Middle and Upper School

Parent and Student Handbook

2014 - 2015

The Masters School

36 Westledge Road
West Simsbury, CT 06092
860.651.9361
www.masterschool.org

INTRODUCTION

The Master's School is a Christian day school with distinctively Christian educational
objectives - to encourage and enable students to receive all that God has for them
spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. In addition to the goals
related to students' academic development, it is our hope to afford every child the
opportunity to experience the reality of God through Jesus Christ in a meaningful and
personal way.
As a non-denominational Christian institution, we are committed to the traditional
Christian faith as expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. We believe that the
Bible in its entirety contains God's plan for humankind and is essential to any reliable
understanding of the human condition.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His
miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power
and glory. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the
Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit
by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We believe in the
resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they who are saved unto the resurrection of
life and they who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. We believe in the spiritual
unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
STATEMENT OF MISSION
We at The Master's School are committed to the integration of faith and learning within
the framework of a Christian world view. We challenge our students to strive for
spiritual maturity and academic excellence in a supportive community that emphasizes
education from the inside out!

THE MASTER'S SCHOOLS CORE VALUES

Commitment to Biblical TRUTH

The Truth as revealed through Jesus Christ is the foundation of all we do

The Bible stands as the source for wisdom in all questions and calls us to bring
glory to God
The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, and the truth, once known, sets us free

Commitment to INTEGRITY in character, conduct and conversation

Christ is our model for character development; we follow Him by:

o Pursuing honesty in all communications
o Demonstrating respect for each individual

o Modeling intentional obedience to God

o Serving others
o Honoring God by taking personal responsibility for our actions
Commitment to EXCELLENCE in Education: The faculty and staff commit
to

Grow professionally
Remain current with academic trends and best practices in education
Maintain accountability in and out of the classroom
Establish clear objectives, guidelines and standards in all mission-related service
Recognize each individuals unique God-given design
Equip students to discover and develop their God-given gifts & talents
Empower students to use those gifts and talents to serve God by serving the world
around them

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Christian education has as its ultimate purpose the cultivation of mature and equipped
followers of Christ. This purpose is realized by discovering who God is, how He has
shaped His creation, and how we, created in His image, ought to respond to such
discovery.
The academic disciplines become, then, simply the various doorways through which
such life-changing discovery occurs. The Christian educator plays the role of guide and
mentor in that unfolding process, utilizing subject matter, key skills, and life examples
as tools to shape the minds and hearts of students.
This process allows students thoughts and choices to be transformed so that they can
become agents of change in the world, as God uses them to accomplish His purposes.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Middle School
To help students achieve mastery of academic skills in all subject areas and learn to set
attainable goals.
To nurture self-assurance, intellectual curiosity, and individual responsibility in
students.
To create conditions in which students can experience success by identifying individual
strengths and assisting students in areas in which they need help.
To enable students to see God as the Author of life and encourage them to seek a
personal
relationship with Him.
Upper School

To challenge students academically in preparation for the rigors of university education

and the
pursuit of being a lifelong learner.
To develop in young adults the ability to think critically, become problem solvers and
increase
their capacity toward mature decision-making.
To give students the experience of living and working together in a Christian
community.
To help students develop their individual gifts and talents in realization of the potential
given to
them by God.

ACADEMICS
Grading System
Teachers and advisors frequently communicate to parents about a students academics,
effort and behavior. Grades/comments are posted online at the end of each quarter. Hard
copies are available upon request.
Letter grades are used to report academic progress. To report progress in effort and
behavior, a numerical system is used. (see next page)
A

Outstanding: does excellent work; frequently exceeds expectations for assignments;

displays excellent mastery of subject area; functions at highest level of performance.

Commendable: does very good work; completes all assignments accurately and
consistently; displays good mastery of subject area; functions at high level of
performance.

Satisfactory: does good work; completes most assignments accurately; displays

consistent competence in subject area; functions at acceptable level of performance.

Needs Improvement: does work of inconsistent quality; frequently does not

complete assignments well; displays sporadic competence in subject area; functions
at less than satisfactory level of performance.

Unsatisfactory: makes minimal progress in work; seldom completes assignments

with any degree of accuracy; displays little competence in subject area; functions at
unsatisfactory level of performance.

GRADE SCALE
Honors*

AP

A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF

98-100
94-97
91-93
88-90
84-87
81-83
78-80
74-77
71-73
68-70
64-67
61-63
0-60

4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0

4.8
4.5
4.2
3.8
3.5
3.2
2.8
2.3
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0

5.3
5.0
4.7
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0

*Honors courses were not weighted prior to the 2008-2009 academic year. Beginning in
2008-2009, no weighting in either Honors or AP is given to grades of C- or below.
At the end of each quarter, a grade point average (GPA) is computed for each student by
averaging grades in each full-credit academic subject. At the end of the first semester, any
student with a semester GPA below 1.70 is placed on academic probation. Unless the
cumulative GPA at the end of the year improves above 1.70, such students
may not be allowed to return to the School the following September. If a
student successfully completes courses that meet the academic rigor of The
Masters School during a summer school, the student may reapply for
admission.
Students who miss more than the allotted number of classes (see Attendance) of a given
course during the school year may not receive credit for the course. Students and parents
will be warned in advance if an attendance/credit problem appears to be developing.
Medical excuses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. School related absences such
as college visits are not included. See the attendance section for more information.
The High Honor Roll is published four times a year for students with a 3.50 GPA or
better. The Honor Roll includes students whose GPA is 3.03.49. An academic grade of an
F makes a student ineligible for honor roll consideration.
If a semester exam is given in January and/or June, the grade is counted as 20% of the
semester grade.
Academic credit will be granted only if the final grade is above 61. Summer school
attendance may be required to advance to the next level.
Effort
1
Excellent: exhibits diligence beyond expectations; self-motivated; displays positive
attitude; enthusiastically participates in classroom discussion; prepares consistently
for class.

2
3
4
5

Above Expectations: exhibits sincere interest in subject area; usually self-motivated;

displays positive attitude; participates in classroom discussion; completes
assignments on time.
Expected: consistent with majority of class; pays attention in class; prepares
consistently; usually displays positive attitude; responds to teacher-initiated
motivation.
Below Expectations: displays inconsistent attitude; occasionally inattentive in class;
erratic in completion of assignments; sometimes unprepared for class; requires
unusual amount of teacher direction and assistance.
Inadequate: demonstrates poor attitude; frequently inattentive in class; seldom
completes assignments on time; inconsistent in preparation for class; requires too
much teacher direction and assistance.

Behavior
1
Excellent: makes positive contribution to classroom environment; well-disciplined
in word and action; courteous and respectful; model of consistency.
2
Above Expectations: consistently well behaved; respectful and helpful to peers;
ready to assist with classroom projects when needed.
3
Expected: displays self-discipline consistent with majority of class; generally
attentive and respectful; seldom needs to be cautioned by teacher.
4
Below Expectations: too often misbehaves; lacks consistent self-discipline;
sometimes inconsiderate of others.
5
Inappropriate: consistently misbehaves; in danger of disciplinary suspension;
frequently inconsiderate of others; disrespectful to students and faculty; lacks selfdiscipline.
At the end of each quarter, the Curriculum and Instruction Program Director or Dean of
Students may contact parents of students receiving 4s or 5s in behavior. Likewise, teacher
conferences may be scheduled with parents of students receiving 4s or 5s in effort.
See SENIOR PRIVILEGES SECTION for information on 2nd Semester Senior
Exam Policy
Academic Courses: Drop/Add Procedure
If a student desires to drop/add a course, the form is available in the office. Check on
schedule suitability first and then submit the completed form that must include a reason
for the change and the following signatures: advisor, drop and add teachers, parent and
Curriculum and Instruction Program Director. Drops/adds must be done on or before the
first mid-quarter of each semester. If it is necessary to drop a course after the mid-quarter,
it will be recorded as WP withdrawn passing or WF withdrawn failing according to the
work that was completed.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Membership in a Christian academic community requires students and faculty alike to
commit themselves to one of its fundamental purposes: the search for truth. Refer to the
definitions under Disciplinary System and consider them carefully.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards are given for each student four times per year. Each fall an official day of
conferences is set aside for parents who wish to meet with classroom teachers. Parents
are welcome to request a conference at any other time by calling the office.

ACTIVITIES and CLUBS

At The Master's School there are a variety of activities in which students may
participate. Special events on and off campus are scheduled throughout the year.
Homecoming activities usually are held in the fall. In the spring the Junior class holds
the Junior-Senior Banquet to honor the Seniors. Dates, times, locations and guidelines
are generally available on the school website. The regularly published Friday email
provides information on upcoming dates to save. Many activities and all class trips are
required as part of our curriculum. The major goals of such activities are to honor God
and build a spiritual foundation, to build social skills within a Christian framework, to
develop a sense of responsibility, independence and maturity, and to build community.
Circumstances, problems, or concerns (whether financial or personal), which may
interfere with a students participation in an event, should be discussed with the Student
Life Program Director. See Eligibility Requirements for additional information.

ADVISOR SYSTEM
The advisor system is an important element of life at The Masters School. Each class
will have two or more faculty members assigned to them as Class Advisors. Class
advisors will supervise the general social life, spiritual life, and fellowship of their
individual grade. They will help organize and supervise events and activities which
promote such growth.

AFTER SCHOOL
Please see section on School Hours

ATHLETICS
Please see section on Eligibility Requirements and the current edition of Athletic
Handbook on the school website.

ATTENDANCE
IF YOU WILL BE ABSENT OR TARDY ON A PARTICULAR DAY, THE
OFFICE MUST BE NOTIFIED VIA PHONE, EMAIL OR IN PERSON BY 8:00
AM
Basic to all education is the understanding that the student must be present in order to
participate in the learning process. Therefore, it is understood that all students will
consistently and punctually attend all scheduled activities, including regular classes,
study halls, electives, athletic practices, rehearsals and special functions (like service
activities, field trips, concerts, graduations, etc.) when required.
1) Communication regarding Absences and/or tardiness

The Masters school must be notified about student Absences and/or

tardiness by 8:00 AM. This can be done via phone (860-651-9361), email,
or in person. Without communication from home by 8:00 a student will
recorded as Unexcused Absent or Tardy. As explained below, Unexcused
Absences will be recorded and may warrant further disciplinary action.
The Masters School may also report any patterns of TRUANCY to the
appropriate State agencies.

