Preparing for Your Arrival

Whether you are a new student at SKS or coming back for another great semester, find all of the info you need to prepare for your arrival here!

Important Arrival & Registration Dates for 2024/25

Monday, August 26
New International Student Arrival (please arrive between 10 am and 7 pm)

Tuesday, August 27
New International Boarding Student & All New and Returning Day Students Registration
begins at 9am

Monday, September 2 – Labor Day
New Domestic Boarding Students & All Returning Domestic Boarding Students (please arrive
between 10 am and 5 pm)

Tuesday, September 3
New Domestic Boarding Students & All Returning Domestic / International Boarding
Students Registration begins at 9 am

For information regarding airport shuttles, see Transportation below.

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to admissions@sks.org.

Please note:
– Only SKS students may use the School shuttle service or stay on campus overnight. If families are traveling together, they must arrange their own transportation and lodging.
– All students must notify the Admissions Office of their travel plans before August 1st.

New International Boarding Students

Students traveling alone who are contracted for New International Student Orientation can be picked up at New York’s three major airports, Newark (EWR), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA), with the school’s shuttle service. Students should complete the New International Arrival/Airport Pickup Survey to arrange their pickup. Families traveling together should arrange their own lodging and transportation to campus.

Students traveling alone should plan to arrive on August 26th, the day before registration, which will be held on August 27th. Students traveling with their families should arrive on Tuesday, August 27th, for registration.

For questions, email admissions@sks.org before August 1st.

New Domestic Boarding Students & All Returning Boarding Students

A School Shuttle is available for a fee to pick up new domestic boarding students and returning boarding students arriving between 8 am-8 pm on Monday, September 2nd, at New York’s three major airports:

  • Newark (EWR): $150
  • JFK (John F. Kennedy): $200
  • LaGuardia (LGA): $175

Custodial DropOff/PickUp is an additional $50.00*

For more details and to sign up for one of the shuttles, students should complete the Airport Shuttle Request form. For questions, email jbennett@sks.org.

*If a student cannot arrive at the designated dates/times above, alternative arrangements must be made with the Admissions Office.

Packages may be sent to the School at the following address:

Student’s name
The Storm King School
314 Mountain Road
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520
U.S.A.

The Storm King School strongly recommends that all international students have a local guardian but only requires students entering the 8th and 9th grades to retain a guardian. This ensures continued care and safety for students while off-campus during vacations and weekends. In addition, guardians help the School communicate with families overseas as well as support the School with students on campus. Ideally, this person would be a family member or a family friend. Understandably, this is not possible for all students. However, The Storm King School knows of several local families who have experience as SKS guardians and may be able to provide some or all of the services described below. Please contact the Student Life Office or email admissions@sks.org

A guardian should provide services to include but not limited to the following:

  • Facilitating communication between the School and family
  • Providing home stays during breaks
  • Assisting in formulating vacation plans
  • Managing transportation to and from the School
  • Coming to campus to provide assistance or support when the need arises
  • Providing proper permissions for off-campus trips as needed
  • Responding promptly to all communications from the School
  • Securing care when a student is ill

Any arrangements or agreements made between a family and a student’s guardian are made separately from the rules and expectations of The Storm King School. Therefore, it is understood that The Storm King School is not responsible or accountable for the relationship or agreements made between a family and the guardian.

The Storm King School also reserves the right to require a change of guardian should a conflict of interest or problem arise.

Families that do not employ a guardian must have the ability to communicate with the School in English via email and telephone.

Note: Parents of 8th and 9th graders, and others who choose to employ a guardian, must fully complete The Storm King School Guardian form found in My SKS parent portal.

The School provides a bed, desk, chair, closet, and window shades. Students may provide any additional furnishings which might be desired, such as posters. Keep in mind that space is limited in the dorm rooms! An overabundance of clothes, electronics, or other furnishings makes living uncomfortable. 

Because of fire safety considerations, no student may have electrical appliances at school, such as microwave ovens, toasters, hot plates, air-conditioners, or TV sets. Any such appliances will be confiscated. In addition, halogen lamps are not permitted.

