Parents' Manual

A-Board (Advisory Board)
A-Board is a key committee comprised of faculty and students. It meets monthly to discuss issues, and makes recommendations for outcomes to the Head of School and for town meeting.

Advisor Block
This is a block of time allocated each school day for advisors and advisees to meet. Schoolwide notices, issues, summer reading and more are discussed during this time, and attention is paid to the progress of each individual student.

Advisors
Adults are assigned to advise approximately seven CSW students during the year. Students can request a change of advisor at course registration each year but often keep the same advisor throughout their CSW stay. Advisor groups often include students from different grades.

Annual Fund
Each year, the Development Office seeks to raise money for the items in the school budget, which tuition alone does not cover. All non-profit organizations have annual fund raising efforts. Contributions of any size are welcome since the rate of participation reflects your support as much as the total dollar amount. Contact the Development Office at 781-642-8645.

Annual Fund Phonathons
Two to three times a year, CSW parents volunteer their time for a phonathon evening, which includes dinner and camaraderie. Contact the Development Office if you’re interested.

Arts Performances
Each year CSW students perform in a variety of artistic endeavors: musicals, plays, dance concerts, music concerts, student-directed plays, and concerts. These are all open and free to the public. Check the CSW website or your school calendar for performance dates.

Assemblies
Twice a week the entire student body and most of the teachers gather for an assembly. The agenda varies from presenting outside speakers to sneak preview performances by students and everything in between. Students and/or teachers often speak or perform at assemblies. Announcements are made; issues are discussed. Town meeting is held during assembly.

Athletics
Each academic year students are required to complete three athletic credits through participation in a competitive team sport or in a combination of various recreational physical education classes/activities, wilderness experiences or dance courses. Team sports grant three credits, participation in recreational sports four days per week per module grants one credit, or two days per week for two modules grants one credit. Most dance courses grant athletic credit. For more information, please contact the Director of Athletics.

Boat Dance
The entire CSW student body is invited to a dance on a Boston Harbor cruise boat in May each year, chaperoned by CSW faculty. Transportation from CSW is provided to and from the event. Dress is “anything goes,” and students don clothing styles ranging from formal to outlandish.

Capstone Project
In order to foster rich, authentic and creative achievement, every senior is required to complete and present a project worked on most of senior year. For more information, check the CSW website or contact the Capstone Advisor.

Children’s Garden
This is a certified pre-school housed on CSW’s campus. There are many opportunities for interaction between CSW students and the youngsters. It is common for students to fulfill their school service requirement by helping out at the Children’s Garden.

Class Trips
These trips are designed to help students make connections with their classmates and to do some team building.

College Counseling
College counseling begins at CSW in the fall of junior year with PSAT testing. Shortly after, students begin to see their college counselors, and parents attend an informational evening. Students start the process of developing a list of schools that meet their criteria as well as their parents'. As the application process begins, counselors work with students on their essays and help complete all application requirements on a timely basis. The CSW College Counseling Office’s website, www.csw.org/college, contains information about testing, college search, applications and links to other important websites.

Community Service
Every year, each CSW student is required to fulfill 15 hours of community service on or off campus. Students may be approved to do their own project or work or be assigned one through the faculty community service coordinator, Joyce Krensky. Joyce can be reached by e-mail at jkrensky@csw.org or by calling 781-642-8644.

CSW Directory
Before or during Mod 1, each family is mailed a directory that lists the addresses, phone numbers and e-mails of parents. It also contains important phone numbers for faculty and offices on campus. If you would like to update information in the directory e-mail changes to directory@csw.org .

D Block
D Block, the fourth and last block of the day, offers students the opportunity to choose an activity of interest such as sports, theater, music, dance, or art. There is a wide variety of D Block choices each year including such activities as African Drumming, Modern Dance, Open Art Studio, Fall Production and many more. D Block activities are chosen by each student, with the help of her/his advisor during registration for classes in the spring (or during the summer for new students and incoming freshman.) Consult the Student Handbook for more information.

Dean of Residential Life
This dean provides leadership and support for the residential program, plans and oversees evening programming, serves as a boarding liaison to other offices, plans and oversees All-Boarders Weekend and All-Boarders Community Days as well as weekend activities.

Dean of Students
The Deans’ Office is responsible for non-academic student life at CSW, including health, psychological services, the athletic program, D Block, attendance, orientation, student involvement in decision-making (elections, etc.) and discipline. The Dean of Residential Life and the Dean of Students work closely to make sure the school finds ways to support the students while also upholding community standards.

Diversity Committee
This committee (made up of faculty, staff, parents and students,) plans activities that recognize, appreciate and celebrate diversity at CSW.

Early Intervention Team (EIT)
In the Student Handbook, it states: “Anything that interferes with a student’s health and well-being is of concern to the school. Therefore, the role of CSW’s Early Intervention Team is to intervene with education and support, and to help in determining whether a student should be evaluated for chemical use/abuse. The adults on the E.I.T. have received special training in substance use issues. If the school’s rules about chemical use are broken, students will face disciplinary action. The Early Intervention Team is not connected to the school’s disciplinary system.”

