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WELCOME TO THE RCDS ADMISSIONS TOUR GUIDE

PROGRAM!
Thank you for your interest in being an RCDS Admissions Tour Guide. Admissions Tour
Guides play an important role for the school by giving new families their very first
impression of our school. Your personal perspective and range of experience will give
guidance and context to a new family's experience in our hallways.
Clearly our office will benefit from your energy, enthusiasm and interest. We want this to
be a productive and rewarding activity for you as well. Being a Tour Guide is a great way
to build social skills, add to your rsum for colleges and make a truly important
contribution to the school community. The Admissions Office will provide training and
support to ensure that you have a great experience. When you come by the Admissions
Office, don't hesitate to say hello to Mr. Suzuki (Director of Admissions), Mrs.
Dubriske (Administrative Assistant), Ms. Pinkham (Assistant Director of Admissions,
Lower School) Ms. Doucette (Admissions Officer), Ms. Fitzpatrick (Admissions Office
Assistant) and Mr. Isola (Assistant Director of Admissions, Middle School).
All Tour Guides: Please fill in your free periods on the blank schedule as soon as possible
and return them to me (Upper School mailbox). Try to include as much flexibility as
possible in your schedules so that we can cover all tours, but please only mark free
periods that you are free and willing to give a tour. Finally, we would like all Tour
Guides to attend a practice tour with me, Ms. Doucette and/or the Head Tour Guides, Kat
DiCaprio (12) and Mimi Chiquet (12). We will offer separate practice tours for veteran
and new guides. A variety of times will be offered for these purposes.
Please call (914-925-4542), e-mail (courtney_doucette@ryecountryday.org), or drop by
my office at any time if you have questions or just want to talk. Once again, we want to
welcome you as a Tour Guide and thank you for your interest. With your help, we are
looking forward to having another fantastic year in the Admissions Office.
Sincerely,
Ms. Doucette and the Admissions Office

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Points of emphasis for each division:
LOWER SCHOOL NURTURING
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESPONSIVE
UPPER SCHOOL EXCELLENCE
EXPECTATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE TOUR GUIDES
We expect that you will be prompt, professional and neatly attired. Make sure that your clothing and appearances
present a positive first impression for prospective families (no chewing gum!!!). Beyond that, we encourage you to
relax and be yourself.
REVIEW in advance the specifics regarding the grade level in which the family is interested. (Information and
reminders are provided with your tour assignment). Although you want to be informed, always remember that if you
are asked a question to which you don't know the answer, be comfortable in saying that you dont know. Let the family
know that they will have the opportunity to acquire more information through Admissions Officers and extensive
printed material.
RELAX on your way over to the Administration Building. Your tour is a fun opportunity to help the school and
highlight the positive aspects of RCDS. Remember to be friendly and cordial to your guests. Be a great first impression
for the school.
CONNECT with parents and the student. Try and make a connection with everyone on the tour if possible (this won't
always happen). The best tour provides a balance of attention between parents and the student(s). Often your own
personal experiences and positive impressions of RCDS are of the most interest to a visiting family. It is crucial that
your overall approach be a positive and enthusiastic one. (If there are specific questions or issues that come up for you
that don't easily fit into a positive framework, be candid but maintain a good perspective. Always ask Ms. Doucette
and/or Head Tour Guides to help with these types of difficult questions).
ASK your family some questions. Questions are the key to getting people talking and getting a sense of what the
family's interests are. Where are you from? What sparked your interest in RCDS? Have you ever been here before?
What are you most interested in seeing?
KNOW what is going on at school during the time of your tour. Have a sense of when classes change over in the high
school -- when do you want to show the family our hallways? There may be events that you want to make sure your
family gets a chance to see along the way. A little preparation goes a long way.
DISCUSS school style, class size, student-teacher relationships, the advisor system (5th-12th grade), role of Deans,
school activities (sports, drama, music, art, Fall Fair, Model Congress, public purpose, publications, photography), etc.
Make sure to LISTEN to what the family is really interested in learning more about. Families should know that RCDS
is both challenging and nurturing.
SHOW the great facilities and teachers RCDS has to offer. Tours should not go "everywhere"- let the grade level of the
candidate and the family's interests be your guide. Please do not barge into classes that are in session! Our tours
should never disrupt classes. Looking in (quietly) through an open door for a minute or two, however, is certainly very
much in order. Some teachers will invite you into classes, which is perfectly appropriate. Just be careful to manage the
time: the ideal tour takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Should a family wish to extend the tour longer than your
schedule permits, invite the family back to the office, indicating that you have a class appointment and that the
Admissions Office will arrange additional time for them.
INTRODUCE the family to faculty if an obvious opportunity arises. If you pass Mr. Nelson, Mrs. Shea, Ms. Walsh,
Dr. deChabert, or Mr. Wieman then by all means make a friendly introduction.
SPEND a minute or two in the Admissions Office waiting area at the end of the tour to ask if there are any questions please don't just drop the family off and disappear. Make sure to make a connection with someone in the office before
departing.

