W.D.H.S.  Student Handbook

General Information

Nondiscrimination

    Washburn District High School insures equal educational opportunities/affirmative action regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age or handicap.

Adult Rights And Responsibilities

    Students 18 years of age and older are subject to all rules and regulations designed to maintain a good school atmosphere.  A student 18 years of age and older will be allowed to write their own excuses and/or be dismissed from school on their own request ONLY if they are NOT residing in their parents'/guardians' home.  In all other incidences, permission must be secured form parent/guardian.

Attendance

    Good attendance is essential if a student expects to do well in school.  If a student is absent, he/she needs to bring to the office a signed and dated note from his/her parent or guardian explaining the absence or have his/her parent call school on the day of the absence.  If the student is absent, and we have not been notified by the parent either by telephone or by a note, an attempt will be made to determine the pupil's whereabouts.

Code Of Conduct For Students Participating In School-Sponsored Activities

    In order to insure well-organized, profitable and enjoyable school-sponsored activities and to make certain that the good name and honor of Washburn District High School is in no way tarnished by thoughtless, irresponsible behavior, all students are to comply with the established regulations and policies which govern the school whether the activities are held on school property or elsewhere.

    Activities shall be carefully and cooperatively planned by students and approved by the advisor(s) and the principal.  Chaperones for activities shall include advisor(s) and administration.

Corridor Passes

    If a student needs to leave the classroom, he/she is issued a corridor pass by the teacher of that class.  The pass states the time it is issued, where the student is going and is signed by the teacher.  A student who is found in the hall without a pass may be assigned a 20 minute detention.

Dances

    School-sponsored dances are not open to the general public.  District high school students may invite dates/guests who will not be admitted on the night of the dance IF they have not been previously signed in at the office during regular school time.  No junior high students are allowed to attend high school dances.  Students will not be readmitted to a dance upon leaving unless special permission is granted by the administrator or chaperone in charge.  All school rules are in effect for school-sponsored dances.

Delayed Opening And School Cancellations

    If weather deems necessary the closing or delayed opening of school, the local radio stations will be notified between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m.  Please do not call the school, Board of Directors or the radio stations, but listen to the radio if there is any doubt about school because of weather.

Detention

    Detention given by a teacher will be handled by that teacher in his/her classroom.  Students may be given 72 hours notice before serving the detention.  Students will bring books for studying, and talking is not allowed.  The length of a student's detention will be determined by the teacher.

    If a student should skip a teacher-given detention, he/she will not be admitted to class until first clearing the problem with the office.  Skipping detention twice will result in a doubling of the student's detention.  Skipping a detention for a second time will result in a school suspension or other administrative action.

Student Appearance

    Students will be expected to always keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed.  Any form of dress or hairstyle considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distracting or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose of conduct of the school will not be permitted.  Please refer to "Student Dress Code" found in the back of this handbook for additional information regarding acceptable school dress.

Student Behavior

    All teachers have been requested to be on the alert for any student behavior which is in violation of school regulations.  Students should behave in a manner that will be a credit to Washburn District High School.  Students are to refrain from the following:

	Smoking in the building or on school grounds
	Fighting on or near school property
	Disrespect of teachers
	Extreme dress or appearance which is disruptive to class
	Wearing T-shirts with crude or sexual connotations (co-ed naked, etc.)
	Wearing T-shirts with alcoholic or tobacco advertisements
	Wearing of hats in the building
	Eating or drinking outside designated areas
	Rowdy behavior or running in the building
	Locker misuse, abuse of school property
	Possession of or use of alcoholic beverages
	Possession of or use of drugs
	Possession of or use of anything that might be considered a weapon
	Other behavior which is deemed inappropriate

Possible Consequences For Unacceptable Behavior

	Warning, verbal or written
	Apology, verbal or written
	"Time Out" in the classroom (as age appropriate) or Principal's office (not to be confused with "time out" rooms used for the purpose of isolating or bringing under control a student whose behavior is dangerous or presents a significant risk of property damage.  This is controlled by DOE regulation.)
	Loss of recess
	Suspension of ability to participate in school or extracurricular activities
	Parent Notification
	Detention
	In-School suspension
	Meeting with Principal or other disciplinary official
	Meeting with parent
	Restitution
	"Restorative Justice" (e.g., Community Service)
	Out-of-School Suspension
	Psychological Examination/Risk Assessment
	Law enforcement contact
	Criminal charges filed
	Expulsion
	Other appropriate consequences as warranted by circumstances and developmental level of student

Student Council

    The Student Council has an important role.  It's purpose is not to govern the students but to serve as a meeting place between the student body and the administration, where the students can assume activities as they are able to handle them.  It is the place where problems or questions arising from either the students of the administration can be presented for discussion and consideration.  Each class elects representatives to the Council during a class meeting.  The Student Council's principal purposes are as follows:

