Family Guidebook
Noli Res Subdole Facere
DO NOTHING ON THE SLY
ABOUT THIS GUIDEBOOK
The Office of Alumni and Development is delighted to provide you with this short guidebook highlighting the family experience. This guidebook serves as an overview of the School and family activities.
Table of Contents
WEBB BASICS
Overview, Alumni Information, and Grade-Level Class Years
Webb Mission, Motto, and Values
School Organization
Webb Branding
Glossary of Terms and Traditions
Centrally located but a world away, The Webb School is nestled on 150 picturesque acres in Middle Tennessee between Nashville and Chattanooga.
529 BELL BUCKLE POPULATION
6 CONTINENTS
17 COUNTRIES
11 STATES
*All numbers are from the 2025-2026 academic year
REPRESENTING: 50 Countries 49 States CLASS YEAR QUICK REFERENCE
GRADE 6 Class of 2033
GRADE 7 Class of 2032
GRADE 8 Class of 2031
GRADE 9 Class of 2030
GRADE 10 Class of 2029
GRADE 11 Class of 2028
GRADE 12 Class of 2027
Founded in 1870 by former United States senator and noted educator, William R. “Sawney” Webb, The Webb School of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, is the South’s oldest continuously operating co-ed boarding and day school.
OUR MISSION
“To turn out young people who are tireless workers, and who know how to work effectively; who are accurate scholars; who know the finer points of morals and practice them in their daily living; who are always courteous [without the slightest trace of snobbery].”
OUR MOTTO
Noli Res Subdole Facere
Do Nothing On The Sly
Adapted from The Honor Code, The Webb School motto encompasses the understanding that all Webb community members are expected to hold themselves and others to the highest standards of personal integrity.
What We Believe OUR VALUES
The Webb School faculty endorses these enduring understandings.
These beliefs are the foundation of our curriculum and all that we stand for.
Integrity is a cornerstone of a flourishing life and community.
Self-Discipline and autonomy are essential to success.
Learning is an enjoyable and ongoing process.
Each person has unique gifts and capacities and a responsibility to develop them.
Respect for self and others is essential to a harmonious society.
Each person shares the responsibility and honor of serving others.
School Organization
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• Supports and furthers Webb’s mission and vision for the future; responsible for big picture (not daily) operations.
• Stewards the School finances with fiduciary oversight of Webb’s budget and investments to ensure long-term viability.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
• Responsible for daily School operations and oversight of School finances; reports to the Board.
• Partners with the Board to articulate Webb’s vision for the future.
• The Head of School is the Board’s only “employee.”
2026-2027 Board of Trustees
Farrar Vaughan ’95, P ’18, Board Chair
Chase Spurlock ’05, Vice Chair
Ashley Anderson P ’24
Michael Babineau ’02
Vance Berry ’72
Ben Blakeley ’93
David Brown P ’22, ’24, ’29
Alexandra Burlason ’94
Hudson Byrd ’05
Rob Gardner ’72
Bill Hardin ’79, P ’15
Paul Jennings ’82
Katherine Layman ’03, P ’32
Joe Mooney ’83
John Rogers Roberts ’06
Melora Turner ’80
Jeff Whorley ’79
David Wiley ’73
‘P’ indicates Parent of Webb alumnus/a or current student.
• School employees who provide leadership and management expertise for key areas including academics, admissions, athletics, communications, curriculum, finance, fundraising, marketing, student and residential life and strategic priorities.
• Assists the Head of School in managing operational issues, achieving strategic goals and setting the School climate.
• Bring expertise and energy to shape the academic program and Webb experience.
• Partner with families to ensure each child’s success.
• Partner with faculty and staff to ensure their child’s success.
• Support the School and its mission through annual giving to The Webb Fund and other fundraising priorities.
• Actively participate in promoting family fellowship through the Webb School Parents’ Association (WSPA).
• Serve as ambassadors for Webb within their community, helping to attract mission-appropriate and qualified students.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
FACULTY & STAFF
PARENTS
THE SCHOOL LOGO
This is the official logo of The Webb School. It is intended to be used on all official communications on behalf of the School.
THE SEAL
The Webb seal is the signature mark of the Webb brand. It features several elements: the Motto, the Shield and the Torch. Our motto, “Noli Res Subdole Facere,” graces the top arc. It generally translates to “Do Nothing on the Sly.” The Shield and Torch represent the tools a student carries into the world as a servant leader to humanity. The “Shield of truth and honor” is also represented in our School song Integer Vitae.
