Parent & Student Handbook

Whitby will be the school of choice offering a compelling educational continuum, recognized for excellence and for embracing innovation.

By combining the complementary Montessori and IB teaching methodologies along with pedagogical best practices, Whitby endows each student with distinct educational advantages:

Whitby follows the child’s developmental stages to provide the most effective teaching approaches, respecting and encouraging each child's innate curiosity about the world. Furthermore, Whitby’s IB curricular programs of structured inquiry are tailored to the maturity and intellect of the child and develop the fundamentals of the IB learner profile in each student.

The result is that Whitby provides each child the tools to succeed academically, socially and emotionally, now and in the future.

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Three Year Strategic Goals
 The four major goals of the Strategic Plan initially arose from the themes generated from interviews and roundtables conducted at the beginning of the planning process. These goals are:

CONTINUUM
A Whitby education, from the earliest years, will offer families and their children a compelling developmental and educational continuum, using world-leading models that prepare each child, uniquely, for success in their life-long learning journey.

COMMUNITY
The Whitby community will be enriched by initiatives, programs and facilities that enhance connections between students, families and staff to challenge and celebrate their diverse values, interests and needs and strengthen the foundation on which our future is built.

PERSPECTIVE
Whitby will prepare our students for an ever-changing world by promoting the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, exploring multiple perspectives, providing opportunities to learn beyond boundaries, and embracing the diversity of the network of families that comprise our community.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Whitby will be a model for excellence in education by continually improving its program and impact, actively employing and refining best practices to enhance student learning, and sharing its successes with the community and the field.


More than 60 years ago, a mother named Georgeann Skakel Terrien sought better educational opportunities for her children. She, along with other like-minded parents in Greenwich, was frustrated with the status quo at local schools falling short of her expectations and wishes for her children. From her mother's trip to Ireland, she became aware of the Montessori teaching method. This style of teaching and learning finally seemed logical to her. Georgeann was not only eager to share her discovery with the other parents, but she knew that together they should start a school using the Montessori method. This core group of parents hired Nancy Rambusch, an American educator with a passion for Montessori, to head the Whitby School.

In 1958, this was the humble beginning of Whitby as a day school for children between the ages of three and fourteen, the first Montessori school in the United States. In 1960, Nancy Rambusch was instrumental in founding the American Montessori Society (AMS) to foster and advance Montessori education.  The first AMS teacher training courses were based in Greenwich, using Whitby classes as their model.

Whitby first held classes in a converted barn, with the school moving to its present 25-acre Lake Avenue location in 1960. Maria Montessori's only son, Mario Montessori, attended the dedication ceremony in 1961. Additionally, a stone from the famed Whitby Abbey was presented to the school by the people of Yorkshire, England.  

In 1975, a toddler class, "Stepping Stones", was created to serve children between two and three years of age. By 1982, "Stepping Stones" was accepting children at eighteen months. In 1994, the Junior High Division was reconfigured into the present Middle School. 

Whitby's beginnings came from the passion, energy and excitement of these early parents who shared a common belief with others. This passion to offer a new and better way to educate children continues today with the integration of the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) program into our Montessori roots. As before, the vibrant Whitby community is the catalyst behind this addition of IB and the innumerable recent and positive changes taking place at the school. Whitby is healthy and strong and remains an innovative leader in preparing students to learn, live and succeed today and in the future.

In Fall of 2016 came the newest piece of the school's history when Whitby School was approved to acquire an additional five acres of land. This added acreage expands the campus to a total of 30.3 acres, allowing for an additional 16,000 square feet of building space in the future. This provides the school with flexibility for further development in the future. As this new land is still zoned for residential purposes, any additional school related building would take place on the school's current site.

Learn More about Whitby's History

Saint Hilda was the Abbess of Whitby Abbey, which was established in 657 AD. Under Saint Hilda, the Abbey flourished as a seat of learning and celebration of life. She became known as one who nourished and encouraged the talents of her people.

Symbolic of the heritage of St. Hilda is the crest, which is dominated by the Benedictine Cross, representing the strength of the community. The three coiled snakes represent fossils found in abundance on the seashore near the Whitby Abbey. They were believed originally to be venomous serpents which were changed to stone by the prayers of St. Hilda. The three waves represent the intellect in action, and the sun is the life-giving environment of the school.

Although our community has changed and grown over the years, the crest is still a symbol of our strength and endurance. When we look at the crest, we remember with pride the many children and parents who have passed through our halls, left their imprint, and have shared the unique experience, which is Whitby.

In 2019, we established the Whitby Montessori Children's House (WMCH) to ensure the integrity of our Montessori roots in the toddler and early childhood years. This school within a school model allows the Stepping Stones and Primary sections to focus on the Montessori curriculum while maintaining the school's continuum into the Lower School.

Whitby is an American Montessori Society (AMS) accredited school – the highest level of school recognition bestowed by the Montessori community. Whitby is currently one of only three schools in Connecticut with AMS accreditation.

In 2019, we established the Whitby Montessori Children's House (WMCH) to ensure the integrity of our Montessori roots in the toddler and early childhood years. This school within a school model allows the Stepping Stones and Primary sections to focus on the Montessori curriculum and then transition to the IB program in the Lower School as part of our early childhood through grade 8 continuum.

Whitby is also proud to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP), the foundation for our Grade 1- Grade 8 educational programming.

Whitby was successfully reaccredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) in June 2016. Through this process, the school was commended for empowering all members of the Whitby community to be lifelong learners and agents of positive change. The faculty and staff were commended for embracing our mission and creating an exemplary educational program. Our students were commended for being active co-creators of their academic experience and positive participants in their education. 

The school is also a member of the Educational Records Bureau, the Parents League, and REACH Prep program.

Please refer to the Arrival & Dismissal Guide for start times, end times, and arrival and dismissal procedures.

Classroom doors open at 7:45 a.m. for Primary - Grade 8, with classes starting promptly at 8:00 a.m. Stepping Stones classes provide an extended arrival period from 7:45 - 8:30 a.m., with classes beginning at 8:30 a.m. To support a smooth start to our learning program each day, we ask that parents ensure their children arrive at school on time.

All students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are considered late. They must get a late slip from the front desk before proceeding to the classroom. This ensures that their attendance is recorded which is of utmost importance for emergency procedures.

Once the day has begun, parents should refrain from entering the classroom to avoid interrupting the learning planned by the teachers. Any deliveries to students after school has started should be brought to the front desk. To contact a teacher, please leave a voicemail or email message, to which you will receive a reply within one business day. In an emergency, please contact the school receptionist at (203) 869-8464.

General Guidelines

• If you organize special dismissals or alternative pick-up arrangements, please follow the guidelines stated in the Parent Student Handbook.
• Please limit car idling to preserve the environment.
• Provide yourself with extra time for arrival and dismissal in case of unexpected delays.
• When in the car line, please be patient and wait your turn to ensure the safety of our children.
• Students taking the bus will be dismissed from the front entrance of Renaissance Hall.

CLICK HERE for the complete Arrival & Dismissal Guidelines.

During morning arrivals, parents will be allowed to escort their child to their classroom door between 7:45 and 8:00 AM. Classes start prompting at 8:00 AM. Parents cannot linger in hallways but are invited to meet with other parents in Renaissance Hall near the coffee station. 

Strong student attendance is crucial to achieving the Whitby mission. In addition to the state mandated obligation for parents to ensure their child attends school, parents should be aware that every absence, whether excused or not, takes away from the student’s full opportunity of benefitting from Whitby’s instructional program.

Absences
A student will be considered “in attendance” if he/she is present at school or a school-sponsored activity for at least half of the regular school day.  A student not present at school or a school-sponsored activity for at least half of the school day will be considered absent.

Reporting Absences
If a child is to be absent, parents must call/email the school before 9:00am at 203-869-8464. A call/email is required for each day a student will be absent from school. Parents can also fill out a time off request through the Veracross Parent Portal.

Excused and Unexcused Absences
We are thankful that the Whitby community values the learning opportunities provided for each child each and every day, but we do understand that absences can occur during the school year.  To ensure continuity of learning we encourage families to keep absences to a minimum. It is essential that parents or guardians communicate the reasons for an absence to the school as early as possible through the stated proper documentation listed in the table below. 

