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Student Behavioral Expectations
Perhaps no words in Key School’s Mission Statement lie closer to the heart and health of the community than its call to: Sustain an ethical school culture that respects the dignity of every human being, recognizes that liberty must be balanced by responsibility and individual action by the needs of others, and stresses to all members of a diverse school community the importance of trust, mutual respect, compassion, and service to others.
As members of the School community, students are expected to make appropriate decisions for themselves and to take responsibility for those decisions. In each Division within the School, established age-appropriate guidelines for behavioral expectations are communicated primarily through ongoing discussions and also in writing. In addition to adherence to the School’s core values, all Key students are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the safety of the School community and with all local, state and federal laws.
The core values of respect, honesty and responsibility form the basis for all interactions within the school community. The following expectations support those values, and will be enforced both on campus, and at school sponsored trips and activities.
Respect
Students are expected to:
- Be courteous in their interactions with others, practice good listening skills, be respectful of the objectives set forth by teachers, and limit any behavior that would distract from those objectives.
- Refrain from interfering with or impeding the learning process of any student.
- Never physically or verbally abuse or bully another community member in any interaction.
- Respect School property and the property of others.
- Refrain from using profanity or language that includes negative gender, racial, ethnic, sexual, or religious references.
- Dress in a manner that is respectful to oneself and others.
- Students shall not wear clothing that contains inappropriate language or images that are contrary to our school values or clothing that is overly revealing or restrictive of normal daily school activities.
- Abide by the mandates in the School’s Harassment Policy.
Responsibility/Community Safety
Students are expected to:
- Accept responsibility for their actions at all times.
- Not possess, distribute or use alcohol, tobacco, illegal or unprescribed drugs, vaping devices, and/or any other illegal substances on campus or at School-sponsored events and activities.
- Not possess dangerous items including but not limited to pocketknives, matches and lighters.
- Not possess a weapon of any kind on campus.
- Not engage in sexual activity while at School or at School-sponsored events.
Honesty
Students are expected to:
- Act in an honest and ethical manner in all interactions at School and during off campus School-sponsored events.
- Not give or receive help in any way that could be considered cheating and therefore, dishonest.
- Act in a trustworthy way with regard to others’ property and possessions.
- Never go into another student’s locker or bags without permission.
- Give credit and cite sources appropriately when using the ideas or words of others in any academic work.
Harassment Policy
Respectful relationships among all persons in the School community are central to the values and beliefs at Key School. Whether on campus or off, respect for the dignity of each individual is of paramount importance to the well-being of the community at large.
Every person at Key School has the right to participate fully in the life of the School without harassment. Harassment is defined as any behavior or pattern of conduct that may reasonably be expected to denigrate, intimidate or coerce another on the basis of gender, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or other personal characteristics, including but not limited to those protected by law.
Sexual harassment is both illegal and a violation of this policy. It includes but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, sexually suggestive remarks, and other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.
The School reserves the right to address violations of this standard through disciplinary action.
The School will address each case based on its own dynamics.
Bullying/Cyberbullying
Bullying and cyberbullying behavior is subject to a disciplinary response by the School.
The School reserves the right to address violations of this standard through disciplinary action. The School may discipline a student whose bullying or cyberbullying behavior occurs during the school day, at School-sponsored event or activity; or is so severe and/or pervasive that it substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the School.
The School will handle each case on its own merits.
Bullying is unwanted behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Source: www.stopbullying.gov
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Source: www.americanspcc.org/bullying/cyberbullying/
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
- An Imbalance of Power: Children who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
- Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
Bullying can involve humiliation, domination, intimidation, victimization, and all forms of harassment including that based on sex, race, disability, and gender. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Examples of bullying behavior can be:
- Verbal name-calling, teasing, abuse, put-downs, sarcasm, insults, threats
- Physical - hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting
- Social Pressure - ignoring, excluding, ostracizing, alienating, making inappropriate gestures
- Psychological - spreading rumors, dirty looks, hiding or damaging possessions, malicious SMS and email messages, inappropriate use of camera phones
Although still subject to a disciplinary response by the School, bullying behavior is not:
- Conflict or fights between equals and single incidents
- Children not getting along well
- A situation of mutual conflict
- Single episodes of nastiness or random acts of aggression or intimidation
The School may discipline a student whose bullying or cyberbullying behavior occurs during the school day or at a School-sponsored event or activity or is so severe and/or pervasive that it substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the School.
Sexting
Sexting, the sending of sexually explicit digital images, videos, text messages, or emails, usually by cell phone is subject to disciplinary action by the School.