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HOW ARE TOURS SCHEDULED?
A family calls to request an appointment on a specific day, and a tour is arranged for a specific period on
that day.
If you are scheduled to be a guide for a family, you will receive a YELLOW note on the Upper School
Student Message Board in the Main Hall a few days beforehand which will give the specifics of the
assignment (the day, date, the time, the family's name, the grade level of prospective RCDS student, and a
review of a suggested tour route).
All Tour Guides should have access to e-mail and check it regularly. Ms. Doucette will send out e-mail
confirmation notices for tours in addition to the yellow notices in the Main Hall. Ms. Doucette will
schedule tours using the free blocks you provide (so please only sign up for blocks that you know you
are free and willing to give a tour). Once you are scheduled to give a tour, please e-mail Ms. Doucette
at courtney_doucette@ryecountryday.org if you have any questions or cannot give the tour. This
confirmation will let her know that you have received the notification and will be coming to your scheduled
tour. In general, Tour Guides are expected to check their e-mail on a regular basis for tours and other
general announcements.
Tours will normally be listed in Daily Announcements and read during house periods. However, if we
forget to list your tour, DO NOT assume it has been canceled.
If, for any reason, you cannot take the tour for which you have been scheduled, please contact the
Admissions Office immediately: Let Mrs. Dubriske (914-925-4513) or Ms. Doucette (914-925-4542)
know well ahead of time, so that we can arrange for a substitute. If this is a last minute situation, Mrs.
Dubriske should be the contact person if Ms. Doucette is unavailable. If you are ill and will not be coming
to school, call Ms. Doucettes voice-mail (914-925-4542) and leave a message early that morning or e-mail
Ms. Doucette (courtney_doucette@ryecountryday.org). Ms. Doucette will communicate all changes and
adjustments within the Admissions Office.
The most important concepts in this process are to PLAN AHEAD and COMMUNICATE with the
Admissions Office.
Please understand that arriving on time to the Admissions Office for your scheduled tour is as important a
responsibility as there is in the guiding activity it is a must. Punctuality, attentiveness and enthusiasm all
send very positive messages to prospective families! In previous years Tour Guides have had an
exceptionally good record in maintaining this responsibility; we have confidence that you can do the same.
It is usually easy for our office to arrange a replacement when we are given proper notice.

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HEAD TOUR GUIDES
This year the Admissions Guide Program is lucky to have the leadership of two veteran Tour Guides,
seniors Kat DiCaprio and Mimi Chiquet. These experienced guides will be great sources of information
and support throughout your year. These are students who "know the ropes" when it comes to giving tours
at RCDS. Two projects that the Head Tour Guides manage are the Tour Guide Feedback and the E-mail
Newsletter.
TOUR FEEDBACK
After completing your tour, we want to encourage all Tour Guides to send feedback to the Head Tour
Guides. The purpose of your feedback is to help us work with the family in the future and to know when
problems arise with the Tour Guide process in general. This form will also give you a chance to ask the
Head Tour Guides and/or Ms. Doucette questions for future tours. We are excited to hear your impressions
of the tour, but also want you to know that this is not intended to be a critical evaluation of the candidate or
family. However, if you have a great tour with a particular family, we are always eager to have that
information!!! We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to share your input.
You will receive a BRIEF e-mail from one of the Head Tour Guides after your tour asking questions
similar to the following. This e-mail should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
What facilities and/or topics were of particular interest to this family?
Were there any problems or difficulties on the tour route because of the construction or other reasons?
Did you feel like the family wanted more information than you could provide about any particular topic? Were there
any tough questions?
How could you tell that the family was genuinely interested in RCDS?

