THE HEWLETT SCHOOL
OF EAST ISLIP

STUDENT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME TO
THE HEWLETT SCHOOL

STUDENT
HANDBOOK

HISTORY

Hewlett School was founded in 1915 by a group of prominent Long Island families committed to the idea of creating an independent school offering educational programs of the highest quality in an independent school setting. The Long Island town of Hewlett, from which the school takes its name, was its first home. In 1941 Hewlett School moved to its current location in the Suffolk County hamlet of East Islip. Our campus is the former Johnson estate of nine acres on Long Island's Great South Bay. Hewlett School is a non-profit, non-denominational, institution. Operating under an Absolute Charter of the Regents of the State of New York, the school is governed by a Board of Trustees and administered by a President and a number of officers of instruction, guidance and business who report to her. Hewlett is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the world-wide International Baccalaureate Organization.

Originally, a boarding school for the daughters of leading families in the New York Metropolitan area, Hewlett became a co-educational day school during the 1970's. Today, the homes of Hewlett's students are located not only in many of Suffolk County's towns and villages but also in foreign countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Admission to Hewlett School is based upon a rigorous screening procedure the object of which is to identify the academically talented with the necessary motivation to do well in a challenging instructional program. Race, religion, national origin and past academic performance are not factors considered for admission to The Hewlett School.
THE HEWLETT MISSION

Sensitive to the numerous individual differences among students, the Hewlett philosophy of education calls for a free, but thoughtfully structured, setting in which each boy and girl is individually challenged and motivated to realize his/her highest potential. Flexibility of individual programs is preserved in a learning atmosphere, which provides clear-cut guidelines for action and meaningful standards of performance. All the constituencies of the Hewlett family -- parents, students, faculty, alumni(ae), administration and trustees -- work together in a cooperative setting to make The Hewlett School experience truly happy, productive and life enhancing.
STAFF DIRECTORY

Following are the names of some key staff members. You may contact them about concerns or questions relating to life at Hewlett. The school phone number is: 516/581-1035. The Fax is: 516/581-9386.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT

The Hewlett School assumes that students intend to do their best in their classes.

 Advisory Council

The Advisory Council is comprised of the President, Dean of Instruction, Admissions Officer and a Faculty Representative. It meets periodically during the year to review the academic, disciplinary and social development of students. It recommends a variety of approaches, the goals of which are to assist in the maturation of students.

 Attendance

Students are expected to attend school every day except for illness or when an absence has been previously excused. It is important that absences due to illness or other reasons, which have not had prior approval, be telephoned to the school switchboard between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (581-1035).

Absences involving periods of less than a day, such as doctors' appointments, should have approval in advance. Students are not permitted to leave the campus during the school day without permission from a parent and the Dean of Instruction. It is highly recommended, however, that these appointments be made after school hours or on weekends so that students will not miss class time nor class work.

All students absent for one day or more are required, upon their return to school, to present a parental note. We are required by law to keep attendance records, which we must submit at the end of the school year to the State Education Department. A doctor's note should be submitted to the classroom teacher when a child is absent from class for more than three school days while under a doctor's care.

If it is determined that a student has had an excessive number of absences or latenesses, his/her academic placement will be reviewed. For example, a student whose attendance shows annual absences totaling more than 60 days in a course, for any reason, will be removed from that course for the remainder of the year, assigned a grade of "WA" (withdrawn for absences in excess of 60 days) and required to take the course the following year in order to be granted academic credit.

Students are responsible for completing all their homework assignments. Parents who are aware that their child will be out for two or more days should notify the main office and arrangements will be made for homework or special assignments to be sent home or picked up.

The school calendar provides time for vacations. Please do not plan vacations or day trips during school days as these days absent are recorded as illegal absences.

 Tardiness

Students are expected to arrive at school on time.

 Homework

Since homework is considered an integral part of the academic plan, students are expected to complete their assignments on time as requested by the teacher. Any delay or missed assignments will incur demerits from the teacher. Any student receiving more than three demerits will receive a reduction on his/her quarterly grade.

Here is a guide as to the approximate amount of time that should be set aside every day for homework:
  • Kindergarten:
    • 10 minutes
  • Grade 1:
    • 15 minutes
  • Grade 2:
    • 25 minutes
  • Grade 3:
    • 35 minutes
  • Grades 4 and 5:
    • 50 minutes
  • Grade 6:
    • 60 minutes
  • Grade 7:
    • 70 minutes
  • Grade 8
    • 100 minutes
  • Grades 9 - 12:
    • 3 hours
Curriculum

To earn a Hewlett School diploma, a student must satisfy a number of academic and non-academic criteria as specified below. For those students who possess the intellectual talent and motivation, Hewlett offers the acclaimed International Baccalaureate Program (IB). The IB Program is a two-year pre-university course of study accepted by colleges and universities for college credit in instances where the IB Diploma has been awarded.

