FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ADVISORS

What is the role of the advisor at Eagle Hill?

(This is a short explanation of the importance of the Advisor role at EHS.)

An advisor is a resource for students, teachers and parents. They:

• Review and maintain files
• Help to set academic and affective goals for the student, and opportunities to meet those goals
• Communicate these goals to faculty and parents
• Help student to increase problem solving, social, and/or behavioral skills through meetings (as needed) during the school day
• Coordinate communication between school and home, school and outside specialists, and teachers at EHS
• Serve as an advocate for the child with faculty, and help the faculty to understand each child's unique needs and strengths
• Recommend additional support/intervention outside of school
• Write recommendations for schools and camps
• Prepare for and participate in CSE and PPT meetings

(Eagle Hill personnel, including advisors, do not participate in impartial hearings conducted by school districts.)

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

What are the afternoon activities and athletic programs and when do activities and sports meet?

The afternoon program is part of the school day. During the last two periods of the day on Mondays through Thursdays, each student will participate in an activity or sport and also a proctored study hall. 8th period runs from 2:04-3 p.m. and 9th period runs from 3:03-4 p.m. Because students are dismissed at 12:33 p.m. on Fridays, there are no study halls or activities then.

Does every student have to be in a physical activity?

Yes, each child is required to be in at least one physical activity that meets two days per week unless there is a medical concern that exists.

What are the team sports that are offered and what are the age requirements for the sports?

By season, the sports we usually play are:

Fall: Soccer- Generally three teams: JV and Varsity teams are for students 11

and older. JJV Soccer team is comprised of students ages 8 to 10.

Cross Country (11 and older)

Girls Field Hockey (10 and older)

Winter: Upper School Basketball teams (separate boys and girls teams)

Lower School basketball teams (students must be 10 and older)

Ice hockey–two teams (ages 10 and older)

Cheerleading (ages 9 and older)

Spring: Baseball (ages 11 and older)

Girls Softball (ages 10 and older)

Lacrosse (ages 11 and older, boys and girls). If enough girls sign up,

there will be a separate girls’ team. If not, then girls can play on the

boys’ team with boys’ lacrosse rules.

Cross Country (ages 11 and older)

Tennis–Upper School only

Is there a “cut” system?

No, there are no “cuts.” The only exception to this is tennis, as we are limited by court space and vehicle constraints (we practice at town courts off campus). For tennis, there is a try-out.

I heard that younger children are required to take PE. Is that true?

Yes, all students through the age of eight are required to have PE at least twice per week.

Besides playing on sports teams, what physical and non-physical activities are available?

Specific activities offered vary by teacher availability, season, student interest, and a student’s age.

Some examples of non-team physical activities which have been offered in the past include: aerobics, dance, basketball skills, fitness, flag football, karate, yoga, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse skills, volleyball, and physical education.

Some examples of non-physical activities which have been offered include: arts & crafts, board games, book publishing, cartooning, community service club, computer fun, cooking, digital photography, drama, foreign language, Legos, nature study, pottery, rock band, sign language, singing, and sewing crafts.

What clothes does my child need for activities?

For physical activities or teams, students need to be prepared with clothes in which to play. Specific items for teams (e.g., cleats, sneakers) are noted in another mailing over the summer. Generally t-shirts and sweat pants or shorts (depending on weather) are needed for physical activities. Students should bring their change of clothes and can store them in their gym lockers. Each child is assigned a gym locker. We do have gym shirts and gym shorts to lend to students to wear, but most children like to bring their own clothes.

If my child is on a team, does he stay after school for games?

In most cases, games do extend until after school. Students on teams will receive transportation packets (electronically via email) with details about game locations and pick-up times. Most, but not all, of the games at the JJV level do occur during school hours, while most games at the JV and Varsity levels extend until after school.

ARRIVALS/DISMISSALS

What are Eagle Hill’s school hours?

Generally children are dropped off between 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. School starts at 8:18 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday dismissal is 12:33 p.m. Before the December vacation, the long President’s weekend, and spring break, dismissal is at noon and is announced in the Friday email blast.

What is the routine for morning arrival?

Please use the main entrance to the school and drop your child off at the end of the sidewalk area, just off the driveway. There is no faculty coverage in this area until

7:45 a.m. each morning. Once your child has been dropped off, continue around to your left to leave the campus. Children arriving before 8 a.m. should go to the library.

What is the procedure for late arrival?

All children who arrive after 8:30 a.m. (late arrival) should go to the main office for a class admission pass.

What is the routine for afternoon dismissal?

Private cars should enter the driveway off Glenville Road that is just beyond the school if you’re heading in a westerly (toward New York) direction. There is a sign that reads, "Eagle Hill Dismissal Entrance.” To ensure your safety, we require you to stay in your vehicle once you are on our internal road system. Please do not attempt to turn around and go back out.

