Norwood Handbook
Norwood School Calendar
Norwood School Contact Information
Welcome (from the Head)
Statement of Philosophy
Norwood School Community Agreement
Board of Trustees
Parents Association
Norwood Online Directory
School Policies
After School Programs
The School offers several options for care of children after their regular dismissal time. Registration for these programs occurs on a yearly or semester basis. Drop-ins are welcome for all programs on a space available basis and with 24-hour advance notice when possible.
Extended Day: The Extended Day Program is available to students in Kindergarten through Second Grade from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Those students in carpools with seventh or eighth grade students may continue in the AfterCare Program until seventh and eighth grade dismissal at 4:15 p.m.
AfterCare: The AfterCare Program is available to students in Kindergarten through Third Grade from 3:30 to 5:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 to 5:50 p.m.
Study Hall: The Study Hall Program is available to students in Third through Sixth grade from 3:30 to 5:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 to 5:50 p.m. The Study Hall Program is available to students in Seventh and Eighth Grade from 4:15 to 5:50 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 to 5:50 p.m.
Funtastic Friday: The Funtastic Friday Program is available to students in Kindergarten through Second Grade most Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Enrichment Classes: Enrichment classes are offered to students throughout the school year. Enrollment in these classes is limited and filled on a first come first served basis. Classes are offered at various times after school.
Information on fees and payment arrangements for After School Programs is mailed to families at the beginning of the school year, and is also available in the Lower and Middle School Offices. In the event of an early school closing due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions, After School Programs will close as well. Other dates when After School Programs are closed are noted on the calendar on the inside cover of this Handbook, at www.norwoodschool.org, and in the Thursday Memo.
Arrival time for all students is 7:45 to 8:10 a.m. Students should be in their classrooms by 8:10. A student arriving after chapel, which begins at 8:15, will be marked tardy. Tardiness is noted on student reports.
Regular dismissal time varies by grade and day. Monday through Thursday, Kindergarten through Second Grade dismiss at 2:30 p.m., Third through Sixth grade dismiss at 3:30 p.m., and Seventh and Eighth Grade dismiss at 4:15 p.m. On Fridays, Kindergarten through Second Grade dismiss at 12:30 p.m., and Third through Eighth Grade dismiss at 2:30 p.m. (See also: After School Programs)
There are several noon dismissal days during the school year. Seventh and eighth grade students have an earlier dismissal time during semester exams. Please check the calendar inside the front and back covers of this Handbook for those dates.
Students will be dismissed only into the care of their parents or other authorized persons, and pick-up should be timely. A student not picked up within thirty minutes after regular dismissal begins will be sent to the appropriate After School Program and the family assessed
the designated fee, regardless of extenuating circumstances such as traffic delays or carpool problems. (See also: Snow and Inclement Weather Policy)
Each year outstanding recent college graduates join the faculty for one year as assistant or associate teachers. Assistant teachers work directly with experienced teachers, observing classes, leading sections under supervision, learning to work individually with students, and meeting regularly with supervisors to evaluate their progress. This process allows aspiring young teachers to gain classroom experience under controlled conditions that expose them to skilled teachers and bright, challenging students. The School, in turn, is rewarded by the presence of these talented young people, whose skills and enthusiasm benefit students and teachers alike.
Norwood offers a variety of opportunities for middle school students to participate in interscholastic and intramural athletics. Refer to the Norwood website for the Interscholastic Sports Handbook for more information on the Athletic program.
Fifth and Sixth Grades: Students may choose to play on extracurricular teams that practice after regular school hours, generally two days per week. Norwood maintains a “no-cut” policy, and any student who wishes to participate will be placed on a team. This optional program does not replace the required PE classes that are part of the daily curriculum.
Seventh and Eighth Grades: In each of the three sports seasons, students fulfill their PE requirements by either (a) participating on an athletic team, or (b) participating in the Summit Outdoor Ed/Fitness Program. Both groups meet four days per week as part of the regular school curriculum. All students who choose athletics are placed on a competitive or developmental team appropriate to their ability.
Uniforms: Students are required to change their clothing for athletic practices, but there is no mandated uniform. Personal athletic attire must meet Dress Code guidelines regarding logos and text, and should include the following: athletic shorts, t-shirts (no tank tops or spaghetti straps), non-marring athletic shoes, and sweatshirts/sweatpants for cold weather. These items should be stored in locked gym lockers.
Interscholastic team uniforms are provided by the School and must be returned at the end of each sports season. If lost, they are replaced at the family’s expense. Team uniforms may not be worn in PE classes without permission from the coach.
Standards of Behavior: Adults are expected to model appropriate behavior, consistently showing good sportsmanship and positive support for the athletes. Parents are responsible for ensuring timely pick-ups for their children following practices and games; repeated tardiness may jeopardize a player’s team status. Team rosters and game schedules can be found under “Athletics” on the Norwood website. (See also: Physical Education)
Students are required to be present from 8:10 a.m. until afternoon dismissal. Absences during this time are considered “excused” if related to medical, religious or family needs, or through a school-sponsored activity. All other absences are considered “unexcused” and are strongly discouraged. Families should make every effort to schedule routine medical visits, travel, and any other activities during times when classes are not in session.
It is imperative that students arrive on time each morning. Students who arrive late or depart early for whatever reason must have a parent sign them in or out at their respective principal's office.
In the Middle School, the total numbers of excused and unexcused days absent are indicated separately on report cards. Those arriving after chapel commences are marked tardy and the total number of days tardy is also indicated on the report card.
