIC DAY
A student who feels ill first thing in the morning should report to the dorm parent on duty (in the dorm) or to the
nurse in the dining room before school meeting. Under no circumstances should a student remain in the dorm
without first seeing the school nurse. Occasionally, the nurse will be out of the health center during established
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hours. When this occurs a note will be on the door. Please read the note and follow instructions to contact the nurse
or report to the school office in Foutz. Do not wait for the nurse to return during class periods, instead check back
between classes. Calling the nurse DOES NOT equal an excuse.
ILLNESS AFTER HEALTH CENTER HOURS
When the Health Center is closed a sick or injured student should:
1.See his or her dorm parent or another faculty member.
2.Explain the problem.
3.The administrator on duty will be notified. No student is to call the nurse.
4.The administrator on duty will call the nurse if the situation is questionable or urgent.
If the problem is a life-threatening emergency, the dorm parent or faculty member will call the Ambulance (911),
the nurse, the AOD, and a back-up administrator (Dean of Students, Assistant Head of School).
ATHLETIC INJURIES
If a student has an athletic injury, which has been treated by an athletic trainer or the nurse, and has an excuse,
which does not confine him or her to the dorm, the student is to report to his or her coach to observe the game or
practice. Athletic injuries include any and all medical occurrences resulting from organized athletics that may limit
an athlete’s participation in that activity (i.e. orthopedic trauma, tissue trauma, and fungal or bacterial infections
resulting from training or competition).
MEDICAL EXCUSE PROCEDURES
Excuses are given for the purpose of allowing a body to rest and recover from an illness or injury. Therefore, they
are considered an important aspect of treatment and are not to be abused. Excuses come only from the nurse and are
not retroactive. A student is not permitted to ask another student to notify the nurse. It is the individual student’s
responsibility to see the nurse or a faculty member when he or she is sick.
Students who have been excused for the day should remain in the Health Center or their dorm room, as the nurse
determines. Those who are found outside socializing, etc., will be reported as having unexcused absences for the
day. Students will be allowed to attend meals only, unless otherwise instructed. Infractions of this procedure will
result in disciplinary action.
APPOINTMENTS (MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VISION)
Appointments for routine medical, visual, and dental care must be made at home with family physicians during
weekends, long weekends, or scheduled vacations.
Appointments necessary for a sudden health condition are made through the nurse or athletic trainer. Students
should report to the Health Center prior to the appointment to pick up their records, and report again immediately
upon return to campus for follow-up physician instructions. A medical record is a legal document and should be
handled carefully. Students must report to the nurse 24 hours in advance to change or drop an appointment. It is
mandatory that a current insurance card be on file with the nurse so that a copy can go with the student when
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prescriptions are picked up. Students should be prepared to pay the insurance co-pay amount at the time of the visit.
Doctor’s bills are credited to the school account, depending on the amount of the charges, or sent directly to parents
(please see “Student School Account,” page 22).
~ Transportation For Off-Campus Medical Appointments
The school nurse and school counselor will arrange appointments. Transportation for the various activities will be in
school vehicles with appropriate supervisory personnel. The cost of the trip will be charged to the student’s school
account
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Activities and Student Services
West Nottingham believes that students should have the opportunity to participate in a variety of learning experiences, including
recreational activities. Many activities are provided throughout the school year.
FIELD TRIPS
During the school year, field trips are scheduled to many of the points of interest in the Baltimore - Washington Philadelphia area. Sometimes the entire school takes these trips, and at other times, individual classes make trips of
particular relevance to their course work and/or study.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
The number and variety of clubs and activities vary from year to year depending on the interests and talents of the
students and faculty. There is an opportunity for students to initiate a new club if there is sufficient student interest
and a faculty sponsor. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the club offerings. Examples of current and past
clubs include: Pegé - The Source (yearbook), The Literary Advance (now the Memorial Arch), The Green Rams
(recycling club), Cooking, Swimming, Aerobics, Diversity Club (Spectrum), Community Service, GSA and the
Computer Club. Students may sign up for an activity for a specific season with the Director of Athletics provided
all athletic requirements are or will be met.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Each year WNA students in each of the four classes elect officers to perform a variety of duties primarily concerned
with improving student life. In addition, a student body president and vice-president are elected in the spring; these
officers have additional responsibilities at morning meeting and convocation. It is expected that all class officers
will be model participants in all aspects of student life including special events (i.e. Earth Day, convocations, and
class trips). Day and boarding students are equally eligible to hold these positions.
Students are actively encouraged to seek election to the class offices of the Student Government Association (SGA).
All students wishing to seek election must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meet all expectations
regarding service learning, detention hours, and behavioral standards. Students who fail to maintain these standards
as officers of the student government may be removed from office at the discretion of the Dean of Students or the
Assistant Head of School. The range of activities undertaken by student government is limited only by the
administration regarding the issues and activities of the Academy. The president and vice-president of SGA serve
on the Discipline Committee (DC) of the school.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Students work with faculty to plan interesting activities for the weekends. On campus, there are events such as
athletic contests, dances, movies, coffee houses, and special dinners. Trips are arranged according to student
preferences, including vans to plays, professional and college sporting events, shopping malls, movie theatres,
restaurants and outdoor events.
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CULTURE CREDITS
All students are required to attend two school-sponsored cultural activities per trimester. Events may be on or offcampus and include things such as plays, trips to museums, concerts and Music at Nottingham. Participation in
these events is recorded through the English Department.
SERVICE LEARNING
All students are required to earn a total of 15 hours of service learning credits per year in order to meet WNA’s
graduation requirement. Students must meet a minimum of five (5) service learning hours per trimester. If students
fail to meet their trimester obligation by the sixth (6 th) week of the trimester, they may lose weekend travel and
activities privileges for the remainder of the trimester until the required obligation has been meet. Half of the total
hours may be earned from non-WNA sponsored events, but a student is allowed to earn all of them through the
school. Service learning opportunities will be activities or projects which benefit the community beyond our
campus. All activities must be approved in advance by the Service Learning Council, composed of the Dean of
Students, one faculty member, and one selected student.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Several special programs are held each year. These may be guest speakers, demonstrations of dance or music, or
other performances of interest to students. West Nottingham is a Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD)
School and plans a special week roughly every other year where the FCD staff meets with students and faculty in a
variety of arenas. Attendance is required by all students at special programs.
SCHOOL STORE
The Academy operates a store on the bottom floor of Finley for the convenience of students and faculty. It carries
classroom supplies, toiletries & clothing. Store hours are posted. Students must order their own textbooks. WNA
has partnered with MBS Direct for textbook purchases. There is a link on the WNA website under the Bookstore
page or log onto http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/wna.htm. Once students receive their final schedules they will find
the books they need listed by course at MBS Direct.
HALLOCK STUDENT UNION
The Hallock Student Union is the center of campus social life and includes a TV Room with a big-screen TV, VCR,
and DVD player, a lounge, and the Canteen. During the academic day, the television remains off. The Canteen
includes a snack bar, lounge area, stereo system, pool table, ping-pong table, foosball table, and vending machines.
Run by the students under direction of the Dean of Students, the Canteen is open at posted hours during the
academic week. Tournaments, parties, and other events often take place in the Student Union.
POST OFFICE/MAIL DELIVERY
Each boarding student is assigned a private, locked mailbox for incoming and school mail. All students are required
to check their mailboxes at least once every day. There is a mail slot for outgoing mail next to the student mailboxes
on the first floor of Foutz. Stamps and change are available in the business office on the third floor. Mail goes out at
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approximately 9:00am each morning. Incoming mail is distributed by 1:00pm to mailboxes located in the Hallock
Student Union.
