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Vermont Academy Mission and Core Beliefs Mission A nurturing home that inspires trailblazers to advance our world Purpose Vermont Academy is a small secondary school—primarily boarding in nature—that sees the potential and value of every student and prepares them to thrive in college and life. Vision Using our Core Beliefs as a guide, Vermont Academy prepares its graduates to engage in the world as critical thinkers and make a positive difference in the global community. Core Beliefs Each member of the Vermont Academy community: ● Is important, has worth and dignity, and is viewed as an asset ● Acts with the highest level of honesty and integrity ● Will grow and develop and is given every opportunity to do so here ● Seeks and gives help when appropriate ● Strives to achieve higher standards in the pursuit of personal excellence ● Cultivates strengths and seeks to overcome challenges ● Embraces personal and direct interaction to address issues and resolve differences ● Considers the impact of their actions, on both the immediate and world community, for the benefit of present and future generations Honor Code Honesty, Trust, Respect, Responsibility. Welcome, Students and Families! We are thrilled to welcome you to campus and get the new academic year underway. The Vermont Academy Student & Family Handbook outlines expectations, policies, and procedures that inform the student experience. Please read this Student & Family Handbook carefully, as it covers several key areas, including our dress code, performance and behavior expectations, and important information for accessing support services on campus. The Academy reserves the right to make changes to this document and will notify students and families whenever changes occur. It is going to be an amazing year in the classroom, on the field, and under the spotlight. Go Wildcats! — Student Life Office

Vermont Academy Mission and Core Beliefs 2026-2027 Year-at-a-Glance Statement on Belonging Greetings from the Head of School Academics The Vermont Academy Way: Room to Become Requirements Granting Credits under Special Circumstances Grading System / Grading Criteria Academic Expectations Academic Honesty Maintaining an Academic Environment in the Classroom Maintaining an Academic Tone on Campus Graduation with Academic Distinction Attendance Expectations Absence due to illness Procedure for clearing absences Excused Absences from School Drop/Add World Language Policies World Language Waiver Policy for Students with Diagnosed Disabilities Reduced Course Load Policy Post-Graduate (PG) Requirements Traditional Track: Classroom Skills Concentration Track: Special Interest Area Athletics and Afternoon Activities Code of Ethics and Conduct Participation Requirements Game Day Travel Expectations Effort Marks Attendance Substance Abuse Equipment/Gym Lockers Early Departures/Responsibility for Missed Work Independent Afternoon Activities Community Expectations Dress Code Cell Phone & Personal Electronic Device Definitions:

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Emergency and Parent Contact Policy Enforcement Additional Guidance Sign-Out/In Procedures Community Service and Leadership Skateboards, Rollerblades, Scooters, and Bicycles Healthy Relationships Fundraising Policy Reach Residential Student Life Academic Day Hours Dorm Check-in/Evening Study Period Campus Boundaries Room Responsibility Visitors Residential Visitations Parent and Visitor Dormitory Access Policy Room Checks Residential Common Space Expectations and Responsibilities Fire Safety Room Decorations/Equipment Room Room Assignments Room Check-In/Out Summer Storage Formal/Family-Style Meals Special and Standard Weekend Leave Policies Standard Weekend Leave Special/Weekday Leave Travel and Safety Expectations Automobiles/Motorized Vehicles Day Student Life Attendance Absences Leaving Campus Due to Illness Weather-Related Early Departure Day Student Automobiles Staying Overnight on Campus Reach Expectations for Day Students Lockers Community Consequences

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General Respect Immediate Dismissal Major Offenses Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Policy Drugs and Alcohol Nicotine Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping and Paraphernalia Weapons Cell Phones and Computers Dorm Restrictions Detention Offenses Minor Offenses Disciplinary Process & Statuses Disciplinary Process Standards Committee Social Warning Status Final Warning Status Work Squad/Detention Bounds/Loss of Privileges Suspension Dismissal Disclosure of Major Disciplinary Action Student Support Faculty/Student Advisor Program Vermont Academy Student Association (VASA) College Counseling Computer Services Proctor House Health and Counseling Services Counseling Services Gender Inclusion Policy Pets Infirmary Hours and Medication Administration Sports Medicine Head Injuries Sports-Related Medications/Supplements Sanctuary Policy Student Assistance Program (ASISST) Other Services Postal Services Religious Services

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THE VERMONT ACADEMY EVENING SONG Appendix (Policies not included in sections above) Vermont Academy Computer Acceptable Usage Policy Vermont Academy Administrative Leave Protocol Vermont Academy Medical Leave Protocol Vermont Academy Infectious Disease Prevention and Response Protocol Vermont Academy HEAD INJURY Protocol Vermont Academy Head Injury Return-to-Learn Guidelines Vermont Academy Return-to-Play/Sport Protocol Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Harassment and Discrimination Unlawful Discrimination Definition of Harassment Definition of Sexual Harassment Reporting Instances of Discrimination/Harassment Anonymous Reporting Retaliation

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2026-2027 Year-at-a-Glance August 24, Monday: Proctors arrive 24, Monday: New international students arrive 27, Thursday: Registration/Move-in Day for all students 27-30, Thursday -Sunday, Orientation for all students 30, Sunday: Convocation for all students 31, Monday: First Day of Classes (Fall Trimester, T1 begins) October 1–4, Thursday–Sunday: Family Weekend, Parent Conferences, 150th Celebration 4–7, Sunday–Wednesday: Fall Long Weekend (begins Sun. 12:00 p.m., ends Tue. 8:00 p.m) 7, Wednesday: Boarding students return to campus by 8:00 p.m. 8, Thursday: Classes resume November 19, Thursday: End of Fall trimester (T1 ends) 20, Friday: Thanksgiving break begins 30, Monday: Boarding Students return to campus by 8:00 pm December 1, Monday: Classes resume, Vermont Term begins 18, Friday: Vermont Term Exhibition of Learning 18, Friday: Winter break begins after the last commitment NOTE: Students are not to leave early or return late from stated vacation/recess time without the permission of the Student Life Office January 4, Monday: Boarding students return to campus by 8:00 p.m. 5, Tuesday: Classes resume (Winter trimester, T2 begins) February 4-7, Thursday-Sunday, Winter Carnival (closed weekend) 13-16, Saturday–Tuesday: Winter Long Weekend (begins Sat. 5:00 p.m., ends Tue. 8:00 p.m) 16, Tuesday: Boarding students return to campus by 8:00 p.m. 17, Wednesday: Classes resume March 4, Thursday: End of Winter trimester (T2 ends) 4, Thursday: Spring break begins after the last commitment 5, Friday: Spring break travel day 22, Monday: Boarding students return to campus by 8:00 p.m. 7

23, Tuesday: Classes resume (Spring trimester, T3 begins) June 3, Thursday: End of Spring trimester (T3 ends) 4, Friday: Baccalaureate 5, Saturday: Commencement 5, Saturday: All Students depart campus (Check out by 3 p.m) Historically, the Academy also observes Mountain Day in the fall. This is unscheduled. The Head of School also reserves the privilege to declare a Head-of-School Day at any time during the school year.

Statement on Belonging Vermont Academy dedicates itself to creating an environment in which all people— regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, political orientation, ideology, physical disability, race, ethnicity, economic level, age, or religion — can feel comfortable and thrive. Through diversity, we ensure richness within our Academy community and celebrate that we are part of a global community, comprised of many different kinds of people. A commitment to diversity and belonging requires that each member of Vermont Academy’s community examine attitudes and beliefs about differences and shed those that are inappropriate. It also requires that our behavior demonstrate respect and appreciation of differences. Vermont Academy insists that all members of its community actively show their respect for others. The Academy will not tolerate emotional or physical abuse of any individual.

Greetings from the Head of School Whether you're a new or returning student, a family member, or a member of the faculty and staff, welcome home. This year is more than the beginning of another school year. It is the beginning of Vermont Academy's next 150 years. Our Vision 2030 challenges us with a simple but powerful question: What will it take to build the next 150 years of Vermont Academy? This summer, I found myself deeply moved by Jennifer Breheny Wallace's book Mattering. Wallace defines mattering as the experience of both feeling valued and knowing that you have value to add. The more I reflected on those two ideas, the more I came to believe they are the foundation of every thriving school community. One conviction will guide my leadership: every member of our community deserves to experience a deep sense of mattering. My hope is that every student, every family, and every adult who calls Vermont Academy home feels seen, known, and valued for who they are while being challenged and supported as they become who they are meant to be. When people know they matter, they are willing to know one another deeply. They have the courage to ask hard questions, embrace new ideas, and care for something larger than themselves. They understand that belonging never requires conformity, that challenge is strongest when paired with support, and that the most meaningful learning often happens in motion: in classrooms, studios, dormitories, on trails, on fields, and on mountains. Communities like this are not built by chance. They are built by choice. If we are to build the kind of community we aspire to be, one where each of us knows we matter and contributes to something larger than ourselves, it will require more than good intentions. It will require shared commitments. While it may be tempting to see this handbook as simply a list of rules, I encourage you to view it instead as a guide for living well in community. It outlines our shared values, our behavioral expectations, and the systems we use to support one another when we fall short. From academic requirements to disciplinary processes, these pages reflect our belief in holding ourselves and one another both accountable and capable. At its core, this handbook is not about compliance. It's about care. It's about building a school where we care for ourselves, for each other, and for the natural world that sustains us. If we can live our core beliefs, fully and honestly, we will have a remarkable year together. Welcome home. I'm grateful you're here.

Mike Peller Head of School

Academics Vermont Academy’s Mission Statement challenges us to develop “a nurturing home that inspires trailblazers to advance our world.” Our goal is to provide an academic program that inspires and supports each student to meet this challenge. The Head of School assumes ultimate responsibility for the school's academic strength and integrity. The Vermont Academy Way: Vermont Academy teachers believe that the value of learning and knowledge cannot be fully realized if confined to the traditional classroom alone. We cultivate a learning culture where our students’ individuality and ingenuity, our land, and our community inspire learning and knowledge for use in life. Vermont Academy teachers create educational opportunities where students ● ● ● ● ●

Apply knowledge and creativity in authentic contexts to create real-world solutions. Develop independent learning opportunities that build self-discipline and project management skills. Explore the knowledge inherent in our land to expand your understanding of our planet. Engage with our community as stewards of equity and understanding. Know they are valued, cared for, and given every opportunity to grow.

Room to Become Student-focused: At Vermont Academy, every decision is driven by an emphasis on what is best for the students, first and foremost. We prioritize making ourselves accessible and available to facilitate the growth of each individual student and their need to prepare for a changing world.

Growth-oriented: In every area of their education, we meet students where they are as learners and members of the community and help them set a compelling trajectory towards achievement. With our MAPS program, we empower students to set their own goals and coach them as they work to reach them. Teachers focus on identifying and cultivating talent and creativity, fostering growth, and emphasizing the importance of the journey as well as the destination. Exploration-inspired: Vermont Academy teachers believe that the value of learning and knowledge cannot be fully realized if confined to the traditional classroom alone. We cultivate a learning culture where our students’ individuality and ingenuity, our land and our community leverage learning and knowledge for use in life.

Requirements 1. Students must satisfactorily complete at least 20 college preparatory course units earned in grades 9-12 to meet Vermont Academy’s diploma requirements. For the best college placement, 23 or more units are recommended. Graduation from Vermont Academy requires the following: Subject

Minimum Credit:

English (Eng 9, Eng 10, Eng 11 and 1/3 credit each trimester in Grade 12; American Literature required)

4 Credits

Mathematics (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, & Geometry all required)

3 credits

History (U.S. History required)

3 credits

Science (One biological science and one physical science required)

3 credits

World Languages (3 years of one language)

3 credits in one language

Arts (Music, Art, or Theater)

2 credits

Electives (A minimum of two additional credits from one or more of the departments above)

2 credits

2. Year-long courses receive 1/3 credit each trimester. If the student fails a single trimester, it is still

possible to pass for the year. 3. All students are expected to enroll in at least five courses each term. However, in some instances, the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Director of College Counseling, and the Director of Health Services may approve at least four courses. The final decision rests with the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs. 4. In order to graduate from Vermont Academy, seniors must have earned appropriate course credits and have been matriculated and in attendance at the Academy for three trimesters in the senior year. Seniors must pass at least four courses during their senior year, one being English, as well as any other graduation requirements taken as a senior. 5. In extremely rare circumstances, a Vermont Academy student, having left in good standing before graduation, may petition to be granted a diploma. 6. Courses may be taken over the summer to make up a failed class or to accelerate a course of study. However, summer courses and academic credit will only be accepted if approval is given before the course is taken. Students must petition for credit for online and other off-campus coursework completed outside of Vermont Academy. The petition may be obtained in the Academic Office. The petition goes to the department chair for approval. The department chair will consult the subject teacher and make the final decision. If approved, the transcript showing completion and course credit should be submitted to the Academic Office. Credit earned at other institutions does not appear on a Vermont Academy transcript or factor into a Vermont Academy GPA. However, the credits are counted toward graduation requirements.

Granting Credits under Special Circumstances For medical and administrative leave, please refer to the policy in the appendix at the end of this Handbook. Students admitted after the start of a trimester will make up missing work by the end of the trimester. Teachers may use their discretion to require work that allows them to assess whether the trimester objectives for skills and content have been met, but have the leeway to dismiss work when appropriate. Teachers should check in with their department chair for guidance. For a dismissal or withdrawal resulting in a final separation from Vermont Academy, credits will be awarded through the most recently completed trimester.

Grading System / Grading Criteria A = consistently exceptional; mastery of skills, fully engaged in the course B = secure understanding of skills and material; engaged in the course C = struggles to master skills and material; inconsistently engaged in the course D = substandard mastery of skills and material; not engaged in the course F = does not meet the minimum standard of the course

Performance grades are reported as follows: 97-100 = A+ 4.33 93-96 = A 4.00 90-92 = A- 3.67 87-89 = B+ 3.33 83-86 = B 3.00 80-82 = B- 2.67 77-79 = C+ 2.33 73-76 = C 2.00 70-72 = C- 1.67 67-69 = D+ 1.33 63-66 = D 1.00 60-62 = D- 0.67 50-59 = F 0.00 Honor Recognition Academic recognition will be determined as follows: High Honors: a GPA of 3.67 or above Honors: a GPA of 3.33-3.66 Dean’s List: a GPA of 3.00-3.32 Effort Marks Effort marks are awarded approximately every three weeks and at the close of a trimester for each academic course, athletic or afternoon activity, and dormitory life. These marks are designed to reflect the teacher, coach, or dorm parent’s assessment of a student’s effort in a particular area. The Core Beliefs are the model used to assess a student. In the classroom, a student modeling these beliefs will: • Act respectfully toward classmates and teachers • Prepare effectively and arrive on time • Display an active thought process • Complete assignments on time and with integrity • Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others • Engage actively with the material, regardless of the challenge On the playing field, a student modeling these beliefs will: • Treat teammates, opposing team members, coaches, and officials with respect • Arrive on time—prepared with uniform and equipment for practices and games • Complete drills and play the game with integrity • Engage in the pursuit of fitness • Strive to rise to the challenge of the game, regardless of natural ability In the dormitory, a student modeling these beliefs will: • Treat dorm mates and residential staff with respect

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Complete dormitory chores with integrity Adequately maintain personal and community space Use evening study time appropriately Check in on time

Effort marks are recorded as follows: • Commendable: Student consistently demonstrates these behaviors without reminders and goes above and beyond. • Satisfactory: Student routinely demonstrates these behaviors with only an occasional reminder. • Inconsistent: The student demonstrates these behaviors inconsistently and requires frequent reminders to meet expectations. • Unsatisfactory: Student seldom or never demonstrates appropriate behavior and resists or ignores reminders.