Students anticipating a future absence, whether excused or unexcused, should notify the School. If there is an unexpected absence due to illness or family emergency, a parent should phone the Lower or Middle School Office before school begins for the day. Any absence without proper notification will be considered unexcused.
Teachers are neither required nor expected to provide make-up work or missed homework assignments except for absence due to illness or family emergency.
Absence Due to Illness or Family Emergency: Parents should call the Lower or Middle School Office before 8:30 a.m. on the student’s first day absent and give the reason for the absence. Parents of lower school students may make arrangements for delivery of homework. Middle school students may access their assignments at www.norwoodschool.org. Make-up work or supportive tutoring may be necessary in the case of a prolonged absence. (See also: Tutoring)
Medical Appointments: The School strongly discourages scheduling medical and dental appointments during the school day. Absences due to appointments which must be made during the day must be pre-arranged.
Vacations: The School strongly discourages taking vacations that conflict with the calendar of classes. Absences due to vacations which must be made during the school year must be pre-arranged.
Participation in Physical Education: A student unable to participate in physical education because of a medical condition must provide his or her teacher with a note signed by the parent giving the reason why the student should not participate and the duration of the excuse. An excused student must attend physical education class but may bring a book to read. A student who does not participate during class may not practice or compete with an interscholastic athletic team. If a student is not participating because of an injury and if the injury allows, the player should still attend the practice or game as an observer. The coach should be notified by 8:30 a.m. if a student is not participating in a practice or game because of illness or injury.
Students in all grades may bring a simple birthday snack to school to share with their classmates. Lower school parents are asked to confirm these plans in advance with the homeroom teacher. It is not necessary to clear these arrangements for middle school students. The Birthday Prayer is said in chapel on the day of a student’s birthday or the closest school day prior to the student’s birthday. Parents are welcome at chapel on this or any morning.
Out of consideration for the feelings of others, do not send birthday presents or any kind of party invitations to School. Party groups should not leave school together unless they include all the boys in the class, all the girls in the class, or the entire homeroom. Please be mindful that inviting a majority of a class to any party, and leaving out only a few students can be hurtful.
Parents or other adults who are interested in using school facilities including the libraries, all-purpose rooms, or non-sports use of the gymnasiums must make advance arrangements. If the event is school sponsored, reservations should be made with the Coordinator of Parent and School Activities. For non-school sponsored events, inquiries should be directed to the Business Manager. Applications for use of athletic fields or of the gymnasiums for a sports activity should be made through the Athletic Director. Facilities may be unavailable due to schedule, weather, safety, maintenance, or security concerns. Certain user fees may be applicable.
Students on school grounds who are involved in an activity not under the supervision of a Norwood School employee are the direct responsibility of the adult in charge of the group. Under no circumstances may students be in the buildings or on the grounds without direct adult supervision, nor may students be left at the School unattended. Students must be dropped off when the responsible adult is present and picked-up before the responsible adult departs. The School does not accept responsibility for mishaps which occur outside officially sponsored Norwood programs. Groups failing to observe these requirements will be denied the use of school facilities. (See also: Safety and Security)
A calendar of important dates for the school year is printed inside the front and back covers of this Handbook. Please consult the calendar when planning family activities to avoid conflicts with the schedule. The master calendar, along with daily updates, is also available at www.norwoodschool.org.
Carpool and Traffic Regulations
Norwood School is very concerned about the safety of students, drivers, other passengers, and staff. Please be sure that anyone who drives for you is familiar with the following traffic and carpool regulations:
Traffic Regulations:
- Observe all traffic signs on campus and the 10 mph speed limit.
- Do not pass other cars or allow students to walk between cars.
- Do not park on the lower or middle school circles or double-park.
- Do not leave a running car unattended.
- Do not make U-turns on school driveways.
- Do not use cell phone while driving.
Carpool Regulations:
- Let students out of cars on the right side only. If the use of rear doors on station wagons or hatch-back cars is necessary, the driver must get out to supervise the loading or unloading of students and the closing of the car door.
- Do not discharge students along the driveways or in the parking areas.
- Please be sure that only children of the appropriate age and size are seated in the front seat in airbag-equipped vehicles.
- Lower school students are dismissed at the Lower School and middle school students are dismissed at the Middle School. By arrangement with the Middle School Principal, middle school students may be picked up at the Lower School. After School Program students are dismissed at the Lower School.
- Lock car doors and close tailgate windows.
- Do not allow a teenager to drive a carpool.
- Do not smoke in a carpool.
- Let the child out on the same side of the street as the home, and wait to see that he or she enters the home safely.
- Please rank safety over convenience and do not overcrowd carpools; each child in the car must be secured by his or her own seat belt. The School reserves the right to remove a child from a car in which there is no corresponding seatbelt. Take this into account when arranging last-minute carpools.
Parents are responsible for arranging carpools. Each carpool group should complete the carpool form and return it to school by the opening day of classes. Students will be placed in their regular carpools each day unless the parents have notified the appropriate principal’s office of a change in the carpool arrangement for that day. No carpool changes should be made during the first week of School. To avoid delays and confusion at dismissal, please be sure to notify the carpool driver of any change in a student’s dismissal routine. To help carpool run smoothly please make sure to clearly display a sign in your windshield with the names of students being picked up each day.
Through the Parents Association, parents are encouraged to sign up to be “helping hands” during the lower school morning carpool.