LAUNDRY
All dormitories are equipped with coin-operated washers and dryers for resident use only.
LOST AND FOUND
If you lose something, check with the Dean of Students to see if it has been returned. If you find something, turn it
in to the Dean of Students or to the school office.
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Senior Privileges
SENIOR STUDY HALL IN THE HALLOCK STUDENT UNION
After report cards are issued at the end of the first trimester, members of the senior class who are in good academic
standing and not currently on a disciplinary status, may sign-out with the dorm parent on duty to go to the Hallock
Student Union during study hall. Participation in Senior Study hall is a privilege, not a right. Seniors may study,
relax, use the game room, or quietly watch television. If such use becomes a disturbance, either to those studying in
the student union, or upstairs in Structured Study Hall, the administrator on duty may limit this opportunity. Senior
Study Hall is not offered during exam weeks. If a senior’s grades begin to fall, he or she will be moved to In-Dorm
or Structured Study Hall. Seniors are responsible for maintaining a quiet environment for study, and insuring that the
area remains clean and damage-free.
Procedure: at the beginning of study hall or at the break, sign-out with the dorm parent. Immediately report to the
Hallock Student Union and Sign-in with the administrator on duty.
SENIOR DRIVING PRIVILEGE
This privilege may only be granted to seniors who apply for permission in advance of the automobile arriving on
campus. Cars will not be allowed on campus without the express written permission from the Dean’s office.
Because the car may only be used for the purpose of transporting themselves to and from school on approved
weekends provided the student and parent or guardian have completed a “Senior Privilege Driving Permission
Form” and it is on file with the Dean of Students, boarders with cars should live within a reasonable driving distance
from school. Boarders should not expect to use the car during the academic week for running errands or taking trips.
The car must be parked in the upper parking lot and the keys immediately turned into the Dean of Students or AOD.
Unnecessary loitering in or around student vehicles is prohibited. Students who need to retrieve items from their
vehicles during the academic day should notify the Den of Students. In addition, the senior must not be on
disciplinary status and must have his or her advisor’s signature. Additional stipulations for this privilege are spelled
out on the driving permission form. Any violation of the rules will result in a loss of the privilege.
Seniors have special considerations throughout the year including priority consideration for positions such as
Prefect, use of the senior porch and first dormitory and room choices at the end of their junior year.
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Student Accounts
The school operates using a “Student School Account” from which the student pays for school fees, educational supplies and
expenses associated with living at a boarding school. West Nottingham recommends students having a credit card instead of a
checking account.
STUDENT SCHOOL ACCOUNT
The school manages this account. The funds are for certain regularly occurring expenses that families and the school
normally wish to have covered quickly.
Initial deposit*: $1,500 - International Students
$1,000 - Boarding Students
$500
- Day Students
* The initial deposit will not cover all costs incurred by the student for the year. If this account balance drops to
$50.00 or less, additional funds must be deposited. Please see Notes below.
~ Examples of fees deducted from the Student Account:
1. $50.00 refundable dorm damage deposit
2. $50.00 refundable dorm key deposit
3. Misc. classroom fees
$75.00 (Lab fees) - yearly
$30.00 (Studio Arts) - trimester
$75.00 (Photography) - trimester
4. $60.00 Computer usage fee - yearly
5. Lab fees: Studio Art and Science Lab Courses (on a trimester basis)
6. National Testing Fees; PSAT; SAT I and SAT II; TOEFL
7. College Application Fees
8. $150.00 Graduation Fees (includes cap and gown, baccalaureate, diploma printing, invitations,
special dinners, etc.)
9. Doctors’ Bills (local, minor, non-recurring visits; limited to $50.00 per visit)
10. Pharmaceutical Costs (minor, non-recurring expenses)
11. Transportation Costs
12. Lost Library books
13. Emergency Funds - as approved by the parent and the business manager, provided that adequate funds
are available.
14. Meal tickets for day students - breakfast - $ 32.00; dinner - $51.00 (each ticket has 20 meals)
15. Costs for repairs to Academy property that are not directly billed to the parent or guardian
16. Tickets and transportation to academic, mandatory trips or doctors visits.
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17. Purchase of school supplies and clothing in the West Nottingham School bookstore.
18. Weekly Allowances
All rates listed above are subject to change.
Please note: The $500/ $1,000 initial deposit is the minimum amount requested to start the Student School
Account. Total actual costs for each student will vary depending upon individual needs and parental
permissibility.
If you have any questions regarding the Student School Account, please contact the Business Office or call x9211
between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Unused funds will be refunded to non-returning
students in July, and unused balances are carried over for returning students.
NOTES
~ Access to account
Only the Business Office, the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and the student have access to the student’s
school account.
~ Minimum Balance
When the account balance is approximately $50.00 or less it is required that the account be brought up to a
minimum balance of $200.00. This can be done by a charge to your credit card or checking account. An
authorization form must be signed to provide account information to be used when the account drops below $50.00
You will be notified by e-mail on the day of the charge and the amount. If a student’s account is overdrawn, no
charges of any type will be allowed until the account is brought back to the balance of $200.00.
~ Restrictions
Due to the limited funds on deposit in the STUDENT SCHOOL ACCOUNT, it cannot be used for major medical
costs or prolonged pharmaceutical or medical treatments. Any such costs must be paid directly by the family.
Dental, eye examinations, and eye glasses/contact lenses are to be paid directly by the family. When recurring
medical and prescriptions costs occur, parents are requested to maintain funds in this account to cover them.
Please make sure a current insurance card is on file with the nurse so that a copy can go with the student to a
doctor’s appointment or when prescriptions are picked up. Students should be prepared to pay the insurance co-pay
amount at the time of the visit.
The school strongly discourages the accumulation of significant cash amounts by students in their dormitory rooms.
~ Examples of charges to be served:
1. Allowance
2. Travel expenses, activity fees, trips, tickets, etc.
3. School store purchases.
4. Class ring (deposit and balance)
5. School pictures
6. Prom expenses
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7. Athletic clothing/equipment
8. Doctor or pharmaceutical fees in excess of $50.00
Regular monthly SSA statements will be sent to the parents and to the student.
ALLOWANCE
Parents must fill out an allowance form (included in required online forms). Students will not be given weekly
allowance unless we have permission from the parents and a weekly allowance amount. With parents’ permission
the allowance can be paid out of the student school account.
The Academy is not responsible and cannot oversee purchases students make from other students, purchases at
shopping malls, or for loans students arrange among themselves. Parents and guardians should discourage such
arrangements.
A student may visit the Business Office twice per week for an amount up to $100.00 as long as there are funds in the
petty cash and the Student School Account to cover it. Notice for Amounts over $100.00 must be brought to the
Business Office by Wednesday for dispensing on Friday. A check will be chased at the bank so petty cash is not
depleted and brought back to give to the student.
Any allowance over the amount authorized by the parents signature on the “Allowance Authorization Form” must
be approved by parents via email or phone call.
If students want a personal check cashed, the funds must be in the Student School Account and there will be a NSF
fee of $10.00 if the check is returned. The school reserves the right to use funds from the Student’s School Account
if a cashed check does not clear the bank.
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Use of Technology
The following general principles for the appropriate use of West Nottingham’s computer resources apply to all members of the
school community.
In addition to the principles set forth in this document, RAMNET users are bound by local, state, and federal laws
relating to copyrights, security, and other statutes regarding electronic media.