Academic Expectations We expect our students to perform at or above a minimum level of acceptable academic achievement. Students earning below a 1.67 GPA will be placed on “Academic Warning” status and have their academic progress reviewed periodically during the following trimester. Students will be expected to work with their advisors and teachers to improve their academic standing. If the progress is not satisfactory when reviewed by the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs and the Class Dean at the end of the next trimester, students will be placed on “Academic Review” status and may lose their place at the Academy. In special circumstances, a student may present a written appeal to the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs for reconsideration by the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, the Class Dean, and/or the Dean of Student Life. The appeal would explain the circumstances for such consideration and include a specific plan of action with dates and objectives for a follow-up review. The consequences attached to Academic Review status are deliberated individually, but it is possible or likely that the student: • • •

Will meet with the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs to discuss a plan Will be assigned extra help and Center for Learning sessions as necessary (the latter with parental approval because of the extra charges involved) Will require signatures from all teachers for weekends or special events

Note: A student may not drop a class in order to improve a GPA.

Academic Honesty Vermont Academy students are expected to abide by the tenets of our Honor Code: Honesty, Trust, Respect, and Responsibility. One of Vermont Academy’s Core Beliefs states that “each member of the

Vermont Academy community acts with the highest level of honesty and integrity.” It should be noted that academic dishonesty is taken seriously at Vermont Academy, and any violation of the school’s Honor Code will result in a consequence ranging from warning status to expulsion. The Academy expects all of its students to be honest and truthful in every interaction. Therefore, any dishonest act (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) during an academic exercise will be viewed as a violation of the Honor Code, and a decision will be reached as to an appropriate consequence. Normally, a violation of the Honor Code will result in a meeting with the student, the student’s advisor, and the Class Dean and/or Dean of Student Life, during which the following statuses will be explained: • Honor Warning status: a student will be placed on Honor Warning status if the Class Dean/and or the Dean of Student Life and the department chair feel that the spirit of the Honor Code has been violated, though the transgression does not warrant Honor Probation status. Examples include—but are not limited to—a first-time honor offense; a misunderstanding between a teacher and student about academic expectations; homework misconduct; providing assistance to another student during a test or quiz; and being found in a compromising situation during a test or quiz. • Honor Probation status: A much more serious violation of the Honor Code can result in being placed on Honor Probation for a minimum of one trimester. Examples of possible academic dishonesty that would result in Honor Probation include—but are not limited to—cheating on a major examination; clear and premeditated plagiarism; lying to a teacher or Class Dean and/or Dean of Student Life about any cheating incident; and sharing information with other students before or during an examination. • Expulsion: If a student is found to be in clear violation of the school’s Honor Code while on Honor Probation status, dismissal from the Academy is likely. Before any decision is reached, the student will meet with the Standards Committee, which will then make a recommendation to the Head of School. Normally, any violation of the school’s Honor Code will result in a “zero” grade for that particular assignment. Teachers reserve the right to offer a chance to complete the work in question for a maximum grade of 59%. Multiple instances of academic dishonesty in the same course may result in more significant consequences, up to and including dismissal. Plagiarism and cheating are discussed in all classes during the first weeks of school. In any course requiring research papers, the teacher will devote time to a presentation on plagiarism, how to avoid it, and the consequences of any honor violation. All work submitted for a grade should be the student’s own work and should properly cite any source material used. If generative artificial intelligence (AI) is used to create assessed work and is submitted as the student’s own, it will be considered plagiarism and an honor code violation. Teachers will provide guidance on the approved use of AI for individual assignments. The guiding principle of AI usage in learning is that it serves as a tool to aid learning, not to substitute for any portion of the student’s personal process. If students have any questions about academic dishonesty (cheating or plagiarism), they should consult their teacher or advisor immediately. It cannot be emphasized enough that claiming “ignorance” of the Honor Code or the specific rules of citation and how they relate to plagiarism will not be tolerated in any

discussion or investigation of academic dishonesty. These rules, typical of any academic institution, are not meant to scare or threaten, but rather to instruct and guide students on how to best comport themselves when doing homework, taking a test, or writing a paper. Often, students will find themselves in a situation where stress and anxiety play a role in decision-making. When it comes to the Honor Code, we hope students will always make the right decision and remember the day they signed the Vermont Academy Honor Book at the beginning of their Vermont Academy career. At that important Community Meeting, all students made a promise to themselves and the Academy to be honorable in all their dealings as Vermont Academy students: “As a member of the Vermont Academy community, I commit my honesty, trust, respect, and responsibility to uphold the Core Beliefs of this institution.”

Maintaining an Academic Environment in the Classroom Our goal at the Academy is for all students to achieve academically to the best of their ability. As noted in our Core Beliefs, students are expected to contribute positively to the classroom atmosphere and not impede others' progress. Occasionally, a teacher may need to send a student from the classroom to the Dean of Student Life because the student’s behavior is disrupting others' learning. The student will receive an unexcused absence. In these instances, the student’s advisor and Class Dean will be notified. The consequences of a first dismissal will be a warning and a report to the advisor. A second offense in a trimester will result in a meeting with the Dean of Student Life to determine a course of action. A third offense in a trimester may result in permanent removal from the class and a major offense.

Maintaining an Academic Tone on Campus All members of the community share responsibility for promoting a productive academic environment on campus. During the academic day and evening study hours, all students should behave in a manner that is neither disruptive nor distracting to others. Additionally, all students are required to wear classroom dress in public campus spaces during the academic day. Graduation with Academic Distinction Vermont Academy seniors and postgraduates may graduate with “Distinction” in a particular academic subject if they are deemed eligible for such recognition by a vote of the faculty members within that department. To be eligible for distinction, a student must have taken at least one course in the subject area as a senior and received no less than a B+ grade in that course. The senior-year course will typically be honors- or advanced-level work. To receive distinction in a world language, seniors and postgraduates must be in year three or above of their current language course. The designation of Academic Distinction is not to be considered automatic. Meritorious or advanced work is expected. After discussion and a vote at the department level, the acting Department Head must provide an official recommendation to the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs. The Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will review this recommendation prior to graduation

Attendance Expectations Students are expected to attend all academic, extracurricular, and community commitments. When a student misses a commitment, they will receive a detention offense, which may result in additional academic and/or extracurricular consequences. Extenuating circumstances (e.g., an extended medical leave) will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For additional information on extended leaves of absence, please refer to the policy in the appendix at the end of this Handbook. When a student misses a class, it is the student's responsibility, and the school's expectation, to make up all work and turn it in in a timely manner. Missed work will be entered in the gradebook as “missing” until handed in, and students, advisors, and Class Deans will be notified. Teachers are not required to allow students to make up work or provide makeup instruction for unexcused absences. Advisors will help students manage this responsibility, but ultimately, submitting work missed due to absence is the student’s responsibility. Students who are excused for the full day by Health Services and/or Student Life are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including practices and games. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who have an excused absence for a portion of the day are eligible to participate in that day’s extracurricular activity. Students who have any unexcused absences for an academic day commitment are not eligible to participate in their extracurricular activity scheduled for that day, including games. If students receive five unexcused absences (cumulative), they will be required to meet with their advisor and Class Dean. If students reach ten unexcused absences in a trimester, they will be placed on Social Status by their Class Dean. If attendance issues continue after being put on Social Status, the student could face more severe disciplinary consequences. If a student misses eight meetings of a single academic class, excused or unexcused, during a trimester, the student risks not receiving credit for the trimester. Students may petition for credit by outlining mitigating circumstances and submitting the petition to a committee composed of the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Life, the Department Chair, and the classroom teacher. The advisor will be notified and consulted. The outcome of the appeals process could include no penalty, "a pass" i.e., 65, a "fail" i.e., 50, or no credit, which might necessitate credit recovery.

Absence due to illness Students too sick to honor a commitment must be at the health center at Proctor House to be excused from the commitment. You must be logged into the Health Service log prior to the start of the commitment period in order to receive an excused absence. If a class is missed, students should inform teachers that they were in Proctor House. If unable to complete or hand in any graded assignment while medically excused from class, the student should contact the teacher as soon as possible, acknowledge that the assignment will be late, and clarify when the assignment can be completed.

Procedure for clearing absences If students are marked absent from class, they will have 24 hours to clear the absence in question before it is considered unexcused. To clear an absence, students must provide written confirmation to the Student Life Office within 24 hours of receiving the notice. Failure to clear an absence within 24 hours will result in an unexcused absence.

Excused Absences from School Students should work with their advisors and teachers to understand what work they will miss and how they will stay current. Ideally, work that will be missed should be completed before the student’s departure. Completing a Reach request before off-campus travel is mandatory to approve a planned absence. If a student does not give prior notice to their teacher, the teacher is not responsible for providing early access to work or assessments that the student will miss. Medical leaves, brief or extended, must be reported to and arranged through the Health Services Office.

Drop/Add The drop/add period will run for two weeks at the start of each term. Yearlong courses may only be dropped or added at the start of the academic year or within one week of a student's start date for a midyear enrollment. Students wishing to drop or add a course must work with their advisor. The advisor will discuss the student’s plans with them, consult with the family and college counseling (for juniors and seniors), and complete and submit the drop/add form on the student’s behalf. Students may drop or add a course for academic reasons only. Some examples of academic reasons may include: ● Student has changed interests over the summer ● Student has fulfilled graduation requirements already ● Student and advisor have determined in the first weeks of the course that it is not a good match for the student ● Student would like to move from honors to regular, or vice versa Please note that students may not drop courses required for graduation unless there is another opportunity to complete that requirement before graduation. If a student has a question about whether a course is required for graduation, please consult the registrar. After the drop/add period, a student may only request to drop a class if it does not affect graduation requirements. The course will remain on the transcript and be assessed as withdrawn-passing or withdrawn-failing. Students wishing to drop a class after the drop/add period must work with their advisor, who will consult with the student’s family, college counselor, and, if the student is pursuing

athletic recruitment, the athletic director before bringing the request to Academic Affairs. They may not add an additional class after the drop/add period. In rare cases, an administrative drop or class change may be recommended by the classroom teacher, Academic Affairs, or Health Services. Those situations will be handled on an individual basis.

World Language Policies Students are required to take three years of a World Language unless they qualify for a language waiver or are international students not enrolled in a standard English or history class. If an international student is unable to meet the language requirement due to the enrollment date or the number of years remaining after enrolling in a standard English course, the World Language department chair and the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will adjust the requirement accordingly. Students entering Vermont Academy as freshmen or sophomores are required to reach the third level in their chosen foreign language (currently Spanish or French). Students entering Vermont Academy in the junior, senior, or postgraduate years are also expected to have reached (or to reach) the same level. However, if their previous study was in a foreign language not currently offered by Vermont Academy, students entering after the sophomore year may fulfill the three-year requirement by selecting another foreign language and taking as many years as needed to amount to three total years of study (i.e., two years of Mandarin at a previous school combined with one year of French at Vermont Academy). Alternatively, for strongly motivated students who wish to continue studying a language not currently offered by Vermont Academy, an online program of study can usually be arranged. Students achieving a year-end grade of C- or below in a World Language course are unlikely to receive a recommendation for the next-level course. Students’ promotion to the next level of a language will be determined by the student’s teacher and the Chair of the World Language Department. The World Language Department will, in most cases, recommend summer work to prepare the student for an assessment at the beginning of the following year, which they must pass to move to the next level.

World Language Waiver Policy for Students with Diagnosed Disabilities Vermont Academy requires three years of study in one language to graduate. A language waiver is a modification of this graduation requirement, and Vermont Academy must make the determination of whether a student is eligible for one based upon clinical evidence to support a language waiver and/or a student’s past performance in a language course, as well as permission from the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Although learning a new language may be difficult for students with certain disabilities, many students find success and learn more about themselves and the world through studying a foreign language. The Center for Teaching and Learning strongly encourages all students to take a language class, and its Director can advise students on which language might best suit their abilities. In rare instances, a student may be granted a language waiver in the following situations:

1. The student has significant documentation of a learning disability or disorder by a qualified evaluator using specific testing. This testing must be conducted by an educational psychologist or a similarly licensed professional, be no more than 3 years old, and include aptitude and achievement testing. A recommendation for a language waiver must be explicitly stated and justified with data in the evaluator’s recommendations. If a waiver is granted, the student must take another elective as their fifth class; the waiver does not reduce the required number of credits for full-time student status or for graduation. 2. A student may be granted a language waiver based on significant documentation of a disability and past performance in a language class at Vermont Academy. If despite a genuine effort, a student has demonstrated significant struggle in a language class at Vermont Academy as a result of their disability, the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning may grant a language waiver after consulting with the student’s language teacher, Chair of the World Language Department, advisor, and college counselor about how this decision will affect the student’s other courses and their college application process. If granted a waiver, the student may either withdraw from the class and choose an elective in its place or take it pass/fail. Continuing in the class for a grade is also an option. A language waiver is not transferable from another school; however, evidence from the school to support this request may be submitted.

Reduced Course Load Policy Vermont Academy requires that students enroll in at least five courses each term. However, in some instances, the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs may approve a minimum of four courses. A student granted a reduced course load is still considered a full-time student. In rare instances, a student may be granted a reduced course load in the following situations: 1. The student has significant documentation of a learning disability by a qualified evaluator using specific testing. This testing must be conducted by an educational psychologist or similarly licensed professional, must be no more than three years old, and must include both aptitude and achievement testing. A recommendation for a reduced course load must be explicitly stated and justified with data in the evaluator’s recommendations. The Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will make this determination in consultation with the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. 2. A student may be granted a reduced course load based on significant documentation of a disability and past performance in courses at Vermont Academy. If despite a genuine effort, a student has demonstrated significant struggle in a fifth class at Vermont Academy as a result of their disability, the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs may grant a reduced course load after consulting with the student’s teacher, advisor, college counselor, and the Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning, about how this decision will affect the student’s other courses and their college application process.

3. An international student may be granted a reduced course load during their first year at Vermont Academy. The Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will make this determination in consultation with the Dean of Student Life. 4. A student may be granted a reduced course load due to a medical condition. The Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will make this determination in consultation with the Director of Health Services. Students will need to submit a letter on letterhead, signed by an appropriate licensed medical professional, recommending a reduced course load. To graduate from Vermont Academy, a student with a reduced course load must still meet all other graduation requirements, except for the total number of credits required. If granted a reduced course load, a senior must pass at least three courses each trimester during their senior year in order to graduate. If a student is taking five classes and is then granted a reduced course load, the student may either withdraw from one class or take it pass/fail. Students seeking NCAA eligibility must consult with the NCAA coordinator prior to taking a reduced course load. A reduced course load accommodation is not transferable from another school; however, evidence from the school to support this request may be submitted.

