It is the purpose of Hampton Roads Academy to cultivate a community of compassion and excellence that prepares its students intellectually, morally, and physically both for higher education and for life. The Academy seeks to foster intellectual curiosity, self-discovery, and personal accountability in the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong reward. At the same time, the Academy endeavors to instill a broadened perspective and greater appreciation for the benefits of diversity, while invigorating clarity of thought, facility of expression, and competence in critical thinking. In partnership with parents, the Academy aspires to develop students who possess and demonstrate a sense of social awareness, a spirit of service to the community, and a strength of confidence that enable them to make a difference in a complex and ever-changing world.
HONOR
The Honor Code
To comply with the Honor Code, a student at Hampton Roads Academy does not lie, cheat, steal, or commit any dishonest act. It is the responsibility of the student to see that the code is neither broken by his or her actions nor by the actions of another student. It is the further responsibility of the student to report any infractions and actively discourage lying, cheating, and stealing in others.
The Honor Pledge
The following signed statement is required on all pledged academic work:I have neither given nor received help on this work.
(Student's Signature)The Honor Council
The Honor Council of Hampton Roads Academy, a student organization, administers the Honor Code of the School and advises the administration as to the application of that code to student life. The Honor Council consists of ten representatives; one elected by each grade (8-12), and five students elected by the faculty. Five voting members constitute a quorum. The Honor Council President, elected by the Honor Council from these representatives, presides over all meetings and votes only to break a tie. The Honor Council members elect the secretary and two representatives from the upper two classes who serve on the Executive Committee with the president. Ex-officio members of the Honor Council are the Head of Upper School and the Honor Council advisor.
The Honor Council will hear all honor cases and make a recommendation to the Head of Upper School using the following procedure:
Students who are suspected of an Honor Council violation will undergo an initial Honor Council review. An Honor Council review is a meeting attended by the Head of the Upper School, the Faculty Honor Council advisor, the student’s faculty advisor and the student. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss whether a student’s case should go before the Honor Council. The ultimate goal of the Honor Council review is to address the Honor Code concerns as soon as they arise and to remind the student of the community’s commitment to honor. If founded, the accused will be notified to appear before the Council the next school day. This time allows the accused to inform his/her parents and to speak with them for advice. The advisor of the accused is also notified and may accompany the accused student into the hearing. At the Honor Council meeting called to hear the case, the accused and any individuals called by the Honor Council must appear and present information. After these proceedings, the Council reviews the case in private, votes to determine if a violation has occurred, and -if so- makes a penalty recommendation to the Head of Upper School. The Head of Upper School considers this recommendation in determining sanction and notifies the family of the resulting decision. In cases where expulsion is conceivable, the Headmaster will become involved. A summative review will follow all Honor Council cases. The Head of the Upper School, the Upper School Personal Counselor, the Faculty Honor Council Advisor, the student’s Faculty Advisor, and the student will attend the summative review. The purpose of this meeting is to review the Honor Council’s findings and re-establish the student’s relationship with the school community and its attendant philosophies. Mrs. Susanne Swain is the faculty sponsor for the Honor Council.
- Create an environment of trust throughout the school
- Develop in each member a strong sense of individual integrity
- Allow each member responsibility in making personal decisions
To comply with the Honor Code, a student at Hampton Roads Academy does not lie, cheat, steal, or commit any dishonest act. It is the responsibility of the student to see that the code is neither broken by his or her actions nor by the actions of another student. It is the further responsibility of the student to report any infractions, and actively discourage lying, cheating, and stealing in others.
Respect
All members of HRA should have self-regard and show respect and care for the rights and property of others at all times. Everyone is expected to display sensitivity to the feelings and rights of others by being courteous and considerate in all facets of school life. Such sensitivity includes proper respect for teachers, understanding of the special problems and needs of others, and concern for one's own reputation as a thoughtful, compassionate, and generous person.Responsibility
All members of HRA are expected to be accountable for their actions and to respond wisely. Everyone is entitled to express his or her personal opinion with respect and dignity. Good manners always contribute to a positive environment. It is important to realize that being responsible means accepting responsibility for consequences of choices.“Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him and to let him know that you trust him.” — Booker T. Washington
STUDENT SERVICES
Upper School Advisory Program
The Upper School Advisory Program seeks to create a community within a community, matching students with caring adults who will serve as guides for a student's journey through the academic, moral, and physical challenges of the high school years. Upper School students have been assigned to a faculty member who serves as their advisor. Advisory group meetings are held each Friday from 11:54 a.m. – 12:09 p.m. Mrs. Lori Oakes is the coordinator for the program.Faculty Office Hours
Upper School teachers are available from 7:55 – 8:15 a.m. daily for student counseling or to provide extra academic assistance. Students are encouraged to schedule meetings with advisors and faculty during this time, recognizing that courtesy dictates that they attend any appointment made during office hours with an advisor or faculty member.Medical Services
Nurse Marty Bailey is our full-time school nurse ready to receive and assist any student who becomes ill during the school day. All students are required to have a yearly physical on file with the nurse. Health forms are mailed to the parents on May 1st for the upcoming academic year and are due by August 1st. Students should not to come to school if they are sick. All injuries beyond the extent of the nurse are immediately referred to the parents/guardians. If they cannot be reached, the student is taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center.Personal Counseling
