The Augusta School Department is required to annually inform you of our policies for handling the
Asbestos Operation & Management program and the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
Below is the link to the information letter regarding each topic.
The Augusta School Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The Augusta School Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Title I is known as Compensatory Education since it offers supplemental services designed to help students meet grade level standards. The program is completely funded by federal grants.
The Title I Program, delivered in the elementary schools, provides early intervention to identified students to accelerate their progress in literacy and math. Title I Literacy Specialists as well as Educational Technicians work closely with classroom teachers to provide a double dose of instruction with personalized interventions in 1-1 or small group sessions. Families will be informed if their child is recommended for Title I services.
Survey input from parents of Title I students and staff will be considered when planning, designing and implementing Title I
services. Parents are always welcome to join the ASD parent advisory group by contacting the Title I Director.
It’s a parent's right to request the qualifications of their teacher. Whether the student’s teacher:
I. has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
II. is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and
III. is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
In addition, parents will be informed if their child is being taught 4 or more weeks by a teacher who does not meet full certification of the teaching position they are in. If at any time there is a question about a teacher’s certification, please contact the Director of Title I or Assistant Superintendent in the Superintendent’s office @ 626-2468.
Parents have a right to request information regarding any State or school department policy regarding student participation in State and Local assessments. Please contact the Director of Title I or Assistant Superintendent at the Superintendent’s office, by calling 626-2468.
The ESEA Dashboard is available under each school on the Augusta School Department website: http://www.augustaschools.org/. The ESEA Data Dashboard includes all data elements required under ESSA (student behavior, finance, staff, academics - disaggregated by student group where applicable) and information related to a schools eligibility of support within Maine’s Model of School Support. Tutorials on how to use and navigate the dashboard are at the following link: http://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/esea/guidance
A student with a disability is a student who has a disability that adversely affects their educational performance and requires the provision of special education services in order that the student may benefit from an elementary or secondary program.
Students with disabilities include students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, emotional impairments, speech and language deficits, hearing impairments, blindness or any combination of these disabilities.
The Augusta School Department offers a comprehensive program of special education services that are funded by a combination of federal, state and local funds. All students with disabilities are eligible for these services.
Any staff member, parent or student may initiate referral for special education services. Parents wishing to make referrals should contact their child’s principal or the Director of Special Education at 626-2468. Parents will be contacted by telephone and in writing if a professional staff member makes a referral for their child. Parents have specific due process safeguards with regards to the identification, evaluation and placement of their child.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. In order to fulfill obligations under Section 504, the Augusta School Department has the responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability should knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.
The Augusta School Department has the responsibility under Section 504, which include the obligations to identify, evaluate, and, if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also specify rights related to educational records. This Act gives the parent or guardian the right to; (1) inspect and review his/her child's educational records; (2) make copies of these records; (3) receive a list of the individuals having access to those records; (4) ask for an explanation of any item in the records; and (6) a hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment. If there are questions, please feel free to contact the Special Education Director, Section 504 Coordinator for the Augusta School Department, at 626-2468.
Students have certain legal rights under federal/state constitutions and statutes as interpreted in pertinent court decisions. In connection with these rights are responsibilities that must be assumed by students. Among these rights and responsibilities are the following:
A. Civil rights, including the right to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others;
B. The right to attend free public schools in accordance with provisions of Maine statutes and policies of the Board; the responsibility to attend school as required by law;
C. The right to due process with respect to suspension, expulsion, or an administrative decision which a student believes has injured his/her rights; the responsibility to observe school rules and regulations essential for permitting others to learn at school;
D. The right to free inquiry and expression and to voice grievances; the responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights and to express themselves in a manner that does not materially or substantially disrupt the operation of the school or conflict with the school’s basic educational mission;
E. The right to privacy regarding the content of student records- as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act- and the right to dress as he/she pleases within reasonable guidelines related to health, safety, and the avoiding of potential disruption; and
F. The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures; the responsibility to comply with school rules and policies.
