Frequently Asked Questions in the Upper School
Welcome to the FCDS Upper School! Please find below some Frequently Asked Questions that may be of help to you and your family. Don’t forget about the New Student and Parent Orientation on Monday, August 25; please bring any other questions you might have with you then. Please also find the school’s Parent-Student Handbook online for additional information. We look forward to seeing you soon!
What is the schedule of a typical class day?
The Upper School day begins four days a week with a required morning meeting at 8:15 a.m. in the Childress Activities Center. Students will assemble one day a week at 8:15 a.m. for a required meeting with their advisor groups. Break occurs each day from 10:05 to 10:20 a.m. and classes run 45 minutes on a rotating schedule, unless otherwise stated. The school day ends at 3:10 p.m. and Tutorial sessions are offered from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. After-school activities typically begin at 4:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
What is Morning Meeting?
Morning meeting is a student-run meeting that occurs four days a week. Students sit with their advisor groups and attendance is taken at the start of the meeting. Announcements pertaining to athletics, club meetings, advisor and class meetings, and special speeches are made during this time.
What is Break?
Break occurs each day after B Period. A variety of snacks is offered at this time in the student center (biscuits, drinks, and fruit) for the students to purchase. The Fury Ltd, the school’s bookstore, and the Fury Café are also open during break for the students to purchase books, school supplies, snacks, and other school related items.
What is Tutorial?
Tutorial occurs after the last class of the day and is a time for students to make up missed work, ask questions, and receive individual explanation or instruction from teachers. Teachers are expected to be in their classrooms after school until 3:45 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. Many students at FCDS take advantage of this beneficial program. As tutorial time is extremely important, after-school activities do not begin until 4:00 p.m.
What are the attendance policies?
Attendance at all classes, study halls, assemblies, and advisor and class meetings is required.
If a student is absent due to illness, parents should notify the Upper School office no later than 10:00 a.m.; otherwise the absence is treated as unexcused. Any student, who arrives to school later than 8:15 a.m. or needs to leave school before 3:10 p.m., must provide parental permission in the form of a written note, email or phone call to the Upper School office. The student must sign in/sign out upon doing so. (Please see the Handbook for a complete list of attendance policies.)
How am I notified if school is delayed or canceled?
In the event of inclement weather, members of the school administrative team may either close or delay the opening of school. This decision is typically made by 6:00 a.m. The school website is the best source for this information. Information is also available by calling (336) 945-2134 Ext. 444. If school is canceled, ALL activities for that day are canceled.
What is the FCDS Honor Code?
The FCDS Honor Code is an integral part of the school community. Students are expected to uphold the Honor Code at all times, and any infractions are handled by Upper School administration in conjunction with the Judicial Board. The ‘J-board’ is an elected group of students that serves to confidentially hear cases and make recommendations to the Upper School Director, Assistant Director, and/or the Dean of Students. Their comments hold great weight with the administration. The Honor Code is stated as follows:
- As a member of the FCDS Community, I will maintain my honor and integrity at all times by creating and upholding an atmosphere of trust, respect and consideration for all members of the school community.
Does the School have a zero tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use?
The prevention of drug and alcohol use is important to all of us at FCDS. We continue to proactively educate, counsel, and guide students in this area. It is important that parents and students are aware of the policy outlined in the Handbook:
Any FCDS student who consumes, uses, distributes, or possesses alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or who misuses legal drugs or other substances on campus, at any school function whether on or off campus (including all athletic events), or while traveling to or from school or any school function will be dismissed or expelled. Also, any student who is determined to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at any of the forgoing events is in violation of the school’s drug and alcohol policy.
Also, the school will respond when it becomes clear that a student is using substances off-campus. Of particular concern will be any situation where students are hosting parties and/or providing alcohol or drugs.
What is the points system?
Suggested by students and revised through student leadership in 2003, the points system provides an effective, fair, and consistent system of accountability. Minor infractions of school rules, such as dress code violations, tardies, use of inappropriate language, gum chewing, and eating or drinking outside the dining hall, etc., may result in earning a point. In the Upper School, a student will be subject to an in-school suspension after accumulating five total points for the year. At seven points, a student will serve an out-of school suspension, and at nine points a student may be subject to dismissal from the school. Because the school is committed to allowing students some opportunity for grace, once a student reaches either four points or six points, he or she may elect to work off one point. (Please see the Handbook for further details.)
What is the role of my student’s advisor?
All students are appointed a faculty advisor upon entering the Upper School. The advisor’s main purpose is to promote consistent and productive communication among students, teachers, parents and college counselors throughout the student’s Upper School career. The advisor coordinates parent conferences and the student’s schedule, and provides overall guidance to the student throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to use the advisor as the first line of contact with the School.
What is the role of my student’s college counselor?
Forsyth Country Day recognizes that preparation for college is a significant component of a student’s experience here. The College Counseling program seeks to provide each student with the guidance, support, encouragement, and information necessary to make appropriate choices for future educational opportunities. Each student brings individual characteristics and strengths to the process of constructing college applications. Working with their college counselor, students seek to assess themselves realistically, to explore options, to recognize their abilities, and to develop the confidence and independence of thought to convey these personal discoveries to colleges in a compelling way. In so doing, the goal of finding a college that best matches the interests, abilities, and aspirations of the individual student is certainly attainable.
How do students use their lockers?
Students may obtain their locker number during the Fall Book Sale, and once books are purchased, students may deposit them in their lockers. Lockers are used to store textbooks, notebooks, and other personal property not in use. FCDS maintains a strict Honor Code; therefore students may choose not to use a lock. Students are assigned lockers and are responsible for maintaining them. Students cannot switch locker assignments without the consent of the Upper School Dean of Students. As the student’s locker is the school’s property, the school reserves the right to search lockers in specific circumstances (see Handbook).
What if my Upper School student drives?
FCDS considers driving to school a privilege. For the safety of the entire community, common driving courtesy is expected at all times. Students who fail to follow these rules will have their privileges revoked. Students must register their cars with the Upper School office and must park in designated areas that will be explained during orientation. Students are not permitted to return to their vehicles during school hours without the permission of the Upper School Director, the Assistant Director, or the Dean of Students. This rule is strictly enforced.
How do students buy lunch?
Students have different options for lunch as well as different locations to eat lunch. Our dining hall is operated by Flik. A company brochure, menu, and other pertinent information can be found on the FCDS Website. Each student is given a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that he/she uses to access his/her meal plan. Students are not allowed to consume food or beverages in or around classroom areas unless permitted by a supervising faculty member.
In addition to athletics, in what clubs and activities can students participate?
Throughout the year, faculty sponsors and students solicit interest and membership for a number of clubs and activities, including everything from creative writing to sailing to service. These organizations meet during the daily activity period according to a schedule published monthly on our website. A complete list of clubs can be found in the Handbook. FCDS also features a full spectrum of opportunities for students in the arts. We feature award winning programs in visual arts, chorus, orchestra, and band, as well as, a fall drama production and a spring musical. Additionally, FCDS houses a Community School of the Arts, which conveniently offers a wide array of arts instruction in music, visual arts, drama, and dance to our own students as well as to the general public.
