Ruxton and You:

Getting the Most out of Your Child’s Ruxton Experience

Fall 2008

Introduction

This guide is designed to allay concerns and answer questions that you may have about your child in a new school (or grade.) Our hope is to give you a practical guide to policies, procedures and traditions that are unique to Ruxton Country School, so you will know what to expect and what is expected of you as a parent of a Ruxton student. This information is not meant to replace that of the Handbook and Directory (which is published by the school and arrives in the Fall, it is one publication but has two sections: the Handbook and the Directory), but more to be a quick reference and an addition to the Handbook. Please read the Handbook in its entirety to be sure you are clear on all policies and procedures outlined in it.

Contents

1. Curriculum and Homework for Lower School

2. Curriculum and Homework for Middle School

3. Lower School  “Jump” and Athletics

4. Middle School “Jump” and Athletics

5. Resource Center Information for Lower School

6. Resource Information for Middle School

7. The Social Scene for Lower School Students

8. The Social Scene for Middle School Students

9. Getting to Know Other Parents

10. Communications with the School Personnel

11.How does an independent school like RCS operate?

1. Curriculum and Homework for Lower School

Curriculum Outline by Grade

An overview of the curriculum is always available in the Lower School Office.  In addition, teachers will provide detailed curriculum information at Back to School Night in September or at an individual parent conference. Weekly teacher e-mails also keep parents current on curriculum and classroom happenings.

How much time should students spend on homework?

Homework is designed to support and enhance the curriculum, reinforcing certain skills and concepts while sparking interest and creativity. Reading time is one consistent expectation for homework.  Younger children have short amounts of homework, while 4^th and 5^th graders may work for an hour or so. Homework should not be drudgery and it should not be a battle. Direct communication with your child’s teacher is vital if homework is creating difficulties.

IMPORTANT: Any scenario for doing homework is okay as long as it works for your family (at the kitchen table, at a desk, listening to music … flexibility is key).

Longer-term projects: Longer assignments such as research reports and Science Fair projects will come with detailed instructions from the teacher. Sometimes children are expected to work entirely independently on the assignment; other times parent involvement is welcome and encouraged. Please be attentive to this crucial distinction.

Irvine Nature Center in the Curriculum

The Irvine Nature Center has just opened a new facility directly across the street from RCS. We have a close association with Irvine and use their facility and property in programs throughout the year. Our science faculty works jointly with the Irvine staff to develop both long and short-term projects that make environmental science and the values of stewardship important features of the Ruxton experience.

Report cards, interim reports, grading systems

Report Cards are sent home three times a year: November, March, and June. Parent conferences are scheduled in October and again in February. Additioanl conferences may be arranged at other times as needed. The reports contain an academic skills checklist on which students are rated. Narratives include course content and activities along with descriptions of student strengths, weaknesses, behavior, effort, and social skills. Children begin to receive traditional letter grades in Middle School, and that transition is specifically addressed during the Fifth Grade year.

Art/Drama/Music … What if my child finds a hidden talent!

All Lower School students take Art and Music classes with specialists twice a week. The content of these classes is often integrated with other subjects. All students perform in the holiday and end-of-year concerts. Each class is also responsible for one of the Friday afternoon enrichment meetings. The class usually uses this time to perform a play or other dramatic presentation, often on a topic closely connected with their academic pursuits. Lower School students may also perform in the all school musical in the spring. During the regular morning community meeting, students are encouraged to share their talents such as piano, violin or dance.

2. Curriculum and Homework for Middle School

Curriculum Outline

“Curriculum-at-a-glance” will be provided at Back to School Night in September.  It is a general overview of the 2008-2009 course of study.

How much time should students spend on homework?

There is no clear cut answer to this common question because it depends on the child, the distractions in the home (computer, instant messaging, cell phone texting, television, etc.) and the type of assignment (e.g. long-term project vs. studying for a test vs. a page of math problems). A broad rule of thumb would be 15-30 minutes of homework per subject per night. Homework may be given on Fridays. If you think your child is taking too long to complete homework, please speak with the teacher.

Where should my child do his homework?