It is the Board’s belief that as part of the educational process, all students should be made aware of their legal rights and also of the legal authority of the Board to make or delegate authority to its staff to make rules and regulations regarding the orderly operation of the schools. As such, this policy shall be included in school handbooks or otherwise communicated to students and parents at the beginning of each school year. The Board expects all staff to abide by this policy in order to most effectively achieve mutual respect of rights and the acceptance of responsibility.
This Board policy is designed for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to create, expand, or restrict any student rights or responsibilities.
Rights and Privacy Act
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Augusta School Department wants to inform parents and eligible students that directory information will periodically be released for publication. It may include: the student’s name, date of birth, area of study, participation in sports and activities, weight and height for athletic team members, dates of attendance, photographs, and name of school the student is attending.
It is our intention that this directory information be released only for school-related functions (i.e. athletic functions, activities, clubs, honor rolls, yearbooks, etc.). The purpose of this will be to provide our students with appropriate recognition.
Student Record Rights
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act guarantees that parents and students 18 years or older may see, review, and ask any questions about their own (child’s) records. Please feel free to call your school or the superintendent’s office. (207-626-2468)
Cross Reference: JIC – Student Code of Conduct
JIH – Questioning and Searches of Students; JK – Student Discipline
The Board recognizes that there may be some students in the Augusta School Department schools who rely on the use of medical marijuana to manage a medical condition and who may be unable to effectively function at school without it.
See policy JLCDA for additional information.Legal Reference: Maine 2015 P.L. Ch. 369 Adopted: February 10, 2016
The Augusta School Committee recognizes the right of each school community member (i.e. employees, students, volunteers) to work in an atmosphere that is free of intimidation, hostility, and offensiveness. In order to ensure such an atmosphere, school community members are not to engage in harassment. Acts of harassment based upon race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or disability are a violation of this policy and may constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal laws.
Examples of prohibited harassment as determined by context, circumstances, and frequency:
Unwelcome sexual advances, gestures, comments, or contact
Threats
Offensive jokes
Ridicule, slurs, derogatory action or remarks
Basing educational/employment decisions on practices of submission to harassment
Sexual harassment is the attempt to control, influence, or affect the career or educational program of an individual in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment can also be conduct, which creates a hostile or offensive environment or unreasonably interferes with a person’s ability to perform his or her job, program of instruction, or function as a member of the school community.
Students who feel that harassment is occurring should fill out the necessary paperwork in the main office.
Students who instigate harassment but are not directly involved (those who spread rumors, put others up to harassment, carry information back and forth between individuals who subsequently harass) submit themselves to the same penalties as those who are directly involved in harassment.
Consequences for harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or reports to law enforcement.
The Augusta School Board believes that students and staff are entitled to learn and work in a school environment free of violence, threats and disruptive behavior. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for others and in accordance with board policies, school rules, reasonable unwritten behavior expectations, and applicable state and federal laws.
School staff is required to immediately report incidents of prohibited conduct by students to the building administrator for investigation and appropriate action.
Prohibited Conduct
Students are prohibited from engaging in the following conduct on school property, while in attendance at school or at any school –sponsored activity, or at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school:
A. Possession and/or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or harass another person. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, any other kind of gun, ammunition, explosives, crossbows, brass knuckles, switchblades, knives, shocking devices, chains, clubs, Kung Fu stars and num-chucks;
B. Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or harass another person. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to bats, belts, picks, pencils, compasses, objects capable of ignition (e.g., matches, lighters), files, tools of any sort and replicas of weapons (including toys);
C. Violent or threatening behavior, including but not limited to fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property (e.g., verbal or written death threats, threats of bodily harm, bomb threats);
D. Verbal or written statements (including those made on or through a computer) which threaten, intimidate, or harasses others, which tend to incite violence and/or disrupt the school program.