Mrs. Elizabeth Rous provides counseling to students in grades 9-12. The guidance program at Hampton Roads Academy offers support for our students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. A reasonable variety of approaches are offered and referrals are made as needed. Collaboration with the Head of Upper School, faculty, advisors, and parents ensures that students in need of additional support are identified early and support plans are established.College Counseling
Ms. Heather O’Toole, Mr. Ben Rous, and Mrs. Elaine McDermott facilitate college counseling. College counseling is a personal and individualized process beginning in the junior year. Students have several meetings with the college counseling staff in order to focus their college searches and to complete the application process.Lockers
Each student is assigned an academic building locker and PE students and athletes are assigned a gymnasium locker for use during the school year. Students are responsible for the contents of their assigned lockers. All lockers are the property of the school, and as such, administrators and other designated personnel have access to them at all times. Lockers may also be subject to searches by law enforcement personnel, in order to assure the security of the entire student body.Library/Computer Center
The Ferguson Media Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily to provide a variety of educational enhancing materials of the highest quality. Ms. Dionne Fox is the Head Librarian responsible for the selection of all materials for the library/media center. All patrons including parents, faculty, and students, are welcome to suggest any potentially new materials. The adjacent computer centers exist to serve the curricular needs of the Academy. Each member of the HRA community, regardless of position, expertise, or level of access, is expected to take responsibility for his or her individual account. Keeping passwords secret, changing passwords that have become known by others, monitoring all material downloaded or stored under personal accounts, and notifying the Administration when unauthorized access to an account has occurred are expected parts of this responsibility. Computer related questions and concerns should be referred to Mr. Robert Arvidson (rarvid@hra.org) or Mr. Michael Mason (mmason@hra.org).
Student Visitors & Guests
Students wishing to host a guest on campus must receive permission from the Head of the Upper School one week in advance of the visit. In order to know the identity of those who are on campus, the school requires guests and visitors to register using the form: Memorandum for Record – Students Visiting HRA. Official guests must be in designated dress code, and the academy student will be responsible for the behavior of his or her guest.Leaving the HRA Campus
No student may leave the campus after arriving on the school premises without the expressed permission and approval of a faculty or administrator. Seniors with parental permission may leave campus during lunch and when their study hall rotates to last period. The lunch period for seniors is a privilege that will be revoked with two or more noted tardy reports.Parking
Seniors and juniors with a driver’s license will be assigned parking spaces as needed. Sophomores and freshmen will not be issued parking spaces. Driving to school is a liberating and exciting privilege that requires responsible behavior. Obeying the school speed zone of 10 MPH on school property, parking in assigned or designated areas, and staying in assigned lanes are all examples of responsible behaviors. The school has the right to search a vehicle for health, safety, or legal matters.Bus Transportation
Bus transportation is available to students living in the Gloucester, Smithfield/Suffolk, Williamsburg, and Yorktown areas. A central pickup/drop-off area is designated for each location. Door-to-door service is not available. For pricing or other information, please contact Mrs. Katie Gunderson in the Business Office at 757.884.9153.Telephones and Other Electronics
Students have access to a telephone in the Upper School Office conference room throughout the school day. Students may also use the pay phones located outside the Multi-purpose Room (MPR) and the Carpenter Gym. Pay phones may not be used during class time. Personal cell phones may be used outside of the school buildings only and during non-scheduled class time. Students may not receive incoming cell phone calls during school hours. Cell phone use is restricted at all times in the Ferguson Media and computer centers. These same guidelines apply to personal iPods, pagers, and other electronic devices.Food and Beverages
Healthy food and beverage choices are offered to students primarily through a vending program. The MPR is accessible before school, at break, and during the lunch period. Students may eat in the MPR, outdoors, the back Commons, or in the Lecture Hall for special class or club/activity meetings. Students may receive special permission to eat and drink in a teacher’s classroom by the teacher assigned to that room. Additionally, seniors may eat in the Senior Lounge. Students may not eat or drink in the hallways, offices, lobbies, library, auditorium, or computer areas at any time. Students must keep all areas clean and use appropriate trash receptacles.Lost and Found
Lost and found items are often turned in to one of the Division Offices or with the school receptionist. Please mark all articles of clothing, books, calculators and other valuable items with nametape, indelible ink, or other identifying marks. All unclaimed items are donated to charity at intervals during the school year. Announcements are made to the student body prior to these contributions.The School Store
A wide range of spirit attire and other supplies and materials are available for purchase in the School Store. The School Store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Please see Ms. Susanna Tanious with requests or for more information.“Service is the rent we pay for living. It is not something to do in your spare time; it is the very purpose of life.” — Marian Wright Edelman
STUDENT LIFE
Dress Code
The HRA Dress Code is very friendly and easy to follow. The code outlines apparel that is appropriate for the school setting. HR2 applies:
- Be honest with yourself. Is it too short, or too tight, or too revealing?
- Be respectful of others and yourself. Is it disruptive, or offensive, or provocative?
- Be responsible for your decisions. What rational explanation can you give for a ‘yes’ answer to any of the above questions? Avoid the hassle and the stress by following the Dress Code.
