Principal’s Message

 

          Never has it been more important for students and parents to read the student handbook.  Several important changes have been made to procedures as a result of the move to our impressive new school.  The handbook is designed to provide students, parents, and community members with a clear understanding of the expectations for all students at Cony High School.  Carefully reading the information that follows will enable the reader to take advantage of the many opportunities available and greatly reduce the number of potential issues based on lack of knowledge or information.  Our staff works to provide a supportive, educationally sound atmosphere that is conducive to students graduating ready for college, career and citizenship.  Your support in this most important endeavor is deeply appreciated.  For additional information, please refer to our website at www.augustaschools.org and follow the link to Cony High School.  I wish everyone an enjoyable and successful year.

 

Mission Statement

 

                The mission of the Cony High School community is to create and maintain a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment that fosters academic, career, civic, and personal growth.  In collaboration with parents and the greater community, Cony High School will provide encouragement, accountability, and diverse opportunities that support success for all students.

 

Academic Expectations

 

                Academic expectations will be integrated within all disciplines.  Prior to graduation Cony High School students:

 

1.     Express themselves effectively both orally and in writing;

2.     Demonstrate an ability to listen, read, and process information effectively;

3.     Demonstrate research skills that enable informed decision-making and reasonable conclusions;

4.     Apply critical, integrative, and creative thinking to be effective problem solvers;

5.     Demonstrate an understanding of the world with its diverse cultures;

6.     Demonstrate a proficient use of technology.

 

Social Expectations

 

1.     Assume responsibility for one’s own decisions and actions;

2.     Contribute to the well-being and welfare of others within the school community.

 

Civic Expectations

 

1.     Demonstrate the rights/responsibilities of an individual in a democratic society;

2.     Demonstrate a sense of community through volunteerism and service to others.

 

 

School Song-Spirit of Cony

 

We built our school upon a hill

And Cony is its name,

We will fight, fight, fight

With all our might

We’re out to win the game

We’ll stand behind our Cony team

And laud it to the sky;

We’ll shout and sing until the din

Will make the Kennebec rise.

Spirit of Cony

Live for us today,

Come to our colors,

Proudly they sway.

Red for her courage,

White for her worth,

Fighting for Cony

The best on earth.

 

Words by C.P. Quimby, former Cony Principal

Music by H.C. Lyseth, former Cony Assistant Principal

School Colors, Seal and Mascot

 

School Colors

 

                The colors of Cony High School are red and white.

 

School Seal

 

                The Cony seal is a combination of designs by Madeline Turner, 1924, and Manson Gordon, 1925.

                The motto on the seal is Cultura-Honestum-Salubritas.  These Latin words mean Knowledge-Integrity-Healthfulness.  Notice that the initial letters of the motto are C.H.S.

                The emblems on the seal stand for the words of the motto - the open book of knowledge, the star (a guiding light) for integrity, and the wreath (of athletic victory) for healthfulness.

                The seal is on the school banner.  It is used on dance programs, athletic schedules, the cover of the Coniad, etc.  It is also used on official papers going out from the school.

 

School Mascot

 

The Cony mascot is a Dorset Ram named “Rameses”.  This mascot explains why our teams are called the “Rams” and how the word “Rameses” came to be used for the name of our school newspaper.

 

After School Activities

 

                Cony High School offers a wide range of clubs, sports and other after-school activities.  Students should be under the supervision of a teacher, coach or advisor after 2:15 p.m.

American Field Service	Madrigals
Art Club	Maine Youth Voices
Bowling Club	Math Team
Chizzle Wizzle	National Honor Society
Civil Rights Team	Outing Club
Computer Club	Peer Helpers
Coniad	Pep Club
Debate/Speech Team	Rameses
Diversity Club	Rifle Team
Drama	Science Club
Envirothon	S.H.I.N.E.
Fencing Club	Spanish Club
French Club	Speech
GAPP	Stage Band
German Club Advisor	Student Council
Junior Classical League
Key Club

 

School Sponsored Sports

 

Baseball (Spring) - Varsity, Junior Varsity

Basketball (Winter) - Girls/Boys, Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman

Cheerleading (Fall) - Varsity Junior Varsity

Cheerleading (Winter) - Varsity, Junior Varsity

Cross Country (Fall) - Girls/Boys

Field Hockey (Fall) - Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman

Football (Fall) – Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman

Golf (Fall) - Boys/Girls, Varsity, Junior Varsity

Hockey (Winter) - Varsity, Junior Varsity

Lacrosse (Spring) – Girls/Boys, Varsity, Junior Varsity

Soccer (Fall) - Girls/Boys, Varsity, Junior Varsity

Softball (Spring) - Varsity, Junior Varsity

Swim (Winter) – Girls/Boys, Varsity

Tennis (Spring) – Girls/Boys, Varsity, Junior Varsity

Track (Spring) - Girls/Boys, Varsity, Junior Varsity

Volleyball (Fall) – Girls, Varsity, Junior Varsity

Wrestling (Winter) – Girls/Boys, Varsity, Junior Varsity

 

Club Sports

Dance Club (Winter) – Boys/Girls

Winter Track – Boys/Girls

 

Refer to the Cony Athletic Philosophy which is included on page 18 of this handbook.

