URSULINE ACADEMY CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION ROSANN WHITING, PRESIDENT 781-493-7706 JULAINE MCINNIS, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS 781-493-7707 SUSAN PENELLA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY 781-493-7710 KATHRYN MCCARRON, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT 781-493-771 ELAINE FAZEKAS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS 781-493-7717 MAURA POLLES, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS 781-493-7727 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION MARY FERRUCCI, DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE/CO-PRINCIPAL 781-493-7723 MARY-KATE TRACY-ROBIDOUX, DIRECTOR OF MISSION/CO-PRINCIPAL 781-493-7728 STEPHANIE WILLIAMS, DEAN OF STUDENTS AFFAIRS 781-493-7720 KATHY THORN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 781-493-7718 HEATHER SMART, SCHOOL NURSE 781-493-7721 MICHAEL O CONNOR, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS 781-493-6413 URSULINE ACADEMY 85 LOWDER STREET DEDHAM MA 02026 PHONE: 781-326-6161 FAX: 781-326-4898 www.ursulineacademy.net While every effort is made to keep the contents of this handbook up-to-date, the Ursuline Academy administration reserves the right to change or alter any statement herein without prior notice. Students and parents are informed of policy changes as they occur. 2
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, Our goal at Ursuline Academy is to build an educational community that encourages the student body to act as people of faith, character, and responsibility. By developing policies centered on our mission statement and core values, we believe our students will grow and mature into young women who achieve high standards as members of the school, the nation, and the global community. This handbook is published every year to ensure that students and parents are aware of policies used to accomplish our community goals. It sets the framework from which we work in order to provide the best education for our students. Please read the handbook very carefully; it explains procedures and practices for academics, student behavior, and communication with faculty, staff and administration. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact the school at any time. Sincerely, Ursuline Academy s Administration 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS URSULINE CULTURE MISSION STATEMENT.8 GUIDING VALUES.8 PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS.8 THE URSULINE PRAYER.8 THE SCHOOL ANTHEM.9 HISTORY OF URSULINE ACADEMY.9-10 SCHEDULE AND DATES DAILY SCHEDULE.11 MASS SCHEDULE.11 MORNING ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE.12 AFTERNOON ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE.13 ONE HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE.13 TWO HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE.14 EXAM SCHEDULE.14-15 ATTENDING URSULINE SCHOOL HOURS.16 ABSENCES.16 TARDINESS.17 EARLY DISMISSAL.17 SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS.17 INCLEMENT WEATHER TRANSPORTATION.18 BUS TRANSPORTATION AUTOMOBILES/PARKING TUITION AND FEES GENERAL CHARGES.19 PAYMENT PLANS.19 SANCTIONS.19 REFUND POLICY.20 WITHHOLDING STUDENT RECORDS FOR NON-PAYMENT.20 4
ACADEMICS ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION. 21 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MIDDLE LEVEL.21 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION (9-12)...21 REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION.21 ACADEMIC HONORS.22 QUARTERLY ACADEMIC HONORS REQUIREMENTS GRADUATION HONORS CALCULATION OF VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN DESIGNATIONS COMMUNICATION OF ACADEMIC INFORMATION.23 MAKE-UP WORK.23 ASSESSMENTS.23 HOMEWORK QUIZZES TESTS EXAMS.23 EXAM SCHEDULE SCHEDULE CONFLICTS SENIOR EXAMS GRADE CALCULATIONS.24 ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.25 CONTACTING A FACULTY MEMBER.25 CONTACTING A GUIDANCE COUNSELOR.25 ONLINE COURSES.25-26 REPORT CARDS.26 SCHEDULES.26 PROCESS APPLICATIONS APPEALS PROCESS ADD/DROP PROCESS COMMUNITY VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ATTENDANCE/TARDY.28 DECORUM.28 UNIFORM.28 GYM UNIFORM.29 DRESS CODE FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.30 MASS.30 SPIRIT DAYS.30 DANCES.30 BACCALAUREATE.30-31 O O PARTICIPANT GUEST 5
GRADUATION.31 O O PARTICIPANT GUEST MAJOR SCHOOL RULES.31-35 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY BEHAVIOR DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO RESPONSE TO CHOICE UNALIGNED WITH URSULINE ACADEMY S VALUES CAMPUS MINISTRY OVERVIEW.36 SERVIAM (I WILL SERVE) IS A LIVED REALITY AT URSULINE.36 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.36 WHAT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE SERVICE REQUIREMENT.37 DIRECT V. INDIRECT SERVICE.38 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS CHART.38-39 SENIOR SERVIAM PROJECT REQUIREMENTS.39-40 SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR VISITORS.41 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.41 INTERNAL EVACUATION EXTERNAL EVACUATION GREEN LOCKDOWN RED LOCKDOWN & A.L.I.C.E. PROCEDURE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION WITH ADMINISTRATION HEALTH AND WELLNESS URSULINE ACADEMY HEALTH POLICIES.43 HEALTH DATA REQUIREMENT.43 COMMUNICATING WITH THE NURSE.43 CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS.43 MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION.44 HEAD INJURY.44-45 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES.45 ENVIRONMENT.46 STUDENT SERVICES BUSINESS OFFICE.47 LIBRARY.47 LOCKERS.47 LUNCH OFFERINGS.47 6
STUDENT LIFE ATHLETICS.48 CLUBS.48 HOW TO GET INVOLVED HOW TO START A CLUB DANCES.48-49 FIELD TRIPS.49 TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW.50 ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY.51 CELL PHONE/SMART PHONES.51 IPAD, TABLETS, AND LAPTOPS.52 PHOTOS AND VIDEOS.52 SOCIAL MEDIA.52-53 APPENDIX BULLYING POLICY.54-58 HARASSMENT POLICY.59 PARENT STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND PERMISSIONS 7
