Boarding Student Handbook - Wyoming Seminary

Summer at Sem
Boarding Student Handbook
Wyoming Seminary Upper School
Summer Programs
201 North Sprague Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 270-2186

Table of Contents
General Information
Keeping in Touch 4
Staff phone Numbers 4
Registration/ Dress Code 5-6
Expectations in Personal Conduct 6
Academics
Academic Honesty Policy/ Grades 7
Daily Schedule (CPI,ESLI) 8
Evening Activities/ Evening Sign-outs (PAI) 8
Daily Schedule (PAI) 8
Data Network Policy
Internet 9
Required Software/ Antivirus & Firewalls 9
Forbidden Software/ Internet Policies 9
Network Acceptable Use Policy 10
Residential Life
Philosophy and Goals 11
Four Pillars of Residential Life 11
Residential Life Counselors 11
General Policies and Practices 11-12
Room Safety Tips 13
What to Bring / Clothing/ What Not to Bring 13-14
Study Hall (CPI/ESLI) 15
Room Condition/ Key Deposit 16
Activities 17
Medical Care / Worship Services 17
Personal Spending Money 17-18
Travel Information
Automobile Travel 18
Air Travel 19

Welcome to Summer at Sem
Though the time you will spend with us here at Wyoming Seminary is short, it can also be one of the
most rewarding, educational experiences of your life. You will most likely spend the better part of your
time learning and basking in the brilliance of your instructors and mentors, but remember, the most
important lessons we learn from life often come from the friends we make along the way. Take it upon
yourself to become a part of this truly unique community. We are firmly committed to making you feel
comfortable and welcome during your stay at Sem, but it is up to you, young scholar, to leave here with
fond memories and lasting friendships. It is our sincerest hope that this cozy campus and the time you
have spent here will find its own space in the recesses of your memory. We hope it can be a place for
you to return, from time to time, if only in thought. And as years pass by, should you choose to make
that journey across the memory, we hope you will find familiar eyes to greet you and a familiar hand to
guide you.

General Information
Keeping In Touch
To contact your son or daughter, use the following address and fax number:
Mail or Post: Student’s Name
Summer at Sem, Wyoming Seminary
201 North Sprague Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704-3593 U.S.A.
Fax: 570-270-2198
Cellular Phones
Boarding students are permitted to have cell phones as long as they are managed responsibly. The school
cannot be responsible for stolen, abused, or misplaced phones.
Cell phones and their numbers must be registered with the residential life staff at opening registration.
The Residential Life staff reserves the right to confiscate a student’s cell phone if he or she is abusing
the cell phone guidelines.
Cell phone use is prohibited in and around all classroom buildings during the academic day as well as
during lectures, performances, and evening study hall. In consideration of roommates and other dorm
residents, no phones should be used from 11:00 p.m. through the following morning until 7:00 a.m.
Cell phones are prohibited at all times inside Fleck Dining Hall, The Buckingham Performing Arts
Center, the Great Hall and the Kirby Library.
Staff Phone Numbers
Please use the phone numbers below to reach the Summer at Sem Staff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In most cases,
callers from outside the U.S. should dial 001-1 before each number.
Regina Allen (PAI) 570-270-2186
Elizabeth Blaum (School Nurse) 570-270-2180
Brian Kaschak (Director of Summer Prg.) 570-270-2294
Justin Naylor (Dean of Residential Life) 570-270-2247
Benjamin Peck (Dean of Students) 570-270-2248
Nancy Sanderson (Director of PAI) 570-270-2188
Gayle Sekel (Assoc. Dir. of Summer Prg.) 570-270-2167
Office Fax 570-270-2198
In case of an emergency, the following residential life staff members may be reached at their homes on
weekends or evenings:
Brian Kaschak 570-592-8340
Ben Peck 610-842-3167
Nancy Sanderson 570-825-4381
Justin Naylor 570-855-8108
4

