ACADEMICS

Academic integrity matters.  

The development of personal integrity and character among all students must be a fundamental element of education.  Marshwood High School insists honesty, trustworthiness and integrity are at the core of all learning.  Each student is responsible to produce their own work and never participate in any act that compromises the academic integrity of our school community.  All teachers will clearly present expectations, level of acceptable collaboration, and employ practices that promote academic integrity.  Parents are asked to assist the faculty in teaching students these core values of honesty, trustworthiness and personal integrity.

Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy include but are not limited to:

Cheating

• Unauthorized giving or taking of test questions/answers

• Unauthorized use of notes or aides on any test, quiz, etc.

• Accepting or giving assistance to another student during a test or quiz

• Copying another person’s work

• Providing information on test or quiz to someone who has not yet taken test or quiz 

• Allowing someone to copy your work

• Falsifying information

Plagiarism

• Presenting someone else’s work as your own

• Using ideas or words of another without crediting the source

• Paraphrasing any source without giving credit

• Copying and pasting any material from electronic media without citation.

Marshwood High School policy regarding consequences of academic dishonesty:

• The individual teacher will determine the grade-based consequence, which may include, and not be limited to, a zero for the assignment.

• The teacher will contact the student’s parents.

• The teacher will provide a written report of the incident to the administration.

Academic dishonesty affects the trust of the school community, college recommendations, membership in Honor Societies, and the consideration of academic awards and scholarships.

Student attendance is strongly linked to a student’s academic and future success.  Being in school every day matters.  Being absent, whatever the reason may be, causes students to get behind. When students are absent, they will need to take the necessary steps to catch back up in a timely manner.  

Timeliness, like attendance, is a life skill and correlates strongly to success and learning in the classroom. Tardiness disrupts the momentum of any learning experience. Therefore, students must arrive at school/classes on time.  Tardies will be monitored through the same system as attendance.  Tardies will only be considered excused if they meet the same criteria as absences.  

Teachers will manage absences and tardies through communication with students and parents and teacher interventions.  If a pattern of excessive absences or tardies develops, students will be referred to Administration and further communication and school consequences will be implemented.

Excused Absences are:

• Temporary illness documented by parent/guardian.

• Illness documented by doctor.

• Death in the family.

• Professional appointments (Court, lawyer, medical, etc., supported by legal documentation from these offices).

• Religious Holiday.

• All school related functions (field trips, co-curricular activities, concerts, etc.).

• College visitations (must have documentation from college).

• Pre-Approved Planned Absences (Pre-Approved Planned Absence Forms are available in the main office)

• Extenuating circumstances approved by Administration.

Outside employment is not an excused absence.

Student/Parent Procedures

After an absence, the student must either bring a note to the main office or the parent may call the main office or email the attendance line at attendance.mhs@rsu35.org to excuse their absence.  

If a student is absent, the main office will send an email alerting parents of the absences.

The school nurse will contact home to assess the absence. 

If after you receive these messages, you believe that the information is incorrect, please call the main office immediately, 207-384-4500. 

Absences will be deemed excused by the school per the above Maine State Law.  Processing an absence should not cause the student to be late to class.  The student will then show their pass to each teacher prior to the start of each class period and it will indicate excused or unexcused absence.  Retroactive notes will not be accepted.

Students who are tardy to school must report directly to the main office with a note explaining their tardiness.  They will then be sent to class with a pass indicating excused or unexcused tardy.

Students who need to be dismissed during the school day must report to the office prior to the start of school with a dated, signed note from the parent indicating the reason for the dismissal.  An excused or unexcused dismissal slip will be issued.   If there is an unanticipated need for a student to be dismissed, the parent must contact the school. All unanticipated dismissals will be reviewed by an administrator. 

Students who need to be dismissed during a school day because of illness must go to the school nurse to be assessed and determine if dismissal is appropriate.  Dismissals by the school nurse are excused absences.

Students must be present in their classes in order to participate in any extracurricular activities.

PLANNED ABSENCE FORM

For planned absences, students must complete a Planned Absence Form with explanation of absence, parental signature, administrative approval, excused/unexcused determination. Students will meet with all teachers prior to the absence to understand their responsibilities to maintain good standing in each class.  

Missed School Work

Students who have been absent will make up the class work missed no later than the day following the student's return to school. Long range assignments such as research papers are due on the date set by the teacher regardless of attendance.  Homework is due when the student returns.  In most cases, this should be sufficient time.  It is possible, however, that this will not be enough time.  In such cases, the student must make arrangements with the teacher(s) involved to complete the work.  Although students will benefit from completing missed work as a result of any absence to continue learning, in the event of an unexcused absence, this work may not receive credit.