 Hewlett School Diploma Program

Requirements for a Hewlett School Diploma are a minimum of twenty-two academic credits which must include the curriculum outlined below. Special consideration will be given for Regents Examinations.

English 4 years
Social Studies 4 years
Mathematics 4 years
Foreign Language 3 years
Science 3 years
Computing Science 3 years
Physical Education 4 years
Music 1 semester
Art 1 semester
Health 1 semester

Students who pursue this program may take the New York State Regents Examinations.

Students who fail a required course for graduation must take the course either in summer school or repeat it the following year.

 The International Baccalaureate Program

The IB curriculum is the honors part of Hewlett's academic program. The IB curriculum is offered in the Junior and Senior years. The curriculum provided in the Freshman and Sophomore years is preparatory for the IB offerings.

English Higher Level 2 years
American History Higher Level 2 years
Science Higher Level 2 years
Mathematics ubsidiary Level 2 years
Foreign Language Subsidiary Level 2 years
Computer Science Subsidiary Level 2 years
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) An extra-curricular experiential, learning activity 2 years
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 1 year

College Guidance

The college counseling program includes a comprehensive college search process. Students are encouraged to meet with visiting college representatives; visit college campuses; and use resources available in the Hewlett library, local public libraries, book stores and participating colleges.
NON-ACADEMIC GRADUATION EXPECTATIONS

Cooperative Work Program (Co-Op)

Students will take assignments working in the cafeteria or the grounds and various school offices. The Co-Op assignment is for the entire school year; however, the work stations will be rotated periodically.

 Service Project

The Hewlett curriculum requires the student to participate in service projects in order to receive a Hewlett diploma. Service is also part of the Middle School and the IB Program. It is a requirement for Middle School graduation and the IB diploma and, in the IB Program, it is known as CAS - Creativity, Action and Service.
REPORTING MARKS

Student progress is reported to parents as follows:

Kindergarten

E = EXCELLENT N = NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
G = GOOD I = IMPROVEMENT SHOWN
S = SATISFACTORY

Grades One through Five

LETTERS (In addition to E - I system):

A+ = 97 - 100 C+ = 77 - 79
A = 93 - 96 C = 73 - 76
A- = 90 - 92 C- = 70 - 72
B+ = 87 - 89 D = 65 - 69
B = 83 - 86 F = 64 or less

Grades 6 - 12

NUMERALS

Hewlett School Diploma: Circled 50 to 100 percent.

International Baccalaureate Program

POINT SYSTEM

Award of the IB Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and satisfactory completion of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the Extended Essay and CAS.

Academic Subjects: 1 - 7

1: very poor 5: good
2: poor 6: very good
3: mediocre 7: excellent
4: satisfactory

Extended Essays: Added to or subtracted from the points total for the diploma.

2+ 2 bonus points Outstanding
1+ 1 bonus point Good
0+ 0 bonus points Satisfactory
1- 1 penalty point Poor

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION

President's List

Each semester, faculty members nominate students in Grades 4 - 12, to the President's List. The nomination will be for the student's diligence, constructive attitude, thoroughness, dependability, punctuality and overall commitment to excellence in the academic and social areas of life as a student at Hewlett. To be named to this list, the student must earn at least four nominations. Not less than three of the nominations must be in a major academic subject (English, foreign language, history, mathematics and science) and at least one must be in the arts, athletics, Co-op or service project. However, a rating of less than Satisfactory (S) in each of athletics, service projects and Co-op will disqualify a student who otherwise satisfies the President's List criteria.

 Honor Roll

Students are named to the Honor Roll for academic achievement. For High Honors, the student must have an overall average of 90% and no grade less than an 85. For Honors, the student must have an overall average of 85% and no grade less than 80. The Honor Roll is posted for each of the four marking periods. Grades for the mid-term and final examinations and semester averages are not used to identify Honor Roll students. Grades in English, foreign language, history, mathematics, science, computing science, art and music are used to calculate Honor Roll averages. However, a rating of less than Satisfactory (S) in each of athletics, service projects and Co-op will disqualify a student who otherwise satisfies Honor Roll criteria.

 National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society

Each January the academic records of students in grades 7 - 12 will be reviewed. If a student achieves an average of 90 or better in all areas and exhibits leadership, citizenship and service, then he/she will be considered for membership in either the National Junior Honor Society (grades 7, 8, 9) or the National Honor Society (grades 10, 11, 12). Please note the National Junior Honor Society will be formed in January 1995.

 Student Progress Reports

Report cards are issued four times a year for Grades 1 through 12 and three times per year for Kindergarten. Additionally, students in Grades 6 through 12 receive mid-marking period reports.