Students who are Tardy to school must report to the Main Office before
reporting to class. As with Absences, notification of Tardiness must occur
before 8:00 AM.

2) Definition of Excused Absences or Tardiness

Home related reasons:

Family emergency
Death in the family
College visits (limited to 3)
Student illness (after 3 consecutive days of illness, however, a
physicians statement is necessary)
o In cases of chronic illnesses or injuries, a written statement from a
physician must be submitted in order for the school to determine if
a specialized plan is feasible to complete the current school year.
o Medical appointment (although it is preferred that medical
appointments be made for after school hours)
o In cases where a student has experienced chronic illness or injury
future enrollment as student of The Masters School will be
determined by school officials.
o
o
o
o

School related reasons:

o School field trips
o School Retreats
o Testing (that is relevant to Academics)
o Late Bus
o In-school appointments such as the nurse,
Administration, etc
o School sponsored athletics
o Suspensions due to school disciplinary procedures

counselor,

3) Definition of Unexcused Absence, Truancy or Tardiness

Any student who misses school for reasons other than those found in the
Excused Absences section will be assumed to be an unexcused
absence.
Truancy warrants Severe Disciplinary Action as described in the
Disciplinary Code. The Masters School may also report any patterns of
TRUANCY to the appropriate State agencies.
Any student who is unexcused absent 15 minutes or more for a particular
class will be assumed to be skipping class. The missing class will be
recorded as Absent for that class and disciplinary action will be taken.
Unexcused Tardiness to school will also warrant disciplinary action on the
part of the school. The following is an outline of the disciplinary
progression:
o On the 5th Tardy-to-School the Advisor will issue a Detention for the
student and communicate with parents/guardians as to any issues
the school should know about.

o On the 10th Tardy-to-School the student will receive a Day

Internal Detention at a cost of $50.00 for supervision.
o On the 15th Tardy-to-School the student will receive a Full Day
Internal Detention at a cost of $100.00 for supervision.
o On the 20th Tardy-to-School the student will receive a One Day
External Suspension from school.
o On the 21st Tardy-to-School the Faculty Senate will determine
further consequences such as Suspension, Dismissal, or Expulsion.
4) Total Absences allowed. Because The Masters School values community, it is
expected that students will make every effort to be in school. Toward that end, The
Masters School allows for 10 Absences per Semester, whether Excused or
Unexcused. This is true for individual classes, partial days, or entire days missed. Any
student who is absent more than 10 days (or misses 10 classes of a particular course) in
a Semester may receive the following consequences:
Parents will be contacted about the excessive absences. Communication
from home should already be occurring as stated earlier, but a meeting
may be necessary to clarify the nature of such absences.
An Individual Academic plan for each course may be created to address
the lack of participation. This plan may include, but is not limited to, the
student receiving an Incomplete as a grade for the time period involved.
The student may receive credit for the course after the plan has been
satisfied.
A 10% reduction in the Semester grade (or quarterly grade, if all the
Absences occur in one quarter) may be enforced.
A Failing grade may be received for each course in the time period where
excessive absences occurred.
The Masters School reserves the right to dismiss any student for missing
more than the allotted classes.
The Masters School reserves the right to utilize any of the aforementioned
consequences for excessive absence.
1) Early Dismissal. A student who needs to be excused from classes during the
school day must present to the office a written request from parents. This note
must contain the date, time and reason for the requested dismissal. If possible,
the note should be sent a day in advance. Medical and dental appointments
should not be scheduled during the school day unless this in
unavoidable.

Students must sign out in the Administration Building before leaving.

They must also sign back in if they return to school during the school day.

2) Make-Up Work. Parents and students should understand that it is never

possible for a student to make up in a substantive manner work missed because

of absence. Teachers are under no obligation to accept make up work for

unexcused absences. Work may be made up under the following conditions:

Students who are absent on the day of a previously announced test or quiz
will be expected to take the test or quiz on the first day they are back in
school.
Assignments missed for any reason other than illness, such as
extracurricular activities, must be submitted the following school day or
must be made up according to the time schedule established with the
individual teacher.
Homework assignments, quizzes, tests and exams missed because of
illness must be made up in a timely fashion. All missed work must be
completed in no more than two days for each day absent unless a special
arrangement has been made with the teacher.

3) Attendance at Extracurricular Events. See section on Eligibility

Requirements for information.
4) Early Dismissal. A student who needs to be excused from classes during the
school day must present to the office a written request from parents. This note
must contain the date, time and reason for the requested dismissal. Please send
the note a day in advance if at all possible. Medical and dental appointments
should not be scheduled during the school day unless this in
unavoidable.

Students must sign out in the Administration Building before leaving.

They must also sign back in if they return to school during the school day.

AWARDS
A number of awards are presented to students by the faculty during the course of the
year. We encourage parents to attend our various awards ceremonies, during which we
seek not only to recognize the gifts and accomplishments of the students, but also
simply to enjoy the students as they continue to grow and become all that God has
intended them to be.

BUS POLICY
_____________________________________________
____
The Masters School places a priority on safety in considering rules for behavior on the
bus. These rules are meant to ensure the physical and emotional safety of both students
and adults riding the bus. As the highest authority, the bus driver is responsible for
order and discipline. Drivers are required to report any misconduct to the Dean of

Students. These rules apply to any bus used for transportation to and from school for
purposes such as daily commuting, athletic events, and field trips. In addition, students
shall agree to the rules stated below and may be denied transportation if they do not
obey the rules.
Rules:
1. Students shall observe the behavior standards of The Masters School as
explained in The Masters School Handbook. (This includes all behavioral
expectations contained in the Disciplinary section as well as the Appendix)
2. Infractions occurring on the bus will handled in accordance with The Masters
School Handbook. (This includes Regular disciplinary matters as well as Severe
Disciplinary matters such as bullying, flagrant disrespect, harassment,
threatening another person, fighting, etc)
3. Reasonable rules necessary for safe travel according to common sense need to be
observed, such as:
The directions of the bus driver are to be followed at all times to maintain a
safe experience for all. (This includes directions regarding volume of any
noises and/or bodily movements on the bus)
All students must stay in their seats with their seat belts fastened, if available,
while the bus is in motion.
Students will not lie down on the seats.
Students should talk, rather than shout or scream.
Nothing is to be thrown in the bus or from the bus.
Students are to respect each others space, keeping hands and materials to
themselves.
Students are to respect each others dignity, keeping their words and physical
gestures in alignment with common courtesy and school expectations (ie no
inappropriate speech or gestures).
Students are to respect the fact that some students prefer to have quiet time
or to rest while riding the bus.
4. The bus driver needs to communicate with the Dean of Students of The Masters
School if issues arise.

CAMPUS STEWARDSHIP
We thank God for the privilege of using these facilities and trust that all students,
families, and friends will respect all School property.
Please take the greatest care not to litter the grounds, abuse the natural surroundings, or
deface the buildings or their contents. Any damage to School property should be
reported to the office immediately. Willful damage to School property will be cause for
disciplinary action.

CLASS TRIPS/RETREATS

The cost for extended class trips that involve a one or more overnight stay is included in
the student activity account.

COMMUNICATION

The Schools website is our primary communication

tool for parents, students and prospective families. Information pertaining to campus
activities, sports, new articles, the school calendar, summer assignments, faculty and
course outlines can all be found here. The website address is www.masterschool.org.
Friday Mail is a weekly communication to parents that highlights events, dates to
remember, etc. Should a parent need to reach a teacher, the best form of communication
is his/her email address at the School.

Conferences
There are numerous opportunities during the year for parents and teachers to meet and
discuss student progress. There are two formal parent teacher conference opportunities
and a team meeting can be arranged at any time by contacting the Middle School
Director or Curriculum and Instruction Program Director. In addition there are several
other parent/teacher meetings in the evening during the school year, such as the
Academic Open House in September, the College Fair and College Night and a variety of
college planning meetings for parents of juniors and seniors.
Either the parents or the school may initiate emails, telephone calls or personal
conferences. The success of a student at The Masters School is directly related to the
effectiveness of communication between the home and the school.

DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM
PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE
Attendance at The Master's School is a privilege. The hope and desire of The Master's
School community is that each student will remain a member of our school for as long as
he/she chooses. However, because of poor choices or habitual discipline problems, it
may become necessary to remove a student from The Master's School. This relates to
behavior both on and off campus.
The Scriptures remind us that it is the love of God which calls us to account for our actions
and that it is His desire for us to grow through His discipline. The Masters School takes
seriously the responsibility to partner with the family in discipline. We believe that when
even minor infractions are not addressed swiftly and sincerely, they tend to grow and
evolve.
It is our philosophy that discipline needs to be proactive and needs to offer hope and
redemption in addition to punitive action. This is done with the intent of preventing more
serious behavior before
it occurs and identifying and helping those who might be making poor choices. The system
of discipline must offer the right degree of grace, balanced with appropriate consequences.
It must enhance the level of physical, emotional and spiritual safety on campus.
Offenses of a serious nature will not be tolerated. Students and parents must understand
that the student body and The Masters School in general might be best served by ending
our formal relationship with the individual through dismissal or expulsion from the
school.
OFF CAMPUS BEHAVIOR
Out of a desire to honor God and our community we seek to set behavioral standards that
are based on Biblical truth. As a community we believe that all actions and attitudes both
on and off campus should be consistent. Our community stands upon the core values of

