Upper School Student Handbook 2017-2018 04 Upper...Health/Performance Physiology 1 semester credit...

Upper SchoolStudent Handbook

2017-2018

Breck Upper School Handbook • 2017-2018 [ 69 ]

August 2017

Dear Upper School Students and Parents:

Welcome to the 2017-2018 School year! We are thrilled to either welcome you to Upper School (for our ninth graders and any new students) or welcome you back to Upper School. As always, I hope the summer has been restful and relaxing and that you’ve been able to find time to do something you love.

As you read through this Handbook (and yes, we do expect you to have read the whole thing), please remember that these guidelines and expectations are designed to help us as school create an environment that allows you, the students, to make the absolute most of your time here. We want you to dig deep into those passions that really excite you and we want to you time to explore what new areas of interest may await you. We want you to be devoted and committed students, and we want you to have fun.

The expectations outlined in this book are carefully thought out and revised each and every year. Should anything written raise any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone in the Upper School Office. Our numbers are all listed in just a few pages.

All the best for a great year!

Warmly,

Thomas E. TaylorUpper School Director

[ 70 ] Breck Upper School Handbook • 2017-2018

Created by students and faculty in 1998, the honor code is inspired by the mission of the school. The honor code recognizes that the study and practice of honor in one’s

own life is the foundation of individual character. Honor is more a matter of attitude and spirit than a

system of rules. This statement calls upon each student to act in a trustworthy manner and to work for the common

good as responsible members of the school community. By signing this formal pledge, students are acknowledging

their individual and collective commitment to these principles in their daily lives at Breck.

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Breck Upper School Honor CodeWe value personal integrity and academic honesty

as fundamental principles that must be upheld through attitude and spirit by all members of the Breck community

in order to create an atmosphere in whichtrust, scholarship, and friendship may flourish.

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Upper School Mission StatementThe Upper School is a diverse community committed to creating an environment that promotes:

• A love of learning rooted in reflection, understanding, compassion, and integrity.• Conversations between students and faculty forging relationships that strengthen the community.• The courage to participate in the creation of a just, global community.


Student LeadershipStudent Advocacy CouncilExecutive OfficersPresident Julia MurphyExecutive Board Cole MaxwellExecutive Board Brian Song

Class OfficersSenior President Olivia VangSenior VP TréAllen Warner

Junior President Spencer YuehJunior VP Eloise CherianJunior VP Darlene RadichelJunior VP Abigail Wesson

Sophomore President Rachel GundersonSophomore VP Maggie BroylesSophomore VP Carly McCueSophomore VP Grayson Phillips

Freshman TBDFreshman TBDFreshman TBDFreshman TBD

Student Integrity CouncilSeniors Sam Pacala (president), Sam Aronson, Taylor Phillips, Cassidy Roland, Alayna Simonds, Terrina WhiteJuniors Eloise Cherian, Deirdre O’Neill, Sam Putam, Sydney UmanahSophomores Emre Adabag, Mary O’Grady, Liam WalshFaculty John Bellaimey, Deb Mixon

House LeadersHaupt Ayanaa Platt (12), Josie Fernandez (11), Gunnar Evenstad (10), TBD (9)Salas Roamera Dalton (12), Chase Larson (11), Abigail Schaus (10), TBD (9)Whipple Luci McGlynn (12), Margo Johnson (11), Malcolm Yearby (10), TBD (9)Wilder Julia Gabriel (12), Aviva Milgrom (11), Taylor Nelson (10), TBD (9)


FALL Cross-CountryBlaine MadsonTaylor Phillips

FootballGavin HoppingIsaac LutenDavid RoddyRyan Stafford

Boys SoccerZack LevyEric SmitsWill Torgerson

Girls SoccerNina EyresLuci McGlynn

Girls TennisPaige OlowuAlayna SimondsAmelia Simonds

VolleyballKylie PhaLivia ReaderSydney Umanah

Girls Swim & DiveRebekah FloreyMaddie PinkCady PirtleEllie Wanninger

WINTERAlpine SkiMatthew ArhensKate ClarkAdam DanielskiCade O’Neill

Boys BasketballDavid Roddy

Girls BasketballKeely ConroyTerrina White

GymnasticsSaylor HawkinsKatie RaffelKiwi Sundeen

Boys HockeyBrendan MadsonJustin PaschkeNick StromWill Torgerson

Girls HockeyCarly BeniekGabby BillingLuci McGlynnJulia Murphy

Nordic SkiDavid AhrensMaya CzeneszewLouise Kim

Boys Swim & DiveJulian Frerichs

SPRINGBaseballJake RandJohn SteinbergsWill Torgerson

Boys GolfJustin Paschke

Girls GolfMargie JohnstonAlayna SimondsAmelia Simonds

Boys LacrosseGavin HoppingBlaine MadsonBrendan MadsonRyan Stafford

Girls LacrosseLauren KozikowskiSamantha NelsonGrace Taylor

SoftballAddie GleekelKylie PhaOlivia Thanadabout

Boys TennisKarthik Papisetty

Track & FieldAlex McFarlandPaige OlowuTaylor PhillipsJefferson SlocumTerrina White

Student Athletic Council


2017-2018 Student Service CouncilDavid AhrensPhillip AhrensMargaret BroylesAlex ChengSamantha DetorSophia HardtenElizabeth McCreaEmma MedeirosLauren NudiMary O’GradyAyanna PlattKelly ReilingBrooke SamaratungaKiera SundeenLiam Walsh


AcademicsA Breck diploma indicates the successful completion of a set of specific graduation requirements and it recognizes the accomplishments made by a student towards the realization of the Breck mission statement. To that end students are expected to meet the challenges that mission presents by taking responsibility for their own learning, recognizing their own unique talents and abilities and those of others, contributing to the life of the school, being open to new ideas, accepting a responsibility for the common good and helping to create a scholarly environment for all.

Academic ProgramThe academic program at Breck is firmly rooted in the Breck mission statement. Department course requirements provide students with a well-rounded education that will support them as they move on to college. Elective courses allow students to concentrate in areas of specific interest to them. The Community Engagement Program, senior speech and May Program requirements provide creative opportunities for students to develop their own unique talents as well as giving them opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the Breck community and the world beyond.

Academic AdvisorEach student has an advisor. Advisors work with their advisory group during the weekly advisory period and, for ninth graders, during the Breck Community Engagement Program. Advisors work to ensure the well being of the students in their advisory group.

An Advisor’s duties include: helping students plan their academic schedules, serving as an advocate for students in school matters, communicating with parents when needed, and taking a special interest in the events and concerns of their advisees. Advisors receive copies of all academic communications received by their advisees.


Academic Course RequirementsStudents are required to take a minimum of 44 semester credits during the regular academic program. The 44 semester credits must also satisfy the specific departmental requirements described below.

English 8 semester credits including Grade 9 English, Grade 10 English and North American Literature. Students must be enrolled in an English course each semester.

Visual Arts and/or Performing Arts 2 semester credits

Health/Performance Physiology 1 semester credit

History 6 semester credits including U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Math 6 semester credits including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II

Physical Education/Health 4 quarter credits • Health (one quarter) • Performance Physiology (one quarter) • Physical Education (two quarters)

Note: Alternative methods of satisfying the semester elective requirement are listed in the Upper School Course Guide.

Religion 2 semester credits including World Religions II (1 credit) and one senior religion course plus completion of the senior speech requirement (1 credit)

Science 6 semester credits including Physics, Biology, and Chemistry

Senior Year Senior year must include 5 academic courses each semester. Modifications should be consistent with prior academic load, college goals, and made only after consultation with the school.