• Regular attendance is very important, students who miss more than 5 days a quarter are considered chronically absent by the State of Maine and letters will be sent home.

• Students who are late 5 or more times as well as absent more than 5 days in a quarter will lose their SAC pass.

Marshwood High School believes in mutual respect and civility as standards of behavior.  Members of the Marshwood High School community are committed to keeping the school free from disruptions that interfere with the educational process.  Respect, civility, and orderly conduct by and among administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents and the general public are expected.  

The following standards will be adhered to with the purpose of fostering an appropriate learning environment:

Marshwood High School Civility Standards

• Students will demonstrate respect for one another, the facility, and personal property.

• Profanity, derogatory remarks, and insults will not be tolerated in written, verbal, non-verbal, or electronic form. 

• Members of our community will not be alienated, excluded, or discriminated against.

• All students and staff will refrain from inappropriate contact and inappropriate displays of affection. 

• Individual teachers may supplement these policies with additional classroom standards for a safe learning environment.

Upon completion of the 50 required community service hours the student must complete the Community Service Completion Form which must be signed by the project supervisor, parent/guardian and School Counselor. Community Service forms are available in the School Counseling Office.

1. Fifty (50) hours of community service is a graduation requirement for all students.  

2. Seniors must complete their community service by the last senior school day to graduate.

3. Some examples are:

• Tutoring (high school, middle school, elementary)

• Mentoring (high school, middle school, elementary)

• Junior firefighters

• Helping the elderly: shoveling, raking, piling wood, visiting nursing homes.

• Cleaning: rivers, parks, beaches, athletic fields, school grounds

• Helping: with church suppers and programs, hospitals.

4. Community Service cannot be:

• Court ordered community service

• Work that you are paid for

• Community service for relatives.

Course Selection Process

Each year in March students go through the process of selecting their classes for the next school year.  It is very important for students to thoroughly consider their course options as their selections will determine the courses that will be taught and the number of sections.  All students must be enrolled in at least 6 classes per semester.  All students work with their family and school counselor to develop a plan. The planning process starts at the end of the eighth grade with a Four Year Plan that is designed around the student’s goals for after high school, and may be modified each year with changes that may occur with the post secondary goals.  Therefore, it is essential to fully understand the requirements for graduation and the student’s goal for after graduation.  Many core content courses have different levels that a student may choose.  Honors level courses place high expectations on students to have sound study habits, strong motivation to achieve and a significant amount of independent work.  The College Prep (CP) level expects students to engage daily in their studies to develop and refine the skills and acquire the content knowledge for success in a post secondary education.  General level courses are designed to ensure students meet all content standards and acquire a solid understanding of their learning process and the skills necessary to continue learning.   In selecting a level, students should challenge themselves to maximize their educational opportunities for postsecondary success.  It is important to understand that students are not “locked-in” to a level all four years.  The Program of Studies provides examples of Four Year Plans and course descriptions for students and families to reference in selecting classes.  There are also four year sample programs of courses that will satisfy the goals for attending college or technical college, enlisting in the military or going directly into the workforce.  It is strongly encouraged for all to review these closely and to keep in mind the more rigorous academic course load a student takes the more flexibility there is in achieving their postsecondary goals. Families can find the program of studies at: MHS Program of Studies Website.

Prerequisites

Students should refer to the prerequisites listed by each course description in the Program of Studies.  Prerequisites and grade requirements in the Program of Studies act as guidelines to ensure that students have the appropriate prior knowledge to be successful in the course.

Add/Drop 

During the course-registration process, a great deal of time and effort is spent working with students to provide the best possible information with which to select courses. It is expected, therefore, that the pre-registered courses will be kept. If a student wants to change a course, this must be done prior to the beginning of each semester. After each semester begins, there is a three-day period that students may add and drop classes with parent, teacher, and school counselor approval. At the start of the second semester, only half-year classes may be changed. After this add/drop period only teacher, parent or counselor-initiated changes will be considered. Each request will be thoroughly reviewed by a school counselor, teachers and administration.

Course Withdrawal or Course Level Change Procedure for an MHS course (including independent studies, AP 4 ME etc.):

Occasionally, a student may need to withdraw from or change levels in a course after the 3 day Add/Drop period that occurs at the beginning of each semester.  The following procedure must be followed in order for a student to change levels or withdraw from a course:

1. Students must initiate a conversation with the current teacher.  The level change or withdrawal must be approved by the current teacher to begin the process.

