Mattanawcook Junior High School

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Mattanawcook Junior High School
Student Handbook 2009-2010

Mattanawcook Junior High School
45 School Street
Lincoln, Maine 04457
Phone: 207 794-8935
Fax: 207 794-2601
Website: www.rsu67.org/mjhs

Principal: Mr. Larry Malone
Asst. Principal: Mrs. Anita Stewart McCafferty

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
     It is my pleasure to welcome you to Mattanawcook Junior High School. The faculty and staff are looking forward to another exciting and successful year for you.
     Each school year brings students together as educational partners at our school. Our goal is to help students become the best they can be: intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially while providing each student with a strong educational foundation.
We realize that the students in our building are going through many changes and that these changes occur at various times and stages during the middle years. We believe that in order for us to support them, we must recognize and deal with each student as an individual. It is important that we establish and maintain a school environment that enhances each student’s self concept. We encourage each student to actively participate in their educational experience here by meeting the academic challenges they will encounter and to get involved in some of the many co-curricular, intramural, and extra-curricular offerings provided. It’s also very important that students conduct themselves in a respectful manner, make healthy choices, and develop responsibility and accountability for their role in establishing a positive learning environment at MJHS.
We hope that our students will find MJHS a safe, supportive and caring environment, which allows them to learn and grow. Our staff is committed to helping all students with their transition from elementary to high school.
The pages of this handbook are filled with important information regarding school policies and procedures for the upcoming year. I suggest that parents and students review the contents together. If you have any questions that remain unanswered after reading the handbook, please call the school office at 794-8935 or contact me at lmalone@rsu67.org. We feel that open and clear communication between the school and home is essential to the success of our educational program.
     The pages of this school planner are designed to assist your child in organizing his/her daily, weekly, and long-term assignments. We encourage parents to review the planner each evening to help them provide academic support at home. Your involvement and active participation with school will help ensure your child's success.
Thank you for your support.

Mr. Larry Malone
Principal

THE MISSION OF R.S.U. 67

R.S.U. 67 strives to provide a safe, caring, supportive educational environment which empowers all individuals to fulfill their unique potential as lifelong learners and to become responsible, contributing citizens in an ever-changing global society.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION, 5-8

Middle-level students are in a unique period of transition from childhood to adolescence. The school community, therefore, needs to be knowledgeable about this transition and about the most effective and current methods of teaching this age group. By working in close partnership with students and their families or other support systems, the school community recognizes and respects students as individuals and helps them reach their potential—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
All students can learn and must be prepared to meet the demands and opportunities of the future in a global society. This preparation crosses all subject areas and is balanced with opportunities to participate in a variety of appropriate co-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to accept themselves, to be sensitive to differences between themselves and others, to develop positive attitudes and appropriate standards of healthful behavior, and to be responsible for their actions.
Students learn best when they work within educational settings and time frames that honor individual learning styles and that allow them to make choices, work respectfully with one another, and accomplish assigned tasks. As facilitators of such learning, educators strive to maintain safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environments. Both educators and students, therefore, need timely access to adequate, appropriate, and equitable resources; current information and technology; and the skills to utilize resources, information, and technology effectively. Students are asked to demonstrate knowledge and skills by completing meaningful tasks through inquiry, problem solving, and healthful risk taking. In addition, students are asked to reflect on and take pride in the results of their work, and to apply new learning to subsequent experiences. Student accomplishments are recognized and celebrated regularly.
Educators, 5-8, consider effective communication between the home and the school an important part of a student’s educational success. Together, educators and families/other support systems endeavor to set high expectations for students and hold students accountable for their work. All stakeholders are encouraged to share learning; to visit classrooms; and to engage in creative, constructive conversation regarding all aspects of a student’s educational experience. Such collaboration—coupled with periodic, consistent, system-wide assessment of individual students and curricula—is a vital part of maintaining quality educational opportunities for all.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mattanawcook Junior High School, located on the shores of beautiful Mattanawcook Lake, was built in 1932 with additions added in 1962 and 1992. The school has 21 regular classrooms and 10 special area classrooms.
The enrollment of our school is approximately 370 students. The staff is made up of 30 teachers, 26 education technicians, a librarian, administrative secretary, assistant secretary, five cooks, four custodians, a nurse, a guidance counselor, an assistant principal, and principal.
The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. The day is divided into core time and exploratory. Breakfast and Lunch are provided daily. A ten-minute, morning break is scheduled each day.

Curriculum: Students will have classes in “Core” subjects everyday. All students will have “Exploratory” subjects throughout the year. Students will also have classes from the Special Area subjects based on their grade level and if they have elected the class.

Basic core subjects:
Language Arts
Reading
Math
Science
Social Studies

Exploratory subjects:
Art
Technology Education
Life Management Skills
Computers
Guidance (Teen Topics) Grades 7&8

Special area subjects:
Music - Grades 5 & 6
Chorus (elected) - Grades 6-8
Band (elected) - Grades 5-8
Physical Education
Health

Extracurricular Activities:

Fall

Football (7-8)
Field Hockey (6-8)
Boys Soccer (6-8)
Girls Soccer (6-8)
X-Country (5-8)

Winter

Boys Basketball (6-8)
Girls Basketball (6-8)
Cheering(6-8)
Downhill Skiing(5-8)
Wrestling (5-8)

Spring

Baseball (6-8)
Softball (6-8)
Spring Track (5-8)

Check with local recreation departments for other sports opportunities provided for students in grades 5-8.