Please remember that the admissions process is a confidential one. Although we want your
feedback, you should not be broadcasting your tour experiences to the entire school community. If you
have problems or concerns with a tour, please see one of the Head Tour Guides, Mr. Suzuki, or Ms.
Doucette directly.
E-MAIL NEWSLETTER
The Head Tour Guides will be putting together a periodic e-mail newsletter in an effort to keep Tour
Guides current about events on campus. Things like projects on display in the school, performances and
recent sporting results could all prove to be useful on your tours. If you know of events or displays that
might be useful in this effort, you should e-mail suggestions to the Head Tour Guides. We hope this will be
particularly useful for tours to the lower divisions.

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FACT SHEET FOR ADMISSIONS GUIDES
(This information is here to help you and for your review; you don't need to know it by heart!!!)

RCDS FOUNDED: 1869

CAMPUS SIZE: 26 acres

ENROLLMENT: Total 893; Lower School 201; Middle School 294; Upper School: - 398
Students come from approximately 40 different school districts. Boys/girls usually reasonably evenly divided
throughout the School. Average class size at all levels of the School is 15; US average is 12.
FINANCIAL AID: Approximately 16% of operating budget. Roughly $4.2 million a year, approximately 142 students
receive aid. Anyone is encouraged to apply.
ORGANIZATION:
(3 divisions)

Lower School: PK- 4th grade, Mrs. Sylvia Walsh, Principal

Middle School: 5th 8th grade, Dr. deChabert, Principal
Upper School: 9th 12th grade, Mr. Paul Wieman, Principal

GRADE SIZES:

PK:
K-3rd grades:
4th grade:
5th grade:
6th grade:
7th 8th grades:
9th 12th grades:

PROGRAM:

Pre-Kindergarten: Half-day program, 8:15 am -Noon (in PK Bldg.) Beginning in mid-

1 section (17 students)

2 sections (17 students total in each grade)
3 sections (c. 45-50 students)
4 sections (c. 50-55 students)
5 sections (c. 70-75 students)
c. 75-80 students total each grade
c. 90-100 students total each grade
(7 sections of English; others vary)

October (after Columbus Day), the PK will have extended days on Tuesdays and Thursday. These
extended days will end at 1:30 pm.

HOURS:
(daily)

K 4th grades:
5th 6th grades:
7th 8th grades:
9th 12th grades:

8:15 am 3:05 pm
8:05 am 3:15 pm
8:05 am 3:25 pm
8:05 am 2:50 pm

SCHEDULE:

Kindergarten 4th grades: Self-contained classes; 2 teachers per class in PK-2nd grade, one teacher
per class in 3rd 4th grades (students remain in one room for all/nearly all academic subjects).
Note: LS students travel to specials (Art, Music, Science, P.E., French or Spanish, Computer,
Library)
5th grade: Students travel in a cohort to disciplines (transitional year)
6th 12th grades: Individualized student schedules

SUPPORT
SERVICES:

Advisors in 5th-12th grades; 9th-12th Grade Deans, 6-Day rotating schedule for everyone.
Also, School Nurse, Learning Specialists, Counselor and School Psychologist.

SPORTS:

Kindergarten -- 8th grades: 5 days/week. Interscholastic teams 7th -12th grades. Middle School has
weekly after school commitments for a game. Upper School: Students try out for JV or V sports
team or take PE 3 days a week. Athletic Center: Fitness Center, 2 basketball courts, 4 squash,
locker rooms, Training Room, Multi-Purpose Room; Upper School class room space.

LANGUAGE:

Second -5th grades: Students are exposed to French or Spanish two times a rotation. Sixth-8th
grades: Must take Latin, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or French. Successful completion of MS
program equals one year in Upper School. US: Three years of the same foreign language is
required for graduation. Ancient Greek in US is offered on a limited basis. Individual studies in
Hebrew, Italian, & German but these do NOT fulfill the language requirements

ART/MUSIC:

Kindergarten-6th grades Art/Music part of the regular program, elective 7th-12th grades (US
requirement: Art/Music Survey plus an elective) Drama: Available at all levels. Other noteworthy
offerings: Photo, Electronic Music, Jazz Band, Private Music Study, Stagecraft, Ceramics, Wildcats
(families can see course offerings guide).

