20162017

GrymesMemorialSchool

ParentandStudentHandbook

RevisedJuly2016






GrymesMemorialSchool
P.O.Box1160
13775SpicersMillRoad
Orange,VA22960
Telephone:(540)6721010
Fax:(540)6729167
www.grymesschool.org

ElisabethP.Work
HeadofSchool

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 TableofContents

BoardofTrustees 3
Administration&Faculty 4
Mission&ValuesStatement 7
Governance 9
GrymesataGlanceMonthbymonthcalendar 10
AcademicSupport&Enrichment 19
AcceptableUsePolicy 20
Accreditation/Admission/AlmaMater 23
Athletics 24
ArrivalandDismissal 24
Attendance 24
CellPhoneUse 24
Communication 25
DailyClassSchedule 26
DevelopmentandFundraising 27
Discipline 28
DressCode 30
Drug,Alcohol,andTobaccoUse 34
EarlyDismissal 34
EmergencyClosing/SnowDays 34
FieldTrips 35
FinancialAid 36
GeneralDeportmentandExpectations 36
GradingSystem 37
GraduationRequirements 38
GrymesParentTeacherAssociation(GPTA) 38
History 39
Homework 39
HonorCode 40
HonorRoll 41
IllnessandStudentHealth 41
Internet&ComputerUsage 42
Library 43
Lost&Found/Lunch 43
ParentTeacherConferences 44
Parking 44
PartiesinSchool 44
PhysicalEducation 45
Red&WhiteTeams 46
Recess 46

2
RoomParents 46
StudentLeadershipCouncil 47
Tardies 47
TextbooksandSupplies 47
Transportation 48
WednesdayUpdate 49
WhomtoCall 49


BoardofTrustees
20162017

DavidPerdue,Somerset(Chairman)

BerniceWalker,Orange(Vicechairman)

AndrewCampbell96,Culpeper(Secretary)

FrankThomas,Orange(Treasurer)

TomBond,Orange(atlarge)

WardSims,Charlottesville(atlarge)

AidenBurke,Crozet

FranklinDaniel,St.George

ErnieJohnson,LocustGrove

AnnaMay,Rapidan

DeborahMoore,Madison

PhillipMorgan,Culpeper

ThomasPayette,Rapidan

PhoebeWarmack,WoodberryForest

AnneUeltschi,Charlottesville(TrusteeE
merita)

VirginiusR.ShackelfordIII,Orange(TrusteeE
meritus)

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KatharineMcBride,WoodberryForest(TrusteeEmerita)

Administration

ElisabethP.Work HeadofSchool
Penny B.A.,PrincetonUniversity
M.A.,UniversityofPennsylvania
Ph.D.,PrincetonUniversity

KimJones BusinessManager
PiedmontVirginiaCommunityCollege
GermannaCommunityCollege

HopeScibal DirectorofAdvancement
B.A.,DukeUniversity

MelissaStephenson DevelopmentAssociate
B.A.,MiamiUniversity,Ohio
M.A.LongwoodUniversity

TamraCampbell AssistantHeadofSchool
B.S.,JamesMadisonUniversity
M.A.,GeorgeMasonUniversity

LaurieRoche Registrar,Mathematics
B.S.,MaryWashingtonCollege
M.S.,UniversityofIllinois

JillSolekGiles DirectorofTechnology
B.S.,UniversityofVirginia

CassieSacre Reception

ThayneBarber MaintenanceDirector

LowerSchool

KimberKeating JuniorKindergartenTeacher
B.A.,BaylorUniversity
M.A.UniversityofArkansas

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KristiEllis LowerSchoolAssistant
CarolynHerndon KindergartenTeacher
B.S.,OldDominionUniversity
M.A.,UniversityofVirginia

SharonFoster KindergartenAssistant
B.S.EastCarolinaUniversity

AmyDixon FirstGradeTeacher
B.A.,MaryWashingtonCollege
M.Ed.,UniversityofVirginia

MartinaKuhnert ThirdGradeTeacher/AuxiliaryProgramsCoordinator
B.S.,RadfordUniversity
30HourstowardsM.A.atRadford

RobPitera SecondGradeTeacher
B.S.,VAPolytechnicandStateUniversity
M.A.,MarymountUniversity

PollyJohnson FourthGradeTeacher
B.S.SyracuseUniversity
M.Ed.UniversityofVirginia

JulieSherman LowerSchoolScienceTeacher
B.S.MaryWashingtonCollege

UpperSchool

MarcyWagner FifthGradeTeacher
B.A.,UniversityofRichmond
M.A.T.,VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity

RodMcLeod Seventh&EighthGradeHistory,SixthGradeLanguageArts
B.A.,JamesMadisonUniversity

DanaBost SeventhGradeHomeroom
Seventh&EighthGradeEnglish

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 B.S.,UniversityofVirginia

Melanie EighthGradeHomeroom
Handelsman Fifth,Sixth,SeventhandEighthGradeSpanish
B.A.,VanderbiltUniversity
M.S.W.,UniversityofSouthernCalifornia

LaurieRoche Sixth,SeventhandEighthGradeMathematics
B.S.,MaryWashingtonCollege
M.S.,UniversityofIllinois

RebekahLingo Sixth,SeventhandEighthGradeScience
B.S.,UniversityofRichmond

MeghanStowers SixthGradeHomeroom
SixthGradeLanguageArts,History
B.S.,VanderbiltUniversity

ResourceTeachers

AngelaPaschal Art
B.A.,MaryBaldwin

TeresaHuelskoetter Librarian
B.A.ShorterCollege
M.Div.NewOrleansBaptistTheologicalSeminary

AlanMcLearen AthleticsCoordinator/UpperSchoolP.E.Teacher

LauraNelson PhysicalEducationLeadTeacher
BasketballCoach
GermannaCommunityCollege

TraceyStakem Music
B.S.,FrostburgStateUniversity
M.A.UniversityofSWLouisiana


AcademicSupport

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JulieSherman AcademicSupportDirector
B.S.,MaryWashingtonCollege

MissionStatement

NURTURINGCHARACTER,BUILDINGTHINKERS,
CULTIVATINGCREATIVITY,FOSTERINGCOMMUNITY,
LAUNCHINGLEARNERS

STATEMENTOFPHILOSOPHY

Wenurturethecharacterofeverychild,emphasizinghonor,respect,responsibility,and
kindness.

Webuildcurious,analytical,andtenaciousthinkersthroughathoughtfulcurriculumthat
challengesstudentstoexpandtheirhorizons.Weencouragestudentstotakerisks,whether
solvingamathproblem,developingascientifichypothesis,orwritingapoem,inan
environmentthatbothcelebratestraditionandembracesthefuture.

Wecultivatecreativityacrossalldisciplines.Studentsdiscovertheirvoicesandgrowin
confidenceastheyexplorevariedmeansofexpression.

Wefostercommunitybyprovidingawarmfamilyatmospherethatallowsstudentstogrowand
flourish.Weconnectstudentstothelocalandglobalcommunitiesthroughfieldtripsand
technology.

Bydevelopingstudentsofgoodcharacter,whohavebuiltastrongfoundationofthinkingskills,
whohavefoundtheirvoicesthroughintellectualandcreativeoutlets,andwhoare
wellgroundedinacaringcommunity,welaunchlearnersinpursuitofmeaningfullives.

Objectives

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NurturingCharacter
TeachtheimportanceofintegritythroughourHonorCode.
Fosterrespectfulbehaviorbyteachingcivility,sensitivitytodifferences,andan
appreciationofeachindividual.
Buildsportsmanship,asenseoffairplay,andteamworkthroughphysicaleducationand
participationonathleticteams.
Promoteasenseofresponsibilityforourselvesandforourneighborsbyencouraging
careforpersonalbelongingsandstewardshipforourschool,communityandourglobal
environment.
Encourageleadershipandserviceinclassroomandcommunitycontexts.
Championthevalueofhonesteffortandhardwork.

BuildingThinkers
Inspirestudentsthroughteacherswhohaveapassionforteachingandlearning.
Developafoundationofstudyskillsandinstillastrongworkethictofacilitatestudent
learning.
Challengeeachstudenttoachievetothebestofhisorherability.
Encouragestudentstousemultiplestrategiestosolveproblems,workingboth
individuallyandcollaboratively.
Meettheneedsofstudentswithdifferentlearningstylesbyincorporatingavarietyof
teachingmethods.
Buildconfidenceinstudentstoexecuteandpresenttheirworkusingbothtraditional
toolsandcurrenttechnologies.

CultivatingCreativity
Encouragestudentstolookatproblemsfrommanydifferentperspectivesandtoseek
solutionsusingdifferentstrategies.
Requireeverystudenttoparticipateinart,drama,music,andpublicspeakingtohelp
themdeveloptheirindividualvoices.
Sharecreativeworkinclasspresentations,artdisplays,musicalanddramatic
performances,declamations,andpublicationstodemonstratethevalueweplaceon
theseendeavors.

FosteringCommunity
Partnerwithfamiliestosupporteachchildslearning.
Cultivateconnectionsamongclassmatesandacrossgradelevels.
Encourageparentstoparticipateinschoollifethroughfieldtrips,GPTAactivities,
classroomvolunteeropportunities,andcommunityevents.
Participateinthebroadercommunityinmeaningfulwaysthroughcommunityservice,
invitationalsportstournaments,sharingoffacilitiesandparticipationin
communitywidecelebrations.

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 Communicatewithfaculty,families,alumni,andfriendsofGrymesthroughavarietyof
eventsandpublications.
Honortheschoolshistoryandtraditions.

LaunchingLearners
OurfondesthopeisthatGrymeswilllaunchlearnerswhowillbewellroundedandgood
citizens,skillfulthinkers,writers,andspeakers.Wehopethattheywillbeintellectuallycurious
youngadultswhoarewellpreparedforthebestsecondaryschoolprograms,whohavethe
innateconfidencethatalovingandcaringschoolfamilycanprovide,andwhofindjoyin
learning.

Governance

GrymesMemorialSchoolisanotforprofitcorporation,governedbyaselfperpetuatingBoard
ofTrustees.TheBoardconsistsofparentsofcurrentorformerstudents,alumni,andmembers
ofthecommunity.Thefullboardmeetsat7:00p.m.onthethirdWednesdaybimonthly.
Boardcommitteesmeetatvarioustimesthroughouttheyear.

TheprimaryresponsibilityoftheBoardistosustaintheschoolmissionthroughwisefinancial
andstrategicplanningandtoestablishappropriatepoliciesandoversightofschoolfinances.In
addition,theBoardappointstheHeadofSchoolwhoreportstotheBoard.TheHeadofSchool
isresponsibleforoperatingtheschool,selectingstaffmembers,admittingstudents,directing
curriculumandprogramimplementation,financialplanning,andcommunicatingwithparents
andthecommunity.

MonthbyMonth
at
GrymesMemorialSchool

2016/2017Calendar


August

BacktoSchoolNight

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BacktoSchoolNighttakesplacefrom68pm.Thisisyouropportunitytolearnabout
teachergoalsandexpectationsforthestudentsaswellashowyoucansupportthe
program.