MJHS extra-curricular activities adhere to established league rules and the MPA Middle Level Co-curricular recommendations.

MJHS will make every effort to ensure that all students have an opportunity to participate in the district.

Intramural and Co-curricular Activities:
(Sample offerings for Grades 5-8)

Math Club
Computer Club
Student Council
Service Club
Drama Club
Art Club
X-Country Skiing
Basketball
Volleyball
Floor Hockey
Yearbook
One Act Plays
After-school Club
SPRINT for Life
Honor Choir
Jazz Band

Offerings change yearly

School Colors: Blue and White

School Mascots: Bobcat (Boys) and Wildcat (Girls)

School Web-site: http://www.rsu67.org/mjhs
You will find a variety of up-to-date information on our site including activities calendars, lunch menus, coming events, maps, handbooks, and pictures.
E-Mail: All staff may be emailed as first name_last name@rsu67.org
Example: sally_smith@rsu67.org (Ms. Smith - Sample)

ABSENCES, TARDINESS, DISMISSAL

Mattanawcook Junior High School believes that consistent school attendance contributes to better student performance. We also believe that students must be responsible for their attendance.

Excusable Absences and Tardiness: State law allows excusable absences (or tardiness) only for the following: personal illness, religious holidays, appointments with health professionals and emergency family situations and planned absences for personal or educational purposes (family vacation) which have been prior-approved by the Superintendent of Schools.

Procedure after an Absence:
Please call the school on the day your child is absent and provide a reason for absence.

If you are unable to contact the school on the day of absence, you must bring an absent note when you return to school. Have your parent or guardian write an excuse giving name, date, days of absence, and reason for absence.
Give your written excuse to your homeroom teacher.
See each of your teachers to make up the assignments you missed due to the absence. You will be allowed one day to make up work for each day you were absent. Students are responsible for all missed work.
Students who do not bring a note will be given a letter from the Assistant Principal to bring to their parents to sign and return the next day. Failure to submit a valid note will result in after-school make-up time.

Tardiness:

Pupils who arrive at school after 7:45 will be marked tardy and must report to the office before going to class.
Students will be required to make up time for excessive tardiness.
Students must bring a note from their parent or guardian indicating the reason for being tardy.
Failure to submit a valid note will result in after-school make-up time.

Waiver of Attendance request: Absences for personal or educational purposes require the parent or guardian to fill-out a Request for Waiver of Attendance Form and obtain approval from the Principal and Superintendent prior to the absence. These absences are marked as "excused." Students should gather assignments and take care of other details with their teacher(s) before leaving for the absence.

Participation in School Activities following an Absence: For all absences other than professional appointments and funerals, students must be in attendance by 11:00 if they expect to participate in any practice, game, dance, or other special extracurricular activity that day.

Perfect Attendance: Perfect attendance awards will be given each quarter to students who have not been absent any days during the quarter. A special certificate will be awarded to students who have perfect attendance all year. Note: Attendance is posted on the Rank Card.

Dismissal: Early dismissal will be permitted for the same reasons allowable for legal, excused absences. If it is necessary to schedule dentist or doctor appointments, you are encouraged to do this other than school hours if possible.

Requests for early dismissal from school are to be given to the homeroom teacher before school begins and will be sent to the office with the attendance slip. Parents must come to the office, and students will be called from class to be signed-out and dismissed.

School Cancellation: Should school need to be cancelled due to inclement weather, please check local TV and radio stations. Please do not call the school.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS

Parents and students may check academic progress at any point during the trimester by logging on to their PowerSchool accounts. In addition, students will receive progress reports midway through each trimester. When a student receives a progress report, it must be taken home, signed, and returned to the teacher. Students who fail to return notices will be assigned an office detention. Conferences may be arranged when necessary.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are scheduled for the interest, enjoyment, and education of the pupils. Regardless of the type of program, proper courtesy and respect will be adhered to at all times. Excessive talking, whistling, stamping of feet, or booing is discourteous and will not be tolerated. If a student must be removed from an assembly, he/she may lose future assembly privileges.

ASSESSMENTS

Students will be taking teacher generated assessments throughout the school year. These assessments are designed to measure the student’s progress toward meeting curriculum standards. In addition to the teacher-generated assessments, all students will participate in state assessments and the NWEA math and reading assessments. It is very important that students are not absent for assessments. Students will be required to make-up any missed assessments.

ASSIGNMENT BOOKS / PLANNERS

All students will be provided with a Mattanawcook Junior High School Planner to help them better organize their schoolwork. Students are expected to bring their planner to all classes and write down all assignments. Students may purchase replacement planners at $3.00 each if they are lost.

BICYCLES - SNOWMOBILES - WALKERS

All bicycles must be parked in the provided racks in front of the school.
Students may ride bikes to school only if they are wearing helmets.
Walkers and bicycle riders will be excused from school after the first buses have left.
All walkers are to use the sidewalk on School Street.
Bicycles are to stay to the extreme right side of the road.
Walkers and students being dropped off should not arrive on school grounds until 7:15 a.m.
Skateboards will be left in the office during the school day.

Skateboards are not to be used on school walkways or parking lots.
Students are not allowed to ride snowmobiles to or from school grounds.

BREAK-TIME

A morning break-time is held daily. Students will be excused by teachers to use bathrooms, go to the snack cart, or run other errands.

