M.S.A.D. #29 Serving the towns of Houlton, Hammond, Littleton, and Monticello in Southern Aroostook County, Northern Maine |
 |
SAD #29 School Policies & Procedures
|
Vision
Statement:
The Educational
Community of SAD #29 encourages the growth, high aspirations,
and quality standards of its students and staff. We respect
responsible decision-making and risk taking, value individual
differences, and recognize that learning never ends. In
SAD #29, educators take pride in the achievement of our community
and provide an open and safe environment, and nurtures positive
self-esteem and fosters mutual respect. Students are problem
solvers who take ownership of their own learning. As an
integral part of the educational process, parents and caregivers
also accept the responsibility for supporting their child's efforts
to be successful. The educational community shall work together
toward quality education.
SAD #29 Belief Statements:
SAD #29 Guiding Principles: As a result of the support of parents, community, and school staff, each student will leave Houlton Jr.-Sr. High School as:
Respectful
Responsible
Trustworthy
Honest
Kind
Return to Top of Page
The Board of Education believes
that it is the shared responsibility of the schools and
the home to see that all students attend school on a regular basis.
Regular school attendance is vital to the academic achievement
of the student and to the development of positive habits of punctuality
and attendance. The State Department of Education and the
School Board of SAD #29 consider only the following as legal excuses
for missing school:Attendance Policy 1. Personal Illness. 2. Appointment with a health professional that cannot be made outside the regular school day. 3. Observance of recognized religious holidays when the observance is required during the normal school day. 4. Planned absences for personal or educational purposes, which have been approved in advance. 5. Emergency family situations. Any student absent from school for any reason is expected to report to the office upon his/her return to complete an absence slip and to provide the school with a written excuse from his/her parent or guardian. Parents/Guardians will be called at work or at home it a student is listed as absent when the morning attendance is taken. Please call the office before 9:00 a.m. to inform us if your child is going to be absent for any reason. This procedure provides the school and the parent/guardian with the whereabouts of the student at all times. All absences will be classified in one of two ways: 1. Excused- for one of the reasons above, the student will be allowed to make up all work missed. 2. Unexcused- an absence without the permission of the school or the parent/guardian. Work missed during this absence cannot be made up; all exams, class work, and other gradable work will results in a zero. In addition, there will be consequences in the form of detention or suspension. 1.5 Credit Courses- students will receive a "Loss of Credit" notice if they obtain a combination of twelve unexcused or excused absences during the school year. Letters will be sent home to parents/guardians informing them of their child's absences on the seventh and tenth absence. 1 Credit Courses- students will receive a "Loss of Credit" notice if they obtain a combination of ten unexcused or excused absences during the school year. Letters will be sent home to parents/guardians informing them of their child's absences on the sixth and eighth absence. 5 Credit Courses- students will receive a "Loss of Credit" notice if they obtain a combination of six unexcused or excused absences during the school year. Letters will be sent home to parents/guardians informing them of their child's absences on the third and fifth absence. Junior High Students
The following sequential protocol is intended to promote good attendance habits: 1. The building principal or home school coordinator will make an informal phone call home after a total of five days absent. 2. A letter requesting a meeting with parents/guardians will be sent after ten days absent 3. The building principal will refer the student to the Student Assistance Team after a total of fifteen days. The SAT will consider possible actions to help the student make up missed learning opportunities including:
Note: It is not the intention of the policy to punish students who have health problems that make school attendance difficult or impossible at times. A committee of teachers has been organized to allow parents/guardians and students an opportunity to bring any unusual circumstances to the attention of the review committee. All parents and students should remember that absences add up quickly. Absences are counted for each class. Tardiness, dismissals, or absences during part of the school day are counted for the class(es) which is/are affected. School sponsored activities do not count toward absences.
Dismissals Dismissals are allowed only in situations when it is unavoidable to miss school. The reason for dismissal must fall under the same guidelines as an excused absence listed above as determined by the State Department of Education and the SAD# 29 School Board. In order to be dismissed, a student must bring a note to the office prior to the start of the school day and fill out a dismissal slip.