Any scenario for doing homework is okay as long as it works for your family (at the kitchen table, on the floor, at a desk … Try to be flexible).  Observe your child doing homework, and if he is not distracted, then his homework setting is appropriate. If he can’t concentrate because of distractions such as responding to instant messages from friends, then you might need to unplug the computer or find an alternative workspace.

Long-term projects.  Do parents help?

By the time a student reaches Middle School, he will be expected to complete homework and projects without a great deal of parental help.  Obvious discrepancies in the quality of work between assignments completed at home and assignments completed in the classroom make it difficult for the teacher to accurately assess the student’s abilities.  Please check with the teacher if you are unsure of the expectations for your child.

What role will Irvine Nature Center will play in curriculum?

The Irvine Nature Center has just opened a new facility directly across the street from RCS. We have a close association with Irvine and use their facility and property in programs throughout the year. Our science faculty works jointly with the Irvine staff to develop both long and short-term projects that make environmental science and the values of stewardship important features of the Ruxton experience.

Reading requirements?

Reading and writing are skills that are stressed in all of the Middle School disciplines. Students typically read 4-7 novels as well as assorted short pieces of literature such as stories, myths or poetry in their Language Arts classes, as determined by the interests and needs of the class.

Spelling and vocabulary expectations by grade?

Spelling and vocabulary may be taught within the context of the literature, or may be a separate part of the Language Arts curriculum. Students are required to use “spell check” when typing assignments.  Within the other academic subjects, each teacher sets his own expectations.  All teachers, however, abide by the suggestions in the RCS Academic Plans if it is recommended that a student not be held accountable for slightly misspelled words.

Report cards, interim reports and grading systems

Please refer to the Handbook.

Art/Drama/Music. … What if my child finds a hidden talent!

The annual school play is an integral and exciting part of Middle School life at Ruxton. Students are encouraged to try out for the play, though it is not required.  A part will be found for all students who are genuinely interested.

Art and Music are part of the curriculum for all 6^th graders. Art class continues in 7^th and 8^th grades. If a student finds a passion for art or music, the school can offer enrichment or advice for private instruction.

3. Lower School  “Jump” and Athletics

What is “Jump”?

Jump is a long-standing Ruxton/Blue Bird tradition and is similar to old-fashioned recess. Students have two Jumps a day, one mid-morning for 20-25 minutes and one just before lunch for about 15 minutes. These are times for free play, use of the swings and playground equipment, a game of tag or basketball, or quietly sitting under a tree. Teachers occasionally organize specific games to introduce children to new activities, to encourage certain social skills or to mix children in different groupings.

How is Jump supervised?

One Lower School teacher has overall responsibility for each Jump. Three additional teachers are always on duty to monitor the play area during Jump. Safety is the number-one priority. Teachers monitor the proper use of equipment along with issues of fairness, sharing, rules and friendship.

Are there organized games, or old-fashioned fun?

Jump is a combination of free, creative play and some traditional games such as basketball, foursquare and bocce. Touch football and pick-up soccer are also popular.

What happens if it rains or is too cold?

We try to go outside whenever possible. Snow brings out the sleds on our very popular hill. In rain or on days that are just too cold, Jump is held indoors. Often that means using the gym, but it can also be a relaxed time for playing board games, enjoying other activities in the classroom, or a visit to the library to read a book of choice.

What if my child gets picked on or is excluded from games?

If students are teased or excluded, teachers play an active role in addressing the situation. A variety of techniques are employed to correct the situation and teach the skills of play and social interaction. If negative situations should continue, parents may become involved and disciplinary action can result. Most problems are typical, short-lived disputes, very much part of growing up and quickly resolved.

How is Jump different from gym class?

Gym class, physical education, is a specific class that is part of the curriculum. While there may be time for some free play in this class, the content is teacher directed and focuses on a range of physical activities, from movement to body awareness and hand-eye coordination to traditional sport skills and strategy associated with soccer, basketball, floor hockey, badminton, volley ball, etc.

What competitive sports can my child play and in what grade?

Beginning in Fifth Grade students may play on Ruxton interscholastic sports teams with the Middle School students. Normally we have an A and B team for soccer, basketball (MS only,) softball and baseball.

How do students make the teams?

Ruxton has a policy of letting all children participate on a team, with the execption of basketball. We have to hold tryouts for basketball because court space and practice time are more constrained.