World Language 6 semester credits in the same language including the third year of that language


Academic SupportAcademic AccommodationsIn order to promote student independence, ensure access to educational opportunities, and help students reach their full potential, Breck School is committed to providing appropriate support needed to accommodate individuals with diagnosed learning differences. Academic accommodations are evaluated on an individual basis by Breck’s learning consultants based on recommendations provided by educational psychologists or other qualified professionals. Breck’s learning consultants and academic resource instructors provide individual instruction in learning strategies and compensatory techniques, help with time-management and organizational skills, and arrange for academic accommodations. Accommodations may include assistive technology, alternative testing arrangements, preferred classroom seating, and differentiated instructional strategies. All accommodations are evaluated through the following process:

1. The family submits a formal request for accommodations, accompanied by supporting documentation, to the Breck Learning Consultant.

2. The Upper School Learning Consultant, along with the Upper School Dean of Studies, and the Upper School Counselor, reviews the request and formulates a recommendation that is presented to the Upper School Guidance Committee.

3. The Upper School Guidance Committee reviews the request and provides a recommendation to the Upper School Director. At this point additional information or meetings may be requested.

4. The Upper School Director renders a decision. 5. If the accommodation is approved, the Upper School Learning Consultant will

write a Breck Accommodation plan. 6. In order for the student to best understand their learning profile and resulting

accommodations, Breck will expect that all Upper School students with accommodation plans will be familiar with said plans as well as any supporting documentation that may be requested.

Academic Resource Instructor/Supervised StudyRoom U212 is designated as a supervised study area for students who need or want additional direction during their unscheduled time. This room is staffed by the full-time Academic Resource Instructor, who provides academic and organizational support. Students who are assigned to supervised study have the same attendance obligations as for regular classes. For other students, the resource is available as needed.


TutoringStudents are encouraged to see teachers for extra help during the tutorial period and after school. Faculty members may also be available at other times by prior arrangement. When considering approval of formal tutoring at Breck, the Upper School Guidance Committee considers the following:

• the student earned a C- or below and required individual help on a daily basis• consistency of meeting between teacher/student for additional help • the classroom teacher’s recommendation • student effort and study patterns • pre-existing learning issues • extraordinary situations, such as students falling behind in their work due to illness

If a student has been exerting effort and is still earning D and F grades, further support services are available through the Dean of Studies and the Learning Specialist.

Formal tutoring at Breck is available for students who are having academic difficulty. Tutoring is available by teacher recommendation, generally to students with grades of C- or below. Prior to being considered for tutoring, students are required to see teachers consistently for extra help during tutorial periods and/or after school.

Students with Breck Accommodation Plans are exempt from the low grade criteria. Students who have been absent for a significant period of time due to illness or emergency may request a Breck tutor.

When tutoring is approved, the Tutoring Coordinator determines the schedule. The billing rate for tutoring is set yearly by the Breck Business Office. Financial Aid may be applied to the cost of tutoring. Contact the Tutoring Coordinator for details.

In addition to tutoring, other support options are available through the Academic Resource Instructor, the Dean of Studies and the Learning Consultant.

Tutors who have been hired through private arrangement with students or families are not permitted to meet with students on campus. Students are expected to disclose private tutoring arrangements with all relevant classroom teachers.


WaiversUnder exceptional circumstances, a waiver for a specific graduation requirement may be considered. All waivers will be recorded on students’ transcripts. Waivers are evaluated through the following process:

1. The family submits a formal waiver request and documentation to the Upper School Dean of Studies.

2. The Upper School Learning Consultant reviews the request and formulates a recommendation that is presented to the Upper School Guidance Committee and the appropriate department chair.

3. The Upper School Guidance Committee reviews the request and provides a recommendation to the Upper School Director. At this point additional information or meetings may be requested.

4. The Upper School Director renders a decision. 5. If the waiver is approved, it is documented on the student’s transcript and the

family will receive a notification letter. If the waiver is not approved, the family will receive a letter of explanation.

Community Engagement ProgramUpper School Community Engagement RequirementBreck devotes weekly school time to off-campus community involvement for every student and teacher in the Upper School. The Community Engagement Program occurs during the middle of the day on Wednesdays and involves students and faculty traveling to sites near Breck to interact and collaborate with others outside of our school bounds. The main objectives of our Wednesday morning community partnerships are to:

1. Learn about systematic social issues, participate in collaborative solutions, and foster a social conscience that leads to action;

2. Benefit local communities and further our community partners’ missions and goals;

3. Encourage the development of the characteristics of servant leaders, including empowerment of others, empathy, humility, open and honest communication, and the creation of authentic relationships;

4. Foster cultural self-awareness as well as provide opportunities to practice effective and appropriate interculture communication in a variety of cultural contexts; and

5. Meet the deep needs of students and faculty to serve, to connect, and to put their spiritual and ethical values to work for justice and peace in the community.

In order to graduate, students must successfully meet the requirements of the Community Engagement Program each year that they attend Breck. Students who


miss more than three site visits for any reason are required to make up two hours of service to the Breck community for each absence (beginning with the third absence). The Community Engagement Coordinator places students and faculty in groups and coordinates the entire project. This program is a school obligation.

Breck Service RequirementEach student is expected to perform some service each year. Students must accumulate at least 20 total hours over four years (averaging at least five hours per year of Breck-oriented service projects). Opportunities may include work at a Special Olympics event, participation as a Tour Ambassador, or taking advantage of a variety of volunteer services both on and off campus that arise throughout the school year. Hours are verified by faculty and credited by the Community Engagement Coordinator.

The Melrose Family Center for Servant Leadership“The journey of leadership is about becoming and not attaining a final destination.” ~ Ken Melrose, former Breck Trustee,

Retired CEO of the Toro Company, and author of Making the Grass Greener

Established in 2013, the Melrose Family Center for Servant Leadership is the physical and programmatic embodiment of Breck School’s dedication to cultivating future leaders in conjunction with the existing offices of multicultural education, community service and religious/ spiritual development. The concept of servant leadership, with its principles of leading by serving others, is deeply resonant with Breck’s Mission of developing our students’ unique talents and capabilities while instilling a deep sense of social responsibility.

Vision Statement for the Melrose Family Center for Student Leadership: Breck students will thrive in various leadership roles by using the principles of servant leadership to be their best selves in order to bring out the best in others.

Our dedicated space, located adjacent to the Salas Commons, will serve as a welcome to all who enter the Upper School from Breck’s main entrance — underscoring the school’s commitment to the work that will go on within its walls. Its flexible architecture will provide space for speakers, seminars, group work and individual projects.

As our work in the Melrose Family Center evolves, we will continue to look for ways to develop our students’ unique talents and capabilities, instill in each a deep sense of social responsibility, and support the journey of future generations of servant leaders for years to come.


May ProgramAs part of the academic program, students complete May Program each year following the conclusion of finals. Freshmen and sophomores take on-campus courses that include a combination of elective and required courses. Juniors and seniors engage in experiential learning opportunities, generally off-campus, which take the form of service projects, internships, and major independent projects.

May Program grades contribute to a student’s cumulative grade point average. Each May Program term is the equivalent of one semester course. If a student does not complete May program satisfactorily, he/she must arrange an acceptable alternative program through the Dean of Studies and/or the May Program Coordinator. A May Program course guide will be made available to freshmen and sophomore students each year prior to registration.

