Student Handbook 2009-2010
Ella P. Burr Elementary School
23 Ella P. Burr Street
Lincoln, Maine 04457
Phone: 207 794-3015
Fax: 207 794-2602
Website: www.rsu67.org/ebs
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Ella P. Burr Elementary School for the 2009-2010 school year. Please take the time to read and review the handbook together. There have been a number of exciting changes at the school this summer. We have added a pre-school program for four-year olds by partnering with Penquis CAP and Headstart. The teachers from the Dr. Carl Troutt School have moved in and are ready for the year. We have also expanded opportunities in Title 1A services through the use of federal stimulus funding, like increasing Reading Recovery for first grade students.
We have a number of teachers and support staff that have moved this year from the Dr. Carl Troutt School and are going to be positive additions to the Ella P. Burr staff. A number of teachers are also going to be teaching in a new grade. It has been an extremely busy summer, but we are looking forward to an outstanding school year.
The staff and I would like to take this opportunity to invite parents to be an active participant in their child’s education. By becoming familiar with the policies and procedures in this handbook you will help us better meet the needs of your child. Research indicates that students are much more successful when education is a joint effort between school and home. There are a number of opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s education, be it through volunteer work; chaperoning field trips; or, most importantly communicating with your child and his/her teacher. One common way teachers communicate with home is through the use of notes sent home with the student. Please develop a routine of checking your child’s backpack each night and spend time discussing what has happened during the day. Together we can help your child build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please call me or any staff member (794-3014) and we will be happy to assist you. Keeping the lines of communication open will help make this year an exciting and enjoyable experience.
Michael Bisson, Principal
Ella P. Burr School
RSU #67 Mission Statement and Philosophy of Education
The natural learning process that begins at home and in pre-school continues in the early-kindergarten program through Grade 4. In a safe, educationally challenging environment, students continue to explore and interact with their surroundings in order to expand and enhance appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This process is developmental; proceeds at an individual pace; and includes learning to take responsibility for the consequences of one’s decisions. As students work individually and collaboratively, they are taught to respect themselves, other students, adults, and the environments, in which they work and play. They are also taught to be sensitive to differences among people.
Believing that all students can learn, educators provide a curriculum solidly based in language arts and mathematics, extended to and, integrated with the sciences and humanities. This integrated curriculum provides the necessary foundation for subsequent learning, supports the students’ search for meaning, broadens their understanding of the world, promotes problem-solving, and creates an awareness of current technologies. As facilitators of learning, educators provide stimulating and safe learning environments and employ varied instructional methods that encompass curricular expectations and student interests. Educators also provide students the freedom to express and discuss their ideas creatively and opportunities to develop thinking skills. To do so, educators and students need timely access to adequate, appropriate, and equitable resources; current information and technology and the skills to utilize resources, information and technology effectively.
Each learning day includes time for students to grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. This whole-person, student-centered approach continues as students are flexibly grouped for various learning activities. When appropriate, students are asked to demonstrate what they know and can do by completing meaningful tasks, reflecting on and taking pride in the results of their work and applying new learning to subsequent experiences. Student accomplishments are recognized whenever and wherever they occur.
2009 – 2010 School Calendar
August 25 & 26 (Tue & Wed) Teacher Inservice – No School
August 27 (Thur) School Starts-Welcome!
September 7 (Mon) Labor Day-No School
October 12 (Mon) Columbus Day - No School
October 14 (Wed) School Picture Day
October 14 (Wed) Officer Phil
October 23 (Fri) Early Release Day (11:30)
November 11 (Wed) Veterans Day- No School
November 20 (Fri) Ranks Close – 1st Trimester
November 23, 24 & 25 (Mon, Tue & Wed) Teacher Inservice – No School
November 26 & 27 (Thur & Fri) Thanksgiving & Vacation Day
November 30 (Mon) Rank Cards Go Home
December 23 (Wed) Christmas Vacation Begins
2010
January 4 (Mon) School Opens
January 15 (Fri) Early Release Day (11:30)
January 18 (Mon) Martin L. King Day - No School
February 10 (Wed) Early Release Day (11:30)
February 15 (Mon) Winter Recess Begins
February 22 (Mon) School Opens
March 5 (Fri) Early Release Day (11:30)
March 12 (Fri) Ranks Close – 2nd Trimester
March 19 (Fri) Rank Cards Go Home
April 7 (Wed) Early Release Day (11:30)
April 19 (Mon) Spring Recess Begins
April 26 (Mon) School Opens
May 14 (Fri) Early Release Day (11:30)
May 31 (Mon) Memorial Day - No School
June 7 (Fri) Ranks Close – 3rd Trimester
June 7 (Fri) Last Day of School * (+1day per day cancelled)
June 8 (Mon) Teacher Inservice
ELLA P. BURR SCHOOL STAFF
Michael Bisson Principal
Donald Brown Guidance Counselor
Norma Dill School Nurse/ MA
Tammy Kirsch School Nurse/EPB/MJHS/CT
Joyce Murchie Secretary
Lisa Tolman Health Aide/Secretary
Teaching Staff
Teacher Assignment / Room
Marta Bartash 4 Year Old 42
Suzanne Tash 4 Year Old/RR 43
Dawn Trask 4 Year Old/RR 43
Sharon Crockett Kindergarten 22
Tammi Libby Kindergarten 21
Aimee McCarthy Kindergarten 20
Arleen Steinberg Kindergarten 23
Tracy Crane First 25
Amanda Goslin First 18
Jaime Peters First 19
Sheila Woodman First 24
Jodi Bisson Second 14
Julia Pelletier Second 27
Ellen Stevens Second 28
Nikki Theriault Second 16
Tera York Second 15
Maria Gulesian Third 02
Deborah Hamel Third 01
Peggy Leach Third 04
Lydia Murphy Third 05
Sue Thornton Third 09
Patricia Crocker Fourth 40
Sally MacLaughlin Fourth 07
Meloney Marquis Fourth 06
Jenny Tuttle Fourth 41
Deborah Cloran Speech Therapist 26
Gay McDonald Special Education 13
Beth White Special Education 03
Dawn Leighton Special Education 17
Phyllis Aiken Physical Education
Beth Eyles Reading Rec./Literacy Spec. 1
Nancy Kinkade Music
Holly Leighton Art Consultant 10
Support Staff
Librarian
Nadia Wotton
Technology Specialist
Debra Trask
4 Year Old Ed Techs Custodial
Connie Bolstridge Mark Washburn Building Supervisor
Francine Ciulla Mark Kierstead
Bonnie Vance Ken Robinson
Title 1 Ed Techs School Nutrition
Valerie Gifford Barbara Montgomery Kitchen Manager
Josephine Gray Jane Clifford
Leslie Libbey Brenda Leighton
Diane Lufkin Sherry Page
Christy Marin Teresa King -4 yr. old
Tonya McLaughlin
Patricia Thibodeau
Elaine Miller
Bonnie Pickering
Pam Tash
Bonnie York
Special Education Ed Techs
Sue Blood
Devra Braziller
Rita Chasse
Alicia Clifford
Carly Cropley
Lucille Folster
Susan French
Cheryl Gordon
Annie Hesseltine
Connie House
Tammy Larlee
Cindy Markie
Melanie Maxwell
Brian McDormand
Deborah McIntyre
Pam Page
Melanie Rhodes
Kim Smith
Linda Tash
Debbie Thurlow
Sheila Tolman
Bobbie Weatherbee
Noreen Weatherbee
Morning Arrivals
School begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. will go to their bus rooms. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. will report to the office and will be marked tardy. Children being dropped off in the morning, should not arrive prior to 7:30 a.m., and should be dropped of at the back corner of lower wing of the building (4th Grade). A member of the school staff will be available to assist youngsters being dropped off by their parents to ensure their safety into the building. Please do not drop children of at the front of the building between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM.