Furthermore, the Academy reserves the right to discipline for inappropriate conduct with regards to electronic
media, including but not limited to, sites such as Myspace.com or Facebook.com, cell phones, instant messenger,
personal web pages, etc.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY
1. Individual users are responsible for any activity on their computers and for materials stored therein.
2. West Nottingham Academy reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend access to its information resources.
Access to WNA’s computer facilities is required by students, faculty, and staff and is a privilege granted to faculty
and staff families.
3. Use of, gaining access to, or attempting to gain access to any accounts, software or information for which you are
not authorized is expressly prohibited. Possession/installation of hacking tools or programs or ANY type of packet
sniffing applications are prohibited and could result in disciplinary action.
4. Academic use of the network takes precedence over recreational use. Students using e-mail (other than to
complete an assignment), browsing the World Wide Web (other than to complete an assignment), ‘chatting,’ playing
games, etc. are expected to relinquish the computer to a student needing to work on an assignment.
5. Students MUST leave the lab if requested to do so by a teacher when a class has reserved the computer center
with at least twenty-four hours notice.
6. Users shall not receive or transmit sexually explicit material or send or receive material of a harassing,
threatening, hazing, or offensive nature. System administrators reserve the right to examine any files stored on the
school network.
7. Home Pages must reflect positively on the individual as a representative of West Nottingham Academy and must
be approved by the Director of Computing and Information Systems and Director of Communications before being
placed on the Web. Home pages hosted on our web site may not contain any kind of commercial, fund-raising, or
advertising activity.
8. For your own protection, it is important to never give out personal information (address, telephone number, credit
card number, etc.) over the Internet to someone you don’t know.
9. Electronic Mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Users are advised to assume privacy approximately equal
to mailing a postcard.
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10. Intentional damage to computing equipment or disruption of information services and networks will be treated as
an act of vandalism and the responsible individuals will be charged for the cost of restoring service and are subject
to other disciplinary action.
11. Users are cautioned that changing the default settings, adding, deleting, or modifying programs on any computer
without permission will be considered ‘intentional damage.’
12. Users may not use RAMNET to disrupt any other network, nor may RAMNET be used to access other networks
or information systems to which access has not been granted.
13. RAMNET services and wiring may not be extended or retransmitted nor may users provide Internet access or
accounts to anyone outside of the WNA community.
14. Violations of any part of this Acceptable Use Policy will result in the same disciplinary actions that would result
from similar violations in other area of WNA life. Misuse of computing facilities may also result in the restriction or
loss of access privileges.
15. Misuse of personal computers in a dorm room may carry the additional penalties of turning off the network
connection in the student’s dorm room.
16. Losing one’s internet privileges means that a student may also not access the internet via someone else’s
computer, and should a student give someone else access, they may also be subject to loss of internet privileges.
All users of RAMNET must abide by the school rules in letter and spirit as they involve WNA’s computing
resources and understand that violating them will result in disciplinary action by the school, up to and including
dismissal. West Nottingham Academy may modify this policy at any time. It is required that if a student plans to
bring a computer on campus to connect to RAMNET, that it have an anti-virus program installed on it. The
Academy cannot be held responsible for anything lost or corrupted by a network virus on a personal computer.
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Transportation
Parents and students are ultimately responsible for transportation to and from campus on weekends and vacations. West
Nottingham provides transportation to a variety of terminals on an “as needed” basis for boarding students.
RATES
Students pay for school transportation to and from these terminals at the following rates:
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Wilmington Amtrak Station
Aberdeen Amtrak Station
Perryville M.A.R.C. Station
$75.00
$75.00
$50.00
$35.00 (very limited schedule)
$20.00 (very limited schedule)
For charges to and from additional locations not listed above, please contact our Business Office.
Students who want to take advantage of school transportation must sign up with the Dean of Students at least 48
hours in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made by the Academy for vehicles and drivers. Students
unable to meet the Academy’s transportation schedule or who require transportation to and from terminals other
then those listed above, must make their own arrangements to and from campus. Taxicabs are available from
Wilmington and limousine service is available from Baltimore and Philadelphia airports.
When a student is being picked up at an airport, he or she must get their luggage and proceed outside to wait under
the sign representing their airline carrier. Academy drivers will drive through the arrival pick up area three (3)
times, attempt to page a student one (1) time, and make contact with the AOD before heading back to school if they
cannot find a student. Students who arrange for school transportation must notify the Academy if travel plans
change; failure to do so will result in the student being charged for the trip whether the student takes school
transportation or not.
VACATION TRAVEL
Students and parents are expected to adhere to the school calendar when making travel arrangements. Students are
required to leave campus for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring vacations. Parents and guardians are strongly urged
to make airline reservations well in advance of the major vacations. If international students are unable to return
home, they must make arrangements to stay with a host family or relative. Every boarding student must complete a
vacation form prior to these vacations. The form must contain all information regarding departure and return to the
Academy. Any student who leaves early or who returns late from vacation is not excused from classes and is
responsible for all work missed. (See Attendance Policy.) Faculty members are not required to provide make-up
work or extra help in these instances. Before leaving the campus for major vacations, students must have their rooms
inspected by a dorm parent. Students must sign out with the AOD or Dean of Students (if prior to 4:00pm).
WEEKEND TRAVEL AND PERMISSIONS
Boarding students who wish to leave campus for all or part of a weekend must fill out a “Weekend Form” and turn it
in to the Dean’s office by 4:00pm on the Thursday prior to the weekend they plan to depart from campus. If the
student is going home, the parent or guardian must contact the school to give permission. If the student is going
someplace other than home, the parent or guardian must call to give permission and the adult host must call and
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extend an invitation. The Dean of Students will check the “Permission Form” for special weekend permissions
granted by the parent or guardian. All students must have their dorm parent, coach and advisor sign the weekend
form before it is submitted. New students and students in Structured and Focus Study Hall must have all teachers
sign the weekend form verifying that all commitments have been met. Students who do not follow proper weekend
sign-out procedures or who are having academic difficulty may also be required to have all of their teachers sign the
weekend form before it is submitted.
If the invitation and/or permission are missing, the student is required to get them prior to leaving campus. If the
student has a conflict, the weekend plans may be altered or canceled. Examples of conflicts are: community service,
an athletic or drama obligation, being dormed or campused due to a disciplinary action, or incomplete academic
work. A student is eligible to leave for an open weekend unless the student is campused, has a detention, has
incomplete work, or has failed to obtain all of the required signatures and permissions on time for the weekend
plans. Students will return from a weekend away no later than 7:00pm on Sunday. If the student will be late
returning on Sunday, the school must be notified prior to 7:00pm on Sunday evening. The weekend permission
terminates on the student’s return to campus.
PLEASE NOTE: Once students sign out for the weekend, they are not allowed to return to campus, unless they plan
to stay the remainder of the weekend. Failure to follow the proper procedures for a weekend may result in a
detention, restrictions on future weekends, disciplinary action, and may jeopardize future weekend permissions.
WEEKEND SIGN-OUT
On weekend days, students may sign-out with the AOD on Saturday and Sunday no earlier than 11:00am (unless
special arrangements are made ahead of time) to go with any person with whom they have riding permissions as
indicated on their “Permission Form.” The student must first get specific permission from the Dean of Students or
the administrator on duty to ride in a car with a minor and to leave campus.
Students are expected to fulfill all school and personal obligations before going off campus alone or with a friend.