September
FirstDayofSchool
Thisisalwaysanexcitingday.Manyparentswillaccompanytheirchildtoschoolonthe
firstday.Aftertheyhavedroppedtheirchildoffattheclassroom,theymaygotothe
gymorthepatiooutsideforcoffeeandtreatsandtheopportunitytochatwithother
parents.Afterthestudentshavesettledinandparentshaveleft,wewillallproceedto
thegymforanopeningassembly.

8thGradeClassRetreat
Theeighthgradeleavescampusduringthefirstorsecondweekofschooltoundertake
anoutdooreducationalexperience,tocometogetherasaclass,andtoplanactivitiesfor
theirclassandfortheschoolfortheupcomingyear.Wewanttoencourageasenseof
responsibilityandleadershipatalllevels,butespeciallyamongouroldeststudents.

FallFamilyPicnicandtheGPTA
FamiliesandfacultyareencouragedtoattendthiseventthatoccursonaSunday
afternooninSeptember.ItisplannedandrunbytheparentsoftheGPTA(Grymes
ParentTeacherAssociation)andthe8thgrade,andisawonderfulopportunityto
welcomenewfamiliesandrenewoldacquaintances.Theparentsplayanenormousrole
inourdailyliveshereatGrymes,organizingmanyeventsandraisingasignificant
portionofclassroombudgetseachyear.Awarmrelationshipbetweenourfacultyand
ourfamiliesisoneofthehallmarksofGrymes.

TheAnnualFund
AtBacktoSchoolNightandsoonthereafterinthemail,youwillbeaskedtosupport
theAnnualFund.TheAnnualFundisonewayinwhichwetrytokeepthecostof
tuitiondownbyaskingtheentireschoolfamily(parents,grandparents,pastparents,
alumni,faculty,Board,andfriendsoftheschool)tohelpbalancetheannualbudget.
Eachyear,theboardoftrusteessetsagoal,typicallyof$200,000,tooffsetannual
operatingcosts.Tuition,ashighasitis,onlycoversabout80%ofthecostofeducating
eachchild.ItistheAnnualFundthathelpssupportthethingsthatmakesGrymes
specialartsupplies,setsofclassroombooks,athleticequipment,fieldtrips,busesat
noadditionalcosttofamilies,propsandcostumesforplays,newclassroomfurnishings

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thelistislong!Wehopethateveryonewillparticipatetotheextentthattheyareable.
Itisnothowmuchyougive,butthefactthatyougivethatismostimportant,asahigh
participationratedemonstratestoFoundationsandotheroutsidesourcesoffundsthat
ourcommunityreallycaresaboutanddoeswhattheycantosupporttheirschool!

CapitalCampaign
Youwillhear,fromtimetotime,thattheschoolisconductingaCapitalCampaign.How
isthisdifferentfromtheAnnualFund?BuildinganewbuildinglikeGardnerHallis
NOTpartoftheannualoperatingbudget,andNOtuitiondollarsevergotowarda
buildingproject.Sowhentherearenewprojectsforbuildingormajorcapital
improvements,weneedtoraisethosefundstocoverthecost.InourlastCapital
Campaignthatendedin201314,weexceededourgoalof$4milliontobuildGardner
Hall,anewplayingfield,andalsotheinfrastructure(water,electricity,roads)forfuture
projects.Wealsoincreasedtheendowmentbynearly$1.5million.

Endowment
Anendowmentarefundsthathavebeengiventotheschooltogenerateadditional
incomefortheschoolandtosecurethefutureoftheschool.Theendowmentmonies
areoverseenbytheBoardofTrusteesandmanagedbyaninvestmentcompany.The
principal,donatedbygenerousindividualsandfoundations,isinvestedcarefully,and
theBoardvotesonwhatpercentageofthevalueoftheendowmenttheywillchannel
towardstheoperatingbudgeteachyearcurrently5%.Inthebestofallworlds,the
investmentsgrowatagreaterratethantheannualdraw.Thelargertheendowment,
thelesspressurethereistoraisetuition,andtheschoolisbetterabletocompensate
faculty,offerfinancialaid,andmaintaintheproperty.

ClassPhotos
Classphotosandindividualportraitsaretakeneachyearinthefall,ofstudents,faculty
andstaff.Theeighthgradephotosaregenerallytakenfirst,thereafter,classeswillbe
calledoneatatimedowntothegymfortheirpictures.Orderformswillhavebeensent
homebyhomeroomteacherspriortoPhotoDay.Thesephotosarefeaturedinthe
annualyearbook.

October

ClassPlays

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BeginninginOctober,atleastoneofthemonthlyassemblieswillbegivenovertoaclass
play.Eachclasspresentsaplayormusicalduringtheyearaspartofouremphasison
developingstudentsconfidence,andtheabilitytospeakinpublic.Theseperformances
aregreatfunandnottobemissed!

GrymesGolfTournament
ThiseventisanopportunityforGrymesfriendstocomeoutforadayofgolfandto
supportGrymes.Thisannualeventnormallytakesplaceintheearlyfall.Yourhelpin
gettingthewordoutismuchappreciated.ThefundsraisedhelptosupporttheAnnual
Fundandthedailyoperationsoftheschool.

ChesapeakeBayTrip
Thisthreeday/twonightfieldtripforthe7thgradeishighlyanticipated.Theprogramis
coordinatedwiththeseventhgradesciencecurriculumandtypicallyoccursinthefall.
Thisservesasaspecialbondingtripaswellasanexcitingacademicactivity.

SecondarySchoolNight
ThiseventtakesplaceinOctober,generallyafterahomesportingevent.Itismandatory
for7thand8thgradestudents.Representativesfromanumberofindependentand
publicschoolssetuptablesandprovideliteratureandinformationtostudentsandtheir
familiesastheybeginplanningtheirnextstepafterGrymes.Parentsareencouragedto
meetwiththeHeadattheendoftheirseventhgradeyearorinthesummerbeforetheir
8thgradeyeartodiscusshighschoolplacementandplanning.Generallyeighthgrade
teacherswillbeaskedtowriterecommendationsforstudentsbythestudentorhis
family.

Parent/TeacherConferences
TheseconferencesgenerallytakeplaceonaThursdayinOctoberandMarchfrom
1:007:00.Parentsmakeappointmentstomeetwithteachersin1520minute
conferences.Thisisagoodopportunityforparentsandteacherstogettoknoweach
otheralittleaswellastodiscussastudentsstrengthsandchallengesinschool.

HeadofSchoolSecretHike
Thisupperschooltraditionprovidesourstudents,HeadofSchool,andsometeachers
andstafftheopportunitytohikeintheShenandoahNationalParkforaday.TheHead
ofSchoolannouncesthetripwithverylittlenoticehencethesecrethike.

BookFair

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TheBookFairtakesplaceannuallyusuallyinOctober.Studentsmayvisititwiththeir
classandteacherorwiththeirparentsafterschool.Themoneyraisedgoestowardsthe
library.

Halloween
Halloweenisafavoritedayforstudents,especiallyinthelowerschool.Classesoften
havepartiesoraspeciallunchplannedbyroomparents.Studentsandteachersare
welcometoparticipateinourannualcostumeparadeafterlunch.


November

ERBs
GrymesadministerstheEducationalRecordBureausstandardizedtestsinMathand
Verbalaptitudeandperformancetothe3rdthrough8thgradeseveryyearinthefall.
Whilewedonotwantstudentstofeelstressaboutthetests,theyshouldtakethetests
seriously.Weusethemforstudentpracticeintakingstandardizedtests,aswellasa
windowintoourowncurriculumsstrengthsandweaknesses.Theyarealsousefulas
oneofmanyindicatorsofaparticularstudentsacademicprofile.Theyare
administeredoverthecourseofthreeorfourmornings(dependingongradelevel),and
arepartofthestudentspermanentrecord.

ReportCards
FirstquarterreportcardsareavailableonVeracrossapproximatelyoneweekafterthe
endofthemarkingperiod,generallyinthefirstweekofNovember.Eachquarter,
teacherswritenarrativecommentsthatexplainwhathasbeencoveredineachnine
weekperiod,andthen,writeapersonalcomment.Midquarterreportsarealsoposted
onVeracross.Theseincludethecurrentaverage,butonlyhavenarrativecommentsif
thestudentisexperiencingdifficultyandperformingpoorly.Midquartersarenotpart
ofthepermanentrecord,butserveasanindicationofhowthequarterisgoingforthe
student.

ThanksgivingandYoungAlumniDay
TheTuesdaybeforeThanksgivingistraditionallyourYoungAlumniDay.Manyofthose
inhighschoolwillreturnandattendclasses,haveapizzalunch,havearoundtable
discussionwith7thand8thgraders,andlistentoanalumnus/aaddresstheschoolata
specialassembly.Studentsarereleasedfortheholidayattheconclusionoftheday.

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RecommendationForms
Novemberiswhenthesecondaryschoolprocessintensifies.Eighthgradestudents
shouldaskteachersiftheywillwriterecommendationsforthemwellinadvanceofthe
ChristmasHolidays(whenmostoftherecommendationsareinfactwritten).When
askingateachertowritearecommendation,thestudentshouldfindtimetoformally
asktheteachers,andthenprovidethemwithastamped,addressedenvelopetosend
directlytotheschool.

December

ChristmasProgram
AllclassesparticipateintheChristmasprogramwhichtakesplacethedaywedismiss
fortheChristmasholidays.Itishugelypopularandnottobemissed!

HolidayParty
Facultyandtheirspousesareinvitedtojoinwithparentsandfriendsoftheschoolina
holidaycocktailpartysponsoredbytheBoardofTrustees,usuallyheldattheschoolin
earlyDecember.Thisisanothernottobemissedeventwithfabulousfoodandgood
cheer!

HolidayHomework
Exceptforencouragingreading,itisourpolicynottoassignhomeworkoverholiday
breaks.

TheGivingTreeandCommunityService
Eachclassundertakesacommunityserviceprojectduringthecourseoftheyear.At
Christmastime,theGivingTreeisaschoolwideserviceproject.TheCommunity
ServiceCommitteedecoratesatreeinthefronthallwithpaperornamentsthatare
colorcodedfortheseveraldifferentfamiliesintheOrangeareathatweadoptasa
school.Eachchildchoosesanornament,buysagift,wrapsit,andreturnsittoschool.
Thegiftsarebroughtforwardandplacedundertheschooltreeatanassemblythatalso
includescaroling.Upperschoolclassesdeliverthegiftstotheneedyfamilies.

January

Exams

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Studentsintheseventhandeighthgradestakeexamsattheendofthefirstsemester
overthecourseofthreedays.Studentsmaywearjeansonexamdays,thoughtheymust
stillwearcollaredshirts.Thepurposeofexamsistoteachstudentstheskillof
reviewingasemestersworthofmaterial,reinforcingtheimportanceofcareful
organizationofclassmaterialsthroughoutthesemester,andtoundergothedisciplineof
alonger,comprehensivetest.Accordingly,weexpectteacherstogivestudentsplentyof
instructionthroughoutthesemesteronorganizingandkeepingtrackofmaterials,and
tofocusonhowtostudyforthiskindofatestbeginningseveraldaysbeforeithappens.
Parentscanhelpbyencouraginggoodstudyhabitsathome,makingsurethatthe
studentgetsplentyofsleepthenightsbeforetheexams,andeatsagood,nutritious
breakfasteachmorning!