Truth, Integrity and Excellence. They are the guiding principles for a productive faculty
and student culture. A students behavior will reflect and affect the school, the family and
the individual. We intend to take a proactive approach to behavior off campus, working
with parents, helping to keep students safe and within appropriate societal and legal
boundaries. However, we reserve the right to take disciplinary action when school rules or
laws are broken.
DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX AT THE BACK OF THIS HANDBOOK
FOR FURTHER DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF GUIDELINES FOR
DISCIPLINARY PURPOSES.
Teachers and staff have the authority and the responsibility to discipline students both
within their classroom and on the campus at large. Disciplinary consequences have
priority over all prior commitments. In order for our students to develop an
increasing level of personal responsibility, The Masters School has created a procedure of
progressive discipline that is generally applied to less serious matters. The goal of this
system is to correct behavior and encourage responsibility. Discipline will be accomplished
in multiple parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Regular disciplinary action

Severe disciplinary action
Preventative disciplinary action
Redemption to God, self and community
Rectification of behavior
Communal Reward and Punishment

A. Part 1: Regular Disciplinary Action

The purpose of all discipline is discipleship, in other words, character formation. Our role
as a school is to complement and come alongside the primary part that the parents have in
this process.
Disciplinary Warning Report A teacher may assign a student a disciplinary warning for
any misbehavior or irresponsibility on the part of the student. The teacher may assign a
consequence to this warning, although its primary purpose is to inform parents. This
communication along with consequences at home should resolve the disciplinary situation.
Teacher Assigned Detention Report - A teacher may assign a student a Detention for any
misbehavior or irresponsibility on the part of the student that is deemed more serious than
those deserving a warning. Detentions will be served at the convenience of the teacher, but
generally will
be the next day from 3:05 PM 3:45 PM . The intention of this more severe form of
discipline is to provide time for the teacher and student to discuss the disciplinary
situation more completely. As with the disciplinary warning report, the main purpose is to
correct the student behavior and give parents the opportunity to support the prescribed
change in behavior.

Each of these Disciplinary Actions taken above may be assigned for infractions such as (but
not limited to):

Disrespect
Disobedience
Disruptive Behavior
Endangering the safety or health of others
Inappropriate Language
Irresponsibility
o Dress Code noncompliance
o Not properly filling out Attendance form
o Not returning parent-signed Disciplinary Warning, Teacher-Assigned
Detention, or Office Detention
o Not bringing appropriate materials to class
o Other
Public Display of Affection
Skipping responsibilities
o Class
o Assigned duties
o Disciplinary Action
o Other
Late to class (unexcused Tardiness)
Absent 15 minutes (unexcused)

The intention of this progressive system of Discipline is that a student who exhibits
irresponsibility or misbehavior on the school campus will quickly be held accountable in
order to change their behavior expeditiously. The idea is for initial mistakes to be handled
with verbal warnings and reasonable classroom management practices. Disciplinary
Warning Reports would follow and may culminate in a Teacher-Assigned Detention.
However, this progression is only a guideline and any level of Discipline may occur
depending on the infraction. The following is a general guideline to be used by the Dean of
Students in determining the consequences for students with multiple detentions.
Number of Detentions
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21+

Consequence
Parents and student meet with Class Advisor(s)
Student serves a Half-Day Internal Detention and
parents/student meet with Class Advisor(s) and Dean of
Students
Student serves a Full-Day Internal Detention and
parents/student meet with Class Advisor(s) and Dean of
Students
Student serves a One to Three Day External Suspension and
parents/student meets with Dean of Students and school
officials.
Faculty Senate will decide further consequences including
possible Suspensions, Dismissal, or Expulsion.

Parents and student meet with the Dean of Students. This will happen at the
discretion of the Dean of Students and is meant to get everyone together (possibly teachers
as well) to discuss the reasons behind the detentions earned up to this point.
Half-Day Internal Detention. This will happen when a student has accumulated 6-10
detentions. The student will come on the assigned school day and report directly to the
Dean of Students. For this day the student will be in isolation from the student body from
8:00 AM until lunch. Work may be assigned for this time period. The student will be
dismissed from this detention for lunch time in the Dining Hall; the student will resume
taking classes for the rest of the day. Parents will be billed $50.00 for the
supervision of the student during this time.
Full Day Internal Detention. This will happen when a student has accumulated 11-15
detentions. The student will come on the assigned school day and report directly to the
Dean of Students. For this day the student will be in isolation from the student body from
8:00 AM until 3:05 PM. Work may be assigned for this time period. The student should
bring a lunch. Parents will be billed $100 for the supervision of the student
during this time.
1 3 Day External Suspension. This will happen when a student has accumulated 1620 detentions. The student will stay at home for the assigned days. Work may be assigned
for this time period. Suspension may be reported on official transcripts.
Faculty Senate Review. This is a convening of the Faculty Senate and automatically
triggers the second level of the Disciplinary System. Further consequences such as
Dismissal or Expulsion are possible at this level.
All Expulsions will be recorded on a students permanent record. The school reserves
the right to add suspensions and dismissals to a students permanent record.
A.

Part 2: Severe Disciplinary Action

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX AT THE BACK OF THIS HANDBOOK

FOR FURTHER DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF GUIDELINES FOR
DISCIPLINARY PURPOSES.
Actions that are of a more serious nature will be reviewed directly by the Dean.
Disciplinary action will depend on the seriousness of the infraction and on
the honesty and cooperativeness of the student. Immediate and full honesty will
typically garnish a lighter punishment. Dishonesty will typically constitute a heavier
punishment. Matters of Severe Disciplinary Action will be reviewed by the Faculty Senate
unless the issue constitutes an immediate threat to any part of the community as
determined by the Headmaster.
The Faculty Senate will consist of faculty and/or staff from The Masters School. They will
be presented all the facts of the matter and will interview the Student with the family.

After a private discussion, they will render a recommendation in the form of a plan of
discipline to the Headmaster, who will make the final decision.
The Faculty Senate will utilize the guidelines for severe disciplinary actions listed below in
deciding punishment, but their recommendation shall not be dictated by these guidelines.
A plan of discipline will normally include, in addition to punishment, redemptive actions
aimed to change the individuals behavior, to bring them to harmony with themselves, the
community and to God. The Faculty Senate may additionally consider a students level of
honesty, remorse, disciplinary history, mitigating or aggravating factors, endangerment to
other students (especially younger students), academic performance and family support of
the school in general and in regards to the infraction and its consequences.
Guidelines for Severe Disciplinary Actions (not limited to the following list):
The following may result in one or more days of Suspension or Dismissal or Expulsion.
(* indicates categories that are more thoroughly defined in the Appendix)

Bullying *
Chronic disciplinary problems
Drug and/or alcohol use and related issues
Fighting
Flagrant disrespect
Gambling *
Harassment *
Hazing *
Homosexual activity *
Major vandalism
Multiple Suspensions
Plagiarism/Cheating (will also result in academic consequences) *
Possession of fireworks or weapons
Racial hate
Recurring infractions/ongoing disciplinary problems *
Sexual harassment *
Sexual misconduct *
Theft/Stealing *
Threatening a fellow community member
Tobacco use
Truancy

Prohibition from Ceremonies or other public assemblies.

If a serious disciplinary matter occurs near the time of a school related ceremony or assembly,
such as Graduation, Athletic awards, National Honor Society, Theater productions, Concerts,
Recitals or other significant events a student may be prohibited from attending. This is

especially true for Graduations. Serious disciplinary matters in the 4th Quarter for any
8th Grader or 12th Grader will likely result in their prohibition from the Graduation
ceremony.

Suspension
Suspension is the temporary removal of the privilege to partake in the school
community. Students who are suspended will be required to serve either an internal or
external suspension. Students who fail to meet their responsibility to behave as mature
students following suspension will jeopardize their continued education at The Masters
School.
Dismissal
Dismissal is defined as the removal of the student from the School community for the
remainder of the academic year, but with the understanding that the student may apply for
readmission to the School upon the conclusion of the academic year.
Expulsion
Expulsion is defined as the removal of the student from the School community with the
understanding that there shall be little to no possibility of the students return.
Conditions
Conditions may be added to any of the consequences and will typically be done for the
following reasons: 1) to further protect the student body, 2) to protect the individual, 3) to
aid in the redemptive process. The Masters School reserves the right to stipulate any and
all conditions that it deems to be necessary and/or beneficial.
B.

Part 3: Preventative Disciplinary Action

When a student shows a pattern of disciplinary problems, they may be approached by the
Dean and their actions will be reviewed. An agreed upon plan will be put into place to
immediately change the offending behavior. Triggers for this action might be multiple
infractions in a single day, single infractions for multiple days or multiple infractions with
a single teacher.
If the pattern continues, a parent will be expected to meet with the Dean and the student to
discuss the plan, modify it as may be required and further action at home will be agreed
upon. If no correction is made in the behavior of the student within a short period of time,
the matter will be considered as an Ongoing Disciplinary Problem, requiring Severe
Disciplinary Action (see Part 2)
C.

Part 4: Redemption to God, Self and Community

In addition to any punishment garnished, a student will be expected to make any and all
possible reparations to faculty, staff, and peers. This may include material reparations to
the school and others. Amends might include discussion with a faculty member centering
on the infraction and how best to not let it happen again. It might include an apology to a
faculty member or to peers for actions taken. Material amends might include replacement
of damaged or stolen goods. It might include removal of offensive vandalism.

We recommend making amends to God through careful prayer and consideration. This
will typically be made through the family, but advisors or mentors can be made available
on campus whenever necessary.
D.
Part 5: Rectification of Behavior
It will be expected that any punitive action given to a student will serve as a warning and
will signal the requirement for a change in behavior. It is expected that parents and the
school will act as a team in corrective and punitive action in an attempt to bring about
positive change in the actions of the student. Parents should not necessarily await a call to
take action at home, but should consistently review their students record and take
immediate action. The parent is always welcome to contact the advisor or the Dean
whenever they would like to discuss a matter.
E.