 

 

 

Conflict Resolution Procedure

(Approved June 14, 1995)

                If a parent or student wishes to discuss a concern, the following procedure should be followed.  First, contact the person with whom you have a concern.  If a resolution cannot be found, we encourage you to contact the department head, the building principal, and finally the Superintendent of Schools.  Questions related to disciplinary issues can be addressed with the assistant principals, principal, and the Superintendent of Schools in order of priority.  If in doubt about the proper cause of action to take, please contact the building principal.

 

Responsible Internet Use

 

                The use of the Internet and telecommunications is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.  Be polite and use appropriate language.  Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and the pursuit of appropriate disciplinary or legal action.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other telecommunications systems.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. (File IJNDB)

 

Crisis Team

 

                The Augusta School Department has a crisis team to provide direction, support, coordination of resources and effective communication to students, staff and community in the event of an incident that might impact the learning environment.

               

Attendance Policy

(This policy is under review and may change)

 

                Cony High School maintains a closed campus for freshman and sophomores, which means, students are to remain on school premises during the school day.  Open campus is a privilege for juniors and seniors.

                Absence - Learning that is lost due to absences or tardiness can never be adequately replaced; therefore, students’ presence in and promptness to classes and other school activities are expected on a daily basis.

                Under Maine Law, the following absences may be excused:

1.     Personal illness

2.     An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day

3.     Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day

4.     A family emergency

5.     A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has been approved

                Parents (guardians) are asked to notify the school when their child is absent.  A phone call to the attendance office on the day of the absence is the preferred method. Parents may call the Attendance Officer directly at: 620-8081.  However, parents or guardians must give their child a note on the day he/she returns to school as required by Maine Law. It is the responsibility of the student to give the note to the attendance secretary.  Students will be required to make up all work and tests missed.  Students are allowed two (2) make-up days for each day of excused absences.  All make-up work shall be completed within one (1) week after a student returns to school unless a specific alternate plan is developed due to extenuating circumstances.

Absences for the following reasons, among others, cannot be excused: truancy, sleeping late, missed bus, trips not approved in advance, shopping, hunting/fishing, birthday, senior portraits, driver education, and gainful employment.  When a student has an unexcused absence for the day, he/she will receive a zero in all classes for that day.  Students are not allowed to make up work from their classes for an unexcused absence.  Students will also receive two Extended Day Detentions (EDD) for each unexcused absence from school.  (See Behavior Rubric for details)

                Unexcused Absences from class - Each academic department and/or teacher must establish a policy that relates to attendance and grading and inform all students in their classes early in the course.  An unexcused absence from class will be considered cutting class and its subsequent consequence will follow as laid out in the Behavior Rubric. 

                Planned Absences - Students must pick up a planned absence authorization form from the attendance office.  The parent/guardian must fill out and sign the form; the student then submits the form to each subject teacher for signature and advance class work.  At least three days in advance, the completed form must be returned to the principal or an assistant principal for his/her approval and signature. It is not the responsibility of the classroom teacher to re-teach the material covered during the students’ absence. All classroom work missed during a planned absence can be fully made up.

Dismissals - All dismissals are handled through the attendance office. All dismissals require a parent/guardian note.  Students who need to be dismissed for medical appointments are to report to the school nurse before school for a dismissal slip. Parents may call the attendance secretary directly at 620-8081 if necessary.  All requests for dismissal will be verified with a call to the appropriate party.

                Truancy - Truancy is defined as absence from school without the permission of parents (guardians). Maine state school law defines truancy as seven (7) consecutive or ten (10) days of unexcused absences during any school year.  Truancy will result in a grade of zero in each class missed for the day, the right to make up the work missed will be denied.