2. Students must initiate a conversation with his/her parent or guardian who also must approve the level change or withdrawal for the process to continue.

3. The teacher must communicate to the school counselor that s/he approves of the level change or withdrawal.

4. The student will then receive an add/drop form from the school counselor.  All required signatures including the parent and teacher(s) must be received and the form must be returned to the school counselor in order for the level change or withdrawal to be finalized.

5. In the case of a withdrawal, the student will be assigned to a quiet study hall for the remainder of the current semester.

 The following procedure is used to determine grades for these courses:

1. If a student withdraws from a course before October 1st for a year long or semester 1 course or before March 1st for a semester 2 course, the course will not be included on a student’s transcript and the grade will not be calculated in the student’s GPA. 

2. If a student changes levels of a course before October 1st for a year long or semester 1 course or before March 1st for a semester 2 course, the grade at the time of withdrawal will be transferred to the new course and included in the final average for the current quarter at a percentage determined by both teachers. Only the new course level and final quarter 1 grade for the new course will be listed on the transcript and calculated into the student’s GPA.

3. If a student withdraws from a year long course or semester 1 course after Quarter 1, the student will receive a (WD) for this course on the transcript for the quarter in which the withdrawal occurred. The grade at the time of withdrawal will be calculated into the student’s GPA factoring the credit value and weight assigned to the course. For semester 2 courses, this same procedure will occur if a student withdraws after Quarter 3.

4. If a student is changing course levels after the midpoint of any quarter, the grade at the time of withdrawal will be transferred to the new course (with any AP/honors weight included if applicable) and included in the final average for the current quarter at a percentage determined by both teachers. For the current quarter and beyond, the student will receive the credit value and weight assigned to the new course level. The student will receive a WD on the transcript for the original course for the quarter in which they withdrew.  The student’s final average will be determined by the average of the previous quarter grades (with weight applied if applicable) and any remaining quarter grades at the weight assigned to the new course level.

Course Withdrawal or Course Level Change Procedure for an Early College course (YCCC/UMaine etc.):

1. If a student withdraws from an early college course prior to the add/drop date set forth by the institution, the course will not be included on a student’s transcript and the grade will not be calculated in the student’s GPA.

2. If a student withdraws from an early college course after the date set forth by the institution, the student will receive a (WD) for this course on their MHS transcript and on the transcript from the college institution. 

3-Year Graduation

This is an alternative chosen by a few students, usually for economic or personal reasons.  If this is chosen, it will be only after extensive consultation and a planning meeting held with the student, parents, school counselor, teachers and administration.  Plans must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.  Class rank is determined in its own class not Senior class.

Advanced Placement Courses

Marshwood High School offers Advanced Placement opportunities in all content areas.  AP courses provide students with rigorous college level curricula.  All students enrolled in an AP course at Marshwood High School must take the AP exam. The current fee to sit for each AP exam is approximately $97, which each student is required to pay.  Financial assistance is available for students in need.  Students who are enrolled in four or five Advanced Placements courses may choose to have two study halls.  Both study halls will be quiet study halls unless the student has a SAC pass, in which case, one will be a quiet study hall.  Students that score well on an AP exam may receive college credit from the college where they matriculate.  Colleges treat AP scores differently, and students seeking to receive college credit are encouraged to research thoroughly.  The following AP courses are offered:  English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, US History, Studio 2-D/Drawing, US Government & Politics, Art History, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics 1 and Statistics

The purposes of mid-year and end-of-year exams are to provide all students an opportunity to experience a structured and challenging exam environment, to require a heightened and extended level of attention, and to provide feedback as to the student’s mastery of content and state standards. Exams are scheduled over four days requiring an adjustment to the daily schedule. During mid-year exams, all students are required to attend for the full school day, and for end-of-year exams, students are only required to attend their scheduled exam periods.  Only students with excused absences will be allowed to make up an exam.  

All faculty are required to administer mid-year and end-of-year assessment during the specified exam time. Team Leaders are required to check that all content area exams are designed to assure that student outcomes are valid and meet the above purposes. Therefore, exams must be designed to be cumulative, progressive, overarching and adequate in length (90 minutes). All students are required to take mid-year and end-of-year exams, and students are to remain in the exam room throughout the exam period.  Exams count 20% of the respective semester grade.

