2008-2009
Student/Parent Handbook
Telephone (207) 824-2136
Fax (207) 824-7130
Website www.sad44.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Homework
.. 24 Honor Roll
.. 25 Library
. 25 MSAD #44 Policies
26 Notice of Non-Discrimination
26 Parking Lot
.. 26 Physical Examinations
.. 26 Portfolios
26 Questioning and Searches
.. 26 Schedule Changes
..
. 27 School Closing Announcements
. 27 School Spirit
27 Special Education
. 27 Student Records
. 28 Student Technology Use
29 Tardiness
.. 29 Telephones
.. 29 Textbooks
. 29 Tobacco Products
.. 30 Vandalism
30 Visitors
. 30 Weapons
.. 31 Work Permits
31 Appendix: Policy Index
Welcome
3
Mission/Expectations
.. 4
School
Calendar
.
.. 5
Faculty
and Staff
.. 6
Alcohol
and Other Drugs
. 6
Attendance
. 7
Backpacks
.. 8
Bomb
Threats
. 8
Buses
11
Cheating
.. 13
Civil
Rights Policy
13
Closed
Campus
.. 13
Co-Curricular
Activities
.. 13
Code of
Conduct
16
Common
Areas
19
Course
Credit
.. 20
Crisis
Management
..
. 20
Disciplinary
Measures
20
Displays
of Affection
.. 20
Dress
Code
. 20
Electronic
Devices
.. 21
Fighting
. 21
Fire
Drills
.. 21
Food
Service
21
Graduation
Requirements
. 22
Great
Expectations
...
. 22
Guidance
Services
.. 22
Hall
Passes
.. 22
Harassment
. 22
Hazing
.. 22
Health
Services
. 24
This handbook consists of polices,
procedures and information that are developed and provided to assure that you
have a successful school year. Please
read them carefully. Understanding and
adhering to these expectations will help continue the outstanding
Also, please read the Telstar High School
Mission Statement, Expectations for Student Learning and Code of Conduct. It
states what we as a learning community are continuously striving to create. It
is our assurance to you that we share, care and work for the students, parents
and communities of SAD44.
Parents please remain connected with us.
Likewise, we shall strive to stay connected with you. Working together, we can maintain an
outstanding school community.
On behalf of the entire
Respectfully,
Daniel O. Hart
Principal
The mission of
Telstar Regional Middle/High School is to provide an education for every
student. We strive to create lifelong
learners through a rigorous and varied curriculum, a safe and respectful
environment in which students feel valued and empowered, and a partnership with
our communities.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING
The Telstar
community will provide a learning environment where students are expected to
demonstrate that they
Academic
· communicate effectively, both verbally
and in writing;
· read for a wide variety of purposes;
· understand and apply important mathematical
concepts and procedures to
solve problems;
· know and understand the process of
scientific inquiry and are able to use
the process to solve problems;
· understand the components of healthy
living;
· understand historical events and their
relationship to the present as well
as their implications for the future;
· understand the cultural, historical,
economic, geographic, and artistic
relationships among global communities;
· communicate creatively through
participation in the visual and performing
arts;
· access,
assess, and utilize technology-based resources effectively and
appropriately; and
· locate and utilize relevant print and
non-print materials.
Social
· treat people and property
with respect;
· resolve
conflicts responsibly;
· assume responsibility for their
behavior;
· practice
tolerance; and
· have a strong work ethic.
Civic
· are punctual and prepared;
· participate in class, school, and
community activities;
· recognize and apply sound
environmental practices;
· seek to understand the ever-changing
diverse populations of our school,
community, and global societies; and
· understand the rights and
responsibilities of school, local, and global
citizenship.
Our commitment to
provide an education consistent with our mission allows students to meet these
expectations at Telstar Regional Middle/High School
Approved by Telstar Faculty: June 17, 2003 Approved by MSAD
#44 Board of Directors: August 25, 2003
INSERT CALENDAR
FACULTY AND STAFF
Administration
Daniel Hart, Principal
Charles Raymond, Dean of Students
Gail Wight, Athletic Director
Support Personnel
Christine Cole RN, School Nurse Nancy
Grover, Data Processing
Arlynn Hale, Lead Custodian Wendy
Hanscom, Head Office Secretary
Marilyn Howe, Guidance Secretary Peter
Kuzyk, District Technology Coordinator
Karen Rosenberg, Nurses Assistant Barbara
Russell, School Health Coordinator
Sharon Silver, Receptionist Ray
Geiger, Computer Technician
Leslie Bonney, Social Worker
Teachers
Mark Antell, Math Douglas
Bennett, English Jennifer
Bennett, Music Kimberly Carson, Special Education
Louise Chapman, Special Education Susan
Coyne, Math
Kelly Dole, Science Mark
Ford, English
Valerie Forman, Social Studies Kelley
Fraser, Librarian
Robin Fraser, Special Education Michael
Gilbert, French
Elaine Hutchins, Ed Tech Timothy
Kavanagh, Art
Steven Keane, Phys. Education David Leclerc, Social Studies
Lori Lindsay, Guidance Counselor James
Lunney, Science
Ellen Marshall, Ed Tech William
Morton, Social Studies Timothy
OConnor, Industrial Arts Merrie
Lee Ojeda, Spanish Melissa
Poston, English Robert Remington, Math Timothy Remington,
Phys. Education Sarah Southam,
Science OPEN,
Ed Tech
ALCOHOL AND OTHER
DRUGS
The MSAD #44 School
Board requires a safe and healthy learning environment for District students,
free of the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol. Accomplishing this requires a cooperative
effort among District staff, students, parents, law enforcement and
organizations concerned with the use of drugs and alcohol by school-aged youth.
In order to promote
the safety, health and well being of students, the Board endorses a
three-pronged approach to address drug and alcohol use, abuse prevention and
education, and intervention and discipline.
The Superintendent or his or her designee is responsible for developing
appropriate administrative procedures, curricula and programs to implement this
policy.
