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88087 Wyo Sem US handbook.indd - Wyoming Seminary

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Student/Parent Handbook<br />

1


Table of Contents<br />

Mission Statement ..................................................................................... 4<br />

2011-2012 Calendar .................................................................................... 5<br />

Brief History of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary ........................................................ 6<br />

A Message from the President ................................................................ 7<br />

A Message from the Dean ....................................................................... 8<br />

Academic Program .................................................................................... 9<br />

Schedules for the Academic Day ......................................................... 10<br />

Honor Code ............................................................................................... 18<br />

Expectations ............................................................................................. 19<br />

Residential Life ......................................................................................... 37<br />

Student Services ...................................................................................... 50<br />

Organizations and Activities .................................................................. 58<br />

Athletics..................................................................................................... 64<br />

Parents Association ................................................................................ 67<br />

Telephone Numbers (Areas of Interest) ............................................... 69<br />

E-mail Contact Information .................................................................... 71<br />

Office Telephone Numbers (Alphabetical) .......................................... 72<br />

Expenses ................................................................................................... 74<br />

Facts ........................................................................................................... 75<br />

Alma Mater ............................................................................................... 77<br />

Index........................................................................................................... 78<br />

Campus Map ............................................................................................. 80<br />

Web Site .................................................................................................... 81<br />

3


Motto & Mission Statement<br />

The True, The Beautiful, The Good<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s school motto, Verum, Pulchrum, Bonum not only served as the<br />

guiding spirit of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary in 1844 but as the words by which we live today.<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> graduate Howard Gardner ’61 embraced this motto, as was evidenced in an<br />

interview where he defined “the lasting values summarized in the triad: truth, beauty,<br />

and goodness. When I talk about truth, I’m talking about science but also folk knowledge;<br />

when I talk about beauty, I’m talking about the arts, but it could be nature as well; when<br />

I’m talking about goodness and evil I’m talking about morality.”<br />

The values expressed in <strong>Sem</strong>’s motto stand in sharp contrast to the disintegrating codes<br />

of conduct in today’s world. And that is the <strong>Sem</strong> difference: we dare to teach values at a<br />

time when they are eroding around us; we stand for something, and are proud of it.<br />

Mission Statement<br />

Within an exponentially changing world, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary dares to teach our students<br />

to honor and strive for the true, the beautiful, and the good.<br />

Core Values<br />

• Passion for learning, leading, and serving<br />

• Integrity<br />

• Respect<br />

• Responsibility<br />

• Soundness of mind, body, and spirit<br />

Vision<br />

As a college preparatory school, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary seeks to create active learners,<br />

responsible citizens, community leaders, and ethical individuals ready to take their place<br />

in the global community of the 21st century.<br />

True to our traditions and our values, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is committed to supporting<br />

promising students from varied backgrounds.<br />

Our curriculum emphasizes competition and collaboration, critical thinking and creativity,<br />

self-respect and respect for others.<br />

We challenge our students to discover their talents and their passions by offering<br />

an integrated program rich in artistic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities that<br />

complement the school’s core commitment to academic excellence, personal integrity,<br />

spiritual growth, and community service.<br />

4


2011 - 2012 Calendar<br />

FALL TRIMESTER<br />

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday August 23-25<br />

Thursday-Friday, August 25-26<br />

Saturday-Sunday, August 27-28<br />

Monday, August 29<br />

Friday-Saturday, September 30-October 1<br />

Thursday, October 6<br />

Friday, October 7<br />

Monday, October 17<br />

Friday-Saturday, October 21-22<br />

Tuesday-Friday, November 15-18<br />

Friday, November 18<br />

Opening Faculty Meetings<br />

New International Student Orientation<br />

Orientation/Registration<br />

Classes Begin<br />

Homecoming Weekend<br />

U.S. Grandparent’s Day<br />

L.S. Grandparent’s Day<br />

No School – Long Weekend<br />

Parent’s Weekend<br />

Fall Term Exams<br />

Trimester Recess Begins – 3:30 p.m.<br />

WINTER TRIMESTER<br />

Monday, November 28<br />

Friday, December 16<br />

Tuesday, January 3<br />

*Monday, January 30<br />

Friday, February 24<br />

Friday, February 24<br />

Winter Term Begins<br />

Holiday Recess Begins – 3:30 p.m.<br />

Classes Resume<br />

No School – Long Weekend<br />

Winter Term Exams<br />

Spring Recess Begins – 3:30 p.m.<br />

SPRING TRIMESTER<br />

Monday, March 12<br />

Thursday, April 5<br />

Friday, April 6<br />

Monday, April 9<br />

Monday-Thursday, May 21-24<br />

Saturday-Sunday, May 26-27<br />

Tuesday, May 29<br />

Spring Term Begins<br />

Easter Recess Begins – 3:30 p.m.<br />

Good Friday: No School<br />

Classes Resume<br />

Spring Term Exams<br />

Commencement Weekend<br />

Final Faculty Meeting<br />

* If there are significant weather related closings prior to this date, classes will be held<br />

on January 30.<br />

5


A Brief History<br />

In September 1844, in the rural village of Kingston,<br />

14 girls and 17 boys became the first <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary students. The new school, which stood<br />

among orchards and farm fields, was one of America’s<br />

first coeducational boarding schools. The present<br />

complex of Swetland, Fleck and Darte halls was built<br />

in 1853, and is listed on the National Register of<br />

Historic Places. Founded by Methodist leaders, but<br />

welcoming all denominations, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary<br />

educated young men and women from northeastern<br />

Pennsylvania and southern New York.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary built on those early foundations<br />

to meet the changing needs of the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming Valley,<br />

the nation and the world. Following the Civil War,<br />

the school grew significantly, adding a commercial<br />

department to prepare students for employment in the<br />

region’s mining, banking and manufacturing concerns.<br />

Its college preparatory program readied young men<br />

and women for success at leading colleges, as well as<br />

at the new comprehensive universities that emerged<br />

in the late 19th century. In 1892, the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary football team combined modern sports with<br />

modern technology, as it competed in the world’s first night football game under the new<br />

electric lights at Mansfield, Pa.<br />

The 20th century brought still more changes to the school. Automobile and air travel<br />

brought students from a wider geographic area, including more international students;<br />

two floods (in 1936 and 1972) devastated the campus; and the borough of Kingston<br />

grew up around the school. A 1951 merger with the Wilkes-Barre Day School allowed<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary to establish a continuous program for students from pre-kindergarten<br />

through post-graduate levels.<br />

Throughout its history, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary has benefitted from strong, committed<br />

leaders; in 167 years, it has had only 11 presidents. One of those men, Levi Sprague,<br />

served as president for 54 years. Its current president, Kip Nygren, took office in 2007<br />

after serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Civil & Mechanical Engineering<br />

at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.<br />

6


A Message from the President<br />

Dear Parents and Students,<br />

Welcome to <strong>Sem</strong>’s 168th year of educating students<br />

from the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming Valley and the world.<br />

We are in the midst of great changes in education, and<br />

we will be leading some of those changes here at <strong>Sem</strong>.<br />

However, the foundational mission and values of this<br />

venerable institution have not changed over its long<br />

and proud history, and they will continue to inspire our<br />

strong and vital learning culture.<br />

All communities adopt and promote expectations on the<br />

decorum and dress of their members and also codify policies and procedures to enhance<br />

interaction and collaboration. I commend this <strong>handbook</strong> to you as the single best source<br />

of information regarding Upper School’s expectations, policies and procedures.<br />

We have done our best to make this compendium accurate, helpful and well organized.<br />

However, in spite of our best efforts, you will almost certainly have questions.<br />

Consequently, do not hesitate to call Mr. Jay Harvey, Dean of Upper School, or Ms. Mary<br />

Swaback, my assistant, for help. Contact information for these and other staff members<br />

is found on pages 72-73.<br />

I look forward to working with the <strong>Sem</strong> Community as we inspire students and<br />

continually improve the educational experience for everyone at <strong>Sem</strong>.<br />

Kip P. Nygren<br />

President<br />

7


A Message from the Dean<br />

Greetings <strong>Sem</strong> Families!<br />

The long history of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is something we<br />

can all take pride in, from those who have worked here<br />

for 27 years as I have, to those who are just beginning<br />

their time on campus this fall. The <strong>Sem</strong> story is told<br />

by its beautiful, historic buildings, its diverse and rich<br />

curriculum, and its thousands of alumni all around the<br />

world. This year, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s 168th, a new<br />

chapter will be added by a gathering of individuals from<br />

around the country and around the world. Although we<br />

will all gather as individuals, together we will form a<br />

unique community. Our culture is one that celebrates the individual while fostering the<br />

sense of community so important to an independent boarding school experience.<br />

To that end we have provided a framework of customs, traditions, and guidelines that<br />

we feel give us the best opportunity to maximize our community identity and to give<br />

students, parents, and faculty the opportunity to enjoy a successful year together. These<br />

guidelines, in addition to good common sense and positive attitudes, contribute to a<br />

healthy school environment and are spelled out in the pages that follow. At <strong>Sem</strong>, you<br />

will have - in people, program, and facilities – resources that will enable you to become<br />

all that you hope to be as a secondary school student. To achieve that goal, I ask that you<br />

review the material in this <strong>handbook</strong> and feel free to ask questions as necessary.<br />

We all have an opportunity to interpret and live the school’s motto – “the True,<br />

the Beautiful and the Good” together during the coming year. Good channels of<br />

communication can help us all reach that end in a way in which we can all be proud.<br />

My many years at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary and my one full year as Upper School Dean have<br />

taught me one important lesson; our best work can be accomplished when completed<br />

in an environment of support and respect. We are a community of caring, talented, and<br />

committed people working toward a common goal. I am eager to share the journey with<br />

you.<br />

Respectfully,<br />

Jay Harvey<br />

Dean of Upper School<br />

8


Academic Programs<br />

The Academic Program at <strong>Sem</strong> is a comprehensive and rigorous course of study<br />

that is designed to prepare students for academic success in college while<br />

exposing them to a broad based liberal arts education. Students and parents<br />

should refer to the current, online Upper School course catalog for detailed<br />

information about graduation requirements and specific course descriptions. The<br />

following pages outline the major components of the academic program while<br />

answering some of the important questions most frequently asked by students<br />

and their parents.<br />

Who is in charge of the academic program?<br />

The Academic Dean, Mr. Randy Granger, has oversight of the school’s academic calendar,<br />

courses of study and student academic records. Working in close association with him<br />

are the Director of Scheduling, Mrs. Laurie Morgan, and the three Class Deans (page<br />

19 and 69), who, along with faculty advisors and classroom teachers, make up a team<br />

of professional academicians who monitor and guide each student’s course of study at<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary.<br />

How long is the academic day?<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> follows an eight-period day (class periods are called “bells”) starting at 8:00 a.m.<br />

each morning and concluding with the end of bell 8 classes (anywhere from 2:15 to 2:55<br />

p.m.). Each day follows the calendar of letter days (see next page) that allows <strong>Sem</strong> to<br />

incorporate a variety of meetings within the school day while preserving class times that<br />

are 40 to 50 minutes in length. Letter days are published on our Web site both on our<br />

online electronic calendar and on the Daily Knight & Day bulletin:<br />

www.wyomingseminary.org > Upper School > Calendar and Schedules.<br />

9


Schedules for the Academic Day<br />

SCHEDULE A<br />

20 - MINUTE ASSEMBLY<br />

Bell 1 8:00 - 8:45<br />

Bell 2 8:50 - 9:35<br />

Bell 3 9:40 - 10:25<br />

ASSEMBLY 10:30 - 10:50<br />

Bell 4 10:55 - 11:40<br />

Bell 4 Lunch 11:00-11:40<br />

Bell 5 11:45 - 12:30<br />

Bell 5 Lunch 11:40-12:10<br />

Bell 6 12:15 - 1:00<br />

Bell 6 Lunch 12:30-1:00<br />

Bell 7 1:05 - 1:50<br />

Bell 8 1:55 - 2:40<br />

Conference 2:40 - 3:30<br />

Activities/Sports/Drama 3:30<br />

SCHEDULE A<br />

45 - MINUTE ASSEMBLY<br />

Bell 1 8:00 - 8:40<br />

Bell 2 8:45 - 9:25<br />

Bell 3 9:30 - 10:10<br />

ASSEMBLY 10:15 - 11:00<br />

Bell 4 11:05 - 10:45<br />

Bell 4 Lunch 11:00-11:45<br />

Bell 5 11:50 - 12:30<br />

Bell 5 Lunch 11:45-12:15<br />

Bell 6 12:20 - 1:00<br />

Bell 6 Lunch 12:30-1:00<br />

Bell 7 1:05 - 1:45<br />

Bell 8 1:50 - 2:30<br />

Conference 2:30 - 3:30<br />

Activities/Sports/Drama 3:30<br />

SCHEDULE A<br />

60 - MINUTE ASSEMBLY<br />

Bell 1 8:00 - 8:40<br />

Bell 2 8:45 - 9:25<br />

Bell 3 9:30 - 10:10<br />

ASSEMBLY 10:15 - 11:15<br />

Bell 4 11:20 - 12:00<br />

Bell 4 Lunch 11:15-12:00<br />

Bell 5 12:05 - 12:45<br />

Bell 5 Lunch 12:00-12:30<br />

Bell 6 12:35 - 1:15<br />

Bell 6 Lunch 12:45-1:15<br />

Bell 7 1:20 - 2:00<br />

Bell 8 2:05 - 2:45<br />

Conference 2:45 - 3:30<br />

Activities/Sports/Drama 3:30<br />

SCHEDULE L<br />

LATE STARTS/FACULTY MEETINGS<br />

MEETING (optional) 7:30 - 8:55<br />

Bell 1 9:00 - 9:40<br />

Bell 2 9:45 - 10:25<br />

Bell 3 10:30 - 11:10<br />

Bell 4 11:15 - 11:55<br />

Bell 4 Lunch 11:15-11:55<br />

Bell 5 12:00 - 12:40<br />

Bell 5 Lunch 11:55-12:25<br />

Bell 6 12:30 - 1:10<br />

Bell 6 Lunch 12:40-1:10<br />

Bell 7 1:15 - 1:55<br />

Bell 8 2:00 - 2:40<br />

Conferences 2:40 - 3:30<br />

Activities/Sports/Drama 3:30<br />

SCHEDULE E<br />

EARLY DISMISSAL<br />

Bell 1 8:00 - 8:45<br />

Bell 2 8:50 - 9:35<br />

Bell 3 9:40 - 10:25<br />

Bell 4 10:30 - 11:15<br />

Bell 4 Lunch 10:45-11:15<br />

Bell 5 11:20 - 12:05<br />

Bell 5 Lunch 11:15-11:45<br />

Bell 6 11:50 - 12:35<br />

Bell 6 Lunch 12:05-12:35<br />

Bell 7 12:40 - 1:25<br />

Bell 8 1:30 - 2:15<br />

Conferences 2:15 - 3:30<br />

Activities/Sports/Drama 3:30<br />

SCHEDULE T<br />

TOTAL ACADEMIC DAY<br />

Bell 1 8:00 - 8:50<br />

Bell 2 8:55 - 9:45<br />

Bell 3 9:50 - 10:40<br />

Bell 4 10:45 - 11:35<br />

Bell 4 Lunch 11:05-11:35<br />

Bell 5 11:40 - 12:30<br />

Bell 5 Lunch 11:35-12:10<br />

Bell 6 12:15 - 1:05<br />

Bell 6 Lunch 12:30-1:05<br />

Bell 7 1:10 - 2:00<br />

Bell 8 2:05 - 2:55<br />

Conference 2:55 - 3:30<br />

Activities/Sports/Drama 3:30<br />

10


Note: There will be special schedules for Convocation, Parent Conference<br />

Day, Thanksgiving Chapel Day, Spring Awards Day, Special Events,<br />

and, of course, snow delays.<br />

How many courses may a student take?<br />

Students generally take between four and six courses each day, with five being the most<br />

common class load. These must include four courses in the “core” subject areas (English,<br />

language, history/social science, mathematics and science) at any one time.<br />

How does the grading system work?<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary uses a letter grade system for reporting academic achievement and<br />

a number-grade system for a subjective evaluation of student effort. A system of grade<br />

weighting for honors and AP level courses insures that students be given appropriate<br />

transcript credit for work well beyond the normal high school expectation.<br />

Numerical Regular Honors<br />

AP<br />

Grade Equivalent Courses Courses Courses<br />

A+ 97-100 4.3 4.7 5.0<br />

A 93-96 4.0 4.3 4.7<br />

A- 90-92 3.7 4.0 4.3<br />

B+ 87-89 3.3 3.7 4.0<br />

B 83-86 3.0 3.3 3.7<br />

B- 80-82 2.7 3.0 3.3<br />

C+ 77-79 2.3 2.7 3.0<br />

C 73-76 2.0 2.3 2.7<br />

C- 70-72 1.7 2.0 2.3<br />

D+ 67-69 1.3 1.7 2.0<br />

D 63-66 1.0 1.3 1.7<br />

D- 60-62 0.7 1.0 1.3<br />

F below 60 0.0 0.0 0.0<br />

Students may receive an “I” grade for incomplete work in a course. All incompletes must<br />

be made up within 10 school days of the end of the grading period. Students who are<br />

unable to make up the unfinished work in that time period run the risk of receiving a “0”<br />

for the assignment(s) in question, with a corresponding reduction of grade in that course.<br />

International students in their first year at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary may be given an “R” grade<br />

in courses where their teacher believes their adjustment to working in English is having<br />

an adverse affect on their academic average. All “R” grades signify that the school<br />

“reserves” the right to assign a credited letter grade during that time period. The “R”<br />

grade has no GPA equivalency assigned on the report card, so receiving the “R” neither<br />

helps nor hurts the student’s overall average. Teachers may use “R” grades in each report<br />

period until spring midterm, at which time all students will receive grades that bear GPA<br />

credit.<br />

Academic Programs<br />

11


Effort Grades<br />

Teachers write subjective evaluations of student effort that appear on report cards (not<br />

transcripts) according to the following scale:<br />

5 - Outstanding effort in and out of class<br />

4 - Well above average effort noted<br />

3 - Satisfactory and appropriate effort for this student in this class<br />

2 - The teacher judges this student to be working below ability<br />

1 - An unsatisfactory effort in and out of class<br />

Are there honor rolls?<br />

Interim grade-point averages (GPA) are calculated at each reporting period card during<br />

the school year. Two levels of academic honor are recognized:<br />

Dean’s List High Honors GPA of 3.70 and above, no grade below C<br />

Dean’s List<br />

GPA of 3.30 and above, no grade below C<br />

How much homework should I expect?<br />

Students in college prep, independent schools like <strong>Sem</strong> are exposed to an academic<br />

program that covers more material in a shorter period of time than do students in<br />

most public or private schools. As a result your teachers will assign homework on both<br />

weeknights and weekends, and perhaps even over school breaks. Teachers are guided<br />

by the standard of 30-45 minutes of work each night. How long homework will take each<br />

student, however, varies with the abilities, energies, and organizational approaches that<br />

each student can apply to this important and routine part of a <strong>Sem</strong> education. Judicious<br />

use of time, whether in the school day, after school, and at night, is essential to be<br />

successful in a curriculum as rigorous as <strong>Sem</strong>’s.<br />

Students who find themselves not able to keep up with the homework load should<br />

discuss this with their advisors. Sometimes a change in overall course-load, or a<br />

lessening of extra-curricular or social commitments can be an effective solution to<br />

academic overload.<br />

Academic Programs<br />

12<br />

Are there study halls, and how does one get assigned?<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary teachers regularly grade their students on homework and labs<br />

or through quizzes, tests, papers, projects and class presentations. <strong>Sem</strong> students are<br />

therefore engaged in academic work on a daily basis, hence the report that “I have no<br />

homework” is a rare occurrence, especially given the value of routinely reviewing class<br />

notes well in advance of upcoming tests. The school therefore believes that students<br />

need to learn how to organize their efforts for best advantage in keeping up with their<br />

academic obligations. Non-class time during the school day provides students with one<br />

important opportunity to do so.<br />

All new <strong>Sem</strong> students are assigned to study halls during their free bells to give them the<br />

best possible start to their academic careers. After the first report cards are issued at<br />

mid-term of the first trimester students who have met specific GPA and effort criteria will


e granted study hall “relief” (a free bell during all assigned study hall periods) for the<br />

remainder of that marking period. Students may continue to earn, or to lose, this privilege<br />

during all subsequent grading periods throughout their <strong>Sem</strong> career.<br />