THE POWER W
The Webb Athletics ‘W’, also referred to as the “Power W,” is the primary logo used by Athletics.
THE FOOT
The Foot, drawn by Class of 1974 alumnus Casey Jones, is the official Webb School mascot. The Foot is our mascot across our entire community. Together, we are known as the Webb Feet.
PRIMARY
SCHOOL COLORS
Gold
Glossary of Terms and Traditions
THE WEBB FUND
The Webb Fund provides resources beyond tuition that support all areas of the School and benefit all students in the academic year the funds are donated. This is the School’s top fundraising priority each year.
LESSONS AND CAROLS
SENIOR BLAZER DAY
Each November, during the week of our School’s Founder, Sawney Webb’s, birthday, there is a ceremony on campus in which every Webb Senior is presented with a blazer from the Alumni Board.
This Webb School holiday tradition began in the 1980s and is modeled after the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge. It takes place in Follin Chapel on the second Thursday of December annually.
BELLES AND BUCKLES GALA
A primary fundraising event for the Webb School Parents’ Association (WSPA), money raised through the sale of tickets and sponsorships directly benefits our students, faculty, staff and campus.
EMERGING VOICES PROGRAM
• Declamation - Sixth through ninth graders present a declamation, a memorized piece of literature with an original introduction written by the performer.
• Oration - Tenth graders present an oration, a memorized original statement of belief.
• Junior Project - Eleventh graders complete a creative project and show the process and the product.
• Senior Symposium - Twelfth graders complete a Capstone research presentation.
HONOR CODE
Summarized by the phrase “I will not lie, cheat, or steal,” The Honor Code forms the foundation upon which character is built. Each year, all students at Webb sign a pledge book affirming their intention to follow that code. Students continually commit to The Honor Code by writing the following on all tests and assignments:
I pledge my word of honor as a Webb lady/gentleman that I have neither given nor received any help on this test/quiz/assignment/project.
HONOR COUNCIL
The oldest student organization on campus, students are elected to the Honor Council annually by their classmates. Honor Council members are responsible not only for upholding The Honor Code through personal example but also for educating the student body in the finer points of honorable behavior. The Honor Council investigates violations of The Honor Code and recommends penalties for offenders to the Head of School.
INTEGER VITAE
The School’s alma mater, which means “an upright or blameless life.”
PREMISE PLEDGE
Every student signs a book, pledging, “I will be on my proper premise when the curfew bell tolls at night.” “Being on my proper premise” represents a commitment to uphold agreements made with others and to honor the standards of the community.
DEMERIT
A demerit equals four hours of detention to be assigned by the Student Affairs Office.
PREFECT
Webb utilizes a student prefect system to help faculty members manage dormitories, to afford leadership roles within the residential community, and to assist younger students with meeting the challenges of daily life in a boarding community.
STANDING FOR ADULTS / VISITORS
Standing when adults or visitors enter a room on campus is a way that Webb students demonstrate respect.
BOOK AWARDS
A way of annually recognizing outstanding student achievement.
WSPA
W.I.L.D.
Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development is Webb’s outdoor experiential learning program.
PEDIGREE YOUR ANCESTORS
This saying of Sawney Webb means that Webb students, regardless of their background, define themselves by their actions here, and therefore, bring prestige to their family.
An abbreviation for the Webb School Parents’ Association.
THE FOOT
The School’s mascot.
NOLI RES SUBDOLE FACERE
The School’s Latin motto, which means “Do Nothing on the Sly”.
CULLEOKA BELL
This bell, according to oral history, was the bell in Culleoka where Sawney Webb and his brother, John, started their school. It was added to The Webb School campus in 2013.
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Teaching outdoors is an enduring tradition at The Webb School that honors our Founder Sawney Webb’s preference for outdoor learning.
BLUE IVY COACHING
Webb partners with Blue Ivy Coaching to offer college counseling for Upper School students. This is an exclusive partnership within the state of Tennessee.
THE WEBB SCHOOL ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
An annual October event that draws more than 100,000 visitors to Bell Buckle.
SENIOR BOARDS
TRAPPING
A longstanding classroom game to promote learning and healthy competition.
WEBB LADY & GENTLEMAN
A Webb lady/gentleman seeks to live a life of honor, integrity and service at Webb and beyond.