Parents are requested to drop off their child outside the door.
Daily Schedule
7:00 AM Teacher on Duty-Bus Arrivals
7:15 AM Walkers and children dropped off by parents may enter the building
7:30 AM Students go to rooms
7:45 AM Classes in session-Attendance/Announcements
9:10 AM Morning Recess Kindergarten & Grade 1
10:40 AM Lunch/Recess Begins Grade 4
10:50 AM " Grade 3
11:10 AM " Kindergarten
11:35 AM " Grade 1
11:45 AM “ Grade 2
2:15 PM School Dismisses
2:45 PM Teachers End Duty Day
Attendance Policy
We would like to encourage students to attend school daily, consistent attendance is an important aspect of a child meeting their academic potential. If a student is absent, a written excuse is required to substantiate their absence. Any absence without an accompanying note will be recorded as an unexcused absence. If your child is tardy they will need a note stating the reason for their tardiness. Repeated tardiness may result in your child being required to make up their missed time.
We would ask that if your son or daughter is ill and could contaminate other children, please keep him/her home until he/she feels better. If you have any questions about sending your child to school, call us and we will contact the School Nurse.
Student Temporary Waiver of Attendance
Law reference: Title 20A-Sec. Chapter 1, Section 5001A Part B 4-E Page 335
For Parents of children with a planned absence for personal or educational purposes, the following steps must be completed for an excusable absence:
A. Parents may obtain a request for temporary waiver of attendance form at the school office.Once that form has been completed, it should be returned to the building Principal so that it may be processed.
B. Attendance information will be recorded by the school office and the form will be reviewed by the Principal for approval.
C. The form will be reviewed by the Superintendent of Schools, and returned to the parent and to the building principal.
D. If the request is approved the child will have the days missed recorded as excused absences.
Dismissal
School dismisses at 2:15 p.m. Students should go directly home at dismissal unless they have an after school activity. Parents will be contacted in advance by the teacher, if a student is staying after school.
Parents picking up their children should wait outside the main office.
A request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal. The time and reason for leaving school should be included. When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours.
Students will be released only to parents, unless the parent has notified the school that they have granted permission for someone else to pick up their youngster. When having a child dismissed early, the parent must report to the main office and sign their child out. The student’s room will be called and the student will be dismissed and meet their parent in the office.
Emergency Information:
Emergency information cards are sent home the first day of each school year. It is imperative that these cards are completed and returned to the school as soon as possible so that each child’s school record is accurate. The information you provide on these cards determine bus routes, emergency contacts, telephone numbers and addresses. If any information should change at any point during the year, please report those changes to the school office.
Transportation
RSU 67 provides daily transportation to students residing more than 1 mile from the child’s school of attendance. Bus routes are designed based on location of the students and the available seating capacity of the bus. A schedule of bus routes and pickup/drop-off times will be published at the beginning of the year. All bus change requests must be submitted by the parent or guardian in writing and state the specific location and date(s) for that request. Please do not call in bus requests. UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY, NO BUS CHANGES WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. These requests will be approved only when they fall within the limits of an established bus route. Because there is limited seating on buses we cannot transport groups of students to parties or other planned activities. Special requests may be made in writing to the Superintendent of schools.
All students are expected to follow the behavior rules established by the bus driver. General rules that all riders are expected to follow are:
- Remain seated when the bus is in motion.
- Talk quietly.
- Face forward, keeping legs out of the aisle.
- Remain quiet when the bus stops at any railroad crossing.
- Do not open any food or drink on the bus.
Other rules will be developed and posted by the driver. Any student whose conduct interferes with the safe operation of the bus may lose their bus privileges.
School Rules
While it is difficult to design and implement a laundry list of rules, all students are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful of others and the educational process.
To ensure the safety and well being of all students we have three basic school rules:
1. Walking feet.
2. Keeping hands and feet to oneself.
3. Being polite to others in your words and actions.
4. MP3/IPODS, cell phones, hand held video games and other digital devices should be left at home. If they are seen at school, they will be confiscated and the parents will be asked to pick them up.
Children will also be consistently reminded of other rules pertaining to the classroom, playground, and cafeteria. Students are expected to wear clothing that is safe and appropriate for school.
These general rules are part of the larger expectation that all students have the right to a learning environment that is free of substantial disruption. Should students behave in a manner that is disruptive to the educational process, their disruptive influences will be dealt with in a firm and consistent manner. Should students continue their disruptive behaviors they may be removed from the school environment. The primary goal of disciplinary actions is to preserve the optimum environment to deliver educational services.