Permission slips are required for all school field trips.  Only students who return signed permission slips will be allowed to attend a field trip.  All school rules are in effect on field trips.  Students leave and return to school on school transportation unless other arrangements have been made prior to the trip's departure from school.  Appropriate attire is required. Students are responsible for class assignments before leaving on the trip.

Full Time Students:  Students are considered full time if they are enrolled in six courses at Marshwood High School.  Career Technical and ELO courses are considered MHS courses.

Grades can be monitored through access to the student data management system, Infinite Campus (IC).   Teachers will update their grades on IC every week to ensure that students and parents have the most current information.   The School Counseling Office will provide students and parents with a username and password.  The parent portal is found at www.msad35.net/mhs.  

Quarter grades are issued four times a year and are accessed through IC.  A numerical system is used for academic course evaluation along with a separate comment grade in each subject.  Comment grades provide a quick synopsis of the student’s effort and attendance.  Quarter grade changes may only occur due to extenuating circumstances and will be reviewed and approved by administration.

Numerical grades are used on report cards; the letter equivalents are as follows:

92-100=A     83-91=B     74-82=C     65-73=D; minimum passing grade – 65

Report Card Hawk Habits Comment List.  With each grade an effort mark is included and the standards are as follows:

Hawk Habits: Hawk Habits Rubric

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is computed for each student at the end of each year.  The credit earned for each course is multiplied by the point value of each grade received.  These grade points are then totaled and divided by the total number of credits attempted and the result is the grade point average.  The student's rank in class is a numerical rank based on this grade point average.  Honors, Advanced Placement and university courses are weighted. Final class rank for seniors is determined after the third quarter.  All courses that a student takes will be included on transcripts and calculated into the GPA.

Weighted Grades

Method of computing GPA:  All courses are used in calculation, with weighting for Honors, Advanced Placement and university courses.  Using a scale of 100, all honor courses are weighted at 1.05 and AP and university courses are weighted at 1.10.  

AP Courses offered: Art History, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Physics, Statistics, Studio Art 2-D Drawing, US History, and US Government and Politics; additionally University Courses.  

Honors Courses offered: English I, English II, English III,  American Studies, Composition, Modern World History, American Citizenship, Modern United States History, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Conceptual Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.

Letter Grade Conversion

Marshwood High School will use the following grade conversion for grades students receive in college and university courses and/or for transfer student letter grades.

MHS Grade Conversion: Grade Conversion

Before entering high school, students need to know the performance standards and the requirements for attaining a high school diploma in order to plan an appropriate and sequential educational program to meet the diploma requirements.

Maine State Law, Chapter 466, enacted in July 2018, allows local school units two options in providing secondary school diplomas.  The Board of Directors reviewed the two options and determined to base the diploma requirements for MSAD # 35 on the option that meets what is known as the Credit-based diploma law.  The Board of Directors has chosen to meet this option as it provides the greatest flexibility for all our students to receive a high quality educational experience that maximizes their growth intellectually towards independence as well as prepare them for college and/or career.  The Board of Directors recognizes the value of having curricula based on standards that are consistent with State and Federal guidelines put forth in the Maine Learning Results and Guiding Principles, Common Core, and Next Generation Science standards. Thus, all students are provided opportunities to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency and effective work habits needed for success in awarding of a Marshwood High School diploma. Additional expectations may be put forth by the Board of Directors consistent with community education values.

The Superintendent, through the high school principal, shall be responsible for making accurate information concerning diploma requirements available to incoming students and their parents prior to the start of their ninth grade year or at any time there is a change in graduation requirements affecting current students. This policy will be included in the high school student handbook.

The Board has approved the following as the minimum requirements for any student to receive a Marshwood High School diploma.

Marshwood High School Diploma Requirement

A.   The student must successfully demonstrate proficiency of standards and demonstrate acceptable work habits in all required coursework for graduation.  Successful completion for a required, standards based course means the student met proficiency in the standards assessed and received a passing grade for the course.  Successful completion of the required, standards based courses also demonstrates proficiency in the standards of the Guiding Principles which are embedded in these courses’ curricula.  Thus, students receiving a diploma will be:

a.     Clear and effective communicators.

b.     Self-directed and lifelong learners.

c.     Creative and practical problem solvers.

d.     Responsible and involved citizens.

e.     Integrative and informed thinkers.

Required, standards based courses a student must successfully complete are (total 14.5 credits):

1.     English and Language Arts: 3 credits to include English I, English II, and English III.

2.     Mathematics: 3 credits to include at least Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II or Algebra IA, Algebra IB and Geometry.

