GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The school is not responsible for any damage or theft of vehicles or their contents.

2. Students’ use of personal vehicles on school property is a privilege.  Students are expected to follow all expectations when operating a vehicle on school property.

3. Students must park only in designated student spaces. Students may not park in the faculty parking lot, in visitor parking or along the front circle.  Students may not park on the grass or in handicapped spots without the appropriate documentation.

4. Once students arrive on school grounds, for safety, they are expected to enter the school.  

   1. Exception: Late arrival students can not enter the building early.

   2. Exception: Early dismissal students must leave the building at the bell.

5. Improper or unsafe use of vehicles on school property will result in the loss of driving privileges and additional interventions.  

6. The school reserves the right to tow at the owner’s expense.

7. Once students enter the building, students will not be allowed to access their vehicles during the school day unless they check in with the main office. Students should plan accordingly.

Marshwood High School seeks to continually improve the lines of communication between the school and home.  Technology provides and facilitates expanded opportunities through which to communicate.  All students at Marshwood High School are provided a Google account through the school’s Google domain.  

The use of Google strengthens teacher/student collaboration around assignments, homework, projects and timely prescriptive feedback.  The account provides students with an email address, document/file storage and sharing, and a school activities calendar.   

All faculty maintain online resources as a complementary means of communicating and improving accessibility to current class resources and expectations

Parents and students will also be provided access to the school’s student data management system, Infinite Campus (IC).   IC allows parents and students up to date access on attendance, grades, classwork and behavior.

IJNDB, IJNDB-R

RSU 35’s computers, networks and internet access are provided to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff.  This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops issued directly to students, whether in use at school or off school premises. Student use of school computers, networks and internet services is a privilege, not a right.  Compliance with RSU 35’s policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory.  

Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked.  Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.

These rules accompany Board policy IJNDB (Student Computer and Internet Use).  Each student is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving RSU 35 computers, networks and internet services, and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts.  These rules provide general guidance concerning the use of RSU 35’s computers and examples of prohibited uses.  The rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity by students.  Students, parents, and school staff who have questions about whether a particular activity is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator or the Technology Director.

A.  Consequences for Violation of Computer Use Policy and Rules

Student use of RSU 35 computers, networks and internet services is a privilege not a right.  Compliance with RSU 35’s policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory.  Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked.  Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.

The building principal shall have the final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be limited, suspended or revoked based upon the circumstances of the particular case, the student’s prior disciplinary record, and any other pertinent factors.

B.  Acceptable Use

RSU 35’s computers, networks and internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with RSU 35’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.

All Board policies, school rules and expectations concerning student conduct and communications apply when students are using computers.  Students are also expected to comply with all specific instructions from teachers and other school staff or volunteers when using RSU 35’s computers.

C.  Prohibited Uses

Examples of unacceptable uses of RSU 35 computers that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal materials.

2. Illegal Activities – Using RSU 35’s computers, networks and internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any Board policy or school rules.  RSU 35 assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using school computers.

3. Violating Copyrights – Copying, downloading or sharing any type of copyrighted materials (including music or films) without the owner’s permission.  RSU 35 assumes no responsibility for copyright violations by students.

4. Copying Software – Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the Technology Director.  Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties.  RSU 35 assumes no responsibility for illegal software copying by students.

5. Plagiarism – Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the internet (such as term papers, articles, music, etc.). When internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and website must be identified.

6. Non-School-Related Uses – Using RSU 35’s computers, networks and internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes; or any other personal use not connected with the educational program or assignments.

7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access – Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords, and accessing or using other users’ accounts.

8. Malicious Use/Vandalism – Any malicious use, disruption or harm to RSU 35’s computers, networks and internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.

9. Unauthorized Access to Social Media – Accessing social media sites, instant messaging, blogs, or chat rooms without specific authorization from the supervising teacher.

D.  No Expectation of Privacy

RSU 35’s computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of RSU 35 at all times.  Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including email, stored files and internet access logs.

E.  Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages

The student and his/her parents are responsible for compensating RSU 35 for any losses, costs and/or damages incurred by RSU 35 for violations of Board policies and school rules while the student is using RSU 35 computers, including the cost of investigating such violations.  RSU 35 assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by a student while using RSU 35 computers.