URSULINE CULTURE MISSION STATEMENT Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic school that educates young women for lives that reach toward the Light and the Good. GUIDING VALUES The seven stars on our shield represent our guiding values: 1. Soul : We base our identity in the writing of our foundress, Saint Angela Merici, in the Ursuline tradition, and in our connections with the global Ursuline community. 2. Scholarship : We emphasize the dual values of academic achievement and intellectual curiosity for its own sake. 3. Spirituality : We gather for prayer, liturgies, and retreats to direct ourselves toward the goodness of God. 4. Sharing our Light : We sing, dance, write and play, paint and program, always celebrating our diverse backgrounds and gifts. 5. Sportsmanship : We compete enthusiastically, conscientiously, and soli deo gloria. 6. Solidarity : We are welcoming community that fosters respect for every human being and for all of God s creation. 7. Serviam : We see to be a generous people who live the motto, I will serve. PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS Ursuline Academy works in partnership with parents to support of our students education. For this partnership to succeed, it is necessary that parents have full faith administrators, faculty and staff of Ursuline Academy are working to help students develop intellectually, morally athletically, and socially. Parents can best contribute to their daughters success at Ursuline Academy by establishing school work as a priority at home, by stating informed about events and development at Ursuline Academy, by ensuring students prompt and consistent attendance, and by communicating with faculty and staff in a timely, respectful manner. Please note that parental cooperation is essential for the welfare of the students at Ursuline Academy. If, in the opinion of the administration, parental behaviors seriously interfere with the teaching/learning process, the school may require parents to withdraw their daughter and may sever the family s relationship with the Academy. THE URSULINE PRAYER Gracious God, Let us remain in harmony, United together all of one heart and one will. Let us be bound to one another by the bond of love Respecting each other, helping each other, and bearing with each other in Jesus Christ. For if we try to be like this, without any doubt, the Lord God will be in our midst. Amen. 8
THE SCHOOL ANTHEM Saint Angela Merici, tender mother true. We sing your praise from sea to sea, Our Loyalty pledged anew! Serviam! Serviam! Our shield with hope is bright! Serviam! Serviam! Ursuline hearts unite! HISTORY OF URSULINE ACADEMY The Order of St. Ursula has been described as probably the very first Christian organization on record in history for the teaching of young girls. In the early sixteenth century, Angela Merici, an Italian woman and a member of the third order of Saint Francis, experienced a vision of young women ascending to heaven on a ladder of light. Over the course of the subsequent decades, Merici established a small company of women whose mission was to provide guidance and education to young women, and to teach them to strive for a life, as the Ursuline Academy mission statement puts it, that reaches toward the Light and the Good. Since Sister Angela Merici s death in 1540, the community that she founded has carried on her work. The Order of Ursuline Sisters, named after the early Christian martyr St. Ursula, now work throughout the world, ministering in various ways including education, embodying the spirit of their foundress, St. Angela. Sisters of the Ursuline Order were among the first women to arrive in North America. In 1639, a group of Ursuline sisters founded the first North American convent in Quebec. By 1727, Ursulines made their way to New Orleans, where they founded the academy that exists there to this day. In 1820, Ursulines came to Boston as the result of a bequest from Father John Thayer. In his will, Thayer mandated that a school be founded for the education of poor girls and that Ursuline Sisters establish it. Accordingly, four Ursulines from Trois Rivières Convent in Canada set up a tuition-free school for girls next to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Franklin Street in Boston. The school on Franklin Street got off to a strong start, attracting students without difficulty. However, due to crowded conditions and poor air quality, tuberculosis infected all four of the founding sisters. By 1827, all had passed away of the disease, and a new plan, to build an academy in a more salubrious location emerged. A project was soon underway to build a school on a purchase of land in Charlestown (today East Somerville) that consisted of acreage for farms, orchards and gardens, a farmhouse, several outbuildings, and a hill on which the new convent school would be built. The new academy, named Mount Benedict after the bishop, adopted a European model of education, comprising both core academic subjects and finishing accomplishments considered necessary for young women of genteel origins. While places were reserved for academically talented but not economically privileged students, the majority of the student body consisted of young women of means, largely drawn from prominent Unitarian families. In 1830, the school achieved its peak enrollment of eighty boarding students. 9
The growth of the academy coincided with the growth of anti-immigrant, nativist sentiment in Boston. Catholic immigrants were seen by many working class Americans as a threat to their economic security. Irish A worldwide outbreak of cholera also contributed to fear of Irish immigrants among some Americans. When Irish immigrants in Boston were disproportionately affected by cholera, some Bostonians xenophobic tendencies increased. In a gathering storm of anti-catholic sentiment, a series of acts of violence against Catholics and their property occurred in Boston between 1830 and 1834. Finally, in August of 1834, an event occurred that precipitated the convent s destruction. A nun named St. Mary John, suffering from physical and mental exhaustion, left the convent at night, and sought shelter at the home of the parents of two students who had graduated from the academy. Sr. Mary John returned to the convent the next day. But the damage had been done; nativist Bostonians, already suspicious of Catholics, gathered and marched on the convent. What followed was an episode of anti-catholic violence unparalleled in American history. Transcript s summary reveals the extent of the devastation: The Boston Evening The subject of universal interest in the city today has been the work of destruction accomplished by a mob, last night and this morning, at and about the Ursuline Convent, on Mount Benedict, in Charlestown- resulting in the complete sacking of the principal building itself- a four-story handsome brick edifice, with wings, and front about eighty feet- together with the farm house, cottage, and every other building upon the premises, and also with the demolition of consumption by fire of all of the furniture and chattels of every description, appurtenant to the whole. Teachers and students fled the burning convent, while the mob vandalized graves, tore apart the