THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
WELCOME TO THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY .................................................................................................7
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY ADMINISTRATION & SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ................................................... 7
CONTACTING THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY .......................................................................................................... 7
RECEIVING COMMUNICATION FROM THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY .............................................................. 8
EDUCATIONAL MISSION, PURPOSE, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ..................................................................8
MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 8
VISION STATEMENT ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION ...................................................................................................................... 9
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................. 9
PROFILE OF THE GRADUATE ..................................................................................................................................... 10
NOTIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................................................. 12
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN/NOTIFICATION ................................................................................................ 12
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 12
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................................ 12
ACADEMIC INFORMATION............................................................................................................................... 12
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 12
YEAR AND SEMESTER CREDIT REQUIREMENT .................................................................................................... 13
TRANSFER STUDENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 13
GRADUATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS......................................................................................................... 14
DEMONSTRATION OF PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ........................................................................................... 14
NOTIFICATION OF MEETING GRADUATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .................................................. 15
EXEMPTIONS TO GRADUATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ........................................................................ 16
APPEAL PROCESS ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
CLASS STANDING ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
COURSE CHANGES ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
COURSE WITHDRAWAL .............................................................................................................................................. 17
REPEATING A COURSE ................................................................................................................................................ 17
GRADING & HOMEWORK POLICIES ......................................................................................................................... 17
LATE WORK—SCHOOL WIDE POLICY .................................................................................................................... 19
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................... 19
STATEMENT OF THE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE ON STUDENT WORK LOADS AND ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 19
GRADE POINT AVERAGE ............................................................................................................................................ 19
CLASS RANK .................................................................................................................................................................. 20
GRADING SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
HONOR ROLL ................................................................................................................................................................. 21
GRADUATION HONORS ............................................................................................................................................... 21
INCOMPLETES ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
MAKE-UP WORK ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
REPORT CARDS ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
HOMEBOUND AND HOSPITALIZED INSTRUCTION .............................................................................................. 22
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 3
TUTORIAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................... 23
ACADEMIC REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................... 23
CREDIT RECOVERY ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
STUDY HALLS ................................................................................................................................................................ 23
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ACADEMY .................................................................................................................... 23
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 24
AP COURSES ................................................................................................................................................................... 24
EARNING COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE ENROLLED AT THE ACADEMY .............................................................. 25
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EDUCATIONAL RECORDS ................................................................... 25
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................................................. 25
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS ....................................................................................................................... 26
PROCEDURE TO INSPECT AND REVIEW EDUCATION RECORDS...................................................................... 26
REFUSAL TO PROVIDE COPIES OF EDUCATION RECORDS ................................................................................ 27
FEES FOR COPIES OF RECORDS ................................................................................................................................ 27
TYPES, LOCATIONS AND CUSTODIANS OF EDUCATION RECORDS ................................................................ 28
DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS ................................................................................................................ 29
MILITARY RECRUITER RECORDS ............................................................................................................................. 30
CORRECTION OF EDUCATION RECORDS ............................................................................................................... 30
SCHOOL SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................ 31
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES .............................................................................................................................. 31
CAMPUS SECURITY OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................. 33
SECURITY CAMERAS ................................................................................................................................................... 33
FIRE DRILL/FIRE ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
CRISIS PROCEDURE...................................................................................................................................................... 33
STUDENT ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 34
ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................ 34
FIELD TRIPS .................................................................................................................................................................... 34
CLUBS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 35
STUDENT COUNCIL ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
CLASS ACTIVITIES AND OFFICERS .......................................................................................................................... 35
CLASS DUES ................................................................................................................................................................... 35
DANCES/SOCIAL EVENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 35
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: CONSTANCE HOLT CHAPTER ............................................................................ 36
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS ..................................................................................................................... 37
INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS TEAMS ........................................................................................................................ 37
MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 38
PROGRAM GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS ................................................................................................................ 38
CORE VALUES ............................................................................................................................................................... 39
CIAC POSITION ON STEROIDS ................................................................................................................................... 39
CIAC POSITION ON CAPTAIN’S PRACTICES ........................................................................................................... 39
CIAC POSITION ON OPEN GYM ................................................................................................................................. 40
PAY-TO-PLAY POLICY ................................................................................................................................................. 40
ADDITIONAL ATHLETIC POLICIES AND PRACTICES ........................................................................................... 40
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM ................................................................................ 41
MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 41
PHILOSOPHY .................................................................................................................................................................. 41
DEVELOPMENTAL SCHOOL COUNSELING ............................................................................................................ 41
CURRICULUM GOALS .................................................................................................................................................. 42
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 4
CONFIDENTIALITY ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
COMPONENTS OF THE COUNSELING PROGRAM ................................................................................................. 43
CAREER RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................................... 44
STUDENT SERVICES ........................................................................................................................................... 44
DEPARTMENT GOALS .................................................................................................................................................. 44
RELATED SERVICES ..................................................................................................................................................... 45
SECTION 504/REHABILITATION ACT ....................................................................................................................... 45
HEALTH OFFICES .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
READMISSION TO SCHOOL FOLLOWING MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITALIZATION ........................................ 49
STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY ................................................................................................................................... 49
SERVICE COORDINATION MEETING ....................................................................................................................... 49
LEARNING ASSISTANCE BLOCK (LAB) ................................................................................................................... 50
RESIDENTIAL LIFE POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 50
MISSION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 50
GENERAL DORMITORY PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS ........................................................................... 51
DORMITORY ROOMS ................................................................................................................................................... 54
PERSONAL PROPERTY ................................................................................................................................................. 56
FLIK DINING ................................................................................................................................................................... 56
ORDERING FOOD DELIVERED TO CAMPUS ........................................................................................................... 56
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES AND OFF-CAMPUS TRAVEL ........................................................................................... 58
TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................................... 59
DISCIPLINE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59
RESIDENTIAL SECURITY AND SAFETY .................................................................................................................. 61
WHEELED DEVICES ...................................................................................................................................................... 62
DRIVERS LICENSE ........................................................................................................................................................ 62
STAFF APARTMENTS & PROPERTY.......................................................................................................................... 62
CAMPUS BOUNDARIES................................................................................................................................................ 62
VISITORS/GUESTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 63
HEALTH SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 64
HEALTH OFFICE MISSION ........................................................................................................................................... 64
HEALTH OFFICE HOURS ............................................................................................................................................. 64
MEDICAL DIRECTOR .................................................................................................................................................... 65
MEDICATION POLICY FOR BOARDING STUDENTS .............................................................................................. 65
SICK VISITS/ILLNESS ................................................................................................................................................... 66
ATHLETIC INJURIES/SPORTS RESTRICTIONS ........................................................................................................ 67
ROUTINE EXAMINATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 67
ON- AND OFF-CAMPUS APPOINTMENTS ................................................................................................................ 67
ORTHOPEDIC REFERRALS .......................................................................................................................................... 67
TRANSPORTATION TO HEALTH APPOINTMENTS ................................................................................................ 68
PHARMACY .................................................................................................................................................................... 68
GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 69
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY ......................................................................................................................................... 69
ACCOUNTABILITIES .................................................................................................................................................... 69
AGE OF MAJORITY ....................................................................................................................................................... 69
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE ....................................................................................................................................... 69
BREATHALYZER TESTING ......................................................................................................................................... 70
BUS REGULATIONS AND CONDUCT ........................................................................................................................ 72
ACADEMY VEHICLES .................................................................................................................................................. 72
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 5
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT AND MANDATED REPORTING .................................................................................... 72
COMMUNITY LUNCH ................................................................................................................................................... 72
DRESS CODE .................................................................................................................................................................. 73
DRUGS/ALCOHOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 75
VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE ........................................................................................................................................ 76
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: CELL PHONES ................................................................................................................... 76
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: ALL OTHER DEVICES ...................................................................................................... 77
ISSUED TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................ 78
FOOD DELIVERY ........................................................................................................................................................... 79
HOMELESSNESS ............................................................................................................................................................ 79
INITIAL MORNING PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................... 79
INSURANCE .................................................................................................................................................................... 80
LIBRARY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 80
LOCKERS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 81
LOST AND FOUND ........................................................................................................................................................ 81
PASSES............................................................................................................................................................................. 81
PERSONAL PETS ............................................................................................................................................................ 81
PESTICIDE APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................................ 81
SCHOOL CANCELLATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ...................................................................................................... 81
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS ................................................................................................................................................ 82
SMOKING ........................................................................................................................................................................ 82
STUDENT PARKING ...................................................................................................................................................... 82
SEARCH OF TECHNOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... 83
STUDENT SEARCH ........................................................................................................................................................ 83
SUICIDE PREVENTION POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 84
SURVEY OF STUDENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 84
TRESPASSING ................................................................................................................................................................ 84
UNAUTHORIZED AREAS ............................................................................................................................................. 84
VALUABLES ................................................................................................................................................................... 84
VISITORS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 85
WORKING PAPERS ........................................................................................................................................................ 85
ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY POLICY ................................................................................................................... 85
DAILY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................. 86
EXCUSED ABSENCES ................................................................................................................................................... 86
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES – POTENTIAL LOSS OF CREDIT .................................................................................. 86
APPEAL PROCESS FOR REINSTATEMENT OF WITHHELD CREDIT ................................................................... 87
STUDENT/TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY DURING WITHHELD CREDIT PERIOD............................................... 88
OTHER RAMIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 88
TRUANCY POLICY ........................................................................................................................................................ 88
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL AND CLASS ...................................................................................................................... 89
ACCEPTABLE REASONS FOR TARDINESS OR DISMISSAL ................................................................................. 90
UNEXCUSED CLASS ABSENCES ................................................................................................................................ 90
ATTENDANCE VS. WORK OBLIGATIONS ................................................................................................................ 90
REPORTING AN ABSENCE .......................................................................................................................................... 90
SENIOR PRIVILEGES .................................................................................................................................................... 91
STUDENTS OF MILITARY FAMILIES ........................................................................................................................ 92
CODE OF CONDUCT & RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................... 92
ELIGIBILITY TO REPRESENT THE ACADEMY ....................................................................................................... 92
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 6
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ............................................................................................................................................... 93
RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS AND THE LAW ................................................................................................ 94
STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS/PROTESTS .............................................................................................................. 94
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY DISCIPLINE CODE ....................................................................................... 94
LEVEL 1 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 95
LEVEL 2 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 96
LEVEL 3 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 96
DETENTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 98
INTERNAL SUSPENSION (IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION) .......................................................................................... 99
EXTERNAL SUSPENSION (OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION) .............................................................................. 100
EXPULSION/DISMISSAL ............................................................................................................................................ 100
ALTERNATIVE TO EXTERNAL EXPULSION ......................................................................................................... 102
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE/ALCOHOL NOTIFICATION .................................................................................... 102
WEAPONS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 103
MISCONDUCT OFF OF THE ACADEMY GROUNDS (CAMPUS) ......................................................................... 103
STUDENT DISCIPLINE SITUATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 105
EMPLOYEE DIRECTORY ................................................................................................................................. 108
MAIN NUMBER (860) 928-6575 .................................................................................................................................. 108
DAILY AND SPECIAL SCHEDULES ................................................................................................................. 109
AUTHORIZATION EXPLANATION ................................................................................................................. 110
FEDERAL LAW — THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001 ........................................................................ 110
*For purposes of this handbook, the word “campus” refers to both our North and South Campuses, Bentley
Athletic Complex, as well as our shuttle buses, unless specifically noted otherwise. Also, the words “main
office” refers to the North Campus office located in the Bowen Building and the South Campus office located in
Annhurst Hall.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 7
WELCOME TO THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
This student handbook has been prepared to make you and your parents and/or guardians aware of the services,
events, academic requirements, and policies that apply to all students of The Woodstock Academy. This
document does not constitute an enrollment contact between a student and WA. We hope that you and your
family find this document informative. It is important that you review these materials and check the online
calendar (accessible from the school’s website: www.woodstockacademy.org) for important dates. The calendar
is updated regularly. Should there be any questions concerning The Academy’s services or policies, please feel
free to contact a member of The Academy staff.
The Academy community looks forward to the start of the new school year. We urge you to participate fully
and enthusiastically in the community life and traditions of The Woodstock Academy. Best wishes for a
productive and successful school year!
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY ADMINISTRATION & SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Christopher Sandford
Head of School
Holly Singleton
Associate Head of School
Michael Susi
Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations
Jonathan Sturdevant
Associate Head of School for External Affairs
Amy Favreau
Assistant Head of School
Michael Harten
Dean of Academics
Karin Hughes
Dean of Student Affairs
Beth Ten Eyck
Anthony Gomes
Shannon VanderSwaagh
Dean of Students
Director of Campus Safety
Director of Student Support
David Walley
Director of Counseling
Madison Millar
Director of Communications
Amanda Tosetti
Bobbie-Jo Saucier
Sean Saucier
Denzel Washington
William Olson
Christopher Downs
Eric Davidson
Director of South Campus & Residential Life
Director of Health Services
Director of Athletics
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Director of Technology
Director of Admissions
Executive Director of Loos Center for the Arts
CONTACTING THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
BY PHONE
(860) 928-6575
BY MAIL
The Woodstock Academy
57 Academy Road, Woodstock, CT 06281
BY EMAIL
All employees can be contacted through email. A full list of email addresses can be found in the Employee
Directory on the school website. All emails follow the format of first initial, last name
@woodstockacademy.org. For example, John Sample would be jsam[email protected].
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 8
RECEIVING COMMUNICATION FROM THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
The Woodstock Academy will make every effort to deliver all written communication electronically.
Information is sent to both student and parent email addresses. Be sure to regularly talk with your students
about the emails they receive. Changes to residency must be reported immediately to Katie Durga, Registrar, at
registrar@woodstockacademy.org or by calling (860) 928-6575. Changes to contact phone number or email
can be made by completing the Parent/Guardian & Emergency Contact Update Form found in PowerSchool in
the “General Forms” section.
All students have access to school email. If your child is new, and has not activated their school myWA
account, they can do so at: woodstockacademy.org/newaccount .
• Students myWA accounts are formatted as: first initial + last name + year of graduation (post grad
students use 20PG as grad year)
• myWA (network) account example: asample2028
• Each student’s temporary password is included in their new student welcome letter.
If your student has any difficulty with their account or assigned technology, they should stop by the IT Office
on North Campus, call (860) 928-6575 (option 8) or open a support ticket on support.woodstockacademy.org.
EDUCATIONAL MISSION, PURPOSE,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
MISSION STATEMENT
The Woodstock Academy prepares all students by providing diverse opportunities through a rigorous
curriculum and a variety of programs in order to cultivate the necessary skills to become lifelong learners and
global citizens.
VISION STATEMENT
The Woodstock Academy is a student-centered school which emphasizes individual growth and development
through student engagement in diverse instructional opportunities effectively managed by an empowered
faculty, supported by a participating community, and characterized by the highest global values of a rapidly
changing world.
PURPOSE
The Woodstock Academy is an independent four-year, nonselective, coeducational secondary school serving
the towns of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, and, Woodstock. The Academy welcomes
additional students from outside of these towns and around the world on a tuition basis. The primary purpose of
The Academy is to create an educational environment which fosters fundamental skills, critical and creative
thinking, questioning, practical problem solving, active learning, and social awareness.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 9
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
The Woodstock Academy’s mission of cultivating global citizens is a persistent and impactful element of its
school culture. The Academy strives to create an inclusive environment, which will include sustaining and
deepening a climate where Woodstock Academy students and community members can thrive and flourish
together and respect one another. We believe that when we are challenged through exposure to a wide range of
viewpoints, we learn to examine our assumptions, question the status quo, and creatively craft solutions to even
the most daunting challenges. We also believe it is our ethical and moral responsibility to be aware of issues of
bias, microaggressions, racism, homophobia, ableism, inclusion, and equity and to dedicate our efforts to
improvement constantly. While The Academy provides a great variety of outstanding academics and activities
to our students, we must continually look at all of our policies, practices, curriculum, priorities, and
programming in the area of equity and inclusion in order to truly meet our mission as an institution. We must
also acknowledge that The Woodstock Academy is historically a predominantly white intuition situated in a
predominantly white community. This constitution, without intentional efforts around belonging can foster
ethnocentrism, a clear contradiction to the schools mission.
As noted in The Board of Trustee’s Equity and Diversity policy, “The diversity of our student body, our
community, and our staff are a significant strength of The Academy that should be fostered. Educational equity
benefits all students and our entire community. The Academy’s goal is to establish a framework for the
elimination of bias, particularly racism and cultural bias, as factors affecting student achievement and learning
experiences, and to promote learning and work environments that welcome, respect and value diversity.”
(Policy 0523)
Our community strives to be equitable and just. In reaching for these goals, we:
· Desire to include and accept all individuals,
· Look for ways to understand and celebrate the richness of the human experience,
· Work diligently to create opportunities for all voices and opinions to be heard, seen, and displayed,
· Purposely integrate global perspectives into curriculum,
· Foster a sense of belonging for all members of the school community,
· Acknowledge inherent biases, and
· In recognition of diversity, promote equity and inclusion at The Academy as part of the school norms.
This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—and its actualization in all that we do and stand for—is
central to the education of our students and our respective communities to facilitate change and become
responsible and caring participants in the world.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1 - MOTIVATION TO LEARN
Students must be motivated to learn. The Woodstock Academy students will respond to the high expectations of
their parents and/or guardians, teachers, and school administrators and to their own inherent need to grow and
develop as individuals by:
• Developing self-understanding and a positive self-concept;
• Understanding and striving to fulfill their own personal aspirations; and
• Developing positive feelings of self-worth which contribute to responsible behavior, personal growth,
health, and safety.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 10
GOAL 2 - MASTERY OF THE BASIC SKILLS
Proficiency in the basic skills is essential for acquiring knowledge and for success in our society. The
Woodstock Academy students will:
• Learn to communicate effectively;
• Read with understanding;
• Acquire knowledge of, and ability in, mathematics;
• Utilize technology effectively and responsibly;
• Demonstrate decision-making skills; and
• Explore, develop, and express their own uniqueness and creativity.
GOAL 3 - ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE
Acquiring knowledge leads to fuller realization of individual potential and contributes to responsible
citizenship. The Woodstock Academy students will:
• Acquire the knowledge of science and technology, mathematics, and social studies; and
• Acquire an understanding and appreciation of the values and the intellectual and artistic achievements of
their culture and other cultures.
GOAL 4 - COMPETENCE IN LIFE SKILLS
As adults, students will be challenged to function successfully in multiple roles: as a citizen, family member,
parent, worker, and consumer. The Woodstock Academy students who complete secondary level studies will:
• Demonstrate an ability to make informed career choices;
• Understand the responsibilities of family membership and parenthood;
• Demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for success in meaningful employment;
and
• Be qualified to enter post-secondary education.
GOAL 5 - UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY’S VALUES
To be responsible citizens, and contribute to positive change, students must understand and respect the diversity
of society. The Woodstock Academy students will:
• Respect and appreciate diversity;
• Understand the inherent strengths in a global society;
• Understand and respond to the vital need for order under law;
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake the responsibilities of citizenship, to live in harmony with the
environment, and to practice conservation of natural resources; and
• Respect the humanity they share with other people and develop interpersonal skills.
PROFILE OF THE GRADUATE
Students of The Woodstock Academy will become:
COMPLEX THINKERS
Students will be expected to become complex thinkers by developing the ability to:
• Determine when a problem exists and consider the parameters of the problem;
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 11
• Approach problems from multiple perspectives and identify options in the development of solutions;
• Analyze problems, recognizing the potential effects of the options to be implemented;
• Use a variety of creative formats in reaching conclusions;
• Reflect on and delineate the process used when synthesizing information and when screening for
relevant and irrelevant information; and
• Utilize suitable technology and resources in solving problems, where appropriate.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS
Students will be expected to become effective communicators by developing the ability to:
• Use a variety of forms of expression (such as: computer, oral, written, art, music and performance) to
successfully communicate to varying audiences;
• Address a small or large group appropriately;
• Recognize, identify, and employ appropriate non-verbal communication;
• Demonstrate the organizational skills necessary to express themselves; and
• Alter the method of communication in order to effectively enhance the desired outcome.
SENSITIVE TO THE AESTHETIC WORLD
Students will be expected to become sensitive to the aesthetic world by developing the ability to:
• Recognize and express the relationship between people and their environment;
• Recognize and identify the importance of the arts in the development of the humanistic individual;
• Acquire knowledge of civilization’s heritage and recognize the interrelationship of aesthetic and cultural
development;
• Engage in activities which provide opportunities to apply knowledge and aesthetic judgment to personal
life, home, and/or community;
• Express individual perceptions, experiences, ideas, and feelings through a variety of media; and
• Experiment with materials and processes to foster self-expression.
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HEALTHY
Students will be expected to become healthy, both physically and mentally, by developing the ability to:
• Recognize the importance of physical and emotional health in contributing productively to society;
• Recognize the connection between physical fitness and mental well-being;
• Habitually engage in regular physical activity;
• Make choices that are beneficial to the physical and mental health of the individual; and
• Recognize the symptoms of stress and develop strategies to manage it.
EFFECTIVE PROCESSORS OF INFORMATION
Students will be expected to become effective processors of information by developing the ability to:
• Develop strategies which allow them to clearly, concisely, and consistently organize information;
• Collect and compile data from a variety of sources;
• Read with acceptable understanding, recognizing key elements of the information utilized;
• Use the writing process to create documents suitable to the given task;
• Recognize and use current technology to assist in improving the format and quality of written
information;
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 12
• Apply fundamental computational skills to assist in interpreting and utilizing information, when
appropriate;
• Synthesize information resulting in a coherent thesis (hypothesis); and
• Process sensory perceptions in order to design and create.
NOTIFICATIONS
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN/NOTIFICATION
In accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 763, “Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools,” and §19a-333-1 through 13
of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, “Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools,” we are required
to inform you that an asbestos management plan is available, which confirms that no asbestos-containing
materials were used in the construction of the school building.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
It is the policy of The Woodstock Academy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military service, or any
other protected class status in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. Inquiries regarding
compliance may be directed to the Head of School. Amy Favreau serves as the Student Title IX Coordinator;
she can be reached at extension 1221, or by emailing afavreau@woodstockacademy.org.
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Student grievances will be processed in an organized manner at the lowest level at which a resolution is likely
to occur. The Dean of Student Affairs and/or the Dean of Academics will receive and processes student
grievances that rise to an administrative level.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Academics, Dr. Michael Harten.
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees believes in the vision that The Academy is a student-centered
school which emphasizes individual growth and development through student engagement in diverse
instructional opportunities effectively managed by an empowered faculty, supported by a participating
community, and characterized by the highest global values of a rapidly changing world. To that end, The
Woodstock Academy Graduation Requirements are in alignment with the school’s mission.
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
All students must earn a minimum of 25 credits in order to graduate (students have the opportunity earn 32 credits
over the course of 4 years). Seniors must carry a minimum of 6 credits and must pass a minimum of 5 to be eligible to
graduate. To participate in graduation exercises, each student must have earned the minimum credits, which must
include:
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 13
CORE: 18 credits, must include*:
English 4 (English 1, 2, 3, 4)
Mathematics 4 (Sequence of Algebra 1, Algebra 2, & Geometry recommended)
Science 3 (Foundations of Science, Biology, & Chemistry)
Social Studies 3 (World, U.S. Government & Politics, & Mod. U.S.)
World Language 1
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Health & Safety 1 (.5 Health required)
Mastery-Based Diploma Assessment** 1
Electives: 7 credits, must include at least the following:
Fine Arts 1
Humanities 1
STEM 2
Open Electives 3
Total Credits 25
*Beginning with the Class of 2027, students must also earn one-half credit in Financial Literacy.
**Optional.
YEAR AND SEMESTER CREDIT REQUIREMENT
All students attending The Woodstock Academy must carry a minimum of three (3) credits per semester each
year. A passing grade in at least five academic subjects in each year is required for promotion to the succeeding
grade level. Seniors must carry a minimum of six (6) credits and must pass a minimum of five (5) to be eligible
to graduate, in addition to the total and distribution requirements previously outlined. Exceptions may be
granted to fifth year students following discussion with administration and counseling staff.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Transfer students, having successfully completed high school level academic work, must present certified
transcripts from accredited high schools or agencies where work was completed for The Academy evaluation.
Credits, reflecting previous accomplishments, will be evaluated for individual students in selecting a course
schedule that meets The Academy’s total and distribution graduation requirements. Following the completion of
two semesters at The Woodstock Academy, the student will be placed into the GPA and rank structure
determined by all certified, accredited high school level academic core courses completed.
Any transfer credits factored into The Woodstock Academy GPA and rank structure will not be factored at
levels higher than the academic course levels available to Academy students. Current and previous
academic course levels are compared and evaluated in determining student class standing.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 14
All students must satisfy both the minimum credit requirements and the minimum Graduation Performance
Standards to be awarded a diploma from The Woodstock Academy.
GRADUATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
READING PERFORMANCE STANDARD
A student will read a variety of texts (i.e., literary, informational and persuasive) and describe their general
content.
WRITING PERFORMANCE STANDARD
A student will produce an essay which: 1) employs appropriate process; 2) has a beginning, middle, and end; 3)
adequately develops a clear thesis; and 4) adheres to the conventions of standard written English.
MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE STANDARD
A student will analyze a mathematical problem and apply strategies and processes that will yield an appropriate
solution. The student will either explain in writing, or in a pictorial, graphical, or algebraic representation how
she/he arrived at each solution or justify each solution.
SCIENCE PERFORMANCE STANDARD
A student will analyze a scientific problem, apply strategies, and processes that demonstrate use of
experimentation and scientific reasoning to realistic problems.
DEMONSTRATION OF PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Students may demonstrate achievement of the performance standards by:
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS
• Achieve a minimum score of 370 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the PSAT or
SAT, or 19 on the ACT Reading Test; or
• Earn an overall minimum C- average in Freshman and Junior English, or a C- average in Reading
Seminar; or
• Achieve a minimum Degrees of Reading Power percentile rank for spring of grade 10 at an independent
level or P=.90) of 70% which will be administered by the Administration and scored by the Graduation
Performance Standards Committee.
WRITING
• Achieve a minimum score of 19 on the Writing and Language Subtest of the PSAT or SAT, or 19 on the
ACT English Test; or
• Earn a minimum grade of C- in Sophomore English or Modern U.S. History; or
• Produce an essay that is focused, organized, elaborated, and edited for Standard English conventions,
earning a minimum rating of a six (6) on the Academy Writing Rubric which will be part of a
performance portfolio reviewed by the Graduation Performance Standards Committee.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 15
MATHEMATICS
• Achieve a minimum score of 380 on the mathematics portion of the PSAT or SAT, or 19 on the ACT
Mathematics Test; or
• Earn an overall minimum C- average in a three-credit sequence of mathematics courses. If the student
has not earned an overall C- minimum average, they must take and pass a fourth problem-solving course
from this list.
o Any fifth Math course,
o College Accounting 1,
o Personal Finance,
o Aerospace Engineering,
o Engineering CAD,
o Architectural CAD,
o Advanced Engineering CAD,
o Family Foods and Nutrition,
o Intro to Manufacturing,
o Ground Flight School,
o Pastry and Baking.
During this time, the Dean of Academics will provide him/her the problems that require demonstration
of basic math operations, including fractions and decimals, and earn a minimum rating of two (2) on the
Academy Mathematical Rubric reviewed by the Graduation Performance Standards Committee.
SCIENCE
• Achieve a minimum score of 19 on the ACT Science Reasoning subtest; or
• Earn a minimum score of 3 on the NGSS; or
• Earn an overall minimum C- average in Foundations of Science, Biology, and a third science course. If
the student has not earned an overall C- minimum average, they must take and pass a fourth science
course. During this time, the Administration will provide them the opportunity to complete at least two
science performance tasks earning a minimum rating of 2 on a rubric, which will become part of a
performance portfolio reviewed by the Graduation Performance Standards Committee.
In a situation where a student has retaken a class for credit, the first course shall not be included in the
compliance calculations.