Cats and Dogs on Campus
Pets, particularly cats and dogs, are not allowed on campus or in school buildings at any time. This regulation is put into place to protect children and adults from injury and/or allergic reaction.
Norwood values the development of good character in its students and strives to impart sound moral, social, and civic values. Students are expected to display good behavior at all times and to act with respect, kindness, civility, and lawfulness.
To emphasize Norwood’s commitment to good citizenship, all student reports include comments on citizenship. Beginning in Fifth Grade, students also receive citizenship grades that reflect their personal contribution to the well-being of the Norwood School community and adherence to School rules. (See also: Norwood School Community Agreement)
This is the day immediately prior to Commencement and starts at 8:15 a.m. Speakers are chosen from the graduating class and prizes are awarded. Those prizes include The Head’s Prize for Academic Excellence, The Faculty Prize for School Spirit, and the Ronald B. Goyette Community Service Award. The Class Day program concludes with a recital presented by members of the graduating class.
Every year Kindergarten through Sixth Grades present special musical or dramatic programs that relate to their studies in both academic subjects and fine arts. Seventh and Eighth Grades present a fall drama and a spring musical. These programs will be announced in advance in the Thursday Memo and at www.norwoodschool.org.
Norwood will honor the Class of 2008 with commencement exercises on the last day of School. The entire School will take part in graduation and all parents are invited to attend. Commencement is a required school day for all students. Graduates and their families are invited to a reception immediately following the commencement exercises; all other students are dismissed immediately following the program. Commencement is a dress up day for all students. (See also: Dress Code)
Routine communication is made to parents through the emailed Thursday Memo, letters and fliers accompanying the memo, mailed material, and postings at www.norwoodschool.org. Scheduled opportunities for direct contact with faculty and staff include Back to School Nights and parent-teacher conferences in the fall and spring.
Emergency communication is made to parents through the Norwood website, email, and if warranted by the Norwood emergency phone messaging system. Parents are asked to make certain that their contact information on file at the School is kept up-to-date. Changes may be reported by emailing familyupdate@norwoodschool.org (See also: Emergencies).
In turn, Norwood School welcomes communication from parents. Telephone calls and email regarding business or routine administrative matters may be directed to the Business Office or the appropriate principal during school hours.
Academic matters, including homework questions and discipline concerns, should be addressed first to the homeroom teacher or advisor. A note, voice-mail message, or email to a teacher will generally be answered within a day. Please do not call teachers at home to discuss school matters. (See also: Thursday Memo)
See Norwood School Community Agreement.
The Norwood School Community Service Program provides an opportunity for children to reach out to the broader community with a caring spirit and an active willingness to serve. Compassion, sharing, responsibility, and respect for others are discussed in chapel and in class. Projects which carry the School from articulation to action instill awareness of the myriad needs of others.
The School’s community service projects are developed by two branches of the Norwood School community: parents and faculty. These two groups, under the organizing auspices of the Community Service Committee, explore opportunities in which unselfish actions and attitudes of acceptance can be practiced through a class project appropriate for each grade level. In the primary grades, children have worked on behalf of National Institutes of Health’s Children’s Inn, Martha’s Table, National Center for Children and Families, and So Others May Eat.
In the fall, several grades glean fruit or vegetables under the direction of D.C. Gleaners, after which they deliver the produce for them to a city soup kitchen. Smaller groups of older students visit regularly with residents of a nearby nursing care facility and others work with students at the Katherine Thomas School. Children in the Middle School, likewise, take part in all-school projects, such as collecting and distributing food for “New Pilgrims” at Thanksgiving. Seventh grade students rotate through five off-campus community service projects. Examples include Martha’s Table, the Capital Area Food Bank, a Geriatric Day Care Center, and Poplar Springs Animal Sanctuary. Seventh grade students also spend one morning at Norwood doing work needed in the school community. Eighth grade students pick one project and devote all six of their community service mornings to that agency. In addition, seventh and eighth grade students are given the opportunity to spend a weekend working on construction projects in D.C. The community service program seeks to establish within the Norwood School community a sense of civic responsibility rooted in the habit of service.
Three times a year, the entire School gathers at chapel time to sing together. The dates of Community Sings are noted on the master calendar, in the Thursday Memo, and at www.norwoodschool.org. Parents are encouraged to attend.
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for all students after the first and third quarters of the year. In the Middle School, grades are sent home prior to conferences. Seventh and eighth grade students attend conferences and fifth and sixth grade students join conferences in the spring. Conference dates are noted on the calendar on the inside cover of this Handbook. Other meetings with teachers or administrators may be held before, during, or immediately after school hours by prior arrangement with the homeroom teacher, advisor, or administrator.
See Contact Information .
Norwood School, as a community devoted to learning, maintains standards of dress that express respect for this special endeavor while allowing some individual choice. Norwood believes, however, that some styles of dress, which may be appropriate in other contexts, are not conducive to maintaining a respectful learning environment.
Students should wear clothing that is simple and age-appropriate. Their appearances should be neat and clean; clothing must be in good repair. All clothing, including shoes, should be appropriate for recess and all school activities. While there are a few guidelines listed below, it is expected that Norwood students and parents will follow the spirit of the code as well as these guidelines.
Students will be properly dressed when greeted in the morning. During the course of the day, teachers will continue to monitor student appearance. Extra shirts or pants and other clothing will be provided for those who are not dressed appropriately. Parents will be informed by a teacher or administrator of significant violations of Norwood’s dress code.