headmistress s office, and defiled the chapel and it appurtenances. In the days following the burning of the convent, the chapel s silver ciborium (the vessel used to contain the consecrated Eucharist) was discovered and brought to the nuns at their temporary lodgings. As recently as 2017, students at Ursuline Academy had the chance to see the very ciborium, which has been housed at the Ursuline convent in Dedham for the last fifty years. Attempts to recreate the original academy in Boston or its environs did not succeed, and for more than a century, there was no Ursuline presence in the city. In 1946, at the invitation of then Archbishop Richard Cushing, a group of Ursuline Sisters returned to Boston to open Ursuline Academy on Arlington Street with forty-five students. Within ten years the student body at the Academy had expanded, and a search for larger quarters began. In 1957, the Ursuline Order acquired a twenty-eight-acre estate in Dedham, Massachusetts, a site which has been since continually upgraded and further developed. Since the official opening of the school over sixty years ago, each decade has been marked by progress and challenge. Though there are fewer Ursuline Sisters involved today in the education ministry, the Academy s 440 students are served with the same dedication and commitment by the faculty. Since the first class graduated from the school on Arlington Street in Boston in 1947, Ursuline Academy has embodied the mission and vision of the Ursuline Order and the inspiration of Saint Angela Merici. Today, the Ursuline Sisters and Ursuline Academy community continue to work for the same mission envisioned by Saint Angela five hundred years ago: to provide exceptional faith-filled opportunities for the advancement of young women. 10
SCHEDULE AND DATES DAILY SCHEDULE PERIOD 1 8:14-8:54 PERIOD 2 8:58-9:38 PERIOD 3 9:50-10:30 PERIOD 4 (LUNCH 1) 11:08-11:48 PERIOD 5 (LUNCH 2) 11:52-12:32 PERIOD 6 (LUNCH 3) 12:36-1:16 PERIOD 7 1:20-2:00 PERIOD 8 2:04-2:44 TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY HOMEROOM 8:00 8:10 A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A BREAK 9:38-9:50 C D E F G H A B ACTIVITY 10:30-11:08 D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E G H A B C D E F H A B C D E F G MASS SCHEDULE TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY PERIOD 1 8:10-8:44 PERIOD 2 8:48-9:22 PERIOD 3 9:36-10:10 PERIOD 4 10:14-10:48 PERIOD 5 (LUNCH 1) 10:52-11:26 PERIOD 6 (LUNCH 2) 11:30-12:04 PERIOD 7 (LUNCH 3) 12:08-12:42 PERIOD 8 2:10-2:44 HOMEROOM 8:00-8:06 A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A BREAK 9:22-9:36 C D E F G H A B H A B C D E F G D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E MASS 12:46-2:06 G H A B C D E F 11
MASS AND SCHOOL EVENT SCHEDULE TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY PERIOD 1 8:10-8:44 PERIOD 2 8:48-9:22 PERIOD 3 9:26-10:00 PERIOD 4 10:04-10:38 PERIOD 5 10:42-11:16 PERIOD 6 (LUNCH 1) 11:20-11:54 PERIOD 7 (LUNCH 2) 11:58-12:32 PERIOD 8 (LUNCH 3) 12:36-1:10 HOMEROOM 8:00-8:06 A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A C D E F G H A B G H A B C D E F H A B C D E F G D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E MASS 1:14-2:44 MORNING ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY PERIOD 1 8:10-8:50 PERIOD 2 8:54-9:34 PERIOD 3 9:38-10:18 PERIOD 4 (LUNCH 1) 11:08-11:48 PERIOD 5 (LUNCH 2) 11:52-12:32 PERIOD 6 (LUNCH 3) 12:36-1:16 PERIOD 7 1:20-2:00 PERIOD 8 2:04-2:44 HOMEROOM 8:00-8:06 A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A C D E F G H A B ASSEMBLY 10:20-11:05 D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E G H A B C D E F H A B C D E F G 12
AFTERNOON ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY PERIOD 1 8:10-8:48 PERIOD 2 8:52-9:30 PERIOD 3 9:36-10:14 PERIOD 4 10:18-10:56 PERIOD 5 (LUNCH 1) 11:00-11:38 PERIOD 6 (LUNCH 2) 11:42-12:20 PERIOD 7 (LUNCH 3) 12:24-1:02 PERIOD 8 2:06-2:44 HOMEROOM 8:00-8:06 A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A BREAK 9:30-9:36 C D E F G H A B H A B C D E F G D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E ASSEMBLY 1:06-2:06 G H A B C D E F ONE HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY PERIOD 1 9:10-9:47 PERIOD 2 9:51-10:28 PERIOD 3 10:42-11:19 PERIOD 4 (LUNCH 1) 11:23-12:00 PERIOD 5 (LUNCH 2) 12:04-12:41 PERIOD 6 (LUNCH 3) 12:45-1:22 PERIOD 7 1:26-2:03 PERIOD 8 2:07-2:44 HOMEROOM 9:00-9:06 A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A BREAK 10:30-10:40 C D E F G H A B D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E G H A B C D E F H A B C D E F G 13
TWO HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE TIME A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY F DAY G DAY H DAY PERIOD 1 10:00-10:35 PERIOD 2 10:39-11:11 PERIOD 3 11:15-11:47 PERIOD 4 (LUNCH 1) 11:51-12:23 PERIOD 5 (LUNCH 2) 12:27-12:59 PERIOD 6 LUNCH 3) 1:03-1:35 PERIOD 7 1:38-210 PERIOD 8 2:13-2:44 NO HOMEROOM-GO TO 1 ST PERIOD CLASS A B C D E F G H B C D E F G H A C D E F G H A B D E F G H A B C E F G H A B C D F G H A B C D E G H A B C D E F H A B C D E F G CALENDAR AND IMPORTANT DATES Please refer to Ursuline Academy s website for a full calendar of school events and important dates. EXAM SCHEDULE (9-12) Mid- Year Exams AM Exam PM Exams January 22 nd (Monday) English World Language Tuesday Conflict (Statistics) January 24 th (Wednesday) Science Theology January 26 th (Friday) Math History Final Exams (9-11) AM Exam PM Exams June 4 th (Monday) History World Language Tuesday Conflict (Statistics) June 6 th (Wednesday) English Science June 8 th (Friday) Theology Math Final Exams (Senior) AM Exam PM Exams March 7 th (Monday) Math History March 8 th (Tuesday) English Science March 9 th (Wednesday) World Language Theology 14
Mid-Year Exams (8 th Grade) AM Exam January 22 nd (Monday) English January 24 th (Wednesday) Science January 26 th (Friday) Math PM Exams Final Exams (8 th Grade) AM Exam PM Exams June 4 th (Monday) History World Language June 6 th (Wednesday) Science June 8 th (Friday) Math Mid-Year Exams (7 th Grade) AM Exam January 24 th (Wednesday) Science January 26 th (Friday) Math Final Exams (7 th Grade) AM Exam June 6 th (Wednesday) Science June 8 th (Friday) Math PM Exams PM Exams 15