TOUR OUTLINE
These pages should provide useful outlines of the Lower School, Middle School and Upper School tours of Rye
Country Day School. This guide only provides a very basic skeleton of a tour. Clearly each Tour Guide will have
his/her own style, and every family will have their own grade focus and individual needs. When in doubt, always ask
the family how much they would like to see; you are not obligated to show them the entire campus. Our goal is to make
sure each family walks away with an informed sense of the campus, the school culture, and has a positive experience
visiting the school.
We also want every Tour Guide to feel relaxed, confident and prepared. One of the biggest challenges is that tours must
take no longer than 40 minutes. The ideal tour should stay focused on the division level; do not try to show the whole
school with every tour!!!!

UPPER SCHOOL TOUR (Excellence) -- Candidates for 9th-12th Grades

INTRODUCTION

After greeting your family in the Admissions Office with a smile and a handshake, head out to the porch.
This can be a good place to articulate a rough plan for the tour and give the family a chance for input. Is
there something they have a particular interest in seeing? Do they have time constraints? Let them know that
the tour will take about 25-30 minutes.

You may want to point out the buildings one can see from the porch to provide the family with an overall
sense of what they are about to see.

The porch is a great place to talk about the recent construction that is readily seen. The new addition to the
Pinkham Building has a 140-seat auditorium, which will be used for class meetings, assemblies

PINKHAM BUILDING

Head right off the Administrative Building porch under the Library towards the Wildcat statue. Enter the
Pinkham Building through the doors on the right. Walk by Mr. Wiemans office and mention his office.
Point out the Library. Take the family to the 3rd (top) floor. Start by displaying the newly renovated science
laboratories. Show the Art Room; only enter if class dynamics seem appropriate. Stop at the College
Counseling Center. If there are no meetings or presentations in session, enter the center and if available,
introduce your family to the college counselors Mr. Bates, Ms. Pfeiffer and Ms. Fernandez-Rojo. Continue
down hallway toward the Pinkham Building. Walk past the Student Lounge. Stop in the area outside the
Tech Center, but do NOT enter. Mention Public Purpose. You may wish to describe Public Purpose as the
following: Public purpose is a relatively recent initiative involving a shift to an interdisciplinary

service learning approach. RCDS believes that education is more than just teaching, and the
school has a commitment to fostering students' empathy, compassion, and ethics, while
empowering them as agents of change in their communities. Students engage with the community
through longstanding, mutually beneficial partnerships designed to make a positive impact on the
common good, and these experiences are integrated into the curriculum. Walk down stairs (the
stairwell with the elevator) to the 1st floor. Stop by the new assembly space. Walk by the large glass
windows looking out to the Plaza. Point out Memorial Hall. Walk up stairwell to the 2nd floor (near Ms.
Druehls office), got to the main level, and exit by the Wildcat statue where you entered.
DINING HALL

Enter through Middle School entrance across from the Wildcat statue. Wind your way around the hallway,
and along the way point out Mr. Morgan (Director of Diversity and Inclusion), Dr. deChabert (Middle School
Principal), and Mr. Nelsons (Headmaster) offices. Go down the stairs and enter the Dining Hall. Share
information about breakfast (optional), lunch, and snack options. Explain that we have two Dining Halls and
the flexibility of lunch times. Head back out main (glass) entrance, take a left and head for the PAC.

LIBRARY (Optional: if time allows or at a parents request)

Be respectful of the Library. Sometimes the best place to whisper is near the computers in the center.
Mention librarians, books, and study areas for both MS and US. Display internet/database collection in
library as well as electronic catalog.

Mention the LS now has it own library. Head downstairs into the Middle School. Take a left at the bottom of
the stairs and head outside under Library. Take a right towards the Dining Hall.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Walk under the school library and head to PAC front entrance; point out the Rosemary Khoury Courtyard
and drop-off areas. Explain how the road was moved during the recent construction. This can also be a great
place to talk about security. Point out cameras as well as security guards at each entrance.

You may want to mention that although it is close to 20 years old, the PAC still looks new. This is a great
example of how students respect the school no graffiti, ripped seats, etc.

Explain the uses of the PAC foyer (art shows, small drama/music events, receptions) and move into the
Auditorium. Say a word about division meetings and also school productions. You could mention the
orchestra pit and/or tech theater option. Another good topic is morning meetings and the 6-day schedule.

Head out the side door by the left of stage. Continue upstairs and show the families the recently renovated
Chorus Room as well as the new Dance Room. Visit the newly expanded Band Room on the lower level if
time/interest permits. Head out of the lower level towards the Athletic Center. This will provide another nice
view of the main entrance. IMPORTANT: (If there is a function going on in the Auditorium, talk about the
Auditorium in the Foyer first. Then, take a brief peek inside, if its appropriate. Exit the Auditorium and go
along the corridor on the Courtyard side of the PAC to the outside of the Auditorium exit.)

