Philosophy/Rationale
How many pages are in the VMS Family Handbook?
60!
What do I do if I arrive to school late?
- Check in at the front desk! If you missed getting your symptom check, please let Ms. Mac know and she will do it.
- Go to homebase. Let your homebase teacher know why you were late. Your homebase teacher will mark you down as tardy.
What if my computer breaks?
Mr. Chambers, Director of Technology, may be able to help you. You can find his desk near the Maker Space room. You can also email him to make an appointment, dchambers@vms.edu. You may also be able to request a loaner computer for the day.
What do I do if I need to talk to my mom or dad during the school day?
You have many options!
- Use the phone at the front desk.
- Text them with imessage on your computer.
- Email them.
- Ask your homebase advisor if you can make a quick call from your cell in your homebase during break, lunch or a free period.
If I get "dress coded" does that mean I have to go to Afternoon Advisory?
"Dress coded" is actually not a verb. If a faculty member speaks to you about being out of dress code, they will mark you down on the tracking sheet. If you have used your 3 free passes, then yes you will need to attend Afternoon Advisory.
What is the VMS mission statement?
Develop character, seek knowledge, build community.
What do I do if I have a mid-day appointment?
Attendance is a legal record, required by the state for us to document. We need confirmation from your parents of any mid-day appointments to leave school. Please have your parents email Ms. Mac at frontdesk@vms.edu and your homebase advisor. When you are leaving for your appointment please check in/out with the front desk. It's also good practice to let your teachers know if you will be missing a class for an appointment.
If I have a free period can I play video games or watch Netflix on my computer?
The VMS network is for educational purposes only. Unless you are watching a movie for class or a part of the gaming club after school, these are not appropriate uses of the VMS network. Remember, if everyone was streaming videos it would slow down the network for everyone.
What happens if a teacher sees me using my cell phone in class?
A teacher will take your phone and leave it on Ms. Sideli (11/12) or Mr. Sweeney's (9/10) desk for the duration of the day. The teacher will mark this down as a handbook infraction on the tracking sheet for Afternoon Advisory. Once you have elapsed your 3 frees you will need to attend Afternoon Advisory.
I get to chose when I go to Afternoon Advisory, right?
No, you should attend afternoon advisory on the day it is assigned to you. If there are extenuating circumstances (doctors appointments, etc.) that prevent you from attending please work with you homebase advisor.
How many years has VMS had a Family Handbook?
Since 1962 (58 years?!)
True/False: But what if I'm 18? Technically it's not illegal for me to buy vape/tobacco products.
FALSE! The minimum sales age for all tobacco products in Eagle County is 21 (changed August 2019). Furthermore, we care about your health and wellbeing. If you or a friend are struggling with a vape/tobacco abuse problem, lean on your relationships with trusted adults in this building to get help.
Can I email the full upper school?
Yes but you need to obtain approval to use any distribution lists by a Division Director.
Why are boys allowed to wear ripped jeans and girls aren't?
THEY AREN'T! The handbook does not discriminate based on gender identity.
The use of words and ideas as your own without proper citation.
What is plagiarism?
Taking credit for something that you didn't create yourself is a violation of our honor code and may lead to an honor council meeting.
Who is required to sign the family handbook agreement?
EVERYONE! ALL students AND parents! Faculty even sign the faculty handbook.
What do I do if my sports team needs to leave school early for a match/game?
Mr. Ecker emails teachers weekly to let them know about early release times for sports teams. PLEASE do not leave whenever you want, this erodes trust between coaches, faculty and students! Your teachers are aware of the time you should be leaving and will dismiss you at that time.
Can the school access my email account?
Yes, all activity on the VMS network may be monitored and retained.
True/False: It's super trendy to show my belly button, therefore it can't possibly be out of dress code.
FALSE! The VMS Family Handbook does not care about fashion trends.
Who attends an Honor Council meeting?
The student who violated school policy, parents, student leaders who have been nominated by their peers to be on the Honor Council, Dean of Student Life, homebase advisor, 2-3 faculty members, US Division Director.
True/False - The VMS Family Handbook is just a document that sits on the shelves and collects dust.
FALSE! This is a living document that is edited/modified each summer to reflect new policy changes. It provides structure for the expectations of each member in our community. It gives everyone an understanding of the "big picture." A lot goes on in this building!
Why does the school care about my actions off campus?
Part of the responsibility of being a VMS student is representing oneself in the community in a way that reflects the school's values. We expect that conduct on and off campus (as well as online!) will be consistent with the values and policies explained in the Family Handbook. We operate on trust and that extends beyond the school day and even beyond the school year. We also expect students to comply with local, state and federal laws.
What if I want to communicate with the full upper school via email about an upcoming demonstration, campaign, movement, protest, service opportunity, etc. ?
Awesome! VMS encourages active engagement in our community as a civic duty for our students. We celebrate community service, encourage respectful dialogue and debate, and we teach about our political system's design that promotes differences, legal protests, and compromise as a means toward forward movement and social change. If you are involved in an issue we want to support your involvement. On the flip side, if you don't want to participate, we also support that.
True/False: If I wear spandex shorts under my short skirt, I am following the dress code.
FALSE! Please wear skirts that are no shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
When does Mr. Imperi get involved in discipline?
Mr. Imperi only gets involved in major discipline situations. After the Honor Council meets they make recommendations for appropriate disciplinary actions to Mr. Imperi. He then approves or amends the recommendations of the committee in all major discipline cases.