Senior Attendance RequirementBreck School neither encourages nor discourages students to be enrolled in off-campus programs in their senior year. Requests to be given graduation credit for an off-campus program during the senior year will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Senior Speech RequirementEvery senior gives a formal speech to the entire Upper School during his or her senior year. It is a four-to six-minute speech on a topic that is meaningful to all. It is a chance for students to share something significant that they have learned or thought about, and it is a key milestone in each Breck student’s career. Speeches are part of the Senior Religion course, and are prepared and graded as such. Seniors are expected to attend class directly after Chapel.

Homework and ExaminationsHomeworkHomework is important for academic success, the development of self-discipline and good working habits. Teachers are available to help students who need it and will assist students in budgeting their time and effort, especially with long-term assignments. Ultimately, the responsibility for doing homework — properly and punctually — rests with the student. Students are encouraged to use an electronic or paper planner. Students can expect 30 minutes of homework per class per night (45 minutes for AP or Advanced courses). Teachers may also assign students to Monday School for missed assignments.


Completion of Major WorkIn order to pass a course, students must fulfill the criteria of all major assignments as designated by the teacher. If any major assignment is not completed, an F is recorded on the transcript and credit is not given.

Homework and Absence from Class(See also Attendance Policy on page 93.) In general, for an absence that the student knows about ahead of time, the student should hand in all homework prior to the absence and get the assignments for the classes that are missed.

Homework Over VacationNo regular homework is assigned over winter and spring vacation breaks. The History Department may assign one book over winter break, and the English Department may assign one book over spring break. All departments may assign a single night’s homework over shorter breaks such as Thanksgiving and Presidents’ Day weekend.

Late Work PolicyA major assignment handed in after the due date is marked down up to one full letter grade for each day it is late. This includes weekends and other non-school days, provided the teacher allows work to be submitted on those days. Requests for extensions or exceptions may be discussed with the teacher. Individual teachers set late work policies for assignments that are not major, such as daily homework. A teacher may assign Monday School to a student who has not completed work on time. Students with a pattern of late work may lose their prep period privileges and be placed in supervised study. All work is to be completed by the last class day of the semester unless a student is eligible for an incomplete. Teachers may set earlier final deadlines for non-major work.

Project and Test Days CriteriaTeachers will collaborate on the due dates of major projects and tests through the use of the online testing calendar. In order to ensure that students in all sections of a class have equal time to take an exam and that students do not miss other classes, teachers write tests so that they can be completed within the class period. Students will not be expected to complete more than three tests or major projects in one day. Quizzes may be given on non-designated days if they do not exceed 15 minutes in length and cover appropriately limited material.


Semester Finals and Exam ScheduleThe exams are 20 percent of the student’s final semester grade. Students are required to take finals during the scheduled times. Students with conflicts due to AP Exams or multiple courses in a department must make up the test during designated makeup times. If this is not possible, the Dean of Studies will assign a makeup time. Makeups are cleared only by the Upper School Office. An unexcused absence from a scheduled final exam may result in a 50 percent penalty. (See also Attendance Policy on page 93.)

Semester One Finals ScheduleDate Morning Exam (9-11 AM) Afternoon Exam (1-3 PM)Thursday, 12/14 English Study/Review DayFriday, 12/15 Language MathMonday, 12/18 History ScienceTuesday, 12/19 Makeup

Semester Two Finals ScheduleDate Morning Exam (9-11 AM) Afternoon Exam (1-3 PM)Monday, 5/14 Language MathTuesday, 5/15 Study/Review DayWednesday, 5/16 History ScienceThursday, 5/17 English Makeup

AP and Senior Final Exam PolicySeniors may be exempt from taking a second semester final exam if the second semester grade in the course is at least a B and the student has no unexcused absences.

For students in AP courses, the AP exam will stand in for the final. Students are expected to demonstrate effort commensurate with their abilities on these exams. Those students who are deemed to have not demonstrated such effort may be required to take the final.

The teacher’s discretion, in conjunction with the Dean of Studies, will decide both cases.


Evaluation of Student WorkGrading SystemWithin each semester the cumulative work is worth 80 percent and the exam is worth 20 percent. In those few courses that do not include a semester exam, the cumulative work serves as the semester grade. During the first week of school, teachers hand out a summary of how grades are calculated, including what “weighting” (percentage) each item will count and how the semester grade is calculated. Letter grades given are A-F.

A reserved for truly outstanding work B indicates good work C indicates satisfactory work D indicates unsatisfactory work though credit is given F indicates unsatisfactory work with no credit given

Based on a 100 percent scale, grades are determined as follows:

A = 94-100% C = 73-76% A- = 90-93% C = 70-72% B+ = 87-89% D+ = 67-69% B = 83-86% D = 63-66% B- = 80-82% D- = 60-62% C+ = 77-79% F = 59% and below

In the calculation of grades percentages are rounded to the nearest point.

Grade ReportingCumulative grades are available on an ongoing basis on the grade portal. In addition, a system of academic communications keeps parents and students informed of significant changes in progress throughout the year. After May Program, a copy of the student’s transcript for the year is sent home.

Academic Standing (GPA)Grades for semester courses and yearlong courses are based on semester performance. Semester grades appear on students’ permanent transcripts and become part of students’ cumulative grade point averages.


The Upper School employs a four-point system in computing grade point averages listed below:

Grade Grade Points A 4.000 A- 3.666 B+ 3.333 B 3.000 B- 2.666 C+ 2.333 C 2.000 C- 1.666 D+ 1.333 D 1.000 D- 0.666 F 0.000

Honor Roll DeterminationHonors List: Students who earn a semester average of 3.333 with no grade below a B-.

Headmaster’s List: Students who earn a semester average of 3.666 with no grade below a B+.

Cum Laude SocietyThe Cum Laude Society is a national society within independent schools, the purpose of which is to recognize academic excellence and achievement among students. According to national guidelines, to which the Breck School chapter subscribes, a chapter may elect up to 10 percent of the junior class and up to 20 percent of the senior class to the Cum Laude Society. Election is based on contributions to Breck and limited to students who have a grade point average of 3.666 or above.

Advanced Placement (AP) CoursesThese courses meet the College Board’s Advanced Placement guidelines. At the end of the course, students are required to take the AP exam. Students who score well on this exam may receive college credit or advanced standing. Breck’s College Counseling Office administers the exams. For more information, visit the College Board’s AP website at apstudent.collegeboard.org.


Academic OptionsCourse PlacementIn order to meet the diverse academic needs of Upper School students, and to serve students of varying interests and ability levels, numerous academic options are available. Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes are designed for students who have clearly demonstrated their ability to engage in formal thought and conceptualize the course material in a specific discipline.

English: Placement in AP Literature and Composition: Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B for first semester and a B+ for the second semester of junior North American Literature. AP Language and Composition: Prerequisite: For seniors, a minimum grade of B for first semester and B+ for the second semester of junior North American Literature; for juniors, a minimum grade of A- for the second semester of Sophomore English.

History: Placement in AP Art History, AP United States History and AP Modern European History is determined by teacher recommendation, student application and interview, a placement essay, and review of standardized test scores. Placement in Advanced History Research is based on teacher recommendation, student application and interview.

Mathematics: Placement in Honors and AP courses is determined by placement testing and by teacher recommendation. Placement in Community-Based Research in Mathematics is based on teacher recommendation, student application and interview.

World Language: Placement in language classes is determined by their grade in their current course. Students must earn a 70 percent or higher for the semester two grade in order to move to the next level. Students who do not achieve this level will need to re-take the second semester final exam in August and receive a grade of 70 percent or higher in order to advance.

Science: Placement in AP Biology and AP Chemistry is determined by grade in chemistry. Placement in Advanced Science Research is based on teacher recommendation, student application, and interview.