ATTENDING URSULINE SCHOOL HOURS AND SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS Ursuline Academy opens to students at 7:00 am. At this time students are only permitted in the main building where their lockers and homerooms are located. Homeroom begins at 8:00 am with the rare exception of a change in schedule. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each academic class. Academic classes end at 2:44 pm, at which time students are dismissed. Students who are not participating in a supervised extracurricular activity are expected to leave campus by 5:00 pm. At all times, students are expected to follow the rules and regulations of Ursuline Academy. The school office is open between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. The library opens at 7:30 am and offers supervised study until 5:00 pm ( 3:30 pm on Fridays). ABSENCES Classroom attendance is an essential part of the student s course of study. Regular and punctual attendance for all scheduled activities, including homeroom, study halls, Mass and assemblies is required of all students. If a student will be absent, her parent or guardian must report her absence by 8:15 am. Two methods of reporting absences are available. Firstly, parents may call 781-801-1589 to verbally report the student s absence. Alternatively, parents may email attendance@ursulineacademy.net to report the absence. Please be sure to report absences on every day that a student is not present in school. Upon the student s return to school, parents must submit a handwritten note confirming the dates of the school days on which the student was absent. If a student s rate of absenteeism is deemed excessive or creates concern among teachers or guidance counselors, parents, and the student will be required to meet with members of the guidance department and administration and commit to an attendance contract. If parents and student do no uphold the terms of the attendance contract, the student may be required to withdraw from Ursuline Academy. If chronic or acute illness or other circumstances affect a student s attendance unduly (i.e. ten or more absences due to illness in any single quarter or absences that are not adequately accounted for with medical documentation), the administration reserves the right to require students to disenroll from Ursuline Academy. Parents of a student with chronic health conditions must be proactive in communicating with the health office, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators as needed and must provide detailed and comprehensive documentation upon request. If a student will miss school because of a non-ursuline extracurricular activities, or family travel (strongly discouraged), parents must provide information about the duration of the expected absences in advance to the attendance line or to attendance@ursulineacademy.net. Students should utilize the Extended Absence Form available to them in the main office to inform teachers well in advance of intended absences. Voluntary absences are not considered to be excused; that is, teachers are not obligated to provide make-up opportunities for assessments or homework missed as a result of voluntary absence. 16
TARDINESS Any student who arrives late for homeroom must present a note or an email from a parent upon arrival and secure a tardy slip from the office before she will be admitted to class. Students who accumulated three unexcused tardies (i.e., they lack a note from a parent accounting for the tardiness) in a quarter will be assigned a detention. There is an elevated response to students who accumulate more than seven unexcused tardies in a marking period or three tardies in a row. During the day, students who are late for any class will be marked tardy by their classroom teacher. Students must obtain any and all missed work resulting in tardiness. Parents may be asked to meet with administration/guidance to discuss strategies to improve students punctuality and the consequences of frequent tardiness. Students who are frequently tardy may be denied the right to attend school functions, such as dances, travel or field trips. EARLY DISMISSAL Given the importance of class time for students academic success, Ursuline Academy requests that appointments be made after school, on Saturdays, or during vacations. Students requesting dismissal must follow this procedure: 1. A note or email stating the date, time and reason for dismissal must be brought to the office during homeroom. 2. Only the administration is authorized to dismiss a student for any reason. 3. Students granted dismissal must report to the office before leaving the building. If a student returns to school after her appointment, she must also report to the office before returning to class. If students neglect to bring a note for dismissal, an email from a parent may suffice. Such emails should be sent to administration@ursulineacademy.net. Students who wish to be dismissed because of illness must go to the nurse, who will arrange their dismissal with identified emergency contact. Students aged eighteen years or older are not allowed to self-dismiss; all dismissals must originate with a request from apparent/guardian. SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS In the event of hazardous weather conditions, notice of school cancellations will be announced on WBZ TV-4, WCVB TV-5, WHDH TV-7 and FOX-25 as well as via telephone alerts. If power permits, Ursuline will also post a scrolling cancellation message at www.ursulineacademy.net. When Dedham Public Schools are closed for snow, Ursuline will also close. However, Ursuline may remain open even when Boston Public Schools are closed. Ursuline students commute from across greater Boston and the South Shore, and the safety of all students will be taken into account when closing decisions are made. Power permitting, if school is closed for two consecutive days or more, teachers will post assignments on the Parent Portal for which students will be responsible (power permitting). 17
TRANSPORTATION BUS TRANSPORTATION The town of Dedham provides transportation to Dedham students who live 1.5 miles or more from school. Students may pay a user fee. Depending on the year and demand, bus transportation is coordinated. Information regarding schedules and fees may be obtained by calling the Business Office at Ursuline (ex. 7709). Parents are responsible for understanding the bus route, timings, and decisions about delays/cancelations. Students must obey all bus regulations. Courtesy and orderly conduct is expected at all times. Security cameras are installed in all busses serving the Catholic Memorial routes; students are asked to alert the Dean of Student Affairs of any behavior issues on the bus. Ursuline Academy provide transportation whenever possible for student participating in off-campus extra-curricular events, including athletic games, meets and practices, glee and choral groups, model UN and robotics. Students who are not driving or receiving a ride from a parent are strongly encouraged to take the school-provided transportation. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, liability follows the vehicle: students and parents who drive other students assume all the risks and liabilities of doing so. Students with limited licenses are prohibited from driving unrelated passengers. The Academy cannot monitor which students have a parent s permission to ride with other students or to drive student passengers. Parents are responsible for their student s transportation use. AUTOMOBILES/PARKING Ursuline Academy is located in a residential area. Drivers to Ursuline must be respectful and be considerate of Ursuline s neighbors. Lowder Street is a one-way street with a speed limit of 25 mph. The speed limit on campus is 10 mph. Careful driving procedures must be observed at all times. Faculty parking is located in the area near the convent gate, designated area near the Athletic Convocation Center, and in front of the school in tandem spots. Student drivers are assigned specific spaces in the lower lot. Students must register their cars with the school and issued a parking permit for a cost of $75. Parking spots become available for the academic year at the end of July or beginning of August. Priority is given to seniors and then juniors. There is no parking available for sophomores. Parking is very limited and may not be available upon request. Once students arrive in the parking area, they must enter the building immediately. Students may not return to their vehicles until dismissal without specific permission from a faculty or staff member. They must sign out in the office and sign back in when they return. Vehicles on the property of Ursuline Academy may be searched by the administration at any time. The school does not assume responsibility for theft or damage to vehicles parked on school grounds. Any careless or reckless driving on the campus may result in loss of on-campus driving privileges. Cars the drop off/pick up students should not block Lowder Street or neighboring driveways. 18
TUITION AND FEES Ursuline Academy receives no financial aid from the Archdiocese of Boston or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and thus depends upon the prompt payment of tuition in order to operate. The actual cost to educate an Ursuline Academy student is greater than the tuition charged. The difference is made up through the Annual Fund drive and a variety of fundraising activities including the Brescia Ball and the Fore the Girls Tournament. Parent support and participation in these endeavors strengthens our school community and is expected. GENERAL CHARGES REGISTRATION FEE TUITION $300 (NEW STUDENTS ONLY) $19,990 GRADUATION FEE $235 INITIAL DEPOSIT $700 PAYMENT PLANS Ursuline Uses the FACT TUITION MANAGEMENT to manage its tuition receivables. TUITION REFUND INSURANCE TRI Protects families in the event they must withdraw their daughter from UA. A Tuition Refund Plan is available for 2.5% of the net tuition due. The plan is highly recommended for all families. A description of the Tuition Refund Plan is available as a pdf. Not that a student must attend for 14 consecutive days before the plan takes place. SANCTIONS A late payment fee of $125/$75/$25 for the 2/4/10 payment plan (respectively) may be applied 15 or more days after the due date. There is a return check fee of $35. No student will be allowed to take midterm and final exams until all obligations to the school have been settled. Students whose accounts are more than thirty days past due may not participate in extracurricular activities. No senior will be allowed to participate in graduation activities unless all bills are paid in full. 19
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ACADEMICS ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION Ursuline Academy is a college-preparatory school for young women in grades seven through twelve. Selection of students for admission is based on academic ability, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and potential contributions to the community. No person shall be denied admission on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or physical disability. An entrance exam is required of each student requesting admission to grades seven through eleven. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MIDDLE LEVEL Students are required to take the following course: Theology English Mathematics World Language (French, Spanish, or Latin) History Science Studies Rotation of Art, Music, PE and Tech ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION (9-12) The minimum requirements for graduation for Grade 9 through 12 are: 4 credits in Theology 4 credits in English 4 credits in Mathematics 3 credits in World Language (French, Spanish, or Latin) REFUND POLICY There are no refunds of deposits or fees paid. A full refund of 2017-2018 tuition payments will be provided the Business Office has received written withdrawal notice and request for a refund on or before July 1, 2017 Questions regarding these policies should be addressed to the Academy s Business Office. WITHHOLDING STUDENT RECORDS FOR NON-PAYMENT 21
In the event of a student s withdrawal, transfer or expulsion, parents are responsible for full payment of tuition and fees. Ursuline Academy reserves the right to withhold report cards and student records until tuition and fees have been paid in full. By signing the Statement of Commitment, you are authorizing the school to withhold report cards and other records until tuition and fees are paid in full. For more information about tuition and fees, please contact Ursuline Academy s Business Office. 3 credits in History 3 credits in Science 1 credit in Fine Art 4 credits in Electives REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION For a student to be promoted, she must maintain good academic standing and be a respectful member of the Ursuline community. Should a student be identified as needing academic and/or social support beyond the ability of Ursuline Academy to provide, parents and students will meet with the Guidance Office to create a written plan (that may include the student s enrollment in a summer program) intended to help her improve in the area of concern. Every student s academic and/or social progress will be closely monitored and guidance will meet as needed with parents. A student who is unable to meet her academic obligations or to interact appropriately with peers or faculty may at any time be required to disenroll at any time during the school year. FAILURES A student who receives a failing mark (below 68%) in a single final course grade at the end of the school year must attend either a public or private summer school, or receive tutoring from a certified teacher approved by Ursuline Academy. A student who fails two or more subjects for the year will either be required to attend summer school or will be required to disenroll. No senior will be allowed to graduate with an academic failure on her record. A student may be asked at any time to disenroll if it is determined by the school administration that she would be better served in a different academic environment. ACADEMIC HONORS Honors are awarded quarterly in keeping with Ursuline Academy s goal to celebrate students academic achievements throughout the year. Separate honors are not awarded for either midyear or final averages. A year-end average is calculated by adding the final averages of each course and dividing the sum by the total number of courses. The resulting figure is carried out two decimal places. Since grades are automatically rounded each quarter, neither the year-end nor the cumulative high school average is rounded up. 22