Shirts & Blouses: Shirts, blouses, and other upper-garments must fully cover the torso. Clothing may not be low cut in the chest or allow midriff or underwear to be visible even when seated or when arms are raised. Boys’ shirts must have a collar. Students may not wear t-shirts or tank tops to school. Shirts with a square bottom may be untucked unless they are excessively long. Turtle necks are permitted for both genders.
Pants & Skirts: Shorts, skirts, skorts, and other lower-garments must minimally reach to four inches from the top of the kneecap. Blue jeans and other blue denim clothing are not allowed, including outerwear. Students may not wear to school athletic clothing or clothing patterned after athletic wear, including jerseys with names and numbers, sweat suits, and athletic or exercise pants. Leggings may not be worn in place of pants or skirts.
Shoes: Students must wear shoes with closed toes and heels. Sandals, clogs, flip-flops, and similar shoes with either open toes or heels are not permitted.
Sweatshirts and Outerwear: Only Norwood sweatshirts or plain colored (unadorned) sweatshirts are permitted to be worn. All outdoor coats, jackets, and vests must be removed once inside the school buildings.
Accessories: Hats, jackets, and other outer garments are stored for the day upon arrival at school. Students may wear modest jewelry. All jewelry must be removed while participating in physical education class, athletics, and Summit. Girls may wear modest pierced earrings (one pair only), but no other pierced jewelry on girls and no pierced jewelry on boys is allowed. Hair color may only be altered to another natural hair color. No nail polish or makeup is allowed.
Logos & Brand Names: Students may not wear clothing emblazoned with commercial logos or brand names. Logos and symbols that are tasteful and discretely displayed are permitted. Attire with inappropriate or suggestive messages is never allowed.
Dress-Up Days: On special school days including Grandparents Day, Founder’s Day, Class Day, and Commencement, or for specified trips or occasions, girls wear a white shirt or blouse, tucked in with blue, black, gray, or khaki pants or skirt, and boys wear a white collared shirt, tucked in, with blue, black, gray, or khaki long pants. Dress up days will also be announced to students and parents in advance via in-school announcements and the Thursday memo.
In the event of a school emergency that alters the regular schedule or routine, information and instructions will be provided on the Norwood website, by email, and as necessary and appropriate, by the Norwood emergency phone messaging system. In the event of an emergency requiring the School to lockdown or shelter-in-place, exterior doors will be locked and parents will be advised regarding dismissal procedures. (See also: Snow and Inclement Weather Policy).
Norwood follows the Montgomery County Police “Code Red” and “Code Blue” lockdown procedures system. These procedures, as outlined by Montgomery County’s Department of School Safety and Security Emergency/Crisis Procedures, are defined as follows:
Code Blue: used to alert students, faculty and staff that an emergency or threat exists in the community, and requires students to be accounted for and under supervision. In this situation, all students, faculty and staff will be indoors and in their classrooms with our exterior doors locked. All students will be accounted for and under supervision. We will conduct class instruction and “business as usual” in a Code Blue scenario and will advise County safety agencies as necessary.
Code Red: alerts students, staff and faculty that imminent danger exists inside or outside the school or facility and requires moving to an immediate lockdown mode. In this situation, all students and adults are accounted for and under supervision in a secured classroom or other designated “safe shelter.”
Norwood conducts three types of emergency drills throughout each school year. On a monthly basis, fire drills are conducted during which all buildings are evacuated. We also conduct periodic shelter-in-place drills for weather and environmental emergencies during which all students and adults are moved to the lowest level of the middle school building where we maintain a supply of food, water, blankets, and emergency communications equipment. The third type is a Code Blue lockdown drill during which all students and adults are secured in classrooms with blinds drawn. The School has procedures for accounting for students and adults in all of these scenarios.
Parents and other visitors on campus during a drill are expected to participate fully in such an exercise. If you hear the fire alarm, proceed to the playground area immediately. Shelter-in-place and lockdown drills are announced by means of the Norwood emergency paging system, and you should follow the specified instructions immediately.
Enrollment
Enrollment contracts are typically mailed in early February and are due two weeks later. Parents are required to return the signed contract and deposit by the stated date in order to hold a student’s place in his/her class for the next year.
As part of the educational program, fourth through seventh grade students participate in overnight camping trips. These trips are led by teachers, and the dates of these overnight trips are included on the master calendar. Trip details will be provided by the homeroom teachers or advisors in a timely manner. Third grade students take an overnight trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg. Eighth grade students participate in a culminating trip to New York City.
Fathers or surrogate fathers are invited to spend a morning at school with their children on Fathers Day, a Friday in the fall. Special events are planned in the classrooms and on the playing fields. Please refer to the calendar on the inside cover of this Handbook for the specific date. Note that on this day, the school day for all students ends at 12:00 p.m. There is no lunch served, AfterCare, or Funtastic Friday.
Field Trips and Service Outings
Teachers schedule field trips for their classes as appropriate for their curricula, and students may participate in service projects conducted off-campus. Third through Eighth Grades have overnight field trips. Transportation for field trips may be by hired bus or in parent-driven carpools arranged by room parents. The signed permission form allows a student to participate in any such trip.
Financial aid forms and an explanatory brochure for the coming year are available in December in the Admission Office. The SSS financial aid application forms are also available online at www.nais.org. New and returning families must apply for financial aid and submit all supporting documents by February 1.