Other disciplinary issues will be handled on a case by case basis as they arise, by an administrator using his/her own discretion.
The Board and staff of the Augusta School Department support a safe and healthy learning environment for students that are free of the detrimental effects of drugs, tobacco products and alcohol. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative effort among school staff, students, parents, law enforcement and organizations concerned with the use of drugs, tobacco products 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 the issue of drug, tobacco products and alcohol use; prevention/education; intervention and discipline. The Superintendent is responsible for developing appropriate administrative procedures, curricula and programs to implement this policy, involving the diverse input and involvement of stakeholders.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not to be carried in school. If they are recommended for a student’s health and well being, they must be on record with the school nurse. Look-alike drugs, such as caffeine/diet pills, fake marijuana, and non-alcoholic beer, are treated as drugs and are not allowed. Consequences for use or possession will be determined by the drug policy.
The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco, vaporizing devices, vaporizing material, or alcohol on school property or in conjunction with any school activity is prohibited. Violation of this provision must be reported to the proper law enforcement agency and may be cause for suspension from school.
*Also reference Cony Behavior Rubric
The Board recognizes that responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with individual students and their parent(s)/guardian(s). While the Board recognizes that students’ mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference, it believes that reasonable regulation of student dress and adornment is consistent with its responsibility to maintain an environment conducive to student learning. The Board will not interfere with the personal choices of students unless they create a disruptive influence on the educational program or affect the health, safety or dignity of others.
Students are encouraged to use sound judgment and reflect respect for themselves and others in choices of dress and grooming. In keeping with the goals of the school unit to provide an effective, safe, healthy and non-discriminatory learning environment the following restrictions on dress shall be enforced:
A. Articles of clothing that promote the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs may not be worn on school grounds when school is in session or when participating in or attending school-sponsored activities.
B. Clothing, footwear, insignia or accessories that are intended to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang are prohibited.
C. Clothing that is revealing or suggestive may not be worn.
D. Wearing of clothing with displays that are sexual, vulgar, lewd or indecent or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic slurs) is prohibited.
E. Buttons, insignias, or other displays with messages, symbols, or depictions that ridicule, mock, or otherwise demean or provoke others because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability are prohibited.
F. Clothing and accessories that are dangerous or destructive of school property (e.g., cleats, spiked collars, pants with metal inserts that scratch furniture) are not permitted.
G. Clothing that draws undue attention to the wearer so as to detract from the educational process is not permitted.
Students who are not appropriately dressed will be asked to change or modify their clothing. A student who further violates this policy will be disciplined.
RELIGIOUS AND HEALTH ACCOMMODATIONS
Where the religious belief or documented health need of a student conflicts with the student dress policy, reasonable accommodations will be provided on an individual basis. Any student desiring accommodation should notify the school principal. Head coverings worn as part of a student’s bona fide religious practices or beliefs shall not be prohibited under this policy.
OTHER EXCEPTIONS
School administrators or teachers may require special clothing for health and safety reasons for students participating in physical education, certain extracurricular activities, work with or around machines or other activities. However, no particular brand may be required.
School administrators or teachers may approve for special purposes or activities the wearing of items that would otherwise be prohibited (e.g. hats with school logo for “Spirit Days”).
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
The Superintendent is responsible for the development of any administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy. The building principal/designee is responsible for enforcement of this policy.
Cony Middle and High School maintains a closed campus for all students except those who have earned privileges, which means students are to remain in the school building during the school day.
Absence - Learning that is lost due to absences or tardiness can never be adequately replaced; therefore, students’ presence in and promptness to classes and other school activities are expected on a daily basis.
Under Maine Law, the following absences may be excused:
1. Personal illness
2. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day
3. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day
4. A family emergency
5. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has been approved
6. Education disruption resulting from homelessness, unplanned psychiatric hospitalization, unplanned hospitalization for a medical emergency, foster care placement, youth development center placement or some other out-of-district placement that is not otherwise authorized by either an individualized education plan or other education plan or a superintendent's agreement developed in accordance with section 5205, subsection 2.