Emergencies
Contact the Switchboard for all emergencies. During school hours, your call will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member. After hours, a message will instruct you on how to contact the Administrator on Duty (AOD) by beeper.

End-of-Mod Art Shows
Any student who has taken a visual arts course during a given mod displays his or her work in the End-of-Mod Art Show on the last day of each mod in the Community Gallery of the Garthwaite Center. Music is often provided by students and faculty at the show. The shows are now displayed for at least a week following the end of the mod. An e-mail reminder is sent to all parents each mod. Many people attend the shows regardless of whether their student is displaying work.

Foreign Travel
Several opportunities are available for foreign travel each year. Juniors and seniors take mod-long trips to Central America, France, Canada, and Africa, which offer interdisciplinary studies as well as home stays with families. In any given year, there may be other trips offered. CSW students are usually required to complete an application explaining their interest in a trip and their goals. Families are responsible for the cost of each trip.

Grades
Grades are issued after the end of each mod and are typically mailed the second or third day of the new mod. They may take up to two weeks to reach families. Please contact the Registrar’s Office at 781-642-8625 after 10 days if you do not receive them.

The Griff
This is an electronic newsletter published by the CSW Parents’ Association, which contains news briefs and interesting articles about CSW. It is located on the CSW website.

The Gryphon
This publication, sent out three times each year by the CSW Communications Office, contains information about academic programs, staff, faculty, alumni, and exciting news events from the CSW community.

Health Center
The Health Center is open five days a week from 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM, and is staffed by a school nurse. Most people are aware that school nurses administer daily medications, medications for illness, and first aid as needed, but they also do so much more! Our school nurse takes health education seriously and believes in administering care on an individual basis as often as possible. From contagious disease prevention to relaxation techniques, CSW Health Services attends to all the health needs of the CSW community.

J-Board (Judicial Board)
This board is comprised of representatives from CSW faculty and the student body. J-Board reviews specific disciplinary issues and policies, making recommendations to the head of school.

Law Day
This school-wide event, held each spring, is where various viewpoints on important and current legal issues are explored. After an introductory keynote speaker or panel, students have the opportunity for discussion and debate. Current events, normally looked at through a personal lens, are discussed in a more academic framework.

Library Gift Program
Donate a book, videotape or other material to the CSW Library. Look for Gift Program displays during Parents Weekend in October, or contact the library at 781-642-8646.

Meet the Faculty Night
Sponsored by the Parents’ Association and held in the fall, this is an opportunity for parents to meet and talk to CSW faculty members. Look for notices via e-mail.

Mid-Mod Notices
If a student has not completed assignments, or is having trouble keeping up with work in the classroom, a mid-mod notice will probably be sent home about 12 school days into that mod. Since a mod moves very quickly and is over in approximately 25 school days, students cannot afford to get behind. If a discussion has not taken place between the parents and the classroom teacher before receiving the mid-mod notice, it should happen at that point.

Mod System
At CSW, students take 3-4 classes a day (A, B, C & D Blocks) for 7 mods or mini-semesters. Classes are 75 – 90 minutes long. The homework load is substantial in each class (at least one hour each in A, B and C blocks).

In each mod, a block of any subject is worth 1 credit in that subject. For example, at CSW, four blocks of English equal four credits. Thus the 4-credit English requirement is completed in four mods, rather than the one year it takes in a traditional school. This frees up a student’s schedule for classes in other areas for the remaining 3 blocks. Each spring, students schedule their classes for the following year. Each grade is given clear, easy-to-follow guidelines for how many mods of each subject are required in any given year. Information is sent home in preparation for choosing classes.

New Parent Sponsors
The Parents’ Association asks for volunteers to contact new parents over the summer, introducing themselves and answering any questions the new families may have. New Parent Sponsors support incoming families and help make the transition to their new school as smooth as possible and alerting them to parent events. When students join us mid-year, New Parent Sponsors call their parents as well. If you would like to become a New Parent Sponsor, contact Ray Aglugub at raglugub@csw.org or call 781-642-8619.

New Parent Barbeque
Often held just before school begins, the BBQ is a chance for new parents to spend a few hours on campus and enjoy a relaxing, informal time with their New Parent Sponsors. It’s nice to put a face to a voice, make some new friends and get some questions answered.

New Parent Coffees
During the year there are a several morning coffees, which are informal gatherings giving new parents the chance to meet each other, as well as some faculty and staff.

Ninth Grade Meetings
There are a couple of evening meetings which are informational for ninth grade parents/guardians. Agenda items and notice of the meetings are handled by the Dean of Student Life.

Open Block
A block of time in which students and teachers have the opportunity to hold meetings, meet with each other individually for extra help or take a break on the quad before the next class begins.

Open Class Days
This is an opportunity to spend time in your child’s classroom and see them in action. Parents are invited to breakfast during registration and are given their child(ren)’s class schedule and directions to the various buildings. Although no tests are scheduled, teachers do not prepare special classes for Open Class Day so what you see is what your student gets. Lunch is provided by CSW, which gives parents a chance to talk to each other, faculty and staff. Check your CSW calendar.