ATHLETIC CENTER

Enter the main entrance to Athletic Center; make a right and head up the staircase. At the top of the stairs,
point out the Athletic Offices. Talk about the athletic program and sports offerings. Useful sports info: PE 5
days a week for 1st-8th grades. Seventh and 8th grades start to have team offerings with only occasional after
school commitments. Upper School students can try out for JV/V sports or complete the PE requirement by
using the Fitness Center (3 times a week).

Walk around the balcony; overlook the basketball courts. You may discuss graduation. If class is not in
session, enter the Observation Room for a view of the Ice Rink (or Tennis Courts, depending on the season).

Continue around the balcony and enter the Multi-Purpose Room, and continue through the Squash Courts.
Point out the Locker Rooms and Training Room down below.

Exit Squash Courts and enter Fitness Center; mention that training/coaching for equipment is available. Take
advantage of the view to highlight the playing fields. Point out our turf fields while mentioning which fields
are used by each team.

Exit the Fitness Center and turn left and exit the Athletic Center. Point out the athletic fields. Follow
pathway that runs between the field and Memorial Hall. Take the stairs that run between Memorial Hall and
the Pre-K. Return to the Admissions Office.

CONCLUSION

Bring the family back into the Admissions Office waiting area and connect them with Mrs. Dubriske, Ms.
Fitzpatrick or one of the Admissions Officers. Offer to answer any final questions and then depart with a
handshake and a smile

Follow up by responding to the Head Tour Guide e-mail feedback form. This shouldn't take long, but try to send it while the tour is
fresh in your mind.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TOUR (Responsive) -- Candidates 5th-8th Grades

INTRODUCTION

After greeting your family in the Admissions Office with a smile and a handshake, head out to the porch.
This can be a good place to articulate a rough plan for the tour and give the family a chance for input. Is there
something they have a particular interest in seeing? Do they have time constraints? Let them know the tour
should take about 25-30 minutes.

Show the family the grade the applicant is currently in, and also the grade they are applying for

You may want to point out the buildings one can see from the porch to provide the family with an overall
sense of what they are about to see.

MAIN BUILDING: MIDDLE SCHOOL

Head right off the Administrative Building porch under the Library towards the Wildcat statue. Enter the
Middle School building on the left. Enter through Middle School entrance across from the Wildcat statue.
Wind your way around the hallway, and along the way point out Mr. Morgan (Director of Diversity and
Inclusion), Dr. deChabert (Middle School Principal), and Mr. Nelsons (Headmaster) offices. Go down the
stairs and enter the Dining Hall.

DINING HALL

Share information about breakfast (optional), lunch, and snack options. Explain that we have two Dining
Halls and the flexibility of lunch times. Point out the MS Computer Lab. Head back up the stairs and proceed
to showing the appropriate grade level (see below).

MAIN BUILDING: MIDDLE SCHOOL

For a 7th/8th grade applicant:

Seventh and 8th grade applicants should see the 7th & 8th grade Science Labs, and you can also display the
Ceramics Room downstairs if there is interest.

Make sure to point out the Art Room, which is used by all MS students. Art is an elective in 7th & 8th grades.

Point out the 7th/8th grade classrooms in the 7th/8th grade wing (and hear about electives, language, and the
7th/8th grade daily schedule). Point out the Deans Offices (Ms. Carrie Donahue, 7th & 8th grade girls; Mr.
Matt Rosolen, 7th & 8th grade boys).
For a 5th/6th grade applicant:

Display 5th grade classrooms as necessary. All are labeled by subject area. Fifth graders can choose French
or Spanish as their language for the year; in 6th grade students can choose Mandarin Chinese and Latin as
well as Spanish and French. Point out language classes as you head to the 6th grade hallway.

Display the appropriate Science Labs. For a 5th or 6th grade applicant, the 6th grade room should suffice. You
can also display the Ceramics Room downstairs if there is interest.

Explain 5th & 6th grade common room and display 6th grade classes as necessary. Explain that 6th graders
have their own individualized schedule. Make sure to point out the Art Room, which is used by all MS
students. Art is part of the regular program in 5th and 6th grades but is an elective in 7th & 8th grades.
Remember that Ms. Betsy Stedman is the Dean of the 5th and 6th grade; you will pass her office at the end of
the hallway.