Whitby adheres to CT State standards for attendance; therefore once absences have exceeded 9 days, the Heads of Children's House, Lower and Middle Schools will contact the families and alert them that the school will require further information on the absence to ensure that the impact on learning is considered. For the 10th and subsequent absences of the school year, the following reasons will be deemed excused, provided proper documentation is received by the school within 10 days of the absence.

• Student Illness
• Student’s observance of a religious holiday
• Death in the student’s family or other emergency beyond control of the family
• Mandated court appearances
• Lack of transportation normally provided by home district
• Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by school administrators

Absences that are not communicated, or that are not deemed appropriate by the school, will be recorded an ‘unexcused’.

Reporting of Student Attendance:
Updated class and master attendance is available for the current school year for each student in the Veracross Parent Portal. Student attendance is also shared on report cards, transcripts, and admissions recommendation forms shared with other schools.

Extraordinary Educational Opportunities:
Parents interested in prolonged absences for their child for extraordinary educational opportunities should schedule a meeting in person with the Head of Children's House or the Assistant Head of School to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the proposed activities, and the various expectations for teachers, staff members, private tutors, students, and parents.  Following the meeting, the Head of Children's House/Assistant Head of School will make a recommendation to the Head of School, who will approve, deny, or amend the request for the extended absence due to extraordinary educational opportunity via written communication. 

At Whitby, we recognize that caring for the whole child includes attention to good nutrition. Research on pediatric nutrition indicates that better nutrition (meaning less sugar, no additives, no preservatives, no food coloring, plus organic ingredients) leads to better attention span and classroom behavior, enhanced learning, and improved health. Our effort towards school-wide superlative nutrition contributes to Whitby's standing as a model for excellence in children’s education. 

Students are encouraged to bring healthy, balanced lunches to school or order lunch through the current lunch catering service. Please remember, we are a nut-restricted school (refer to the Allergy Policy), and we also do not allow students to bring candy or soda to school. There are microwave ovens available, but refrigerator space is very limited. An insulated lunch bag is recommended.

Whitby provides a student lunch service option through an outside catering company. Food is delivered daily to the school and then distributed to the classrooms. General information regarding the lunch program will be available before the start of the new school year. 

Parents should pack healthy, nut-free snacks for their child to eat during the mid-morning and afternoon break time, and for after-school programs. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle with a secure lid to school every day, which can be used throughout the day with teacher approval. Please refer to our Allergy Policy.

Birthdays are important events for all children. Each grade level has its own way of honoring the birthday child. For example, Primary has a special ceremony called the Primary birthday walk that is enjoyed, and many families create a poster board with photos to show a timeline of the student’s life. In grades 1-4 and in Middle School, treats may be brought in for a birthday celebration and shared at a teacher-designated time. Please refer to our Allergy Policy.

The teacher will notify parents in advance about how each grade level celebrates birthdays and the role of parents in the celebration. Elaborate snacks are not necessary; a two-bite sized organic cupcake, fruit kebab, or homemade cookie are preferred alternatives. All food must comply with our Allergy Policy.

Due to weather conditions, delayed openings and early closings may occur throughout the school year. Parents are notified of these events via the School Alert systems outlined below.

Several radio and television stations provide announcements regarding delays for the Greenwich Public, Private and Parochial Schools served by the Greenwich bus system. To find out the delay/cancellation information for Whitby, please check the following venues:

• Veracross Alert System Parents will receive an automated SMS text message and email informing them of delay/cancellation information.
• Whitby website www.whitbyschool.org
• Whitby main phone line (203) 869-8464 will be updated by 6:00am
• Social media: Facebook and Twitter
• Television stations Cablevision of Connecticut and Westchester News Channel 12
• Radio Stations Connecticut: WEBE 108 FM, WGCH 1490 AM, STAR 99.9 FM/AM 600 Westchester: WFAS 1230 AM, 103.9 FM & 106.3 FM

Parents and/or caregivers are requested to bring their child(ren) to school at the delayed opening time communicated through the School Alert system. When the Greenwich Public Schools announces a delayed opening, Whitby will make its own announcement of a one or two-hour delayed opening OR a closing. In the case of a delay, school will open at either 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. Whenever school is delayed, employees will be responsible for being at school 30 minutes prior to student arrival.

In the case of a delayed opening/early dismissal, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Early Dismissals
Parents and/or caregivers are requested to collect their child(ren) at the early dismissal time. For students who use the bus transportation system, the school coordinates early pick up with the bus companies.

Delayed Openings
Parents and/or caregivers are requested to bring their child(ren) to school at the delayed opening time as communicated through the School Alert System.

• Delayed openings:  Your child will receive a modified schedule with WECCP and Electives/Athletics occurring at the usual time.

Whitby School offers a full educational continuum from Stepping Stones through Grade 8. In the Whitby Montessori Children's House, the Stepping Stones and Primary multi-age classrooms focus on a Montessori education that is student-led and self-paced. The students are guided, assessed, and inspired by experienced and caring teachers, learn from peer interactions in a prepared and nurturing environment. 

Starting in Grade 1, Whitby builds on the Montessori foundation with the rigor of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. The IBPYP culminates in Grade 4 with the Primary Years Program Exhibition project. This independent, small group research project provides the perfect transition to our Middle School. In Grades 5-8, the IB Middle Years Program forms the framework for our curriculum and provides a student with all the attributes and skills they need for their transition to their high school in Grade 9. Our curriculum continuum concludes with the personal project, an extended independent research project completed by each child in Grade 8 prior to graduation.

Whitby was the first school in the country with that dual accreditation from the American Montessori Society (accredited with non-traditional Montessori age groupings) and the International Baccalaureate. Both approaches share the foundation of educating the whole child, inquiry-based individualization of instruction, and continual assessment with periodic parent-teacher-student conferences. As grade 1 students transition from Children's House to Lower School, they continue to be active participants in their own inquiry based learning. In Lower School, students engage in the IB's Primary Years Program. Through a framework of six transdisciplinary themes, students build their conceptual understanding. Single-subject classes, such as Art, Music, Spanish and Physical Education, enhance the classroom program. The Middle School's Middle Years Program provides greater depth in key subject areas and ensures our students are well prepared for the transition to high school.

With Montessori and the IB programs providing the underlying structure, Whitby's teachers work together to map curriculum from Stepping Stones through 8th Grade, ensuring that all learning outcomes are met throughout the continuum and transitions are seamless from grade to grade.

By the time a student graduates, s/he will be fully prepared for high school and life beyond Whitby with not only the skills and competencies needed but also several years of striving toward the qualities of the IB learner profile that may ultimately make the difference for success in the 21st century.

The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more peaceful world. Throughout our educational continuum at Whitby, our students strive to be:

As part of our Educational Continuum we use frequent assessments to monitor your child’s development and progress. The main purposes of such assessments are to:

• Promote student learning. Assessment provides an opportunity for students to respond to and act upon the feedback they are given.
• Provide feedback related to planning and teaching in order to inform the next stages of learning:
  • Assessing, teaching and learning are directly linked and function purposefully together.
  • Authentic assessment engages students and encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning.

• Evaluate effectiveness of our curriculum and program. Assessment assists in curriculum review cycles and program action plans.

Throughout each school day and week, we gather data on learning for each child. Our assessment principles, practices, tools and strategies are detailed in our comprehensive Assessment Policy.

This data is regularly shared with each child and their parents to ensure we encourage a collaborative approach to learning. Assessment at Whitby:

• Empowers students to understand more about themselves as learners and to become reflective and active members in the learning process.
• Enables teachers to understand more about their students’ strengths and challenges and plan appropriate, differentiated learning opportunities to meet those needs.
• Enables parents to understand more about their child as a learner and strategies that enhance his/her development.

Reporting on assessment is about communicating what students know, understand and can do. It describes progress in a child’s learning, identifies areas of strengths as well as areas of growth, and indicates goals for the future learning process.

At Whitby, effective reporting:

• Involves parents, students and teachers as partners.
• Reflects the values and beliefs of the school community.
• Is clear and transparent.
• Is comprehensive, fair, honest and credible.
• Informs teaching and learning.

During the school year, each student and parent will be frequently included in the sharing of assessment data. Parents can expect to gain information about their child’s learning progress through the following reports:

End of Unit (Summative) Assessment Reporting
Summative assessments from units of inquiry (Lower School) and units of study (Middle School) are sent home for parent review after the assessment data has been shared with the student.

Teacher-Student Conferences
These conferences are usually informal. They are incorporated into the regular classroom routines and are meant to provide the students with feedback on their progress. These conferences ensure students reflect on their own work and understand their strengths and areas in need of development.