Party invitations are not to be given out in the classroom unless all students in the room are invited.
Bomb Threats
Should a viable threat be made against the school, the Police and Fire Departments will be notified and all children and personnel will be evacuated. Once the building has been cleared a search will be conducted and a determination will be made to reopen the school or close for the day. Should the decision be made to send the children home they will be returned according to the instructions provided by you, in the emergency instruction section, on the child’s information card.
Any person found to have made threats against the school will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In addition, should that person be a student of RSU 67, they will be subject to disciplinary proceedings up to and including expulsion.
Homework:
Homework assigned at the elementary level is given to encourage parental and student involvement in shared activities. Homework assignments will given as an extension of prior learning and it is expected to given periodically in grades K-2, and with increasing regularity in grades 3 & 4.
Appropriate Dress
The Staff and Administration of the Ella P. Burr School recognizes that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. This school will not interfere with those choices unless they disrupt the educational process of the school or the health and safety of themselves or others. All students are expected to be well groomed, and dressed appropriately for their age level and activities.
Children need to be dressed appropriately for physical education class. They must wear athletic shoes (sneakers) that are designed for physical activity not fashion. Clothing should allow children comfort, freedom of movement, and modesty.
Recess
Recesses are planned periods of time so children may get fresh air and activity. Children in grades K & 1 will have two recess periods per day. Grade 2, 3 & 4 children will have one recess during the day. Recess is an opportunity for children to engage in free play and to develop socially. Children are expected to behave appropriately while on recess and follow the rules established by the duty teachers. Please dress your child according to the weather. In the late fall, winter, and early spring students should bring hats, mittens, and appropriate footwear to school. When there is snow on the ground, students wishing to play on the fields will be required to have boots and snow pants. The weather will be monitored to insure the safety of the students. Should the weather be too cold or wet recess will be held in the classroom.
Please do not to send your child to school with a note requesting they do not go out to recess. If your child is too ill to get some fresh air between classes, he or she should not be in school. We understand that there will be extenuating circumstances and we are willing to work with your child’s doctor to meet their individual needs. Children will go out to recess unless there is a note from a doctor.
We would ask that if your son or daughter is ill and could contaminate other children, please keep him/her home until he/she feels better. If you have any questions about sending your child to school, call us and we will contact the School Nurse.
Use of the School Telephone:
The school phone is for business purposes. Children with a legitimate reason may have the school secretary contact parents. Children are responsible to be prepared for their daily activities and calling home for forgotten homework, forgotten sneakers, or arranging after schools plans will be discouraged. Under ordinary circumstance, students will not be brought to the phone to receive calls.
Parents and visitors are always welcome at the school and may visit at any time. If you would like to visit a classroom, please be courteous and make arrangements with the teacher before your visit. Surprise visits are disruptive to the students, teacher, and to the educational process. All visitors to the school are required to report to the office when they arrive at the building. Visitors and volunteers are required to sign the visitor/volunteer log and wear an identifying badge when in the building. Before leaving visitors/volunteers must return to the office, return their badge, and sign out of the logbook.
Students from other schools or friends of our students are not allowed to visit during the school day without permission from the Principal. Arrangements for these visits should be made in advance of the date of the planned visit.
Deliveries to students, such as flowers, lunch, etc., during the school day must be delivered to the office.
The Ella P. Burr School has an extensive Parent/Volunteer Program. The volunteers provide many educational opportunities for our youngsters and are a vital part of our school program. Parents and other friends of the Ella P. Burr School are encouraged and invited to participate in the Parent/Volunteer Program. During the previous school year over 5000 hours of volunteer time was recorded. This donation of time is greatly appreciated by the staff and is a great benefit to our students.
If you would like to volunteer, there is a form that must be completed. The form is included with this packet of information. If working with your child’s teacher, arrange for a scheduled time and an outline of activities. You will become a member of the class and work under the supervision and direction of the teacher. Please communicate with the teacher before coming to school. Unannounced visits can cause a disruption to the daily plan and an interruption to the children’s opportunity to learn.
Medication in School
Upon written request of a student's parent or guardian, medication will be administered during school hours. These permission forms may be obtained in the office. PARENTS MUST BRING MEDICATION FROM HOME AND ALL MEDICATION MUST BE LEFT IN THE OFFICE. Please do not send medication in with your child. The school will not supply any medications.
Safety
Safety is constantly stressed with our students and is taught as part of our school curriculum. Parents should encourage their children to practice safety at home and going to and from school. Traffic Safety Crossing Guards are employed by the Police Department and are stationed at strategic traffic points near the school. Students are expected to wear helmets when riding their bikes to school in accordance with State law.
Students are required to walk their bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. up and down the walkway running parallel to our main driveway.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria serves a nutritionally balanced breakfast and lunch daily, or children may bring a lunch and purchase their milk. A menu will be published each month as part of the monthly newsletter, as well as on the Ella Burr web page.
Payment for lunches is due on the first day of the school week and it is important for a student’s account to remain current. Parents are encouraged to send payment in by check as opposed to using cash. Should student accounts become overdue, parents will be notified by the school nutrition program to make arrangements to rectify the situation. Failure to pay overdue accounts may result in your child being provided an alternative meal than what is being served the other students.
2008-2009 School Year Hot Lunch Cost:
Full Cost Reduce Cost
Breakfast- $ 1.00 $ .00
Lunch- $ 1.75 $ .40
Milk- $ .40 $ .40
Each year in your opening day packet, you are sent a qualifying form for free and reduced meals. This is a Federal program that under rights the costs of the food. Families qualify for this program based on annual income and the information that you provide remains confidential. Should you feel you do not qualify or do not want to participate in the program, please note on the form of your intent not to participate and sign in the space provided. Should your financial situation change during the year, you may reapply at any time.
Classroom assignments are the responsibility of the Principal. At the end of the school year, the Principal will meet with each grade level teaching team, and with their assistance, develop a placement list for the following year.