SemesterGrades
SemestergradeswillbeavailableonVeracrossapproximatelyoneweekaftertheendof
thesecondquarter.

February

DeclamationDays
DeclamationDaysareanimportanttraditionatGrymes.Eachclass,beginningwiththe
Kindergarten,takesthestageforoneassemblyperiodandrecitespoemsthateachchild
hasmemorized.Thepoemsgetlongerasthechildrengetolder.Bysixthandseventh
grade,thedeclamationsareaperformanceart.FebruaryandMarchassembliesare
devotedtodeclamations.

ValentinesDay
ApartnereventoftenoccursonValentinesDay.Thelowerschoolclassestakethis
muchmoreseriouslythantheupperschoolclasses,andeachclassroomteacherdevises
thekindofcelebrationheorsheseesfit.Wedotrytolimitsugarintakeduringschool
hours!Weaskthatifchildrenarebringingvalentinesfortheirclassmates,theyinclude
alloftheirclassmates.




March

th
8 GradeTriptoWashington

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TheeighthgradetakesafieldtriptoWashingtonD.C.toparticipateinavarietyof
activities,and/ortopartakeinascavengerhuntontheMall.

Auction
Eachspring,theschoolholdsamajorfundraisingevent.Sometimesweholdanauction
whichrequireslotsofvolunteersandisahugecommunityeffort,althoughitdoesnot
takeplaceeveryyear.Thisyear,weareworkingonorganizingafamilypigroastand
musicextravaganza!Theproceedsareusuallyforthebenefitofaspecificprojecte.g.
thepurchaseofanewbustheimprovementoftheplaygroundetc.

ParentConferences
Sameformatasthefirstquarter.

SpringBreak
Schoolwillbeoutforonefullweek,usuallythesecondweekinMarch.

ThirdQuarterGrades
Oneweekaftertheendofthirdquarter,gradesandcommentswillbeavailablein
Veracross.Thecommentsaregenerallyshorterasthesecondroundofparent
conferencesoccursincloseproximitytothesereports.



April

th
8 GradeSpeeches
Each8thgradestudentdeliversaformalspeechtotheentireschoolduringanAssembly
inthespring.Thespeechesgenerallyaretheproductoftwotothreemonthsofthought,
writing,rewriting,andpracticefortheirperformance.Aboundcopyofalltheclass
speechesispresentedtoeachstudentatgraduation.

VarietyShow
Directedbyparentsandfaculty,thisfuneventtakesplaceearlyinthespringand
featuresactsandperformancesbymanystudents.Itisafunfamilyevening,andfaculty
areurgedtoattend.

May

GrandfriendsDay/ArtandMusicFestival/MayDay

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GrandparentsareinvitedtospendthemorningatschoolonthefirstFridayinMay.The
7thgradegirlsperformatraditionalMaypoledance.Oftenatreeisplantedinhonorof
someoneintheGrymescommunity.Itisalsoatimetohighlightwhatyoudointhe
classroom,todisplaystudentartworkandconcludeswithaspringconcertinwhich
everyonehasasmallpart.

TeacherAppreciationDay
ThisisaspecialdayorganizedbytheGPTAtohonorteachers.Studentsandteachers
taketimetorecognizeandthankteachers.Sometimesthereisabreakfastprovidedin
thefacultyrooms,childrenorclassescreatecardsforteachers,etc.Themaineventisa
Fridayluncheonforthefacultyservedbyparents.Parentvolunteerstakeover
classroomresponsibilitiesduringlunchandrecesswhilethefacultyenjoyalovelylunch!

FieldDay
ThisisamorningeventthattakesplaceontheFridaybeforeMemorialDay.Thered
andwhiteteams(traditionally,theRebelsandtheVirginians),participatein
competitiveathleticeventsbyclassthroughoutthemorning.The7thgradeclassparents
supplyalunchwhichisafundraiserfortheireighthgradeclassgift.Manyparents
attendthiseventwhichishighlyanticipatedbythestudents,andisagreatopportunity
tocometogetherasacommunityforgamesandapicnic.

YearEndClassParties
Theseclasspartiesareorganizedbytheclassroomparentsinconversationwiththe
homeroomteachers.Upperschoolpartiesgenerallytakeplaceinthefinalweek.Lower
schoolpartiestendtobescheduledinthenexttolastweek.

June

FinalExams
TheyearendcomprehensiveexamsoccurthethreedaysbeforeAwardsDayforthe7th
and8thgraders.ThesamerulesandformatholdtrueasfortheJanuaryexams.

th
8 GradeDinner
Thisisarguablythemostbeautifulandmovingeventoftheyear!Allteachers,
especiallythosewhohavetaughtmembersofthegraduatingclass,attend.Duringthe

17
dinnerwhichisforparents,grandparents,andthegraduates,eachstudentcomes
forwardandisindividuallyrecognized.Studentspresenttheirclasshistoryandaclass
slideshow.Manytearsareshedbyallaswepreparetosaygoodbyetooureighthgrade!

AwardsDay
Thisdaytakesmostofthemorningbeforegraduation.Throughthefourthgrade,every
studentiscalledforwardandtheirteacherspeaksaboutthecontributionsthechildhas
madetotheclassandgiveshim/heranaward.Afterabreakduringwhichthelower
schoolstudentsarefreetoleavewiththeirfamilies,theceremonyresumeswith
academicandcharacterprizesawardedtotheupperschoolstudents.

FinalReportCards
ThefinalreportsbecomeavailableonVeracrossaweekafterthelastdayofschool.

Graduation
GraduationtraditionallytakesplaceonthefirstFridayinJune.Seventhgradersare
requiredtoattend.Theceremonybeginsat5:00.Eighthgradersareexpectedtobeat
schoolby4:30.Studentshaveagroupphotoshootandthengatherinthelibraryand
processdownthehalltothegym.Teacherstraditionallystandatthedoortotheir
classroomstowishthegraduateswell,andthenfallintolinebehindthem.The
ceremonygenerallylastsforanhour.

AcademicSupport&Enrichment

GrymesMemorialSchooliscommittedtoprovidingacurriculumthatwillpreparestudentsfor
independentschoolsandregionalpublichighschools.Grymeshasbuiltareputationfor
academicexcellence,forthedevelopmentofstudentswhoarecurious,independentlearners.
Theteachersuseavarietyofstrategiesandtechniquestosupportstudentswhoareidentified
withlearningdifferencesorthosewhoarelearningsignificantlyabovegradelevel.

Grymeshasalonghistoryofsupportingindividualstudentneedsinpartnershipwith
consultants,teachers,resourcepersonnel,tutors,andparents.Thegoalofthispartnershipisto
createalearningenvironmentthatissensitivetodifferentlearningstylesandthatencourages
appropriatestrategiesforsuccessfulacademicachievement.TheAcademicSupportand
Enrichmentprogramdirector,whoseresponsibilitiesaretooverseeandguidetutorsand
coaches,providessupportforthefaculty,andplaysthepivotalroleincommunicationbetween
theschoolandparentsofachildwithlearningdifferences.Thesepolicieshavebeenupdatedto

18
reflecttherequirementsforformaltestingandevaluationinordertograntaccommodations
thatsignificantlyalteracoresubjectinourcurriculuminthisschoolyear.

AcademicSupport

LevelOneincludesclassroomaccommodationswheretheASEdirectorworkswiththe
teacheronspecificinstructionalstrategiesforthechildintheclassroom.

LevelTwomaybedescribedasresourcesupport,whereachildorgroupsofchildrenare
givenextraattentioninoneskilloronesubjectforfourtoeightweeksbyGMSteachersand
resourcepersonnel.Thesestudentsarepulledfromtheclassroomfor2030minutesessions.
Thereisnoextracosttoparentsforthisserviceasitisatemporaryservice.

LevelThreeinvolvesamoreindividualizedprogramdeterminedbyeducationaltesting.
Thistestingandnecessarytutoringareprivatelycontractedthroughthecountyschoolsystemor
aclinicalpsychologist.Theschoolhasarecommendedlistofprovidersforthisservice.An
individualstudentplanisdevelopedandfollowedbyteachersand/oranoutsidetutor.

Accommodations

IngradesJK4wemakeeveryefforttoattendtoindividualneedsbygroupingchildrenof
varyingdevelopmentallevelsandworkingoneononewhennecessary.Theschoolemploysa
readingspecialistaswellastheASEdirectorwhooftenassistsinmath.Generally,wedonot
recommendeducationaltestinguntil3rdgradebecausemanydifferencesinlearningcanbe
attributedtodevelopmentbeforethattime.Teachersmayaccommodatechildrenthrough
preferentialseating,extratimeontestsoroccasionallyalteredhomeworkassignmentsor
assessments.Weaskparentstosharecompletetestingreportswiththeschoolsothatwemay
addresseachchildsuniqueneedsmosteffectively.

Beginningingrade5,accommodations(includingbutnotlimitedtoextratimeontests,sharing
ateachersnotes,alteredtests,testsreadaloud,exemptionfromforeignlanguage)willbemade
onlyuponthecompletionofanevaluationbyaclinicalpsychologist.Thecompleteresultsof
thetestingmustbesharedwiththeschoolandaplanreachedthroughcarefulconsultation
amongparents,teachers,andlearningspecialists.

Grading
Thegradenotingprogressinanaccommodatedclassorthroughtutoringwillbeaccompanied
byanasteriskonreportcards(e.g.B+*).Thisasteriskdenotesanindividualizedprogramand
willbefullyexplainedonatranscript.

19
AcademicProbation

Studentswhoexperienceseriousacademicdifficultiesforoneormoresemesters,maybeplaced
onacademicprobation.Atthispoint,theAssistantHeadofSchoolwillsendaletterhome,
indicatingadditionalinterventionswhichwillbeputinplacetopromoteacademic
improvement.Theconsequencesofthisprobationmayincludemandatoryafterschool
homeworkhall,mandatorystudysessionswithteachersduringP.E.class,attendanceata
speciallunchtimestudyhall,and/orsuspensionfromathleticteams.Inaddition,thestudents
reenrollmentcontractmaybewithhelduntilimprovementsareevident,orrecommendations
arefollowed.Itisalwaysthebestneedsofthestudentthatisofparamountimportance.

Academicenrichmentisprovidedthroughtwolevels:
Thecoordinatorcanmeetwiththeteachertodevelopenrichment/extensionactivitiesfor
thewholeclassonaparticulartopic.

Thecoordinatorcanmeetwithsmallgroupstoexploredifferentareasofmathorreading
basedonstudentinterests.Thestudentsmaybedoingintegratedreading/mathunitsor
creativeproblemsolvingordesigningproductsshowingadvancedknowledgeinanarea.
Theymaystudyreading/mathmaterialwellabovegradelevelandcreateplays,books,
posters,videosandgames.Enrichmentfocusesonusingthehigherorderthinkingskills
likeapplication,analysis,synthesisandevaluationtocreatemeaningfulproductsbased
onstudentinterestinareasthattheyarestudyinginclass.

AcceptableUsePolicy

StudentsandtheirparentsareaskedtosigntheschoolsAcceptableUsePolicytokeepon
recordfortheirtimeatGrymes.Thispolicywillbereviewedatthestartofeachschoolyear.