Prohibited Conduct
No student shall
distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic
beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor. Nor shall a student manufacture, distribute,
dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic
drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, any other
controlled substance defined in federal and state laws/regulations, any
look-alike substance, or any substance that is represented to be a controlled
substance.
These prohibitions
apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school
or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place
directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the
school.
Disciplinary Action
Drinking, possession of an alcoholic
beverage, possession of drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
during school or at any school-sponsored activity, public or private, is
prohibited. Violations of this policy
may result in a ten (10) day out-of-school suspension based upon the facts of
each case and in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. Students may also be referred to law
enforcement authorities for investigation and/or prosecution.
During this suspension period, a building
administrator will review each chemical substance suspension for signs of
chemical dependency. With the
cooperation of the student and parent or guardian, a possible referral for
professional evaluation and/or treatment will be discussed. Students who violate this policy a second
time will be referred to the Superintendent.
Prevention/Education
The District will
provide students with appropriate information and activities focused on
educating them about drugs and alcohol and preventing their use. Programs shall teach students that the abuse
of drugs and alcohol is wrong and harmful, how to resist peer pressure, and the
legal, social and health consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
Intervention
The District will
establish a team approach to intervention with students who have drug and/or
alcohol problems. Students will be
assisted in addressing their problems and in continuing their educational
program. Students will be provided with
information and referral if necessary to aid them in obtaining assistance from
appropriate organizations. Student
records concerning such interventions shall be kept confidential as required by
state and federal laws.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is the first step in achieving academic success. Parents should help their children take
responsibility for regular attendance.
Maine law requires that all persons between the ages of seven (7) and
seventeen (17) years attend a public day school, which serves the municipality
in which the parent/guardian resides during the time that school is in regular
session.
State of
1. Personal
illness;
2. Appointments
with health professionals that cannot be made outside
the regular school day;
3. Observance of recognized religious holidays
when it is required during the
regular school day;
4. Emergency family situations; and
5. Planned absence for personal or educational
purposes that has prior
administrative approval. (see
planned absence below)
Parents must submit
a signed note within five (5) days of the absence for the absence to be excused
and may excuse a maximum of ten (10) absences.
Parents planning to take students out of school must make advance
arrangements with the principal.
Parental requests
for early dismissal must be presented in the main office by
The student will be
responsible for making up the work missed during any excused unplanned
absence within five (5) days of the absence.
The student will be responsible for making up the work missed during any
excused planned absence upon his or her return to school. The student cannot make up work missed during
an unexcused absence.
When a student
accumulates three (3) unexcused absences in a semester or seven (7) unexcused
absences in a year, the parents will receive written notification and the
Principal or his or her designee may have a conference with the student. The
parents and student may also be requested to meet with the administration. When a
student has accumulated more than five (5) unexcused absences in a semester course, or more than ten (10) unexcused absences in a year
course, that student may not receive credit for the course.
All unexcused
absences will be applied toward these policies.
If a student violates the attendance policy, the parent will be notified
of any loss of credit. Modification of a
specific application of the above rules may be secured by initiating an appeals
process. Detail of the appeals process
is available from the main office.
Planned
absence for personal or educational purposes must have prior administrative approval. Planned absence forms are available in the
high school office.
BACKPACKS/TOTE BAGS
Backpacks/tote bags
may be used to transport books, physical education clothing, and/or lunches to and
from school. Once at school, backpacks/tote
bags must be placed in the students locker.
Books, pencils, and binders will be carried to each class.
BOMB THREATS
The MSAD #44 School
Board recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to the school
unit. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 units 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
7. 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 of evaluation of bomb threat procedures
prior to the Boards required annual approval of the school units Crisis
Response Plan, or following implementation of the procedure in response to a
specific threat.
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 the school unit 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 the school units
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.
Student Disciplinary Consequences
Making a bomb
threat is a crime under
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 a 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 by school board policy.
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 this policy.
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.
Staff Disciplinary Consequences
A school system
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.
A school system
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.
Civil Liability
The school unit
reserves the right to bring suit against any individual responsible for a
violation of this policy and to see restitution and other damages as permitted
by law.
Lost Instructional Time
Instruction 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.
BUSES
MSAD #44 provides
transportation to and from school.
Students have the right to ride in the school bus if they follow all
rules. These rules include the
following:
1.
Passengers
must be on time.
2.
Passengers
walking on the highway to a bus stop should always walk on the left, on the
shoulder of the road, facing traffic.
3.
Passengers
must not run alongside the bus when it is moving.
4.
Passengers
must sit in assigned seats, remain seated while the bus is
in motion, and
keep their arms, legs, and heads in the bus.
5. Passengers must refrain from
talking with the driver, except in an
emergency.
6. Passengers must not tamper with the emergency door or any other
part
of the bus equipment.
7. Passengers must not shout to pedestrians or occupants of other
vehicles.
8. Passengers must not throw objects out of or within the bus.
9. Passengers must not place lunch boxes or other objects in the aisle
of
the bus.
10. Passengers must not transport
any animals, firearms, explosives, or
anything of a dangerous nature.
11. Passengers must not occupy the bus drivers seat, operate the school
bus, or tamper with any of its controls.
12. Passengers must comply with the instructions of the bus driver in
transporting any materials or supplies.
13. Students riding to school will be allowed to get off only at their
assigned school.
14. Students, when returning
home, will be dropped off at their stop
unless
they have written authorization from school personnel.
15. Obey driver at all times. The driver may
assign seats.
16. No teasing, name calling, profanity or verbal
harassment.
17. No
eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing.
The above rules are
not all-inclusive. Passengers must
follow the instructions of the bus driver at all time. Students who disobey these rules may be
assigned discipline by an administrator and/or lose their right to ride on the
bus.
MSAD #44 has the responsibility to maintain order on school buses and
other vehicles used to transport students in order to ensure the safety of
passengers. In an effort to reduce pas
senger behavior violations, video cameras may be
used to monitor passenger behavior.
