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Dear Rising Tide Students and Families,
We began the second half of the school year today, and the start of a new semester provides another opportunity for renewal, building on success and learning from challenges from the first half of the school year. Many students are shifting this week to some new courses in their schedule, including semester courses in some of the Arts and Social Studies departments, Middle School Skills and Discovery courses, and Upper School Elective courses. Additionally, the start of a new term is also a chance for students to make new connections through one of our clubs. Below are links to Middle School Discovery courses, Upper School Elective courses, Middle School clubs, and Upper School clubs:
Middle School Discovery Courses
Upper School Elective Courses
Middle School Clubs
Upper School Clubs
Updated Attendance Policy
As we shared in the Monday Memo earlier this month, the updated attendance policy, approved by the Board of Trustees on January 8, is in effect starting today. One of the primary aspects of the update is the distinction between excused and unexcused absences. You can access the updated policy through the following link:
Updated Attendance Policy
Below is the language in the updated attendance policy regarding excused absences:
Students at Rising Tide may be excused temporarily from attending school for the following reasons: illness; medical, dental, or legal appointments; observance of major religious or cultural holidays; bereavement; and college and university visits.
Student absences will only be considered excused if a parent/guardian submits the appropriate documentation within three (3) days of the student’s absence:
- A note from a physician
- A professional note verifying a medical, dental, or legal appointment
- A note from a parent/guardian documenting a religious observance
- A note from a parent/guardian regarding a bereavement
- A note from a college or university documenting a student’s visit (up to 2 visits per semester starting in spring of junior year)
Student absences will be considered unexcused if the school has not received any of the appropriate documentation listed above.
ALICE Safety Preparations
This week, students will meet in their Advisories to review the basic concepts of ALICE in preparation for a safety drill next week in cooperation with members of the Plymouth Police Department.
As in past years, our staff members have been trained in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate), a response protocol to proactively respond to a threat of an intruder.
Preparing for a potential intruder can raise anxiety for students, staff members, and families, but the goal of this preparation is for members of our community to feel knowledgeable and empowered through learning best practices for safety. Members of our Wellness team will be available to support our students through the safety preparation and practice. Thank you for your support of this important safety practice.
Next week’s ALICE drill will include the announcement of a scenario that is designed for the staff and students to actively think about the best common sense action to take, and then take the action. At the end of the practice, students will be able to debrief the process with their teachers.
Final Two Weeks of the Enrollment Period for the 2024-2025 School Year
The enrollment period for the 2024-2025 school year closes on Tuesday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. We encourage you to share with friends and neighbors the opportunity to apply for the upcoming year by Tuesday, February 13. Interested families are encouraged to attend the final Virtual Information Night on Wednesday, February 7, or one of two Coffee and Conversation events on January 31 and February 7.
Have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
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