Part 6: Communal Reward and Punishment

In accordance with Galatians 6:2, Carry each others burdens, and this way you will fulfill
the law of Christ, communal reward and punishment allows the community to celebrate
the successes and share in the burdens of the rest of the community.
Rewards will typically be instituted for 100% community compliance to the rules and
codes of The Masters School. The issuances of rewards, and the decision of what rewards
are to be, are at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
Punishments will typically be instituted when two or more students violate a school rule,
code or policy or when a violation occurs and the perpetrator does not come forward to
admit it. The issuances of communal punishments, and the decision of what the
punishments are to be, are at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

More specific descriptions of the disciplinary code can be

found in the Appendix.
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS
Items that must be documented are facts, quotations, paraphrases, summaries, charts,
figures, diagrams and pictures. Writing that expresses ones own thoughts, experiences,
or interpretations and is stated in ones own words does not require documentation.
Also when information is common knowledge or is from a specific text, it does not need
citation. As a standard for the proper documentation, The Masters School will use
Modern Language Associations The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers,
current edition, for the
Upper School. A good reference for aiding the student in proper documentation can be
found at the Citation Machine: http://citationmachine.net.
Students in grades 7-12 will receive specific written instructions and examples of
appropriate and inappropriate referencing at the beginning of each school year.

DRESS, GROOMING AND APPEARANCE STANDARDS

The Masters School is a place for learning. Consequently, our appearance should
encourage concentrated study and should in no way distract from the learning process.
Students appearance should also reflect the Christian value of encouraging the focus on
the inner self, not the outer. Therefore, a student who draws undue attention to
his/her appearance would be considered in violation of the spirit and intent
of our dress code. We want students at The Masters School to be comfortable but we
also expect that they meet certain basic standards. Our standards of neat and clean,
modest and moderate, non-distracting and appropriate dress and grooming are clearly
described.
Responsibility
Since students purchase their clothing as part of the family unit and dress at home, a
great responsibility rests upon the parents to give proper guidance. We would much
prefer appropriate clothing and appearance decisions be handled at home to insure
compliance with the standards of The Masters School. Students and parents are
expected to evaluate their comfort level about the appearance standards prior to
enrolling, not after.
If a student or parent has a question about whether a specific garment or style is
appropriate, the time to check is before wearing it. Appearance standards apply when
students are on campus or at any school activity, unless otherwise specified.
Each student will be held responsible for the appropriateness of his/her appearance.
Instances of deviation from established standards will be handled justly on an individual
basis. The administration will be the final judge of neatness, cleanliness and modesty
and retains the sole discretion to determine whether a students appearance is
appropriate. Parents support for consequences applied when the standards are violated
is expected and is helpful in the students maturation process.
It is important to note that a student out of dress code is expected to rectify the matter
immediately when it is first brought to their attention. Cumulating and compounding
punitive actions will occur, even in a single day. In some cases parents may need to
bring their child different clothes during the day.
We also desire to have a dress code that is enforceable and yet flexible enough to
account for different types of activities. The following is a guideline for appropriate
dress including specifics for regular dress days, dress-up days, casual dress days and
events sponsored by The Masters School. The intent of the Dress Code is to prevent
attire that is inappropriate for school. The school reserves the right to determine the
appropriateness of student dress.

Boys Dress

Regular Dress Days

Bottoms:
Loose fitting pants (no jeans or athletic wear)
Dress shorts
Belts must be worn everyday
Tops:
Collared shirts
Turtlenecks or mock turtlenecks
TMS spirit wear with logo
Footwear:
Leather sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, shoes, boots

Boys Dress-Up Days

Bottoms:
Tops:

Dress pants with no outside patch pockets

Oxford style shirt (completely buttoned) with coordinated tie. Sweaters and
sport coats optional.
No hoodies, sweatshirts TMS or athletic wear on Dress-Up Day

Footwear: Dress shoes, boots or leather sandals

Girls Dress
Regular Dress Days
Bottoms:

Loose fitting pants (no jeans or athletic wear)

Dress shorts or skirts (except December through March). These can be no shorter

than 5 or 3 above the knee, respectively.*

Leggings may be worn under a dress or skirt, but the 3 from the knee rule still
applies.

Tops:

Non-athletic shirts with necklines no lower than armpit.

Turtlenecks or mock turtlenecks
TMS spirit wear with logo

Footwear:
Leather sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, shoes, boots

Girls Dress-Up Day

Bottoms:
Dress or skirt with blouse-neckline no lower than the armpit and length not more

than 3 above the knee.*

Dress pants may be worn with dressy shirt.

Tops:
Dress shirts, blouses, oxfords, sweaters, button-downs, or polos with a neckline
no lower than the armpit. No visible camisoles. (If a student elects to wear pants
instead of a dress or skirt a dressy shirt should be worn.)
Dress jacket is optional.
No hoodies, sweatshirts, TMS or athletic wear is allowed on Dress-Up
Day.
Footwear:
Leather sandals, including slides, dress shoes or dress boots

*To accurately measure the 3 standard for skirts/dresses or the 5 for shorts, the
measurement should be taken while the student is kneeling. While kneeling, the
bottom of skirt, dress or shorts should be measured from floor.

Special Dress Code Days

Casual Dress Days

In addition to dress allowed on Regular Dress Days and Chapel Days, the following
items are allowed on those days set aside by the Dean of Faculty as Dress down day:
Jeans and athletic wear
T-shirts(but not undershirts)

Spirit Days

Spirit Days will be determined by the Dean of Faculty with specific instructions given in
advance. The website will also clarify.

The following list includes attire that is inappropriate for school

Bottoms

Denim clothing (except on the designated Casual Dress Days)

Visible underwear
Clothing that exposes midriff
Pants, skirts or dresses that are excessively tight or oversized
Athletic wear including T-shirts, velour, sweatpants, fleece, or wind pants
(except on the designated Dress Down Days or when used for PE class)
Yoga pants, Lounge wear, pajamas, or similar clothing
Flannel pants or shorts
Worn, stained, tattered, frayed, or ripped clothing.
Clothing with graphics, text and/or logos containing offensive pictures or writing
including musical groups
Military or camouflage wear
Bottoms containing writing and/or graphics on backside

Tops

Tank tops or spaghetti straps

Underwear shirts worn as outerwear
Visible camisoles
Denim clothing (except on the designated Casual Dress Days)
Visible underwear
Clothing that exposes midriff
Shirts that are excessively tight or oversized
Athletic wear including T-shirts, velour, sweatpants, fleece, or wind
pants(except on the designated Casual Dress Days or when used for PE class)
Worn, stained, tattered, frayed, or ripped clothing.
Clothing with graphics, text and/or logos containing offensive pictures or writing
including musical groups.
Sleeveless, sheer or see-through shirts
Military or camouflage wear

Other Prohibitions (accessories, hair, etc)

Visible body piercing including plugs, gauges, nose rings or ear expanders
(conventional ear piercing is allowed)
No visible tattoos
Hair that is not neat or clean.
Hair that is distracting due to an extreme style or unnatural color
Hats and other head coverings are not allowed inside buildings.

DRIVING/PARKING/MOTOR VEHICLES

Students wishing to park a car on campus must complete a registration form available
from the Office or Dean of Students. Student vehicles must be parked in the designated
area of the main parking lot during the school day and are not to be used from the time
of arrival at school until departure from the campus for the day.
As an earned privilege, and subject to parental permission and any restrictions imposed
by the Dean of Students, seniors may be granted an exception to this rule. They must
sign out each time they leave campus and sign back in when they return. Except for
regular carpool arrangements, seniors are not to drive underclassmen in their cars at
any time - including the break between exam times in January and June.
Infractions of these regulations or reckless driving of any sort may result in the
suspension of driving privileges and further disciplinary action. See section Eligibility
Requirements for additional information.
Automobile guidelines are as follows:
1. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
2. Drive slowly and safely at all times.
3. Obey speed limits.
a. 15 mph on the back road and parking lot.
b. 25 mph for the driveway.
4. Students are to park in the main parking lot only; they are not to park in the back
by the
fields.
5. No driving on the inner-campus roads during school hours.
6. No transporting of unauthorized students.
7. No riding on the hood, trunk, roof or bed of a car or truck.
8. No loud music playing.
9. No racing and/or speeding.
10. No driving during school hours without permission.
11. No missing classes.
12. No access to the parking lot during school hours without specific permission.
13. No driving on the grass
14. Any form of skidding or unsafe driving is prohibited

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVILEGES

Participation in extracurricular activities at The Masters School is a privilege and is an
opportunity that must be earned and maintained. Participants in all extracurricular
activities are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects The Master, as we
are His representatives. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in
disciplinary action by the Athletic Director and/or the Dean of Students.
Eligibility requirements for school privileges:
1. GPA...........................................................C- Average (1.7 Minimum GPA)

2. Excessive failure to comply with the school disciplinary system may be cause for
ineligibility. This will be determined by the Athletic Director and/or the Dean of
Students.
3. Attendance:
a. The student must be in attendance for the entire school day to participate
in an activity that same day. Students who attend school but are excused
from any academic requirements due to illness or injury may or may not
be allowed to participate in an activity that day. (This includes
circumstances such as, but not limited to, concussions, migraines, feeling
sick, dizziness, feeling tired, sore throat, etc.) This will be decided on a
case by case basis by the Dean of Students and/or the school Nurse.
b. The student must be in attendance for the entire school day on the Friday
before any weekend activities to participate.
c. Exceptions, such as doctors appointments, funerals, non-health related
emergencies, scheduled testing outside of the school, (i.e.: Drivers
License, educational) and other circumstances deemed acceptable by the
Athletic Director and/or the Dean of Students will be considered.
These requirements apply to the following privileges:
1. Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
2. Performances
3.
4.
5.
6.

Social Events
Athletics
Senior Privileges
Driving Privileges

7. Student Life
8. Academic Related Events

9. Voluntary missions or community service

Students participating in the above mentioned activities will have their GPA checked
approximately every four weeks (at the mid-quarter point and at the end of each
quarter). If the student has a GPA of 1.7 or higher they will continue to be eligible for the
next four weeks. If the GPA is below a 1.7 (or the student has a failing grade in any class)
then that student will be ineligible for one week. Every Monday an ineligible students
GPA will be checked to determine if they can return. This weekly check will happen until
the next mid-quarter or end of quarter, or until the activity concludes.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a very important part of the total educational experience at The Master's
School. All Middle and Upper School field trips are mandatory. The cost to
parents for these trips is based on expenses being shared by all.
At the beginning of the year parents must sign a general permission slip covering day
trips for the entire school year. When applicable, an information sheet will be sent
home prior to the event. For any trips including an overnight, a separate permission
slip will be sent.