Post-Graduate (PG) Requirements There are two possible tracks for postgraduates: the Traditional Track and the Concentration Track. Both tracks will earn a Postgraduate Certificate. Both tracks require that students enroll in at least five courses each trimester. Postgraduate students must finish the academic year and attain a minimum grade of C- in each course in each trimester to earn their Certificate. All postgraduates will take Senior Writing Seminar during the fall term. During the winter and spring, Traditional Track PGs will take senior English courses. Concentration Track PGs will take PG Seminar and focus on an independent project or do an internship related to their concentrations All students will meet in the fall with College Counseling and a Postgraduate Dean to determine their postgraduate track and review their academic schedule. For students aspiring to play a collegiate sport, there will be an additional meeting to review NCAA requirements. Traditional Track: Classroom Skills The goal of this certificate track is to help students fill gaps in their transcripts and prepare academically for college. It is focused on complementing and bolstering their previous traditional high school experience and classes. Certificate requirements: Must take 5 classes throughout the year

All classes must be chosen with the approval of the college counseling office, the post-graduate advisor, and the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs. During the PG year, students must take the following classes: ● One full year of English (including one trimester of Senior Writing) ● One full year of core courses in three different departments ● One full-year elective or three-trimester electives in any department If a student has not fulfilled one of Vermont Academy’s graduation requirements during their previous high school coursework, they must fulfill it in the PG year. For example: ● ● ● ● ●

If they did not take Algebra II, they must take it during their PG year. If they did not take two years of a foreign language, they must take one in their PG year. If they did not take US history, they must take it during the PG year. If they did not take physical science, they must take it during the PG year. If they did not take two years of Arts courses, they must earn Arts credits during the PG year.

Concentration Track: Special Interest Area The goal of this certificate track is for students to explore an area of interest in greater depth and with greater independence. Diploma requirements: Must take 5 classes throughout the year. All classes must be chosen with the approval of the college counseling office, the post-graduate advisor, and the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs. During the PG year, students must take the following classes: ● Senior Writing Seminar in the fall, and a project or an internship related to their concentration, in the winter and spring terms. ● 2 – 3 credits in a “concentration,” which may be from separate departments. This credit may be from year-long courses or an equivalent number of trimester courses. ● 1 – 2 credits in electives. These credits may be from year-long courses or the equivalent number of trimester courses in any department. If a student has not fulfilled one of Vermont Academy’s graduation requirements during their previous high school coursework, they must fulfill it in the PG year.

Athletics and Afternoon Activities Athletics at Vermont Academy is an essential part of the educational experience and plays a vital role in developing confident, resilient, and compassionate young people. We believe that meaningful athletic experiences help students grow as competitors, teammates, leaders, and members of a community.

Our athletic program is grounded in the philosophy of Healthy Excellence—the belief that sustained success is achieved through a commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We strive to create an environment where student-athletes are challenged to pursue excellence while maintaining balance, supporting one another, and developing habits that promote lifelong health and performance. Through teamwork, accountability, perseverance, and respect, our student-athletes learn lessons that extend far beyond competition. We value sportsmanship, integrity, and fair play, and we measure success not only by outcomes on the field, court, or rink, but by the character our students demonstrate every day.

Code of Ethics and Conduct Vermont Academy supports the NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) Code of Ethics and Conduct: 1. Treat other persons as you know they should be treated and as you wish them to fairly treat you. 2. Regard the rules of your game as agreements—the spirit or letter of which you should not evade or break. 3. Treat officials and opponents with respect. 4. Accept absolutely and without quarrel the final decision of any official. 5. Honor visiting teams and spectators as your own guests and treat them as such. Likewise, behave as an honored guest when you visit another school. 6. Be gracious in victory and defeat; learn especially to take defeat well. 7. Be as cooperative as you are competitive. 8. Remember that your actions on and off the field reflect on you and your school.

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Students must have an annual physical exam with the results on file prior to participating in any physical activity. Per VT state law, all families and students must complete annual concussion education, and all students must complete an ImPACT test every 2 years before participating in any physical activity. Students are expected to participate in a Vermont Academy sport or activity each trimester. Students may select to do an independent afternoon activity for only one trimester per year. To be considered for an independent activity (for example, an off-campus sport), students must meet specific criteria outlined in an application process. Each application will be reviewed by the Director of Athletics for approval. Students may serve as team managers for only one trimester per year. Ninth graders may not manage a team. Students have the opportunity to try different activities/sports at the beginning of the season, but need to fully commit to one before the designated “end of switch” date. As a member of a Vermont Academy Interscholastic team, every student is expected to attend each and every team practice and game. While participation in off-campus teams is not prohibited, commitments at Vermont Academy in terms of academics and classes, participation on Vermont Academy athletic teams and activities, and other school programs must take

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precedence over any “extramural activities.” Some sports/activities can only accommodate a limited number. If more students want to participate than time, space, or appropriate supervision allows, cuts will be made. Previous effort marks may be considered as selection criteria.

Game Day Travel Expectations Mindful that all team members are representatives of Vermont Academy, traveling teams must be dressed appropriately and uniformly, either in team uniforms or in classroom or formal dress. At the beginning of each season, the Athletic Director will review this with all teams.

Effort Marks Students will receive an effort mark every three weeks and at the end of each season. Attendance Students are expected to attend all athletic practices, games, or afternoon activities. As with academic absences, students are notified of any absence and have 24 hours to clarify whether it was excused. Students who accumulate three absences in a season may be liable for the loss of team or activity credit. Continued absence may be considered non-compliance, which is a major offense.

Substance Abuse We expect our athletes to be substance-free, including performance-enhancing drugs. Any athlete found in violation of the Academy’s regulations concerning drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine will be subject to disciplinary action under the direction of the Dean of Student Life, as well as suspension from athletic competition as deemed appropriate based upon the nature of the offense. This includes possession and/or use of any substance, prescription, or non-prescription medication that the student has not been specifically directed to take for health reasons by a physician or other licensed health care provider for the time period in question. All supplements must be approved by Health Services staff. Banned substances such as anabolic steroids and related agents are never allowed. For more on this, see the Community Consequences section of this handbook.

Equipment/Gym Lockers Students are responsible for all athletic equipment and uniforms issued to them and will be charged a replacement fee for any lost or unreasonably damaged items. Students are issued a gym locker at the beginning of the year and are responsible for its contents.

Early Departures/Responsibility for Missed Work If students miss class for an athletic event, they are responsible for keeping current with their schoolwork and communicating with their teacher about any missed work.

Independent Afternoon Activities Students wishing to participate in an independent afternoon activity must submit an application to the Athletic Office within the following time frame: ● ● ●

Fall season by September 4 Winter season by November 13 Spring season by March 7

Applications are available upon request from the Athletic Office. All independent afternoon activities must have the approval of the student’s Class Dean and the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, who will consult with the Athletics Department for approval.

Community Expectations Vermont Academy students are expected to abide by the tenets of our Honor Code: Honesty, Trust, Respect, and Responsibility. Following these principles and the guidelines listed below will help to ensure that our community is conducive to healthy growth and learning. Students are expected to: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Live by the Core Beliefs of the Academy Take responsibility for their actions Meet commitments and arrive on time Abstain from the use of alcohol, drugs (including performance-enhancing drugs), and nicotine Be prepared to participate in class or activities by being dressed appropriately and having all necessary materials, Behave in a manner appropriate to a Vermont Academy student by treating all members of our community with respect and abiding by the rules and guidelines of Vermont Academy.

Dress Code General dress code guidelines ● Hats may not be worn indoors, except in athletic buildings, the student lounge, and dormitory areas. Students needing accommodations for the above should contact the Dean of Student Life.

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Classroom dress is worn throughout the class day—from the time students leave a dorm or arrive on campus until the end of the last class. Classroom dress is also expected whenever students represent the Academy at off-campus testing or events (e.g., SATs, college fairs). Students in violation of the dress code will be expected to remedy the situation immediately or face a minor infraction.

Classroom Dress ● Blouses, dress shirts, collared shirts (e.g., polos, turtlenecks, flannel dress shirts), tailored shirts, and sweaters; 1⁄4-zip collared sweatshirts; undergarments should never be visible. ● Dress pants, trousers/slacks, khakis, corduroys, jeans, capris, dresses, skirts, shorts, and skorts of an appropriate length. ● Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to approximately 3 to 4 inches in length on the upper thighs (see images below). Tops must have shoulder straps.

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Shoes, sneakers, hiking boots, and sandals Well-groomed hair, clean-shaven or with a full, trimmed beard/goatee/mustache

Unacceptable for classroom dress ● Clothing that is not neat, clean, and in good repair (not frayed, torn, or patched) ● Pajamas or sweatpants ● Garments with inappropriate graphics or text, including any sexual connotations, violence, swearing, drug/alcohol/ tobacco, or harmful language directed toward any person or group ● Hats of any type, including bandanas (except for those dictated by religious observance) in all academic buildings and classrooms. Headbands are acceptable. ● Bare feet Formal dress ● Formal dress is worn for formal meals and special Academy functions. Attire for these events should be respectful. ● Collared dress shirt with tie or banded collar dress shirt ● Sport coat or blazer ● Dress slacks with a belt ● Socks and appropriate dress shoes ● Dress or skirt with a suitable blouse

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Dress slacks with a blazer and a suitable blouse

Casual dress Casual dress worn on weekends and after the academic day should be neat and clean, and all outer clothing should completely cover underwear. See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate undergarments that meet the dress code's minimum requirements.

Cell Phone & Personal Electronic Device This policy takes effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the requirements outlined in Act 72 of 2025 (16 V.S.A. § 58). It is the policy of Vermont Academy to maintain a cell phone-free school environment to promote focus, improved mental health, and increased social cohesion among our students. The goal of this policy is to enable both students and staff to work free from distractions that impact learning by restricting student use of and access to cell phones and other prohibited devices during the academic day, with additional limitations during athletics and afternoon activities and in specific locations on campus (Shepardson Dining Hall; Long Walk). Definitions: Academic Day: For the purpose of this policy, the Academic Day is defined as the period beginning at 7:30 a.m. and concluding at the close of the scheduled academic day. In addition to classroom restrictions, cell phones and other prohibited devices may not be used or accessed during class transitions, breakfast, lunch, free period(s), or within residence halls during the Academic Day window as defined above. The policy also extends to any other time a student is required to attend a scheduled academic commitment, athletics /afternoon activity, including, but not limited to, the following: ● ● ● ● ●

Orientation Structured Study Halls School assemblies or mandatory meetings (eg., community meetings, community lunch, etc.) Field trips From the start of athletic/activities until dismissal, and any other times as directed by coach/activity leader

Cell phone: means any device capable of using cellular technology to facilitate voice service through a commercial telecommunications company, regardless of whether the device can access internet services and electronic mail (i.e., smartwatches, computers, and tablets). Cell phones must be powered off and kept out of sight. Individualized health care plan: means a written document developed by the Director of Health Services, in collaboration with parents, students, and other relevant professionals, to outline specific health care needs and management strategies tailored to the unique health condition of a student. Exemptions are considered only when the device is required to support a documented health need, as

confirmed by a doctor’s note or other applicable law, and approved by the Director of Health Services or the Head of School. Other prohibited devices: any non-school-issued personal electronic device that connects to cellular networks, the internet, or has wireless capabilities (e.g., smartwatches, earbuds, and smart glasses). Personal laptops are permitted during the academic day when required for academic purposes or independent study. Emergency and Parent Contact In the event of an emergency, parents/guardians must contact the main office. The office staff will immediately relay the message to the student or provide the student with a designated, monitored school phone for necessary communication. Students may not use their personal phones for emergency contact. Policy Enforcement The infractions outlined above constitute a significant violation of community standards and will be addressed by the Dean of Student Life. Infractions are cumulative year to year. ●

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1st Infraction: Staff member will redirect the student to comply with the policy expectations outlined above and submit a conduct form documenting the interaction, including whether the student complied with the redirection. Staff will inform the student that a report is being submitted and a verbal warning is being issued. 2nd Infraction: Staff member will redirect the student to comply with the policy expectations outlined above and submit a conduct form documenting the interaction, including whether the student complied with the redirection. Staff will inform the student that a report is being submitted and a verbal warning is being issued. Class Deans will review the report to determine if additional disciplinary action or support plans are required. 3rd Infraction: Staff member will redirect students to comply with the policy expectations outlined above and submit a conduct form documenting the interaction, including whether the student complied with the redirection. Staff will inform the student that a report is being submitted and a verbal warning is being issued. Class Deans will meet with the student and their advisor to review the pattern of behavior, issue additional disciplinary action (detention offense), and explore additional supports to help mitigate the behavior and support compliance with the policy and community expectations. Class Deans will notify families of the concerns and plan moving forward. 4th Infraction: Staff member will redirect students to comply with the policy expectations outlined above and submit a conduct form documenting the interaction, including whether the student complied with the redirection. Staff will inform the student that a report is being submitted and a verbal warning is being issued. The Dean of Student Life will meet with the student, their advisor, and the Class Dean to review the pattern of behavior, issue additional disciplinary action, and explore additional supports to help mitigate the behavior and support compliance with the policy and community expectations. Additional sanctions could include campus restrictions, loss of personal devices, work squad/detention, and/or impact on athletic

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eligibility. The Dean of Student Life will notify families of the concerns and plan moving forward. Additional infractions of this policy will be referred to the Standards Committee and may result in further sanctions, up to and including suspension.

Additional Guidance Subject to applicable law, Vermont Academy has the right to confiscate and search cell phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices if the school has a reasonable basis to believe school policies were broken using an individual’s device. If a student’s device is searched, the Dean of Student Life or their designee will contact the student's family or parents. Students should be aware that any materials on cell phones, computers, or other electronic devices that violate handbook policies will be referred to the Student Life Office for review and potential disciplinary action. Students should be aware that any material determined to violate our Code of Conduct, that shows intent to distribute or use illegal substances, or that violates any major rule will be treated as a major offense and may lead to dismissal.

Sign-Out/In Procedures The Academy takes the sign out/in procedure seriously, as we are focused on student safety. All boarding students must sign out to go beyond school boundaries (hiking, biking, trips to Bellows Falls with day students) by using REACH. Students should refer to the detailed information on the pages to review school boundaries and REACH. Students may only sign out and sign in during the designated times with the Administrator on Duty (AOD). Violation of these procedures will result in disciplinary action.