Registration
Location and times of registration are noted on the gold Where/When to Register form. Please be sure to read it
carefully! If you are not able to arrive during the listed registration time, you must inform the Summer at Sem
office of the time you will be arriving.
You should report to the Stettler Learning Resources Center located on Sprague Avenue, for dormitory
assignments and class registration. Be sure to bring any outstanding paperwork and tuition payments with you
to register.
*****IMPORTANT*****
To participate in Summer at Sem Programs
you must have submitted the following forms:
1. Medical Permission card signed by parent(s)
2. Medication Permission card signed by parent(s)
3. General Permission form signed by parent(s)
4. Medical form signed by your physician
Any questions regarding these forms may be directed to the
Summer Programs Office at 570-270-2186.
5

Dress Code
Everyday dress: For all Summer at Sem classes and rehearsals, dress is casual. You are expected to be neat and clean
at all times. Hair must be of a natural tone. Males with long hair must have it pulled back. No extreme hairstyles are
permitted. Shorts, sandals, and T-shirts are permitted. However, T-shirts with obscene graphics or messages are not
permitted. Skirts and shorts must be of modest length. Sneakers are required for sports activities. No one may go
barefoot except where noted by boarding staff.
Dress for students attending concerts: You are expected to "dress up" when attending instrumental, dance, and
musical theater performances. Ties and jackets are optional for men. No jeans or sneakers are permitted at
performances. Concert dress for performers is described on the PAI information sheet.
Expectations in Personal Conduct
Wyoming Seminary is a community. As in any community, an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and good
judgment is essential. You are expected to be trustworthy and responsible in all places at all times. You are expected
to attend all classes, rehearsals and required activities. You are also expected, when attending performances, to be
attentive and supportive. Unacceptable behavior of any degree will lead to an appropriate reprimand.
The following examples of serious misconduct may lead to dismissal without refund of fees paid to Summer at Sem:
Stealing
Improper or disrespectful behavior or language
Presence on the sleeping floors of the opposite sex’s dormitory
Tampering with fire and smoke detectors, alarms and safety equipment
Absence from the dormitory between final check-in and 7:00 a.m.
Purposely destroying or defacing school or another person's property
Inappropriate use of computers
Possession or use of knives, firearms, weapons of any kind, smoke bombs or fireworks
Possession, supply, transport or use of tobacco (smoking), alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia
Leaving campus without signing out or without receiving permission from the Residential Life Office
Inflicting physical or mental harm on others
Hazing or bullying of any kind, even if totally acceptable in one’s home culture
Special note to all students:
No food or drink is permitted in the Buckingham Performing Arts Center or the Great Hall. Please take special
care not to place drinks on pianos.
Special note to international students:
Although a hierarchy of authority among peers is common in other cultures, such practices are not acceptable in
American culture, especially at Wyoming Seminary. Those who bully, force others to clean a senior’s room or do a
senior’s laundry, force others to break school rules, or exercise unwarranted authority of any kind will face severe
disciplinary action and possible expulsion.
6

Academics
Special Information: College Prep and ESL Programs
Academic Honesty Policy
Any student who engages in any form of cheating or academic dishonesty will face serious disciplinary action. The
educational system in the United States places less stress on achieving the correct answer than it does on achieving
an honest answer. Summer at Sem fully supports this system. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY IS NOT
TOLERATED. If a student engages in academic dishonesty, he or she will face an Honor Council composed of his
or her teacher, the Director of Summer Programs and the Dean of Students. The Honor Council will determine the
appropriate response for each individual case.
Grades
College Prep courses, some of which are credit-bearing, cover many disciplines, including many of Wyoming
Seminary's required concomitant courses. Summer at Sem uses the standard letter grade system for reporting
academic achievement. Effort is also evaluated by means of a numerical system. Final written comments will be
available electronically at the end of each session. Transcripts from Summer at Sem will be forwarded to your fall
school upon request.
Letter Grades
Effort Grades
A+ 97-100 5……. Outstanding; effort well
A 93-96
beyond what’s expected
A- 90-92 4……. Above average; effort beyond
B+ 87-89 requirements
B 83-86
3……. Satisfactory; meeting all
B- 80-82 requirements
C+ 77-79 2……. Below average; occasional
C 73-76
lapses in effort
C- 70-72 1……. Unsatisfactory
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F Below 60
7