When the resulting videotapes are used as a basis for student
discipline, the parent/guardian(s) will be notified in writing and given the
opportunity to view the tape of their child.
Students in violation of school discipline and conduct codes shall be
dealt with in accordance with established policy, administrative guidelines,
and school practices. Notice of use of
video cameras for disciplinary purposes in school vehicles will be provided to
all students, parents, and staff on an annual basis. Moreover, notice that video observation may
take place will be posted in each transportation vehicle.
Tapes are retained by the transportation supervisor. Access to the tapes will be provided only
upon written request. Tapes may be
viewed by students and/or parents under the supervision of the transportation
supervisor or an MSAD #44 administrator.
Only segments of the tape relevant to the student will be reviewed.
A log of tape viewing will be maintained. Tapes will be erased at the end of each
school year unless there is an unresolved discipline issue for which an
individual tape is relevant.
Students who, with
permission, remain after school will be offered the opportunity to take a late
bus to a centralized location at district expense. The drop off points will be determined by the
transportation director. The late bus
schedule will be announced in advance and departure times may vary.
LATE BUS RUN
The late bus will
generally depart from Telstar at the following times.
Monday through Friday
Tuesday and Thursday
Students should
refer to the weekly activity calendar when school is in session for specific
schedules. When boarding the late bus,
students are to take the first bus seat available, or as directed by the bus
driver. As with all bus runs, students are to follow all bus rules,
expectations and be cooperative with the bus driver. Students must provide
their own transportation if an after school activity extends beyond the
departure time for the late bus.
The above mentioned
policies apply only to MSAD #44 buses, and may vary on buses of unorganized
territories and buses of towns outside of MSAD #44.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM
There is a clear expectation that all students will perform assignments
with honor and integrity. There is no
tolerance for students caught cheating.
Cheating includes:
1. Copying or duplicating assignments that will
each be turned in as original
2. Exchanging assignments by print-out or
digitally and then submitting work as original
3. Writing or digital transfer of formulas,
codes, key words, etc. for use in a test.
4. Using hidden reference sheets during a test.
5. Using programmed material in electronic
devices when prohibited.
6. Exchanging answers with others (either
giving or receiving answers).
7. Submitting someone elses assignment as
ones own.
8. Plagiarism: submitting material (written or
designed by someone else) without giving the name of the author/artist and/or
source.
9. Not following specific guidelines on
cheating as established by department, class, or teacher.
Students found to be cheating will be dealt with by the teacher in one
or more of the following manners:
1.
A
non-passing grade on the assignment, redo the assignment and a parent conference.
2.
Reduction
in grade by one letter (example: B+ becomes C+; D becomes F).
3.
Loss of
credit for quarter.
4.
Removal
from course.
5.
Other
consequences determined by an administrator.
6.
Subsequent
offenses may also result in suspension, removal from elected position(s) and/or
honorary organization(s), suspension from co-curricular activities.
CIVIL RIGHTS POLICY
It is the policy of
CLOSED CAMPUS
Telstar is a closed
campus. Once students have arrived to
begin their school day, they stay from
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Telstar offers a
wide variety of athletic and non-athletic co-curricular activities for
students. These activities are an
important dimension to the total educational program at the school. These are diverse in nature and are conducted
outside of the regular classroom curriculum and time. Participation in these activities is a
privilege and is contingent on a student passing all of his or her classes and
adhering to rules and policies above and beyond those for the traditional
educational program.
THS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC
PROGRAMS
FIELD HOCKEY ALPINE
SKIING BASEBALL
X-COUNTRY RUNNING NORDIC
SKIING SOFTBALL
BOYS SOCCER SNOW
BOARDING GOLF
BOYS BASKETBALL GIRLS
BASKETBALL TRACK
THS
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
YEARBOOK NATIONAL
HONOR SOCIETY MATH
TEAM
AIDS COMMITTEE CLASS
OFFICERS JAZZ BAND
PEP BAND STUDENT
COUNCIL JOB
BANK
BIG BROTHERS BIG
SISTERS FACT
TELSTAR ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
CHORUS/ENSEMBLE PROM
& GRADUATION COMMITTEES FOOTBALL
GIRLS SOCCER
FUTURE
BUSINESS LEADERS OF
ROTARY
YOUTH LEADERSHIP (INTERACT)
Eligibility
Telstar has a
policy that connects eligibility for participation in athletics and
co-curricular activities to academic expectations. Grades are monitored by the athletic director
every two weeks. A student must maintain
a passing grade in every course in which he or she is enrolled. If the student is failing one or more
courses, he or she will be placed on co-curricular warning. If the student is still failing one or more
classes after two weeks he or she will go on co-curricular probation. During probation the student will be allowed
to practice but will not be allowed to participate in any contests or ride to
away contests. If the students grades
improve to passing within two weeks he or she will be removed from probation.
If after two weeks
the students grades are still not passing he or she will be placed on
co-curricular suspension. He or she will
not be allowed to participate in any activities in any way during this
suspension. The suspension ends when the
students grades improved to passing.
Attendance
Students who
participate in co-curricular activities, including school dances, ceremonies,
banquets, etc., during the day or evening must attend a minimum of ½ day of the
regular school day on the day of the event or the day preceding in the case of
a weekend event unless excused by an administrator for a reason other than
illness. Students who are absent from
school for a medical or dental appointment may attend or participate in an
activity with a written doctors statement and permission of the
principal. Students who are habitually
tardy or absent the day following an co-curricular
activity may be removed from the activity or suspended from the program.
Students who report
to a practice late or miss practices or contests without a reasonable excuse
will be appropriately disciplined by the coach or advisor. The coach or advisor will explain their
disciplinary policies regarding practices at the beginning of the activity.
Students suspended
from school for any reason will not be allowed to participate during the period
of the school suspension.
Sportsmanship
Students are
expected to represent their school and to be good citizens when they
participate in these activities.
