Student Handbook

Education is a state requirement, and it can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Education should also be a life-long event. The foundations and disciplines attained in high school can set the course for future careers in college and the working world. Students owe it to themselves, their communities, their parents, and their country to strive at being the best that they can be. The student handbook provides some guidelines, rules and requirements that foster a school climate that allows success for all students. Please do your part to become a responsible, informed, caring, compassionate and kind student.

The signing of this handbook is your agreement to abide with its rules, ideals and policies.

Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire.

William B. Yeats, poet

Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.

Leonardo da Vinci

Education is too important to be left solely to educators.

Francis Keppel

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

Abe Lincoln

It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry.

Albert Einstein

All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.

Aristotle

Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.

John Dewey

Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.

Will Durant

The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn... and change

Carl Rogers

There is no such thing as failure

Thomas Edison

Introduction to PCHS Handbook

For 2007-08, PCHS students, faculty and staff commit themselves to the values of respect, enthusiasm and commitment in education. Students, faculty and staff strive for the greatest accomplishments of which they're capable.

Collectively and individually, students, faculty/staff and parents/guardians will:

· Demonstrate enthusiasm about the potential to learn and engage in activities that promote a positive school climate.

· Provide a physically and emotionally safe and secure environment for everyone within the building and grounds.

· Hold everyone accountable for their behavior and academic accomplishments and accept responsibility for their social and intellectual development.

· Call for all families connected with PCHS to model appropriate, respectful behavior towards school staff and volunteers to provide necessary role models for PCHS students.

· Treat each other with respect and model respectful behavior towards each other.

· Exhibit a strong commitment to educating themselves, academically and socially, through in-school and co-curricular activities.

· Consider family involvement in school activities critical for the success of all students. Classrooms, programs and facilities are open and available to families consistent with the guidelines and policies of the SAD #4 School Board.

School Expectations

These shared expectations will guide PCHS in its classes, programs and activities, and will assure a successful, fulfilling, and exciting academic year for the school and the communities of SAD #4.

As a community, Piscataquis Community High School promises to operate in a manner that demonstrates:

· Commitment to your education

· Enthusiasm for your education

· Respect for your education.

In our communities, adults expect ethical behavior – honesty, tolerance, respect – from other adults; communities also expect that same behavior in their schools. Faculty, staff and students will demonstrate ethical behavior towards each other and all programs at the school will seek to reinforce these vital social traits.

The school holds faculty, staff and the administration to these ideals and expects that students will demonstrate the same levels of commitment, enthusiasm and respect. Behavior that does not advance these ideals will not be permitted in the school building, on school grounds, school busses or playing fields.

Piscataquis Community High School expects students to:

· treat every person with kindness and courtesy and to respond politely when addressed.

· promptly follow the directions and requests of all school personnel

· enter a room or section of the building only with the permission of a staff member

· move safely within the building

· maintain all school books, desks, or other school property

· respect the property of other students and staff.

Student Expectations-Academic

All Piscataquis Community High School students should:

· read, write, and listen actively and critically in a variety of classes

· express self with power and purpose

· use information technology as a tool

· ask meaningful questions

· choose and use effective means of solving problems

· approach problem solving with an open mind, healthy skepticism, and persistence

· think abstractly and creatively

· develop a sense of unique worth and competence

· make informed decisions

· demonstrate the skills necessary to participate in the workplace

· learn by serving others and participating in democratic processes

· respect and value human diversity as a part of our multicultural society and world

· understand continuity and change.

Student Expectations-Social

All Piscataquis Community High School students are expected to

· be aware of all rules and regulations governing student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with these guidelines

· dress so as not to endanger health and safety, limit participation in school activities, be unduly distracting or inappropriate for learning activities

· be aware of information and services available and seek assistance in dealing with problems

· express their opinions and ideas in a respectful manner so as not to offend, slander, or restrict the rights and privileges of others

· pursue informal discussion (peer to peer) to resolve any perceived grievance before moving to formal stage (student to faculty)

· refrain from participating in any discriminatory practices against others

· demonstrate an appreciation for the dignity and integrity of all

· work cooperatively with staff to strengthen and improve school climate; and

· take an active part in co-curricular activities including student government, athletics, music, drama, and clubs.