Community Service and Leadership Often, we find that the most important and meaningful work we do in our lives is not the transactional work we do in exchange for a paycheck, but rather the work we do in service of the land and in collaboration with people with whom we share our interconnected communities. Vermont Academy challenges students to contribute to our school community, the village of Saxtons River, the town of Rockingham, and beyond as practice and preparation for active engagement in the greater communities of which they will become influential members throughout their lives. Inspiring students and offering them opportunities to make such contributions is the purpose of the Community Service and Leadership program. Teachers, coaches, advisors, and other campus mentors work together to guide students toward powerful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and connect them to broader community networks, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and perspective that inform responsible citizenship. Students are required to complete at least 12 hours of Community Service each year, which will be

tracked in partnership with their academic advisors. Students and advisors will log service hours in a Google Form that distinguishes between Community Engagement and Community Leadership. What counts as Community Engagement? Community engagement includes participation in community events and service activities that are not considered required commitments. What counts as Community Leadership? Community leadership involves taking on a more active role in organizing a community activity or event that is not considered a required commitment. ●

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Campus-based activities may include peer tutoring, volunteering in the school store, helping maintain the campus trail system, and working with Admissions to give a campus tour to a new family. Off-campus opportunities may include mentoring at local primary schools, participating in a river cleanup, or volunteering at the local food bank.

What does not count as community service? ● ● ● ● ● ●

Travel time to and from service opportunities Donating funds Political lobbying Religious instruction, conducting worship services, and proselytizing Court-ordered community service Serving only family members

Skateboards, Rollerblades, Scooters, and Bicycles Skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and bikes may only be used outside. All require a helmet. We prohibit the use of motorized scooters and bikes unless you receive an accommodation from the Dean of Student Life.

Healthy Relationships Vermont Academy recognizes that adolescents, as emerging adults, have a need to develop mature, healthy, and responsible relationships with peers. Mutual trust, respect, and honest communication are essential in developing these relationships. To support our students in delaying sexual activity until they are ready for mature, healthy relationships, Vermont Academy addresses the issues of communication, abstinence, sexual limit setting, and resistance to peer pressure. This is done via Student Life programming, Health class, and Health Services. The laws

of Vermont and the nation as they pertain to underage sexual activity will be reviewed with students annually at the start of school. Before engaging in sexual activity, students are encouraged to speak with a health care provider about the issues of intimacy, accountability, and responsibility. Students are expected to be responsible for their actions in all aspects of their lives, including sexual behavior. Inappropriate sexual behavior, including any sexual behavior lacking consent and/or in violation of the Vermont Academy Code of Conduct and/or in violation of all applicable laws, will result in disciplinary action. For more detailed information, please refer to the Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policies in the appendix of this handbook. Consent is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, demonstrated by words or actions freely and actively given by each party, which a reasonable person would interpret as a willingness to participate in agreed-upon sexual contact. ● Consent cannot be inferred from the absence of a verbal “no.” ● Consent to some acts does not imply consent to others, nor does past consent to a given act imply present or future consent. ● Consent must be ongoing and can be revoked at any time. ● Being in an intimate relationship does not, in and of itself, imply consent. ● Consent cannot be obtained by threat, coercion, or force. Agreement under such circumstances does not constitute consent. ● Consent cannot be obtained from someone who is under the age of consent as defined by Vermont state law. ● Someone who is incapacitated cannot effectively consent (such as when a person is incapacitated by the use of drugs, alcohol, or other medication, when a person is asleep or unconscious, or when a person has an intellectual or other disability that prevents the person from having the capacity to give consent). ○

At no time may any employee of Vermont Academy engage in sexual conduct with a student, regardless of the student’s age. It is the responsibility of those who initiate and/or engage in sexual activity to be clear that informed, voluntary consent is given before proceeding with further sexual activity. It should be noted that ignorance of the policy noted above, or the intoxication of the respondent, will not be considered an excuse.

Fundraising Policy Any solicitation of the Vermont Academy Community must be pre-approved by the Business Office. All gifts of in-kind goods or services or cash, solicited or unsolicited to the School or for the benefit of the

School, its students or faculty, must be coordinated through the Business Office prior to any solicitation and/or acceptance. Approvals must be received before entering any dates on the School calendar, before volunteer recruiting, or before initiating communication with potential donors and third parties. Student Fundraising Forms, which should be completed before any fundraising activities or events, are available in the Business Office. Students, including VASA, who wish to fundraise for any purpose must review their plans with the CFO before completing the Student Fundraising Form.

Reach Reach is our student life management system that helps ensure the safety, accountability, and well-being of all students. It allows us to track students' whereabouts, manage off-campus permissions, and respond quickly in case of emergencies. In addition to check-ins and weekend leaves, Reach serves as a vital tool for emergency response and communication, helping us locate students and coordinate support when time is of the essence. Reach is a partnership tool that is designed to support a safe, trusting, and well-organized residential experience.

Residential Student Life Our residential program strives to maintain a familial atmosphere while gradually preparing students for the challenges of independent living in college. Vermont Academy dorm families, faculty, and staff act “in loco parentis” for our boarding students, assuming the duties and responsibilities of the parent while students are in our care.

Academic Day Hours Residential halls are open during the academic day, but should remain quiet while classes are in session. There should be no noise or activities that could disrupt classes during academic hours. Cellular devices, even in dorms, are not permitted during the academic day.

Dorm Check-in/Evening Study Period Students must be in residence halls and physically check in with the on-duty faculty member and/or proctor prior to the evening study period, Monday-Friday at 7:45 p.m. and Saturday at 11 p.m. Check-ins are done via Reach. Students must remain in residence halls until 6 a.m. the following morning. Formal evening study period will run Monday-Thursday (and Fridays with Saturday classes) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. During the evening study period, students

study in their residence halls or a designated supervised study area. To study outside the residence hall, students must sign out with the adult and/or proctor on duty. They must report to their desired study location by the start of study hall. Students may not sign out of residence halls after study hours begin without specific permission from a dorm parent. Students who use the entire study period and need extra time may request the “late lights” privilege. All late lights will be turned off by 11:30 p.m.

Campus Boundaries From 7:45 p.m. (6:15 p.m. on Formal Meal nights) until lunch on the following class day, students are required to remain on the main campus; the boundaries are marked by a dotted line, as shown on the following map. Extended boundaries (from lunch to 7:45 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays) are shown on the same map with a solid line. This includes any commercial establishment on Main Street in Saxtons River.

Room Responsibility Students are responsible for keeping track of their personal belongings, clothing, and all items in their room. Students are expected to lock their doors when rooms are not occupied, and the Academy recommends that all students have an individual footlocker with a lock for valuables and food. The Academy is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Students are responsible for any guest invited into their room. Students visiting from other dorms should also be welcome and invited. At no time should a student be present in another student’s room without one of the room’s residents present. This can result in disciplinary action.

Visitors Vermont Academy day students can stay overnight on non-academic nights. Visitors who are not current Vermont Academy students are not permitted to stay overnight. If there are weather conditions or special circumstances, the Student Life Office will notify students and families. Permission from both the dorm parent and the Student Life Office is required at least one day in advance for any overnights. Upon arrival, the host should check the visitor in with the on-duty faculty member. Day students staying overnight are expected to adhere to all Vermont Academy boarding rules and expectations. Students are not permitted to have visitors of the opposite gender overnight in the residence hall. In addition, boarding students may stay overnight in rooms other than their own only with permission from the dorm families and the administrator on duty.

Residential Visitations Residential visitation is considered a privilege that must be earned throughout the year and will happen only with the consent of the appropriate dorm parent. In regard to visitation by non-residents in residential rooms, the following rules apply: ● Visitations will only occur on floors that are properly maintained and in rooms that are clean and appropriately decorated. ● Visitors must first check in with the on-duty dorm parent. ● Visitors must be invited by a member of that floor. ● The door to the room being visited must be propped open. ● Visitation may not occur in stairwells. ● Visitation must ultimately be granted by the administrator on duty. Mutual respect, self-discipline, and concern for others should govern any visitation. Visitation violations are considered a major offense.

Parent and Visitor Dormitory Access Policy To protect student privacy, safety, and the residential community, access to student dormitories by parents, guardians, and other visitors is limited. During the school day, parents and visitors may not enter or visit student dormitories without prior permission from Student Life and/or the faculty members responsible for the residence hall. Any approved visitation should be coordinated in advance and may be subject to additional expectations or restrictions established by Student Life or dorm faculty. Parents and visitors are expected to respect the residential nature of the dormitories and the privacy of all students. During evenings, weekends, and other non-school hours, dorm access remains subject to school procedures, including any required check-in, sign-in, or faculty approval. Unauthorized entry or visitation may result in the visitor being asked to leave the residence hall and may lead to additional restrictions on future campus access.

Room Checks Students are responsible for the condition and contents of their room. Rooms are to be kept neat, clean, and free of fire hazards. Residential faculty, proctors, and administrators will check rooms regularly to ensure that they are neat and that health and safety regulations are met. A student’s room is considered clean if: ● The floor is free from clothing, trash, and debris ● Food is properly stored ● The closet space and the area under the bed are neat and orderly ● The desk is conducive to studying and is clothing/debris free ● The trash is empty ● The bed is made and free from clothing, trash, and debris If, during the course of such room checks, damage to Academy property is discovered, the student(s) responsible will be assessed the cost of replacement or repair. If responsibility is disputed, each member of the room or floor will be assessed an equal share of the total cost. As stated in the disciplinary section, Vermont Academy reserves the right to check residential rooms, backpacks, cell phones, computers, or cars at any time for contraband, dangerous items, or stolen property. However, to respect students' privacy and integrity, such checks will be conducted only when there is due cause and, whenever possible, in the presence of the student(s) or a proctor. Searches of a room without a student present may be allowed in situations deemed in the best interest of maintaining the safety and security of the Vermont Academy campus.

Residential Common Space Expectations and Responsibilities It is the responsibility of all boarding students to keep common areas clean and organized. Vermont Academy's common space includes residence hallways, bathrooms, common lounges, and TV rooms.

This will require all residents to take turns doing daily chores (emptying trash, taking out recycling bins, etc.) that contribute to the dorm's general upkeep. In addition, no personal items are to be left or stored in common spaces.

Fire Safety Fire rules require that the door to all rooms remain unlocked whenever the room is occupied. Violation of this rule is a major offense. Other fire rules are: ● There will be no lit flames in residence halls (candles, incense, camp lanterns, lighters, etc.). Any violation of this rule may result in immediate dismissal. ● The entire room must be easily accessible and clearly visible from the doorway. ● Smoke detectors must not be obstructed or tampered with in any way. ● All furniture must be Academy-approved. ● Sprinkler heads and doorways must not be obstructed. ● No more than one extension cord per outlet is allowed, and it must be at least #16 wire. ● No items may be hung from the ceiling. ● All wall decorations must lie flat against the wall. ● None of the following are allowed: halogen lights and/or bulbs, indoor grills, or similar appliances.

Room Decorations/Equipment Room Decorations should be selected with the understanding that while it’s the student’s room, it’s also part of the dorm and the community. Residential faculty are authorized to request the removal of any materials that they feel are offensive or inappropriate. Pictures, bulletin boards, blankets, tapestries, and other decorations are permitted. With this in mind, the following guidelines apply: ● All decorations will be in good taste; no sexual language or images. ● No drug- or alcohol-related decorations are allowed. ● Wall hangings should be attached in the following manner; ○ On plaster, sheetrock, carpeted or wallpapered walls, use tacks or 3M Command strips only. Do not use nails or any other adhesives. ○ On wood veneer paneling, use only tape or 3M Command strips. Do not use tacks or nails. ● Computers, electric razors, sound systems, and fans are permitted. ● Small refrigerators are permitted. ● Students provide their own blankets, linen, bed quilts, pillows, curtains, and rugs. ● Footlockers and/or lock boxes are highly recommended for securing valuables. ● Gaming systems are allowed; however, the Academy reserves the right to remove the system for

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reasons related to academic and social performance. No pets of any kind.

Room Assignments Returning students may indicate their preferences for room assignment and roommate for the following year in May of the preceding school year. New students may do the same over the summer by completing the Roommate Questionnaire Form. Every effort is made to create a satisfactory assignment for all students. Students are assigned rooms and roommates in mid-August. The assignment process takes into account each student's personality and interests, as well as the Academy's needs. Creating an environment conducive to learning is the primary goal in this process. The Academy recognizes that housing adjustments may be necessary and reserves the right to make such changes at any time based on the Academy's needs. Students are not guaranteed any room assignment for the duration of the year. Usually, no room changes are made during the first few weeks of the school year. After that period, students may initiate the room-change process with the Student Life Office.

Room Check-In/Out As part of the registration process, students receive keys and orientation folders. They must verify the condition of the room with dorm families and sign for the appropriate keys with the Student Life Office. Students checking out of a room for any reason will follow check-out procedures. This will require verification of the room's condition, which may include accountability for any damages and the return of any keys. There is a $50 charge for each lost key. All damage should be reported to the dorm parent at the time it occurs. Reimbursement to the school will be charged to individual accounts. Rooms are inspected for damage by the maintenance department during Academy vacations. Students should not: ● Permanently attach shelves or other accessories to Academy property ● Mount pieces of furniture on top of each other ● Remove Academy furniture from rooms without permission from the Dean of Student Life ● Change permanent fixtures that have been built into the room ● Violate fire safety in room arrangement Any requests for exceptions must go through the Dean of Student Life.

Summer Storage Storage areas are available for returning students who wish to leave properly labeled boxes and some items over the summer vacation. Storage space is limited, and the Academy cannot store items such as lounge chairs or futons. Students must bring those types of items home for the summer. The Academy is not responsible for any damage to or loss of articles left in summer storage.

Formal/Family-Style Meals The Vermont Academy residential community comes together during the fall and spring trimesters for a sit-down, formally attired, family-style meal. The entire community also meets throughout the year for a weekly Community Lunch. We value the importance of these community meals, and attendance is required. An unexcused absence from any of these meals will result in disciplinary action.

Special and Standard Weekend Leave Policies There are times when students want or need to leave campus for weekends, special events, or vacation travel. All off-campus leaves must be submitted and approved in advance using Reach. Students are not permitted to leave campus until the leave is fully approved in Reach. Leaving without approval is considered a major offense and may result in disciplinary action, including loss of weekend privileges. Leave requests require a partnership between students, families/guardians, and the Student Life Office. Students must complete all steps in Reach by the stated deadlines, and families must provide timely approvals. Students who are not in good academic or social standing may be denied permission to leave campus.

Standard Weekend Leave Weekend Leave Requests must be submitted in Reach by Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. Students should ensure their Reach location remains accurate and check in face-to-face with dorm families during required times. Once a request is submitted, Reach will notify the student’s parent or guardian via email. Parent/guardian approvals must be received no later than 9:00 a.m. Friday. Late approvals may result in a denied leave, even if all other arrangements are in place. Before leaving campus, students must: ● Confirm that their leave is fully approved in Reach. ● Use the "SISO to Next Leave Request" feature when departing. ● Update their status upon return. Students must return to campus by 7:30 p.m. on Sunday night, unless a late return has been pre-approved by the Dean of Students.