NOTIFICATION OF MEETING GRADUATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
STUDENTS: At the beginning of the senior year, each senior shall be notified by their counselor of their
status relative to meeting performance standards for graduation.
PARENTS AND/OR GUARDIANS: The Counseling Department will notify in writing parents and/or
guardians of seniors who have not met the performance standards by November 30, February 10, and April 15.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 16
OF TEACHERS: At the beginning of the school year, teachers (in subjects with required performance tasks)
will receive a list of all seniors who have not met a performance standard.
EXEMPTIONS TO GRADUATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
ELL students may be exempt from graduation performance standards if they have received instruction in
English for fewer than three years, or if other factors for exemption exist, as determined by their counselor and
the Associate Head of School.
Special Education students may be exempt from the graduation performance standards as determined by a PPT.
Transfer students may be exempt from the graduation performance standards if they have completed fewer than
four semesters at The Woodstock Academy.
APPEAL PROCESS
There is no appeal to the scoring of the NGSS, PSAT, SAT, or ACT, or course grades on the transcript. The
scoring of exhibitions in the performance portfolio may be appealed to the Associate Head of School, in
writing, no later than May 1st. The appeal must specify which exhibitions are in question and specify the
reason. The Associate Head of School will appoint a three-member panel to review the portfolio in question and
make a recommendation. The Associate Head of School will render a decision within ten (10) school days.
The Associate Head of School’s decision may be appealed to the Head of School, in writing within five (5)
days, if the student believes there has been a procedural violation. The appeal must specify the violation. The
Head of School will review the records and render a final decision within five (5) days.
CLASS STANDING
In addition to graduation requirements, students must achieve a minimum number of credits to progress to
the next grade. These credits must be completed: to enter the Sophomore Class: 5 credits; to enter the Junior
Class: 10 credits; to enter the Senior Class: 17 credits.
COURSE CHANGES
There is a ten (10) day add/drop period for schedule changes on a space-available basis. After the first five (5)
days of the add/drop period, changes will be made with counselor, student, parents and/or guardians, and
teacher input. Beyond the ten (10) days, all changes must have administrative approval. All every-other-day
courses changes must be made during the first five (5) days of each quarter. All schedule and program changes
are subject to administrative review.
For a course change that occurs prior to the end of the add/drop period and results in a level change, the student
will make up missed assignments as determined by the teacher of the newly assigned course. For a course
change requested between the end of the add/drop period and the four-week mark and results in a level change,
make-up of missed assignments and transfer of grades will be determined by a conference among the teachers
involved, the department chair, and the school counselor prior to the change of the student schedule.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 17
For a course change that occurs after the close of the four-week mark and results in a level change, the grade
earned in the original course will be appropriately pro-rated on the GPA scale and transferred to the newly
assigned course. For new transfer students, course placement, level, and grade transfer will be determined by
the teacher, the department chair, and the school counselor. Any exception to these procedures must be
approved by the Director of Counseling and the Associate Head of School.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL
In the event a student withdraws from a semester course, this practice will be followed by the Counseling
Department:
1. Withdrawal on or before the close of the “first marking period grades” of the semester, as indicated
in the school calendar: the course will be removed from the student schedule and no notation will
appear on the student transcript record;
2. Withdrawal after the close of the “first marking period grades” and on or before the close of the
“second marking period and the 12-week mark grades”: the course will remain on the student
schedule with an indication of withdrawn and the student will receive a notation of “W” on the final
course grade column of the student transcript record. The “W” will not be computed into GPA; or
3. Withdrawal after 12 weeks of classes: the course will remain on the student schedule with an
indication of withdrawn and the student will receive a notation of a “WF” on the final course grade
column of the student transcript record. The “WF” will be considered as an F in the computation of
GPA.
REPEATING A COURSE
In the event a course must be repeated, both grades will be reflected on the student’s transcript and calculated
into the cumulative GPA and rank. However, students will only be awarded credit once toward meeting
graduation and distribution requirements.
GRADING & HOMEWORK POLICIES
At the beginning of each of your courses, teachers will distribute and post on the grading and communication
portal an outline of the course, homework, and grading requirements. These may differ from course to course,
but each will outline the criteria needed to succeed in class.
The Woodstock Academy Homework Policy, (Approved by WALT and Academic Committee in 2019) is a
guide to optimize student learning from assignments completed outside of school. It reflects recommended best
practices according to scholarly research and recognizes input from The Academy students, parents, faculty and
staff. While it affords teachers discretion on behalf of their students’ needs and abilities, these guidelines offer
only an ideal range of time devoted to homework; there may be occasions where more or less homework is
appropriate. Every attempt will be made to avoid homework assignments during school vacations. The
Woodstock Academy encourages students to manage long-term assignments, so they do not have to be
completed in an unnecessarily short period of time.
The Woodstock Academy Leadership Team believes that homework can be an effective component of the
educational process when it is 1) meaningfully connected to daily learning, 2) judiciously assigned, and 3)
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 18
carefully contextualized in the classroom experience. We further believe that the most effective policies are
those designed and implemented at the department level. Finally, we believe that the following best practices
should govern the design and implementation of department-level policies:
Faculty assigning homework should recognize that:
• All homework should link directly to classroom instruction, discourse, discrete skills, and/or assessment.
• All homework must be disseminated in a timely way and with clear expectations.
• To derive the full benefit of homework, students must understand why they are completing it and how it
applies directly to their learning.
• Individual student needs vary, and homework may need to be individualized on a case by case basis to
facilitate both completion and learning.
• Students have many commitments outside of school, and that institutionally we encourage well-
roundedness; thus, Judiciousness is important when determining the volume of homework assigned.
• Students may require more time to complete assigned homework than is anticipated by the teacher; thus,
a periodic survey of required student completion time is important and should inform the design
of subsequent assignments.
• Student feedback regarding clarity of assignments, both in purpose and expectations, is essential.
• Both traditional and nontraditional assignments can be equally valuable.
• A higher volume of work does not equate to a higher level of rigor.
• Weight homework no more than 20% of the total grade.
• Communicate with parents regarding missed homework and student learning.
Role of the student:
• Complete homework within the assigned time frame.
• Use teacher feedback to improve their depth of understanding in the classroom.
• Complete work independently.
• Ask for and make up work in a timely manner.
• Communicate with teachers when assignments were useful or frustrating.
• Seek help from teachers, as necessary.
• Become a reflective and independent learner.
Role of the parents:
• Encourage students to complete their homework.
• Provide a supportive environment for completing homework.
• Communicate to the school any needs, issues, and concerns about homework.
• Support the school’s policy regarding the value and purpose of homework.
The Academy designates “homework-free weekends” four times during the school year. The purpose for this is
to ensure that all students at The Woodstock Academy have some free time to enjoy with friends and family,
without any homework requirements. These weekends are during the Indigenous Peoples weekend,
Thanksgiving break, Presidents Day weekend in February, and April break.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 19
LATE WORK—SCHOOL WIDE POLICY
Completion of daily homework assignments on time is essential to student learning. Daily homework is due at
the beginning of class. For students present in class when homework is checked or collected, no late homework
will be accepted. For absent students, teachers will set a new due date for the homework based on the
circumstances and length of the absence. Daily homework should account for no more than 20% of a student’s
grade.
Major assignments can be accepted up to five class meetings after the due date with a 10% late penalty per day.
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
If an issue is pertinent to the subject being taught, it is discussed. All views are admissible. No one is
downgraded because of an interpretation, belief, or theory as long as the evidence for it is presented. The
evidence itself (facts at issue) is graded. If an issue is not germane to the subject, any discussion of it is purely a
private conversation. The students’ attention should be held to the subject at hand.
STATEMENT OF THE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE ON STUDENT WORK
LOADS AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Assignments are designed to help students acquire knowledge and skills. While we recognize the importance of
study time, we also realize that family and co-curricular time are important. We understand that students
produce their best work when they have adequate time to prepare homework/assignments, etc. Sensitivity to
student schedules to avoid overlapping of major assignments from other classes is advisable. Over burdensome
amounts of homework do not allow students to excel. We do not suggest compromising standards nor
jeopardizing the academic integrity of any courses. Students have a responsibility to limit their commitments so
they may adequately fulfill their obligations.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Grade Point Average (GPA) is based on a student’s cumulative performance in the academic “core” curriculum
at The Woodstock Academy. The academic “core” curriculum is comprised of course offerings that are
generally associated with the Departments of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Language,
and with courses receiving credit at UConn through the Early College Experience program. Specific courses
that are included in determining GPA fall under the following guidelines:
ART and MUSIC
CONSUMER SCIENCE
ENGLISH
MATHEMATICS
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 20
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD LANGUAGES
New curricular offerings that are extensions of the academic “core” curriculum will be reviewed on a case-by-
case basis. Grade Point Average is computed by adding the proper value from the table below for 1.0 credit
GPA courses (one-half the value for .50 credit courses) and dividing the total by the core credits attempted.
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
AP/
ECE/ACC
(Accelerated)
4.75
4.5
4.25
4.0
3.75
3.5
3.25
3.0
2.75
2.5
2.25
2.0
HON
(Honors)
4.25
4.0
3.75
3.5
3.25
3.0
2.75
2.5
2.25
2.0
1.75
1.5
GPA BASE
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
CP
(College Prep)
3.75
3.5
3.25
3.0
2.75
2.5
2.25
2.0
1.75
1.5
1.25
1.0
S
(Standard)
3.25
3.0
2.75
2.5
2.25
2.0
1.75
1.5
1.25
1.0
0.75
0.5
CLASS RANK
Class Rank is based on the rank order of the Grade Point Averages (GPA) computed for students in a given
graduating class at set intervals. For underclassmen, Class Rank is computed at the end of each academic year
and includes two semesters. The sophomore rank is a four-semester cumulative rank; the junior rank is a six-
semester cumulative rank. Because of senior placement requirements, along with the various deadlines in
naming award and scholarship recipients, seniors are ranked at two separate times during their final year. A
seven-semester cumulative rank is computed at the close of the first semester. No other rank is computed prior
to graduation.
The seven-semester GPA is used to name a valedictorian, the highest-ranking senior, and salutatorian, the
second highest ranking senior, for each graduating class. A student must have completed four semesters at The
Woodstock Academy to be considered for these awards. In addition, in determining the valedictorian and
salutation, any grade of a “P” will be assigned the GPA equivalent of the underlying grade. If the class rank is
the same rounded to the nearest hundredth—two decimal points— (e.g., 4.256 and 4.258 would both round to
4.26), co-valedictorians would be declared with no salutatorian. If there are more than two students tied rounded
to the nearest hundredth, a third decimal point will be used to determine the top two. The valedictorian and
salutatorian award recipients are announced in early May. Other graduation scholarship and award decisions,
named by various committees, departments, and other individuals, are also based on the seven-semester GPA.
Transfer students’ academic transcripts are evaluated by counseling and administrative staff members before
granting GPA values. Transfer students are ranked at the end of each academic year once two semester results
are complete. Transfer seniors are ranked at the end of their first semester in January.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 21
The Woodstock Academy does not report Rank in Class on the school transcript unless an Authorization to
Release Class Rank form is completed that will allow students and families the opportunity and option to report
their rank to post-secondary institutions and scholarship/award programs of their choosing. The form, available
from the School Counseling Office, will be viewed as an official school document that is sent with the official
transcript from The Woodstock Academy. The Woodstock Academy will not report rank without the completed
Authorization to Release Class Rank form.
GRADING SYSTEM
To receive credit in each subject, a passing grade (D-), 60 using the numeric grading system, must be earned.
Grades will be rounded to the whole number. The numerical equivalents of letter grades are:
SUPERIOR
WORK
QUALITY
WORK
AVERAGE
WORK
MARGINAL
WORK
OTHER
GRADES
I Incomplete
A+ 97-100
B+ 87-89
C+ 77-79
D+ 67-69
F Below 60
W Withdrawn
A 93-96
B 83-86
C 73-76
D 63-66
P Special Grade
for Credit Only
WP Withdrew
Passing
A- 90-92
B- 80-82
C- 70-72
D- 60-62
X Medically
Excused
WF Withdrew
Failing
Grades are recorded on report cards which are issued quarterly. At the end of first and second semester, final
examinations are administered in each subject. Each examination will count for no more than twenty (20)
percent of the semester grade. The final mark for each course is the average of two times the first quarter, two
times the second quarter, and final exam marks. (See Credit Recovery).
HONOR ROLL
The Academy Honor Roll has no correlation with class rank but recognizes students for achievement in their
chosen program of study for each marking period and is based upon grades for that quarter only.
High Honors: receive no more than one grade below A, but not less than A-.
Honors: receive no more than one grade below B+, but not less than B.
Recognition: receive no more than one grade below B, but not less than B-.
GRADUATION HONORS
Summa Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.89 or above
Magna Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.77 to 3.88
Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.65 to 3.76
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 22
INCOMPLETES
Incompletes must be made up within 10 school days following the close of the marking period. Counselors
must be consulted if extenuating circumstances exist.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students absent for unavoidable reasons are entitled to make up work within a reasonable period by special
arrangement with the teacher. Students who are suspended must be allowed the opportunity to make up work.
It is the responsibility of the student to make appropriate arrangements with each teacher for missed work upon
their return.
Students who have been truant from school, or cut a class, will not be allowed to make up work for credit.
REPORT CARDS
It is the responsibility of each student to review their report card and transcript for accuracy. If a student notices
a discrepancy, they should notify the teacher immediately. In the event that a discrepancy cannot be resolved,
the issue should be brought to the Dean of Academics, who will research the facts and render a decision.
Appeals to the decision may be sent to the Associate Head of School, in writing within five (5) days if the
student believes there has been a procedural violation. The appeal must specify the violation. The Associate
Head of School will review the records and render a final decision within five (5) days.
HOMEBOUND AND HOSPITALIZED INSTRUCTION
This service is arranged and monitored by the student’s school counselor. Homebound and hospitalized
instruction shall be provided only when one or more of the following conditions apply:
1. A physician has certified in writing that the student is unable to attend school for medical reasons and
has stated the expected date the student will be able to return to the school program;
2. The child has a disability so severe that it prevents the student from learning in a school setting, or the
student’s presence in school endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or others;
3. A special education program recommendation is pending, and the student was at home at the time of
referral;
4. The student is pregnant or has given birth and a physician has certified that homebound or hospitalized
instruction is in the student’s best interest and should continue for a specified period of time; and/or
5. Expulsion, as directed by the Board of Trustees.
LENGTH OF ABSENCE
Homebound or hospitalized instruction shall be provided when a student’s condition or circumstances will
cause an absence of more than 10 school days. Provided nothing in the child’s condition precludes it, such
instruction shall begin no later than two weeks from the first day of absence. Instruction for a student with a
disability who is medically complex shall begin no later than the third day of absences as long as student is
medically able to receive instruction.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 23
TIME AND PLACE
Homebound or hospitalized instruction shall be individually designed based on student need, not to exceed 30
hours per week, for students in grades nine through twelve. Where evaluative data indicates that these time
requirements are not best for the students, the planning and placement team may adjust instruction time with the
approval of the Associate Head of School. Instruction shall be provided in the setting of the student’s home, the
hospital to which the child is confined, or an agreeable alternative. All settings must have appropriate adult
supervision.
TUTORIAL SERVICES
The Academy faculty has a commitment to provide tutorial services to those who need it. We urge all students
who are having difficulties to see teachers for help beyond the regular classroom. Teachers are available during
regular hours, during Community Lunch, and after school by appointment. Extra tutorial services are provided
by members of the Holt Chapter of the National Honor Society and/or subject-specific honor societies. This
service is arranged and monitored by the student’s school counselor.
ACADEMIC REPORTS
Teachers may send academic reports at any time if they deem it necessary. Parents and/or guardians are urged
to contact the teacher as soon as possible after receiving an academic report. They are also encouraged to
actively monitor the student’s progress through the online grade portal system.
CREDIT RECOVERY
Students of The Woodstock Academy considering enrollment in approved credit recovery programs are advised
that credit may be granted for courses failed, if a sufficient grade is achieved in an authorized course. The
calculation used to determine credit by credit recovery participation is: the final failing numerical grade added
to the credit recovery numerical grade and divided by two (2); if final figure is 60 or better, credit will be
awarded.
Example: 50 failing final grade
80 credit recovery grade
130 ÷ 2 = 65 (credit awarded)
STUDY HALLS
Study halls provide time for homework assignments, studying for tests, reading, and generally preparing for
classes. These halls are set up to be quiet and conducive to studying. Students are expected to bring study
materials with them.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ACADEMY
If it is necessary for a student to withdraw from the Academy because of relocation or other reason(s) during the
school year, a note from a parent and/or guardian should be presented to the school counselor indicating the
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 24
particulars of the withdrawal. All books, technology, materials, athletic, and other equipment must be returned
or paid for. No transcript of grades will be sent to another school until all financial obligations have been met.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE REQUIREMENTS
Beginning in the school year commencing July 1, 2023, Section 10 of Public Act No. 21-199 amends Conn.
Gen. Stat.§ 10-184 to raise, from 17 to 18, the age when a student may withdraw from high school. However, a
parent or person having control of a child who is 17 years of age may withdraw the child from school if the
child is enrolled in an adult education program. In order to do so, the parent or person having control of the
child must personally appear at The Woodstock Academy Counseling office and sign an adult education
withdrawal and enrollment form.
Any student, 17 years or older, who voluntarily terminates enrollment at The Woodstock Academy and seeks
readmission, may be denied readmission to the school for a period of 90 school days from the date of formal
withdrawal or, if no formal withdrawal is on record, from that date which administration has determined has
been the last day of formal attendance. For further information Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-186(d)(2).
AP COURSES
It is the expectation that all students enrolled in AP courses will take the AP exam(s), at the expense of the
student (for 2024-2025, the cost is $120 per test), in May. Payment will be due on November 1 for semester 1
classes and March 1 for semester 2 classes. If a student has a financial need, please see contact the student’s
school counselor well in advance of the deadlines; there is some scholarship money for AP tests available from
the College Board and the state of Connecticut.
If a student, for any reason, chooses not to take an AP exam, they must complete an opt-out form in the
Counseling Office before November 1 for semester 1 classes, and before March 1 for semester 2 classes. After
those dates, a $40 unused test fee will be charged. On November 2 and March 2, all students enrolled will be
automatically registered and billed for their test.
AP exams will take place between May 5-16, 2025. Students who are ill on the day of the exam must contact
the school by 7:00 AM and will take the exam on the make-up date/time. A fee of $40 will be charged, on top
of the original $120 exam fee, for any unused exam without a valid excusal or make-up exam.
If the student does not take the AP exam for a class, the class credit earned for the satisfactory completion of the
course will be reflected on the academic transcript as “Accelerated” rather than “AP,” and an updated transcript
will be sent to the college where the student applied. Information on students who do not take AP tests will be
shared with the appropriate departments and the WA Scholarship Committee to factor into awards and
scholarship decisions.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM AN AP COURSE:
Students who drop an AP course will not be allowed to take the AP exam in that subject area. Normal course
withdrawal procedures will be followed. A revised copy of the student’s transcript and accompanying letter will
be sent to their prospective colleges.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 25
EARNING COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE ENROLLED AT THE ACADEMY
The Board of Trustees encourages students to advance academically at a pace appropriate for them.
Therefore, it shall permit the Head of School, or their designee, the ability to allow students enrolled at The
Woodstock Academy the option of taking college courses for elective credit, either on a full- or part-time basis,
for high school seniors who are exceptionally able and motivated academically and who are ready
socially/emotionally.
When such individual elective program is requested by a student and meets with the approval of the Head of
School, or their designee, and have been formally reviewed by the Academic Committee, the student may be
released from high school attendance on a full or part-time basis and shall be awarded an Academy diploma
after evidence is received that they has met, through college work, all necessary academic requirements for
graduation.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR
EDUCATIONAL RECORDS
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of these policies and procedures for education records, The Woodstock Academy has used
these definitions of terms:
CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS: Education records to which access by school officials and by other parties
identified in Section 99.31 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations should be
strictly limited by the need to know. The confidential records maintained by The Woodstock Academy include
psychiatric evaluations, family assessments, and child abuse reports.
DISCLOSURE: To permit access to or the release, transfer, or other communication of education records, or the
personally identifiable information contained in those records, to any party, by any means, including oral,
written, or electronic means.
EDUCATION RECORDS: Any information recorded in any way (e.g., handwriting, print, tape (audio or
video), digital/electronic, or film (microfilm and microfiche) that is: (1) directly related to a student, and (2)
maintained by The Woodstock Academy or by a party acting for The Woodstock Academy, except:
• Personal records that are kept in the sole possession of the school staff member who made them and that
are not accessible to or revealed to any other person except the staff member’s temporary substitute;
• Employment records that are used only in relation to the student’s employment by The Woodstock
Academy; and
• Alumni records that contain information about a student after they are no longer in attendance at The
Woodstock Academy; these records do not relate to the person as a student.
ELIGIBLE STUDENT: A student, or former student, who has reached 18 years of age, or is attending an
institution of post-secondary education, or is an emancipated minor.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 26
PARENT: A parent of a student, including a natural parent, a legal guardian, or an individual acting as a parent
in the absence of a parent or a guardian.
PARTY: AN INDIVIDUAL, AGENCY, INSTITUTION, OR ORGANIZATION.
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION: information that includes, but is not limited to:
• The student’s name;
• The name of the student’s parents and/or guardians or other family members;
• the address of the student or student’s family;
• A personal identifier, such as the student’s social security number or the student’s school identification
number;
• A list of personal characteristics that would make the student’s identity easily traceable; and
• Any other information that would make the student’s identity easily traceable.
STUDENT: Any person who attends, or has attended, The Woodstock Academy.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS
Parents and/or guardians and eligible students are notified annually by The Woodstock Academy of the rights
accorded to them by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 by the publication of
these rights in the Academy student handbook. The annual notification of rights informs eligible students and
parents and/or guardians that they have a right to:
• Inspect and review the student’s education records;
• Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that the records are not inaccurate,
misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights or other rights;
• Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education record,
except to the extent that FERPA regulations authorize disclosure without consent;
• File with the United States Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by The
Woodstock Academy to comply with the FERPA regulations; and
• Obtain a copy of The Woodstock Academy policies for student education records. Copies of these
policies are located in the Office of the Head of School, in the Office of the Associate Head of School,
Admissions Office, and in the Counseling Office.
PROCEDURE TO INSPECT AND REVIEW EDUCATION RECORDS
Eligible students and parents and/or guardians of students may, upon request, inspect and review the student’s
education records. Eligible students or parents and/or guardians must submit to the custodian of records, or to
their designee, a written request that identifies as accurately as possible the record or records for which the
request for inspection and review is submitted. An authorized official of The Woodstock Academy will notify
the parents and/or guardians or eligible student of the date, time and location where the records may be
inspected and reviewed. Requests by parents and/or guardians and eligible students to inspect and review the
student’s education records will be accommodated within a reasonable period of time but, in no case, no more
than 45 calendar days after the receipt of such requests. As required by Section 1076(d)-18(b) (1) of the
Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, requests by parents and/or guardians of students requiring special
education and related services will be accommodated within ten school days of the receipt of such requests,
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 27
within three school days of the receipt of such requests if the requests are made in order to prepare for a meeting
regarding an individualized education program, or within three calendar days of such a request if the request is
made in order to prepare for a meeting related to any due process proceeding. This written request should be
made to the local Special Education Director of the town of residence.
As required by Section 1076(d)-18(b) (1) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, requests by parents
and/or guardians of students eligible for Special Education and related services to inspect and review a child’s
records shall be in writing. The request to review and inspect the child’s education records will be
accommodated within 3 school days of receipt provided the request is to prepare for a any meeting regarding an
Individual Education Plan; 3 calendar days for any due process hearing or resolution session held in accordance
with the IDEA; otherwise, the request to review and inspect the child’s education record will be accommodated
with in ten school days. The written request should be made to the local Special Education Director of the town
of residence.
When a record contains information about students other than the eligible student or parent’s/guardian’s child,
the eligible student or parents and/or guardians will not be allowed to inspect or review the portion of the record
that pertains to other students.
REFUSAL TO PROVIDE COPIES OF EDUCATION RECORDS
The Woodstock Academy does not provide to an eligible student or parents and/or guardians a copy of the
student’s education records unless failure to do so would effectively prevent the eligible student or parents
and/or guardians the right to inspect and review such records. An exception to this policy is made, however,
for the parents and/or guardians or students requiring special education and related services. As required by
Section 10-76(d)-18(b) (2) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, one free copy of the student’s
education records will be provided, within five school days of written request, to the parents and/or guardians
of students requiring special education and related services. The official custodian of these records is the
Special Education Director of the town of residence.
FEES FOR COPIES OF RECORDS
The fee for copies of the student education records is 25¢ per page. As required by Section 10-76(d)-18(b) (2)
of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, one free copy of the student’s education records will be
provided, within five school days of a written request, to the parents and/or guardians of students requiring
special education and related services. After one free copy is provided by the school district to the parents
and/or guardians of students requiring special education and related services, the standard fee per page will be
charged for any additional copies of the student’s education records.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 28
TYPES, LOCATIONS AND CUSTODIANS OF EDUCATION
RECORDS
Types of Records
Grades
Location
Custodian
Cumulative School Records
Grades 9
to 13
Counseling Office
The Woodstock Academy
57 Academy Road, Woodstock, CT 06281
Director of Counseling
Attendance Records
Grades 9
to 13
Main Office
The Woodstock Academy
57 Academy Road, Woodstock, CT 06281
Associate Head of School
Discipline Records
Grades 9
to 13
Main Office
The Woodstock Academy
57 Academy Road, Woodstock, CT 06281
Associate Head of School
Special Education
Grades 9
to 12
Local Education Agency
Representative Offices (L.E.A)
Director of Special Education
Services of the Local
Educational Agency (L.E.A)
Health Records
Grades 9
to 13
School Health Office, North
The Woodstock Academy
57 Academy Road, Woodstock, CT 06281
Director of Health Services
Education Records of students in Out-of-
District Placements
Grades 9
to 12
Local Education Agency
Representative Offices (L.E.A)
Director of Special Education
Services of the Local
Educational Agency (L.E.A)
Miscellaneous Education Records not identified
above, which may be maintained in The
Woodstock Academy Office or are in the
personal possession of a classroom teacher.
Grades 9
to 13
Head of School, Associate Head of School or other
Academy staff identified above will collect these
records and make them available at The Academy.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 29
DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS
The Woodstock Academy will only disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education
records with the written consent of the parents and/or guardians or eligible student, except:
1. To Academy officials who have legitimate educational interest in the records;
a. An Academy official is:
i. A person employed by The Academy as an administrator, supervisor, teacher, teacher
aide, administrative assistant, secretary or clerk; or
ii. A person employed by or under contract to The Woodstock Academy to perform a
special task (e.g., attorney, auditor or medical consultant);
b. An Academy official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:
i. Performing a task or responsibility that is specified in his or her job description,
position description, or contract agreement;
ii. Performing a task related to a student’s education;
iii. Performing a task related to the discipline of a student; or
iv. Providing a service or benefit to the student and/or the student’s family including, but
not limited to, health care, parents and/or guardians’ effectiveness training, and
homebound instruction.
2. To officials or another school, school system or institution of post-secondary education in which the
student seeks or intends to enroll;
3. To authorized officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General of the United
States, and state and local educational authorities, provided the disclosure of the information pertains
to state-supported or federally-supported education programs and meets the
requirements of Section 99.35 (b) (1) and 99.35 (b) (2) of the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974;
4. To state and local authorities or officials, if a state statute adopted before November 19, 1974,
specifically requires disclosures to those authorities and officials;
5. To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, The Woodstock Academy to:
a. develop, validate, or administer predictive tests, or
b. improve instruction;
6. To accrediting organizations to carry out its accrediting functions;
7. To parents and/or guardians of an eligible student who claim the student as a dependent for income
tax purposes, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954;
8. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; and/or
9. To appropriate parties in connection with an emergency, if knowledge of the information is
necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
RECORD OF REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS
The Woodstock Academy will maintain a record of all requests for and/or disclosures of personally identifiable
information from a student’s education records. The record will indicate:
a) The names of the parties who have requested or received personally identifiable information;
b) The names of the additional parties to which the receiving party may disclose the information on
behalf of The Woodstock Academy; and
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 30
c) The legitimate interest the parties, described in items “a” and “b” above, had in requesting or
obtaining information.