The School reserves the right to address violations of this standard through disciplinary action. The School may discipline a student whose sexting behavior occurs during the school day or at School-sponsored event or activity or is so severe and/or pervasive that it substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the School.
Verbal/Online Threats of Violence
Threats of violence are not tolerated at Key School. Statements purporting violence towards the School or member of the School community in person or online are subject to at minimum an out-of-school suspension for students in the Middle and Upper School and most likely separation from Key pending a final determination by the Head of School.
Disciplinary Action
On occasion, student misbehavior requires an explicit response from the School. The School reserves the right to handle each case on its own merits and to treat students as individuals with differing circumstances and needs. While predictability and precedent are important, responses can vary based on the circumstances of each situation and the age of the students involved.
While each Division follows procedures that are age-appropriate, the range of responses that students may expect, depending on the severity of the situation, could result in the following:
- Student being removed from a class or activity
- Denial of participation in after-school activities including membership on athletic teams
- The student being referred to the Division Head, Grade Advisor / Team Leader, or Head of School. Those individuals will review the issue and determine the appropriate disciplinary response. For Upper School students, one of the responses could be a referral to the Upper School Disciplinary Committee
- Being placed on behavioral probation
- In-school or out-of-school suspension
- Dismissal from Key School
Non-adherence to any of Key’s behavioral expectations is subject to an in-school disciplinary response. Some instances, however, require that Key report to or otherwise involve non-school agencies. Key will consult with legal counsel when determining if contacting law enforcement, or other government agencies is warranted. Key’s primary objective is the safety of its students and other community members, and the School will act accordingly.
Reporting Disciplinary Infractions to Colleges
Key School does not volunteer information to colleges about minor behavioral infractions. If asked, the School will report disciplinary action resulting from: violations of local, state and federal law or from any violation that leads to a school suspension. The School will notify the appropriate colleges of a student’s violation if that student has already submitted applications to those colleges.
To protect the privacy of Key School students, names of students are not published with college acceptances.
Arrival & Parking Procedures in Hillsmere
Safe Driving and Speed Limits
Please drive carefully at all times. Drivers must ensure the safety of our students and our neighbors in the Hillsmere community. SPEED LIMITS OF 25 AND 30 MPH are posted throughout the community. Roads are regularly monitored for speeding and the speed limit must be observed at all times.
To ensure the safety of all members of our community, and because we are located in a residential neighborhood, it is essential to observe the following guidelines.
- Please drive slowly when approaching and entering the Key School campus. When parking, please be alert to the many children of all ages who may be walking near your vehicle.
- The Carroll House Parking Lot may only be entered from Hillsmere Drive and exit onto Carroll Drive.
- Do not park, drop off, or pick up in the following areas: Student parking lot, Dove Lane, Residential side of Carroll Drive (which is illegal at all times).
- Do not park in the Smith House driveway, in the drop-off lane of the Carroll House Parking Lot, or along the residential side of Hillsmere Drive.
- Parallel parking is permitted on Carroll Drive only on the Key School side of the street and should be used only when the Carroll House Parking Lot is full. Cars that are parallel parked on Carroll Drive should face Hillsmere Drive.
- Parking on the neighbors’ side of the street is prohibited and vehicles may be ticketed by the police.
- Parents/guardians should not use the student parking lot between 7:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. on school days.
- Do not leave cars unattended with motor running at anytime, anywhere on campus. Carroll House Parking Lot is a no idling zone.
- Do not park or turn around in residential driveways.
- Do not leave children unattended in cars at any time.
- Do not use handheld cell devices while driving on or around campus.
- After sports, please pick up your children in the Carroll House Parking Lot. Do not pick them up behind the Activity Building, by the Facilities Department, or on Dove Lane.
- When delivering children to school or picking children up from dismissal, please observe the Division-specific guidelines described as follows.
First School
First School families should use the Carroll House Parking Lot for parking or drop-off. All First School children must be escorted to the classroom. The drop-off lane may not be used for parking at any time. Students should only exit vehicles from the interior lane, closest to Carroll House; never from the passing lane.
Lower School
Lower School parents should use the crushed stone parking area along Hillsmere Drive in front of the Manse, the Carroll House Parking Lot, or the Key School side of Mansion Drive for morning drop-off. A “Kiss and Drop” site along Mansion Drive has been created to allow drop-off directly on Key’s property; under no circumstances should children cross this busy street.
Middle & Upper Schools
Middle and Upper School parents should use Harbor Drive to approach the School so that drivers will be on the correct side of the street for safe access to the drop-off lane on Carroll Drive adjacent to the Science and Library Center. When leaving the drive-through lane, parents should take a left and depart the neighborhood using Harbor Drive.