Students are required to sign out, in person, with the AOD as they leave and sign in, in person, with the AOD when
they return.
OFF-CAMPUS PERMISSION
Students must not leave campus at any time during the school day for any purpose without securing permission from
the Dean of Students or the administrator on duty. Students are not permitted to accept rides from day students
without explicit permission. In addition, the day student must have permission on file to transport a student offcampus. The Dean of Students will respond to violations.
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Day Student Information
Day students are understood to be living with their parents, grandparents, immediate aunt or uncle in a family situation.
ILLNESS
If a day student is sick and will not attend school, a parent or guardian must call the school office at (410) 658-5556
before 8:30am. Day students who become ill will be treated accordingly until their parent or guardian can be
contacted. Further treatments and physician’s appointments will be at the discretion of the parent or guardian.
DAY STUDENT MEAL SERVICE
Lunches are provided for day students Monday through Friday. Breakfasts, dinners, and weekend meals are not
provided unless a student is required to be on campus for a school function that would not allow him or her to eat at
home. If a parent or guardian wishes to have their son or daughter eat meals on campus, other than lunch, a meal
ticket is required. Meal tickets may be purchased in the Business Office.
~ Dining Room Etiquette
Proper dining room etiquette will be maintained at all times. Dishes and utensils must be deposited in the proper
location at the conclusion of each meal. Food, cups, dishes, and utensils must not be removed from the dining room.
Additionally, cell phones, i-pods, mp3 players, etc. are not to be out or in use during meals or during morning
meeting. If an issue arises, the equipment may be confiscated and turned in to the Dean’s office.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS FOR DAY STUDENTS
Students not in dress code will not be admitted to class or to special programs. Day students who are out of dress
code must either call a parent or guardian to get a change of clothing or borrow appropriate clothing from a friend.
The violation will be recorded as a late or as an unexcused absence, a demerit issued, and the Dean of Students
notified. Chronic disregard of the dress code will result in a more severe disciplinary response.
DAY STUDENT DRIVERS AND PARKING
Day students may drive a vehicle to transport themselves to and from school and must park in the day student
parking lot immediately upon arriving at school. The car privilege is not to be used to drive to athletic practices,
activities or for errands during the day. Day students must have a signed “Day Student Driving Permission” form on
file with the Dean of Students and abide by all of the expectations. Day students may not take another student in
their car without explicit permission from the parents or guardians and from the administrator on duty (AOD) or the
Dean of Students. Please note that the campus speed limit is 5 mph. Failure to observe these guidelines will result in
a review or loss of car privileges. Students may be required to hand in their car keys at the discretion of the Dean of
Students.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
West Nottingham Academy has recently implemented a new inclement weather advisory system. With this newly
adopted procedure, we can effectively inform parents of WNA students to be aware of school delays, closings, and
early dismissals. Announcements will be available on:
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Television/Web: WBAL Channel 11 in the Baltimore area; www.wbal.com.
NBC 10 for Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey areas; www.nbc10.com.
Radio:
WXCY 103.7 in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
As always, information will be frequently updated on our website www.wna.org.
OFF-CAMPUS PERMISSION
Day students must not leave campus at any time during the school day for any purpose without securing permission
from the Dean of Students or the administrator on duty (AOD). Boarding students are not permitted to accept rides
from day students without explicit permission from the Dean of Students or the AOD. In addition, the day student
must have parental permission on file to drive a student off-campus and the boarding student must have parental
permission on file to be driven off-campus by another student.
DAY STUDENT LOCKERS
Day students will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. It is the expectation of WNA that all
students will purchase a padlock and keep their belongings secured at all times. Students are not permitted to share
or switch lockers with other students without permission of the Dean of Students. Leaving one’s locker open or
unlocked will not warrant a search for lost or missing items on behalf of the School.
CAMPUS VISITORS
All visitors to campus must check in at the school office, which is located on the first floor of Foutz. The Dean of
Students or the administrator on duty, in consultation with the dorm parent on duty, shall grant permission for
visitors to stay overnight in the dormitories. Normally, visitors will not be allowed overnight privileges on
weeknights, on weekends prior to final exams, and on Commencement Weekend. It is the Academy’s policy not to
allow students who have been dismissed to visit the campus.
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Residential Life
The dormitory is home to both students and dorm parents and their families. As such, it is important that efforts be made by
everyone to create a pleasant and supportive climate. We expect that each student will join in that effort.
ROOM/ROOMMATE ASSIGNMENTS
At the end of each year, returning students choose a room and roommate for the coming year. These requests form
the basis of the dormitory placement process that takes place each summer. Other considerations include the
decision as to which students shall be resident assistants, the numbers of students in each grade, the over-all number
of resident students, and the approval of the lead dorm parents. Once room/roommate assignments have been made,
students must keep these assignments until progress-grades are issued in the first trimester. All room/roommate
changes require the approval of the lead dorm parent, with consultation by the Dean of Students and Assistant Head
of School.
KEYS
Each student will be given a room key during registration. Students should put the key on a key chain and have it
with them at all times. Rooms should be locked when unoccupied and must be unlocked when occupied. If the key
is lost, the Dean of Students will replace it at a charge of $50.00.
SUPERVISION
Each dormitory is under the supervision of the lead dorm parent, three (3) dorm parents, and student prefects. The
Dean of Students, along with the Assistant Head of School, administer and coordinate all aspects of the residential
program and have responsibility for policies governing residential life.
FACULTY HOMES
Students who are not family members are not permitted to enter faculty housing unless permission has been obtained
(for each visit) by the resident faculty member and the Dean of Students or Administrator on Duty. The faculty
member or other adult resident granting visitation permission must be present at all times during the visit.
DORM PREFECTS
Dorm prefects help to ease the transition for new students and are responsible for monitoring study halls; organizing,
planning, and directing weekly programs; and working as important liaisons with students, dorm parents, and the
Assistant Head of School. Dorm prefects are on duty weeknights and remain on campus 2 out of 4 weekends. They
are accorded privileges including permission to have a small refrigerator (no larger than 2 cubic feet) and a small
television in their rooms at the discretion of the lead dorm parent and the Dean of Students. In the spring, the lead
dorm parents in conjunction with the Dean and Assistant Head of School interview and select qualified prefect
candidates. All students wishing to become prefects must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meet all
expectations regarding service learning, detention hours, and behavioral standards. Students who fail to maintain
these standards as prefects may be removed from their prefecture at the discretion of the Dean of Students or the
Assistant Head of School.
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DORMITORY SAFETY
The maintenance of a safe environment is very important to dorm life. In particular, the rules about fire safety
require careful observance.
1. There is a fire drill in each dorm approximately once every month.
2. Students must not tamper with smoke alarm systems, including removing batteries or cutting wires.
3. Candles, incense, matches, lighters, tobacco products or any other form of open flames are not permitted in the
dormitory. Any fire, flame, or evidence thereof, including burned cigarettes, will result in the student being
dismissed from West Nottingham Academy immediately.
4. Dorm rooms must be unlocked when a student is inside the room and locked when student is not in the room.
5. Electrical Appliances:
Students may bring a/an: stereo, radio, CD player, computer, alarm clock, fan, lamp (not halogen), curling
iron, hair dryer/blow dryer, and extension cords.
Students may NOT bring a/an: television, refrigerator, air conditioner, cooking or heating device, coffee
pot, hot plate, toaster oven, microwave, popcorn popper, lava lamp, electric blanket, floor heater, clothing
iron.