F.  Student Security

A student is not allowed to reveal his/her full name, address, telephone number, social security number or other personal information on the internet without prior permission from a teacher.  Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the internet without parental permission.  Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.

G.  System Security

The security of RSU 35’s computers, networks and internet services is a high priority.  Any student who identifies a security problem must notify his/her teacher immediately.  The student shall not demonstrate the problem to others or access unauthorized material.  Any user who attempts to breach system security, causes a breach of system security or fails to report a system security problem shall be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action in addition to having his/her computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked.

H.  Additional Rules for Laptops Issued to Students

The Board’s policy and rules concerning computer and internet use apply to use of laptops at any time or place, on or off school property.

1.  Laptops are loaned to students as an educational tool and are only authorized for use in completing school assignments.

2.  Before a laptop is issued to a student, the student and his/her parent must sign the school’s acknowledgement form.  Parents may be required to attend an informational meeting before a laptop will be issued to their child.

3.  Students are responsible for the proper care of laptops at all times, whether on or off school property, including costs associated with repairing or replacing the laptop.  RSU 35 offers a self-insurance program for parents to cover replacement costs and/or normal wear and repair costs for damages not covered by the laptop warranty.  Parents who choose not to purchase insurance should be aware that they are responsible for all costs associated with loss, theft or damage (malicious / misuse) to a laptop issued to their child.  The take-home user fee does not cover damage caused by negligence to include use of the laptop for other than educational purposes.

4.  If a laptop is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the school principal immediately.  If a laptop is stolen, a report should be made to the local police by the building principal immediately.

5.  Students are responsible for obeying any additional rules concerning care of laptops issued by school staff.

6.  Violation of policies or rules governing the use of computers, or any careless use of a laptop may result in a student’s laptop being confiscated and/or a student only being allowed to use the laptop under the direct supervision of school staff.  The students will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of Board policies or school rules.

7.  Parents will be informed of their child’s login password.  Parents should be aware that students can change passwords.  Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of the laptop and internet access when in use at home.

8.  The laptop may only be used by the student to whom it is assigned.

9.  Laptops must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the school year or whenever requested by school staff.

All school rules apply to all participants at dances organized by Marshwood High School.  Students must be in attendance at school the entire day of, or in the case of the Prom, the entire day before, in order to attend the event.  Students who are under suspension on the day of, or in the case of the Prom, the day before, may not attend the event.  Appropriate dress is required.  The dances are open to full time Marshwood High School students and their approved guests.  Guests must be of the ages of 14-20 as of the date of the dance.  No middle school students may attend.  Guests from other high schools must complete a Guest Approval Form and be approved ahead of time by administration.  Guests who do not attend other high schools must complete a Guest Approval Form, meet with administration and the MHS student, ahead of time for approval.  Students leaving a dance early will not be readmitted and their parents will be contacted.  

There are instances when certain information (directory information) regarding students is published.  These instances would be when students receive awards, participate in a school activity, or graduate. Directory information may include the following:

1. Student names, addresses, phone numbers.

2. Date of birth.

3. Major field of studies.

4. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports.

5. Weight and height of athletes.

6. Dates of attendance.

7. Degrees and awards received.

8. The most recent educational agency or institution attended.

9. Photograph.

If parents decide that they do not want a student's directory information published, they should state in writing on their student’s Emergency Form this decision to the Marshwood High School Principal.  (Please see Board Policy JRA & JRA-R for more information.) 

Military Recruiters and Colleges

A provision in federal education law, “No Child Left Behind Act,” provides that secondary schools that receive federal funds must release a student’s name, address and telephone number, upon request, to military recruiters and to institutions of higher education.  To prevent the release of information, you must inform the school by completing the necessary form available in the main office or in the Guidance office.  Military Recruiters are provided access to interested students during their lunchtime to present post secondary military opportunities.  Military Recruiters are not allowed to meet individually with students without parental permission.  

JFAA

Registration Link: https://rsu35.sites.thrillshare.com/page/student-registration

The following information is required before a student will be considered for admittance to Marshwood High School:  Students who are seeking to attend Marshwood as a tuition student must also follow the district’s tuition policy.  (Please see Board Policy JFAB for the Tuition Policy and more information.) 

1. Completion of enrollment packet forms.

• Student Records/Transcript Release Form

• Verification of Residency within District (except tuition students)

• Emergency/Enrollment Form/Handbook Sign Off 

• Home Language Survey

2. A copy of the student’s academic records (special education records, attendance records and disciplinary records) from previous school.