Each year, on May 17 or the closest school day, Norwood School pays tribute to its founder, Frances B. Marsh, with a special chapel service in honor of her birthday. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend. Founder’s Day is a dress up day for all students.
Fundraising
(See Office of Institutional Advancement)
Grandparents or surrogate grandparents are invited to spend a morning at school with their children on Grandparents Day, a half-day of special classes and programs on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. All grandparents or surrogate grandparents are welcome. Grandparents living in the metropolitan Washington area are automatically mailed an invitation unless a family asks to remove a name from the mailing list. Please notify the Coordinator of Parent and School Events if you would like additional invitations sent. Grandparents Day begins with a special chapel service at 9:00 a.m. and concludes with the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday at 12:00 p.m. There is no lunch served, AfterCare, or Funtastic Friday.
Gift-giving at School is neither required nor expected. Students and families who wish to thank teachers or staff are encouraged to write a note or give a handmade item. In the interest of simplicity and fairness, remembrances should be modest in nature.
The School Nurse is on duty during regular school hours, and all questions about health issues should be directed to him/her. Health information regarding each student and emergency contact information is kept on file in the Nurse’s Office. Health forms are mailed to parents in the spring and must be completed by parents and health care professionals before the first day of school. By law health forms must be on file by opening day or the child will be sent home. It is essential that this information be kept up to date; any changes during the course of the year should be reported to the Nurse.
Medication: Except for asthma inhalers, all medications brought to school must be delivered to the School Nurse immediately. No medication may be taken by a student at school except that which is administered by authorized personnel in accordance with a medication consent form completed by the parents and on file at school. Norwood reserves the right to refuse to administer any medicines, and medicine may not be sent to school in lunch bags. A student may possess and use a doctor-prescribed asthma inhaler if prior written consent has been received from the parents.
Illness: Home is the place for a sick child. Please consider other students and teachers as well as your child’s own well-being when deciding whether he or she should remain at home. Extra sleep and rest at home are often the best medicine for a cold or other seemingly mild illness.
In general, a child should not be in school until:
• There has been no fever for at least 24 hours without anti-fever medication.
• He/she has been on any prescribed medication for at least 24 hours.
• He/she has not experienced any vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
• He/she has not experienced a productive cough for at least 24 hours.
The School distributes an information guide on communicable diseases to parents each year. Please notify the School as soon as possible if your child or a family member contracts a contagious disease.
Illness or Injury at School: A student who is injured or becomes ill during school hours will be sent home or 911 will be called if appropriate. If the School is unable to contact the parents to make arrangements, the person named on the student’s emergency information form will be called. If a student is injured in the course of an interscholastic athletic event, and medical attention is required, the above guidelines will be followed. If the injury seems to be minor, the coach will make a determination of the student’s ability to re-enter the practice or game. In the case of more serious injuries, the parents will be contacted no later than the end of that day to discuss the injury and to determine when the player may continue to participate.
Head Lice: Please notify the nurse if your child or a family member contracts head lice. Students with head lice may not attend school and must be treated as outlined in the communicable disease guide (available on Norwood’s website) before returning.
Homework is assigned for review and reinforcement of class work. Assignments are designed to provide practice in, or extensions of, previously presented material and to instill the confidence that independent work affords. In the Lower School, new skills are never introduced as homework, but Middle School students are sometimes given the opportunity to explore new ideas on their own.
In general, homework expectations for each grade are:
• Kindergarten: none
• First Grade: introductory math, reading, and spelling homework
• Second Grade: ½ of an hour, Monday through Thursday.
• Third Grade: ½ to ¾ of an hour, Monday through Thursday.
• Fourth Grade: ¾ to 1 ¼ hours, Monday through Thursday.
• Fifth Grade: 1 to 1 ½ hours, Monday through Thursday.
• Sixth Grade: 1 ½ to 2 hours, Monday through Thursday.
• Seventh and Eighth Grade: approximately 2–3 hours, Monday through Friday.
These expectations are considered average times. Individual students may spend more or less time, depending on how fast they work, and different teachers and courses may have different expectations. Although weekend homework is not assigned until the Seventh Grade, younger students may choose to use that time to work on long-term projects. Students may also use weekends to catch up after a week of heavy extracurricular activities, to work ahead in anticipation of the same, or to continue to improve their reading skills. Parental help with homework should be unnecessary in most cases, and parents are encouraged to limit their input to support and encouragement.
Homework for students in Fifth through Eighth Grades is posted at www.norwoodschool.org.
(See also: Attendance: Absence Due to Illness or Family Emergency)
Norwood School is committed to academic and educational excellence. The School is proud to acknowledge and accommodate academic diversity and welcomes students with learning differences who can benefit from our accelerated curriculum and mainstream environment. Norwood has two learning specialists on staff who work with students, faculty, administrators, and parents to provide support for students with learning differences. In order to best serve students with documented learning needs, parents are required to furnish a copy of any psycho-educational, neuropsychological, speech and language, or other evaluation to the learning specialists, who will work with the parents to communicate the student’s needs to the appropriate teachers.
Students who do not have documentation of learning needs on file and are struggling academically will be monitored by their grade level team, the learning specialist and/or school counselor for their grade, and their division principal. Recommendations may be made for services not provided by the school, such as diagnostic evaluations, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and long term individual tutoring.
If it becomes necessary to modify the Norwood School curriculum to accommodate a student’s documented learning differences, parents need to discuss this with the student’s
principal. The Principal, in conjunction with the Learning Specialist and pertinent teachers, will work with the family to develop a plan that is satisfactory to both the school and family. All such requests must be supported by documentation from a certified professional.