Harbor Drive is the second right-hand turn (after Quiet Waters Park) off Hillsmere Drive. Take Harbor to Carroll Drive and turn left to Key School and then make a right into the drop off lane. Note: No left turn is permitted from Carroll Drive into the Science and Library Center drop-off lane.
Middle and Upper School students should be dropped off in the lane adjacent to the Science and Library Center; under no circumstances (pick-up or drop-off) should students be dropped off in the student parking lot or cross Carroll Drive.
Carpools
Carpools should use the appropriate areas designated above, except that mixed carpools should use the Carroll House Parking Lot. The drop-off lanes in the Carroll House Parking Lot and those adjacent to the Science and Library Center may not be used for parking at any time.
Student Drivers
Safe and courteous driving is expected of all student drivers. Driving privileges may be revoked if unsafe driving is reported.
Student Parking Lot
The student parking lot is restricted to eleventh and twelfth grade student drivers only between 7:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. on school days. This lot is not to be used by anyone other than students during these hours. Students must register their cars with the Upper School Administrative Assistant.
Departure Procedures in Hillsmere
First School
Key-Wee, Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten students can be picked up in the student’s classroom at 12:00 p.m. or 3:10 p.m. by a parent/guardian or designated adult. Students not picked up by 12:00 p.m./3:10 p.m. will be taken to the After School Program.
Kindergarten students can be picked up at 3:10 p.m. in the student’s classroom by a parent/guardian or designated adult. Students not picked up by 3:10 p.m. will be taken to the After School Program.
Lower School
A Lower School teacher will check out each student when they are picked up by a parent/guardian or designated adult in front of the Lower School. The teacher will wait until 3:30 p.m. for students to be picked up. Children who are not picked up by that time will be taken to the Lower School Office, unless they are enrolled in the After School Program.
Middle and Upper Schools
Middle and Upper School School students should be picked up by 3:30 p.m.
If they remain on campus, Middle School students must be attending an after-school activity, participating in a sport, or enrolled in the After School Program.
Upper School students may remain on campus until 7:00 p.m. through early May (and until 5:45 p.m. thereafter until the last day of school), given the Upper School Library is supervised through those times.
After School Program
First, Lower and Middle School students must be signed out by a parent or designated adult in the room designated for the After School Program. Students may only leave with adults listed on this document unless otherwise notified by a parent/guardian.
Pick-Up Authorization Forms
- First School Pick-Up Authorization Form
- Lower School Pick-Up Authorization Form
- Middle School Pick-Up Authorization Form - After School Program Only!
After School and Evening Activities
Throughout the course of the year there will be many opportunities for Middle and Upper School students to participate in scheduled after-school and evening activities such as interscholastic sports, theater, music lessons, and dances. It is the responsibility of families to make travel arrangements that ensure the prompt pick-up of their student at the conclusion of the activity.
Fusco Athletic Park
Safe Driving, Speed Limits and Parking
Please drive carefully at all times when approaching and departing from Fusco Athletic Park. Drivers must ensure the safety of our students and our neighbors in Annapolis Roads. POSTED SPEED LIMITS ARE 25 AND 15 MPH. Roads are regularly monitored for speeding and the speed limit must be observed at all times.
- Please drive slowly when approaching, entering and departing Fusco Athletic Park.
- Parking is only allowed in the main parking lot; no parking is allowed along Carrollton Road or in the maintenance lot.
- Cars parked on Carrollton Road are subject to ticketing and towing
- When parking, please be alert for students walking near your vehicle.
Transportation
Carpool Module
The School encourages the formation of carpools and a Google maps-based carpool module is available on the password-protected Family Portal.
Bus/Van
There is also bus and van transportation serving serving certain areas. Student misbehavior on the bus/van may result in suspension of ridership privileges. Fees and stops are subject to change based on ridership and level of demonstrated interest.
For more information about bus and van routes contact the Business Office.
Inclement Weather
Closing/Delayed Opening
Key School follows Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ decision to close or delay opening due to inclement weather on the first day of inclement weather events.
On all subsequent days, Key School will make independent decisions regarding school operations informed by advice from the School’s bus companies, local authorities and an awareness of the conditions of Key’s campus.
Families will be notified about closures and delays by a posting on the School’s website (www.keyschool.org), text message and email. A recorded message also will be placed on the School’s main telephone answering system. Messages are generally communicated by 6:15 a.m.
As some families and student-drivers travel to Key from great distances, Key fully supports families’ prerogative to keep students at home, bring them in later, or authorize student-drivers to come in later and/or leave early, should they be concerned about road conditions in their respective areas. Please communicate any such intentions directly with your division office.