What are the fees to play sports?

To cover the cost of referees and transportation, there is a $150 fee per season to participate in interscholastic sports.

What schools do they play, and how do they travel to the games?

Ruxton plays many of the independent schools in Greater Baltimore. Rivals such as Boys Latin, Friends, St. James, Harford Day,  Krieger Schecter,  Jemicy, Calvert, Beth Tfiloh and Baltimore Lutheran are regularly on our schedules. Buses are rented to transport our team members to away games.

How are parents informed of athletic schedule changes at the last minute?

Schedules are posted on the school Web site. Postponements and changes are noted there as well. Usually the decision to cancel a game due to weather is made by noon. Students call parents at that time to notify them of the changes.

4. Middle School “Jump” and Athletics

What is Jump? 

Jump is a long-standing Ruxton/Blue Bird tradition similar to old-fashioned recess. MS students have a break from 10:40-11:45 that includes Jump, lunch and Community (which is an all-Middle School gathering to share information and kudos).

What competitive sports can my child play?

Normally we have an A and B team for soccer, basketball, softball and baseball.

How do students make the team?

Except for basketball where we have tryouts because of limited court space and practice time, Ruxton has a policy of letting all children participate.

What are the fees to play sports?

To cover the cost of referees and transportation, there is a $150 fee per season to participate in interscholastic sports.

What schools do they play, and how do they travel to the games?

Ruxton plays many of the independent schools in Greater Baltimore. Rivals such as Boys Latin, Friends, St. James, Harford Day,  Krieger Schecter,  Jemicy, Calvert, Beth Tfiloh and Baltimore Lutheran are regularly on our schedules. We rent buses for the students travel to away games.

Who are the coaches? Can I coach a team?

Generally our faculty members also coach the teams. If you have extensive coaching experience, and are interested in assisting, please contact the athletic director, John Folfas.

How are parents informed of last minute schedule changes?

Schedules are posted on the school Web site. Postponements and changes are noted there as well. Usually the decision to cancel a game due to weather is made by noon. Students call parents at that time to notify them of the changes.

What is the sideline etiquette for parents, friends and family?

Please cheer, but don't coach. That can be extremely confusing for the student athlete.  Stand, or sit, at least three to five yards back from the sidelines, and away from the goal. Please do not direct any negative comments to members of the opposition. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by applauding exceptional moves by the opposition. Keep a close eye on younger siblings to ensure that they are not running up and down the sidelines, or playing ball in close proximity to the court or field.

5. Resource Center Information for Lower School

How is my child identified for services?

Teachers, parents and sometimes outside practitioners working with our students may refer a child for a screening or evaluation by the Resource Center to determine if services are necessary or appropriate. Under the direction of the Resource Director a plan for service is developed collaboratively.

How is Resource time scheduled? Are all resource students pulled out? What are the resource options/offerings?

Scheduling for Resource service is done on an individual basis and coordinated with the classroom teacher.  The assistance may be provided directly in the classroom as a collaboration with Resource personnel or co-teaching, or students may work in a small group outside the classroom to address skills in academic or social areas identified as needs, or outside practitioners (Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, academic coaches/tutors) may work collaboratively with the Resource staff. Outside practitioners contract with families for individual therapy/services.  However, the Resource Center coordinates and collaborates with these professionals to maximize success for the student within a team model.  Additionally, the Resource Center provides space to professionals who work individually with students as well as functions as the liaison between outside professionals, classroom teachers and RCS specialists working with our students.

What is the process for requesting services or changing the level of service my child receives?

A written referral from the teacher, or an e-mail or phone call from parent to the Resource Director starts the process. A team meeting with Resource, teachers and parents (as well as outside diagnosticians) will be scheduled to create or modify an Academic Plan with goals, objectives and mastery criteria identified to meet the child’s needs and to serve as a guide to all team members working with that student.

Why do I need to hire a tutor, at additional cost? Can you recommend a tutor?

Some children require more intensive support than RCS can reasonably provide in a small group in the classroom or in the Resource Center. In these cases we recommend outside tutoring or therapy to address these needs. As mentioned, Resource works in close collaboration with outside practitioners to create a team support approach. We can provide a list of recommendations for these outside professionals.

