SAFE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Backpacks assist students in carrying their school related materials from class to class during the school day. In order for students to arrive in their assigned classes prepared with all necessary class materials, students may carry their personal backpacks with them throughout each school day. Students will follow classroom expectations for backpack storage/placement.

The Behavioral Intervention Center (BIC) is a supervised learning opportunity for students who have violated the district Student Code of Conduct policy.  When a student is assigned to the  BIC program, they are expected to report to school on time, arrive in the designated BIC program location (F-106) before the late bell rings, and arrive prepared with all necessary school and class materials. While assigned to the BIC program, students will have an opportunity to complete and submit class assignments including assessments, communicate with their subject area teachers via their school g-mail/chat, and access their Infinite Campus and google classroom resources. Upon arrival in the BIC program, students will complete a reflection form with the support of the BIC instructor to analyze their behavior that resulted in a BIC assignment, and to create a plan for avoiding repeat violations of the student code of conduct. When and if a student knows in advance that they have been assigned to the BIC program, they should communicate with their teacher(s) regarding the start date and duration of their BIC assignment. As opportunities arise, teachers will attempt to stop by the BIC classroom to check-in and work with their student(s).  Students are expected to meet all classroom expectations, assignment deadlines, and complete planned assessments regardless of their assignment to the BIC program. For class work that cannot be completed during a BIC assignment, it is the student's responsibility to arrange times for assignment/assessment make-up that meets the teachers make-up expectations and procedures. Students assigned to the BIC program are restricted from following normal bell, bathroom, and change of class schedules. Each day when a student arrives in the BIC classroom they will be expected to turn off their cell phone and place it in the designated cellphone caddy. While students are assigned to the BIC program, they will not be permitted to use their cell phones during bathroom/water breaks, lunch time, or during class time changes. Cell phones can be retrieved from the cell phone caddy at the end of each school day (2:15 P.M.). In addition, students assigned to the BIC program may not participate in any school activities/events both curricula and co-curricular during the duration of the BIC assignment ie: games, practices, clubs meetings etc... .

Marshwood High School is a public building where all students are expected to meet behavior expectations that helps create and support a high quality teaching and learning environment for everyone. In order for this environment to exist and flourish, students shall refrain from engaging in public displays of affection as this is not school appropriate behavior.  Students who do not comply with this expectation will be reminded and/or warned by the observing staff member to reinforce appropriate school behavior expectations.  Students who require frequent and/or repeated reminders to refrain from public displays of affection will encounter disciplinary consequences.

Any extremes of dress which distract from the orderly operation of normal school school business, creates a safety concern to self and/or others, or calls undue attention to an individual or groups of people are inappropriate and an immediate change of dess will be required.  Articles of clothing that promote the use of alcohol and other drugs are also inappropriate, as well as clothing that offends others or deviates from our school's themes of tolerance and respect.  In addition, articles of clothing with displays that are sexual, vulgar, lewd or indecent or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic slurs) are also prohibited. (See Board Policy JICA.) 

Students engaging in behaviors while on school property that demonstrate an intent to commit an action that violates Marshwood High School’s Student Code of Conduct will be determined a detriment to our school’s safe learning environment.  Therefore, any communications including, but not limited to, verbal, hand written notes, or electronically generated communication ie: email/text message or social media post that indicates the intent to commit an action that violates the Student Code of Conduct and undermines our safe school learning environment will be considered a violation of school rules and/or District policy resulting in consequences that are commensurate with the violation committed.

Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) when used in a focused and purposeful manner may facilitate and/or support learning.  However, PED use during normal school hours where the PED distracts and/or impedes the learning process at Marshwood High School is prohibited.  Students are expected to use their laptop computer during the school day to access their learning as well as communicate with school peers and their teachers using their school g-mail and chat accounts. Students are expected to comply with both school and classroom guidelines for use and storage of their PED's during assigned class times.

Students are allowed to bring their PEDs to school. However, to ensure periodic use of PEDs is appropriate for learning, Marshwood High School has established the following expectations as the acceptable guide for use of a PED during normal school hours.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

• PEDs are not to be used by students in classes, advisory, hallways, or restrooms while an assigned class is in session.

• Students may use their PED between classes, during lunch, and during SAC pass study hall.

• PEDs will be placed and remain in the cell phone caddy throughout an assigned class period unless the students are being dismissed from school. Students are not allowed to take their cell phone from the caddy while using the bathroom or taking a water break.

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS:

• Teachers will have each student place their PEDs in a designated cell phone caddy upon entering the classroom.

• Teachers have the discretion to allow students to use of a PED in their classroom for educational purposes. 

• Teachers will post and periodically review their PED use/storage protocol with students in each of their classes.

PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS:

• Parents/Guardians are encouraged to refrain from communicating directly with their student ie: texting or phone calls during the normal school day. 