Daily Schedule: College Prep and ESL Institutes
8:00-9:00 a.m. Breakfast (required sign-in)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Morning Classes
11:30-12:30 p.m. Lunch (required sign-in)
12:30-3:00 p.m. Afternoon Classes
3:30-5:00 p.m. Activities: sports, art, or performing arts
5:30-6:15 p.m. Dinner (required sign-in)
8:00-10:00 p.m. Study Hall
10:30 p.m. Dormitory Check-In (required sign-in)
Quiet hours prevail throughout dormitory
11:30 p.m. Lights Out
Special Information: Performing Arts Institute (PAI)
Please read the General Information section of this manual carefully. PAI boarding students should also carefully
read the PAI Special Information Sheet.
Evening Activities
Following dinner on those evenings when required activities are not scheduled, you are free to enjoy Wyoming
Seminary's recreational facilities--gymnasium, pool, tennis courts, Student Center, etc. You may also wish to join us
for occasional trips to shopping malls, cinemas, and other places of interest. The coordinator of evening activities
also schedules specific gym and pool nights, miniature golf outings and other activities.
Evening Sign-outs
Boarding PAI students of high school age are permitted to leave campus from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. on those evenings
when required activities are not scheduled. However, they must fill out a blue sheet in the Residential Life office and
have it approved by an administrator. A blue sheet is required for any student who plans to be off campus. Home
visits with a day student require permission from the day student's parents and prior approval of transportation
arrangements from the Residential Life office.
Daily Schedule: PAI Students
8:00 a.m. Breakfast (required sign-in)
8:40 a.m. Community Meeting
9:00 a.m. Morning Classes begin
12:15 p.m. Lunch (required sign-in)
1:00 p.m. Afternoon Classes begin
6:00 p.m. Dinner (required sign-in)
7:30 p.m. Evening Activities begin
10:30 p.m. Dormitory Check-In (required sign-in)
11:30 p.m. Lights Out
8

Data Network Policy
Internet
Wyoming Seminary provides computers with high-speed Internet access for student use in the Kirby Library and
dormitory lounges. Dormitory rooms have data ports with Internet access.
*As with any system, maintenance needs might require the network to be down during some of these hours.
Required Software
Both Windows and Macintosh computers are compatible with the network.
Acceptable Operating Systems -- should be in English:
PC – Microsoft Windows: XP, Vista and Windows 7 - All versions are now acceptable!
Macintosh – OS X: All Versions
Operating systems should be in English. Those students whose operating systems are not in English, cannot be helped or
supported by the Wyoming Seminary IT department.
Antivirus & Firewalls
Wyoming Seminary will provide anti-virus software free of charge to all students. Previously installed
security software must be removed.
At present, we do not require Macintosh computers to have antivirus software installed.
All computers are screened and approved by Campus Manager before connection with the Wyoming Seminary
network. More information about Campus Manager can be found by navigating to the Wyoming Seminary IT
Web site:
http://it.wyomingseminary.org/
Forbidden Software
Any type of file-sharing software that allows free downloads of copyrighted material is forbidden. Examples include
KaZaa, KaZaa-Light, Limewire, BiTTorrent, Edonkey, Emule, and many others. These programs must be removed
from any personal computer before it will be allowed access to the Wyoming Seminary Network.
Internet Policies
Wyoming Seminary has an established code of conduct for students, and we see Internet use as a logical extension of those policies.
The network does allow for monitoring of Internet use and the school reserves the right to monitor students’ Internet browsing
histories and use a minimal URL filtering system which blocks some inappropriate websites as well as some deemed harmful to the
network.
9