	To unify student activities under one control and promote the general activities of the school
	To aid in the internal administration of the school
	To teach the student the values of working in a democracy

Student Drivers

	Student drivers are to observe the following when driving on school property:
	Speed limit is 15 m.p.h.
	Do not spin wheels or misuse automobile
	Automobiles are not to be driven around the parking zones at the elementary school
	Student vehicles are to wait until all buses depart before leaving in the afternoon
	Remember that transportation is provided; therefore, anytime the auto interferes with the normal operation of the school program, it will be inexcusable
	Students are to park their cars as soon as they drive onto the campus
	Student drivers shall use good judgment at all times when driving on and off campus; careless operation will restrict your rights to operate on school ground
	No student vehicle will leave school property unless the student has been excused by the office

Early Departure

    When it is necessary for a student to leave school early, it is required that he/she present a note to the principal or his designee before school begins.  Leaving school without permission is classified as truancy.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

    See "Chemical Abuse Policies and Procedures"

Cheating

    Cheating on quizzes, tests, exams, projects, term papers and other types of school work cannot and will not be tolerated.  Student work in which cheating has occurred will result in no credit and additional disciplinary action.  Students who copy the work of another and present it as their own without proper acknowledgement are subject to course failure and/or suspension.

Announcements

    Public address announcements are made at the beginning of the school day, at noon time and occasionally at the close of school each day.  The public address system will not be used at any other time of day except in extenuating circumstances.

Library Services

    The library is opened at 7:30 a.m. and will remain open throughout the day until 3:00 p.m.  Any student needing to use the library before or after school should see the school librarian to make arrangements.  On Fridays it will be closed at 2:45 p.m.  You are encouraged to use the library as much as possible.  From time to time it may be desirable for a student to visit the library during class time to do research.  In such cases, the student should first get permission from the teacher and then, upon entering the library, inform the librarian about his/her particular need.

Medication

    It is the policy of M.S.A.D. #45 to discourage the dispensing of medications on school premises.  Whenever possible, the schedule for administering drugs to a student should be scheduled by the parent or guardian and physician to allow the student to receive all prescribed doses at home.  However, when medication during the school day is necessary, it may be given by the nurse, building administrator or building administrator's designee.

    The school nurse, building administrator or his designee shall dispense medication to a student on the specific written request signed by the parent or guardian.  Medication will be sent to school in a clearly labeled container, preferably the original prescription bottle with the name of the child and the medication prominently displayed on the container.  A written record of drug administration shall be maintained by the school nurse and/or building administrator or building administrator's designee.

Assemblies

    Student behavior should always be refined and courteous.  An indication of the cultural level of the school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly.  Whether guests are present or not, each student is responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole.  Unacceptable conduct would include whistling, uncalled-for clapping, boisterous behavior and talking during a program.

Co-curricular Events

    Practice for all school sports and activities will be after the seventh period.  Athletes must be in school on the days they practice for sports.  All students, along with the school athletes, should remember that without administrative approval you are not eligible to attend or participate if you are absent any part of the day of the event.  The basic philosophy here is that if the student is too ill to attend school, he/she is too ill to participate in co-curricular activities.

Grading

    A serious attempt is made at all times to evaluate in the best possible manner the progress of students.  Grade will be issued numerically for academic courses.  A numerical grade will also be issued for nonacademic courses even though these may not count in honor roll calculations.

    Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter or nine-week session.  Progress reports are issued at mid-quarter or any other time a teacher feels it necessary to inform parents when the quality of students' work is at the failing point or blow the level of expectation, or when the student has shown marked improvement in effort of quality of work.  Report cards are mailed home at the end of the second nine weeks and at the end of the last nine-week grading period.  At the end of the first and third nine-week grading periods, the students will hand carry the report cards home.

Homework

    The M.S.A.D. #45 Board of Directors believes that homework is and important part of the educational process and that is is valid if it has the following objectives:

	to promote growth in self-responsibility and self-direction in learning;
	to direct students toward good work habits;
	to enrich and extend school research experiences;
	to bring pupils into contact with out-of-school learning resources;
	to help children learn to budget time;
	to provide essential practice in developing skills.

    All homework should have specific objectives.  Homework should be planned and not haphazardly assigned or given for "busy" work.  The quantity of homework should be reasonable.  Assignments should be planned and coordinated as defined by the school guidelines so that teachers in the several areas avoid excessive amounts of homework given to the student at any on time.  Amounts and time limits must be set by each school (suggested average homework: elementary - not over one hour; secondary - not over two hours).  "Studying" time is not to be construed as homework which is considered "task assigned."  Some time allowance should be made for studying.