                Tardiness - A student who is late to school must report directly to the attendance office.  Failure to report to the attendance office upon entering the school building after the late bell will result in an assigned detention of at least 60 minutes.  Students who have accumulated three tardies in a quarter will be given a detention.  Subsequent tardiness will result in an increase of detention time.  For make-up purposes ONLY, tardiness due to an appointment with a health professional, personal illness, or family emergency may be excused; however, parents or guardians must give their child a note. If tardiness is due to an appointment with a health professional, a note from the health professional can be given to the attendance office when entering the building to verify the time missed from school. It is the responsibility of the student to show the note to the attendance office.  Notes to allow students to make-up work must be turned in to the attendance office within 24 hours.  A phone call from a parent or guardian can verify these circumstances.

 

Homework Policy

 

Homework is an important part of a student’s education. It serves to enhance, extend and/or reinforce learning presented during the school day. Homework assignments will vary from class to class. An allotted time for home study should be part of a student’s daily routine, regardless of whether specific assignments have been given.  Students should realize that homework is not just written assignments but that studying is an integral part of homework. 

 

Homework serves to:

      -reinforce the present day’s lesson

-prepare for the next day’s lesson

-reinforce acquired skills and develop study habits

-develop a sense of responsibility

 

Open Campus Privilege

 

                Open campus allow juniors and seniors the ability to leave the school building and/or school grounds if they meet academic, behavioral, and good citizenship standards.  Parental authorization will be required for students to participate in the open campus program.  Academic standards are defined as a student having no grade lower than a 70.  Behavioral and citizenship standards are defined in the open campus contract that all students and parents must sign.  Any suspension will result in loss of open campus privileges. Students with open campus privileges may also be in the library, the food court, the computer lab, the cyber café, or under a teacher’s supervision.

                For safety reasons, the wooded areas of campus are off limits. Students found to be in the woods may lose privileges and face additional disciplinary action.

 

General School Policies

 

Americans With Disabilities Act, Title II – The Augusta School Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.  The Augusta School Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.  This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

                Bathroom Privileges - Students will be allowed to use the restroom during study halls with a pass from their study hall teacher.  Restroom passes from classes should be at the teacher’s discretion or for emergency cases only!

                Before School – The front door is unlocked and students can begin arriving at 7:00. At Cony High School, rooms are open to students at 7:45 a.m. Students are to be in their first period class at 7:50. 

Food Court - Inappropriate behavior in the food court (throwing objects, not taking care of one’s leftovers) will result in disciplinary actions.

                Cell Phones/Pagers – Students are not permitted to use cell phones or pagers in the building during school hours (7:00-2:15) except in the cell phone zone.  All emergency communications must be made through the main office.  A courtesy telephone will be made available to any student who needs to call home.  Administrators will authorize a cell phone zone.  All cell phones and pagers used by students during school hours will be confiscated and brought to the appropriate administrator.  The first time a phone is confiscated, it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.  The second time the phone is confiscated, the phone can only be returned to a parent or guardian.  The third time a cell phone is confiscated, it will be returned to a parent or guardian, and the student will be subject to discipline.  Administrators may search cell phones if there is suspicion of violation of school policy.  Any refusal or inappropriate responses exhibited by students who resist turning over their cell phone when requested by a staff member may result in further disciplinary action.

Corridor Courtesy - Keep corridors open to traffic by walking to the right.  Pass through the corridors quietly.  Be considerate of others in the halls and classrooms.  Pushing and shoving will only lead to injury of a fellow student.  Please discard trash in the containers provided.  Leave the school building at the close of school unless under the supervision of a teacher for make-up or a student activity.  Students may use the food court or library for study areas after the school day.  Since all teachers schedule make-up sessions throughout the school week, it is critical that the hallways are kept quiet after school hours as well as during the school day.

 

                Detention - Detention is given to students by individual teachers and the administration when students fail to meet their school obligations.  Detention given to a student by a teacher must be served with that teacher in his/her room between 2:20-3:00p.m. Failure to serve a teacher detention will result in a 1 ½ hour office detention being assigned. Room 36 is used for office detention from 2:20-5:00 p.m.  Students will receive a 24-hour notice for both teacher and office detentions.  Students will be expected to serve the entire detention on the day it is assigned.  Teacher detention should be taken care of prior to office detention.  Detentions take precedence over all co-curricular activities.  Failure to serve an assigned office detention will result in further disciplinary action.  (See the Behavior chart on page 18 for details)

                Electronic Devices – The use of electronic devices is allowed in public spaces and academic spaces per teacher/supervisor discretion. 

                Guidance Career Center – Students may visit the career center for career/college research during any study hall. However, they should check with the guidance office to make sure that someone will be in and that there is no class scheduled that period. The guidance office must write a pass that should be shown to the student’s study hall teacher prior to reporting to the guidance library. Students must also sign in at the guidance office.