Parents may request placement for their child, but must realize there is no guarantee your request will be granted. Should your request not be met, you may contact the Principal and ask to have your child’s name be placed on a waiting list for the requested class. As openings occur, children will be placed in the order they appear on the list.
Each student will receive a trimester report card outlining his or her performance. These report cards are meant to be an assessment of your child’s performance to date. You are encouraged to maintain an open line of communication with your child’s teacher and feel free to contact your child’s teacher should concerns arise through the year. It is most helpful to all concerned that the report card not be the sole communication tool between the school and home.
Parent conferences are scheduled at the end of the first trimester. We are also willing to have conferences at other times during the year. Please feel free to call and arrange a time to meet with your child's teacher. Conferences dates will be announced at a later date.
Parent conferences are scheduled at the end of the first trimester. We are also willing to have conferences at other times during the year. Please feel free to call and arrange a time to meet with your child's teacher. Conferences dates will be announced at a later date.
Field trips are organized by teachers to extend and enhance student learning. Parents will be notified of all in-district field trips. Permission slips will be required for all field trips outside of the district.
Inclement Weather Guidelines / Emergency Dismissal
In the early morning hours during inclement weather, local area radio stations will begin carrying no school announcements usually by 6:00 a.m. of any school closing or delayed starts. Worsening weather conditions may force the early closing of schools. If this should happen, local area radio stations will carry this information. On such a day, our phone lines become jammed. Do not plan for your child to contact you by phone. Be prepared in advance. We will follow your instructions on the "Emergency Dismissal" section of the Student Information Card. Please keep this information current on your child’s card, should you need to make any changes please stop by the school.
RSU 67 PARENTS' AND STUDENTS RIGHTS
In order to meet the District's compliance regulations under Federal Legislation, the following policy statement of the board of Directors is hereby reproduced for your information.
Family Rights and Privacy:
Part C of P.L. 93-380, the General Education Provisions Act of 1974 relates to the protection of the Privacy Rights of parents and Students. In compliance with this law, on 4/4/90, the Board of Directors of RUS 67 adopted a policy on Student Records. The following are excerpts from that policy. The complete policy, Student Record, is on file in the Superintendent's Office and each school office.
Right to Inspect and Review:
Parents shall have the right to inspect and review any and all official record, files, and data related directly to their children, including all material that is incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder and intended for school use to be available to parties outside the school or school system, and specifically including but not necessarily limited to, identifying data, academic work completed, level of achievement (grades, standardized achievement test scores), attendance data scores on standardized intelligence tests, aptitude and psychological tests, interest inventory results, health data, family background information, teacher or counselor ratings and observations, and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.
Each school shall establish appropriate procedures for the granting of a request by parents for access to their child's school records. Such requests must be granted within a reasonable period of time but in no case to exceed fifteen (15) days during the school year or forty-five (45) days during the summer vacation (direct requests to the school principal).
Schools shall provide a school employee to interpret the information within the folder in the folder to the parents.
Parents may be allowed to make a copy of materials contained in their child's records at their own expense.
Right to Challenge: Parents shall have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the contents of their child's school records to insure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy of other rights of students, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein.
Age of Consent: When a student reaches age 18 or is attending an institution of post-secondary education, the permission or consent of and rights given to parents shall be required and granted to the student. This includes the student's rights to deny parental access to his record, except in those cases where the student is dependent as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
Maintenance of Data: Schools shall annually review and consider the elimination of any unnecessary data. Not more than two years after a student has graduated of his/her class graduated if he/she left school, all information will be destroyed except necessary identifying data, standardized test scores, grades achieved, and awards or honors earned and attendance data.
Principals and counselors are the only persons authorized to release any information to any person other than a student's parent. As regards to medical information this would be in the school nurse's jurisdiction.
Dissemination: The school may, without consent of parents and students, release a student's records to (a) school officials, including teachers, within the district who have a legitimate, educational interest, (b) the Commissioner of Educational and Cultural Services and his officers of subordinates, so long as the intended are under the Commissioner's statutory power and responsibilities, and (c) officials of other primary or secondary school systems in which the student intends to enroll, under the condition that the student's parent/guardian or adult student be notified of the transfer and be allowed to review a copy of the record prior to release, if desired.
The school or any school personnel shall not divulge, in any form, to any persons other than those listed above, any information contained in the student records, except (a) with written consent from the minor student's parent/guardian or the adult student specifying the records to be released, to whom and with a copy of the records to be released to the student's parent/guardian and/or student, if desired by the parent/guardian or student: or (b) in compliance with judicial order, or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena. Parent/guardian and/or student should be notified of all such orders prior to the school's compliance.
The school may release data for research purposes when it is in such a form that no individual student is identifiable.
The school insures confidentiality by keeping a current list of those school employees who have access to personally identifiable information. This list is available for public inspection.
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of RSU 67 not to discriminate on the basis of sex, color, religion, age, or national origin in its educational programs and activities or employment of personnel.
It is the policy of RSU 67 not to discriminate on the basis of handicap, as required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in the admission of students to programs or educational services or in the employment of personnel.
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 St., Boston, MA 02110.
Grievance procedures are available at the office of the Coordinator.
STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE RULES
These rules implement R.S.U. No. 67 Board policy IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use. The rules are intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses but do not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users. Failure to comply with Board policy IJNDB and these rules may result in loss of computer and Internet access privileges, disciplinary action and/or legal action.
A. Computer Use is a Privilege, Not a Right
Student use of R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
The building principal shall have final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be denied or revoked.
B. Acceptable Use
Student access to the R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the district’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.
The same rules and expectations govern student use of computers as apply to other student conduct and communications.
Students are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific instructions from the teacher or other supervising staff member/volunteer when accessing R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services.
C. Prohibited Use
The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving R.S.U. No. 67 computers, networks and Internet services and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:
1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal;
2. Illegal Activities – Using R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other Board policies, procedures and/or school rules;
3. Violating Copyrights – Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission;
4. Plagiarism – Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and Website must be identified;
5. Copying Software – Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator;
6. Non-School-Related Uses – Using R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes, or for any other personal use;
7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access – Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords without permission and/or accessing other users’ accounts;
8. Malicious Use/Vandalism – Any malicious use, disruption or harm to R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses; and
9. Unauthorized Access to Chat Rooms/News Groups – Accessing non-district chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the supervising teacher.