Formal Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences
In the Lower and Middle School, we host two parent conferences per school year. Student-Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled in November and April. At these conferences, students, parents and teachers meet to discuss progress and to identify areas of future growth.

Conferences may also be requested at any time by teachers or parents to discuss student learning or any other issue.

Standardized Test Scores
When a student participates in a standardized assessment, the results of this assessment are shared with parents. These results are shared both as individual performance and as an overview of the school’s performance in relation to other independent or other like schools.

We use two external standardized assessments:

• Educational Records Bureau (ERB) Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) – taken in March and April by Grades 2-8
• Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) by ERB – taken in September/October by Grades 3-8

Report Cards
In addition to sharing assessment data through conferences, work samples and standardized test scores, the school formally reports on student learning at least twice a year through narrative report cards. These report cards provide an overview of each child’s progress within our curriculum. Report cards are posted on Veracross for parent and student viewing and download. While all report cards remain on the system permanently, parents are only able to access current report cards, so downloading is strongly encouraged. Past report cards are available by request through the Admissions & Enrollment office.

In addition to reporting on progress across the school’s curriculum, both the Lower and Middle School progress reports reference the development of the attributes of the Learner Profile within each child.

All processes and procedures related to assessment are found within the school’s Assessment Policy.


In addition to excellence in the academic curriculum program, Whitby provides an extensive Cocurricular Program to students from Primary 2 to Grade 8. This program has two main strands:

• Lower School WECCP (Whitby’s Enrichment and Cocurricular Programs) for Primary 2 to Grade 4 students: Optional, fee-based program running two sessions on Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and two sessions on Friday for grades 1-4 from 12:40 p.m.-2:10 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.-3:50 p.m.
• Middle School Cocurricular Programs for Grades 5 through 8: Incorporated into the schedule for each school day from 2:55 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. offering a range of Athletics and Electives. Some electives — including theater, First Lego League, band and sports — will run beyond 3:50. Please check the Parent Portal for specific elective schedules.

The Cocurricular Programs in both the Lower and Middle School run for three sessions to mirror the major school breaks and athletic seasons.

Whitby is an extraordinary school with a tradition of teaching students, both inside and outside the classroom. The goal of the Cocurricular Programs is the same as that of the curricular program to provide for and meet the spectrum of whole child development—cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically. As a student-centered school, Whitby encourages and provides opportunities for students to join and participate in a variety of school activities where children can enhance their learning, explore new interests and make friends beyond the school day. Our activities are aimed at providing students with enriching experiences, developing self-confidence and creating a greater sense of school community, providing a quality option for families who wish to have an extension to the academic day.

The programs available to each of the students in PR2 and above are detailed in the table below and are included in the online Cocurricular Programs Catalog published in the Veracross Parent Portal each session. The catalog includes activity descriptions, days of the classes and duration of each session.

For Grades 5 through 8 we offer electives for our students to choose from to enrich their educational experience between 3:00 and 3:50pm (with some electives going beyond this time, as noted in the Parent Portal). These electives are provided mainly by school faculty members and occur twice each week through the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions.

The Visual and Performing Arts feature within these electives with Art, Music and Theater provides opportunities to expand our curriculum for students toward theater/musical productions, concerts and exhibitions that are performed throughout the school year. For Music we offer vocal options through Chorus, and instrumental options through the Middle School band.

To assist Middle School students in need of extra support, the school can use the elective period from 3:00 - 4:00pm to offer targeted study support for those students who require extra support.

Students and parents are provided with the elective choices well in advance of the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions. 


Grades 1-4: In addition to WECCP course offerings, we offer Athletics for Grades 1-4 as part of the school Athletics program. At this age level we provide soccer in the Fall session, basketball in the Winter session and softball in the Spring session.

Middle School (Grades 5-8): Students in Grades 5 through 8 may participate in a full athletic program offered during all three seasons. Whitby is a full member of the MSFAA (Middle School Fairchester Athletic Association) and thus commitment to each sport schedule is paramount. For that reason, participation is mandatory for all students (except for those requiring a dispensation due to other extracurricular interests beyond the scope of what the School can provide). Whitby participates with single gender teams in separate 5/6 grade and 7/8 grade configurations for soccer, basketball, softball and baseball and in coed teams for cross-country, tennis, table tennis and personal conditioning and wellness.

Each athletic season will feature games and/or meets at Whitby and at other Fairchester Schools.  A school bus will transport Whitby teams to and from away games.  Parents are most welcome to support our teams at home and away games, but can only transport their own child to and from these away games.  

The School has an expectation for its Middle School students that they will participate in 50% of a 2 year’s worth of co-curricular activities that we believe encapsulate the concept of teamwork. This equates to participation in 3 trimesters of activities from the 6 trimesters that exist in a 2-year cycle. Knowing how to work as a team member, to be open-minded and a risk-taker, while developing social problem solving skills and demonstrating perseverance and commitment are learned skills vital to our student’s future success. These lifelong skills transfer back into the classroom and we believe that they are often most developed through our co-curricular program.

Dispensations (a replacement of period 9 classes for an external activity), can be awarded for any day of the week. Dispensations allow for students who are pursuing a more specialized sport, activity or musical instrument to miss the final period of the day’s classes, Monday through Friday (2:55 p.m.-3:50 p.m.).

We believe in offering programs at Whitby that provide an enriching and balanced education but also realize that the opportunities for strong and meaningful activities that you and your child wish to pursue and excel outside of School, can further enrich and broaden their educational and learning experience. This dispensation therefore allows for that opportunity.

Read Whitby School's Dispensation Policy

The term concussion describes an injury to the brain resulting from an impact to the head. By definition, a concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but it can cause both short-term and long-term problems. A concussion results from a closed-head type of injury and does not include injuries in which there is bleeding under the skull or into the brain.

A mild concussion may involve no loss of consciousness (feeling "dazed") or a very brief loss of consciousness (being "knocked out"). A severe concussion may involve prolonged loss of consciousness with a delayed return to normal.

The following are possible concussion symptoms that can be observed by a teacher/coach:

All students from Primary 1 through Grade 8 are required to wear the Whitby School Uniform.  

Whitby’s Dress and Appearance Code is an extension of the philosophy of the school intended to promote the values we try to embody: academic excellence, a passion for learning, respect, social egalitarianism, school and community spirit, modesty, and self-esteem.

Please refer to this link for detailed uniform requirements.

To place an order, please visit the Land's End website (www.landsend.com/school) and search within Whitby’s customized uniform portal. Our preferred school number for Land's End is 900034141.

Key Communications include:

Parent Portal (Veracross)

A secure, personalized login provides classroom and student specific information including attendance, class schedule, homework, progress reports, school/athletic/birthday calendars, student/parent and faculty/staff directories, as well as school and teacher emailing capabilities and parent/teacher conference sign up.

What's Happening Whitby 

Whitby's weekly publication emailed every Sunday afternoon. This newsletter provides an overview of upcoming campus events and other important information for parents. Please review this publication regularly as it contains a wealth of information. If you have any questions or comments regarding This Week at Whitby please reach out to communications@whitbyschool.org.

School Calendar

Please regularly review the school calendar on the Veracross Parent Portal for comprehensive, up-to-date event information.

Social Media

Whitby School posts to social media accounts on a regular basis. These posts cover school events, in-class activities, and share blog posts written by staff and faculty. We encourage all parents to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Whitby's Passion for Learning Blog

Whitby School hosts a blog on whitbyschool.org devoted to sharing helpful articles and educational resources for parents. Subscribers receive a digest of blog posts every Sunday evening. Sign up for the Passion for Learning Blog.

Conferences
Teacher-Parent-Student conferences are provided twice a year in November and April for Lower School and Middle School. Primary 1 Conferences will be held in October to help assist with the transition to the Primary classroom. An additional Advisor-Parent conference is provided early in the year in the Middle School for Grade 5 students and students new to our Middle School program.

State of the School Celebration
Whitby’s Annual State of the School Celebration is held each Fall to give parents an opportunity to learn more about the financial health of the school, acknowledge the school's achievements, and learn about the vision for the future. 

Curriculum Nights
Curriculum Nights are held at the beginning of the school year.  Parents are encouraged to participate in the evening to learn more about the educational program provided at each child’s particular class and level.