                Fire Drill - Each room has instructions for fire drill procedure.  The students should be familiar with the procedure.  During the year, practice drills will occur to protect against fire emergency.

                Lockers - Each student will be assigned a locker for the deposit of books, projects, coats, etc.  However, it is strongly recommended that students do not leave money, pocketbooks, or other items of value in them.  Each student is responsible for keeping his/her locker clean and in good mechanical condition.  The lockers are school property, and the school reserves the right to inspect student lockers at any time.

                Lost and Found - Any article found should be returned to the owner or, if owner is unknown, turned in at the office.  Articles found will be kept only 60 days.  Lost Books - It is the students’ responsibility to see that textbooks and other materials issued to them are returned in a condition consistent with the way they were received.  Students are expected to pay for lost and damaged materials, before a diploma is awarded.

No School - Announcements of school cancellations and delayed openings will be made over local radio stations by 6:00 a.m. Students may also check the website (www.augustaschools.org).  Do not call the school or the radio stations.

                Passes - Students are expected to take books, notebooks, pens, and pencils to class.  Students are not allowed to leave class unless they have a pass signed by the teacher of the class they are attending.  Students planning on going to guidance or another teacher during a study hall must present a pass to the study hall teacher.  Students who want to go to the library or the computer lab from study hall must receive a pass from the study hall teacher.  Study hall teachers should first check library or computer lab availability before sending students. Students with open campus privileges do not require passes for the library or computer lab when space is available.

                Poster Policy - All posters or announcements to be displayed anywhere in the building, including bulletin boards, must be approved by an administrator.  Do not attach them to painted walls, varnished surfaces, or any other surfaces that will be marred by masking tape.  Do not use paste, cellophane tape, or thumb tacks.  The front foyer shall not be used to display any notices or posters.  It is understood that all signs posted will be taken down after a reasonable length of time.

               

Rights and Privacy Act - In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Augusta School Department wants to inform parents and eligible students that directory information will periodically be released for publication.  It may include:  the student’s name, date of birth, area of study, participation in sports and activities, weight and height for athletic team members, dates of attendance, photographs, and name of school the student is attending. 

                It is our intention that this directory information be released only for school-related functions (i.e. athletic functions, activities, clubs, honor rolls, yearbooks, etc.).  The purpose of this will be to provide our students with appropriate recognition.

                Skateboarding - Skateboarding is not permitted on school property at any time.

                Student Parking - Students are requested to use transportation provided by the City of Augusta.  If students choose to use their own vehicles, the following rules will be in effect:  Student parking will be restricted to the student lot ONLY.  All student vehicles must have a current Cony parking sticker which can be obtained in the main office.  Disciplinary action will be taken when necessary to maintain an orderly operation of the campus, and student privilege to park on school grounds may be revoked.  Student parking will not be allowed in the designated emergency lanes.  Vehicles may be towed at student’s expense and disciplinary action may be taken by the administration. 

                Student Record Rights - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act guarantees that parents and students 18 years or older may see, review, and ask any questions about their own (child’s) records.  Please feel free to call your school or the superintendent’s office.  (626-2468)

                Student Use of Telephones - Students may use the office phone with permission only for emergencies.  Students may use the public telephones for all other calls. Calls are to be limited to no more than three (3) minutes in order to allow other students to use the phones.

Study Halls - All classroom/ school rules apply to study hall.  Study halls should maintain an atmosphere where students who need to study can. All students should bring some kind of work with them to the study hall, along with necessary school materials such as pens, pencils and notebooks.

                Tardy to Class - Any student late to class for the first time will be given a warning by the teacher.  A second offense will result in a 40-minute teacher detention; and, on the third offense, a discipline referral form will be sent to the appropriate assistant principal by the teacher.

                Visitations - Students from other schools (not former Cony students) may attend classes with you only if they are not incurring an absence in their school and they are considering a transfer to Cony High School.  Do not embarrass your guest by bringing someone unannounced.  Visitors must register at the office and secure a pass from an administrator at least 48 hours prior to the visitation.

               

Drugs and Alcohol

 

                The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia or alcohol on school property or in conjunction with any school activity is prohibited.  Violation of this provision must be reported to the proper law enforcement agency and is cause for suspension from school.