Two libraries serve the Norwood community and provide a welcoming and comfortable environment to all. Both libraries are open during school hours to serve Norwood students and their families, faculty, and staff. The libraries also create and maintain library web pages that offer book reviews and seasonal reading suggestions, advertise special library events, and provide access to the libraries’ online resources.
The Carr Lower School Library, located in the Ewing Building, provides story time as well as appropriate resources and bibliographic instruction to Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students. These students attend a regularly scheduled library class every week and are welcomed and encouraged to visit the library at other free times to use the resources and check out books.
The Middle School Library serves grades five through eight. The fifth and sixth grade weekly library classes focus on fiction, especially newer titles, and include curriculum-related research to enhance library skills. Seventh and eighth grade library skills are incorporated into the curriculum and include library research, independent reading for English classes, and the opportunity for pleasure reading during DEAR (school-wide Drop Everything And Read held every Wednesday morning). Norwood students and families enjoy round-the-clock access to the library’s online catalog and subscription databases through the library pages on the Norwood web.
Lower school students bring their own lunch. Students are provided milk and orange juice. Lunches should be labeled with the student’s name; reusable, insulated lunch bags are recommended. Foods needing reheating, soft drinks, red grape juice, chewing gum, and candy are not permitted. Bringing lunch to School is a personal responsibility and teachers will not call home if a student fails to bring a lunch. Teachers will make sure each child has something to eat.
Middle school students are required to participate in the lunch program and eat in the dining area during two lunch periods, one for the Fifth and Sixth Grades and one for the Seventh and Eighth Grades. Students in Fifth and Sixth Grades sit at assigned tables, rotated monthly, and monitored by faculty. Seventh and Eighth Graders eat regularly with their advisors. Snacks and drinks are provided for snack time in all grades.
Norwood requires written or email notification of any change to a student’s dismissal routine. On other matters, parents may call, write a note, or send an email message to the appropriate school office. Oral messages are not accepted from students. Messages should not be left at School for students except under urgent circumstances, and students should use school telephones to call home only when absolutely necessary and then only after obtaining approval from a faculty or staff member. Middle school student messages are posted on the Middle School Student Message Board.
Mid-Atlantic Teacher Institute
The Mid-Atlantic Teacher Institute, a collaborative program offered jointly by Norwood School and The George Washington University, grew from Norwood's commitment to the
advancement of the teaching profession in both independent and public schools. The Institute is designed not only to train aspiring educators, but also to provide professional development opportunities for Norwood faculty and an enhanced learning environment for students.
The inaugural cohort of eight Institute apprentice teachers began the thirteen-month program leading to an M. Ed. in Elementary Education in June 2007. Graduate courses are taught by GW and Norwood faculty and offered on-site at Norwood School throughout the summer and during the school year.
In addition to their graduate coursework, apprentice teachers have two placements over the course of the school year with experienced mentor teachers in First through Sixth grade. Apprentices work in the classroom three and a half days per week and share in the planning and teaching for the classroom to which they are assigned. Apprentice teachers actively participate in all aspects of daily life at Norwood School including back to school nights, professional development training, and parent-teacher conferences.
During the school year offices are open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parents are asked to conduct school business during these hours. Dates offices are closed are noted in the calendar printed on the inside front and back covers of the Norwood Handbook. Summer office hours are from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Office of Institutional Advancement
The Office of Institutional Advancement is located on the second floor of the Steuart Building and coordinates fund-raising activities, keeps in touch with alumni, helps to plan special events, produces the Norwood Magazine, and is responsible for the Norwood website and the School's marketing and public relations efforts.
Annual Giving: Each year a team of parents representing each grade, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and Board members lead the Annual Fund drive to raise money for the operational and instructional expenses not covered by tuition. The Annual Fund represents approximately 5% of Norwood School’s operating budget.
Charitable Contributions: Norwood School is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Therefore, charitable gifts to Norwood are tax deductible. The School asks parents to make Norwood a philanthropic priority. Parents are asked to make gifts to the Annual Fund to enhance the educational opportunities for students in the current year. In addition, Norwood School seeks leadership gifts for facilities, endowment, and other special projects. Please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement to learn more about the specific giving opportunities and strategic priorities. Additional information may be found at www.norwoodschool.org/supportnorwood.
Endowed and Special Funds: Several specific funds support faculty development, enrichment, financial aid, special class projects, outdoor play equipment, computers, internships, athletics, library programs, science programs, and performing arts.
Norwood Magazine: The magazine serves alumni, parents, and friends with articles on Norwood activities and education-related issues, communications from the administration, alumni news, and artwork of current students.
Norwood Annual Benefit: This special event for all adults in our community raises funds to support the School's financial aid programs. In recent years, the Benefit has taken the form of
an evening reception and dinner dance featuring both live and silent auctions and a “raise the paddle” component to support financial aid or faculty initiatives. An online auction is also conducted as part of the Annual Benefit.
See Parents Association.
Norwood is represented on the Parents Council of Washington, an organization that explores ways in which parents, students, and schools can improve communication with each other. It provides information on issues of current concern through its representatives, publications, and programs. Parents Council programs are announced in the Thursday Memo and are open to all parents of member schools.
The Parents Association sponsors two parent peer group meetings each year for each grade. Parent peer groups are a confidential forum in which parents can share non-academic parenting concerns and discuss beneficial solutions. Meetings are led by a parent facilitator.