Tardiness A sincere effort should be made to be in school on time. In order to ensure punctuality, the school must set penalties for unexcused tardiness. Any student arriving late for school must report to the office with a note from his/her parent/guardian excusing the tardiness. Excessive tardiness will be dealt with by the administration in the form of detention or suspension. Student Assistance Teams The Student Assistance Team
is a group of professionals whose function is to identify, brainstorm,
and intervene with "at risk" students. It provides
students with a prevention/intervention process that ensures
that they have a free, appropriate public education. The
purpose of the SAT is to redirect student exhibiting "at
risk" behaviors they experience school and social failures. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act This act allows you to inspect and review educational records on your child maintained by the school or district. Schools must comply with your request within a reasonable time frame (not more than 45 days). Someone must explain the records to you if asked. You may request copies of your child's records. You may request in writing to have material in your child's records removed or amended, stating why. The school can refuse to remove material, at which point you have the right to request a Due Process hearing. M.S.A.D. #29 must send educational records to a school which your child transfers, and has the right to release records without your written consent to schools where your child is transferring; to state or federal investigating agencies; to respond to a subpoena; or if there is a health or safety emergency. A complete copy of the district's policy can be obtained from building principals, the superintendent, or the director of special education.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 This ensures your child's right to the full range of special accommodations and services necessary for student with special needs to participate in and benefit from public education programs and activities. Key to the requirement is that all handicapped students be provided a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It requires identification, evaluation, provision of appropriate services and procedural safeguards. Decisions about 504 eligibility and services must be documented in the student's file and reviewed periodically. Under section 504 the parent or guardian must be provided with notice of the actions affecting the identification, evaluation, or placement of the student. They are entitled to an impartial hearing if they disagree with the district's decision. It is important to remember that some students have physical or mental conditions that limit their ability to access and participate in educational programs to which they are entitled. Their rights are protected under section 504. Section 504 is not an aspect of special education. A student may have a health problem that is considered a handicap because it substantially limits his/her ability to function in school. BUT that student may not be eligible for special education services because he/she does not need specially designed instruction. For example, a student in a wheelchair may require specially designed ramps, etc. in in order to access the regular classroom, but does not need special instruction in order to learn. Under 504 it is the responsibility of the general public education system to meet the needs of such students. Section 504 protects all handicapped students, defined as those having any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning. Building principals and superintendents of schools are responsible for its implementation within districts. It is the 504 officer's responsibility to oversee the process for implementation, and to ensure that procedural safeguards are in place. The 504 officer for M.S.A.D. #29 is Marion Gartley. Her office phone is 532-7950. Special Education The individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines as eligible only students with certain specified types of disabilities, and who, because of those conditions, need special education. Special education means that a student requires specially designed instruction. If you believe your child has a disability and needs either special accommodations, special education or related services, a referral should be made. The referring person should be familiar with the student and be able to pinpoint areas of concern. It may be helpful to remember that we are looking for difficulties or deficits that interfere with your child's ability to learn in a regular classroom and/or to make satisfactory progress in the general curriculum.
Behavorial Expectations We firmly believe that all students, teachers, parents and administration should work together to make our school both safe and pleasant. Discussion and honest exchange of opinions in an atmosphere of mutual respect can resolve many difficult situations. Our school is one where every student should have an opportunity to learn and grow to the best of their ability. Students at Houlton Jr.-Sr. High School are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times, meaning respecting the rights and safety of others.
Disciplinary Procedures for
Houlton Jr/Sr High School ( In School
Suspension may be substituted for Junior High Students. )
Skipping Teacher Detention, Office Detention, Cutting Class, Leaving School Grounds:
Smoking/Possession of Tobacco Products:
In an Unauthorized Area:
Vulgar/Obscene Language Directed at Another Student:
Theft or Destruction of Property, Dangerous Acts, Sexual Harassment/Ethnic Slur:
Abusive Language Directed at Staff:
Possession or Under Influence of Alcohol/Drugs:
PROTOCOL FOR BULLYING INCIDENTS GRADES K-6
S.A.D. 29 believes that all students have the right to a safe school environment. As part of its overall policy of providing a physical, social, and emotional environment that is free from all forms of intimidation, this protocol has been developed to provide a consistent, effective approach to the handling of bullying incidents. Definition: Bullying is defined as follows:
Procedure:
Rubric for Altering Bullying Behavior (Grades K-6)
Purpose: S.A.D. 29 believes that all students have the right to a safe school environment. As part of its overall policy of providing a physical, social, and emotional environment that is free from all forms of intimidation, this protocol has been developed to provide a consistent, effective approach to the handling of bullying incidents. Definition: Bullying is defined as follows:
Procedure:
Students who practice good nutrition and engage in regular physical activity attend school with minds and bodies ready to take advantage of their learning environment. MSAD#29 encourages all members of the school community to help create an environment for the overall wellness of students and staff with a specific focus on healthy, lifelong eating habits and physical fitness opportunities. Decisions made district wide in regard to food, beverages and physical activity need to reflect positive nutrition messages, healthy food choices and increased opportunities for physical activity. Staff should model the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for students.