Participants who fail to conform to reasonable rules of conduct as
members of an activity sponsored by MSAD #44 will be disciplined by the
supervisor. The supervisor will notify
the principal and/or athletic director and the parent/guardian as soon as
possible when a student is disciplined.
It is the duty of
all concerned with secondary school activities programs to:
- Emphasize the proper ideals of
sportsmanship, ethical conduct of play as they relate to the lifetime impact on the
participants and spectators.
- Refrain from making disparaging remarks
to opponents, officials, coaches or spectators in any aspect of school
activities.
- Vigorously encourage the development of
proper health habits, discourage the use of chemicals, including alcohol
and tobacco.
- Encourage everyone to judge the true
success of the activities on the basis of the attitude of the participants
and spectators than on the basis of a win or loss.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Students are
prohibited from using, possessing or furnishing alcohol or illegal drugs. If a student uses, possesses or furnishes these
substances during the time the student participates in an
co‑curricular activity, the following will apply in addition to school
discipline:
1. The student shall be given
an oral or written notice of the charges.
2. The student shall be given
an explanation of the evidence forming
the
basis for those charges.
3. The student shall be given
an opportunity to present his/her side of
the
case.
4. The principal shall decide
if a violation has occurred.
5. If the violation did not
occur during a school-related activity or on
school
property, the student will be suspended for two (2) games
and
will continue to practice. The student
will be referred to the
Substance Abuse Team and
must follow any recommendations.
Non‑athletic co‑curricular
activities will result in a one (1) week (5 to 7 days)
suspension
from that activity and the student will be referred to the
Substance
Abuse Team (Mr. Raymond, Ms. Lindsay, Mrs. Bonney and Mr. Hart).
6. If the violation occurred
during a school-related activity or on
school
property, the student will be suspended for ten (10) days
from
school. The student will automatically
be suspended from all
extra-curricular
activities while suspended from school.
The
student
will be referred to the Substance Abuse Team and must
follow
recommendations of the Team.
7. Any student who voluntarily
turns himself/herself in to the Substance
Abuse Team for help will
not be suspended from the extra‑curricular
activities
as long as he/she complies with the Substance Abuse
Team recommendations
Furnishing alcohol
or illegal drugs will result in an expulsion hearing before the MSAD #44 Board
of Directors. The student will be
suspended from school and all extra‑curricular activities until the MSAD
#44 Board of Directors hearing (not to exceed 10 days). If the student remains in school, he/she will
be referred to the Substance Abuse Team and must follow all
recommendations. The Board will
determine if the student is eligible to participate in co-curricular
activities.
Tobacco
Use or possession
of tobacco will result in school discipline.
In addition, students who use or possess tobacco a second time and who
participate in co-curricular activities will be suspended from all activities
for the duration of the season. A third
offense during the school year will result in a suspension from all co‑curricular
activities for one (1) year.
Banquets and Awards
Any participant
suspended from an activity for the balance of the season, for any reason, will
forfeit the privilege of attending any banquets or other special functions
associated with that activity or receiving any awards connected with that
activity.
Transportation
All students must
use school transportation to and from all meetings and contests. An alternative
arrangement of transportation must be done prior to an extra curricular away
event and approved by the school administration.
Equipment
Participants are
responsible for all school equipment issued to them, and must pay for damage or
loss of school equipment in accordance with school regulations.
NCAA Eligibility
A student who
wishes to practice and play freshman year at an NCAA Division I or Division II
College, must satisfy the requirements of the NCAA Bylaw 14.3, commonly known
as Proposition 48. By-law 14.3 requires:
1. Graduation from high school.
2. A grade point average of 2.000 based on a
minimum required number of academic courses.
This requirement includes at least 3 years of English, 2 years in
mathematics, 2 years in social science, and 2 years in natural or physical
science (including at least one laboratory class), and 2 additional years in
math, English, or additional courses in foreign language and computer
science. Achieve a minimum 900 combined
score on the SAT verbal and math sections or a minimum of 21 composite score on
the ACT.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The MSAD #44
community strives to provide an educational community conducive to student
learning. Our goal is for all members of
the community to be ready to learn in all schools and for all graduates to be
prepared for postsecondary education and employment. To achieve these goals we expect that our
students
Social
Expectations
· treat people and property with
respect;
· resolve
conflicts responsibly;
· assume responsibility for their
behavior;
· practice
tolerance; and
· have a strong work ethic.
Civic
Expectations
· are punctual and prepared;
· participate in class, school, and
community activities;
· recognize and apply sound
environmental practices;
· seek to understand the ever-changing
diverse populations of our school;
community, and global societies; and
· understand the rights and
responsibilities of school, local, and global
citizenship.
These expectations
are consistent with the Maine Core Values of Student Behavior: respect,
honesty, compassion, fairness, responsibility, and courage. They were developed through a series of
community, faculty, and student forums and school board meetings.