Parking is permitted only in the two designated lots or the designated area by the playing fields. Please do not double park, park in handicapped spaces, park on the roads, leave your car unattended while in the carpool line, or block the service areas, including the dumpsters and the storage shed. Please do not drive or park on the playing fields. Please observe the Fire Lane and No Parking signs.
Physical Education and Uniforms
Physical Education is an integral part of the curriculum for all Norwood students. Policies regarding attendance and participation are consistent with those that apply to academic subjects. Students who are unable to participate in PE for health reasons are asked to provide a note from home. After three days, a note from a medical doctor is required. Any student who is medically excused from PE class is ineligible for Norwood athletic practices or games for the same time period.
Uniforms: Students in Kindergarten through Third Grade do not change into uniforms for PE. Some students keep athletic footwear in their homerooms for use during PE, but this is not required. Students in Fourth through Sixth Grades are required to wear Norwood PE uniforms that are provided by the school. Students provide their own non-marring athletic shoes, as well as sweatshirts and sweatpants for cold weather. All clothing and shoes should be marked with the student’s name and kept in locked PE lockers. PE uniforms that are lost must be replaced at the family’s expense.
Seventh and Eighth Graders are required to change their clothing for Athletics (including the Summit program), but there is no mandated uniform for practices. Personal sports attire must meet Dress Code guidelines regarding logos and text, and should include the following: athletic shorts, t-shirts (no tank tops or spaghetti straps), non-marring athletic footwear, and sweatshirts and sweatpants for cold weather. All belongings should be kept in locked PE lockers. (See also: Athletics)
Room parents assist with field trips, class parties, and special school functions. Room parent activities are coordinated by Lower and Middle School Chairs, who assist the Parents Association’s Vice President for Room Parents in planning these activities. See Room Parents.
Parents are welcome at School but must sign in and out, and wear a name tag while in the building. Access to the buildings for parents and visitors is restricted to the main entrances of the Middle School and the Steuart Buildings. During the school day, parents should also check in at the Lower or Middle School Office before proceeding to other areas of the School.
During the regular school year, the Steuart, Middle School, and Murray Arts Building entrances are locked at 6:00 p.m. Access to buildings after 6:00 p.m. is limited to those who have been issued access cards.
Chains across the driveways will be put up at 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley Boulevard entrance and the secondary River Road entrance and at 10:00 p.m. at the main River Road entrance and the softball field. The chains will be taken down at all entrances by 6:15 a.m., Monday through Friday. On weekends the chains will be taken down only on the River Road entrance and the softball field by 7:00 a.m. Adjustments to these hours will be made as necessary for special events.
Snow and Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather Norwood will make its own decision regarding any change to the arrival time or school closing. The decision will be announced via email, on our voice mail system, our website, radio station WTOP (FM 103.5), and on WRC – Channel 4 and WJLA – Channel 7. Parents are asked to use these means to check on changes in the School’s normal hours of operation. Decisions are generally made by 5:30 a.m.
If conditions warrant an early school closing parents will be notified on the Norwood website, by email, and, as necessary and appropriate, by the Norwood emergency phone messaging system.
Parents should use their own discretion when road conditions are compromised by bad weather. On snowy days, late arrivals and early departures are understood.
Students in Second through Eighth Grades take standardized tests each year. This testing helps Norwood assess the effectiveness of its educational program and evaluate the progress of individual students. Students in Second through Sixth Grades take Educational Record Bureau (ERB) tests; students in Seventh and Eighth Grades take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). In addition, Norwood is a test site for the SSAT in December.
There are four quarters during the school year, ending in November, January, March, and June. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled at the end of the first and third quarters, and parents are mailed narrative reports on student progress at the end of the second and fourth quarters. In the Middle School, academic achievement grades, effort marks, and citizenship grades are also mailed to parents each quarter.
Summer at Norwood offers a variety of exciting and educational full-day programs for children ages 3–14. Camp is held for eight weeks and divided into three sessions. The camp day begins at 9am and concludes at 3pm. In addition, before-camp care and after-camp care is available. Selections include: Junior Day Camp, general Day Camp, general Senior Day Camp, Adventure Camp, and Sports Camps. Further information and camp brochures can be obtained from the Summer at Norwood office, 301-841-2254.
Norwood School remains committed to the use of computer technology as a powerful tool for supporting and enriching its educational mission, Students are expected to make responsible choices regarding appropriate use of technology. The following specific policies constitute Norwood’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). They serve as a supplement to the Norwood Community Agreement which applies to all areas of technology and which prohibits all disrespectful and inappropriate activity.
Email: Students may check Norwood or personal email during breaks, but not during class time unless instructed to do so. Students are expected to be responsible and polite in all of their electronic communications. Email "chain letters" are prohibited, nor should students exchange email with people whom they do not know, unless under the auspices of a class project. Norwood email distribution lists (e.g. "All 6th Grade") should not be used by students unless approved by a teacher.
Games: All computer games are prohibited during the academic day unless under the auspices of a class project. During AfterCare students may only play approved games.
Instant-messaging: Instant-messaging software may not be used at school unless under the auspices of a class project. Electronic communications should at all times be polite and considerate, and must not interfere with school or homework. Students may install instant-messaging software on their computers with parental approval. Parents are encouraged to monitor and discuss appropriate use with their children. Students should never disclose any personal information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.) about themselves or others.