    All homework should involve some type of follow-up and evaluation.  All homework should be evaluated, corrected and returned to the student.  All homework should reflect or reinforce materials already previewed and explained.  Homework should be the follow-up to lesson presentations or serve as and introduction to the future lessons.

    Homework should encourage the application of skills acquired in class.  Reading, creative composition, problem solving and home and community involvement are important factors in planning homework activities.  Students should receive clear guidelines and deadlines for long-range assignments and be expected to complete all homework on time.  Study methods should be taught in every subject area.  Students often do not study because they do not know how to approach independent work.  Individual creativity should be emphasized.  Care should be taken to ensure that homework is done by the student and not by the parent.  Plagiarism will be discouraged.  Homework assigned should demand successful completion and should carry proportional weight in grading.

    In assigning homework, the teacher should consider the individual student's need, ability, home situation and the availability of resources in the home environment.  Homework should nurture life-long learning.

Illness

    If a student becomes ill in school, he/she is to report to the principal's office where a decision will be made for the next course of action.  Students must not leave the building without authorization.  If you are too sick to remain in school, your parents will be contacted and arrangements made to go home.

Lockers

    Lockers are issued to students at the beginning of the year.  Your locker is to be kept locked at all times.  Students are cautioned against telling their combinations to each other, or they cannot expect their property to be safe.  Each student is responsible for keeping their assigned locker clean both inside and outside.  Damages caused by misuse of tape, etc., will be charged to the student responsible.  Any locker malfunction should be reported to the janitors or to the office.  Students are cautioned not to keep money or other valuables in their lockers.  Turn in such items to the office for safekeeping if you cannot keep them with you.

Telephone

    The "student only" phone may be used to contact parents in regard to school matters during the school day.  Students are limited in it's use to before school, noon time and after school UNLESS they have permission from the office to use it during study halls.  Messages and deliveries from home should be left in the office.  Students are called out of class only in the case of emergency.

Physical Education

    A. Notes

1. Parental requests to have students excused from participation because of illness will be honored on a short-term basis (one to three days).  Requests for longer periods of time shall require a medical statement from a doctor specifying the length of the non-participation.

2. Students who are ill but are in school may be excused from participation for one day at the discretion of the physical education teacher.

    B. Gym Lockers

Locks and lockers are provided for the storage of your personal belongings during gym class.  The school is not responsible for lost, misplaced or stolen personal belongings  Please secure your locker by locking it appropriately.

    C. Gym Uniforms

1. Every student must have a gym uniform consisting of sneakers, shorts or sweatpants, and a T-shirt or sweatshirt.  Any other change of clothing may be approved by the gym teacher.

2. A student who does not change for gym will be disciplined initially by the gym teacher.  For a second offense, the student will be assigned detention.  A third offense will result in Saturday detention.  Persistent problems of failing to change for gym may result in failure for the ranking period, suspension, or being dropped from the class for the remainder of the school year.

School Property

    State of Maine law holds students (or parents) financially liable for damage to school property, books or appliances as stated Title 225, Penalties, Sections 6805, 6806 and 6807: "If a minor injures or aids in injuring any schoolhouse, out buildings, utensils, or appurtenances belonging to an administrative unit, such administrative unit by an attendance officer thereof may recover of his parent or guardian in a civil action double the damage occasioned thereby."

Textbooks

    Textbooks are distributed for student use in most academic classes.  Since the average text cost currently is approximately $50.00, students are asked to cover the text and care for it in the proper manner.  If a text is lost, destroyed, or severely misused, students will be billed for the replacement cost.

Student Activity Center (SAC Privilege)

    The right to visit the Student Activity Center during study time is a privilege awarded to any student who has

	A minimum overall grade point average of 85 in all academic classes.  Classes specifically excluded from the averaging are PE, Band or Chorus.  Determination of grade point eligibility for any nine-week grading period is based on the previous quarter's grades.
	Individual course grades of 80 and above in all non-academic and academic classes.  Progress reports indicating a grade average of below 80 will result in the forfeiture of SAC privileges for the balance of the quarter.

In addition to the above criteria, a student will also be denied SAC privileges for the following reasons:

        1. Suspension (for any reason) during the current school year;

        2. Habitually failing to comply with school rules or school policies (determined by building administration);

        3. Display of inappropriate behavior (determined by building administration);

        4. Failing one or more courses for the semester.

Senior Privilege Policy

In order to be eligible, a senior must have:

 A minimum overall grade point average of 85 in all academic classes.  Classes specifically excluded from the averaging are PE, Band and Chorus. Determination of grade point eligibility for any nine week grading period is based on the previous quarter's grades.

Senior Privilege includes the following limitations:

Students may leave school after the last class of the afternoon session.  Therefore, if a student has a study hall period, he/she may leave at the end of period 6.