3.     Science and Technology: 3 credits to include Freshmen Science, Chemistry, and Biology.

4.     Social Studies: 3 credits to include World History, United States History, and American Citizenship

5.     Health and Physical Education: 1.5 credits to include Wellness and a Physical Education elective course. Beginning with the class of 2027, 2 credits in Health and PE are required to graduate. (one PE and one full Health credit)

6.     Visual and Performing Arts: 1 credit to include a standards based course.

B.    Additional required course work:

a.     An additional elective credit in English

b.     5.5 credits of elective courses across any content area.

c.    Career and Postsecondary Education to include: participation in advisory and school counseling programs.

C.    Students must complete and document fifty hours of community service.

D.   Should the state mandate testing in one or more subject areas, students will need to participate in all such tests as a requirement of graduation.

E.    Other Local Considerations:

a.     Students may obtain elective course credits through studies at the Marshwood Adult Education Program only with the approval of the Director of Adult Education, School Counselor, and the Principal.

b.     Elective course credits may be obtained through accredited correspondence/online courses and requires prior approval of the School Counselor and Principal.

c.     Advanced or enrichment courses may be taken at approved colleges or universities or any other secondary schools and require prior approval of the School Counselor and Principal.

d.     Independent Study Programs may be used for elective course credit on a pass/fail basis and require prior approval of content area by the Team Leader, School Counselor and Principal.

e.     External credits/courses that are to be used as a required, standards based course requires prior written approval from the Principal.

   f.    Additional Considerations Applicable to the awarding of a Marshwood High School Diploma:

a. Transfer Students: For students who transfer to Marshwood High School from another state or from an educational program that is not required to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results, the Marshwood High School principal shall determine the value of the student's prior educational experience towards achieving the standards in a manner consistent with State law and applicable Board policies.

b. Early Awarding of Diplomas: A student who has met the State's and the Board's diploma requirements in fewer than four years of high school may be awarded a diploma. A student must obtain approval from the principal in advance of a decision to graduate early.

c. Delayed Awarding of Diplomas: At the Superintendent's discretion, a student who leaves Marshwood High School to attend an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education may, upon satisfactory completion of the freshman year, be awarded a high school diploma when they have met all graduation requirements.

d. Extended Study: Students are eligible for extended years of study to complete the requirements of a diploma if they have not reached the age of 20 at the start of the school year. Students eligible for extended years of study may be referred to adult education or other resources suitable to young adult learners.  

e. Students with Disabilities:  Decisions regarding a special education student’s eligibility for graduation will be made by the student’s IEP team.  The IEP team will consider the student’s progress towards their IEP goals, credits earned, and progress towards proficiency-based standards, among other factors as determined appropriate by the IEP team.

f. Participation in Graduation ceremony: With the exception of paragraph e. above students must complete all requirements for a Marshwood High School diploma and/or complete their learning prior to turning twenty years old or through the school year in which they turn twenty to participate in graduation exercises.

Legal References:  20-A M.R.S.A. § 4722 Ch.127 § 7 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules)

Cross References:    ILA - Student Assessment

  IK - Evaluation of Student Achievement 

Policy Revised:     October 7, 1998, August 25,2004 and February 25, 2009, June 21, 2017 October 18, 2017, April 24, 2019, April 28, 2021

If requirements have not been satisfied for a Marshwood High School diploma by the senior sign out date, the student will not be able to participate in graduation or ceremonies that require cap and gown.  This includes the completion of all credits, community service and the payment of all financial obligations.  Seniors that do not meet requirements may participate in Senior Banquet and Project Graduation.

• Individual Counseling

If a student wishes to meet with their school counselor, they may make an appointment during a study hall or before or after school. Students may make appointments by emailing their counselor to request a meeting or by using their QR code/online booking link to book an appointment. Individual meetings give students the opportunity to discuss any concerns they might have or receive support in the following areas: academic, social, emotional, post-secondary planning (with the additional support of our College/Career Counselor) and referrals to outside services. Please click here to:  Meet the MHS Counselors

• Informational Services

     The School Counseling Department subscribes to the Scoir program which offers a wide     

     range of college search tools, personality assessments and college admissions data.  

     Students may access the program using their assigned usernames and passwords.  The 

     School Counseling Department also has a library of books and information on careers,   

     college, and vocational school catalogs.  

• Records Release

All records will be released in accordance with RSU 35 policy and Federal and State law.  In addition, it is assumed, unless notified in writing to the contrary, information regarding awards will be released to the press.

• Parent Conferences

Parents are welcomed to contact school counselors to make appointments to meet with them.