Why a Dress Code? Professional athletes have no trouble wearing a uniform to compete, and their fans wear duplicates of the uniform with pride. People wear suits for an appearance in court so as to create an image of a fine upstanding member of society. Employees at theme parks and food service stores wear costumes that represent the image of the vendor. At HRA, we believe the Dress Code is an important part of our educational and personal development.
Therefore, all students at HRA are expected to dress in such a manner as to exhibit good taste, personal cleanliness, and respect for their appearance and reputation. Accordingly, please respect the following standards:
- Girls may wear properly fitted and hemmed dresses and skirts that are no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee. Slacks, pants, and Capri pants are acceptable but must be of relaxed fit. Belts must be worn with any clothing designated with belt loops.
- Girls may wear collarless blouses, knit shirts without commercial content, and sweaters that are part of a coordinated ensemble. All blouses and shirts must fully cover one’s midriff at all times. Sleeveless blouses or shirts must have straps wider than two inches. All blouses and shirts must be of relaxed fit with modest necklines.
- Girls may wear sweaters of proper size and fit over acceptable school attire. Hooded sweatshirts may not be worn. Seniors may wear hoodless sweatshirts with an HRA or college logo on Fridays. Underclassmen may wear hoodless sweatshirts with an HRA or college logo during dress down and spirit days.
- Dress shoes, tennis shoes, or sneakers are preferred. All shoes must be in good shape and laced or fastened at all times.
- Boys must wear pants that are properly fitted. Dress pants, khakis, corduroys, and cargo pants are acceptable. All pants must be designed for a belt, and a belt is to be worn and secured.
- Boys must wear a fold-over collared shirt or turtleneck. Crew-cut shirts are allowed but only under a blazer. Solid-colored, striped, and plain oxford-style shirts are preferred. Boys will have their shirts buttoned appropriately and tucked in at all times.
- Boys may wear sweaters of proper size and fit over acceptable school attire. Hooded sweatshirts may not be worn. Seniors may wear hoodless sweatshirts with an HRA or college logo on Fridays. Underclassmen may wear hoodless sweatshirts with an HRA or college logo during dress down and spirit days.
- Dress shoes, tennis shoes, or sneakers are preferred. All shoes must be in good shape and laced or fastened at all times.
Special Dress Days
Special dress attire is expected at cultural events, evening events, and certain field trips. Generally speaking, coats and ties for boys and dresses, skirts, or dress slacks for girls is the expected standard for formal occasions.Dress Down and Spirit Days
Jeans, athletic wear, T-shirts, and hoodless sweatshirts with an HRA or college logo are allowed for students on designated ‘dress down’ or ‘spirit’ days. Hairstyles and clothing should follow the HR2 model.Attendance and Absences
Regular attendance at school is an important measure of student and parental commitment to the academic program. There are times throughout the year when students are required to miss class due to school-related or family activities. In these cases, students are responsible for meeting their academic obligations in a timely and courteous manner.Reporting In – Reporting Out
Upper school teachers take attendance during the 1st period of the day. Students arriving after the bell for 1st period must sign in as tardy with the Upper School Office. Students leaving early for any reason must sign out with the Upper School Office. Students may not leave school without express permission of a parent or guardian.Absences and Late Arrivals
Students arriving late, leaving and returning during the day, or leaving before dismissal must present a note to the Upper School Office with an explanation for the absence. Parents of students who are arriving or leaving at any time other than regular school hours must provide a written note explaining the absence.Pre-Planned Absences
Pre-planned absences are those that can be anticipated, such as college visits, conferences, graduations, and special family and religious holidays. A blue slip form obtained from the Upper School office is used for this purpose. A blue slip helps the communication process between teachers and students, and allows the teachers to indicate course work that may be missed during the absence. Parents of students with a pre-planned absence must provide a written note in advance explaining the absence. Blue Slips will not be issued or approved during semester or final examinations.Attendance Contact Information
Information regarding students’ attendance may be left via Upper School Office voicemail 24 hours a day at: 757.884.9380
Arrivals and Dismissals
On regular Monday - Thursday school days, classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and end at 2:55 p.m. On regular Friday school days, classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and end at 2:35 p.m. Faculty Office Hours are available by appointment daily from 7:55 – 8:15 a.m.Student should enter the school directly upon arrival through either the Main Entrance or the Phillips Commons. The Phillips Commons entrance is open from 7:45 – 8:15 a.m. All other time this entrance is locked, and the Main Entrance should be used.
The Ferguson Media Center and computer labs are open until 5:00 p.m. daily. If a student remains after normal dismissal time and is not under supervision of a faculty member or attending an Academy activity, students must remain in these areas until leaving campus. Whether carpooling or being picked up by a parent, students must depart campus by closing time of the Media Center.
Senior Privileges – Lunch and Early Departures
Seniors, with parental consent, may go off campus for lunch after signing out each day. This privilege requires both responsible behaviors when off campus and a responsible time of return to campus.Seniors have the privilege of “early departure” when their study hall period is the last period of the day. This privilege is only for the last period, and all seniors are required to sign-in on time for the first block.