6. Students must not bring knives, BB guns, slingshots, anything that looks like a weapon, or anything that may
cause harm to a person or to property. Such infractions will be dealt with immediately and seriously by the
Academy.
7. Occupants of dorm beds must be visible from the doorway. No room dividers are permitted, nor may access to
the door be obstructed from any part of the room.
8. Students must stay off all roofs and external building supports. Fire escapes may only be used in the event of a
fire or similar emergency.
DORMITORY ROOMS
~ Care of Student Rooms and Dormitories
The dormitory as a whole is expected to have pride in itself, inside and out. We believe in group responsibility with
individual accountability.
~ Room Set-up
Rooms are set up with the safety of the students as the primary concern. Furniture may not be removed from a room.
Furniture from other rooms, including the lounge, may not be moved into dorm rooms. Beds must be set-up in the
way intended for use and not set-up in an unsafe manner. Computer monitors must be positioned to face the
doorway so they are easily visible to a dorm parent during study hall.
~ Room Condition Reports
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Each student will, with the help of the dorm parent, fill out a room condition report at the beginning and end of the
year and if he or she moves to another room. Students are responsible for any damage that occurs in their room
above and beyond normal wear and tear. The school account will be assessed any applicable damage charges.
~ Room Cleanliness & Inspections
Students are expected to keep their rooms clean and in good order. Dorm parents will inspect rooms Monday Thursday. If the room fails to pass inspection, the student may be dormed for the evening and roomed until the room
passes inspection. Constant offenders will be subjected to further disciplinary measures. Beds are to be made,
trashcans emptied, clothes, laundry and other debris picked up, desks and dresser tops neat, and floors clean. Rooms
should remain neat throughout the day, and all decorations should be in good taste. No food is to be cooked in the
rooms and no dining room food or utensils are to be taken back to the rooms. Food stored in dormitory rooms must
be kept in sealed containers. The Dean of Students and the maintenance supervisor will inspect the dorms from time
to time for cleanliness, damage and safety violations.
~ Room Searches
West Nottingham Academy reserves the right to conduct room searches as the Dean of Students’ office deems
necessary. Any student receiving a tobacco violation can expect unannounced room searches.
~ Pictures, posters, and decorations
To avoid damaging walls and ceilings, room decorations must be put up only with non-damaging materials available
at the school store or on the tack strips in East and West dormitories. Do not use nails, screws, tacks, scotch tape,
masking tape or any other potentially damaging adhesive. Ceiling decorations must not cover the lights and must not
be permanent. Posters, pictures and/or decorations of a sexual nature, with nudity, or that advocate drug and/or
alcohol use are NOT permitted.
~ Screens
Every dormitory window has a screen to allow for proper ventilation and to keep insects out of the room. Students
are NOT permitted to remove the screens from the windows at any time during the year. If the screen is damaged or
missing, the student will be charged a replacement fee.
DORM JOBS
To ensure the neatness and cleanliness of the corridors, common rooms, and outside areas of each dorm, jobs may
be assigned in dormitory meetings or rotated among the residents. Each student is expected to take part in the daily
maintenance of his or her dorm. Each student is to properly dispose of their own trash and garbage both in the dorm
room and when using common areas in the dormitory. If the student accidentally spills something or makes a mess,
he or she must simply clean it up. Dorm jobs may be given to students for dormitory rule violations.
LOUNGE FACILITIES
A microwave oven, television, and DVD player and soda machine are available in every dormitory. All dorms have
a kitchenette and coin-operated laundry facilities.
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DORMITORY EXPECTATIONS
~ Respect
Students should be mindful that they are living in a community environment, and in doing so need to be thoughtful
with regards to using good language, wearing appropriate clothing, and exhibiting courtesy in general. All boarders
are expected to bring a bathrobe as part of their wardrobe.
~ Cleanliness
Students are expected to keep their rooms clean and be responsible for any personal belongings left out or used in
the dorm lounge.
~ Electronic Sound
During the academic day from 8:00am until 3:00pm, stereos and radios may be used in the dorms as long as they
cannot be heard outside of the room. Stereos may not be used during study halls.
~ In-Dorm Time
The daily schedule indicates a time that all students must be in their respective dormitories. The dorm parent on duty
checks to make certain that all students are present at that time. On Monday through Thursday evenings, in-dorm
time is 9:45pm. On Friday and Saturday nights, in dorm time is 11:00pm. On Sunday evenings, students must return
from a weekend by 7:00pm and be in the dorm by 7:30pm for the start of the Sunday night study hall. There may be
announced exceptions to the schedule after long weekends and vacations.
~ Lights-Out
Sunday through Thursday, students must be in their respective dorms by 9:45 pm and in-room by 10:30 pm, lights
out by 10:45 pm. Seniors need not be in-room until 11:30 pm. Students are not permitted out of the dormitory,
unless accompanied by a faculty member, from lights-out time until 6:00am the following morning. Such
unauthorized absences of non-accountability will result in automatically being suspended for three (3) days and
often an additional response by the Dean of Students. Repeated tardies or absences from advisor homeroom may
result in earlier lights out for any students including seniors.
~ Telephones
Dorm phone numbers are listed on the Administrative Telephone List at the end of this Guidebook. Students may
make and receive calls only during free time. Consideration should be given when someone is waiting to use the
phone; those who have to hear you while you are on the phone, and for the equipment itself. No phone calls may be
made or received during study hall. To reach your student in the evening in the event of an emergency, parents or
guardians should call the Administrator on Duty at 443-350-1497.
~ Visitors and Guests
All visitors to campus must check in at the school office, which is located on the first floor of Foutz.
The Dean of Students, in consultation with the dorm parent on duty, shall grant permission for visitors to stay
overnight in the dormitories. (Only one overnight guest of the same gender per resident.) Students must complete a
form for the Dean of Student’s approval PRIOR to the guest’s arrival to campus. Normally, visitors will not be
allowed overnight privileges on weeknights, on weekends prior to final exams, and on Commencement Weekend. It
is the Academy’s policy not to allow students who have been dismissed to visit the campus.
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Boarding students must understand that they are responsible for their guest(s) and their actions while visiting the
Academy.
~ Cellular Phones
Students are permitted to use a registered cellular telephone in his or her dorm room or outside on campus during
free time only. Cell phones should be turned off and put away during class time and study hall and should not visible
in buildings, including the dining room, during the academic day. A student caught with a cell phone during study
hall (break excluded) will be asked to turn in their phone and lose cell phone privileges until the end of study hall
(9:30 pm) the following day. There will be no warnings given. If a student loses their phone on a Thursday, s/he
may get the phone back at the end of the academic day on Friday. Additional incidents of the phone being out
during study hall will mean a longer suspension of phone use with each violation. The same rule will apply for
boarders caught using cell phones after lights out. A registration form, which includes all of the guidelines for
usage, must be signed and on file with the Dean of Students. Misuse will result in confiscation of the phone and the
termination of the phone privilege.
~ Computers
Students may bring a personal computer to school to enhance their educational experience and to prepare
assignments and research papers. Monitors must not exceed 21 inches. Please be mindful that the Academy is not
responsible for items brought to school that are damaged or stolen. Parents are encouraged to have appropriate
attachments to their homeowners’ insurance policy to cover property in student rooms. Computer games are
discouraged during the academic day and are prohibited during study hall. Software may be confiscated if misuse
becomes a problem. Please be familiar with the Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.