D. No Expectation of Privacy
R.S.U. No. 67 retains control, custody and supervision of all computers, networks and Internet services owned or leased by the district. R.S.U. No. 67 reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectations of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail and stored files.
E. Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages
The student and/or the student’s parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating R.S.U. No. 67 for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the district related to violations of policy IJNDB and/or these rules, including investigation of violations.
F. R.S.U. No. 67 Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or Illegal Use
R.S.U. No. 67 assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.
G. Student Security
A student shall not reveal his/her full name, address or telephone number on the Internet without prior permission from a supervising teacher. Students should never meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their supervising teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.
H. System Security
The security of R.S.U. No. 67’s computers, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the Director of Technology or designee. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have his/her
privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
I. Parental Permission Required
Students and their parent/guardian are required to sign and return the Computer/Internet Access Acknowledgment Form (IJNDB-E) before being allowed to use school computers.
Cross Reference: IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use
IJNDB-R2 – Maine Learning Technology Initiative-Laptop Computers
IJNDB-E – Computer/Internet Use Acknowledgement Form
Adopted: October 17, 2007
STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors provides computers, networks and Internet access to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. The Board believes that the resources available through the Internet are of significant value in the learning process and preparing students for future success. At the same time, the unregulated availability of information and communication on the Internet requires that schools establish reasonable controls for lawful, efficient and appropriate use of this technology.
Student use of school computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege not a right. Students are required to comply with this policy and the accompanying rules (IJNDB-R). Students who violate the policy and/or rules may have their computer privileges revoked and may also be subject to further disciplinary and/or legal action.
All R.S.U. No. 67 computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the district. R.S.U. No. 67 reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers.
While reasonable precautions will be taken to supervise student use of the Internet, R.S.U. No. 67 cannot reasonably prevent all inappropriate uses, including access to objectionable materials and communication with persons outside of the school, in violation of Board policies/procedures and school rules. R.S.U. No. 67 is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that students obtain through the Internet.
Before a student is allowed to use school computers and Internet services, the student and the student’s parent/guardian must sign and return the Computer/Internet Access Acknowledgment (IJNDB-E). The signed acknowledgment will be retained by the school.
Students and parents shall be informed of this policy/procedure on an annual basis through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and the accompanying rules and for advising the Board of the need for any future amendments or revisions to the policy/rules. The Superintendent may
develop additional administrative procedures/rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of R.S.U. No. 67’s computer system as long as they are consistent with the Board’s policy/rules. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to building principals and others as he/she deems appropriate.
Cross Reference: GCSA – Employee Computer and Internet Use
IJNDB-R1 – Student Computer and Internet Use Rules
IJNDB-R2 – Maine Learning Technology Initiative-Laptop Computers
Adopted: March 4, 1997
Revised: October 17, 2007
MAINE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE – LAPTOP COMPUTERS
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors endorses the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) program as a significant resource for the grade 7 and 8 curriculum. The Board supports the integration of technology into the curriculum and encourages teachers to fully utilize the educational opportunities provided by these devices.
The Board also supports the development of administrative procedures for students using the MLTI laptop computers to ensure they are appropriately used and maintained. The Board realizes the significant educational impact the laptop computers provide for students in the classroom and, therefore, supports the need to limit these computers being taken home from school. The potential risk of loss or damage to the computers that are taken home may result in missed or diminished opportunities for students at school. The Board does acknowledge that special situations may arise that could warrant sending the computers home with students – such as the need to use special software only available on the laptop computers.
In the case of special circumstances that could warrant sending the MLTI laptop computers home with students, the teacher is directed to consult with the School Principal and the Information Technology Coordinator to discuss the need and to investigate possible alternatives to sending the laptop computers home.
Should the Principal and IT Coordinator decide to allow selected laptops computers to be sent home for a specific activity or project, these requirements will be followed:
- A liability form must be signed by the parent/guardian before the laptop computer may be taken home.
- Should the laptop be lost, stolen or intentionally damaged while it is signed out to the student, the parent will be required to pay for replacement costs and/or repairs for damages not covered by the school insurance.
- Parents will be required to pick-up the laptop computer directly from school and return it to school the next morning. Students are not allowed to transport the laptop computers from and to school.
- Parents will be provided with the student’s laptop computer login information and will be responsible to ensure that the laptop computer is used in an appropriate manner while it is signed out to their child.
- It is expected that the signed out computers will be returned with a fully charged battery the next day.
- MLTI laptop computers will not be signed out during school vacations in order to allow IT staff to perform routine maintenance and upgrades.
Cross Reference: IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use
IJNDB-R1 – Student Computer and Internet use Rules
IJNDB-E – Computer/Internet Use Acknowledgement Form
Adopted: September 3, 2008
HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
Harassment of students because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability is prohibited. Such conduct is a violation of Board policy and may constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal laws.
Harassment
Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse based on race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability. Harassment that rises to the level of physical assault, battery and/or abuse is also addressed in the Board policy JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or pressure to engage in sexual activity, physical contact of a sexual nature, gestures, comments, or other physical, written or verbal conduct that is gender-based that interferes with a student’s education. School employees, fellow students, volunteers and visitors to the school, and other persons with whom students may interact in order to pursue school activities are required to refrain from such conduct.
Harassment/sexual harassment of students by school employees is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. Harassment/sexual harassment of students by other students is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. The Superintendent will determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students by persons other than school employees and students.
The Superintendent or his/her designee will investigate complaints of harassment in accordance with the Student Harassment Complaint Procedure. School employees, students, and parents shall be informed of this policy/procedure through handbooks and/or other means selected by the school administration.