BUSSES

Students receive bus rules and regulations on the first day of school.
Students must go directly into school when the bus drops them off in the morning.
Students must remain in homeroom until their bus is called. Students are not allowed to leave school grounds before their bus leaves at night.
Bus pupils who wish to walk must have the proper permission box checked on the Student Information Form.
Students wishing to ride a different bus must bring a note to the office before school from their parent or guardian requesting the change. They will receive a temporary pass to give to the bus driver that day.
Students missing their after-school bus ride are responsible to arrange their own transportation, or may wait and ride the 3:30 late bus.

Bus Discipline: Riding the school bus is a privilege. Bus drivers will notify the Principal's office of students violating Bus Rules by using Bus Misconduct Reports. Bus discipline will be handled by the principal's office. Consequences will range from verbal warnings, temporary loss of bus riding privileges, and/or other disciplinary consequences, depending on the severity of the infraction and number of misconduct reports earned.
Loss of bus privileges does not excuse a student from attending school. Students losing bus privileges will also lose privileges to ride all late busses. Loss of extracurricular bus riding privileges will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Late Bus: Late buses are available Monday through Thursday and leave the school at approximately 3:30 p.m. for special activities and detention students only. Students must sign up by 12:30 in the office.

CAFETERIA

Use appropriate manners.
Only take what you will eat. Do not waste food.
Leave your table area in a clean condition for others and do not litter the lunch room floor. Deposit all lunch litter in the proper containers as marked.
Violation of lunchroom etiquette will result in the student being assigned to a specific area to eat and/or detention time.
Students who make a mess or throw food will be required to assist in lunchroom cleanup.
Food or drink is not to be taken from the cafeteria.
When leaving the cafeteria, students must go directly back to their classrooms.

CELL PHONES

All cell phones or other communication devices must be turned off (power off) upon entering the building. Phones may be turned on at 2:30 and must be used in an appropriate manner. Consequences for misuse will be:

Phones will be turned into the office and will be returned to a parent or guardian only.
Repeated offences will result in loss of all permissions to have a device at school at any time.
Students may be suspended for continued violation of the cell phone procedures.

CHANGING CLASSES

Always stay on the right on the stairs and in the halls.
No loud noise, running, or pushing will be permitted.
Late arrivals will not be admitted to class without notice from the previous teacher. If a student is late to class, without an acceptable excuse, the student may be sent to the office to study and will be asked to make up the class time missed after school the next school day, or during noontime.

CHEATING / PLAGIARISM

Copying another student's work, submitting work copied from the Internet, or copying from a test are all forms of cheating / plagiarism. These acts defeat your reason for attending school and impact your teacher's respect towards you. Students cheating will receive an automatic zero and parents will be contacted. Students will still be held responsible to make-up the work.

CLASS MEETINGS

Class meetings may be scheduled throughout the year. These meetings provide an opportunity to enhance communications between teachers and students and to allow opportunities to discuss projects, activities, and issues.

COMPUTER USE

Mattanawcook Junior High School provides access to computers for all students in grades 5-8. Students are encouraged to use this technology to enhance assignments and projects for their classes.

Students may also access a wealth of information via the Internet World Wide Web. MJHS provides Internet filtering as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Use of the computers requires that students be responsible for their appropriate and acceptable use. Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines listed below, and must have a signed parental permission form on file before using E-Mail and Internet services.

Use of the network is a privilege, not a-right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, system administrators and/or school administrators will judge when use is inappropriate and their decision will be final. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with this or other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.

ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES

Laptop computers will be used by Grade 7 and Grade 8 students as part of the Maine Laptop Initiative. These computers are loaned to the students by the State of Maine. The student is responsible for the safekeeping of his/her computer and may be held financially responsible for deliberate or intentional damage. Reference R.S.U. 67 Policy IJNDB-Student Computer/Internet Use and R.S.U. 67 Policy IJNDB-R1-Student Computer/Internet Use Rules

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

Parent conferences will be held in November using the "student-led conference" format. Parents are also welcomed and encouraged to meet with their child's teachers at anytime. Conferences may be arranged by calling the school at 794-8935 and leaving a message for your child's teacher(s) to set-up an appointment.

DAMAGED OR LOST ITEMS

Students are responsible to take care of and return all school texts, library books, materials, and equipment that they use or borrow. If a student loses or damages school materials or equipment, a bill for the replacement or repair costs will be sent to the student's parents.
Students who willfully damage or destroy school property will be required to pay for loss or damages, and may be subject to further disciplinary action including suspension.

DANCES & SOCIALS

School dances and socials will be held throughout the year. The school has specific regulations (below) governing the dances and these are explained to all students prior to the first dance or social. Faculty advisors will coordinate all dances.

Mattanawcook Junior High School dances and socials are for MJHS students only.

All dances will begin either at 7:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
Students are not allowed to leave the building and return for 2:30 dances.
Students may not leave the social or dance before the designated ending time without written parental permission.
Students who have been absent the day of the dance/social will not be eligible to attend that evening.
Attire at junior high dances and socials will be accepted attire for school, unless the dance/social is of a nature where other attire is promoted to fit the occasion.
Discipline problems at dances/socials may result in the student being asked to leave.
Student dismissal for dance preparation is discouraged and is recorded as an unexcused absence.

Violation of any of these regulations by any student may result in suspension of the privilege of attending Mattanawcook Junior High School social functions, and/or other appropriate disciplinary action.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Students must be responsible for their behavior. Mattanawcook Junior High School believes that self-discipline and the use of appropriate disciplinary consequences are an integral part of education and necessary for personal development.