Once a student has checked out of the building, he/she may not re-enter the building or the grounds until after school has been dismissed.  If it is necessary to return to pick up someone or something at dismissal time, it must be done without interfering with bus traffic.

No schedule changes will be made for the expressed purpose of granting a student Senior Privileges.  Students must be enrolled in a class for at least 6 periods.

On the days when a student is to serve detention, he/she will not be allowed the Senior Privilege in the afternoon.

Administration of the program rests with the building administration and the decision in any case is final.  No warnings would be expected nor would they be forthcoming.

In addition to the above criteria, a student will also be denied Senior Privileges for the following reasons.

Suspension (for any reason) during the current school year.

Habitually failing to comply with school rules or school policies (determination by building administration).

Display of inappropriate behavior (determined by building administration).

Failing one or more courses for the semester.

    The signature of the student and his/her parent/guardian indicates that they understand the provisions governing Senior Privileges and that they agree to abide by them.

Student's Signature ______________

Parent's/Guardian's Signature ___________________

Snowmobile Use and Motorcycle Use

    ATV's/snowmobiles/motorcycles are to be parked behind the Tech-Ed Shop in the field and not in the roadway.  On arrival at school, ATV's/snowmobiles/motorcycles are to be immediately parked and not moved until dismissal.  ATV's/snowmobiles/motorcycles are not to be driven near the elementary school after 7:50 a.m. or before 4:00 p.m.

Student Injury

    Injuries will be reported to the office.  This provides an opportunity for parental-medical contact.  The school serves as a medium in supplying paperwork for the insurance and assumes no liability for the subsequent negotiations with the insurance company.  Insurance claim forms may be obtained in the principal's office.

Visitors

    Permission must be obtained from the office before the visit.  Parents are always welcome; and if a conference is desired by a parent, advance arrangements should be made with either the guidance office or the principal's secretary.

Withdrawals

    Any student withdrawing from school for any reason is to report to the guidance office for the proper forms. Students under the age of 18 and not emancipated must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or bring a signed note stating the reason for withdrawal, the new home address and/or the new school's address.  This should be done not later than the last day the student will be in school.  All books must be returned and fines or fees paid in order to clear the records.

National Honor Society

The purpose of this society is four-fold:

1. To create enthusiasm for scholarship

2. To stimulate a desire to render service

3. To promote leadership

4. To develop character

    Membership in the National Honor Society is open to any student enrolled in W.D.H.S. in the eleventh or twelfth grade.  Students must be enrolled for a period equivalent to one semester prior to being inducted into the society and must meet the scholarship requirement.

    The minimum grade point average required for membership is 88.  The grade point average used to determine eligibility includes the cumulative total of those academic grades which count toward graduation from high school.  This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed and shall be the required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy.  All students who can rise in scholarship to or above such standards may be admitted to candidacy for election to membership.  Their eligibility shall then be considered on their service, leadership and character.

    Any member who falls below the standards which were the basis of his election shall be promptly warned.  If, during the next regular marking period of the school, the member fails to meet the standards used as a basis for his election to the society, that member will be dismissed.  A National Honor Society member must maintain the standards for membership in order to retain his membership.  A member will be allowed only one warning period.  Once a member is dismissed, he is never eligible for membership in the National Honor Society.

    Any active member of the National Honor Society who transfers to W.D.H.S. is automatically accepted for membership in this chapter.  This transfer member must maintain the membership requirements for this chapter in order to retain membership.

Rules and Regulations for Pupils Transported in School Buses

    M.S.A.D. #45 students that reside beyond the walking limits as set by the M.S.A.D. #45 Director have the privilege of being transported to and from school by buses as long as the abide by the following regulations:

All pupils shall be ready in the morning at the usual time for the bus to arrive at their homes or at the school bus stop.  The bus cannot wait for those who are not ready.

Do not stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.

As you enter the bus keep in mind that the driver is in full charge of the bus and the pupils.  He has accepted the responsibility for the safety of the pupils on the bus; therefore, it is necessary that you cooperate full with him and do as he wishes.

The driver has the right to assign seats and the responsibility to make other regulations that might be necessary for your welfare.

While on the bus it is very important that you:

Remain in your seat and refrain form disturbing others;

Be courteous to other students keeping from loud and vulgar talk;

Do your part to keep the bus clean by not throwing things on the floor;

Remember that damage done to the seats must be paid for by you;

Do not distract the driver from his work by talking to him unnecessarily or in other ways.  Keep in mind: his work is YOUR safety.

Students may leave the bus only at designation points.  The drivers do not have the authority to allow students to disembark at other points.

When leaving the bus, remain seated until it stops; and, if you have to cross the road, do so in front of the bus after making sure the highway is clear.  NEVER cross behind the bus.