• Standardized Testing Program

Standardized Testing Program is designed to meet all state and federal requirements to determine if the school is making adequate yearly progress.  These test results are used by the school to measure student progress to ensure students are meeting standards, identify students needing greater support, and to recognize students’ academic strengths.  Students are expected to always do their best on these tests.  Parents and students may meet with their counselor to discuss the implications of test results or other tests that are available to assist students in meeting future aspirations.  

The NWEA is mandated by the state for all third year students.  Marshwood High School will at a minimum meet the state testing requirements.

The following tests are also available.  Interested students should see their School Counselor.  These tests often require an additional fee.  (See Board policy IL/ILBA) 

• American High School Math Exam-Students of Calculus, Advanced Math, & Algebra II

• National Latin Exam

• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I & II) - Grades 10, 11, 12

• Advanced Placement (AP) – Subjects vary each year depending on master schedule.

• American College Test (ACT)

• The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Homework is an integral part of each student’s education at Marshwood High School.  All students are responsible to continue their learning at home.  Homework serves a purpose and is meaningful when completed and as a result, the student is able to receive valuable feedback in a timely manner.  Homework will be graded and used as a component in determining course grades.  Students must ensure that their work satisfactorily meets the Standards for Acceptable Work below:

Standards for Acceptable Work

The Marshwood High School staff believes good work and study habits are crucial to academic and personal success.  In support of this belief the staff has adopted certain minimum standards that must be met for work to be considered.  It is important to point out these standards are minimum.  Satisfying these requirements only allows the work to be accepted by the teacher for a determination of grades.  Since these standards represent a school-wide consensus, individual teachers or departments may implement additional standards.

These standards are:

• All work must be on a full sheet of paper, neat, legible, and be completed with the proper implement (pen or pencil as directed).

• If work is to be completed in blue or black ink, these are the only acceptable colors unless otherwise directed.  

• Adequate margins must be present, and where possible, complete sentences must be used.  

• Spelling errors must be at a minimum.

• The use of the writing process should be in evidence as required by the individual teacher.

• If calculations are required, all work leading to the answer must be shown and the answer clearly indicated.

• Lab reports will follow a prescribed format.  A document describing lab report guidelines is shared with students on google docs and is titled Science Department-Wide Formal Lab Report Format.

• If unacceptable work is submitted, the following will occur:

• The paper will be returned to be redone.

• One day will be allowed for resubmission.

• The original and the re-submitted work will be passed in.

IKB 

The Maine School Administrative District #35 Board of Directors acknowledges that there is a positive correlation between meaningful, purposeful homework and student achievement. Homework extends learning opportunities beyond the school day, deepens understanding of a subject, and encourages a love of learning. Homework is an integral part of a teacher’s practice, and as such, needs to be thoughtfully crafted, valued, and weighted.

The purpose of homework is to provide students an opportunity to practice, reinforce and apply previously taught skills, acquire knowledge, and prepare for future lessons. The Board recognizes that an additional benefit of homework is teaching students the value of working independently to complete a task and learning to manage their time.

The Board also recognizes that well designed homework should:

• Have a clear purpose,

• Be designed for completion within a reasonable time frame,

• Be the responsibility of the student (Parents should play a supportive role by encouraging and monitoring students’ efforts, and providing a conducive learning environment),

• Offer students immediate, specific feedback in order to be effective,

• Reflect students’ academic needs, learning styles, and abilities.

The amount of homework assigned will gradually increase from grade to grade. As a child advances through school, it is reasonable to expect that homework will be increased according to the following guidelines:

• Kindergarten: No homework;

• Grades 1-3: A few minutes in grade 1 to a maximum of 30 minutes in grade 3 for all subjects combined;

• Grades 4-5: A maximum of 60 minutes for all subjects combined;

• Grades 6 -8: A maximum of two hours per night for all subjects combined;

• Grades 9-12: A maximum of three hours per night for all subjects combined. Students enrolled in AP and Honors classes may exceed a maximum of three hours per night for all subjects combined.

Each school in the district shall provide opportunities and resources for students to complete homework on site.

The Board expects that additional guidelines shall be established at each school in regard to weight of homework assignments on a student’s grade, amount of homework, differentiation of assignments, and consistency.

The average cumulative amount of work required over a weekend should not exceed a regular day’s assignment. Weekends may be for review, voluntary work, or completion of make-up assignments.

School breaks are intended to be a time that is free from schoolwork for students and staff. School breaks may be used for review, voluntary work, or completion of make-up assignments. In the event that there is a critical assignment that students must complete over a school break, teachers must have prior written approval from the building principal.

