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:

• Serve as an advocate for the child with faculty, and help the faculty to understand each child's unique needs and strengths
• Develop individualized schedules
• Help set academic and social goals for the students, as well as opportunities to meet these goals, in collaboration with teachers
• Observe students in their classes to assess progress towards goals
• Help students to increase their use of social problem-solving and/or self regulation skills during the school day
• Coordinate communication between school and home/outside specialists
• Prepare for and participate in CSE and PPT meetings (advisors and teachers generally participate in these meetings by phone)
• Recommend additional support/intervention outside of school (e.g., family based therapy, oral motor training, etc.).

(Eagle Hill personnel, including advisors, do not participate in impartial hearings conducted by school districts. Contact Marjorie Castro should you need an Eagle Hill expert to participate in an impartial hearing.)

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 Monday through Thursday, 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.

The 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)

Boys Lacrosse (ages 11 and older)

Girls Lacrosse (ages 10 and older)

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.

For Lower School non-team physical activities, choices include gymnastics, general physical education for students through age eight, sports class with units that vary by season, the Running and Walking Club, Ultimate Frisbee for students 10 and over, and in the winter, wrestling for students 10 and over. Karate is also offered, but there is an extra fee for this because it is taught by an outside karate sensei.

For Upper School non-team physical activities, choices include aerobics, basketball (non-team in the fall), dance, football, fitness, gymnastics, tennis (non-team in the fall), wrestling (winter), yoga, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Examples of previously offered non-physical activities include: arts & crafts, board games, book and newspaper publishing, cartooning, community service, cooking, creative play, digital photography, drama, foreign language, gardening, Legos, nature study, sewing crafts, and sign language. Again, these offerings vary by teacher availability, season, student interest, and a student’s age.

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?

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

ARRIVALS/DISMISSALS

What are Eagle Hill’s school hours?

Generally, children are dropped off between 7:45 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. There is no supervision prior to 7:45 a.m.

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. 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 dining hall.

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, 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.” While waiting, please turn off your engine to prevent gas fumes (no idling). 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 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 12 noon on Fridays. We dismiss only at 2 or 3 p.m., when an early dismissal chord chimes. Requests for early dismissal must be received by 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday for dismissal times of 2 or 3 p.m., and by 10 a.m. on Fridays for 12 noon dismissal. We cannot honor requests beyond these time periods as it disrupts class time or is too close to the regular dismissal time. To advise us of an early dismissal:

• Parents should call the Eagle Hill Hotline (for early dismissal, attendance and sports information) at (203) 629-1408 before 1 p.m. After the automated attendant prompt, dial 8 and leave your message.
• Children should be picked up in the Main Office at the designated early dismissal time.
• 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 Eagle Hill Hotline (203) 629-1408 by 1 p.m.

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

Whenever your child will be absent from school, you’re required to call the Eagle Hill Hotline at (203) 629-1408, leave your child’s name, and the reason for the absence. It would be helpful to also email your child’s advisor.

To request homework assignments, email the school at j.maida@eaglehill.org or by phone at (203) 622-9240 between 9-10 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. Many New York districts provide transportation. Connecticut districts, other than Greenwich and Stamford, generally do not.

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 POLICY 2011-2012

(*Please refer to the Lands’ End catalog or website for examples of approved uniform choices)

Lower School

• navy or khaki chino slacks (boys and girls-no cords)
• navy, khaki or plaid* knee length skirt, jumper or skorts (girls)
• navy or black leggings, tights or spandex mid thigh spandex shorts must be worn under skirts or jumpers
• 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)
• hats should not be worn in school

Upper School

• navy or khaki chino slacks (boys and girls-no cords)
• navy, khaki, or plaid* knee length skirts or skorts (girls)
• navy or black leggings, tights or spandex mid thigh spandex shorts must be worn under skirts
• solid colored or striped button down shirt and tie (all upper school boys)
• solid colored or striped button down blouse, 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)
• sneakers, closed toe shoes (boys and girls)
• hats should not be worn in school
• Shirts must be tucked into slacks, shorts, skirts, and skorts until the 2 p.m. activity time.

Relaxed Dress Code: (begins in late May, at the discretion of the Head of School, for both Lower and Upper School. We also request that students follow the relaxed dress code for class trips unless told to wear civies.)

• 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 the 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 (must be no more than three inches above knee)
• athletic shorts, hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants, or blue jeans
• t-shirts, halter tops, or shirts that cannot be tucked into slacks, shorts, skirts, or skorts

Civies Days: (last Friday of every month and for occasional special days)

• casual clothing (e.g., jeans, athletic pants and shorts, t-shirts without any inappropriate comments or pictures, sweatshirts, 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, no ripped, torn or dirty clothes are allowed etc.).

EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND LOCK DOWN 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 that would entail moving students off campus, we strongly feel that we must be prepared to do so. This plan will be put into action when it is clear that remaining on campus would compromise the safety of your children.

In case we need to evacuate the campus, we will walk or drive to the Carmel Hebrew Academy/The Greenwich Japanese School, at 270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06831. We will stay together as a school and will either be on the fields, or in the case of bad weather, in their gymnasium. 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 parent, guardian, relative, or designated caregiver.

In case of a concern about an intruder, we will follow a lockdown procedure of sheltering our students in darkened classrooms with doors locked when possible.

There will be drills to practice procedures for both evacuations and lock downs each year.

HEALTH OFFICE

Is the Health Office open every day?

The Health Office is open from 7:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and from 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday.

Is there a dedicated health phone line?

Yes, (203) 302-3863 is the health 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.

What if a child needs regularly scheduled prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications while at school?

If any student requires regularly scheduled medications (prescription or OTC) to be administered while at school, the family is required to submit a signed physician’s authorization form and to register with SchoolMed (www.schoolmed.com), which then packages and dispenses the medication to the school nurse. Short-term medication such as antibiotics will require the signed physician’s authorization form, and the medication must be delivered to the nurse’s office by an adult. The medication must be in its labeled container from the pharmacy. We are not allowed to accept any medications without physician authorization and in a pharmacy labeled container. Please do not send any medication to school with your child. It is against DCF regulations and school policy.

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 or email her at j.maida@eaglehill.org to 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.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST CONSULTANT: Eagle Hill has an OT Consultant who works with faculty members on a monthly basis to recommend best practices in the classroom, and to observe students and make recommendations for how best to address their needs.

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 delayed school opening policy since we have children in the dormitory and others coming from multiple districts. We are either open or closed. Check with your own district regarding when buses will transport children to school.