FIRE SAFETY/EMERGENCY
Fire Drills
Fire drills and other safety practices will be held periodically throughout the school year,
as required by Connecticut state law.
During periodic fire drills, students are to proceed quietly to designated areas, the main
parking lot and the athletic fields and remain there until directed to return to their
classrooms.
Fire Safety Equipment
There is a campus-wide fire alarm system connecting the main campus with the
Simsbury Fire Department. Do not tamper with fire alarm boxes, fire extinguishers, and
fire hoses.

FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is reserved for the senior class to support their selected mission project and
for occasional special projects sponsored by the National Honor Society and Student
Life. All these projects require a faculty advisor and the permission of the Student Life
Program Director. All fundraisers must be approved by the Development Office before
implementation.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Masters School is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and
Colleges and approved by the State of Connecticut. Each student must take at least six
subjects each semester. Beginning with the Class of 2009, students will need 26 credits to
graduate.

English (4 credits)
Mathematics (4 credits)
World Language (3 credits)
Science (3 credits)
History (4 credits)
Bible (4 credits)
Health (full semester credit)
Electives (4 credits)

Please see Upper School curriculum guide for specific graduation requirements.
Prohibition from Ceremonies or other public assemblies.

If a serious disciplinary matter occurs near the time of a school related ceremony or assembly,
such as Graduation, Athletic awards, National Honor Society, Theater productions, Concerts,
Recitals or other significant events a student may be prohibited from attending. This is
especially true for Graduations. Serious disciplinary matters in the 4th Quarter for any
8th Grader or 12th Grader will likely result in their prohibition from the Graduation
ceremony.

HEALTH SERVICES
Health Office Location
The Health Office is located on the main campus in the Lower School building. A
registered nurse is available during the school day from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Rules for the Health Office
a. Students with health problems may request to be admitted to the Health
Office. If the nurse is not in her office, the student should follow the
instructions left on the door of the Health Office. If the nurse is not on the
school grounds, the receptionist in the office knows where she is and how
to contact her.
b. Students will return to class.
c. If a student is unable to get to the nurse alone, someone should be asked to
reach the nurse.
d. If a student does not have any definite symptoms and the nurse cannot do
anything to help, the student will be expected to return to class.
Communicable Diseases
Parents should report all cases of strep throat, pneumonia, mononucleosis, Lyme
disease, Fifth disease, head lice, impetigo, conjunctivitis, ringworm or Scarlet Fever or
any ongoing health condition to the school nurse. Students are to be excluded from
school with any of the following conditions: head lice, scabies, conjunctivitis, impetigo,
and ringworm. The school nurse must be called for instructions on how to proceed or a
written statement must be obtained from the physician stating the student is receiving
treatment.

Immunizations
As mandated by Connecticut state law, all students must be successfully immunized
against polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles (Rubeola), German measles
(Rubella), mumps, Hepatitis B, Varicella and screened for tuberculosis before entering
the school system.
Medication at School
As directed by Connecticut state law, students may not keep medication on their
person at school. (Exceptions would be for asthma inhalers and Epi-Pens for older
students with parental authorization.) Parents must make arrangements with the nurse
if it is necessary for a child to take medication while at school. State law requires that
medication be left in the Health Office in the original pharmacy container, with the
child's name, medication name, dosage, frequency, physician or dentist's name, and
date of the original prescription. In addition, written authorization from the physician
or dentist and the parent or guardian must accompany all medication in order for the
nurse to administer it. Authorization forms are available from the Health Office.
Connecticut state law also stipulates that over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs, including Advil and Tylenol, will not be given by the
nurse without written orders from a physician or dentist and written
permission from a parent or guardian.
Over-the-counter topical drugs (e.g., calamine lotion, antibiotic ointment) may be
administered by the school nurse with the written permission of the parent or guardian
indicated on the student's emergency information card.
A special permission form will be sent home to cover medications needed when a
student goes on a field trip.
Illness and Accidents
If a child becomes ill or is injured at school, parents are notified immediately and are
asked to provide immediate transportation. If the parent cannot be reached, the nurse
calls the individual(s) listed on the emergency data card and/or the physician. For this
reason, parents should ensure that emergency data cards are promptly
filled out, signed and returned to the School. It is the parents responsibility to
keep the nurse informed of any changes that occur during the school year (address,
phone number, job, doctor, emergency arrangements, etc.). See page 10 for makeup
work policy.
In case of a severe injury or illness 911 will be called.
Physical Examination
New students must present complete health information to the nurse and may not begin
classes until all health data is approved. School health legislation requires that
each student entering grade 10 must present proof of a recent physical

examination before the first day of school or the child will not be permitted
to begin classes. Students will also need physical examinations to be eligible
for sports.

HOMEWORK
The Masters School is an academic institution seeking to glorify God. Homework is
assigned on a regular basis as part of the educational process. Daily completion of
homework assignments is one way for students to respond to the Lords call upon their
lives. Students are expected to use homework assignment books/planners effectively.
Except in case of illness or other extenuating circumstances recognized by the School, late
homework assignments will not receive full credit. They must, however, be completed.
Failure to successfully complete homework in a timely fashion may result in poor grades
and may lead to
ineligibility to take part in extra-curricular activities. Because of this, students and parents
should seriously consider the advisability of each non-school activity undertaken during
the year.
When students schedules become congested because of special School events, concerts,
plays, sports tournaments, etc., teachers will endeavor to furnish assignments more than
one day in advance.
Generally, Upper School students may expect to be assigned at least 30 minutes of
homework each night in each of their major subjects. Work on long term papers or projects
will require additional time. It would not be unusual for a junior or senior to be spending
12-16 hours a week on homework and projects. Students enrolled in AP or honors courses
should expect to have more than this amount.
During holiday weekends of three or four days, there may be one half hour of homework
per class. If there is a vacation consisting of 5 or more days, there may be an hour of
homework per class. This especially applies to students in Honors and AP classes. Major
projects, reading assignments or papers due within 1 to 2 days of the end of the vacation
will be assigned at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the vacation.
It is expected that computer or printer problems will not keep students from having
assignments on the due date. Students may bring work on a disk, flash drive or CD, or may
email it to their specific teacher or fax it to 651-9363 in order to submit it on time.
However, staff or equipment may not always be available to retrieve the work. Students
must make arrangements convenient to staff being asked for this assistance. Printing must
be kept to a minimum and the student may be charged at 10 cents per page. It is the
students responsibility to verify receipt of any assignments handed in.
Summer Academic Requirements
All students in Grades 7-12 are expected to complete required summer reading and
mathematics assignments according to the process outlined in a letter sent home over
vacation. Academic consequences will be assigned if the summer work assignments are not
submitted in the first week of school. Late enrollees will be given a revised timetable for
the completion of the work according to their acceptance date.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Copies of the full policy are posted on the Schools website and in printed form in the
Office.
Adherence to these guidelines and policies is a condition for continued use of Internet
resources. Any violation may result in disciplinary action and may also have legal
consequences.
1) Students may not disclose any User ID or password, including their own,
and may not have, use or attempt to use any other persons User ID or
password under any circumstances.
2) Students may not post anything to the Internet or send/receive any
electronic communication (e-mail).
3) Transmission of any threatening, intimidating or discriminatory
communication, any communication that reveals private facts about
another without that persons permission or any communication that is
intended to harass, annoy or intimidate another person is against School
policy.
4) The intentional use of a School computer to access any of the following is
forbidden:
i. Any site displaying sexual or pornographic content
ii. Any site promoting violence, use of controlled substances or other
illegal activity
iii. Online games or gambling
iv. Any site promoting moneymaking schemes
v. Any site that provides for the unpaid use of copyrighted materials
The School has the right to review all material sent/received using its
facilities and will do so.

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
Purpose of the Library/Media Center
To provide resources for research projects and special reports
To offer instruction in locating and using materials and services available
To provide a place for quiet study.
Since the library is a place for study and reflection, a quiet atmosphere needs to be
maintained. If it is necessary to speak, please do so in a soft voice. Enter and leave the
library quietly. The library will be open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
Book Check-out Procedure

1)
2)
3)
4)

All books may be checked out for a period of two weeks and may be
renewed for two more weeks.
Books needed for research or for book reports may be checked out for a
period of one month and may be renewed for another month.
All reference material and reserved material must be used in the library.
Magazines are to be checked out as books are, except that the current issue
cannot be checked out. They are also subject to fines.

Use of Computers in Library/Media Center

Only students with a current, signed Acceptable Use Policy agreement on file may use
the computers. Improper use of this resource will result in loss of privileges and/or
disciplinary action. The pass system is explained to all students and reminders posted.
It must be followed in order to maintain privileges.

LOCKS, LOCKERS, AND PUBLIC AREAS

Lockers are the property of the school, and their use is with the understanding that
access to them by the administration is allowed at any time for any reason. Students are
allowed to purchase locks and use them for their lockers provided that they register the
lock with the Dean of Students. Students must register their serial number and
combination. Locks can be cut off by
the administration if ready access cannot be obtained.
Students must keep all their possessions either in their assigned locker or gym locker.
Items such as clothing, book bags, athletic gear, musical instruments, textbooks, and
other student belongings found elsewhere will be considered clutter and placed in a
designated area. All public access areas like hallways, the campus center, locker rooms,
and the Math/Science Building well need to be clear. Students may retrieve items from
the designated areas for $1.00 per item. This needs to be done before school, between
periods, after school, and always at a teachers convenience.
Locks for athletic locker rooms are provided by the athletic department and are
expected to be used in the locker rooms. The locker rooms are used by the public for
outside activities.
Expensive equipment or large sums of money on campus for any reason should be
brought to the main office in the Administration Building for safekeeping.