Administrative Guidelines Regarding MSAD#29’s Wellness Policy JL-R Implementation Guidelines Nutrition Standards Nutrition influences a child’s development, health status, well-being and potential for School Meals: The Food Services department will provide and promote healthy meal alternatives within the
Vending Machines: MSAD#29 prohibits the sale of soft drinks and other junk food as defined below in all student-accessed vending machines. Soft drinks – includes regular and low-calorie carbonated soft drinks, carbonated fruit juice drinks, and sweetened and unsweetened carbonated water. All junk food – defined as food of minimal nutritional value: (a) in the case of artificially-sweetened foods, a food which provides less than 5% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for each of eight specified nutrients per serving; (b) in the case of all other foods, a food which provides less than 5% of the RDI for each of eight specified nutrients per 100 calories and less than 5% of the RDI for each of eight specified nutrients per serving. The eight nutrients to be assessed are protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, calcium, and iron. Bake Sales: Staff Meetings/Teacher Workshops: Classroom Incentives or Student Rewards: Healthy Snacks: Celebrations/School Parties: Physical Education and Physical Activity Opportunities Age appropriate physical education shall be offered to students in the district. In addition, physical education topics shall be integrated into the curriculum when appropriate. The district shall implement a quality physical education program that addresses the following: Curriculum:
Instruction and Assessment:
Opportunities:
The District should offer daily opportunities for unstructured physical activity, commonly referred to as recess, for all students in Grades K-6. Recess should be in addition to physical education class time and not be a substitute for physical education. Each school shall provide proper equipment and a safe area designated for supervised recess in the elementary setting. First reading at School Board Meeting: May 1, 2006 Weapons Policy In an effort to ensure a safe environment for students and employees, possession or use of a weapon in a school building is prohibited. An individual found to be in possession of a weapon on school premises before, during or after school or at any school-sponsored activity is subject to administrative and legal action. Administrative action will include suspension/expulsion.
Drug and Alcohol Policy There will be no possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs on the school grounds. No student shall be allowed to remain on school property under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any student violating the drug and alcohol rules shall face immediate suspension. Notification of parent/guardian and/or appropriate authorities will also take place.
Sexual Harassment Policy The School Board of SAD # recognizes the right of all personnel, both students and employees, to perform in an atmosphere free of intimidation, ridicule, hostility and offensiveness. In order to help ensure such an atmosphere, SAD #29 students and employees shall refrain from harassment of any nature, and for the purposes of this policy, particularly that which is of sexual nature. Acts of this nature are in direct violation of SAD # 29 policy and illegal under relevant State and Federal Statutes.
Student Parking Grade 11 and 12 students will receive preference to park their cars in designated areas on school grounds. Any remaining parking spots will be randomly assigned to sophomores providing they have a clean discipline record. Students must observe all traffic laws as well as any other rules imposed by the school. Any student who disobeys any of the rules will be issued a verbal warning. If a second warning is issued, the student may not bring their vehicle on school grounds for thirty days. A third warning will result in loss of parking privileges for the remainder of the school year.
Personal Appearance Dress should be comfortable and appropriate for the learning situation rather than distracting or disruptive to others in the educational process. No clothing advertising drugs, alcohol, tobacco or with profanity will be permitted. Hats are not to be worn in the office, classroom, cafeteria, or auditorium.
Student Council Your Student Council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearinghouse for student activities, seeks to interest students in school affairs and helps solve problems that may arise. Members of the Council are your representatives and have direct access to the school administration.