Network Acceptable Use Policy
Each student is expected to read this policy and adhere to its conditions in order to have network privileges. As in all areas
of life in the Sem learning community, it is imperative that we conduct ourselves on the Internet legally, responsibly,
decently, ethically and efficiently. All users are expressly prohibited from doing the following on the network:
1) Accessing, downloading, posting, printing, displaying or disseminating inappropriate material that includes but is not
limited to: images or text inconsistent with Wyoming Seminary’s mission and values; anything which advocates violence;
or anything that is illegal, defamatory, abusive, threatening, profane, obscene, racially or sexually offensive.
2) Uploading, introducing or creating a computer virus or other system debilitating effect;
3) Tampering with software that runs the system (hacking) - if you become aware of network security problems, please
notify a network administrator immediately;
4) Conducting commercial activities or advertising a commercial product without written permission from the business
manager of Wyoming Seminary;
5) Political lobbying;
6) Attempting purposely to harm the data of another person or organization;
7) Attempting to access the network using another users account;
8) Transmitting any material from the Wyoming Seminary database without prior approval;
9) Posting, transmitting, copying or otherwise making available copyrighted material without the author’s permission;
10) Using material from the Internet without making proper citation (plagiarism).
Good network etiquette is expected on the Internet and in email communication. Users should be polite and use
appropriate language. One should not reveal anyone’s personal address or phone number as this could be
considered an invasion of privacy. Message boards, chat rooms, UseNet groups should only be participated in
where appropriate and by students using mature and sensitive judgment. Old email messages should be removed
in a timely fashion.
The Wyoming Seminary network is property of Wyoming Seminary and, as such, access to it requires an account
issued by the school. The school expects all parents and students to have read and understood the Acceptable Use
Policy as outlined in this handbook. Use of the network at Sem is a privilege, and users who violate our
Acceptable Use Policy will be subject to school discipline, and their accounts will be subject to suspension or
termination. Terminated accounts will lose all network access rights including electronic mail.
Wyoming Seminary’s network administrator has the ability to monitor the use of all computers that are connected
to the school’s network. The school reserves the right to oversee and evaluate how and when students are utilizing
both electronic mail and Internet resources at their disposal.
Wyoming Seminary does not guarantee that information on the Internet is accurate, nor can it guarantee to totally
filter or block access to inappropriate material. Wyoming Seminary cannot guarantee the performance of any
software downloaded from the network, assumes no liability for charges incurred by a user on the Internet, cannot
be responsible for any damages or charges incurred by users of the Internet, and cannot guarantee at any and all
times total access to the Internet.
Wireless Access is available in Sprague Hall, Nesbitt Hall, Kirby Library, Buckingham Performing Arts Center, the
PDSC Student Center, Swetland Resident Hall, Fleck Resident Hall, Darte Resident Hall, and Carpenter Resident Hall. A
wireless compatible machine is required in addition to the other stated system requirements.
Data Network Questions Visit http://it.wyomingseminary.org/
10

