OUR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
MISSION STATEMENT
The residential curriculum of The Orme School provides a safe, caring atmosphere for growth both in the college preparatory setting and the residential community. Students learn responsibility through community involvement, leadership, cultural diversity, and appreciation of the Southwest. Programs and structure provide a balanced respect for self and others while developing each student’s mind, body and spirit.
PHILOSOPHY AND EXPECTATIONS
It is our responsibility to maintain high standards and a homelike atmosphere within the residential life program. The School acts in loco parentis, a legal term meaning “in place of the parent”, and it is a task taken very seriously by all of our community members. In combined effort with staff, faculty, administration and families we are able to provide an atmosphere promoting personal growth and healthy choices. Parent and student support of this goal is essential and we therefore ask that a committment to the following expectations be held:
Students are expected to:
- Live and embrace the residential mission
- Take responsibility for their bodies, emotions and actions in an age appropriate continuum
- Participate and contribute positively to residential programs and activities
Parents are expected to:
- Support the residential mission.
- Respect and plan accordingly to residential programs and activities.
- Communicate with Deans and Residential Faculty in a timely and appropriate manner.
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RESIDENTIAL STAFF for 2009-10
Residential Administration:
The residential administration oversee the residential programs, activities, resources, supervision, and discipline procedures.
Dorm Parents:
The dorm parents are faculty hired specifically to oversee the dorms. They have part-time responsibilities during the academic day/activity period (teaching a class or coaching a sport), but their primary focus is on building strong relationships within the dorms. Dorm parent apartments are located in the dorm areas which allow the Dorm Parents to be available at all times. Students may come to their Dorm Parent for help with a dorm or social issue, a homelike atmosphere to bake or hang-out, or just a comfortable place to be heard. Dorm Parents also serve as a great resource for parents regarding dorm related issues.
Student Prefects:
Prefects are assigned to dorms to help enforce dormitory rules and serve as a role models for the student body. They assist in the supervision of facilities and events, boost morale, maintain order, facilitate conflict management, and lead by example.
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DORMITORY LIVING
Living in a residential setting, students are entrusted with personal and community responsibility. By assuming this responsibility and holding themselves accountable for their choices, students learn the value of being a contributing member of a caring community.
Common areas within the dorms provide laundry facilities, minimum cooking appliances, comfortable seating for watching movies or hanging out, and computer access. Lawns and available outdoor seating are also common gathering locations.
Students live in fourteen, single-sex dorms divided into Boys’ Camp and Girls’ Camp. Each dorm has between four and six rooms, and the rooms are divided into two-room suites. Typically, each suite has a its own bathroom to share between the two rooms. Dorms and roommates are assigned based on grade level and compatibility, and although not guaranteed, returning students may request a specific dorm and roommate.
While every room comes with essential furniture, students quickly decorate their rooms to reflect their own individual characters. It is the diversity of these characters that makes dorm life special.
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DAY STUDENTS
We place a high priority on the programs and activities that make up our residential program. Spiritual, emotional, and physical growth are developed during these times as well as a strong commitment to community. This is a tremendous advantage to attending a boarding school. We therefore encourage and occasionally require our day students to participate in these scheduled events. Day students are assigned a room in the dorms and may stay for school related functions.
A Day Student Representative is elected to the Orme Student Congress to voice concerns and share their perspective. A Day Student Prefect is selected to represent the day student population within the dorm areas
Contact Info: Student Services
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Whether you are a boarder or a day student, residential life is an important part of the Orme experience. Our residential program consists of enriching programs, student planned activities, dormitory living, and caring, supportive faculty. As a community, all our members participate to create a positive atmosphere for fun and growth. Please explore the links below to learn the philosophy that guides our residential program, the various ways that faculty and students are integrated into this curriculum, and many facts/tips for living in a dorm.
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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS: |
FOR PARENTS: |
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Community Programs |
FAQ's |
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Clubs & Activities |
Contact Information |
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Online Newsletter |
Online Resources |
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Weekend Activities |
Online Forms |
- RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS -
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Orme has a variety of programs to promote a community atmosphere. Listed below are a few, but not all the programs we offer.
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Assemblies & Meetings:
Musical performances, speakers, character education, cultural experiences and community forums are many of the programs offered at various times throughout the year. In addition, there are weekly class meetings, camp meetings and dorm meetings.
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Formal Dinner:
Every Monday, the community gathers for formal dinner. Formal dress is required and students sit at assigned tables to create a family like atmosphere. Students learn and practice table etiquette and appropriate behavior for formal settings.
Advisee Dinner:
Dinner on Wednesday nights is a time for family dining. Often this will be with Advisee groups at the Advisor's home. Other times, Wednesday sit-down dinner will be a collared-shirt dinner in Founders' Hall at assigned tables. Either way, this dinner time is followed by an Advisor/Advisee meeting time. |
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Vespers:
Vespers is an evening program held in the Morton Vrang Orme Memorial Chapel. It follows formal dinner every Monday night. Vespers is non-denominational in intent and aims to educate students on various spiritual practices. The programs are designed to promote spiritual reflection and growth.
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Symposium:
The Residential Deans, Dorm Parents, Nurse, and Counselors facilitate the Symposium program. Students are divided into small groups that meet each Tuesday. Within this program students are encouraged to develop positive values such as honesty, respect and acceptance of diversity. Students are given information guiding them to make healthy choices and develop their communication and cooperation skills. Time management, personal accountability, conflict resolution, room cleanliness and decision making skills are modeled and taught within the dorms. Speakers, special programs, and developed curriculum provide resources for making choices about their personal development. | |
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Advisee Program:
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to provide both academic advice and a homelike atmosphere while at Orme. Students often form a strong relationship with their advisors and are encouraged to seek them out for support. In addition to individual counsel, advisee groups meet weekly in the advisor's home and participate in several group activities throughout the year. Twice during the year advisors will mail a written report to parents on each of their advisees. Parents are encouraged to communicate often with the advisor by phone or e-mail.
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Student Government:
The purpose of our student government is to encourage positive student participation in School and Community affairs; promote and assist in directing student activities, learn the important of democratic procedures and due process, and develop leadership skills. Orme Student Congress (OSC) consists of Student Body Officers in conjunction with the Student Government Sponsor, a faculty representative, and Class Officers.
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CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Students have many opportunities to develop leadership skills and be involved within the community through school clubs and organizations. The following list of offerings is subject to change depending on staff availability and student interest.
| Activities Committee |
4-H Club |
| Caravan Committee |
International Club |
| Choir |
Key Society |
| Commons Committee |
Orientation Committee |
| Crotalus - School Newspaper |
Orme Rodeo Association |
| Debate |
Orme Student Council |
| Disciplinary Board |
Prefects |
| Drama |
Student Tutors |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes |
Yearbook |
| Fine Arts Council |
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WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
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The Activities Director, Activities Vice Presidents (OSC) and the Activities Committee devote time each week to planning a diverse assortment of activities both on and off campus. These activities allow access to a variety of stores and shopping on a regular basis, culturally enriching experiences, and outdoor leadership opportunities, as well as providing ample entertainment and recreation on campus. |
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