All linens should be clearly marked with the student’s name. This list includes the essentials for all boarding students:

  • Pillow
  • 2 sets of standard twin sheets
  • 2 Blankets
  • Alarm clock with battery back-up
  • Flashlight
  • 1 Bedspread or comforter
  • Laundry basket 
  • Laundry detergent and softeners
  • Towels, wash cloths
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Desk Lamp
  • Under-bed storage with a lock cannot be taller than 13 inches

Note: There will be shopping trips to stores such as Walmart/Target within a few days of arrival. Also, many items can be purchased in the School store. The School store is open on Registration Day and at the end of each academic day. Students need cash or a credit card to purchase items in the School store. 

Laundry and dry cleaning services are available through the Business Office for a fee. If students choose this option, they must bring two laundry bags marked with their name. Students may also do their own laundry in the dorms, with complimentary washers and dryers. 

Equipment connected with a student’s hobbies or interests should be brought to campus by the student. Items such as toiletries and school supplies may be purchased at the School Store, or during weekend shopping trips. 

To ensure the safety of one’s belongings, students are discouraged from keeping cash in their rooms. An ATM machine is available on campus. Valuable documents, such as I-20s and passports, are kept in the Admissions Office. 

Students may have a secure safe installed in their dorm rooms at a cost of $75/year. To reserve, email Mr. Bennett: jbennett@sks.org

SKS summer reading requirements for new and returning students will be posted at HERE. For questions, please email Dean of Academics Dr. Tim Lance at tlance@sks.org.

All New Students Entering after Grade 9: It is extremely important that SKS receives official copies of ALL previous secondary school transcripts (grades 9 and above only). These will be essential during the college application process and any summer programs, etc. Please ensure that Registrar, Ingrid Ciunga, at iciunga@sks.org has official copies of all of your transcripts.

Teachers will provide textbook ordering instructions in class. Because students take a placement test in math, and some students drop/add courses during the first week of school, SKS does not recommend that students purchase textbooks ahead. Textbooks will be a combination of hardcover and e-books depending on teacher recommendation. Students will need a credit card to order books. Students will receive schedules on Registration Day. Please contact Dean of Academics Dr. Tim Lance at tlance@sks.org if you have any questions about your schedule or books.

Each student is required to bring a laptop. The primary purpose of technology at SKS is for education and research. SKS’ robust wireless network supports all types of wireless devices. SKS does not provide any wired Ethernet connections.

The Storm King School uses 2 platforms: Apple Mac Laptop and PC Laptop. Email questions to skstech@sks.org.

Minimum Requirements for MACINTOSH LAPTOP

  • Minimum Requirements for MACINTOSH LAPTOP

    • Language for Mac must be English.

    • Must be able to connect to a wireless network connection.

    • MacOS 11 (Big Sur) or higher. ***(Big Sur supported MacBook models listed below)

    -MacBook: Early-2015 (Model 8,1) or later

    -MacBook Air: Mid-2013 (Model 6,1) or later

    -MacBook Pro: Late-2013 (Model 11,1) or later

    Minimum Requirements for Windows LAPTOP

    • Language for the laptop must be English.

    • Must be able to connect to a wireless network connection.

    • Windows 10, 11 (Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft and is vulnerable, do not use.)

    • 8GB but recommend 16+ GB RAM

    • 250+ GB hard drive -Solid State hard drive (SSD) recommended or better.

    Recommended additions:

    • Laptop and other devices insurance coverage such as ( http://www.safeware.com)

    • Microsoft Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 Subscription (recommended, not required), other word processing applications such as Keynote or Google Docs may also work; please check with your teachers.

    • Screen protector and protective bag or sleeve to carry the device around campus.

    • 1 TB+ external data drive for storing files is recommended.

    • 32 GB+ USB thumb drive

Cell phones are not allowed during the academic day. Students may use them during non-academic times, on evenings, and weekends. All students must have a domestic cell phone number or WeChat ID.

Parents should be aware that the School’s insurance does not cover students’ personal belongings. An application such as Find My Phone is recommended. Students should add the Dean on Duty number to their contacts 845-629-0344.

General Principles

The Storm King School considers computers to be a valuable tool for education and encourages the use of computer related technology in school classrooms to further the educational goals of the School. As part of Storm King’s commitment to academic excellence and technology, students and faculty are provided with access to the Internet to support instruction, conduct research, enhance curriculum, and communicate with scholars throughout the world.