Residential Life
Philosophy and Goals
Most any adolescent community offers interesting and exciting challenges, but the unique mix of artists, international
scholars and full-year Wyoming Seminary students taking enrichment classes at Summer at Sem provides for an especially
dynamic community. In addition to pursuing their respective personal goals, students are encouraged to discover their
unique potential, unleash their creative genius, and learn what it means to be a responsible, community-minded citizen.
Four Pillars of Residential Life
In the summer of 2002, the Residential Life Staff established its Four Pillars of Residential Life: Discovery, Creativity,
Responsibility and Integrity. These four words serve as a foundation for a successful community of engaged students,
athletes and artists at Summer at Sem.
Residential Life Counselors
Residential life counselors represent one of the most integral parts of Summer at Sem. They are university students,
chosen for their maturity and leadership, who live in the dormitory with the students. Their role is significant as they act
as tutors, mentors, role models, resident assistants and friends. One of the most rewarding aspects of the summer
program, for counselors, is witnessing not only the growth of an international student’s understanding of the English
language, or the thrill of PAIers who discover that they can measure up to incredible challenges, but also their increased
self-confidence and self-reliance as they live away from home and build lasting friendships. Counselors are a crucial part
of the lives of each of the students. Almost instantly, students view them as role models. They have the most direct
contact with the students through living with them in the residence halls, playing Frisbee with them on Back Campus,
singing next to them in Institute Chorus, and reading with them in the hallways of Sprague Hall.
General Policies and Practices
Those enrolled in programs for secondary school students may board in the dormitories. Swetland, Fleck and Darte Halls
are reserved for women. Carpenter Hall is reserved for men. In order to insure the safety and integrity of every student,
Summer at Sem requires all boarders to observe the following rules and regulations for the benefit of all:
Sign in/ Sign out
If you leave campus during scheduled free time, you are expected to sign out and in at your dormitory. Kingston
is a small community with restaurants, parks and shops located within walking distance, however, normal safety
precautions should be observed.
Sunday- Thursday students must remain on campus after study hall or evening PAI activities.
Boarding students of high school age are permitted to sign-out from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on those evenings
when required activities are not scheduled. However, they must fill out a Blue Sheet in the Residential Life office
and have it approved by an administrator. A Blue Sheet is required for any student who plans to be off campus for
an extended period.
All students must remain in the dorms after the assigned check-in times, and remain until 7:00 a.m. the following
morning.
Motor Vehicles
Boarding students may not ride in a car unless their parents have given Wyoming Seminary written permission to
do so. Check with the residential life leadership if there is any question.
Boarding students are not permitted to drive a vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc.) while under the jurisdiction of
Wyoming Seminary and Summer at Sem. Boarding students are not permitted to have a vehicle in the Wyoming
Valley under any circumstances.
11

Interpersonal Relationships
The school recognizes and supports strong and caring relationships among its students. At the same time,
excessive displays of affection in public places can prove to be embarrassing to others in the community and
can be in poor taste. Responses to such situations would include consultation with parents and a meeting with
the Dean of Students.
At no time may male students enter the sleeping floors of a female dormitory; nor may female students enter
the sleeping floors of a male dormitory.
Student Rooms and Respect for Others
Quiet hours during study hall must be respected. You are not to slam doors, run in the halls, use a loud tone
of voice, turn up the volume of the common room television, practice or play music where it will disturb
others. Families, many with small children, live in the dorms during the summer months; they deserve our
cooperation & courtesy.
For reasons of safety, students are required to leave their rooms unlocked when one or more occupants are
present. However, doors must be locked when students are not present. Doors are also locked by dorm staff
every night during lights out check.
Rooms are to be kept clean daily. Repeated failure to do so may lead to a disciplinary response.
The dormitory rooms are the property of Wyoming Seminary and are loaned to students for their use.
Wyoming Seminary reserves the right and shoulders the responsibility to search rooms and personal
belongings when there is reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing including the possession of illegal substances.
The room may be searched without the student present.
School and community property is considered just as important as that belonging to individuals. The
improper use of, or unauthorized removal of library materials, computer or phone equipment, athletic
equipment, dining room items, etc. is considered a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action.
Stealing is likely to lead to expulsion from the summer school.
12