NOTE: When Anne Arundel County Schools are closed for pre-scheduled in-service days, Key School will make an independent decision related to inclement weather and will announce such decisions via a recording on the School’s main telephone system, a text and email to all families, faculty and staff, and a posting on Key’s website.
Delayed Opening for First School: When the County has a delayed opening, its announcement usually indicates that County morning Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes are cancelled; this is not the case at Key. When there is a delayed opening, all First School classes at Key School are held starting at the delayed opening time.
If School is closed due to inclement weather, all activities and meetings scheduled for the afternoon and evening of that day are also cancelled.
Early Dismissal
Key follows the County’s lead in early dismissals due to inclement weather. Key School will notify families via text and email. Key will post closings and delays on the homepage of the School’s website, www.keyschool.org, text and email to all parents, and record a message on the School’s main telephone voicemail system at (410) 263-9231. There is no After School Program when School dismisses early due to inclement weather. Families who drive student to school or who are in car pools need to have transportation arrangements for early dismissal.
If School is closed due to inclement weather, all activities and meetings scheduled for the afternoon and evening of that day are also cancelled.
Late Dismissal Due to Dangerous Weather
If dangerous weather conditions (such as lightning, tornado warning or high winds) exist at the regularly scheduled dismissal time, all students will remain in their classrooms or other designated areas until a decision is reached to allow dismissal to take place.
Unexpected Closure: Non-Weather Related
In the rare instance when the School may have to make a decision to delay, close or remain open for an unexpected event that is not related to anticipated inclement weather, the School will make such a decision independent of the County. In this circumstance, decisions will be communicated on the website, via text and email. Notice will be given via a recording on the main telephone system, and, when possible, by a notice sent home with students.
Emergency Preparedness
Key School has established emergency response and communication procedures in conjunction with local authorities. Each classroom and office on campus has an Emergency Procedures booklet posted near the doorway that details response procedures for emergency situations, including medical emergencies, fire and evacuation, earthquake, tornado, and lockdown. Faculty, staff and students participate in preparedness drills during the school year.
Faculty/Staff Email
Faculty and staff are expected to check email daily and to respond to inquiries within 24-hours unless there is an extenuating circumstance. If there is an extenuating circumstance that requires a longer period of time to respond, families will be notified of the delay. Employee email addresses are available on Key’s website under "About" and on the Family Portal.
Communication from Key
Key School strives to communicate effectively with families regarding the overall Key School program. While the majority of all-School correspondence is sent electronically, select printed publications are sent as well.
- A monthly e-bulletin The Key Connection
- A weekly reminder Thursday Reminder
- Division Head/teacher/All-School correspondence
- Notification of weather-related closings, delayed openings or other necessary changes in School schedules or operating protocols
Telephones
The School’s main switchboard is located in the Smith House. Calls are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the school year by either a receptionist or automated system that enables families to reach Key offices, the School nurse, and the After School Program at all times. Direct numbers for the Divisional Offices can be found in the Points of Contact section of this Student/Parent Handbook.
Messages
Each employee of the School has a voicemail box and will respond to messages within 24 hours. Non-teaching staff members access voicemail messages on a regular basis throughout the day. Faculty members generally access voicemail messages less frequently. Callers who would prefer to re-direct the call, as opposed to leaving a message, may do so. Before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m., callers may leave messages in the School’s main voicemail box (which is checked each weekday morning) or in the voicemail box of any faculty or staff member.
Except in the event of an emergency, please do not text, call or email your student and interrupt their school day. Important personal messages can be taken by Division Administrative Staff and shared with the student.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Lower School and Middle School students may not use cell phones at any time during the school day unless they are being used for an academic activity under the supervision of faculty or staff. Parents/guardians should not expect to be able to exchange texts with them during the school day and we ask that you do not text or call your student. If you need to share a message with your student or speak with them, please feel free to contact the division office.
Upper School students may not use cell phones while in class or structured School activities. If this policy is repeatedly violated, the student may be subject to disciplinary action.
The use of other electronic devices is governed by divisional guidelines.
Responsible Technology Use Policy
The use of technology can present distinct opportunities and challenges. The values and principles that underlie good citizenship are equally essential to good digital citizenship. Hence, when working with technology, members of the School community should operate with these common understandings and expect to be held responsible for their actions:
Treat one another with mutual respect and compassion and show respect for the dignity of every human being
- Words and images can be hurtful. Kind, respectful behavior applies to online as well as to personal relationships. Key School strives to maintain a caring community that supports the social and emotional growth of all its members
- Online and digitally formatted gossip, inappropriate or offensive remarks, texts, postings, or images can be forwarded, replicated and traced and have an unlimited lifespan and harmful effect on the School community.