How often does the Resource Specialist communicate with my child’s teacher? Do we have “team” meetings?

Resource faculty communicate with teachers throughout the week as needed, during planning times as well as during weekly staff meetings. 

What is the best way for me to communicate with the Resource Specialist?

E-mail or call Resource Center Director Brenda Ciccarone at @ext 229 or bciccarone@ruxton.org.

Is it helpful for my educational tester to meet with the teacher or Resource Specialist personally, or via conference call?

This would be determined by parents and team members on an individual basis. In some cases, such a meeting can be very helpful for creating an Academic Plan.  In other cases, the goals and recommendations provided by the diagnostician can be implemented with no meeting. The diagnostician will likely charge additional fees for a school meeting.

I have never had my child tested by an educational tester. Is that recommended?

Speech Language testing is available at RCS and recommendations for further Educational/Psychological testing are made on an individual basis. 

How often should my child be retested?

Generally educational testing/evaluations are updated every three years. 

6. Resource Information for Middle School

How is Resource different in Middle School?

Advisors serve as liaisons between the students and their teachers and can provide academic coaching to students during the extended advisory times. Resource oversees Academic Plans for Middle School students and collaborates with classroom teachers on a case by case basis. Resource also works with the MS to set up outside support and collaborates with those professionals to provide a team support for individual students. Generally students are not pulled out of class for Resource as may have been the case in Lower School.

Who sees my child’s IEP or testing results and what is done with that information?

All team members working with students with an AP will need to be aware of the contents of student’s plans and monitor progress on goals and objectives.  Accommodations and modifications specified in Academic Plans are supported by all teachers across the subject areas. Resource provides consultation and materials to help teachers with student plans.  Diagnostic information is kept confidential and shared, with parent permission, with team members.

How do I schedule individual extra help time with the teacher for my child?

Teachers make their own schedules for providing extra help. It may be before school, after school or during Jump. Speak with your child’s teacher about scheduling time.

What is the process for teaching organizational skills? Is everyone taught that or is it an as-needed basis?

All 6^th grade students participate in an executive function based organizational study skills class.  Advisors also serve as academic/organizational coaches for students in partnership with parents. Advisors meet with students at the end of every day to assist with organization and planning.

Do you have tutor suggestions if my child needs one?

Qualified tutors and practitioners can be recommended by the Resource Center.  If a family is already working with an outside practitioner, it is highly recommended that that person register and meet with the Resource Director to coordinate Academic Plan (AP) goals and objectives and establish a system for monitoring and reporting progress.

7. The Social Scene for Lower School Students

Using the Directory

The directory is a great tool to arrange play-dates and get-togethers. It is helpful in locating other parents in your area for carpooling. Do not use the information for business purposes.

Who do I call if my child is having a problem of a social nature at school (bullying, unwanted attention)

If the incident occurred during the school day, then contact your child’s teacher, or Head of School Stephen Barker immediately. If the incident occurred during before or after school care, then contact Barbara Paige at 443-433-8443.

Birthday celebrations

Please see the Handbook for specific guidelines and always contact your child’s teacher for information on schedule and any student allergies in the class.

Who needs to know if my child is going home with another child/mom?

Communicate with your child’s teacher and if there is a last minute change, contact Lower School Secretary, Carol Windsor.

After-school care

Before-school care is available at no additional charge beginning at 7:30 a.m. After-school care is also available (fee schedule is on the Web site at www.ruxton.org.) Barbara Paige is the director of After School Care. The phone number is 443-433-8443.

8. The Social Scene for Middle School Students

Using the Directory … Talk to other parents!

The best way to ensure your child’s safety is to communicate with other parents regarding get-togethers. Give a friendly call to the parents of your child’s friend to confirm transportation, create carpools or to be sure a parent will be home when your child visits.

Who do I call if my child is having a problem of a social nature at school (bullying, unwanted attention)

If the incident occurred during the school day, then contact your child’s teacher or Helen Fitz immediately. If the incident occurred during before- or after-school care, then contact Barbara Paige at 443-433-8443. If the incident occurred online or after school hours, but it is affecting your child’s ability to work effectively at school, please contact Helen Fitz to discuss ways to handle the situation.