Students will receive “relief” from study hall according to these criteria:<br />

For students in grades PG, 12 and 11:<br />

Attainment of a 2.0 GPA for the report period with no grades below C<br />

For students in grades 10 and 9:<br />

Attainment of a 3.0 GPA for the report period with no grades below C+<br />

PLEASE NOTE: Study hall assignments are meant to reward students in grades 9 and 10<br />

who have earned a 3.0 and help students in grades 11, 12, and PG who are having trouble<br />

earning a 2.0, thus jeopardizing their college prospects. Additionally, students may be<br />

assigned to study hall by their advisor or their Class Dean for reasons of poor academic<br />

effort or on-campus behavior concerns, regardless of having met the above criteria.<br />

Students assigned to study hall must report to the study hall proctor during that bell prior<br />

to leaving for the library, nurse’s office or teacher conference. They may not leave campus<br />

during this time without permission from the Upper School Dean or their Class Dean.<br />

Students may use the library during a study hall ONLY with a library pass issued by one<br />

of their classroom teachers. Students required to be in supervised evening study hall may<br />

use the library for one hour per evening with a note from one of their classroom teachers.<br />

When are grades reported?<br />

Grades and/or comments will be available approximately 5 to 7 school days after the<br />

dates listed below. If you have not received grades one week after the due date, please<br />

contact the Academic Office.<br />

PLEASE NOTE: Midterm grades are not official recorded grades in any course. They are<br />

intended to give students an accurate assessment of progress and achievement at the<br />

approximate mid-point of the term. End-of-term grades are likewise not official transcript<br />

grades for year-length courses, although they are important in calculating the end of the<br />

year final grade.<br />

Fall Trimester<br />

October 10, 2011<br />

November 21, 2011<br />

Winter Trimester<br />

January 16, 2012<br />

Midterm grades and comments due for all courses.<br />

Final grades due and comments for grades of D+ or lower,<br />

efforts of “2” or lower, or incompletes<br />

Midterm grades due with comments for term courses,<br />

grades of D+ or lower, efforts of “2” or lower, or<br />

incompletes<br />

Academic Programs<br />

13


February 27, 2012<br />

Spring Trimester<br />

April 16, 2012<br />

May 29, 2012<br />

Final grades due and comments for grades of D+ or lower,<br />

efforts of “2” or lower, or incompletes<br />

Midterm grades and comments due for all courses.<br />

Final grades for spring and the year, with comments for<br />

grades of D+ or lower, efforts of “2” or lower, or<br />

incompletes<br />

Can students change their schedules during the year?<br />

Academic schedules may need to be changed during the school year, and these changes<br />

may be initiated by a classroom teacher, an advisor, the Class Dean, or the student.<br />

While such changes are sometimes for elective reasons, most happen in response to an<br />

inappropriate course or class placement.<br />

All class or course changes must be processed through the Class Dean for that student’s<br />

particular class (see page 19).<br />

Can students make changes anytime?<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> gives students a limited grace period to add or drop a course according to the<br />

following schedule:<br />

Adding a full-year course<br />

Students may not add a full-year course later than:<br />

September 16, 2011<br />

Adding a trimester course<br />

Students may not add a fall term course later than:<br />

September 9, 2011<br />

Students may not add a winter term course later than:<br />

December 2, 2011<br />

Students may not add a spring term course later than:<br />

March 16, 2012<br />

Academic Programs<br />

14<br />

Dropping year course<br />

Seniors may drop a full-year course without transcript penalty until October 14,<br />

2011, provided their total program fulfills curriculum requirements.<br />

All other students may drop a full-year course without transcript penalty until<br />

December 2, 2011, provided their total program fulfills curriculum requirements.<br />

Dropping a trimester course<br />

Drops without transcript penalty, for all students, may be made no later than: Fall<br />

term course October 17, 2011


Winter term course January 23, 2012<br />

Spring term course April 23, 2012<br />

Any requests for drops after the above listed dates require consultation with the course<br />

teacher, the advisor, and the Class Dean. Drops after the no-penalty period will be noted<br />

on the student’s permanent transcript with a “W/P” for withdrew/passing or a “W/F” for<br />

withdrew/failing.<br />

PLEASE NOTE: No course may be dropped within two weeks of the first day of the<br />

examination period, or within one week of mid-term deadlines.<br />

What should students do when they need academic help?<br />

Students are encouraged to work through academic problems with their classroom<br />

teacher who knows both the student and the curriculum. All <strong>Sem</strong> teachers are expected<br />

to be available for conferences with students during the school day and after school<br />

in the bell 9 conference time. Many faculty members live on campus and also give<br />

generously of their time during the evenings and on weekends.<br />

Sometimes students benefit from tutorial assistance. Qualified teachers as well as peer<br />

tutors may be engaged once the need is identified, and the school maintains lists of<br />

those available for specific subject remediation. Faculty advisors and Class Deans may be<br />

contacted to help assess the need and, if necessary, make referrals.<br />

Does <strong>Sem</strong> give final examinations?<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary believes that final examinations are excellent learning instruments<br />

that allow students an opportunity to synthesize a significant body of work and to<br />

demonstrate understanding, interpretation and application of the work. Furthermore the<br />

taking of examinations is a necessary preparation for doing well in similar examinations<br />

that will be given in college. Exemptions for final examinations may only be granted in<br />

upper level courses when students meet the criteria set by the academic department for<br />

such exemptions. It is imperative, therefore, that students prepare well for their exams<br />

and make plans to be on campus during the exam periods.<br />

All students are expected to take their exams on the dates and times when scheduled<br />

for their particular classes. No students will be expected to take more than two exams in<br />

one day. The Academic Dean manages a process for rescheduling exams when there are<br />

conflicts. Students who miss an exam will have to make it up to prevent earning a grade<br />

of “0” for the exam and possibly failing the course.<br />

Fall Trimester Exams:<br />

Tuesday, Nov. 15:<br />

Wednesday, Nov. 16:<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Exam Schedule for 2011-12<br />

English + History<br />

Math + Language<br />

Academic Programs<br />

15


Thursday, Nov. 17:<br />

Friday, Nov. 18:<br />

Science + Language<br />

History + Makeups<br />

Winter Trimester Exams:<br />

Friday, Feb. 24: Trimester Course exams only<br />

Spring Trimester Exams:<br />

Monday, May 21: Science + Language<br />

Tuesday, May 22: Math + History<br />

Wednesday, May 23: English + Math<br />

Thursday, May 24: Language + Makeups<br />

May students study abroad during their <strong>Sem</strong> career?<br />

While most students choose to follow <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s curriculum throughout their careers,<br />

students may occasionally choose to enhance their education by studying abroad. This<br />

may take place as part of a <strong>Sem</strong>inary-sponsored travel opportunity during the summer<br />

or trimester break, or in a longer (trimester or year-length), in-residence experience in<br />

another country.<br />

Students who wish to pursue a course of study in a certified educational institution<br />

in another country, and who expect to receive credit leading to a <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary<br />

diploma, must make their intentions known to the Dean of the Upper School well in<br />

advance of enrolling in that program.<br />

Must students have computers at <strong>Sem</strong>inary?<br />

While <strong>Sem</strong>inary students are not required to own a computer, they will be expected to be<br />

proficient in the use of computers for word processing, internet research and presentation<br />

software like PowerPoint. The school maintains one computer lab as well as a number of<br />

computers in the library, Nesbitt Hall, student center, and in each dormitory for students<br />

to use. Many boarding students bring desktop or laptop machines for their use, and<br />

most day students have access to computers for the completion of assignments and for<br />

internet and e-mail communication with the school community. (For more information<br />

on the use of computers at <strong>Sem</strong>inary, please read the acceptable use information in the<br />

school expectations section of the <strong>handbook</strong>, pages 31-32).<br />

Academic Programs<br />

16<br />

What should the parent’s daily involvement be?<br />

Deciding when and how to get involved in your child’s day-to-day school life can be<br />

difficult. Although <strong>Sem</strong>’s teachers and administrators respect each parent’s wish to<br />

make his/her child’s school experience the best it can be, we encourage parents to let<br />

their children take on more of the responsibility for the academic, social and athletic<br />

aspects of their lives. We believe most <strong>Sem</strong> parents adopted a common sense approach<br />

when questions arose in elementary and middle school and will agree that the following<br />

suggestions are equally reasonable, particularly for parents of day students.


We suggest that parents do not:<br />

• do their children’s homework for them;<br />

• write or phone in excuses for student absences significantly motivated by the<br />

desire to avoid or postpone a test;<br />

• call a coach about playing time.<br />

We suggest that parents do:<br />

• question a student who claims to have finished all homework during free bells;<br />

• help their student set up a regular work/study schedule, away from TV, phone and<br />

“instant messaging;”<br />

• initially, let their children work out academic or social problems on their own;<br />

• call their Class Dean or advisor if problems persist;<br />

• e-mail teachers with important questions;<br />

• call Ms. Elizabeth Frosini at (570) 270-2140 to volunteer for Parents Association<br />

organizations or events (see page 67 for more information about the Parents<br />

Association).<br />

Does <strong>Sem</strong> have a policy on academic honesty?<br />

Teaching and promoting academic honesty is a three-way partnership among the school,<br />

the family, and the student. The faculty of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary believes that mutual trust<br />

is a cornerstone of its program and that any violation of this trust is a serious disciplinary<br />

matter. Parents are urged to support our unalterable position on all matters of academic<br />

honesty.<br />

Academic Dishonesty: refers to forms of cheating and plagiarism which result<br />

in students giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in an academic exercise or<br />

receiving credit for work which is not their own.<br />

Cheating: intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials,<br />

information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The term “academic exercise”<br />

includes all forms of work submitted for credit.<br />

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: intentionally or knowingly helping or<br />

attempting to help another to violate academic integrity.<br />

Academic Programs<br />

17


Plagiarism: the deliberate adoption or reproduction of ideas, data, language, or<br />

statements of another person as one’s own without proper acknowledgement.<br />

Faculty members are expected to involve the Dean of the Upper School and Honor<br />

Council in each case of academic dishonesty. Although there are no automatic penalties<br />

with respect to violations of academic integrity,students are to understand that cheating<br />

in any form is considered a serious breach of conduct and will be dealt with accordingly.<br />

Academic Honor Code<br />

1. Rationale:<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is an academic community based on trust. Honesty in the execution<br />

and presentation of graded work is vital for real learning and fair evaluation.<br />

Cheating, facilitating cheating, or plagiarism impede learning and creativity, undermine<br />

meaningful and just grading, and subvert trust between and among students<br />

and faculty.<br />

Each faculty member has the responsibility to delineate clearly to students which<br />

assignments should be completed without assistance and what citations are appropriate.<br />

Students are expected to sign an Honor Code Statement on specified tests,<br />

papers and reports:<br />

“I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this work.”<br />

2. Each Student Agrees:<br />

• I understand and will support and follow the Honor Code.<br />

• I will not personally use unauthorized materials, and I will not participate<br />

with others in cheating.<br />

• I will not facilitate cheating, and, if I become aware of violations of academic<br />

integrity, I understand that I have a responsibility to the community and should<br />

at least say something to the student involved or discuss the situation with a<br />

teacher or an Honor Code Council member.<br />

Academic Programs<br />

18<br />

3. The Honor Council:<br />

An Upper School Honor Council of six students and two faculty elected by Government<br />

will help educate the community on the value of the Code and its importance<br />

to <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary, on an ongoing basis. Violations of the Code will be brought<br />

to the committee by the Chair of the Council in consultation with the Dean of Upper<br />

School, upon report of classroom teachers or members of the Council. The Council<br />

will recommend to the Dean of Upper School appropriate action which could include<br />

warning, censure, probation, suspension or dismissal (dismissal requires approval by<br />

the President).


Expectations<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Upper School is a large community consisting of<br />

students, faculty members, staff and constituent families. As in any functional<br />

community, an atmosphere of cooperation, respect for self and for others and<br />

good judgement are essential for healthy operation. It is expected that students<br />

who choose to enroll at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary make a good faith commitment to<br />

respectful, responsible and honest standards of citizenship. Our students may be<br />

held accountable for any actions that reflect negatively upon <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary, regardless of time or place. These behavioral expectations apply to all<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> students unless otherwise stated. <strong>Sem</strong> students and their families are<br />

expected to understand and embrace the spirit as well as the letter of the<br />

school’s standards of conduct.<br />

Leadership of Student and Academic Affairs<br />

Each class at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is governed and advised by a Class Dean. These school<br />

leaders, in concert with the Dean of the Upper School, will be responsible for managing<br />

academic affairs, programs and issues associated with students in their designated<br />

grade. On matters of student social and academic affairs, <strong>Sem</strong>’s parents and students<br />

should view the Class Dean and the student’s faculty advisor as their primary resource<br />

people.<br />

The leadership of student and academic affairs for the 2011 - 2012 school year will be<br />

the following:<br />

Freshman & Sophomore Class Dean:<br />

Mr. Jon Siff jsiff@wyomingseminary.org (570) 270-2171<br />

19


Junior Class Dean:<br />

Mrs. Catie Kersey ckersey@wyomingseminary.org (570) 270-2114<br />

Senior & PG Class Dean:<br />

Mr. C.J. Kersey cjkersey@wyomingseminary.org (570) 270-2103<br />

Dean of the Upper School:<br />

Mr. Jay Harvey jharvey@wyomingseminary.org (570) 270-2175<br />

Disciplinary System<br />

A member of the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary community must expect to be held accountable for<br />

his or her behavior. When students do not live up to established expectations, one of<br />

the administrators listed above will intervene. The Dean’s office endeavors to deal with<br />

behavior reasonably and fairly. Our students should grow to understand that although<br />

there are times when we cannot support their behavior, we do care about them as<br />

maturing members of this community.<br />

Violations of school rules are dealt with on a case-by-case basis with due regard for both<br />

specific circumstances and the welfare of the entire school community. The model that<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> utilizes in dealing with major rule violations is intended to serve as a teaching tool<br />

as well as an accountability plan. Our approach emphasizes consistency in process rather<br />

than in outcome. Thus, although precedent serves as a guideline, it will not always be<br />

our governing principle.<br />

Disciplinary Boards<br />

The Class Deans and the faculty, with the support of the Dean of Upper School, have<br />

the responsibility for managing the disciplinary system. A <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary student<br />

determined to be in violation of a major school rule will be summoned to appear before a<br />

Disciplinary Board. This committee consists of Mr. Jay Harvey, Dean of the Upper School,<br />

the appropriate Class Dean and two at-large faculty representatives, as well as two<br />

student representatives. The student’s faculty advisor will be asked to attend, serving as<br />

a resource for all involved. The parents or guardian of the student involved have the<br />

option of attending the meeting. A parent or guardian may request the exclusion of<br />

student representation on the Disciplinary Board if concerns exist regarding the sensitive<br />

nature of the issue being addressed.<br />

Expectations<br />

20<br />

The Class Dean will personally direct, or delegate to others, the responsibility for<br />

making a thorough review of the facts surrounding any case(s) being brought before a<br />

Disciplinary Board. From this fact-finding effort, the Class Dean will develop a statement<br />

describing the specifics of the issue in question, citing a specific violation(s) of school<br />

rules to share with the Disciplinary Board members. A school representative will contact<br />

the parent(s) or guardian of the student(s) involved and apprise them of the situation prior<br />

to and following the Disciplinary Board meeting.