QUARTERLY ACADEMIC HONORS REQUIREMENTS First Honors: An average of at least 94% with no subjects below 90% Second Honors: An average of at least 90% with no subject below 85% Honorable Mention: An average of at least 87% with no subject below 80% GRADUATION HONORS At the end of senior year, a final average is determined by adding the averages from each academic year and dividing by those years. Only a senior student whose cumulative average is 87.00 or higher will be awarded graduation honors. A final four-year average of 86.99% will not be rounded up and will not qualify for graduation honors. CALCULATION OF VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN DESIGNATIONS After all senior grades have been calculated, an adjusted cumulative (cumulative over four years, grades 9-12) GPA is determined by converting number grades according to the chart below. All grades are converted to the GPA equivalent, totaled and divided by the number of classes that count toward the GPA. The highest adjusted GPA is awarded the designation of valedictorian and the second highest adjusted GPA is awarded the designation of salutatorian. Strength of academic schedule is a factor in this calculation. While grades earned at other academic institutions, including grades earned in on-line courses, count toward graduation credits, they are not considered when calculating valedictorian or salutatorian. Calculations begin in grade nine. Students must be enrolled full-time at Ursuline Academy for at least three academic years to be considered for valedictorian or salutatorian. 23
AVERAGE GRADE POINT AVERAGE COLLEGE PREPATORY HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT 94-100 4.0 4.6 4.6 5.2 5.0 5.6 90-93 3.6 3.9 4.2 4.5 4.6 4.9 87-89 3.3 3.5 3.9 4.1 4.3 4.5 83-86 2.9 3.2 3.5 3.8 3.9-4.2 80-82 2.6 2.8 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 77-79 2.3 2.5 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 73-76 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.8 2.9 3.2 70-72 1.6-1.8 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 68-69 1.0 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.0 2.5 Below a 68 0 0 0 In the event that there is a tie for valedictorian, co-valedictorians will be named. salutatorian will not be named. In such circumstances, a COMMUNICATION OF ACADEMIC INFORMATION MAKE-UP WORK Students who miss school because of illness are responsible for obtaining and completing all work assigned during the absence and must make up missed assessments in a timely fashion, within the limits established by each teacher s classroom policies. If a student misses school because of college visits, extracurricular activities or family travel (strongly discouraged), students must complete and submit the Extended Absence Form, available in the main office. Students are responsible for keeping up with class work via Google Classroom. Please note that teachers are not able to provide all assessments or course content in advance and are not obligated to offer credit for work/assessments missed due to absences not related to personal illness. Opportunities for make-up work, including tests and quizzes, may be provided at a teacher s discretion. Ursuline Academy strongly recommends that parents refrain from removing students from school for extended vacations as such absences are likely to adversely affect academic performance. Teachers are under no obligation to provide make-up opportunities for work missed because of extended vacations or vacations that occur within class time. ASSESSMENTS (FORMAL OR INFORMAL) The Ursuline schedule allows for individualized education plans that reflect the student s passions and post-graduate aspirations. With more classes integrating more than one grade level, it becomes the student s responsibility to articulate the demands being placed on her and to seek help with navigating the solutions. Students can gain assistance from their guidance counselors and administrators. A teacher is not obligated to move assignments or assessments but, as professional educators, will always strive to balance rigor with support. EXAMS Ursuline Academy gives a cumulative examination of approximately two hours for student in grades 9 12 in each course at the end of the each semester. Students in grades seven and eight sit for one and a half hour exams in all courses giving an exam. Seventh and eighth graders are required to be in the examination room for two hours with the first half hour dedicated to quiet study before the exam in administered. Final projects or papers may be assigned in lieu of a final exam at a teacher s discretion. 24
EXAM SCHEDULE Exams are held at 8:30 and 12, with students reporting to their examination room by 8:15 and 11:45, respectively. If a student does not have an exam, she does not need to be on campus. SCHEDULE CONFLICTS Students who take more than one class in a specific discipline should schedule their conflict exam for the day after the first day of exams. SENIOR EXAMS Seniors are not required to take exams if they have earned an 80% or higher for the year. To calculate this, the first semester grade and the average grades of third and fourth marking periods and average them together. Senior exams will begin after the end of the fourth marking period for seniors. GRADE CALCULATIONS CALCULATIONS FOR GRADES 7-11 WITH EXAMS.4 (First Quarter) +.4(Second Quarter) +.2(Exam) = First Semester.4 (Third Quarter) +.4(Fourth Quarter) +.2(Exam) = Second Semester.5 (First Semester) +.5(Second Semester) = Final Grade CALCULATIONS FOR GRADES 7-11 WITH NO EXAMS.5 (First Quarter) +.5(Second Quarter) = First Semester.5 (Third Quarter) +.5(Fourth Quarter) = Second Semester.5 (First Semester) +.5(Second Semester) = Final Grade GRADES FOR SENIORS SENIORS EXEMPT FROM FINAL EXAM.4 (First Quarter) +.4(Second Quarter) +.2 (Exam) = First Semester.5(Third Quarter) +.5 (Fourth Quarter) = Second Semester.5 (First Semester) +.5(Second Semester) = Final Grade SENIORS NOT EXEMPT FROM FINAL EXAM.4 (First Quarter) +.4(Second Quarter) +.2(Exam) = First Semester.4(Third Quarter) +.4(Fourth Quarter) +.2(Exam) = Second Semester.5(First Semester) +.5(Second Semester) = Final Grade 25