The record of requests and/or disclosures will be maintained as long as the student’s education records are
maintained and may be inspected by the eligible student or parents and/or guardians.
The procedure for recording names and legitimate interests of parties does not apply if the request for
information was from, or the disclosure was to:
• The eligible student or parents and/or guardians, or
• An Academy official, as defined under DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS.
MILITARY RECRUITER RECORDS
In December 2001, Congress passed legislation which requires The Woodstock Academy to provide certain
information to military recruiters. The information that the school district is obligated to provide military
recruiters is limited to the name, address, and telephone number of secondary school students at The Woodstock
Academy.
The Woodstock Academy has an obligation to notify parents and/or guardians of the existence of this
legislation. It further has the obligation to advise that if they wish to prevent the disclosure of the child’s name,
address, and telephone number to military recruiters, parents and/or guardians must notify the school district in
writing of their intention to deny the disclosure of these records. The Woodstock Academy provides parents
and/or guardians with an opt-out form each year for this purpose.
Section 9528 of the NCLB states, “A secondary school student or parent of the student may request that the
student’s name, address and telephone listing … may not be released without the prior written parental consent,
and the local educational agency or private school shall notify parents of the option to make a request and shall
comply with any request.”
CORRECTION OF EDUCATION RECORDS
An eligible student or parents and/or guardians has the right to request that education records be corrected if it is
believed that the records are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy or other
rights.
The procedures for the correction of student education records are:
1. The eligible student or parents and/or guardians must request The Woodstock Academy to correct the
record. In requesting a correction of the record, the eligible student or parents and/or guardians must
identify the part of the record he or she wishes to change and specify why it is believed that the part of
the record in question is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy or other
rights.
2. The Woodstock Academy will decide within a reasonable period of time to comply or not to comply
with the request to correct the record. If The Woodstock Academy decides not to comply, it will notify
the eligible student or parents and/or guardians of its decision and advise him or her of the right to a
hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the
student’s rights of privacy or other rights.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 31
3. Upon request, The Woodstock Academy will hold a hearing within a reasonable period of time. The
eligible student or parents and/or guardians will be notified, in advance, of the date, time, and place of
the hearing.
4. The hearing will be conducted by an individual who does not have direct interest in the outcome of the
hearing. The hearing officer may be an official of The Woodstock Academy. The eligible student,
parent and/or guardian will be provided a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the
issues raised in the original request to amend the student’s record. The eligible student or parents and/or
guardians may, at his or her own expense, be assisted or represented by one or more individuals,
including an attorney.
5. The Woodstock Academy will prepare, within a reasonable period of time, a written decision based
solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence
presented and reasons for the decision.
6. If, as a result of the hearing, The Woodstock Academy decides that the information in the education
record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy or other rights, it will
correct the record and inform, in writing, the eligible student, parent and/or guardian of the correction.
7. If, as a result of the hearing, The Woodstock Academy decides that the information in the student’s
education records is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy or other
rights, it will inform the eligible student or parents and/or guardians of the right to place a statement in
the record commenting on the contested information in the record and/or stating why he or she disagrees
with The Woodstock Academy’s decision. The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s
education records as long as the contested portion of the record is maintained. If The Woodstock
Academy discloses the contested portion of the record, it will also disclose the eligible student or
parent’s and/or guardian’s statement.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Questions in this section should be directed to the Director of Campus Safety, Anthony Gomes.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for students during school hours or at school sponsored events.
The Trustees’ number one priority is the safety of the students, staff, and visitors.
This responsibility includes protecting each student's constitutional rights, assuring due process in questioning
and arrest, protecting students from any form of illegal coercion, and keeping students safe from physical and
emotional harm. Due to the many support services that local law enforcement agencies provide to the schools,
staff, and students, the State of Connecticut supports the best possible relationship with those agencies
consistent with The Woodstock Academy's responsibilities to protect legal rights of staff and students.
Law enforcement officials are viewed as key community stakeholders in the overall management of The
Woodstock Academy, including the development and implementation of a comprehensive emergency readiness
plan for The Woodstock Academy.
This policy is intended to balance the needs of the Academy and law enforcement officials. The reduction of
ambiguity and confusion in how these officials interact will provide an optimal environment for education while
ensuring that the public safety needs of the school and community are adequately met. Priority shall be given to
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 32
the involvement of law enforcement in threat assessments and in the planning and implementation of school
district emergency plans, security procedures, and crisis response. The Head of School, or their designee, shall
establish lines of communication with local law enforcement agencies for the security of The Woodstock
Academy facilities, safety of students and staff, and for the better education of students concerning law
enforcement agencies.
Generally, police should be notified immediately of any crime. Police shall make every attempt to minimize
distractions or disruption of school routines during the performance of their duties. There may be instances
where the transgression is so slight that the school administration can resolve the issue itself.
INTERVIEWING OF STUDENTS
Police interviews should not take place on The Woodstock Academy grounds; however, if the police do indicate
that an interview on The Woodstock Academy grounds is necessary, school authorities shall cooperate. The
school administration shall work with the police to try and have the interview not occur during instructional
time. When the interview involves a juvenile (under 18 years old), a parent/guardian must be notified and
allowed to be present. The exceptions to this rule are (a) if the student is being interviewed as a victim or a
witness, and/or (b) if there is an overriding immediate public safety concern. If a student is a juvenile and the
parent/guardian cannot be present, a member of the school staff should be present.
When police are investigating possible criminal acts that occurred, or may have occurred on The Woodstock
Academy property, or while under the jurisdiction of the school district, they may question students at school
when the following procedures are observed:
1. Students will be questioned as confidentially and inconspicuously as possible; and
2. An attempt will be made to notify the student's parents so that they may be present during the
questioning. The Associate Head of School, or their designee, will be present.
Police will make every attempt to minimize distractions or disruption of The Woodstock Academy routines
during the performance of their duties.
ARREST OF STUDENTS
The decision to call police and request an arrest is within the discretion of the Head of School or their designee.
The Head of School or their designee may request the arrest of a student, or there may be times in which the
police may request to pick up a student due to a warrant being issued for their arrest. The student should be
escorted from class by school personnel and remain in a secured office until the police arrive. When possible,
the arrested student will be removed from the school in a way that minimizes any disruption of The Academy
routine.
If a student is arrested on campus, the Head of School should notify the Board of Trustees President
immediately.
WEAPONS
If a dangerous weapon and/or ammunition are found during the course of an investigation, it should be turned
over to the police immediately by the school official. The Head of School or their designee may retain weapons
that are not illegal but are a violation of school policy.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 33
NOTIFICATION OF A STUDENT’S ARREST
Pursuant to the requirements of C.G.S. 10-233h, as amended by Public Act 94-221, Public Act 95-304 and
Public Act 97-149, whenever the Head of School or their designee receives oral, followed by written
notification from a local police department or state police that a student was arrested for a Class A
misdemeanor, a felony, or for selling, carrying, or brandishing a facsimile firearm, they shall maintain the
written report in a secure location and the information in the report shall be maintained as confidential in
accordance with Section 46b-124. This information may lead to The Woodstock Academy level consequences,
up to, and including, expulsion.
CAMPUS SECURITY OFFICERS
In order to make The Woodstock Academy safer and more secure, Campus Security Officers will be a part of its
daily campus composition. Campus Security Officers may be armed (concealed) in accordance with
Connecticut Statute 10-244a. Each Campus Security Officer is expected to respond to all emergency situations
decisively and with the highest level of good judgment and professional competence. Campus Security Officers
will maintain an active watch on the grounds and in the buildings of The Academy campus. They will also
assist administration in the investigation of disciplinary incidents. This assistance may include interviewing
students, securing locations, supervising students, and preparing incident reports for the Dean of Students.
Campus Security Officers will not conduct student searches or issue disciplinary consequences, except at the
direction of an administrator or in certain emergency situations.
SECURITY CAMERAS
Security cameras have been installed throughout the campuses, at The Bentley Complex, and in the parking lots
in order to provide for a more safe and secure environment for students and adults. Information gathered via the
security cameras may be used through the investigation and disciplinary process.
FIRE DRILL/FIRE
When the signal for a fire drill is given, all students are expected to get up quickly and file out of their rooms.
Failure of students to report to their assigned location will result in disciplinary action. Students must remain
silent and proceed to the nearest exit and then proceed to the designated area. When the drill is over,
administration will give the all-clear signal.
CRISIS PROCEDURE
Student emergency procedures will be followed during situations as called for, such as a lock down, shelter in
place, or shelter in hallways situation. Staff and students will be notified of any changes in the procedure.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 34
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs, Karin Hughes.
ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES
A student will be deemed ineligible to participate in The Woodstock Academy’s athletic program and/or co-
curricular activities, including, but not limited to, awards ceremonies, dances, proms, meetings, practices,
games, trips, field trips, etc., if such student is not in attendance at least two (2) blocks during the school day of
the event, or the day before the event, if such event falls on a non-school day, unless such absence is excused
per the Attendance/Truancy Policy.
A student will be deemed ineligible to participate in The Academy’s athletic program, theatre performances,
student foreign exchanges or trips, U.N. Club, Student Council, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Class Officers, or other
co-curricular activities having a significant time committed by students, should that student fail more than one
course in the quarter prior to the start of such activity, or during the quarter(s) when their activities shall be in
session. Advisors/Coaches should send a list of students to the Dean of Academics at the end of the quarter
prior to the trip, and again ten school days prior to the trip, to check eligibility. This includes a student’s ability
to participate in school-sponsored travel, even for those trips that are paid for in advance; refunds are not
guaranteed for students unable to participate because of poor academic or social standings.
In order to be eligible for fall activities, with the exception of freshmen, a student must have earned a minimum
of 5 credits from the previous school year. Year-end failures may be made up through successful completion of
The Woodstock Academy approved credit recovery programs.
Any student receiving an “F” and a “D” or two or more grades of “D” in the quarter prior to the start of such
activities, or during the quarter(s) when their activities are in session, shall be placed on academic probation.
This probation shall continue at the discretion of the Administration until such student shall provide
documentation that serious efforts have been made to improve their grades. The Administration reserves the
right to suspend a student’s eligibility should the student fail to improve and/or a decline is documented in these
courses or others. The length of suspension shall be at the discretion of the administration.
Students on Out-of-School Suspension or in In-School-Suspension are not eligible to participate in any school-
sanctioned activities on the days of these suspensions. All other applicable rules and regulations, as defined by
the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), shall apply where not noted in the above
regulations.
Students must also be in good financial standing at The Woodstock Academy in order to participate in activities
and may not have any outstanding bills.
FIELD TRIPS
Students who fail to maintain a positive disciplinary or academic record may be denied permission to participate
in a field trip upon consultation with the Administration. Should it be a class for credit, an equivalent quality
activity will be provided by the teacher. Students planning to participate in travel opportunities may have their
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 35
participation revoked if they do not maintain positive discipline and academic standing. Refunds will not be
issued.
CLUBS
The Woodstock Academy has many clubs and co-curricular groups each year that allow students to develop
their interests. All students are welcome to join these groups and should listen to announcements for meeting
times. A current list of student clubs and activities, can be found, along with the meeting schedules, on our
website using the following link: https://www.woodstockacademy.org/studentlife/clubs-activities
STUDENT COUNCIL
Students have an opportunity to participate in student government through the Student Council. The Student
Council meets with Administration to discuss issues of school-community concern, organizes spirit days and
social events, as well as community service activities such as canned food drives, toy drives, and Special
Olympics. Representatives to the Student Council are elected, grades 10-12 in the spring, and grade 9 in the
fall. Officers are elected in the spring and overlap the school year. A number of at-large members are also
appointed to the Council each year.
CLASS ACTIVITIES AND OFFICERS
Each class has two or more advisors who work with class officers and representatives to plan activities for the
year, such as dances and fundraisers. Sophomore, junior, and senior officers are elected in the spring for the
following year, while freshman officers and all class representatives are elected in the fall. Anyone may help in
class activities by contacting the advisor or class officers.
CLASS DUES
During a student’s years at The Woodstock Academy, their class will be involved in fundraising to provide
funds for class activities. In addition, each class member is expected to pay dues to defray class expenses, such
as proms, class trip, class gift, and graduation activities. Dues are payable in the Business Office or online
through PowerSchool. Failure to pay class dues may cause a delay in receiving privileges (senior, parking,
and/or social events).
DANCES/SOCIAL EVENTS
At various times during the school year, organizations of the Academy may sponsor dances. All dances that are
held by students of The Woodstock Academy for students of The Woodstock Academy will be held under these
rules:
1. The event will be held under the direction of Advisors/Faculty of The Academy. The event must have
the approval of the Administration.
2. All tickets must be purchased in advance of the event. There will be NO TICKETS sold at the door.
When a ticket is purchased, the name of the student will be recorded on a master list with their ticket
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 36
number. Event numbers are capped based on the space where the event is being held, which means that
events can and may sell out prior to the end of ticket sales.
3. The hours of an on-campus dance are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Parents and/or guardians are expected to
pick up their children promptly at the end of the event. Students must leave campus within 15 minutes
of the end of the dance/event in order to allow volunteers and parking personnel to leave promptly at the
conclusion of the event. Failure to leave campus within a reasonable amount of time will result in not
being allowed to participate in the following dance/event.
4. Students may not loiter on campus during the event. They must either enter the event or leave campus.
5. All guests must be approved by The Woodstock Academy administration prior to purchasing a ticket
for the guest and have a Dance Guest Permission Form filed with the Main Office by Wednesday of the
event week.
6. Guests must be high school age, but not older than 20 years of age, unless approved by Administration.
Middle school students are not allowed. Only one guest is allowed per student of The Woodstock
Academy. Guests must also present a picture ID at the door.
7. Doors will close an hour after the start of the event; no students will be admitted after that time unless
previously approved by WA administration. Students may not re-enter the event once they leave unless
prior approval has been granted by the administrator in charge.
8. All school rules outlined in the Student Handbook are in effect for the event, as with all co-curricular
activities. Anyone not in compliance will be dismissed from the event without the benefit of refund, and
subject to further disciplinary action, including the loss of event privileges.
9. Students’ attire must comply with the published dress code.
10. Breathalyzer tests will be administered at random upon entrance to the event. Anyone refusing to
comply with the breathalyzer will not be admitted. Participants suspected of drug/alcohol use will have
their parents and/or guardians contacted and sent home. Students found to be in violation of the WA
drug/alcohol use policy will face the appropriate disciplinary consequences.
11. Students may only park in the designated parking lots for Academy events.
12. Appropriate social decorum is expected at dances and social events.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: CONSTANCE HOLT CHAPTER
The National Honor Society is an organization whose members have been selected on the basis of the
commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Candidates must demonstrate strength in all four
areas. Students may be invited to apply for membership in the Constance Holt Chapter of the National Honor
Society at the beginning of their junior or senior year if their G.P.A. is 3.65 or above. Students achieving this
level will receive a letter of invitation along with an application in their student email. The selection committee
(faculty members, a member of the administration, and the NHS advisors) reviews the credentials of all
applicants. Any appeals, based on procedural violations, must be made to the Associate Head of School within
seven days of notification of application status.
Once accepted, NHS members are expected to uphold the ideals of the Society as stated in the Constance Holt
Chapter by-laws. Membership is a privilege, not a right, and is to be taken very seriously. Members are
expected to maintain the levels of excellence that lead to their admission including maintaining a GPA of 3.65
or greater, volunteerism, and attendance at all NHS commitments including biweekly meetings. Past
contributions of NHS groups include tutoring, raising funds for scholarships, assisting with local non-profits,
and campus and community volunteer service.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 37
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
Questions in this section should be directed to the Athletic Director, Sean Saucier. Please visit
https://www.woodstockacademy.org/athletics/home for additional information regarding athletics.
At the beginning of each season, tryouts will be conducted to determine team rosters. The tryout period will be
determined by the varsity coach of each sport, and it is critical that all prospective students attend. Yearly
athletic physicals are required for all students who tryout and participate in interscholastic sports.
It should be clearly understood that tryouts are competitive and selective for most sports, particularly at the
varsity level. The invitation to participate in inter-scholastic athletics is open to all students, yet it is extended
within the framework of realistic and reasonable team roster sizes. Such a framework will provide team
members the full opportunity to learn and exercise the skills necessary to develop their proficiency in the sport
and to compete interscholastically. Because roster sizes and cutting procedures differ among individual sports
and may fluctuate slightly from year to year, the varsity coach and the Director of Athletics will confer prior to
each season to determine what is in the best interest of the program.
INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS TEAMS
FALL
Boys Football (V, JV)
Girls Volleyball (V, JV)
Boys Cross Country (V, JV)
Girls Cross Country (V, JV)
Boys Soccer (V, JV)
Girls Field Hockey (V, JV)
Cheerleading (V)
Unified Soccer
Girls Soccer (V, JV, F)
WINTER
Boys Basketball (V, JV)
Gymnastics (V)
Boys Ice Hockey (V, JV)
Girls Ice Hockey (V)
Indoor Track (V)
Girls Basketball (V, JV)
Cheerleading (V)
Unified Basketball
Wrestling (V, JV)
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 38
SPRING
Boys Baseball (V, JV)
Girls Lacrosse (V, JV)
Boys Golf (V)
Girls Golf (V)
Boys Lacrosse (V, JV)
Girls Softball (V, JV)
Boys Tennis (V)
Girls Tennis (V)
Boys Track & Field
Unified Track/Special Olympics
Girls Track & Field
Boys Volleyball (V)
The mission of the Athletic Department is outlined below, along with established regulations which govern
student eligibility and participation. This mission and core values reflect certain expectations of student
conduct and responsibility. Additional information on department and CIAC regulations are available in the
Athletic Department Handbook. Specific regulations for a sport will be distributed by the coach at the beginning
of each season.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Woodstock Academy athletic department is to provide broad-based, competition athletic
programs that enrich the academic experiences and achievements of its student-athletes. Our focus is to develop
leaders who demonstrate outstanding character and integrity. We will pursue victory with honor, emphasizing
responsibility to self, team, and community.
PROGRAM GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
The athletic department’s primary goals are to cultivate each student-athlete’s mind, body, and spirit, in ways
that inspire, teach positive life lessons, and create enjoyment. Specific emphasis for each participant includes:
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE - Skill development, health and nutrition, tactical strategies, mental
toughness, strength and conditioning;
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT - Demonstrate scholarship, prioritize academics, prepare for life after high
school, and maintain academic eligibility;
LEADERSHIP - Guide others to reach their highest potential, lead through both words and actions, work as a
cohesive unit to achieve common goals;
CITIZENSHIP - show respect for others, commitment to team, investment in the community; and
SPORTSMANSHIP - demonstrate honesty, integrity, and class; pursue victory with honor.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 39
CORE VALUES
The Woodstock Academy Athletic Department is committed to supporting the overall mission and vision of
Woodstock Academy. The Athletic Department is viewed as an extension of the classroom, whereby caring
adults can help monitor the academic success of all student-athletes. With that in mind, our athletic department
advocates the following:
• The athletic department will work diligently to increase the participation rate in athletics by
providing a wide variety of offerings that allow student-athletes access to the sports of their choice;
• The athletic department will emphasize the respect for human differences and diversity as the
cornerstones of the athletic experience. The coaches and student-athletes are the “front-porch” to the
Academy Community; citizens from our community and others will judge our school by the
performance and behavior of our coaches and athletes;
• The athletic department will evaluate our athletic, professional, and personal progress regularly.
Success will not be measured merely by wins and losses, but by the quality of effort, progress, and
sportsmanship or our coaches and players; and
• The athletic department will foster moral awareness and civic participation that place an emphasis
on coaches and student-athletes becoming productive and visible members of the community. The
athletic department will encourage and demand qualities of citizenship, ideals of sportsmanship,
moral courage, and ethical behavior throughout school and community.
CIAC POSITION ON STEROIDS
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the national service organization to all 50-
state high school athletic and activity associations, as well as the District of Columbia, prohibits the abuse of
anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances by high school student-athletes. Such use
violates legal, ethical, and competitive equity standards, and imposes long-term health risks. Further, the NFHS
supports prohibitions by educational institutions, amateur and professional organizations and governmental
regulators on the use of anabolic steroids and other controlled substances, except as specifically prescribed by
physicians for therapeutic purposes. The CIAC fully endorses this National Federation position on steroids.
CIAC POSITION ON CAPTAIN’S PRACTICES
The Woodstock Academy endorses the CIAC’s restrictions on captain’s practices. The following quote is from
page 94 of the CIAC handbook:
“4.6.D. CAPTAIN’S PRACTICE (DEFINITION)
The term Captain’s Practice usually means the team’s captain organizing and conducting practice
sessions for that sport without adult supervision. The CIAC does not in any way sanction, encourage
or condone Captain’s Practice in any sport. Captain’s Practice, depending on the member school¹s
involvement, may be a clear violation of eligibility rule II.D. (season’s limitations) or certainly a
violation of the spirit of Rule II.D. There is also a serious practical consideration. CAS counsel
advises that if it can be demonstrated that a school is allowing Captain’s Practice, the liability
responsibility for an injured athlete may be quite serious; that the threat of a negligence suit would lie
heavy.”
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 40
CIAC POSITION ON OPEN GYM
The Woodstock Academy enforces the CIAC’s restrictions on Open Gymnasium and Open Playing Fields. The
following quote is from page 81 of the CIAC handbook.
“2.6 OPEN GYMNASIUM / PLAYING FIELDS / NATATORIUM
A) Member schools may conduct Open Gyms, Open Fields, Open Natatoriums for their students ONLY
in accordance with the following standards.
1) Opening gymnasium, fields or a natatorium of a school district for recreational purposes is
permitted provided it is not for a select group of athletes. (Recreational Purposes - are designed
to provide an opportunity to play the sport, have fun, socialize, be a means of diversion, and
experience the joy of participation. Conversely, the teaching of skill, and/or the provision of
instruction or coaching to increase or to improve individual and/or team play, should not be
present.)
2) Member schools may not open the gymnasium, fields or natatorium of a school during the non-
CIAC sport season including the summer for a sport for a select group of students to practice
individual skills.”
PAY-TO-PLAY POLICY
For the 2023-2024 school year, in order to help cover rising costs of athletic programs, The Academy has a pay-
to-play fee associated with all athletic teams. Except for ice hockey, which has a higher fee, each student-athlete
will be charged a $100 per sport fee with the third sport free. There will be a $500 cap per family.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the fee will be assessed each season. The assessment will be placed on
PowerSchool for each student-athlete on once team rosters have been finalized at the beginning of each season.
The fees may be paid online or in person at the Business Office. PTP fees must be paid one week prior to the
first game of the season. Students whose fees have not been paid by the deadline will be removed from all
athletic activity until the fee has been paid. An athlete may rejoin the team once their participation fee is paid in
full.
Refunds for PTP Fees will only be granted if there are not enough participants to field a team. Student-
athletes that either quit the team or are removed from the team due to ineligibility or for disciplinary
purposes will not be refunded. Fees are not pro-rated.
Students who receive free or reduced lunch may have their participation fees waived. Students who are
experiencing extraordinary financial difficulties may request, through the athletic director, a fee reduction or
waiver of the participation fee.
ADDITIONAL ATHLETIC POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Please refer to the Athletic Handbook, located on the school website, for additional policies and practices.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 41
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
Questions in this section should be directed to the Director of Counseling, David Walley.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission is to prepare all students for a lifetime of learning through providing information and activities that
focus on their academic, personal, social, and career needs.
PHILOSOPHY
The program is founded on the belief that each student possesses intrinsic worth and is a unique and dynamic
individual capable of personal growth and self-direction. Respectful of differences, the program assists and
supports students as they begin to understand themselves, develop decision-making and problem-solving skills,
and plan for the future. The program provides a diversity of experiences suited to the individual student’s
aptitudes, interest, and goals while providing necessary and important information in preparing for success in
further education or a career. Counseling promotes effective communication and life-planning skills that help
students grow into responsible adults.
DEVELOPMENTAL SCHOOL COUNSELING
Comprehensive developmental school counseling is designed to respond to the needs of all students as they
move in a sequential manner towards self-understanding and self-enhancement. The developmental school
counseling program works with all students through classroom activities, advisories, and structured group
experiences. It delivers a systematic approach focusing on prevention and planned orientation. The
comprehensive developmental program facilitates student development in three broad domains:
• Academic Development (Learn to Learn)
• Career Development (Learn to Earn)
• Personal/Social Development (Learn to Live)
The emphasis in comprehensive counseling programs shifts from working with individuals to working with all
students, from remediation to prevention, and from unplanned/unstructured to systematic and accountable. Our
comprehensive developmental counseling program includes four components:
• The Counseling Curriculum
• Student Success Plans
• Responsive Services
• System Support
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 42
CURRICULUM GOALS
ACADEMIC - LEARNING TO LEARN
1. SKILLS FOR LEARNING
Students will develop attitudes, knowledge, and skills that contribute to life-long learning.
2. SCHOOL SUCCESS
Students will complete school with the academic preparation essential for their chosen post-secondary
plans.
3. ACADEMICS TO LIFE SUCCESS
Students will understand the relationship between their academic studies and the world outside of
school.
CAREER - LEARNING TO EARN
1. INVESTIGATE CAREERS
Students will acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge of self and to
make informed career decisions.
2. CAREER SUCCESS
Students will employ strategies to achieve future career success and satisfaction.
3. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SCHOOL AND WORK
Students will understand the relationship between personal, education and training, and the world of
work.
PERSONAL/SOCIAL - LEARNING TO LIVE
1. RESPECT FOR SELF/OTHERS
Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge, and interpersonal skills to help them understand and
respect self and others.
2. GOAL SETTING/ATTAINMENT SKILLS
Students will make decisions, set goals, and take the necessary action to achieve goals.
3. SURVIVAL AND SAFETY SKILLS
Students will understand safety and survival skills.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We believe that the confidentiality of communications between students and counselors is a critical part of the
counseling relationship.
The law requires written consent of the parents and/or guardians (or of the eligible student) before confidential
student information is disclosed. Disclosure with written consent is not required:
1. To a “school official” of the district, if that person has a legitimate education interest in the information.
(34 C.F.R. 99.31 (a)(1));
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 43
2. If a student transfers from one school district to another, records may be sent to the receiving district
unless board policy requires otherwise. (34 C.F.R. 99.31 (a)(2));
3. When disclosure of educational records is made to state and local
a. educational authorities, when such disclosure is made in an audit,
b. evaluation or compliance review of educational programs. (34 C.F.R. 99.31 (a)(3));
4. Pursuant to a court order or subpoena. (34 C.F.R. (a)(4)); and
5. In health and safety emergencies. (34 C.F.R. 99.31(a)(5)).
COMPONENTS OF THE COUNSELING PROGRAM
CURRICULUM
One of the assumptions upon which the concept for comprehensive counseling is based is that there is program
content that all students should learn in a systematic and sequential way. The curriculum component consists of
student competencies and structured activities presented systematically through classroom activities. The
curriculum written and delivered by counselors and other school personnel, provides instructional activities that
address the three primary content areas of human development: academic, career, and personal/social
development.
STUDENT SUCCESS PLANS
Student Success Plans refers to activities that help all students plan, monitor and manage their own learning,
and personal and career development. Counselors meet with students individually to accomplish specific
objectives relating to all three areas. Individual time spent with a counselor ensures that each student becomes
involved in their own academic, personal, and career planning and receives guided consulting and advising
regarding these plans from trained counselors.
RESPONSIVE SERVICES
Responsive services are reactions to immediate needs and/or concerns of individual students. Issues may
include academic problems, personal crisis, social relationships, safety, and career information. School
counselors respond or react to each situation on an individual basis, using intervention techniques that are
appropriate and helpful in meeting the needs of the student. In addition, school counselors continually respond
to the request of staff members, parents, guardians, and students who seek specific information. School
Counselors employ a variety of methods and strategies depending upon the specific nature of the situation.
Counselors may consult with parents and/or guardians, staff members, community resources, or other
appropriate parties when developing strategies. This component is supportive of the school counseling
curriculum and individual planning components and requires the cooperation and support of the entire staff for
successful implementation.