To help identify
student conduct consistent with these expectations, examples of conduct
indicators for each expectation have been created:
A person who treats people and property with
respect
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
· Respect diversity. |
· Insult or spread rumors about others. |
|
·
Care for property as if it were his or hers. |
· Vandalize others property. |
|
·
Treat others the way he or she would l ike
to be treated. |
· Seek to steal from or cheat others. |
A person who resolves conflicts responsibly
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
· Listen to others points of view. |
· Jump to conclusions. |
|
· Seek to understand. |
· Use violence, threats, or intimidation. |
|
· Communicate directly and respectfully. |
· Spread rumors. |
A person who assumes responsibility for his
or her behavior
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
·
Accept the consequences of his or her behavior. |
·
Blame others or give excuses for unacceptable
behavior. |
|
· Communicate honestly. |
· Repeat inappropriate behavior. |
|
·
Understand the implications and appropriateness
of his or her behavior. |
·
Evade the consequences of personal actions. |
A person who practices tolerance
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
· Appreciate diversity. |
·
Tease, taunt, of bully those who are different. |
|
· Empathize with others. |
·
Judge others or draw attention to their shortcomings. |
A person who has a strong work ethic
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
· Hold high aspirations for him- or herself. |
· Do only what is required to get by. |
|
· Work diligently to meet all challenges. |
· Work only for extrinsic motivators. |
|
·
Act as an active agent in his
or her own learning |
|
A person who is punctual and prepared
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
· Go to classes on time. |
· Skip classes or go to classes tardy. |
|
· Go
to classes with all materials and supplies
expected. |
· Go
to classes without the necessary materials and
supplies. |
|
· Go to classes ready and willing to learn. |
· Go to classes and not participate. |
A person who participates in class, school, and
community activities
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
·
Recognize the importance of being an active member of
a group. |
· Sabotage the goals and aims of a group. |
|
·
Participate in several different groups with different
focuses. |
·
Isolate him or herself from a group or
activity. |
|
·
Volunteer his of her time for the betterment of a
group. |
|
A person who recognizes and applies sound
environmental practices
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
·
Understand the importance of reducing, reusing, and
recycling natural resources. |
· Take natural resources for granted. |
A person who seeks to understand the
ever-changing diverse populations of our school, community, and global
societies
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
·
Actively communicate with others in an effort to
understand their views. |
·
Assume that all people are the same and all
communities are static. |
|
·
Understand his or her relationship with various groups
and communities. |
·
Assume that his or her surroundings are insulated from
the rest of the world. |
A person who understands the rights and
responsibilities of school, local, and global citizenship
|
Does |
Does Not |
|
·
Help others understand their rights and responsibilities. |
·
Ignore or selectively adhere to the laws and norms of society. |
|
·
Attempt to change the laws and norms he or she does not agree with peaceably and
appropriately. |
· Think only of him or herself. |
|
.· Accept the laws and norms of society and his or her responsibility to uphold those laws and
norms. |
|
Although we will
hold students to the high expectations delineated here, the varied ages
throughout the district require that students will demonstrate meeting the
expectations differently at different grade levels. A student in the first grade may demonstrate
that he or she assumes responsibility for his or her behavior differently than
a student in the twelfth grade. Hence
the conduct indicators must be applied differently in each school.
Furthermore, as the
examples of meeting the expectations vary from age to age and school to school,
so, too, do the consequences. The
specific consequences of not meeting these expectations along with related
policies and procedures for each school are also found in each schools student
handbook.
The district
recognizes that individual students may be in need of a referral to the Pupil
Evaluation Team process for the consideration of special services. This process may be initiated upon the
documentation of attempted interventions to address the concerns in the regular
classroom setting. The districts Pupil
Evaluation Team process follows the mandates of federal and state regulations
which govern special services.
The district also
recognizes that some students currently receiving special education services
governed by an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may need different
services. The students case manager,
guidance counselor, and/or administrator will determine whether this may be the
case and make the appropriate referral.
From time to time a
students behavior may be so disruptive or violent that he or she will have to
be removed from the classroom or school bus.
Although every situation is unique, when a students behavior indicates
that he or she may be endangering him or herself or others, an appropriate
district staff member must isolate the student to maintain a safe
environment. If the staff member cannot
do this, then he or she must alert the appropriate administrator. If the administrator cannot isolate the
student and maintain a safe environment, he or she must call the law
enforcement authorities. While waiting
for law enforcement authorities to arrive, the administrator is to establish as
safe and controlled an environment as possible.
When the authorities do arrive, the administrator is to inform them of
the situation and allow them to secure the situation.
The district
recognizes the importance and the scope of the Family Educational Right to
Privacy Act (FERPA) and will not disclose student information to local police
or other law enforcement authorities except as allowable under law. Specifically, identifiable information may be
provided to law enforcement authorities if the knowledge of the information is
necessary to protect the health of safety of the students of other individuals.
COMMON AREAS
Whenever possible,
1. High school students must not
use the middle school wing and middle
school
students must not use the high school wing.
2. High school students must use either of the high school stairs.
3. High school students must use the appropriate second floor
restrooms.
4. During high school lunch, high school students may eat at anytime
and may go to
the
cafeteria, the red tile area, the patio, the hallway outside of the cafeteria,
the high
school
academic wing, or the library. Students
may also go to classrooms if they are
open
to them. They may not socialize in the
bathrooms. They may go to the
guidance
office or the main office with a pass.
COURSE CREDIT
All courses must be completed successfully
before any credit will be awarded.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
In the event that there is a crisis affecting the Telstar community, the
Emergency Response Team or Crisis Intervention Team will meet. The purpose of the teams is to gather
information about the event, design a plan to assist members of the Telstar
community in dealing with the event/incident, and implement/monitor the plan.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
Teachers may assign
lunch or office detention as forms of disciplinary measure. Students must attend these detentions. Failure to do so will result in a referral to
the dean of students and further disciplinary action.
Administrators may
assign office detentions for minor infractions.
Detentions is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from
Administrators may
assign Saturday detentions. These are
held at Telstar on Saturday mornings from
Administrators may
assign an out of school suspension for a period up to ten (10) days. Students who are suspended may not be on MSAD
#44 property.
Students can make up work missed during a suspension.
In certain cases a
student may be expelled by the MSAD #44 Board of Directors. In an expulsion, a student is removed from
the school for the remainder of the school year. During that period of time, no credits will
be awarded; the student cannot participate in school extra-curricular
activities, or be allowed on school property.
The MSAD #44 Board of Directors has the right to readmit a student
conditionally.
DISPLAYS OF
AFFECTION
The school recognizes that genuine feelings
of affection may exist between students. Companionship and friendship are a
natural stage of personal development; however, excessive displays of affection
such as kisses or embraces of an intimate nature are not permitted. Repeated or especially inappropriate behavior
in this regard will result in disciplinary consequences.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to wear appropriate
clothing that does not interfere with the educational process. Appropriate grooming and dress contribute to the
quality of the educational environment.
1. Articles
of clothing which promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other
drugs may not be worn on school grounds or at school
functions.