A Disciplinary Board is not an adversarial, legalistic procedure, but rather an educational,<br />

administrative process which results in a recommendation to the president.<br />

When behavioral transgressions occur, our school culture expects that students will<br />

be fully cooperative and honest in their responses. Anything less will escalate the<br />

seriousness of the situation. When appearing before a Disciplinary Committee, a student<br />

is obligated to provide a full and accurate report of the event(s) in question. Failure to<br />

cooperate with fact-finding efforts concerning his/her own personal behavior will result<br />

in more serious discipline including the possibility of separation from the school.<br />

Major School Rules<br />

Infractions in the following areas, on the part of students enrolled at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary, are considered violations of Major School Rules and may result in referral<br />

to a Disciplinary Board:<br />

1. any behavior that infringes upon the safety and well being of another<br />

member of the school community. Harassment, bullying, hazing and other forms<br />

of disrespect will not be tolerated. Incidents of racial or sexual harassment are<br />

considered violations of Major School Rules. This includes the transmission of<br />

disrespectful text messages, e-mail messages, photographs and postings on<br />

social network sites.<br />

2. dishonesty in any form: for example any act of lying, deceit or cheating,<br />

accessing computer files that are not your own, unauthorized use of another<br />

person’s credit card, telephone calling card, cell phone, forgery of any type<br />

(including improper weekend sign-outs), fraudulent excuse notes, and use<br />

of false identification cards are forms of dishonesty. <strong>Sem</strong>inary students are<br />

accountable to the Academic Honor Code printed on page 19 of this book.<br />

3. the willful destruction or theft of personal or school property. Students<br />

found to be in the possession of another person’s property without permission<br />

or who are caught in the act of stealing are in violation of Major School<br />

Rules. Vandalism of any type is unacceptable and will be subject to high level<br />

consequence.<br />

4. the possession and/or use of any quantity of illegal drugs (including synthetic<br />

drugs), drug paraphernalia or alcohol. Being in the presence of illegal drugs<br />

or alcohol is a major rule violation, as is the misuse of prescription or overthe-counter<br />

medication. Note: Any student +prescription medication, will, in<br />

all likelihood, be separated from the school. (Please review the Drug, Alcohol<br />

and Tobacco Policies on pages 23-24 and the Athletic Department’s Drug and<br />

Alcohol Policy that was included in the summer registration mailing.)<br />

Expectations<br />

21


5. the possession or use of knives, firearms or other dangerous weapons.<br />

Additionally, the possession or use of fireworks of any type is prohibited.<br />

6. sexual impropriety or sexual harassment (see pg. 24).<br />

7. being in an unauthorized area of the school such as locked offices, opposite<br />

gender dorm rooms, or another student’s dorm room without permission.<br />

Additionally, possession and/or use of an unauthorized school key or access<br />

card or tampering with a school lock is prohibited.<br />

8. creating a fire hazard of any kind. As an example, smoking in a dormitory or<br />

other school buildings is a fire hazard and constitutes a major rule violation.<br />

9. boarding student possession of a motor vehicle on campus or in the greater<br />

Wilkes-Barre area without express administrative permission.<br />

10. unauthorized departure from the dormitory after curfew.<br />

11. insubordinate or disrespectful behavior.<br />

12. the accumulation of an unacceptable number of unexcused absences from<br />

school obligations or of other less serious violations.<br />

13. behavior which discredits <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary.<br />

A student who engages in a major rule violation while on probation from an earlier<br />

offense, will, in all likelihood, be separated from school.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary reserves the right to refer a student to a Disciplinary Board<br />

for any other offense, or trend of inappropriate behavior, regardless of his or her<br />

standing with the disciplinary system, if the situation is deemed serious enough by<br />

the leadership of the school. In addition, any student whose influence is felt to<br />

be injurious to the school or to fellow students may be required to withdraw.<br />

Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policies<br />

Each <strong>Sem</strong> student and family is accountable to the school’s Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco<br />

policy.<br />

Expectations<br />

22<br />

Alcohol<br />

The possession, supply, or use of alcoholic beverages by any students enrolled at<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary, whether on campus or off, will jeopardize his/her continued<br />

enrollment. Students must avoid or leave gatherings at which alcohol is present for<br />

underage drinkers. The school reserves the right to administer chemical tests, urinalysis


or “breathalyzer” tests in dealing with any student suspected of being under the influence<br />

of alcohol.<br />

Illicit Drugs<br />

The possession, supply, or use of any type of illegal drug (including synthetic drugs),<br />

misuse of prescription medication or other controlled substances by any student enrolled<br />

at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary, whether on campus or off, will jeopardize his/her continued<br />

enrollment. Students are expected to avoid gatherings where such prohibited substances<br />

are present. The school reserves the right to administer blood tests, urinalysis or hair<br />

follicle testing in dealing with any student suspected of being under the influence of a<br />

prohibited or misused substance.<br />

Any student found to be involved in any way with the sale, supply or distribution of<br />

alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia or prescription medication, will, in all likelihood,<br />

be separated from the school.<br />

The school reserves the right to require a professional evaluation or assessment of any<br />

student, at the family’s expense, if there is concern about involvement with drugs, alcohol<br />

or tobacco.<br />

Tobacco<br />

With the strong evidence available that links the use of tobacco products to poor<br />

health, the school strongly recommends that students avoid using any type of tobacco<br />

product. Therefore, the use of tobacco products while under school jurisdiction is strictly<br />

prohibited. Any violation of this expectation will warrant a response from the Dean<br />

of the Upper School. Possession of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco or<br />

paraphernalia related to the use of tobacco products, is prohibited.<br />

A <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary student who is in the presence of alcohol, illicit drugs or tobacco<br />

products is in violation of school policy. <strong>Sem</strong>inary students who find themselves in such<br />

an “at-risk” situation are expected to separate from it immediately. Failure to do so will<br />

result in disciplinary action.<br />

Harassment<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary does not tolerate harassment – physical or emotional, verbal or<br />

visual. Harassment may include not only direct suggestions or slurs, but also offensive<br />

movements or gestures, as well as drawings or pictures which may be interpreted as<br />

suggestive or demeaning. This includes posting these messages on social network sites<br />

or texting them.<br />

Students, parents, faculty or employees who are concerned about, wish to bring charges<br />

concerning, or need to deal with possible harassment may follow any of three routes:<br />

1. conference with the Dean of the Upper or Lower School, the Director of<br />

Expectations<br />

23


Residential Life (at the Upper School), the Academic Dean, the Business Manager,<br />

the Director of Physical Plant or the President;<br />

2. seek the guidance of one or more of <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s school counselors, Mr. Jim Kersey<br />

or Mrs. Denny Barber;<br />

3. conference with any of the following faculty: Dr. Jack Moriarity, Ms. Jill<br />

Stretanski, or Mr. Dan Krueger.<br />

Sexual harassment may be considered a major rule violation dealt with through the<br />

school’s published disciplinary protocol.<br />

Discretion and Sensitivity<br />

Students are expected to behave in a manner which exhibits respect for others. The<br />

school will not tolerate the use of foul language in public. Students are expected to<br />

show restraint and good manners in their relationship with other students. For example,<br />

students should refrain from public displays of affection throughout campus because this<br />

can make others feel uncomfortable and usurp community spaces.<br />

Dean’s Meeting<br />

In cases where a student is in violation of a rule other than those considered to be major<br />

rules, a Dean’s Meeting may be convened. A Dean’s Meeting will include Mr. Jay Harvey,<br />

the Dean of the Upper School, the appropriate Class Dean, the student in question and<br />

his/her advisor. The purpose of this session would be to address an incident of non-major<br />

disciplinary significance and determine a response plan. The student would receive a<br />

formal letter clarifying expectations, a copy of which would be forwarded to the parent or<br />

guardian. Subsequent or repeated actions that warrant a Dean’s Meeting may be referred<br />

to a Disciplinary Board. The following points represent examples of non-major violations:<br />

1. Absenteeism<br />

2. Possession of a tobacco product.<br />

3. Failure to serve an assigned “bell” (detention)<br />

4. Repeated minor infractions<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary reserves the right to refer a minor violation of a major rule to a<br />

Dean’s Meeting, rather than convene a Disciplinary Board.<br />

Expectations<br />

24<br />

School Attendance<br />

School attendance is a priority. The school expects students to attend classes and<br />

expects parents of day students to notify the school when a student will be absent.<br />

The Class Dean, leading the grade of the student in question, can facilitate gathering


assignments once it is clear that the family and the school approve the absence.<br />

For every absence, parents are encouraged to call the appropriate Class Dean on the<br />

morning of the absence. If there is no phone call, students must, upon return to school,<br />

present a written excuse from a parent or guardian. This documentation should be<br />

presented to his/her Class Dean or the office’s assistant, Mrs. Sherry Cassetori, at the<br />

beginning of the school day. Documentation excusing an absence should be presented<br />

to a class dean, or a representative of the Dean’s Office within 24-hours of the date of<br />

return or the absence will be designated as unexcused.<br />

A student knowing in advance of an absence (a family occasion, college visit, etc.) should<br />

complete a request form (“Green Sheet”) which may be obtained from the appropriate<br />

Class Dean. In order for approval to be given, signatures from teachers whose classes<br />

will be missed and that of his/her Class Dean are required. This indicates that the<br />

teacher and student have discussed all academic requirements and that the necessary<br />

contingency plans have been established. This form must be returned to the Class Dean’s<br />

office before the absence. Failure to complete and return the sheet prior to the absence<br />

may result in the assignment of a consequence from the Dean.<br />

In the event of illness or injury, boarding students are expected to report to the nurse’s<br />

office by 8:00 a.m. A residential student who is unable to report to the nurse’s office on<br />

his/her own, should call the nurse’s office, 570-270-2180, before the start of bell 1 or<br />

e-mail the nurse, bblaum@wyomingseminary.org.<br />

Students should also be aware the nurse will respond to all e-mail and voicemail<br />

messages within 30 minutes. If a student does not get a response from the school nurse<br />

in 30 minutes or less, they must contact their class dean to report illness or injury.<br />

Any student determined to be cutting a scheduled class, study hall, assembly or other<br />

school obligation will be penalized according to our published disciplinary code. If a<br />

student cuts a class repeatedly, the parents will be notified and may be required to<br />

participate in a conference. Repeated infractions of attendance policies may result in<br />

suspension and/ or the loss of academic credit.<br />

Students must attend at least the second half of the class day (bell 5 to Bell 8) on the day<br />

of an extracurricular contest or performance in order to be eligible for participation in that<br />

event.<br />

Any student arriving late for school should report immediately to his/her Class Dean’s<br />

office to explain his/her tardiness and to get an entrance slip for class. Unexcused or<br />

repeated lateness will result in disciplinary action. Students leaving campus during the<br />

school day are required to sign out in their Dean’s office prior to departure. Detention may<br />

be assigned to any student leaving without permission.<br />

Expectations<br />

25


It is critical that boarders make travel arrangements for vacations or long weekends in<br />

accordance with the school calendar. (Please review dates on page 45). Early departures<br />

and late returns must be the exception, and these must be discussed with the Director of<br />

Residential Life and the appropriate Class Dean as far in advance as possible.<br />

Excessive Absence Policy<br />

Class attendance is an important component of the academic program at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary. Students who are absent frequently are deprived of the benefit of instruction<br />

and class discussion. Assisting students who are frequently absent creates significant<br />

additional work for our faculty.<br />

Excused and unexcused absences totaling eight or more for a trimester or twenty for a<br />

year may result in a conference with parents and a possible reduction in grade.<br />

Excused and unexcused absences totaling 12 or more for a trimester or 30 for a year may<br />

result in the assignment of a failing grade or loss of credit for the course. The Dean of the<br />

Upper School and appropriate Class Dean will consider and process individual situations<br />

where extenuating circumstances have contributed to or caused the absences.<br />

Protocol For Students Returning To School<br />

If a student is absent from school for more than a few days as a result of emotional or<br />

medical concerns, he or she is expected to comply with the following guidelines and<br />

procedures prior to returning to school.<br />

• If the departure was for medical reasons, the attending physician must contact<br />

the school nurse with follow-up instructions and clearance.<br />

• If the departure was for emotional reasons, the school will require clearance from<br />

the attending counselor or physician. The counselor or physician must contact one<br />

of the school’s counselors to arrange a program of continued care and to discuss any<br />

ongoing concerns.<br />

The school counselors, in consultation with the Dean and the Class Dean, will<br />

determine when the conditions of continued enrollment have been met, and only<br />

then will the student in question be allowed to return to school.<br />

Expectations<br />

26<br />

Procedure When A Teacher Is Absent Or Late To Class<br />

A representative of the Dean’s office will make every effort to notify students that a<br />

teacher is absent or will be late to class. However, students must wait a reasonable time<br />

for the arrival of the teacher. Students must not assume that the teacher is not going to<br />

arrive. If the teacher has not arrived after ten minutes, students should report to the Dean<br />

of Upper School’s office for instruction.


Monitoring Weekend Activities – Parties<br />

Parties sometimes take place in homes where parents are away, either for the weekend<br />

or just for the evening. Often the teenager invites “a few friends” to the house for what<br />

may be an innocent get-together. Unfortunately, the student grapevine is very effective,<br />

and word spreads quickly that parents are away. The “host” may then encounter as<br />

many as 40-50 teenagers at the door, many of whom he/she does not know. This poses a<br />

difficult choice for the host, who may not be able to turn the others away.<br />

We have been extremely fortunate not to have had any serious injuries or fatalities in the<br />

aftermath of these parties. We have heard of students driving while under the influence<br />

of alcohol or riding with drivers who were, and we want to do everything we can to<br />

prevent a tragic situation.<br />

As much as we wish we could prevent these parties from occurring, it is probably<br />

unrealistic to count on that. Nonetheless, here are some suggestions we want to make in<br />

the hope of deterring these activities.<br />

• Have a straightforward conversation with your teenager, sharing your<br />

expectations about attendance or behavior at parties.<br />

• Pose some situations they might face and help them rehearse ways to say “no.”<br />

• If you plan to be away, have a responsible adult stay at your home or, if your<br />

youngster is staying elsewhere, ask him/her for the house key. Don’t put your<br />

student in a difficult situation by allowing access to a vacant home.<br />

• Consider a “no guests” policy when you aren’t home.<br />

• Notify the police that you won’t be home and ask them to check the house<br />

periodically.<br />

We understand that these suggestions seem overzealous for kids who have been<br />

trustworthy; however, many parties have occurred in homes of reliable youngsters who<br />

were pressured into making poor choices.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary takes an aggressive stance with regard to parties, and we will notify<br />

parents whenever we learn of possible occurrences. In some cases, our information<br />

will be inaccurate and we apologize in advance for calls which may be unwarranted.<br />

It is our hope, however, that the benefit which will come from our continued efforts to<br />

communicate with parents will outweigh the occasional “false alarm.”<br />

Ultimately, hosting gatherings involving <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary students, at which alcohol<br />

is served or illegal drugs are being used, is a Major Rule violation. Such circumstances<br />

will, in all likelihood, result in referral of the host and guests to Disciplinary Board<br />

proceedings.<br />

Expectations<br />

27


Snow Day Procedure<br />

In the event of a delayed start or cancellation, students and parents may rely on three<br />

“in-house” methods of notification: (1.) by checking <strong>Sem</strong>’s Web site at<br />

www.wyomingseminary.org where they will see school delay information on the home<br />

page, (2.) by calling the main school telephone number (570) 270-2100 and listening to<br />

a recorded message and (3.) by signing up for text alerts on <strong>Sem</strong>’s Web site as well.<br />

School delay information should be announced on local radio and television stations no<br />

later than 7:00 a.m. (and often by 6:30 a.m.), but the Web site should be considered the<br />

earliest and most reliable source of information.<br />

In the event of a delay, classes will begin at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., or on occasion 11:00<br />

a.m. (The daily Bell schedule will be listed on the Web site.) Given the challenges posed<br />

by inclement weather conditions, students are permitted to dress in a manner appropriate<br />

for the weather. Regardless of the weather, a student’s dress should be seasonably<br />

appropriate, suitable for school and in good taste.<br />

On a day when school has been cancelled, boarding students are not permitted to ride in<br />

non-school vehicles without permission from a Class Dean or the Dean of the Upper School.<br />

If inclement weather develops during the day, a schedule change and new bus departure<br />

times will be announced to the students, posted on the school Web site and sent out as<br />

a text message. Students who will be departing early by bus must sign out in their Class<br />

Dean’s office. No other day student may leave campus without signing out and<br />

confirming that a parent has contacted his/her Class Dean or administrative assistant.<br />

The school is responsible for students during the day and must be kept informed.<br />

Notification of delays and closings will be conveyed contingent upon the Dean of Upper<br />

School’s decision. If a majority of businesses and offices in the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming Valley are<br />

functioning, then we will be open either at the regular time or with a delay. Weather<br />

conditions can vary widely, even wildly, within 25 miles of the campus, and parents must<br />

make a personal decision about safety based upon their own local conditions.<br />

On days when the majority of local school districts are closed, but <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is<br />

open, teachers will be sensitive in terms of testing and teaching new material. No day<br />

student will suffer academic penalty for missing class due to weather conditions as long<br />

as parents have notified the Dean’s office of the absence.<br />

Expectations<br />

28<br />

Because Lower School students are far more dependent on local public school bus<br />

transportation, there may be times when the Lower School will be closed while the<br />

Upper School remains open.<br />

Vacations<br />

The dates for all vacations are listed in this <strong>handbook</strong> (see pages 5 and 45). Students and<br />

parents should make arrangements accordingly. Requests for extensions of vacations


must be made in advance through the Class Dean’s office. Such requests must be the<br />

exception to the rule. A representative of the Class Dean’s office, or the appropriate Class<br />

Dean, will make a “Green Sheet” (application for early dismissal/late return) available to<br />

a student who will be responsible for work covered during extended vacations.<br />

College Visitations during the Academic Year<br />

Any student visiting a college and missing an academic day must get a “Green Sheet”<br />

from his/her Class Dean. Students are responsible for all work missed during the course<br />

of their absence. Day students will need a written note from parents. Boarders will need<br />

to sign out in their Class Dean’s office as well as with the Director of Residential Life in<br />

the case of an overnight trip. In the event that a student does not get a card or a “Green<br />

Sheet,” the absence will be considered unexcused.<br />

Absence List / Bulletin Boards<br />

Each student is expected to check either the bulletin board in the front of Sprague Hall<br />

or the bulletin board in the Class Deans’ office daily. Of particular importance are the<br />

Daily Bulletin, the absence list and the detention list. The Daily Bulletin includes the daily<br />

schedule and important announcements; it is available on <strong>Sem</strong>’s Web site<br />

(www.wyomingseminary.org/knight_and_day) by 4:00 p.m. of the previous day. The<br />

absence list includes the names of students who must check with their Class Dean for<br />

various reasons: class absence, notes for absences, etc. (Students must clear their name<br />

from the absence list through a conversation with their Class Dean within 24 hours<br />

of publication, or they will be assigned to an afternoon detention.) The detention list<br />

includes the names of students who have been assigned to detention and are expected<br />

to sit for detention on the afternoon of publication.<br />

Standard of Dress<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary students are expected to uphold a standard of dress that we can all<br />

be proud of. As a college preparatory school, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary prepares students for<br />

college and for life. Neatness in dress conveys a professional attitude, self-respect and<br />

a seriousness towards academics and other aspects of school life. Our standard of dress<br />

is symbolic of what the school represents and is therefore an integral part of a <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary education. It is in effect throughout the entire school year and in all school<br />

buildings and on campus (except in dormitories).<br />

Our standard of dress allows for a degree of individual expression, but the “spirit” of our<br />

expectation requires all students to be dressed in a neat, clean, untorn, unpatched and<br />

non-provocative clothing. The following points provide further clarification:<br />

PLEASE NOTE: Once each month, a certain day is designated as a “Dress-Up Day.”<br />

• Students are permitted to wear appropriate shirts, slacks for males; skirts,<br />

dresses, or slacks for females; and seasonally appropriate footwear.<br />

• Males must always wear a shirt with a collar unless wearing a crew neck<br />

Expectations<br />

29


or v-neck sweater (banded collar dress shirts are permitted). Shirts must be<br />

tucked in at all times.<br />

• Female shirts may include a dressy blouse or knit sweater. T-shirts are not<br />

permitted; however, jewel-necked, knit shirts may be worn with a skirt. Tank<br />

tops and tank-style dresses are permitted, although there are some exceptions.<br />

They must be in good taste or will require a sweater. Spaghetti strap and thin<br />

strap tank tops, shirts or dresses are not permitted, nor are strapless dresses,<br />

strapless tops or open-backed dresses. Midriff shirts or camisoles that expose<br />

the abdominal area and lower back are not permitted. Shirts or blouses are<br />

expected to be tucked into pants or skirts.<br />

• Dresses or skirts must be of modest length; they should not be shorter than<br />

three inches above the knee. Frayed hems are not allowed.<br />

• All slacks must be full length and hemmed; slacks may not be frayed or cutoff.<br />

Camouflage and/or fatigue pants are not permitted.<br />

• Jeans of any color are not permitted.<br />

• During the months of September and May, young men and young women<br />

may wear Bermuda or khaki-style shorts to school.<br />

• Hooded sweatshirts of any kind are not permitted; they are not considered a<br />

variation of an outdoor jacket.<br />

• Sandals may be worn, but sneakers, slippers and shower or beach sandals of<br />

any kind are not permitted.<br />

• Males may wear neatly trimmed facial hair; long hair should be kept neat so<br />

that it does not fall in one’s face.<br />

• Hats may not be worn indoors (except in dormitories) at any time during the<br />

school day.<br />

• Hair colors other than natural tones are not permitted.<br />

Expectations<br />

30<br />

Usually falling on special occasions, dress-up days call for more formal attire than our<br />

published standard of dress. Males are required to wear jackets and ties, dress slacks<br />

and dress shoes; females must wear skirts or dresses and dress shoes.