LOST, BROKEN and FOUND ITEMS

The School assumes no responsibility for lost, broken or stolen items. Items that have
been lost, broken, or presumed stolen should be reported to the Dean of Students.

LUNCH

A varied selection of hot and cold entrees, snacks, desserts and beverages is available.
Meal tickets for different amounts may be purchased from the office. As a community
service, students assigned to cleanup are expected to fulfill their obligations. A duty list
is posted in the Dining Hall.
Trash must be deposited in the containers provided for this purpose and care should be
taken to leave the Dining Room in good condition for those who will follow. All eating
will take place exclusively within the area designated unless and alternative
space is designated or a teacher gives specific permission. Students must
remain in the dining hall area for the entire lunch period.

MANDATORY REPORTING
TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
In accordance with state law and School policy, School staff is obligated under penalty of
fine and jail term to report the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, sexual abuse or
child neglect. In this very serious and legally narrow area, the School will not contact
parents in advance of making a report to authorities, which would be the procedure
followed in most other legal matters. The clear intent of the law, based on the
seriousness of the crimes listed above, is to mandate that a report of reasonable
suspicion of abuse be made.
School staff will make such reports in the best interest of the affected child and do not,
once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the
report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The Masters School is a member of the National Honor Society. Each spring the Upper
School faculty considers the members of the junior and senior classes to determine which
students, if any, qualify for selection. The constitution of the National Honor Society
provides clear and specific guidelines for selecting members. Selection is based on four
criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. To fulfill the scholarship requirement, students must have a cumulative scholastic average of B+ average.
Students who are academically eligible will be notified and encouraged to submit an
application to be reviewed by the faculty in the areas of character, service, and leadership.
There will be an induction ceremony scheduled when new members are to be received.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Master's School believes that Physical Education is an important part of the
curriculum. Students need to be dressed appropriately so that they can participate fully
in P.E. class. Proper clothing includes: T-shirt or sweatshirt, shorts or sweat pants,
socks, and sneakers.
The determination of what is or is not appropriate in any particular instance remains
with the P.E. teacher.
Students who do not participate in P.E. due to illness, injury, or a dressrelated problem will not be allowed to participate in after-school sports that
day.

PUBLICATIONS
Each student in Grades 7-12 will receive a yearbook. The Masters School yearbook is
part of the education fee paid with the tuition bill. The yearbooks are generally
distributed in June.
Each Friday an e-mail is sent out highlighting upcoming events.
The Masters School Journal of the Creative Arts containing student work is published
each year in the spring.

SCHOOL HOURS
For Grades 6-12 the school hours are 8:00 a.m. 3:05 p.m.
Because of the size and extent of the main campus, the school cannot accept
responsibility for students for an extended period of time before or after school hours.
Students in car pools should be dropped off no earlier than 7:40 a.m. and picked up no
later than 3:25 p.m. unless they are involved in a school sponsored activity with official
supervision. Examples of official supervision are team sports, drama, extra help with a
teacher, clubs, etc. Students not under the direct care of adult supervision (parents,
coaches, teachers, etc.) should not be on campus after 3:25 p.m.
All students need to indicate their after school activities on the morning attendance
forms. A location will be provided for students still on campus after 3:25 p.m. School
supervision of an after school program may result in fees being assessed for
participants. This may also occur for students dropped off in the morning before 7:40
a.m.

SENIOR PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The senior class is eligible to receive senior privileges at the discretion of the Dean of
Students at the beginning of the second quarter after the completion of certain
requirements and a review of the first quarter report cards. Additionally, the overall
effort behavior and attitude of the class will be considered prior to granting senior
privileges. After privileges are granted, students are reviewed individually. Parents will
be notified if a student has had his/her privileges revoked. A written request or appeal
for reinstatement may be made to the Dean of Students. See Eligibility Requirements
for additional information.
After obtaining parental permission, the seniors may leave the campus during lunch and
any unscheduled academic periods. They must individually sign in and out in the main
office. They may not be in the parking lot, gymnasium or other areas without faculty
supervision.

It is expected that Seniors will exhibit greater maturity and levels of responsibility than
underclassmen. Therefore a higher level of scrutiny will be utilized in disciplinary
matters with the revocation of Senior Privileges as a possible consequence. It also needs
to be stated that participation in the Graduation ceremony is a privilege and not a right.
Although any serious disciplinary matter may prohibit a Senior from
Graduation at any point in the school year, it is very likely for any serious
matter that occurs in the 4th Quarter.
Second Semester Senior Exam Policy
Seniors will also have the opportunity to become exempt from the second semester
exams if the following requirements are met.
Seniors who achieve an 85% or better average for the third and the fourth quarters in
a subject will be exempted from taking the final exam in that subject. This is a subject
by subject exemption and is not based upon GPA. Therefore, if a student misses the
85% in 3rd quarter, he/she has the opportunity to improve his/her grade in the 4 th
quarter to achieve the average of 85%.

SNOW DAYS
On days when snow, sleet, or other weather conditions make travel especially difficult,
the Headmaster, Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Maintenance make a decision
by 5:30 a.m. regarding whether classes will be held. If a decision is made to cancel
School or open later than usual on any day, the announcement will be carried beginning
after 5:30 a.m. on the following radio/television stations:
WTIC-AM 1080 WDRC-AM 1360
WTIC-FM 96.5 WDRC-FM 102.9

WRCH-FM 100.5

WVIT Channel 30
WFSB Channel 3

This announcement is carried independently as "The Master's School or Masters

School and is not as part of the Simsbury public schools announcement.
If the decision is made to close School early (before 3:05 p.m.) because of impending
weather conditions, the announcement will be made as outlined above. (The Schools
answering machine will also have specific information.) In such a case, the main campus
will close at NOON and there will be no afternoon or evening activities. All students in
grades 6-12 should be picked up at noon but no later than 1:00 p.m. with proper
notification to the School by the parent. Students should not leave campus before the
dismissal time.
If an early closing announcement has not been, School will not close early that day but
parents may call ahead and pick up students early if they wish. Students are not to
call parents to ask to be picked up. Students leaving early with parental
permission must sign out in the office.
Delayed opening times:
One Hour Late: Grades 6-12 start at 9:00 a.m.
90 Minutes Late: Grades 6-12 start at 9:30 a.m.

2 Hours Late:

Grades 6-12 start at 10:00 a.m.

Unlike public schools, The Master's School is not required to make up each snow day.
However, each spring the Board of Trustees determines whether it is advisable to make
up snow days in order to present the program adequately.

SPIRITUAL LIFE
Spiritual life at The Master's School is not confined to a few events or special programs.
We seek to integrate our Christian walk into every aspect of the life of the school.
We do, however, set aside special times for reflection and service. Bible is taught at
every grade level by laying a strong foundation in the Bible and addressing issues that
affect the lives of students (see course catalog).
The Bible classes are enhanced by weekly chapel services and community building
times. Individual classes take retreats and give themselves to service projects. One of
the highlights of the year is the two-day winter retreat. Another highlight is Spiritual
Focus week, which is held the week before Easter.
Our Learning and Serving program is expanding every year. All students are involved
in service to those outside the school. Seniors serve regularly in the greater Hartford
community. Over the past 20 years we have been involved with elementary school
tutoring, adult day care facilities, handicap centers, Head Start programs, Habitat for
Humanity, hospital help, homeless shelters and food pantries.
Each day begins with devotions and prayer. Because we believe that all truth is God's
truth, academic classes focus not only on skills but also on discovering the greater truths
that reflect God's glory.

STUDENT LIFE
Student Life is a student government organization comprised of students from grades
nine through twelve with a growing commitment to Jesus Christ who are called to
enrich the spiritual and community life of the Upper School of The Masters School.
They are led by a Senior Leadership Group to represent the Upper School in seeking to
fulfill the schools mission through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The biblical concept
of leadership through service is key to the groups focus on the health and care of the
school community.
Mission
Student Life of The Masters School shall be charged to follow the will of God as it
pertains to the spiritual and community life of the student body. Student Life shall:
Listen to the student body that they represent and be their voice within the school
Identify and minister to the needs and concerns of the Upper School student body
Develop and execute opportunities and events for community and spiritual growth
Pray for and encourage the school and larger community

Expand the vision and ministry of the school even beyond the campus

Applying to Student Life

1. Step 1
QUESTIONAIRES: Students wishing to participate in Student Life will
obtain a questionnaire from the advisor and fill it out truthfully and honestly.
Current freshmen, sophomores and juniors will typically have a due date of May
15 for their questionnaires. Incoming freshmen will have questionnaires due
September 30.
2. Step 2
FACULTY SPONSORSHIP: To be considered an official candidate,
students will have 1 faculty member sign their questionnaire, indicating that the
faculty member vouches for the students character and willingness to participate
in Student Life.
3. Step 3
INTERVIEWS: Students will be interviewed by a panel of faculty and
current Senior Leadership to determine level of commitment and to identify
potential goals. Some candidates may be eliminated.
4. Step 4
STUDENT VOTE: A student body vote will take place to determine
final candidates. The entire student body will vote in May. Only freshman will
vote in early October.

TEACHERS
The role of the teacher is primarily academic. Teachers oversee their individual
classrooms and specific curriculum for which they are responsible. In addition, because
the mission of The Masters School is education from the inside out every faculty
member has the privilege and responsibility to encourage not only the academic growth
of the student, but the spiritual, social, and physical as well.

TELEPHONES /CELL PHONES/EMAIL

The Master's School telephone numbers:
Main Campus
36 Westledge Road, West Simsbury, CT 06092
Phone: 860/651-9361
Fax: 860/651-9363
Feel free to call the School from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Teachers and administrators are
always willing to discuss any question or concern. If a staff member is not available,
leave your name and number and he or she will return the call as soon as possible.
Please do not call the School to leave messages for students unless there is an
emergency. As a reminder, students use of cell phones is restricted. Please
refer to Electronics, cell phones, and computer use, found on page 1 of the appendix.
Email addresses follow the convention of first initial followed by last name (i.e.:
jdoe@masterschool.org).