Room Safety Tips
Students are REQUIRED TO ALWAYS keep rooms locked when vacant. It is even advisable to lock the
room when going to the lavatory or just down the hall.
Upon arrival to Wyoming Seminary students will give passports and airline tickets to the Summer at Sem
staff for safekeeping.
Each student will be provided with a small safe box and lock in their room where valuables should be stored.
The school strongly suggests that boarders leave credit cards, money, checkbooks, jewelry and other
valuables in the safe box, NOT in plain sight. Parents should check bills carefully if their son or
daughter has a credit card.
Many things on the “What NOT To Bring” list (found on page 14) are prohibited for fire safety reasons. The
dormitories are equipped with an extremely sensitive fire and smoke alarm system. Tampering with the
alarm system is forbidden.
What to Bring
Each dormitory room is furnished with a bed, desks and lamps, chair, chest of drawers, window screens, mirror, one
window fan, and computer hook-up. Dorms have common bathroom and shower facilities. Below is a list of
suggested and required items to bring or purchase upon arrival.
Required items are indicated with an *
* $100.00 refundable key deposit
Prepaid Phone Card/ Cell Phone
* Book bag/Backpack
* Alarm Clock
* Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
* First language/English dictionary (ESL students)
Camera
Fan (If it is convenient to bring a fan, it is recommended to do so.)
Computer/Laptop (Please see Voice and Data Network Information
On pages 9-10 for important guidelines)
Note: students are not required to bring or purchase
computers for the summer sessions.
PAI students should also refer to What to Bring on the PAI Special Information Sheet.
Linens: You may bring linens from home for your bed if you choose. Alternatively, you may purchase linens. Please
refer to the Optional Services form (blue) for this service. Please note: The beds in the Wyoming Seminary dorm
rooms are extra-long single beds, and require long sheets.
13

Clothing
Daytime summer weather in Northeastern Pennsylvania ranges from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 30
degrees Celsius. You should bring clothing suitable for warm temperatures, and a lightweight jacket or sweater
for cooler evenings. Though dress is primarily casual, dress for concerts and plays is more formal and there may
be additional occasions for more formal dress. ALL students MUST bring at least one “dress” outfit (see dress
code p. 6). Though you will be able to purchase a few things upon arrival, we suggest you bring these items:
Girls
Boys
1 dress
1 or 2 skirts or dress pants 1 sport coat and 1 tie
2 or 3 blouses with collars 1 or 2 casual pants
shorts
2 or 3 casual shirts
T-shirts
shorts
bathing suit
T-shirts
sneakers
bathing suit
dress shoes
sneakers
robe
dress shoes
pajamas
pajamas
gym/sportswear
gym/sportswear
flip-flops/shower shoes flip-flops/shower shoes
*Coin-operated laundry facilities are located in each dormitory. Counselors can help you learn how to use them.
What NOT To Bring
The following items are not permitted in your room:
televisions
popcorn poppers/rice cookers
air conditioners
irons
refrigerators
hot plates
candles, incense or matches heating elements of any kind
14

Study Hall – for ESLI and CPI Students
Although summer weather is perfect for outdoor fun, students in academic programs must also remember
academic responsibilities. To ensure completion of academic work, the time between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
is reserved for required study hall. If you wish to attend evening concerts during study halls, you may do so
with permission from your program director, as long as you maintain good academic standing and make up
required study during alternate hours.
Below are some of the specific policies and special events we have instituted to help you benefit most from
the residential experience:
Each international student shares a room with another student who does not speak the same native
language.
All weeknight dinners for ESL and academic students are eaten family-style. Students sit at assigned
tables with teachers or resident assistants.
All weeknight dinners for PAI students are served cafeteria style. See the PAI daily schedule for meal
times.
The Student Center is open on weeknights for all students where they can socialize, watch television and
participate in other activities such as ping-pong, volleyball, basketball, and rock-wall climbing.
Room Condition/Key Deposit
Upon arrival, a key deposit of $100.00 (payable to Wyoming Seminary by check or cash) will be collected
from each boarder. The deposit will be returned on the day of departure when the room condition report has
been approved and the key has been returned. If there are any damages to the dorm room that exceed $100.00 in
repair, you will be responsible for the additional costs. Please review the sample of the room condition report
before you arrive so that you know what to expect. (See next page)
15