Emergency School Closings
In the event an emergency closing, a message will be communicated through the automated telephone system. Announcements will also be given to WWDE (101.3), WAVY-TV 10 (NBC), WVBT 43 (FOX), and WVEC-13 (ABC). Additionally, a message will be placed on the School Closing Hotline: 757.884.9158. Absences are for emergency closings, and assistance will be given to students to make up work.Should an emergency closing occur during school hours that require the early termination of classes, buses are sent out as soon as possible, and students are given assistance in notifying parents by telephone. In some instances, parents are asked to call other parents to spread the word as quickly as possible.
Under emergency closing situations, please do not call the faculty or administrative staff at home. Please listen for appropriate announcements from the radio and TV stations, or call the School Closing Hotline 757.884.9158.
Healthy Living
HRA values and protects the health and safety of our faculty and students. The State Health Department has suggested the following conditions as ample reasons to keep a student home from school:
- If the student has a fever of 100 degrees or more
- If the student has vomited or has had diarrhea within 24 hours of the start of school
- If the student has had a persistent cough, rash, open or draining skin sores, inflamed or draining eyes or ears
If a student will be absent due to illness, please call the Upper School Office at 757.884.9380 to report the absence, prior to 9:00 a.m.
Medication to be administered during school hours must be delivered by the parent or guardian, with a form granting the school nurse permission to administer it, including:
- The exact name of the medication
- The exact dosage
- The time the medication is to be given
“It is unwise to be sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.” — Mahatma Gandhi
LEADERSHIP
Philosophy
At HRA we believe that within each student lies an intellectual curiosity, a leader, and the ability to make a difference in the world.The Leadership Institute
HRA sponsors the Leadership Institute each year, where students are trained and oriented toward responsibilities that they might face as leaders. This institute is managed by Mr. Aaron T. Hill, Sr., Head of Upper School, is open to any student, and is required of students who seek election or appointment to a leadership position in the school. Students must attend the Institute once every two years to qualify to run for a leadership position.Clubs, Organizations, and Extra-Curricular Activities
HRA maintains a full complement of extra-curricular activities for our students in academic, service, and social areas. Most clubs are open to any interested student, although some have entrance requirements or are honorary in nature.Club members are expected to commit themselves to the organization and attend all meetings and functions. Students are encouraged to evaluate the time commitment necessary before joining a club or activity to prevent over scheduling. A full list of clubs, organizations, and extra-curricular activities is available online.
Sportsmanship
At HRA we hold to high standards of sportsmanship from our players and our fans. Spectators and athletes should always treat officials and opponents with the highest degree of respect. The use of foul language, offensive behavior, or singling out opposing players is disrespectful and not tolerated. Everyone should strive to conduct themselves with the highest degree of integrity, especially during the intensity of competition.Academy-Sponsored Dances and Social Events
Dances are for the enjoyment of everyone in attendance and help promote and enhance the positive social experience in the Upper School. At HRA, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for socialization and an enjoyment of the upper school experience. To that end, we must work together to ensure our dances and social events are free from intimidation, bullying, and influence of illegal substances.In order to assure pleasant and orderly events, the following guidelines are in place:
- All expectations of conduct in effect during the normal school day apply to dances.
- No student will be admitted one hour or more after the start of the dance. Only the dance sponsor may grant exceptions.
- Students are expected to remain at the dance until it is over. In exceptional cases, students who need to leave the dance early must submit written permission from parents to the sponsor. There will be no re-admittance for students leaving early.
- Students at the Academy may bring a guest from outside the Academy student body, and if so, assume responsibility for the guest throughout the dance. All guests must be registered by permission slip in the Upper School office prior to the dance.
- All dances are restricted to Hampton Roads Academy upper school students and their escorted guests.
- The sponsoring group must submit a complete proposal for a dance to the Head of Upper School with a list of chaperones within two weeks prior to the dance.
Drug Policies at School-Sponsored Events
Student use of alcohol, drugs (including illegal steroids), tobacco, and other hazardous items is illegal. It is also detrimental to the intellectual, social, and physical development of a student. It disrupts the educational program of a school and undermines the morale of the entire school community.At a time when alcohol and drugs are so prevalent and the temptation to use them is so great, Hampton Roads Academy recognizes the need for a comprehensive alcohol and drug policy. Moreover, HRA takes seriously its mission to encourage healthy lifestyles among its students. To meet these agenda, we have developed the following rules and policy relating to tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and hazardous items.
- The possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, drugs (including illegal steroids), tobacco, and other hazardous items on campus or at any school-sponsored event is a very serious offense. Therefore, students are prohibited from having in their possession any of these items or other paraphernalia on school property or at any on or off-campus, school-sponsored events.
- The primary responsibility for a student’s off-campus activities rests with the student and the parents. It is not the school’s intent to intervene in that relationship. However, student drug or alcohol involvement which occurs off-campus and which is brought to the school’s attention will be addressed with a variety of possible consequences. It is our intention to encourage and support a commitment to social activities that conform to the law.