ThestaffofGrymesMemorialSchoolstronglybelievesintheeducationalvalueoftechnology
andrecognizesitspotentialtosupportthecurriculumandenhancestudentlearning.Westrive
toprovidequalityexperiencestostudentsusingschooltechnologies,andinappropriateuseof
theequipmentisstrictlyprohibited.Computeruseatschoolmayberevokedifastudentdoes
notadheretotheschoolsguidelines.

20
Theschooloperatesunderasystemoftrustandsharedresponsibilityinthepursuitofhealthy
intellectualandsocialgrowth.Thisdocumentassumesthattrustandclarifiesthose
responsibilities.Pleasereadthedocumentcarefullyandsignatthebottom.

AcceptableUsePolicy
Iunderstandthattheuseofschooltechnologymustbeinsupportofthecurriculumandin
accordancewiththeeducationalgoalsandobjectivesofGrymesMemorialSchool.Thismeans
that"surfing"thewebforsitesthatarenotcurriculumrelated,accessingpersonalemailand
socialnetworkingsites,andotherpersonalactivitiesshouldbereservedforhomeuse.

PersonalResponsibility
Iunderstandthatthecomputersareapartofschoolpropertyandthereforeschoolpoliciesand
thehonorcodeapplytotheiruse.Iunderstandthatschoolpersonnelhaveaccesstomywork
storedontheserver,informationonmyInternetusage,andeverythingIdowhileusingschool
technology.Asamemberofmyschoolcommunity,Iwillacceptresponsibilityfortheproper
useofschooltechnologyandforreportinganymisuse.Thefollowingguidelineshighlightthe
spiritofthisresponsibility:
Iwillrespecttheprivacyanddignityofstudentsandteachersatalltimes.Iwillnotuse,
copy,ordeleteanotherusersfiles,folders,orpasswords.
Iwilluseappropriatelanguagebyrefrainingfromtheuseofprofanityorinsultinglanguage.
Offensivemessagesthatoriginateoutsideofschool,butdisrupttheschoolseducationalprocess
maybesubjecttoschoolconsequences.
Iwillrespectschoolequipment.Iwillnotdeliberatelychangeinanywaythesoftware
configurationofthenetworkorofanyindividualworkstation.Iwillnotdownloadanyfilesor
installanysoftware(runanyexecutablefiles)ontheschoolscomputerswithouttheexpress,
permissionofthetechnologyadministrator.Iunderstandthisishowmanycomputerviruses
arespread.
Iwillobservecopyrightlawsandfairuseguidelineswhenusinganyprinted,audio,video,or
electronicinformation.Iwillnotplagiarize,andIwillcitemysources.
IunderstandIamonlyallowedtosearchforappropriatecontentanduseappropriatesites
ontheInternet.
Iwillimmediatelyreportanytechnologyusethatmakesmeuncomfortableorviolates
schoolpolicies.
Iunderstandthatpersonalelectronicdevicessuchaslaptops,electronicgames,cellphones,
andotherdevicesmaynotbeusedduringtheschooldayandmaynotbeconnectedtotheschool
networkatanytime.
Iwillnotuseacellphoneonthebusfortalkingortextingunlessthereisanurgentneedto
contactaparent.Inthatcase,Imustobtainpermissionfromthebusdriver.
InternetSafety
TheInternetprovidesopportunitiestoaccessnewresources,butitalsointroducesuniquerisks
tostudents.GrymesMemorialSchoolprovidesfilteredaccesstotheInternetonnearlyallschool
computers,buttoensuremysafetyontheInternet,Iwillfollowtheguidelinesbelow:

21
IwillnotgiveoutontheInternetpersonalinformationsuchasmyfullname,phone
number,oraddress.
IwillnotgiveoutontheInternetpersonalinformationaboutsomeoneelsesuchashisor
hername,phonenumber,oraddress.
IwillnotcorrespondormeetwithsomeonethroughtheInternetwithoutthepreapprovalof
ateacher.
IhavereadandunderstandtheSchoolsAcceptableUsePolicyfortechnologyuse,andwillabide
bytheminletterandspirit.Iunderstandthattheuseofschooltechnologyisaprivilege,nota
right,andinappropriateusecouldresultinthesuspensionorcancellationofthoserightsand
otherdisciplinarymeasuresasdecidedbytheschooladministration.

______________________________________________
Parentssignature Date
______________________________________________
Studentssignature Date

Accreditation

TheVirginiaAssociationofIndependentSchools(VAIS)isrecognizedbytheVirginiaBoardof
Educationastheschoolsaccreditationagency.Membershipisvoluntaryandisgrantedtothose
independentschoolsthathavemettheVAISstandardsformembership,undertakenaformal
selfstudyandevaluation,andreceivedaccreditationinaccordancewithguidelinesand
proceduresprescribedbytheAssociation.GrymesMemorialSchoolisoneof80independent
schoolsaccreditedthroughVAIS.

Admission

22
Grymeswelcomesapplicationsforadmissionwithoutregardtorace,color,ethnicorigin,
religion,oranyothercharacteristicprotectedunderstatelaw.Theschoolhasdevelopeda
reputationforstrongsecondaryschoolpreparationandaimstoensurethateachapplicantwho
isadmittedhastheabilitytosucceedatGrymes.Applicantsandtheirparentsareencouragedto
tourtheschoolandallstudentsareinterviewedandscreened.

AlmaMater

Aswelooktowardthemountains,shelteringthesefamiliarhalls
Weseesymbolsofthetreasureswevereceivedwithinthesewalls.
Shelterforthedaysofchildhood,nurturingthedreamsofeach
Thenavisionforourfuture,fromthehighestwecanreach.
AndGrymeswillshine,inchildhoodsmemory,
Preparingusforlivesoflearning,honor,andintegrity.

writtenbyJanDalton
FormerGMSmusicteacher

Athletics

Duringtheschoolyear,Grymesoffersthefollowingvoluntaryextramuralsportsprogram:

Fall Winter Spring

BoysSoccer Basketball GirlsSoccer
GirlsFieldHockey (BoysandGirls) BoysLacrosse

Thisyear,theseteamsareopentoanystudentinfifth,sixth,seventhandeighthgrades.In
ordertoparticipateingames,athletesareexpectedtobeinschoolforthefulldayongamedays.

ThegoalsoftheGrymesAthleticProgramare:
Teachskillsinselectedteamsports.
Promoteteamwork,sportsmanship,andparticipation.
Encouragethedevelopmentofskillsanddoingonesbestregardlessoftheoutcome.
Developandappreciateteammatesandcompetitors.
Promoteschoolprideandspirit.
Expecthonorableactionsandbehavior,especiallyincompetitivesituations.

23
 Promotetheactiveparticipationofeachteammemberinallgames.

Coacheswill:
Teachtrustworthiness,respect,responsibility,fairness,andappropriatebehavior.
Establishclearexpectationsandenforcerulesofthegameforallparticipants.
Advocatesportsmanship,thevalueofteamwork,andrespectforofficials.
Modelbehaviorexpectedofourathletes.

Sportsmanshipandcourtesyareexpectedofourstudentsandspectators.Courtesyshouldbe
showntootherteams,coaches,parents,andgameofficials.Parentswhohaveconcernsabout
thecoachingorofficiatingataspecificgameorpracticeshouldspeakinpersonwiththecoach,
theDirectorofAthletics,orHeadofSchool.

ArrivalandDismissal

Schoolbeginsat8:25a.m.andstudentsmaybedroppedoffbetween8:00a.m.and8:25a.m.
Allstudents,exceptgrade8,areaskedtowaitinthefrontlobbyuntilthefirstbusarrives,and
thentheymayproceedtotheirclasses.

Juniorkindergartenmorningclassesdismissatnoon.Juniorkindergartenafternoonclasses
andgradeskindergartenthrougheightdismissat3:20p.m.,MondaythroughThursday,and
2:30p.m.onFriday.Carpoolstudents(thosenotridingbuses)mustbepickedupby3:40
p.m.ortheywillbesenttoHWHallandparentswillbecharged$10.Mondaythrough
Thursdayandby2:45p.m.onFriday.Pleasecontactthefrontofficeifyouwillbe
delayedforpickup.

Attendance

Parentsareencouragedtocalloremailtheschoolby9:00iftheirchildwillbeabsent.It
istheparentsresponsibilitytoobtainallassignedwork.Assignmentsmaybefoundin
thestudent/parentportalsofVeracross.
Everygradetakesitsjobveryseriouslyanddiscouragesparentsfromtaking
studentsoutofschoolforvacationsattimesotherthanthosedesignated.It
isverydisruptiveforastudentandoftendetrimentaltotheirlearningtomissalarge
blockofclasstime.Itcanalsobeveryburdensomeforateacher.Weunderstand,
however,thatoccasionallyaspecialopportunitypresentsitselfthatcannotbepassedup.

24
 Parentsshouldmeetwiththeheadofschoolatleast2weekspriorto
departuretoobtainpermissionforanonmedicalabsenceofmorethan
threedays.Itistheparent'sresponsibilitytocontacttheteacherswellinadvanceof
thetrip(nolessthanoneweekinadvance)tomakeaplantocompleteworkwhileaway.
Teacherscannotpromisetobeabletogatherallassignmentsformorethanaweek.
Studentsareresponsibleformakingupallmissedwork.Thisworkandanymissedtests
mustbemadeupwithinaweekofreturning.
Theschooland/orindividualclasseshavespecialprogramsoreventsthatareanintegral
partofthecurriculum.Theseincludefieldtrips,the8thgradeChesapeakeBaytrip,the
upperschoolhike,bandperformances,fieldday,andthelike.Studentsareexpectedto
attendtheseeventsunlessexcusedbytheheadofschool.
Secondaryschoolvisits:Pleasetrytoschedulevisitsoverlongweekendsor
nonacademicdays.WeaskthatyouinformtheHeadifyourchildwillmissmultiple
days.

CellPhones

Studentsarenotpermittedtousecellphonesduringtheschoolday.Calls,texting,anduseof
otherapplicationsarenotallowed.Communicationwithparentsandotheradultsiseasily
arrangedinthefrontofficewithteacherpermission.Weunderstandthatcellphoneusemaybe
anecessityforsomefamilies,andaskthosefamiliestocontacttheschoolinwriting,informing
usoftheirneeds.Inrarecasesastudentmayneedtocallaparentonthebus.Permissionfrom
thebusdriverisrequired,andsocialcallsareforbidden.Afterschooluseispermissiblewitha
teacherorcoachspermission.Anyuseofcellphonetechnology(aswithanytechnology)to
bullyothersortoconveyinappropriatematerialorinformationisstrictlyforbidden.
Disciplinaryactionwillrangefromlossofcellphoneprivilegesanddemeritstosuspensionor
dismissal.Teachingstudentstheresponsibleandappropriateuseofalltechnologyisour
primarygoal.Pleasehelpusenforcethenocellphonesinschoolrule

Communication

Grymesrecognizesthatconflictsdoarisebetweenparents
andteachers.Thevastmajorityofsuchsituationscanberesolvedthroughproper
communication.Inordertofostermeaningfulcommunication,pleaseusethefollowingprocess:

1.Whenaproblemarises,parentsareurgedtocontacttheteacherandtoexplaintheexact
natureoftheproblem.

