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.) 

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 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.

Student use of personal electronic devices is governed by Board Policies, JFCK and JFCK-R. 

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 Board of Directors and staff of the school unit support a safe and healthy learning environment for students which is free of the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative effort among school staff, students, parents, law enforcement officials, and organizations concerned with the use of drugs and alcohol by school-aged youth.

In order to promote the safety, health, and wellbeing of students, the School Board endorses a three-pronged approach to address the issue of drug and alcohol use:  prevention/education, intervention, and discipline. The Superintendent is responsible for developing appropriate administrative procedures, curricula, and programs to implement 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 “bath salts'' or other synthetic hallucinogen or 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, except as outlined in policy JLCD Administering Medication to Students and JLCDA Medical Marijuana in Schools.

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.

Prevention/Education

MSAD #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

MSAD #35 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

MSAD #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.

 Policy Adopted: August 28, 1985

Policy Revised: August 19, 1987, June 16, 1993 and December 4, 2002, February 28, 2018, May 12, 2021; January 17, 2024

Tobacco-Free Schools: Use and Possession of Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices, Board Policy, ADC 

The Board recognizes that research shows that tobacco continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Maine and the United States, for both users and those exposed to second-hand smoke. The Board is also aware that a growing body of evidence suggests that the chemicals present in the aerosols (“vapor”) produced by electronic smoking devices, may pose significant long-term risks to health, as well the risk of addiction to nicotine.

The Board is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors to the schools, including members of the community who use school facilities for recreational and other purposes. 

To that end, and in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, all persons are prohibited from smoking and tobacco use in school buildings, on any school grounds (including parking lots), on school buses, in school-owned or leased vehicles, in privately owned vehicles at all school sponsored events “at all times”.

“At all times” means 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, including all days when school is not in session and at all functions taking place on school grounds, including organized non-school-sponsored activities and events and casual recreational uses. 

DEFINITIONS: 

For the purpose of this policy:

“Tobacco use” means smoking or the carrying or possession a tobacco product (22 MRSA §1578-B (1)(D). 

“Smoking” includes carrying or having in one’s possession a lighted or heated cigarette, cigar or pipe or heated tobacco or plant product intended for human consumption through inhalation whether natural or synthetic in any manner or any form. “Smoking” includes the use of an electronic smoking device (22 MRSA § 1541(6)).

“Tobacco product” means any product that is made from or derived from tobacco, or that contains nicotine, that is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved inhaled or ingested by any other means, including but not limited to, a cigarette, cigar, hookah, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff or snus. “Tobacco product” also means an electronic smoking device and any component or accessory used in the consumption of a tobacco product such as filters, rolling papers, pipes and liquids used in electronic smoking devices whether or not they contain nicotine (22 MRSA § 1551(3)).

All persons are prohibited from selling, distributing, or dispensing tobacco products to students in school buildings, on school grounds or at school-sponsored events at all times. 

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION

STUDENTS: 

The Superintendent/designee(s) shall be responsible for developing age-appropriate disciplinary guidelines for students violating this policy and for employing strategies, as practicable, to address prevention, education, and information about community programs for cessation assistance.

The Superintendent or his/her designee reserves the right to refer students to a law enforcement agency, on a case-by-case basis, as he/she may deem necessary.  However, the Superintendent/designee shall refer to a law enforcement agency any student reasonably suspected of selling, dispensing or distributing tobacco products or vaping devices/products. 

Parents/guardians will be notified of all violations involving their student and action taken by the school.

STAFF:

School unit employees who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal.

Any school unit employee suspected of selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products or vaping devices/products to students shall be referred to a law enforcement agency.

OTHER PERSONS IN VIOLATION:

All other persons violating this policy, including parents, vendors/contractors, spectators at school events and other visitors shall be asked to refrain from use and reminded of the Board’s policy.  Persons who do not comply will be asked to leave school grounds. Failure to leave school grounds will be treated as trespassing and law enforcement personnel may be contacted. 

Persons suspected of selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products or vaping devices/products to students shall be referred to an appropriate law enforcement agency.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENFORCEMENT

The building principal/designee will be responsible for enforcing this policy at the school level.

NOTICE

Notice of this policy and disciplinary consequences for violations will be posted on the school unit’s website and included in the student code of conduct and/or student handbooks and in annual employee communications.

Parents/guardians will have access to the Board’s policy via the district website.

“Tobacco-free campus” signage will be posted in highly visible areas at entrances and on school grounds, including entrances to athletic facilities.                                                                                                   

EDUCATION

Age-appropriate tobacco/”vaping” prevention and awareness instruction will be incorporated into the school unit’s health curriculum, in alignment with Maine’s system of Learning Results and in support of the school unit’s wellness policy goals, to educate students about the dangers of tobacco and vapor products and to encourage a tobacco and “vape-free” lifestyle.

As feasible, information regarding treatment and cessation resources will be made available to students and school unit employees who want to quit.

ADVERTISING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Advertising of tobacco products is prohibited in school buildings, on school property, and in school publications.

Policy Revised:       February 12, 2020, May 12, 2021

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.