Virginia law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 and prohibits the consumption of illegal drugs by all persons, regardless of age. Criminal sanctions apply to many transactions involving alcohol and other drugs including, for example, selling and serving alcoholic beverages to minors, selling or possessing illegal drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs. These laws recognize the social and health hazards from substance abuse and the devastation caused by combining substance abuse with driving.HRA agrees with the public policies embodied in these laws and believes the school has a duty to commit itself publicly and unequivocally to supporting them. It follows that HRA should state its strong opposition to the illegal use of alcohol, drugs (including illegal steroids), tobacco, and other hazardous items at activities that are not HRA sponsored events.
Safety
The safety of the school environment in which we spend much of our day is of critical importance to our ability to create learning opportunities and to learn. Therefore, the safety of our school community receives the highest priority.HRA administrators and staff regularly review and update existing safety procedures and ensure the coordination of school efforts with other public safety agencies. Our plans were recently updated to include new safety procedures at entryways.
Our administrators and staff are trained to remain flexible, to make situation-appropriate decisions, and to wisely and effectively administer all available crisis management tools. Additionally, we maintain close contact with the Police, Fire, and Life Safety Departments.
Many issues of safety are far less dramatic than emergency preparedness and yet are of great significance to the smooth and safe operation of the school on a daily basis. Safety begins with you. Be smart. Stay alert. Report immediately any suspicious activities or unsafe situations.
Discipline
Discipline is learning and dependent upon a sense of concern and cooperation by everyone. All members of the school community must demonstrate by their actions a willingness to live within the rules and expectations at Hampton Roads Academy.Under our educational method, we ensure a positive learning atmosphere — a safe, nurturing environment based on honesty, respect, responsibility, and discipline. In the course of operating the school the administration may choose to reprimand student behavior and actions through a variety of disciplinary responses, from a relatively minor detention, to expulsion from the school.
Disciplinary Responses
Detention
Any faculty or professional staff member may assign a detention to students who do not follow various school policies such as being tardy to school or class, out of dress code, noise/loitering in the halls, littering, eating and drinking outside of the designated areas or chewing gum, or any other issue at the discretion of the faculty. While detentions are minor in nature, and no permanent record is kept, an accumulation of detentions is considered a serious matter showing lack of respect and deserving of a disciplinary review.In-School Separation (ISS)
Students should expect to be separated from school for some disciplinary offenses. ISS serves to remove a student from school activities without the more severe consequences of Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). Students assigned to ISS will be placed on disciplinary review. An ISS will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ISS will consist of a work detail on school grounds and an opportunity for students to complete all assignments missed in class that day.
- All classroom work missed during the separation (homework, assignments, quizzes, exams, etc.) must be made up during the ISS.
- The student is responsible for requesting any and all missed classroom work. Any work not requested or completed will receive a score of zero.
- Students assigned to ISS are not allowed to participate in or attend any school-sponsored function, event, or activity during the day of separation.
- Students assigned to ISS may be placed on disciplinary/academic probation for a time to be determined by the administration.
- Students placed on ISS are expected to serve their assignments on the scheduled date.
- Students assigned to ISS will be permitted to dress down for the work detail in accordance with the HRA Dress Code.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
Students should expect to be suspended from school for serious disciplinary offenses.
- All classroom work missed during the suspension (homework, assignments, quizzes, exams, etc.) must be made up.
- The student is responsible for requesting any and all missed classroom work. The time for completion of the missed work will not exceed the number of days of suspension.
- Any work not requested or completed within the prescribed time frame will receive a score of 0%.
- Students who are suspended are not allowed on school grounds or to participate in or attend any school-sponsored function, event, or activity during the time of suspension.
- Students assigned to OSS will be placed on disciplinary review.
Disciplinary Review
Students who exhibit patterns of irresponsible behavior or who have violated a particularly serious school rule will undergo a disciplinary review.A disciplinary review is a meeting attended by the Head of Upper School, the Upper School Personal Counselor, the Faculty Advisor, other relevant faculty, the parents, and the student.
The purpose of the disciplinary review is to assess the student’s citizenship and to determine the appropriateness of fit between the student and the school.
The ultimate goal of the disciplinary review is to address the disciplinary concerns as soon as they arrive.
Because HRA believes strongly in the philosophy of leadership and the Academy’s guiding principles of honesty, respect, and responsibility, students who undergo a discipline review will be ineligible for positions of leadership and any honors that may be given by HRA for a period of one year following the review.
Expulsion
Only the Headmaster is empowered to expel a student. His judgment supersedes all other customs, policies or guidelines.Policy on Reporting Disciplinary Actions to Colleges
Consistent with the National Association for College and Admission Counselors (NACAC) Statement of Principles of Good Practice, HRA will respond to any specific questions asked by a college or university regarding a major change-of-status disciplinary action (out-of-school suspension, expulsion, withdrawal, or leave of absence) at any time during the student’s high school career. It is also the policy of HRA to voluntarily report to colleges and universities actions occurring from the beginning of the senior year through graduation. In most instances, a letter from the Director of College Counseling will be sent within one week of the action. Prior to that mailing, the senior will be encouraged to contact all colleges to which he/she has applied for self-disclosure of the status change.“It never bothers me for people to make a mistake if they had a reason for what they did. If they can tell me, ‘I thought this and reasoned so, and came to that decision.’ If they obviously went through a reasonable thought process to get where they did, even if it didn’t turn out right, that’s OK. The ones you want to watch out for are those who can’t even tell you why they did what they did.” — Frank Gaines
“It is better to make a mistake with the full force of your being than to carefully avoid mistakes with a trembling spirit. Responsibility means recognizing both pleasure and price, making a choice on that recognition, and then living with that choice without concern.” — Dan Millman
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND GUIDANCE
Academic Credit Requirements for Graduation
Twenty-one and one-half (21.5) credits are required for graduation, distributed as follows:
** Students must fulfill this requirement by completing courses from at least two different areas within the fine arts. Students participating in the Upper School Chorus or Upper School Band can fulfill this requirement by completing three (3) semesters of either Upper School Chorus or Upper School Band and need not take a visual art elective.