Inappropriate Behavior: Fighting, bullying, stealing, lying, using derogatory language (verbal and/or written), swearing, disrespect to teachers and other adults, bringing unsafe items to school, skipping school, cheating, misuse of building and materials, poor manners, harassment, and other unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.

Consequences: may include a conference with teacher and/or administration, a telephone call to parents, parent conference, removal from class, detention(s), removal from an extra-curricular team or event, a written misconduct notice sent home, disciplinary probation, behavioral plans, in-school or out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

Detention:

All detentions will be served until 3:30 p.m., unless specifically noted.
Assigned detention time will be served with the student doing appropriate work.
Detention students will receive a written 24-hour notice from the teacher unless special arrangements are made with the parent and student, by the teacher. This notice must be signed by the parent and returned to school the next day.
Students not returning the signed detention form will still be required to stay on the assigned date.
If a student has detention from two teachers the same night, it will be the student's responsibility to make proper arrangements with the teachers.
Any student who skips detention will be assigned a second detention and the teacher will contact the parent immediately.
If skipping detention continues, the parent must bring the student to school the next day for a conference.

Excessive Detentions
Students earning excessive detentions during the school year may be placed on a “behavior plan” for a time determined by administration.
Should behavior problems continue while the student is on the behavior plan, consequences may include loss of eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities, additional parent conferences, placement on a behavior management program and/or in-school or out-of-school suspension or possible expulsion.

Suspension
Students may be suspended (in-school or out-of school) when an act is deemed of a serious enough nature or if a violation of the probation period occurs. Consideration is given to the degree that the student disciplinary problem affects the right of other students to learn.
Immediate, automatic suspension will occur for smoking in the building or on grounds during school or extracurricular functions, use or possession of alcohol or drugs, gross acts of disrespect towards a teacher, acts or use of materials-articles that infringe on the maintenance of the school and safety of pupils and staff.
Parents or guardians will be notified of the action taken. They will be responsible for custody and jurisdiction of their child during the suspension. A suspended student may return to school only after the administration is satisfied that the student will abide by school regulations.

Students may make-up all work for full credit.
Students may not participate in any school activity during suspension, or be permitted on school grounds.
If the offense is related to a particular school activity, the student may be suspended from that activity for the season.
A parent conference is required before the student will be re-admitted to school.

DRESS AND HYGIENE

All students are expected to dress appropriately for a K-12 educational environment. Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable. Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene, or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, such as gang symbols, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats is prohibited. Clothing should fit, be neat and clean, and conform to standards of safety, good taste, and decency. Clothing that exposes cleavage, private parts, the midriff, or undergarments, or that is otherwise sexually provocative, is prohibited.

Examples of prohibited dress include, but are not limited to: sagging or low-cut pants, low-cut necklines that show cleavage, tube tops, halter tops, backless blouses or blouses with only ties in the back, studded belts, chain belts, clothing constructed of see-through materials, and head coverings unless required for religious or medical purposes.

Other examples of prohibited dress include:

Clothing with inappropriate pictures or language that have double meanings.
Styles, apparel, or jewelry that may present a safety problem or attract undue attention is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, rub-on tattoos, stickers, large chains, excessive body or face piercings, safety pins, bracelets, and excessively colored hair, hair styles or cuts that present a disturbance.
Habits/Hygiene which is contrary to sensible standards of health is prohibited.
No clothing with excessive holes. Holes/tears, in areas that are in conflict with appropriate dress, are prohibited.
Shorts, skirts or pants must cover to the middle of the thigh when seated (even with leggings),
No pajama-type clothing. Exception may be made on completion of assigned LMS project with office approval.
Coaches and advisors may set more stringent standards for players and performers.
Hats, visors, bandannas, kerchief’s, or any other type of headwear may not be worn in school or at school activities -- during or after-school.
Outerwear (jackets, boots, etc.) may not be worn to classes.
Appropriate footwear will be worn at all times. Any footwear that may create a safety issue will not be permitted.

Students in violation of the Mattanawcook Jr High School dress code will be required to do one of the following before allowed to return to the classroom.

Change the clothing in question to clothing that meets the standards set by the MJHS Student Dress Code.
Cover the clothing or exposed areas with additional clothing that meets the MJHS Student Dress Code and which must remain on for the duration of the school day. (The school will loan students appropriate attire if necessary.)
Student will call parent/guardian to bring clothing from home that meets the MJHS Student Dress Code.
Repeated infractions will result in disciplinary action.

The appropriateness of clothing will be ultimately determined by building administration.

ELEVATOR & HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY

MJHS is handicap accessible, with ramps, elevators, and special rest room facilities. Elevator use must be cleared with the Principal's Office. Students with a legitimate medical reason and a note from their doctor will be allowed to use the elevator once they obtain a pass from the office.

EXTRA-HELP

Students may arrange with any teacher to stay after-school for extra-help. An “After-School Club” is also available for students to get assistance with class work, homework, or projects.

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills are very serious business. They will be practiced during the fall and spring months according to state law.
An evacuation plan is designed for each room. Teachers will explain fire exit procedures to students. Make sure you know the procedure, listen for directions, walk, and follow your teacher to the designated assembly areas.
NO TALKING DURING FIRE DRILLS.
Re-enter the building only when directed by teachers or administration.

GRADING SYSTEM / HONOR ROLL

MJHS will pilot a standards-referenced grading system, during the 2009-2010 school year. Grades for classes and rank cards are based on the following numeric system.
4 = Advanced 3 = Proficient 2 = Developing 1= Emerging 0 = No Evidence
IE – incomplete evidence

Scholarship is recognized and encouraged through the Academic Honor Roll. The list will be posted each trimester, and students will receive "ribbons." Requirements for honor roll recognition are:
High Honors - making no grade lower than a "4" for the grading period.
Honors - making no grade lower than a "3" for the grading period.