2. Clothing,
footwear, insignia, or accessories that are intended to identify
the wearer as a member of a particular gang are prohibited
on school
grounds or at school functions.
3. Articles
of clothing with displays that are sexual, vulgar, lewd or
indecent, or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic
slurs), are not
permitted.
4. Clothing
that is destructive of school property (e.g., cleats, pants with
metal inserts that scratch) or which may be considered
weapons (e.g.,
chains) are not permitted on school grounds or at school
functions.
5. Hats
are not to be worn in the building during the school day.
6. Articles of clothing need to conform
to acceptable workplace standards, i.e., no exposed undergarments
or revealing clothing.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES
Electronic devices are not to be used during instructional or study hall
periods, except by permission of teachers/supervisors. Cell
phones may be used before school, during lunch and after school. If a student has a cell phone in their
possession, they must turn it off during all class and study periods. Any student using a cell phone without
permission will report to lunch detention at the next available time. Students who repeatedly violate this policy
may lose the privilege of having a cell phone in school.
FIGHTING
The safety of Telstar is everyones
responsibility. Any students
participating in or instigating a fight through their words or actions will
face disciplinary action.
FIRE DRILLS
Periodically Telstar will have fire drills
to practice evacuating the building in an emergency. Students responsible for pulling false fire
alarms will be suspended for ten (10) days and prosecuted to the fullest extent
of the law.
FOOD SERVICE
The MSAD #44 Nutrition Program offers
students a variety of food choices. A
hot meal with fruit and vegetable choices and a la carte items may be obtained
daily. Meals served meet the federal
meal pattern requirements of the National School Lunch Program.
Students may also apply for free or reduced
lunch by filling out and submitting the appropriate form. The forms are available in the main
office. Students will be notified whether
they qualify for one of these programs.
Neatness of the cafeteria is everyones
responsibility. All dishes, utensils and
serving trays must be returned to the designated window. Nothing should be left on the table. Students are expected to help clean up if
asked to do so.
Middle school students must go to and remain
in the cafeteria during their lunch period.
High school students must stay in designated areas during their lunch
period.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must earn
twenty-two (22) credits to earn a diploma from
English 4 credits Mathematics 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits Science 3
credits
(at least 1.5
credits in US History) (at least 1 credit
must be in a science
Physical Education 1 credit class
with a designated lab)
Health ½ credit Fine Arts 1 credit
Great Expectations
Senior Project
Those high school
students enrolled in the Region 9 program need two (2) credits each in math,
science, and social studies for graduation.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Seniors are
required to complete the Great Expectations Senior Project. This project is made up of two components:
1. A presentation to a panel based on new
research.
2. A research paper to display that new
knowledge.
All components must
be successfully completed in order for a student to graduate.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
The Guidance Office serves to assist
students help themselves through a variety of services and programs. Students, parents, and staff can request help
and information from the Guidance Office as needed. Counselors help students with problems
relating to academic issues, with career and life style decision making, and
with personal problems including crises and relationships.
Counselors work with students in a variety of
settings such as one to one, in small groups, informational sessions, and in
coping and general discussion groups.
Programs reflect the needs of all students. Guidance counselors help students choose
their high school courses, decide their preferences and values, deal with
concerns, and think about school and/or work after high school. Guidance counselors in the high school spend
a great deal of time helping students select and refine career and college
interests.
HALL PASSES
Students must
receive permission from classroom teachers to leave class for emergency
reasons. All students must sign out of
class and have a valid pass from a teacher to avoid consequences.
HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
Harassment of
students because of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, 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, sexual orientation, 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 students education. District employees, fellow students,
volunteers and visitors to the schools, 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 District employees is
considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. 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 District employees and students.
The Superintendent,
the employee designated as the Affirmative Action Officer, the Building
Principal or the Guidance Counselor will investigate complaints of
harassment in accordance with the Student Harassment Complaint Procedure. District employees, students, and parents
shall be informed of this policy/procedure through handbooks and/or other means
selected by the District administration.
If students feel they are being harassed by
another student or an adult in the school, they are encouraged to report the
alleged harassment to a guidance counselor, teacher, or administrator.
HAZING
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 District 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 district that authorizes hazing, penalties
may include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on
District property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the
District.
Persons not
associated with this district who fail to abide by this policy may be subject
to ejection from District 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 actionor lack of actionon the part of the
Superintendent or his or her designee as he or 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 ten (10) days or less or to
matters submitted to grievance procedures under applicable collective
bargaining agreements.
HEALTH SERVICES
The School Nurse provides health services
and programs that are beneficial to the students physical and emotional well
being in the school environment. Vision
and hearing testing are done on request throughout the school year. Health counseling and free health pamphlets
are available. Students with special
health needs should report to the nurses office. Students not in compliance with
For emergency first aid and illness during
school, assistance is available in the nurses office. When the nurse is not present, students
should go to the main office. School
policy and
HOMEWORK
Students in MSAD
#44 schools are given homework as part of their total educational
experience. Homework assignments
supplement, complement, and reinforce classroom teaching and learning. Homework is not to be given as busy work, but
as work that will assist students in mastering the course objectives. Homework will be reviewed as part of the
assessment of student progress.
Homework develops
responsibility, extends formal learning to the home, gives parents the
opportunity to participate in their childs learning, provides an opportunity
for the reinforcement of basic skills, and gives students experience in working
on long-term projects.
Faculty will work
together to ensure that homework expectations are appropriate, and that the
homework load is evenly distributed.
Students or their parents who feel that homework is creating a hardship
should bring their concerns to the teacher or to the School Office.
HONOR ROLL
The criteria for determining and achieving Academic Honor Roll are:
- A student must be registered for six (6) classes per quarter. Five (5) of the six classes must be numerically graded. The numeric equivalent grade for honors is an 85 and for high honors is a 93 in each class.
- An incomplete grade will disqualify a candidate from Honor
Roll consideration.
LIBRARY
The
and cultivate the enjoyment of reading.
The
The library has 10
computers for student use and subscribes to more than 40 periodicals including
The Lewiston Sun Journal and The Bethel Citizen.