 Teacher Conferences

There are two teacher conferences scheduled for each academic year - one in the Fall and one in the Spring.

Students are expected to work to their maximum potential. If it is determined that a student is not working to his/her ability, the student will be counseled and may be required to attend a mandated study hall in place of his/her activity period.

 Academic Probation

If a student's grades are consistently poor, the Advisory Council may place that student on probation. The student may be asked to leave Hewlett School if the grades do not improve. When the student is placed on academic probation, the Advisory Council shall:
 Criteria for Continuance as a Student

Criteria for continuance of enrollment in The Hewlett School.

A STUDENT SHALL:

1. Bring to class assigned homework.
2. Bring to class all materials necessary to participate in that class.
3. Complete all requirements for the class, i.e., pass examinations, quizzes, labs, etc.
4. Be in attendance upon all classes.
5. Use polite and acceptable language.
6. Treat faculty, staff and classmates with respect.
7. Behave in class and in school buildings in a manner that is conducive to instruction and learning taking place.
8. Be a positive role model for peers and younger students on campus and on school buses.
9. Not threaten fellow classmates in speech nor in action.
10. Respond positively to constructive criticism or other methods employed by school officials to improve a student's behavior or language.
11. Not engage in acts of direct disobedience.

Parents of students shall be involved in their child's school life and support the school and teachers in their lawful measures to discipline misbehavior.
SCHOOL POLICIES

School Hours


 School Closing

Because of bus transportation, The Hewlett School predicates its decision to close for inclement weather on the public school districts it serves. Closing announcements are made by approximately 6:00 a.m. and announced on the following stations:

WALK-FM 97.5
WBAB-FM 102.3

If children must leave school early because of bad weather, parents will be notified prior to dismissal. Parental judgment should, of course, be exercised at any time conditions are too difficult to get your child to school.

 Student Illness or Accident

The school will use every reasonable precaution to prevent injury to students while they are on school grounds. Whenever a student has an accident or a serious illness occurs during the school day, the school nurse will attempt to contact a parent or guardian and will request that the child be picked up. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency number you provided will be called. If no contact can be made, the nurse and the Dean of Instruction will decide upon a course of action.

 School Dress

The wearing of uniforms at The Hewlett School is traditional and strictly enforced. The following are exceptions to this rule: the student's birthday; the last school day before Thanksgiving, winter, mid-winter, and spring recesses; and at the Presidents direction. Parents will be given a list of necessary items and a vendor location for purchase of those items. Students wear closed dark shoes. Boots may be worn only in inclement weather, but not in classes.

Baseball caps are NOT permitted and may not be worn at any time during the school day. Hair must be an appropriate length to the discretion of the administrators. In addition, haircuts must be appropriate. Therefore, no shaved heads, buzz cuts or any other unusual haircut is permitted. For gym, students are expected to have shorts, T-shirts, sweatpants, sweatshirt and sneakers. School policy calls for outdoor recess whenever possible. Please make sure your child dresses appropriately for existing weather conditions.

Girls may wear earrings that are safe. They must be neat in appearance. Hair bands of not more than 2 inches in width may also be worn by girls. Girls in grades 9 through 12 may wear light applications of make-up and lipstick. Boys may not wear earrings. Hair must be cut regularly and may not extend below the top of the ear. Faculty and administrators shall advise students in the first instance of inappropriate appearance. A failure to comply with a request to change inappropriate appearance will result in a phone call to the student's parents. The student will not be allowed to attend class until he/she is in compliance with these regulations and any work or test missed will not be made up.

Students out of uniform must report to the Dean's office. Failure to wear an appropriate uniform to and from school and in each class, at lunch, school assemblies and functions will result in the student's parents being notified to bring the child home to dress in the uniform. Absences from classes for failure to wear the uniform are illegal. Missed class work will not be made up including tests, quizzes, reports, etc.

Dark, closed toe shoes are required. Sneakers, any color, are not permitted.

On days when students are permitted not to wear uniforms, the following items MAY NOT be worn: sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, short dresses or skirts, shorts, warm-up suits or sweat pants/sweat shirts.

Appropriate demerits will be given to a student who is not in his/her appropriate uniform.

 School Cafeteria

Students may buy a warm lunch or may bring their lunch. Juice and ice cream are available on a daily basis and milk is available for a yearly fee. Students in the extended day program will be provided with a nutritional snack before the start of the extended school program in the afternoon. Students in K-5 have snack time and bring snack from home.

 Transportation

If you reside within the mandated 15-mile radius of The Hewlett School and require busing, you should notify your public school district by April 1. A form for that purpose is available in the main office of The Hewlett School.

 Textbooks

Required textbooks should be made available to you through your local school district. A form requesting textbooks will be given to you and should be submitted to your local school district as soon as possible.