Each member of the Senior class carves or paints their name on their class’ senior board before graduation to be displayed in the Alumni Center.
SENIOR SURVIVAL
For their final W.I.L.D. trip, the Senior class embarks on an outdoor adventure one week before graduation, which involves canoeing, white water rafting, camping and hiking 20+ miles of the Appalachian Trail.
SENIOR BIBLE
Each Senior receives a bible or book of their preferred faith along with their diploma.
Our Culture of Generosity
A Tradition of Generous Support
At Webb, philanthropy is woven into the very fabric of our community. Our alumni, faculty, staff, and families all come together to ensure Webb’s continued excellence and accessibility. This culture of giving reflects our shared commitment to the transformative experiences provided here. As parents, you play an especially crucial role in this annual tradition, showing our students what it means to invest in their community.
Ready to Make Your Impact?
To make a gift, set up a pledge, or check if your company matches donations, please visit the webpage below or contact the Office of Alumni and Development.
Supporting
Excellence:
The Webb Fund
The Webb Fund is our School’s most important annual fundraising priority, directly enhancing the educational experience every day. Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a Webb education, and accounts for 77% of our overall budget. The remaining 23% is bridged by generous gifts to The Webb Fund and earnings from the School’s endowment. Your support funds innovative classroom technology, exceptional educators, vibrant extracurricular programs, and campus improvements that benefit students immediately.
The Power of Participation: High family participation—regardless of the gift size demonstrates to foundations and major donors that our entire community stands strongly behind Webb’s mission. Every gift truly matters!
Pledge Now, Pay Later: You can make a pledge during our primary Fall campaign and defer payment until later in the school year. All gifts must be completed by the end of our fiscal year on June 30.
Flexible Ways to Give: We welcome one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations, employer matching programs (which can double your impact!), and stock transfers.
Your Gift, Your Choice: While unrestricted gifts allow us to direct resources where they are most urgently needed, you can designate your Webb Fund gift to specific areas like the arts, athletics, academics, the library, or scholarships.
Beyond The Webb Fund: Additional Ways to Give
Throughout the year, you may see opportunities to support other school initiatives. While we ask that families make The Webb Fund their first philanthropic priority, you can also partner with us through:
• Capital Campaigns or Special Projects: Invest in the future of our campus through targeted funding for new, state-of-the-art facilities, expansions, and upgrades.
• Endowments: Build long-term financial sustainability by funding permanent faculty chairs, specific academic programs, or long-term scholarships.
• Athletic Sponsorships: Directly support our teams, facilities, and the Webb Feet Athletics Program through corporate or personal sponsorships.
• Event Support and Volunteering: Keep an eye out for parent-led community activities that support the WSPA and student organizations.
The Webb School Parents’ Association (WSPA) serves as a vital bridge between families, administration and faculty. This dedicated group works closely with the Head of School to support our community through volunteer service and fundraising initiatives. By contributing their time, talents and resources, WSPA members become true partners in Webb’s success, strengthening our traditions while investing in our future.
Signature WSPA Initiatives
• Belles and Buckles Gala: Brings together parents, alumni, faculty and staff to celebrate Webb’s rich history while supporting its bright future. This beloved tradition serves as the WSPA’s primary fundraising event, with proceeds from ticket sales and auction items directly benefiting our students, faculty and campus.
• Uniform Exchange Sale: Helps families purchase and sell gently-used school uniforms. Uniform drop-off occurs in May, with the annual sale taking place during orientation weekend in August and January.
• Snack Depot: Provides nourishing treats and refreshments to students during midterm and final exams, free of charge. Parents contribute food and drinks to create this highly anticipated resource for students during challenging academic periods.
• Thankfulness Baskets: Assembled annually for all faculty and staff members. These thoughtful collections of homemade gifts, gift cards, supplies and special items represent a cherished Webb tradition that our educators eagerly anticipate.
• Campus Decorating: Transforms the School grounds each Fall and holiday season, creating a festive atmosphere for the entire Webb community.
Connect with
WSPA@webbschool.com
President: Ashlea Shepard P ’22, ’30
Vice President: Candice Donaldson P ’30, ’31
Secretary: Kary Snyder P ’30
Treasurer: Keesha Ridner P ’29
School Liaisons: Dr. Polly Parker, Head of School Emmy McClain P ’32, ’32, Assistant Head of School
School Liaisons’ Contact Information: PollyParker@webbschool.com | 931-389-5703 EmmyMcClain@webbschool.com | 931-389-5710 We encourage all families to participate in WSPA activities and discover the many ways they can enhance their child’s Webb experience while connecting with other families in our community.