The
High School Information Center is open at
Telstar
Middle/High School Information Center is a quiet place where academic research
is conducted, a place where reading is encouraged. The
Using
the library is a privilege which may be revoked at any time a student disrupts
the learning of others.
Study
Hall
Have a
pass.
Sign in
at the circulation desk.
Students
are coming to the library to work, so please come prepared.
Work
quietly.
Food
and drink is not allowed, except water.
Students
may use listening devices quietly.
4 at a table, maximum.
When
signing out on purple sheet, take pass and tell librarian you will be right
back.
When
signing out for the remainder of the period, have librarian sign pass.
When
picking up paper from printer, show your pass to librarian.
Stay
seated until the bell rings.
No
passes back to class or study hall 15 minutes before the end of each period
unless otherwise stated by sending teacher.
MSAD #44 POLICIES
All schools in MSAD #44 are subject to MSAD #44 policies. If there is a conflict between a Telstar procedures
and a district policy, the district policy shall be the one upheld. All MSAD #44 policies can be found at http://www.sad44.org/policies/policies.html.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
MSAD #44 does not
discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, religion, or physical or mental disability in admission to, access
to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to
handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: to be announced fall 2007, please contact the
Superintendents Office with any questions.
Inquiries
concerning the application of nondiscrimination polices may also be referred to
the Regional Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education,
S.W. McCormack POCH Room 222, Boston, MA 02109-4557.
STUDENT/VISITORS PARKING LOTS
Students
who drive to Telstar may park in an approved and designated parking spot in the
student parking lot. Students must
register their vehicle with the high school office and display the assigned
permit in their vehicle. Students are
expected to drive prudently and safely and to obey appropriate driving rules
and regulations. Parking is a privilege
and may be revoked at the discretion of the administration. In an effort to maintain a safe environment,
administrators also reserve the right to enforce school policies beyond the
boundaries of the school grounds.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
In order to establish a comprehensive school health program following
the guidelines of the State of Maine and to ensure the ongoing awareness of the
health status of the students attending MSAD #44, each student applying to
participate in any school sport at Telstar High School must have a physical
examination by a certified physician at the time of initial application and
every two years thereafter unless injury or illness occurs in the meantime.
PORTFOLIOS
All Telstar
students must complete portfolios as part of their satellite advisory
responsibilities. These portfolios will
be graded on a pass/fail basis, as well as earn academic credit when meeting
specific criteria, each year.
QUESTIONING AND SEARCHES OF STUDENTS
The Board seeks to maintain a safe and orderly environment in the
schools. District staff members 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, school rules, or which
interfere with the operation, 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
District. All storage facilities are
District property and remain under the control, custody and supervision of the
District. Students have no expectation
of privacy in District storage facilities or for any items placed in such
storage facilities. District staff has
the authority to inspect and search storage facilities and their contents on a
random basis, with or without reasonable suspicion, and without notice or consent.
If a search produces evidence that a student has violated or is
violating the law, Board policies or school rules, such evidence may be seized
and impounded by the Building Principal and appropriate disciplinary
action may be taken. Evidence may be
forwarded to law enforcement authorities as required by law or as deemed
appropriate by the Building Principal or his or her designee, in consultation
with the Superintendent.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
A great deal of time, effort, and thought
has gone into the scheduling process.
Add/Drop days will be announced by the Guidance Office and changes to
students schedules will be done at this time only. Students must carry a minimum of six class
periods at
Semester One
Deadlines
To ADD or DROP a course:
SCHOOL CLOSING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In the event of
school closings due to hazardous conditions, notification will be broadcast on
these local radio and television stations:
Television: Channel 6 NBC
Channel 8 ABC
Channel 13 CBS
Radio: 101.9 FM WPOR
92.7 FM WOXO
560 AM WGAN
SCHOOL SPIRIT
School spirit is a very important part of a
students life at
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special education services are available for students who need
specialized instruction and who qualify using federal guidelines. Any parent, teacher, or guidance counselor
may refer a student to special education services. Once referred, the special education
coordinator will review the students file to decide whether further assessment
is warranted.
Students who have a disability that affects one or more life functions
may qualify for accommodation services under Section 504. Any parent, teacher, or guidance counselor
may refer a student to these services by contacting the Guidance Director.
STUDENT RECORDS
It is the policy of
MSAD #44 to provide for the confidentiality of all student education records
that are maintained by the District, as required by both
The District
designates the following information about students as directory
information: name, the students
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight
of student athletes and grade level in school of students in extracurricular
activities, date of attendance at District schools, and honors and awards
received.
The District may
disclose directory information about students in attendance if it has given the
notification required by FERPA to parents or guardians of the students and to
eligible students and has not received timely written notice refusing
permission to designate some or all of the types of information about a student
as directory information.
Under
The Superintendent
or his or her designee, in consultation with other school administrators, shall
develop procedures for implementing this policy, including a description of the
access rights of parents or guardians, students and educational personnel to
records and the confidentiality rights of parents and students. Such procedures may be amended from time to
time, as necessary.
Parents and legal guardians, as well as
students 18 years of age or older, are entitled to certain rights under
FERPA. The following four items outline
the rights under this law:
1. Access to the educational records of the
student upon request of the students building principal or guidance office.
2. The right to an explanation/interpretation of
the record contents.
3.
The
right to a copy of the educational records at cost to the parent/guardian.
4.
Parents,
legal guardians, and students 18 years of age or older may file a complaint
concerning any alleged failures by MSAD #44 to comply with the law by
submitting a complaint in writing to:
The Family Education Rights &
Privacy Act Office
Department of Health, Education,
& Welfare
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY USE
The District
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 district staff. Student
use of school computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege not a
right. Students are required to comply
with MSAD #44 Policy IJNDB and accompanying district and school rules. 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 District computers
remain under the control, custody and supervision of the District. The District reserves the right to monitor
all computer and Internet activity by students.
Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school
computers, including e-mail and stored files.
Before a student is
allowed to use school computers and Internet services, the student and the
students parent or legal guardian must sign and return the Computer/Internet
Access Acknowledgment (IJNDB-E). The
signed acknowledgment will be retained by the school.
Students shall not reveal their names or
identifying information on the internet without prior permission from a
supervising teacher. Students should
inform their supervising teacher if they access information or messages that
are dangerous, inappropriate, or make them uncomfortable in any way.
TARDINESS
Students who are
late to a class must go directly to that class.
They must have an acceptable pass from the area they just left, properly
dated, signed, and the time they left.
Teachers will take appropriate disciplinary action such as assigning lunch
detention to discourage tardiness.
Students who are
late to school must report directly to the main office for a tardy slip. Students will not be admitted to class
without a tardy slip and unexcused tardiness may result in a detention. Students who miss an entire class due to
tardiness may be reported as absent.
Tardiness and dismissals apply as a partial absence to the attendance
policy.
TELEPHONES
Pay telephones are located near the main
office and by the gymnasium. There is
also a student phone in the main office.
Students are allowed to use the main office phone if they ask for and
gain permission.
TEXTBOOKS
Students will be issued textbooks in good
condition in nearly every class.
Students are responsible for maintaining the book in the same condition
as when received. All textbooks should
be covered. All textbooks are to be
returned at the end of the course.
Students will be charged for lost or damaged textbooks and report cards
will be held until outstanding obligations have been suitably satisfied. Students are further reminded that failure to
satisfy these obligations may result in delay of processing future transcript
requests.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The health hazards
of tobacco use have been well established and generally accepted by
society. In order to reflect and
emphasize the hazards of tobacco use; discourage students from using tobacco
products; protect the health and safety of students, employees, and the public;
set an example of non-tobacco use by adults; comply with law that prohibits
persons under the age of 18 from purchasing or possessing tobacco products; and
promote the cleanliness of District facilities, the MSAD #44 School Board
prohibits smoking and the use of all tobacco products in District buildings,
facilities, and on District grounds and buses, during school-sponsored events,
and at all other times on District grounds by all persons, including students,
employees, and visitors.
In addition, students are further prohibited from possessing, selling,
distributing or dispensing tobacco products in District buildings, facilities,
and on District grounds and buses, during school-sponsored events, and at all
other times.
If students are
found in possession of tobacco products, the following disciplinary measures
will be applied:
1. First Offense: confiscation of tobacco
products, police incident report filed (if
applicable), parental contact, and up to three (3)
days suspension. Students will
be provided with resources for available cessation
programs.
2. Second
Offense: confiscation of tobacco products, police incident report filed (if
applicable), parental conference, and up to five (5) days
suspension. Students
will be provided with resources for available cessation
programs.
3. Third
Offense: confiscation of tobacco products, police incident report
filed
(if applicable), parental notification, up to ten (10) days suspension, and
meet
with the Superintendent of Schools.
VANDALISM
Telstar is public property and students have the right and privilege to
use it. School citizens have the
responsibility to take care of the building and to see that others do not
deface, destroy, or mar any part of it.
It is important that all students assume the responsibility of
appropriate behavior and discourage those who would damage or destroy school
property. Disciplinary action will be
taken in any instance of willful defacing of school property.
VISITORS
The Board
encourages the active interest and involvement of parents and citizens in the
public schools. In order to avoid
interruption of the instructional program and to promote the safety of students
and staff, building principals shall institute administrative procedures
concerning visitors to the schools. Such
procedures shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent. It is understood that procedures may vary
from school to school due to differing considerations such as the age of the
students and building layout and location.
The following
general guidelines shall be incorporated in all building-level administrative
procedures concerning visitors:
A.
The
term visitor shall apply to any person on District grounds or in District
buildings who is not an employee or student of the District.
B.
All
visitors shall report to the main office upon arrival at the building.
C.
All
visitors who wish to visit classrooms, observe aspects
of the instructional program or meet with staff members, are expected to
schedule such visits in advance in order to avoid conflicts and to enable staff
to prepare for the visit. If a parent
conference is desired, the teacher will make arrangements for an appointment at
a mutually convenient time. Teachers and
other staff may not use instructional time to meet with visitors.
D.
Individual
Board members shall follow the same procedures as other visitors, and state
whether they are visiting the schools on personal business or in connection
with Board duties.
E.
Visitors
shall comply with all applicable Board policies and school rules. Visitors who violate these policies or rules
or disrupt the safe and orderly operation of the school shall be asked to leave
the premises.
F.
The
building administrator or his or her designee has the authority to refuse entry
to District grounds or buildings to persons who do not have legitimate,
District- related business or who may disrupt the operations of the
schools. This may include, but not be
limited to, the news media, profit-making businesses, fundraisers and other
organizations seeking access to students /or staff.
G.
District
staff shall report unauthorized persons on District grounds or in District
buildings to the building administrator or his or her designee. Unauthorized persons shall be directed to
leave the premises immediately.
H.
The
building administrator or his or her designee may request the assistance of law
enforcement as necessary to deal with unauthorized persons or violations of the
law by visitors to the District buildings.
I.
Students
are not allowed to bring visitors to Telstar unless the visitors are
prospective students and the principal has given prior permission.
WEAPONS/HAZARDOUS
ARTICLES
Any weapons or hazardous articles are not to
be brought to school or used by students.
Any item/object may be considered as a dangerous weapon if it is used in
any way to harm or threaten harm to another person.
Firearms, firearm replicas, knives, pocket
knifes, sharp objects, cigarette lighters, paintball equipment, drug
paraphernalia or other weapons/objects, which can be construed as weapons, are
expressly prohibited on school grounds. Possessing
hazardous items in school is a suspendable offense
determined by school administration.
Possessing a weapon is a suspendable offense
of 10 school days and will likely result in expulsion from school.
WORK PERMITS
Students who are
fourteen or fifteen years old need a work permit to be
legally employed in