Whitby provides special days for visiting your child’s classroom. These are great opportunities to learn more about what is happening at the school and share the classroom experience with the children. These visiting dates include:

• Fathers' and Special Visitors' Day
• Mothers' and Special Visitors' Day
• Grandparents' and Special Visitors' Day

Note: Please refer to the School Calendar on Veracross for all event dates.

The Library and Makerspace are located in Founders Hall. The Library offers students a place to research topics tied to the curriculum, as well as access to books of all genres to inspire a love of reading. The Makerspace provides students of all ages a place to explore and create using both analog and digital tools. Library services and maker discovery sessions are provided by a teacher-librarian and faculty.

The Librarian serves as an information guide and consultant for those in the Whitby Community who are navigating the information landscape. It is the Librarian’s mission in her teaching sessions and consulting to foster students’ development in:

• Inquiring, thinking critically, and gaining knowledge;
• Drawing conclusions, making informed decisions, applying knowledge to new situations, and creating new knowledge;
• Sharing knowledge and participating ethically and productively as members of our school community;
• And last but not least, fostering a love of reading.

Opening Hours
The library is open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that after 3 p.m., students must be supervised by a faculty or staff member.

The Collection
The Library has a collection of more than 18,000 titles including e-books, and is curated by the Teacher-Librarian. As we select new materials, we are guided by the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19 and Article 26.2).

The collection itself is divided into the following sections:

Fiction – (E) Picture Books for “Everyone”; Easy and Beginning-to-Read Chapter Book section; (F) Novels (Grades 4-8), and Graphic Novels.

Nonfiction – Organized using the Dewey Decimal classification system by topic.

Other Languages
We have a robust World Language collection, which includes books in Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Danish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese to support mother tongue programs.

Borrowing
All members of the Whitby community may borrow library materials. The lending period is two weeks, and each item may be renewed for additional time periods.

Students may borrow the following number of books at each scheduled weekly visit (additional book borrowing is welcomed when accompanied by a parent):

• Primary children: generally one book
  
• Grades 1-8: generally two books

If a book has not been returned within the one-week lending period, the child may renew the book for up to two more weeks at which time all books must be returned to the library.

Library Charges
The library does not issue overdue fines but reserves the right to charge the replacement and processing fee for any lost items. An item is deemed long lost if it has not been returned within three months of issue. At the end of the school year, students need to have returned all library materials or made a payment for lost materials.

The Library and Makerspace are shared and enjoyed by students, faculty, and other members of the Whitby community; thus, all users are requested to behave responsibly and respectfully. To maintain a pleasant and enjoyable learning environment, we also ask that users ensure the Library and Makerspace are clean and ready to be used by others. Students are only allowed in the Makerspace with adult supervision. For a comprehensive list of the Makerspace safety protocols, please refer here.

To expand the online resources from the Connecticut State Library, the Library subscribes to online databases that can help students with their inquiries at school or at home. We are constantly adding to our online resources, and an updated list can be found: Destiny Discover Library site

We look forward to involving all students and parents in our library program.

Under Connecticut State Law, medical forms are due by the first day of school. This includes all new age entries – Stepping Stones, Primary, and Sixth Grade students. Immunizations must be up to date as required by State Law. Religious exemptions in the state of Connecticut are not longer valid if completed after 4/28/21.  Valid medical exemptions are accepted. Please notify the School Nurse with any questions or concerns.

Click here for copies of all the forms.

Excerpts from Connecticut State Department of Education

Food Allergy

“A food allergy is an exaggerated response by the immune system to a food that the body mistakenly identifies as being harmful. Once the immune system decides that a particular food is harmful, it produces specific antibodies to that particular food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases moderate to massive amounts of chemicals, including histamine, to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and cardiovascular system.                                                                            

In some people, symptoms appear in only one body system, while in others symptoms appear in several systems. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be life-threatening depending on the individual and type of exposure. There is no cure for food allergy and avoidance is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.”

While many different foods can cause allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) identifies the eight most common allergenic foods. These major food allergens make up 90% of food allergic reactions in the United States:

What is Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition occurring in allergic individuals after exposure to an allergen. People with allergies have overactive immune systems that target otherwise harmless elements in our diet and environment. During an allergic reaction to food, the immune system identifies a specific food protein as a target. This initiates a sequence of events in the cells of the immune system resulting in the release of chemical mediators such as histamine. These chemical mediators trigger inflammatory reactions in the tissues of the skin, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular system. When the inflammatory symptoms are widespread and systematic, the reaction is termed “anaphylaxis,” a potentially life-threatening event. Anaphylaxis refers to a collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body.

Food Allergies Can Be Life-Threatening: While most symptoms from food allergies are mild and limited to skin or digestive discomfort, some may progress to a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

This can lead to:

• Constricted airways in the lungs
• Severe lowering of blood pressure and shock (“anaphylactic shock”)
• Suffocation by swelling of the throat and larynx

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Whitby is a nut-restricted campus. We will communicate clearly with families that children must refrain from bringing any foods containing nuts.

Parent's Responsibility:

• Once an allergy case is identified, parents meet with the school nurse, the section head, and the classroom teacher to review the child’s allergy and any pertinent information about the child's health.
• The parent is responsible for informing the school nurse of any known allergies and when a new allergy becomes known. This exchange of information is ongoing; it is not a one-time communication at the beginning of the school year.
• It is essential that parents provide the school nurse with their child’s known allergies before the start of school. Children will not be allowed to start school without submitting a proper health plan and medication.
  • Authorization for the Administration of Medicine by School Personnel
  • Early Childhood Health Assessment Record
  • Health Assessment Record

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Once the school nurse receives the child’s official medical record, signed by their doctor, the nurse will update the Veracross system with the identities of the child with a known allergy. The system populates a visual image that alerts teachers and other faculty/staff to those children with an allergy, detailing the allergy and treatment. For example, if the child has a mild allergy, the information may note that the child will have a skin reaction or hives if they have contact with the allergen. Children that are identified in our system as having a severe allergy will be further tagged as known children requiring an EpiPen^©.

The parent must complete the required forms and procedures if a child requires medication (e.g., Benadryl, EpiPen©) for a life-threatening allergy. Along with the child's medical record, we require parents to complete the Authorization for the Administration of Medicine by School Personnel.

Parents are responsible for immediately contacting the school nurse and informing her of any new allergies or any changes to the child’s medical record. This is a partnership. Whitby relies on timely medical information from parents. We will update and review each child’s medical care plan as needed.

Whitby School will continue to draw information and guidance from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The Connecticut Department of Education, The American Pediatric Association, and applicable federal and state laws.  

Training includes:

• Reviewing health records submitted by parents and physicians;
• Identifying a core team of, but not limited to, school nurse, homeroom teacher/s, and section heads to work with parents and, where age-appropriate, the student to establish a Food Allergy Action Plan. Changes to the plan should be made with core team participation;
• Educating and training teachers and staff in first aid procedures, including the use of EpiPens©;
• Coordinating with the school nurse to ensure medications are appropriately stored and that an emergency kit containing a physician’s standing order for epinephrine is available.
• EpiPens© are to be kept in an unlocked, visibly identified cabinet in the school nurse’s office;
  • EpiPens© must be up to date. Expired EpiPens© will be held in a separate compartment in the nurses' office. It is the parents' responsibility to retrieve expired EpiPens© from the school nurse.
• Allowing students to carry their own epinephrine, if age appropriate, and after approval from the student’s physician/clinic, parent and school nurse;
• Reviewing policies/prevention plan with the core team members, parents/guardians, student (age-appropriate), and physician after a reaction has occurred;
• Discussing overnight field trips with the family of the food-allergic child to decide on appropriate strategies for managing the food allergy;
• Following federal and state laws and regulations regarding sharing medical information about the student.

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The advisement from the Connecticut Department of Education and the American Academy of Pediatrics is the discouragement of school-wide food bans. We will work closely with families in classrooms with severe allergies to monitor food exposure throughout the year. At Back to School Night, we will address the severity of the allergies in a particular classroom and the steps the classroom will take to ensure food safety. All parent questions will be addressed, and we will work collectively to support any child with an identified allergy plan.

 According to the Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Allergies in Connecticut Schools, Connecticut Department of Education, “schoolwide bans of specific foods may not render the school environment safe because there is no method for ensuring that the allergenic food does not inadvertently enter school grounds. Bans can create a false sense of security.”