Independent Study Independent study is available at Breck. Students should see the Dean of Studies for guidelines and to begin the application process. An independent study must be the sixth academic course and may not be used to satisfy a departmental graduation requirement.


Course RegistrationCourse registration is conducted for all students during March under the guidance of the Upper School Administration and the students’ academic advisors. Students work with their academic advisors, parents and college counselors to take into account all of the students’ activities. Advisors help students make course choices to create realistic and balanced schedules. This is very important to a students’ well being and to his or her success at Breck.

Students register for at least five academic courses. Those wishing to take more than six academic courses must have the permission of the Dean of Studies.

Drop/Add PoliciesEvery effort is made to accommodate the courses requested by students at the scheduling conference. Because classes are carefully balanced for size, course changes occur only in special circumstances, including but not limited to:

• The change is academically necessary as determined by the Department Head, Dean of Studies, and/or Upper School Director.

• The student made first and second choices for electives and received neither choice.• A conflict in the schedule has prevented scheduling core academic courses.• The schedule does not meet the minimum-load requirement or does not contain

courses needed for satisfactory progress toward graduation.

The Director of College Counseling must approve all changes to senior student schedules.

The following situations do NOT justify schedule changes:

• The student wishes to change teachers or course periods.• The student has changed his/her mind regarding a course choice.• The student did not receive a first choice but did not make alternate choices where

indicated. (History and English electives, Visual/Performing Arts.) • The student has concerns regarding their academic performance.

Within the First Two WeeksTo drop or add a class during the first two-week drop period, the student:

• confers with the Dean of Studies and obtains a drop/add form;• confers with his or her advisor;• obtains all necessary signatures;• gives the completed drop/add form to the Dean of Studies.


If the academic advisor, parent, teacher, or Department Head does not think that the requested change is in the best interests of the student, he or she does not sign the form and a conference is held with the Dean of Studies.

Withdrawal After the First Two WeeksWithdrawal from a course after the first two weeks of a semester occurs only in unusual and compelling circumstances. Doing poorly in a course does not constitute a reason. A student who wishes to petition for such a withdrawal:

• confers with the Dean of Studies and obtains a petition form;• confers with his or her teacher, advisor, and college counselor, when appropriate.• obtains all necessary signatures;• submits a formal request to the Dean of Studies for consideration.

If the request is approved, no graduation credit will be given for the first semester work, and a withdrawal will be noted on the transcript. For seniors, updated transcripts with letters of explanation are sent to colleges that have received previous transcripts. School-initiated drops or adds may occur at any time and may not result in changes on the transcript.

WithdrawalA student who withdraws from Breck will have the withdrawal date with the current grade recorded on his/her transcript.

Off-Campus ClassesBreck does not grant credit for classes taken through other institutions.

Off-Campus Programs/Study AbroadStudents who wish to participate in a program of study during the academic school year that would take them off-campus for an extended period of time must abide by the following guidelines:

• The student must be in good standing.• The program must provide an academic curriculum that is compatible with the

Breck course requirements.

Students must consult with the Dean of Studies and complete the Semester Away application before applying to an off-campus program. All off-campus programs must be approved by the Upper School Director. Breck will cap the total number of study away semesters for all students within a given year. Students who return to Breck following their off-campus or study abroad program will be charged a fee to hold their place in their class.


Academic ConcernsExcessive Late WorkStudents who develop a pattern of excessive late work in a single class or in multiple classes may be placed in supervised study hall and/or assigned Monday School after school to work on homework in a supervised setting.

Incomplete CoursesA grade of incomplete may be given at the end of a marking period only in the case of extended illness or other extraordinary circumstance. In other cases the student receives a final grade of F. Extensions for incompletes beyond two weeks after the end of the marking period require the approval of the Dean of Studies.

Academic ProbationBreck strives to present each student with a challenging academic program and appropriate support. Breck expects academic effort and seriousness of purpose on the part of its students. Students who are not making satisfactory progress towards the completion of the academic course requirements will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation may be supported in the following ways:

• be assigned a mentor;• be scheduled into supervised study;• receive academic communications in all subjects at appropriate intervals;• have his/her continued involvement in extracurricular activities/athletics reviewed

by the Upper School Director.

Students on academic probation will not have off-campus privileges.

A student will be placed on academic probation if they earn one grade of F or two grades of D+ or lower in a single semester. In order for a student to come off of academic probation, he or she must earn all grades of C- or higher for two consecutive semesters. Students who are on academic probation for two consecutive semesters will have their re-enrollment contracts held and may be subject to dismissal.

The Dean of Studies and the Guidance Committee will monitor the progress of all students on probation. The Dean of Studies will provide a list of expectations for students on probation.


CommunicationSchools and families share in the responsibility for the well-being of the students. To that end, the Upper School promotes meaningful, respectful and timely communication. It is the school’s expectation that students take the lead in communicating with faculty and staff.

Academic CommunicationParents are encouraged to call or email teachers with course-specific questions. Broader academic or social questions should be directed to the Dean of Studies or Dean of Students. To speak with a teacher or administrator, use the Directory section included in this Handbook. If a teacher or administrator is not available, please leave a message with suggested times when the call may be returned. Teachers and administrators will return parent communications as soon as possible.

Academic UpdatesTeachers will communicate with students and parents by email when:

• a student earns a C- or below on a significant piece of work or on a major test.• a student’s overall earned grade is C- or below.• overall grades and assignment grades are above C-, but the student shows

patterns of poor performance in specific areas (e.g., written tests or turning in assignments late).

• other reasons at the teacher’s discretion.

Narrative ReportsTeachers will write narrative reports for each student in each course. These reports are designed to give students and their parents a broad sense of the student’s progress in the course to date, trends in their work, and a teacher’s observations. These reports, taken as a group, give families an opportunity to evaluate a student’s work overall and should be used to help form approaches to future work.

Age of MajorityBreck considers those individuals who have signed the enrollment contract to be designated as educational decision makers. In keeping with this, those parents and guardians who have signed the enrollment contract will also have access to a student’s educational records while he or she is enrolled at Breck School. This policy will remain in effect even after students reach the age of majority (18 years old).


Student CommunicationImportant messages received for students during the school day will be emailed to the student. Each student is issued a Breck email account. This serves as a primary source of communication for Breck correspondence. The students are responsible for checking their email regularly throughout the school day. Students will receive a daily bulletin (Mustang Minute) with calendar updates and other important announcements.

Parent–School CommunicationEmail Bulletin BoardsThe school sends out weekly email Bulletin Boards to all parents each Thursday during the school year. These emails list Breck events and points of interest for the upcoming week.

Student/Teacher/Parent ConferencesStudent/Teacher/Parent conferences are scheduled for October 5-6, 2017, and Student/Advisor/Parent registration conferences are scheduled for March 1-2, 2018. These events are offered during the day and in the evening hours in order to meet a variety of family schedules. Parents will sign up for conferences using an online registration system. A mailing to parents before each conference date will give instructions for accessing the system. Students are expected to attend conferences with their parents.

Upper School parents are encouraged to discuss matters of concern about their children’s school performance or any other school-related issue with the appropriate teacher, advisor or Upper School administrator. Parents with academic or classroom-related concerns should first contact the teacher of the individual course. Parents with concerns across several courses or activities may wish to contact the student’s advisor in addition to the teacher or teachers involved. For questions involving school policies, or for further clarification or discussion, parents may contact the Dean of Studies on matters pertaining to academic and classroom concerns, or the Dean of Students on matters pertaining to the co-curricular program, student concerns or discipline.