If you are with a 5th grade applicant, you should show the family a 4th grade classroom. Walk through 4th
grade space. Explain how 4th grade is generally a self-contained class while 5th graders travel as a cohort to
their different classes.

Exit the MS/LS building and head to the PAC

LIBRARY (Optional: if time allows or at a parents request)

As you enter the library, explain that Middle and Upper School students now use this space only. Make sure
to highlight the Librarians, the Collection, and the laptop program. As you walk through the Library, you
may want to point out the wireless transmitter.

5th grade: Once a cycle Literature Appreciation

5th & 6th grade: Science classes meet in Library as needed
7th grade: Work with classes as needed.
8th grade: Work with classes as needed. Arranged by classroom teacher.

Head all the way downstairs to the Wildcat. Mention the Upper School on your way by, but you should not
enter unless there is a special request. Head outside under the Library and over to the Athletic Center.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Head to PAC front entrance; point out the Rosemary Khoury Courtyard and drop-off areas. Explain how the
road was moved during the recent construction. This can also be a great place to talk about security. Point
out cameras as well as security guards at each entrance.

You may want to mention that although it is close to 20 years old, the PAC still looks new. This is a great
example of how students respect the school no graffiti, ripped seats, etc.

Explain the uses of the PAC foyer (art shows, small drama/music events, receptions) and move into the
auditorium. Say a word about division meetings and also school productions. Another good topic is morning
meetings and the 6-day schedule. There is no formal 5th grade drama program but there are electives for 6th,
7th, & 8th grades. Members of the 7th & 8th grade choir are cast in a musical.

Head out the side door by the left of stage; visit the Chorus Room and Dance Room on the upper Level as
well as the Band Room on the lower level if time/interest permits. All students take chorus and band in 5th
and 6th grade, but these are elective courses in 7th and 8th grade. Head out of the PAC side entrance and walk
over towards the Athletic Center. This will provide a nice view of the main entrance and courtyard.

ATHLETIC CENTER

Enter the main entrance to Athletic Center; make a right and head up the staircase. At the top of the stairs,
point out the Athletic Offices. Talk about the athletic program and sports offerings. Useful sports info: 5th &
6th grade have a general PE program in the middle of the day; 7th & 8th grade have team offerings with
weekly after school commitments. Seventh & 8th grades can always choose general sports if they don't want
to be on a team. Sports in 7th & 8th grade are from 2:00 to 3:20 pm.

Take the family upstairs and walk around the balcony; overlook the basketball courts. You may discuss
graduation. If class is not in session, enter the Observation Room for a view of the Ice Rink (or Tennis
Courts, depending on the season). All RCDS students have access to the Ice Rink at various times.

Continue around the balcony and enter the Multi-Purpose Room, and continue through the Squash Courts.
Point out the Locker Rooms and Training Room down below.

Exit squash area and enter Fitness Center; mention that training/coaching for equipment is available. Take
advantage of the view to highlight the playing fields. The Fitness Center is only for use by 9th-12th grades.

Exit the Fitness Center and turn left. Point out the athletic fields. Follow pathway that runs between the field
and Memorial Hall. Take the stairs that runs between Memorial Hall and the PK. Return to Admissions.

CONCLUSION

Bring the family back into the Admissions Office waiting area and connect them with Mrs. Dubriske, Ms.
Fitzpatrick, or one of the Admissions Officers. Offer to answer any final questions and then depart with a
handshake and a smile.

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Follow up by responding to the Head Tour Guide e-mail feedback form. This shouldn't take long, but try to send it
while the tour is fresh in your mind.

LOWER SCHOOL TOUR (Nurturing) -- Candidates for PK-4th Grades

INTRODUCTION

After greeting your family in the admissions office with a smile and a handshake, head out to the porch. This
can be a good place to articulate a rough plan for the tour and give the family a chance for input. Is there
something they have a particular interest in seeing? Do they have time constraints? Let them know the tour
should take about 25-30 minutes.

You may want to point out the buildings one can see from the porch to provide the family with an overall
sense of the campus.

MAIN BUILDING: LOWER SCHOOL

Head right off the Administrative Building porch under the Library towards the Wildcat statue. Enter the
Middle School building on the left. Point out the 7th/8th grade classrooms in the 7th/8th grade wing. Walk to
the main hallway and point out he main school entrance. Wind your way around the hallway, and along the
way point out Mr. Morgan (Director of Diversity and Inclusion), Dr. deChabert (Middle School Principal),
and Mr. Nelsons (Headmaster) offices. Go down the stairs and enter the Dining Hall.