- Requirements may be met with courses from grades 9-12. Credit is granted for foreign language and P.E. courses that are successfully completed in the eighth grade, and for math requirements completed prior to ninth grade.
- Course credits are awarded as follows: one-half (½) credit is awarded for a one-semester course. Yearlong courses will be awarded one (1) credit upon successful completion.
- Successful completion of the Senior Project.
- Credits earned at institutions other than HRA are accepted to meet the requirements only with approval of the Head of Upper School.
- Waivers from graduation requirements are not granted.
- All students must take at least five departmental courses each semester (pass/fail courses do not count toward this number). Any approved independent study course must be in addition to these departmental courses.
- Individual community service requirements must be completed.
Community Service Graduation Requirement Guidelines
Each upper school student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service by the April deadline of senior year. (The class ‘07 must complete only 30 hours.) Community Service hours begin accruing the summer after 8th grade. At least ten hours should be acquired by the end of each academic year (9th, 10th, and 11th). Students who transfer to HRA must also complete this requirement, and the hours required would be adjusted to reflect his/her entry year. Credit for service hours acquired at previous schools may be transferred with appropriate documentation, but the student must also complete at least ten with HRA. Students transferring to HRA in their senior year are required to complete a minimum of ten total hours during the school year in order to graduate.Community Service may be acquired through both community-sponsored and school-sponsored opportunities. A list of agencies is available from the community service coordinator, Mrs. Juli (Baumgartner) Hooper. Students should always seek prior approval before beginning a service project to ensure the hours can be applied towards the graduation requirement. A Community Service Evaluation Form must be submitted to Mrs. Hooper for each completed project. This form is filled out in part by the student and in part by the project supervisor. The type of work done and the hours acquired are recorded and kept on file for each individual student. Any senior who completes 100 or more hours by October 15th of his/her senior year will receive a separate letter of recommendation outlining his/her endeavors and commitment to service to be part of his/her college application package from HRA.
Advanced Placement Courses
Students are encouraged to apply to take Advanced Placement courses in areas where they have demonstrated high achievement and an ability to do independent work. Advanced Placement courses are college level and require extensive amounts of study. Additional requirements for admission may vary by department. Generally, registration for AP courses takes place concurrently with general course registration in the spring. All students who are enrolled in AP courses must take the corresponding national AP exam, administered by the school in May. Certain scores on these exams can earn college credit for a student. The cost of the exams will be placed on the student’s bill.Honors and AP Course GPA Weighting
Students taking Honors or AP courses will receive a boost in their grade point average (GPA) to compensate for the high standards and difficult nature of these courses. GPA weighting is an accepted institutional way to reward students who take difficult courses and allows us to maintain high academic standards, while keeping students’ GPA’s high, and not penalizing them for enrolling in difficult courses. GPA is one measurement used by colleges to distinguish and compare students. HRA adds one-third of a point (+.33) to the GPA measurement for any honors course, and two-thirds of a point (+ .67) to the GPA calculation of any AP course.Grading System
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated using final grades in Upper School courses taken at HRA from grades 9-12. Grades from Upper School courses taken in the Middle School or grades from courses taken at other schools are not included. Because only final grades (those calculated at the end of each course) are used in GPA calculation, this number will only change at the end of each school year and will be printed on the June report card. Full year courses are worth one credit; semester courses are worth .50 credit. Although each teacher may have an individual system for evaluating daily work, all quiz and test grades are in percentage form, from 0-100 percent. At the end of a grading period, all evaluating data is translated into the following categories:
In courses designated for pass/fail grading, a “P” indicates fully satisfactory work and an “F” indicates totally unsatisfactory work. Although credit may not be involved, these grades are recorded on the student’s permanent record and on all transcripts.
Honor Roll
The Honor Roll is calculated each semester and lists are published in The Navigator, and listed on student transcripts.Highest Honors: A- and above in all courses, or an equivalent GPA weighted that semester
Honors: B- and above in all courses, or an equivalent GPA weighted that semester
Grade Determination
HRA faculty use the following standard formula in calculating semester and end of the year grades:
Upper School teachers, particularly in elective courses, have the academic freedom to evaluate students with something other than a traditional two to three hour examination. The Department Chair and Head of Upper School must approve such non-traditional testing. Non-traditional evaluations are weighted to approximate the weight of exams in other similar courses, though no evaluation should weigh more than 30% of the course. Ninth-grade-courses in biology, English and history will be weighted 10% of the semester grade.