Snow Day School CancellationIf school has to be cancelled due to bad weather, it will be announced as early as possible. Check local media: KARE, KMSP, KSTP and WCCO and their related radio stations and websites. If you do not see or hear Breck listed among closed schools, assume that school will be in session. Breck also uses an automated phone message system where important messages may be recorded and relayed to families using the phone number(s) provided to Breck’s emergency contact phone list. This system will be used to announce snow days and other emergencies, as well.


FacilitiesCampus BoundariesFor safety reasons, the school has specific boundaries for students during the school day. During the school day, all students (except seniors with off-campus privileges) must remain on Breck’s campus bordered by the driveway. Students are not to be in the Mustang lot, Senior lot, McKnight Stadium, Ottawa Field, Baseball Fields, Highway 100 Fields, or in the Faculty/Staff lot behind the school without permission from the Upper School office. The Breck School Anderson Ice Arena is off limits to individual students during tutorial and their free periods.

Chapel and Chapel GalleryAll students attend Chapel programs and are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. Because Chapel provides an opportunity for reflection, books, notebooks, electronic devices and the like are not allowed, nor are food and drinks. Students may only be in the Chapel or Chapel Gallery with permission.

Dining RoomThe dining room is open to students during their free time. After eating, students return their trays and dishes to the dishwasher area, and dispose of their garbage. No dishes or other kitchen supplies may be taken from the dining room.

Hallways, Communal Areas, and Conference RoomsCommunal areas should be clear and quiet during class times. Students are to conduct themselves appropriately in these areas. These spaces are available for academic pursuits when otherwise not reserved. Inappropriate behavior includes — but is not limited to — making undue noise, running or roughhousing, and throwing objects (e.g., frisbees and balls). Students should keep the hallways free for easy passage and take care not to crowd or in any way physically obstruct others from passing. Students need to keep their hallways clean.

LibraryThe Upper School Library is open during school hours Monday through Friday. The use of the Library is a privilege for Breck Upper School students who exercise common courtesies and use it for its intended purposes. It is a place for reference work, for getting material to prepare assignments, to engage in quiet study, to complete make-up exams, to utilize computers for academic pursuits, or to satisfy personal reading interests. Students may utilize the Library facility and resources freely throughout the school day.


Please observe the following:

• Food and drink (other than water in a capped container) are not allowed in the Library.

• Conversation must be kept to a level that does not hinder the studies or purposes of other patrons.

• Students are expected to engage in academic pursuits while in the Library.

Check-out information:

• Students may check out books for three weeks and renew them for additional time, if necessary. All items must be checked-out before removal from the Library.

• Magazines, reference books, reserve books, digital cameras and other audiovisual equipment and videos/DVDs circulate overnight only. They are due by 8:30 am on the following school day.

• Overdue notices will be emailed to students. Items not returned or renewed after receipt of the third overdue notice will be billed at replacement cost to a student’s account. Items not returned at the end of the school year will be billed to a student’s account. Any billed items returned within one calendar year will be refunded.

LockersStudents are assigned lockers by the Upper School office. Lockers are considered school property and may be opened and checked by school personnel at any time. At the end of each school year, students are expected to clean out their lockers. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to property in lockers. The school will dispose of materials left in lockers at the end of the school year.

Senior CommonsThe use of the Senior Commons is a privilege. Seniors are responsible for keeping the area clean and for behaving appropriately.

Samuel A. Salas CommonsUpper School students may study, talk quietly and relax in the Salas Commons. Fresh fruit and vending machine items are permitted in this area. Students are responsible for keeping this area clean. Students are NOT allowed to rearrange furniture in the Salas Commons.


Upper School ExpectationsAttendance PolicyAttendance is taken each class period. Students who do not have a first-hour class, and seniors who do not have senior privileges but do have first hour free, are expected to sign in with the Upper School Attendance Clerk by 8:30 am. Students who sign in or arrive to class after 8:30 am will be marked tardy. Students who are tardy must have a pass from the Upper School Attendance Clerk to enter a first-hour class. Tardiness is excused only under exceptional circumstances.

If students are too ill to attend school, or must be absent for another reason, parents are asked to telephone the Upper School Attendance Clerk (763-381-8240) by 9:00 am each day, or email the office at [email protected]. Students are granted an excused absence from school if they:

• Are ill or injured;• Have an emergency or a death in the family;• Have filled out absence agreement form (see Prearranged Excused Absence

on page 94). - a verified medical or dental appointment; - an approved college visit or meeting; - school-sponsored event; or - an appointment that cannot be scheduled outside of the school day.• Students/parents must have official verification of visit from medical/dental office.• Have other reasons approved by the Dean of Students.• All extracurricular participation is suspended with absences (excused or unexcused)

unless approved by the Upper School office. This includes absences due to illness.

The school asks that every effort be made to schedule appointments outside the school day or during the student’s prep time. (See Upper School Athletic Attendance Expectations on page 114.)

To fully benefit from their Breck education, students must be present in all of their classes and service commitments. In keeping with the spirit of this requirement, the school will treat any days missed that are extensions of already existing vacations as unexcused. The school recognizes that families may, under extraordinary circumstances, need to make exceptions to this policy. In these cases, students must fill out an Absence Agreement Form at least one week before the planned absence and have it approved by the Upper School Director. The Upper School Director handles any questions in this regard. Students who become ill during the school day may be excused to see the nurse. Students must have a pass from their classroom teacher or the Upper School office if they become ill.


To return to class, students must present a pass signed by the nurse. If, after one hour, a student is not well enough to return to class, the nurse will call the parents to take the student home early. Student absences will be considered unplanned and unexcused if they leave school, ill without checking out of the nurse’s office.

In case of an emergency, the nurse will be called and will decide the next course of action in consultation with Upper School administration.

Absences from ClassExcused Absences Due to IllnessStudents who are absent one or two days due to illness have two days to make up the work. Students who are absent three days have three days to make up work. Students who are absent for longer than three days must work with their teachers to arrange a make-up schedule. Extensions and exceptions to this policy may be arranged with the Dean of Studies. Regardless of the length of absence, students are responsible for obtaining all assignments by checking the course website or contacting their teacher.

Absences Not Due to IllnessAbsences that the student knows about in advance must be accompanied by an Absence Agreement Form handed in at least one week prior to the planned absence. (For example, if a student will be gone on Friday, then the student must return the form by 3:15 pm on the preceding Friday.) The Upper School Director will determine whether or not the absence is excused. (Family vacations and days on either side of scheduled school vacations are not excused. Family weddings and funerals are excused.)

• Prearranged Excused Absence When an Absence Agreement Form is completed, it is the responsibility of the

student to work with the teacher and complete as much work as possible before the student leaves. All remaining work is due by 4:15 pm or time designated by teacher the day the student returns. Extensions and exceptions to this policy may be arranged through the Dean of Studies.

• Prearranged Unexcused Absence When an Absence Agreement Form is completed, it is the responsibility of the

student to work with the teacher and complete as much work as possible before the student leaves. All remaining work is due by 4:15 pm the day the student returns. All work completed following a prearranged unexcused absence will receive 80 percent of the grade earned. Note: An unarranged unexcused absence is considered a skipped class, resulting in a penalty of 50 percent of the grade earned.


Excused Absences for Athletic CompetitionThe following guidelines have been adopted to help students and faculty respond to extra curricular absences sponsored by Breck School. Our primary objective is to allow the student to be successful in extracurricular events while maintaining the academic energy of the school. While the school feels very fortunate to have so many successful extracurricular programs, we must also adhere to the belief that in order for students to benefit fully from their Breck education, students must be present in all classes possible.

• The student(s) shall not miss regular school day obligations in order to view parts of the event in which they are not participating. Any student(s) missing obligations on such days will be considered ineligible for remaining performances in that event.