3. Proof of official withdrawal from previous school.

4. Proof of residency in the district (copy of purchase/sales agreement, rental agreement, etc.)

5. Verification of guardianship may be required when a student is changing residence from one parent to another.  If the student is going to live with someone other than a parent, proof of legal guardianship is required.

6. If the new student intends to participate in interscholastic sports, the parents and students must complete the online registration at www.formreleaf.com (Link) 

Requests for transfer credit for Equivalent Instruction completed at non-accredited schools or through Equivalent Instruction Programs shall be evaluated on the merits of the documentation provided.  Said assessment shall be made by the Principal upon request of a transfer student.  All accepted credits will be awarded a pass/fail status insofar as including the courses in the high school internal system of determining GPA rank in class. (See RSU 35 Board Policy JGAB - Transfer and Homeschooling Students)

Marshwood High School has enjoyed a tradition of hosting exchange students from a wide variety of countries representing many languages and cultural backgrounds.  The richness of their lives and personal experiences has enhanced experiences for the host families, students and teachers.  These requirements have been adopted to ensure quality placements.

• Exchange students must be placed with a family that resides in RSU 35 District.  It is preferable that the host family has a student at MHS.

• Host families must obtain permission from the high school principal by June 1, for a student to begin the following September.

• Exchange students are accepted for only one academic year beginning in September.

• The maximum number of exchange students who may be enrolled at one time for one academic year is four (4).

• Exchange students must be placed by approved exchange programs listed in the advisory of International Exchange Travel and Exchange Programs of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel Exchange.

• Competency in the English language is required.  If English tutoring or ESL help is needed, the student and/or the sponsoring agency accept responsibility to provide it.

• Exchange students are subject to all school rules and academic policies, including up-to-date immunizations and a physical within the last two years.

• Exchange students will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance and a transcript of grades upon completion of one academic year.  They will not be eligible for a Marshwood High School diploma.

• Exchange students wishing to play varsity sports must have a J1 visa limited to one academic year.  (See MPA Policy at http://www.mpa.cc)

All fundraising activities must be approved by the building principal.  Annual fundraisers require school board approval.  All fundraisers must use the fundraising form located here.   Refer to Board Policies JJE & JJEA.

Access to Information

• Subscription databases and web links on our homepage http://www.rsu35.org/libraries/ (Please ask the library staff for the user names and passwords sheet)

• DESTINY, our district-wide online catalog of our 23,000 print and non-print educational resources. This provides an index to carefully chosen resources that support and extend the MHS curriculum.  https://rsu35.follettdestiny.com/

• A wide variety of material, both fiction and nonfiction, in a range of reading levels, formats and genres (magazines, newspapers, audio books, graphic novels, quick picks, DVDs, college-bound reading, MHS yearbooks etc.) to support the progress of all students

• Book clubs, reading lists, book displays.

• Interlibrary loan services, we can borrow almost any title for you (except best-sellers and textbooks)

Information Skills Instruction

• Personalized, informal assistance, recognizing the benefits of “just in time” learning.

• A formal sequential program of information skills instruction integrated into the school's curriculum and embedded into inquiry-based learning activities in collaboration with classroom teachers.

• Readers' advisory services.

• Support for users of technology.

Technology and Other Resources

The library offers a supportive learning environment.  An array of production tools are available: laptops and desktop computers, color and black and white printers, copy machine, digital cameras, markers, tape, glue, scissors. Replacement flash drives are available. Work areas include private carrels as well as round tables for groups.

Rules

The library is a safe, distraction-free place where everyone is respectful of the learning environment.  To this end, distractions such as audible music, game-playing and extended, casual conversations are not allowed. The library staff will progressively intervene with students who cause distractions that hinder the learning of others.

1. Because of the potential for damage and added distraction, food and drink (other than water) are not allowed in the library, except on special occasions deemed appropriate by administration.

2. While there are no fines charged for overdue books and other materials, they must be returned before students can borrow more. At the end of the marking periods, overdue book materials become obligations turned into the office. These obligations can be cleared by paying for lost materials or returning them to the library.

3. Students must bring a pass from a subject teacher when accessing the library. 

4. Students using library laptops are asked to sign and date checkout cards and power down the machines before returning them. 

