Attendance Policies

• Regular and punctual attendance is essential for a successful experience at Merkaz. A student must accrue 16 credits over the course 2024-2025 year to receive credit. If a student is unable to attain those credits do to unforeseen circumstances, students will be offered an Independent Study make-up assignment. If a student is unable to complete the assignment, they will not receive credit for that school year.
• Students or parents MUST email merkaz@shalomct.org if they are going to be unable to attend a session with as much advanced notice. In that email, it is best practice if the student or parent indicates which make-up Flex Track program the student will attend to earn missed credits. This applies to both Classic and Flex Track students.

Lateness

• Lateness disturbs your fellow students and faculty and should be avoided at all cost. That being said, we understand that sometimes it is unavoidable. Whenever possible, please email merkaz@shalomct.org if you know you will be arriving late. Any students arriving more than 15 minutes late to a class or program may be required to attend a make-up program.
• Habitual lateness will be addressed at the discretion Head of School.

Early Dismissal

• For the safety and security of our students, students may not leave the premises while Merkaz is in session.
• Students leaving early must have permission from a parent or guardian. If a student must leave early, parents must email merkaz@shalomct.org with the time of dismissal and the name of the person picking them up, if applicable. Students will not be dismissed unless we receive explicit permission from a guardian.
• Occasionally, students may be dismissed early. If parents are unable to pick-up their child, a Merkaz staff member will stay with them until retrieved.

Student Conduct & Expectations

At Merkaz, we strive to create a learning community that encourages mutual respect and collective safety. Students are expected to behave appropriately, in a manner that is respectful of administrators, teachers, guests, other students, and property. In addition, students participating in any Flex programming or Merkaz trips will abide by the rules/policies particular to the premises.

The following behaviors are prohibited at Merkaz:

• Food or drinks in the classroom without prior permission from the Head of School. (All food brought to Merkaz must be Kosher and nut-free.)
• (Students and/or parents will be held financially liable for the cost of repair or replacement of any property damaged or defaced.)
• Use of drugs or alcohol by any student on school property.
• Smoking or vaping on school premises.
• Use of cell phones and all electronic devices, unless approved by the course instructor. All must be turned off while in class. Unapproved use of electronic equipment will result in the removal of the equipment for the evening.
• Inappropriate attire, including dress and grooming that are offensive, distracting, or disruptive to the educational process.
• Leaving the building without permission.

Violation of the above policies will be addressed by the Head of School, and parents will be notified when necessary.

Serious violations may constitute grounds for dismissal at the discretion of the Head of School.

Student Driving & Traffic Guidelines

• Students must operate vehicles in a safe and appropriate manner, and must abide by the established parking lot traffic flow.
• The Head of School has the authority to prohibit a student who violates safe driving practices from using the school parking facility.
• Student drivers and parents must observe designated Entrances and Exits to and from the parking lot.

Safety & Security

• Security will be present at each of our Classic Track campuses.
• Where possible, we will have security present at Flex Track programs and events.
• To inquire about the security of a specific program or event, please email merkaz@shalomct.org.