Parents (guardians) must notify the school when their child is absent.
Either a phone call to the attendance office on the day of the absence or an email to attendance@augustaschools.org is the preferred method. Parents may call the Attendance Officer directly at: 620-8081. However, parents or guardians must give their child a note stating the state approved reason on the day he/she returns to school as required by Maine Law. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the note to the Main Office. Students will be required to make up all work and tests missed. Students are allowed one make-up day for each day of excused absence. All make-up work shall be completed within five days after a student returns to school unless a specific alternate plan is developed due to extenuating circumstances.
A medical or professional excusal may become necessary if absences become excessive.
Absences for the following reasons, among others, cannot be excused: truancy, sleeping late, missed bus, trips not approved in advance, shopping, hunting/fishing, birthday, senior portraits, passport photos, driver education, job interviews, salon/barber appointments, and gainful employment. When a student has an unexcused absence for the day, he/she may receive a zero in all classes for that day. Students may not be allowed to make up work from their classes for an unexcused absence. Students will be provided appropriate intervention/discipline as stated in the Behavior Rubric.
Excessive Excused Absences – The truancy coordinator will also contact families with excessive excused absences.
Unexcused Absences from class - An unexcused absence from class (including advisor/advisee, homeroom, and study halls) will be considered cutting class and the behavior rubric will be followed.
Planned Absences - Students must pick up a planned absence authorization form from the attendance office. The parent/guardian must fill out and sign the form; the student then submits the form to each subject teacher for signature and advance class work. At least three days in advance, the completed form must be returned to the principal or an assistant principal for his/her approval and signature. Approvals will be based on number of absences, grades, etc. It is not the responsibility of the classroom teacher to re-teach the material covered during the students’ absence. All classroom work missed during a planned absence can be fully made up.
Dismissals - All planned dismissals are handled through the attendance secretary. All dismissals require a parent/guardian note and should be submitted to the attendance office before the beginning of the school day. Parents may call the attendance secretary directly at 620-8081 for extenuating circumstances. A medical or professional excusal may become necessary if dismissals become excessive.
Dismissals due to Illness- Dismissals for illness during the school day must be approved by the school nurse. Failure to follow these procedures may result in the dismissal being unexcused and/or potential disciplinary action.
Truancy - Truancy is defined by the State of Maine as absence from school which is not for a State approved reason. Maine state school law defines truancy as seven (7) consecutive or ten (10) days of unexcused absences during any school year.
Tardiness – Students are expected to attend all classes (including homeroom, study halls and RAM time) punctually. Students, Guardians and homeroom teachers will be notified about the student’s tardiness. Teachers will arrange for interventions for excessive tardiness to class and record in RTI notes. Referrals will be made to the Reintegration Specialist when teacher intervention does not correct tardiness. Administration will become involved when all other efforts have been unsuccessful and the student continues to be tardy to school. Student attempts to circumvent the tardy procedure will result in administrative intervention. Tardies can only be excused by professional or medical appointments with documentation.
The Board recognizes that education research has shown a positive correlation between meaningful and purposeful homework and student achievement. Homework offers an opportunity to practice skills and apply knowledge and promotes critical thinking and creativity.
The Board believes that teachers will assign homework, in accordance with the following principles:
A. Homework extends learning opportunities beyond the school day
B. Purposeful, relevant homework, when completed, produces the strongest achievement gains.
C. Meaningful homework helps students develop goal setting, self-discipline, time management and organizational skills.
D. Immediate, specific feedback should be given in order for homework to be effective.
E. Homework must be realistic in length and difficulty given the students’ abilities to work independently.
F. The amount of homework assigned should be gradually increased from grade to grade. As a child advances through school, it is reasonable to expect the amount of homework will be increased.