A copy of this policy shall be included in all school and parent handbooks or otherwise distributed to all students.

Cross Reference: KE Public Concerns and Complaints

Policy Adopted: May 1, 1991
Policy Revised: November 3, 1999
Policy Revised: February 27, 2008
Policy Revised: March 20, 2013

Academic Awards 

Marshwood High School takes great pride in recognizing high academic performances of students.  Recognition occurs quarterly with Honor Roll, and annually at the end of the year at Underclassmen Honors Night and Senior Awards Night.  

Quarterly Recognition

Honor Roll designation is given to full time students and determined by quarter grades as follows:

High Honors - quarter marks in all classes are 92 or above.

Honors - quarter marks in all classes are 83 or above and with at least one mark between 83-91.    

Honorable Mention - quarter marks in all classes are 83 or above and with at least one mark

between 74-82.

Annual Recognition

The Honor Undergraduate Award is an Academic Letter Award, awarded to students in their Advisories, provided to full-time students who achieve a cumulative GPA of 92 or better.  For the first letter award, a student will receive a letter, “M,” on which to present all letters achieved over their high school experience.  They will also receive an academic letter pin.  For subsequent letters in the same area of achievement, the student will receive a bar pin. 

Underclassmen Honors Night 

The Content Area Honor Award is given to an underclassmen student in each grade level in the areas English, Math, Technology Education, Music, World Languages, Career Technical, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Science.  These students are selected by the content faculty for a high level of achievement. 

The Effort Honor Award is given to an underclassmen student for each of the following content areas: English, Math, Technology Education, Music, World Languages, Career Technical, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Science. The student recipient is chosen by the content faculty for their high level of effort.

The Aimee Schramm Book Awards are given to the top three ranking scholars in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades.

Senior Awards Night

The Honor Graduate Awards are Academic Letter Awards provided to full-time students who achieve a cumulative GPA of 92 or better and have been a full-time student since at least the beginning of the second semester of their junior year.  For the first letter award, a student will receive a letter, “M,” on which to present all letters achieved over their high school experience.  They will also receive an academic letter pin.  For subsequent letters in the same area of achievement, the student will receive a bar pin. 

The Top Ten Graduates receive a gold cord as part of their regalia designating that their GPA for the past 7 1⁄2 semesters is one of the ten highest GPAs for the graduating class and they have been a full-time student since at least the beginning of the second semester of their junior year.

The Career Technical Honor Awards are given to graduating seniors that have maintained a GPA of 92 or higher throughout their Career Technical program.  These students receive a silver cord as part of their regalia.

The Director’s Book Awards are given to graduating seniors with high achievement in the following content areas: Career Technical, English, Family and Consumer Science, Fine Arts, Instrumental, Math, Social Studies, Science, Technology, World Language and Vocal.

The Maine Principals’ Award given to a senior who demonstrates extraordinary leadership, high academic achievement and exceptional service to their community.

The Performing Arts Award is given to a male and a female actor who has been highly committed and involved in the performing arts.

The Permanent Art Collection Award is given to a senior student whose artwork is selected by the faculty to remain on permanent display at MHS.

The Senior Athlete Award is given to a male and a female student who has participated in at least two seasons of athletics and possesses exceptional athleticism.

The Kenniston Award is given to a male and a female senior who has demonstrated a high level of leadership, academic excellence, sportsmanship and athleticism.

The Watch Award is given to a senior who, despite compelling personal adversity, has grown significantly to achieve a diploma and will be a positive ambassador of the value of a Marshwood High School experience.         

La Legion d’Honneur

The Légion d’Honneur is sponsored nationally.  The purpose of the organization is to recognize high achievement in French and to promote continuing interest in the French language. To qualify for membership a student must have maintained an average of 92% or higher in the previous year of French (II, III, & IV) and at least a 92% average for the first semester (quarter 1 and quarter 2) of the current year.

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a national organization with local chapters that honors outstanding students.  The Piscataqua Chapter at Marshwood High School is both an honorary and a service organization.  The honor is that of being selected by teachers for exemplifying the qualities of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  As a service organization, the Piscataqua Chapter helps with community activities and earns money to provide scholarships for deserving seniors who are pursuing some form of post-secondary education.  Five officers elected annually by the membership lead the Piscataqua Chapter.   Staff members selected by the Principal serve as advisors and Faculty Council.  Monthly meetings are held throughout the school year.