SYSTEM SUPPORT
The administration, management, and implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program requires
an ongoing support system. The system support component consists of management activities that establish,
maintain, and enhance the total school counseling program. Activities include program evaluation, follow-up
studies, school staff and community orientation to the comprehensive school counseling program, public
relations, professional development activities, participation on school committees, community outreach, and
planning and management tasks in support of the comprehensive school counseling program.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 44
The second aspect of systems support relates to the support given to programs other than school counseling.
This support includes, but is not limited to, supporting the school testing program, serving on Academy/
District-based curriculum committees, master scheduling building, and consulting with The Woodstock
Academy administrators and other staff regarding student needs.
CAREER RESOURCES
Career resources are provided through the Counseling Department, primarily through each individual counselor.
Counselors also visit classes on a programmatic basis utilizing Naviance, a web-based program, as a tool and
impetus for career preparation and exploration activities. Students are encouraged to see their counselor before
and after school to research careers and colleges related to their individual post-secondary planning.
Students are provided opportunities to attend presentations on various careers during “Career Week” and can
also request to shadow a professional in a given career field of interest.
Students are provided the opportunity to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
through The Woodstock Academy, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. ASVAB scores are released only to
the student.
Workshops are also held periodically to assist students in career possibilities and the college application
process.
STUDENT SERVICES
Questions in this section should be directed to the Director of Student Services, Shannon VanderSwaagh.
The Student Services Department at The Woodstock Academy is a diverse program that addresses the
academic, social, and emotional needs of students who have a wide range of abilities and challenges. As a
department, we strive to support each student’s unique needs ensuring that all students achieve their highest
potential and are prepared for lifelong learning. Services include case management, direct instruction in
literacy, English Language Arts, math, study skills, co-taught classes in selected areas, and appropriate related
services as determined via the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process.
The Department offers courses dedicated to providing direct instruction in math, literacy, and writing skills.
The amount of time spent on these skills is customized for each student based on their Individualized Education
Plan (IEP). All IEP goals and objectives are written in collaboration with general education teachers, school
counselors, and related service providers. Students’ IEP goals and objectives are implemented and supported in
both special education and general education classrooms.
DEPARTMENT GOALS
Students will:
• Receive their education in the Least Restrictive Environment, with the goal of receiving their diploma
from The Woodstock Academy;
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 45
• Become involved in the school community, and actively participate in, and positively contribute to, the
learning environment;
• Access all resources and opportunities to ensure a positive educational experience within The
Woodstock Academy;
• Acquire knowledge of transition supports and services to ensure access to appropriate post-secondary
educational or vocational opportunities;
• Acquire skills, knowledge, and experience to reach their potential and to achieve their short-term and
long-term goals; and
• Acquire skills to live as independently as possible and positively contribute to their community and
greater society.
RELATED SERVICES
Students who are identified as requiring special education programing under an Individual Education Plan may
require related services to be embedded within their school programing. These related services refer to items
such as: transportation, audiological services, speech and language pathologists, psychological services,
occupational, behavioral services, interpreter services, rehabilitation counseling, etc. Essentially, anything that
may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education will be considered a related
service. The Woodstock Academy Related Services Staff includes School Psychologist, School Social Worker,
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Speech Language Pathologist, and School Nurse. The Woodstock
Academy partners with community-based agencies and providers to deliver assistive technology services,
occupational therapy, physical therapy services, and other related services as needed, which are coordinated in
collaboration with our sending towns.
SECTION 504/REHABILITATION ACT
Section 504 states that “no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from,
denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under” any program or activity that receives federal
financial assistance. Requirements common to these regulations include reasonable accommodation for students
with disabilities: program accessibility, effective communication with people who have hearing or vision
disabilities, and accessible new construction and alterations.
HEALTH OFFICES
Questions pertaining to the Health Offices should be directed to the Director of Health Services, Bobbie-Jo Saucier, RN,
ATC.
Daily health care is provided at The Woodstock Academy. The Health Office on the North Campus is in the
Bowen Building and on the South Campus in Warren Hall. Except in emergency situations, all students must
have a signed pass before being admitted. If the nurse is unavailable, students should report to the Main Office.
An ill student is not permitted to leave The Academy unless excused by the Health Office. Parents and/or
guardians are notified in case of dismissal and asked to make plans for transportation. In cases of dismissal, the
student must be called for by a parent or guardian. Students who use cell phones to call or text parents and/or
guardians for dismissal will not be covered as an excused medical dismissal from the Health Office. If a student
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 46
leaves The Academy without specific authorization by the Health Office for dismissal, the absence will be
considered unauthorized.
Student health assessments are required (1) prior to enrollment in The Woodstock Academy, and (2) in grade ten,
preferably by the family doctor. Freshmen will have their eyes tested. Accidents and injuries sustained during
school and sports must be reported immediately to the supervising teacher/coach and to the school nurse. Yearly
athletic physicals are required for all students who tryout and participate in interscholastic sports.
COVID-19 Guidelines are subject to change; please check the Health Office page of The Woodstock Academy’s
website for the most current information regarding COVID policies and protocols.
HEALTH ASSESSMENTS AND IMMUNIZATIONS
Legislation mandates that any student attending any public or non-public elementary or secondary school must
present evidence that the following immunizations have been given, or are in the process of being given: two
(2) doses of measles, rubella, mumps, with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and a second dose prior to
entering 7th grade; three (3) doses of poliomyelitis, with at least one dose given on or after the 4th birthday;
four (4) doses of DPT with one dose given on or after the fourth birthday; three (3) doses of
Hepatitis B for all 9th and 10th graders; two doses of Hepatitis A given six months apart with the first dose
given on or after the first birthday for any student born 1/1/07 or later; Varicella vaccine or medical
documentation of having had Chickenpox; one (1) dose of meningococcal vaccine. Exemptions from
immunizations require a statement from the physician that such immunization is medically contraindicated.. To
claim a religious exemption, a valid State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Religious Exemption
Statement must have been submitted to The Academy or the previously attended school prior to April 28, 2021.
As noted in Public Act 21-6, religious exemptions requested for the first time on or after April 28, 2021, are not
a valid basis for excusal from statutory immunization requirements.
Under the regulatory authority of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-7h as amended by Section 493 of Public Act 22-118,
“Each healthcare provider who has provided a child with a “Student Medical Exemption Certificate for
Required Immunizations” form issued by the Department in accord with section 19a-7q of the General Statutes
shall file a copy of the form in such a manner as the Department may require. Forms completed prior to July 1,
2022 shall be filed no later than October 1, 2022.”
A secure, web-based portal has been established by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) to
collect medical exemption information from the form created by Public Act 22-118.
All medical exemptions that were issued on or after July 1, 2021 must be entered in the portal. The school
where the child attends must also continue to receive a copy of the form. To make this easier, the portal can
create a pdf copy of the information entered, which can be printed and shared with the parent or guardian of the
child and the school.
Process Vaccination of Students:
Connecticut Immunization school entry requirements require that students whose initial immunizations have
been given but additional required immunizations are in process are to submit the Healthcare Provider’s
Certification of In Process Required School Immunizations from the student’s physician, physician assistant
(PA) or advance practice registered nurse (APRN) that the additional immunizations are in process in accord
with guidelines and schedule specified by the Commissioner of Public Health (Connecticut Department of
Public Health Schedule For In Process Required School Immunizations). Physicians, PAs, and APRNs must
follow the CDC catch up schedule following the minimum spacing interval between doses and complete the
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 47
administration of the additional required immunizations no later than 30-days after the minimal interval time
period has occurred.
For a limited subset of these students, where the provider has clinical grounds for departing from the
Department of Public Health Guidelines, the provider may submit a declaration titled the Healthcare Provider’s
Declaration of In Process Required School Immunizations for PreK or Pre-School Students Subject to Religious
Exemption Prior to April 28, 2021. The declaration is to be used only for a student who prior to April 28, 2021
was both (1) enrolled in a preschool program or other prekindergarten program and (2) exempt from the
program’s immunization requirements based on a statement submitted to the program that such immunization
requirements would be contrary to the religious beliefs of the student or the parents or guardian of the student.
The provider must confirm that the student meets these two requirements by receiving a copy of the student’s
religious exemption statement from the preschool program or other prekindergarten program dated prior to
April 28, 2021.The declaration form should be shared with the school the student attends. If the student does not
meet these requirements, then the Healthcare Provider must complete the certificate described above.
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of periodic health assessments,
including oral health assessments, for all students according to state health regulations. Students shall have an
oral health assessment prior to enrolling in grade 9 or 10. The Board of Trustees may request that students have
health assessments to determine health status of students, facilitate the removal of handicaps to learning, and
determine whether some special adaptation of The Academy program is needed. No record of any student
medical assessment may be open to the public. The Board may deny continued attendance at The Academy to
any student who fails to obtain the health assessments required under C.G.S. 10-206, and required
immunization according to Sec. 10-204a of the C.G.S. Parents and/or guardians wishing their children
exempted or excused from health assessments may request such exemption to the Head of School in writing.
This request must be signed by the parent or guardian.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION
The Board of Trustees does not allow students to carry or self-administer medications, neither prescription, nor
over-the-counter medications and supplements, during the school day or at school functions. The only
exceptions to this regulation are for the use of inhalers, insulin, or Epi-Pens. Written permission is required for
self-administration of an inhaler, insulin, or Epi-Pen signed by a parent and/or guardian and doctor. Written
parent and/or guardian permission is required for the administration of aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
Parents and/or guardians need to bring prescription medication to the Health Office in its original container, and
with a permission form signed by the physician and the parents and/or guardians. In order to provide immunity
afforded to The Woodstock Academy personnel who administer medication, the Board of Trustees, along with
The Academy medical advisor and The Academy nurse, shall review and/or revise this policy and regulation
biennially and submit it to the Department of Health Services, as stipulated in the Connecticut Regulations of
State Agencies, 10-212a-1 to 10-212-7.
The Academy nurse may administer medication to any student pursuant to the written authorization of a
physician or dentist and the written authorization of a parent or guardian of such child. The Head of School, or
their designees, following the successful completion of specific training in the administration of medication,
may administer medication to any student (who has provided the aforementioned material) in the absence of the
nurse.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 48
PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USE
In conformity with state statute, The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees prohibits all school personnel
from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any student enrolled within the school system. However,
The Academy’s medical advisor may recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical
practitioner. Further, upon the consent of the student’s parents or guardian, school personnel may consult with
the medical practitioner regarding such use.
The Board of Trustees recognizes that the refusal of a parent and/or guardian to administer or consent to the
administration of any psychotropic drug to the child shall not in and of itself, constitute grounds for the
Department of Children and Families (DCF) to take such child into custody or for any court of competent
jurisdiction to order that such child be taken into custody by the department, unless such refusal causes such
child to be neglected or abused, as defined in C.G.S. 46b-120.
CONDOM AVAILABILITY PROGRAM
In accordance with Board Policy 6142, condoms will be available to students on campus upon their request. As
part of the distribution, trained Woodstock Academy faculty/staff will stress the risk of sexual activity including
the potential exposure to sexually transmitted disease and HIV. For those students engaging in sexual activity,
they will be instructed on safe sex practices with proper use of condoms.
Parents not wishing their child to be a part of the condom availability program must complete the Refusal of
Authorization form located in the back of the Student Handbook.
Confidentiality, in the Condom Availability Program, is determined by state laws.
FOOD ALLERGY MANAGEMENT
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees believes that all students, through necessary accommodations
where required, shall have the opportunity to participate fully in all school programs and activities. The focus
of the Food Allergy Management Plan is prevention, education, awareness, communication, and emergency
response.
In some cases, a student’s disability may prevent them from eating meals prepared for the general school
population. Substitutions will be made for students who are unable to eat school meals because of their
disabilities, when that need is certified in writing by a physician. Meal service shall be provided in the most
integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the disabled student.
The nature of the student’s disability, the reason the disability prevents the student from eating regular school
meals, including foods to be omitted from the student’s diet, indication of the major life activity affected by the
disability, the specific diet prescription along with the substitution(s) needed will be specifically described in a
statement signed by a licensed physician.
The Board of Trustees recognizes that students with documented life-threatening food allergies are considered
disabled and are covered by the Disabilities Act and Public Law 93-112 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973. A clearly defined “504 Accommodation Plan” shall be developed and implemented for all such
identified students in which necessary accommodations are made to ensure full participation of identified
students in student activities. The Woodstock Academy has a procedure for the identification and care of food-
allergic students. Such guidelines include, but are not limited to, staff development, strategies for identifying
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 49
students at-risk for life-threatening allergic reactions, means to manage the student’s allergy including
avoidance measures, designation of typical symptoms, and dosing instructions for medications.
LATEX
The Woodstock Academy acknowledges its responsibility to reduce, to a reasonable extent, the exposure of its
students, employees, and visitors to latex protein in the school environment. The purpose of this latex sensitive
policy is to avoid the severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to latex while in the school setting. No latex
balloons will be allowed on the school grounds at any time. This includes all school-sponsored events on- and
off-campus.
READMISSION TO SCHOOL FOLLOWING MENTAL HEALTH
HOSPITALIZATION
In order for a student to return to school following a mental health hospitalization, there must be a meeting with
parents and/or guardians, administration, school counselor, school nurse, school psychologist, or school social
worker. The purpose of this meeting is to determine the student’s ability to return to a normal schedule, and to
determine if the school is a safe environment for the student. Parents and/or guardians should bring the
discharge summary from the physician. Release forms can be signed at this time, if needed.
STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees recognizes that student wellness, social-emotional health, and
proper nutrition are related to students’ physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. The
Board is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, social-emotional health,
proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a
healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices
that can improve student achievement. The Head of School, or their designee, shall be responsible to establish
guidelines or administrative regulations to ensure compliance with this policy.
SERVICE COORDINATION MEETING
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs, Karin Hughes.
The Woodstock Academy Service Coordination Meeting, chaired by the Dean of Student Affairs (or their
designee), is a service supported by the social worker, the psychologist, school nurse, administrators, teachers,
and counselors to deal with student concerns. The program is designed to provide a systematic vehicle for
identification of at-risk students, early intervention, and a variety of support resources for students and their
parents. We hope that these actions will result in higher achievement and decreased absenteeism.
SRBI (Scientific Research Based Interventions) are a way to provide support and instruction to students who
are struggling to learn. A student’s progress is studied, and findings are used to make decisions about teaching
and other learning supports. SRBI are most commonly used in addressing needs in the areas of reading, math,
and behavior. A “continuum of support” or tiered system (outlined following this paragraph) is developed by
school districts and programs to meet the needs of the students they serve (Parent’s Guide to SRBI). The
Student Coordination Meeting (SCM) group creates the collaborative efforts essential to the SRBI framework.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 50
• TIER I: All students receive high quality instruction and curriculum in the general education
classroom.
• TIER II: The school provides extra help for students who need more support.
• TIER III: The school provides more individualized instruction for students who need the most
support.
Referrals to service coordination may be initiated by school counselors, teachers, staff, students, parents and/or
guardians, administration, or other individuals in the community. The process includes a team meeting to
discuss students who have been referred. Information remains confidential and does not become part of the
student’s school records. Questions about this program may be directed to a student’s school counselor, the
nurse, or members of the Administration.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE BLOCK (LAB)
The Learning Assistance Block (LAB) is an option for any regular education student who has had difficulty
achieving academic success and will benefit from more personalized academic support. The goals of the LAB
are to promote academic achievement in a small, structured study environment, to encourage students to earn a
diploma from The Woodstock Academy, and to prepare for adulthood.
LAB IS IDEAL FOR STUDENTS WHO:
• Have the ability to succeed but have exhibited low academic performance in the traditional high school
classroom;
• Will achieve success more likely with the additional support in a smaller, close-knit, structured yet
flexible, study environment;
• Recognize that an alternative approach could provide a more positive experience; and
• Can make a commitment to adhering to The Woodstock Academy’s attendance policy and actively
participate in the educational activities within the alternative educational support program.
Counselors, teachers, administrators, parents and/or guardians, and students themselves may initiate referrals to
the program. A student’s counselor is the beginning point for further program exploration.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE POLICIES
Questions in this section should be directed to the Director of South Campus & Residential Life,
Amanda Tosetti.
MISSION
The Woodstock Academy strives to provide an exemplary residential life experience for the boarding
population. This area will serve as an educational experience outside of the classroom to teach life skills
that will assist students in their future. Our aim is to provide an experience that teaches tolerance, diversity,
and interpersonal skills.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 51
GENERAL DORMITORY PROCEDURES AND
EXPECTATIONS
The dorm, much like a home, is a communal living space in which all students are expected to play
a role. As a college preparatory program, students will need to learn self-discipline and responsibility
in managing their time while meeting expectations. To ensure the safety of all students and staff,
students best learning and living opportunities, students will always be paired with a roommate and
single rooms will rarely be provided.
WAKE UP
All students are responsible for waking up at an appropriate time. Students are expected to exit the
dorm by 7:10 AM. Dorm faculty will sweep through hallways prior to classes to ensure students are
up and ready for the day. Students who have consistent issues waking up may have technology and
electronics restrictions and lose off-campus opportunities.
ACADEMIC DAY
The residential halls are closed to students during the academic day. If students do not feel well, they
must report to the health office by 7:30 AM for health review. Students may not return to the
dormitory unless they have specific permission from the administration. During the Community
Lunch, students are expected to remain on campus and remain out of dorms. Students are expected
to participate in clubs, activities, and the numerous offerings at The Academy. This includes a full
range of course.
NIGHTLY CAMPUS ROUTINE
The evening time is primarily focused on completing required study time, maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, and connecting as a community. The schedule will regularly follow these guidelines on
school nights:
• Dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 PM
• Open Gym from 6:45 to 7:45 PM
• Study & Work Time 8:00 to 9:15 PM
• Dorm Check-in 9:00 to 9:45 PM (students are to remain in-dorms after 9:45 PM)
• On Wings 10:00 PM
• Lights Out 10:30 PM
During weekends and holidays, the following guidelines apply on non-school nights:
• Dorm Check-in by 11:00 PM (students are to remain in-dorms after 11:00 PM)
• On Wings 11:15 PM
• Lights Out 11:30 PM
STUDY HOURS & TIERED STUDY HALL
The Woodstock Academy is a very dynamic community with students participating in a wide variety
of opportunities in and around the school day. The school has long recognized that good study habits
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 52
are central to high and consistent academic performance. To foster quality study time, the campus
will observe mandatory quiet and study time on school nights before 8:00 and 9:15 PM.
The Woodstock Academy Residential Life Staff monitors the academic performance of all its
students. Depending on each student’s level of academic success, students will either be in
Assigned-Room Study, or Monitored Study. These designations are reviewed every four weeks by
the Director of Residential Life. Each tier has specific expectations as noted below.
ASSIGNED-ROOM STUDY: Students who exhibit low academic performance or have
not met set academic standard expectations will be placed in Assigned-Room Study
Hall. Students designated in this tier meet in a predetermined location for structured study
time and must remain there for the duration of study hall unless they have tutoring or an
approved reason. Cell phones are not allowed, and students are expected to remain quiet
and academically engaged. The Assigned-Room proctor will actively review student’s
academic productivity and progress and is available to help as appropriate. The use of
technology is limited to academic pursuits. Students in this tier also have off-campus
restrictions on the weekends and will not be permitted to have personal gaming devices in
his/her room (i.e.: gaming PCs, game consoles, etc.). At the mid-quarter mark, academic
progress will be reviewed and students who demonstrate academic success and
responsibility will be moved to the Monitored Study Hall level.
MONITORED or ROOM STUDY: Students who exhibit strong academic effort and
performance are assigned to Monitored Study. They are expected to study in their
room. Students are expected to check in with the Residential Life staff regarding their
academics when asked. The use of technology is also limited and should be used only for
academic pursuits. Students who have completed their studies for the evening may utilize
this time to complete non-academic work but should not be playing video games or
watching movies. It is an expectation that all students contribute to a productive campus
atmosphere.
INDEPENDENT: Students who exhibit high academic effort and performance, as well as
are active in extracurricular activities and/or athletics will be eligible for the Independent
Study Hall tier. Students in this tier may use the study hall period as they see fit with prior
registration using the link available on ResLife Student Portal. It is an expectation that all
students contribute to a quiet and productive atmosphere, therefore students in the
Independent Study Hall must be cognizant of the needs of others and remain quiet. At
times, off-campus trips may be offered for students in this designation.
The Academy also has an after-school tutoring program. Participants in this program are expected to
be on time in his/her perspective locations. Failure to arrive to either Assigned-Room Study or tutoring
on time can result in disciplinary measures. Any questions regarding tutoring programs should contact
the Director of Residential Life.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 53
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
As an extension of the residential life philosophy and experience, residential students are expected to
sign up for and participate in at least one club, activity, or sport. They are encouraged to join many
and to explore all options offered by The Woodstock Academy. If students wish to start a new club,
create a community service opportunity, or other activity, they should appreciate administrators.
CHECK IN, ON WINGS, AND LIGHTS OUT
Students are required to be on their wing or hallway by 9:45 PM each school night and 11:00 PM on
non-school nights. Residential Life staff will be in dorm lounges for students to check in at these times.
Once checked in, students need to remain on their wing for the evening. If, for some reason, a student
is late to on wings for legitimate reasons, the duty team must be notified by email or phone call.
Students are always expected to to get adequate sleep. Students have mandatory lights out at 10:30
PM. Students are not permitted to be in other students’ rooms. All students are expected to respect the
lights out after 10:30 PM. Violations of the check-in, on-wing, and lights-out expectations will result
in disciplinary consequences.
From 10:30 PM until 6:00 AM, students can expect that the dormitory is quiet and there is minimal
activity. Students are not to schedule online classes, tutorials, or video chats during this time. If there
are extenuating circumstances, a student may request permission to have online classes at an
alternative time.
ROOM REVIEWS
For safety reasons, the administration, or their designees, reserve the right to search rooms at any time
for prohibited, illegal, or dangerous contraband.
DORM CLEANLINESS
Each dormitory wing will establish inspection times in which Residential Life Staff will conduct
regular room and wing inspection to ensure that hygienic and safety standards are being met. Students
will be expected to keep the rooms tidy, as well as maintain public areas (i.e., lounge, bathroom,
hallways). This will require students to remove trash and vacuum both their personal room as well as
assist in public areas. Much like a home, all students will share the role in maintaining communal
cleanliness.
EXPECTATIONS FOR RELATIONSHIPS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SETTING
The South Campus is a community of students, staff, and families. It is important that all students
understand that their conduct and presentation are examples and models for their peers and the children
who live on campus. All relationships on campus should respect appropriate boundaries with the
understanding that the entire campus represents a public space. This includes outdoor spaces, co-ed
lounges, hallways, internal dorm lounges, wings, all bathrooms, and dorm rooms. Appropriate conduct
in these spaces should be always maintained. Inappropriate conduct would include public kissing,
excessive hugging, petting, sitting on or lounging on top of another person, coupling/snuggling
beneath blankets, and any sexual contact. Additionally, the school’s discipline matrix outlines
disruptive behavior and sexual offense and the consequences associated with these.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 54
The goal of the Residential Life Team is to be supportive of all relationships while also drawing
boundaries around shared residential spaces. The Woodstock Academy considers sexual intimacy to
be inappropriate at the school and may choose to discipline certain behaviors. Factors that would
warrant a possible disciplinary response from the school include, but are not limited to, age, location,
and the nature of sexual intimacy. Student(s) may be referred to an appropriate adult (e.g., school
counselor, Director of Health Services, Assistant Head of School, or Director of Residential Life) for
discussion or possible disciplinary action. The school will act in partnership with parents for educating
students about the responsibilities of sexually intimate relationships and by informing parents in
certain cases. The Woodstock Academy has legal obligations that must be clear to all students and to
all parents. Connecticut law has strict “mandated reporting” requirements to state authorities in certain
cases of sexual relations among minors and in all cases of non-consensual relations, which may also
involve criminal proceedings by law enforcement.
DORMITORY OVERNIGHTS
Students are required to sleep in their own room on their designated wing. If students would like to
plan a sleep over or visit to another room, this must be coordinated ahead of time through the Director
of Residential Life and with support of the dorm parents and duty team.
DORM DRESS EXPECTATIONS
Students must wear clothing that covers genitalia in their residential hallways and when dorm room
doors are open, especially when in lounges or transitioning to the bathroom. All dormitory hallways
are semi-public areas and may have housekeeping or facilities staff at various times, in addition to
residential life staff.
DORM & PUBLIC LOUNGES
Students are expected to keep dorm and public lounges clean and tidy during and after their use.
Additionally, student behavior in these spaces must reflect the family-nature of the South Campus.
This includes maintaining appropriate noise levels, expectations around intimacy, and language.
DORMITORY ROOMS
The dorm, much like a home, is a communal living space in which all students are expected to play a
role. As a college preparatory program, students will need to learn self-discipline, independence, and
responsibility in managing their time while meeting expectations. In general, students should always
expect to be housed with a roommate and be responsible to learn the skills of cohabitation. Each
student is responsible for the care of their dorm room. Rooms will be inspected prior to students
moving in, after they depart, and any other time it is deemed necessary to assess damage and the
condition of each living space.
FURNITURE
The furniture provided in each room can only be moved if approved by dorm faculty and must adhere
to certain standards. Furniture cannot block access to the doorway (egress), limit visibility in the room,
or block the windows in any way. A clear walkway both in and out of the room must be evident. Also,
lofting beds on top of desks or dressers is not permitted. Students can request to bunk beds through
the Residential Life Office. Any damage to furniture will be charged to students and should be reported
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 55
immediately. Students may not add furniture (such as desks, mattresses, etc.) to the room unless they
have documented permission from the Director of Residential Life.
ROOM CARE
Keeping the room clean is important for both hygienic and safety reasons. It is the student’s
responsibility to remove trash regularly, vacuum carpets, and tidy up their living spaces. Food items
must be properly stored at all times. Room inspections will occur at the designated times to ensure
standards of cleanliness are being followed. Dorm cleaning may be mandated at the discretion of the
dorm faculty if an issue with hygienic standards arises.
ROOM DECOR
Students are allowed and encouraged to decorate their dorm rooms. However, there are certain rules
and guidelines surrounding appropriate decorations.
• The use of nails, tacks, duct tape or screws is prohibited for hanging items on the walls since
it can damage the paint or wall. We recommend using sticky tack, removable mounting putty,
or 3M Command Hooks due to the ease of removal.
• No adhesives LED lights. Students who use these will be charged a fee to repaint walls.
• Posters and pictures on the wall must be of appropriate content. Inappropriate images will be
removed if displayed.
• Tapestries and/or flags must have a UL-approved label and cannot cover more than 30% of the
wall surfaces or be attached to the ceiling.
• Upholstered furniture is not permitted in dorm rooms except for computer chairs.
LAUNDRY
Every dorm is equipped with card operated washers and dryers. Cards can be acquired and reloaded
below the dining hall at the machine outside of the student store. In some dormitories, students will
be assigned a day and time of the week for their floors to do laundry. Students should be considerate
of others by monitoring their laundry and removing loads of laundry when completed. Students should
not tamper with other students’ laundry at any time.
Laundry service can also be arranged at an additional cost through E&R Laundry Service. Students
may choose from a suite of options. Students who sign up for this service are required to bring their
sheets and laundry to the designated location for pick-up every Monday evening before check-in or
Tuesday morning by 8:00 AM to have their items cleaned and returned weekly.
KEYS AND LOCKING DOORS
All students will receive a key and FOB to allow for access to the buildings and individual rooms.
Each student is responsible for his/her own key and FOB. Losing a room key or fob will result in a
$20 charge for each replacement. There will be frequent checks throughout the year to ensure students
have both their key and FOB. Students who cannot produce a key or fob within 24 hours of being
asked will be charged for the loss and issued a new one. Students are responsible for securing their
own belongings and should not give their key and/or FOB to any other student, and they may only
lock the door when no one is present in the room. Dorm doors should remain unlocked at night or
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 56
when occupied for safety reasons. At no point should a student prop an external or internal door to a
building or wing or allow a non-resident into a building without permission. At the end of each
academic year, keys will be returned to the Residential Life office to ensure no charges are incurred.
