Policies

Book borrowing privileges vary according to grade level. Books are checked out for 21 days and may be renewed; however, items will not be renewed if another student has requested the item. Click here for the Library Catalog.

Any student forgetting to return his/her book will not be allowed to borrow another book until the late book is returned or payment is made. Parents will receive a reminder notice (via email) for books not returned. If the book has not been returned after a third notice has been sent, the family will be billed for the replacement cost of the book. No photocopying or printing is available to students this year. Note: Books will be held out of circulation for a three-day period this year to avoid transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Computer loaner privileges are for grades 6-8 only. There are a very limited number of computers to loan. Computers that are signed out must be returned at the end of that school day from Mrs. Minihan. Failure to do so results in a two-week borrowing suspension.

No student cell phone use is permitted during school hours (7:55-3:10) unless specific permission has been granted by a teacher. The front office phone is not available for student use this year. Calls for forgotten items will not be permitted. The only exception is a forgotten lunch or device. Details regarding changes in carpool, social events, and Extended Day should be established between parent and children at home before coming to school. Students are not to call home to arrange for an early dismissal due to illness. The school nurse will make such calls if necessary after evaluating the student.  

Students in grades 6-8 may use personal cell phones after the above school hours; however, their phones must be turned off and stored in their backpacks or lockers during school hours including during carline. Student phones may not be taken into bathrooms or locker rooms at any point.

The Independence School uses photos and videos to share, communicate, collaborate, and promote our teaching and learning. The sharing of photography helps inform current members of the community, former students and prospective families about the Independence experience.

The school shares media through official school platforms such as:

• The school website (www.TheIndependenceSchool.org)
• Social Media (primarily Facebook and Instagram)
• The Patriot Page, our e-newsletter
• Password-protected classroom or club Group Spaces

As part of our commitment to student safety, we adhere to the following practices:

• As a general rule, with the exception of the school yearbook, photographs of students will not include first or last names.
• However, if a student or group of students are being recognized for an accomplishment, first names may be used.
• Students’ images cannot be posted on private accounts or personal blogs of teachers or staff.

If you do not wish the school to use photographs of your child, you must sign and return the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) “OPT OUT” form to your child's homeroom teacher or main office. 

For the safety and privacy of our students, The Independence School’s policy is to post student photos on social media and other channels without student names, except in certain circumstances for which we ask parent permission. This policy is stated in our student/parent handbook. Some parents request that their child’s photo not be used at all.

Sharing of student images by parents:

Parents of Independence students should not post photographs from school events of children other than their own without permission from the parents of those children. This request is in keeping with the school policy and practices. We appreciate your cooperation with this request.

 

Avoid bringing large sums of money, electronic devices (other than Mobile Learning Devices, MLDs, in grades 6-8), or other valuables unless needed for a class and requested by a teacher. Skateboards, hard baseballs or lacrosse balls, distracting toys, computer games, and novelties (such as fidget gadgets and spinners), etc. should remain at home. The school will also confiscate any item that is inappropriate or potentially dangerous. Personal gift exchanges are to be done outside of school unless arranged by a teacher.

In ECI and ECII, sippy cups, pacifiers, and other such items are not permitted at school. A security pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal is permissible and will be used at rest time. Combat-oriented action figures and accessories are not acceptable.  

On the occasion that a teacher would be offering a virtual meeting through Zoom, the following expectations would be in place: 

• Students should report on time. Attendance will be taken.
• Students should be attentive during Zoom meetings, responding to teacher prompts when asked to do so.
• Students should limit distractions as much as possible.
• Students should keep their cameras on during Zoom meetings to more closely mimic the feel of in person learning, keeping their face in view of the teacher.
• Students should report in school-appropriate clothing, and should refrain from wearing hoodies or other clothing that obscures the face.

Recordings using Third Parties
The Independence School uses Zoom and may record lessons (including the recording of children’s voices and images) for internal and educational uses only. The recording is the school’s property, to be used at its discretion, for the purposes it deems best to serve online learning goals. The school assumes that you accept and agree to this recording unless you inform us otherwise. In the event of a one-on-one meeting between a faculty member and a student for individual support via Zoom, the meeting will be recorded for the protection of both the student and the school. If you do not wish for your student to be recorded, he/she will not be able to participate in a one-on-one meeting. We will assume the child has permission unless you indicate on the form that you do not permit one-on-one meetings.


Live Streaming and Video Meeting Confidentiality
With live streaming sessions both in Zoom and from the classrooms to students’ homes, there may be a chance that families will see other students participating in the school classrooms. Any and all information about a student other than their own child is considered confidential and may not be shared with others inside or outside of the school community.