• In the event of a need or an emergency that requires a communicate with your student, parents/guardians are asked to contact the main office so the school may provide the necessary assistance and support for the student without having an impact on the school learning environment. 

If a student uses a PED in a way that does not meet these expectations he/she will be subject to the following interventions:

1st Offense:​ Verbal reminder of school and classroom PED use expectations. Teacher may choose to confiscate the PED for the remainder of the current class period.

2nd Offense:​ PED will be confiscated until the end of the class and a final warning behavior referral will be submitted in Infinite Campus for repeated misuse of technology. Teachers will include a description of previously used interventions within in the submitted referral.

3rd Offense/Chronic Offender:​ The PED will be confiscated and sent to the main office. A behavior referral will be submitted to the main office for continuous and repeated refusal to meet school and/or classroom PED use expectations. The PED will remain with administration until the end of the school day. The student can retrieve their cell phone from the office at the end of the day.

Any student refusing to provide a PED upon request by school staff ie: hall monitor, teacher, administrator etc..., will be considered insubordinate and subject to consequences up to and including out of school suspension. Teachers are to give confiscated PED's to the administration if the teacher believes use of the PED has violated the Student Code of Conduct policy or is in some way has been used to create a disruption and/or unsafe school or classroom environment.

If a faculty/staff member comes upon a student using their cell phone in the hallway during class time they will speak with the student and warn them about the school cell phone use expectation during school hours. If the student is a know chronic offender, the teacher will confiscate the phone and bring the phone to the main office followed by the submission of a behavior referral in Infinite Campus and let the student know that their phone can be retrieved at the end of the day from the school administration.

When a student’s PED is acquired/confiscated by any school staff ie: hall monitor, teacher, administration etc..., and given there is reasonable suspicion of a use violation, the school administration may request to search the device to determine if there is a violation that creates or contributes to an unsafe school environment such as: sexting, bullying/harassment, communication related to use or distribution of substances, or intent to commit a crime.  In all search circumstances that involves inappropriate behavior and/or a violation of our safe school environment, parents will be informed of the situation and any consequence assigned. In addition, law enforcement may be informed and involved to determine if a law has been violated.

Please note: Marshwood High School, and the teacher are not responsible for cell phones that are lost, stolen, or damaged while in Personal Electronic Device carrier.

Reference School Board Policy: JICJ - Student Use of Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices

* Cell phones, smart watches

Sexting is a distraction to the learning environment of our school and under some circumstances may be a violation of law.  Sexting is the sending, recording, copying, receiving or forwarding of sexually explicit messages, photos, and/or images via cell phone, computer or other digital device.  Marshwood High School (MHS) recognizes all circumstances involving sexting to be unacceptable whether the action occurs at school or the evidence is brought into the school.  All reported incidents potentially involving sexting will be fully investigated by the school administration and in many cases law enforcement via the MHS Student Resource Officer (SRO) to assist with determining if a violation of District Policy and/or the Law has occurred ie: Bullying, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Acceptable Technology Use Policies, or Pornography Laws. Students need to be aware that sexting violations, as defined above, and/or possession of pornography occurs when the digital or electronic information is in a students possession while on school property. Direct or indirect receiving and/or possession of sexting or pornography information may lead to a violation and consequences if the possession is discovered on school property. For additional reference: JICJ - Student Use of Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices,  JICK - Bullying

For students to fully access their education they need to be fully aware, attentive, and engaged. Any substance ingested or possessed that is not prescribed by a Medical Doctor and/or administered by the school nurse that alters clear thinking or an individual’s ability to function appropriately at school may be considered a violation of  district policy; Drug & Alcohol Use By Students, JICH.  This may also include undocumented ingestion or possession of any medication that has not been administered by the school nurse.  Possession or consumption of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, vape pens, look-alikes, and/or known to be drugs or medications while on school property and/or during school events is prohibited.  

DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS, BOARD POLICY, JICH

The MSAD #35 Board of Directors, teachers, staff and administration support a safe and healthy learning environment for all students which are free of the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative and committed effort between school staff, students, parents, law enforcement officials, and community organizations concerned with the use of drugs and alcohol by school-aged youth.

In order to promote the safety, health and well being of students, the School Board endorses a three-pronged approach to address incidents where drug and alcohol use has occurred; prevention/education, intervention, and discipline.  The Superintendent is responsible for developing appropriate administrative procedures, curriculum, and programs to support this policy.

Prohibited Conduct: No student shall distribute, dispense, possess, use, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, or other intoxicating liquor.  Nor shall a student manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, any other controlled substance defined in federal and state laws/regulations, any look-alike substance, or any substance that is represented to be a controlled substance.

These prohibitions apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline, or general welfare of the school.