Students who use school district transportation will meet in the Hvolbeck Auditorium and be placed on the appropriate bus by faculty overseeing the afternoon dismissal process.

What is the dismissal procedure for a student who needs to leave school early?

Early dismissals for students are considered to be any dismissal up until 3:30 p.m. After that time, we simply cannot honor a request for an early dismissal as it is too close to regular dismissal time. We would appreciate receiving requests for early dismissals no later than 1 p.m. on the day the request is made. To advise us of an early dismissal:

• Parents should call the early dismissal phone number (203)629-1408 before 1 p.m. After the automated attendant prompts you, dial 8 and leave your message.
• Children should be picked up in the Main Office at the designated time you have requested for early dismissal.
• Parents should sign their child out at that time so we know the child has left with a responsible adult and will not be in attendance at the usual dismissal time.

What is the procedure for a change in how a child normally gets picked up?

If you are changing the way your child normally gets picked up (e.g., car to bus or bus to car) you must call the dismissal line (203)629-1408 by 1 p.m.

How do I report my child’s absence from school?

If your child is ill, the absence should be reported to the school nurse at (203)302-3863 or by email to l.martin@eaglehill.org. If absent for any other reason, call the Main Office at (203)622-9240. It would be helpful to also email one’s advisor.

To request homework assignments, the school should be contacted by email at j.maida@eaglehill.org or by phone at (203) 622-9240 between 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Homework can be picked up any time after 2 p.m. or can be faxed to your home.

If a student is absent from school, under no circumstances may he/she participate in any sports or extra-curricular activity on the day of the absence.

BUSES

How do parents check to see if their district will provide transportation?

Parents should contact their district transportation office as soon as possible. Most New York districts seem to provide transportation. Connecticut districts, other than Greenwich and Stamford, generally do not provide transportation.

What should parents do if an issue arises with their child on the bus?

Eagle Hill would like to be informed of any issues relating to buses on which our students are transported. There are varying degrees of involvement that we, as a school, can have in resolving issues of safety, student interactions (either with each other or with bus personnel), and so on. Eagle Hill also recommends that parents speak directly to their school district’s transportation department.

Are children allowed to go home with a friend on another district's bus?

Some school districts allow children to have their friends accompany them home on their buses as long as there is approved written permission from the parents and the school district’s transportation department is aware, in advance, of the request. Eagle Hill must have at least one day’s notice that a child will have a friend accompany him/her home on their district’s bus. Parents must check with individual districts to be sure of their policy.

DRESS CODE

What is Eagle Hill’s Dress Code Policy?

The dress code policy for the Lower School is:

• navy or khaki chino slacks (boys and girls–no cords)

• navy, khaki or white plaid (see Lands’ End catalog) knee length skirt, jumper or skorts (girls)

• navy or black knee socks, leggings or tights (girls)

• solid colored polo shirts, button down shirts, or turtlenecks (boys and girls–no mock turtlenecks)

• solid colored crew, v-neck or cardigan sweaters (boys and girls–no hoods or sweatshirts)

• solid colored vests (sweater or fleece material–boys and girls)

• sneakers, closed toe shoes (boys and girls)

The dress code policy for the Upper School is:

• solid colored button-down shirt and tie (all Upper School boys)

• solid colored blouse, polo shirts, or turtlenecks (girls–no mock turtlenecks)

• solid colored crew, v-neck, or cardigan sweaters (boys and girls-no hoods or sweatshirts)

• solid colored vest (sweater or fleece material–boys and girls)

• navy or khaki chino slacks (boys and girls–no cords)

• navy, khaki or white plaid (see Lands’ End catalog) knee length skirts or skorts (girls)

• navy or black knee socks, leggings, or tights (girls)

• sneakers, closed toe shoes (boys and girls)

What is Relaxed Dress Code?

Relaxed Dress Code generally begins in mid-May for both Lower and Upper School students.

Relaxed Dress Code consists of:

• polo-style (collared) shirts
• casual slacks (no cargo style pants or shorts)
• dress/walking shorts (above the knee)
• skirts/skorts
• sneakers or sandals are fine. Sandals may be worn without socks.

Shirts must be tucked into slacks, shorts, skirts and skorts until 2 p.m. activity time.

The following are not appropriate for Relaxed Dress Code:

• flip flops/pool-like shoes
• wave runner shoes
• extremely short shorts, skirts or skorts. These may be no more than three inches above the knee
• athletic shorts, hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants, or blue jeans
• t-shirts, halter tops, shirts that cannot be tucked into the slacks, shorts, skirts, or skorts

What is the dress code for Civies Days?

Civies Days occur on the last Friday of every month and for occasional specials. The dress code for Civies Days consists of:

• casual clothing (i.e., jeans, athletic pants and shorts, t-shirts without any inappropriate comments or pictures, sweatshirts and sweatpants, etc.) may be worn on Civies Days.