Dances/socials

Dances are historically driven by the leadership of the Student Government  Association. If Middle School students want to have dances and agree to conduct requirements, Ruxton is supportive of their events.

The dreaded last minute change of plans … How to handle that, and who needs to know at school?

If you have an emergency situation and must get a message to your child call the Middle School office before noon call Nicole Watt, after noon, call Bonnie Wasserman in the Head’s office. Your child may use the phone in the MS or Head’s office to call you in an emergency or for an unavoidable transportation issue. We strongly encourage you to make arrangements ahead of time with your child and the other adults who might be transporting them!

After-school clubs and in-school clubs

All Middle School students have one 45-minute Club Period each week. The clubs are developed by the faculty and have included: cooking, archaeology, jazz and trail blazing. After-school clubs might include: yearbook, walking, art, drama, golf or karate. The offerings change each year based on interest and availability of instructors. If parents are interested in creating an after school club, please contact Helen Fitz.

9. Getting to Know Other Parents

Class gatherings

The Parent Association, in conjunction with the office of Planning and School Strategy have, in the past, coordinated informal gatherings of parents by class at a host home. If there is interest, we will continue. Please contact Jill Goodman if you would like to host a pot-luck or other informal event at your home for the parents of your child’s classmates.

The Role of the Class Parent

Class parents are volunteers who work for both the Parent Association and the Office of Planning and School Strategy. Their role is one of communication to the parents in the class in regard to PA information and fundraisers. They also may be asked to assist in Annual Fund campaign efforts.

The Parent Association

The PA offers a variety of opportunities to meet other parents: the Back to School Picnic, Speaker Series and general meetings, class gatherings, and the Spring “fundraising/friendraising” event for the school and community. The PA provides an enormous amount of volunteer opportunities throughout the school and each provide ways to meet new people.

Fathers Club

The Fathers’ Club is new this year and the main goal is for fathers to meet one another, forward the mission of the school and find activities that they will enjoying doing either with their children or on their own.

Parent Network of Baltimore

The Parent Network is an umbrella parent organization for all parents of independent school students. Each school has a representative that meet monthly. They plan safe events for high school students, and host a nationally known speaker each year.

Create your own clubs/activities with RCS parents or make suggestions and we will try to make them happen!

Contact Jill Goodman who will help facilitate your ideas.

10. Communications with the School Personnel

Web site and e-mail updates

The Friday Flyer arrives via e-mail and will be posted to the website each Friday. It contains important information as to upcoming events, deadlines or required action, as well as insight into our community. Back issues will be archived on the website. The website will be updated as needed. Weather related closings will be posted on the home page.

IMPORTANT: Use the Handbook! Knowing the policies on dress code, discipline, and carpool procedure are extremely important.

What is the best way to communicate with your child’s teacher (e-mail, phone, note with child?)

E mail is the best way to communicate with your child’s teacher. You should receive a response within 24 hours. You can also call and leave a message for your teacher and he or she will return the call within 24 hours.

When is a conference a good idea?

If you notice a change in your child’s behavior, or he/she seems overwhelmed by the workload, a conference may be a good idea. By contrast, you should also meet with your child’s teacher if your child claims to have no school work to do at all. Be sure to attend parent conference day, as this is a perfect opportunity to check in.

IMPORTANT: Teachers love positive feedback, just like you do. If your child is having a wonderful experience, please tell them, just as you would if something is not quite right.

Helpful things to tell your child when there is a problem at school that is not yet resolved.

It is extremely important to convey a supportive attitude toward your child’s teacher and the school in front of your child. It is confusing and upsetting to children if they believe that important entities in their life are at odds. Be sure that they understand that all parties are working to resolve the child’s concerns.

How often can you expect teachers to initiate communication with you?

It depends on the teacher. Some teachers have created their own Web page for daily communication and some may e-mail every week or occasionally. Ask your teacher what he or she plans to do.

When are the secretaries in the office?

Lower School Secretary, Carol Windsor is in the office Tuesday through Thursday from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm and Fridays from 7:45 am to 2:45 pm. On Mondays, the phones are monitored periodically throughout the day, and messages will be returned on Tuesday.