~ Gaming Systems
Students may not have personal gaming systems (X-Box, Play Stations, Wii, etc.) in their dorm rooms or bring them
to school. After first interim grades are published and upon approval by the Dean of Students, students may seek
permission to have their equipment at school to be used on weekends in the dorm lounge or in Foutz or Helena Hall.
~ Statement on Material Not Intended to be Sold to Minors:
Because we live in a diverse community of young people, some as young as fourteen, it is not acceptable for
students to possess material which is not intended to be sold to minors. Adults who encounter such materials will
confiscate them. Students who repeatedly ignore this policy will be considered for a discipline or counseling
response.
~ Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not permitted.
~ Pets
Students may not have pets of any type on campus.
DINING ROOM ETIQUETTE
Proper dining room etiquette will be maintained at all times. Dishes and utensils must be deposited in the proper
location at the conclusion of each meal. in both the dining hall in Foutz Center and in each Dorm’s kitchenette.
Food, cups, dishes, and utensils must not be removed from the Foutz Center dining room. Additionally, cell phones,
i-pods, mp3 players, etc. are not to be out or in use during meals or during morning meeting.
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DORMITORY BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSES
~ Lateness
Students are expected to check in with the dorm parent on duty at or before the check-in time. If the student is late at
in-dorm time, the student will receive consequences at the discretion of the dorm parent. If the student is twenty (20)
or more minutes late, the student will be referred to the Dean of Students for non-accountability. The AOD must be
notified of all late student returns at in-dorm time.
~ Out-of-Room After Lights-Out
If a student is out of his or her room after lights-out or is hosting students in their room after lights-out, the student
will be disciplined at the discretion of the dorm parent.
~ Dorm Courtesy
Students should be mindful that the dormitory is a home shared by other students and dorm parents and their
families. Residents should be mindful that foul language, horseplay, use of athletic equipment indoors, borrowing
with out asking, and failing to dress appropriately in a community environment may be hurtful and considered
disrespectful to other members of the dorm. Additionally, conversations and music must be kept to an acceptable
level. Please refrain from yelling down the hallways in the dorm, as the sound travels. Students who repeatedly play
loud music can expect to have their speakers taken by the dorm parent.
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Behavioral Expectations
Among the major purposes of the Academy is to help young people become responsible and contributing members of both a
local community (initially the school) and of society at large.
We expect our students to be kind, respectful, honest, and to participate only in legal and worthwhile pursuits.
However, we recognize that all members of a community make mistakes on occasion.
The Academy responds, both on its own behalf and on behalf of the individual involved and his or her classmates, in
a manner designed to discourage a recurrence. Behavior which is destructive to the school or its reputation, or
which infringes on the rights, shared-values, and well being of the community and its members, is not tolerated, and
in the case of major infractions, can lead to immediate dismissal.
The Academy is especially intolerant of theft, insubordination, cheating, harassment, irresponsible sexual activity,
and the use of drugs, including alcohol and other intoxicants, all of which threaten both the beliefs of the Academy
and the well-being of those who live and work here.
THE MERIT SYSTEM
The Merit system is based on the idea that for every decision we make in life, there is a consequence and
consequences can be either positive or negative depending on the decision made.
~ Merits
Merits will be awarded to students by faculty members for such positive things including, but not limited to, a
student who has gone out of their way to help someone, made a positive contribution to the community, consistently
performs as expected, lives the spirit of our community on a regular basis, or simply just deserves a pat on the back.
Students are encouraged to be kind and considerate and to demonstrate good citizenship every day. Please let a
faculty member know if someone you know deserves recognition.
Merits can be redeemed in the Dean of Students’ office for such things as: a free jeans day, food/drink from the
canteen, extended lights-out, and other privileges as decided by the Student Government Association throughout the
year. Merits cannot cancel Demerits.
~ Demerits
Demerits are issued for minor infractions which do not warrant a detention. An accumulation of three (3) demerits
will result in one hour of detention being assigned.
JURISDICTION
All rules and regulations apply to all students while they are enrolled at West Nottingham Academy and school is
in session, on or off campus, unless the student is under the direct supervision of her or his parents. School rules
are always in effect whenever students are physically present on campus. Further, any actions by a student which
are illegal, or which reflect poorly upon West Nottingham Academy, may be grounds for disciplinary action,
including dismissal, if of a sufficiently serious nature as determined by West Nottingham Academy in its sole
discretion.
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THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
Students who commit major infractions against the quality of life at West Nottingham Academy are ordinarily
referred to the Dean of Students, who is charged with reviewing the matter and deciding on the next course of
action. The Dean of Students may feel the matter is best served by going before the Discipline Committee (DC)
resulting with a recommendation to the Head of School. However, the DC will not make all disciplinary
recommendations. Matters that are typically brought before the DC are those in which facts are in dispute, or when
the infraction could result in dismissal.
The DC is chaired by the Assistant Head of School and is composed of faculty members and student representatives.
Each DC will have three faculty members, three student members, and the Assistant Head of School (non-voting
except in the case of a tie). A pool from which to draw DC members may include the President and Vice President
of the SGA, the President of the Senior Class, and prefects in good standing. During exam week and vacations, only
the adult members of the board will convene to discuss an incident. The student’s advisor may appear on behalf of
the student in question, and acts as an advocate for the student. The Director of the Chesapeake Learning Center or
the Director of the English as a Second Language program may appear on behalf of a student in their respective
programs. Recommendations of the board are forwarded to the Head of School to be accepted, rejected or altered.
Recommendations by the Discipline Committee include, but are not limited to, detention, suspension, counseling,
rooming, dorming, campusing, community service, a conference, an apology, and an educational assignment. In
cases of major rule violations, the DC may recommend dismissal.
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Behavioral Infractions
The Academy reserves the right to dismiss at any time (without referral to the Dean of Student’s office or Discipline
Committee) a student whose behavior, influence, effort, progress, or scholastic achievement, in the judgment of the Head of
School, is so unsatisfactory or detrimental to the School, the student, or to other members of the community, as to require
immediate action.
MAJOR INFRACTIONS
~ Tobacco
Because of compelling medical evidence of the harmful effects of nicotine, the Academy does not allow cigarette
smoking, tobacco chewing, or the possession or use of any kind of nicotine, matches, or lighters while a student is
on campus or under the school’s jurisdiction. Tobacco is one of the major causes of cancer and heart disease. Acting
out of concern for the health of students, West Nottingham Academy has a no-smoking rule and maintains a “smoke
free” campus. Any violation will result in the following:
First Tobacco Violation: The student’s parent or guardian is called and the student receives a warning. The student
is subject to random, unannounced room, bag, and person searches until the student is off status.
Second Tobacco Violation: The student will serve a minimum suspension of three (3) days, and may be required
to participate in an off-campus smoking cessation program. There will be a parent or guardian conference upon the
student’s return to the Academy. The student is subject to random, unannounced room, bag, and person searches
until the student is off status.
Third Tobacco Violation: The student is referred to the Head of School’s office where there is a possibility of
dismissal from West Nottingham Academy.
~ Drugs, Alcohol, and other Intoxicants
The use of all drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants must always be regarded as a possible threat to psychological or
physical health. The school’s responsibility is to protect both individuals within the community and the community
as a whole. Therefore, WNA operates under a Zero Tolerance Policy. (Students will sign a contract at the
beginning of each school year stating that they have read and understood this policy.)
1.
Possession, use, transportation, storage, or sale of drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants will result in
the student being dismissed from West Nottingham Academy immediately.
