Dear Family,

This communication outlines the importance of our Student Handbook as a document that helps strengthen the Proctor community. It not only lays out the expectations for students, but it also provides an opportunity for all of us to participate in the Proctor experience. 

Proctor encourages students to pursue their passions, blaze their own trails, and make a difference in the world. It is why we have chosen to work here as educators and why you, as parents and guardians, have chosen us to nurture and guide your students. At the same time, we expect that all members of our community will learn to live within shared boundaries grounded in compassion, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Our Student Handbook describes both the opportunities placed before our students and the rules by which we share the extraordinary experience of Proctor Academy.

Are freedoms and rules in opposition to each other? No. Proctor students are encouraged to find their own paths within a set of community agreements. As adults, parents and educators, we have an opportunity to work in partnership in support of these young people. In doing so, we all learn to live, and then we can best live to learn.

The 2024-2025 handbook contains significant revisions from previous editions. We have not changed the rules dramatically, but we have clarified some of the gray areas and described systems more completely. Much of the evolutions in our handbook come through the excellent work done by Alisa Barnard in her new role of Advisor to the Head of School for Student Safety and Well-Being and Assistant Head of School Annie MacKenzie, alongside our partners, Learning Courage, as we ensure student safety and well-being remains our priority. I encourage you to explore more of the resources and work being done in this area on our Student Safety and Well-Being website HERE.

Please read the handbook linked above carefully whether you are a new student or parent/guardian or a returning member of the community. The following explanations are important to understand as you discover changes in the handbook:

• The Family/School Partnership - We have amplified the importance of partnerships with families to help develop the social and emotional competence of Proctor students. We engage intentionally in educating students regarding self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Recent studies are unanimous that the elevated stress and anxiety levels of today’s school-aged children are unprecedented. Working in partnership with families helps Proctor students learn important life skills.
• Sanctuary Policy Evolution - The handbook emphasizes a shared responsibility for the health of each member of the Proctor community. We seek to create a school community in which helping each other live healthy and productive lives is the primary goal. Please pay attention to revisions in the sanctuary policy in regard to students helping each other learn to manage the challenges they all face. Read more on page 18 of the handbook.
• Nicotine Policy Evolution - We have evolved our policy around nicotine usage to a “Major Violation” to have this substance in parallel response to other substances since New Hampshire state law states the legal age for nicotine use is 21 years of age. We will continue to provide support to students, as we have in the past, in need of nicotine cessation plans, recognizing the addictive nature of the substance. Read more on page 39 of the handbook.
• Attendance Points/Policies - We have modified the attendance policies to provide greater consistency, clarity, and accountability for students. Please look at this evolved policy on page 10.
• Formation of the Community Conduct Committee - Formerly known as the “Harassment Committee,” Raz Rasweiller and Rosanna Eubank will lead the reconstituted Community Conduct Committee. The goal of this committee is to address issues of harassment, discrimination, bullying, and hazing. Where inappropriate conduct is found, Proctor will act promptly with the goal of addressing harm and taking corrective action to repair and restore the community. Through education and intervention, the school strives to achieve an educational environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, bullying and hazing. Learn more about the processes for this committee on page 16 of the handbook. 

For decades, a banner has hung in Proctor’s meetinghouse that proclaims “Together.” It is this one word that defines the unique community we have created and which we cherish. This handbook provides an elucidation of how we, daily, pursue our mission alongside our students and families. 

Best, 

Student Permission Forms - Available in myProctor