• Both the Athletic Director and the Upper School Director will decide the time of dismissal from school that is appropriate for the student(s) on the event days.

• The student(s) must complete all homework, quizzes and tests prior to the absence and get the next day’s assignments prior to leaving. Missed work due to the absence must be made up the following day or the Late Work Policy will apply. (See Late Work Policy on page 81.) A student who misses two days will have two days to make up work.

• It is the responsibility of the student(s) to be prepared for homework, quizzes and tests upon their return to school. Any extensions or exceptions to this policy may be arranged with the classroom teacher and Dean of Studies, but must be done so prior to the absence.

Excused Absences for Part of the School Day (other than medical appointments)Students are required to submit an Absence Agreement Form when missing part of a school day. Students who miss a class because of athletic activities or scheduled field trips must hand in homework due in missed classes and get the next day’s assignment prior to leaving. Missed work from class must be made up the following day or the Late Work Policy will apply. (See Late Work Policy on page 81.) If students have an excused absence from a class but are otherwise in school, they adhere to the following policy:

• Students who are late to school (excused) make up all work from the missed classes that same day by 4:15 pm, or time designated by teacher, or the Late Work Policy will apply.

• Students who miss classes during the day (excused) for reasons other than athletic activities or full-day scheduled field trips make up all work in missed classes that same day by 4:15 pm, or the Late Work Policy will apply.

• Students who leave early due to a prearranged excused absence, such as a doctor’s appointment, make up all work they miss before they leave school that day, or the Late Work Policy will apply.


• Students who leave early due to an illness excused by the school nurse make up missed work the following day if they return to school or the Late Work Policy will apply.

• All extracurricular participation is suspended with absences (excused or unexcused) unless approved by the Upper School office.

College VisitsOn-Campus College Representative MeetingsEleventh- and twelfth-grade students who wish to meet with college representatives visiting Breck must request permission at least one day in advance from teachers whose classes they will miss and assume responsibility for making up all missed class work by 4:15 pm, or time designated by teacher, the day of the college representative visit. If the teacher denies permission to attend the session, students must attend class. Students attending sessions must sign in with the college representative.

Off-Campus College TripsSeniors are encouraged to use non-school days and other vacation times for college visits. The Director of College Counseling must approve and sign an Absence Agreement Form for off-campus college trips during school days. Students work with the College Counseling office to obtain the necessary forms and information so that they fulfill all obligations.

DancesAll dances are open to every student in grades 9-12 except the Prom, which is open only to juniors, seniors and their junior or senior guests. Students register guests in advance with the Dean of Students and introduce them to the school chaperones upon entering the dance. Students and their guests are subject to all school regulations. Once students or guests have left a dance, they may not return. Students must arrive at a dance by 9:00 pm; no one will be admitted after 9:00 pm. Exceptions must be approved by the Dean of Students. Students and their guests are subject to all school regulations.

Dress Code for dances shall be consistent with the expectations of Upper School.

Casual dances will end at 11:00 pm. All other Upper School dances will end at 11:30 pm. Changes in times may be made by the Upper School administration.


Dress CodeThe dress code has been established to allow for diversity and individuality in dress while maintaining a standard appropriate for school. The school reserves the right to determine what acceptable dress is. Students should be responsible and use discretion in following the dress code. Ordinarily dress that attracts undue or negative attention or infringes on the rights or values of others is not considered to be in the spirit of the dress code. For information about violation of the dress code and procedures, refer to Violations, Process and Disciplinary Action (page 99).

Tops• Exposed undergarments, midriff and cleavage are not allowed.• Printed slogans/advertising on shirts and sweatshirts is limited to colleges and

Breck.

Pants, Skirts, Shorts and Dresses• Pants must be worn above hip line with no undergarments exposed.• Skirts, shorts and dresses must be no shorter than mid-thigh.• Excessive rips or tears in clothing are not permitted.• Athletic attire (including, but not limited to athletic shorts, yoga pants, leggings,

and sweat pants) are not considered to be in dress code.

Footwear• Open-toed shoes are limited to dress sandals.• Athletic sandals, beach shoes, and flip flops are not permitted.

Headwear• Hats are not permitted inside the school building.

All-School Dress-Up DaysAll-School Chapels, Trustee Day, Grandparents Day, Academic Awards Day and other days designated by the administration are considered designated “dress-up” days. On these days, appropriate dress is either a tie, dress shirt, dress pants, appropriate shoes, and coat (optional); or appropriate dress, skirt or dress pants with a blouse, and appropriate shoes.


Driving/ParkingThe school grants driving privileges to students who:

• Have a valid driver’s license;• Watch the Breck Transportation Driving Protocol video provided by the Breck

Transportation Department;• Register their vehicles with the Transportation Director who issues a parking sticker

and assigns a parking lot;• Park their vehicles only in designated student spots within their assigned lots.

Student vehicles found in faculty-designated areas, visitor or handicapped parking spots or fire lanes may be towed at the owner’s expense. Parking on Ottawa Avenue or neighborhood streets is not permitted;

• Drive carefully. Careless driving or any other abuse of the driving privilege results in the suspension or revocation of the driving privilege.

Electronics When students are free (passing time, lunch, free periods, etc.) they may use all capabilities of their mobile phones EXCEPT for placing or receiving voice or video calls. If students need to place or receive calls on their phones, they may step into the upper school office or a classroom and ask permission to use their phones.

Students who choose to use their mobile devices during the school day are advised that such devices are not permitted in the Chapel or during advisory, service, assembly or other scheduled Breck obligations. In all settings, particularly during class time, it is the school’s expectation that students will use their devices in a manner consistent with the school’s overall behavioral expectations. Teachers will have the final say regarding technology use in their classrooms. Careful consideration should also be given to how and when a device’s recording capabilities are used; ways in which technology can be a distraction; ways in which technology can aid in cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty; and how technology use impacts the learning environment.

It is the sincere hope that we are thoughtful and intentional in our use of technology. The connections that we form during the school day are some of the most important aspects of a Breck education.

Should the above policy in any way interfere with the healthy growth and development of the Upper School community and the individuals that comprise the community, it will be reconsidered and possibly revoked.

GuestsAll student guests must be scheduled through the Upper School office.


Money and ValuablesStudents should not bring large sums of money or items of great personal or monetary value to school. The school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of such items.

Senior PrivilegesPlease refer to the Senior Privilege Contract for further explanation (available in the Upper School office).

Signing In/Signing OutStudents entering or leaving the school campus between 8:30 am and 3:15 pm must sign in and sign out in the Upper School office.

A student must have communication from a parent to sign out. Students without a note must have the Dean of Students’ permission before signing out. For absences from school because of athletics or other school-sponsored activities, refer to the Attendance Policy on page 93.

Unscheduled TimeThe amount of unscheduled time in student schedules varies from day to day. It is a part of an Upper School education to learn to use time effectively. Students may use unscheduled time during the school day to:

• study or do research in an appropriate student area;• meet with a member of the Breck faculty or staff;• socialize in an appropriate area.

The school’s expectation is that the use of electronics for entertainment is not appropriate during the school day. Students who want to use athletic facilities or equipment during his or her prep periods must obtain permission and arrange for supervision from the Physical Education Office.

Violations, Process and Disciplinary ActionBreck strives to promote a supportive and ethical community for individuals of different backgrounds and talents. The community’s success is in direct relation to the individuals’ concern for each other and for the school. It is important for Breck School to have a healthy environment in which to learn and work. Consequently we, in turn, have a responsibility to uphold the Upper School Honor Code and Mission. Breck School is clear about its expectations of its students and equally clear in our understanding that students will, with honesty and integrity, be forthright when they do not meet those expectations.