The following dates will be <strong>Sem</strong>’s “Dress-Up Days”<br />

for the 2011-2012 school year:<br />

Monday, August 29, 2011 Monday, January 16, 2012<br />

Monday, September 12, 2011 Thursday, April 5, 2012<br />

Monday, September 26, 2011 Thursday, May 17, 2012<br />

Thursday, October 6, 2011<br />

Monday, November 14, 2011<br />

Thursday, December 15, 2011<br />

Enforcement of Standard of Dress<br />

Faculty members are empowered to warn or assign an appropriate punishment to<br />

students who are not in compliance with our expected standard of dress. Warnings are<br />

kept on record with the appropriate Class Dean, as well as the Dean of the Upper School,<br />

who will respond in an appropriate manner.<br />

Body Piercing and Tattoos<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary recognizes that body piercing and tattoos have taken on many forms<br />

in today’s society; however, earrings are the only visible “pierced” jewelry permitted<br />

during the academic day or at school functions. Unobtrusive “nose studs” may be<br />

permitted at the discretion of the Upper School Dean. The school reserves the right to ask<br />

that tattoos be covered up.<br />

Computer Policy<br />

There are school computers in many locations at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary. Acceptable usage<br />

rules apply to all of them. Hardware and software must not be moved, modified, copied<br />

or removed in any manner. Nothing may be added to or deleted from the hard drives<br />

or the equipment itself. Food and drink are not permitted while using <strong>Sem</strong>inary-owned<br />

computers. Those with academic needs take precedence (on a first-come, first-served<br />

basis) over other users.<br />

Network Acceptable Use Policy<br />

As in all areas of life in the <strong>Sem</strong> learning community, it is imperative that we<br />

conduct ourselves on the Internet legally, responsibly, decently, ethically, and<br />

efficiently.<br />

All users are expressly prohibited from doing the following on the network:<br />

1. accessing, posting, downloading, printing, displaying or disseminating<br />

inappropriate material that includes but is not limited to: images or text<br />

inconsistent with <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s mission and values; anything<br />

which advocates violence; or anything that is illegal, defamatory, abusive,<br />

threatening, profane, obscene, or racially or sexually offensive.<br />

Expectations<br />

31


2. uploading, introducing or creating a computer virus or other systemdebilitating<br />

effect;<br />

3. tampering with software that runs the system (hacking) – if you become<br />

aware of network security problems, please notify a network administrator<br />

immediately;<br />

4. conducting commercial activities or advertising a commercial product<br />

without written permission from the business manager of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary;<br />

5. political lobbying;<br />

6. attempting purposely to harm the data of another person or organization<br />

(vandalism);<br />

7. attempting to access the network using another user’s account;<br />

8. transmitting material from any <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary database without prior<br />

approval;<br />

9. posting, transmitting, copying or otherwise making available copyrighted<br />

material without the author’s permission; using material from the Internet<br />

without making proper citation (plagiarism).<br />

Good network etiquette is expected, on the Internet and in e-mail communication. Users<br />

should be polite and use appropriate language. One should not reveal anyone’s personal<br />

address or phone number as this could be considered an invasion of privacy. Message<br />

boards, chat rooms, UseNet groups should only be participated in with mature and<br />

sensitive judgment. Old e-mail messages should be removed in a timely fashion.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary has a strict policy forbidding the use of any type of file-sharing<br />

software that allows free downloads of copyrighted material. Examples include KaZaa,<br />

KaZaa-Lite, Limewire, BiTTorrent, Edonkey, Emule, and many others. These programs<br />

must all be removed from students’ personal computers before they will be allowed<br />

access to the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary data network. Programs such as iTunes, which require<br />

payment for downloads, are allowed.<br />

Expectations<br />

32<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary network is the property of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary and, as such,<br />

access to it requires an account issued by the school. The school expects all parents<br />

and students to have read and understood the Acceptable Use Policy as outlined in<br />

this <strong>handbook</strong>. Use of the network at <strong>Sem</strong> is a privilege, and users who violate our<br />

Acceptable Use Policy will be subject to school discipline, and their accounts will be<br />

subject to suspension or termination. Terminated accounts will lose all network access<br />

rights including electronic mail.


<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s network administrator has the ability to monitor the use of all<br />

computers that are connected to the school’s network. The school reserves the right<br />

to oversee and evaluate how and when students are utilizing both electronic mail and<br />

Internet resources at their disposal.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary does not guarantee that information on the Internet is accurate,<br />

nor can it guarantee to totally filter or block access to inappropriate material. <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary cannot guarantee the performance of any software downloaded from the<br />

network, assumes no liability for charges incurred by a user on the Internet, cannot be<br />

responsible for any damages or charges incurred by users of the Internet, and cannot<br />

guarantee at any and all times total access to the Internet.<br />

Transportation information for day students<br />

Pennsylvania Act 372 requires that each school district in the state provide transportation<br />

facilities to non-public school students living more than two miles but less than 10 miles<br />

from the non-public school they are attending. Each district is given flexibility as to how it<br />

implements the act.<br />

School District Contact Person Telephone<br />

Berwick Area Mr. John Young 675-7160<br />

Mountain Transit Co. Inc<br />

142 Outlet Rd.<br />

Dallas, PA 18612<br />

Crestwood Area Ms. Anne Jones 474-6782<br />

281 S. Mountain Blvd. anne.jones@csdcomets.org Ext. 322<br />

Mountain Top, PA 18707<br />

Dallas Area H. S. Main Office 675-5201<br />

Box 2000, Conyngham Ave. then press “1”<br />

Dallas, PA 18612<br />

Hanover Area Ms. Debbie Jones 831-2303<br />

1600 San Souci Pkwy. djones@hanoverarea.net<br />

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702<br />

Lake Lehman Area Ms. Sandy Dobrowolski 675-2165<br />

Market Street dobrowolskis@lake-lehman.k12.pa.us (then press 7)<br />

Lehman, PA 18627 Ext. 2719<br />

Nanticoke Area Ms. Janet Yezefski 735-5066<br />

600 East Union St. yezefskij@GNASD.com Fax 733-1008<br />

Nanticoke, PA 18634<br />

Expectations<br />

33


Northwest Area Ms. Lori Nafus 542-4126<br />

R.D. 2, Box 2271 nafusl@northwest.k12.pa.us Ext. 5005<br />

Shickshinny, PA 18655<br />

Pittston Area Mr. Dan Mancini 655-4105<br />

5 Stout Street mancinida@pittstonarea.com<br />

Yatesville, PA 18640<br />

Pocono Area Mr. Paul Smith 821-1740<br />

Elegance Limousine<br />

221 Beade St.<br />

Plymouth, PA 18651<br />

Scranton/Clarks Summit Mr. Ed Burke Jr. 587-2683<br />

Bee’s Bus<br />

2378 Cherry Hill Road<br />

Clarks Summit, PA 18411<br />

Wilkes-Barre Area Ms. Linda Dane 826-7188<br />

730 South Main Street Mrs. Diane Albrecht 826-7116<br />

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 Fax 820-3765/819-5012<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming Area Mr. Angelo Falzone 655-3733<br />

Memorial Street afalzone@wyomingarea.org Ext. 2346<br />

Exeter, PA 18643 Fax 602-6642<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>. Area contracts with Pace Transportation; contact Robert Pace 883-9797, 883-0620, 237-1125<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming Valley West Mr. Frank DeSanto 288-6551<br />

450 North Maple Avenue then press “8”<br />

Kingston, PA 18704<br />

It is advisable that you contact the people above for further details in your district.<br />

Motor Vehicles<br />

Boarding girls and boys may ride in cars driven by day students, friends or drivers other<br />

than <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary faculty only with parental permission and when authorized by a<br />

representative of the school administration (boarders, see page 43).<br />

Expectations<br />

34<br />

Day students must register their vehicles with Mrs. Cassetori in the Academic Office if<br />

they intend to drive to school. Parking for students is in the Buckingham Performing Arts<br />

Center lot, in the non-reserved spaces of the Carpenter Hall lot and in available parking<br />

spaces on Sprague Avenue, Market Street and Maple Avenue. No student parking is<br />

permitted in the Church of Christ Uniting parking lot. If cars are not registered, they


may be towed away at owner’s expense, or detention may be assigned to students<br />

driving unregistered vehicles. Day students may not use cars from the time their school<br />

day begins until the time of their dismissal without the express permission of a dean.<br />

“Hanging out” in the BPAC parking lot during the school day is not permitted.<br />

Cellular Phones, iPods and Portable Stereos<br />

The policy for boarding students’ cell phones is on page 48. Students are encouraged to<br />

have their cell phones with them while at school, but must have them set to “vibrate”<br />

during the school day. Students may only use cell phones during their free time; not<br />

during classes, assemblies, practices, etc.<br />

Students may not use or wear headphones, iPods or other portable music players during<br />

the academic day other than in study hall, the library or free time outside of class. The<br />

volume must be kept low so that no one else can hear it.<br />

End-of-Year Obligations<br />

The student and his family must meet all financial obligations to the school –<br />

including library fines – before final grades or transcripts are released. All seniors and<br />

postgraduates are expected to fulfill their attendance obligations by taking part in the<br />

Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises.<br />

Excolo<br />

Excolo is a program which combines community service and activities requirements.<br />

The program is designed to help in the development of the whole person through these<br />

out-of-classroom activities. Each student must complete a certain number of hours in<br />

community service. Specific requirements are outlined in the Excolo brochure, also in this<br />

mailing.<br />

Fire Safety<br />

Each building on the campus is equipped with a fire alarm system that is connected<br />

directly to the local fire company. The instructions for activating these alarms are on the<br />

individual alarm boxes. Evacuation instructions are posted in buildings.<br />

More specific instructions will be provided at the beginning of the school year. For safety<br />

reasons, the school considers tampering with fire extinguishers or alarm boxes a serious<br />

matter. Firm disciplinary action and possible monetary fines will be imposed for violations<br />

of the above.<br />

Fireworks<br />

The possession or use of any form of fireworks, firearms, smokebombs, or explosives by<br />

any student while under school supervision is strictly forbidden and can lead to serious<br />

disciplinary action.<br />

Expectations<br />

35


Lost or Stolen Articles<br />

Any articles that are lost or missing need to be reported to the appropriate Class Dean as<br />

soon as possible.<br />

School Swimming Pool Use<br />

Students must not use the swimming pool without the supervision of a qualified person<br />

designated by the school. Under no condition should anyone swim alone in the pool.<br />

Student Records<br />

The school has a written policy regarding access to student records and procedures for<br />

challenging entries in a student’s permanent record. This policy is available from the<br />

Registrar’s Office. Student records may be examined by arrangement with the Dean of the<br />

Upper School.<br />

Campus Lock Down Protocol<br />

In the event that an emergency develops warranting a campus “lock down,” the Dean of<br />

the Upper School, or his designee, will initiate the transmission of a voice message to<br />

all <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary school office and classroom landlines and to all <strong>Sem</strong> student and<br />

adult cell phones registered with our system, announcing the initiation of a lock down.<br />

Once students and adults on campus have been notified of the lock down a subsequent<br />

message will be transmitted to <strong>Sem</strong>inary parents.<br />

Step-by-step lock down instructions are posted in each classroom and office and will be<br />

explained to students at the start of the school year.<br />

Expectations<br />

36


Residential Life<br />

The boarding department consists of faculty families and students living in<br />

close proximity to one another. As with the broader school community, courtesy,<br />

respect for rights, and pleasantness are essential for a positive operation. The<br />

goal of the boarding department is to create an atmosphere in which students<br />

can grow academically and socially within a supportive structure.<br />

Although individual living units operate with different styles and with some minor<br />

variations, the information and regulations that follow apply to all boarding<br />

students except where otherwise indicated. Boarding students should be aware<br />

that they are under the school’s jurisdiction at all times during the school year<br />

except when signed out with their parents’ permission to visit another student,<br />

family member or friend. However, boarding students need to keep in mind that<br />

they are representatives of the school at all times.<br />

What to Bring<br />

Each student is furnished with a single bed and mattress, student desk with a bookshelf,<br />

a desk chair, a chest of drawers, and a mirror. Dorms have common bathroom and<br />

shower facilities. Students furnish their own washcloths and bath towels, sheets and<br />

pillowcases, mattress pads or covers, blankets, bedspreads, and wastebaskets.<br />

We encourage all residential students to brighten their rooms in an acceptable manner<br />

according to their own tastes. Curtains (with tension rods), throw rugs, bean bag or<br />

director’s chairs, plants, pictures and posters are all items which make rooms cheerful<br />

and comfortable. Windows are of varying sizes; students should bring expandable curtain<br />

rods. In Darte, Fleck and Swetland Halls, window sizes range from 24” x 60” to 38” x 68”.<br />

37


In Carpenter Hall, the standard size is 44” x 57”. Window fans are permitted. Pictures<br />

and posters should be hung with special materials which do not damage paint; nails,<br />

thumbtacks and Scotch tape are not permitted.<br />

Students should bring their own study lamps or a bedside table with lamp. Students may<br />

also bring radios, stereos/CD players and their components. A storage area is provided<br />

for bicycles. A small “lock box” has been placed in each room for personal items of value<br />

such as wallets, jewelry and laptop computers. Students are required to bring a<br />

padlock to secure the lock box.<br />

Boarding students are encouraged to have personal computers (as well as printers, if<br />

desired) in their dorm rooms. Data ports with Internet access are in each room and all<br />

dormitories are now wireless. The school computer instructional format is Macintosh<br />

and most of the computers available in classrooms are Macs, but students can certainly<br />

use Windows equipment in the library and in dormitories. A detailed letter addressing<br />

technical aspects of computer use in dorms, guidelines for purchasing a computer, e-mail<br />

accounts and network hours is mailed to parents in the summer and is available online.<br />

Parents and students should be aware:<br />

• that some courses require typed or word-processed essays.<br />

• that some courses require certain work to be submitted electronically. Computers,<br />

both Mac and Windows, are available in the library and computer rooms, and there<br />

are a limited number in public areas of the dorms, but possession of a personal<br />

computer would certainly be an advantage to any boarding student.<br />

PLEASE NOTE: Students are advised to consult with their parents’ insurance agents<br />

to determine whether or not their personal property is covered by homeowner or other<br />

family policies. <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is not responsible for personal effects in dormitories<br />

and has no insurance for theft or loss of students‘ property. Personal property insurance<br />

is available through the Business Office at (570) 270-2130.<br />

Residential Life<br />

38<br />

What NOT to Bring:<br />

Students are NOT permitted to have television sets, refrigerators or electrical appliances<br />

such as air conditioners, sun lamps, halogen lamps, electric blankets, room heaters,<br />

popcorn poppers, hot pots or hot plates. Irons, provided by the school, are to be used<br />

ONLY in designated places. Violations of these regulations result in confiscation of the<br />

banned item. Violations are also cause for disciplinary actions and possible monetary<br />

fines. Containers which contain or once contained alcoholic beverages, tobacco or drugs<br />

are expressly prohibited. Posters which depict or glamorize alcohol, drugs, or tobacco<br />

products or which are considered sexually inappropriate are forbidden.


Fire Safety<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary takes careful precautions to reduce the chances of fire. Student<br />

cooperation with these precautions is both important and expected. Specifically, many of<br />

the items listed above in the “What Not To Bring” section are prohibited for fire safety<br />

reasons. Absolutely no combustible materials or open flames are permitted in dormitory<br />

rooms, hallways or any other portion of buildings in which students are housed – this<br />

includes candles, incense, matches, etc. Also, strong disciplinary action will be taken for<br />

unauthorized use of fire alarms or extinguishers. Special instructions for students for fire<br />

drills will be given at the beginning of school. General guidelines are listed below.<br />

At the sound of the alarm, all students will dress in coat or bathrobe and shoes<br />

or slippers, carry a towel, close all windows, and close but not lock the door.<br />

Proceed to the exit designated for their area. Wait in designated meeting area for<br />

attendance check and for further instructions.<br />

Cooperation and attention to these instructions is important and could save lives.<br />

Medical Procedures<br />

Mrs. Beth Blaum is our school nurse; Ms. Maria Coons is the associate nurse. The health<br />

services suite is located on the first floor of Darte Hall near Nelson Bell Tower. Office<br />

hours are 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. every school day; Ms. Coons will be in the office<br />

evenings and weekends as needed. Mrs. Blaum (or Ms. Coons) is available at all times<br />

by cell phone. Boarding students should contact the faculty member on duty if they need<br />

to see the nurse after regular office hours. A school doctor has office hours on campus.<br />

Information on medical procedure as it pertains to the doctor will be available from the<br />

nurse’s office as school opens.<br />

The following procedures should be followed in reporting illness or injury:<br />

Boarding students should report to Health Services between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. if<br />

they feel ill in the morning.<br />

Excuses from class for reasons of ill health may be granted only by the nurse. In<br />

most instances, ill students excused by the nurse will be required to stay in the Health<br />

Services suite during the school day to be treated by the nurse. Meals will be brought<br />

to the students. If the boarding student is absent Bells 6, 7 and 8, the nurse may require<br />

that student to remain in his/her dorm room for the remainder of the day and evening. In<br />

such cases, she will arrange for dinner to be brought to the student’s room.<br />

Boarding students who are injured in athletic contests or practices must report injuries to<br />

the coach and the dorm leader upon return to the dorm.<br />

Students who are ill or injured on or adjacent to campus should report to the<br />

nurse before going to a doctor. If the nurse is not on duty, the student must report<br />

Residential Life<br />

39


to the dorm leader or other dorm faculty, the Dean’s office or (on weekends) to<br />

the staff duty person before going to a doctor. Students may go to any doctor of their<br />

parents’ choice for treatment. However, the school is not responsible for the treatment<br />

of those students who go to a doctor other than the school’s doctor. Students going to<br />

another doctor should make certain that the doctor has permission from the parents<br />

before beginning treatment. We ask that the doctor inform our nurse of treatment and<br />

condition of the student.<br />

Students who have prescription medicine issued to them M<strong>US</strong>T report this to the<br />

nurse and arrange a schedule with her to take the dosage.<br />

Evening Study Hall<br />

All boarding students will study each evening Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 until<br />

9:50 p.m. The tower bell rings a “warning” at 7:20 p.m. and students are expected to be<br />

at their desks (either in their dorm rooms or in the evening study hall) beginning to work<br />

when the 7:30 p.m. bell rings. Assignments and supplies should be assembled before<br />

7:30 p.m. For the convenience of the faculty on duty, room doors will remain open during<br />

study hours.<br />

Students who wish to study or confer with other students or faculty during study hours<br />

should do so only with permission of the faculty on duty. This permission will be granted<br />

during the period from 9:00 until 9:50 p.m. ONLY.<br />

The library will be open on Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:30 until 9:30 p.m.<br />

Students need a note from the person on duty in the dorm. Studying between 7:30 and<br />

9:00 p.m. must be individual and should require the use of library resources. From 9:00 -<br />

9:30 p.m. students studying for the same test or project may share resources quietly.<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>’s evening study hall is intended to be a quiet work session where students are on<br />

task. Whether in the dormitory or the Kirby Library, students are expected to remain<br />

engaged in academic pursuits and avoid behavior that will distract themselves or those<br />

around them.<br />

Students are not to be excused from evening study hall except by the nurse, the Dean of<br />

Upper School, the Director of Residential Life, a Class Dean or the dorm leader. If excused<br />

by the nurse, the student must report this to the dorm leader.<br />

Residential Life<br />

40<br />

Students who indicate by their behavior that they cannot handle the responsibility of<br />

studying in their rooms will be placed in supervised study and/or given some form of<br />

dorm discipline that will be discussed in detail in dorm meetings.<br />

Students must put personal cell phones on “vibrate” during evening study hall. Families<br />

may call dorm heads in the event of an emergency (see 73).