Test Policy
Regular testing effectively evaluates student progress, ability, and potential. The school differentiates between quizzes (announced or unannounced and lasting not more than one-half a class period) and tests (announced and usually lasting the entire period). Students should not be assigned more than two major papers or tests on a given day and the school maintains and publishes a testing calendar to coordinate their efforts in this regard. If a student has more than two major papers or tests in a given day, the student may reschedule an obligation with a teacher. If the problem is not resolved, students may appeal to the Head of Upper School.2006 – 2007 Examination Schedules
Examinations are held according to the following schedules:
Senior Exam Exemption
To qualify students need a passing grade on the Senior Project. Community Service hours must be completed by the April deadline. A senior may gain exemption from final exams in one of two ways:1. By achieving an 83 cumulative average for the second semester (the average of third and fourth marking periods) a senior may gain exemption from a final exam in a course. Any incomplete grade removes a senior from exemption in a particular course.
OR
2. On the basis of fourth marking period grades in all courses, a senior may gain exemption by achieving an overall average of 83, using weighted grades where applicable, with no fourth marking period grade below 77.
Seniors in Advanced Placement courses must continue to attend AP classes through the AP exam. Non-exempt seniors must attend classes until they have taken the course exam.
Academic Review
Because HRA is committed to helping the whole child succeed, students who fall below a 2.5 GPA in any quarter will undergo an academic review. The ultimate goal of the academic review is to address academic concerns as soon as they arise. An academic review is a meeting attended by the Head of Upper School, the Upper School Personal Counselor, the student’s Faculty Advisor, the student’s current teachers, the parents, and the student.The academic review will assess the student’s academic status and identify the student’s specific strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the review will evaluate the academic support available to the student, as well as student achievement and progress in all aspects of school life.
Academic Study Halls
Attendance in academic study hall is mandatory for all students in grades 9 – 11. Juniors who achieve highest honors and all seniors are not required to attend study hall.Academic study halls are for serious independent study. Students should expect to observe the silence of the study hall at all times. Generally, students are expected to study alone, unless granted express permission by a teacher to fulfill a group project assignment. Students are responsible for bringing to study hall enough work to occupy them for the entire period. Sleeping, lounging, talking, or any disruptive behavior is not conducive to serious study and is not allowed in study hall.
Attendance is taken at the beginning of each study hall. All students assigned to a study hall are required to check in with their study hall proctor at the beginning of each study hall. Students assigned to study hall who have meetings or appointments with faculty members must report to the study hall proctor with a written note from the faculty member at the beginning of the period and explain where they will be.
Students who are exempt from study hall will be allowed to meet in other places to study, relax, or talk quietly. The upper school commons, student work areas, courtyard, or the area in front of the auditorium is available to students. Students may also study quietly in the library or in the computer lab when classes are not using these areas. Seniors may meet in the senior lounge. Students may not congregate in the hallways of the school because of the potential disruption to other upper or middle school classes.
Accommodations for Students With Learning Differences
Documentation is required on file in the Guidance Office from any of the following licensed or certified specialists: Psychologist, child-study team, or learning specialist. The Guidance Office will construct a Student Accommodation Plan outlining which accommodations a student will receive and this information will be shared with the student’s teachers. Requests for additional accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with documented learning differences will not necessarily receive all of the accommodations listed below. Student Accommodation Plans are constructed on an individual basis based on the documentation provided.
The following accommodations are permitted at Hampton Roads Academy:1. Extended time (up to 50%) for tests and/or exams.
2. Special seating (close to chalkboard, near the teacher’s desk, away from the window, etc.).
3. Weekly reports sent home to parents by teachers.
4. Use of laptop computer for note taking, tests, and exams.
5. Use of tape recorder to record class lectures.
6. Copies of class notes can be provided to the student.
7. Peer tutoring or extra help with the teacher
ATHLETICS
Athletic Program
The Athletic Department at Hampton Roads Academy holds firm to a set of objectives and expectations regarding the individual conduct of student athletes. These expectations stem from the belief that any Hampton Roads Academy team should be guided by a commitment to perform to the best of its ability. This commitment involves sacrifices to be made by the coaches, the parents, and the student-athletes. There can be no assurance that all who try out for a team will become a member of it.