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell phones must be off and must be out of sight at all times while on campus and may not
be used during school hours. Specific permission may be granted by a faculty or staff
member under the following circumstances:
o To contact a parent or family member
o To contact someone when school or an event have been cancelled for that same day
o On a school sponsored trip
Upper School Students have been granted the privilege of reasonable use of their cell
phones during their lunch period.
Should students choose to use their phones inappropriately during the day, teachers and
staff persons will take the phones away and issue a detention.
Teachers reserve the right to request that cell phones be visible during class time as
needed and especially during exams, tests or quizzes.

TRANSCRIPTS
There is a $5.00 fee to cover administrative costs associated with releasing records.
Records will only be released if there is no outstanding balance with the Business
Office. All documents received from outside sources will be kept confidential and used
only by those who are directly involved in helping or evaluating the student.

TRANSPORTATION
Parents are responsible for transporting their children to School. Students should arrive
by 7:45 a.m. and be picked up by 3:25 p.m. (or within one half-hour after the end of an
extracurricular activity.) Simsbury residents are eligible for a transportation
reimbursement from the Town of Simsbury. Information is available from the Simsbury
Business Manager.

VISITORS
Visitors are welcome to The Master's School. All visitors must check in at the front desk
in the Administration building. Students who wish to have a guest accompany them to
classes must obtain permission from the Middle School Director or Dean of Faculty
prior to the visit. Upon arrival, the visitor must register at the Administration Office and
remain with his or her student host at all times. The student host is responsible for the
guest's behavior and for providing dress code information.

Any visitor, including parents of prospective students, should call the School to make an
appointment. If possible, no visits should take place during the first two weeks and the
last two weeks of school.

A BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE MASTER'S SCHOOL

The Master's School was founded in 1970 as part of a Christian ministry in West
Simsbury, Connecticut, and originally incorporated as the Center for Renewal. It was
clear from its initial bylaws that education was only one of its objectives. Though it was
essentially nondenominational, there was a close relationship with Covenant
Presbyterian Church whose property adjoined that of the Center for Renewal. Shared
ministry with the church ultimately resulted in The Master's School carrying out the
educational aims while the church bore the responsibility for other activities such as the
retreat program. Recognizing the reality of these developments, the name "Center for
Renewal" was replaced by the "The Master's School" as the designation for the
corporation in 1973. The school began the process of establishing its own bylaws in
September of 1976 and completed them in June of 1977.
Originally the school was housed in a building rented from the Town of Simsbury. Later
the Lower School moved into a different building and the Middle and Upper Schools
moved into a site that the school had purchased. In 1980-81 the final move for grades
one through twelve was made to the present site at 36 Westledge Road. The Early
Childhood Center remained at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. There was also a
branch of the ECC in the First Church of Christ in Unionville. After leasing the present
campus for three years, The Master's School purchased the property in 1984.
Subsequently the Unionville branch of ECC was turned over to the First Church of
Christ. A new branch for early kindergarten and kindergarten was opened at the New
Life in Christ Fellowship in Simsbury. In 2005 the EK and K moved to the brand new
lower school building completed in September, 2005. The original Early Childhood
Center is currently housed at CPC, 124 Old Farms Road in Simsbury.
The Master's School has four Schools, the Early Childhood Center, Lower School,
Middle School and Upper School. It is currently under the leadership of its fifth
headmaster.
Despite these physical changes, the Mission and Purpose of The Master's School has not
changed significantly. Our purpose is to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Our mission is to train our youth to be wise in what is good and innocent and in
what is evil, so that they will develop a character that is interwoven with Christian
values. We have examined and revised some of our educational objectives and continue
to make appropriate changes and recommendations for improvement in curriculum.
The purchase of the campus set in motion several things that have created stability and
confidence in the school. We have seen community awareness of The Master's School
increase dramatically. Financial support for the school through the Annual Fund has
also continued. We give thanks to our Lord who made this all possible, and with Whom
we strive to touch more lives.

The Master's School is a Christian school with distinctively Christian educational

objectives - to encourage and enable students to receive all that God has for them
physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. In addition to the goals related to
students' academic development, it is our hope to afford every child the opportunity to
experience the reality of God through Jesus Christ in a meaningful and personal way.
As a nondenominational Christian institution, we are committed to the traditional
Christian faith as expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. We believe the Bible in
its entirety contains God's plan for humankind and is essential to any reliable
understanding of the human condition. We encourage our faculty members to share
their faith in Christ in the course of their working relationship with students in addition
to scheduled worship times, in which Christian leaders are invited to speak about the
Christian life.
We admit mission appropriate students regardless of race, color or creed, and our
faculty and staff sign a statement of faith and are expected to carry out their walk in a
mature, growing manner.
We recognize the necessity of close cooperation between school and family in
attempting to realize these goals and objectives. We trust that each faculty and staff
member at The Master's School supports our goals and purposes as a Christian school.
TIMELINE
March 1970

The Master's School is established as a Christian educational

alternative under the direction of the Center for Renewal, Inc.

May 1970

The first Headmaster, Ralph T. Mattson, is appointed by the Board

of Trustees.

September 1970 The Master's School opens for grades K-3 and 8-9 at the Old South
School in Simsbury with 52 students and 17 staff members.
December 1972

The Lower School moves into another location in Simsbury, now

the Center for Renewal.

June 1973

The first class of seniors graduates.

September 1973 Kindergarten and Early Kindergarten combine with the Nursery
School at Covenant Presbyterian Church to become the Early
Childhood Center.
December 1976

The Master's School receives full accreditation from the New

England Association of Schools and Colleges.

September 1977 The first Early Childhood Center satellite nursery opens in
Unionville.

May 1979

The second Headmaster, Dr. J. Stanley Mattson, is appointed by the

Board of Trustees.

August 1980

Grades 1-12 are united on our 225-acre campus on Westledge Road

in West Simsbury.

July 1983

The third Headmaster, Don W. Steele, is appointed by the Board of

Trustees.

July 1984

The purchase of the Westledge Road campus including nine

buildings is completed.

June 1986

The Master's School entered its second decade of full accreditation

by NEASC.

January 1989

The newly-constructed gymnasium was dedicated.

November 1990 The centralized library located in the Campus Center was dedicated.
September 1996 The Master's School relocated the Early Kindergarten and
Kindergarten, part of the ECC program at New Life in Christ
Fellowship on Firetown Road.
December 1996

The Master's School entered its third decade of full accreditation by

NEASC.

September 1997 New classrooms are built that connect the locker rooms and
gymnasium to accommodate increased enrollment in the Upper
School.
1999

Sale of land to Simsbury Land Trust, bringing us to 149 acres.

June 2000

The new Dining Hall which included a complete kitchen is

constructed to provide better food service and to free space to
improve Lower School Fine Arts facilities. Campus now has 10
buildings.

September 2004 The fourth headmaster, Bruce Libonn, is appointed by the Board of
Trustees as interim.
July 2005

The fifth headmaster, Rick Burslem, is appointed by the Board of

Trustees.

September 2005 The New Lower School Building opens with 10,000 square feet of
new classroom, office and community space. Campus now has 11
buildings.
November 2006 The Masters School entered the fourth decade of full accreditation
by NEASC.

January 8, 2007 The school received an anonymous gift of $2.78 million. Mortgage
and line of credit were paid in full. Additional funds were given to
complete the Lower School building.
March 2007
established.

Sale of 75 acres to Simsbury Land Trust. A partnership is

September 2007 The Lower School building is completed, adding 4000 square feet
which includes a science lab.
April 2008

The sixth headmaster, Jon F. Holley, is appointed by the Board of

Trustees.

July 2012

The seventh headmaster, Brian Meek, is appointed by the Board of

Trustees.

Appendix
Appendix A Definitions and Descriptions
The following is a partial list of descriptions and
definitions utilized for disciplinary purposes. In no way is
this list meant to be all inclusive. It is intended as a
guideline for the understanding and execution of
discipline.
Bullying
Definition: Bullying means any overt acts, repeated
against the same student over a period of time, by a
student or a group of students with the intent to ridicule,
humiliate or intimidate that student.
Cheating
Definition: Using or attempting to use unauthorized
assistance or advantage in academic work that is
submitted as one's own individual efforts or the giving of
such assistance to others. (Minor offenses of cheating will
be defined as less than 5% of a body of work being nonoriginal work or not as assigned or as non-subject related
communication between students during an exam, test or
quiz.)
Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

Turning in work that was not entirely done by the

student and giving the impression that the work was
done by the student.
o Copying homework without the consent or
approval of the teacher.
o Using translation sites off the internet or software
in foreign language classes.
o Using workbooks from a previous year with
answers already written in.
o Working with others on any assignment which is
intended to be an independent effort.
o Dividing up work among group members that was
intended to be done together.

Using a similar assignment from a past class (book

report, essay, etc.)

Allowing ones academic work to be used in place of

anothers.

Having notes or textbooks visible during tests or

quizzes.

Giving or receiving information about a test, quiz, or

other assignment prior to starting the assignment.
o This includes receiving from someone
unauthorized specific test questions or
information about topics included in the
assignment.

Glancing at someone elses test or quiz or allowing

someone to glance at your test or quiz during the
administration of the test or quiz.

Using a calculator when instructed not to use it.

Not telling your teacher that the score on your test is

added wrong.

Not telling your teacher when a wrong answer was

not marked wrong.

Instead of reading the original book or original

literary work:

Reading a condensed version.

Seeing the film or video.
Using Cliffs Notes
Reading an English version of a work assigned in
a foreign language.
Dress Code
Definition: Refer to the Dress Code section of this
handbook for a detailed description. It is important to
note that a student out of dress code is expected to
rectify the matter immediately when it is first brought
to their attention or obtain a pass from the Dean of
Students.
Electronics, cell phones, and computers use
Definition: the use of any personal electronic, telephone
or computerized device.
Explanations and examples of the use of electronics, cell
phones and computers include, but are not limited to:

Laptops/Handheld Computers are to be used only for

valid educational purposes.