Special Events During Evening Study Hall<br />

In order to maintain an academic priority in view of the large number of evening sports<br />

events and other activities during the week, the following policy is in effect during the<br />

winter term. Students are advised to check calendars early in the week so that they may<br />

choose their events for that week. Students must sign out with the person on duty in<br />

their dormitories.<br />

• Boarding students on the Dean’s List may attend two evening school functions per<br />

week. Afternoon study hall attendance is not required.<br />

• Boarding students not on the Dean’s List and not on the D and F list may attend<br />

one evening school function per week. Afternoon study hall attendance is not<br />

required.<br />

• D and F list boarding students may not attend evening events.<br />

Evening Free Time<br />

The time between dinner and 7:20 p.m. is free time. The Wallis Room is open for coed<br />

visiting during this period. During the period from 9:50 until 10:30 p.m., freshmen and<br />

sophomores are permitted out of their dorms to go to the Levi Lounge and Coffee House<br />

only. Lounge areas within each dorm are open for use. An exception to this rule will occur<br />

on nights when the gym and pool are open.<br />

It is a junior/senior/postgraduate privilege to visit in the dorm lounge other than their<br />

own that is open on a designated night or to leave campus during the period 9:50 - 10:30<br />

p.m. Boarding students may not ride in cars during this period.<br />

Dorm lounges are open after study hall on the evenings indicated:<br />

Swetland’s Wallis Room – The Wallis Room is open at certain times.<br />

A schedule will be posted at the beginning of the year.<br />

Carpenter’s Basement Lounge – open to Carpenter residents only<br />

Darte Lounge – open to Darte residents only<br />

The Levi Lounge - The Basement of Carpenter – a student-run snack bar is open<br />

many evenings after study, as announced at dinner.<br />

It is important that everyone adheres to the visitation schedule outlined here. While it<br />

may be fun to be with students from the other dorms, some of the people in your dorm<br />

may occasionally want a little more privacy.<br />

Check-in time in all dorms for all students will be promptly at 10:30 p.m. Sunday through<br />

Thursday evenings.<br />

Residential Life<br />

41


Room Condition<br />

Boarding students are expected to keep their rooms neat and clean. Furniture is not to be<br />

removed from the dorm rooms in which it is originally placed. Beds are not to be modified<br />

in any way – removal of ends, placing springs/mattresses on the floor, etc. Special tape<br />

or molding brackets are the only means by which wall hangings or posters may<br />

be mounted.<br />

Dorm rooms will be inspected frequently by dorm leaders and resident faculty. Students<br />

are expected to keep rooms clean, neat and orderly at all times. Beds are to be made<br />

and clothes put away. Desks are to be kept in good order. Rooms are to be swept and<br />

trash (including wastebasket) emptied in hallway containers. Dorm consequences may<br />

be assigned for violations of the above, and charges will be made for damages. Damages<br />

to common areas will be assessed to all residents of the living unit unless someone<br />

assumes responsibility.<br />

Each dorm leader will hand out a room condition report to each boarder as the school<br />

year begins. Each student should take the time to see that these reports are complete<br />

and accurate before returning them to the dorm leader. If, for any reason, a student<br />

should change his or her room during the school year, he or she must be sure to fill out<br />

another room condition sheet and return it to either their dorm head or a representative<br />

of the Dean of Upper School’s office.<br />

Room Search Statement<br />

The dormitory rooms are the property of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary and are loaned to the<br />

students to use for the school year. <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary reserves the right to search<br />

rooms for condition and for the presence of any inappropriate materials as school<br />

officials see fit. The room may be searched without the student present. The school also<br />

reserves the right to engage the Kingston Police Department to assist in room searches<br />

when warranted.<br />

Room Safety Tips for Boarders<br />

• Students are urged ALWAYS to keep rooms locked. It is even advisable to lock the<br />

room when going to the lavatory or just down the hall.<br />

• Students are advised not to keep valuables in their rooms. Money, jewelry and<br />

credit cards should be kept to a minimum.<br />

Residential Life<br />

42<br />

• The school strongly suggests that boarders not leave credit cards, money,<br />

checkbooks, jewelry and other valuables around in plain sight. School<br />

provided lock boxes should be used to secure such items. Parents should<br />

check bills carefully if their son or daughter has a credit card.<br />

Motor Vehicles<br />

Boarding students may not ride in a car unless their parents have given written<br />

permission to the school. Each time a situation arises that necessitates an exception


to this rule, students must gain permission from the Dean of Upper School, a Class<br />

Dean or a staff duty leader. Boarding students are not permitted to drive a vehicle (car,<br />

motorcycle, etc.) while under the jurisdiction of the school. This jurisdiction begins when<br />

the student arrives on campus from home until he/she leaves the campus to go home<br />

(or elsewhere) in the company of parents. Boarding students are not permitted to have a<br />

vehicle in the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming Valley.<br />

International Students: Pennsylvania laws make it very difficult for international students<br />

to obtain a driver’s license. <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary will not be able to help students obtain<br />

driver’s licenses. Boarding students are not permitted to have vehicles on or in the<br />

vicinity of campus.<br />

Weekend Dorm Sign-outs<br />

Except for a few closed weekends, a boarding student may be excused to visit his/her<br />

home on weekends or may be excused for visits elsewhere with permission from home.<br />

Each boarding student planning to leave campus for a weekend M<strong>US</strong>T file an online<br />

request for permission to leave campus before noon on Thursday of that week. The online<br />

request form can be found on <strong>Sem</strong>’s Web site under the Residential Life page. (Go to<br />

wyomingseminary.org, Student Life, Residential Life, Weekend Sign Out.)<br />

PLEASE NOTE: The online request form is enabled from Monday at 8:00 a.m. through<br />

Thursday at noon.<br />

A telephone or e-mail permission from the custodial parent, as well as from the host,<br />

is required by noon on Friday in each case. Correspondence concerning weekend<br />

permissions should be directed to Mr. Logan Chace, Director of Residential Life. Mr.<br />

Chace can be reached at his office phone: 570-270-2124, the Parent Line: 570-270-2153,<br />

or by e-mail: lchace@wyomingseminary.org.<br />

If, for any reason, the student has a change in weekend plans, it is the responsibility of<br />

the parent to notify the Director of Residential Life or the administrator on duty for the<br />

weekend.<br />

All boarding students M<strong>US</strong>T return to their dorm before 7:30 p.m. on Sunday<br />

evenings. Ample time should be allowed to cover delays en route. If unforeseen<br />

circumstances cause a student to be late, the student or parent should call the<br />

dorm parent on duty that weekend. Name and contact information for dorm<br />

parents are listed online on each weekend bulletin.<br />

The school reserves the right to cancel any weekend permission at any time or to<br />

revoke weekend privilege for students; weekend permissions are a privilege, not<br />

a right.<br />

Residential Life<br />

43


Parents of boarding students are urged to notify their child’s Class Dean and the Director<br />

of Residential Life when they will be away for extended periods.<br />

Weekend Pass Procedure<br />

1) Students should fill out an online sign-out request form that can be found on<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>’s Web site under the Residential Life page. (Go to wyomingseminary.org,<br />

Student Life, Residential Life, Weekend Sign Out).<br />

2) The sign-out request is due by noon on Thursday, after which the online form is<br />

disabled.<br />

3) After the student’s request has been submitted, a parent or guardian must e-mail<br />

or call the Director of Residential Life no later than Friday at 12:00 p.m. to confirm<br />

the sign-out. Call the Parent Phone Line at (570) 270-2153 or the director’s office at<br />

(570) 270-2124 or send an e-mail to Logan Chace (lchace@wyomingseminary.org).<br />

4) The Director of Residential Life will notify the student when his/her signout<br />

has been approved. Students may not leave campus until the sign-out has<br />

been approved. PASSES NOT APPROVED BY 12:00 P.M. FRIDAY ARE<br />

AUTOMATICALLY CANCELLED.<br />

Closed Weekends for 2011-2012<br />

September 2-4<br />

September 9-11<br />

The school reserves the right to add closed weekends where needed.<br />

School Vacations<br />

Dormitories open and close PRECISELY on the dates below. Students will NOT be<br />

accommodated in the dormitories before the stated arrival dates or after the departure<br />

dates. Families of students arriving early or departing after dates listed below must<br />

make alternative housing arrangements.<br />

Travel plans must be made according to the schedule on the following page.<br />

Residential Life<br />

44


Vacation Depart Campus Return to Campus<br />

Travel Dates<br />

Travel Dates<br />

Thanksgiving Nov. 18 & 19 Nov. 26 & 27<br />

Dorms close at<br />

Dorms open at<br />

noon on Nov. 19 noon on Nov. 26.<br />

All students must<br />

be in the dormitory<br />

by 7:30 p.m. on<br />

Nov. 27<br />

Christmas Dec. 16 & 17 Jan. 1 & 2<br />

Dorms close at<br />

Dorms open at<br />

noon on Dec. 17 noon on Jan. 1<br />

All students must<br />

be in the dormitory<br />

by 7:30 p.m. on<br />

Jan. 2<br />

Spring Break Feb. 24 & 25 Mar. 10 & 11<br />

Dorms close at<br />

Dorms open at<br />

noon on Feb. 25 noon on Mar. 10<br />

All students must<br />

be in the dormitory<br />

by 7:30 p.m. on<br />

Mar. 11.<br />

End of Year<br />

*Students will have exams scheduled for the week of May<br />

21-24.<br />

* The Junior Senior Prom will be held Thursday, May 24.<br />

* Commencement weekend is the weekend of May 26-27.<br />

Students are allowed to depart from campus following<br />

their last academic obligation, but may stay on campus<br />

through commencement ceremonies.<br />

The dormitories will close at 5:00 p.m., Sunday May<br />

27, following commencement. Departure plans<br />

should be made according to this schedule.<br />

End of year departure from campus travel dates: Tuesday May 22-27.<br />

If ground transportation to/from campus to/from an airport is needed we offer the<br />

following:<br />

Residential Life<br />

45


Airport to/from <strong>Sem</strong><br />

Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Airport (AVP)<br />

John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)<br />

Newark Airport (EWR)<br />

Philadelphia Airport (PHL)<br />

Ground Transportation Charge<br />

No charge<br />

$100 per person, one way.<br />

$100 per person, one way.<br />

$100 per person, one way.<br />

PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY PROVIDE GROUND TRANSPORTATION ON THE TRAVEL<br />

DATES LISTED ABOVE.<br />

*Please forward a copy of the student’s airline ticket to Mr. Logan Chace, Director of<br />

Residential Life at lchace@wyomingseminary.org. Tickets are due no later than two<br />

weeks prior to the school vacation. Ground transportation cannot be arranged until we<br />

have a copy of the student’s airline ticket.<br />

Levi Sprague Fellows<br />

Levi L. Sprague, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s fourth president, was associated with the school<br />

for 70 years. For 54 of those years, he served as president of the school. A student<br />

leadership program honoring Sprague as one of the school’s most devoted leaders was<br />

established in 1993. Levi Sprague Fellows are chosen annually for their leadership roles<br />

in the academic,athletic, social and extracurricular life at <strong>Sem</strong>. Students chosen are<br />

honored with a scholarship for full room and board during their senior year.<br />

The 2011-12 Levi Sprague Fellows are:<br />

Sean Banul<br />

Renata O’Donnell<br />

Bethany Brody Alisa Oh<br />

Dom Malone Kristian Stefanides<br />

Dormitory Resident Assistants<br />

Resident assistants are the primary student leaders in the boarding community, with<br />

whom the dormitory faculty have entrusted important responsibilities. They serve as<br />

positive role models for other students, adhering to all school policies and upholding<br />

adherence to all rules and policies. They serve as a liaison between students and faculty,<br />

developing positive relations between these two groups in the boarding community. If<br />

students are in academic or personal difficulty, RAs help them get the attention they need<br />

by referring them to the school counselor, nurse or a faculty member. They help monitor<br />

study halls, lounges, dormitory floors and entrances, and help with evening check-in and<br />

other dormitory duties. RAs also help with fall orientation.<br />

Residential Life<br />

46<br />

Carpenter Hall<br />

Charly Cai<br />

Eric Cholish<br />

Cohl Fulk<br />

Sam Hwang<br />

Brandon Jang<br />

Tony Jeong<br />

Willie Lu<br />

Dom Malone


Darte Hall<br />

Tanmay Patel<br />

Hoang Tran<br />

Minh Tran<br />

Swetland Hall<br />

Ariko Ando<br />

SunHo Lee<br />

I-An (Angela) Lin<br />

Katherine Marsman<br />

Kathleen Mooney<br />

SeoJin (Alisa) Oh<br />

Mercedes Rutherford<br />

Kristina Yannotta<br />

Ye Eun (Kelly) Yoon<br />

Chunhui (Flora) Yu<br />

Guests<br />

Any boarding student who would like to have an overnight guest in a dormitory must<br />

make arrangements with the appropriate dorm leader at least 48 hours in advance. The<br />

student is responsible for his/her guest. If meals are to be taken in the dining room, this<br />

must be cleared with a representative of the Director of Residential Life’s office at least<br />

48-hours in advance. Guests are permitted on weekends, but not on weekdays unless<br />

special conditions exist.<br />

Standard of Dress<br />

The standard of dress for the academic day is outlined in detail on pages 29 - 30. Parents<br />

and students should read that section carefully to plan students’ wardrobes. Students<br />

may dress more informally during free time and for cafeteria-style meals except for lunch<br />

on school days. (Shirts worn in the dining hall must have sleeves.) When in the dormitory,<br />

students may wear casual clothes. To avoid embarrassment, students should be attired<br />

decently whenever outside their rooms.<br />

Dining Room and Meals<br />

Attendance is required at all meals with the exception of breakfast on Saturday and<br />

Sunday unless the student has been excused by the Director of Residential Life or<br />

appropriate Class Dean. Please note that shirts and shoes must be worn in the dining<br />

room and kitchen at all times, in keeping with health regulations.<br />

Promptness is expected at all family-style dinners. Table assignments will be posted for<br />

family-style meals. All boarding students are expected to share in performing “waiting<br />

duties” at the family-style meals. Details on expectations and procedures for waiters will<br />

be given at the beginning of the school year.<br />

Students are not permitted to remove dishes, silverware, glasses or other equipment<br />

without permission from the dining room supervisor.<br />

Boarding Student Allowance Accounts<br />

Parents of boarding students may deposit spending money in an allowance account with<br />

the Business Office. Allowances will be disbursed once weekly by the Business Office in<br />

Residential Life<br />

47


amounts up to $50 as directed by parents. (Average allowances are about $20 per week.)<br />

Students may draw from their allowance accounts on Friday afternoon between 2:00 p.m.<br />

and 3:45 p.m.<br />

The maximum amount the Business Office will disburse from an allowance account per<br />

week is $50. If an allowance account is not satisfactory for a student’s spending needs,<br />

a local bank account can be opened. A PNC Bank ATM machine is available to students<br />

on campus. Boarding students are advised against keeping large sums of money in their<br />

rooms. The school will not be responsible for the loss of money in their rooms. The school<br />

will not be responsible for the loss of money not deposited with the Business Office.<br />

Laundry<br />

Coin-operated washers and dryers are in each dorm for student use.<br />

Cell Phone Policy<br />

Students are encouraged to have cell phones at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary but are asked to<br />

manage them responsibly. When managed irresponsibly, cell phones can be disrespectful<br />

and disruptive. We expect <strong>Sem</strong> students to follow these rules:<br />

• All cell phones and their numbers must be registered with Mrs. Cassetori in the<br />

Academic Office.<br />

• Student cell phone use is prohibited in and around all classroom buildings during<br />

the academic day, during all lectures and performances, in the dorms during evening<br />

study hall and in the dorms after “lights out” through the following morning at 7:00<br />

a.m.<br />

• Cell phone use is prohibited at all times inside Fleck Dining Hall, BPAC<br />

(Buckingham Performing Arts Center), and the Kirby Library.<br />

A <strong>Sem</strong> student who does not follow these rules will receive one warning and then will<br />

lose his/her cell phone privileges for a period of time to be determined by the Class Dean<br />

or the Dean of the Upper School.<br />

Residential Life<br />

48<br />

Mail<br />

The school mail boxes are located in Sprague Hall. Mail is distributed Monday through<br />

Friday and may be picked up: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. To facilitate<br />

delivery to boarding students, please address mail as:<br />

John/Jane Doe<br />

Mailbox Number<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary<br />

201 North Sprague Avenue<br />

Kingston, PA 18704-3593


Storage Policy<br />

Because of lack of storage space, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary cannot accept responsibility for<br />

storage of students’ personal belongings during the summer months. Only students who<br />

live a great distance from school will be allowed to store personal items. No large items,<br />

such as sofas or loveseats, will be stored. <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary assumes no responsibility<br />

for these items.<br />

Items left in storage after the opening of school will be assumed to be unwanted and<br />

may be discarded.<br />

Evening and Weekend Schedules<br />

Monday - Thursday<br />

Dinner- family style...........................................................................................6:15 p.m.<br />

On floors for study hall......................................................................................7:20 p.m.<br />

Study hall................................................................................................7:30 - 9:50 p.m.<br />

In-dorm check-in.............................................................................................10:30 p.m.<br />

Friday Evening<br />

Dinner - cafeteria style...........................................................................5:30 - 6:45 p.m.<br />

Underclassmen check-in.................................................................................11:00 p.m.<br />

Upperclassmen check-in.................................................................................11:30 p.m.<br />

Lights-out .........................................................................determined by Dorm Leaders<br />

Saturday<br />

Breakfast - optional..............................................................................9:00 - 10:00 a.m.<br />

Brunch - cafeteria style..............................................................11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.<br />

Dinner - cafeteria style...........................................................................5:30 - 6:45 p.m.<br />

Underclassmen check-in.................................................................................11:00 p.m.<br />

Upperclassmen check-in.................................................................................11:30 p.m.<br />

Lights-out .........................................................................determined by Dorm Leaders<br />

Sunday<br />

Breakfast - optional..............................................................................9:00 - 10:00 a.m.<br />