Parent/Guardian Expectations

The parents/guardians of Piscataquis Community High School students are expected to:

· visit the PCHS web site regularly to help monitor and assess student performance through the use of PowerSchool.

· treat school personnel with the respect and dignity they wish for themselves and their families

· assure their child’s regular attendance, promptness, and readiness for school

· monitor the completion of homework assignments, encourage independent reading, and monitor the amount of entertainment activities, especially on school nights

· contact teachers by telephone or email whenever necessary

· become aware of and, whenever possible, attend school orientations, open houses, parent-teacher meetings, co-curricular activities and special events

· minimize medical/dental appointments and family vacations taken during school days

· supports student performance in and out of the classroom

· guide students towards appropriate dress for the academic and social activities at school

Faculty, Staff and Administration Expectations

Piscataquis Community High School faculty, staff and administration are expected to:

· consistently meet high standards of professional performance in their respective roles as educators of our youth;

· provide students with an engaging, challenging, rigorous educational experience

· provide a safe, secure and lively environment by professionally carrying out their legal, regulatory and contractual obligations to students and the community;

· insist upon high expectations for student performance in and out of the classroom;

· treat all children and their parents/guardians with the respect and dignity they would wish for their own family;

· maintain a safe, orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning;

· enhance communication through orientations, open houses, parent-teacher meetings, and special events;

· encourage parents to contact the school by telephone or email at the school;

· assign meaningful homework lessons according to school policy; and

· inform families regularly regarding student achievement.

PCHS Policies and Procedures

The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are the result of a concerted effort on the part of the staff and the administration. The information has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in helping you to adjust to our school.

Activities

PCHS operates a wide range of co-curricular activities, from music to athletics to student leadership, to appeal to a wide range of student interests. While participating in student activities:

All students are to conduct themselves in a proper manner and are accountable for their actions anytime they attend school-sponsored activities.

· Students who are on a trip or involved as representatives of the school should dress in a proper manner, are not authorized to smoke, and should demonstrate good taste in their relationships with other students.

· Any student who does not wish to comply with the standards established by the school subjects themselves to disciplinary action and dismissal from future involvement in activities.

· The drug and alcohol policy will be adhered to at all times.

Advisor/Advisee Program

For 2007-08, PCHS will enhance the opportunities for faculty and staff to mentor and advise students. In small groups, students meet with their faculty/staff mentor in sets of guided activities to help students meet their academic and personal development goals.

As a regular 15-minute period, all school policies and practices apply to the Advisor/Advisee period.

Assemblies

A variety of assemblies held each year provide informational, educational, cultural enrichment and entertainment programs. Consistent with PCHS expectations, courtesy and respect will be given to all presenters and participants. Assemblies bolster the academic activities of the school so all school policies and practices remain in place.

Athletics

Students are encouraged to participate in our athletic program. The sports seasons are outlined on the chart below:

Fall	Winter	Spring
Cross Country	Varsity Basketball	Baseball
Field Hockey	J.V. Basketball	Softball
Golf	Wrestling	Track
Soccer

All participants are required to abide by the provisions outlined in the Athletic Handbook.

Attendance Policy

According to Maine state law, every parent/guardian is obligated to ensure that every child under their care and supervision receives adequate education and training, and thus the state requires attendance at a public school or state-recognized alternative. To meet Maine state law the attendance policy of PCHS requires that all children between the ages of 7 and 17 attend school during the time school is in session.

Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment and scholastic achievement. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development and possible academic failure. No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent absences; therefore, regular and punctual patterns of attendance shall be expected of each student.

Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation is seriously disrupted by excessive absences. In most situations, the work missed cannot be made up adequately. Students, who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are more employable after leaving school. For this reason the School Board believes that a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn full class credit: (1) satisfy all academic requirements and (2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this policy.

The greatest threat to a student’s academic achievement arises not out of absences that are beyond the student’s control or for otherwise legitimate reasons, but instead out of intentional decision by a student to simply not to show up in class.

The only legitimate excuses for absence are:

1. Personal illness. A note or phone call from a parent/guardian is required.

2. Professional health appointments that cannot be made outside of the regular school day. A note must be provided from the health care professional.

3. Observance of recognized religious holidays when the observance is required during the school day.

4. Emergency family situations (severe illness or death in the family).

5. Personal or educational absence not to exceed a maximum of five days which has been APPROVED IN ADVANCE by submitting an educational absence application with the Assistant Principal.

6. A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities.

7. A student whose absence is a direct result from school ordered suspensions.

Any other absence will be considered unexcused.

Attendance Policy - Loss of Credit

1. When a student has accumulated more than 5 unexcused absences in a semester class or more than 10 unexcused absences in a yearlong course, that student may not receive credit for the course.

2. If a student arrives late to school unexcused or leaves with an early dismissal the absence from each course will apply to the attendance requirements.

3. Students who are excused from class to attend school sponsored activities or unable to attend school due to school district transportation, will not have the absence applied to the attendance policy.

4. Attendance credit will be applied to absences due to extended illness or injury as defined by a minimum of 5 consecutive days or more and the physician must provide written verification.

5. The above regulations can be modified, in special cases by the Attendance Review Committee, which consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, and Guidance Director.

*Note: Attendance is reviewed for each course in determining the loss of credit.

Absence from School

Parents are requested to contact the school by 8:30 A.M. on the day a student is absent. The office will be open at 7:00 A.M. If the school is not contacted by 8:30 A.M. then the school will attempt to notify parents that the student is absent. Please make every effort to inform the school of a student’s absence.

Attendance and Participation in School Activities

Students are required to be in attendance at school in order to participate in co-curricular school functions. This shall apply to athletics, musical performances, dances, club or class activities, cooperative education, or any other school sponsored activity.

Students may be granted an exception due to special circumstances to the above policy provided they have obtained prior approval from the Principal.

Block Schedule

Classes are 80 minutes in length. Classes meet on an alternating blue/gold daily schedule.

Books and Responsibility for Care

The student or parent must pay for damaged or lost books. Grades and schedules will not be issued until payment is received. School bills may be sent to the tax collector.

Bus Regulations

A school bus driver represents the school authority and is responsible for the passengers on the bus. The school district provides transportation to meet the needs of students; however, disruptive behavior may result in suspension of a student's privilege to use the bus service.

Calendar

The calendar for students is 177 days. Snow days will be added to the last scheduled school day.

Change of address

So we can reach you quickly, please inform the office immediately if you change your address or telephone number.

Cheating

Whether you give or receive information during an examination or on certain assignments, the offenses are the same. The work cannot be made up and a zero will be assigned. Plagiarism is an attempt to use another person's work as your own and is not acceptable. The work cannot be made up and a zero will be assigned.

Class Dues

Class dues are used to assist in the operation of class activities such as the Prom, special Yearbook sections and Graduation. The dues for a class may not exceed $4.00 per year except with the permission of the class advisor and the principal. Any additional assessments must be for a specific approved activity and approved by the administration.

Closed Campus

PCHS is a closed campus, which means that all students are required to remain in school from the time they arrive in the morning until they leave at the end of the school day, including lunch periods and study halls. Permission to leave the building during the day may only be granted by a faculty or staff member for purposes of school programs or activities (such as community activities, field trips, Senior Release, etc.). Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Clubs/Activities

PCHS encourages all students to participate in as many co-curricular activities as possible. The following chart identifies the ongoing clubs and activities at PCHS.

AFS Band &