Merkaz

Regular and punctual attendance is essential for a successful experience at Merkaz. A student must accrue 4 credits over the course of the school year.

If a student is unable to earn the required credits due to unforeseen circumstances, an Independent Study make-up assignment may be offered. Failure to complete the assigned work will result in an Incomplete for that class. 

Parents must email [email protected] if a student will be unable to attend school as soon as possible. Make-up work will be assigned at the teacher's discretion.

Tardiness disturbs your fellow students and faculty and should be avoided at all costs. That being said, we understand that sometimes it is unavoidable. Whenever possible, please email [email protected] 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 tardiness will be addressed at the discretion Head of School.

For the safety and security of our students, students may not leave the premises while Merkaz is in session.

Students leaving early must have written permission from a parent or guardian. If a student must leave early, parents must email [email protected] or write a note 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.

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 be expected to 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 phones must be turned off and will be collected by the teacher at the start of 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.

Students must operate vehicles in a safe and appropriate manner, and must abide by the established parking lot traffic flow.

Student drivers and parents must observe designated entrances and exits to and from the parking lot.

The Head of School has the authority to prohibit a student who violates safe driving practices from using the school parking facility.

Security will be present each week.

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 [email protected].