Open/Closed Campus
The CSW campus is closed from 8:30 AM to lunch for all students. (That includes foot traffic, cars, bikes or any other means of transportation.) For ninth graders, campus is closed from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, and they are not permitted to ride in other students’ cars from 8:30 AM to the end of D Block.

PSATs
These tests are given to all CSW juniors in October of junior year. There is no sign-up required by parents. PSATs provide valuable practice for the SATs and an estimate of the scores students can expect on their SATs without further preparation. For more information, call the College Counseling office, go to www.csw.org/college or go to www.collegeboard.com.

Parents’ Association (PA)
Through a variety of programs, the PA provides information, education and social interaction for CSW parents. There are approximately six evening meetings held throughout the year. In addition, the PA sponsors a number of social functions and fundraisers for the school.

Parents’ Association Advisory Board
This is a group of parents, representing all four grades at CSW, who meet regularly with the president and vice president of the PA to plan meetings and events and to discuss issues. If you are interested in joining this group, contact the president of the PA.

Parents’ Association Winter Social
This is a very popular potluck social gathering, held midyear in the home of a parent, and sponsored by CSW. The location changes each year, and all parents are encouraged to join in on the fun.

Parents’ Weekend
This two-day event is held on a Friday and Saturday every fall. Check the CSW calendar or website for the dates. During this popular weekend, parents attend classes, meet with advisors and teachers, go to music and performing arts productions and have a variety of chances to talk with other parents.

SALSA
SALSA, or Students Advocating Life Without Substance Abuse, was created ten years ago by CSW and FCD Educational Services. It is a support and advocacy group of students who choose not to use alcohol and other drugs. Several high schools now have similar groups or chapters. CSW’s SALSA group visits 8 to 10 elementary and middle schools every year, providing a forum for children to ask questions and discuss drug-related issues.

SAT Brush-up for Seniors
This 3-week SAT review is for seniors taking a September, October or November SAT. The cost for this course is $300 and includes all materials. For more information, contact Joanie Rivera at jrivera@csw.org or 781-642-8661.

SAT Preparation
This 6-week SAT Preparation course is offered primarily to juniors, for three hours on Saturdays, in six sessions twice throughout the school year. The course costs $600 and includes all materials. If you have an interest in the course, contact Joanie Rivera at jrivera@csw.org, or call her at 781-642-8661. If you would like a list of outside courses, check www.csw.org/college or contact College Counseling.

SATs
SATs are the tests required by most (but not all) colleges for entrance. Usually taken by the end of junior year of high school, they can be re-taken in the fall of senior year. For specific information contact the College Counseling office, or go to www.csw.org/college or to www.collegeboard.com.

SAT: Subject Tests
The SAT subject tests are standardized tests offered in specific subject areas. Many (but not all) colleges require them. Because of the mod system, scheduling of SAT subject tests may differ from other high schools. Contact College Counseling for specific information, or go to www.csw.org/college or www.collegeboard.com.

Saturday Academic Support
This tutoring program (also referred to as “Joanie’s School” since it is run by Joanie Rivera) is offered on an as-needed basis. It costs $500, and includes four, Saturday, three-hour sessions, as well as coordination between tutors and the student’s current teachers. If interested, contact Joanie Rivera at jrivera@csw.org or call her at 781-642-8661.

School Service
Students are asked to complete one block of school service per year. The year students take Health they are exempt from School Service. Students sign up at registration and are placed all over campus: the dining room, admissions, various administrative offices, the Children’s Garden, etc.

Sports Banquets
For students and coaches only, the sports banquets recognize CSW student athletes. They are held in the fall and winter. Check your CSW calendar and the website for more information and dates.

Student Handbook
The handbook plays an important role in our everyday life at CSW. Please refer to it often to learn more about what happens on and off campus. It will provide insight to the school, and provide contacts to seek out should you have further questions.

TOEFL Preparation
This 6-week TOEFL preparation course is offered once a year for a $600 fee. Contact Joanie Rivera at jrivera@csw.org or 781-642-8661 for more information.

Town Meeting
Students elect a moderator to run regular town meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order. The A-Board (see A-Board) brings warrants for the entire community to discuss and bring to a vote. All decisions then go to the head of school to be accepted or vetoed. A veto may be overridden by a two thirds vote of the students and a two thirds vote of the faculty.

Weekend Activities
These are fun trips and group activities run by the school for all day and boarding students. Half of the cost of weekend activities is paid for by CSW. Students are able to sign up via e-mail and are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Wilderness Trips
The wilderness program offers four different multi-day adventures during mod breaks 1-2, 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7. Trips include wilderness backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing, technical alpine climbing, mountain biking, whitewater and flat canoeing and sea kayaking. Participation is limited to eight students (with two leaders) and prior wilderness experience is not necessary. Students may borrow most of the equipment needed to participate. Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside the Swope Room six weeks prior to each trip. Actual trip reservations are secured upon receipt of signed contracts and medical forms. Families are responsible for the cost of the trips. The Wilderness Director, Karen Buck, is available for questions at any time – 781-321-7753.