I.  Involuntary Referrals:

 

                Type One - Possession/Use

                First Offense:

1.     Verification of possession/use

2.     Meeting with administrator

               3.              Suspension from school for a minimum of three days

               4.              Notification of parents/guardian and law enforcement agency

5.     Appointment with chemical dependency counselor

6.     Following the recommendation of chemical dependency counselor

 

 

 

Second Offense:

1.     Verification of possession/use

2.     Meeting with administrator

3.     Notification of parents/guardian and law enforcement agency

4.     Suspension for a minimum of five days with recommendation for further evaluation

5.     Meeting with chemical dependency counselor for further evaluation

6.     Following the recommendation of chemical dependency counselor

                Note:  In case of a medical emergency, the student would be referred to the school nurse who would then refer to the appropriate community resource.  The school officials would follow disciplinary action upon the student’s return to school.  If parents do not seek recommended assistance for the student, the Department of Human Services will be notified.

                Type Two - furnishing/selling

1.     Confiscating substance

2.     Meeting with administrator

3.     Notification of parents/guardian and law enforcement agency

4.     Suspension from school, until a determination is made by the Superintendent or Board of Education.

II. Voluntary Referrals:

                Type One - Concerned Person

1.     The School has identified a substance abuse team (guidance counselor, ADAPT support group/peer counselors) to whom staff or students can refer for non-clinical assessment of a student who is suspected of having a chemical use problem.

2.     Staff persons or students will consult with a team member and a guidance counselor to discuss concerns about a student.

3.     The guidance counselor meets with the student to begin a non-clinical assessment.

        Note:  Possession, use, being under the influence of, or distribution of drugs or alcohol is not permitted at school, school events or school activities.

4.     The guidance counselor will discuss the information with the chemical dependency counselor for recommendations.

5.     The chemical dependency counselor and the student will develop a plan of action.

                Type Two - Self-referral

1.     The teacher/staff person listens to the student’s concerns and asks, where appropriate, if the student would like to discuss his/her concerns with a substance abuse team member.

2.     The teacher/staff person consults with a team member about the student to determine the best way to proceed.

3.     The teacher/staff person will refer the student directly to a guidance counselor.

4.     The guidance counselor meets with the student to begin non-clinical assessment.

5.     The guidance counselor will discuss the student’s case with the chemical dependency counselor and the student to develop an action plan.

 

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not to be carried in school.  If they are recommended for a student’s health and well being, they must be on record with the

school nurse.  Look-alike drugs, such as caffeine/diet pills, fake marijuana, and non-alcoholic beer, are treated as drugs and are not allowed.  Consequences for use or possession will be determined by the drug policy.

 

Dress Code

 

The Augusta Board of Education recognizes that the primary responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with individual students and their parent(s)/guardian(s).  The board will not interfere with this right unless the personal choices of students create a disruptive influence on the school program or affect the health or safety of others.

                Students are encouraged to use sound judgment and reflect respect for themselves and others in dress and grooming.  In keeping with the goals of Augusta schools to provide a safe, healthy and non-discriminatory environment for educating students for maximum academic and social development, the following restrictions on dress shall be enforced.

A.    All clothing will be free of language or images that a reasonable person would consider sexually indecent or harassing.

B.     All clothing will be free of language or images that promote things that are illegal for students to use.

C.     All clothing worn should present no safety hazard to the wearer or be destructive of school property.

D.    Clothing may not be revealing (for example, tops that reveal the midriff or cleavage; clothing that exposes underwear or private body parts; and skirt lengths that are shorter than 5 inches above the top of the knee cap, etc.)

E.     Hats, hoods, scarves, bandanas, visors, long trench coats, and capes may not be worn in school buildings.

                School administrators or teachers may require special clothing for health and safety reasons for students participating in physical education, certain extracurricular activities, work with or around machines or other activities.

                Students who are not appropriately dressed will be asked to change.  A student who violates the dress code after being warned, shall be disciplined.

 

Health Services

 

                The major focus of a registered nurse in the school setting is the prevention of illness and disability, and the early detection and correction of health problems.  The school nurse is uniquely qualified in preventive health, health assessment, and referral procedures.  If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the school nurse.

                Physical Exams are required of all grade 9 and new students entering Cony High School.  We suggest you keep a copy for your records as well.  Immunizations are frequently updated at this visit.

                Medications:  Administering Medicines to Students - The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe procedure for the administration of medications to students in the Augusta Public Schools.  The policy provides guidelines based on the limitations of the availability to health professionals within the school department.

                The administration of medication in the schools should only occur when it is absolutely necessary that medication be administered while school is in session.  The school nurse will have the primary responsibility for administering all medications to

 

 

 

students.  However, when the nurse is not available, trained, unlicensed personnel will administer all medications.  It is the ultimate responsibility of parents to provide for administration of medication for their children.