5. Digital cameras will be loaned to students for school projects on completion of a permission slip signed by the appropriate teacher and parent/guardian.

6. Students are expected to document their sources of information as a part of the research process. The library provides bibliography slips and the online program Noodletools to assist students in this process. Please ask the library staff for assistance if needed.

7. Donations of current materials in like-new condition are accepted if they are in compliance with the district's collection development policies and meet the needs of the library. Once donated, these materials are the property of the school and cannot be returned.

Library Hours: Monday through Friday 7:15 AM – 2:15 PM.

Requests for help or suggestions for purchase can be made by emailing the library media specialist, Mrs. Redimarker:  jennifer.redimarker@rsu35.org

A group of lockers are assigned to each advisor and are generally located as near as possible to the advisor’s room. Lockers are assigned by advisors to their advisory students to provide the students with a secure place to keep their valuables and personal items. Each year advisors will inform students that school lockers are the school’s property and that the school reserves the right to search any locker. Items within a locker will be the responsibility of the student who is assigned that locker. All lockers will have a school issued lock. Advisors shall advise students to use their locks and to not share their combination with others. For safety reasons, advisors should regularly check their assigned lockers to make sure that they are secured with a lock. Students who feel their locker location is inconvenient may see Mrs. Brooks to be assigned a second, more convenient locker. The student will be responsible for both lockers.

There is a lost and found in the main office.  It is expected that all lost items be reported to administration to assure a safe school environment.

You will receive a pre-recorded phone call from our superintendent in the event that there will be no school or a delay.  The no-school and two-hour delay announcements will be broadcast over television and radio stations.  In the event that school is called off for the day, athletic practices and events may be held at the discretion of the athletic director.

The school nurse is available to students daily.  If a student is not feeling well, the student must request to see the nurse to determine if the student is able to stay in school or should be dismissed.  Students will only be released from school for medical reasons with permission of the parent/guardian or of the person designated on the student's emergency card.

Although the Board discourages the administration of medication to students during the school day when other options exist, it recognizes that in some instances a student’s chronic or short-term illness, injury, or disabling condition may require the administration of medication during the school day. 

All parental requests to administer medication to their student must be accompanied by a written order from the student’s health care provider substantiating the fact that the administration of a particular medication during the school day is necessary for the student’s health and attendance in school.  The order must include the following:  

• The student’s name

• The name of the medication

• The dose

• The route of administration (tablets, liquids, drops)

• Time intervals for administration

• Any special instructions

• The name of the prescribing health care provider

(Please see Board policy JLCD/JLCD-E for more information.) 

Absences from school: the following conditions require a physician's statement in order for the student to return to school:

• Measles, mumps, chicken pox, ringworm, scarlet fever,

• Strep infection, mononucleosis, hepatitis, pink eye

• Absence due to an extended illness or surgery

  • Students who may not participate in sports or gym classes or plan on returning to a sport or physical education class following an extended illness or surgery.

Immunizations are an important part of the student's health record.  When a student receives immunization, the student needs to have the physician or clinic write the name of the immunization, dose, date and name of physician/clinic and give this information to the school nurse to keep the student's record up to date.

Students in the halls while classes are in session must have a pass from a staff member.

MSAD 35 is governed by policies developed by the school board. While we may list some of the policies that specifically pertain to our school here is the link to all board policies.

JRA-R Student educational records and informational administrative procedure

JRA- E1    Annual Notice of Student educational records and informational rights 

JEAA.  School Attendance, School absences and Tardiness

JIC   Student code of conduct

JICA  Dress Code Policy

JICJ   Student use of cell Phones and other electronic devices

JICH Drug and Alcohol use by students

JICIA Weapons, violence and school safety

JICK  Bullying

JK   Student discipline

All posters and advertisements must be approved by administration.  General announcements are made in the morning.  Club or class announcements must be signed by an advisor.  (Refer to Board policy KHB/KHB-R/KHB-E.)

Transportation routes can be found on the district website at www.rsu35.org/transportation-department/  Parents should contact the RSU 35 Transportation Department at 207-384-4681 for residents of South Berwick and Eliot or First Student Transportation for residents of Rollinsford 603-694-4406 if they have any questions or concerns about busing.

Students being transported shall be expected to adhere to all school and transportation rules and regulations as well as comply with all bus driver requests.  It is a privilege for students to ride the bus.  (Please reference Board Policy JICC - Student Conduct on Buses).  