GUIDANCE

The guidance counselor is available and always willing to help each of our students. If a student wishes, he/she may request a conference with the guidance counselor at any time. If parents wish to contact the guidance counselor, they also may do so at any time at 794-2236. When deemed necessary and beneficial to the student, the guidance counselor will contact the home.

GUM - CANDY – SNACKS - WATER

No gum chewing is allowed in school.

Candy and snacks are not allowed during regular class periods.

Students may bring only water to class. It must be in a clear, plastic container.

Power drinks with excessive caffeine and sugar are prohibited.

HARASSMENT AND BULLYING

Harassment, bullying, or teasing of any type to students or staff will not be tolerated at Mattanawcook Junior High School. All violations will be dealt with in accordance with the Maine Civil Rights Act. Students harassing or bullying other students may face suspension from school.

ANY ACTS OF HARASSMENT OR BULLYING SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE REPORTED TO
YOUR TEACHER, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR, OR THE OFFICE.

HEALTH SERVICES - STUDENT ILLNESS - MEDICATIONS

All medications (prescription or over-the-counter) must be brought to the office.
The school will only dispense medications from home with a signed Permission Form from the parent.
Forms may be obtained at the office.
The school will provide Tylenol or Ibuprofen to students with a signed permission form from the parent.
The student will be responsible for requesting the medication from school personnel and should be instructed by the parent how to self-administer the medication under the supervision of school personnel.
If a student becomes ill or has an accident, they must ask their teacher for permission to go to the office. The school nurse or secretary will make any calls necessary to parents.
First aid is the only treatment the nurse can and will administer. The teacher should be notified immediately of any accident.

HOMEWORK

The R.S.U. 67 Board of Directors believes that “homework” is a natural extension of the classroom and is more appropriately referred to as “independent practice and preparation” since it provides needed independent practice and review to ensure student understanding and eventual mastery of concepts and skills already taught and may also prepare students for new learning. Independent practice and preparation is necessary for helping students fulfill their potential as lifelong learners and responsible, contributing citizens in an ever-changing global society.
The purpose of independent practice and preparation and its relation to what is being taught must be clearly understood by the student. Teachers, therefore, are expected to provide assignments with clear and appropriate purposes that supplement, complement, or reinforce concepts and skills already taught or that prepare students for lessons that will soon be taught.

The objectives of independent practice and preparation are to

Emphasize the partnership between home and school in support of education;
Communicate the high academic expectations that R.S.U. 67 has for its students;
Provide students with reinforcement and supplemental learning opportunities that cannot be scheduled during the instructional day;
Help students develop self-discipline, including goal setting and achievement, and organizational skills, including time management;
Give students experience in working on long-term projects; and
Help students develop confidence in their own abilities.

Independent practice and preparation for students in Grades 3-5 should consist of practicing what has been learned and establishing a routine for completing assignments. Assignments should be based on clear learning goals and coordinated across content areas so that no more than 60 minutes per evening is needed to complete them.
Independent practice and preparation for students in Grades 6-8 should continue to focus on practicing what has been learned and preparing for new learning (e.g., reading text that will be discussed in class the next day). Assignments should be based on clear learning goals and coordinated across content areas so that no more than 90 minutes per evening is needed in Grades 6-8.
Because teachers, parents/guardians, and students must work together to ensure that students have the skills, and support needed to complete work assigned as independent practice and preparation, guidelines and problem-solving procedures for each are set forth below:

Guidelines for Teachers:

Determine when independent practice and/or preparation is needed based on learning goals.
Design assignments that clearly state the purpose and intended outcome(s).
Make sure students have a sufficient degree of skill and familiarity with the work assigned to be able to complete the work without assistance.
With a complex, multi-step skill or process, focus the independent work on one or a few of the steps until the skill or practice is mastered.
Model and/or provide models for targeted skills and processes.
Only assign work if all students have the resources at home to complete the assignment or such resources are provided to all students.
If independent practice is assigned, provide high quality specific feedback on the work.
If possible, involve students in assessing their own independent work against agreed upon criteria for speed and accuracy.
Contact the parent if a student consistently fails to take advantage of the time provided to complete independent work during the school day.

Guidelines for Parents:

Set up a consistent, organized place for independent work to be done.
Help the student establish a consistent schedule for doing independent work.
Encourage, motivate, and prompt the student; but do not do the homework for him/her.
Ask the student which parts of the assignment are easy, which are difficult, or how he/she is going to improve.
Ask the student the purpose of the independent work. If he/she consistently is unable to talk about the purpose, contact the teacher.
If the student consistently takes longer than the recommended time to complete his/her work, contact the teacher.

Guidelines for Students:

Bring the necessary instructions and materials from school to complete the work.
Ask the teacher questions so that he/she understands the purpose of the assignment and how to do the work.
Show good effort on the assignments for the recommended amount of time every day.
Participate in assessing his/her progress against agreed upon standards.
Obtain and complete missed assignments in a timely fashion when absent from class.