Special/Weekday Leave If a student needs to miss classes or school obligations (for college visits, family events, or extracurricular opportunities), they must first receive in-person permission from the Student Life Office. After that, a Weekday Leave Request can be submitted in Reach. These requests must be submitted at least 3 days in advance, and parent/guardian approval is required. Once the leave is approved, students may need to notify teachers, coaches, and dorm families as appropriate.

Travel and Safety Expectations Students are considered to be on “school time” during any travel until they reach their approved destination or come under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or a parent-approved adult. Upon returning to Vermont Academy, students are again under the school's jurisdiction. While on school time, all Academy rules and expectations apply. Timely and accurate use of Reach is essential to keeping our community safe, organized, and supported. Students and families should reach out to the Student Life Office with any questions about the process or for help using the system.

Automobiles/Motorized Vehicles Boarding students may not have automobiles or other motorized vehicles on campus. Students may make accommodations to have their vehicles available in the nearby community if there are extenuating circumstances, but must first obtain approval from the Student Life Office. Approval is granted only in special circumstances and prior to the vehicle's arrival. As a general rule, boarding students may not operate motor vehicles on campus. Any violation of this rule is a major offense.

Day Student Life Attendance Day students are required to be on campus from the beginning of their first commitment until the end of their last commitment, unless they have received permission from the Student Life Office to depart campus. Day students are expected to attend all sports and activities commitments, class meetings, and any other required all-school functions.

Absences Families or guardians must notify the Academy at (802) 869-6284 before 8:00 a.m. or e-mail the Student

Life Office at studentlife@vermontacademy.org if students are unable to attend school. Excessive excused or unexcused absences will be reviewed by the administration and could jeopardize credit for that trimester. See Academics for more information regarding absences.

Leaving Campus Due to Illness Day students who become ill on campus must be excused by Health Services before they are allowed to go home. Health Services personnel will determine whether a student is ill enough to leave campus. A parent may not excuse a student.

Weather-Related Early Departure Students may leave campus only due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions, following a confirmation call from the parent to the Student Life Office. Should driving home become impossible, the Academy can accommodate day students staying over.

Day Student Automobiles It is a privilege to park a vehicle on campus. Day students are expected to use motor vehicles only for transportation to and from campus. During the day, vehicles must remain in the designated parking areas defined by the Student Life Office from arrival in the morning until departure after the last commitment. Students leaving campus before their last commitment must get permission from the Student Life Office. Boarding students may ride in a day student’s car only after completing the proper check-out procedures and providing the appropriate signed permission form. Any inappropriate use of a car will result in disciplinary action, which may include temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges. The Academy reserves the right to check automobiles on school property if there are concerns about their contents. Day students are responsible for everything in their car.

Staying Overnight on Campus Day students may stay in a dormitory on non-academic nights with permission from the Student Life Office. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to email the Student Life Office 48 hours before the overnight. Overnights are allowed at the sole discretion of the Dean of Student Life or the Administrator on Duty. Reach Expectations for Day Students Day students are also expected to use Reach to support safety, communication, and accountability during the school day and any time they are on campus outside of regular hours.

Day students should: ● Accurately check in and out of Reach if they arrive late, leave early, or are on campus outside of regular academic hours (evenings, weekends, or special events). ● Use Reach to request permission for any off-campus activities during the academic day that require an early departure from campus or involve any boarding student. ● Follow Reach procedures for school trips or events, just as you would for boarding students. ● Ensure that their parent or guardian promptly responds to Reach leave requests when required. While day students are not involved in weekend dorm check-ins, they are still considered under school supervision when on campus or at school events and are expected to follow all Reach-related safety and communication protocols. Lockers In addition to a gymnasium locker, day students are assigned a locker in the Shepardson Center to store books, coats, etc. The Academy reserves the right to check lockers or backpacks at any time if there are concerns about what’s inside. However, to respect a student’s privacy and integrity, such checks will be conducted only when due cause exists.

Community Consequences The Academy expects our students to conduct themselves respectfully at all times. When students behave in ways inconsistent with Vermont Academy’s community standards, the Academy is responsible for educating them about their inappropriate behavior. Our expectation is that students and their families will accept constructive discipline and will recognize that lifelong lessons can be learned from mistakes. Students are expected to know the policies and rules of the Academy and to understand that these policies, procedures, and rules apply in all places at school and at Academy activities—on or off campus. Students who demonstrate a lack of understanding or knowingly disrespect Academy policies will be held accountable for their actions in all situations.

General Respect Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times. This includes tone of voice during interactions with adults and peers, the use of proper language, and decorum and respect during school gatherings and in public places while enrolled at Vermont Academy.

Immediate Dismissal Any of the following offenses may result in immediate dismissal from the Academy: ● Sexual misconduct

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Possession of a firearm or any other dangerous weapon Significant issues of theft Intent to supply or distribute alcohol or drugs Dishonesty during a Standards Committee meeting Harassment, Hazing, and/or Bullying

Major Offenses At any time, whether on campus, off campus, or on the Internet, any behavior that discredits the student and by extension, the school will result in a disciplinary response from the Academy. The following list of major offenses is provided to help students make the right choices.

Major offenses are: ● Dishonesty, lying, stealing, and/or plagiarism ● Cases of academic dishonesty ● Possession and/or use of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia ● Possession or misuse of any narcotic, non-prescribed or prescription medicines, or any other psychotropic or controlled substance/medication ● Misuse of any product with the intent of altering one’s state of consciousness ● Possession or use of steroids ● Tampering with fire safety equipment ● Any act of vandalism ● Possession or use of unauthorized school property, including school keys, computer software, or hardware ● Videoing, audio recording, or photographing any member of the community without their express consent ● Out of bounds, illegal check-outs, and/or illegal weekends ● Out of the dorm or illegally behind a locked door in an Academy building ● Any visitation violation ● Violation of the Academy’s motor vehicle policy ● Violation of the Academy’s Acceptable Use policy ● Continued non-compliance with Academy rules ● Conduct unbecoming of a Vermont Academy student ● Accumulation of 10 unexcused absences or detention offenses Those found to be knowingly present while others commit a major offense might also face consequences up to and including those of the primary offender(s). The Academy considers the cooperation of students and families essential in carrying out our stated purposes and objectives. The Head of School reserves the right to terminate a student’s enrollment at Vermont Academy should such cooperation not be forthcoming. Also, if a student is under investigation for a crime by local, state, or federal authorities, Vermont Academy may, at its discretion, place the student on administrative leave until the matter is resolved to Vermont Academy’s satisfaction.

Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Policy The Vermont Academy community stands against any harassment, hazing, and/or bullying. The Academy firmly believes that all persons are to be treated with respect and dignity. Consequently, all reported complaints of harassment, hazing, and/or bullying will be responded to in a timely and thorough manner. Harassment, hazing, and/or bullying refer to unwelcome and unwanted behavior that makes recipients feel afraid, embarrassed, helpless, angry, or unsafe. If students feel that their emotional well-being, sense of safety and security, or sense of self-worth is being affected by such conduct, a complaint should be reported to an adult member of the community, with an investigation to follow. For more detailed information, please refer to the Harassment Policy in the appendix at the end of this Handbook. Vermont Academy will adhere to all Vermont laws as they apply to this issue.

Drugs and Alcohol Drug and alcohol use is known to be detrimental to the well-being of adolescents and can detract from the opportunities we share together. Vermont Academy is committed to providing an environment where students can take full advantage of everything the Academy offers. Therefore, students are expected to be drug-free, and the Academy will do everything within its power to provide them with a healthy, drug-free community. While under the jurisdiction of the Academy, the use of alcohol and drugs, including any products containing THC, is strictly prohibited and considered a major offense. To enforce this policy, the Academy reserves the right to require drug testing. If it is determined that there is reason to believe that a student has violated this policy, the student may be required to submit to tests (urinalysis, breathalyzer test) at the family’s expense. If a student refuses to take a required test, the student will be considered in violation of our drug and alcohol policy and will receive the appropriate consequences. The Academy is committed to helping students gain perspective on their relationship with drugs and alcohol in an effort to encourage abstinence. For a first drug and alcohol offense, a student may face temporary removal from campus and will be placed on a warning status with subsequent periodic drug testing. The student will also receive support from the ASISST Program (see p. 55). Any second offense will likely result in a separation from the Academy and may lead to dismissal.

Nicotine Nicotine, the psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products, is an addictive chemical stimulant known to be carcinogenic and to result in numerous well-documented negative health effects. Vermont Academy is therefore a tobacco-free school. Students will not have permission to use any products containing nicotine, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, chewing tobacco, or snuff. Students who enter the Academy with nicotine dependence may seek support from Health Services and will be given the resources and structure to treat their addiction. Any student who is found to possess nicotine-containing products or paraphernalia and/or is caught using any form of nicotine will be subject to disciplinary action.

Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping and Paraphernalia Adolescent rates of nicotine addiction related to the use of e-cigarettes are epidemic. Ongoing research suggests potential negative health effects associated with the use of e-cigarettes. Therefore, the use of e-cigarettes (vaping/juuling) and the possession of vaping paraphernalia are considered major offenses at Vermont Academy. Any student found in the presence of vaping paraphernalia or in the act of vaping will be given a detention offense and will be required to meet with Health Services. On the second offense, the student may be put on a Warning Status and required to be in a mandated nicotine cessation and support program (ASISST) for one trimester (fee required). A third offense may result in a 48-hour suspension from school, and other Restorative Action may be assigned at the Dean of Student Life's discretion. The student will also be placed on ASISST for a calendar year. Ongoing vaping offenses may result in dismissal.

Weapons Weapons of any type are not permitted on campus or at any Vermont Academy-sponsored event. Weapons include firearms, explosives, knives, and other weapons or objects that might be considered dangerous or that could cause harm. Additionally, no explosives of any kind (including fireworks) are permitted. Exceptions are only made for small pocket knives. Students should check with dorm families or the Student Life Office if they have any questions about whether a particular item is acceptable.

Cell Phones and Computers The Academy has the right to confiscate and search cell phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices if the school has a reasonable basis to believe school policies were broken using an individual’s device. If a student’s device is searched, the Dean of Student Life or their designee will contact the families. Students should be aware that any materials on cell phones, computers, or other electronic devices that break any handbook policies will be brought to the attention of the Student Life Office. Students should be aware that any material determined to be threatening, hateful, bullying, or discriminatory; that shows intent to distribute or use illegal substances; or that violates any major rule will be treated as a major offense and may lead to dismissal. Students are prohibited from using their own devices to access non-school-supplied WiFi or internet connections. Any non-school-issued devices will be confiscated.

Dorm Restrictions If a student demonstrates a pattern of academic or disciplinary detention offenses, the Dean of Student Life, Class Dean, or advisor may place the student on Dorm Restrictions. In this situation, the student will report to a designated location during all free periods throughout the academic day. Dorm Restrictions can also be recommended for students who are not meeting academic expectations in the classroom, if

deemed appropriate by the Dean of Student Life.

Detention Offenses To indicate the gravity of a student’s misbehavior or error in judgment, the Dean of Student Life, Class Deans, faculty, or staff may issue a detention offense. Detention offenses will be tracked in the student’s disciplinary file. Detention offenses may be issued for—but are not limited to—the following reasons: ● Disruptive behavior in a classroom, common space, athletic field, or dorm ● Being off your floor after lights out ● Missed academic commitment (class, field trip, etc.) ● Missed athletic commitment ● Missed Community Meeting ● Missed Formal Meal ● Missed Community Lunch ● Missed Community Service assignment ● Missed waiter assignment for formal meal ● Unexcused absence from a community event (performance, special dinner, etc.) ● Nicotine offense (non-vaping) ● Failure to participate in safety drills If students receive five detention offenses, they will be required to meet with the Class Dean and their advisor to discuss their behavior and develop a contract with a Restorative action plan. Should students receive ten detention offenses in a trimester, they will be subject to a formal meeting with their Advisor, Class Dean, & Dean of Student Life for continued non-compliance with Academy rules. They will most likely be placed on a Social Warning Status. If students continue to accrue detention offenses while on warning status, they will face further disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Minor Offenses Any Vermont Academy faculty member may issue minor offenses to students. Few students go through the academic year without some minor infractions of the rules, and a few occasional reports create no major concern and carry no penalty. However, when a student begins to accumulate a significant number of minor offenses, the student will be subject to additional disciplinary action. Minor offenses will be tracked in the student’s disciplinary file. Class Deans review each student’s infraction and decide whether additional disciplinary action is necessary. Minor offenses may be issued for, but are not limited to, the following infractions: ● Tardiness to an academic commitment ● Up past lights out/minor dorm infractions ● Dress code violation ● Use of profanity ● Use of cell phone/headphones in non-permitted areas

The accumulation of multiple minor offenses will result in the issuance of a detention offense for non-compliance. In addition, the Class Dean will call families and explain the pattern of behavior being exhibited.

Disciplinary Process & Statuses Disciplinary Process Students who commit disciplinary infractions will discuss incidents with their advisors and the Student Life Office to address any negative patterns of behavior and form Restorative action plans. Advisors and/or Class Deans will communicate with families regarding disciplinary matters. Certain disciplinary infractions will result in a student being brought before the Standards Committee to address the issue. Families will be notified in advance of the committee meeting.

Standards Committee A Standards Committee is a standing committee of students and Class Deans— chaired by the Dean of Student Life—who convenes to hear facts presented by the student(s) involved in certain disciplinary situations. A student’s faculty advisor is also present at a Standards hearing. After the hearing, the committee will recommend a course of action to the Head of School for the Academy to take. Only the Head of School, or the person acting on their behalf, can, in unusual circumstances, waive the need for the committee to meet.

Social Warning Status A student may be placed on social warning status for the commission of certain major offenses or for a specified period of time after coming off final warning status. Should the student commit a major offense while on this status, the student will appear before a Standards Committee, which may conclude with a recommendation for dismissal.

Final Warning Status This is the Academy’s most serious warning status. Students at this level of warning could be dismissed without a Standards Committee meeting if they committed a major offense. All students are placed on final warning during the final week of school and may be sent home for any infraction outlined in this handbook. If a returning student is sent home during the final week of school, their return and/or disciplinary status for the following year will be discussed at the end-of-year Student Review. For seniors, an administrative review will determine eligibility to receive a diploma. Any student taken off final warning status during the school year, as a result of a positive review, will automatically be placed on social warning status.

Work Squad/Detention Students may be assigned to weeknight and/or weekend detention for various forms of misconduct. Unexcused absences from the work squad will result in a weekend detention and the loss of weekend leave privileges for the weekend the detention is served. Unexcused absences from weekend detention may result in an in-school suspension.

Bounds/Loss of Privileges Serious violations of school regulations can result in a student being placed on disciplinary restriction. For boarding students, this means confinement to campus; for day students, it means being restricted from campus except for specified academic commitments. For all students, restriction entails attending all classes and detention/ work detail. A student on restriction is not eligible to practice or compete on an athletic team or participate in co-curricular practices or performances. Various privileges, such as off-campus lunches, parking privileges, or participation in school activities, may be withheld as a disciplinary response.