The Enrollment and Tuition/Fee Contract that parents sign annually states “You and the student agree to accept the rules and regulations of Breck School that are stated (in the contract) and appear in the student handbook, catalogs, ‘Back-to-School’ mailings and any other written or verbal communications from us to you and the student.” The failure of a student to abide by Breck School’s rules and regulations—including its rules of student conduct—can constitute a breach of that contract and can result in its termination and the dismissal from enrollment of the offending student.

Disciplinary ProcessTeachers and administrators handle disciplinary problems by speaking directly to students and attempting to resolve difficulties. In certain circumstances early warnings are given. If there are minor offenses, the Dean of Students designs appropriate responses through discussions with the student, parents and the Upper School Director. In certain disciplinary cases the Upper School Director will convene the Student Integrity Council. Occasionally the Upper School Director may convene a subset of the Student Integrity Council consisting of the seniors and faculty members of the council in order to discern the appropriate next steps.

Student Integrity Council — In the event that a major school rule violation has been committed, the Student Integrity Council will be convened. The Student Integrity Council will hear cases with the exception of the following: invasion of privacy of a student, invasion of privacy of a teacher, or a breach of confidential communication. A student may also waive their right to go before the Council.

The Upper School Student Integrity Council consists of two or more students from each of the sophomore, junior and senior classes, two faculty members, the Dean of Studies, and is chaired by the Dean of Students. When it is convened, the council meets with the student involved. The student’s advisor will be present for guidance and support. First the student is asked to explain his/her understanding of the incident. Then the council president will ask questions to clarify factual issues. The floor is then open for any council members to ask questions.

After this step, the student leaves and his/her advisor may speak on his/her behalf bringing any knowledge of the student to the group so that they may make the most informed recommendation for the student’s future. When the advisor leaves, the council deliberates and recommends a course of action to the Upper School Director who makes the final disciplinary decision in conjunction with the Head of School. The Dean then communicates the decision to the student and the student’s parents/guardians both orally and in writing. Copies of these letters are kept on file in the Dean of Students’ office. In the event of suspension, the Dean will have an additional meeting with the student upon their return to school.


Disciplinary WarningAt times during the school year students may find themselves faced with a situation not aligned with the affect or behavior expected by members of the Upper School in accordance with Breck’s Mission and Values. If these community expectations and behaviors are not met, a student may receive a disciplinary warning, in writing, from the Dean of Students. If the issue is not resolved, or multiple warnings have been issued, a student may find him or herself moving on in the disciplinary process.

Disciplinary ProbationDisciplinary probation places a student on notice that if he or she becomes involved in a significant disciplinary situation during the probationary period, he or she is subject to dismissal. At the end of a student’s probationary period, the Dean of Students may recommend to the Upper School Director either extension or termination of probation.

SuspensionSuspension is the temporary separation of a student from the community for no more than ten days. The terms of the suspension are defined in each instance but, in general, suspension involves the school’s temporary withdrawal of the student’s right to attend classes. When serving a suspension, the student must turn in all missed graded academic work and makeup tests or quizzes upon his or her return to school. Faculty will not be expected to offer help in assignments under these circumstances. Graded work missed during a Suspension with Academic Penalty must be completed, but will receive only 50 percent of the grade earned. The Dean of Students and the Upper School Director in consultation with the Head of School will determine the terms of suspension. The decision of the Head of School is final and is not subject to appeal.

DismissalDismissal from Breck may be the consequence of violating one of the major rules stated below and is determined by the Head of School in consultation with the Upper School Director and the Dean of Students. The Head of School makes the final decisionfrom which there is no appeal. Students who have been dismissed may visit campus only with the permission of the Upper School Director.

In addition students may be dismissed under the guidelines of the academic probationary policy.

Contracts of students on probation will be held until the end of the academic year. The school reserves the right to review any student who has been involved in any school violation to determine their re-enrollment. Any such decision would involve the Upper School Deans, the Upper School Director and the Head of School.


Reporting of Disciplinary OutcomesIn accordance with the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Principles of Best Practices, Breck will comply with colleges’ requests for information regarding applicants’ disciplinary records by requiring students to inform colleges in writing of any significant disciplinary or academic misconduct, either before or after their submission of applications. When possible, the school will include this student communication with the Secondary Report Form and Counselor Recommendation. Full support from the school is contingent on students’ direct communication to all colleges or universities that request disciplinary information.

The following school rule violations are considered minor: Being tardy to class; being absent from class; violating the dress code; going to the

parking lot without permission.

Minor infractions of the school’s standards may be handled through disciplinary warnings or work detail.

The following school rule violations are considered major: An accumulation of minor offenses; leaving campus without permission;

skipping school; dishonesty; stealing; cheating; plagiarism; vandalism; possession/distribution or use of alcohol, mood-altering chemicals, narcotics, drugs, other controlled substances, or look-alike substances, except as prescribed by a physician to the student, which includes one student sharing prescription medication with another student; violence; verbal, physical or other kinds of harassment; hate speech; violation of the student technology operating policy; and possession of a weapon.

This list of violations is not to be considered exhaustive. The School will be the final decision maker as to what constitutes a major rule violation.

As explained in this section, students who violate these major rules will be held strictly accountable and may be subject to dismissal. In addition to the major rule violations in this section, the following are grounds for dismissal:

• willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to an education, the ability of school personnel to perform their duties, or school-sponsored activities;

• willful conduct that endangers the student or other students, or surrounding persons, including school employees or property of the school.


Academic HonestyThroughout the year, faculty and staff discuss academic honesty — including plagiarism — with students and reinforce the school’s expectations on cheating including what constitutes the difference between collaborative/cooperative learning and cheating. Students are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty; ignorance is not an excuse.

Cheating includes:

• turning in work that is not your own;• not collaborating on a paper or project where all members are responsible and

claiming credit;• copying someone else’s work or allowing someone to copy your work;• sharing or acquiring test information except as allowed by teachers;• using crib sheets for exams except as allowed by teachers;• turning in work that has already been credited in another class;• other situations judged dishonest by the school.

In addition to disciplinary measures as described in the Violations Process, and Disciplinary Action section, school policy requires that no credit may be given for the work in question.

Plagiarism, the theft and misrepresentation of the original author’s ideas as one’s own, is a serious form of academic dishonesty. You avoid plagiarism by documenting the words and ideas of others when you use them in your writing. The following are forms of plagiarism:

• presenting someone else’s idea but not documenting it (so the idea seems to be yours);

• presenting someone else’s words without documenting them (so they seem to be part of your own writing);

• quoting someone else’s words—perhaps even documenting them—but failing to use quotation marks (see The Practical Writer 4).

The English Department and the Upper School Library provide handbooks to serve as the guide for style and format at Breck. Students are expected to use this guide and to see teachers or the Librarian if they have questions or need help understanding the expectations. Students are responsible for knowing and following the teacher’s requirements for a particular assignment.


Boundary ViolationsFor safety reasons, the school has specific boundaries for students during the school day. Students are not to be in the parking lots without permission from the Upper School office.

Dress Code ViolationsStudents need to dress according to the spirit of and the letter of the dress code. (See Dress Code on page 97.) Students violating the dress code may be asked to change or go home. If a student must leave campus to change, his or her absence will be considered unexcused.

Tardies and Absences• Unexcused tardies — Accumulation of excessive tardies or absences may be

considered a major school rule violation, and students who are repeatedly tardy will be reported to the Dean of Students who will communicate with the family.