PETS / ANIMALS
Students are not allowed to have pets or animals of any sort in their rooms or on their wings.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
All students are expected to be responsible for their own personal belongings. The Woodstock Academy is not
responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of a student’s property; therefore, it is at the student’s own risk to bring
large sums of money or expensive valuables into the dorms. Students should not keep more than $100 cash in
their dorm rooms and should use debit or credit cards for safer access to funds. Gambling, sport betting, and
games of risk are not permitted. All electronics must be registered with the IT office. This registration can assist
in locating missing devices. All students are encouraged to lock their dorm room doors when not in the room to
further secure belongings. Students should not borrow money from other students or sell personal items on
campus without explicit permission from both parents and administration.
FLIK DINING
Food purchased by students in the North Campus Commons is for students’ individual use only. Meals
are not to be purchased for other students using this account. Daily charges for students are limited to
$25.00.
ORDERING FOOD DELIVERED TO CAMPUS
Food is offered in the dining halls on either campus for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, and dinner. Food
from the dining halls is not to be packaged and taken without permission from duty staff. However,
students can opt to order food from local restaurants for dinner. Delivery orders must go to the front
desk. Food cannot be ordered during the academic day or after study hall begins. Therefore, students
may only order from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. Food ordered in the evening must be received before study hall
at 8:00 PM. Students must make sure to consider that food may take up to an hour to arrive on campus.
Weekend and holiday food deliveries by ordered in time to arrive before in-dorms or on-wings. Food
should also be stored and disposed of properly. Ordering privileges may be revoked for failure to
follow these procedures.
DAMAGE
Any damage to the dormitory furniture or residential property will be charged to the student(s)
involved. Below are approximate costs related to various damages. The extent of the damage will
determine the final cost, but this list, which is intended to be used as a reference and is not exhaustive,
can assist in understanding the monetary value of items in the dorm room. The cost of labor to repair
damages is $30/hr.
• Bed Frame $400
• Chair: $250
• Desk: $500
• Door Lock $250 – $350
• Light Fixture: $180
• Mattress: $275
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 57
• Thermostat (Warren) $150
• Wardrobe: $600
• Window $500 – $800
• Window Shade $150
• Wall Damage Based upon repair.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
All items in dorm rooms must meet school guidelines and follow all safety standards. If the school concludes
that it is in the interest of the student or community, a room search will be conducted. There should be no
expectation of privacy as the school reserves this right at its sole discretion. Items not allowed in dormitory
rooms include but are not limited to:
• Firearms or fake firearms, including airsoft, BB and paintball guns;
• Knives or other weapons
• Illicit substances (i.e. drugs, alcohol, vapes/e-cigarettes, or tobacco in any form)
• Heating or cooking devices* (i.e. hot pot, microwave, toaster, rice cooker, coffee maker)
• Refrigerators larger than 2.7 cubic feet
• Candles, incense, matches, lighters
• Medications (prescription and non-prescription)
• Electric heaters, including heating fans
• Sunlamps and halogen lamps
• Sticky LED lights
• Irons or steamers
• Pets, animals of any type
• Television or monitors over 32”, and
• Personal mattresses, futons, sofas, and bean bag chairs.
All items in the dormitory are subject to review by the Director of Residential Life, or designee.
* Only water heaters with automatic shut-off and preapproved by Res Life Staff are allowed in the common
rooms. These should have an approved sticker from Res Life.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 58
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES AND OFF-CAMPUS TRAVEL
On most weekends, The Woodstock Academy will offer activities both on and off campus. These opportunities
will be open to students in good academic standing. Sign-ups for these trips will be available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Some trips will be free while others will have surcharges applied. Students who sign up are
expected to attend. Faculty may place students on off-campus restrictions for failing to meet academic and/or
behavioral expectations.
REMIND
All students will be asked to sign-up for the Remind App to facilitate communication with duty staff.
STUDENT TRAVEL & SIGN OUT PROCEDURE
Students are expected to attend all classes when school is in session. Any departure from campus which impacts
academic time must be approved by the Dean of Students and Assistant Head of School for South Campus well
in advance. Students must be in good standing in all respects. If given approval, students may create trips on
weekends or other approved times. All off-campus travel must be entered in the REACH Student Management
program and be approved by parents, the Residential Life office, and host (if necessary).
Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an approved guardian. Students cannot order a car service
(i.e. limo, taxi, Uber) unless they are 18 and have explicit permission from the Director of Residential Life. Travel
should not interfere with academic obligations.
Transportation to, from, and while off campus must be provided by a parent/guardian. Prior to leaving, the
parent/guardian must sign out each boarding student at the front desk.
Students may work with the Director of Residential Life to secure a car service. Students will be required to pay
for this from their student account or using a credit card. A surcharge of $20.00 will be applied to all students
scheduling car services.
For day leave, student must return before in-dorms time. All leave requests must be submitted at least 48 hours
in advance of the departure time and date. Last minute departures may be denied. With approval, some same-day
requests may be approved.
Failure to follow these procedures will result in discipline and/or loss of privileges. Any exceptions must be
approved by administration.
LONG WEEKENDS & VACATION DATES
The annual residential life calendar and travel dates document is available to all students on the website. There
are four long weekend dates during the year. It is important to note that the dorms will be closed during the
December and April breaks.
During the winter holiday and spring break, students are required to submit leave requests weeks in advance.
These detailed submissions must outline all travel plans and details. Additionally, all students must be with an
approved guardian who is 21 years of age or older. The Academy reserves the right to deny leave requests which
are not appropriate or demonstrate poor judgement or planning.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 59
Deadlines will be established for travel information which students must adhere to for planning purposes.
CLOSED WEEKENDS
Certain weekends may be closed for travel due to academic commitments or for health-related concerns. Prior
to mid or end of semester dates all students will remain on campus. If public health concerns exist, students may
not be allowed to travel when they request. The Woodstock Academy administrations reserves the right to hold
students on campus for academic, health, or other reasons.
TECHNOLOGY
It is the expectation of the school that students utilize technology appropriately. Technology should never interfere
with academic pursuits or with following the daily schedule. Faculty and staff reserve the right to remove devices
or limit Internet access if this technology serves as a distraction.
NO TECHNOLOGY ZONES
To build community and to remain safe, technology will not be permitted in certain areas of the school or at
certain dorm-related events. This includes cell phones and other handheld devices unless otherwise directed.
Areas where devices should not be used include:
• When crossing the street,
• Community meetings; and
• Dorm meetings.
Video games and use of technology after hours may result in these items being restricted or confiscated.
Technology should never interfere with productive student sleep habits.
DISCIPLINE
Infractions specific to residential life fall under the following discipline matrix. These infractions can range from
minor to major in severity and the determination of the level of infraction will be decided by the Director of
Residential Life and Assistant Head of School for South Campus. All other disciplinary issues will follow the
regular discipline matrix included at the end of this handbook. Continual infractions can result in dismissal if
deemed necessary by the administration.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 60
RESIDENTIAL LIFE DISCIPLINE MATRIX
Infraction
Minimum Level
Intermediate Level
Maximum Level
Damage of Property
(School/Students)
(Unintentional damage)
Consultation with Head of
Dorm and Restitution
Saturday Service /
Detention with 1-3 weeks
of Off-Campus Restrictions
and Restitution
In-School Suspension: 5 – 10 days
and/or Recommendation for
dismissal from The Woodstock
Academy
Allowing Non-Residents into
Dorm
Verbal Warning and/or
Saturday Service / Detention
Saturday Service /
Detentions: 1-2 with 1-3
weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 1-3 days
with 1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Coed Visitation of Dorms
3-hour Service / Detention
with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 1-3
days with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 5 – 10 days
and/or Recommendation for
dismissal from The Woodstock
Academy
Disrespect or Verbal
Altercation with Student
Administrative Consult
and/or Saturday Service/
Detention with 1-3 weeks of
Off-Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 1-3
days with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 3-5 days
with 1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Insubordination and/or
Verbal Altercation with Staff
Administrative Consult
and/or Saturday Service /
Detention with 1-3 weeks of
Off-Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 1-3
days with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 3-5 days
with 1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Failure to Check-In
Verbal/Email Warning
Detention / Service after 3
missed check-ins.
Saturday Service / Detention & Off-
Campus Restrictions after fourth
offense.
Food Delivery Issues (Time
and/or pick up location)
Verbal Warning
Ordering Restrictions
and/or Saturday Service
Detention
Ordering Restrictions and Saturday
Service / Detention with 1-2 weeks
Off-Campus Restrictions
Hygienic Issues (Dorm
and/or Person)
Consultation with Dorm
Parent and/or Dir. of ResLife
Service / Detention and/or
Free Time Restrictions
and/or Loss of Electronics
1-2 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions and Mandatory
Inspection Schedule
Late Night Activity (In
Dorm)
Verbal Warning and/or
Earlier In-Rooms
Detention, Service, Free
Time Restrictions and/or
Loss of Electronics
Saturday Service / Detention with
1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Leaving Campus Without
Permission and/or Without
Following Procedure
Saturday Service / Detention
with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
Saturday Service/
Detentions: 2-3 Dates with
2-4 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions and Restitution
In-School Suspension: 1-3 days
with 1-3 weeks Off-Campus
Restrictions; Possible
recommendation for Out of
School Suspension
Leaving Dorm After Hours
Service / Detention 1-3 hrs
with 1-3 weeks Off-Campus
Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 1-3
days with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 3-5 days
with 1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions.
Meal Plan Abuse:
Administrative Consult
and/or Saturday Detention
with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions and
Restitution
Saturday Service/ Detention
with 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions and
Restitution
In-School Suspension: 1-3 days
with 1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions and Restitution
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 61
Giving/selling food to non-
boarders. (May also fall under
theft)
Misuse of Public Spaces
(Dining Hall, Weight Room,
Lounges, etc.)
Verbal Warning and
Mandatory Cleaning of the
Space
Service / Detention and/or
Restriction from Space: 1-3
weeks
Restriction from Space: 3-5 weeks
and Saturday Service / Detention
with 1-3 weeks Off-Campus
Restrictions
Open Flame in Dorm
In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension: 5 – 10 days and Recommendation for
Dismissal from The Woodstock Academy
Prohibited Item in the Dorm
Room
Administrative Consult
and/or Essay/Learning
Assignment
Saturday Service Detention
and/or 1-3 weeks of Off-
Campus Restrictions
In-School Suspension: 1-3 Days
with 1-3 weeks Off-Campus
Restrictions
Study Hall / Tutoring -
Failure to Follow
Expectations
Verbal Warning and/or
Consultation with Dir. or
ResLife
Service, Detention, and/or
Placement in Structured Study
Hall and/or Loss of Electronics
Saturday Service / Detention with
1-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Trip and Activity Issues:
Failure to communicate
cancellations and/or Late for
trip departures
Verbal Warning and/or 1
week of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Service / Detention and/or
2-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
Saturday Service / Detention and
2-3 weeks of Off-Campus
Restrictions
*This list is not exhaustive, and the administration reserves the right to alter discipline based on each individual event.
*Consistent defiance of school rules can/may also result in recommendation for dismissal
*Students may be assigned community service in lieu of detentions based on circumstances and needs of the community.
RESIDENTIAL SECURITY AND SAFETY
FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE
Fire drills are conducted at various times throughout the school year. A building must be evacuated for any fire
alarm, even if it is a drill. Each building has a meeting place; students must find the staff in charge of accounting
for students in each location. This must be done quickly and quietly. Failure to follow proper evacuation
requirements may result in disciplinary action. The following protocol must be followed for all fire alarms:
1. Turn room lights on and leave them on;
2. Close any open window and raise the window shade;
3. Exit room and close door;
4. Exit the building quickly and quietly, report to the area designated by dorm staff: All buildings meet
in the field behind the gym unless instructed differently by staff.
5. Students must line up with their roommates; and
6. Do not re-enter the building until given the all clear signal by dorm staff or fire department personnel.
LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE
The school will routinely conduct Lockdown and Shelter-In-Place drills to ensure the safety and security of the
school. Notifications may or may not be made through the school’s public-address system and/or instant
messaging system. Students are expected to pay close attention to all directives and commands during these
procedures.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 62
ON CAMPUS SAFETY
Students are expected to take an active role in their personal safety on campus. Most injuries can be prevented by
taking precautionary measures. Listed below are ways in which students can enhance personal safety.
• Non-motorized recreational vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, and skateboards may only be used
after school hours, on campus, and with the use of a helmet. At no point are these vehicles allowed
on the road, off-campus, or used in the buildings.
• When crossing the street, remember to use crosswalks; stop and look both ways before crossing.
• Headphones and cell phones should not be used while crossing the street.
• If traveling in a bus or personal vehicle, always use safety belts.
• Rough housing, wrestling, or play fighting is prohibited on campus.
• Students may not have personal vehicles on campus.
• Stunts or tricks of any kind on school property is prohibited as well.
WHEELED DEVICES
Any student using bicycles, skateboards, etc. must use a helmet and only use such wheeled devices with
permission from staff and in appropriate locations. Students may not leave campus without explicit permission
and cause. Hoverboards are not allowed to be used inside any buildings.
DRIVERS LICENSE
Residential students may not have vehicles on campus and may not drive vehicles. Students may not obtain
a driver’s license unless they are 18, and only under specific parameters.
STAFF APARTMENTS & PROPERTY
Students may only be in staff apartments and vehicles when accompanied by staff and when specifically
invited. Trespassing in apartments or vehicles is a serious offense. Staff members’ items, such as bicycles,
should not be used without explicit permission from staff and only if following all protocols with such devices.
CAMPUS BOUNDARIES
Residential students on South Campus are free to move about campus proper. The boundaries range from the
track and field near Warren Hall to the yellow houses behind Loos Center. The Student Center is also part of
campus but is off-limits after dinner unless students are given express permission to be in the building. The
trail and wooded areas behind the gymnasium are part of campus but require sign-out permission to go into.
The turf can be accessed after dark only with permission from duty staff. Students should not be on the turf
after study hall or late at night. Campus itself does not include the Woodstock Middle School parking lot,
basketball and tennis courts, or playground. These are property of the Town of Woodstock. Students wishing
to leave campus, including to hike the trail or use the tennis courts may request permission from the duty team
and must sign-out.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 63
VISITORS/GUESTS
Non-residents are welcome on campus at specified times; however, permission must be obtained through the
Dean’s Office and the Director of Residential Life. Visitation will not be allowed during study hall since this
interferes with academic obligations. Outside visitors will need to check in with campus security, or duty
faculty at the front desk, upon arrival and before departure. Coed visitation in dorm rooms is prohibited,
except for approved family members who receive permission. Guests are expected to abide by the campus
rules. Guests are allowed to stay overnight only with specific permission and prior planning.
Day students may also visit campus. A Day Student is considered any non-residential student of The
Woodstock Academy on South Campus after 3:00 PM, and not involved in a sport or activity. To remain on
school grounds after 3:00 PM on a school day (if not attending a sport or other activity), or to be on campus
at any point on the weekend, the following steps must be taken:
• Day students may request to visit campus using the “Day Student Visit to South Campus Request”
• Visiting Day Students must request and receive permission from the Assistant Head of School’s
office;
• Each Visiting Day Student must check in at the front desk and announce their arrival;
• Visiting Day Students are not permitted in any dormitory halls, only in public areas;
• Visiting Day Students must leave campus before in-dorms and check out at the front desk in
Annhurst Hall; and
• No Boarding Student may enter a Day Student’s vehicle at any point.
Failure to follow these procedures will result in discipline and/or loss of privileges. Any exceptions must be
approved by administration.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Living away from home is always a challenge and requires great responsibility on the part of the student. This
is even more so this year as the school, country, and world continues to address concerns regarding Covid-19
and recovering from recent disruptions. The following expectations for student responsibility are essential in
developing a healthy and safe community this year:
• Students choosing to come to The Woodstock Academy’s residential program are accepting additional
responsibility to live communally, to care for themselves and their peers, and to do all in their power
to remain healthy and health aware.
• Students have a responsibility to report illness or health concerns immediately to their dorm parent
and health services.
• When requested or appropriate, students may be asked to wear masks. When required, students are
expected to wear masks in all designated locations and/or at the direction of staff.
• Students who are not able to live up to the responsibilities of maintaining a safe community may be
asked to leave.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 64
COVID TESTING
COVID testing will be provided to boarding students at the discretion of the school nurse for students
presenting to the health office with multiple COVID-19 symptoms. The health office reserves the right to test
individuals or the entire community if concerns about Covid surface throughout the year as a continued
mitigation strategy. Students requiring a COVID-19 test prior to travel must notify the health office of this
requirement a minimum of one week prior to travel date. COVID testing for travel may need to be completed
off campus and the cost of such testing would be the responsibility of student/parent.
ISOLATION/QUARANTINE
The Woodstock Academy Health Office follows current CDC guidelines when treating students who have
tested positive for COVID-19. For information regarding the most up-to-date guidelines, please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance.
HEALTH SERVICES
Questions in this section should be directed to the Director of Health Services, Bobbie-Jo Saucier, RN,
ATC.
HEALTH OFFICE MISSION
Our goal is to empower students to make healthy life choices and educate them on prevention and making
informed health decisions. We strive to provide the highest level of care and work closely with local health
care providers in handing illnesses and injuries.
HEALTH OFFICE HOURS
Health Office Hours by Location*:
North Campus: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
South Campus: Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM-9:00 PM
Fridays: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturdays: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Sundays: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
No School/Holidays: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
The Health Office will have a nurse on call for Thanksgiving and Easter. Should any health emergency arise
outside of office hours, please notify the duty team and/or dorm parent and they will notify the Director of
Health Services or nurse on call.
*Please note that Health Office hours are subject to change based on staffing and/or the needs of students.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 65
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
The Woodstock Academy contracts a Medical Director, Dr. Kristen Xeller, annually to provide medical
services for students. This doctor is scheduled to come to the South Campus health office twice per week
for sick visits, evaluations, etc. All other appointments will be scheduled with Dr. Xeller as needed if urgent
needs arise. All appointments should be scheduled through the Health Office.
MEDICATION POLICY FOR BOARDING STUDENTS
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:
1. The parent is responsible for obtaining all orders needed for medications and other
supplement/vitamin needs;
2. The parent will refill all prescribed medication monthly and send them directly to the Health Office
to always ensure an adequate supply. The Health Office gives reminder calls as a courtesy only –
This should not be relied upon. (Remember to send medication in original bottles that have been
properly labeled); and
3. The parent will keep an adequate supply of medication at home or place of destination for all
vacation break times. The Health Office does NOT send medications home during breaks. *
*Exception: Medications that are prescribed by our physicians and filled at our Pharmacy will be sent
home with students during break times.
The Health Office does not have storage available for medication not being utilized. These medications
will be mailed home.
Entire supplies of medication are sent home with students at the end of the school year with written
parental permission. All medications remaining in the Health Office two weeks following school closing
will be destroyed.
Student Responsibilities:
1. The student is to come to the Health Office for all prescribed medications at the proper times. They
will come to the medication window with water. Each student should state their name, identify their
medications, and take in the presence of the nurse;
2. The student is to alert the Health Office immediately if there are any questions or concerns with
regard to their medication;
3. The student is to notify the Health Office of any off-campus events (sports, class trips, etc.) for
which they will need medication packaged. The supervising faculty/staff member will obtain the
medications from the Health Office;
4. Students who are repeatedly delinquent for medication will be reported to Administration for further
action; and
5. No students may have any prescription or over-the-counter medication/supplements in their room, or
on their person without Health Office authorization.
OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION
All over the counter medications are subject to the following guidelines:
1. All OTC medications (antacids, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough medicines, etc.) are supplied by The
Woodstock Academy. Students are not allowed to keep any OTC medication, vitamins, and
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 66
homeopathic supplements in their rooms. All supplemental vitamins/homeopathic medication must
be accompanied by a Physician’s written order; and
2. The Health Office has the authority to deny certain medications/homeopathic/herbal supplements.
3. We do not allow any nicotine products on campus.
4. We do not allow protein products for in the dorm room. Protein products can be stored in the
health office but must also be accompanied by a physician’s written authorization.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
All prescription medications are subject to the following guidelines:
1. Student will be evaluated by their prescribing physician at least once annually. (The school
physician prescribes medication for acute illness or injury only. All maintenance, psychotropic, and
stimulant type medications must be prescribed through a student’s own physicians);
2. All students are to receive adequate instruction from their prescribing physicians regarding the
administration, desired effect, and side effects of all medications;
3. A Physician’s Request for Medication Administration form must accompany all prescription
medication. This form must clearly state the name of the student, medication, dosage, and time of
administration. All forms must be signed and dated by the prescribing physician. This form is
available on the school website at www.woodstockacademy.org. Be sure to log into the website. It
is located on the student page.
4. All orders are to be renewed yearly or when there is a change in medication, dosage, or time of
administration. (Orders expire in July of each year).
5. All medication will be sent directly to the Health Office in its original prescription bottle with the
name of the student and medication labeled. (The Health Office WILL NOT accept improperly
labeled containers).
6. Residential student will not have any prescription or over the counter medication/supplements in
their room, or on their person without Health Center authorization. If a student does have
medication, supplements, vitamins or herbal medication in their dorm room or packed luggage, they
will turn it into the health office and work with the health office staff on appropriate
approval. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
SICK VISITS/ILLNESS
Students should check-in with the morning nurse at 7:00 AM, prior to the start of classes, if they feel that
they are too ill to attend school that day. Students are expected to have showered and to be dressed for the
day prior to coming into the Health Office. Boarding students may be placed on bed rest by the Health
Office, at which time students will be expected to remain in the Health Office during school hours. If there
are no beds available, the Health Office staff will determine which students may rest in their rooms and will
check on them periodically. If it is determined that students are contagious, a sick wing will be opened in
Warren Hall. If a student is not contagious, he or she will be allowed to go to the dining hall and eat but
should report back to the Health Office immediately thereafter. If a student is too ill to attend meals, their
meals will be delivered to the Health Office. If a student is improved and stable, they will be allowed to
leave the Health Office at 2:30 PM. If they are not, they will remain in the Health Office throughout the
evening until the nurse feels they are ready to return to the dorm room. Once a student is put on bed rest, the
bed rest status remains until the following morning when the student resumes a normal routine. It may be
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 67
determined that a student needs to return to the Health Office the following morning at 7:00 AM for a
recheck of status. The goal of the Health Office is to provide students with a comfortable space for rest and
monitoring when not feeling well. The Health Office will make every effort to have students in classes
when possible.
The Director of Health Services is available 24/7 and can be reached on their cell phone for all emergencies,
injuries, or illnesses when the health office is closed. Notify a member of the duty team/dorm parent of the
situation and they will contact the nurse on call.
ATHLETIC INJURIES/SPORTS RESTRICTIONS
In the event that a Sports Restriction is warranted, students are required to present a restriction note signed
by the nurse on duty to their coach. The coach will decide if a student is required to be present at sports to
help out in other ways or if you are allowed to rest during athletics. Sport Restriction notes from the Health
Office will only be given out for illness-related concerns. All injury-related restrictions must go through the
Certified Athletic Trainer. The Academy will have two Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) on staff that will
be available on the North and South campuses. If a student has any athletic injury concerns, they should
schedule an appointment to meet with one of the ATC’s. There will be open times to see an ATC in the
afternoons/evenings during athletics depending on the season.
ROUTINE EXAMINATIONS
Routine examinations, i.e. sports physicals, dental or orthodontic appointments, dermatology, eye
care, and gynecological appointments should be made at home with your personal physicians. Most
of these exams need to be made 4 - 6 weeks in advance, so please keep the school schedule in mind so they
can be seen during school breaks. For emergency purposes, a list of specialists will be provided at a
parent’s request.
ON- AND OFF-CAMPUS APPOINTMENTS
(Physicians, Therapists, Dentists, etc.)
All appointments are made through the Health Office. Reminders are sent to students via email the day
before so that students know what time to show at the Health Office for an appointment or transportation
off-campus. Students should arrive 5 minutes (no more) early for the appointment time. Appointment times
will also be posted outside the Health Office on the lobby bulletin board and by the medication window.
The list will be updated daily so students should check if they have an appointment scheduled. The Health
Office will have a copy of all health forms students may need and they should be returned to the office after
each appointment.
ORTHOPEDIC REFERRALS
Orthopedic issues and sports/school injuries are initially reviewed by The Woodstock Academy Athletic
Trainer. In the event that an orthopedic appointment is warranted, parents will be contacted. Again, this
will give parents/guardians the opportunity to review insurance coverage and make necessary calls.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 68
TRANSPORTATION TO HEALTH APPOINTMENTS
The health services department will arrange transportation to all off campus appointments within a range of
20 minutes from campus. Driving services are available Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The
health services department has established relationships with providers in the surrounding towns of
Woodstock, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Putnam, Killingly, and Thompson which include specialties in orthopedics,
mental health, podiatry, dermatology, dentistry, orthodontics, walk-in and urgent care centers, Day Kimball
Hospital, and laboratory services. If a student/parent requests an appointment with a specific provider or
referral outside of our transportation range, then the student/parent will be responsible for the cost of
transportation for a fee of $30/hour.
Transportation services do not include areas of Worcester, Providence, Boston, Norwich, Hartford, etc. This
fee will be deducted from your student’s account through the business office. The health office strongly
encourages that all routine care and medical appointments are scheduled at home during the summer or
school vacation periods.
The health office staff is happy to work with students/parents to arrange appointments in this area if
medically necessary at the rate mentioned above.
PHARMACY
The school utilizes the Stop & Shop Pharmacy in Putnam, CT. The pharmacy has received a copy of all
insurance information on file at the school. Every effort is made to utilize personal insurance cards. Please
keep in mind that not all insurances can be accessed through the pharmacy computer system. Any
outstanding bills are sent to The Woodstock Academy business office and deducted from the student’s
account. If you have any questions regarding pharmacy billing, please contact them directly.
Stop & Shop Pharmacy, 60 Providence Turnpike, Putnam, CT.
06260 Phone: (860) 963-2642 Fax: (860) 963-2648
If you have any further questions regarding The Woodstock Academy Health Office procedures, please feel
free to contact the nursing staff by email at nurses@woodstockacademy.org or by phone (860) 928-6575
option 4.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 69
GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs, Karin Hughes.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The Woodstock Academy has an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that all students and parents and/or
guardians must read before a student may use any of the computers at The Woodstock Academy. The AUP
is designed to maintain the integrity and security of all computers and network functions. The Woodstock
Academy filters the Internet per order of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. A copy of the AUP can be
found on the school website at: http://www.woodstockacademy.org/aup.
Any student in violation of the AUP is subject to disciplinary action which may result in the loss of
computer privileges. Please refer to the disciplinary matrix for the consequences of violating the AUP.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
It is the belief of the Board of Trustees that students shall be held responsible for proper care of books and
supplies entrusted to their care. The student and/or the parents or guardians have the responsibility to care
for these textbooks, library books and other educational materials (including technology).
In the event these textbooks, library books and other educational materials (including technology) are
damaged or lost, regardless of the reason, the student and/or the parents or guardians must pay for the
materials at their current replacement cost. Failure to do so may result in the withholding of grades, report
cards and transcripts; and/or non-participation in promotion or graduation exercises, extra-curricular
activities and inter-scholastic athletics. If after consultation with the parents or guardians the accountability
persists, the student may be assigned in-school suspension.
If any materials paid for are eventually returned to the school, undamaged, all funds will be returned to the
student and/or parents or guardians.
AGE OF MAJORITY
The Academy maintains contact with parents and/or guardians of students while students are enrolled at The
Woodstock Academy and is responsible to parents and/or guardians regardless of age. All forms, regardless
of a student’s age, must be signed by a parent/guardian. If a student is eighteen, a request may be made for
direct communication between the student and the school, and parents and/or guardians will be notified of
that request.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Students are required to report directly to the campus upon being discharged from the school buses or
arrival by automobile or walking. Students may not loiter in parking lots or areas adjacent to the campus.
No students are to be on campus unsupervised before or after school hours. If students leave campus at
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 70
dismissal, they are not to return to loiter. Supervised areas include teacher tutorials, library, weight room,
supervised clubs, sports, and school-sponsored activities.