SAMPLE
Summer at Sem
Room Condition Report
Name_______________________________
Dorm_______________________________ Room #_______
Please Note: It is the responsibility of each student to submit a Room Condition Report
to his or her counselor on the first day of occupancy.
1. Fill out the “check-in” column by recording an “S” (satisfactory) or “U” (unsatisfactory). If you record a “U”, please write an explanation on the opposite side of this form. Please
be sure to fill in every item.
2. It is important that you go through the items listed below very carefully and thoroughly and make the necessary changes, so that missing and damaged items will not be charged to
your account. Unless you actually record items as missing or damaged, it will be assumed that all items below were present and in good condition when you moved into the room
3. If you have any questions about this form, please see a counselor or dorm head.
4. Turn this form into a counselor, who will sign it and keep it until you sign-out.
ITEM
ROOM KEY
ENTRANCE
Door
Door lock
LIGHTS
Switches
Fixtures
OUTLETS
PHONE
CEILING
FLOOR
WINDOWS
Glass
Handles
Shades
Sills
Locks
Screens
WALLS
(stains, tape
marks, etc)
OTHER
(explain)
Check-in
condition
Check-out
condition
Charges ITEM Check-in
condition
MIRROR
BED
Frame
Mattress
DESK
Surface
Light
Drawers
Corkboard
Chair
DRESSER
Surface
Drawers
CLOSET
Shelves
Clothes Bar
Hooks
FAN
Radiator
(visible
condition)
Check-out
condition
Charges
I accept the responsibility for the condition of my room as indicated above, and understand that my key deposit will not be returned should any damages occur during
my occupancy. I will report any damages at the time they occur to the dormitory head. I understand that if the costs of damage repairs exceed $100.00, I am responsible
for the additional costs
Student’s signature__________________________ Check-in Date__________
Counselor’s Signature _______________________ Check-out Date_________
16

Activities
Afternoon Activities
Boarding students not enrolled in PAI must select an afternoon activity. You may choose an art course, or you may
participate in the sports program activities.
You may also take part in the music program by taking either private music lessons or (if you are a strong musician)
auditioning for ensembles that rehearse in the afternoon.
Evening Activities
Following dinner on those evenings when required activities are not scheduled, you are free to enjoy Wyoming
Seminary's recreational facilities--gymnasium, pool, tennis courts, Pettebone-Dickson Student Center, etc. You may
also wish to join us for occasional trips to shopping malls, cinemas, and other places of interest.
Weekends
On weekends throughout the summer, special day trips are scheduled for boarding students. Past excursions for
College Prep Institute and ESL Institute students have included shopping in New York City, sightseeing in
Philadelphia and hiking in a regional state park. Weekend trips are required for resident academic and ESL students.
On campus, the entire boarding community comes together for activities such as picnics, dances, films, and sporting
events.
Meals
Meals are served in Fleck Dining Hall. Unless the student has been excused by the Summer at Sem staff, attendance
is required at all meals, with the exception of breakfast on Sunday. Please note that shirts and shoes must be worn in
the dining room at all times in keeping with health regulations. Students are not permitted to remove dishes,
silverware, glasses or other equipment from the dining room. Please refer to the daily schedules for meal serving
times. Medical Care
Mrs. Elizabeth Blaum serves as the school nurse, with office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
She is on call twenty-four hours a day, and she is in direct contact with the school physician as necessary. For critical
care, the Wilkes-Barre General and Geisinger Hospitals are within fifteen minutes of the campus.
If you are not feeling well…
Students feeling ill must report to the nurse for evaluation and to be excused from obligations. If illness comes when
the nurse is not on duty, students should report to the dormitory staff on duty. If necessary, they, in turn, will call for
the nurse or for other appropriate attention.
Personal Spending Money
Parents should provide a modest amount of personal spending money for their son or daughter while a boarding students.
Part of the boarding student experience is learning to manage personal spending. Parents should discuss their spending
expectations or budget with their children before they arrive on campus.
Upon arrival all boarding students are provided with a lock box and combination lock for their valuables. These secured
boxes are located in the student’s dorm room. Students are encouraged to place all valuables inside this box to prevent a
loss of these items.
17