Brunch - cafeteria style..............................................................11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.<br />

Dinner - cafeteria style...........................................................................5:30 - 6:45 p.m.<br />

On floors for study hall......................................................................................7:20 p.m.<br />

Study hall................................................................................................7:30 - 9:50 p.m.<br />

In-dorm check-in.............................................................................................10:30 p.m.<br />

Residential Life<br />

49


Student Services<br />

Advisory System<br />

Every student has a faculty advisor to whom he or she is encouraged to go with any<br />

kind of problem, scholastic or personal. The keen understanding and personal interest<br />

of an older person in a student’s welfare, achievements and setbacks can give helpful<br />

and sometimes vital personal guidance. These advisors, since they are usually more<br />

intimately concerned with the student’s problems and total situation than anyone else<br />

in the school, make occasional reports to parents and can be most helpful in matters<br />

concerning their son’s or daughter’s progress.<br />

To provide continuity, returning students retain the same advisor from year to year. New<br />

students are assigned to a faculty advisor early in the school year and may request a<br />

change in May for the next school year. Students may request changes of advisor by<br />

seeing the Dean, Mr. Jay Harvey.<br />

Social / Personal Counseling<br />

Social and personal counseling is available on campus through several trained staff<br />

members. Available for counseling sessions are Mr. James Kersey, Mrs. Denny Barber<br />

and The Reverend Charles Carrick.<br />

Referral to these services can be made through several different methods: self-referral,<br />

advisor referral, faculty referral, administrative referral or parental referral. Counseling<br />

sessions are completely confidential. Any questions regarding available services should<br />

be directed to Mr. Kersey (contact information is on page 72.) A student may be referred<br />

to outside sources at our counselors’ discretion.<br />

50


<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Counseling Program Mission Statement<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Upper School’s Counseling Program is comprehensive, focusing on<br />

the needs of students, parents, and educators. The goals of the program are to assist<br />

students in developing their potential both as learners and as community members; and<br />

to promote health and wellness in life choices; and to serve as a resource for parents and<br />

educators.<br />

Services can be categorized as preventive and developmental, focusing systematically<br />

on individual student potential for growth; and as crisis oriented, responding to<br />

students who are experiencing specific problems and stresses. The school counselors<br />

are professionals who assist students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Three<br />

processes used by the counselors are: counseling, which includes problem-solving,<br />

decision-making, and discovering personal meaning related to learning and development;<br />

consulting, a cooperative process in which the counselor/consultant assists others to<br />

think through problems and to develop skills that make them more effective in working<br />

with students; and coordinating, a leadership process in which the counselors help to<br />

organize and manage the school’s counseling program and relate services. Confidentiality<br />

is observed in all counseling relationships.<br />

Health Services<br />

The school nurse, Mrs. Beth Blaum, is on duty every school day from 7:45 a.m. until 4:00<br />

p.m. in her Darte Hall office near the front entrance of the building. Mrs. Blaum can also<br />

be reached for emergencies at all times through a pager. The associate nurse, Ms. Maria<br />

Coons, is in the office evenings and weekends as needed. The nurse is available by cell<br />

phone at all times. All excuses from class, including physical education, must be secured<br />

from the nurse’s office, in advance, by the student involved. Students taken ill during the<br />

school day must notify the nurse’s office immediately in order to be excused from classes.<br />

If the nurse is not in her office, students should report to the Dean of Upper School’s<br />

office or to their Class Dean. The Residential Life section of this <strong>handbook</strong> advises dorm<br />

students of procedure in the event of their illness. No student may leave the campus<br />

because of illness without first consulting the nurse, who will try to notify parents.<br />

Please Note: In accordance with Pennsylvania State regulations, all students must have<br />

complete immunization records before attending classes. Students who do not have<br />

the necessary immunizations will not be allowed to begin school. Immunization waiver<br />

for medical or religious purposes will only be accepted for day students. All boarding<br />

students must be in compliance with Pennsylvania immunization requirements.<br />

A physical exam is required for all students yearly. Students participating in<br />

interscholastic activity will be held out of practice and competition until the physical<br />

exam form is completed and given to the nurse.<br />

College Guidance<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s College Guidance program plays an integral part in preparing<br />

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students for the next phase of their educational experience. College counselors are<br />

available to meet with individual students and parents as often as necessary to facilitate<br />

admission to colleges appropriate for each senior and postgraduate.<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> begins the college counseling process in the sophomore year when students are<br />

introduced to Family Connection, a comprehensive Web site that students and parents<br />

can use to help in making decisions about courses, colleges, and careers. Individual<br />

meetings between sophomores and their assigned college counselor are held in the<br />

spring. These meetings are designed to establish a rapport between student and<br />

counselor and initiate the student to the criteria for researching colleges. Student and<br />

counselor discuss course selection for the junior year, the student’s activities/leadership<br />

profile and his/her general interests in a future college. Each sophomore receives<br />

guidance to begin to investigate colleges. Sophomores are encouraged to visit colleges to<br />

refine the criteria they will use to identify colleges to which they will apply. All students<br />

who visit colleges during the academic year need to follow procedures outlined earlier in<br />

the <strong>handbook</strong> (see pg. 25).<br />

In the first half of the junior year, students are urged to focus on their academic<br />

preparation. They are automatically registered to take the PSAT in October. In the winter<br />

term, they complete a junior interview with their counselor, who helps them to refine<br />

and expand their list of prospective colleges and to map out a standardized testing plan<br />

suited to their individual needs. During the spring trimester, all juniors participate in<br />

the College Guidance <strong>Sem</strong>inar, which provides students with skills to research schools,<br />

majors and careers; students also gain experience in completing college applications.<br />

Juniors write a draft of their college essay, complete a practice college application and<br />

explore other college-related topics. Before leaving for summer vacation, all juniors<br />

submit a written request to two teachers for letters of recommendation. Because college<br />

admission officers prefer confidential recommendations, it is the policy of the guidance<br />

office not to share the contents of the teacher or college counselor recommendations<br />

with applicants or parents.<br />

Parents and students should realize that <strong>Sem</strong>’s College Guidance staff, in partnership<br />

with the deans, must accurately and honestly respond to questions about a student’s<br />

major disciplinary record (probation to dismissal) on the Common Application or specific<br />

college forms.<br />

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52<br />

The college counseling process allows students time to explore colleges and themselves<br />

before determining the list of colleges to which they will apply in the beginning of their<br />

senior year. Seniors submit transcript requests to the College Guidance Office; teacher<br />

recommendations, the school statement or counselor recommendation, transcripts and<br />

a school profile explaining <strong>Sem</strong>’s academic program and grading scale are then sent to<br />

the students’ prospective colleges or universities. It is our policy to send fall and winter<br />

term grades to all colleges where students are active applicants. It is the student’s<br />

responsibility to know and meet all application deadlines and to release standardized


test records and other pertinent college admissions data directly to their prospective<br />

schools. It is also the student’s responsibility to notify the College Guidance office of all<br />

college acceptances and denials. Finally, the student must notify his or her counselor of<br />

his/her college choice. After graduation, one final transcript will be sent to the institution<br />

to which the student has enrolled.<br />

Bookstore/Campus Store<br />

Students may purchace textbooks and other school supplies at the Campus Store in the<br />

basement of Sprague Hall. Purchaces of more than five dollars’ value may be billed to<br />

parents. Bills are submitted monthly and are due as rendered. The campus store also<br />

offers a variety of school oriented merchandise for sale. Students may purchace T-shirts,<br />

jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, school mugs, and various other school items. The store is<br />

open each school day according to the schedule posted.<br />

Library<br />

Kirby Library is located on the second floor of the Stettler Learning Resources Center.<br />

The library offers students both academic and recreational fiction and nonfiction<br />

materials and provides spaces conducive to studying and relaxing. Subscribing to over<br />

80 periodicals, the library is an excellent place to pursue personal interests or to find the<br />

answers to intellectual questions.<br />

With 10 iMacs and thirty wireless MacBook laptops, the library also provides a wireless<br />

public computing space for student work. Two printers offer students free black and<br />

white printing, and photocopying is also available at no cost. Students must adhere to<br />

the Network Acceptable Use Policy found on pages 32-34.<br />

The library also displays student artwork and science projects, and its classrooms can be<br />

reserved for club meetings or study groups.<br />

Library Hours<br />

Monday through Thursday<br />

Friday<br />

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.<br />

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />

Saturday<br />

Sunday<br />

CLOSED<br />

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.<br />

The library will offer extended hours Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.<br />

whenever possible, based on student-worker availability.<br />

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53


Library Materials and Circulation<br />

The library holds over 20,000 books and over 1,000 DVDs for student use. An up-todate<br />

fiction collection offers the latest in recreational reading, and a foreign language<br />

collection supports students in their pursuit of language skills. In addition to the print<br />

periodicals, electronic databases containing hundreds of thousands of full-text magazine<br />

and newspaper articles are available and can be accessed through the library Web site at<br />

http://www.youseemore.com/wyomingseminary/Kirby/. Reference books do not circulate<br />

but students are encouraged to photocopy pertinent articles for their research. There is<br />

no charge for printing or copying. Fiction and nonfiction books circulate for three weeks<br />

at a time and can be renewed via e-mail. Students are asked to be considerate of other<br />

researchers working on similar topics by limiting the number of books they check out on<br />

a given subject. No fines for overdue books are charged, but lost books will be charged to<br />

the student.<br />

As a member of Access Pennsylvania, the state of Pennsylvania’s library consortium,<br />

the Kirby Library can obtain books and videos from the nine million items available from<br />

participating libraries via interlibrary loan. Students are encouraged to suggest books,<br />

magazines, and videos for the library to purchase so the library fully reflects the students<br />

who use it.<br />

The Library Environment<br />

Kirby Library provides a friendly, welcoming space for students eager to do academic<br />

work or relax with friends. Since the library is an intrinsic part of campus, all school<br />

rules during the academic day are in effect, including the school’s dress code and the<br />

prohibition on cell phone use. All students are expected to be mature enough to throw<br />

away their trash and leave a clean learning environment for others. No food or drink is<br />

allowed next to computers, but drinks with lids or caps are allowed in the library.<br />

The noise level of the library should always be conducive to those students studying, and<br />

library patrons are asked to always respect the students working around them. Groups<br />

who feel that their enthusiasm might infringe on the learning of others are asked to use<br />

an unoccupied library classroom. Listening to music or watching videos is allowed in the<br />

library with the caveat that no sound should be audible from student headphones, which<br />

are available for loan if needed. One of the library’s classrooms is usually reserved for<br />

people wishing to pursue work in a quieter atmosphere. There is also one small “ultraquiet”<br />

room that can be reserved for individual use.<br />

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54<br />

Library Visits<br />

All students are encouraged to visit the library during their free bells. Students in<br />

mandatory study hall must obtain a library pass from a classroom teacher or dean,<br />

present the pass to their study hall monitor, sign his or her name legibly in the study<br />

hall binder at the circulation desk, and tuck the pass into the designated pocket of the<br />

binder. Neglecting any one of these steps would result in the student being placed on the<br />

accountability list.


During evening study hall, the library is a space for academic work only. Students<br />

are encouraged to work alone or in quiet groups, but they must be doing schoolwork,<br />

otherwise they will be sent back to their dorm room. Boarding students interested in<br />

using the library in the evening must obtain a library pass from the faculty member on<br />

duty in their dorm and must present this pass to the library staff member on duty when<br />

they enter the library. Each student must then reclaim his/her signed and time stamped<br />

pass from the library staff at the end of the visit and return it to the faculty member on<br />

duty to account for his/her absence from the dorm.<br />

Service Opportunities at the Library<br />

The library offers opportunities for students to gain community service hours through<br />

volunteering. Reshelving books, helping with library displays, cleaning out old magazines,<br />

and participating in programming are some ways students can earn hours toward their<br />

community service requirement. Students interested in substantial community service<br />

hours and who have approachable, friendly personalities should consider training as<br />

a library after-hours assistant. These students do not have to be members of the LAB<br />

(Library Advisory Board) and should speak to one of the librarians.<br />

Library Advisory Board<br />

Students interested in developing leadership skills are encouraged to apply for<br />

membership in the Library Advisory Board. This group is a council composed of students<br />

from all grades who organize and lead monthly events. Its mission is to promote the<br />

use of and programming for Kirby Library. Students make decisions about collection<br />

development, evening and weekend events, and generally help to give direction to the<br />

library and its staff. Members collaborate with other groups and collect information from<br />

the student body through formal and informal surveys.<br />

Board members also participates in periodic leadership retreats, field trips, and specialinterest<br />

committee opportunities, all of which impact the <strong>Sem</strong> community by shaping the<br />

future of this campus resource. Recruiting for new members occurs each fall during Teen<br />

Read Week; there is an application process to be approved as a member.<br />

Religious Life<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary has had a relationship with the United Methodist Church since <strong>Sem</strong>’s<br />

founding in 1844. From its very beginning, however, the school has welcomed students<br />

of all faiths. Following our philosophy (inside front cover of this <strong>handbook</strong>), <strong>Sem</strong> tries to<br />

incorporate spiritual and ethical as well as academic education.<br />

All students are required to take a one-trimester course, “The Bible and Western<br />

Culture.” “World Religions,” “A History of Judaism,” “History of Christianity,”<br />

“Philosophy,” and “Ethics” may be elected by those wanting to develop their knowledge<br />

in these areas. Throughout the year, students are required to attend Chapel assemblies<br />

once or twice a week, held either in the Buckingham Performing Arts Center or at<br />

the Church of Christ Uniting. These provide an interfaith forum for the exploration of<br />

important issues that affect all of us. On special occasions they also offer an opportunity<br />

to worship together as a school community.<br />

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55


Those who come to <strong>Sem</strong> as boarding students are encouraged to become affiliated with<br />

faith communities in our local area. A number of churches and synagogues as well as<br />

a mosque are accessible from our campus. The school chaplain will assist interested<br />

students in locating a house of worship that suits their traditions or tastes.<br />

Students interested in deepening their spiritual life, perhaps through Bible studies,<br />

fellowship groups, prayer services, or interfaith gatherings, are urged to communicate<br />

that desire to the staff chaplain. Likewise, students are welcome to pursue off-campus<br />

religious involvements, providing they don’t interfere with our academic schedules and<br />

have been cleared with the Dean of the Upper School’s office.<br />

Student Activities<br />

The student activities program at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary, under the direction of Mrs.<br />

Jennifer Siff, attempts to balance the weekly academic load with a variety of student<br />

oriented weekend opportunities. Therefore it is flexible, with clubs and on-campus<br />

activities being student-driven rather than adult-driven. In recent years, trips have<br />

included New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia for professional<br />

sporting and cultural events; Hershey Park, Dorney and Six Flags amusement parks;<br />

several local ski areas; King of Prussia, Woodbury Commons, and Crossings shopping<br />

malls. Other weekend trips have included ice skating, hiking, bowling, roller skating as<br />

well as weekly movie and local restaurant trips. A typical year would include a winter<br />

weekend ski trip to Killington, Vt., and a spring trip to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.<br />

On-campus activities have featured bands and DJs at indoor and outdoor performances,<br />

professional hypnotists and mind readers, game show night, casino night, and other<br />

events organized by the Student Activities Committee.<br />

Information about weekend events, future events and links to athletic schedules and<br />

scores can be found on the school’s electronic daily bulletin, the Knight & Day: www.<br />

wyomingseminary.org/knight_and_day.<br />

Lunch<br />

Lunch is served in the dining room during Bells 4, 5 and 6 on school days. Students will<br />

have access to a full-service lunch with hot entrées, soup, salads, sandwiches, beverages<br />

and desserts. In addition, specialty items such as pizza and made-to-order items are<br />

available several days each week.<br />

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56<br />

The food service can respond to special dietary needs. These needs should be<br />

communicated to the food service director.<br />

Students are expected to leave the tables in the dining room presentable by taking trays<br />

and waste paper to the “return” area.<br />

Seniors and postgraduates are permitted to choose one day, either Tuesday, Wednesday,<br />

or Thursday to go off campus for lunch. When electing to do so, the students in question


must sign-out at the desk of the assistant working with their Class Dean and sign back<br />

in upon return, in the same location. Students choosing to leave campus for lunch must<br />

walk, not drive, and must return in time for their afternoon obligations. Students on the<br />

“D and F List” are not eligible for this privilege.<br />

Lockers<br />

Day students are assigned lockers, if requested, in Sprague Hall for storage of books,<br />

coats and other personal belongings. All students may request a locker in the gymnasium.<br />

These lockers are assigned for the protection of the student’s possessions. It is expected<br />

that students keep their valuables locked in a locker at all times. The school will not<br />

be responsible for personal property left unattended. All lockers are the property of<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary and are loaned to the student to use for the school year. <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary reserves the right to inspect lockers for condition and for the presence of any<br />

inappropriate materials as school officials see fit.<br />

Recycling<br />

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary offers the community<br />

an opportunity to recycle through the use of paper and commingled recycling bins that<br />

are located in most public spaces on campus. These containers can also be found on<br />

each floor of the school’s dormitories.<br />

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57


Organizations and Activities<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Government<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Government is an organization representing students, faculty, and<br />

administration which is responsible for many of the non-academic aspects of school life.<br />

The Government has one regularly scheduled meeting per month. All meetings are open<br />

to any member of the <strong>Sem</strong>’s community. Standing committees include Special Projects,<br />

Communications, and Fundraising, with ad hoc committees formed at the discretion of<br />

Government officers.<br />

2011-2012 <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Government Executive Committee<br />

President .......................................................................................Renata O’Donnell ’12<br />

Vice President ....................................................................................Devin Holmes ’13<br />

Secretary ........................................................................................ Carolin e R e p p e r t ’ 1 3<br />

Treasurer ................................................................................................Sean Banul ’12<br />

2011-2012 Class Officers<br />

Class of 2012 President .....................................................................Renata O’Donnell<br />

Vice President ........................................................................................ Harry Parkhurst<br />

Officers ...................................................................................Beau Zafrany, Sean Banul<br />

Representative ............................................................................................ Evan Botwin<br />

Class of 2013 President ............................................................................Devin Holmes<br />

Vice President ...........................................................................................Brandon Jang<br />

Officers ........................................................................ Caroline Reppert, Siobhan Brier<br />

Representative .................................................................................Katherine Maximov<br />

58


Class of 2014 President ........................................................................ Matt Cartwright<br />

Vice President .................................................................................... Andrew Drewchin<br />

Officers ............................................................................... Matt Doggett, Ben Hornung<br />

Representative ................................................................................................Bobo Gao<br />

Class of 2015 officers will be selected in the fall of 2011.<br />

Dorm Representatives<br />

Carpenter Hall. ..............................................................to be chosen in the fall of 2011<br />

Darte Hall ......................................................................to be chosen in the fall of 2011<br />

Swetland Hall ...............................................................to be chosen in the fall of 2011<br />

Faculty and Administrators<br />

Mrs. Elaine Burg<br />

Mr. Jay Harvey<br />

Mr. C.J. Kersey<br />

Mrs. Catie Kersey<br />

Ms. Jane Slaff<br />

Mrs. Jennifer Siff<br />

Mr. Jon Siff<br />

Peer Group<br />

Peer Group is a monthly gathering of students who represent a cross-section of the<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>inary student body. They meet with members of the administrative team led by Ms.<br />