Storm King’s Internet services are designed to guide users in navigating through vast resources while minimizing the possibility of accessing information that is inappropriate in the context of a school setting. No matter how vigilant, the blocking technology can never keep up with new sites or make all the correct judgments about taste. The Storm King School cannot guarantee that such material will not be accessed.

When a student in The Storm King School accesses computers, computer networks, and educational technology owned or operated by the School, he or she assumes certain responsibilities and obligations. All access of this type is subject to school policies and to local, state, and federal laws. The Storm King School expects that student use of computers provided by this school will be ethical, for educational pursuits, and will reflect academic honesty. Students must demonstrate respect for intellectual property, system security, and privacy. In an effort to adhere to these General Principals the following rules will be applied:

  1. All Internet traffic will be routed to the web filter. This device is designed to filter out known inappropriate web sites; sites that contain offensive, illegal and or dangerous content. There can be no exceptions. Any traffic that does not pass inspection by “web filter” cannot be allowed on The Storm King School computer systems. If you find a site you need for academic work blocked, please see your teacher. Access can be provided for genuine academic activity.
  2. We reserve the right to inspect any computer and mobile devices that access The Storm King School network, and, or access the Internet via this system, for compliance with the computer policy as well as inspection for illegal and dangerous software. We reserve the right to remove any such software without the owner/user’s consent.
  3. The School is not responsible for loss or damage to a file due to unauthorized access or usage.
  4. Students are strongly encouraged to use appropriate security and backup procedures to insure the authenticity of their files. Students are required to have a current anti-virus program and anti-spyware.
  5. Students may not use devices such as Hotspots, Wireless repeaters, Network extenders, etc. which interfere with SKS WiFi signals. The use of these devices is prohibited; they are subject to confiscation.

Students must obtain the approval of their parent(s) or guardian(s) before access to the School’s Network / Internet resources can be granted. Both students and parents must also read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy to indicate an understanding and acceptance of its contents. Internet use is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. Vandalism of equipment, network access or programs will result in discipline as defined in the School conduct policy.

Users must adhere to the same code of ethics that govern all other aspects of the School. The following Internet Acceptable Use Policy is not an inclusive listing, but general guidelines dictated by decorum, privacy, respect and the law.

  1. Accounts may be used only by the authorized owners of the accounts. Access of other accounts is prohibited.
  2. Users are responsible for the file content, downloading file (video, music, etc.) data, programs and email communications of the accounts.
  3. Users shall not use their accounts or the network to create, view or distribute images, sounds, messages or materials which are obscene, pornographic, harassing, racist, inflammatory, malicious, fraudulent or slanderous. Users shall not engage in cyber bullying.
  4. Users shall respect the privacy of others, and shall not access, modify, or copy passwords or data belonging to other users. Users will not publish private information on students, faculty or staff without permission.
  5. Users shall not use computer programs to decode passwords or to access information.
  6. Users shall not use computers to access personal entertainment, social networks, and game playing during academic times.
  7. Users shall not attempt to circumvent or subvert system security measures.
  8. Users shall not copy files, data or programs without permission.
  9. Users shall not install software or download unauthorized files, games, programs or other electronic media.
  10. Users shall not engage in any activities that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating viruses, damaging files or disrupting service.
  11. Users shall respect copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to material entered into and obtained via the system. Software piracy and plagiarism are illegal.
  12. The use of the network for personal profit, commercial purposes or illegal activities is prohibited.
  13. Users shall respect the integrity of Storm King Telecommunication’s infrastructure. Unauthorized access to The Storm King School information systems, Internet or other networked computers is not permitted. Attempts to hack into the Storm King network, damage the functionality of the network or to bypass its restrictions are illegal. And violation of these restrictions may be prosecuted as a
    criminal offense.

The Storm King School monitors online access and retains the right to review and edit any materials that are stored, posted or emailed through its network infrastructure. Any user who does not comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy will be subject to one or more of the following consequences. The disciplinary action depends upon the infraction and is not limited to this list.

  • Conference with parent(s) or guardian(s)
  • Compensation equivalent to the cost of repair or replacement as
    determined by the School. This includes labor time needed for the repair
  • Loss of network privileges for a determined period of time
  • Permanent revocation of network rights
  • Disciplinary measures
  • Expulsion
  • Legal Action

Note: All students and parents/guardians must fill out the Storm King School Internet/Network Acceptable Use Form found in their My SKS portal.