25
2.Ifnecessary,ameetingcanbearrangedwiththefacultymemberandotherteachers,as
needed.
3.Iftheproblempersistsandanagreeduponsolutionisunsuccessful,ameetingmaybe
arrangedwiththeHeadofSchool,teacher,andothersupportingpersonnelasneeded.
4.Aplanofactionmaybedevelopedwhichcanbeperiodicallyreviewed.

DailyClassSchedule

Homeroom 8:258:30
st
1 Period 8:309:18
2ndPeriod 9:1810:06
Recess 10:0610:16
rd
3 Period 10:1611:04
th
4 Period 11:0411:52
Lunch/Recess11:5212:25
5thPeriod 12:251:12
th
6 Period 1:121:59
th
7 Period 1:592:46(2:30onFridays)
Homeroom 2:463:15

Programs,assemblies,andweathercanaffectthedailyschedule.

DevelopmentandFundraising

Tuitioncoversapproximately80%ofthecosttoeducateachildatGrymesMemorialSchool.
FundraisingactivitiesconductedbytheGrymesParentTeacherAssociation(GPTA)andmoney
raisedthroughAnnualGivingenabletheschooltofunditstotaloperatingexpenses.$200,000
istheAnnualFundgoalin201314.

Theschoolstronglyencouragesgiftstotheendowment.Incomefromtheendowmentisusedto
offsetsomeofthedependenceontuitionandhelpstofundvariousschoolprogramsincluding
financialaidandfacultyprofessionaldevelopment.Currentlytheschoolsendowmentisabout
$4.2million.

TheAnnualFund
26
 AtBacktoSchoolNightandsoonthereafterinthemail,youwillbeaskedtosupportthe
AnnualFund.TheAnnualFundisonewayinwhichwetrytokeepthecostoftuition
downbyaskingtheentireschoolfamily(parents,grandparents,pastparents,alumni,
faculty,Board,andfriendsoftheschooltohelpbalancetheannualbudget.Eachyear,
theboardoftrusteessetsagoal,typicallyof$200,000,tooffsetannualoperatingcosts.
Tuitiononlycoversabout80%ofthecostofeducatingeachchild.ItistheAnnualFund
thathelpssupportthethingsthatmakesGrymesspecialartsupplies,setsofclassroom
books,athleticequipment,fieldtrips,busesatnoadditionalcosttofamilies,propsand
costumesforplays,newclassroomfurnishingsthelistislong!Wehopethateveryone
willparticipatetotheextentthattheyareable.Itisnothowmuchyougive,butthefact
thatyougivethatismostimportant,asahighparticipationratedemonstratesto
Foundationsandotheroutsidesourcesoffundsthatourcommunityreallycaresabout
anddoeswhattheycantosupporttheirschool!

CapitalCampaign
Youwillhear,fromtimetotime,thattheschoolisconductingaCapitalCampaign.How
isthisdifferentfromtheAnnualFund?BuildinganewbuildinglikeGardnerHallis
NOTpartoftheannualoperatingbudget,andNOtuitiondollarsevergotowardsa
buildingproject.Sowhentherearenewprojectsforbuildingormajorcapital
improvements,weneedtoraisethosefundstocoverthecost.InourlastCapital
Campaignthatendedin201314,weexceededourgoalof$4milliontobuildGardner
Hall,anewplayingfield,andalsotheinfrastructure(water,electricity,roads)forfuture
projects.Wealsoincreasedtheendowmentbynearly$1.5million.



Endowment
Anendowmentarefundsthathavebeengiventotheschooltogenerateadditional
incomefortheschoolandtosecurethefutureoftheschool.Theendowmentmoniesare
overseenbytheBoardofTrusteesandmanagedbyaninvestmentcompany.The
principal,donatedbygenerousindividualsandfoundations,isinvestedcarefully,and
theBoardvotesonwhatpercentageofthevalueoftheendowmenttheywillchannel
towardstheoperatingbudgeteachyearcurrently5%.Inthebestofallworlds,the
investmentsgrowatagreaterratethantheannualdraw.Thelargertheendowment,the
lesspressurethereistoraisetuition,andtheschoolisbetterabletocompensatefaculty,
offerfinancialaid,andmaintaintheproperty.

Discipline

27
Thedisciplinarysystemisbasedonthebeliefthateducationincludesnotonlyintellectual
growth,butalsomoralandsocialdevelopment.Thefacultyandstaffgivecredencetotheidea
thatasenseoffairplayandrespectforothersisanessentialcomponentofgrowingup
accountableforonesactions.Therefore,itiswithinthepurviewoftheadultsofGrymes
MemorialSchooltoteachandreinforcerespectful,courteousandresponsiblebehavior.

Thehomeroomandspecialtysubjectteachersmanagedisciplineinthelowerschool.Parental
notificationanddocumentationofdisciplinaryinfractionswillbekeptintheteachersclassroom
file.Persistentinfractionswillnecessitateameetingofthefaculty,parents,andHeadofSchool.

Disciplineintheupperschoolishandledinafashionsimilartothelowerschool.Inthevast
majorityofinstanceswhenweaddressinappropriatebehavior,wetakethestudentquietlyaside
todiscusshowhisorherbehavioraffectsthecommunityandwearriveatacooperative
resolution.

Studentsingrades58,forwhomawarningaboutbreakingclassroomrulesdoesnotsuffice,
willbeaskedtogotoquietlunch/recesswhichissupervisedbyateacherforoneormore
days.Parentswillbenotifiedofthismoreimmediateconsequencebyemail.

Occasionally,usuallyafterrepeatedwarningsorwhentheoffenseisdeemedparticularly
egregious,ateacherwillissueademerit,forwhichalettergoeshometotheparents,notifying
themoftheinfractionAdemeritisourmostauthoritariansolutiontoadisciplineproblemshort
ofsuspensionordismissal,andisrarelyafirstresort.Ourgoalistoteachasenseoffairplay
andrespectforotherswhilereinforcingcourteousandresponsiblebehavior.Whilewegenerally
donotgivedemeritsforviolationsofthedresscodeormissinghomework,teachersmaygivea
demeritfortheseoffenseswhenotheroptionshavefailed.

AstudentissuedademeritwillhavetostayafterschoolonFridaysfrom2:303:30
andbepickedupbyaparent.Parentswillreceivealetterinformingthemofthedemerit
andthedatethedemeritistobeserved.IfastudentmissesDHall,withoutanexcuse,heorshe
willbeexpectedtoserveonthenexttwoFridays.Weunderstandthatpickupmaynotbeable
tobearrangedinadayortwo.Parentscancontacttheschooltoarrangeaweeks
postponement.Wedonot,however,wanttoputofftheDHallformorethanaweek.Ourgoal
istobringtheschool,theparents,andthestudenttogetherinaddressingunacceptable
behavior,aswellastoemphasizetotheschoolfamilythatwedonottakedemeritslightly.

If,duringthecourseofasemester,thestudentreceivesthreedemerits,wewillaskthe
student,theparents,andtheteachersconcernedtomeetwiththeHeadofSchooltodiscuss
whattheproblemsareandhowwecanworktogethertoresolvetheissuesandreinforce
acceptablebehavior.Ifastudentreceivesfourdemeritsduringthecourseofasemester,the
studentwillbesuspendedforadayandreceivezerosforallclassworkforthedaymissed.Any
furtherdemeritswillnecessitateadiscussionofthestudentsdismissalfromGrymes
MemorialSchool.

28

DemeritsareissuedforviolationslistedundertheGeneralDeportmentandExpectations
sectionofthisguide.Inthecaseofsevereorrepeatedinfractions,suspensionandexpulsion
becomeoptions.Suspensionisaperiodinwhichthestudentmaynotattendschool.Expelled
studentswillnotbeabletocompletetheschoolyear.ThisdecisionismadebytheHeadof
School.Thefollowingviolationsmayresultinimmediatesuspensionorexpulsion:

Fighting,bullying,orbehaviorwhichjeopardizesapersonssafety
Harassmentofanypersonphysically,emotionally,orverballywhileatschoolorduring
schooltrips
Possessionofweaponsorillegaldrugsatschool
Honoroffenses,includinglying,cheating,andstealing
Willfuldefacement,damage,orabusetoschoolpropertyviolatorsmustpaythe
replacementcost
Unauthorizedsalesofitemsamongstudents
Repeateddisrespecttowardsfacultyand/orstaff
Deliberateaccessand/ordevelopmentofinappropriatematerialontheinternet
Disruptionofthelearningenvironment

AstudentsfailuretohonorthespiritandintentofGrymeshonorcodeordisciplinesystemis
subjecttodismissalatthediscretionoftheHeadofSchool.

DressCode

ItisGrymesMemorialSchoolsdesirethatstudentslearngoodhabitsofmind,body,andspirit.
Schoolisaseriousendeavorandstudentdressshouldreflecttheimportanceofworkatschool
andrespectforourcommunity.Childrenwhoarewelldressedtendtofeelmoreselfconfident
anddobetterinschool.Forthesereasons,allstudentsatGrymesareexpectedtoabidebythe
dresscode.Clothingshouldbeneat,clean,ingoodrepair,andmodest.Thefitshouldbeproper
neithertootightnortooloose.Athleticattireisnotpermissible.Parentsshouldmakesurethat
theirchildrenareappropriatelydressedwhentheyleavehomeinthemorning.

JeansDayoccurseachFriday.Allstudentsareinvitedtowearappropriatejeanstoschool.
DressdowndaysarescheduledbytheStudentLeadershipCouncilatthediscretionofthe
head.Studentsarepermittedtowearappropriatetshirtsandhoodedsweatshirts.Athletic
wearandpajamasarenotacceptable.

Thefollowingtablessummarizethedresscodesforjuniorkindergarten,thelowerschool,and
theupperschool.

29
 JuniorKindergarten

SchoolDays Bluejeans,collarlessshirtsallowed.Text,print,and
picturesarediscouraged.Girlsshortsorbloomers
underdressesorskirts

SpecialOccasions BoysLongpants(nojeans)oxfordshirtsweateror
(certainfieldtrips& sportscoatdressshoeswithrubbersoles
majorschool
assemblies) GirlsDressesdressslacksshirtorblousewithskirt
dressshoeswithrubbersolesnoheels

LowerSchool(GradesK4)

Shirts Shortorlongsleevedpoloshirtdoesnotneedtobe
tucked.Turtlenecksareacceptable.

Oxfordshirt(buttonsallthewaydown)tuckedin&
wornwithbelt.

NoTshirts.

Nopicturesortext.

Sweaters/Sweatshirts Sweatersandlightweightfleecesmustbewornwitha
collaredorturtleneckshirt.(notext)

Grymesorotherhoodedandnonhoodedsweatersor
sweatshirtsmaybewornoveracollaredshirt.Small
insigniaispermissible.OnlyGrymesgraphics
orwriting.

Nopicturesandtext.

Dresses/Skirts DressesareallowedonFridaysonlyorspecial
occasions.Modestnecklines,nospaghettistraps,
modestlength.

Jumpers&Skirtsshouldbeofmodestlength(fingertip
lengthornomorethan46inchesabovetheknee)and
shouldbewornwithacollaredshirt.