                The School Committee will provide copies of revised and updated policies to all personnel involved in the administration of medication to students.  The Augusta School Department looks forward to the cooperation of health professionals in the community to assist those who will be undertaking this responsibility.

Procedures for receiving and accepting requests for giving medications will be as follows: 

1.     Medication should be brought to school by a responsible adult (up to a month’s supply).

2.     Medication will be properly packaged with original pharmacy labels, including: patient’s name, ordering physician, date, name and dosage of medication, method of administration, quantity.

3.     In grades 6-12, students shall be permitted to take prescription medication while at school when such medicine is given to them under the direction of the school nurse who shall act on the specific written request of the parent or guardian with the written direction of the student’s personal physician.  Students shall be permitted to take non-prescription medication while at school when such medicine is given to them under the direction of the school nurse who shall act on the specific written request of the parent or guardian.  The school nurse will make the final decision as to what is appropriate and safe to administer within the school setting.

4.     The physician’s written order and the written parental request should be renewed annually.

5.     The student’s health status should be reviewed at frequent intervals by the school nurse.

Self-administration of Medications:

1.     The School Committee will allow self-administration of inhalers for respiratory problems and epi-pens for allergic reactions.

2.     Procedures for self-administration of medication are as follows:

a.     Medication should be brought to school by a responsible adult.

b.     Medication will be properly packaged with the original pharmacy labels, including:  patient’s name, ordering physician, date, name and dosage of medication, method of administration, quantity

c.     Medications will be accompanied by an Authorization Form signed by the parent or guardian.

d.     The school nurse will develop an individual plan with the student for the use of this medication, taking into consideration - age, development, understanding and reliability.

                Inhaler Usage (grades 9-12) - Asthma inhalers will be allowed to be carried on the student’s person.  The school nurse will be informed in writing by the parent or guardian if a student will be carrying an inhaler, and the student will inform the school nurse when the inhaler has been used.  A prescription for use of the asthma inhaler will be brought to the school nurse yearly.  A prescription on the box will be acceptable.

                Hypodermic Syringes in a School Setting - The method of administration of any medication is a necessary consideration.  An oral medication usually presents no difficulties.  However, some health situations require the use of hypodermic needles and syringes.

                The procedure for administering medication by a hypodermic syringe is as follows: 

 

 

 

 

1.     A written parental request for the administration of medication.

2.     A written order from the family physician giving:  date, medication, dosage, observable symptoms indicating an emergency, duration of the order, patient’s name.

3.     Provision by the parent for the supply of medication, syringes, and needles.

4.     Certain safeguards must be followed relative to storage and destruction of syringes: 

        a.     Unused hypodermic syringes and needles should be kept in double locked, stationary cabinets or rooms.

        b.     Disposable hypodermic units will be disposed of in the “sharps” container located in the nurse’s office or secured area.  (Augusta Public Schools:  Adopted 5/14/97).

 

Student Discipline

 

Rules of Cony High School:

1.     WE will respect and be considerate of the rights and responsibilities of others and ourselves.

2.     WE will respect and be considerate of our property and others.

3.     WE will follow our class schedule and be on time.

4.     WE will follow rules of specific areas.

5.     STUDENTS must have a pass to be in the hall.

These rules and policies 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.

                Teacher Detention - 2:20-3:00 p.m. in teacher’s own room.  Failure to serve a teacher detention will result in an EDD.

Office Detention - 2:20-3:20 p.m. or 2:20-4:20 p.m. in room 36.  Failure to serve an office detention on the day that it is scheduled will result in a consequence as described in the Behavior Rubric.

Extended Day Detention (EDD) – In lieu of suspension, Extended Day Detention will be assigned when appropriate.  EDD will be assigned on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:20 – 5:00. Similar to a suspension, an EDD must be served on the day assigned.  If not served at the assigned time, the student will be suspended until the EDD(s) has been served.

Suspension - May be used as a disciplinary measure when other means of correcting misconduct have failed or in instances of gross misbehavior that threatens the safety of others or violates the rules of conduct set forth by the school board.   Students are not allowed on school property or at school functions.  All co-curricular activities are off limits for the period of the suspension. 

                An administrator may suspend a student for up to ten (10) days for violation of school board policies and/or rules governing the operation of the school. 

                Prior to suspending a student, the administration will:

                1.     Inform the student of the charge(s) and the basis thereof;

 

 

 

                2.     Provide the student with the opportunity to present his/her side of the story;

                3.     Contact the student’s parents or guardian informing them of the reasons for the suspension either orally or in writing;

                4.     Notify the Superintendent of Schools in writing.  Should a special education student be suspended in excess of ten (10) accumulated days, he or she will need a new Individual Evaluation Plan (I.E.P.), and a Pupil Evaluation Team meeting will be scheduled within one week to consider the appropriateness of the student’s I.E.P.