 “Experts have not espoused blanket “bans” on foods, particularly because peanut butter, milk, egg, and other common allergens may be a protein staple of another child's diet.” (The American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report)

 In The Classroom

• Whitby is a nut-restricted school. No nuts or products that contain nuts of any kind are allowed in our building – even for parent meetings in the evening. In WMCH, every child with an allergy must be seated at a table with a teacher during lunch.  
• Allergy lists are kept in an interior cupboard, marked by a bold red first aid sign on the exterior side of the cabinet. The list will contain a picture of each child alongside their list of allergies and other pertinent health information. All teaching staff is required to receive training in preventing and controlling allergic reactions, and every staff member is trained in giving epinephrine.
• Teachers will educate children about life-threatening allergies. Teachers will provide visible identifiers, such as a teal placement, to identify children with allergies.
• As part of our educational program, families will be advised not to bring peanuts or tree nuts into all classrooms, WECCP, and After School Programs;
• Faculty and staff who interact with students with known allergies regularly will understand food allergies, can recognize symptoms, know what to do in an emergency, and will work with other school staff to eliminate the use of food allergens in any school-provided snacks, educational tools, arts and crafts projects;
• If snacks are part of the class schedule, parents are asked to provide allergen-safe food for their child. This applies to birthday celebrations and any events, field trips, or special celebrations where parents are asked to provide food.
• Families must adhere to our nut-restriction guidelines whenever food is involved on campus.

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Managing-Life-Threatening-Food-Allergies-in-Connecticut-Schools

CDC Food Allergies in School

Food Allergies: What You Need to Know | FDA 

In accordance with the school’s Crisis Response Manual, when there is a serious injury or acute illness, the school will attempt to contact parents or the emergency contact listed by the parent. Paramedics will be summoned to stabilize and transport the child to the emergency room at Greenwich Hospital. Continued efforts will be made to contact the parents or the designated contact in the event they are not immediately available.

If your child shows signs of illness s/he needs to be kept home. A sick child is personally at risk and also endangers other children. If your child becomes ill during school hours or we feel s/he is showing signs of illness, we will ask you to take your child home. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, an unidentified rash, and/or cold symptoms.  We expect you to pick up your child within a reasonable amount of time. If this is not possible, you must make arrangements for someone else to take your child home. Leaving your child in school unnecessarily exposes other children.

If a child reports feeling ill, the teacher will treat this as a real concern. The School Nurse will assess the seriousness of the situation. If the child has a fever or the sickness continues, parents will be called to take the student home. The decision to phone the parents rests with the School Nurse and the School's section Heads.

It is the policy of Whitby School that any person in the school community including faculty, staff and students, shall report immediately to the School Nurse/Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School the presence of any health condition including but not limited to lice, measles, chicken pox, the flu, covid, or viral or bacterial infections that may call for the separation, isolation, quarantine, or other special measures to protect the health of other persons.

Your child may not return to school until fever free for 24 hours without receiving fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). He/she should also be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school.  If your child is home for diarrhea and/or vomiting, he/she would be able to return to school 24 hours after the last episode, as long as he/she is also fever free and feeling better. The school nurse may request a pediatric evaluation for clearance, depending on the illness.

We must look at the total child individually when returning to school. They must have enough energy to deal with academic, social and physical demands of school.   An extra day of rest for an unwell child could mean lots of future attendance days for your child and his/her classmates. However, Whitby reserves the right to send a child home who displays continued signs of ill health.

Before a child returns to school following an illness, he/she should no longer be in a condition infectious to other children as determined by the child’s physician. Please do not send children to school if they have a fever. In addition, the child should have the strength, both physically and mentally, to participate fully in school activities, including outdoor recess and regular physical education classes.

When a child is fit enough to participate in all aspects of the school’s activities, yet unable to participate physically in recess and physical education, the child should attend school, bringing a note from parent or physician excusing the child from recess and/or physical education classes.

Any student who needs to take medication during the school day must bring the medication, along with written directions, to the School Nurse. Connecticut State Law and Regulations require a physician’s/dentist’s written order be obtained before medication can be administered. This form can be acquired at the Nurse’s Office or obtained from the health assessment form section above.   It must be signed by the physician/ dentist and parent. The medication must be labeled and in its original container from the pharmacy. No medication can be accepted if given in envelopes or baggies.

All medications must be brought to the nurse’s office by the parent.  Faculty and Staff are not allowed to accept medication.

Honesty and integrity underpin the operation of every educational institution. The IB Program standards and practices (2010) require schools to show that teaching and learning promotes the understanding and practice of academic honesty. Throughout our educational continuum at Whitby we strive to develop the attributes of the learner profile in our students, which refer to learners who are principled and act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect. Students support this in the Student Code of Conduct when they pledge to “treat others and ourselves respectfully, kindly and equally” while “enjoying our learning (….) and putting our best effort into everything we do”. Therefore, Whitby recognizes the importance of integrity, not just in academic areas, but in all aspects of daily life. Whitby’s Academic Honesty Policy guides faculty, students and parents in their understanding and daily practice of academic honesty.

This policy is guided by the IB publication “Academic Honesty in the IB” - IB Position Paper by Jude Carroll (2012).

Toward the end of each school year and throughout the summer, it is our policy to create and review class placements for new and returning students for the next academic year. This is a detailed and carefully reviewed process that is based on a set of clear and equitable criteria. The goal of this process is to achieve a balance in each class that promotes learning within a positive social, emotional and academic environment. This criteria includes: academic skills; social and emotional considerations; friendships/optimal peer relationships; a balance of new and returning students; class size and capacity; gender; student age; culture and nationality; EAL or SAIL needs within each class; and teacher’s professional judgement, experience and detailed knowledge of the child, considering academic and personal abilities and needs. For more information on the class placement process, read the complete Class Placement Policy and Procedures document.

The school makes every reasonable effort to provide each student with a program that will successfully meet the school’s curriculum and gain promotion into the next grade level at the end of each academic year.

If a student is not meeting grade level expectations based on the school’s curriculum, and if support from the Learning Support Process has not led to student achievement towards meeting these expectations, the school and/or the parent may consider grade level retention. Parents are informed of the student’s performance and support programs throughout the process of a school year and will be invited to discuss any possible consideration of retention. For retention to be considered the following factors must be addressed: chronological age; social and emotional development; physical development; previous school experience; language proficiency and academic achievement.  The final decision related to student retention is made by the Head of School in consultation with the Head of School section, the SAIL coordinator, the school counsellor, the student’s teachers/advisor and the parents.

In the event of any disagreement between the parents and the school about a student’s promotion or retention, the Head of School will review the case and the decision of the Head of School is final.

Whitby is committed to supporting a diverse community. In keeping with this commitment, Whitby abides by applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate in any of its policies or educational programs on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability or any other category protected by law.

An integral part of the Mission of Whitby School is to “empower each child as an open-minded, principled citizen in a global community”. To assist in accomplishing this goal, the Whitby curriculum is designed to encourage students in Grades 5 - 8 to develop a sense of agency, and to take action to further their learning. To do this, curriculum experiences are designed to expand students’ view of themselves and the world, develop empathy, humility and leadership skills. Through these experiences, students come to understand that their individual actions can positively impact the lives of others. The provision of such experiences clarifies the values being emphasized in the Whitby community and engenders a generosity of spirit that will last a lifetime. The action and service program at Whitby continues to be refined and strengthened. Teachers look for authentic opportunities in the curriculum that lead to action and service. In order to meet our action and service goals both inside and outside the Whitby community, key opportunities that tie to the curriculum and stem from authentic learning have been, and continue to be, identified.

As Whitby School is committed to educating the whole child, counseling services are available to support student development. Our school counselor is available to meet with students and/or parents to provide guidance about personal, social, behavioral and/or academic concerns. In addition to providing individual counseling services, our school counselor also supports the social and emotional development of our students through small lunch groups and classroom activities.

In Grades 5 through 8, all students participate in a weekly Life Skills course.  The course aims to help students in their personal, social, emotional, and academic growth by addressing topics such as mental and physical health, stress management, communication skills, healthy relationships, and sexuality education.

The School Counselor is Jennifer Santiago (jsantiago@whitbyschool.org).

The school has developed a comprehensive manual that outlines all procedures that need to be followed in the event of a crisis and/or emergency. School faculty and staff are trained annually with regard to this Crisis Response Manual, and every two years they receive First Aid, CPR and AED training. The manual and related procedures assist us to maintain a safe and secure school and workplace for students, parents, employees, visitors and contractors. The manual complies with Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) regulations and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards.