Finally, please keep in mind that your transportation by bus is a privilege and not a right.  As a privilege it may be temporarily or permanently suspended if you are unable to abide by these regulations.  Also, remember that the driver has the authority to amen these regulations as situations demand it.

Washburn School Song

School Spirit

School spirit may be divided into three categories:

Courtesy - toward teachers, fellow students and the officials of school athletic activities;

Pride - in everything our school endeavors to accomplish and has accomplished;

Sportsmanship - The ability to win and lose gracefully.  School spirit means loyalty to all functions of the school.  A loyal students supports his school and does the utmost to keep his scholastic  and activity standards at the highest possible level.                                           top

School Policies

Smoking Policy

    Students are not permitted to smoke or otherwise use any tobacco products in the school building or on school grounds.  Students under the age of 18 are not permitted to possess any tobacco products on school property. (See note below)

    Students violating rules on tobacco will be subject to the following disciplinary action:  

	First offense- Three day suspension from school.  If under 18, student will be reported to the police.
	Second offense- Five day suspension from school.  If under 18, student will be reported to the police.
	Third offense- Ten day suspension from school.  If under 18, student will be reported to the police.
	Subsequent violations will be reported to the Superintendent of Schools for further action.

    NOTE: Possession of tobacco products for persons under the age of 18 is illegal under Maine State Law and requires a minimum fine of $100 for the first prosecution, $200 minimum fine for a second prosecution, and $500 minimum fine for subsequent prosecutions.

Add/Drop Policy

    At the beginning of the fall semester, two weeks will be allowed for students to change classes.

    At mid-year, changes for all students must be completed by the end of the first week of the new semester.  Students have a chance to begin this change at the beginning of the exam week; thus, they have two full weeks to complete this process.

    If any student drops after the add/drop period, the subject dropped will be noted on the student's transcript "dropped with a passing/failing mark."  At this time no student will be allowed to add any subject.

    Exceptions to the above (up to three days) may be made at the discretion of the guidance counselor and/or principal.

Student Expression

    Printed Materials, Buttons, Insignia, Etc.

	Buttons and other insignia may be worn to express a point of view unless doing so results in a direct interference with the school program.
	Buttons or other insignia may not be worn or displayed it the message is intended to mock, ridicule or otherwise deliberately demean or provoke others because of race, religion, national origin, or individual view.
	No student may pass out buttons or other literature during regular school hours either in class or in the halls between classes.
	Students may distribute buttons or other literature (which has been approved) at the close of the regular school day at the exits in the designated area.
	Students distributing buttons or other literature will be responsible for removing litter which may result from their activities.
	All copies of any written materials shall bear the names of the sponsoring student groups or students.  In the case of a student group, the names of at least two students principally involved shall be included.
	Items that do not seem reasonable and appropriate for school distribution are publications containing libelous or obscene language; advocacy of violation of existing statutes, ordinances or other established laws or official school policy, rules or regulations; statements grossly insulting to any group or individual; commercial advertising; and certain religious materials.

    Poster and Bulletin Board Material

	Posters and notices must be of a reasonable size.
	All materials must be presentable, worthwhile and in good taste.
	Notices are to remain no longer than seven school days from the date posted.  However, if sufficient space is not a factor,  the time may be extended at the discretion of the principal. The same standards as set for printed materials apply to materials to be posted

Right to Petition

	Students may be allowed to circulate petitions within the bounds of the policy guidelines mentioned above.
	The places and times for the collecting of signatures will be restricted to after school hours as in the case of the distribution of literature.  The manner of conducting such activities may be restricted to prevent undue levels of noise or to prevent the use of coercion or unreasonable interference with any person.
	Any petitions filed by students with appropriate school personnel shall be reviewed by the principal who shall attempt to adjust any and all differences of opinion.  If substantial differences of opinion are unresolved after five days form the date of filing of said petition, the petition shall be forwarded to the review committee.

Student Suspension                             top

    The Board of Directors of School Administrative District No. 45 hereby delegates the authority to temporarily suspend students form school for limited periods of time to the school principals under the following conditions:

1.      Suspensions for a period of time shall be only after the administrator in charge when the incident occurred has conducted a reasonable investigation and is convinced that the student is guilty of an offense that warrants the suspension; and the accused student is confronted with the evidence and witnesses, if they pertain, and allowed to speak on his own behalf; and the student's parent or guardian is notified by telephone or in person that the child is being suspended and why; and a follow-up letter is mailed to the parent or guardian setting forth the reasons why the student was suspended, the exact dates of his suspension and other pertinent data; and the procedure the parent or guardian must follow to gain a hearing on the suspension before the Board of Directors.