INCOMPLETES

Students having incomplete evidence (IE) will be provided opportunity to complete assignments in a reasonable time frame. Standard procedure will be one extra day for each day absent. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed and a plan to complete work will be developed. Available options for make-up are the after-school club, guided study halls, learning labs, and individual teacher support. After a two-week period, when the student makes no progress or attempt to complete assignments, students will be graded on the evidence provided

LIBRARY

The school library contains over 7700 books, periodicals, and reference materials for student use. A full-time librarian is available to assist students with research papers and projects, as well as book selection and recommendations. Students may access the library catalog from any school or home computer.
All library materials must be signed out. Any materials or books signed out by the pupil are the responsibility of the pupil and must be paid for if lost or damaged. All charges will be sent directly to the parent. Students with overdue or lost books may not sign-out books until the books are returned or paid.

LOCKERS & BACKPACKS

Backpacks and purses may not be used during the school day.

Students are responsible to keep their lockers neat and clean. Teachers will periodically check lockers for this purpose.

Students may decorate lockers with appropriate pictures or signs as long as they can be removed without damaging the locker.

Students may not put locks on their lockers.

Pupils may go to their lockers prior to first period, before and after lunch, and at the close of school. Students may visit lockers between classes with permission from their teacher.

Lockers are the property of MJHS. There should be no expectation of privacy.
School officials may search a student's locker at any time.

LOST AND FOUND & VALUABLES

Any article lost or found should be reported to the office. Lost items will be kept in a basket in the hallway outside the locker rooms. Any article of value should not be placed in your locker or desk. If it is necessary to bring sums of money to school, they should be left in the office. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen property.
You should mark items of clothing and other personal valuable items.

LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM

The hot lunch and cold breakfast programs are available to all students. Parents will be notified each year regarding the costs for meals. In order to be eligible for free or reduced lunches, a completed application must be submitted to the school for approval.
Students may not credit any lunches - Lunches and milk must be paid by the first day of the week, breakfasts are paid at time of purchase. If a family has temporary difficulty in paying for hot lunch, we will be happy to assist with a new application form.

Students who owe lunch money will only be given a sandwich and milk until the bill is paid.

Students should bring all lunch money in a lunch envelope on Monday morning or the first day of the school week and give it to their homeroom teacher.

Students wanting breakfast should go to the cafeteria immediately upon arriving to school. Walkers may come to the cafeteria at 7:30 a.m.

Students must return directly to homeroom once done eating. No stopping at the bathrooms without permission.

OPENING EXERCISES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

All students should pay close attention to all announcements, and the announcement of buses. No students will be allowed out of the room during announcements or while buses are being called.

PARKING

Parents picking up students after school should park on Lakeview Street or Lincoln Street.
The area immediately in front of the school and Academy Street are No Parking areas. It is for school buses. It is particularly important that this area be free of parked cars at the beginning of school and at the close of school at 2:20 p.m.

Do not park in areas that block bus traffic.

POWERSCHOOL

MJHS has a student information system called PowerSchool, which includes an electronic grade book called PowerGrade. Parents are able to view their child’s schedule, grades, assignments, and other information. We encourage parents to utilize this program and its features to stay involved in your child’s education. Passwords will be issued to all parents.

RANK CARDS

Parents and students may check academic progress and final grades at any point during the trimester by logging on to their PowerSchool accounts. Rank cards are issued at the end of each trimester. Parents should sign and return the rank card envelope.
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Quarter                Progress Reports Issued          Rank Card Issued
1st Trimester     October 9, 2009                            December 4, 2009
2nd Trimester    January 22, 2010                         March 19, 2010
3rd Trimester     April 30, 2010                                Last day of school

SEARCHES OF STUDENTS

The R.S.U. 67 School Board seeks to maintain a safe and orderly environment in the schools. The Superintendent as well as building principals and assistant principals are authorized to question and/or search students in accordance with this policy and accompanying administrative procedures. Reference R.S.U. 67 Policy JIH

TELEPHONE/CELL PHONE USE

The telephone is for school use only. Students may only use the telephone for legitimate reasons. Calls home for forgotten material or to make arrangements to go to a friend’s house will not be allowed unless the purpose is of a unique nature.

Students who need to use the phone must first get permission from her/his teacher.
Bring a pass from your teacher to the office when using the phone.
Parents should inform their child of any after school instructions before the child comes to school in the morning. If you must call to leave an after school direction for your child, please call before 2:00. School closing time is extremely busy.
Students may not use cellular phones at school upon arrival or until 2:30p.m. Any cell phone used inappropriately will be turned over to administration and kept until a parent/guardian comes to school to claim it. (see cell phone section)

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are expensive and must be maintained in good condition by the pupil. Students are required to cover all their textbooks. Books damaged or lost will be paid for by the pupil to whom it is assigned. Invoices for misused or lost books will be sent directly to the parent. Books are assigned numbers and the condition is recorded before it is assigned to a student.

TOBACCO USE AND POSSESSION

R.S.U. 67 IS A SMOKE-FREE ZONE.