Middle School Secretary, Nicole Watt is in the office Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to noon. You may leave a message in afternoon and messages will be returned the next day.

Bonnie Wasserman, Assistant to the Head of School, is in the office from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm Monday through Friday.

Who’s who on the administrative team?

Stephen Barker, Head of School and Head of Lower School

Helen Fitz, Head of Middle School

Roberta Garfield, Director of Admissions

David Brinkman, Business Manager

Brenda Ciccarone, Director of Resource Services

Jill Goodman, Director of Planning and School Strategy

Chris Rodgers, Director of Technology

What are issues for administration?

Any issue of a global nature affecting the entire school community: safety, communication, policy or development. Also, any issue concerning your child that has not been successfully resolved by your child’s teacher.

IMPORTANT: Separate fact from emotion to best help your child when discussing issues with administration.

What sorts of things are discussed at Parent Association meetings?

This year PA meetings will be combined with a wonderful speaker series. Topics might include: organization skills for your child, brain research, or how to talk to your child about sex. The business of the PA is also discussed at meetings (reports of the progress of the committees, such as Book Fair, uniform recycling program, or teacher appreciation efforts.) Volunteers within the PA are always welcome, and the PA is a terrific way to meet people. The PA is open to all parents, step-parents and guardians.  Membership is included with tuition.

What happens at a Fathers Club meeting?

The Fathers Club is new at Ruxton this year and all dads, step-dads and male guardians are automatically members as part of your child’s tuition. The Fathers Club in its inaugural year and

welcomes program suggestions! Suggested ideas have been gym nights, community service projects, and tours or activities with your child. If you are interested, please contact Jill Goodman, Director of Planning and School Strategy. Please note: Dads are still very welcome at Parent Association meetings and all events!

IMPORTANT: Sometimes it may feel easier to talk to other parents about issues at school, but in order to get all the information and assistance you need, it is best to communicate with teachers and administrators first.

11. How does an independent school like RCS operate?

Ruxton Country School is a 501c3 non-profit organization. It is governed by a volunteer, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees and administered by the Head of School. An independent school operates differently than a public school. There are two ways that the school has enough money to provide the educational services that are so important to us:  tuition and fundraising.

Annual Fund

Everyone who is currently (or has been in the past) affiliated with the school will be asked to contribute money to the Annual Fund. The dollars raised make up the shortfall between what it costs to educate your child, run the school, and tuition dollars. It seems shocking that tuition does not cover the costs, but in reality, we need to raise about 205,000 additional dollars each year.

Capital Campaign

A Capital Campaign is initiated when a major building project is taken on. It is possible that you might be asked to contribute to the Capital Campaign for the beautiful new Middle School building. The campaign is 90 percent complete, so we are almost there!

Endowment

Endowment is money donated to a school that is restricted for the purpose of funding the future of the school. The larger the endowment, the more interest income the school receives. Unfortunately, Ruxton has very little endowment, which makes our Annual Fund campaign all the more critical each year.

How are development functions different from the fundraising efforts of the PA or Fathers’ Club?

The Parent Association raises money for specific and important projects near and dear to parents’ hearts. Past contributions have purchased sports equipment, library books, speakers for the stage sound system and stage curtains. The Development Office handles the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign which go to either a general operating fund (including teacher salaries and benefits, the running of the building, field trips, etc.) or to the completion of the building.

The Business office and enrollment contracts

It is important to read your contract very carefully and to contact the business office with any questions before signing your contract for the coming year.

Please note: Report cards will not be issued to a student if the family has an outstanding (late) financial obligation to the school.

What is the Role of the Head of School?

The Head of School is responsible for all day-to-day leadership of the school. He supervises the faculty and staff, oversees all public communication for the school, is the public representative for the school, monitors curriculum, attends all meetings of the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio, non-voting member.

What is the Role of the Board of Trustees?

The Board of Trustees has fiduciary responsibility for the school. It is the Board’s job to be sure that the school is strategically positioned to sustain itself for future generations to attend RCS and to uphold the mission of the school. It is NOT their job to run the school or to be involved in individual parent, student or faculty issues. Potential Trustees are identified by a special committee of the Board and serve a three year term.

What is the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS)?