The most common and safest practices for Personal Spending Money are listed below for your reference. Please do
not send students with large amounts of cash
Automated Teller Machine- Using an ATM card allows parents to have direct control over their student’s
spending. Parents are able to deposit additional funds directly into their student’s bank account if the need
arises. Parents will also be able to monitor withdrawals made by the student directly through their bank records.
Parents are encouraged to use this method. This proves to be the easiest and most convenient way for students
to have access to personal spending money
Credit cards- Parents may choose to have their child travel with a credit card. It is preferable for students to use a credit
card for larger purchases or shopping trips.
Please remember by choosing the ATM or credit card option it allows parents and students to establish spending
limits together. For safety purposes, students should not travel with large amounts of cash.
Questions regarding personal spending money should be directed to the Summer Programs office at
summeratsem@wyomingseminary.org or by phone to 570-270-2186.
Worship Services
Kingston has many churches and synagogues within a short walking or driving distance from the Upper School.
Summer at Sem staff can arrange for participation in the religious services of your choice. Please ask a resident
assistant for information upon arrival.
Travel Information
Automobile Travel
Wyoming Seminary is easily accessible from any direction by car, bus or plane. Trailways and Greyhound bus lines
enter Wilkes-Barre from all over the country. Martz Trailways provides express coach service from Philadelphia and
New York. Taxi service is available between the Wilkes-Barre terminal and the campus. Interstate highway systems
and the Pennsylvania Turnpike make driving to Wyoming Seminary convenient.
From Interstate 80 westbound, take Exit 284. Follow 115 north approximately 24 miles. Near Wilkes-Barre,
115 north becomes 309 north. Take Exit 4 off 309.
From Interstate 80 eastbound, merge with Interstate 81 north towards Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Then…
From Interstate 81, take Exit 170B. Follow 115 north, which will become 309 north. Take Exit 4 off 309.
From the Northeast Extension (Route 476) of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 105. Follow 115 north
until it becomes 309 north. Take Exit 4 off 309.
Having taken Exit 4 off Rt. 309 marked "Kingston/Forty Fort," stay in the left lane of the ramp and at the traffic light
turn left onto Rutter Avenue. Continue on Rutter Avenue to the second traffic light (Pierce Street). Turn right onto
Pierce Street and drive two blocks to the intersection of Pierce Street with Route 11 (also known as Wyoming
Avenue). Turn left (south) on Route 11. Make the second right turn onto Hoyt Street and then immediately turn left
onto North Sprague Avenue. Drive 1/2 block to Wyoming Seminary. Visitor parking is available in the lots on the
left and right side of the street as well as on Sprague Avenue. The Summer Programs Office is on Sprague Avenue
across the street from the clock tower in the Stettler Learning Resource Center.
18

Air Travel
Summer at Sem students should schedule flights on the arrival and departure dates appropriate to their
programs. Wyoming Seminary offers several options for transportation to and from various airports to our
campus. All boarding students must complete the on-line Summer Travel Form, located at
www.wyomingseminary.org/summer on the Applications and Summer Forms page, at least three weeks in
advance of arrival.
The closest airport serving Wyoming Seminary students-the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport (AVP) - is located
twenty minutes by car from the campus. Wyoming Seminary’s Summer at Sem staff will meet students at this local
airport and transport them free of charge to the campus. United, US Air, Delta and Continental offer connecting
flights via Chicago, Philadelphia, Columbus, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Because New York’s airports are
large and confusing, we recommend that international students travel through other cities, connecting with
flights to Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Airport (AVP). However, those who prefer to avoid connecting flights may
wish to be met at New York City’s JFK and Newark Airports.
19