Use of Radios, CD Players, MP3 Devices and other

musical devices are not allowed during school hours
and must be kept completely out of sight and are
subject to confiscation otherwise. Specific permission
for use may be given by a faculty member under the
following circumstances:
o Within a teachers classroom under their
supervision.
o On a bus or van trip.
o On a school sponsored trip

Cell phones must be off and must be out of sight at all

times while on campus and may not be used at all
during school hours. Specific permission may be
granted by a faculty or staff member under the
following circumstances:
o To contact a parent or family member
o To contact someone when school or an event have
been cancelled for that same day
o On a school sponsored trip
o
Upper School Students have been granted the
privilege
of reasonable use of their cell phones during their
lunch
period.

Should students choose to use their phones

inappropriately during the day, teachers and
staff persons will take the phones away and
issue a detention.

Teachers reserve the right to request that cell

phones be visible during class time as needed
and especially during exams, tests or quizzes.
o
o
o
o

Handheld, console or computer based gaming

is not allowed during school hours.
Gambling
Definition: Participating in games of chance or situations
where money or property change hands or actions are
performed based on the outcome of the event.

Explanations of gambling include, but are not limited to:

Playing traditional games of chance not limited to the
following examples:
o Poker (and variations)
o Blackjack
o Craps
o 3-card Monte

Playing any game where betting or prizes are

involved

Pooling or betting money, property or actions that are

given to an individual completing an action (i.e.:
giving someone $5 if they shave their head).
Gum Chewing
Definition: Gum chewing is not allowed on campus
because it creates a maintenance condition when it gets
into carpet and under tables or other furniture.
Harassment
Definition: Harassment means any unwelcome verbal
or physical abuse, repeated against the same student
over a period of time, that creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive educational environment,
regardless of the means by which they are made or
communicated.

Hazing
Definition: Hazing means any action or activity that
endangers the health or safety of a student for the
purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or
as a condition for continued membership in a student
organization or activity such as an athletic team.
Inappropriate language or gestures
Definition: the use of language that one could find
offensive.
Explanations of inappropriate language include, but are
not limited to:

Using foul language (using words considered swears)

Using racial slurs, even when joking around.

Using sexual explicit or suggestive language.

Raising of the middle finger.

Inappropriate public displays of affection
Definition: Any action, appearance, or statement, which
can be considered or interpreted as sexual in nature.
Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not
limited to:

Kissing.

Hugging or touching.

Sexually suggestive speech or gestures.

Lack of attentiveness
Definition: not giving your complete attention to the
individual in charge and/or the task at hand.
Explanations of lack of attentiveness include, but are not
limited to:

Sleeping in class.

Keeping your head down on the desk during class.

Working on work unrelated to the class at hand.

Lying
Definition: Any action, appearance, or statement, which
an individual knows, or should know, to be untrue, given
with intention to deceive.
Examples of lying include, but are not limited to:

Making a false statement in an attempt to gain an

unfair advantage.
Giving false excuses and explanations for being
absent or tardy.
Bending the truth or pretending not to understand
information that one is expected to know.
Lying by omission.
Leaving out pertinent information in order to gain an
unfair advantage or to protect others.
Receiving permission from a teacher to go one place
and going someplace else.
Forgery

Messiness
Definition: contributing to the messiness or disarray of
the campus.
Explanations of Messiness include, but are not limited to:

Littering.

Leaving backpack or other personal effects lying

about in non-designated areas.

Leaving a mess in the dining hall or a restroom.

Personal appearance (See Dress, Grooming and

Appearance Standards)
Parking lot safety
Definition: Student shall maintain safety in the parking
lot at all times. This is generally an unsupervised area
and no student is allowed to be in the parking lot during
school hours except by specific permission of a faculty
member.
Explanations and examples of parking lot safety issues
include, but are not limited to:

Being in the parking lot during school hours.

Exception include:
o Students being picked up or dropped off with the
knowledge and permission of a parent or
guardian.
o Seniors with privileges, ONLY if they are leaving
from or arriving to campus.
o Students retrieving an item from their car ONLY
with the permission of a faculty member.

Violating driving rules (See section Diving

Privileges)
Plagiarism
Definition:
literary theft, misrepresentation, and
falsification.
Explanations of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
To plagiarize is to steal someones ideas or thoughts or to
borrow dishonestly from another.

To sign ones name to a daily assignment or major

work is to declare that work totally ones own. By not
clearly marking the source of the information,
thoughts or ideas, a student commits plagiarism.

To copy directly, paraphrase, or summarize with

premeditation and without documentation is to
deliberately plagiarize.

Inadvertent documentation mistakes that allow

anothers words, thoughts, or ideas to be credited as
ones own due to improper referencing are
considered plagiarism.

Plagiarism is a serious violation of another persons

rights, whether the material stolen is great or small; it

is not a matter of degree or intent (Academic

Writing at TMS: Statement on Plagiarism).

Plagiarism is prevented when the proper form of

documentation is followed.
Physical boundary limitations on campus
Definition: Students are welcome to be in and about and
enjoy the appropriate places on campus, at the
appropriate times. These areas include the buildings
utilized by the Upper School. Students should not exceed
these privileges by going outside of the places and times
allotted without specific permission from faculty member.
Explanations of exceeding physical boundary limitations
include, but are not limited to:

Going to any the lower school buildings or their

outside facilities.

Going to the middle school building except for the

library or computer room.

Being at the athletic fields during school hours.

Going to any area off the campus proper.

o Peripheral wooded areas
o Reservoir
o Hiking paths

Being in any building after 5:00 PM or on weekends.

Being in the parking lot or on the drive during school

hours.
Piercing
Definition: Piercing means the penetrating of the skin or
body with jewelry or another object. Visible piercing is
limited to the ears only and should not draw undue
attention.
Explanations of piercing violations include, but are not
limited to:

Having excessive piercing that violates the intent of

the dress, grooming and appearance standards

Earlobe plugs
Recurring infractions and ongoing
disciplinary problems
Definition: any matter of discipline that occurs more
than two or three times. Even minor issues such as gum
chewing that recur are signs of disrespect for authority
and for the community and will be handled with severity.
Explanations of recurring infractions and ongoing
disciplinary problems include, but are not limited to:

Breaking the same school rule more than 2 or 3

times.

Breaking 2 or 3 different school rules, even just one

time each, over a relatively short period of time.

Multiple infractions (whether they are the same or

different in nature) with the same teacher.

Failure to follow through with agreed upon corrective

action.
Respect for school
Definition: Any action that mars, harms or otherwise
defaces any portion of the campus, including inside and
outside of buildings and of the grounds or unattached
property.
Examples of disrespecting the school include, but are not
limited to:

Vandalism.

Dropping/leaving trash or items on the floor.

Defacing a textbook.

Burn-outs with a vehicle in the parking lot.

Respect For school staff

Definition: Any action, appearance, or statement, which
lowers the admiration or esteem of a faculty or staff
member or any inconsideration toward them.
Examples of disrespecting a faculty or staff member
include, but are not limited to:

Talking back.

Using derogatory or defaming language toward an

individual.

Uninvited observation of papers or effects on or in a

teachers desk or personal belongings.
Respect for peers
Definition: Any action, appearance, or statement, which
lowers the admiration or esteem of a peer or any
inconsideration toward them.
Examples of disrespecting a peer include, but are not
limited to:

Slander or slurs.

Using derogatory or defaming language toward a

peer.

Uninvited observation of papers or effects in a peers

locker or personal belongings.
Sexual harassment
Definition: Sexual Harassment includes any unwelcome
sexual advance and/or affection, request for sexual
favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
educational environment, regardless of the means by
which they are made or communicated. In brief, our
Sexual Harassment Policy is as follows:

TMS does not tolerate sexual harassment or

other forms of harassment, retaliation, or
discrimination on the basis of race, gender,
color, sexual orientation, national origin,
religion, physical or mental disability, or
ancestry.

TMS takes complaints very seriously.

TMS will investigate claims promptly.

There will be no retaliation for bringing a

claim or providing information in good faith.
TMS will take appropriate disciplinary action,
if warranted, up to and including Expulsion
from school and mandated reporting to proper
authorities as appropriate.

Sexual misconduct
Definition: Based on the Bible, The Masters School
believes that God intended human sexuality to be
enjoyed only in a monogamous marriage relationship
between a man and a woman. Therefore, any sexual
activity or expression outside of heterosexual
marriage, including but not limited to pre-marital or
extramarital sex, use and/or distribution of
pornography, homosexuality, sexual abuse or
improprieties towards minors, and all sexual
harassment, as defined herein, are prohibited. Sexual
misconduct includes any of the aforementioned
prohibited actions whether done in person, through
social media, or other means of communication.

Stealing
Definition: Taking or attempting to take property,
whether physical or intellectual, without right or
permission.
Examples of stealing include, but are not limited to:

Taking something without permission of the owner

even if the intention is to return whatever is taken.

Borrowing something without permission even if the

intention is to return whatever is borrowed.

Finding something and making little or no effort to

locate the rightful owner.

Unauthorized removal of academic materials from a

teacher.
Tardiness (Unexcused)
Definition: Arriving late to a scheduled class, community
time or event without a parent note or teacher pass. It is
the students responsibility to obtain a pass when the
possibility exists that they might be late.
Explanations and examples of tardiness include, but are
not limited to:

Arriving to school late.

Arriving to a class late.

Arriving at a class on time, placing personal items at

the students desk and leaving, not to arrive back
until after the start of class.

Arriving late to a class, requesting that a pass be

obtained at a later time.
Tattooing
Definition: Tattooing means the marking of the skin,
either permanently or temporarily with lettering or
graphics. Tattoos are not allowed to be visible at any time
and must be covered while on campus or at any school
related event (i.e.: sporting events, trips, etc.)
Unprepared for class or physical education
Definition: Students are expected to arrive at each class
on time with ALL of the materials items necessary for that
class.
Explanations and examples of unpreparedness include,
but are not limited to:
Arriving to P.E. without appropriate dress.
Arriving to a class without a writing utensil.
Arriving to a class without books or notebooks as directed
by the teacher.
*Requesting to go to the lockers to retrieve an item once
class has begun.

Revised Fall 2014