During the school year, we adhere to practicing monthly Fire Drills and an annual Lockdown Drill. With regard to the Lockdown Drill, parents will be notified well in advance of the drill and supported with talking points to assist in conversations with their children related to the event. Our faculty and staff will handle this drill with great care and ensure that it is explained in developmentally appropriate ways.

In the event of a real emergency, Whitby will notify all parents through the Whitby Veracross Alert System. This system ensures that each parent listed in Veracross receives a text and an email informing them of the emergency and the school’s response. We will also provide information through the school’s website. This Alert System will be regularly updated to ensure all parents know what is occurring and how they can support the school’s response to the emergency.

Please note the school campus is continuously monitored by surveillance cameras throughout the school grounds and in the school hallways.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided from Primary 3 through Grade 8. The EAL program supports classroom teachers and helps English Language Learners (ELLs) acquire language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing within an academic setting.

Conversational English is most often learned quite rapidly and enables students to communicate with their peers and become active participants in the social environment of school. Research indicates, however, that it may take up to five to seven years for non-native speakers to develop the academic aspects of the language to the same standard as native speakers.

Students in need of English as an Additional Language support may receive this support in an individual or small group pull-out session and/or through in-class help from our full-time EAL teacher. The school’s EAL Handbook guides the provision of support for students and their teachers.

To enhance learning through our curriculum, Whitby encourages and enjoys multiple field trip opportunities. Stepping Stones, Primary 1 and 2 students enjoy in house field trips related to their Units of Inquiry. Primary 3 - Grade 8 enjoy day field trips and Grades 3-8 also participate in overnight field trips.

All field trips organized by the school are carefully planned with attention paid to each child’s safety as well as defining curriculum objectives to be met during the trip. The school provides supervision for field trips at a low student-teacher ratio and parent volunteers may be requested to assist with a trip. Parent chaperones are asked to be available for the entire duration of the field trip. All field trips are provided with first aid kits and emergency and health-related information for those students in attendance. Faculty members are trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED. They closely supervise students in their care at all times, and mobile phones are used to communicate with the school. Parents will be notified in advance if the field trip requires alternative arrival and dismissal procedures.

The duration of overnight field trips is between 2 days and 1 night in Grade 3 and extends to 8 days and 7 nights in Grades 7 and 8. The Grade 7 and 8 overnight field trip may involve travel to another country.

The school has already set non-refundable field trip fees that are paid upon enrollment. A supplemental charge may be applied in the event that the cost of a trip exceeds the fees collected. Parents will be notified as soon as possible if this supplemental charge needs to be applied.

For all trips, the school requires written permission or signed permission slips from parents. Prior to trips, parents should check that emergency contact and health information posted in Veracross is accurate. Students who do not have completed permission slips and/or emergency contact and health information will not be permitted to participate in field trips.

To ensure the safety of students and faculty on field trips, the following protocols relating to transportation are implemented:

• Primary 3 - Whitby will arrange bus transportation for all Primary 3 students. 
• Grades 1-8 - School buses are used for field trips and for sporting events. Coach buses are used for extended trips.

At the end of each school year, a class party is traditionally held to celebrate all the learning and enjoyment that has occurred throughout the school year. Class parties are held at school during the last weeks of classes. The dates of the parties will be determined by the classroom teachers in cooperation with the class parents, and we look forward to celebrating the completion of each school year here on campus.

It is the school’s policy that children and parents are discouraged from giving elaborate gifts to teachers during the holidays and at year-end. Students and families are encouraged to give meaningful gifts such as handwritten notes and handmade items from students. If parents choose to contribute toward a group teacher gift, the total value per group gift should not exceed $100. The PA will also give a year-end gift to each teacher as a thank you from the class.

Homework is assigned both to reinforce concepts taught in class and to foster a sense of responsibility and independence. Recommendations for time spent on homework per subject area vary and aim to support, develop and strengthen student learning. Teachers aim to provide homework that is developmentally appropriate and provide the necessary support and scaffolding to enable student success. The length of specific assignments vary based on curricular goals, grade level and the individual student.

In the beginning of the year, each Middle School student is given an academic planner to help organize assignments and academic activities in each subject area. With the help of their teachers and advisors, students learn how to organize their schoolwork and manage their time. The academic planner is also a helpful communication tool between teachers and parents and should be reinforced at home as well as at school.

Read our Treatise on Middle School Homework Deadlines

Whitby School requires that all non-employees who work as independent consultants/support personnel for students within our educational program, or who work within our Athletics, Cocurricular or WECCP programs, must register with the school's Human Resources Manager and complete an application to work on campus, inclusive of a criminal background check. Once this application has been completed, permission for working on the Whitby School campus resides with the Assistant Head of School.

The school has developed a Language Policy that outlines the importance the school places on Language Development. We aim to nurture an appreciation of the richness and diversity of language. Language does much more than promote cognitive growth; it is crucial for maintaining cultural identity and emotional stability. The acquisition of more than one language and maintenance of the mother tongue enrich personal growth, provide cognitive advantage and is essential to international mindedness. As language, by its very nature, is integrated into all areas of the curriculum, every teacher within the school is considered a language teacher.

At Whitby, we aim to foster in students the ability to think and express themselves with precision, clarity, confidence, and imagination in at least two languages. We strive to address the particular challenges of those students who are learning in a language other than their mother tongue by providing an integrated, well-implemented English as an Additional Language (EAL) program throughout the school. We endeavor to integrate students’ cultural and linguistic heritage throughout the curriculum.

Please make every effort to label your child’s clothing, backpack, and other possessions with a first and last name. Items such as children’s clothing or backpacks found in the halls or on the school grounds can be claimed in the large container in the Brent Oval. For articles of greater value, such as cameras or jewelry, please check with the receptionist. Middle School students have lost and found arrangements within their classrooms.

All employees are, under the law, required to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect of children.

Because of sustained contact with school-age children, School employees are in an excellent position to identify abused or neglected children and to refer them for treatment and protection. To comply with the state Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Act, it is the policy of the School that any teacher or other School employee who suspects that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect, regardless of the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim, shall report such suspected abuse to the Head of Lower/Middle School who will notify the Head of School, who will then contact the Department of Social Services.

It is also the responsibility of the employee to inform any one of the five reporting officers should any child report to the employee such abuse. The five reporting officers are: Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Head of Whitby Montessori Children's House, Director of Human Resources, School Counselor.

Child Abuse Prevention training is required for all Faculty and Administrators. Please click here for a more complete statement of the law on this topic and a reflection on what the Child Abuse Prevention training will provide.

To ensure an optimal learning environment, students are asked to turn off all mobile devices and stow them in their locker during the school day. This includes wearable technology like smartwatches. Unless mobile phones and other handheld or paired mobile devices are used for instructional purposes with the consent of the teachers directly supervising, they are not allowed during school hours.  Student mobile devices may be collected during the day by teachers and staff members to maintain the optimal learning environment and returned at the end of the school day. Students misusing their phones and devices at school may have their devices confiscated and returned at a time deemed appropriate.

During the operation of the school day, students who need to contact their parents by phone should only be using the phones at the Lower or Middle School offices or the Front Desk with permission. Parents should limit messaging their children during school hours and know that messages sent to mobile devices will not be available during the school day. All emergency calls will be received by or made through the reception desk or appropriate school offices. The phones in each classroom are for emergency or teacher use only. Parents should communicate any information about their child’s absence, tardiness, changes in arrival/dismissal plans, and messages for teachers to the receptionist via email and/or phone who will relay the message to the appropriate party. Parents can also add this information through the Veracross Parent Portal. Your support in utilizing this communication pathway will help us ensure a productive learning environment and the safety of students during any transition time at school.

The enrollment contract gives Whitby permission to use a student's name, image, likeness, or works in promotional materials. To protect a student's identity, Whitby's policy is to use names only when necessary to describe the activity, and when used, (a) only first names are used in articles and photo captions, (b) 1:1 matching of name and face is avoided, and (c) a student's full name is used only with permission from a parent or when it has already been publicly published in connection with the event depicted in the photo. Any questions related to photo usage may be directed to the Director of Communications.

The mission of the SAIL Team is to be proactive in identifying learning differences, to provide referrals for diagnostic evaluations, to support the educators and families of children with learning differences and to provide intervention programs for students diagnosed with different developmental profiles, including advanced learners.