Selection Process:  Juniors and seniors who have a cumulative grade point average of 92 or higher are academically qualified for selection to NHS membership.  Those who qualify academically receive a detailed activities questionnaire to complete and return to the Chapter advisors.  To qualify for further consideration in the selection process, each student must show documented evidence of current school activities, community service, and leadership.  Community service cannot be a paid activity, one for which the student receives credit, or one that is part of a course requirement.  Candidates must also submit to the advisors an essay on one of the four NHS qualities.

Scholarship is but one of four qualifications for selection to the NHS.  Leadership, service to others, and character are equally important and bear equal consideration throughout the selection process.  Students seeking NHS membership should ask themselves these questions: When something needs to be done, do I pitch in and help?  Are my actions those that my school would like to serve as an example to others?  Do I help to organize worthwhile activities in school and in my community?

The Faculty Council after surveying the staff, considers each candidate on the merits of leadership, service, and character.  A majority affirmative vote by the Council is necessary for selection. There is one selection per year, in the fall.  Membership: Upon being selected, each student has an opportunity to accept or decline membership.  If a student declines the offer of membership, he or she may not be re-considered.  NHS members must maintain the high standards of scholarship, leadership, service and character that led to their initial selection.  They must also attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings and perform three (3) community service projects per year.  These projects must be pre-approved by Chapter advisors.  Failure by a member to meet any of these requirements may result in suspension or dismissal from the NHS.  Once dismissed, a member may not be readmitted.  Students or parents with questions about NHS may contact the Chapter advisors.

Spanish National Honor Society

The Spanish National Honor Society is sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.  The mission of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica is to recognize high school achievement in Spanish and Portuguese and to promote interest in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian studies. The initiation is held in May and in order to qualify, students must be enrolled in either Spanish III or IV.  The student must have at least a 92 average in Spanish II or III for the previous year and at least a 92 average in the first semester (quarter 1 and quarter 2) of the current year.

Latin National Honor Society

The Latin National Honor Society is sponsored by the National Junior Classical League to celebrate students' achievements in the Latin language, knowledge of Roman life, and appreciation of the classical world.  Eligible students must maintain at least a 92 average in their current Latin course and demonstrate good citizenship.

Tri-M Music Honor Society

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.  Tri-M is a program of the National Association for Music Education.  In order to qualify, students must be enrolled in either Concert Band and/or Vocal Ensemble.  Students must maintain at least a B grade average in music courses and at least a C grade average in other academic subjects.  Students must also demonstrate leadership, service, and character in their activities.

The SAC pass system is based on attendance, academic success and individual responsibility.  This system rewards students for successfully taking care of their responsibilities.  Only full time students are eligible for a SAC pass.  SAC passes are earned on a quarterly basis.  Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for a SAC pass with the following criteria:  have all grades of 75 or higher in all classes in the previous quarter, meets or exceeds hawk habits. No suspensions in the previous quarter and no more than 3 office detentions. Students cannot exceed 5 tardies and/or 5 absences in the previous quarter. Freshmen may begin receiving SAC passes in the second semester given that they have met the SAC pass requirements in the previous two quarters. 

Students are required to carry their updated SAC pass at all times.  Students with SAC passes are assigned to the cafe study hall rather than a quiet study hall.  A SAC pass provides a student with free admission to school functions.  Senior SAC pass students may have access to the senior lounge. If a student exceeds five absences, five tardies to school, in school or out of school suspension, or 3 or more office detentions, in a quarter their SAC pass will be revoked.  

Students who do not qualify for SAC passes are assigned to quiet study halls.

Report Card Hawk Habits Comment List.  With each grade an effort mark is included and the standards are as follows:

Quarterly Hawk Habits: Hawk Habits

The following school-wide rubrics represent the method all faculty will use to assess students’ work to determine if students meet the expectations presented in Marshwood High School’s Core Values, Beliefs and Learning Expectations.  All students are expected to achieve at least a  “meet” status in each rubric.  Although students may meet the Core Values, Beliefs and Learning Expectations through a wide variety of learning experiences across all disciplines, content area teachers are assigned the responsibility to ensure all their students meet a specified school wide rubric.  The rubric - content area assignments are as follows:

English: MHS WRITING RUBRIC

Math: MHS PROBLEM SOLVING RUBRIC  

History: MHS ORAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC

Art, Music, Family & Consumer Sciences: MHS CREATIVE EXPRESSION RUBRIC

School Counseling and Administration: MHS SOCIAL AND CIVIC RUBRIC

Science: MHS CRITICAL AND INTEGRATIVE THINKING RUBRIC