Pants/Shorts Capris,longpants,jeans.

Shortsshouldbeofmodestlength(noshorterthan

30
 fingertiplength).

Pantsmustbeofstandardfit.Nobaggyortightpants.

Nolowrisestylesthatpotentiallyexposethemidriff.

NoLycraorspandexfabrics,exceptunder
skirts/dresses.Noathleticpants.

Shoes Allowed:Closedtoeandheeledshoes,tennisshoes,
dressshoeswithrubbersoles,sandalswitha
backstrap.

NotAllowed:Clogs,Crocs,flipflops,platformshoes.
Noshoeswithheelshigherthan1.

UpperSchool(Grades58)

Shirts Shortorlongsleevedpoloshirts(appropriatelysized
polosdonothavetobetuckedin).Turtlenecksare
acceptable.

Oxfordshirt(buttonsallthewaydown)tuckedinwitha
belt.

NoTshirts.

Sweaters/Sweatshirts Sweatersorlightweightfleecepulloversmaybeworn
withanapprovedshirt.(notext)

Grymesorotherhoodedandnonhoodedsweatersor
sweatshirtsmaybewornoveracollaredshirt.Small
insigniaispermissible.OnlyGrymesgraphicsor
writing.

Dresses/Skirts Dressesarean8thgradeprivilege.Notallowedfor
grades57,exceptonFridays.Modestnecklines,no
spaghettistraps,fingertiplength.

Jumpers&Skirtsshouldbeofmodestlength(fingertip
lengthornomorethan46inchesabovetheknee).

Pants/Shorts Caprisandlongpantspermitted.

NodenimjeansexceptonFridays.Coloredjeans

31
 okay.

Bermudashortsshouldbeofmodestlength(fingertip
lengthornomorethan46inchesabovetheknee).

Pantsmustbeofstandardfit.Verytightpantsarenot
permitted.

Nolowrisestylesthatpotentiallyexposethemidriff.

NoLycraorspandexfabrics,exceptunder
skirts/dresses.
Noathleticpants.

Shoes Musthaveathleticshoesforgym.
Shoesmusthaveaback:tennisshoes,clogs,
sandals,loafers,dressshoes.

NotAllowed:Flipflops,Crocs,shoeswithheelshigher
than1.

Hats Nottobewornduringschoolhours(exceptforspirit
days,etc.).

DressforSpecialOccasions
FormalFieldTrips,Declamations,AwardsDay,EighthGradeSpeeches,etc.

Boys BoysLongPants(Nojeans)oxfordshirtsweateror
sportscoatdressshoes.

Girls GirlsDressesdressslackscollaredshirtorblouse
withskirtsolidblazerorsweaterdressshoesnohigher
than1.

WerecommendthatyoupurchaseaGrymesshirtandkhakisforconcertdressorlessdressy
fieldtrips.

Drug,Alcohol,andTobaccoUse

32

ItisthedesireofGrymestoprovideadrugfree,healthful,andsafecommunity.Smokingand
theuseoftobaccoproductsareprohibitedinsidetheschoolbuilding.Alcoholshouldnotbe
servedduringschoolsponsoredeventswhenstudentsarepresent,bothonandoffcampus.

EarlyDismissal

Thehomeroomteachermustreceiveanotefromparentsintheeventthatastudentistoleave
schoolearly.Studentsandparentsshouldcheckinatthefrontofficebeforeleavingschool.
Uponreturntoschool,studentsshouldalsocheckinwiththefrontoffice.AstudentwillNOT
bereleasedtoanypersonwhoisunknowntothehomeroomteacherwithout
checkingforpermissionfromtheoffice.

EmergencyClosing/SnowDays

Intheeventofanemergencyorinclementweather,parentswillbecalledbytheParentReach
NotificationCenter.Parentswillreceiveaphonecallwhichisvoiceactivatedsoonemust
speakinordertoreceivethemessage.Anannouncementwillalsobepostedontheschool
websiteatwww.grymesschool.org.Additionally,theschoolwillnotifythefollowingradioand
televisionstationsassoonasaclosing,delayedopening,orearlydismissaldecisionismade:

Radio
Orange&Culpeper
WJMAFM103.1
Charlottesville
WCHVAM1260
Fredericksburg
WFLSFM93.3
WWUZFM96.9
WYSKFM99.3
Louisa
WOJLFM105.5

Television
Charlottesville
Channel29WVIR

33
Forsnowdays,adeterminationwillbemadeby6:00a.m.andparentreachcallswillfollow.
Pleasedonotcalltheadministrationorofficestaffathome.Telephonelinesforthesestaff
membersmustremainfreeforothernecessarycalls.Ifthereisapossibilityofanearly
dismissal(e.g.,potentialsnowstorm)andyouwillnotbeathome,callthefrontofficewith
informationonwhereyouoryourdesignatedpickuppersoncanbereached.Ifyouhave
babysittersorgrandparentsthatpickupyourchild,pleaseexplaininclementweather
procedurestothem.

TheBottomLine
Useyourjudgmentaboutsendingyourchildtoschooloninclementweatherdays!Ifschoolis
openandtheweatherdeteriorates,useyourjudgmentaboutpickingupyourchildearly!

FieldTrips

Fieldtripsareanintegralpartoftheinstructionalprogramandstudentsareexpectedto
participate.Fieldtrippermissionformsandfeesshouldbereturnedbythedesignatedtime.
Studentsareremindedthatduringafieldtriptheyrepresenttheentireschoolandneedtodress
andbehaveappropriately.(RefertotheDressCodesectionforformalfieldtripattirerules.)
Studentstravelingincarsaretowearsnugseatbeltsandobeythedriveratalltimes.

ParentChaperonesareresponsibleforthegroupofchildrenassignedtothem.Thisincludes
keepingthestudentstogetherandhandlingdisciplineproblems,ifnecessary.Chaperonesmust
receiveapprovalfromtheteacherforotherfamilymembersorsiblingstoattendafieldtrip.
Ifforanyreasonastudentcannotparticipateinafieldtrip,parentsmustlettheteacherknow
wellinadvance.Thatstudentwillbetheresponsibilityofhis/herparentsfortheday.

FinancialAid

GrymesMemorialSchoolannuallycommits10%ofits
budgettothefinancialaidprogram.Asignificantpercentageofourstudentsreceivefinancial
aideachyear,placingGrymesnearthetopofallindependentdayschoolsinthepercentageof
studentsreceivingfinancialaid.ThisleveloffinancialaidenablesGrymestoservetheregion
andaddsdiversitytoourschool.

Financialaidisofferedtobothcurrentandnewkindergartenthrougheighthgradestudentson
thebasisofprovenneed,theavailabilityofschoolfunds,andthestudentseffort,achievement

34
andcitizenship.Inordertodeterminethefairestandmostequitableestimateofafamilysneed,
GrymesutilizestheservicesoftheSchoolandStudentServiceforFinancialAid(SSS),an
organizationthatprovidesananalysisofafamilysfinancesanddeterminesasuggested
contributionforeducationalexpenses.Parentssubmitaconfidentialform,theParents
FinancialStatement,directlytotheorganizationwhointurnevaluatestheformandreturnsthe
resultstoGrymes.ParentsmustalsosubmitasignedcopyoftheirmostrecentFederalIncome
TaxForm1040,allschedulesandW2sdirectlytoSSS.Allfinancialgrantsareforoneyear
onlyandarecontingentuponthestudentssatisfactoryeffortandcitizenship.Forthisreason,
familiesmustfileanupdatedParentsFinancialStatementeachyear.Allfinancialinformation
submittedbyafamilyisheldinthestrictestconfidence.

PleasecontacttheBusinessManagerwithanyquestionsonthefinancialaidprocess.

GeneralDeportmentandExpectations

Studentsareexpectedtobecourteousandrespectfultowardsfaculty,schoolguests,and
membersofthestudentbody.Thisappliesatalltimesduringtheschooldayandincludesfield
trips,athleticevents,andschoolassemblies.Specificexpectationsinclude:
Bullying,profanity,rudeness,anddisrespecttoteachersandclassmatesarenot
permissible.
Studentsareexpectedtoabidebyindividualclassroomrules.
Nogum,candy,orcarbonateddrinksarepermittedinthestudentspossession.
Noelectronictoys/devicesortradingcardsareallowedduringtheregularschoolday.
Studentsareexpectedtoabidebythedresscode.

GradingSystem

Reportcardsareissuedtostudentsingradesonethrougheighteverynineweeks.Junior
kindergartenandkindergartenstudentsreceivereportcardsinNovemberandJune.Report
cardsforgradeskindergartenthroughsecondmarkprogressinspecifiedskills.Gradesthree
througheightusethefollowingsystem:

A+ 100 Grades Effort

97 Excellent

35
 Excellent E

A 9693

A 9290

B+ 8987
VeryGood S Satisfactory

B 8683

B 82
80

C+ 7977
Fair I Improvement
Needed

C 7673

C 7270

D+ 6967 Weak U Unsatisfactory

D 6663

D 6260

F Below Failure
60

Gradedworkmayincludeclasswork,homework,quizzes,tests,papersandprojects.
Additionally,studentsintheupperschool,receiveaneffortgradeofE,S,IorU.Thesegrades
describethelevelofeffortastudentmakesinpreparingforclass,theirparticipationinclass,the
qualityoftheirwork,andtheircompliancewithclassrules.Studentsingradesfivethrough
eightareeligiblefortheHonorRoll.ThereisanallAHonorRollandanA/BHonorRoll.
EffortgradesofIorUwillkeepstudentsoffthehonorrollregardlessoftheirletter
grade.

ThenamesofstudentswhoachieveHonorRollwillbepostedonthebulletinboardcentrally
locatedintheschool.

36
GraduationRequirements

ToearnaGrymesMemorialSchooldiploma,astudentmustbeenrolledinalleighthgradecore
academicsubjectsandsuccessfullycompletethesecourses.

GrymesParentTeacherAssociation(GPTA)

TheGPTApromotesandsustainsaneffectiveworkingpartnershipbetweenparentsandthe
school.Tothisend,theGPTAprovidesinformationonmattersofinteresttoparentsandhelps
toeducateparentsaboutissuesandwaystoworkmosteffectivelywiththeschool.Thesegoals
areachievedthroughthefollowing:
Regularmeetings
GPTAnewspublishedintheWednesdayUpdate
parentinvolvementinclassactivitiesandsocialevents
specialallschoolprograms
fundraisingevents
MembershipintheGPTAisfreeandopentoparents,guardians,andgrandparentsofcurrent
Grymesstudents,pluscurrentfaculty,staff,andadministration.

HistoryofGrymesMemorialSchool

In1947,EmilyGrymesbeganteachingstudentsinherhomeinOrange.Fromthismodeststart
theinterestintheprogramforyoungchildrengrew.Aparent,Mrs.GeorgeTyler,suggestedto
Mrs.Grymesthatshestartaschool.Mrs.Grymesnamedtheschoolafterhertwochildren,
ElizabethandBreckenridge,whobothhaddiedwithinsixmonthsofoneanotherin1944.Her
daughterdiedfromafatalillnessandhersonfrominjuriessustainedinWorldWarII.Mrs.
Grymeswishedtoprovideherchildrenwiththebestpossibleeducationandshehadthesame
desireforherstudents.Agiftedteacher,Mrs.Grymesknewthatsheneededacurriculumto
helpguidetheworkinherfledglingschool.SheturnedtotheCalvertSchoolinBaltimore,MD,
whichhadahomestudycourse,andestablishedaverystrongreputationasanelementary
school.