Students are advised not to carry large sums of cash with them. Yet they may need cash for weekend shopping or other off-campus trips. An ATM machine is available in Orr Commons. It is recommended that students have a debit card so that they can withdraw cash if needed. The ATM fee is $2.50 per transaction. SKS encourages parents to have earnest discussion with their children regarding the responsible use of debit/credit cards.

Parents receive monthly statements, via Blackbaud Tuition Management, regarding their children’s accounts. If you have any questions, please email our Business Office Manager, Kathy Syvertsen at ksyvertsen@sks.org.

The Storm King School’s dress code exists to unify the student body in general appearance.  Every Storm King student is subject to the same set of expectations detailed below. The code also exists to elevate the aesthetic on campus and to heighten our collective academic focus. 

TOPS 

All students will be required to wear a navy blue blazer or SKS sweater to school daily as outerwear.  Students must purchase their own blazers. The SKS crest is not required on the blazer. SKS sweaters, purchased through our clothing provider and our school store, come in navy or gray colors, and include the SKS crest.  On days in which the forecasted local temperature is equal to or greater than 75 degrees fahrenheit, students are not required to wear a blazer or sweater to school.  No other outerwear is permitted, unless a light jacket is worn outside.

During the colder months (December/January/February/March), students are permitted to substitute an SKS sweatshirt (purchased in the school store or through an athletic team or activity) instead of the blazer or sweater as their outerwear. Only SKS sweatshirts are permitted.  Coats or jackets may be worn, but must be taken off when entering any classroom.  No other outerwear is permitted. 

 All students are required to wear a collared shirt tucked into their pants or skirts.  The shirt may be an oxford (full button-up), polo, or collared blouse.  Dress code shirts may be long-sleeve or short-sleeve.  Acceptable colors are white, navy blue, or light blueDress code shirts may have the SKS logo, but are not required to have the logo.  No oversize brand logos are acceptable.

BOTTOMS

Pants must be navy or khaki colored in a straight-leg chino style, appropriately fitted, with shirts tucked in.  Capri pants may be worn.  Students are not permitted to wear denim jeans, leggings, yoga pants, or jeggings.

Shorts may be worn in the warmer months of September, October, and May.  They must be in the chino-style and solid navy or khaki colored.  The hem of the shorts must fall no higher than 2” above the knee.  Cargo shorts are not permitted.

Skirts/skorts must be navy, khaki, or *SKS plaid, and appropriately fitted. The hem must fall no higher than 2” above the knee. Leggings/tights may be worn under skirts.  Permissible colors of the leggings/tights include navy, nude, white, and black.

Students should be able to transition easily from interior spaces to our outdoor pathways and classrooms.  The weather and school schedule often impacts what footwear is appropriate on any given day.  Therefore, the following types of footwear are permissible:

    • Dress shoes, boots, work shoes, hiking, or sneakers
  • Sneakers must be solid-colored, with no oversize logos, in white, brown, black, beige, or navy

 List of Clothing that is not acceptable on campus at any time:

  • Shirts that expose the chest or midriff.
  • Clothing that displays any offensive or derogatory language or imagery
  • Clothing that references Drugs/Alcohol
  • Clothing that displays violent imagery

Shirts must be worn at all times, even during sports practices

No hats or head coverings are to be worn in any of the academic buildings, including the Art Center and Orr Commons.  Exceptions will be considered for religious and/or cultural reasons.  Students seeking an exception to the rule regarding head coverings should speak to the Assistant Head of School for Student Life.

ATHLETIC PRACTICE APPAREL

All students are required to purchase SKS athletic practice apparel for the 2023-2024 school year. Only students attired correctly in official SKS athletic practice apparel will be permitted to participate in after-school athletic practices. Those not adequately dressed will receive punitive measures.

It is recommended that each student purchase at minimum:

  • 1 sweatshirt
  • 2 t-shirts
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 pair of athletic pants

The Storm King athletic apparel can only be purchased here: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/cornwallonhudson/storm-king-school. For questions, please email the Athletic Director, Dr. Nicole Cervantes, at ncervantes@sks.org.