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Academics always take priority over participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics. To pass a course, a student must attain an average of 68% or above. A student who is failing a course during the marking period (average below a 68%), or fails a course (grade below 68%), will lose eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports. In accordance with MIAA regulations, no student may participate in the athletics program at any time when a grade average is below 68%. Special consideration will not be given to extra credit projects; grades must be based on assessments given to the entire class. A student who loses eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities may participate during school vacations, but loss of eligibility will resume when academic classes are again in session. If a student is failing a subject at the time of try-outs or auditions, she may participate in tryouts or auditions, but will not be able to participate or play until she has attained a passing grade and demonstrated a commitment to sustained effort and improvement. It is at the discretion of the coach or moderator to determine whether or not to add a student to the roster who had academic eligibility issues at the time of try-outs. CONTACTING A FACULTY MEMBER Parents concerned about a student s academic progress must consult with the relevant teacher or teachers directly. All teachers may be reached by email or voicemail, and will make every effort to respond to all communication within a business day. Conferences with teachers must be arranged in advance. CONTACTING A GUIDANCE COUNSELOR OR THE CO-PRINCIPALS The guidance office is available for parents who wish to discuss strategies for resolving concerns about a student s academic or emotional development; however, parents should always contact individual teachers first to discuss specific issues relating to grades or curriculum. If, after meeting with a teacher and a guidance counselor, there are still unresolved questions, an appointment may be made with the co-principals by calling the principal s administrative assistant (ex. 7718). All appointments must be made in advance. ONLINE COURSES On occasion, students may elect a combination of courses that, although scheduled to be offered at Ursuline, cannot be accommodated in a student s daily schedule. In this instance, Ursuline will pay for the student to take a comparable online course. Ursuline will ensure that any student who takes an online course is provided space in the library during the student s unscheduled class period. Any student working on an online course will have the option of using either a library computer, personal computer, or personal ipad during that time. Ursuline will not pay for courses that the Academy offers and that fit within the student s daily schedule. Moreover, Ursuline will not pay for online courses in any discipline for girls who are admitted off-cycle. Ursuline Academy will also deny payment for any approved online course if the student does not complete or successfully pass the course. If an Ursuline student enrolls in an approved online course, the course will count towards graduation credits. The grade earned in an online course, however, will not be factored into a student s grade point average. 26
In rare circumstances and with approval from faculty, a student may take an online course for enrichment. This course would be over and above the six major subjects required. In this circumstance, the course would neither count towards graduation credits nor would the grade earned be factored into a student s grade point average. The student s guidance counselor, however, would include the online course in college recommendations and would provide a separate transcript from the online institution in all application material. Ursuline will not pay for any online enrichment courses. The Ursuline Academy administration reserves the right to deny payment for any online course for a student that does not fit within the parameters of the above described acceptable alternatives to a course offered at Ursuline. REPORT CARDS Report cards are issued quarterly. Students and parents can print copies of the report card through the Rediker portal. Cumulative GPAs will be available at the end of the year for grades nine through twelve. Juniors and seniors will also see a semester cumulative GPA. Numerical Average 4.0 GPA 94-100 4.0 90-93 3.60-3.90 87-89 3.30-3.50 83-86 2.90-3.20 80-82 2.60 2.80 77-79 2.30 2.50 73-76 1.90 2.20 70-72 1.60 1.80 68-69 1.00 1.50 Below a 68 0.00 SCHEDULES PROCESS In the early winter, eighth and ninth graders will meet with a member of the guidance department and to review a four-year plan. It is an opportunity for students to look at their tenure at Ursuline and plan in accordance with their academic goals. Rising eighth and ninth graders decision forms are due first, followed by rising tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders. APPLICATIONS Admittance to all AP classes and to Peer Ministry is contingent upon an application process. These applications are made available to students in the guidance office. Guidelines for each AP course are available in the AP guidebook. Most AP courses consider previous grades in the discipline as well as PSAT scores. Guidelines for acceptance to Peer Ministry are distributed annually. APPEALS PROCESS Department Chairs will communicate directly with students AP and Peer Ministry selections. If a student would like the department chair to reconsider a decision, they are asked to email the department chair directly and set up a meeting time to discuss their application. 27
ADD/DROP PROCESS Students have until the Friday of the second week of school to add and/or drop any courses. Discussion with the student s guidance counselor needs to occur before a request can be made. 28