BREATHALYZER TESTING
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees supports the use of breathalyzers during the school day or at
The Woodstock Academy-sponsored activities and events (on or off school grounds) to deter the use of
alcohol by students and to promote the health and safety of all students.
This policy provides the basic structure for the use of breathalyzers at The Woodstock Academy to confirm
alcohol consumption by students. Such instruments shall be used by The Woodstock Academy to:
1. Confirm a reasonable suspicion that a particular student has used or is under the influence of alcohol
at school during the school day, or at a co-curricular Woodstock Academy-sponsored event; and/or
2. Systematically screen students attending a co-curricular Woodstock Academy-sponsored activity or
events (on or off school grounds) for possible alcohol use.
A breathalyzer is a device that detects and measures alcohol in expired air so as to determine the
concentration of alcohol in a person’s blood. Designated Academy personnel and/or The Woodstock
Academy Campus Security Officers will be trained in the use of the breathalyzer test.
Testing of students using these devices will be conducted in a separate area, to the extent practicable, to
maintain student privacy. Results from a breathalyzer will be maintained in a confidential manner to the
extent practicable, and only released in accordance with The Woodstock Academy policy and state and
federal law.
TESTING TO CONFIRM REASONABLE SUSPICION OF ALCOHOL USE
If there is reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence of alcohol at The Woodstock Academy
or at an Academy-sponsored activity or event (on or off school grounds), the student shall be removed to a
separate area for observation and questioning concerning alcohol consumption. The student will be
informed as to how the breathalyzer operates and will be asked to breathe into the device. Any student who
tests positive will be asked to submit to a second breathalyzer test. If the student tests positive to the second
test, The Woodstock Academy will contact their parents/guardians. If necessary, the student will be brought
to the Academy nurse for medical treatment during school hours and emergency medical protocols shall be
followed. If the Academy nurse is not available, The Woodstock Academy personnel shall seek emergency
medical treatment (911), if necessary.
If the student tests positive on either test, or if the student refuses to take the test when there is reasonable
suspicion of alcohol use, the student may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with The
Woodstock Academy policies and procedures.
Reasonable suspicion shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following:
1. Observed use or possession of alcohol;
2. Alcohol odor or the presence of an alcohol container;
3. Slurred speech, unsteady gait, lack of coordination, bloodshot or glazed eyes; or
4. Marked changes in personal or physical behavior not attributable to other factors.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 71
AT CO-CURRICULAR WOODSTOCK ACADEMY-SPONSORED ACTIVITY OR
EVENT (ON OR OFF SCHOOL GROUNDS)
The Board of Trustees allows for the use of breathalyzers in connection with students’ participation in co-
curricular Woodstock Academy-sponsored activities and events (on or off school grounds). The Woodstock
Academy personnel do not need to have reasonable suspicion of alcohol use in order to use breathalyzer
tests at these activities and events.
Students will be notified prior to the activity or event if random testing will occur. Students will be notified
through such means as the Student Handbook, written notices, Academy announcements (oral and written),
or other similar notification.
Students may be denied entry and/or removed from the event or activity for either refusing to submit to such
testing or for testing positive for alcohol use.
When breathalyzers will be used at a Woodstock Academy-sponsored activity or event (on or off school
grounds) (i.e. dances, proms, etc.), such devices shall be administered as follows:
1. The Woodstock Academy Associate Head of School or their designee will determine if such
screening will be required of each student participating in the activity or event or if this
screening will be done randomly.
a. If each student is to be tested, all students participating in the activity or event will be
asked to submit to a breathalyzer test.
b. If testing is to be done randomly, the Associate Head of School or their designee will
determine the method for random testing prior to the activity or event and communicate
the method to those personnel who will administer the test.
2. Students will be asked to breathe into the device. If the breathalyzer test detects alcohol, the
student shall be removed to a separate area for observation and questioning concerning alcohol
consumption. The student will be asked to submit to a second breathalyzer test to confirm the
presence of alcohol.
3. Should the student test positive after the second test, The Woodstock Academy personnel will
contact the student’s parents/guardians; the student shall be removed/denied entry to the activity
or event and may face additional disciplinary actions.
4. Any student who refuses to submit to the breathalyzer test, may be excluded or removed from
the activity or event and may face additional disciplinary actions.
5. The Woodstock Academy retains the right to contact state police and/or local law enforcement
officials at any time, as deemed appropriate, consistent with The Woodstock Academy practice
and policy.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 72
BUS REGULATIONS AND CONDUCT
The towns of Woodstock, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, Canterbury, and Brooklyn transport their students to
the Academy. This privilege may be denied to students who violate established bus codes. During a bus-
suspension period, parents and/or guardians are responsible to transport their child. Regular school
attendance is expected.
Students are not permitted to take a different same-town bus or buses for other towns.
SHUTTLE BUSES BETWEEN NORTH & SOUTH CAMPUS
Shuttles will run between South Campus and The Woodstock Academy North Campus throughout the day.
It is important that students are on time for the shuttles. Missing a shuttle will not be considered an
appropriate excuse for missing class. Shuttles will leave once full, or at their scheduled departure time.
Students are not permitted to drive themselves or others in a personal vehicle. Students that do this will
immediately lose parking privileges.
ACADEMY VEHICLES
Complaints relative to The Academy vehicles and transportation are received and processed by the Dean of
Student Affairs.
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT AND MANDATED REPORTING
Should child abuse/neglect, or a reasonable suspicion of such, come to the attention of any staff member, it
must be reported to The Department of Children and Families; administration will be notified.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
Community Lunch is a unique opportunity that allows students to schedule their own time for 60 minutes.
During this time, The Commons, the library (for quiet studying), and the North gym are available for student
use, although food is not allowed in the library or gym. During Community Lunch, clubs and activities may
meet. Faculty will be available for extra-help and discipline-specific rooms will be designated for various
academic support. A lunch detention session will also be provided. Students should not go to South Campus
during Community Lunch unless they are attending a club or activity, or meeting with a staff member (with a
Securly pass).
The success of Community Lunch will rest with individual student responsibility. Students are expected to
continue to follow all school rules and to clean up after themselves. Students unable to demonstrate a mature
comportment and a sensible use of this time may be assigned to designated areas. Students are permitted to
spend the Community Lunch hour in designated areas with regular adult supervision. During Community
Lunch, students may not leave campus without permission or congregate or eat lunch in areas with limited
supervision, including, but not limited to, restrooms and stairwells. Unless given permission, students are not
permitted in the residential sections of South Campus dorms, including dorm lounges, during school hours.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 73
Students will be considered “off campus” if they are in any of the following areas without permission or
dismissal during Community Lunch (or any other time during school hours):
• North Campus: Child Hill, Academy, or Cemetery Road, Route 169, the area behind the Bicentennial or
Hyde Buildings, staff or student parking lots. If students are walking outside they should not go beyond
the sidewalk unless given permission or walking with an adult.
• South Campus: Route 169, or any road surrounding the campus, the area behind the South gym,
including the trails behind campus, surrounding cornfields, and the Maintenance shed.
Seniors with privileges (blocks 1, or 2) may not sign out for Community Lunch, but must, like the rest of the
student body, remain on one of the two campuses. Students with block 3 privileges do not need to return for
Community Lunch; Students with block 4 privileges may sign out early. Dorms will remain closed during this
time.
DRESS CODE
The Academy considers any disturbance on campus during the school day or at Academy-sponsored events
caused by any student’s dress or appearance a sufficient indication that such dress or appearance is
inappropriate. Students in violation of the dress code will not be permitted to attend classes or events until they
have changed their clothing; repeated offenses or refusal to change will result in disciplinary action, per the
discipline matrix.
PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES
All students should have the right to dress comfortably and express themselves in school through selection
of clothing, hair styles, jewelry, and accessories that represent and affirm their identities. Student dress
codes should support equitable educational access and should not reinforce gender or cultural stereotypes or
reinforce marginalization or oppression of any group. All students and staff should also understand that they
are responsible for recognizing and managing their own personal "distractions" without unnecessarily
regulating individual students' clothing choices.
DRESS CODE GOALS
• Maintain a safe learning environment that is responsive to the specific needs of different
classroom environments (e.g., protective clothing in lab settings, athletic attire in PE
classes, etc.);
• Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, race, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, body type/size, personal style, household
income, or disability;
• Allow all students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable;
• Allow all students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender;
• Allow all students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination; and
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that may make it difficult to identify them,
interfere with the operation of the school, disrupt the educational process, interfere with the
rights or personal space of others, or contribute to a hostile or unwelcoming atmosphere.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 74
BASIC PRINCIPLES
Clothes must be worn in such a way that all students’ private parts (genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples)
are covered.
Allowable Attire:
• Students must wear clothing, including both a shirt with pants, shorts, or skirt (or
equivalent, i.e., a dress), and shoes. Bras/bralettes are not considered tops, and must be covered
by a shirt;
• Shirts and dresses must have fabric in the front and on the sides;
• Clothing must cover undergarments and entire buttocks; waistbands and bra straps excluded;
• Fabric covering all private parts must not be see-through;
• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education,
science labs, wood shop, and other activities where unique hazards exist;
• Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear;
• Hats and hoodie sweatshirts, as long as they allow the face to be clearly visible and not interfere
with the line of sight to any student or staff. Hats and hoodies must allow the student’s face and
ears to be visible;
• Midriff-baring shirts, as long as they do not violate the basic principle (above);
• Pajama bottoms;
• Ripped pants, as long as underwear is not exposed;
• Tank tops, including spaghetti straps and halter tops; and
• Athletic attire.
Dis-Allowable Attire:
• Clothing may not depict, promote, or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or
controlled substances.
• Clothing may not depict pornography, nudity, sexual acts, or innuendos.
• Clothing may not depict, promote, or advocate the use of guns, violence, or profanity.
• Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected groups.
• Clothing and/or accessories may not depict or display the Confederate Flag.
• Clothing, including gang identifiers, must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or
staff.
• If the student’s attire or grooming threatens the health or safety of any other person, then
discipline for dress code violations should be consistent with discipline policies for similar
violations.
• Bathing suits, except as required for PE classes and sports.
• Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observance or as required PPE).
DRESS CODE ENFORCEMENT
The primary responsibility for the dress and grooming of a student rests with the student and their
parents/guardians, and all students are expected to understand and adhere to the WA student dress code. At
school, dress code expectations will be enforced consistently and fairly by school staff regardless of the
student’s gender, race, or other identifying characteristics.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 75
ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES:
• Enforcement of the dress code should not lead to removal from class or loss of class time unless
the issue creates a safety concern or violates the dress code non-violence/non-discrimination
expectations.
• School staff should address dress code concerns in as private a manner and setting as possible.
• No student should be disproportionately affected by dress code enforcement because of gender,
race, body size, or body maturity.
• Students should not be publicly shamed or forced to display their body in front of others
(students, parents, staff) during dress code enforcement.
• Students violating the dress code will have three options to address the situation:
o Put on their own alternative clothing, if available at school
o Borrow alternative clothing from a peer or the school for the day
o Have a parent bring alternative clothing for the student to wear
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Students exhibiting behavior of possible use, possession of, sale or transfer of, or under the influence of
alcohol, illicit drugs, synthetic substances, inhalants, or other mood-altering substances, or an item
represented as a drug will be referred immediately to an Administrator. This includes the possession of any
drug paraphernalia which refers to equipment, products and materials of any kind, which are used, intended
to use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing,
compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging,
storing, containing or concealing, or ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body any
controlled substance or illegal drug. The Administration, in conjunction with the school nurse, will conduct
an assessment. When the use of alcohol is suspected, a breathalyzer may also be used to assess the presence
of alcohol. Students found to have used, possessed, sold or transferred, or have been under the influence of
alcohol, illicit drugs, synthetic substances, inhalants, or other mood-altering substances, or an item
represented as a drug, or drug paraphernalia will be subject to disciplinary procedures described in the
discipline policy. Parents and/or guardians will be notified and asked to come to the school for the student;
referral information concerning treatment programs will be provided to the family.
Other than violent acts perpetrated against faculty, students, or staff, the use, sale, transfer or possession of
alcohol, drugs, legal substances to achieve intoxication, or synthetic substances designed to mimic the
effects of currently prohibited drugs or controlled substances (“synthetic substances”) on a high school
campus is considered to be the most serious breach of the disciplinary code.
1. Any student found to be in possession of or, in the opinion of an Administrator has participated in
the sale, transfer of alcohol, illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, or synthetic substances will be referred
to the local authorities for their disposition and shall face the penalties prescribed by the disciplinary
policies of The Woodstock Academy.
2. Students with an alcohol or drug problem, as evidenced by disciplinary referral/action, will be
referred to the appropriate agencies by way of their family.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 76
3. Any physical evidence of drugs or alcohol abuse will be reported to the police via the
administration, except where “voluntary disclosure” applies. Confiscated items will be disposed of
or turned over to the police as appropriate.
VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE
If a student voluntarily tells a staff member of a drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem, the following
will occur:
a) A staff member who is informed of a drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem may, at the
insistence of the student, maintain the confidence within the limits of their professional code of
ethics and consistency with the laws of confidentiality. The staff member must, however, make
every effort to guide the student to the kind of help they need.
b) A staff member may, without disclosing the name of the student, obtain advice and information on
the resources available to the student and refer the student to appropriate local resources.
c) If the student will allow disclosure of the drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem, the staff
member will report to the student’s counselor or Dean of Student Affairs, mental health professional,
and members of the Administration.
d) The counselor or mental health professional will, upon confirmation of an alcohol, drug or substance
abuse problem by a student under eighteen years of age, hold a conference with the parents and/or
guardians. Corrective plans will be developed with the cooperation and consent of the
parents/guardian and student. The parents/guardian will be given a written copy of the conference
minutes and recommendations for corrective plans.
e) Copies of the conference minutes and corrective plans will be kept in the counselor’s and Dean of
Student Affairs’ professional files.
f) The counselor or mental health professional will maintain contact with the student and their family
regarding the problem.
g) The administration will, in all cases, be informed of all activity relative to confirmation and aiding
the student to solve their alcohol, drug or substance abuse problem.
h) A professional employee who obtains physical evidence in the form of alcohol, drugs, or illegal
substances voluntarily surrendered by a student must turn the evidence over to the Administration
immediately. The professional employee is not required to disclose the name of the student from
whom the evidence was obtained.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: CELL PHONES
In August of 2024 the State of Connecticut announced that they would announce a statewide cell phone
policy for schools. Until that document is released the policy below will stand at The Woodstock Academy.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 77
The Woodstock Academy is supportive of the fact that phones can be used to enhance education and as a
learning tool. At the same time, phones can also become a major distraction in the learning environment. It
is necessary to set up parameters as to when it is acceptable for students to use their phones and when it is
prohibited.
Personal phones will be permitted in all areas of the school except for locker rooms, bathrooms, and
classrooms, or, during any assemblies.
The educational use of cell phones within the classroom will be at the teacher’s discretion. As a
practice, some teachers may request all phones be stored collectively in a teacher-designated place; students
are expected to comply with this request.
If a student does not adhere to the above policies, the following shall occur:
FIRST OFFENSE: Verbal warning, or other consequence as established by teacher, such as a teacher
confiscation of phone, teacher detention, or a zero for participation grade for the day. If during an
assessment or independent classwork, zero on assignment and referral for plagiarism may be warranted.
SECOND OFFENSE: Phone turned into teacher for the remainder of the class period; zero on
assignment/participation, referral for cell phone violation and plagiarism (as appropriate), one-hour office
detention.
THIRD OFFENSE: Phone turned into the Main Office for the remainder of the school day; parent must
pick up phone from the Main Office between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM, or as arranged with administration,
office referral for cell phone violation, and, two-hour detention. Zero on assignment and referral for
plagiarism as appropriate.
Students refusing to relinquish their phones will either be sent to the Main Office for insubordination and/or
an administrative action referral will be submitted to the office for discipline according to the discipline
matrix.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: ALL OTHER DEVICES
Personal electronic devices, including Bluetooth speakers, laser pointers, etc., are not to be used on The
Academy campus during school hours (7:35 AM-2:15 PM). Earbuds or headphones are allowed solely for
audio use in study halls, at the discretion of the study hall supervisor, and in classrooms at the discretion of
the teacher for educational purposes. For the safety of all, students who use earbuds or headphones outside
of the classroom must keep one ear uncovered.
Music playing devices may not be used by a student while they are testing, unless granted permission by the
Associate Head of School or designee. Students who fail to remove these electronic devices when
instructed to do so by any Academy faculty or staff member will receive a referral to the office for
insubordination. The Woodstock Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices
at school. Refer to the above cell phone policy for the disciplinary procedure. School computers, iPads, or
other technology are to be used by students for educational purposes only.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 78
Connecticut General Statute § 53a-189 makes recording a conversation without the consent of at least one
party a crime. Eavesdropping is a Class D Felony that carries up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and
probation. This applies both to telephone calls and in-person conversations. Students and their
parents/guardians have the reasonable expectation that unauthorized photographs, audio recordings, and/or
videos taken on campus will not be created and/or distributed without their knowledge and approval.
Therefore, no photography or videotaping is allowed on campus except with the specific approval of the
Associate Head of School or under the supervision of a faculty or staff member using those mediums as a
part of an approved curriculum. When such photography or videotaping is allowed, it shall include only the
approved subject matter and only be used for the approved purpose.
ISSUED TECHNOLOGY
Questions regarding school-issued technology should be directed to the
Director of Information Technology, William Olson.
All students are required to take an iPad, as it will be a regular form of instructional delivery. The
Woodstock Academy retains sole ownership of the device and related equipment. All Apps required of
school curricula will be provided free of change. Students will be permitted to install additional educational
apps; however, they will be purchased using the student’s personal account, at the student’s expense, and
may be deleted at any time. All customized content must be school-appropriate. If any apps are deemed
inappropriate for the educational setting, they will be removed from the device immediately and disciplinary
consequences may be given. Students may not alter the operating system, firmware, or Mobile Device
Manager.
iPads will have restricted access to the Internet and social media only while connected to The Woodstock
Academy network. Parents and students are encouraged to discuss expectations for iPad use outside of the
school setting. The Academy encourages parents to regularly monitor their child’s activity on the iPad.
Students will be financially responsible for damaged or lost school-issued technology and accessories.
Third party repairs or alterations to the hardware of any kind are not allowed and will result in a full device
replacement fee charge. Items and replacement costs and fees are as follows:
Lost iPad Replacement Fee
$ 330.00
Keyboard Case
$110.00
Lightning to USB Cable
$ 20.00
Apple USB Power Adapter
$ 20.00
STM Dux Case Replacement
$ 60.00
Accidental Damage Fee
$ 100.00
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 79
FOOD DINING SERVICE
All food purchased through the North Campus Commons will use the Flik Dining Service. The Woodstock
Academy contracts with Flik Dining Services as an independent food service provider separate from The
Woodstock Academy. As an independent vendor, all transactions go through Flik Dining Services. If students
are purchasing items in the Commons which are outside of their residence life package or if a Day student is
purchasing items, they may use a few different ways to pay for their purchases. Flik Dining Services will take
credit cards, cash, Applepay, or a check at the registers. Flik Dining Services also uses Payschools as their
funding portal for parents/guardians to put money on their student’s account. Payschool’s portal can be reached
at www.payschoolscentral.com. Payschools is a declining balance product and, as such, when a student
purchases item(s) their balance is reduced until it reaches zero. Once it reached zero, students will not be
allowed to run negative balances. The Woodstock Academy and Flik understand that there are times when a
student forgot their lunch or their money for lunch and in those scenarios, we do not want students to go
hungry. We encourage students to let one of the food service workers or a school administrator that they need
assistance for that day, and we will accommodate them.
Also, The Woodstock Academy recognizes that there are times when families run into challenging financial
situations and need some support. Although the Academy does not formally participate in the National School
Lunch Program, we do want to support families in need as best as we are able related to free lunch options.
Please contact the school for more information.
FOOD DELIVERY
There will be no delivery of food to campus, without prior administrative approval, during school hours.
Any food delivered to campus during school hours without administrative approval will be confiscated by
administration and discarded.
HOMELESSNESS
Homeless students are provided additional protection and assistance under the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act. “Homeless children and youth” are defined as “individual who lack a fixed, regular, and
adequate nighttime residence.” A student, or family, who feels that they qualify for protection under this
law should contact guidance or administration so that the Homeless Education Liaison may confirm
eligibility and begin to coordinate services for the qualifying student(s).
INITIAL MORNING PROCEDURE
At 7:32 AM, a warning bell will ring indicating that students should enter their first block classrooms.
Students are to be in their first block at 7:35 AM, at which time attendance will be taken, the Pledge of
Allegiance will be read over the intercom, and daily announcements will be made.
Any student arriving after the start of first block at 7:35 AM must report to the Attendance Administrative
Assistant in the Main Office of either campus for a tardy pass. For further information, please refer to
Tardiness to School and Class section.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 80
INSURANCE
Low-cost accident insurance is available. Present policies cover most accidents occurring on the way to and
from the Academy, during the school day, and at all activities sponsored and/or controlled by The Academy,
with the exception of interscholastic athletics.
All interscholastic athletic injuries must be reported promptly to the Nurse and an accident report completed
by the coach. The Academy carries insurance which includes coverage for participation in school athletics;
however, interscholastic sports claims must first be presented to the student’s own insurance carrier, Blue
Cross, Blue Shield, or other medical prepayment plans.
After the claim is paid, submit any bills rejected by the student’s insurance company to The Academy
Business Office. A completed insurance form can be obtained from The Academy office for reimbursement
under the terms of the insurance carrier.
LIBRARY
The library is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every school day and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.
to 12:00 noon. Holiday and school vacation hours vary. Bracken Memorial Library serves as both
the school library for The Woodstock Academy and as a public library for the town of Woodstock.
Students who live in Woodstock may obtain a library card from the library that will allow them to
check out books and other materials from any library in the state of Connecticut. In addition to
print resources, the library offers access to numerous online databases and a free e-book library. If
the library does not have a book(s) that you need, just ask the librarian and they will order it
through inter-library loan.
LIBRARY RULES AND PROCEDURES
1. Students are welcome to use the library before school, during study hall and/or senior privileges, during
Community Lunch, and/or after school. However, we ask that students using the library help to
maintain an atmosphere that allows all other students in the library to read and/or complete schoolwork.
Students being too loud or disruptive will be asked to leave.
2. Passes to come to the library during study hall can be obtained from the librarian at the beginning of the
day, or between classes. Passes will be given out on a first come, first served basis based on available
seating/space. If a student gets a pass to the use the library during study hall, they must sign in at the
beginning of the block and stay for the entire period. Classes scheduled to use the library have priority
for the tables/space over students from study hall.
3. No food is allowed in the library. Students are asked to clean up their space/tables when they leave the
library.
4. Students may borrow as many books as they would like during the school year. Students will be billed
for any books not returned by the end of the school year. Students are welcome to come in and browse
the shelves but must sit downstairs at all times.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 81
LOCKERS
Lockers are the property of The Academy, and they may be searched by an Academy administrator, or their
designee, when there is reasonable suspicion of danger, violation of school policy, or noticeable odor.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found articles may be claimed in the Main Office or outside the student dining commons. Anyone
finding items around the campus should turn them in to the Main Office.
PASSES
The Woodstock Academy operates on a digital pass system and all students in the hallway during class time
are required to have a digital pass, except during their designated lunch. Teachers will give students a pass
and they will sign out using the Securly pass system. Remember that passes are given at the teacher’s and
administrative discretion.
PERSONAL PETS
Students MUST have prior administrative approval before bringing ANY KIND of animal onto The
Woodstock Academy campuses. Failure to obtain prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action.
PESTICIDE APPLICATION
The Head of School or their designee may require the pest control applicator to make the required postings
in accordance with all applicable statutes and with Board of Trustees policy and regulations. The name and
address of the applicator shall be part of any posting.
Pesticide purchase shall be limited to amounts authorized by the Facilities Director for use during the year.
Pesticides shall be stored in a secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel. They shall be
stored and disposed of in accordance with EPA registered label directions and applicable state statutes.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Changes to the school day may occur due to inclement weather. The Woodstock Academy, in consultation
with the sending town Superintendents, will announce changes at approximately 6:00 AM on the school’s
website (woodstockacademy.org), and via electronic communication.
An automated phone call will be made to parents and/or guardians for informational purposes. It is the
student’s responsibility to check social media, or the website for accurate and up-to-date notices. Please
note that the Day A or B schedule is not affected by school cancellations. The day schedule remains as
listed on the school calendar.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 82
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees recognizes that volunteers can make many valuable
contributions to school. The Board encourages the use of volunteers to:
1. Increase students’ educational attainment;
2. Provide enrichment experiences for students;
3. Increase the effective utilization of staff time and skills; 4. Give more individual attention to
students; and
5. Promote greater community involvement.
The Head of School, or their designee, has established procedures for securing and screening resource
persons and volunteers. No person who is a “sex offender,” as defined by Public Act 98-111, An Act
Concerning the Registration of Sexual Offenders, shall be used.
SMOKING
The use, possession, and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products (to include snuff or other smokeless
nicotine products), vaping devices, THC, or any other substance that endangers the health and safety of
students (jimsonweed, salvia, K2, etc.), is prohibited on or about The Academy property during school
hours, activities, or on school transportation. Tobacco and nicotine products and paraphernalia (including,
but not limited to lighters, rolling papers, vape chargers and cartridges, etc.), will be confiscated by
administration. Confiscated items will be disposed of or turned over to the police as appropriate, and
appropriate discipline will be issued.
STUDENT PARKING
Students may not park on Cemetery or Academy Road at any time. Permits must be obtained to use the
school parking lots. No loitering is allowed in the parking lots. The Covenant Church parking lot is off-
limits after dark and on weekends. Violators of this policy risk the loss of driving privileges and may face
additional disciplinary measures.
Driving to school and parking in designated areas is a privilege extended to qualifying seniors and juniors,
upon acceptance of a parking application, by the administration. Parking space is LIMITED. Applicants
must be a senior or junior at the beginning of the school year. Each approved student parking application
will be assigned a parking permit on a first-come first-served basis, beginning with seniors. A parent or
guardian must submit a completed parking application via the PowerSchool Parent Portal under “forms”;
financial obligations with The Woodstock Academy must be met before a parking pass is issued. Students
must be in good academic, finical, and disciplinary standing to qualify for parking privileges.
Parking permits cannot be transferred from one student to another. The Administration may revoke parking
privileges as a component of social probation or other disciplinary action.
All school rules apply to student parking areas. The Administration may request that a student open their car
while on school property for inspection, should it be judged necessary.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 83
SEARCH OF TECHNOLOGY
SEARCH OF SCHOOL AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Searches of school-issued technology do not require student permission and can occur whenever an
administrator deems it necessary and appropriate.
For purposes of this protocol, “personal electronic device” means any device that a student is in possession
of which is not owned by The Woodstock Academy and electronically communicates, sends, receives,
stores, reproduces, or displays voice and/or text communication or data. These include, but are not limited
to cellular phones, pagers, smart phones, music and media players, gaming devices, tablets, laptop
computers, and personal digital assistants.
In a situation where a violation of school rules or law is suspected, a student’s personal electronic device
may be searched only when an administrator has examined the situation and found that reasonable suspicion
exists to believe that the personal electronic device contains evidence of such violation. The administrator
may call upon school technology personnel to assist in the search if needed.
The scope of any search should be limited to locations inside the device that could reasonably contain
evidence of the violation. While searching, only information related to the violation should be examined and
due care should be taken to avoid any unnecessary examination of personal information, such as medical
information that might be on the device.
THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN SEARCHING AN
ELECTRONIC DEVICE:
• The administrator should consider requesting consent to search from the person in control of the
device.
• A student should be advised that a parent can be present during the search if they would like.
• The student should be allowed to watch the examination of the device so there are no questions as to
what was searched or found.
• If a search of an electronic device is conducted without a parent’s knowledge, the parent will be
notified within 24 hours of the search.
• When making a determination if a search is necessary, a number of factors should be considered,
including but not limited to, seriousness of the violation, danger to public, school, or other students,
and how intrusive of a search might be needed.