Dances School clubs and organizations may sponsor dances throughout the school year. Such events must be approved by the Student Council and cleared by the Principal. All school rules apply; any high school student who leaves the dance will not be readmitted. Junior High students are not allowed to leave the dance once they have entered.
Grades and Report Cards During the fifth week of each ranking period, the Guidance Department will mail warning notices to parents/guardians of each student. These warning notices are mailed only to students who are deemed to be in danger of failure in a course. Rank cards are passed out to the students after each nine weeks of the school year with the exception of the final nine weeks ending in June when the cards are mailed. Report cards will be withheld from students owing money for any reason.
Honor Roll All students who receive an average of 85 or higher in all academic subject areas are eligible for the honor roll. Students who receive an average of 90-92 will receive high honors. Students who receive an average of 93 or higher in all academic subjects will receive highest honors. Those students who receive all A's in every academic subject will receive the principal's award. The Principal's Award is presented publicly once a year at the National Honor Society's Academic Awards Night. The Principal's Award also is presented at the academic recognition assembly at the end of the year. Other recognition will be given to seniors who have achieved an average of 85 or higher for four years. Graduation Requirements Twenty-four credits are required for graduation. All ninth and tenth grade students must take six and one half credits each year. Eleventh and Twelfth grade students must take a minimum of six credits each year. A ninth grade student must complete five credits to move to the tenth grade, a tenth grade student must complete eleven and one half credits to move to the eleventh grade, an eleventh grade student must complete seventeen and one half credits to move to the twelfth grade.
Diplomas There are three types of diplomas issued, and a certificate of completion: The College Preparatory Diploma, the General/Technical Diploma, the Standard Diploma for Special Education, and the Certificate of Completion.
Honor Parts for Graduation To be eligible for honor parts, a student must have received credit for at least 50% of his/her credits in the College Preparatory Program.
Insurance All students participating in shop, extra-curricular activities, including sports, band and other activities requiring travel must be covered by Student Accident Insurance and/or family health and accident insurance as a prerequisite to participation in such activities. Lockers Each student is assigned a corridor locker for his or her use. The cost of the lock is two dollars, which covers the entire cost as long as the student remains at school. At the end of the school year the student is required to turn in his/her lock and the two dollars will be returned. These lockers are the property of the school and may be subject to inspection by the school administration. Each student is responsible for his/her locker and should take special care to ensure that the lock is properly safeguarded. If the locker should break or malfunction, notify the office immediately. If a student misplaces his/her lock he/she will be charged an additional $2.00 to replace it. Students are not allowed to use their own locks for safety reasons.
Library The library is open each school day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The library rules are as follows: quiet must be maintained, books and magazines must not be defaced or damaged in any way, books must be returned after a two week period or a fine will be levied. The library is not to be used as a study hall; students reporting to the library need to sign in, take a seat quietly and start working. The librarians are in charge of the library and are entitled to the same respect as any classroom teacher.
Make-up Work Whenever an absence from school occurs, it is expected that some work will have to be made up. For unplanned absences (illness or emergency at home) the student has one day for every day out to complete the work. For planned absences (appointments with health professionals, religious holidays) the student should see teachers ahead of time to get assignments. The work is due upon the student's return to school.
Suspension In the event a student is suspended, that student must come to school each day of his/her suspension between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. to pick up his/her assignments and pass in completed work. If the work is not picked up and turned in daily the student will be given a zero. In the event that the student has to take a test, he/she must take it in the office at 3:00 p.m. Middle School Philosophy Houlton Junior High has been working to achieve a middle school approach in grades 7 and 8. This means that the teachers and students in these grades have been given more freedom to develop their programs and activities independently from the high school. As part of this process, corridor A is designated as the middle school area and is reserved solely for grades 7 and 8. High school students should remain out of the junior high section. Please use the cross corridor to travel between high school classes and Region Two Applied Technology classes. Due to the unique developmental stages of the middle school student, behavior consequences may vary and will be determined at the discretion of the administration.
Lunch Policy Students in grades 9-11 will be allowed to go outside during their 20 minute lunchtime under the following conditions: Students will not be allowed to sit in or go to any vehicles. Students will not be allowed to take their vehicles out of the parking lot. Students must return to class on time. Seniors are allowed to leave school grounds during lunch. Seniors who transport underclassmen during lunch will lose their parking and senior privileges for periods of time as determined by the administration.