2.      Students will be allowed to make up to 75% as a result of the suspension.

      A. First Suspension

1. The suspension period may be for a time of not less than (1) day and not more than (10) days.

2. The parent or guardian will be informed as to whether an immediate conference will assist in getting the student back in school.

3. The principal may determine the suspension period of a fixed period of one (1) day and waive the conference.

4. In the event that the offense is flagrant, in the judgment of the principal, the principal may recommend that a hearing be held before the superintendent and/or Board of Directors.

5. The principal may readmit the student at any time during the first suspension period providing a successful conference has been held with the parent or guardian.

B. Second Suspension

1. The suspension period shall be for a fixed time of not less than three (3) days and not more than ten (10) days.

2. A conference may be held concerning the suspension.  The parent of guardian will be informed as to how to establish a conference.

3. In the event that the offense is flagrant, in the judgment of the principal, the principal may recommend that a hearing be held before the superintendent and/or the Board of Directors.

4. The principal may request this hearing be held before the Superintendent of Schools.

C.  Additional Suspensions

            This suspension may, at the discretion of the principal, be for a period of time not less than five (5) days nor more than ten (10) days.  The parent of guardian will be provided with the information as to how they can effect a meeting to be held with the superintendent.  At the conclusion of this meeting, the superintendent will determine if the student shall be permitted to return under conditions set by him or if the suspension shall be continued until a hearing before the Board of Directors can be established.  If the superintendent decides to admit the student to school and sets certain conditions, these conditions shall promptly be transmitted to the parent.  If the superintendent concludes that the circumstances surrounding the case warrant a hearing by the Board of Directors, he shall notify the parent and establish a meeting of the Board of Directors as expeditiously as possible.

D.  The principal may refer a flagrant offense, in the judgment of the principal, at any step in the process for a hearing before the superintendent and/or Board of Directors.

1.  Suspensions will not be cumulative from year to year.

IV.  The Superintendent of Schools may act as the hearing officer for all suspensions and/or other appealed suspensions under unusual and/or extenuating circumstances if the Board of Directors cannot convene in a reasonable period of time.

V.  The following listed items include but are not limited to considerations for suspension of students but are not intended to limit suspension:

	Selling illegal drugs - ref. Drug Policy
	Using or possession of illegal drugs - ref. Drug Policy
	Truancy
	Smoking in the building or on school property
	Insubordination
	Unbecoming conduct that interferes with the normal operation of school
	Stealing from either student or the District of destruction of property
	Other major infractions of school regulations

VI.  All suspension notices shall be sent to:

	Superintendent of School
	Parent or guardian
	One shall be retained on file at the principal's office until the student  graduates or otherwise leaves school.

    This suspension policy will be reviewed annually during the month of March at a Director's meeting.  All copies of notices shall be treated as confidential and shall be governed by existing state and federal laws and School Administrative No. 45 regulations that do not conflict with the law.

Vocational Transportation Rules

    With rare exception, students attending vocational school are required to be transported on the regularly scheduled M.S.A.D. # 45 vocational buses.

1. No student will be permitted to take their personal vehicle to vocational school unless the following criteria have been met:

	written or verbal permission received from parent/guardian;
	written permission received from the vocational school instructor stating the student will be working on their personal vehicle.

2. All notes must be presented to the office or calls from the parent/guardian received for approval prior to the start of period one.

3. No student is allowed to transport any other student in their personal vehicle when traveling to or from vocational school.

4. No telephone calls to the instructor will be allowed for the purpose of seeking permission to take a vehicle to the vocational school

    IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PLAN AHEAD AND SECURE WRITTEN PERMISSION IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE DESIRED!

5. In an instance when the vocational bus is missed (whether it's the student's fault or due to circumstances beyond their control), the student may not transport themselves to the vocational school in lieu of the vocational bus and must remain in a study hall at Washburn District High School.

    PENALTY:

    The first incident of failure to follow the above rules will automatically revoke your privilege to take any vehicle to or from vocational school for the balance of the school year.  The second incident will result in the forfeiture of your driving privilege to Washburn District High School.

Detention                                             top

   Definition: A punishment assigned by a staff member for an infraction of the school rules.  The punishment is a designated amount of time that the student is required to remain after school.

     Specifics:

1. All detention must be served AFTER school.  Detention cannot start before 2:40 p.m. (this includes the afternoon vocational students). 

2. The afternoon vocational students who have detention WILL NOT be allowed to exit the building and then return to the building to serve the detention.

3. Detentions are to be served between 2:40 and 3:00 p.m. on the days they are assigned.   Detentions of more than 20 minutes will be served over multiple days.

4. Bus student will receive a 72-hour- notice before the assigned detention begins.

5. Due to the 72-hour notice, requests for and exemption or alternatives to the detention will be denied.

Among the many reasons that will NOT be acceptable include:

	"I need to leave for work immediately after school to get to work on time."
	"No one is home, and I live too far from school to walk."
	"The family car is broke down and I don't have anyway to get home."
	"I have to leave this afternoon at 2:30 on the team bus."