STUDENT SEARCH
A student may be searched if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up
evidence that the student has violated, or is violating, either the law or the rules of the school. The scope of
the search must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and the nature of the infraction.
Leaving the campus (or off-campus sponsored activity) in a motor vehicle and/or on foot without
permission is considered reasonable cause for conducting a search of vehicles and/or students. The
Woodstock Academy reserves the right to utilize narcotic detection canines in the school setting.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 84
SUICIDE PREVENTION POLICY
The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees recognizes that suicide is a complex issue and that, while the
school may recognize potentially suicidal youth, it cannot make a clinical assessment of at-risk youth or
provide in-depth counseling.
The Woodstock Academy will refer at-risk youth to an appropriate place for such assessment and
counseling. To ensure ongoing effectiveness, a strong commitment is made to integrate a suicide awareness
education program into the curriculum, other school policies, and procedures. Such programming is
effective in reaching students, school personnel, and parents and/or guardians, and is reviewed and revised
as needed to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
SURVEY OF STUDENTS
Surveys can be a valuable resource for schools and communities in determining students’ needs for
educational services. When a survey is used, every effort will be made to ask questions in a neutral manner
to ensure the accuracy of the survey.
Administrators, teachers, other staff members, and the Board of Trustees may use surveys for many
purposes. Such purposes may include but are not limited to: the need for student services, the determination
of prevailing views pertaining to proposed policies and/or practices, or the determination of student
knowledge and/or attitudes related to a specific subject or units. All surveys shall have the approval of the
Associate Head of School or their designee prior to being administered.
TRESPASSING
Students are not permitted on The Woodstock Academy campus after 3:00 PM unless engaged in an
approved school activity (this could include, but is not limited to, athletic events, extra-curricular activities,
additional academic support). All students staying after school must be supervised at all times.
Additionally, unauthorized persons, including students, are prohibited from being in unauthorized areas.
UNAUTHORIZED AREAS
The area enclosed by the buildings is the “designated campus.” The “designated campus” indicates the only
outside area of school property where students are authorized to be during the school day. All other outside
areas are considered unauthorized. Certain school activities and programs naturally provide for exceptions.
Authorization to leave the designated campus must be received from the Administration. Neighboring
property, public or private boundaries, must be respected. Do NOT trespass! While entering, leaving, or
during Academy events or school days, students are subject to disciplinary and legal action.
VALUABLES
The Woodstock Academy is NOT responsible for personal items that are damaged, lost, or stolen. Large
sums of money, jewelry, and other valuables, including electronic devices, should not be brought to school,
or left unattended. If necessary, valuables should be checked in with an administrator.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 85
VISITORS
Should a student of The Woodstock Academy wish to host a potential transfer student, s/he must obtain and
complete the required paperwork from counseling and submit it for administrative approval at least 24 hours
prior to visit. No student visitors will be allowed in the months of September and June. Visitors should be
introduced to the teacher of every class attended.
In all instances, visitors should be directed to check in with Campus Safety. Visitors must have an
appointment, sign in, and indicate with whom they are visiting. The staff or faculty member that the visitor
has the appointment with is to have placed the appointment into the electronic visitor’s log prior to the
visitor’s arrival. The log should contain the reason for the visit and expected arrival and departure date and
time.
Visitors will be issued badges which they are to wear while they are on campus. Campus Safety will then
escort the visitor to the desired location. Visitors should be accompanied at all times by a student, staff
member, or a faculty member. Visitors found roaming the campus without a visitor’s badge should be sent
to the Campus Safety desk and the main office should be advised.
If formal arrangements have been made between a teacher and graduates to speak with a class, then the
guest speaker approval process should be followed. They still should, however, report to campus safety
upon arrival where they will check in before meeting with a teacher or a designated student and being
escorted to a class.
Visitors without an appointment will be asked to leave campus. If they do not leave when asked, The
Director of Campus Security should be notified immediately.
WORKING PAPERS
Working papers are issued in compliance with the State of CT Department of Labor. Students must first
provide a written promise of employment for a specific job, as well as their birth certificate. Working
papers may only be issued to students employed in the State of Connecticut. Working papers may be
obtained in the main office.
ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY POLICY
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs, Karin Hughes
Connecticut Statutes (Section 10-184) requires that “each parent or other person having control of a child
five (5) years of age and under eighteen (18) years of age shall cause such a child to attend a public day
school regularly during the hours of and in the town where such child resides…” Effective July 1, 2001,
students under the age of eighteen (18) may not withdraw without written consent from their
parent/guardian.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 86
DAILY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Attending school on a daily basis is essential for all students. Therefore, prompt and regular attendance to
school, and to assigned classes, is a valid and reasonable requirement for the promotion of academic
success. Students must be in attendance for two (2) blocks during the school day to be considered present
for the day.
Attendance is monitored throughout the year by the Service Coordination Team. This team is made up of
guidance counselors, administration, social worker(s), school psychologist and nurses.
In the event that a student must be absent from school, please use the PowerSchool parent portal to report
the absence (instructions can be found later in this section). Please note that a phone call DOES NOT
excuse the absence. Written documentation must be provided to excuse any absence (see below).
EXCUSED ABSENCES
By State law, the first nine (9) absences per academic year can be excused (with proper written
documentation) for any reason that a parent/guardian provides. For the tenth absence and all absences
thereafter, The Academy will only excuse absences, with written documentation, for the reasons below:
1. Student illness or injury with proper verification;
2. Medical appointments with proper verification;
3. Court proceedings with proper verification;
4. School sponsored field trips;
5. Death of immediate family member;
6. Observance of a religious holiday;
7. Lack of transportation normally provided by district (verified through sending town);
8. Two visits to schools of higher learning (per semester), for the purpose of a formal interview
(pre-approved by the Counseling Office); and/or
9. An interview for military enlistment (pre-approved by the Counseling Office).
Note: “Proper verification” means an official card/letter from a professional office. Documentation for
absences MUST be received within 10 school days otherwise they will be considered unexcused.
Effective July 1, 2021, Section 19 of Public Act No. 21-46 requires local and regional boards of education
to allow any student enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve to take two non-consecutive days each
school year as mental health wellness days. These days will be excused in addition to the nine excused
absences listed above.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES – POTENTIAL LOSS OF CREDIT
Absence from school without proper written verification outlined above is an unexcused absence. These
procedures will be implemented regarding attendance at The Woodstock Academy and how it relates to
course credit:
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 87
1. On the sixth unexcused absence from any course in a semester, a meeting will be held with the
student and their guidance counselor to discuss the reason(s) for the absences. At this meeting,
the student’s counselor and an administrator will determine if a parent conference is needed to
discuss attendance.
2. After the seventh unexcused absence from any course in a semester, students and their parents
and/or guardians will be notified by mail and email that the potential for credit being withheld is
dangerously close. At this time, students and their parents/guardians will be meet with the
student’s school counselor and assigned administrator to discuss attendance interventions. The
student will be placed on social probation, and other interventions will be discussed (including,
but not limited to Attendance Mentoring with TEEG, and opting to take the course(s) for pass/fail
credit instead of a letter grade).
3. After the ninth unexcused absence from any course in a semester, students and their parents
and/or guardians will be notified by mail and email that credit has been withheld and referred to
the procedure which can be followed to appeal the withholding of credit.
Families are strongly encouraged to plan vacations when school is not in session. Prior notification is
necessary for students to be allowed to make up work, quizzes, and tests due to time missed for a family
vacation. However, if within the first nine absences of the year, the absences may be excused by a parent in
writing. All absences beyond the first nine excused absences must be excused by a third party. Students
who are out of compliance with the attendance policy will be referred as truant.
APPEAL PROCESS FOR REINSTATEMENT OF WITHHELD
CREDIT
The Woodstock Academy recognizes that circumstances leading to poor attendance can, and sometimes do,
change. Students who are denied credit, in accordance with the Attendance Policy 5113a, are afforded an
opportunity to regain credit through an appeal procedure. Following the withdrawal of credit, the school
counselor will meet with each student to outline credit reinstatement procedures. Administration will notify
parents and/or guardians of the timeline for credit appeals. Students who are working through the credit
appeal process will be placed on social probation throughout the process.
1) An appeal reinstatement of credit must be submitted in writing to the administrator who issued
the credit loss notification. This appeal will be reviewed when the Credit Appeals Committee
meets.
2) The Credit Appeals Committee will be comprised of a representative from the faculty/staff, and
administration.
3) The Credit Appeals Committee will:
a) Review the written appeal;
b) Assess the student’s attendance pattern from the time of loss of credit;
c) Contact the student’s counselor to conduct academic checks to evaluate the student’s
performance from the time of the withheld credit; and
d) Inform students and their parents or guardians of a decision in writing within 10 days of
the review.
4) In the event that the student and their parents and/or guardians are dissatisfied with the decision
of the Credit Appeals Committee, a letter of appeal may be sent to the Associate Head of School
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 88
or their designee. The Attendance Appeals Committee will consider, but not be limited to, the
following criteria in its deliberations:
a) Extenuating circumstances for the absences in question, with supporting documentation;
b) Class/School absences since the date of credit being withheld;
c) Recommendation of the classroom teacher or other school personnel;
d) Record of unexcused class absences (class cuts) and detention cuts;
e) Record of tardiness to school; and/or
f) Evidence of improvement.
STUDENT/TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY DURING WITHHELD
CREDIT PERIOD
All teachers will continue to grade students as if credit were to be awarded to ensure continuity of the
student’s education. Should a student seek reinstatement of credit through administrative appeal, academic,
attendance, and disciplinary records will be reviewed in the decision to grant withheld credit.
OTHER RAMIFICATIONS
Any student who has credit withdrawn shall be ineligible for:
1. Honor Roll, regardless of grades received;
2. Appointment to the National Honor Society(s);
3. Senior privileges;
4. Class ranking pending review for reinstatement of credit; and
5. Parking privileges.
TRUANCY POLICY
A truant is defined as a child age five (5) to eighteen (18) who is enrolled in school and has four (4)
unexcused absences from school in one month, or ten (10) unexcused absences in any school year. The
following procedure will be followed to address potential truancy issues:
1. Students with 4 unexcused absences in the school year will meet with one or more of the vested
individuals mentioned above to discuss their attendance and identify any potential issues
inhibiting them to attend school.
2. Students with 8 unexcused absences in the school year will, along with their parent and/or
guardian, meet with the Dean of Students and one or more of the vested individuals mentioned
above to discuss possible interventions which may include:
• Caregiver workshops to assist parents with strategies to guide their students to academic
success;
• Flexible class scheduling;
• Tutoring focused on student’s specific academic needs;
• Change of instructors;
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 89
• Reward systems;
• School-based counseling;
• Homework support; and/or
• Online opportunities.
3. Students with 10 or more unexcused absences in the school year (or 4 unexcused within a calendar
month), will be referred to the local Youth Service Bureau (YSB) and/or the Attendance Mentoring
Program at TEEG.
DISMISSALS
1. A request for early dismissal from school should be submitted via the PowerSchool parent portal
prior to the first block on the day of the dismissal.
2. Students being dismissed early, or returning to school from an appointment, must sign out/in
with the Main Office on the campus they are departing from and/or arriving to.
Note: In an emergency, permission for early dismissal may be granted by the Administration, the
Attendance Administrative Assistant, or school nurse (medical reason), pending a parent/guardian’s
phone call or email.
Failure to follow the early dismissal procedure, as outlined above, is a violation of school policy and subject
to appropriate disciplinary action.
Note: The Academy discourages recurring dismissals from study halls during the school day. These
dismissals will have the same disciplinary consequences as tardiness (as outlined in #4 in the next
section on tardiness).
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL AND CLASS
As with attendance, punctuality is an extremely important habit for students to develop. Students who are
not in their 1st block class by 7:35 AM are considered tardy and must, upon arrival, immediately report to
the main office for an admittance pass. Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to email The Academy
(absence[email protected]) to indicate the nature of the emergency or the appointment. These
procedures will apply:
1. Instances of tardiness to school should be reported by a parent or guardian using the
PowerSchool parent portal.
2. Students who do not present a valid excuse for being late will be considered unexcused and will
be subject to the appropriate discipline.
3. Unexcused tardiness exceeding 60 minutes will be considered a class cut and subject to the
appropriate discipline and academic consequences.
4. After the 3rd unexcused tardy per quarter, disciplinary procedures will occur:
a. 1 hour office detention for each tardy accumulated during the remainder of the quarter;
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 90
b. After the 6
th
unexcused tardy = 1 hour of detention, and, social probation (including
parking and senior privileges).
The progressive disciplinary action above also applies to unexcused dismissals from school.
All subsequent tardiness will be subject to additional detentions, social probation, and/or suspension from
extra-curricular activities at the discretion of the administration.
ACCEPTABLE REASONS FOR TARDINESS OR DISMISSAL
Refer to the list of valid reasons for excused absences.
UNEXCUSED CLASS ABSENCES
Any form of unexcused class absence shall be treated as a class cut and shall result in appropriate discipline
and academic consequences. Students will not be permitted to make up missed assignments for credit in
such instances.
ATTENDANCE VS. WORK OBLIGATIONS
Obligations to teachers and the school take precedence over any employment involving students.
Employment on the part of any student is not considered a reason for not completing commitments to the
school. Students who desire to leave at the end of the school day must conduct themselves academically and
socially in such a manner to ensure that they will not be required to serve time after school, either to make
up work or serve detentions. Attendance is mandatory; underclassmen and seniors without privileges
will not be dismissed for last block study halls outside of emergencies or medical appointments.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
The Academy provides parents/guardians access to report student absences through PowerSchool. Parents &
guardians can report at any time, for any length of absence – from a partial day for an appointment, to multiple
days due to illness or college visits. When reported through PowerSchool, the notification counts as written
notice from the parent/guardian, which Connecticut requires for the absence to be excused and not count toward
student truancy. Reporting absences through PowerSchool allows information to be received and processed
more quickly, so teachers and staff know earlier in the day what to expect.
How to report student absences:
1. Visit wa.powerschool.com from a web browser (reporting attendance is not
available in the PowerSchool mobile app).
2. Log in with your parent/guardian PowerSchool account.
*No account yet? Follow the instructions at
https://www.woodstockacademy.org/powerparentsetup to create one.
3. Select "Attendance Monitor" from the left menu options.
4. Select the "Report New Attendance" button to submit absence, early dismissal,
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 91
or late arrival information.
5. Fill out the attendance report:
o If for one day only, input the first date. For multiple consecutive dates,
input the first and last date.
o Select the reason the student will be absent.
o If the absence is not for the full day, select "No" and enter the start and end
times that the student will be away from school.
o Give a short explanation for the absence.
o Select "Submit" to turn in the attendance report.
6. If the following reasons were selected, proof must be submitted to the main
office on North Campus to be fully excused*:
o Illness, injury, medical or dental appointment: note from medical provider.
o Court appearance: copy of notice/court order.
o Dept. of Motor Vehicles appointment: proof of the appointment.
*These may be submitted in person, or by email to absences@woodstockacademy.org
Please note that by State law, after nine days absent from school for the year, students can only be
excused for limited reasons, and with official documentation received within ten days.
SENIOR PRIVILEGES
Privileges are granted to senior students who have demonstrated responsibility and achievement at The
Woodstock Academy. This criterion must be met during the fourth quarter of junior year for a student to be
granted privileges at the start of their senior year. Eligibility for Senior Privileges includes:
1. Good academic standing – Students may have NO grades of D- or F, and no more than one grade
of a D or D+. Grades will be reviewed at the completion of the 1st quarter, the 2nd quarter, the
3rd quarter, and the midpoint of the 4th quarter to determine (continued) eligibility;
2. A minimum of 3 credits must be carried during each marking period;
3. A satisfactory record of student conduct and attendance. Good citizenship is essential to maintain
senior privileges. Privileges may be forfeited at any time for poor citizenship. This includes, but
is not limited to: excessive tardiness or dismissals, disciplinary issues, class cuts, and
suspensions;
4. Good financial standing. Students may not have any outstanding bills; and
5. The student may not accumulate more than nine unexcused absences during their senior year.
PROCEDURES AND CONDUCT FOR SENIOR PRIVILEGES:
1. Students may arrive late and/or leave early when they have an open block at the beginning or the
end of the day. Seniors with privileges are also allowed to leave campus when their open block
falls during the 2
nd
or 3
rd
block. Students must sign in/out using the Senior Privs form when
arriving/returning to and leaving campus (QR codes are also available to scan to access the form
while on campus). Failure to do so may result in appropriate disciplinary action and/or loss of
privileges.
2. Students leaving campus on privileges during the day are expected to return when a class is
scheduled for the final block. Dismissal of a student who is signed out on privileges or from a
class during the last block is discouraged unless an emergency arises.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 92
3. Seniors are allowed to spend their study block in designated areas. Students may not loiter on
campus during their free block.
4. Seniors may NOT sign out during assemblies.
5. Seniors may NOT sign out during their lunch, unless they have third block privileges or fourth
block privileges. Students with third block privileges must return to school in time for their
fourth block class. Student with fourth block privileges may leave for the day at the conclusion
of third period..
6. Seniors must attend advisory/assembly sessions regardless of when they have privileges. It is the
students responsibility to keep track of any daily schedule changes and be on time for all classes.
STUDENTS OF MILITARY FAMILIES
Students of active duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active duty
orders, and, for one year after leaving service, members of veterans who are medically discharged or retired
are eligible for additional services and supports under the Military Interstate Children’s Compact in the
areas of enrollment and transfer; course, program, and special education placement; attendance
requirements; eligibility for extracurricular participation; and graduation requirements. The Compact
provides The Academy the flexibility to make reasonable changes or clarification in order to meet the needs
of students. Students needing such considerations should contact administration to confirm eligibility and
implement supports as appropriate.
CODE OF CONDUCT &
RESPONSIBILITIES
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs, Karin Hughes.
It is the responsibility of the entire Academy community to create and maintain an environment that is safe
and orderly. Our expectation is to foster a daily climate conducive to teaching, learning, and kindness.
Students at The Woodstock Academy are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner so as to
not interfere with the orderly process of education. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any
student who deviates from acceptable school behavior. All disciplinary referrals are sent home for all
infractions.
ELIGIBILITY TO REPRESENT THE ACADEMY
All students elected to student offices, or who represent The Woodstock Academy in co-curricular
activities, shall have and maintain good citizenship records. Any student who does not maintain a good
citizenship record shall not be allowed to represent fellow students, nor The Academy, for a period of time
recommended by the Associate Head of School or their designee; but in no case, except when approved by
the Board of Trustees, shall the time exceed twelve calendar months. Students must be in good financial
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 93
standing at The Woodstock Academy in order to participate in co-curricular activities and may not have any
outstanding bills.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The Woodstock Academy believes that academic integrity is basic to character development. We hold
students to high standards of honorable conduct. Students will reach their full potential only by being
honest with themselves and with others. The Woodstock Academy expects students to practice ethical
behavior and respect the educational purpose underlying our mission.
Students will be made aware of these expectations and instructed in proper writing and research techniques
to promote academic integrity and to ensure that ignorance cannot be an excuse for dishonesty. The
Woodstock Academy will not ignore or condone plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of dishonesty.
Anyone who engages in these offenses will be subject to consequences for such behavior through the office
of the Dean of Academics.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
1. Plagiarism: “...literary theft...from a Latin word meaning ‘kidnapper,’ ranges from inept
paraphrasing to outright theft.” (Shaw, Dictionary of Literary Terms).
2. Cheating:
a. Copying another person’s test responses, homework, class work, project, or other
assignment;
b. Submitting another person’s work as their own;
c. Submitting the same work more than once, without the consent of the teachers;
d. Using unauthorized resources or technology; including Artificial Intelligence (AI)
e. Submitting manufactured information as factual; or
f. Permitting another student to copy or reproduce one’s work, or otherwise intentionally
enable another student to misrepresent work as his or her own.
3. Artificial Intelligence-Generated work (AI): The use of AI to generate student work, whether
written, visual, or in another medium, is a violation of the academic integrity policy and is
forbidden unless expressly approved for a particular purpose/assignment by a teacher. If allowed
for a particular purpose/assignment, all AI-generated work must be properly identified and cited
(e.g., https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/ ).
DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY,
PLAGIARISM, OR CHEATING.
MAJOR FIRST OFFENSE
• Zero for the assignment;
• Teacher notification of student’s parent and/or guardian;
• Notification of Administration by a disciplinary referral; and
• After-school detention with Self-Reflection packet to be completed by the student and kept on
file.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 94
REPEAT OFFENSES
• Zero for the assignment and additional reduction of the quarterly grade ranging from a loss of ten
points (one letter grade) to an F for the quarterly marking period, as determined by the
Administration with teacher recommendation;
• Teacher notification of student’s parent/guardian and school counselor;
• Notification of Administration by a disciplinary referral;
• In-School Suspension of one to five days for a third offense, dependent on the nature of the
incident, cooperation of the student or other factors, determined by the Administration; and
• Self-Reflection packet to be completed by the student during the detention/suspension and kept
on file.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS AND THE LAW
The primary emphasis of the Statutes of the State of Connecticut is that no student has the right to disrupt
the educational process within a school.
The exercise of any student’s rights ceases when it infringes upon the rights of another individual. All
students will have the right to due process procedures in matters of suspension, transfer, or expulsion.
STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS/PROTESTS
Student demonstrations/protests are permitted only with prior arrangements from the school administration.
Students have a right to demonstrate and/or protest, but it may not be a substantial disruption of the
educational process, create material interference with school activities, or invade the rights of others.
Students who participate in demonstrations/protests during the school day will not be allowed to make up
the work missed while participating in the protest. Students who fail to follow these guidelines will face
disciplinary action as outlined in the disciplinary matrix.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
DISCIPLINE CODE
Questions in this section should be directed to the Dean of Students, Beth Ten Eyck.
The Woodstock Academy discipline code has, as a minimum, three objectives:
1. Preserve the optimum educational environment in which to deliver instructional services;
2. Respond to disruptive influences with corrective measures in a firm and consistent manner; and
3. Remove, as a last resort, those that are disruptive to the instructional environment so that the
majority may pursue their educational goals.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 95
When appropriate, The Woodstock Academy will use restorative practices as a means to repair harm and
focus on rebuilding relationships within the school community when harm has been caused. As an
alternative to punitive measures, restorative practices use evidence and research-based system-level
interventions that focus on (A) building high-quality, constructive relationships among the school
community, (B) holding each student accountable for any challenging behaviors, and (C) ensuring each
such student has a role in repairing relationships and reintegrating into the school community.
Examples may include: restorative conference with administrators and other relevant parties, Juvenile
Review Board referral, attendance mentoring, peer mediation, mediation with administration/ school
counselor/ social worker, community service on campus or locally (i.e.: helping custodians in cafeteria or
around the campus, campus beautification, creating and hanging awareness posters, etc.), and, pro- social
activities (i.e.: joining a club, becoming a member of a school committee, participating in a student panel,
joining a sports team, etc.). Restorative practices strive to facilitate a nondiscriminatory and constructive
student discipline system, potentially replacing, or limiting, classroom suspensions for rule violations and
other low-level altercations and offenses with opportunities for restoration to the harmed person.
The Woodstock Academy discipline code is categorized into three levels of misconduct, Level 1, Level 2,
and Level 3. The levels represent a continuum of misbehavior based on the seriousness of the infraction and
the frequency of the occurrence. The behavior code shall act as a guide for students, parents and/or
guardians, teachers, support staff, and administrators; however, the Administration reserves the right to
escalate consequences, when, in its judgment, the frequency of the infraction or seriousness warrants it.
LEVEL 1
Minimal misconduct on the part of the student is that which impedes orderly classroom procedures or
interferes with the orderly operation of the school. There is immediate intervention by the staff member
supervising the student or observing the behavior. An individual staff member is expected to handle this
misbehavior. However, circumstances may require the intervention of other support personnel (Counseling,
Social Worker, School Psychologist, Service Coordination Meeting, Administration, etc.).
Members of The Academy community are encouraged to establish basic expectations for their students to
promote individual responsibility, dignity, self-respect, and respect for others.
Guidelines to be used as a reference for behavioral expectations are:
• Expectations directly relate to creating a positive school climate (respect, responsibility,
common courtesy, etc.);
• Expectations should be concise, easily understood, and publicized;
• Expectations should be consistent; and
• Use reasonable discretion when dealing with ambiguous areas.
VIOLATIONS
1. Classroom disturbance;
2. Tardiness to class;
3. Unacceptable language/gestures;
4. Unacceptable social behavior; or
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 96
5. Noncompliant/failure to complete assignments or carry out directions.
ACTION
1. Verbal reprimand;
2. Teacher Detention;
3. Student/teacher conference;
4. Parents/guardian notification by phone or conference; and
5. Administrative referral, if necessary, or for repeated infractions.
6. Restorative practice
PLEASE NOTE: Administrative discretion may be used to modify any behavioral consequences when
deemed appropriate.
LEVEL 2
Misbehavior in which the frequency and/or seriousness tend to disrupt the learning climate of the classroom
and/or school is classified as a Level 2 offense.
VIOLATIONS
Please see Level 2 and 3 Disciplinary Matrix.
ACTION
Immediate referral to the administrative team for disciplinary action.
LEVEL 3
Level 3 infractions are criminal in nature, and so serious that they require administrative action. These
infractions will result in the immediate removal of the student from school (up to 10 days), and the
intervention of law enforcement authorities.
VIOLATIONS
1. Possession/use/transfer of any item of a dangerous nature determined by Administration; or
weapons and explosive devices (including, but not limited to, bombs, clubs, firearms, fireworks,
knives, etc.) on or about school grounds, activities, or transportation.
2. Possession/use/sale/transfer of drugs/alcohol/synthetic substances designed to mimic the effects
of currently prohibited drugs or controlled substances (“synthetic substances”), an item
represented as a drug, possession of drug paraphernalia or being under the influence of drugs/
alcohol/synthetic substances on or about school grounds, activities, or transportation. Drug
paraphernalia is defined as any equipment, products, and materials of any kind, which are used,
intended to use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting,
manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing,
packaging, repackaging, storing, containing or concealing, or ingesting, inhaling or otherwise
introducing into the human body any controlled substance or illegal drug.
3. Vandalism (major).
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 97
4. Theft (major).
5. Arson.
6. False fire alarm.
7. Sexual Offenses.
8. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is inappropriate and unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal, written, graphic, or physical conduct
or communication of a sexual nature, including gender-based harassment that creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment, for example, sexual
flirtations, advances, touching or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic or
suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body; sexually degrading words to describe
an individual; jokes; pin-ups; calendars; objects; graffiti; vulgar statements; abusive language;
innuendos; references to sexual activities; overt sexual conduct; or pressure to engage in sexual
activity. This conduct violates both federal and state laws and will not be tolerated at The
Woodstock Academy. All complaints of sexual harassment will be investigated promptly and
discreetly. Incidents of sexual harassment may result in disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion.
9. Physical assault to an Academy employee or another student.
10. Hazing as defined as initiating or disciplining students by forcing them to do humiliating or
painful things. This violation will also result in up to a 10-day external suspension and
suspension from the athletic team or club.
11. Threats of Violence: The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education formally defines a
threat as words or actions which deliver, or are perceived to deliver, threatening messages.
Threats can range from boastful taunts, harassment, bullying, challenging behaviors, and the
intent to commit deadly acts (bomb, shootings, etc.). All threats and perceived threats are taken
seriously and assessed to determine the level of risk and danger involved. All threats and
perceived threats must be reported to a teacher or administrator.
