Since The Country School is a community of students, teachers, and parents, it is necessary that each individual recognize and uphold his/her responsibility in all phases of school life. A student's behavior should reflect The Country School values, which are the essential underpinnings of good character:
Honesty
Students should be trustworthy and exhibit honorable behavior at all times in both words and deeds. One should always tell the truth and do one's own work. Infractions of honorable conduct, including cheating, plagiarism, lying, and stealing, will not be tolerated.
Respect
Students should show respect to all people through language and actions. Students should act with dignity and demonstrate courteous manners towards teachers, classmates, parents and visitors to the school. Bullying or bullying type of behavior is not acceptable at The Country School (see section on Bullying) nor is hazing or harassment.
Students should have knowledge of and respect for school boundaries. During school hours or during after-school activities, students are not permitted to go beyond the perimeter of the school property.
Students are expected to display respect for school property and extend that respect to their own and classmates' personal possessions.
Upper School Students should adhere to the Network Acceptable Use Policy, which they sign prior to using the school's computer network. Violations of this policy will not be tolerated.
Students should respect state and federal laws regarding cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and drugs; disregard for these laws will be not tolerated.
Responsibility
Students should take responsibility for their words and deeds and help create a school environment that fosters understanding, respect, and acceptance of individual differences. Students should be responsible for the safety of others through their behavior and should never bring to school or have in their possession any kind of weapon, look-alike weapon or explosive.
Compassion
Students should demonstrate a feeling of empathy for and an understanding of others. Students should treat others the way that they would like to be treated.
Commitment
Students should approach all aspects of their school life with a sense of dedication, determination, and responsibility. Students should attend all classes, arrive on time with all necessary materials, and complete all assignments.
Cooperation
Students should work with teachers and classmates in a fair and pleasant manner. Students should conform to the dress code at all times.
Fairness
Students should deport themselves in ways that are unprejudiced and impartial. In dealing with others, they should behave in a reasonable and objective manner.
Moral Courage
Students should possess the willingness to stand up for what is believed to be right even if that stand is unpopular or goes against conventional wisdom.
The development of sound ethical and moral character will be particularly emphasized in all aspects of school life. Any breaches in ethics will be reported to the Headmaster or Division Head and appropriate action will be taken. Disciplinary action will result for infractions of The Code of Conduct such as (but not limited to) dishonesty; cheating; plagiarism; stealing; vandalism; bullying; fighting or endangering the safety or well-being of others through language and or/behavior; possession, use, distribution, sale, exchange, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
The Country School's teachers are committed to directing students towards these goals. If, however, these attempts are unsuccessful, a faculty member may report a student to the Headmaster or Division Head who will decide on an appropriate course of action.
Anyone who persistently refuses to accept the standards set by The Country School will be separated from the school.