                After a student has received four (4) disciplinary actions, he/she, accompanied by a parent, must meet with the Administration and Guidance Counselor and a formal behavior contract will be developed and signed by all parties.  Further suspensions will result in a referral to the Superintendent of Schools for possible expulsion from Cony High School.

                A suspended student may be given permission by the administration to return only once during the suspension period to get homework assignments.  This must be done after 2:15 p.m.  Students should take all books and materials home with them as they depart school after a suspension occurs.  Students may make up all work assigned during a suspension within the time-frame allowed in the make-up policy - two days of make-up for each day suspended.  It is the suspended students responsibility to pass in work by the assigned due date.  Arrangements must be made by the student to see that all pre-suspension assigned work is passed in on the due date.

                Students, who receive an out-of-school suspension, may not participate in any co-curricular activities for that day or days.

Bullying – The Augusta School Committee defines bullying as “any physical act or gesture or any verbally, written, or electronically expression that:

A. A reasonable person should expect will have the affect of;

     1. Physically harming or damaging a student’s property;

     2. Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to 

          his/her property; or

     3. Substantially disrupting the instructional program or orderly operations

                      of the school; or

            B. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile

                 educational environment for a student who is bullied.

                Students who instigate bullying but are not directly involved (those who spread rumors, put others up to bullying, carry information back and forth between individuals who subsequently bully) submit themselves to the same penalties as those who are directly involved in bullying.

Consequences may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or reports to law enforcement.” (policy JICK)

Cheating - Cheating is inexcusable.  The first offense will warrant a zero on that particular quiz or test and notification to the parents, and loss of privileges.  Cony High School expects its students to maintain a high degree of honesty and integrity in all academic and co-curricular pursuits.  Plagiarism is a form of cheating. 

Plagiarism - According to Webster’s Online Dictionary plagiarism is defined as “stealing and passing off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own:  The use of (another’s production) without crediting the source; literary theft” (Merriam Webster Online, 5 March, 2005).  Plagiarism also occurs when a student:

·          fails to cite with quotation marks the written words or symbols of another author;

·          fails to document the author and sources of materials (including materials obtained through electronic media) used in composition;

·                  fails to cite research materials in a bibliography or works cited page

·          fails to name a person quoted in an oral report;

·          fails to cite an author whose works are paraphrased or summarized;

·          fails to cite an author’s ideas;

·          presents another person’s creative work or ideas as one’s own in essays, poems, music, art, computer programs, or other projects;

·          copies or paraphrases ideas from literary criticism or study aids, including Cliffs Notes or Spark Notes, without documentation;

·          purchases a paper from an Internet site or an individual and claims the work as one’s own;

·          cuts and pastes sections of text from Internet sites or online research cites;

·          any other action intended to obtain credit for work which is not one’s own.  If students still have questions about plagiarism or how to correctly cite their sources, they should consult the Cony Research Guide or ask the teacher who issued the assignment. Students who plagiarize will receive a zero on the assignment.  In addition, their parents or guardians will be contacted and their names given to the administration. Further disciplinary action will be taken by school administration for repeat offenders.

Destruction of School Property - Any student who has abused or destroyed school property will be required to pay for the damage in addition to disciplinary action.  Students cannot graduate from Cony High School without settling all material or financial obligations.  Take care of your school materials by keeping your locker secured at all times.

Fighting - Fighting is unacceptable at any time.  The 1^st offense may result in a five (5) day suspension with parental contact and meeting with Administrator.  The 2^nd offense may result in a ten (10) day suspension with parental contact and meeting with an administrator and possible expulsion. The incident will be documented with the Augusta Police Department.

Students who instigate fighting but are not directly involved (those who spread rumors, put others up to fighting, carry information back and forth between individuals who subsequently fight) submit themselves to the same penalties as those who are directly involved in fighting.

 

                Harassment Policy - The Augusta School Committee recognizes the right of each school community member (i.e. employees, students, volunteers) to work in an atmosphere that is free of intimidation, hostility, and offensiveness.  In order to ensure such an atmosphere, school community members are not to engage in harassment.  Acts of harassment based upon race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or disability are a violation of this policy and may constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal laws.