Athletic Program Objectives
In order to provide a broad and varied program so that each student-athlete may have maximum opportunities for personal success and may regard failures as an opportunity to grow, the Athletic Department at Hampton Roads Academy strives to:
- Help student-athletes to identify the best in themselves and assist them in using this foundation to build a sense of self-esteem, self-reliance, and compassion for others
- Promote the growth of responsible behavior by holding student-athletes accountable for their actions
- Develop leadership capabilities
- Develop in our student-athletes a desire to excel in our very competitive society. We feel success is not measured by winning, but rather by continually striving to do so. One learns to accept defeat only by striving to win with earnest dedication
- Develop the ability to react to any situation with true sportsmanship and to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, cooperation, and dependability
Athletic Program Expectations
Consistent with the above objectives, the Athletic Department has developed a set of expectations that should help guide each student-athlete and therefore enable the team to have a successful and valuable experience. Student-athletes are expected to:
- Maintain a high priority on academic achievement
- Exhibit the highest standards of good sportsmanship
- Abstain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
- Refrain from the use of profanity
- Maintain a balanced nutritional diet
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
Academics
Student-athletes at Hampton Roads Academy should place the highest priority on academic achievement. Student-athletes are expected to demonstrate the ability to participate in athletics without infringing on their academic performance. Student-athletes with early departures from the Academy are responsible for all work due on that day, and must be prepared for class on days following athletic contests. Participation in athletics does not excuse a student-athlete from class preparation.Attendance
Students accepting a position on an athletic team at Hampton Roads Academy are making a commitment to the team and coaches to be present at all practices and games. Illness, major family problems, required school activities, and academics are the only reasons for being excused from practices and/or games. Family vacations, extracurricular activities, appointments that could be scheduled at other times, and failure to turn in physical/parent permission forms are not excused absences. Unexcused absences from practices and games will result in a minimum of a suspension of game time to dismissal from the team. Excused absences from practices and games must be arranged with the coaches in advance.Members of individual sports who are involved in outside, organized activities in that same particular sport must attend a minimum of HRA practices established by the coach, ranging from one per week to all practices, as well as attend all HRA team competitions. Athletes choosing this option are doing so with the understanding that they will be attending practices of their outside activity on days that they are not at an HRA practice. Failure to do so will be treated the same as skipping practice. Athletes choosing this option, who fail to participate in all scheduled contests for reasons not cleared by the coach and athletic director, will be dismissed from the team. Finally, athletes choosing this option will be eligible to receive a varsity letter and all awards, which the coach deems they deserve.
Equipment and Facilities
Student-athletes should take pride in their equipment and facilities. Equipment should be kept clean and in working order. Help should be given in keeping the facilities neat and clean. Student-athletes will be charged for equipment and uniforms not returned at the end of the season.
The training room will be used only for treatment of injuries. Only those giving or receiving treatment may occupy the training room. Unsupervised student-athletes are not to be in the training room or weight room.Dress Code
Proper dress, both in uniform and in other attire, as well as good grooming habits, are expected of Hampton Roads Academy athletes. When not traveling in uniform, male athletes are required to wear a coat and tie, or equivalent, and female athletes are required to wear a skirt or dress slacks to away games (no jeans, T-shirts, or sneakers).Training Rules and Penalties
Student-athletes are required to abide by the Academy policy regarding alcohol and illegal drugs, which is clearly stated in this handbook. Student-athletes are reminded that time spent under the supervision of a coach, on or off-campus is considered a school-sponsored activity. While it is not possible for coaches to oversee the actions of athletes during off-campus activities, athletes are expected to follow appropriate training guidelines.
All violations of team rules and expectations established by the coach of a specific team, such as curfews, absence from practices, or other training guidelines will be handled by the coaching staff of that team.
The Academy’s administration and the team’s coach will deal with any action that brings discredit to an athlete, his/her team, or Hampton Roads Academy. This includes actions which occur while athletes are under Academy-provided supervision as well as actions which occur during unsupervised times. Any student-athlete found to be in violation of Hampton Roads Academy’s stated policy regarding alcohol and illegal drug use or possession during school-sponsored activities will be dismissed from the team as well as be subject to appropriate disciplinary action from the school.Athletic Hotline
HRA maintains an athletic hotline for up to date information on practices, games and other issues related to athletics at: 757.884.9159.
Sports Seasons
Fall: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Girls Field Hockey, Football, Sailing, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball
Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Swimming, Cheerleading
Spring: Golf, Baseball, Softball, Girls Soccer, Boys Lacrosse, Boys Tennis, Track
Game schedules and directions to game locations are available on the Web at: www.hra.org. From the homepage, select “athletics” to view sports-related information.
Other special schedules are devised for unique events, including assemblies or presentations. Semester exams begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and end by 11:30 a.m.
Upper School Administration DirectoryMr. Thomas D. Harvey, Headmaster
757.884.9174, tharvey@hra.org
Mr. Aaron T. Hill, Sr., Head of Upper School
757.884.9385, ahill@hra.org
Mrs. Louise Divis, Upper School Administrative Assistant
757.884.9380, ldivi@hra.org
Mr. Lawrence Cunningham, Registrar
757.884.9382, lcunni@hra.org
Mrs. Elizabeth Rous, Guidance Counseling
757.884.9387, erous@hra.org
College Counseling
Mrs. Elaine McDermott, 757.884.9383, emcder@hra.org
Ms. Heather K. O’Toole, 757.884.9639, hotool@hra.org
Mr. Ben Rous, 757.884.9639, brous@hra.org
Mrs. Elaine Brooks, College Administrative Assistant
757.884.9163, ebrook@hra.org
Mrs. Marty Bailey, School Nurse
757.884.9142, mbaile@hra.org
Mr. Tom Mast, Business Manager
757.884.9152, tmast@hra.org
Mrs. Katie Gunderson, Business Office Assistant
757.884.9153, kgunde@hra.org
Mrs. Mary Catherine Bunde, Director of Admission
757.884.9147, mbunde@hra.org
Mrs. Melanie West, Admission Office Assistant
757.884.9148, mwest@hra.org