Passes Any student in the halls during class time is subject to questioning as to his/her whereabouts. A student should have a pass from a teacher to be out of class. Detentions will be issued to students who are roaming.
Valuables Any student in possession of a sum of money or other valuable items should not bring them to school. If they must be brought to school, these items may be put in the office until the end of the day. Do not leave money or other valuables in lockers even if the locker is locked. The school cannot be responsible for the loss of money or valuables. Telephone Use There is a pay phone located outside the main office for student use when not in class. Students wishing to use the office phone during class time must have a legitimate reason and must obtain a pass from the classroom teacher. Students may use the office phone after school. Textbooks Textbooks are one of the most expensive items in any school budget. It is the responsibility of each student to prevent the loss or damage of all schoolbooks entrusted to them. If a student loses a book, a second book will not be issued until a satisfactory arrangement has been made. Diplomas and rank cards will be held until appropriate restitution has been made.
School Buses While riding on a school bus, the student is to abide by the same rules that apply to the school building. Bus drivers are in charge of all buses. Students who misbehave or refuse to obey the bus driver will lose their privileges for a time period. Lost and Found Articles found in and around the school building should be turned into the office. Students should check the office whenever they are missing anything. Parents may also contact the school to recover articles which their child(ren) may have lost.
Fire Drills Fire drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year. Procedures are posted in all classrooms.
Medication School personnel will not issue any medication to students. If it is necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school, a signed statement from a parent/guardian must be on file.
Visitors Parents are encouraged to visit the school at any time. Students are not encouraged to bring visitors to the school; however, any visitor must be registered in the office and have permission to visit the school. Students having visitors are responsible for the conduct of the visitor. MSAD # 29 Tobacco Use Policy Tobacco is the number-one killer and is the leading cause of preventable death in Maine. In order to reduce the high incidence of tobacco use in northern Maine, to promote health and safety of all students and employees, and to promote the cleanliness of all facilities, the Directors of MSAD# 29 prohibit smoking, the distribution and sale of tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times by all persons. Violation of this policy will be considered a serious offense. In addition, students are further prohibited from possessing tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, on buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times. Students are also prohibited from wearing, and/or displaying any type of tobacco promotion materials. Tobacco prevention education will be incorporated into the district’s Pre-K to 12 comprehensive health curriculum as part of the Maine Learning Results, so that all students will be aware of the consequences of use/non-use of tobacco products. Legal References: Pro-Children Act of 1994 Adopted : March 1, 1999 This policy was developed by the STOP (Southern Aroostook Tobacco-Free) Coalition as a result of receiving a 3-yr Tobacco Grant (1998-2001), overseen by the PTM (Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine). Smoking Regulations For Elementary Schools Grades K- 6 Smoking and the use, possession, and sale of tobacco products are prohibited by school policy in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times by all persons. Disciplinary Procedures
Smoking Regulations For Middle and High School Stuents Grades 7-12 Smoking and the use, possession, and sale of tobacco products are prohibited by school policy in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times by all persons. Smoking, Possession, Distribution, Sale, or Use of Tobacco Products
Tobacco Use Employee Regulations - Policy Prohibitions Tobacco is the number-one killer and is the leading cause of preventable death in Maine. In order to reduce the high incidence of tobacco use in northern Maine, to promote health and safety of all students and employees, and to promote the cleanliness of all facilities, the Directors of MSAD# 29 prohibit smoking, the distribution, and sale of tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times by all persons. Violation of this policy will be considered a serious offense. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in respect to employees who violate the policy. Action will include the following steps:
Other Persons in Violation All other persons violating this policy, such as visitors, shall be immediately directed to cease violations. In addition, any person suspected of selling, distributing, or, in any way, dispensing tobacco products to students shall be referred to a law enforcement agency. Notices This tobacco policy will be printed in employee and student handbooks and posted in appropriate employee work areas. Parents/guardians shall also be sent notification in writing of this tobacco policy in an appropriate mailing at the beginning of the school year. Good
People to Talk to if You Have a Problem:
~ Information obtained from the Houlton Jr. / Sr. High School student planner~ |