In order to promote the health and safety of all students and staff, R.S.U. 67 prohibits smoking and the use of all other tobacco products on school grounds, in all school facilities, on school busses, by all persons.
I.          PROHIBITED CONDUCT
            A.         Students: Use, possession, sale, dispensing or distribution of tobacco products by all students is prohibited at all times in school facilities, on school grounds and buses, and during school-sponsored events held away from school.
            B.         Employees and All Other Persons: The use of tobacco products by employees and all other persons is prohibited at all times in R.S.U. 67 school facilities, on school grounds, and in buses. The use of tobacco products by employees or volunteers is prohibited during school-sponsored events held away from school. In addition, employees and all other persons are strictly prohibited under law and R.S.U. 67 policy/administrative procedure, from selling, dispensing, or distributing tobacco products to students.
II.          ENFORCEMENT
            In order to enforce the tobacco products policy, the following guidelines shall be utilized by the principal of a school in which prohibited conduct occurs
                        1. Possession of Tobacco:
                                    A student who is found to be in the possession of a tobacco product will have the tobacco confiscated and parents will be notified. Any subsequent possession of tobacco will result in the progressive disciplinary consequence of the provisions (2.a and 2.b regarding the use or distribution of tobacco).
                        2. Use of Distribution of Tobacco:
                                    Use and/or distribution of a tobacco product by a student enrolled in the Mattanawcook Junior High School or Mattanawcook Academy will result in the confiscation and the following:
                                    a.         First offense - Call parent(s)/guardian. Suspend student(s) for up to 10 days and request that student(s) be enrolled in a smoking cessation class. The student(s) can return to school upon receipt of a written verification that the student(s) is/are enrolled in the smoking cessation class.
                                    b.         Subsequent offense - Contact parent(s)/guardian. Additional offenses by student(s) will result in a 10-day suspension.
                        3. Suspension from Activities:
                                    For each offense, students participating in any activity for which a grade is not received will be suspended from that activity for 30 activity days (Monday – Saturday).
            C.         The superintendent or his/her designee reserves the right to refer students to a law enforcement agency on a case-by-case basis as he/she may deem necessary. However, the superintendent/designee shall refer to a law enforcement agency any student reasonably suspected of selling, dispensing or distributing tobacco products.
            D.         Other Persons in Violation
                        All other persons violating this policy, e.g., employees, visitors, shall be immediately directed to cease the violative behavior. In addition, all persons suspected of selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products to students shall be referred to a law enforcement agency. Reference R.S.U. 67 Policy: File: ADC-R

The superintendent or his/her designee reserves the right to refer students to law enforcement agency on a case-by-case basis as he/she may deem necessary. However, the superintendent/designee shall refer to a law enforcement agency any student reasonably suspected of selling, dispensing or distributing tobacco products.

UNSAFE / RESTRICTED / INDECENT ITEMS

Students may not bring items to school that could be hazardous to the safety of others or interfere with the operation of the school. Such items will be impounded and may only be picked up by the parent. Consequences may include detention or suspension.

Students may not have unsafe or obscene items including:
Knives, guns or weapons (or look-alike toys), matches, lighters, fireworks, squirt guns, obscene, indecent or immoral literature or materials in any form, drug related paraphernalia, or any other item that the administrative staff determines to be unsafe or disruptive to the school.
Students may not use pagers, walk-man, video-games, MP-3 Players, and other electronic devices.
Students may not use cellular phones at school during the school day. Cell phones must remain off and may only be used outside of the building after school at 2:30 p.m.
Bomb threats are serious offenses that will likely involve the expulsion of the student from school. Students suspected of making bomb threats will be reported to law enforcement authorities.
Students will not buy or sell any items to other students at school.

VISITORS

Parents are cordially invited to visit school at any time. We must require that all visitors report to the office prior to going to other parts of the building.
Student visitors from other schools must obtain permission from the principal prior to coming to school. No visitors will be allowed when students are involved in exams or assessments, or during the last week of school or the week before a school vacation. All visitors must accompany his/her host student throughout the day.

VOLUNTEERS

Mattanawcook Junior High School has an active parent volunteer program that provides assistance to students and teachers in many areas. If parents are interested in volunteering, they should contact the school at 794-8935.

YEARBOOKS

Mattanawcook Junior High School Yearbook Club produces a hard-bound photo yearbook each year. Yearbooks are available to all students and may be ordered in the fall. Yearbooks are delivered in June.

CHEMICAL USE BY STUDENTS POLICY

Statement of Philosophy
The R.S.U. 67 Board of Directors believes that chemical dependency is a disease and that it is treatable. It also believes that a policy dealing with the use of chemicals and/or chemical dependency must address different aspects of the problem. It recognizes that there are developmental stages in the use of chemicals that range from experimental to total dependency, and that administration of the policy with offenders should reflect these.
The R.S.U. 67 Board of Directors believes that school activities hold a special place in a student’s life and that it is not acceptable for a student to participate in those activities and indulge in the use of chemicals.
Finally, it is the commitment of the board and administration of R.S.U. 67 that the administration of this policy will fulfill our desire to (a) discourage involvement in the use of chemicals, (b) when necessary, require treatment for chemical dependency, and (c) determine appropriate consequences when violations call for them.
Prevention
The District will provide appropriate programs with the goal of preventing/discouraging student use of chemicals. Chemicals can be defined as mood and mind altering substances. These include alcohol, illegal drugs, designer drugs, inappropriate use of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, and household products. Appropriate programs will be taught in all schools.
A.         Education for the prevention of chemical abuse will be offered to all students through the presentation of appropriate programs.
B.         Classroom presentation, small group work and individual counseling will be offered through the guidance personnel.
Procedure
I.          Violations at school or at school functions: If an EK-12 grade student is in possession of, is in the possession of with intent to sell, is using, or is under the influence of chemicals on school property or at school functions, the following procedure will be followed:
1.         Investigate the incident which shall have occurred in the current school year and determine appropriate action. Any appropriate discipline will begin following the investigation and will be carried out in full regardless of the date of the infraction;
                        2.         Inform parents of incident;
                        3.         Inform appropriate authorities, if necessary;
4.         Suspend student(s) for up to 10 days and request that student(s) be screened for chemical dependency. The student(s) can return to school upon receipt of a written verification that a Chemical Dependency Screening has occurred. Failure to report for screening will result in a hearing with the Board to determine what action will be taken.
5.         Recommend that appropriate follow-up will be conducted, as determined by the screening process.
6.         Additional offenses by the student will result in a 10-day suspension, and the student will be required to meet with the Board for a hearing. The student will also be requested to report immediately to a chemical dependency clinic.
7.         Student(s) will be ineligible to participate in any school activity for which a grade is not received for 30 activity days (Monday – Saturday). If a tryout falls within the ineligibility period, students will be allowed to try out and be judged in the same manner as their peers. Ineligibility will be served in full immediately following the tryouts. Days used to try out will be added to the period of ineligibility.
Awards Ceremonies:
1.         If an infraction occurs after the student’s last competition, the student will receive his/her award(s) but will not be allowed to participate in the school’s awards ceremony.
2.         If the award ceremony occurs within the 30-day suspension period, any student recognized at a regional or state level will be allowed to participate in the awards ceremonies on the conference or state level
.
Definition of School Activity:

Athletics
Trips, excluding Project Graduation
Clubs
Social Events, including eighth grade last dance, senior prom (graduation ball), and whitewater rafting and paintball outings for seniors
Intramurals
Non-graded Music Activities
Student Elected and Appointed Positions, etc.

II.          Violations not at school or at school sponsored activities
            If an EK-12 grade student is in possession of, is in the possession of with intent to sell, is voluntarily in the presence of, is using, or is under the influence of chemicals not at school or not at school functions or voluntarily attends a function where chemicals are being illegally used, the following procedure will be followed:
1.         Investigate the incident which shall have occurred in the current school year and determine appropriate action. Any appropriate discipline will begin following the investigation and will be carried out in full regardless of the date of infraction.
            2.         Inform parents of incident
            3.         Inform the appropriate authorities, if necessary
4.         Student(s) will be ineligible to participate in any school activity for which a grade is not received for 30 activity days (Monday – Saturday).

Definition of School Activity:

Athletics
Trips, excluding Project Graduation
Clubs
Social Events, including 8th grade last dance, senior prom (graduation ball), and whitewater rafting and paintball outings for seniors
Intramurals
Non-graded Music Activities
Student Elected and Appointed Positions, etc.

Awards Ceremonies:
1.         If an infraction occurs after the student’s last competition, the student will receive his/her award(s) but will not be allowed to participate in the school’s awards ceremony.
2.         If the award ceremony occurs within the 30-day suspension period, any student recognized at a regional or state level will be allowed to participate in the awards ceremonies on the conference or state level.
NOTE: If a tryout falls within the ineligibility period, students will be permitted to try out and be judged in the same manner as their peers. The ineligibility period will be served in full immediately following the tryouts. Days used to try out will be added to the period of ineligibility.
Example: If a student is ineligible and has 28 days to finish when tryouts begin, the student may try out. If the tryouts took two days, the student would resume their ineligibility after tryouts, still having 28 days to finish before they became eligible.
III.         Self or Third Party Referrals: Self or third party referrals, prior to any infraction, will require the student to report immediately to a chemical dependency clinic for screening. The student can return to school and activities upon written recommendation by the chemical dependency clinic. Referrals should be directed to the guidance department or principal.
NOTE:
1.         Appropriate administration will be responsible for investigating incidents and enforcing this policy.
2.         Eligible seniors will be allowed to participate in class night, baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies.
3.         Suspension: If a student is suspended, all work can be made up and the student is encouraged to do so. The amount of time for make-up is one (1) day of school for each day of suspension.
4.         This policy will be reviewed every 2 years.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS

The R.S.U. 67 Board of Directors will provide for the confidentiality of all student education records that are maintained by R.S.U. 67 as required by both Maine law and the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
R.S.U. 67 shall provide annual notification to the parents of students currently in attendance and to eligible students (18 years old or older) of their rights in relation to the student education records being maintained by R.S.U. 67.
R.S.U. 67 designates the following information about students as directory information: name, the student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes and grade level in school of students in extracurricular activities, date of attendance at R.S.U. 67 schools, and honors and awards received.
R.S.U. 67 may disclose directory information about students in attendance if it has given the notification required by FERPA to parents of the students and to eligible students and has not received timely written notice refusing permission to designate some or all of the types of information about a student as directory information.
Under Maine law, R.S.U. 67 shall not publish on the Internet without written parental consent any information, whether directory or otherwise, that identifies a student including but not limited to the student’s full name, photograph, personal biography, e-mail address, home address, date of birth, social security number, and parents’ names.
The Superintendent, in consultation with other school administrators of R.S.U. 67, shall develop and promulgate procedures for implementing this policy, including a description of the access rights of parents, students and educational personnel to records and the confidentiality rights of parents and students. Such procedures may be amended from time to time, as necessary.
A copy of the policy and procedure shall be posted in each school. Parents shall be notified annually of the policy and procedure. Reference R.S.U. 67 Policy File: JRA

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of R.S.U. 67 not to discriminate on the basis of handicap, as required under Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in the admission of students to programs or any educational services or in the employment of personnel. Reference R.S.U. 67 Policy File: AC
Inquiries can be made to Cheryl Morin, Affirmative Action/Title IX/504 Coordinator, P.O. Box 250, Lincoln, ME 04457, telephone 794-6500, or to the Director, Office for Civil Rights, 140 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.
Grievance procedures are available at the office of the Coordinator.