6. The penalty for not serving the assigned detention as scheduled the FIRST TIME will result in the doubling of the total amount of detention assigned.

7. The penalty for not serving the same assigned detention as scheduled they SECOND TIME will result in a Saturday morning detention.

8. The parent/guardian will receive a written notice each time their son/daughter is assigned detention.  Included in the notice will be the reason for the detention, date issued, by whom issued, initials of the student documenting the fact he/she was notified of the detention, length of the detention, and day(s) the detention is to be served.

9. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the individual issuing the detention to discuss the situation.

10. Responsibility to arrange transportation is that of the student and the parent/guardian.

11. Serving an assigned detention WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE over any other extracurricular activity.        

Saturday Detention

    Saturday detention is from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Students are required to bring books, paper & pencils, or reading material in order to work on various subjects.

1. No student will be allowed to enter after 8:00 a.m.

2. A quiet study hall atmosphere will prevail.  No communication with other students will take place (oral, written or visual).

3. Two five-minute breaks will be allowed at eh discretion of the detention supervisor.

4. Disciplinary problems or lack of willingness to study will result in further disciplinary action and forfeiture of all time served.

5. A student who fails to attend Saturday detention is subject to suspension from school.

6. Saturday detention will not be held prior to holidays or after school has been closed due to bad weather.

    Reasons for Saturday Morning Detention:

	Unauthorized absence from a class of classes;
	Profanity;
	Failure to meet a regular detention assignment;
	Other reasons as determined by the administration.

Attendance Policy

1. A student who accumulates more than five absences in any class for any reason, except those listed below, in a nine-week ranking period will receive no credit for that course, subject to appeal.  Appeals will be heard at the end of the ranking period.

2. An excused absence, as well as an unexcused one, counts as one of the five in a nine-week ranking period.

3. Absences from class due to participation in an official school activity such as athletics, club activities, field trips, etc., will not count as part of the five absences.  If any of the absences listed in the warning notices were of this type, they should be disregarded.

4. If a student is absent from school to work in the potato harvest, an additional five days will be allowed without penalty provided the student provides proof of harvest-related activities.

5. When a student receives no credit in a course for attendance reasons, a grade of 65 or his earned grade (whichever is lower) will be recorded.

6. Students must submit an appeal if they exceed five absences even though some of the absences are excused due to school-related activities.

7. An appeals board composed of the principal, guidance counselor and two teachers will hear cases brought before them for habitual absences.

8. A school-mandated absence, including suspension, will not count as one of the five absences.

Co-curricular Eligibility Requirements             top

Eligibility Rule

A student may be failing no more than one subject to maintain eligibility, allowing him/her the privilege of participating in any interscholastic competition or other co-curricular activity activity at Washburn District High School.

Student Ineligibility

There are eight checkpoints throughout the school year.  Four of those are when Special Progress Reports are sent at the midpoint of each nine-week ranking period.  Two failing grades at this point will cause the student to be ineligible for the remainder of the quarter.  The four other checkpoints are: the first nine-week grade; the first semester grade; the third-quarter grade; and the second semester average.

If a student is ineligible at any of these checkpoints, he/she will remain ineligible until the next checkpoint and will be reinstated if he/she is no longer failing more than one class.

    The Checkpoints

1. First progress reports - mid-September

2. First quarter grade - early November

3. Second progress reports - mid-December

4. First semester grade - late January

5. Third progress reports - early March

6. Third quarter grade - early April

7. Fourth quarter grade - early May

8. Second semester grade - mid-June            

Being Late for Class

    Definition:

A student is considered late for class when they are not physically in the properly assigned room when the second bell rings.  A student standing in the hallway in front of the door to the classroom when the bell rings will be considered late for class.  An excused tardy to class is acceptable if the student has a signed admittance slip from a teacher or the office.

    Consequences:

	First offense - warning
	Second offense - 20 minute teacher assigned detention
	Third offense - 40 minute teacher assigned detention
	Fourth offense - 60 minute teacher assigned detention
	Fifth offense - Referral to the office

Late for School (unexcused)                     top   

    Definition:

A student is considered unexcused late for school when they arrive past the 8:07 a.m. bell and do not have an acceptable and verifiable reason for being tardy.  The Principal or his designee will determine whether or not and excuse is acceptable.

    Consequences:

	First offense - Warning
	Second offense - Amount of time late or 20 minutes, whichever is greater
	Third offense - Amount of time late or 40 minutes, whichever is
	Additional offenses - Administrative discipline which may include suspension from school.