• clothing should be appropriate for co-ed school activities (no exposed midriffs, modest length for shorts and skirts, etc.).

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

What are the school's emergency evacuation procedures? How will we know where our child is?

Unfortunately, we live in a time when preparations, which would have seemed unnecessary and extreme several years ago, are quickly becoming part of the fabric of daily life. While we hope to never be required to implement an emergency plan which would require moving students off campus, we strongly feel that we must be prepared to do so. This plan will be implemented when it is clear that remaining on campus would compromise the safety of your children.

Every year, we divide the faculty and students into eight groups based on the students’ advisors. We then establish a location off campus that will serve as a refuge during emergencies. Each of these destinations is the private home of a current or alumni parent, and is located in relatively close proximity both to the school and to major arteries or roadways.

Once we reach our destination, we will remain there until it is either safe to return to campus or all children have been picked up by a responsible adult. We will have a water and food supply at each destination site.

HEALTH OFFICE

Is there a dedicated health phone line?

Yes, (203) 302-3863. This is a phone and fax line.

What if a child needs over-the-counter medication (e.g., Tylenol, a cough drop) for a cold or headache? Should they bring it in or does the nurse provide it?

The nurse provides over-the-counter medications that have been indicated by parents on the emergency medical form as suitable for use with their child when they need it during the school day. The Health Office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday.

Can children return to school less than 24 hours after having a fever?

Health Office policy requires children to remain home for at least 24 hours after a child has experienced a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

What type of contagious illnesses (e.g., strep throat, mononucleosis, lice) should the school be informed of, and when?

The nurse would like to have information about any contagious illness that a student may experience, as soon as possible after a diagnosis is made. A complete list of those illnesses is available in the health office.

HOMEWORK

What are the homework procedures and expectations at Eagle Hill?

Children will receive homework each day of the school week. Depending upon age and skill level, children will generally have between 45 minutes to two hours of homework a day during their Eagle Hill experience. Students will also have weekend assignments to complete. The move to more homework is done gradually on an individual or class-by-class basis. Each child also has a supervised study hall in school where homework is started and may be finished (Lower School).

How it works:

• Each student is given an assignment book where they record their homework tasks. We are very interested in knowing what students are capable of in regards to their homework, so they are encouraged to attempt the homework independently and employ learned strategies to complete the task. Homework is a reinforcement tool for recently learned skills and a review of previously learned skills.

• If a child cannot do the homework after a realistic attempt, we would like parents to sign the homework off and let us know that the child attempted the work. Homework that is not completed because the child chooses not to do so will be made up with the teacher the following day. However, if there is an extenuating circumstance for why your child could not complete homework, please inform the child’s advisor the next morning.

• If your child is ill, you may call Joanne Maida at (203) 622-9240, ext 616 and have homework faxed to you or you may pick it up at the end of the school day.

LOCKERS AND CUBBIES

What can my child leave at school?

Children may leave any clothing for co-curricular or sports activities in their gym lockers. Lower School students also have an additional locker or cubby in the Academic Building for their books and coats.

OTHER SERVICES

What related services does Eagle Hill provide?

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE: Eagle Hill has two full-time and two part-time speech and language pathologists on staff. They provide individual and small group language therapy as well as collaborate with teachers in specific classes. Children are referred based on an annual screening process.

PSYCHOLOGICAL: Eagle Hill has one full-time and one part-time psychologist, and two part-time social workers on staff. They provide individual and small group counseling for students as needed. They also consult with faculty on a variety of topics relative to a student's involvement in the program. At times, they may also participate in updating testing profiles of individual students who are preparing to graduate from Eagle Hill.

MOTOR TRAINING: Eagle Hill has one full-time motor training specialist who provides individual and small group instruction in gross motor skills, self-help skills, endurance, and strength development. Children are referred based on an annual screening process.

SNOW DAY SCHOOL CLOSINGS

Eagle Hill adheres to closing judgments made by the Greenwich Superintendent of Schools who makes the decision in concert with the Greenwich Police Department.

We use a snow day phone announcement system to inform the school community about school closings. Calls are made as soon as we hear from the Greenwich Superintendent’s office, typically around 6 a.m. If you do not actually answer the call, the announcement system will leave you a message. Please be sure to let us know if your phone number changes so we can keep our list as up to date as possible.

We will also list closings on our website, www.eaglehillschool.org. The listing will be posted as soon as we receive word of closings from the Greenwich School District.

You may also call the main number at the school after 6:30 a.m. and there will be a recorded message concerning the status of school closings or delays. We ask that you not call before 6:30 a.m. as the phone rings in the dormitory building.

Eagle Hill does not have a delay school opening policy since we have children in the dormitory and others coming from multiple districts. Check with your own district regarding when buses will transport children to school.