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Mrs.Grymescurriculumemphasizedreading,composition,mathematics,spelling,science,
history,andskilldevelopmentintheearlyyears.Shealsosoughttheverybestteachersasher
programgrew.Withinsevenyearstheschoolrapidlyoutgrewitsspace. Mr.andMrs.V.R.
Shackelford,Jr.,sponsoredameetingattheirhomeBrampton,onFebruary18,1955to
discussthefutureofGrymesMemorialSchool.Theschoolreceivedlandandaverygenerous
challengegrantfromMr.andMrs.WoodburyOber.Plansemergedfortheconstructionofa
schoolonSpicersMillRoad.Meanwhile,theschoolbrieflyusedspaceonthesecondfloorofthe
oldfirehouseinOrange.ThroughallofthisCarrollKemShackelfordbecamethedrivingforce
behindtheschool.ThededicationofthenewbuildingtookplaceonMay27,1956.The
followingSeptembertheschoolmovedtoitspresentlocation.

Muchhashappenedsince1956buttheschoolhassteadfastlyupheldMrs.Grymesearlyvision,
whichstressedbuildingastrongfoundationonfundamentalskillsandknowledge,attracting
excellentteachers,andinvolvingparentswhoarecommittedtothewelfareoftheschoolaswell
astheirchildren.Theschoolhasgrownsteadilyovertheyearsandhasdevelopedan
outstandingreputationforitsdedicationtothepreparationofitsgraduates.

Homework

Homeworkisassignedtoreinforcewhatislearnedinclassandtostrengthenskillsand
understanding.Developingresponsibility,independence,selfdiscipline,andeffectivestudy
habitsarevitaltomakinghomeworkmeaningful.Somestudentslearnbetteringroups,while
othersthriveontheirown.Someneedactivity,whileothersrequirequiettimeinordertolearn
effectively.Parentinvolvementsupportsandenhanceslearningandstrengthens
communicationbetweenparents,teachers,andstudents.Suggesteddailyhomeworksessions
pergradeareasfollows:

K 15minutes
st
1 20minutes
2nd 30minutes
rd
3 45minutes
th
4 1hour
th
5 11.5hours
6th 1.52hours
th
7 hour/course
th
8 hour/course

38
Theseamountscanvary,dependingonassignmentsandstudentconcentration/workhabits.
Pleasecontacttheteacherifyourstudentisspendingmorethantherecommended
time.Academicobligationstakeprecedenceoverotherschoolactivities.Participationinplays,
athleticevents,andotherschoolprogramsmaynotrelievethestudentofresponsibilityfor
homework.MostassignmentsintheupperschoolarepostedfortheweekonVeracross.All
studentsingrades38areexpectedtousetheassignmentplannerprovidedbythe
school.

HonorCode

AtGrymesMemorialSchool,webelievethatthedevelopmentofapersonalcodeofethicsand
conductisessentialtoanyhonorsystem.AllmembersoftheGrymescommunityare
responsibleforcreatingandmaintainingtrustwithinthecommunity.GrymesMemorial
SchoolsethicsaredefinedbytheHonorCode,whichstatesthatstudentswillnotlie,cheat,or
steal.Thisbehavior,alongwithbullying,harassmentanddisrespect,willnotbetolerated.

LowerSchool
Inthelowerschool,studentsaretaughthonorandguidedbythehomeroomteacher.Teachers
mayconsultwithanymemberoftheFacultyHonorCommitteetohandlehonorsituations.
Consequenceswillbeinlinewithteachingamoreacceptablewayofconductingoneself.

UpperSchool
Intheupperschool,studentsandfacultyareresponsibleforreportinghonoroffensestoa
memberoftheFacultyHonorCommittee.Thiscommitteecomprisedofthreemembersofthe
facultyandtheHeadofSchoolwillbeconvenedasnecessary.Thecommitteewilldiscuss
matterswithallpartiesandparentswillbeinformedifanhonorviolationissuspected.Ifthe
committeedeterminesthatanhonorviolationhasoccurred,theywillexplaintothestudentwhy
his/herbehaviorisunacceptable.Aconsequencefittingtheoffensewillbeassigned,suchasa
writtenapology,warning,suspension,orexpulsion.TheHeadofSchoolwillreviewthe
consequenceandappriseparentsofthesituation,regardlessofguiltorinnocence.AllHonor
Codematterswillbehandledwithdiscretionandconfidentiality.

HonorCouncil
ThestudentHonorCouncilisasubcommitteeoftheStudentLeadershipCouncil.Itis
comprisedofan8thgradechairpersonandastudentrepresentativefrom4thgradethrough8th
grades.TheirresponsibilitiesaretoteachthestudentbodyabouttheHonorCodeandto

39
coordinateanycharitableactivitiesthatsetagoodexamplefortheschool(e.g.,Thanksgiving
giftbasketstotheneedyandtheChristmasGivingTreeprogram).

HonorRoll

TheHonorRollisgeneratedfourtimesperyearaftereachgradingperiod.Itrecognizesthose
studentswhoachieveallAsandBsontheirreportcard.Upperschoolstudents(5th8th
grades)areeligiblefortheHonorRoll.
AlistwillbepostedonthebulletinboardneartheHeadofSchoolsofficeandlocalnewspapers
willbenotified.

IllnessandStudentHealth

Childrenwhoareillatschoolcannotbenefitfromattendingclass.Ifachildhashadafever
(over100degrees),vomiting,diarrhea,flulikesymptoms,orasorethroatwithin24hours,
PLEASEkeepthechildathomeuntiltheyhavefullyrecovered.Ifthereisanydoubt,youshould
keepyourchildathome.

Duringschoolhours,childrenwhomaypossiblyberunningafeverwillbesenttothefront
officetohavetheirtemperaturetaken.Ifthechildisill,parentswillbenotified.If
parents/guardianscannotbereached,theappropriateemergencycontactpersonwillbecalled
topickupthechild.

Nonprescriptionmedicationwillbeadministeredonlywithparental/guardianpermissionas
indicatedverballyoronthestudentsmedicalcard.Prescribedmedicationmustbeinits
originalcontainerandwillbeadministeredonlywithparental/guardianpermission.

Childrenwithminorinjuriesorillnessesaretoreporttothefrontoffice,unlesstheirteachercan
treatthemintheclassroom.Ifmedicalattentionisrequired,parentswillbenotifiedandasked
topickuptheirchild.

ThereceptionistandseveralmembersofthefacultyaretrainedinCPRandfirstaid.Inthecase
ofanemergency,wewilldial911andcontacttheparents.

40
VirginiaStateLawrequiresthatimmunizationandstudenthealthrecordsbekeptonfileatthe
school.Accesstothesefilesisrestrictedtothoseemployeesresponsibleforthesafetyand
welfareofyourchild.Studenthealthrecordsarestoredseparatelyfromacademicrecords.

Internet&ComputerUsage
(seealsoAcceptableUsePolicy)

Grymesiswiredforinternetusethroughoutthecampus,allowingaccesstoawiderangeof
informationandprovidinganexcellentresourceforeducationalendeavors.Theschool
maintainsfirewalls,spyware,andspamblockerstoblockaccesstoinappropriateinformation.
Thestaffstrivestomonitorcomputerusageatalltimesanddeliberateaccessofinappropriate
materialwillresultindisciplinaryaction.Parentsareencouragedtodiscussexpectations
concerningtheinternetwiththeirchildren.Theschoolworkscloselywithstudentstoeducate
theminresponsibleandsafeInternetuse.StudentsmustsignanAcceptableUsePolicy
Agreementbeforeusingtheinternetatschool.
Wedonotpermittheuseofpersonallaptopsunlessrecommendedbyaneducational
consultant.Computersfromhomemaybringvirusesontothenetwork,aredifficulttomonitor,
andcanbedistracting.Additionally,theteachersfeelthatthephysicalactofwritingis
importanttobraindevelopmentandlearninginelementaryschool.

Library

Grymeslibraryprovidesresourcematerialsinallformsofmedia.Studentsinthelowerschool
haveregularlyscheduledlibraryperiodseachweek,andstudentsingrade5meetweeklywith
thelibrarianforanInformationLiteracyclasswhichconcentratesonlearningtosearchforand
accessinformationinthelibraryandonlinethatsupportstheirstudies.Thelibrariansupports
thecurriculumin6ththrough8thgradesassistingbothteachersandstudentswithresearch
projectsandpresentinginformation.Studentsmayusethelibraryforresearch,study,reading,
andbookselection,providedtheyhavepermissionfromtheirclassroomteacherandnoother
classesareusingthefacility.Studentsareexpectedtomaintainaquietandorderlyatmosphere
inthelibraryatalltimes.

Studentsmaycheckoutbooksaslongastheydemonstrateresponsibilityinproperbookcare.
Materialsmaybecheckedoutbasedonwhatstudentscanreasonablyuseinaweek.Allmaterial
shouldbereturnedbytheduedate.Usuallyonlyonebookischeckedouteachweek.Students

41
willbechargedforcheckedoutbooksthatarelostordamaged.Feesarenotchargedfor
overduematerials,butadditionalmaterialscannotbecheckedoutuntiloverduematerialsare
returned(orlost/damagedfeespaid).

Lost&Found

Lostandfounditemsaredisplayedoutsidethegym,nearthelockerrooms.Studentsmayclaim
theirlostitemswithpermissionfromateacher.Unclaimeditemsaredonatedtocharity
quarterly.Labelingstudentmaterials(especiallycoats!)canhelppreventavisittotheLost&
Found.

Lunch

Grymesdoesnothaveacafeteriaandallstudentsmustbringalunchfromhome.JKteachers
willrefrigerateandheatstudentlunches,butheatinglunchesingradesK4isleftuptothe
discretionoftheindividualteacher,sincemicrowaveovensmaynotbeavailableinthese
classrooms.Microwavesareavailableinsomeupperschoolclassroomsforsmallitems
requiringafewminutes.Candy,andcarbonatedbeveragesarenotallowed.Ifyour
childforgetshis/herlunchwewillmakearrangementsinschool.Duetofoodallergies,we
preferthatstudentsdonotshare.WeaskthatparentsNOTorderlunchestobedeliveredunless
orderingfortheentireclass.StudentscanparticipateintheGPTAsponsoredFoodFestevery
week.FamiliessignupandpayinadvanceforpizzafromDominoesonMondays,
ChickFilAonTuesdays,WiseGuysonWednesdaysandElVaqueroonThursdays.
ParentscanpayforFoodFestquarterly,byhalfyear,orfortheentireyear.Theschoolcannot
providetheselunchesunlesspaymenthasbeenmadeinadvance.