The processes and procedures we follow to ensure we support each child within our SAIL program are outlined in the Learning Support Handbook.

Whitby is committed to providing families with a personalized placement process that will ensure that students are placed in schools that will contribute to their academic success, and personal development. The Director of Secondary School Counseling will focus on providing parents and students with a collaborative and individualized program that will identify schools that will be the “best fit” for the student based on his or her individual profile.

In Grades 5 and 6, the Director of Secondary School Counseling will work closely with faculty and administrators to review and monitor each student based on academic achievement, social/emotional needs, and special interests to begin building the student profile. During this time, key areas may be identified for further development or improvement.

In Grade 7, the process will be formally introduced to parents and students in the Fall with our annual Secondary School Fair, followed by one-on-one consultations with students and families during the second semester, and an SSAT diagnostic in May. By the end of Grade 7, each student will have a list of schools that fit their student profile. The Fall of Grade 8 will focus on finalizing the school list, interview preparation, SSAT test preparation, and the application process.

During January and February of the application year, the Director of Secondary School Counseling will advocate for students with school admissions representatives, and assist families in the school selection process when admission decisions are made.

The Whitby staff respectfully asks that parents discourage children from bringing toys of any sort to school. On occasion, a child may wish to bring in a souvenir from a trip or a special toy, book or nature object to show or share with the class. Use your judgment or talk with the teacher in advance. Stepping Stones children may bring any toy or blanket, which they need in the first few days of transition.

Requests for transcripts and teacher recommendations should be made to the respective Head of Lower or Middle School.

Teacher recommendation forms are used for all grade levels. Parents must sign a release of information form before any materials can be forwarded. Teacher recommendations can only be provided for current students attending Whitby.

Transcripts are available for all current and former students who complete Grades 6, 7 or 8.

For past students requiring school records, we can provide report cards/ transcripts (if applicable) to support school applications.

All Whitby fees and invoices must be fully paid before transcripts are released.

Students who possess a weapon or use any dangerous or annoying device or item that could be used as a weapon during school time, on school premises, on school buses, or during school-sponsored activities will be subject to detention, suspension, or expulsion.

Students who willfully destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses or damages or make restitution through community service and may be subject to additional disciplinary measures including detention, suspension, or expulsion. If a student should damage something by accident, it should be reported immediately to the teacher, Section Head, or the Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School.

All visitors to Whitby School must be approved by the Assistant Head of School in writing. A Contact and Medical form for visiting students must be requested from the admissions office and completed. This policy includes graduates, former students, or relatives of current students.

Visitors, including parents, must keep in mind that during the school day, teachers’ first responsibility is to the children who are enrolled in the School. The school endeavors to minimize visits to the classrooms, as the presence of others can be disruptive to student learning. Any teacher who is contacted regarding a potential student visit, should refer such request to the respective Head of Lower or Middle School for the appropriate grade level.

Visiting student guidelines:

• All visitors must complete the Contact and Medical Form.
• All visitors are expected to uphold the student code of conduct and interact with utmost respect with our learning community and the learning environment.
• All visitors must sign in, sign out, and be supervised during their visit.
• We cannot accommodate multi-day visits.
• All visits are at the discretion of the respective Head of Lower and Middle School

The Business Office is responsible for the school’s financial matters. Tuition, fees and payment schedules are detailed in each student’s enrollment contract. It is the parent’s responsibility to pay all amounts owed.

Whitby School believes that qualified students who desire an education should not be denied that opportunity because of economic hardship. Therefore, Whitby School has established a tuition assistance program to help families in need. Tuition assistance is completely confidential and awarded on the basis of need and availability. Whitby School does not award any athletic or academic merit scholarships.

Current families who are receiving tuition assistance will be contacted by the financial aid administrator in November regarding the application process for the next school year. Financial Aid applications must be completed by the parents and submitted to Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST).

Current families are offered the opportunity to re-enroll their children before new families are offered admission. Families that are in good financial standing with the school receive re-enrollment contracts in January, which need to be digitally signed and submitted in Veracross by the required date with the deposit to secure the child's place for the following school year.


As IB learners, members of the Whitby community strive to be:

• inquirers
• knowledgeable
• thinkers
• communicators
• principled
• open-minded
• caring
• risk-takers
• balanced
• reflective

Whitby School’s Student Councils considered what it means to embody each of these traits and created the following Student Code of Conduct:

Learning Environment

• Treat others and ourselves respectfully, kindly and equally.
• Enjoy our learning and support the learning of others by staying positive and putting our best effort into everything we do.
• Be open-minded to new things and listen to each others’ ideas in order to enhance our learning.
• Have fun in respectful and appropriate ways.

Community

• Work together to create a safe and accepting community.
• Maintain a clean community by respecting the Whitby campus and its materials.

Service to Others

• Support and help each other.
• Support and serve others in and beyond our school community.

In order to support our students in upholding this Code of Conduct, it is important for our teachers, staff and parents to work collaboratively to create a climate of respect within the school. It is therefore of the utmost importance for the teacher, the Head of Lower School, the Head of Middle School and the Head of School to communicate with parents to secure their help, support and cooperation.

Whitby students are expected to behave in a manner that is in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and acceptable to everyone concerned—other students, parents, teachers, administrators and society in general. While in school, during school functions and on school-authorized trips, students are under the authority of their teachers, bus drivers, Head of Lower School, Head of Middle School and the Head of School.

In each classroom, teachers work with students to develop meaningful rules and guidelines for respectful interactions in the classroom. In addition, the following general guidelines apply in all situations:

Individual Responsibility
Each student is responsible for his/ her own behavior and has a choice regarding how he/she upholds the Student Code of Conduct and interacts within the school community. With young children, teachers model how to make good choices; teachers support young children in making appropriate choices until this becomes internalized by the child. For older children, it is expected that they will make appropriate choices independently of their teachers. Each student is also an advocate for his/her own learning. Students are expected to attend, be prepared for, and be on time to all classes, unless officially excused. All students require organizational assistance from their teachers; this is provided and it is the responsibility of the student to use it to his/her benefit. As per the Academic Honesty Policy, students are expected to do their own work. Collaboration is encouraged, but must always be acknowledged; cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Mutual Respect
All students deserve to be treated with respect and are requested to respect all members of the school community. If uppea student doesn’t understand what constitutes respectful behavior, it is his or her responsibility to clarify this with the teachers, the Head of Lower School, the Head of Middle School or the Head of School.

Conflict Resolution
Both the Montessori and the IB Program believe that all students must learn to resolve conflicts appropriately. Students are expected to engage in respectful discourse and to refrain from using inappropriate language and gestures. Students are not to threaten, intimidate or cause bodily harm to any student or school employee. Fighting will not be tolerated.

Rules are Rules
Individual conduct in all situations should be a demonstration of respect for and pride in the school community. As a result, students are to be in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and dress code at all times. Recognizing that some individuals question rules and codes, we provide safe and appropriate channels for this kind of discussion, such as class meeting, advisory and Student Council. However, a violation of rules and codes due to disagreement or protest still constitutes a violation of the rules and codes that govern the school community.

Environment for Learning
Classrooms are learning environments and are carefully prepared by the teachers so that learning may take place. Noise in any area of the classroom should be kept to a minimum. Disruption of the classroom is an indication of disrespect. Running within the classroom, in the hallways or on the walkways is not safe. Students are not to throw dangerous or inappropriate objects. Students are to respect the personal space and personal property of other students and of their teachers. Students are not to remove, deface or alter school property. Teacher permission is required in order for students to leave the classroom, and these guidelines also apply while the student is out of the classroom.

Prohibited Items and Activities
There is no reason for a student to have the following items in his/her possession at any time while he or she is in school: matches, lighters, knives, toy weapons, or weapons (guns, darts, slingshots), nuisance items, candy. Students will not use, possess, distribute or sell tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in the building, and/or on school property, including on school buses, at bus stops, on school trips, and at all school activities.