Rachel Bartron and Mrs. Catie Kersey to discuss issues of interest to the overall life of<br />

the <strong>Sem</strong> community. Additionally the Peer Group plans programs and initiates projects<br />

that will have a positive influence on the school. Each spring, a review committee made<br />

up of students and faculty members selects representatives from the three returning<br />

classes, for membership, who would make a favorable contribution to the Peer Group<br />

for the coming year. Prospective members are judged on their expressed leadership<br />

ability, their ability to communicate their ideas in a group, and on the respect with which<br />

they are held by their peers and by the faculty. Considerable effort is made to insure<br />

that gender, age, and ethnic diversity is maintained in the group, as well as logical<br />

representation of both boarding and day students. Since its creation over 10 years ago,<br />

Peer Group has had a positive impact in helping the community consider issues of racism,<br />

substance use and academic integrity, to name a few.<br />

Cum Laude<br />

Scholarship has always been of paramount importance at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary. It is,<br />

therefore, fitting that a school of high scholastic standards should sponsor a society<br />

whose goal is the encouragement and the rewarding of academic excellence. In colleges,<br />

the Phi Beta Kappa Society was organized for this purpose. In preparatory schools, the<br />

Cum Laude Society fosters and acclaims scholarship. Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude<br />

Society now has chapters in most of the leading preparatory schools of the country.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s chapter was founded in 1930. Senior student members are elected<br />

in the fall and in the spring. In the fall, not more than 10% of the senior class may be<br />

inducted into Cum Laude. These students must have a junior year average of at least<br />

Organizations and Activities<br />

59


3.4 (out of a possible 4.0) and have had no junior grade below “C-.” At the end of the<br />

senior year, more students may be inducted, bringing the total to no more than 20% of<br />

the senior class. At the end of the senior year, inductees must have attained a cumulative<br />

average during their junior and senior years of at least 3.1 and no grade below “C-.”<br />

Previously elected members of the organization make election of new members to Cum<br />

Laude. All nominees – honorary, faculty, and students – must receive at least threefourths<br />

of the vote of members present and voting to be elected to membership in the<br />

chapter. Students whose record reflects an infraction of the school’s honor code or<br />

standard of conduct place their eligibility for Cum Laude selection at risk.<br />

Blue Key<br />

Blue Key is a student ambassador organization that primarily helps the Admission and<br />

Alumni offices. Blue Key members serve as student representatives at admission, alumni,<br />

development and presidential activities, and as on-campus hosts for all campus visitors.<br />

Visitors include prospective students, returning alumni, parents and other guests of the<br />

school. It should be the goal of all Blue Key members to present <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary in<br />

a positive manner, both on and off campus, thereby enhancing the image of the school.<br />

Anyone interested in being an ambassador for <strong>Sem</strong> may join Blue Key. However, there<br />

will be strict guidelines for remaining in Blue Key. There will be required attendance at<br />

Blue Key educational meetings, a required number of service commitments each year, a<br />

required dress code, daily checking and response to Blue Key related e-mails, and others.<br />

The advisor for Blue Key is Ms. Gwyneth Hecht.<br />

Organizations and Activities<br />

60<br />

Science Research Group<br />

The Science Research Group is open to all students with an interest in science and<br />

research. The group, advised by science teacher Dr. Andrea Nerozzi, meets on a weekly<br />

basis and works on inquiries into biological or chemical fields. In SRG, students will learn<br />

the nuts and bolts of science but also gain experience with equipment and techniques<br />

that are not typically a part of a high school curriculum. Students may develop their own<br />

research projects under the guidance of Dr. Nerozzi and often in association with college<br />

faculty or professionals. Examples of current efforts include the effects of mine water on<br />

area streams, rivers and soil. Recently, SRG projects have included “community service”<br />

research such as tree surveys for local communities. Students often present their<br />

research at regional and state science symposiums.<br />

Publications<br />

“The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming” is <strong>Sem</strong>’s yearbook. It is presented to the student body at the end of the<br />

school year followed by a supplement in the summer that includes spring term and yearend<br />

activities. The staff works in the areas of business, layout, sports and photography,<br />

all under the direction of the editorial staff. Sign-ups will be announced during the fall<br />

term for this year’s “<strong>Wyo</strong>ming.” The “<strong>Wyo</strong>ming” office is in the Student Center.<br />

“The Opinator” is <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s student newspaper. Published monthly throughout<br />

the school year, “The Opinator” is written by members of its editorial staff, with


contributions from all members of the <strong>Sem</strong> community. Editorial board appointments<br />

are made during the winter term, but new writers are invited to join at any time. “The<br />

Opinator” office is in Sprague Hall, room 209. Mrs. Ivy Miller is the advisor.<br />

“Clio’s Camera” is an online journal of historical writing by <strong>Sem</strong>inary students and<br />

faculty. See history department chair Mr. Steven Ris for information.<br />

Community Service<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>’s Community Service Organization has a two-fold purpose. It provides students<br />

with the opportunity to perform service-oriented tasks, and it supplies the community<br />

with volunteer manpower. Community Service is a prime resource for students who<br />

need an approved Excolo project. These projects provide an opportunity for students<br />

to explore human aspects of life, to grow morally and spiritually, to exercise judgment<br />

and to develop a community spirit. Activities are divided into two types. The shortterm<br />

group projects encourage camaraderie and cohesiveness. Individual placements require<br />

a longer time commitment and allow students to demonstrate personal responsibility. All<br />

students are welcome to attend monthly meetings, to present new ideas, to participate in<br />

established projects and to seek leadership roles. Faculty advisor for Community Service<br />

is Mrs. Elaine Burg.<br />

Choral Music<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Chorale is a vocal ensemble open to all members of the student<br />

body at the beginning of the school year. The enjoyment of singing is more important<br />

than the ability to sing. The chorale presents concerts throughout the school year both on<br />

campus and in the community. All interested students may join.<br />

The Madrigal Singers is a select group that performs separately from the large chorus<br />

and presents music written for small vocal ensembles. It performs locally, tours, and on<br />

occasion during recent years, has entered international competitions in Greece, Germany<br />

and England. In 2009, the ensemble received two gold medals and two silver medals at<br />

a festival in Olomouc Czech Republic, and won first prize in two categories competing<br />

against 117 choirs from 21 countries! Mr. John Vaida directs both choral groups.<br />

Dance<br />

The dance program is directed by Mrs. Bernardine Vojtko. Interested students are<br />

encouraged to join weekly classes and participate regardless of previous dance training<br />

or experience.<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Dance Company is a group organized to sharpen and showcase<br />

the talents of its members. The group meets after school with students joining on a term<br />

basis. Each spring a major production is staged.<br />

Drama<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>’s drama program is an extracurricular opportunity offering a full slate of theatrical<br />

Organizations and Actvities<br />

61


activities from acting to backstage experience. There are generally three major<br />

performances throughout the year. Productions are carefully chosen to provide a range of<br />

styles and genre, so a typical selection might include a musical in the fall, a modern play<br />

or one-act workshop in the winter, and a classic or classical play in the spring. Students<br />

take advantage of performance opportunities and/or instruction in the techniques of set<br />

design, costuming, lighting, stage management, and makeup. Mr. Jason Sherry directs<br />

the drama program.<br />

Film Club<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary film lovers will greatly enrich their technical skills and creative<br />

thinking in the yearlong Film Club. Students get to write, shoot, edit and showcase<br />

their own short films at the school’s annual Film Festival. Mr. Jason Sherry is this club’s<br />

advisor.<br />

Instrumental Music<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s instrumental music department offers the following diverse<br />

ensembles that challenge instrumentalists at every level of development.<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Orchestra<br />

The orchestral experience at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary is designed to expose students to the<br />

best classical orchestral literature of the past as well as to outstanding contemporary<br />

works by leading composers. Theoretical concepts, musical terminology, rhythmic<br />

concepts, historical facts and ideas about musical interpretation that directly relate to<br />

the literature being studied are explored. Field trips to open dress rehearsals of the New<br />

York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra afford students additional opportunities to<br />

hear live music and to meet and talk one-on-one with professional orchestral musicians.<br />

Open to students by audition only, the orchestra rehearses weekly and performs during<br />

Parents Weekend as well as in two other concerts per year. Mr. Anthony J. Kubasek is<br />

the director.<br />

Organizations and Activities<br />

62<br />

Chamber Music Ensembles<br />

Members of the school orchestra who are ready to participate in a chamber music<br />

ensemble may be invited by the instrumental directors to participate in one of several<br />

groups. Although the size and makeup of the groups may vary from year to year, chamber<br />

ensembles in the past have included a string quartet, flute quartet, percussion ensemble<br />

and piano trios. The ensembles perform frequently on and off campus. The string quartet<br />

undertook a week long performance tour of England in 2003. Various faculty members<br />

who are professional musicians direct each chamber ensemble, providing students with<br />

close personal attention.<br />

The Jazz Ensemble<br />

All interested instrumentalists are invited to join the Jazz Ensemble, under the<br />

direction of Mr. Robert Lugiano. In a “performing lab” setting, students explore musical<br />

improvisation, drawing on a diverse repertoire of Afro-American and Afro-Cuban musical


structures. The Jazz Ensemble meets a minimum of twice a week throughout the school<br />

year; several performances are given annually on and off campus. Jazz combos form,<br />

and students must audition for the “Big Band.” During the 2009-10 school year, the Jazz<br />

Ensemble was the only high school band in the state chosen to perform at the PMEA<br />

(PA Music Educators Assoc.) conference in Pittsburgh. In June, 2011, the Jazz Ensemble<br />

toured Europe performing in the Czech Republic.<br />

Handbell Choir<br />

All students with basic rhythm reading skills may participate in the Handbell Choir,<br />

directed by Mr. Kubasek. The choir adds its stately sound to several Chapel services<br />

each year and performs in concerts both on and off campus. In the past several years,<br />

this group has performed at the Scranton Cultural Center and Kirby Center prior to the<br />

Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic concerts, as well as on WVIA, the local public<br />

television/radio station as part of its “Sounds of the Season” broadcast in December,<br />

2007. Enrollment is limited to 14.<br />

String Ensemble<br />

Open to string players by audition only, the string ensemble is directed by Christiane<br />

Appenheimer-Vaida and John Michael Vaida, Jr. Through close personal attention, string<br />

players are given the opportunity to develop their personal and ensemble skills through<br />

the study of exemplary string ensemble repertoire. The group performs in two major<br />

concerts yearly as well as on other occasions during the school year.<br />

Wind Ensemble<br />

The wind ensemble provides an opportunity for woodwind, brass players and<br />

percussionists to develop their ensemble skills through the study of classic wind<br />

ensemble repertoire as well as through the study of newer compositions. Directed by<br />

Robert Lugiano, the group rehearses during the school day and gives two concerts yearly.<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Civic Orchestra<br />

Open to advanced instrumentalists by audition only, the Civic Orchestra is a select group<br />

of limited size comprising students from <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary and the local community.<br />

The ensemble rehearses on the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary campus and presents two concerts<br />

throughout the school year.<br />

Organizations and Actvities<br />

63


Athletics<br />

Athletics<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary has a well-rounded athletic program under the direction of Ms.<br />

Karen Klassner, the Director of Athletics, and a talented group of coaches. The school<br />

is proud that nearly eighty percent of the student body participates in organized<br />

interscholastic athletics. Its teams have proven to be very competitive over the years.<br />

School colors are blue and white, and athletes are called the Blue Knights.<br />

For boys, the school offers football, soccer, basketball, cross country, ice hockey,<br />

swimming, wrestling, baseball, tennis, golf and lacrosse on the varsity level. Varsity<br />

sports for girls are field hockey, golf, tennis, basketball, ice hockey, cross country,<br />

swimming, soccer, lacrosse and softball. Most sports offer junior varsity teams.<br />

The following <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Athletic Code should be read carefully because<br />

the school’s philosophy and expectations are significantly different from those prevailing<br />

in some other levels of sports in North America.<br />

Athletic Program and Philosophy<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Athletic Code<br />

• The <strong>Sem</strong>inary athlete respects coaches, captains and fellow players, as<br />

allies in a common endeavor to play well and win the game. While willing to<br />

offer constructive suggestion, no athlete undermines or “runs down” a fellow<br />

player or a coach. Coaches emphasize positive reinforcement and specific,<br />

constructive criticism. Fostering team morale and loyalty is a prime athletic<br />

virtue at <strong>Sem</strong>.<br />

64


• Visiting teams, referees and spectators are respected as guests of the<br />

school.<br />

Baiting of opponents, spectators or referees is totally unacceptable. <strong>Sem</strong>inary<br />

fans, including students, parents and friends and guests of the school, cheer<br />

for the <strong>Sem</strong>inary team, and not against – particularly in terms of any personal<br />

vilification – the other team.<br />

• Decisions of game officials must be respected as honest attempts to enforce<br />

the mutually necessary rules of the game. <strong>Sem</strong> athletes understand and respect<br />

the rules of the game, and seek to gain no unfair or underhanded advantage by<br />

circumventing the rules.<br />

• The athlete who is in control is an effective athlete. An athlete, coach<br />

or fan who loses his or her cool can be an embarrassment to our team and<br />

school. Students, either on the field or in the stands, may be subject to school<br />

discipline for flagrant breaches of decorum and sportsmanship which bring<br />

disrespect on the school.<br />

• <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary’s philosophy in athletics, like that of any good<br />

independent school, is that athletics are part of education; winning is desirable,<br />

but losing can be educational and even a triumph when the team has given its<br />

best. Coaches, players and fans are generous in victory and gracious in defeat.<br />

The <strong>Sem</strong> athletic program is intended to provide competition for skilled and committed<br />

athletes with opponents of comparable skill. Where numbers, facilities and league rules<br />

permit, coaches will make every attempt to keep all committed players who go out for a<br />

competitive sport on the squad. Being a member of a team does not, however, guarantee<br />

playing time. Coaches choose game players on the bases of skill level, physical condition,<br />

attitude, team loyalty, practice attendance, sportsmanship and coach ability. Some<br />

coaches may also tend to honor a commitment to play athletes who have been faithful<br />

members of the team for several years. On j.v. teams, coaches will generally substitute<br />

more freely; but it has to be the coach’s judgment as to who plays when in any athletic<br />

contest.<br />

It is expected that athletes will attend all practices and outside contests. Due to the<br />

school’s PIAA commitments in many sports and the difference between <strong>Sem</strong>’s and public<br />

high schools’ vacations, varsity athletic commitments can involve the sacrifice of some<br />

vacation time, and in some sports, weekend time.<br />

Any athlete who must miss an athletic practice or contest for any reason must notify the<br />

coach as early as possible beforehand. Players who miss practices or games must realize<br />

that their absences may affect their amount of play time. Who plays, and how much, is,<br />

of necessity, the coach’s decision.<br />

Athletics<br />

65


Please refer to the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Athletic Code (previous page), with the following<br />

addendum for parents (next page). Athletes at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary are accountable to the<br />

Drug and Alcohol Policy included in the summer registration packet and reviewed by each<br />

coach at the beginning of the season.<br />

Addendum to Code for Parents<br />

Parents are encouraged to bear in mind the following.<br />

By the time a student at <strong>Sem</strong> is engaged in interscholastic competition, the athlete<br />

is most in need of perspective, generally positive reinforcement, and mature<br />

example from parents – not intense pressure, specific coaching or uncritical<br />

boosterism.<br />

Except in very rare instances, <strong>Sem</strong> coaches, though they are professional educators<br />

rather than professional coaches, are more qualified than the parents to coach their<br />

son or daughter. And in the extremely rare instances where this may not be the<br />

case, it is the coach, not the parent, who has the overall responsibility for the team,<br />

while attempting to do the best by and for your offspring.<br />

Not only is it extremely important that parents abide by the spirit of <strong>Sem</strong>’s Athletic<br />

Code above, but that they set a good example by such actions as applauding<br />

opponents’ good plays as well as our own team’s.<br />

It is almost impossible for a parent to be the best judge of his or her offspring’s<br />

athletic ability and achievement, or lack thereof. Parents inevitably tend either to<br />

give their own child an edge or to be too hard on them. The coach, for better or for<br />

worse, is a necessary objective arbiter.<br />

Just as <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Upper School encourages each student to be responsible<br />

for communicating with teachers, <strong>Sem</strong> athletes should take responsibility in dealing<br />

with their coaches. In only the most exceptional circumstances is it appropriate for<br />

a parent to act as an intermediary or intercessor with a coach. Parents are certainly<br />

encouraged, however, to discuss serious concerns they have about any aspect of the<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> athletic program with the coach, the Director of Athletics, or, finally, the Dean.<br />

Athletics<br />

66


Parents Association<br />

All current parents of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary students belong to the Parents<br />

Association.<br />

The mission of the Parents Association is:<br />

• to promote the interests and welfare of <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary<br />

• to raise funds for the Parents Annual Fund and for special events<br />

• to facilitate accurate and constructive communication between the school,<br />

parents, the community and world at large<br />

• to encourage parents to act as volunteers promoting and working in constructive<br />

enterprises for the school.<br />

The <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Parents Council is a small group of parents who represent the<br />

Parents Association.<br />

The 2011-12 Council officers are:<br />

President ............................................................................................... Cathy O’Donnell<br />

Vice President ................................................................................................ Lois Spath<br />

Secretary ......................................................................................... Rosemary Chromey<br />

Members of the Council are available to advise other parents about the school. Feel<br />

free to contact Ms. Elizabeth Frosini in the Development Office at (570) 270-2140 to be<br />

referred to a Council member or if you have any questions about the Parents Association.<br />

67


Historically, the primary revenue-producing activity for the Parents Association has<br />

been an online and live auction. For the past six years, the auction has raised more than<br />

$300,000 for faculty wish-list items. The auction is an all school effort led by the Upper<br />

and Lower School Parent Associations. The auction begins online and concludes with a<br />

live auction party.<br />

Parents Association<br />

68


Telephone Numbers (Areas of Interest)<br />

Absence, Attendance, Illness (of Students):<br />

For Day Students<br />

Mrs. Sherry Cassetori, the Class Deans’ assistant<br />

(570) 270-2170 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.<br />

For Boarders<br />

Mr. Logan Chace, Director of Residential Life<br />

(570) 270-2124<br />

Dorm Heads<br />

Swetland Hall (for all female boarders)<br />

Mrs. Colleen Ayers (570) 499-0064<br />

Darte Hall (Grade 9 - 10 boys)<br />

Mr. Justin Naylor (570) 855-8108<br />

Carpenter Hall (Grade 11 - PG boys)<br />

Mr. Brian Kaschak (570) 592-8340<br />

School Nurse<br />

Mrs. Beth Blaum, Health Services Office<br />

(570) 270-2180 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />

Monday through Friday<br />

Mrs. Maria Coons, the Associate Nurse,<br />

evenings and weekends as needed<br />

Academic Matters:<br />

1. Classroom Teacher Voicemail by Name (570) 270-2203<br />

If you don’t know which teacher you should call, ask the Dean’s Office<br />

administrative assistant, Gloria Wallace at (570) 270-2100.<br />

2. If you can’t get the teacher or are not satisfied with your discussion, call the<br />

department head, your child’s advisor or the Class Dean.<br />

Freshman & Sophomore Class Dean: Mr. Jon Siff (570) 270-2171<br />

Junior Class Dean: Mrs. Catie Kersey (570) 270-2114<br />

Senior & PG Class Dean: Mr. C.J. Kersey (570) 270-2103<br />

3. After exhausting these contacts, you may call the Dean.<br />

Dean of the Upper School, Mr. Jay Harvey (570) 270-2175<br />

69


Overall Scheduling, Curricular or Academic Matters:<br />

1. Call your son’s or daughter’s advisor (570) 270-2203 (voicemail),<br />

2. the appropriate Class Dean (see previous page),<br />

3. the Academic Dean, Mr. Randy Granger or finally<br />

4. Dean of the Upper School, Mr. Jay Harvey (570) 270-2175<br />

Athletic Matters:<br />

Individual Coach<br />

(570) 270-2203 (voicemail)<br />

Please bear in mind the spirit of <strong>Sem</strong>’s Athletic Code (see pg.64-66).<br />