 Student Automobiles/Driving

For the security and safety of other students, students are not permitted to have or to drive automobiles, vans, motorcycles, etc., on campus.
PERSONAL CONDUCT

Each student is a representative of The Hewlett School and as such should conduct himself or herself according to the traditions and principles of our school. The Hewlett School assumes that students intend to do their best in all areas of school life. We expect high standards of behavior, citizenship and consideration of others at all times.

 Discipline

Because it is neither possible nor necessary to attempt to cover all behavior by specific rules within this handbook, The Hewlett School reserves the right to judge the seriousness or impropriety of any behavior. A general outline of disciplinary procedures and regulations are as follows:
 Discipline Committee

Three students and three faculty members comprise this committee. The committee decides upon a disciplinary response to the student infractions of major school rules. It recommends this response to the President who may either accept or reject the recommendation. The President may ask the committee to reconsider its recommendation in light of new data.

The age of the student and his/her overall previous record affect action taken in any disciplinary situation. Among the major actions that subject a student to suspension or dismissal are leaving campus without permission from parent and Dean of Instruction; cutting classes or other school commitments; dishonesty including lying, stealing, cheating, and plagiarism; willfully damaging or taking property; defacing school property; intimidation or physical violence; sexual harassment (verbal or written); physical abuse; hazing; fighting; vandalism; and smoking or possession or use of alcohol or other harmful or illegally possessed drugs at school or in connection with school functions. Firearms, fireworks, ammunition, knives and slingshots are not allowed. Students found using matches or lighters, burning substances in campus buildings or on the grounds, or are found in circumstances that give evidence of burning [i.e., smoke, cigar(ette) butts, recently melted candles, etc.] shall be suspended immediately.

The school reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student if, in the school's judgment, the student is not suited to the school program, or if the student or his/her family do not willingly observe the rules and regulations of the school.

 Demerit

A demerit is a restriction which limits on-campus activities in which a student may participate. A demerit's term may extend from one day to two weeks. The demerit system is used by the Dean, and it is also used by faculty members when the student's academic performance warrants the issuance of a demerit. If a student accumulates three demerits, he/she must serve a detention. For each demerit and detention the student receives, he or she will have to perform a school-related service task.

 Behavior

At Hewlett students and adults value honesty in all interactions on campus including in class, at lunch and on playing fields. Extending to others personal courtesy and politeness is the expected behavior of everyone. The standards of behavior at Hewlett reflect the highest of ethical values. In keeping with these values, Hewlett School members are encouraged to be considerate of each other, help each other to learn effectively and prepare themselves and others to make responsible decisions.
LIST OF DEMERIT BEHAVIOR

1. Out of uniform. Students are required to be in uniform every day.
2. Lack of courtesy to guests, staff, faculty and students.
3. Lateness to class.
4. Unacceptable language written/spoken.
5. Attending class unprepared.
6. Chewing gum.
7. Loitering in halls/at lockers.
8. Eating snacks/food in classroom. Exception -- school-sponsored program to support a student function or a teacher sponsored and supervised in-class lunch for academic purposes during regular lunch period.

The Hewlett School community is racially, ethnically, religiously, and nationally diverse in its make up. Part of Hewlett's mission is to educate its members about individual differences and to confront society's racism, sexism, and other prejudices in constructive ways.

While some disagreement is healthy, it is crucial that all community members feel safe and respected. Students are expected to display concern for others, practice good judgement and show good taste in all relationships.

 Extra-Curricular Activities

The Hewlett School provides numerous clubs and activities designed to meet students' needs and students are encouraged to participate fully in all that may interest them.

 Student Council

Student representatives meet regularly with the Council's faculty advisor to discuss campus concerns. The Council has its own constitution, approved by the President, by which it conducts its business.

H.O.P.S.

The Hewlett Organization of Parents and Staff (H.O.P.S.) promotes The Hewlett School by fostering a close relationship among all parents, faculty and administration. H.O.P.S. supports The Hewlett School through various fund-raising and social activities. All parents are members of H.O.P.S. and are requested to make a small membership donation. In addition all parents are invited and encouraged to attend monthly meetings.
SCHOOL SPIRIT

The Hewlett colors
are GREEN and WHITE.

ALMA MATER
Hewlett School, to thee we sing,
our love and loyalty we bring.
And voices that with praises ring,
to thee, dear Hewlett School.

Here kindliness of thought and deed,
the watchword that we strive to heed,
here's with honor high thy creed,
thy creed, dear Hewlett School.

Hewlett School, how proud are we,
to bear thy standards faithfully,
and of thy name we'll worthy be,
thy name, dear Hewlett School.

Name above all others blessed,
thy future fame our eager quest,
may the future hold the best,
for thee, dear Hewlett School.
1994
rev. '95