DINING HALL

Head down the stairs into the new Dining Hall. Point out the MS Computer Lab and walk family into MS/US
Dining Hall. Head over towards LS Dining Hall.

Head into the LS Dining Hall. Articulate that we have two separate Dining Halls.

Point out the LS French and Spanish Room is on your right on the way into the current cafeteria.

Point out LS Music Room at the back of the Dining Hall. Head back upstairs to show the appropriate grade
level.

MAIN BUILDING: LOWER SCHOOL

Display the LS Lobby area. Walk to main stairs and point out improvements to new playground. Head down
Hallway towards LS Art and Library. Point out LS Science room on your right.

Show the LS Art Room and LS Library. All Lower School grades have once-a-cycle trips to the Library for
Literature Appreciation. Teachers can also now easily use Library as needed, as they have their own
librarian. Exit Library; continue down the hallway to stairs. Head up to first floor where 4th grade is located.
Display K - 3 classroom (all clearly labeled). If the family is interested in 4th grade, take them up to top floor
to see these spaces.

Helpful LS/MS language program info: Students are exposed to French and Spanish starting in 2nd grade (a
few times a week). In 6th-8th grades, foreign language is a full-time academic subject. Students choose
French, Latin, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese. New students can easily enter this program at any stage.

Exit the MS/LS building and head to the PAC

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Exit from new main school entrance and head to PAC front entrance; point out the Rosemary Khoury
Courtyard and drop-off areas. Explain how the road was moved during the construction plan. Point out the
Lower School Multi-Purpose Space. This can also be a great place to talk about security. Point out cameras as
well as security guards at each entrance.

Explain the uses of the PAC foyer (art shows, small drama/music events, receptions) and move into the
auditorium. Say a word about division meetings and also school productions. You could mention the
orchestra pit and/or tech theater in the Upper School. Another good topic could be morning meetings and the

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6-day schedule.

Head out the side door by the left of stage; visit the renovated Chorus Room and Dance Room on the upper
Level as well as the Band Room on the lower level if time/interest permits. Head out of the lower level
towards the Athletic Center. This will provide another nice view of the main entrance.

ATHLETIC CENTER

Enter the main entrance to the Athletic Center; make a right and head up the staircase. At the top of the
stairs, point out the Athletic Offices. Talk about the athletic program and sports offerings. Useful sports info:
PE 5 days a week for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Seventh and 8th grades start to have team offerings
with only occasional after school commitments. Upper School students can try out for JV/V sports or
complete the PE requirement (3 times a week).

Take the family upstairs and walk around the balcony; overlook the basketball courts. You may discuss
graduation. If class is not in session, enter the Observation Room for a view of the Ice Rink (or Tennis
Courts, depending on the season). All RCDS students have access to the Ice Rink at various times.

Continue around the balcony and enter the Multi-Purpose Room, and continue through the Squash Courts.
Point out the Locker Rooms and Training Room down below.

Exit Squash Courts and enter Fitness Center; mention that training/coaching for equipment is available. Take
advantage of the view to highlight the playing fields.

Exit the Fitness Center and turn left. Point out the athletic fields. Follow pathway that runs between the field
and Memorial Hall. Take the stairs that run between Memorial Hall and the Pre-K.

PRE-K BUILDING

We NO LONGER go into the PK building on tours. Should you have a prospective PK or K family; point out
the PK building and let them look in the windows (outside of the white gate) to get a feel for the space. Point
out he playground. Explain to them that it is an added security measure that you are not allowed to go in.
They will see (or have seen) the PK during a group visit.

Explain that PK is virtually a self-contained program from 8:15am until noon (M, W, F) and 8:15am until
1:30pm (Tu & Th).

Helpful Info: PK does occasionally use the library and participate in LS morning meetings. Field trips are
common as well.

CONCLUSION

Bring the family back into the Admissions Office waiting area and connect them with Ms. Dubriske, Ms.
Fitzpatrick, or one of the Admissions Officers. Offer to answer any final questions and then depart with a
handshake and a smile.
Follow up by responding to the Head Tour Guide e-mail feedback form. This shouldn't take long, but try to send it
while the tour is fresh in your mind.