Disciplinary Action: Principals may suspend and/or recommend expulsion of students who violate this policy based upon the facts of each case and in accordance with established disciplinary procedures.  Students may also be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and/or prosecution.  (See Discipline Code and Substance Use/Abuse under Athletics.)

Prevention/Education:  RSU 35 will provide students with appropriate information and activities focused on educating students about drugs and alcohol and preventing their use. Programs shall teach students that the use of drugs and alcohol is wrong and harmful, how to resist peer pressure, and address the legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.

Intervention: RSU 35 unit will establish a team approach to intervene with students with drug/alcohol problems.  Students will be assisted in addressing their drug/alcohol problems in continuing their educational program.  Students will be provided with information and referral, if necessary, to aid them in obtaining assistance from appropriate community organizations.  Student records concerning such interventions shall be kept confidential as required by state and federal laws.

Policy Communications:  RSU 35 shall distribute this policy and appropriate related information to staff, students, and parents on an annual basis through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators.  (Board Policy JICH)

Products to students.

All of these same prohibitions shall apply to electronic cigarettes and other devices

designed to deliver nicotine through inhalation or “vaping” or used to simulate smoking.

Policy Revised: April 13, 2016

TOBACCO USE AND POSSESSION, BOARD POLICY - ADC

In order to promote the health and safety of all students and staff and to promote the cleanliness of all facilities, the Board of Directors prohibits smoking and the use of all other tobacco products in school buildings, facilities, and on school buses during school-sponsored events and at all other times on school grounds by all persons, including students and employees.

In addition, students are further prohibited from possessing, selling, distributing, or dispensing tobacco products in school buildings, facilities, and on school grounds and buses during school-sponsored events and at all other times. Employees and all other persons are also strictly prohibited, under law and this Board policy, from selling, distributing, or in any way dispensing tobacco products. The student will be referred to a counselor.

Tobacco Use and Possession Administrative Procedure - ADC-R

I. Tobacco Use - Possession by Students

The use, possession, sale, dispensing or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited. This applies to any student (including students who may be eighteen years of age or older) who is at school, on school property, in attendance at any school-sponsored event, or on a school bus.

Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, chewing or any other form of tobacco, and any device used in smoking, or any form of tobacco consumption including, but not limited to, cigarette papers, and pipes, or their facsimiles. It also applies to electronic cigarettes and other devices designed to deliver nicotine through inhalation or “vaping” or used to simulate smoking.

A. High School and Middle School Use and Possession

First Infraction

1. 1. Parent/Guardian will be notified.

   2. Tobacco products will be confiscated. The police department will be notified if the student is less than eighteen years of age.

   3. The student will be assigned a three day suspension.

2.  Second Infraction

   1. Parent/Guardian will be notified.

   2. Tobacco products will be confiscated. The police department will be notified if the student is less than eighteen years of age.

   3. The student will be referred to a counselor for a tobacco education program.

   4. A five-day, out of school suspension will be assigned, reduced to a three day suspension if the student agrees to meet with a counselor and makes a commitment to participate in a tobacco education program.

3. Third Infraction

   1. Parent/Guardian will be notified. A conference will be held with the student, parent/guardian, counselor and administration.

   2. Tobacco products will be confiscated. The police department will be notified if the student is less than eighteen years of age.

   3. A ten-day, out of school suspension will be assigned, and the student must make a commitment to participate in a tobacco education program arranged through a counselor.

4. Subsequent Infractions

   1. The student and his/her parent/guardian will meet with the principal and Superintendent. A ten-day, out-of-school suspension will be assigned, and a recommendation for expulsion may be considered.

   2. Tobacco products are confiscated. The police department is notified.

B. High School and Middle School Sale or Distribution of tobacco Products

1. First Infraction

   1. Parent/Guardian will be notified. A conference will be held with the student, parent/guardian, counselor and administration.

   2. Tobacco products will be confiscated. The police department will be notified if the student is less than eighteen years of age.

   3. A ten-day, out of school suspension will be assigned, and the student must make a commitment to participate in a tobacco education program arranged through a counselor.

2. Second Infraction

   1. The student and his/her parent/guardian will meet with the principal and Superintendent. A ten-day, out-of-school suspension will be assigned, and a recommendation for expulsion may be considered.

   2. Tobacco products will be confiscated. The police department will be notified if the student is less than eighteen years of age.

II. Tobacco Use - Possession by Employees/Visitors/Others

Employees and all other persons are prohibited from smoking and all other use of tobacco products in school buildings and other school unit facilities, on school buses, and on school grounds at all times. Employees and all other persons are also prohibited from selling, distributing, or in any way dispensing tobacco products to students. Employees, visitors, and all other persons (except students, to whom Section I applies) in violation of this policy, shall be immediately directed to cease the behavior. Any person suspected of selling, distributing, or in any way dispensing tobacco products to students shall be referred to local law enforcement authorities. Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary measures.