Fire Drill Exits

Fire Drill Procedures

	At the beginning of each school year every teacher will give specific instructions of fire drills to his/her classes.  Students are to walk quickly and quietly to the designated exit and remain silent for roll call or additional instructions.
	All students in the gym and office are will use the main entrance exit (A).
	All students in B wing will use the B wing exit.
	All students in C wing will use the C wing exit.
	All students in Tech Ed will use the Tech Ed exit, (F).
	All students in the cafeteria will use D exit.
	Students will travel rapidly in double file to the assigned exits and will move fifty feet away from the building and wait for the all clear horn.
	Teachers will be sure that all windows and doors are closed during each fire drill.

Athletic Department

    See Athletic Director for insurance form.

Grade Appeal Form

    Please see office for and appeal form.

Student Dress Code

    Students of Maine Administrative District #45 are expected to always keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed during school and any school-related activity.  Any form of dress or hairstyle which is considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distracting or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose and/or conduct of the school will not be permitted to be worn by both male and female students.

    Outer garments will be considered appropriate school dress if the outer garments worn conform to the "finger tip" rule.  The finger tip rule for the outer garments is defined as the hem of the outer garment must extend at least to the finger tip of the individual wearing the outer garment.

    At no time during the school year are tube tops, halters, cut-off shirts or other similar items of clothing acceptable school dress.  Garments with obscene or questionable printing will not be permitted at any time.

    The building principal or his/her designee will be responsible for determining the acceptability of individual student dress.

Chemical Abuse Policies and Procedures            top

    Philosophy

M.S.A.D. #45 believes that non-medical use of drugs, including tobacco and alcohol is hazardous to the health of students.  It interferes with the education of the user.  It disrupts the proper conduct of school activities.  It is illegal.  This drug, tobacco and alcohol policy is established by M.S.A.D #45 with the aim that the student attending our schools will be educated in a drug, tobacco and alcohol free environment.

    Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear message to students, school staff, parents and the citizens of the community that students are prohibited from consuming, possessing, furnishing, selling, receiving, buying, or being under the influence of any "prohibited substance" in school or at any school sponsored, organized, or associated function, or on any property, facility or vehicle owned or operated by or for the school.  These prohibitions also apply to any student whose conduct, at any time or place ay directly interfere with the operations, discipline, or general welfare of the school  It is not a violation for the student to use in school a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student by his/her doctor and taken in accordance with the policy for the administration of medicine to students.  This policy does not cover all possible chemical abuse situations, and any chemical abuse case may be considered for appropriated action even when this policy does not expressly cover the particular situation.

The School Board supports education and awareness activities for school personnel, students, and parents including the physical and psychological dangers incurred through the use and abuse of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.  The school system will make available, without negative sanctions, assistance to any student who seeks drug, tobacco, and alcohol treatment or advice prior to having violated this policy.

    Policy:

The term "prohibited substance" shall include but is not limited to:

1. Alcohol or any substance containing alcohol

2. Tobacco and tobacco products (chew, snuff, pipes, cigarette papers, cigarettes, etc.)

3. Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine being misused or furnished to others.

4. Illegal drugs

5. Designer or look-alike drugs

6. Paraphernalia - implements used for distribution or consumption of a prohibited substance.

7. Any substance which can affect or change a students mental, physical or behavioral pattern, including, but not limited to, volatile materials such as glue, paint, or aerosols when possessed for the purpose of inhalation, or steroids.

TYPE ONE: Possession/use at school and school sponsored    top activities

 A. First Offense

1. Take precautions for the health and safety of the student(s).

2. Report the student to proper administrator

3. Verification - use appropriate search and seizure procedure

4. Notify parent/guardian, superintendent and law enforcement

5. School counselor to refer student and parent/guardian to education program

6. Refer to Department of Human Services, Child Protection Services, if parent(s)/guardian(s) refuses to cooperate with the above procedure

7. Student must obtain a non-clinical evaluation with the school guidance counselor before further participation in any activity.

8. Mandatory school suspension for 3-10 school days

9. Suspension from all co-curricular activities (including practices) for 9 school weeks.

B. Second Offense

1. Same as First Offense, steps 1-6

2. Require student to participate in a clinical evaluation and drug awareness education (proof of compliance required) before student can return to any co-curricular activity.

3. Building administrator to have authority to bypass step 2 and submit recommendation for expulsion so School Board based on student's behavioral history

4. Mandatory school suspension for 5-10 school days

5. Suspension from co-curricular activities for 18 school weeks.

    C. Third And Subsequent Offenses

1. Same as Second Offense, steps 1-3

2. Mandatory school suspension for 5-10 school days

3. Mandatory suspension from co-curricular activities for 1 Calendar Year.

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 Copyright © 2007 Washburn District High School. All rights reserved.
Revised: 03/25/09.