Legal Reference: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 USC § 1681, et seq.)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC § 2000(d))
5 MRSA §§ 4602; 4681 et seq.
20-A MRSA § 6553
Cross Reference: ACAA-R - Student Harassment Complaint Procedure
AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
ACAD - Hazing
JICIA - Weapons, Violence and School Safety
ACAA-E- Harassment Report Form For Students and Employees
Adopted: January 6, 1991
Revised: February 12, 1992, February 16, 1994, May 5, 2004
BOMB THREATS
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to our schools. Whether real and carried out or intended as a prank or for some other purpose, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff and to the integrity of school property. Bomb threats disrupt the instructional program and learning environment and also place significant demands on school financial resources and public safety services. These effects occur even when such threats prove to be false.
Any bomb threat will be regarded as an extremely serious matter and treated accordingly. The Board directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information concerning bomb threats and to initiate or recommend suitable disciplinary action.
A. Conduct Prohibited
No person shall make, or communicate by any means, whether verbal or non-verbal, a threat that a bomb has been, or will be, placed on school premises. Because of the potential for evacuation of the schools and other disruption of school operations, placement of a bomb or of a “look-alike” bomb on school premises will be considered a threat for the purpose of this policy.
B. It is also a violation of Board policy to communicate by any means that any toxic or hazardous substance or material has been placed, or will be placed, on school premises with the intent to endanger the safety and welfare of students or staff and/or to disrupt the operations of the schools. For the purpose of this policy, “toxic or hazardous substance or material” means any material or substance, including biomedical materials or organisms, that, when placed as threatened, could be harmful to humans.
C. Definitions
1. A “bomb” means an explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine, “Molotov cocktail” or other destructive device.
2. A “look-alike bomb” means any apparatus or object that conveys the appearance of a bomb or other destructive device.
3. A “bomb threat” is the communication, by any means, whether verbal or non-verbal, that a bomb has been, or will be, placed on school premises, including possession or placement of a bomb or look-alike bomb on school premises.
4. “School premises” means any school property and any location where any school activities may take place.
D. Development of Bomb Threat Procedures
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for developing and implementing procedures specific to bomb threats as part of the school unit’s Crisis Response Plan. These procedures are intended to inform administrators and staff of appropriate protocols to follow in the event that a bomb threat is received and should include provisions to address:
1. Threat assessment (for the purpose of identifying a response that is in proportion to the threat, in light of what is necessary to ensure safety);
2. Building evacuation and re-entry (including selection of potential alternative sites for those who are evacuated);
3. Incident “command and control” (who is in charge, and when);
4. Communications contacts and mandatory bomb threat reporting;
5. Parent notification process;
6. Training for staff members; and
- Support services for students and staff.
The initial bomb threat procedure will be subject to approval by the Board. The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for overseeing a review or evaluation of bomb threat procedures prior to the Board’s required annual approval of the school unit’s Crisis Response Plan, or following implementation of the procedure in response to a specific threat.
E. Reporting of Bomb Threats
A student who learns of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb on school premises must immediately report such information to the building principal, teacher, the School Resource Officer or other employee in a position of authority.
An employee of R.S.U. No. 67 who learns of a bomb threat shall immediately inform the building administrator. The building administrator shall immediately take appropriate steps to protect the safety of students and staff in accordance with R.S.U. No. 67’s bomb threat procedure, as developed under Section C, and inform the Superintendent of the threat.
All bomb threats shall be reported immediately to the local law enforcement authority, as provided in the bomb threat procedures.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for reporting any bomb threat to the Department of Education within two business days of the incident. Reports will include the name of the school, the date and time of the threat, the medium used to communicate the threat, and whether or not the perpetrators have been apprehended.
F. Student Disciplinary Consequences
Making a bomb threat is a crime under Maine law. Any student suspected of making a bomb threat shall be reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. Apart from any penalty imposed by law, and without regard to the existence or status of criminal charges, a student who makes a bomb threat shall be subject to disciplinary action by the school.
The administration may suspend and/or recommend for expulsion any student who makes a bomb threat. The making of a bomb threat will be considered deliberately disobedient and deliberately disorderly within the meaning of 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1001(9) and will be grounds for expulsion if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school.
In addition, a student who is found after hearing by the Board to have brought a bomb to school shall be expelled from school for at
least one year in accordance with 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1001(9-A) and Policy JICIA, except that the Superintendent may modify the requirement for expulsion based on individual circumstances.
A student who has been identified through the PET process as having a disability and whose conduct in violation of this policy is related to the disability shall be disciplined as provided in paragraph one of Policy JKF- Disciplinary Removal of Students with Disabilities.
G. Aiding Other Students in Making Bomb Threats
A student who knowingly encourages, causes, aids or assists another student in making or communicating a bomb threat shall be subject to the disciplinary consequences described in Section E of this policy.
H. Failure to Report a Bomb Threat
A student who fails to report information or knowledge of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb or other destructive device in a school building or on school property may be subject to disciplinary consequences, which may include suspension and/or expulsion.
I. Staff Disciplinary Consequences
Any R.S.U. No. 67 employee who makes or communicates a bomb threat will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Disciplinary action taken shall be consistent with collective bargaining agreements, other employment agreements and Board policies.
Any R.S.U. No. 67 employee who fails to report information or knowledge of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb on school premises will be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
- Jivil Liability
R.S.U. No. 67 reserves the right to bring suit against any individual responsible for a violation of this policy and to seek restitution and other damages as permitted by law.
K. Lost Instructional Time
Instructional time lost as a result of a bomb threat will be rescheduled at the earliest appropriate or practicable opportunity, as determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the Board.
Time lost may be rescheduled on a weekend or vacation day, or after what would normally be the last day of the school year, except on days when schools must be closed as required by law.
L. Notification Through Student Handbook
All student handbooks shall address R.S.U. No. 67’s bomb threat policy and procedures and explain the educational consequences of bomb threats. In addition, student handbooks shall notify students and parents that bomb threats violate Board policy and civil and criminal law.
Legal References: 18 U.S.C. §§ 921; 8921
17-A M.R.S.A. § 210
20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 263; 1001(9); 1001(9-A); 1001(17); 1001(18)
Ch. 125 § 10.06 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules)
Cross References: EBCA – Crisis Response Plan
JKD – Suspension of Students
JKE – Expulsion of Students
JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities
JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
Student Code of Conduct
Adopted: March 1, 2006
QUESTIONING AND SEARCHES OF STUDENTS
The R.S.U. No. 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.