All members of the Whitby community will be expected to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by Whitby School. The child’s teacher and/or advisor, the Heads of Children's House, Lower and Middle School and/or the Head of School will have the same right as a parent or guardian to control and discipline a child while the child is in attendance in school, in school vehicles to and from school and school trips, or while attending school functions. Any student who is found to be disobeying the rules or showing disrespect for the other students, teachers, the school administration, visitors or school property will be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary action to be taken will depend on the severity of the violation and the prior circumstances related to the violation. Based upon policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, the parent handbook outlines regulations and consequences associated with attendance at the Whitby School. These include:

Disruption of School
A student shall not by use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance or any conduct intentionally cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process or function of the school. A student who fails to comply with directions from the Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School, teachers, administration or other authorized school personnel while at school shall be in violation of school rules and regulations. The same standards of behavior for students during school hours apply to after school programs, school trips and on school buses. Disruption of school is cause for detention, suspension or with a continued pattern, the possibility of expulsion.

Bullying and Cyberbullying
Whitby School has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassing or intimidating behavior. Students who engage in bullying, harassing or intimidating behavior shall be subject to consequences in accordance with Whitby School’s discipline policy, inclusive of but not limited to detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension and expulsion.

Bullying occurring off-campus at any school-sponsored activity may subject the perpetrator to disciplinary action as if the conduct occurred on school grounds. Bullying occurring off-campus outside of any school-sponsored activity may also subject the perpetrator to disciplinary action if the conduct is disruptive of the educational process and interrupts or impedes the day-to-day operation of Whitby School.

Read Whitby School's Bullying and Cyberbullying Policy

The use of obscene language is an act of disrespect and constitutes a serious offense and is in direct violation of school policy. A student who engages in such acts will receive discipline. Pornography in any form is unacceptable. Students found to be in possession of pornography or pornographic materials may be subjected to detention, suspension or expulsion.

The school does not tolerate harassment in any form. Harassment is recognized as a form of discrimination, and thus, a violation of the laws that protect against discrimination in schools. Sexual and/or gender harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and thus a violation of the laws that prohibit sex discrimination. Any instances of harassment should be reported to the Head of School for investigation. Students found to be involved in harassing behavior are subject to discipline which could result in detention, suspension or expulsion.

At Whitby, we believe that students cannot access the educational program if they are involved in the use of mood-altering or controlled substances, including alcohol, drugs and tobacco, because the use of these chemicals and the activities associated with their use can seriously inhibit a student’s capacity to learn and to function effectively. Therefore, the following are not permitted by students in school buildings, on school property, on school vehicles, on vehicles rented by the school for student transportation, on school trips or at school functions: the sale, distribution, use or possession of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances (including tobacco and tobacco products), illegal drugs, marijuana, mood-altering substances, drug paraphernalia or other materials expressly prohibited by federal, state or local law; and the sale, distribution or unauthorized or abusive use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Students found to be in violation of this policy are subject to suspension and expulsion.

Students shall attend all classes in a timely manner according to their schedule. Students subject to persistent lateness and/ or skipping classes will result in either detention, suspension or expulsion.

Students who have violated school and/or classroom rules will receive disciplinary action that is appropriate for the particular offense and will, to the extent possible, experience logical consequences for their behavior. Efforts will be made to communicate with parents to help prevent further misconduct by the student. Each time a student commits an offense against the established rules, he or she will receive one of the following consequences:

• Student conference with Teacher

• Student conference with the Head of Lower or Middle School

• Student conference with Head of School

• Parent contact (telephone, letter, conference)

• Assignment of one or more of the following:

- Learning activity appropriately connected to student action(s)

- Detention (1) (lunch, recess, after-school)

- In-School Suspension (2) (morning, afternoon, or whole day and from school activities)

- Out-of-School Suspension (3) (one to ten days/one to two semesters)

- Expulsion (4)

1. Detention is assigned by a teacher, Heads of Lower or Middle School, or Head of School to occur during a recess, lunch period, or after school. After-school detention requires students to remain at school until 5:00 p.m. in a designated detention room. Parents will be requested to provide transportation from the after-school detention program.
2. In-school suspension (morning, afternoon, whole day) is assigned by the Head of Lower School, Head of Middle School or Head of School and requires the student to attend school, but to work in isolation from other students and to complete assignments appropriate for the circumstances.
3. Out-of-School suspension is dependent on the severity of the violation and after investigation of an incident by the Head of School. The Head of School may order a student to be suspended from class or from school for a period up to and including ten days or suspension from the school for the remainder of the semester and up to one additional semester. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children are supervised at home during suspension.
4. Expulsion is a disciplinary measure whereby a student is no longer allowed to attend the school. An evidentiary hearing will be arranged within three days from the time a charge is made against the student, unless a mutual agreement is made between the Head of School, parents, and student for an extension of time; during such period the child will be suspended from school. The Head of School is the final arbiter of all evidentiary expulsion hearings. The Chair of the Board of Trustees will be informed of the Head’s determination.

Severe misconduct or repeated misconduct at school, or at school activities, will result in disciplinary action determined directly by the Head of School. Instances of severe misconduct or repeated misconduct will be recorded in the student’s permanent record.

Students failing to serve any disciplinary assignment will receive additional disciplinary action by the Head of School.

If a disciplinary concern has not been resolved and inappropriate behavior continues, a special conference will be held with the parent(s), the student, the teacher(s), the Head of School, and any educational or psychological professionals deemed appropriate by the Head. The Head of School will be the final arbiter of the appropriate action in each case, which may include additional suspension time or expulsion from the school. The Chair of the Board of Trustees will be informed of the Head’s determination.

Intro Copy from Gloria; add links to pdf docs, Meg to add pdf files to HS.

From Whitby School’s beginning in 1958, our community has enjoyed strong philanthropic support from generations of parents, trustees, alumni, grandparents, and friends. This support allows us to honor the vision of the founding families and create a school focused on the personal development of each child within a strong and thriving community.

Every child benefits from the generosity of our donors –past and present– and each year, we are all asked to continue to support the school. Investing in Whitby ensures we continue to fulfill Whitby’s mission and offer an extraordinary education.

We invite you to engage with Whitby as your time, talents and resources permit. There are several opportunities financially support Whitby throughout the year. Each is essential to strengthen the school. All contributions to Whitby are outright gifts and are tax-deductible. As you consider how you wish to support Whitby, please make note of these important giving opportunities.

The Whitby Fund is the yearly fundraising campaign supported by all members of the Whitby community (parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends). Gifts to the Whitby Fund constitute the most important source of unrestricted funds available to the School outside of tuition. The Whitby Fund supports the operating budget and enhances every aspect of the Whitby experience.

The Annual Benefit and Auction is a major fundraising event and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate as a community. The Parents Association organizes this memorable event attended by families, faculty and staff, and friends of Whitby.  Event proceeds have a major impact on Whitby’s ability to deliver an exceptional learning experience for all our students from Stepping Stones through Grade 8.

• Cash or Checks - Please make checks payable to Whitby School.
• Online Giving – Whitby accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
• Matching Gifts – Many companies will match contributions made by an employee (or by an employee’s spouse) to the Whitby School. Simply secure a matching gift form from your employer and submit it to the Advancement Office.
• Gifts of Securities – Gifts of appreciated securities are an excellent way to make a contribution. Donors receive a deduction for the entire amount of the stock transferred and avoids taxes on capital gains. Please contact our Director of Institutional Advancement, for instructions on transferring securities.

Planned Gifts are gifts that come to Whitby in the future, or over a period of years, whereby you can take a partial tax deduction for the gift and then receive an income stream for a specified number of years. Estate planning guidelines change, so you are advised to consult with your financial advisor when considering options that would benefit you the most.

Planned Giving opportunities include the following:

• Bequests are assets transferred through your estate, such as cash proceeds from retirement plans, insurance policies, or property.
• Charitable Gift Annuities are contractual agreements in which you irrevocably transfer funds or properties to Whitby. The contributed funds become assets of the school, and Whitby pays a fixed sum to you and/or another person for life.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts are a tax-exempt, irrevocable trust in which you grant property, investments, or money to Whitby. You, as the donor, continue to use the property or receive income from the investments or money for a specified period, at the end of which the remainder of the trust goes to Whitby.
• Charitable Lead Trusts are gift structures in which you as the donor removes specified assets from your estate (receiving immediate tax savings) and provide the school income from those assets for a period of years. At the end of the gift period, the assets may be returned to you or to a third party.
• Gifts of Life Insurance allow you to create a policy or donate a paid-up policy whose coverage you no longer need or desire.

Whitby is very grateful for your support and we thank you in advance for giving to Whitby School.

If you have questions or wish to discuss how best to support Whitby School, please contact our Director of Development.