                Examples of prohibited harassment as determined by context, circumstances, and frequency:

A.    Unwelcome sexual advances, gestures, comments, or contact

B.     Threats

C.     Offensive jokes

D.    Ridicule, slurs, derogatory action or remarks

E.     Basing educational/employment decisions on practices of submission to harassment.

                Sexual harassment is the attempt to control, influence, or affect the career or educational program of an individual in exchange for sexual favors.  Sexual harassment can also be conduct, which creates a hostile or offensive environment or unreasonably interferes with a person’s ability to perform his or her job, program of instruction, or function as a member of the school community.

                Students who instigate harassment but are not directly involved (those who spread rumors, put others up to harassment, carry information back and forth between individuals who subsequently harass) submit themselves to the same penalties as those who are directly involved in harassment.

            Consequences for harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or reports to law enforcement.

                Profanity - Vulgar or profane language will not be tolerated. Students will receive a minimum of a one-day suspension.

                Removal from Class - Any student whose actions hinder the progress of class may be removed.  It is not the right of any student to detract from the cooperative progress of the group.  All students have the right to learn, and no one has the right to interfere with the rights of others.  If you are sent from class, you must report to the Assistant Principal’s Office and you may receive disciplinary action.

Smoking - In accordance with Maine State Law, students under 18 years of age may not possess tobacco products including snuff (dip) or chewing tobacco.  Smoking is not permitted on school grounds.  No student, regardless of age, will be permitted to possess tobacco products, lighters or matches on school grounds. The authorities will be contacted when students use or possess tobacco products.

                Weapons, Violence and School Safety – The Augusta School Board believes that students and staff and entitled to learn and work in a school environment free of violence, threats and disruptive behavior.  Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for others and in accordance with board policies, school rules, reasonable unwritten behavior expectations, and applicable state and federal laws.

                School staff is required to immediately report incidents of prohibited conduct by students to the building administrator for investigation and appropriate action.

 

Prohibited Conduct

 

                Students are prohibited from engaging in the following conduct on school property, while in attendance at school or at any school –sponsored activity, or at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school:

 

A.    Possession and/or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or harass another person.  Examples of such articles include but are not limited to firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, any other kind of gun, ammunition, explosives, cross-bows, brass knuckles, switchblades, knives, chains, clubs, Kung Fu stars and num-chucks;

 

B.     Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or harass another person.  Examples of such articles include but are not limited to bats, belts, picks, pencils, compasses, objects capable of ignition (e.g., matches, lighters), files, tools of any sort and replicas of weapons (including toys);

 

C.     Violent or threatening behavior, including but not limited to fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property (e.g., verbal or written death threats, threats of bodily harm, bomb threats);

 

D.    Verbal or written statements (including those made on or through a computer) which threaten, intimidates, or harasses others, which tend to incite violence and/or disrupt the school program.

 

Other disciplinary issues will be handled on a case by case basis as they arise, by an administrator using his/her own discretion.

 

 

 

 

Cony High School Behavior Rubric

 

Infraction	First Incident:	Second Incident:	Third Incident:
-    3 accumulated tardies -    Possession of lighter, laser or       other unauthorized items -    Sent to the office during class       or study -    Teacher referrals -    Unacceptable language	Detention 1 Hour	Detention 2 Hours	EDD*– Parents Called
-   Cut class, study, advisor, or         teacher detention	1 ½ hr.  detention (not served—EDD*)	2 hr. detention* (not served—EDD*)	EDD* -- Parents Called (4th time move to chronic skips)
-   3 or more unexcused tardies in     one quarter -   Destruction of school property     (includes restitution) -   Forged notes -   Leaving school building without     permission	Extended Day Detention*	EDD*	2 EDD* (4th time parents meet with   administrator and student   to write a behavior plan.)
-   Chronic skips from class or     study -   Unexcused absence from school     (and zeros in all classes)	2 days EDD*	2 days EDD*	2 days EDD* and call to parents (4th time student, parents & admin. meet to write behavior plan)
-   Food court issues -   Incidents that require custodial     services	Administrative discretion	Administrative discretion	Administrative discretion  (4th time student, parents & admin. meet to write behavior plan)
-   Drug, alcohol, and tobacco -   Stealing (includes restitution) -   Fighting, weapons, threats or     other serious offense	Administrative discretion	Administrative discretion	Administrative discretion (See School Board Policy)
*Students who skip an assigned 2 hour detention will be assigned an EDD. If an EDD is not served as assigned, the student will be suspended until the extended day detention is served   ·          All discipline is subject to administrative discretion. ·          Office detentions are from 2:20 – 3:20, 2:20-3:50 or from 2:20 – 4:20. ·          Extended Day Detentions are from 2:20 – 5:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ·          When students are suspended they are not allowed on school property or at school functions.  All co-curricular activities for suspended students are off limits for the period of suspension.