ParentTeacherConferences

Conferencesrepresentanimportantopportunitytomeetwithyourchildsteachers.Formal
parentconferencedaysarescheduledinthefallandinthespring,butparentsmayrequesta
conferenceatanytimeduringtheyear.Forthebiannualconferences,lowerschoolparentswill
scheduleappointmentswiththehomeroomteacherandupperschoolparentswillschedule
appointmentsthroughthefrontoffice.
42


Parking

Parentscomingtotheschoolduringthedayareencouragedtoparkinthelowerlot.Noparking
ispermittednearthecircleorinfrontoftheschoolduringtheschoolday(8:00a.m.4:00
p.m.).Thecircleandentryarekeptclearfordeliveriesandasafirelane.

PartiesinSchool

ClassPartiesarecoordinatedbetweenthehomeroomteacherandroomparent,usuallyfor
holidaysorcurricularthemes.Onoccasion,classpartiesareheldoffcampus,suchasEasteregg
huntsandendofyearcelebrations.

BirthdayPartiescelebratedatschoolshouldbesimpledessertsafterlunch.Childrenhostinga
birthdaypartyoffcampusshouldbesensitivetothefeelingsofotherchildrenintheclassroom.
Ifeverychild(orallchildrenofthesamegender)isinvitedtoabirthdayparty,invitationsmay
bedeliveredinclass.Otherwise,invitationsmustbemaileddirectlyfromthehosttotheguest.
Pleaseremindyourchildrenthatifeveryoneisnotinvitedtoaparticularparty,theyshouldbe
sensitivetoothersfeelingsandnotdiscusstheplans.Anyuseofschooltransportationfor
partiesmustbeclearedwiththebusdriverandthefrontdeskinadvance.Somebusesdonot
haveroomformanyextrapassengers.

PhysicalEducation

Studentsparticipateinphysicaleducationeachdayduringtheschoolyear.Thepurposeof
Grymesphysicaleducationprogramistointroduceallstudentstophysicalskillsandvarious
gamesandgroupactivitiesduringtheyear.Inaddition,theimportanceofphysicalwellbeing
andgoodhealthandnutritionarestressedinadevelopmentallyappropriatewayasapartofthe
program.Goalsinclude:
Inspireandinstillfaithandconfidencewitheachstudentscapabilities.

43
 Encouragethemoral,mental,andphysicaldevelopmentofstudentsthroughsports.
Createapositiveselfimageforeachstudent.
Showandteachstudentsassertiveness,independence,andselfcontrol.
Stimulatehealthandfitnessanddemonstratetheimportanceofeachtothestudents

wellbeing.
Encourageeachstudentspotentialwiththeknowledge,skills,andpositiveattitudesthat

willleadtoahealthylifestyle.
Offerchallenging,diverse,andcreativeactivitiesinasafe,bright,andpleasing

environment.

Nostudentwillbeallowedtoparticipateinphysicaleducationorathleticcompetitionwithouta
completedphysicalexaminationformonfileintheschooloffice.Ifyourchildhasanyhealth
problemsorshouldnotparticipateinasportorphysicalactivity,pleaseexplainthisinwriting.
Forillnessorothermedicalproblemsthatariseduringtheschoolyear,parentsarerequiredto
sendanotetotheschoolinordertohavestudentsexcusedfromphysicaleducation.Lower
schoolchildrenmustwearrubbersoledshoestoP.E.class.

Upperschoolstudentsingrades58arerequiredtoweargymuniformsandathleticshoes
fordailyphysicaleducationclasses.InformationaboutuniformsissenthomeinJulyandthey
canbepurchasedfromtheschoolinSeptember.

RedTeamandWhiteTeam

Grymestwostudentteams,TheRedTeamandTheWhiteTeam,challengeeachother
throughouttheyearateventssuchastheNameThatBookassemblyandFieldDay.Students
enteringtheschoolareassignedtooneofthetwoteamssiblingsareassignedtothesameteam.

Recess

Grymesschedulesrecesstwicedaily,at10:35a.m.and12:45p.m.Thisisafreeplayactivity
withteachersupervisionandisanimportantpartoftheschoolday.Exceptininclement
weather,allstudentsinJK7willparticipateinoutdoorrecess.Asaneighthgradeprivilege,
studentsmaychoosetoremainindoorsduringrecess.Occasionallyteachersmayrequire
studentstomissarecessperiodtofinishclasswork,workoneononeortodiscussabehavioral
issue.Studentsareencouragedtobringanutritioussnackforthemorningrecess.

44
Thefollowingplaygroundrulesapplytoallstudents:
Swingproperlywithoutjumping,standing,orspinning.
Runsafelyawayfromswingandslideareas.
Leaverocksandsticksontheground.
Sitproperlyonbencheswithoutstandingorsittingontabletops.
Pullingandclimbingontreesarenotpermitted.
Playwithothersinarespectfulmanner.
Childrenexcusedfromphysicaleducationwilllimitrecessparticipation.
Childrenmuststaywithindesignatedlimits.
Upperschoolstudentsmaypracticelacrosseonlywithsoftrubberballsandwithout
physicalchecking.

RoomParents

Roomparentsprovideassistancetohomeroomteachersinavarietyofways.Thesemayinclude
helpingtoarrangeandcoordinateclasspartiesandfieldtrips,representtheclassatvarious
schoolfunctions,andsupporttheactiveinvolvementofgradelevelparents.Servingasaroom
parentcanbeextraordinarilyrewardingandservestostrengthenparentteacher
communicationinavaluableway.Responsibilitiesvarydependinguponteacherneedsand
preferences.Possibleactivitiesthatmayrequireroomparentsupportinclude:
Organizingandfollowinguponallclassroomparties
Arrangingparentdriversandchaperonesforfieldtrips
Assistingtheteacherinoroutoftheclassroom
Organizingparentassistancefortheclassplay
Contactingparentvolunteersforcommunityserviceprojects
Roomparentsareapositiveassettotheteachersandchildren.Thisisawonderfulwayto
participateinyourchildseducation.Foramoredetaileddescriptionofactivitiesand
responsibilities,pleasetalktotheGPTApresidents.

StudentLeadershipCouncil

IntheupperschoolstudentshaveanumberofleadershipopportunitiesthroughtheStudent
LeadershipCouncil.Thecounciliscomprisedofcopresidents,electedinMay,thechairsoffour
committees:honor,communityservice,spiritandsocial,electedinthefall,and4
representativesfromeachclass,grades58.Opportunitiesforstudentleadershipinclude
assistingintheassemblyprogrameachweek,organizingcommunityserviceprojects,planning
dancesandorganizingspiritdays.
45


Tardies

Studentsarrivingafter8:25a.m.willbemarkedtardy.Weexpectfamiliestoarriveatschoolon
timeasacourtesytobothteachersandclassmates.Achildneedstherequisitetimetogreet
friends,organizematerials,andcomposehim/herselfforthedayswork.Tardystudentsmay
missimportantclasstime,bedisruptive,andpossiblydelaytheworkoftheentireclass.Parents
ofstudentswithmorethanfivetardiesinamarkingperiodwillbeaskedtomeetwiththe
AssistantHeadofSchooltodeviseabetterplanfortimemanagement.

TextbooksandSupplies

Studentsareexpectedtoarriveontheopeningdayofschoolwithallsuppliesinhand.Supply
listsaremailedduringthesummerandpostedonline.Textbooksareincludedinthetuitionand
arethepropertyoftheschool.Studentsareexpectedtotakegoodcareofthebooksissuedto
them.Replacementfeesarechargedforlostorbadlymistreatedbooks.Finalreportcardswill
notbereleaseduntilalltextbooksarereturnedorfeespaid.

Transportation

GrymesMemorialSchoolprovidesbusservicetostudentsfrommanyofthesurrounding
counties.Typicallythisserviceisavailabletoandfromcentralpointsorstopsalongaspecified
route.Parentsmayalsodrivetheirchildrendirectlytoandfromtheschool(knownasthe
carpoolmethod).

BusTransportation:Pleasestresstoyourchild(ren)theimportanceofallowingthebus
drivertoattendtohis/herprimaryresponsibilitydrivingthebusinasafemanner.School
rulesapplythemomentyourchildstepsonthebusinthemorninganduntilhe/sheexitsthe
busintheafternoon.Safetyforthebusridersanddriversismostimportant.Ridersaretostay

46
inoneseatduringtheentirerideandanydisruptive,dangerous,ordisrespectfulbehaviorwill
bereportedtotheHeadofSchool.Examplesofdisruptivebehaviorinclude:
Horseplay
Throwingobjects
Excessivenoise
Movementfromseattoseat
Inappropriateuseofcellphones/ipads,etc.
Allgames,bats,sticks,andballsaretobegiventothebusdriveruponenteringthebus.The
drivermaybringanyitemthatcreatesaproblemonthebustotheoffice.Pleaserememberthat
balloonsobstructvisionandtheburstingnoisecanstartlethedriver.

Pleasehavechild(ren)atthebusontime,preferably5minutesearly.Pleasebeontimetopick
upchildrenatdropofflocations.Ifachildistobedroppedoffatadifferentlocation,senda
note,tellthedriver,orspeakwithapersoninthefrontoffice.ThedriverswillNOTfollowthe
studentsinstructions.Ifnooneisatastoptomeetastudent,driverswillbringthestudent
backtoGrymesMemorialSchool.

Childrenmayuseelectronicgamedevicesorlistentomusicwithearphones,althoughthese
maynotbeusedoncethestudentarrivesatschool.Cellphonesmaybeusedtocontactaparent,
butonlywiththebusdriverspermission.

Pleasebemindfulofthelimitedspaceonsomeofourbusroutes.Youmustgetpermission
fromthebusdriverifyouwantoneortwoclassmatestoridehomeonthebuswithyourchild.

CarpoolTransportation:Morningdropofftimeisbetween8:00a.m.and8:25a.m.
Afternoonpickuptimeisbetween3:20p.m.and3:30p.m.,MondaythroughThursday.
(Afternoonpickuptimeisbetween2:30p.m.and2:45p.m.onFridays.)Pleasebepromptin
pickingupyourchild(ren)intheafternoons.Busyteachersarekeptfromafterschoolworkto
superviselatecarpool
riders.

WednesdayUpdate

ThemajorityofparentcorrespondencecomeshomeintheWednesdayUpdatewhichis
availableviaemailandbyhardcopyonrequest.TheUpdatecontainsschoolnews,upcoming
eventsandGPTAnotices.

47

WhomToCall

Absences CassieSacre 5406721010

AcademicSupport JulieSherman
Admissions HopeScibal 5406720940
Alumni MelissaStephenson 5406720945
AnnualFund MelissaStephenson
Bills&Payments KimJones 5406722315
Building&GroundsKimJones/ThayneBarber
BusService KimJones/ThayneBarber
Curriculum TamieCampbell 5406721010
FinancialAid KimJones 5406722315
GradesTeachers emailarequesttotalk
GrymesTimesHopeScibal 5406720940
GPTAChair JenniferHulsey jhulsey@woodberry.org
StudentCouncil MelanieHandelsmanandKimberKeating
HonorCommittee MarcyWagner
SpiritCommittee LauraNelson
ServiceCommittee TeresaHuelskoetter,AngiePaschal
SocialCommittee SarahHallum
Transcripts LaurieRoche
Yearbook AngiePaschal

Tocontactteachers,eithercallCassieSacreattheFrontDeskorsendanemailtotheteacher
requestingatimetohaveaphonecallorameeting.Rememberthatemailsarefirstinitial,last
name@grymesschool.org.

48