Suspension When a pattern of missed advisories, class lateness/absences, or required disciplinary action on the part of teachers gives evidence that a student is unwilling to meet school expectations of attendance and/or behavior, the student will need to have an immediate meeting with the Dean of Student Life and may be put on a 48-hour suspension from campus. In this case, the families/guardians will be required to make appropriate travel plans for the student in a timely manner so the student can return to campus once the suspension has been served. Upon returning to campus, the student and parent/guardian will be asked to meet with the Head of School, Dean of Student Life, Class Dean, and advisor to review a detailed Restorative Action plan moving forward. The student will be allowed to make up any work missed during their suspension, provided they complete it in a timely manner as requested by the teacher. In some cases, a student placed on suspension may have a Standards Meeting upon returning to campus, and/or the school may take immediate action and require the student not to return until the school determines the student can meet certain expectations.

Dismissal In certain cases, the Standards Committee may recommend to the Head of School that a student be dismissed from the Academy. Should a student be dismissed, the date of dismissal and the cumulative grades up through that date will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Vermont Academy will not award credit for courses not fully completed. Final examinations, assigned projects, and other exhibitions are considered part of the course. Vermont Academy will support a dismissed student by supplying the textbook titles and the chapters or pages covered. It will be the responsibility of the receiving school to decide on any additional requirements and the issuing of credit. The Academy is under no obligation to provide students who have been dismissed the opportunity to receive credit for completing the academic year or term. Students who are asked to leave Vermont Academy may return to campus only after their class has graduated or with the express permission of the Student Life Office. Additionally, students who leave the Academy for harassment issues are not allowed on campus until all parties involved have left

the Academy. In special cases, the Academy will consider a dismissed student’s reapplication. If students are dismissed from the Academy, they will be separated from the student body and housed in the infirmary for supervision. Students are expected to vacate the campus within 24 hours. The student’s family is responsible for creating a timely and viable plan for the student's safe departure from campus. Any student who remains on campus beyond a reasonable time period may incur additional fees.

Disclosure of Major Disciplinary Action As a NACAC member, Vermont Academy will, when requested on the institution’s application, report student conduct records to colleges—including, but not limited to, serious disciplinary violations, honor violations, academic or behavioral misconduct, probation, suspensions, and dismissals. If a senior or postgraduate is suspended or dismissed after the student has applied to colleges, Vermont Academy will notify the colleges two weeks after the disciplinary action has been taken. Within this two-week period, students should notify the colleges of any change in their status.

Student Support Faculty/Student Advisor Program The student’s advisor is their advocate on campus. The advisor is a faculty/staff member with whom the student meets regularly and with whom the student should feel most comfortable discussing issues. Advisors direct students through the Student Life Curriculum. The mission of Vermont Academy’s Student Life Program is to foster each student's personal growth as an individual while living in a diverse community setting. Using the principles of self-discipline and empathy as a guide, we educate our students academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally, nurturing their intellect and spirit as they move toward living a balanced, fulfilling life. The student life curriculum is delivered to students through a blend of orientation programs, residential systems, student leadership and mentorship, health programming, weekend events, workshops, and MAPS®.

Vermont Academy Student Association (VASA) VASA represents the student body in formulating policies and guidelines affecting the interests and governance of the entire Academy community. Members of the student body from the 12th, 11th, and 10th grades are elected in the spring of the preceding academic year. Ninth graders are elected from the student body during the current fall trimester.

College Counseling The college counseling office is located upstairs in Wilbur House. In the fall, in addition to individual meetings, seniors and postgraduates will take a course called College Seminar. In this course, students will cover the general college process in a group setting. Seniors and postgraduates will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from various colleges and universities throughout the fall.

Juniors will take the College Seminar course in the winter and spring and begin individual meetings with counselors. The college counseling office also handles the following standardized tests: ACT, SAT, TOEFL, and PSAT. The college counseling office offers grade-level-appropriate programming for 9thand 10th-grade students, as well as parent education opportunities.

Computer Services The IT department at Vermont Academy supports the campus's technology infrastructure and provides wireless internet access to all buildings via a network of wireless access points. Academic buildings have public printers/copiers available for student use. Vermont Academy is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school, and all students are allowed to connect to the Vermont Academy network. We mainly support Windows- and Mac-based computers. It's essential for students to have a device with a fully functional keyboard. Accidental damage coverage or adding the device to your home insurance is highly recommended, as student devices may get damaged over the course of the school year. Students must bring their own wireless/mobile computers, connect to our network, and be prepared to use them in classes. At a minimum, they must have the ability to create documents and “PowerPoint-like” presentations. Students in grades 11 and 12 should NOT bring a Chromebook to campus. Due to changes in standardized testing guidelines, Chromebooks not managed by an academic institution are not approved for digital standardized testing. Basic support for personal computers, such as help with network connectivity, printing, and other minor issues, will be available. Major issues such as virus infections, hard drive crashes, and broken screens are ultimately the students' responsibility, with the IT department helping students arrange repairs. Students are prohibited from using their own devices (i.e., personal routers, personal hotspots, VPNs, proxy websites, or portable browsers) to access non-school-supplied WiFi or bypass Vermont Academy’s firewalls or internet connections. Any non-school-issued devices of this nature will be confiscated.

Proctor House Health and Counseling Services The health and safety of Vermont Academy students are our top priorities. The Proctor House Health Services staff seeks to help students maintain the best possible level of physical and emotional health—both by providing treatment for acute and chronic physical, social, emotional, and behavioral health issues and by providing the knowledge and resources necessary to assist students in making healthy choices now and in the future. All Vermont Academy students are required to have an annual physical examination, meet the state of Vermont immunization requirements, and possess health insurance coverage that provides both non-urgent and urgent care in any New England state. Additional health forms and permissions must be completed and then updated annually by families/guardians using the SchoolDoc electronic system.

Non-disclosure of significant student health and/or behavioral health histories may result in nullification of the student’s enrollment agreement. Quick Facts ● In many cases, students can request that healthcare and/or counseling services remain confidential. It is the department's policy to encourage disclosure to families/guardians whenever appropriate. Any student disclosure of risk of harm to self or others will be reported to staff and families/guardians as appropriate. Physical and/or sexual abuse will be reported to appropriate authorities per Vermont law. ● Family Planning, including reproductive health information and assistance, may be kept confidential under Vermont state law. ● Proctor House Health Services is located in the red house near the performing arts center and below the hockey rink. It includes an infirmary with 10 beds in a home-like environment. The Health Center is staffed for drop-in services when the “Open” flag is flying from the front door. ● The counseling center is located on the second floor of Proctor Hall in the central campus, which is also home to the Center for Teaching and Learning. ● Health Services staff communicate with students using their Vermont Academy email account and/or via phone or text. Students are expected to access their email accounts daily for important Vermont Academy communications. ● Any student complaining of a physical or emotional health concern or illness must report immediately to the infirmary. Non-urgent health issues should be addressed outside of classroom or sports commitments whenever possible. Sick students will remain in the infirmary where they can be monitored by nursing staff. Students may be kept in the infirmary overnight if deemed necessary by the duty nurse. ● Nursing staff is available 24 hours a day via the Health Services pager at (802) 741-2440. ● All prescription medications must be kept at Proctor House and dispensed to students by a licensed nurse or designated faculty member. On occasion, with permission from the Director of Health Services, prescription medication can be kept in the dormitory and self-administered. This does not apply to controlled drugs, including stimulants and anxiolytics. STUDENTS MAY NOT keep prescription medications in their dorm rooms without permission; this can result in disciplinary action. ● All supplements, including herbal supplements, vitamins, and cannabidiol-containing products (CBD) must be approved by a nurse and/or athletic trainer prior to use. ● Medical marijuana and any products containing THC may not be used at Vermont Academy per the Alcohol and Drug policy. ● Vermont Academy expects that all routine medical, dental, and optical care will be scheduled during vacations for boarding students and/or outside of the academic day for day students. Families are expected to notify Health Services staff of any illness or injury sustained while away from the Academy to facilitate the arrangement of appropriate follow-up care. For questions about Health Services and/or to speak to a nurse, call 802-869-6239 or email nurse@vermontacademy.org.

Counseling Services Health Services staff includes two counselors, with an outside counselor available as needed. Individual counseling, assistance with social/emotional struggles, peer relationships, drug or alcohol abuse support, family meetings, classroom observations and feedback, as well as off-campus referrals are available to all students. Ongoing weekly counseling slots are prioritized for boarding students, with every effort made to provide appropriate referrals to day students when on-site counseling is unavailable. Counselors are on campus Monday through Friday with office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. Counselors are available after hours on an on-call basis. If an emergency mental health issue arises when the office is closed, students are encouraged to seek out a faculty member and call the Health Services on-call pager at (802) 741-2440. The nurse will then contact the on-call counselor as needed. Counseling services are available for both ongoing support and crisis situations. It is the student’s responsibility to keep all counseling appointments. If students are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, they must contact the counselor in advance to cancel. families/guardians are responsible for mandated counseling fees. For questions about counseling services or fees, please contact the Director of Health Services at (802) 869-6200.

Gender Inclusion Policy Vermont Academy is committed to cultivating a learning environment where all students are respected, affirmed, and supported—regardless of their gender identity or expression. We recognize that gender is a spectrum and affirm each student’s right to express their authentic self. This includes the right to be addressed by chosen names and pronouns, access gender-aligned facilities and programs, and participate fully in all aspects of school life. Student Records/Information Systems All forms and Information Systems templates provide a third gender-neutral option (“non-binary”) whenever possible. Departments will review forms and electronic records systems, editing as necessary—on an ongoing basis. Dress Code The Student Dress code does not reference gender. Restrooms Gender inclusive restrooms will be provided in all buildings whenever possible. Campus restrooms were surveyed, and all single-stall restrooms are gender inclusive. Housing Vermont Academy is excited to offer a variety of dorm community options. It is our aim to make these communities welcoming to all students in their home away from home.

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This plan recognizes that gender is self-reported, and we are committed to providing options so that all students feel welcome and at home.

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Transgender, non-binary, transitioning, gender queer, and gender non-conforming students may choose to live in any dorm in accordance with how they identify. As you share your housing preferences, please consider what you need and want for yourself, as and which dorm community will be the best fit for you.

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Athletics Vermont Academy is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for all students to participate in athletics and supports the dignity and inclusion of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming students. Vermont Academy participates in NEPSAC and other interscholastic competitions and follows applicable eligibility requirements governing those competitions. Eligibility for participation on sex-designated varsity teams will be determined in accordance with applicable law and the rules governing the particular competition, with consideration for student inclusion, competitive fairness, and athlete safety. Junior Varsity and Afternoon Activity programs are available to students regardless of gender identity, subject to applicable competition and safety requirements. When questions regarding athletic participation arise, the Academy will work individually with the student and family to determine an appropriate participation opportunity that is consistent with applicable law and competition requirements. School Traditions School Traditions will be followed in a non-binary fashion whenever possible. Faculty/Staff/Student Training All community members will be provided with sensitivity training on issues of gender and sexuality, including harassment.

Pets Vermont Academy students are not allowed to have pets of any kind.

Infirmary Hours and Medication Administration Proctor House Health Services is open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, on-call only

Medication administration takes place in Shepardson Dining Hall: Monday-Saturday during breakfast 7:30am-8:30am Sunday-during brunch 10am-noon Medications are also available at Proctor House during office hours.

Sports Medicine The Health Services staff also includes a full-time and a part-time certified athletic trainer (ATC). The athletic trainers manage the athletic training room located in Williams Gymnasium. Athletic training services include: practice and game coverage, care for sports-related and orthopedic injuries, rehabilitation as well as strength and conditioning. Any student who has suffered illness or injury must be cleared by a nurse or athletic trainer prior to returning to sports/activities. Any student suffering a suspected head injury will be excluded from all sports until they have completed the Vermont Academy return-to-play protocol and have been cleared by a medical professional. Any student under the care of an off-campus medical professional must obtain a written order from the treating health care provider before resuming sports and activities. For questions about athletic training and/or to speak to the athletic trainers, call (802) 869-6237 or email atc@vermontacademy.org.

Head Injuries Head injury protocols are strictly enforced at the Academy to ensure minimal risk of re-injury and/or second impact syndrome. Any student suspected of sustaining a concussion will be monitored carefully by medical staff, including nurses, athletic trainers, and additional healthcare providers as needed and in accordance with the Vermont Academy Head Injury Protocol and Procedure. Any student cleared by a personal physician prior to the limitations set forth in our stated protocol will remain restricted from activities until all aspects of the Vermont Academy Head Injury Protocol have been met. Students with head injuries are required to check in with nursing staff or athletic trainers daily until cleared; failure to do so may result in a disciplinary infraction. Please see the concussion policy in the back of the handbook for more information.

Sports-Related Medications/Supplements All medications and dietary supplements must be presented to and approved by Health Services nurses or athletic trainers. It is the responsibility of the student and their families/guardians to verify that any medications/supplements brought to campus are not officially banned substances and do not harm the student's health or well-being. To determine which substances are banned for use, the athletic trainer shall consult the official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) list of banned drug classes. A complete listing is available online at www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/policy. Because the health and safety of our students are our primary concerns, we want to create an environment in which concerned individuals can share information about potential violations of the school’s substance abuse policy by student athletes without fear of negative consequences. As a result, an individual wishing to bring forth such information may choose to remain anonymous. If a student-athlete is accused of using a performance-enhancing drug, the athletic trainer and the Director of Health Services will conduct an

initial investigation. If, upon researching the allegation, the athletic trainer and Director of Health Services agree that there is sufficient basis for a formal investigation, they will inform the Athletic Director and refer the matter to the Student Life Office as a potential violation of the substance abuse policy.

Sanctuary Policy Any time a student believes the health or safety of themselves and/or their peers is in jeopardy due to the effects of ingestion of drugs or alcohol, the student should: ● Call 911 immediately if a student is unresponsive. ● Contact any adult on campus immediately. ● Page the on-call nurse at (802) 741-2440. ● Bring the student(s) directly to Health Services for assistance if directed by the on-call nurse. Under such circumstances, in order to get the impaired student(s) immediate medical assistance, the student(s) involved can invoke this Sanctuary Policy and: ● The student(s) involved will retain anonymity to the greatest extent possible, with the exception of disclosure to Health Services staff who may need to know the names of those involved in order to assist the impaired student(s). ● There will be no disciplinary action against the reporting student(s) or the impaired student(s). Incident Follow-Up: ● ● ●

Health Services staff will inform the Head of School that a Sanctuary was requested. No student names will be disclosed. The impaired student(s) must meet with a counselor or the Director of Health Services within 48 hours to make arrangements to see the ASISST counselor to discuss the incident. The impaired student(s) will notify their families of the incident in the presence of either the Director of Health Services, a campus administrator, a nurse on duty, or a counselor as soon as possible and at the discretion of the responding adults.

