form III faq: ask the advisor

In order to smooth the transition of our new Form III students and families to Pingry's Upper School, we have compiled this list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers. Our Pingry Directory & Student Handbook is also a great resource of information and contacts, so please be sure to use that reference throughout the academic year.


What is Form III?
Form III here at Pingry is the ninth grade. Here is a complete list of the Pingry Form and grade equivalents so that you'll be familiar with all of these references.


Who is my child's academic Advisor?
The name of your child's academic advisor is labeled "Teacher" on his/her scheduled course list. Each advisor is responsible for a group of 7-8 students for a two-year cycle. At the end of Form IV, students are assigned a new advisor for their junior and senior year. All Form V students are also assigned a college counselor to assist with the college admissions process.


How can I figure out what section I'm in for a particular class?
On your scheduled course list, the class section is the number that appears after the dash at the very end of the course identification number. For example, if the course number on your schedule is 46556-1, then you are in section 1 of that particular class. The section number does not correspond to a particular class period within the day's schedule. It is only used to indicate your class section and teacher.


If I have first period free, when am I required to report to school?
Students with first period free are still required to report to school by 8:15 am.


If I am late for school, what should I do?
If you are late to school, report to the Upper School Office to sign in for the day.


If I am going to be absent from school, what should I do?
If you are absent due to illness or unforeseen emergency, please call the Upper School Office at (908) 647-5555 x1338, by 8:15 am. If your absence from school is planned, you must complete a Planned Absence Permission Form. The form needs to be completed by your classroom teachers, advisor, and parents.             

         
What is the procedure for a student who needs to leave school early for a doctor’s appointment?
If you need to leave school early, please complete a Planned Absence Permission Form.

What are Form meetings?
Form meetings are when the entire grade meets together for grade-specific updates.


What is Conference Period?
Conference Period (CP) is time given to students at the end of the day where they can see teachers for extra instruction, review drafts, and confer about assignments. Conference period runs from 2:00-3:20 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2:45-3:20 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 2:12-3:20 pm on Fridays.

What is Headmaster’s Break?
Headmaster’s Break is free time given to students in place of an Upper School, Form, or Advisory meeting.


Is there a uniform for school? What is the dress code?
Pingry does not have an official uniform for school. However, there is a dress code. Guidelines for Pingry dress code can be found under the Campus Life section of our web site.

If I am participating in a sport, do I have to participate in PE (Fitness)?
If a student participates in a sport, he/she is exempt from PE during the season. He/she will have a “free” period to see teachers or complete homework during that time.

What is PETRI#?
This refers to the trimester a student would have Physical Education (i.e. PETRI2 refers to a student who has Physical Education in the Second Trimester)

Are books required for Peer Group?
No.

Contact Form III Advisor Susan Forrester at sforrester@pingry.org or at x1632 if you have a question that is not on this list.