Students may not bring, possess or store at school any items or substances which are prohibited by law, Board policies and/or school rules, or which interfere with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school.
Student use of all school storage facilities, including but not limited to lockers, desks, and parking lots, is a privilege granted by the school. All storage facilities are school property and remain under the control, custody and supervision of the school. Students have no expectation of privacy in school storage facilities or for any items placed in such storage facilities. The Superintendent, principal, or assistant principal have the authority to inspect and search storage facilities anywhere in R.S.U. No. 67 and their contents on a random basis, with or without reasonable suspicion, and without notice or consent. Canine patrols may be used.
Students, their personal property, and their vehicles may be searched upon reasonable suspicion that they possess any items or substances which are prohibited by law, Board policies and/or school rules, or which interfere with the safety, operations, discipline or general welfare of the school.
When special circumstances exist, including but not limited to a suspected ongoing violation of the Board’s drug/alcohol or weapons policies, or when a potential threat to safety is identified, school administrators may search groups of students or the entire school body without individualized suspicion.
If a search produces evidence that a student has violated or is violating the law, Board policies and/or school rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by the Superintendent, principal, or assistant principal and appropriate disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence may be forwarded to, and/or seized by law enforcement authorities as provided by law or as deemed appropriate by the building administrator(s) after conferring with the Superintendent.
A student who refuses to comply with a search directive may be subject to disciplinary action, including the disciplinary consequences for the suspected violation.
School staff, students and parents shall be informed of this policy on an annual basis through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent.
The Superintendent is authorized to develop and implement, with input from legal counsel, administrators, staff and others as appropriate, any administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy. Such administrative procedures shall be subject to Board approval.
Cross Reference: ADC – Tobacco Use and Possession
ADC-R – Administrative Procedure
JIH-E – Student Search Check List
JIH-R – Questioning and Searches of Students - Administrative Procedure
JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety
JK – Student Discipline
JFCI – Chemical Use by Students
KLG - Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities
KLG-R- Administrative Procedure
Adopted: May 18, 2005
HAZING
Maine statute defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation, including harassing behavior, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in a public school.”
Injurious hazing activities of any type, either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with this school unit, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times.
“Harassing behavior” includes acts of intimidation and any other conduct that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student or staff member.
“Acts of intimidation” include extortion, menacing, direct or indirect threats of violence, incidents of violence, bullying, statements or taunting of a malicious and/or derogatory nature that recklessly or intentionally endanger the mental or physical health of another person, and property damage or theft.
No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school unit shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate injurious hazing activities. No student, including leaders of students’ organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in injurious hazing activities.
Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate measures. Administrators, professional staff, and all other employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
In the case of an organization affiliated with this school unit that authorizes hazing, penalties may include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on school property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the school unit.
Persons not associated with this school unit who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to ejection from school property and/or other measures as may be available under the law.
These penalties shall be in addition to any civil or criminal penalties to which the violator or organization may be subject.
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for administering this policy. In the event that an individual or organization disagrees with an action—or lack of action—on the part of the Superintendent/designee as he/she carries out the provisions of this policy, that individual or organization may appeal to the Board. The ruling of the Board with respect to the provisions of this policy shall be final.
This right to appeal does not apply to student suspensions of 10 days or less or to matters submitted to grievance procedures under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
A copy of this policy shall be included in all school, parent, and employee handbooks or otherwise distributed to all school employees and students.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 6553
Cross Reference: ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students
ACAB - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Employees
JICIA - Weapons, Violence and School Safety
Adopted: May 5, 2004
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors recognizes the need to establish minimum standards for the awarding of diplomas that are consistent with State rules and regulations and with community educational values and expectations. This need results from the implementation of the Maine’s system of Learning Results, the phasing in of standards-based requirements, and heightened community expectations for student learning.
The Superintendent, through the high-school principal or other designee, shall be responsible for making accurate information concerning diploma requirements available to incoming students and their parents prior to the start of their ninth-grade school year. A copy of this policy will be disseminated to all incoming ninth grade students at the time of course selection and will be included in every edition of the high-school handbook.
Class of 2009
As a minimum for graduation from high school, the prospective graduate must have successfully completed a total of 22 credits at the secondary level and must have had opportunities to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English Language Arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and health and physical education.
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors requires each student to complete the following:
- English language arts—4 credits;
- Social studies, including 1 credit of U.S. History I, 1 credit of U.S. History II, ½ credit of civics, and ½ credit of economics—3 credits;
- Mathematics—3 credits;
- Science, including 1 credit of earth science, 1 credit of biology, and 1 credit of physical science (chemistry and/or physics)—3 credits;
- Fine arts—1 credit;
- Health—1 credit;
- Physical education—1 credit;
- 6 elective credits.
Elective credits may be selected by the student based upon the student’s interests, abilities, and the requirements of the field that the student plans to enter upon graduation.
Students must also meet R.S.U. No. 67 computer literacy and proficiency standards.
Any exemption to the above required credits must be in compliance with other R.S.U. No. 67Board policy.
Class of 2010
As a minimum for graduation from high school, the prospective graduate must have successfully completed a total of 22 credits at the secondary level and must have had opportunities to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English Language Arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and health and physical education. Beginning with the 2009-10 school year, students may also be required to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English language arts and mathematics, as determined by Chapter 127.
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors requires each student to complete the following:
- English language arts—4 credits;
- Social studies, including 1 credit of U.S. History I, 1 credit of U.S. History II, ½ credit of civics, and ½ credit of economics—3 credits;
- Mathematics—3 credits;
- Science, including 1 credit of earth science, 1 credit of biology, and 1 credit of physical science (chemistry and/or physics)—3 credits;
- Fine arts—1 credit;
- Health—1 credit;
- Physical education—1 credit;
- 6 elective credits.
Elective credits may be selected by the student based upon the student’s interests, abilities, and the requirements of the field that the student plans to enter upon graduation.
Students must also meet R.S.U. No. 67 computer literacy and proficiency standards.
Any exemption to the above required credits must be in compliance with other R.S.U. No. 67 Board policy.