IMPORTANT: Students must initiate the process. Any student who has already been confronted or discovered by a faculty/staff member is ineligible for Sanctuary. Students may invoke the Sanctuary Policy for incidents occurring on or off campus. However, if law enforcement officials respond to an incident, the school’s Sanctuary Policy cannot shield students from any legal action that follows. If at any time a student would like to seek support for a substance abuse problem, the student may contact any Health Services staff without risk of disciplinary response. It is the policy of Health Services to communicate with families as appropriate; however, information about substance abuse treatment may be kept confidential as allowed by Vermont law. Disclosures indicating that a student and/or others are at risk of harm will not be kept confidential. The intention of this policy is to keep students safe and to promote safety within our community as much as possible. When a student is found by a faculty member to be under the influence of alcohol or other

drugs, Vermont Academy has no alternative but a disciplinary response. Furthermore, in such a situation, the faculty member or dean is obligated to investigate whether other students may be in trouble and in need of medical attention.

Student Assistance Program (ASISST) The student assistance program at Vermont Academy, ASISST (Aiding Students in Sound and Sober Thinking), is designed to provide education and positive support to students facing issues related to drug and alcohol use. Vermont Academy maintains the philosophy that adolescents will make mistakes and have a responsibility to learn from them. Students referred to the ASISST program by faculty, staff, families, the Student Life Office, or the admissions process will receive support in accordance with program protocols. Furthermore, any student may confidentially request the services offered by ASISST. The Student Life Office is responsible for any related disciplinary consequences. Recognizing that the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol can be a complex problem, the ASISST Program focuses on several areas of support: intervention, individual and group counseling, sober support group meetings, random drug testing, educational activities, and professional assessment. Attendance at 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, and Narcotics Anonymous may be arranged on an individual basis. Communication with and the involvement of families and/or guardians are strongly encouraged. As with other health concerns, families and guardians are responsible for the cost of services in the ASISST Program. These will include counseling, drug/alcohol assessments, and urine screening tests. All of the ASISST team’s efforts are undertaken with the clear understanding that students and their families are entitled to respect and privacy in these matters. A student’s confidentiality will be protected at all times. Limited information will only be released as needed to serve the best interests of the student in the Vermont Academy community. ASISST referrals and assessments are not part of a student’s permanent record. Information about ASISST protocols and fees can be obtained by contacting the ASISST Coordinator, Ms. Amy Lanterman, at alanterman@vermontacademy.org.

Other Services Postal Services Student mail is located in the package room in the dining hall. Correspondence to students should be addressed as follows: Name, Vermont Academy, PO Box 500, Saxtons River, VT 05154-0500. Packages requiring a physical address should be addressed to Vermont Academy, 10 Long Walk, PO Box 500, Saxtons River, VT, 05154. Package pick-up is located on the lower level of Shepard Dining. Package pickup hours vary. See posted hours on the package room door.

Religious Services Students are welcome to attend religious services in Saxton's River and surrounding towns. We can help with transportation.

THE VERMONT ACADEMY EVENING SONG Written by Headmaster Laurence Leavitt’s wife, Dorothy, in 1934, their first year at Vermont Academy O Vermont, we’ve seen your beauty changing with each hour and day We have found your hidden trout pools, where the light and shadows play Swirling sparks above a campfire, hemlocks laden down with snow Autumn hillsides flaming crimson, where the sugar maples grow Morning mist upon the mountains, frosty stars across the sky Snowy campus turned to silver, when the moon is riding high O Vermont, we will not leave you, here behind us when we part We will take your beauty with us, etched forever on each heart

Appendix (Policies not included in sections above)

Vermont Academy Computer Acceptable Usage Policy Computers, network services, access to Google Workspace for Education, and communication devices (including telephones) at Vermont Academy are provided to community members as a service. Access and use are privileges, not rights. Given this understanding, I agree to: ● Use the Vermont Academy network with respect for others. ● Respect and comply with all applicable licenses and laws. ● Take good care of Vermont Academy computers, telephones, networking equipment, and systems. ● Use all email and other communication systems respectfully and legally. ● Use the computer systems for academic / business purposes only during academic / business times. ● Use the computer systems only for safe and legal leisure purposes during non-academic times. ● Comply with all reasonable requests from Vermont Academy faculty and staff regarding the use of computer and telephone equipment. I agree not to: ● Attempt via any means to circumvent the security and filtering measures implemented on the network or individual computers. ● Attempt to compromise the setup, privacy, or security of any internal system or other user’s login account, or download or install any software or hardware that may be used for these activities. ● Set up any wireless networking or internet access devices on campus. ● Video, audio record, or photograph any member of the community without their expressed consent. ● Use ANY online resources to threaten, intimidate, or harass an individual or group. This will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action, which may lead to dismissal or termination. I acknowledge: ● Backing up my files frequently is my responsibility. ● Vermont Academy may monitor and examine my electronic files, activities, and communications on any computer system on campus, including personally owned devices. ● Network and Internet usage may be both filtered and monitored by Vermont Academy at its discretion. ● Vermont Academy security and web filtering will never protect me 100% of the time. ● It is up to me to practice safe and prudent computing habits. ● There is no such thing as complete confidentiality on a computer. ● The contents of any electronic communications, including email, instant messaging, listservs, blogs, wikis, and social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.), should be

composed with utmost care. Because many of these tools occupy online public spaces, the potential to bring harm to oneself, to others, and Vermont Academy must be recognized and avoided. An excellent guide for all electronic exchanges is the following question: Will what you’re about to post/send/communicate offend, surprise, or shock your past, current, or future: ● Classmates ● Teachers ● Friends ● Romantic partner ● Family ● Employer ● Employee in a way that critically jeopardizes your relationship? If you answer “Yes” to even one item on this short list of people, do NOT send. Users who violate this Policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal. If you have any questions about this policy or a specific posting out on the web, please contact the Dean of Student Life or the Head of School. In addition, online illegal activities such as drug or alcohol-related activities; threatening the safety of another; vandalism; libel; gambling; promoting a pyramid scheme; distributing illegal obscenity; receiving, transmitting, or possessing child pornography; infringing copyrights; making bomb threats are strictly forbidden and may be reported to the authorities. Students are prohibited from using their own devices (i.e., personal routers, personal hotspots, VPNs, proxy websites, or portable browsers) to access non-school-supplied WiFi or bypass Vermont Academy’s firewalls or internet connections. Any non-school-issued devices of this nature will be confiscated.

Vermont Academy Administrative Leave Protocol Administrative Leave is defined as a short-term leave necessitated by a situation that requires a student to be separated from the Academy for non-medical reasons, such as family emergencies, bereavement, funerals, or disciplinary action. Determination of Leave: An Administrative Leave may be initiated by Academy administration and/or by the family in conjunction with Vermont Academy administration.

Duration of Leave: Administrative leave is a non-medical leave lasting between four days and two weeks. The student will be instructed to take home school books or other materials necessary to complete assignments while away from the Academy and is expected, to the best of his/her ability, to remain current with academic expectations. The Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs and Class Dean, in coordination with the student’s advisor, will facilitate coordination of assignments between the student and his/her teachers while away on leave. If an extended absence is anticipated, families must complete and submit the Academic Appeal for Long-Term Leave form. If the student is unable to return within a timeframe that ensures academic requirements can be met, withdrawal may be granted, and the student may be considered for readmission. Return from Administrative Leave: Academy administrators, in conjunction with the family, determine the return date. Faculty and staff will then be notified in a timely manner. Appeal of the school’s decision to require leave or of a decision regarding return from leave: Families who wish to provide additional facts they believe should have been considered when a mandatory leave or return decision was made, or who believe school policies were not applied appropriately, may appeal in writing to the Head of School. The Head of School’s decision will be final. Academy Withdrawal: In the event that a student’s leave extends until the point of withdrawal from the Academy, the date of withdrawal will be considered the date upon which the leave began. I have read and understood the terms of this Administrative Leave, including the Academic Appeal for a Long-Term Leave procedure as it applies to ___________________ (student name). ___________________________________ ________________ Parent/Guardian signature Date ___________________________________ ________________ Student signature Date ___________________________________ ________________ Administrator signature Date ___________________________________ ________________ Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs signature

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Vermont Academy Medical Leave Protocol There are two types of medical leave granted to students at Vermont Academy: ● Short-Term Medical Leave: Illness, psychosocial issue, injury, or surgery that prevents the student from attending classes for a specified period of time exceeding 4 days but not more than 2 weeks. ● Long-Term Medical Leave: Illness, psychosocial issue, or any physical condition that necessitates absence from classes for more than 2 weeks.

Determination of Medical Leave: A medical leave may be required by the school under the following circumstances: a student is unable to constructively engage in Academy life for psychosocial reasons or due to illness/injury. ● A leave for psychosocial reasons will occur when a student’s well-being or safety is determined to be in jeopardy and/or when the well-being and safety of other students may be in jeopardy due to the student's continued presence on campus. A psychosocial leave may include, but is not limited to, emotional dysregulation, eating disorders, self-harm, and/or aggressive behaviors. ● A medical leave may be required if a student suffers from a physical illness, injury, or condition that renders the student unable to engage in Academy life. Examples of medical leaves for physical reasons include, but are not limited to, extended illness, prolonged concussion, and surgery. The need for medical leave is determined by the Director of Health Services in collaboration with the family, the Health Team (counselors, Dean of Student Life, Class Deans), and the advisor. Departure Plan: When a medical leave is initiated, Health Services staff will notify the Head of School, the Dean of Student Life, the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, the advisor, and the dorm families. A student’s family will be provided with a copy of the medical leave packet, which contains: 1. Medical Leave Protocol and Academic Appeal for Long-Term Leave (to be signed by Parent/guardian, student, Director of Health Services, and the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs) 2. Faculty Contact Information 3. Release Authorization 4. Academy Evaluation Criteria (for psychosocial leaves only) The student will be instructed to take home schoolbooks or other materials necessary to complete assignments while away from the Academy. All prescribed medications will be packaged and dispensed to the student/family. The student may be observed at Health Services while staff coordinate transportation arrangements with the families. While on Leave: ● Students on medical leave for psychosocial reasons must obtain a clinical evaluation from a

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licensed mental health professional who is currently providing care. This evaluation must meet the Academy Evaluation Criteria. The Vermont Academy counselor, Director of Health Services, family, and evaluating professional must communicate regularly to ensure that the necessary information has been obtained, received by, and reviewed by members of the Health Team to ensure a safe and timely return of the student. If a student is enrolled in a treatment program, the program must provide Vermont Academy with an academic plan within one week of program enrollment. Participation in a treatment program that does not provide academic support may result in withdrawal from the Academy. The student is expected, to the best of their ability, to remain current with academics via email with teachers and use of the class pages. The student’s advisor, in conjunction with the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs and the Class Dean, will coordinate academic requirements between the student and teachers for the duration of the leave.

Students on Medical Leave will not be allowed on campus for the duration of the leave without written permission from the Head of School. Duration of Leave: Medical leave will be considered for absences of more than 4 days but less than 2 weeks. If an extended absence is anticipated, families must complete and submit the Academic Appeal for Long-Term Leave form by day ten of the leave. If the student is unable to return within a timeframe that will ensure all academic requirements can be met, a medical withdrawal will be granted, and the student may be considered for readmission. Return from Medical Leave criteria and process: ● A student must be cleared from medical leave granted for psychosocial reasons by at least three members of the Health Team prior to returning to campus. The Health Team members will review the written evaluation from the evaluating health professional to determine the student’s readiness to return to the Academy. Once approved, a support plan will be drafted and provided to the student and families prior to the student’s return. In addition, the Academy may require a re-entry meeting with the family and designated members of the Health Team and/or academic staff (including the Class Dean, Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, teachers, advisor, dorm families, and coaches), as appropriate. Please note that in the event that a student has participated in a clinical program such as inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, wilderness treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and/or day treatment, the required written evaluation must be completed by the program attended and then submitted for review. ● Students on medical leave for an illness or physical condition will be required to obtain an evaluation from a licensed medical professional that outlines the student’s ability and readiness to return to Vermont Academy, including specific physical and academic accommodations and limitations.

Multiple Leaves within an academic year: Any student who requires more than two medical leaves within an academic year will be granted a

medical withdrawal for the duration of the year. The student may be considered for readmission in a subsequent academic year. Appeal of the school’s decision to require leave or of a decision regarding return from leave: families who wish to provide additional facts that they believe should have been considered when a mandatory leave or return decision was made, or who think school policies were not appropriately applied, may appeal in writing to the Head of School. The Head of School’s decision will be final. Academy Withdrawal: In the event that a student’s leave extends to the point of withdrawal from the Academy, the date of withdrawal will be considered the date upon which the leave began.

Academic Appeal for a Long-Term Leave Students who are away from Vermont Academy for extended periods often struggle to stay current with their academic commitments. Any student leave extending beyond a two-week period must meet the following criteria for academic credit to be earned, noting that academic credit is not guaranteed when a student is separated from the Academy for an extended period of time: 1. The student’s family must submit an official request via email to the Class Dean and the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs to extend the leave beyond two weeks. 2. In the case of a Medical Leave, the family must provide the Director of Health Services with a letter from a current medical or mental health provider by day #10 of the student’s leave stating: a. Reason for request for extended leave beyond two weeks. b. Anticipated date the student will return to campus. c. Clear expectations/limitations for the student’s completion of academic work, including any accommodations the student may need. 3. For students away on leave but not enrolled in a treatment program, the Class Dean and/or Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will coordinate with the student, teachers, and family to establish a feasible plan to complete academic commitments. a. The Class Dean and/or Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will determine (in conjunction with the student’s teachers) requirements in each course for assignments completed remotely during the absence. b. The student is expected to communicate with teachers via email and access coursework via their class pages.

c. Some courses may have to be dropped because the studio or laboratory work cannot be completed off campus. 4. If a student is enrolled in an inpatient treatment program, the program must provide Vermont Academy with an academic plan within one week of program enrollment. Participation in a treatment program that does not provide academic support may result in withdrawal from the Academy. 5. Vermont Academy reserves the right to determine that the conditions of the leave will not allow the student to continue in their current enrollment. 6. On the date of student return, the student and family will meet with the Class Dean, the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, and the Director of Health Services to: a. Review clearance from a healthcare professional as appropriate and implications for participation in the academic program. b. Review any medical accommodations/assistance needed. c. Discuss and create an education plan for re-entering. Copies will be provided to families and advisors. The advisor will disseminate to the faculty. 7. Coursework completed during leaves or absences resulting in 20% of total class time missed is only eligible to be awarded Pass/Fail credit. Credit may not be awarded for leaves that result in 30% or more of class time missed, and withdrawal may be recommended. I have read and understood the terms of this Medical Leave, including the Academic Appeal for a Long-Term Leave procedure. Student Name: _______________________________ ___________________________________ ________________ Parent/Guardian signature Date ___________________________________ ________________ Health Services Director signature Date ___________________________________ ________________ Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs signature

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Vermont Academy Infectious Disease Prevention and Response Protocol In the event that Vermont Academy has unusually high numbers of students ill with symptoms of flu-like illness, gastroenteritis, or other contagious viral disease, the following steps will be implemented: Day students: Students should remain home whenever they have a fever (temperature of 100.4°F [38°C] or higher) or symptoms of an infectious disease, such as vomiting, diarrhea, cough, or sore throat. Sick students should remain home for at least 24 hours after they are fever-free (without the aid of medications like acetaminophen, Tylenol, ibuprofen, or Advil) Boarding students living within a 250-mile radius of Vermont Academy: Students who present with symptoms of flu-like illness, gastroenteritis, or other contagious viral disease will be treated and isolated at Proctor House Health Services. In the event of widespread illness, families living within a 250-mile radius of the school may be asked to take their child home for the duration of the illness. International and domestic students who live beyond the 250-mile radius Students who present with symptoms of flu-like illness, gastroenteritis, or other contagious viral diseases will be treated and isolated at Proctor House Health Services until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and others. Any time a large number of students become ill and cannot all be housed at Proctor House Health Services, every effort will be made to use either an unoccupied dormitory space or to designate a dormitory space specifically for ill and recovering students. Preventative measures All Vermont Academy restrooms have soap dispensers and paper towels for hand washing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is available in the dining hall. Students receive ongoing education on hygiene and disease-prevention strategies both in and out of the classroom. Vermont Academy students are required to comply with the state of Vermont immunization requirements. If requirements are not met before arrival at Vermont Academy, arrangements will be made to obtain missing immunizations through our consulting medical practice, Brattleboro Pediatrics.