School Communications
Through weekly emails, the School calendar, social media, and more, Webb’s Office of Marketing and Communications strives to keep you informed and up-to-date with information from the School.
THE VERACROSS PARENT PORTAL
Veracross is your secure, all-in-one online hub for managing each family’s school life. This centralized platform provides instant access to students’ academic schedules, report cards, and attendance, and makes it easy to view tuition statements, update household contact information, browse the school directory, and more.
ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
The Webb School Athletics App, powered by Ballfrog, keeps our community connected to all the exciting sports action on campus. Parents, students, faculty, alumni and fans can access live scoring, complete schedules, breaking news and team updates for all participating Webb Feet athletic programs. Download The Webb School app to your mobile device via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
SportsYou is our primary communications platform for all team-related updates, schedules and announcements. Download the SportsYou app in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and use the team/group code provided by your child’s coach.
EMAIL NEWSLETTERS
The “Webb Weekly” Newsletter provides parents, students, faculty and staff with timely updates, important announcements and upcoming event information on Fridays throughout the academic year. This essential communication ensures our immediate community stays informed about campus activities, academic deadlines and student achievements.
The Webb School Website (www.webbschool.com) serves as our digital campus, welcoming visitors and providing essential resources for our entire community.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
The Webb School offers multiple ways to engage with our vibrant community life in real-time. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, Vimeo, and LinkedIn for daily glimpses into campus activities, student and alumni achievements, and special events and messages.
The Webb School Parents’ Association also maintains dedicated Facebook and Instagram accounts, providing specific resources, volunteer opportunities and connection points for our parent community.
TEXT COMMUNICATIONS
Main School Accounts
The Webb School Text Alert System delivers time-sensitive information directly to your mobile device. This essential communication tool provides immediate updates on campus emergencies, weather-related announcements, important reminders and special event notifications. The Alumni and Development Text Program connects our extended Webb family with meaningful giving opportunities, campaign updates and special fundraising events. Scan the QR code to sign up.
“The Webb School Magazine,” published annually, offers parents, alumni, grandparents and friends an enduring, tangible connection to campus life. PUBLICATIONS
School Calendars
At-a-Glance Calendar provides a streamlined monthly overview of Webb’s most significant events, deadlines and activities. This user-friendly resource helps families quickly identify key dates, including holidays, special events and major academic milestones, allowing for efficient family planning throughout the school year.
Academic Calendar offers comprehensive information on all educational schedules and deadlines. Students, parents and faculty rely on this detailed resource for exam periods, grading schedules, parent-teacher conferences and academic recognition events. The calendar ensures everyone stays aligned with Webb’s educational rhythm and important classroom milestones.
Athletics Calendar keeps our community informed about all Webb Feet competitions and sporting events. Featuring game times, locations and opponent information for every athletic team, this specialized calendar helps fans plan attendance, coordinate transportation and never miss an opportunity to cheer on our student-athletes.
The Webb School Campus
Main Line: 931-389-9322
School Leadership
Head of School
Dr. Polly Parker
931-389-5703
PollyParker@webbschool.com
Chief Financial Officer
Pam Worsham
931-389-5708
PamWorsham@webbschool.com
Assistant Head of School
Emmy McClain P ’32, ’32
931-389-5710
EmmyMcclain@webbschool.com
Middle School Head
Mallory Garcia P ’31, ’33
931-389-5778
mgarcia@webbschool.com
Director of Alumni and Development
Jonathon Hawkins P ’21
931-389-5769
jhawkins@webbschool.com
Executive Director of Athletics
Bill McClain P ’32, ’32
931-389-5751
BillMcClain@webbschool.com
Director of Enrollment Management
Alex Winnicker
931-389-5718
AlexWinnicker@webbschool.com
Director of Marketing and Communications
Megan Winnicker
931-389-5729
MeganWinnicker@webbschool.com
Director of Auxiliary Programs and Summer Camp
Joe Ali
931-389-5715
JoeAli@webbschool.com
Health Services: 931-389-5770 Important Numbers
Sage Dining Services: 931-389-5780
Blue Ivy Coaching: 931-842-2144
Bond Library: 931-389-4000
Security: 931-389-5763