Career Technical students are expected to ride the bus to and from their programs.

Inappropriate conduct on a school bus may result in school consequences and/or loss of the privilege to access district transportation.

The school day begins at 7:30 am and ends at 2:15 pm.  If students arrive early they should report to the cafeteria.  Free breakfast is available.

Late Arrival/Early Dismissal will be available for qualifying seniors only.

Qualifying seniors who have study hall periods 1 or 5, or periods 4 or 8, may complete a Late Arrival/Early Dismissal form. Once approved by the main office, students may arrive late or leave early.  Forms are available in the main office. 

Throughout the year each student has the responsibility of caring for school property loaned to them by the school (for example, laptops, locks, lockers, books, lab supplies and athletic equipment).  Students are required to return school property in the same condition it was received. If the property is lost or returned damaged, students will pay for replacement.  School issued property must be returned to the particular faculty member who issued it to assure that the return of the property is properly recorded.  Property that is abandoned in the school building, left in lockers, placed in teachers mailboxes or left in classrooms will not be recorded as returned and students will be held responsible for replacement.  An obligation will be assessed to students who have not resolved such issues.  Students will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities and/or graduation if they carry any obligations.

The Senior Lounge is a privilege earned by seniors who obtain a SAC pass during their senior year.  The senior lounge is only open during the academic school day from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. except during advisory period. Only seniors who have a SAC pass may be in the senior lounge.  The senior lounge is a place where seniors in good academic standing (SAC pass) may go to from their cafe study hall or during their lunchtime to relax, socialize, and/or study.  Seniors are expected to keep the lounge clean and picked up.  Seniors must understand that the lounge is in an academic area of the building and they must maintain an environment that is not disruptive.  Seniors are expected to manage themselves when in the lounge to ensure that all expectations are being met.  When faculty notice that the senior lounge expectations are not being met, they need to address the issue with those involved and inform administration.  The lounge will be closed down in a progressive manner when expectations are not being met.

Senior Week Activities are a Marshwood tradition and a privilege in which a number of formal and informal activities are planned and organized to celebrate the accomplishment of the senior classes’ graduation from high school.  All events take place the week leading up to graduation.  Seniors may attend the events and activities if they have fulfilled all obligations and are in good standing.  Only seniors who have met MHS Graduation Requirements and are in good standing will receive the regalia and may participate in Convocation and the Graduation Ceremony.  With all events appropriate attire is required.

• Senior Awards and Senior Banquet.  The Senior Awards Night is a formal event held in the auditorium in which a variety of academic and extracurricular awards are given.  All awardees, seniors and their families are invited to attend.  The Senior Banquet is held at an offsite location and is for members of the senior class only. 

• Marching Practice and Convocation.  All marching practices are mandatory for any Senior who wishes to participate in Convocation or the Graduation Ceremony.  Convocation is a formal event held in the auditorium, in which seniors perform a variety of talents, the yearbook is dedicated and a faculty address is given. 

• Full Circle.  Seniors who wish to participate in this event will leave MHS after Marching Practice and travel via district transportation to their elementary schools, Marshwood Great Works School and Marshwood Middle School.

• Advisory Celebration, Graduation and Project Graduation.  Students report to school for a Celebration in their Advisories one hour before Graduation.  Graduation is a formal event and is held at the school.  Project Graduation is an informal event including a variety of fun activities and is held at an offsite location.

RSU 35 has adopted policies and procedures for determining when a student shall be referred for special services.  (Refer to Board Policies IHBAA, IHBAC.)

Visitors must use our main entrance only.

Visitors must use the intercom to request access.

Administrative assistants will direct visitors.

Classroom Visits:

If a student is considering attending Marshwood High School, their parent/guardian should contact the School Counseling Office to make appropriate arrangements. All visitors must be approved by administration at least 24 hours in advance.

Parents are always welcome and encouraged to visit Marshwood High School.  In order that the school and individual classrooms operate with a positive atmosphere for learning, the following procedures will apply to parent visits:

1. The parent contacts the principal with a classroom visitation request;

2. The principal accommodates the request and schedules the visit as soon as practical for all involved;

3. The classroom teacher is notified of the visit;

4. The parent checks in the office on the day of the scheduled visit, receives a guest pass and is informally escorted to the classroom;

5. The parent checks out with the office as he/she leaves.