Internet: Students must have adult supervision while online. Use of the Internet is restricted to appropriate educational activities. Although the network does have a content filter that works on all Norwood computers (whether at school or off-campus), Norwood makes no guarantee that it will block all inappropriate material. At home, parents are responsible for monitoring Internet use. On home computers parents are encouraged to use parental controls and/or Internet filtering software. Students should never disclose any personal information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.) about themselves or others.
Monitoring: Norwood faculty may monitor student computer screens electronically at any time in order to ensure appropriate use.
Other Electronics: Students are responsible for the care of personally-owned calculators used for math classes. Students may carry mobile phones to and from school, but those phones must be turned off throughout the school day. Other electronic equipment including portable music players should be left at home.
Plagiarism: Students are responsible for citing all electronic sources. Students must honor all copyright and software laws respecting intellectual property.
Power Cords: Students in 5th-8th grade are issued two power cords for their computers; one is permanently attached to their shelf in a computer cart and the other is for use at home and in class. Students are responsible for their power cords and will be charged for any lost items.
Printers: Care should be taken when printing to avoid wasting resources or printing unnecessary items.
Privacy: Students should never disclose any personal information (phone numbers, addresses, school name, photos, videos, etc.) about themselves or others in any online format including email, chat rooms, websites, etc. Students must respect the privacy of others and the integrity of the network by accessing only their own files. All other files and communications accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property. Students log on to the network using a personal username and may not share passwords. Students should not disclose their email addresses on websites, chat rooms, or in other ways.
Problems: All computer problems, whether hardware, software, or network related, must be reported to the Technology Office as soon as possible. Middle school students are expected to have a working computer in school every day. Loaner computers will be provided if a student’s computer must be repaired by the Technology Department.
Public Computers: Students may not change default settings, install downloads, or alter public computers in any way. Headphones, microphones, chairs, and other equipment should be returned to their proper places when leaving. No food or drinks are allowed in the labs.
Remote Access: When not at Norwood, students use their family’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access the Internet from their computers. Students have permission to install ISP, Internet filtering software, and home printer drivers on their leased or owned computers.
Security: Students must avoid leaving computers in situations that increase the risk of theft or damage. Computers should not be left unattended or be left in extreme heat or cold while in cars. Families will be billed for lost or damaged items not under warranty, and for any deductibles.
Software: Norwood School has determined what programs should be on the computers based upon educational needs. Students may not install any software that is not explicitly authorized by the Norwood Technology Department.
Tablet and Laptop Computers: Students are not permitted to permanently mark computers or carrying cases owned by the School. All computers and computer cases are identified with student nametags. Computers are for use by the Norwood student listed as the registered owner and are not to be shared with family or friends. In 5th-8th grade, students may take their computers home at any time but must always have them available during the school day. Only computers purchased through Norwood may be used at school.
Oversight: The network is owned and operated by Norwood School. Norwood system administrators reserve the right to investigate any use of the system and may delete files. Norwood School maintains the right to monitor student use of technology, including personal files, email, chat, etc. Norwood School bears no fault for any consequences of service interruptions, changes, or loss of data. Furthermore, Norwood School assumes no responsibility for the content or cost of any information received through the network. Violation of Technology Policies may result in loss of network privileges and possible suspension or expulsion.
Announcements, reminders, and general information about school activities are communicated to parents in the weekly Thursday Memo. The Thursday Memo is distributed by email to all Norwood families, faculty, and 7th and 8th graders. The Memo, including attachments, is posted on the School’s website at www.norwoodschool.org. To be considered for publication in the Thursday Memo, material must be submitted electronically to lmoussa@norwoodschool.org by Monday each week; such submissions will be edited as appropriate. Event announcements may also be submitted through the online form located under "Parent Links" on the Norwood web. (See also: Communications)
Students should not bring toys, pocket money, jewelry, or other valuables to School except for School-sponsored purposes. Electronic equipment other than school-approved computers and calculators recommended for classwork, including portable music players, should be left at home. The School is not responsible for the loss or damage of such equipment or valuables at School. (See also: Technology)
Tuition and fees for the 2007–2008 school year:
Kindergarten, Grades 1 - 4: $22,370
Grades 5 - 8: $23,185
Other Fees
Online Application Fee:
$60
Parents Association Fee: $25
Lunch Fee: (Grades 5–8) $950
Laptop Rental Fee: (Grade 5) $350
Tablet Rental Fee: (Grades 6, 7, and 8) $400
Tuition is payable semi-annually on June 1 and January 15. Alternatively, parents may enroll in the FACTS Tuition Management Plan (FACTS), which enables parents to pay tuition and fees in nine monthly installments. Applications for the FACTS plan are available from the Business Office, and the deadline for enrolling in the plan each year is May 1.
Tuition or other payments received in the Business Office after any due date may be charged a late fee, and an additional fee will be charged monthly on outstanding balances. As noted in the contract, grade reports and parent conferences may be withheld for those families with outstanding accounts. Complete information on tuition payment schedules, financial aid, late charges, tuition refund insurance, and withdrawal restrictions is provided on the enrollment contract. Please contact the Business Office if you have any questions.
Norwood will allow for private tutoring to take place at school. Tutors can work with students before or after school, or during limited times during the school day. The learning specialists can assist in determining times in a student’s schedule which could be used for this purpose. The learning specialists also maintain a roster of vetted tutors who are approved to use Norwood facilities for tutoring. If your child is working with a tutor outside of school, we would ask that you let the Principal or Learning Specialist of their division know so that we can keep track of the types of support students need.