• Students who miss a quiz or activity at the start of a class due to tardiness must make up any missed work by 4:15 pm, or time designated by teacher, or the Late Work Policy will apply. Students who are tardy to the first class of the day must have a pass from the Upper School office in order to be admitted to class. For unexcused tardiness, an additional 50 percent unexcused absence penalty is applied.

• Coming to class 15 minutes after the start is considered an unexcused absence.• Failing to fill out an Absence Agreement Form will result in an unplanned

unexcused absence. An unexcused absence will result in forfeiture of extra curricular activities for that day.

• Faculty and staff will report the third Wednesday Community Engagement absence for the school year to the Dean of Students and the Service Engagement Coordinator.

• A student who is absent for ten or more classes (excused or unexcused, including illness) during a semester will receive credit for the semester only upon the review of the circumstances of the absences and the final level of achievement in the class. This review will be done by the Dean of Studies in consultation with the student’s teachers and the guidance committee. Based on that review a recommendation will be made to the Upper School Director and the Head of School.


Health Center InformationThe Health Center is located in the corridor between the Middle School Commons and Gym C. It is open from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm daily and for emergencies from 3:30 to 4:00 pm. Our Health Center is staffed with a licensed school nurse (LSN) and health assistant. The LSN provides emergency care assessments and interventions, management of acute and chronic health conditions, referral and support to access primary care, preventative services, communicable disease control measures, counseling for health promotion, and identification and management of barriers to student learning.

Parents/students frequently ask when students may return to school after an illness. In general, their body temperature must be less than 100 degrees for 24 hours and there should be no vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours. Students should be able to tolerate eating as they normally would and have stamina to get through the demands of the school day. If having your child at school would significantly put others at risk for contracting your child’s illness, please keep them home. The Health Center should be notified (763-381-8241) of any communicable diseases, surgeries or injuries that involve your child. Please contact the Health Center if you have questions.

IllnessesParents should call the Upper School Attendance Clerk (763-381-8240) between 7:30 and 9:00 am to report an absence and the reason for the absence. The Health Center should also be notified (763-381-8241) of any communicable disease, injury or health condition that may need assessment or support at school. Please call the LSN if you have concerns.

Students who become ill during the school day need a written pass from their teacher to see the nurse. For passes given during passing times (the five minutes between classes), the student should ask the teacher of their next class for a pass, not the teacher of the previous class. In order to return to class, students must present a pass signed by the nurse. If, after one hour, a student is not well enough to return to class, the nurse will call the parents to take the student home early. Student absences will be considered unplanned and unexcused if they leave school, ill without checking out of the nurse’s office. In case of an emergency, the nurse will be called and she will then make the judgment whether to call the ambulance.

In case of illness or accident after school, or when the nurse is not in attendance, students are referred to the Upper School office.


Students who visit a medical professional for an injury or illness are required to submit to the Health Center a statement of medical clearance to participate in school or sports. The physician must specify recommendations and/or limitations. The doctor may use his/her own form, or one can be obtained in the Health Center or trainer’s office. The forms can also be faxed to the Health Center (763-381-8199).

Medication PolicyStudents who need to take medication during the school day may do so according to the following school policies. Non-Prescription MedicationUpper School students may possess and use non-prescription, over the counter (OTC) pain relievers in a manner consistent with the labeling, if the Breck School Health Center has received written authorization from the parent or guardian permitting the student to self-possess and administer the medication. Authorization is done annually. Breck School may revoke a student’s privilege to possess and use nonprescription pain relievers if the school determines that the student is abusing the privilege. This section does not apply to the possession or use of any drug or product containing Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine as its sole active ingredient or as one of its active ingredients. Students may not share ANY medication. If a doctor has suggested that non-prescription medication ought to be taken in excess of the package directions, written physician instructions must be submitted to the Health Center. All medication must be supplied and approved by the parent. Any and all medications that are NOT non-prescription pain relievers must be kept in the Health Center. Prescription MedicationAn authorization form completed and renewed annually by the parent/legal guardian and physician/licensed health care prescriber will allow a student to take prescription medication in the Health Center. Medication must be in a container with a label prepared by a pharmacist and must be administered in a manner consistent with the instructions on the label, and should include the name and purpose of the medication, prescribed dosage, the times or circumstances under which the medication may be given, period for which the medication is prescribed, route of administration and potential side effects. Prescription asthma or reactive airway disease medications can be self-administered by a student with an asthma inhaler if the health center has received written authorization from the students’ parent and doctor, permitting the student to self- administer the medication.


If a student has an allergy that has epinephrine as part of the treatment plan, the following information is needed in the Health Center. At the start of each school year, a student’s parent, school faculty, including those responsible for the student’s health care, and the prescribing medical professional must develop and implement an individualized health plan for the student who is prescribed Epinephrine (i.e., Epi-Pen auto-injector). This enables the student to possess an Epi-pen, or if the parent and the prescribing professional determine the student is unable to possess the Epi-pen, have immediate access to their Epi-Pen. Breck School and its agents and employees are immune from liability for any act or failure to act, made in good faith, in implementing this emergency response.

Physical Examinations and Immunization Policy A Breck Physical Examination Form or a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) form is required for all students and must be updated every three years in accordance with the rules of the MSHSL for athletics. Students must have current immunization records that comply with Minnesota State Law. Physical examination and 2017-2018 immunization forms are due to the Health Center by August 1, 2017. These forms can be mailed or dropped off in the secure mailbox outside the Health Center. The administration reserves the right to refuse attendance to students who do not comply. Students who have not submitted their completed forms may not participate in interscholastic athletics.

Schedule/Calendar/EventsPlease refer to the “Upper School” Google Calendar for the most up-to-date information.

All-School ChapelAll-School Chapels are normally scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month; any variations are listed in the Breck Calendar.


Upper School Daily Schedule


Student SupportAdvisoryAdvisors are an important member of student’s support team in the Upper School. Parents and students are encouraged to use the student’s advisor as a guide when navigating the rigor of the Upper School.

Counseling ServicesThe role of the school counselor is to help students access their education. The Upper School Counselor is available to all students for guidance and support. Students may access the counselor in person, or via email communication. Parents or guardians of students are also encouraged to consult with the counselor for situations concerning their student.

Identification of Chemical InvolvementIf a student has not violated school rules with his or her alcohol or chemical use, but is identified as having possible chemical involvement through shared concerns, a conference will be scheduled between the school and the family. This conference, which can be initiated by any of the parties described above, will focus on a plan to evaluate the student’s possible involvement with chemicals and to address any problems identified through that evaluation.


TransportationBus TransportationSchool bus service is available to students in the Twin Cities and most suburban areas. In addition to regular morning and the 3:25 pm afternoon buses, a 5:30 pm activity bus is provided throughout the school year for the convenience of students who are involved in athletics and other after-school activities. Any questions about bus services should be addressed to Mark Ryks in the transportation office (763-381-8218) located just inside the Middle/Lower School entrance (to the left).

See Driving/Parking for specific driving rules at Breck.

Extracurricular Activities and ClubsExtracurricular Activities and ClubsEach fall the Dean of Students produces a current list of clubs and activities. During the first month of school, students have an opportunity to attend an activities/club fair. The administration supports these clubs and views participation in these activities as both supportive of community life and as leadership opportunities.

AthleticsInformation about Breck’s Athletics programs may be found on page 113 of this Handbook.

Upper School Student Handbook 2017-2018 04 Upper...Health/Performance Physiology 1 semester credit...

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Transcript of Upper School Student Handbook 2017-2018 04 Upper...Health/Performance Physiology 1 semester credit...