Class of 2011
As a minimum for graduation from high school, the prospective graduate must have successfully completed a total of 22 credits at the secondary level and must have had opportunities to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English Language Arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and health and physical education. Beginning with the 2010-11 school year, students may also be required to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English language arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and health and physical education, as determined by Chapter 127.
The R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors requires each student to complete the following:
- English language arts—4 credits
- Social studies, including 1 credit of U.S. History I, 1 credit of U.S. History II, ½ credit of civics, ½ credit of economics, and 1 credit of global studies— 4 credits;
- Mathematics—3 credits;
- Science, including 1 credit of earth science, 1 credit of biology, and at least 1 credit of physical science (chemistry and physics)*—3 credits;
- Fine arts—1 credit;
- Health—1 credit;
- Physical education—1 credit;
- 5 elective credits.**
*At a minimum, students must take a year of physical science which includes a semester of chemistry and a semester of physics for 1 credit. Students needing a more extensive background in chemistry and/or physics will be encouraged to take a year of both for 2 credits.
**Students who take both chemistry and physics will need 4 elective credits.
Elective credits may be selected by the student based upon the student’s interests, abilities, and the requirements of the field that the student plans to enter upon graduation.
Students must also meet R.S.U. No. 67 computer literacy and proficiency standards.
Any exemption to the above required credits must be in compliance with other R.S.U. No. 67 Board policy.
Classes of 2012 and thereafter
As a minimum for graduation from high school, the prospective graduate must have successfully completed a total of 22 credits at the secondary level and must have had opportunities to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English Language Arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, health and physical education, career and education development, visual and performing arts, and world languages. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, students may also be required to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in English language arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, health and physical education, career and education development, visual and performing arts, and world languages,* as determined by Chapter 127.
*When and if two consecutive years of a world language become a state requirement for graduation, the credit requirements will be adjusted to reflect the change. Meanwhile, students are encouraged, but not required, to earn 2 credits of a world language.
- English language arts—4 credits;
- Social studies, including 1 credit of U.S. History I, 1 credit of U.S. History II, ½ credit of civics, ½ credit of economics, and 1 credit of global studies— 4 credits;
- Mathematics—3 credits;
- Science, including 1 credit of earth science, 1 credit of biology, and at least a 1 credit of physical science (chemistry and physics)*—3 credits;
- Visual and performing arts—1 credit;
- Health—1 credit;
- Physical education—1 credit;
- 5 elective credits.**
*At a minimum, students must take a year of physical science which includes a semester of chemistry and a semester of physics for 1 credit. Students needing a more extensive background in chemistry and/or physics will be encouraged to take a year of both for 2 credits.
**Students who take both chemistry and physics will need 4 elective credits.
Elective credits may be selected by the student based upon the student’s interests, abilities, and the requirements of the field that the student plans to enter upon graduation.
Students must also meet R.S.U. No. 67 computer literacy and proficiency standards.
Any exemption to the above required credits must be in compliance with other R.S.U. No. 67 Board policy.
Additional Considerations Applicable To Meeting Minimum Local Requirements for Graduation:
A student who is deficient in the above-listed credit requirements may meet those requirements through career and technical education classes, college course(s), state-approved adult-education course(s), a state-approved summer-school pro-gram, or correspondence course(s) approved by the principal in advance of registration.* The student may participate in the next regular graduation ceremony following successful completion of the requirements.
A student who elects early admission at the collegiate level may graduate with his/her class if he/she so informs the high-school principal at the time of his/her acceptance.
*In order to receive a Mattanawcook Academy diploma, a student granted approval for one or more such courses must meet the requirements of the Maine Learning Results as specified for his/her graduating class in this policy. It is the responsibility of the district to show that requirements have been met.
Transfer Students
For students who transfer to Mattanawcook Academy from another state or from an educational program that is not required to meet the content standards of the system of Learning Results, the principal of Mattanawcook Academy shall determine the value of the student’s prior educational experience towards meeting minimum local graduation requirements.
Home-Schooled Students
In accordance with Policy File IGBHA, Home Schooling—Participation in School Programs, awarding of a diploma is conditioned upon the student’s demonstration of having satisfied all specific course credit or other graduation requirements established by the Board.
Graduation Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services and 504 Accommodations
In accordance with Policy File IGBAH, Graduation of Exceptional Students, Mattanawcook Academy will award diplomas to exceptional students between the ages of 15 and 20 who have successfully met the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plans. A student’s 504 Plan will include a specific plan regarding how the student will achieve diploma requirements.
Early Awarding of Diplomas
A student who has met the State’s and R.S.U. No. 67’s diploma requirements in fewer than four years of high school may be awarded a diploma. Students who wish to exercise this option must file their intention with the administration by October 15th of the year in which they plan to graduate.
Delayed Awarding of Diplomas
A secondary student who has satisfactorily completed the freshman year in an accredited degree-granting institution of higher education may receive a Mattanawcook Academy diploma provided Mattanawcook Academy is the school the student last attended. A diploma may be awarded even though the student does not meet all the Mattanawcook Academy diploma requirements. Such decision shall be at the discretion of the Superintendent, in accordance with the policies of the R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors.
A veteran of World War II or the Korean Conflict who left secondary school to serve in the armed forces and who received an honorable discharge, may be granted a diploma at the discretion of the Board, as specified in policy and subject to requirements in statute.
Extended Study
Students are eligible for extended years of study to complete the requirements of a diploma if they have not reached the age of 20 at the start of the school year. Students eligible for extended years of study may be referred to adult education or other resources suitable to adult learners. Extended study for students with disabilities shall be specified in a student’s Individualized Education Plan.
Participation in Graduation Ceremony
A student must complete all requirements for a diploma in order to participate in commencement exercises.
This policy is subject to change based on revisions to Chapter 127.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 4722
Chapter 127 §7 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rules)
Cross Reference: IGBAH–Graduation of Exceptional Students
IGBHA–Home Schooling—Participation in School Programs
IMBB–Exemption from Required Instruction
Adopted: June 7, 2000
Revised: June 16, 2004; April 5, 2006; August 20, 2008
