2008-2009 Outstanding Dormitory Award Winner
We would like to welcome all of the residents of our dorm, as well as their families. We strive to create a safe, friendly, and warm atmosphere here in Upper Gains, and many efforts are made to ease the homesickness many boys may feel at first and to help them adjust to boarding school life. Games, movies, post-study hall treats, and our resident dorm dogs [Charlie & Miki—American Eskimo dogs] all contribute to our unique dorm identity. We hope to make our dorm a place in which your boys can feel "at home, away from home".
The Phelps School Student/Parent Handbook is the essential resource for information on school policies and procedures. Please take the time to review the handbook, but feel free to contact us with any questions of concerns that remain unanswered or unclear. Your son’s advisor is another source of information.
PHONE INFO
You will receive specific phone and e-mail information upon checking into our dorm.
The best times to reach your son are between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 PM on weekdays. The phone will be off the hook during evening study hall [8:15 to 10:00 PM] and after "lights out" at 10:30 PM. Please assist us in restricting the use of cell phones during those times as well.
When we are on duty we are usually away from our phones and with the boys. Therefore, in case of an emergency or a concern needing immediate attention, please contact the administrator on duty (the AIC: 484-325-0849).
WEEKEND & VACATION LEAVE
Please check the school calendar before making any travel arrangements for your son.
Send any plane, train, or bus tickets directly to the Business Office.
Any boy leaving campus for the weekend must have the permission of his parent or legal guardian. Please tell us how your son will travel, when he will depart from and return to school, and if he requires any extra money for his trip. Please contact us to give permission by 10:00 PM of the Wednesday preceding the weekend. A message left on the machine is fine but e-mail is even better! All boys must return by 7:30 PM on Sunday night. Please call the AIC phone if you anticipate that your son may be late.
Please make vacation travel plans well in advance. We will need to know how and when your son is traveling at least a week before the vacation begins.
Finally, remember that theft can occur anywhere and, even though we are a small community, boys should be responsible with all of their belongings. Each boy must bear the sole responsibility for the safekeeping and care of all personal items kept on campus. Each student is also responsible for damage to his room or other school property. We thank you for your assistance in these matters and for the privilege of working with your son.
Candace Ferguson & Michael Mansi
Upper Gains Dorm Parents