12. As of July 1, 2019, the definition of “bullying” means (A) the repeated use by one or more
students of a written, oral, or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or
referring to another student attending school in the same school district, or (B) a physical act or
gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the
same school district, that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to
such student’s property, (ii) places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself,
or of damage to his or her property, (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for such student,
(iv) infringes on the rights of such student at school, or (v) substantially disrupts the education
process or the orderly operation of a school. Under the new expansive definition, “bullying”
expressly includes, but it not limited to a written, oral, or electronic communications, or physical
acts or gestures that are based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as
race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical,
developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is
perceived to have one or more of such characteristics. Such bullying outside of the school
setting will be addressed if it has a direct and negative impact on a student's academic
performance or safety in school.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 98
BULLYING NOTIFICATION
Bullying report forms are available in the Main Office, Counseling Office, Student Services, Social Worker,
Health Office, and on The Woodstock Academy website. A student may make a complaint to any teacher,
administrator, or staff member and request that their name be maintained in confidence by whomever
received the complaint. When anonymity is requested, the Administrator shall meet with the student to
review the request for anonymity and the impact that maintaining the anonymity may have on the
investigation and/or possible remedial action. At such meeting, the student shall be given the choice as to
whether to maintain the anonymity of the complaint. Anonymous complaints shall be reviewed, and
reasonable action will be taken to address the situation, to the extent that such action may be taken that (1)
does not disclose the source of the complaint, and (2) is consistent with the due process rights of the
student(s) alleged to have committed acts of bullying.
Teachers and other school personnel who witness acts of bullying, or receive student reports of bullying, are
to notify school administrators. All reports of bullying will be reviewed and investigated, and the
appropriate action will be taken. Parents and/or guardians of all students involved in verified acts of
bullying will be notified of the school’s response and any consequences that may result from further acts of
bullying. The school will maintain a record of verified acts of bullying.
DETENTION
Detention falls into two categories: teacher-assigned detention, and administrative-assigned detention.
Detentions assigned by a teacher or administrator take precedence over other student obligations, including
employment and co-curricular activities. Students are expected to attend an assigned detention, unless
rescheduled in advance for a valid reason. Failure to attend may result in additional disciplinary action.
TEACHER-ASSIGNED DETENTION
Teachers may assign detention for violation of classroom rules. The length of the detention is left to the
discretion of the teacher but will be conveyed to the student when assigned. If a teacher assigns an
afterschool detention, the student will be given a 24-hour notice so that they may arrange transportation.
Failure to attend a teacher-assigned detention will result in a two-hour Administrative Detention.
ADMINISTRATIVE (OFFICE)-ASSIGNED DETENTIONS
Administrative (Office) Detentions are assigned by Administration or another designee only. Detentions
can vary in length and can be assigned for lunch time or afterschool. Afterschool detentions are held starting
at 2:15 PM on North Campus.. Students assigned an office detention should report directly to the Main
Office after school or directly to the assigned lunch detention room at the start of lunch. If an afterschool
detention is assigned, students are given a 24-hour notice so that they may arrange transportation. Failure
to attend an office detention may result in the length of the detention being doubled or in-school suspension.
In the event that a detention is canceled, the student is responsible to reschedule with the Dean of Students.
LUNCH DETENTION
Lunch Detention is assigned by Administration. Students report directly to a designated room and spend the
duration of their lunch wave in that area. Students will be released with twenty minutes remaining of lunch
so that they may eat.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 99
ADMINISTRATIVE DETENTION RULES:
1. Administrative Detentions begin promptly at 2:15 PM for afterschool and promptly at 11:55 AM
for lunch detention. Students tardy to detention without a late pass are not admitted and are
assigned an additional hour of Administrative Detention.
2. If a student is absent from school on the day a detention has been assigned, the student is
responsible to report on the next available detention day or reschedule with the administration.
3. The atmosphere during an Administrative Detention is one conducive to studying. Students may
engage in schoolwork, pleasure reading, or sit quietly. Talking or moving about the room is not
permitted.
4. Electronic devices are not to be used. Cell phones must be checked in with the detention
supervisor at the start of detention.
5. Students are not permitted to bring food or beverages (except water) into detention.
6. Students removed from Administrative Detention are subject to additional disciplinary
consequences.
SOCIAL PROBATION
A student who repeatedly violates the Code of Conduct, which also includes the attendance policy, may be
placed on social probation at the discretion of administration. Social Probation includes loss of school
privileges or co-curricular activities. This includes, but is not limited to, participation in athletics,
attendance at athletic events, clubs, dances, field trips, library use, parking, senior privileges, etc. Students
placed on social probation will also be assigned to a location during Community Lunch (i.e. quiet study in
the Library, LAB classroom academic support, or working with a teacher or help room).
INTERNAL SUSPENSION (IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION)
An authorized member of The Woodstock Academy staff may internally suspend a student whose conduct
is seriously disruptive to the educational process and is in direct violation of publicized policy set forth by
the Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Public Act 08-160 which amended, Section 10-233c of the Connecticut
General Statues:
• Effective July 1, 2009, all suspensions from school shall be in-school suspensions, unless the
administration determines that the pupil being suspended poses such a danger to persons or
property or such a serious disruption to the educational process that the suspensions should be
out-of-school.
• Effective July 1, 2009, an in-school suspension may be served in the school that the pupil attends
or in any other school building under the jurisdiction of the local or regional board of education.
• Effective July 1, 2024, the maximum number of consecutive days a school may give a student
in-school suspension is five. By law, an in-school suspension is an exclusion from regular
classroom activity but not exclusion from school, and the exclusion must not extend beyond the
end of the school year in which the suspension was imposed.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 100
Students internally suspended may also be placed on social probation. A student serving an in- school
suspension may not participate in afterschool activities the day of the suspension. If a student is suspended
on a Friday, that student may not participate in any co-curricular activities through the entire weekend.
EXTERNAL SUSPENSION (OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION)
An authorized member of The Woodstock Academy staff may suspend a student out-of-school for behavior
that endangers the student, others, or The Academy property. Any student whose conduct is seriously
disruptive to the educational process and is in direct violation of publicized policy set forth by the Board of
Trustees, is subject to External Suspension.
Depending on the severity of the conduct, a student may be suspended immediately and required to leave
campus. A student suspended out-of-school is not permitted to:
1. Take part in, or attend, any co-curricular activities; or
2. Be on or near the campus for the duration of the suspension without the approval of
Administration.
EXPULSION/DISMISSAL
In only the most serious cases will the administration recommend to the Board of Trustees that a student be
expelled from The Woodstock Academy. Reasons for consideration of expulsion include, but are not
limited to:
1. Assault on a staff member of The Woodstock Academy;
2. Possession, use, sale, facilitation of sale, transfer, and/or being under the influence of
alcohol/illegal drugs/synthetic substances (including items represented as an illegal drug),
possession of drug paraphernalia;
3. Possession, use of, or transfer of dangerous items on or about school grounds (knife, etc.);
4. Illegal use, possession, consumption, sale, transfer, and or being under the influence of
prescription drugs;
5. Continued and blatant defiance of the policies of the Board of Trustees and/or disciplinary
policies of The Woodstock Academy; and/or
6. Continued and blatant disruption of the educational process, curricular or co-curricular, at The
Woodstock Academy.
A student of The Woodstock Academy SHALL/MUST be expelled for one (1) calendar year whenever the
administration has reason to believe that any pupil:
1. On school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside school hours was in
possession of (a) a firearm, as defined by 18 U.S.C. & 921, as amended from time-to-time, (b) a
deadly weapon, (c) a dangerous instrument, or (d) a martial arts weapon, as defined in
Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-3, as amended; or
2. On school grounds, or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside school hours, offered for
sale or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 101
21a-240 (9) whose manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting or
possessing with intent to sell or dispense, offering or administering is subject to criminal
penalties under Connecticut General Statutes Sections 21a-277 and 21a-278.
The Trustees, subcommittee of the Trustees, or an impartial hearing panel, have the discretion to modify the
term of a mandatory one (1) calendar year expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
The Board of Trustees may expel any student whose conduct on school grounds or at school-sponsored
activity is violative of a publicized policy of the Board of Trustees and is seriously disruptive of the
educational process or endangers persons or property or whose conduct off school is violative of such policy
and seriously disruptive of the educational process, provided that a formal hearing is held under C.G.S. 4-
177 through 4-180. In making a determination as to whether conduct is seriously disruptive of the
educational process, the board of education or impartial hearing board may consider, but such
considerations shall not be limited to: (A) Whether the incident occurred within close proximity of a school;
(B) whether other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang involvement; (C)
whether the conduct involved violence, threats of violence or the unlawful use of a weapon, as defined in
section 29-28 of 10-233d of the general statutes, and whether any injuries occurred: and (D) whether the
conduct involved the use of alcohol.
1. Some situations on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside school
hours that will result in an expulsion process include:
a. Willfully striking or assaulting a student, or any member of The Academy
staff;
b. Theft;
c. Blackmailing, threatening, or intimidating Academy staff, or another student;
d. Having in personal possession any kind of weapon, such as a pistol, knife, blackjack, etc.;
e. Unauthorized possession or consumption of dangerous drugs, narcotics, bath salts,
synthetic substances designed to mimic the effects of currently prohibited drugs or
alcoholic beverages (Dangerous drugs or narcotics shall mean any controlled drug as
defined in C.G.S.
21a-240);
f. Willful destruction of Academy property, or property of The Academy staff, or other
students; or
g. Any serious incident, act, or series of incidents or acts which disrupts the educational
process or violates a published policy of the Trustees.
2. A manifestation determination hearing may be held for a student with an IEP or 504 plan prior to
any decision to recommend the student for expulsion in accordance with federal statutes 29
U.S.C. § 705(20)(C)(iv) * and 20 U.S.C. § 1415 (k)(E)(i) **
3. Any student under sixteen who is expelled shall be offered an alternative educational opportunity
during the period of expulsion according to the terms of law. Any student between the ages of
sixteen and eighteen, and who wishes to continue their education, shall be offered an alternative
educational opportunity if they comply-with conditions established by the Board, unless such
student has been expelled for conduct endangering persons which included: (1) carrying a
dangerous instrument on, or introducing a dangerous instrument onto Academy property; or (2)
offering for sale or distribution on The Academy property or at an Academy-sponsored activity a
controlled substance, as defined in Section 21a-240(9) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 102
* Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.
** IEP- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides procedural safeguards that help guide
parents and children, so they are protected in accessing Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Learn
the details of these rights and safeguards which allow children to learn in the Least Restrictive Environment
(LRE). Updated: May 2021. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Special-Education/Prosaf.pdf
ALTERNATIVE TO EXTERNAL EXPULSION
Under certain circumstances, and at the discretion of the Head of School, expelled students may be offered
an alternative to external expulsion. At any point, should a student in the Alternative to External Expulsion
program not be meeting the expectations of the program or violate school rules, they may be removed from
participating this program.
Students involved in the program have the following academic expectations:
• Students will actively work to complete all class assignments;
• Students will be provided direct instruction as needed but should primarily work independently
on their assignments;
• Students will meet daily objectives (for example, specific tasks/assignments that are expected to
be completed by the end of the day);
• Some students, as availability and transportation allow, may be given a work or community
service opportunity as part of their academic day; and
• The tutor will communicate directly with teachers, parents, and guidance counselors in order to
inform all parties about academic progress. This should be done weekly, at a minimum.
• If a student can follow school expectations, they may earn the privilege of attending approved
classes while still in the Alternative to External Expulsion program.
Students involved in this program must comply with the following daily routine:
• Students will be escorted to the Main Office upon their arrival to school;
• Students and their belongings will be searched prior to going to the Alternative to External
Expulsion Program;
• Students will be escorted at all times while on campus;
• Students will not have access to personal electronic devices during the school day;
• Students may use school-issued iPads to access educational materials;
• Students will be escorted to the Main Office at the end of the school day, and, at the discretion of
administration, their persons and belongings will be searched before going home; and
• Students will be escorted directly to their transportation home.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE/ALCOHOL NOTIFICATION
Any student of The Woodstock Academy found to be in possession, or under the influence of a controlled
substance or alcohol will face these consequences:
1. Parents and/or guardians are notified;
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 103
2. Law enforcement officials may be notified. If a substance has been confiscated, the substance
may be turned over to law enforcement;
3. Incident will be referred to the Student Services Team to determine appropriate follow-up; and
4. Confiscated items will be disposed of or turned over to the police as appropriate.
WEAPONS
Connecticut statutes, Federal statutes, and school policy call for prosecution of all weapons offenders.
Additionally, weapons offenders may be expelled from school without the obligation of the sending town to
provide education.
MISCONDUCT OFF OF THE ACADEMY GROUNDS (CAMPUS)
Students are subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and expulsion for misconduct, even if
such misconduct occurs off of The Woodstock Academy property and during non-Academy time. Such
discipline may result whether: 1) the incident was initiated in The Academy or on The Academy grounds, or
2) even if the incident occurred or was initiated off The Academy grounds, and on non-Academy time; if
after the occurrence there was a reasonable likelihood that return of the student would contribute to a
disruption of the educational process by threatening:
1. The Academy’s orderly operations;
2. The safety of The Academy property; and/or
3. The welfare of the persons who work or study there.
Examples of the type of such off-Academy campus misconduct that may result in such discipline include,
but are not limited to:
1. Use, possession, sale, or distribution of dangerous weapons;
2. Use, possession, sale or distribution of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, synthetic
substances designed to mimic the effects of currently prohibited drugs or controlled substances,
or any items represented as such, intent to sell or distribute not withstanding; or,
3. Violent conduct, where any such activity has the reasonable likelihood of threatening the health,
safety, or welfare of The Academy property, individuals thereon, and/or the educational process.
The Administration may impose discipline, up to and including suspension, and/or recommend expulsion if
it is determined that a student’s use, possession, sale, or distribution of drugs and/or alcohol in the
community has a reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety of students or employees because of the
possibility of such sales in The Academy; or if violent conduct in the community presents a reasonable
likelihood of repeating itself in The Academy environment; or if any similar type of misconduct in the
community has a reasonable likelihood of being continued or repeated in The Academy or of bringing
retaliation or revenge into the Academy for such off-Academy misconduct.
Certain conduct of students may be the subject of discipline by The Woodstock Academy even if it occurs
off-campus and does not occur at a school-sponsored activity.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 104
The most serious instances of such conduct off-campus require the most severe disciplinary consequence:
expulsion.
It is, therefore, the policy of The Woodstock Academy to expel a student for one (1) calendar year if the
Trustees, subcommittee of the Trustees, or an impartial hearing panel determines that a student, while off-
campus and not at a school-sponsored activity or event during or outside school hours:
1. Was in possession of a firearm in violation of Connecticut General Statutes Section 29 35;
2. Was in possession of AND used a firearm, dangerous instrument, or deadly weapon in the
commission of a crime; or
3. Offered for sale OR distribution a controlled substance and/or alcohol whose manufacture,
distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting or possessing with the intent to sell or
dispense, or offering or administering is subject to criminal penalties under Connecticut General
Statutes Sections 21a-277 and 21a-278.
The Trustees, subcommittee of the Trustees, or an impartial hearing panel have the discretion to modify the
term of a mandatory one (1) calendar year expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to mandatory one (1) calendar year expulsions for serious off-campus misconduct, a student
MAY be subject to exclusion and discipline, up to and including suspension proceedings and a formal
expulsion hearing, for other types of off-campus misconduct not at a school-sponsored activity during or
outside school hours if the misconduct is:
1. A violation of The Woodstock Academy’s publicized policies; and
2. Seriously disruptive of the educational process at The Academy.
It is the policy of The Woodstock Academy that any off-campus misconduct which endangers persons or
property may constitute the basis for finding that said conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational
process at The Woodstock Academy and violation of this written policy if there is any nexus of the off-
campus misconduct and the delivery of educational services to other students of The Woodstock Academy.
As examples, but without limitation, these types of conduct, if engaged in by The Woodstock Academy
students off-campus and not at a school-sponsored activity, are representative of conduct which may be
considered to violate a publicized policy of The Woodstock Academy and be seriously disruptive of the
educational process:
1. Possession, use, or under the influence of any controlled substance or alcoholic beverage, or any
items represented to be such, intent to sell or distribute notwithstanding;
2. Intentionally or maliciously threatening, hurting, or injuring other persons;
3. Stealing property, or intentionally or maliciously damaging, or destroying property;
4. Commission of a serious crime under applicable state and/or federal law;
5. Participation in unlawful “hate acts” under state and/or federal law, including actions of racial or
religious bigotry, intolerance or hatred;
6. Unlawful sale, use, distribution, and/or possession of a firearm, dangerous instrument or deadly
weapon, as such terms are defined under applicable state and/or federal law;
7. Blackmailing, threatening, or intimidating The Academy staff or another student;
8. Theft; or
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 105
9. Violating any other publicized policy of The Woodstock Academy concerning student conduct,
including those listed in the student handbook.
If the above-referenced conduct occurs on campus, or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside
school hours, such conduct may be considered to: (1) violate applicable state/federal laws; or (2) violate a
publicized policy of The Woodstock Academy and be seriously disruptive of the educational process; or (3)
endanger persons or property.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE SITUATIONS
Administration can bring to attention the disciplinary situations of students for the process of educating the
faculty and staff and improving the safety and well-being of The Academy.
DISCIPLINE MATRIX
*NOTE: if any activity severely disrupts the educational process, the student(s) may be expelled.
*Depending on the severity of the infraction, the level of discipline is at the discretion of the Administration.
INFRACTION
MINIMUM LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
LEVEL
MAXIMUM LEVEL
Alcohol -
(Use/Possession/Sale/transfer/ under
the influence of)
Out-of-school suspension: 10 days
Recommended for expulsion
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at TEEG; Referral to Substance Abuse Counselor
Altercation w/student
Office Detention: 1-3 hours;
Restorative practice such as
referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days or
Out-of-school suspension: 1 – 5
days;
Restorative practice; Possible
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at
TEEG and/or peer mediation.
Out-of-school suspension: 10
days Recommended for
expulsion;
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation;
Referral to CT State Police
(CSP-administrative discretion)
Bullying/Cyberbullying/Hazing
Office Detention: 1-3 hours;
Restorative practice;
Possible Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG and/or
peer mediation.
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days or
Out-of-school suspension: 1 – 5
days;
Restorative practice
Possible Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
Out-of-school suspension: 10
days Recommended for
expulsion;
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
Cell Phones-Improper Use
Verbal warning, or other
consequence as established by
teacher, such as a teacher
confiscation of phone, teacher
detention, or a zero for
participation grade for the
day. If during an assessment
or independent classwork,
zero on assignment and
referral for plagiarism may be
warranted.
Phone turned into teacher for the
remainder of the class period; zero
on assignment/participation, referral
for cell phone violation and
plagiarism (as appropriate), one-hour
office detention.*
*Students refusing to relinquish their
phones will either be sent to the
Main Office for insubordination
and/or an administrative action
referral will be submitted to the
office for discipline according to the
discipline matrix.
Phone turned into the Main Office
for the remainder of the school day;
parent must pick up phone from the
Main Office between 7:30 AM and
3:00 PM, office referral for cell
phone violation, and, two-hour
detention. Zero on assignment and
referral for plagiarism as
appropriate.*
*Students refusing to relinquish their
phones will either be sent to the Main
Office for insubordination and/or an
administrative action referral will be
submitted to the office for discipline
according to the discipline matrix.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 106
INFRACTION
MINIMUM LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
LEVEL
MAXIMUM LEVEL
Class Absence
Office Detention: 1 – 2 hours
Office Detention: 3 hours
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
Restorative practice may include
staff escort
Delinquent in following school
procedures
Office Detention: 1 – 2 hours
Office Detention: 3 hours
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
Delinquent in following residential
procedures
Verbal warning and/or
Office/Residential Detention:
1 – 3 hours
Office Detention: 3 hours and/or
Working detention, technology
restrictions,
In-school suspension:
1 – 5 days
In-school suspension: 5 – 10
days and/or Recommendation for
dismissal from The Woodstock
Academy
Disruptive Behavior – includes:
Insolence, Incitement, Disruptive
Social Media use, Public Displays of
Affection, Lying/forgery/false
reporting, Pushing/shoving/hands on
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
Restorative practice
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
In-school suspension: 3 – 5 days
Dress code violation
Change clothing &
Verbal warning
Change clothing &
Office detention: 1 – 3 hours
Change clothing &
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
Drugs – use/possession/sale/
transfer/under the influence of
(including but not limited to illegal,
synthetic or controlled substances),
and drug paraphernalia
Out-of-school suspension: 10 days;
Recommended for expulsion;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP - administrative discretion);
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at TEEG; Referral to Substance Abuse Counselor
Assault of staff member
Out-of-school suspension: 1 –
10 days
Out-of-school suspension: 10 days
Recommended for expulsion
Referral to CT State Police (CSP - administrative discretion)
Assault of student
In-school suspension: 3 – 5
days or
Out-of-school suspension: 3 –
5 days;
Restorative practice possible
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 - 10
days;
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at
TEEG and/or peer mediation;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP -
administrative discretion)
Out-of-school suspension: 10
days,
Recommended for expulsion,
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP
- administrative discretion)
Harassment (In person/online)
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours;
Possible Restorative practice
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days or
Out-of-school suspension: 1 - 5
days;
Possible Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 - 10
days;
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
Inappropriate Language –
Profanity/Obscene Gesture
Ethnic/ racial slurs/ Hate Speech
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days or
Out-of-school suspension: 1 - 5 days
Out-of-school suspension: 5 - 10
days
Insubordination
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
Restorative practice
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days or
Out-of-school suspension: 1 - 5 days
Out-of-school suspension: 5 - 10
days
Knowingly in the presence of any
illegal activity on school grounds or
school-sponsored activity
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
In-school suspension: 3 – 5 days
or Out-of-school suspension: 3 -
5 days
Leaving school grounds
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
In-school suspension: 3 – 5 days
or Out-of-school suspension: 3 -
5 days
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 107
INFRACTION
MINIMUM LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
LEVEL
MAXIMUM LEVEL
Motor vehicle violation
Office Detention: 1 – 2 hours
and/or parking permit
suspended
Office Detention: 3 hours and/or
parking permit suspended
Parking permit revoked and/or
Recommended for expulsion (if
driving to endanger).
Plagiarism/cheating
Office Detention: 1 – 2 hours
Reflection Packet
Office Detention: 3 hours
Reflection Packet
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days
Sexual Harassment
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
or In-School suspension: 1- 3
days;
Possible Restorative practice
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG.
In-School suspension: 1- 3 days Out-
of-school suspension: 1 – 5 days;
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at
TEEG.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 - 10
days,
Recommended for expulsion;
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP
- administrative discretion).
Sexual Offense (including
solicitation)
Out-of-school suspension: 1–
10 days;
Possible Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG.
Out-of-school suspension: 10 days;
Recommended for expulsion;
Possible Referral to Juvenile Review Board at TEEG;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP - administrative discretion).
Smoking/Tobacco/Nicotine
possession, use, or distribution
Administrative Consultation;
In-School suspension: 1 day;
Referral to Substance Abuse
Counselor.
In-school suspension: 1–3 days;
Social probation. Referral to
Substance Abuse Counselor.
In-school suspension: 3–5 days;
Social probation. Referral to
Substance Abuse Counselor.
Misuse of Technology (including
iPads, copiers, and printers) –
violation of acceptable use policy,
includes taking unauthorized
photographs and/or videos.
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
and/or
Restricted use of iPad (1 – 3
weeks).
In-school suspension: 1 – 3 days and
Restricted use of iPad use (3 – 5
weeks). Possible Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 – 10
days,
Recommended for expulsion;
Possible Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP
- administrative discretion).
Theft/Possession of stolen property
In-school suspension: 1 – 3
days.
Restitution. Restorative
practice
In-school suspension: 3 – 5 days.
Restitution. Possible Referral to
Juvenile Review Board at TEEG.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 –
10 days,
Recommendation for expulsion;
Possible Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP
- administrative discretion).
Trespassing
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
or
In-school suspension: 1 – 3
days
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days;
Possible Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 –
10 days,
Recommendation for expulsion;
Possible Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP
- administrative discretion).
Threatening/Intimidation/Perceived
Threats
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours,
or,
In-school suspension: 1 – 3
days.
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days;
Possible Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG and/or peer
mediation.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 – 10
days,
Recommendation for expulsion;
Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG;
Referral to CT State Police (CSP
- administrative discretion).
Vandalism – school/personal
property
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
or
In-school suspension: 1 – 3
days; and:
Restitution
Restorative practice
In-school suspension: 3 – 5 days;
and: Restitution;
Possible Referral to Juvenile Review
Board at TEEG.
Restorative practice
Out-of-school suspension: 5 – 10
days; Restitution;
Referral to Juvenile Review Board
Recommendation for expulsion.
Referral to CT State Police (CSP -
administrative discretion).
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 108
INFRACTION
MINIMUM LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
LEVEL
MAXIMUM LEVEL
Verbal abuse
Office Detention: 1 – 3 hours
Restorative practice
In-school suspension: 1 – 5 days or
Out-of-school suspension: 1 - 5
days;
Possible Restorative practice
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at
TEEG and/or peer mediation.
Out-of-school suspension: 5 - 10
days; Referral to Juvenile
Review Board at TEEG and/or
peer mediation.
Weapons
Out-of-school suspension: 10 days;
Recommended for expulsion, Referral to CT State Police (CSP - administrative discretion), and/or,
Referral to Juvenile Review Board at TEEG.
EMPLOYEE DIRECTORY
MAIN NUMBER (860) 928-6575
Main Menu Options:
Main Office: 0
Attendance: 1
Admissions/Counseling: 2
Athletics: 3
Health Office: 4
Student Services: 5
Administration: 6
Advancement & Alumni Relations: 7
Information Technology: 8
Business/Operations 9
Main Number Extensions:
Bracken Library: 1201 or 120
Boarding Services & Residential Life: 1108 or 1271
Campus Safety: 1171
Centaur Shoppe: 1261
Communications: 1161
Head of School: 1111
Human Resources: 1142
Loos Center for the Arts: 1251
A complete VOICEMAIL and EMAIL directory can be found on the
Contact & Visit Us page on our website woodstockacademy.org
All email addresses are first initial and last name @woodstockacademy.org; example:
to email Sample Name use s[email protected]
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 109
DAILY AND SPECIAL SCHEDULES
For more information on schedules, please log onto The Woodstock Academy website at
https://www.woodstockacademy.org/students/schedules
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 110
AUTHORIZATION EXPLANATION
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
To provide this information, log into PowerSchool at wa.powerschool.com and complete the
“Acknowledgments” form. This information must be submitted each year by the end of the second week of
September. You may choose to deny any item listed. Choosing not to complete the form indicates agreement
with all items. The annual authorization items include:
PHOTO/VIDEO
I DO NOT AUTHORIZE The Woodstock Academy to release my child’s photograph or video for The
Woodstock Academy website, print media, broadcasts, social media, or press releases.
MEDIA RELEASE
I DO NOT AUTHORIZE The Woodstock Academy to release my child’s name for The Woodstock
Academy website, print media, broadcasts, social media, or press releases (including honor roll and
awards).
MILITARY NOTIFICATION
I DO NOT AUTHORIZE The Woodstock Academy to release information relating to my child
including, but not limited to, their name, address, or telephone number to military recruiters in
accordance with the Statute described above.
ACCESS OF RECORDS BY SENDING TOWN SUPERINTENDENT
I DO NOT AUTHORIZE The Woodstock Academy to allow the Superintendent of my child’s sending
town access to my child’s records.
CONDOM AVAILABILITY PROGRAM (CAP)
I DO NOT AUTHORIZE The Woodstock Academy to include my son/daughter in the Condom
Availability Program (CAP) even if he or she requests to participate.
FEDERAL LAW — THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF
2001
In 2001, Congress passed legislation which requires The Woodstock Academy to provide certain information to
military recruiters. The information that the school district is obligated to provide military recruiters is limited
to the name, address, and telephone number of secondary school students at Woodstock Academy.
The Woodstock Academy has an obligation to notify you of the existence of this legislation. It further has the
obligation to advise you that, if you wish to prevent the disclosure of your child’s name, address, and telephone
number to military recruiters, you must notify the schools district in writing of your intention to deny the
disclosure of this information to military recruiters by the school district (The Woodstock Academy).
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK 111
Section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind act states, “A secondary school student or parent of the student may
request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing…may not be released without the prior written
parental consent, and the local educational agency or private school shall notify parents of the option to make a
request and shall comply with any request.”
Should you wish to deny such disclosure to military recruiters, please complete the “Acknowledgements” form
through wa.powerschool.com before the end of the second week of September.
In the absence of a completed form, you should understand that, upon request from military recruiters, the
name, address, and telephone number of your child will be submitted to the military recruiter.