III. Notification

The Board’s policy and disciplinary consequences for violations will be communicated through student and employee handbooks and other means deemed appropriate by the Superintendent/designee.

Policy reviewed: April 13, 2016

Below is Marshwood High School’s Discipline Code which was developed to reflect Board Policy, Student Code of Conduct, JICDA, and Board Policy JK - Student Discipline).

Discipline Code:

• Academic Dishonesty: The individual teacher will: Determine the grade based consequence, which may include, and not be limited to, a zero for the assignment.  Contact the student’s parents.  Provide a written report of the incident to the administration.

• Arson: expulsion recommendation

• Bomb Threat: expulsion recommendation (See “Safety” Student Handbook)

• Bullying/Harassment/Sexual Harassment: warning, up to 10 day suspension and possible expulsion recommendation. (See Safety, Student Handbook)

• Class cut: office detention

• Endangering others:  up to 10 day suspension

• Failure to report promptly to the office when called (insubordination): up to 5 day suspension

• Failure to report to office, when sent by the teacher: up to 10 day suspension

• False fire alarm:  expulsion recommendation

• Fighting:  up to 10 day suspension or expulsion recommendation

• Fireworks/ignition of:  10 day suspension or expulsion recommendation

• Fireworks/possession of: 10 day suspension or expulsion recommendation

• Hazing: up to 10 day suspension or expulsion recommendation (See Safety, Student Handbook)

• Intent to Commit an Action that Violates the Discipline Code: up to 10 day suspension

• Intimidation/extortion: up to 10 day suspension or expulsion recommendation

• Insubordination: up to 10 day suspension

• Leaving class after permission has been denied (insubordination): up to 10 day suspension

• Leaving school without permission: 3 day in the Behavioral Intervention Center. (includes leaving school grounds, school building or being in the parking lot without authorization)

• Lethal weapon: up to 10 day suspension and expulsion recommendation.  (See Safety, Student Handbook)

• Office detention: Skipping, Sent from or Disruption: 1 day in the Behavioral Intervention Center.

• Physical assault:  up to 10 day suspension and/or expulsion recommendation

• Possession/consumption of tobacco, vape pen or paraphernalia: 3 days assigned to the Behavioral Intervention Center (B.I.C.), Student Resource Officer (S.R.O.) notified, assessment referral to the School Counselor. Subsequent violations will result in an out of school suspension for up-to 10 days.

• Possession/consumption of alcohol and/or drugs: Up to 10 out of school suspension, the 3-meeting model with guidance counselor will begin. Notification of the incident to the S.R.O., and a student, parent, and administrator follow-up meeting. Subsequent violations of this rule will result in an out of school suspension for up-to 10 days and possible recommendation for expulsion.

• Selling and/or providing substances/look-alikes to other students or possession of sufficient amounts of a substance to make reasonable the assumption that furnishing to others was intended:  Recommendation for expulsion.

• Sent to the Office from Class: student will meet with an administrator; consequences will depend on circumstances and seriousness of offense

• Sent to the Office from the Behavioral Intervention Center: 3 days out of school suspension.

• Sexting: up to 10 day suspension

• Skipping teacher detention: teacher call home, discipline referral and office detention. 

• Tardy: (See Academic, Attendance Policy, Student Handbook)

• Theft: up to 10 day suspension

• Unexcused absence/Truancy/Skipping School:  up to 1 day in the Behavioral Intervention Center

• Vandalism:  up to 10 day suspension or expulsion recommendation

• Verbal abuse: up to 10 day suspension

• Verbal abuse of staff: up to 10 day suspension

Students who in some way violate the Student Code of Conduct, Board Policy JIC, may receive a consequence of out of school suspension (OSS). See Suspension of Students Policy JKD.  When a student is suspended out of school it is expected that parents will engage their student in discussions regarding the seriousness of the behavior that resulted in an O.S.S. consequence. In addition, parents should make a plan for supporting their student with completing school work while they are unable to attend and their classes in person. Throughout the duration of an O.S.S. consequence, students are expected to continue their learning to include, checking in with their teachers, meeting class assignment due dates/deadlines, and working with their teachers to complete planned assessments.   For classwork and/or assessments that can't be completed outside of school, students must arrange a time to make up the work with their teachers in a manner consistent with each teachers classroom expectations. Teachers are welcome to communicate with students via phone, email, chat etc... while the student is unable to attend school. Students assigned to O.S.S. may not participate as a member or spectator in any school activities or events on school property until the O.S.S. assignment is complete. Examples of activities/events that are prohibited include but are not limited to extracurricular and co-curricular practices, games, club/organization meetings, school dances or any other school sponsored activity/event/function.