Included in the Academy’s definition of a drug are: alcohol, controlled (illegal) substances, steroids,
some herbal and homeopathic preparations, and misused prescription drugs. Students are not permitted
to possess over-the-counter medications (including aspirin, vitamins, and the nicotine patch) or herbal and
homeopathic preparations unless approved by the school nurse in writing.
The Academy reserves the right to require students to undergo Breathalyzer testing, urinalysis, or a similar
test to determine substance use or abuse. The Academy also reserves the right to conduct supervised
searches of student rooms, cars, and possessions when that appears advisable.
2.
Possession of paraphernalia may result in the student being dismissed from West Nottingham
Academy or they may, on a first offense, be suspended and placed on probation. A second offense
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of possession of paraphernalia will result in the student being dismissed from West Nottingham
Academy.
However, possession of paraphernalia containing any drug or other intoxicant residue will be treated
as a possession violation and upon confirmation of a positive test for the residue may result in the student
being dismissed from West Nottingham Academy.
NOTE: Possession is considered to be anything on your person, in your room, in your car, in your locker,
or in your bag(s) with your knowledge. Knowledge includes a rational inference that you exercised some
restraining or directing influence or control over the prohibited item. Students are responsible for what is in
their possession.
3.
Students may not return to the Academy from an off-campus destination having consumed drugs,
alcohol, or other intoxicants, nor may they do so in transit to and from the Academy during vacation
periods.
4.
Any student who is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants, in the opinion of two
adults, and who denies such consumption of, will be required to undergo a drug, alcohol, and/or
other intoxicant test at that time.
Any referral to FIT (by self or others) must be done so with the intent of preventing harm to oneself or to others.
Once an investigation of drug use or related disciplinary action is underway, the provisions of the FIT program are
no longer applicable. Any referral that is deemed by the administration to be a response to, or deflection of,
imminent disciplinary action will not be considered.
~ Fire Safety in a Building
Due to safety concerns, any smoking, fire, flame, or evidence of smoking, fire, or flame in a building including, but
not limited to, burned cigarettes, odor, ashes thereof, or incense will result in the student, who is responsible, being
dismissed from West Nottingham Academy immediately.
~ Dishonesty
Students are expected to conduct themselves with a high level of integrity at all times. Matters of a dishonest nature
will ordinarily be referred to the Dean of Students or Assistant Head of School, as appropriate. Dishonesty includes
situations involving lying, theft, plagiarism, and cheating.
~ Stealing
Theft undermines trust, which is at the heart of our community. Borrowing without permission is considered
stealing. Stealing will be dealt with severely up to and including dismissal from school. Shoplifting to the extent that
it is considered a felony may result in dismissal. Additionally, if students report items being taken from their dorm
room at a time when the room should have been locked but wasn’t, they forfeit the expectation that there will be a
room search conducted to recover the item(s). Pranks involving hiding or removing other students’ belongings (i.e.
books, jackets, laptops, backpacks, etc.) may be viewed as theft and dealt with accordingly.
~ Harassment
All members of the community have the right to feel safe and valued. Intimidation, bullying, threatening or verbally
(oral, written, or electronic) and/or physically harassing another member of the community will not be tolerated and
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will be dealt with severely by the Academy. Incidents of harassment - on-going, repeated, or singular- are grounds
for dismissal.
A threat that could be interpreted as a viable action or one that presents imminent physical harm may be grounds for
immediate dismissal.
We also believe that harassment can take place electronically or “online”. We caution our community members to
think of “online” conversations as dialogues that can be printed and distributed. As with any form of harassment,
electronic harassment, whether in or out of school, will not be tolerated.
~ Fighting
Physically hitting, striking or punching a fellow student is unacceptable under any condition.
~ Safety Violations/Weapons
Any activity that endangers the health or well-being of a member of WNA’s community will be considered a safety
violation. This includes, but is not limited to, things such as un-licensed body piercing and tattooing.
Possession or use of explosives, fireworks, knives, weapons, unauthorized motor vehicles, tampering with fire alarm
systems, and similar offenses are grounds for a disciplinary response. Electrical appliances that produce heat (such
as curling irons) must be turned off and unplugged when not in use.
~ Non-Accountability
Absences from places where the student is committed to be, especially unauthorized absences after lights-out, is
dealt with firmly by the Academy. Specifically, students are not permitted out of the dormitory, unless accompanied
by a faculty member, from lights-out until 6:00am the following morning. For such infractions, students will be
referred to the Dean of Students and likely be suspended off campus.
Additionally, female students are not permitted in male dormitories, and male students are not permitted in female
dormitories unless permission by a dorm parent has been granted in advance for a chaperoned gathering in the
dorm’s lounge area. Students are not permitted to be in a dorm room of the opposite gender and may face suspension
off campus if found in violation of this policy.
~ Complicity
Students are expected to remove themselves from a situation involving a rule violation. Being present during the
violation of a major school rule makes a student liable for consequences.
~ Entering Areas Off-limits to Students
A student entering an area that is off-limits to him or her, at any time, will be subject to serious disciplinary
consequences.
RESPONSES TO MAJOR INFRACTIONS
An incident report that clearly describes a violation of a major school rule, including, but not limited to, smoking;
drugs, alcohol, and other intoxicants; safety violations; dishonesty; stealing; and non-accountability will lead to a
meeting with the Discipline Committee (DC), although we recognize that some infractions may require an
immediate discipline response and may not go to the DC.
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~ Warning Status
A student may be placed on Warning in regard to the rule or expectation that was violated for a period of time
recommended by the Discipline Committee or the Dean of Students and with approval of the Headmaster. Warning
means that a student places him/herself in jeopardy of being dismissed if he or she violates the same rule again
during the period of Warning.
~ Probation Status
A student who is in violation of more than one Academy expectation or whose conduct warrants such a response
may be placed on Probation by recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee or Dean of Students with approval
of the Headmaster. Probation indicates that a student places him/herself in jeopardy of being dismissed if he or she
violates any major Academy expectation or rule while on Probation.
~ Suspension
Students who are suspended are separated from the West Nottingham community for a period of time. Students
should take all books with them and are responsible for all work missed during the suspension. The number of days
a student is suspended may be the maximum number of days the student has upon their return to make up and turn in
any missed work. A suspension may be served on or off campus as decided by the Dean of Students and the Head
of School.
~ Loss of Leadership Position
A student in a leadership position, especially class officers and prefects, will be asked to resign from that position
for violating a major school rule.
NOTE: In each of the above instances, there will be a conference with the student, his or her advisor, and the
Dean of Students. Parents or guardians will also be contacted.
~ Dismissal
Dismissal from school can be the result of a violation of a major rule or an accumulation of lesser offenses that
indicates an unwillingness to cooperate, or of conduct that is detrimental to the school and/or school community.
When a student is dismissed, he or she should pack and leave the campus as quickly as possible. All school property
must be returned or the student account will be charged. All outstanding obligations are due as well as tuition costs
for the remainder of the year for which the family has contracted the school’s services. All records and references
are frozen until all obligations are completed. A faculty or staff member will be with the student from the time the
student is informed of the decision to the time the parents or guardians arrive or a decision is reached to take the
student to a train station or an airport.
MINOR INFRACTIONS
West Nottingham students are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct. Faculty members will address
student behavior when necessary, dorm parents will impose penalties for less serious violations of dormitory rules,
and the Dean of Students will respond to minor infractions upon receipt of any demerits. Students involved in
repeated minor infractions may appear before the Discipline Committee. These minor infractions may include being
late, poor classroom behavior, spitting, profanity, dress code violations, insubordination, rudeness, public displays of
affection, littering, and roughhousing.