Influenza (flu) vaccine clinics: Seasonal flu vaccinations will be offered to all students and faculty/staff annually before November 1st. Student vaccine request forms are included with enrollment and must be completed for the vaccine to be administered.

In the event of a larger domestic or international epidemic or pandemic: Vermont Academy Health Services will work closely with Brattleboro Pediatrics and the Vermont Department of Health to ensure compliance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and federal recommendations for the containment and prevention of the outbreak. Procedures will be implemented as directed to protect students and staff from contagion.

Vermont Academy HEAD INJURY Protocol

Any student observed suffering a blow to the head, or concussive force to the body, and/or who reports any of the defining symptoms should be evaluated by nursing or athletic training staff for a head injury.

Procedure: 1. All students will complete ImPACT cognitive baseline testing prior to participation in any Vermont Academy sports or intense physical activity. Baseline testing will be repeated every two years. 2. Students suffering a blow to the head or concussive force to the body resulting in subjective or objective symptoms will be immediately removed from the game or associated physical activity and evaluated for a head injury by the athletic trainer, nurse, or, in the absence of a health professional, by the coach or responsible faculty member. 3. If any of the defining signs and symptoms of a head injury are suspected or confirmed, the student will not be allowed to return to play and should be referred to the athletic trainer and Health Services for follow-up care. 4. If a loss of consciousness has occurred and/or the student’s level of consciousness appears to be changing, the student should be immediately transported to the nearest hospital for evaluation. 5. If the student does not require hospital care, a sideline SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) or in-office SCOAT (Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool) will be administered as soon as possible and within 24 hours, along with a VOMS (Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screen) 6. Provider diagnosis and/or positive SCAT, SCOAT, and/or VOMS will be treated as a suspected concussion. 7. families/guardians will be notified as soon as possible (ideally the same day) via phone and/or the Parent Head Injury email template. 8. Students’ teachers, dorm families, coaches, and advisors will be notified the same day using the Faculty Head Injury email template. Treatment: 1. The student will be kept out of all sports and high-intensity physical activity until cleared by a medical professional. 2. Students moving through concussion protocol should remain on campus until cleared through step 2 of Return-to-Play unless under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian. 3. The student is expected to report to Health Services and/or athletic training daily for symptom evaluation. 4. Academic adjustments will be made based on reported symptoms, in accordance with the Return to Learn guidelines. 5. Once the student no longer requires symptom-based academic accommodations and reports no symptoms for at least 24 hours, the student will be administered the ImPACT post-injury test, a SCAT5, and a VOMS. 6. Once all symptoms and neurocognitive testing have returned to baseline values, the student is attending school full-time, and they have been medically cleared by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner, the student may progress to step 4 of the Return-to-Play protocol. (see appendix).. 7. Upon successful completion of the Return-to-Play Protocol and medical clearance from a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner, the student will be cleared to resume all activities/sports.

Vermont Academy Head Injury Return-to-Learn Guidelines After a concussion, there needs to be an initial period of cognitive rest followed by a gradual re-entry into what students were doing pre-concussion. Extended periods of rest can be detrimental and counterproductive to students’ concussion recovery. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that students should return to school when symptoms are tolerable, short-lived, and amenable to rest. This usually occurs after 24-48 hours of complete cognitive and physical rest. It’s a common misconception that having schoolwork sent home rather than going into the classroom setting is easier on the student with a concussion. Actually, it is less cognitively taxing for students to be physically in the classroom, listening passively and learning, than to stay home, teaching themselves content from a textbook and completing in-class and homework on their own.

If the student has symptoms beyond three weeks and is struggling in classes, further student-specific accommodations will be determined by the student's health provider, the student, family, the Director of Health Services, and the student’s advisor. The student’s advisor is responsible for coordinating accommodations and should assess progress by checking in with the affected student, his/her teachers, and Health Services.

Vermont Academy Return-to-Play/Sport Protocol

Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Harassment and Discrimination It is Vermont Academy’s policy to maintain an environment free of all forms of harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment. The School will not tolerate harassment of any kind, whether it is of a general or sexual nature, or whether it is based on specific characteristics such as a person's age, race, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation or gender identity, marital or civil union status, veteran status, physical, mental, or other qualified disability, HIV status, national origin, religion or creed, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. The School will not tolerate sexual or other discrimination against or harassment of employees or students by anyone, whether on school property, at school or work-related assignments, off school property, or at school-sponsored social functions or activities. Where inappropriate conduct is found, the School will act promptly to eliminate the harassing conduct and take other appropriate corrective action, up to and including separation of the offender from the School. Any form of harassment, including written or verbal harassment via voicemail, electronic messaging systems, email, or use of the school's Internet or website, will not be tolerated. Harassment may include easily identifiable acts of verbal, written, or physical abuse, disparaging references to

members of a protected group, threats or acts of physical harm (abuse), stalking, and intimidation. It may also include more subtle but equally damaging forms of harassment such as graffiti, epithets, remarks, slurs, taunts, or "humor" that negatively stereotype individuals. No matter what form it takes, harassment of any member of this community is strictly prohibited. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or student of the School to harass another employee, student, visitor, or member of the School community through conduct or communications of a harassing or sexual nature, as further defined in this policy. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment for employees or expulsion for students. The School condemns and expressly prohibits sexual harassment of any kind by any student or employee. Any form of retaliation against someone who makes a complaint about harassment or participates in a harassment investigation is also prohibited. Unlawful Discrimination Unlawful discrimination refers to the denial of equal opportunities based on an individual’s actual or perceived age, sex (including pregnancy), race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by law. Unlawful discrimination is strictly prohibited. Definition of Harassment Harassment refers to unreasonable conduct or behavior that is personally offensive or threatening, impairs morale, undermines, detracts from, or interferes with an individual’s educational or work performance or access to School resources. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, conduct or comments that threaten physical violence; offensive, unsolicited remarks; unwelcome gestures or physical contact; display or circulation of written materials, items or pictures degrading to any gender, racial, ethnic, religious, age, handicap or other group listed above; and verbal abuse or insults about or directed at any student, employee, or other individual, or group of students, employees or others because of their relationship in any of the groups listed above. Any of the following acts may be viewed as harassment: ● Conduct or comments that threaten physical violence ● Offensive, unsolicited comments ● Unwelcome gestures or physical contact, including, but not limited to, threatening phone calls, texts, or other forms of electronic communication ● Display or circulation of degrading printed materials or pictures ● Any action that is threatening or implies a threat Definition of Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is unlawful under state and federal law.

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, written, auditory, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's educational performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning educational environment. Sexual harassment does not need to be severe or pervasive to be unlawful. Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors, including the actual coercion of sexual relations and unwelcome offensive comments, jokes, innuendos, and other sexually oriented statements, and unwelcome emphasis on gender identity. Sexual harassment may be indirect and even unintentional. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following when such acts or behavior come within one of the above definitions: ● Unwelcome physical contact; ● physical assault, including rape or any coerced or non-consensual sexual relations; ● sexual advances, whether they involve physical touching or not; ● touching or grabbing a sexual part of a person’s body; ● touching or grabbing any part of a person’s body after that person has indicated, or it is known or reasonably should be known that physical contact is unwanted; ● continuing to ask a person to socialize when that person has indicated that they are not interested; ● displaying or transmitting sexually suggestive pictures, objects, cartoons, or posters if it is known or should be known that the behavior is unwelcome; ● writing sexually suggestive notes, letters, texts, or emails if it is known or reasonably should be known that the person does not welcome such behavior; ● referring to or calling a person a sexualized name if it is known or should be known that the person does not welcome such behavior; ● regularly telling sexual jokes or using sexually vulgar or explicit language in the presence of a person if it is known or should be known that the person does not welcome such behavior; ● sexual or lewd jokes, remarks, leering, whistling, brushing against the body, or other suggestive or insulting gestures or comments; ● inquiries into one's sexual experiences or activities or discussion of one's own sexual experiences or activities; ● intimidating, derogatory, provoking, or suggestive remarks about an individual's sexual orientation, whether actual or implied; ● sexually suggestive or degrading sounds or remarks (written, oral, or electronically displayed or transmitted), including graffiti and the spreading of sexual rumors, made to or about another employee or member of the community; ● the use of school technology to record, display, or transmit sexually suggestive, offensive, and/or degrading material, whether received at the school or elsewhere ● the open display or transmission of sexually offensive objects, pictures, and messages; ● retaliation of any kind for having filed or supported a complaint of sexual harassment. The list is not exhaustive, and individuals should seek advice and assistance in any circumstance in which they feel uncomfortable due to another's behavior.

Each individual should exercise their own good judgment to avoid engaging in conduct that others may perceive as harassment. Harassment can come from teachers, coaches, employees, students, visitors, or vendors. The School will not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination or harassment. Violations of this policy, intentional or not, will not be permitted. The School also prohibits inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature in the workplace, even if it does not rise to the level of the above definition of sexual harassment. Reporting Instances of Discrimination/Harassment Individuals who feel that they have witnessed or have been subjected to any form of discrimination or harassment should immediately contact an adult on campus or one of the following individuals. Any communication will be handled privately and in accordance with applicable law. The reporting options below allow community members to share important information directly with the school. If there is an incident that requires immediate attention, contact 911. ● Head of School: 802-869-6200 ● Chief Financial and Operations Officer: 802-869-6218 ● Health Center & Counseling Services: 802-869-6239 ● Administrator on Duty: 802-376-5073 If you have previously reported your concerns to an individual named above, and you believe that the actions taken are/were insufficient or if the conduct continues, notify them of your continued concerns and/or address such concerns with the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment and Student Success. Anonymous Reporting Vermont Academy is committed to providing a safe, timely, and supportive response to all reports. This often requires follow-up with those directly impacted by the behavior. Anonymous reports are accepted, Retaliation The School prohibits retaliation against individuals who, based on a reasonable belief, provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of harassment or discrimination. Any individual with a question or concern about harassment or other offensive behavior should seek assistance from a trusted adult on campus, the Head of School, or the CFO. The School will promptly and thoroughly investigate any claim and take appropriate action if it is determined to have merit. To the extent possible, the School will retain the confidentiality of those who report suspected or alleged violations of the harassment policy. Violation of this policy will result in discipline, up to and including expulsion. As necessary, the School may monitor any incident of harassment or discrimination to ensure the inappropriate behavior has stopped. In all cases, the School will follow up as necessary to ensure that no individual is retaliated against for making a complaint or cooperating with an investigation.

Sexual Misconduct Policy Vermont Academy is committed to promoting healthy relationships among students, as well as preventing and immediately responding to any allegations of sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is prohibited against any student regardless of their gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation and includes any misconduct by other students, employees, or third parties as well as any misconduct occurring outside of the academic year or “off campus.” Consent Consent means the voluntary, affirmative, and unambiguous agreement to engage in sexual activity. Anyone under the age of 16 cannot legally consent. Under Vermont law, consensual sexual activity is limited to individuals who are both at least 15 and under 19, provided the older party is under 19, and there is no power differential (e.g., teacher, coach, foster parent). Sexual activity involving anyone under 18 with a person in a position of authority or care is prohibited, regardless of purported consent. Definitions Sexual misconduct is defined as any sexual assault and/or harassment, including but not limited to the following: ●

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Sexual Assault: nonconsensual sexual intercourse or contact. o Sexual contact: deliberate touching of another person’s intimate parts (including genitalia, breasts, buttocks, or clothing covering any of those areas) or any act which forces, coerces, or intimidates the other party to touch their own or another person’s intimate parts. o Sexual intercourse: penetration (anal, oral, or vaginal), however slight, by any body part or inanimate object. Sexual exploitation: taking non-consensual sexual advantage over another, including secret videotaping, sharing private nude pictures with third parties, and knowingly exposing another person to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Dating violence: violence by a person who has been in an intimate or romantic relationship with the victim. Stalking: a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress. Retaliation: intimidation, threats, or other adverse action against any person reporting or participating in an investigation involving a complaint of sexual misconduct.

Incapacitation is a state where an individual cannot make an informed or rational decision to engage in sexual activity because of a lack of conscious understanding of the fact, nature, or extent of the act (e.g., to understand the who, what, when, where, why, or how of the sexual interaction) and/or is physically unable to do so. Consent is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, demonstrated by words or actions freely and actively given by each party, which a reasonable person would interpret as a willingness to participate in agreed-upon sexual contact.

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Consent cannot be inferred from the absence of a verbal “no.” Consent to some acts does not imply consent to others, nor does past consent to a given act imply present or future consent. Consent must be ongoing and can be revoked at any time. Being in an intimate relationship does not, in and of itself, imply consent. Consent cannot be obtained by threat, coercion, or force. Agreement under such circumstances does not constitute consent. Consent cannot be obtained from someone who is under the age of consent as defined by Vermont state law. Someone who is incapacitated cannot effectively consent (such as when a person is incapacitated by the use of drugs, alcohol, or other medication, when a person is asleep or unconscious, or when a person has an intellectual or other disability that prevents the person from having the capacity to give consent).

At no time will any employee of Vermont Academy engage in sexual conduct with a student regardless of the student’s age. It is the responsibility of those who initiate and/or engage in sexual activity to be clear that informed, voluntary consent is given before proceeding with further sexual activity. It should be noted that ignorance of the policy noted above or the respondent's intoxication will not be considered an excuse. Mandatory Reporting All Vermont Academy employees are mandated reporters of abuse and neglect. Reports of sexual misconduct must be made to the Vermont Department of Children and Families within 24 hours, 800-649-5285, to the Vermont State Police, 800-722-4600, and to local law enforcement as needed. Families will be contacted as soon as possible. The Academy has an institutional “Duty of Care” to end any abuse/harassment, prevent its recurrence, and to remedy the effects. Therefore, the Academy is compelled to investigate any reports of abuse or harassment independent of law enforcement investigations.