Director of Athletics, Ms. Karen Klassner (570) 270-2120<br />

Assistant Director of Athletics, Mr. Terry Karg (570) 270-2205<br />

Student Life Office (570) 270-2110<br />

Daily Athletic Schedule and Directions (570) 270-2120, then press 3<br />

Sports schedules, scores and directions to home and away games are also available on<br />

<strong>Sem</strong>’s Web site (wyomingseminary.org). If directions are not available on Ms. Klassner’s<br />

voicemail message or <strong>Sem</strong> Web site, parents should call the opposing team’s athletic<br />

office. In spite of our best efforts, we cannot be responsible for other school’s last minute<br />

changes.<br />

Billing, Accounts, Insurance, etc.:<br />

Business Manager Robert Tarud (570) 270-2130<br />

Telephone & E-mail Contact<br />

70<br />

Disciplinary Matters:<br />

Major Issues<br />

Mr. Jay Harvey, Dean of the Upper School<br />

(570) 270-2175<br />

cell: (570) 592-2282<br />

Student’s Advisor<br />

(570) 270-2203 (voicemail)<br />

Student’s Dorm Head (page 73)<br />

Minor Issues Class Deans (page 69)


If you feel you need further clarification or help on any issue:<br />

Mr. Jay Harvey, Dean of the Upper School (570) 270-2175<br />

Dr. Kip Nygren, President (570) 270-2150<br />

or Ms. Mary Swaback, Assistant to the President<br />

Parents may call the Dean or the President if the issue concerns overarching<br />

policy or philosophy of the school, or if they feel they have exhausted all other<br />

channels.<br />

E-mail:<br />

Every teacher, administrator and student at <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Upper School has a <strong>Sem</strong><br />

e-mail address.<br />

Although teachers and administrators make every effort to respond to e-mail messages<br />

promptly, class schedules do not allow for instantaneous replies, so extremely urgent<br />

messages should probably be handled on the telephone.<br />

E-mail addresses have been standardized to make contact easy:<br />

jdoe@wyomingseminary.org<br />

E-mail addresses are also listed in <strong>Sem</strong>’s online Faculty/Staff Directory:<br />

www.wyomingseminary.org/directory<br />

Telephone & E-mail Contact<br />

71


Office Telephone Numbers<br />

All <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary numbers use area code 570.<br />

Regular office hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each school day.<br />

Academic Office 270-2170, FAX 270-2121<br />

Class Deans – see page 19<br />

Registrar, Director of Scheduling – Laurie Morgan<br />

Admission Office Admission & Financial Aid 270-2160, FAX 270-2191<br />

Summer Programs Admission 270-2166, FAX 270-2198<br />

Dean of Admission – Mr. John R. Eidam<br />

Director of Admission – Mr. David Damico<br />

Associate Directors of Admission – Mr. Kevin Blaum, Ms. Gwyneth Hecht<br />

Alumni/Development Office 270-2140, FAX 270-2199<br />

Vice President of Advancement – Mr. John Shafer<br />

Director of Development – Ms. Kay Young<br />

Director of Alumni Programs – Ms. Julie Strzeletz<br />

Associate Director of Development – Ms. Elizabeth Frosini<br />

Athletic Office 270-2120, FAX 270-2122<br />

Director of Athletics – Ms. Karen Klassner<br />

Assistant Director of Athletics – Mr. Terry Karg<br />

Business Office 270-2130, FAX 270-2199<br />

Business Manager – Mr. Robert Tarud<br />

Chaplain’s Office 270-2203, ext. 5939<br />

Chaplain – The Rev. Charles Carrick<br />

College Guidance Office 270-2106, FAX 270-2487<br />

Director of College Guidance – Ms. Harvie Ruggles<br />

Associate Director of College Guidance – Ms. Jane Slaff<br />

College Counselors – Mrs. Denny Barber, Mrs. Anne Lew, Mr. Ethan Lewis<br />

Counselors<br />

Mr. James Kersey 270-2185<br />

Mrs. Denny Barber 270-2127<br />

Dean of Upper School’s Office 270-2100, FAX 270-2193<br />

Dean – Mr. Jay Harvey home: 592-2282<br />

Academic Dean – Mr. Randy Granger 270-2105, (home: 287-2449)<br />

72


Dormitories<br />

Boys Dormitories<br />

CARPENTER HALL<br />

Dorm Leader – Dr. Brian Kaschak 592-8340<br />

DARTE HALL<br />

Dorm Leader – Mr. Justin Naylor 855-8108<br />

Girls Dormitories<br />

SWETLAND HALL<br />

Dorm Leader – Mrs. Colleen Ayers 499-0064<br />

Director of Residential Life<br />

Mr. Logan Chace 270-2124<br />

Weekend Permission Parent Line 270-2153<br />

Kirby Library 270-2168<br />

Director of Libraries – Mrs. Courtney Lewis<br />

Upper School Librarian – Mrs. Ivy Miller<br />

Music Department – Mr. John Vaida 270-2117<br />

Mr. Anthony J. Kubasek 270-2203, ext. 5936<br />

Nurse’s Office – Mrs. Beth Blaum, R.N. 270-2180<br />

Associate Nurse – Mrs. Maria Coons, R.N.<br />

PAI (The Performing Arts Institute) 270-2186, FAX 270-2191<br />

Director – Mrs. Nancy Sanderson<br />

President‘s Office – Dr. Kip Nygren 270-2150, FAX 270-2199<br />

Assistant to the President – Ms. Mary Swaback<br />

PR & Publications Office 270-2190, FAX 270-2199<br />

Director of Communications – Ms. Alexis M. Kropp<br />

Associate Director of P.R. and Publications – Mrs. Gail Smallwood<br />

Webmaster – Mrs. Patty DeViva 270-2499<br />

Student Life 270-2110, FAX 270-2148<br />

Director of Student Life – Mrs. Jennifer Siff<br />

Office Telephone Numbers<br />

73


Expenses 2011 - 2012<br />

Day Student Tuition .....................................................................................................$21,200<br />

Technology Fee (day students) .........................................................................................$350<br />

Cafeteria Service (day students) ......................................................................................$875<br />

Books (varies per student) approximately .....................................................................$500*<br />

*Book fees are based course selection<br />

Resident Student Tuition, Room and Board.................................................................$41,950<br />

Technology Fee (resident students) .................................................................................$600<br />

Room Repair and Replacement Fee (resident students)....................................................$25<br />

Books (varies per student) approximately......................................................................$500*<br />

*Book fees are based course selection<br />

Transportation fees may be applied for students requiring travel to/from airport.<br />

Schedule of Payments<br />

Once enrolled, the student and his/her family are responsible for payment of a full year’s<br />

tuition, room and board. No refunds for withdrawal or dismissal will be made.<br />

Direct payment may be made in full in advance of August 1 or as follows:<br />

Day<br />

Boarding<br />

Upon enrollment $ 1,500 $ 1,500<br />

August 1 12,700 26,650<br />

December 1 7,000 13,800<br />

Total $21,200 $41,950<br />

A payment plan is available through FACTS Tuition Management Company. Information<br />

detailing this plan is available on the <strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary Web site at www.<br />

wyomingseminary.org; click on Admission > Upper School > Tuition > Tuition Payment<br />

Options, or by calling the Business Office at (570)270-2131.<br />

Fees for books and other charges are payable as billed. All financial obligations must<br />

be satisfied before the student may begin classes or take term examinations. School<br />

documentation (report cards, transcripts, etc.) will not be released until all tuition and<br />

fees have been paid in full.<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary financial aid grants will be subtracted from tuition, room and board<br />

fees.<br />

74


Facts 2011 - 2012<br />

Founded<br />

1844, by the Methodist Church<br />

President<br />

Kip P. Nygren<br />

B.S., U.S. Military Academy<br />

M.S. Aeronautics and Industrial<br />

Engineering, Stanford University<br />

Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering,<br />

Georgia Institue of Technology<br />

Enrollment<br />

Lower School: 340<br />

Upper School: 440<br />

Boarding students come from throughout the United States and the world, including<br />

Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Lebanon, Netherlands,<br />

Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.<br />

Average Class Size<br />

Lower School: 12 students<br />

Upper School: 14 students<br />

Student-Teacher Ratio<br />

Lower School: 8:1<br />

Upper School: 10:1<br />

Financial Aid<br />

About $6 million in financial aid awarded in 2009-2010; 50 percent of Upper School and<br />

Lower School students receive financial aid.<br />

Faculty (2009-10)<br />

Lower School: 40 women, 8 men<br />

(43% hold master’s degrees; 2% hold doctorates)<br />

Upper School: 25 women, 37 men<br />

(12% hold doctorates, 57% master’s degrees)<br />

Academic Program<br />

Three terms each year; grades distributed six times each year. More than 160-course<br />

selections; Advanced Placement courses offered in all major disciplines, preparing<br />

students for 25-AP subject exams.<br />

75


Summer Programs<br />

Well established and in great demand, the programs of Summer at <strong>Sem</strong> attracted more<br />

than 475 students in 2009. Programs include academic enrichment and credit-worthy<br />

courses, the extraordinary Performing Arts Institute, and the world-renowned English as a<br />

Second Language (ESL) Institute.<br />

College Placement<br />

Beginning sophomore year, students receive highly personalized counseling to assist<br />

them in locating colleges and universities that suit their interests, abilities and needs.<br />

Virtually all graduates pursue their education in four-year programs. Fifty -five percent<br />

of our students are accepted at colleges and universities considered “highly” and “most<br />

competitive.”<br />

<strong>Wyo</strong>ming <strong>Sem</strong>inary graduates are currently enrolled at: Boston University, Brown,<br />

Bucknell, Franklin & Marshall, Fordham, George Washington, Harvard, Lehigh, New York<br />

University, Parsons School of Design, Penn State, Purdue, Rochester Institute of<br />

Technology, Temple, Tufts, University of California Berkeley, University of North Carolina<br />

and Wilkes.<br />

Athletics<br />

Varsity sports include football, golf, soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming,<br />

wrestling, baseball, tennis, lacrosse, field hockey, softball and ice hockey. More than 75<br />

percent of boys and girls take part in interscholastic athletics. Several <strong>Sem</strong> sports teams<br />

compete at the state championship level every year.<br />

Extracurricular Program<br />

Publications, clubs, drama, dance and music attract many participants. Choral and<br />

instrumental musicians perform frequently, and artists display their work on campus.<br />

Excolo is a required activities/community service program. Weekends include ski trips,<br />

shopping, on-campus entertainment and sports events.<br />

Endowment<br />

Operating Expenses<br />

$43.3 million $16.6 million<br />

Alumni<br />

8,000<br />

Fast Facts<br />

76<br />

Accreditation<br />

The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; University Senate of<br />

the United Methodist Church; Pennsylvania Association of Private Academic Schools.<br />

Memberships NAIS; The National Association of Methodist Schools and Colleges; PAIS;<br />

The Association of Boarding Schools; SSATB; Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education;<br />

The College Board, National Association of College Admission Counselors; Council for<br />

Advancement and Support of Education.


Alma Mater<br />

I. Where the Susquehanna’s waters<br />

Kiss her golden sands,<br />

’Mid the hills of fair <strong>Wyo</strong>ming<br />

Alma Mater stands.<br />

Just beyond the busy humming<br />

Of the bustling throng<br />

With her head raised high to heaven<br />

Looks she calmly on.<br />

CHOR<strong>US</strong><br />

Raise the chorus, speed it onward,<br />

Loud her praises sing;<br />

Hail to thee, Our Alma Mater<br />

Hail, dear <strong>Wyo</strong>ming.<br />

II. Famous is her name in story<br />

Through her honored ones;<br />

Cherished memory of her glory<br />

Thrills her noble sons.<br />

All her sons shall rally ‘round her,<br />

True they’ll ever be,<br />

’Til they plant her glorious banner,<br />

So that all may see.<br />

77


Index<br />

A Academic honesty 17-18<br />

Academic program 9-18<br />

Accountability list 29<br />

Activities 56<br />

Add a course 14<br />

Admission 72<br />

Advisors 50<br />

Airport transportation 45-46<br />

Alcohol policy 22-23, 26<br />

Allowances 47<br />

Alma mater 77<br />

Area code 72<br />

Athletics 64-66<br />

Athletic code 64<br />

Attendance 24-25<br />

B Bell Schedules 10<br />

Blue Key 60<br />

Bookstore 53<br />

Bus transportation 33-34<br />

C Calendar 5<br />

Campus map 80<br />

Cell phones 35, 48<br />

Choral music 61<br />

Class Deans 19, 69<br />

Class officers 58<br />

Closed weekends 44<br />

College counseling 50-51<br />

College visits 29<br />

Community service 61<br />

Computers 16, 31-33, 38<br />

Contact us 69-73<br />

Counseling 50-51<br />

Courses, drop/add 14-15<br />

Cum Laude Society 59-60<br />

D Daily Bulletin 29<br />

Dance 61<br />

Dean’s letter 8<br />

Dean’s list 12<br />

Dining room and meals 47, 56<br />

Disciplinary system 20-24<br />

Dormitory life 37-49<br />

Drama 61<br />

Dress code 29-31, 47<br />

Dress-up days 31<br />

D continued<br />

Driving/auto policy 34, 42<br />

Drop a course 14-15<br />

Drug policies 22-23<br />

E E-mail contact 71<br />

Emergencies 36<br />

Evening schedules 49<br />

Exam schedule 15-16<br />

Excolo 35<br />

Excessive absences 26<br />

Expectations 19-36<br />

Expenses 74<br />

F Facts 75-76<br />

Film club 62<br />

Fire safety 35, 39<br />

G Government 58-59<br />

Government officers 58<br />

Grades 11-14<br />

Green sheet 25, 29<br />

Guests 47<br />

H Harassment 21, 23<br />

Health services 39-40, 51<br />

History 6<br />

Homework 12-13<br />

Honor code 17-18<br />

Honor roll 12<br />

I Instrumental music 62-63<br />

Intl. student travel 45-46<br />

L Laundry 48<br />

Levi Sprague Fellows 46<br />

Library 53-55<br />

Lock Down procedures 36<br />

Lockers 57<br />

Lost articles 36<br />

Lunch 56-57<br />

M Mail 48<br />

Student addresses 48<br />

Major school rules 21-22<br />

Medical procedure 39-40<br />

Messages 48, 69-73<br />

78


M continued<br />

Mission statement 4<br />

Motor vehicles<br />

Boarding students 34, 42<br />

Day students 34<br />

Music 62-63<br />

N Network acceptable use policy 31-32<br />

Nurse 39-40, 51<br />

O Offices 72-73<br />

Organizations 58-63<br />

P Parental involvement 16-17<br />

Parents Association 67<br />

Parents athletic code 66<br />

Parties (off-campus) 27<br />

Payment schedule 74<br />

Peer Group 59<br />

Performing Arts 62-63<br />

Philosophy 4<br />

Piercings 31<br />

President’s letter 7<br />

Publications 60-61<br />

R RAs (Resident Assistants) 46<br />

Records 36<br />

Recycling 57<br />

Religious life 55-56<br />

Report cards 11-13<br />

Residential life 37-49<br />

Room condition 42<br />

Room search statement 42<br />

Rules (major) 21-22<br />

S continued<br />

Student records 36<br />

Student services 50-57<br />

Study abroad 16<br />

Study hall 12<br />

Evening 40-41<br />

Special events during 44<br />

Swimming pool 36<br />

T Tattoos 31<br />

Telephones<br />

Students’ 35, 48<br />

Offices, dormitories 69-70, 72-73<br />

Tobacco policy 23<br />

Transportation<br />

Day students 33<br />

Boarders 46<br />

Travel options 46<br />

Tutoring 15<br />

V<br />

Vacation<br />

School 5, 29, 44<br />

Passes 44-45<br />

Dorms closed 44-45<br />

Voicemail 48, 69-70, 72-73<br />

W Web site 81<br />

Weekend parties 27<br />

Weekend permissions 44<br />

Weekend schedules 49<br />

What to bring 37-38<br />

S Safety tips for boarders 42<br />

Schedules<br />

Academic schedule changes 14-15<br />

Daily “bells” schedule 10<br />

Evening and weekend 49<br />

School rules (major) 21-22<br />

Science Research Group 60<br />

Snow day procedure 28<br />

Standard of dress 29-31, 47<br />

Stolen articles 36<br />

Storage policy 49<br />

Student activities<br />

Program 56<br />

Organizations 58-63<br />

Index<br />

79


80<br />

Campus Map


Web Site<br />

Home page: <strong>Sem</strong>’s Home page will always display critical information such as<br />

emergency messages and snow delays: www.wyomingseminary.org.<br />

E-mail Login: <strong>Sem</strong> e-mail accounts are easy to access using the E-mail Login link at the<br />

top of every page on the site.<br />

Quicklinks: Also at the top of every page, the Quicklinks dropdown menu is a one-stop<br />

location where you can find daily schedules, calendar information, the Multimedia<br />

Gallery, <strong>Sem</strong> News, the Faculty and Staff Directory, and more.<br />

Calendar: Here are some of the ways you can view <strong>Sem</strong>’s electronic calendar: sort to<br />

view only the events you want to see; sync with your iCal; export as an Excel document;<br />

add it to your rss feed; send yourself “alerts” via e-mail or text for upcoming events, and<br />

much more: www.wyomingseminary.org/us_calendar<br />

Going mobile: Have a handheld device? Getting the daily schedule, checking your e-mail<br />

and calendar, and getting sports scores is easy! Just point your phone’s browser to:<br />

www.wyomingseminary.org.<br />

Popular Pages to Bookmark<br />

Daily online Knight & Day with Bell schedule and menu:<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/knight_and_day<br />

Daily Bell Schedules<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/bell_schedules<br />

Multimedia Gallery:<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/multimedia<br />

<strong>Sem</strong> News:<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/sem_news<br />

Performing Arts Calendar:<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/arts_calendar<br />

Faculty and Staff Directory:<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/directory<br />

Sports Calendar:<br />

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/sports_calendar<br />

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82<br />

Notes

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