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~ Classroom Disruption
The integrity of a classroom is paramount for student success. Disruption of a class is to be kept at an absolute
minimum. Students are prohibited from intentionally disrupting the educational process. Failure to comply may
result in disciplinary action. Continued classroom disruption will be viewed as a pattern of insubordinate behavior.
~ Public Displays of Affection
Students should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. Students should not be engaged in
inappropriate public displays of affection or sexual activity that makes other members of the community feel
uncomfortable. Violators should expect to be confronted by a member of the community and may be subject to
disciplinary action. NO sexual relations between students are condoned at any time on campus.
~ Insubordination and Rudeness
Students are expected to treat all members of the community with respect. Insubordination, whether directed to other
students or to adults in the community, will not be tolerated. Incidents involving gross insubordination will be
referred to the Dean of Students. Gross insubordination coupled with profanity will result in suspension from school.
Any request made with the intent of promoting the educational process or upholding proper etiquette must be
observed by the student. Failure to do so can be considered insubordination. Such requests include, but are not
limited to, the following examples: requests for the removal of iPods, headphones, cell phones and other similar
devices from academic areas, and requests for dress code compliance.
~ Profanity
Students are expected to use appropriate language at all times. Profanity will not be tolerated and is not to be used
anywhere on campus or on school-sponsored trips. Signs of on-going difficulty with inappropriate language will
result in notification of parents or guardians and the possibility of a parent or guardian conference.
~ Vandalism
Students are expected to respect all school and personal property. Intentional destruction of school property or that
of other individuals could result in being suspended from school and paying a fine. Failure to report accidental
breakage can also result in disciplinary action.
Students are ultimately financially responsible for any damage to their assigned dorm room. A report must be made
to the Dean of Students in a timely fashion if any damage is due to the actions of another student.
~ Visitation
Students are not permitted inside a dormitory of the opposite sex and they are not permitted to be lingering outside
another student’s dorm window. Students are only allowed to be outside the front doors of a dorm unless a
chaperoned event has been planned for the dorm lounge.
RESPONSES TO MINOR INFRACTIONS
Responses to Minor Infractions may include the following:
~ Suspension / In-School Suspension (ISS)
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Students who are suspended are separated from the West Nottingham community for a period of time. Students
should take all books with them and are responsible for all work missed during the suspension. A suspension may be
served on or off campus as decided by the Dean of Students and the Head of School.
~ Detention
Students are expected to assume responsibility for every missed obligation. A missed obligation will result in
assignment to detention. Detention is held Saturday morning from 8:30 – 10:30 am. Students will complete a
work/service requirement around campus under the supervision of an adult. No food, beverages, or headphones are
permitted. A student who misses an obligation will be reported to the Dean of Student’s office and a list will be
posted Thursday afternoon. If a student skips detention, he or she will serve two (2) detentions. If a student is late to
detention, he or she will be required to stay later to serve the lost time.
At the discretion of the Dean of Students, when a student has accumulated eight hours of unserved detention hours
he or she may be required to serve a day in In-School Suspension (ISS). Serving a day in ISS does NOT negate the
hours of unserved detention; rather, it is in addition to. Furthermore, continued violations of behavioral expectations
may be viewed as a pattern of insubordinate behavior and will be dealt with accordingly.
~ Demerits
Minor rule infractions are recorded as demerits. When students receive their third demerit, they will serve 1
detention. Students will start with a clean slate at the beginning of each trimester.
~ Loss of Privileges
Privileges that may be lost due to a minor infraction include: loss of TV, access to the Hallock Game Room, and
other privileges as determined by the Dean of Students.
~ Community Service
Community Service is a variable length work project that may include work inside or outside.
~ Rooming, Dorming, or Campusing
A student who is “roomed” may not leave his or her room except for classes, meals and other school obligations. A
student who is “dormed” may not leave his or her dorm except for classes, meals and other school obligations. A
student who is “campused” may not leave the WNA campus for any reason.
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Student Records
The following is West Nottingham’s Policy on parent and student access to Educational Records:
West Nottingham Academy will provide parents and students, who are eighteen (18) years and older, access to
educational records directly related to the student in order to permit parents and students to review and/or challenge
these records.
In order for parents and students, who are eighteen (18) years of age and older, to review the educational record
related to the student, a written, dated request must be submitted to the Head of School who will respond within
thirty (30) working days with a day and time within fourteen (14) working days when the record may be reviewed in
his or her presence or in the presence of a school official he or she so designates.
In the event the parents or student wishes to challenge the accuracy of the contents of the record, the Head of School
will convene a hearing that will include, but not be limited to, the parents and/or the student, the Assistant Head of
School, and the Head of School, who will conduct the hearing.
If agreement is reached by majority vote during the hearing to change or amend the record, such changes or
amendments will be made within fourteen (14) working days.
In the event the decision of the hearing is to allow the record to stand without change, the parents and/or student
may prepare a written challenge to the record that will accompany all requests for the educational records of the
student.
West Nottingham Academy will obtain the written permission of parents and students before releasing such records
to other institutions.
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Fire Emergency
PROCEDURE
If at any time you detect smoke or suspect a fire, report it immediately to an adult. If you determine that a fire exists,
pull the nearest fire alarm and report the location at once to an adult. The alarm signal for fire is the continuous
ringing of the fire bells. On this signal, immediately leave the building via the nearest exit or fire escape, report to
your assigned fire check-in area, and remain there for further instructions.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH ANY FIRE.
If you are in a dormitory– ACT QUICKLY, YET UNDER CONTROL
1. Wake up your roommate.
2. Turn on your light so that the dorm parent can make a quick room check.
3. Close your window.
4. Dress as warmly as circumstances require.
5. If the door to your room is hot to the touch DO NOT open it. Exit through the window unless
you are on the second floor of a building. IF you are on the second floor, hang a sheet out your
window, close the window, and wait by your window for assistance.
6. If your door is not hot to the touch, open it and quickly exit the building. Knock on neighboring doors as you
make your way down the hall to wake others.
7. Leave the building by the fire exit listed and proceed to the assigned outdoor fire check-in area.
8. Keep calm. Do not run about. Do not promote confusion or panic in others. Remember that in
a fire emergency, panic in a large group frequently causes most of the injuries.
9. NEVER re-enter a building until permission is given to do so.
10. It is extremely important to be quiet during fire drills so that everyone may hear instructions
DURING THE ACADEMIC DAY
If you are in class, follow the instructions of the teacher and the fire safety exit directions for the classroom. If you
have a free period, leave the building quickly and report to an adult.
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The Alma Mater
We sing to thee our Alma Mater dear;
In Maryland mid rolling valley, green and clear,
To bring thee honor, faith, and loyalty,
Thy sons and daughters pledge their hearts eternally.
Our early memories, born of spirits free,
We turn with youthful hearts so full of joy to thee.
In sport and study be our guide, our sight
Along the path that leads from darkness into light.
Nor time shall fade those wholesome new delights
Of friends and comradeship and youth’s fairest flights.
Into those spirit houses of the mind
We build on thee to stand the year, to outlast time.
Till at the last amid the singing throng
Of sons and daughters praising thee in timeless song,
Telling the future ones, those yet to be,
Of Nottingham, of Alma Mater strong and free.
Refrain
School we love, West Nottingham!
God shed his grace on thee.
All hail to thee our Alma Mater,
Long live thy memory.
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