- Private property deserves respect. Personal communication and images should not be posted, tagged or forwarded without permission of the subject or sender.
- Cyberbullying, the use of electronic means to harass, threaten or embarrass others is unacceptable. Regardless of whether it takes place on campus or off, cyberbullying in the community will not be tolerated. Students who feel discomfort due to others’ online behaviors should speak with a teacher or advisor.
Balance personal liberty with personal responsibility
- The purposes of the Key School’s network are both educational, to further the goals and objectives of its instructional program, and administrative, in support of the School’s business operations. Intentional violation of these purposes, whether by bypassing security measures, spreading viruses or damaging or deleting files will result in disciplinary action.
- The integrity and security of the School’s network, software, hardware, and equipment is the responsibility of the entire community. Attempted or actual violation of this infrastructure, whether by unauthorized access to network, physical modification of hardware, or deliberate alteration of software will result in disciplinary action.
- Personal information should be guarded against misuse. Personal information, address or phone number should be given only when necessary.
- Account information belongs to each individual. Once work is completed, it is vital to log off as individuals bear responsibility for activity that occurs through the use of their accounts.
- Use of another individual’s account or personal information is unethical and a violation of trust.
Sustain an ethical school culture
- Plagiarism, whether from print or digital sources, is a form of cheating. Claiming another person’s words, concepts or other creative work as one’s own can take the form of direct, word-for-word copying or the theft of the substance or idea of another’s work. It is important to cite and properly document all sources used.
- Any activity through the Key School network is traceable and reflects on the school community. Harassment, threats or the violation of copyrights or trademarks are illegal activities and will not be tolerated.
- Downloading, transmitting or viewing pornography or obscene materials are inappropriate behaviors that undermine school culture and will result in disciplinary action.
Asbestos Policy
The Environmental Protection Agency mandates that all schools, public and private, comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1988. As part of Key's annual notification to parents/guardians, teachers and staff, the School's Asbestos Management Plan is available for your review. The plan is in the Business Office and is available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Community Relations: Hillsmere & Annapolis Roads
Maintaining a positive relationship between Key School and its neighbors in Hillsmere and Annapolis Roads is a high priority for the School. The School relies upon all members of the Key community to be courteous to, and mindful of, its neighbors. Adhering to posted speed limits while driving in Hillsmere and Annapolis Roads is also crucial to helping the School continue its positive relationship with the residents of both neighborhoods.
The School maintains a close working relationship with the Hillsmere Shores Improvement Association (HSIA). Key’s Director of Finance and Operations and Director of Communication serve as points of contact for residents to ensure continued communication between Key and Hillsmere Shores.
Key's Head of School, Director of Communication and Director of Facilities maintain a working relationship with designates from the Annapolis Roads Property Owners Association (ARPOA), serving a members of a Liaison Committee focused on forging a positive relationship with the residents of Annapolis Roads.
Hillsmere Amenities: Beach Usage
Hillsmere’s private community beach, located near Key’s Beach Fields, is for the use of Hillsmere residents only. This amenity, as well as the beach parking lot, are not available to Key School families. When attending a Key function, please only park in the spaces provided along Key’s fields.
Annapolis Roads Amenities
Neighborhood amenities in Annapolis Roads, such as the Overlook, are for the use of Annapolis Roads residents only. Key students and families do have access to Fusco Athletic Park but may only use it during regular school hours of operation unless a special event is scheduled. Fusco Athletic Park closes at dusk.
Confidential Communications
From time to time, the School is asked by families to complete recommendation forms or questionnaires about their student for use by medical professionals or other schools. Such forms, when completed by School personnel, are strictly confidential and will not be released to the family or student. In cases where deadlines do not permit transmission of these forms by regular mail, they may be sent by fax; under no circumstances will parents/guardians be permitted to deliver them by hand.
Dogs on Campus
To ensure the safety and comfort of all students, dogs are not permitted on campus (including Fusco Athletic Park and the Beach Athletic Fields) on school days from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Dogs are allowed at outdoor School-sponsored events after 3:30 p.m. if they are leashed and under the control of their owners at all times. Owners are expected to curb their dogs.
Family Communication Policy
It is the policy of Key School to share information equally with custodial and non-custodial parents/ guardians while a student is enrolled regardless of the age of the student and regardless of who is financially responsible under the enrollment contract. Exceptions to this policy will be made only based on a directive or order of a court of law.