COMMUNITY VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS The life of a student attending Ursuline Academy is both joyous and demanding. We expect each young woman attending Ursuline to engage in the community, risk, grow, and serve. Each student is expected to own her journey with the help and support of this unique community. All members of the Ursuline community are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the mission and guiding values of the Academy. Ursuline Academy requires all members of the community to be respectful and well intentioned in deed and word. It is critical to our identity as an Ursuline school and it is essential to all members of the community that we foster the expansion of conscience as much as intellect. These rules and policies are designed to ensure that Ursuline Academy is a community where each member feels included, safe, and respected. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ATTENDANCE/TARDY Attendance is taken at the beginning of every class. If a student enters the building after 8 am, she needs a pass from the main office before going to class. Students are expected to be on time and prepared for each class. Chronic lateness or unexcused absence from class will result in a disciplinary response proportionate to the offense. Students are expected to be in school for six consecutive classes to participate in any school sponsored after-school activity. If an event or activity is held on the weekend, the student needs to be in school on Friday for the expected amount of time. The Dean of Student Affairs or Co-Principals may waive this requirement for unusual circumstances. DECORUM UNIFORM Every Ursuline Academy student should dress in a manner compatible with an academic atmosphere. The uniform is a signal to the student and those around her that she is ready for the academic day. As a community, a uniform is a visual indicator that all students belong to something greater than themselves. While the details of one s dress may seem small in nature, meeting the uniform and dress code expectations indicates a desire to be a positive member of the Ursuline community. SCHOOL UNIFORM School ID must be worn on the school-issued lanyard around the student s neck at all times White Polo or turtleneck shirt (only UA insignias allowed) Plaid skirt (hem must brush the top of the knees) Black or navy blue knee socks (no insignias are permitted and both socks must be the same color) Solid brown, black, tan, or navy leather shoes with rubber soles (i.e. docksiders or penny loafers) winter elements such as the school sweater or fleece 29
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS (permissible November 1 st March 1 st ) V-neck navy blue sweater with school logo Navy blue fleece jacket with school logo Navy blue quarter-zip jacket with paw print logo (not performance weight ) Black or navy solid leggings (worn under plaid skirt) Personal winter coat/parka Green blazer UNIFORM FOR MASS & OTHER FORMAL OCCASIONS White polo or turtleneck shirt (only school insignias allowed) Plaid skirt (hem must brush the top of the knees) Black or navy blue tights Solid brown, black, tan or navy leather shoes with rubber soles (i.e. docksiders or penny loafers) NOTES ON ACCOMMODATIONS Elements of the uniform may be purchased from the uniform company and/or the school store. Weather conditions may make it necessary for some amendments to the winter uniform. Any announcements to this effect will be made as conditions warrant. If, for any reason, a student requires a uniform accommodation, she should speak with the Dean of Student Affairs. If a pass is issued, it should be worn in a location visible to faculty. If a student is required to wear athletic shoes for medical reasons, she must provide medical documentation that specifies the reason for this accommodation and the period of time for which the accommodation is sought. SENIOR UNIFORM PRIVILEGE Each year seniors may elect to purchase a colored polo shirt. The color navy blue was chosen by the Class of 2018. Additional senior uniform privileges may be granted at the discretion of the administration. NOTES ON ACCESSORIES Jewelry, make-up and hair adornments must be understated and appropriate. Hairstyles should not be distracting, and hair may not be dyed an unnatural hair color. Expensive jewelry should not be worn to school. In physical education class or sports activities, jewelry is not permitted. Body or facial piercing and body art are not allowed. Hats, caps, or scarves may not be worn during the school day. 30
GYM UNIFORM Regulation gym uniforms are required for physical education class. The uniform includes an Ursuline Academy t-shirt (any-style), shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirt, sneakers and socks. All garments should be marked with the student s name. Gym clothing should not be worn during periods other than gym. Students are only permitted to change in/out of their school uniforms in designated changing areas. DRESS CODE FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS MASS Students are required to dress in full formal uniform on mass days. Students must be in full uniform (green blazer, plaid skirt, white polo shirt or turtleneck, black or navy solid tights, and appropriate shoes) for the duration of the day and not just for mass. SPIRIT DAYS Spirit Days celebrate our pride in our community. On Spirit Days, students may wear anything with Ursuline Academy on it. No other school, company, or logos should be present in a student s choice of clothing. Ursuline Academy sweatpants, hats, and athletic shorts are acceptable. A student s dress should reflect the values of Ursuline Academy. Flip-flops, leggings, shorts, short skirts (do not brush the top of the knee), sheer garments, tops that do not cover the student s midriff, are strapless, or have spaghetti straps are not permissible. DANCES How a student chooses to dress for dances should reflect their own personal style and meet Ursuline s community standards. Dress should be age-appropriate and in good taste. All dresses should conform to the following guidelines: Dress necklines should be modest in nature. A dress may be backless, but it may not be cut below the natural waist. Midriffs may not be exposed, either partially or in full. This rule applies to both the front and sides of the dress. Skin-tight dressed will not be allowed, nor will dresses that are excessively sheer. Students not in accordance with spirit of the dress code may be asked to leave the dance and/or follow up with disciplinary consequences. DRESS DOWN DAYS On days when uniforms are not worn, students must dress appropriately. Depending on the occasion, a dress, skirt, blouse, sweater, dress pants, or jeans may be worn. Sweatpants, flip-flops, leggings, shorts, short skirts (do not brush the top of the knee), sheer garments, tops that do not cover the student s midriff, are strapless, or have spaghetti straps are not permissible. 31