TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
PRINCIPALS LETTER/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SHEET
HODGKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT/ SCHOOL VISION/ CORE BELIEFS
MAINE LEARNING RESULTS ...1
ACTIVITIES .. 1
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION .. 2
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ...2
ARRIVAL TIME .. 3
ASSEMBLIES .. 4
ATTENDANCE .. 4
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS .. 5
BICYCLES .. 6
BOMB THREATS .. 7
BUILDING USE AFTER SCHOOL HOURS ...7
BUSES .. 7
CONFLICT RESOLUTION .. 9
COURSE OF STUDY .. 9
CUSTODIAL/ NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT ..9
DANCES 10
DETENTION 11
DRESS CODE 11
DRUGS/ ALCOHOL 12
DUE PROCESS 12
ELECTRONIC DEVICES 12
EMERGENCY CARDS 12
FIELD TRIPS & SPECIAL EVENTS .. 12
FIRE DRILLS 13
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR 13
GUM/ CANDY/ BEVERAGES 13
HALLWAYS 13
HARASSMENT 13
HARRASSMENT PROCEDURES 15
HAZING 16
HOMEWORK 16
HONORS ENGLISH (Grade 9) 17
ILLNESS/ INJURIES 17
IMMUNIZATIONS 18
iBOOK (APPLE) GUIDELINES 18
LEARNING CENTER 19
LIBRARY/ MEDIA CENTER 19
LOCKERS 19
LOST AND FOUND 20
LUNCH 20
MEDICATIONS 21
NURSE 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARENT BULLETIN 23
PARENT CONFERENCES 23
PASSES 23
PERSONAL HYGIENE 23
POSTPONEMENTS/ CANCELLATIONS 24
PROGRESS REPORTS 24
PROMOTION/ RETENTION 24
QUESTIONING & SEARCHES OF STUDENTS . ... 25
RANKING SYSTEM AND HONOR ROLL ..26
REPORT CARDS .26
SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY .26
SKATEBOARDS/ ROLLERBLADES ... 31
SMOKING BY STUDENTS .31
SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES ...31
SPECIAL SERVICES/ CHAPTER 504 K-12 32
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE .33
STUDENT COMPUTER & INTERNET USE . . 33
STUDENT COUNCIL 34
STUDENT RECOGNITION 34
STUDENT RECORDS 34
TELEPHONE 35
TESTING 36
TEXTBOOKS. SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT . .. 36
VISITORS 36
VANDALISM 36
VOLUNTEERS 37
WEAPONS 37
STAFF 38
FLOOR PLAN 39
Hodgkins Middle School Mission Statement
Hodgkins Middle School develops responsible and involved citizens by demonstrating educational excellence and embracing diversity.
Hodgkins Middle School Vision
Our school building is one in which:
1. Students are encouraged to develop a healthy curiosity.
2. Students see their meaningful work presented and celebrated.
3. Students come to school knowing they are safe, respected, and cared for by all.
4. Teachers believe that change and success are possible. Teachers are facilitators of learning.
Teachers are valued.
5. Counselors are a resource to bridge families, schools, community agencies, and support services.
6. Administrators treat all staff as capable professionals by honoring staff input. Administrators advocate for the teachers, the students, and the school.
7. Parents support and celebrate the joy of learning.
8. The community encourages partnership with the school.
Hodgkins Core Beliefs:
Our school provides a safe environment where civility and individuality are practiced, valued and respected.
Our staff uses multiple approaches to engage student learning.
Our school is a place where perseverance, patience, creativity, and academic risk-taking are valued.
Our school raises aspirations and encourages individual talents.
Our school community members are active participants and accept responsibility for lifelong learning.
Communication among students, parents, teachers and the community promotes positive change.
Our school addresses the social, physical, artistic, and emotional needs of the school community.
Our school provides a challenging and differentiated curriculum.
High standards of excellence are demonstrated.
Goal Objectives for Hodgkins Middle School
Goal #1: Increase academic expectations and achievement levels for all students
Objectives: a) to include all students and provide differentiation
b) to collaborate in interdisciplinary units that provide real world learning
c) to teach students study skills
Goal #2: Improve school climate to foster an environment that is safe, nurturing and respects the individual
Objectives: a) to develop a Hodgkins Paws Program (formerly Advisee/Advisor) that
celebrates Hodgkins Middle School
b) to implement the Guiding Principles (Safe, Honest, Respectful and
Responsible)
c) to provide staff collaboration time to promote consistency and clear
expectations in behavior and academics
Goal #3: Develop responsible citizens
Objectives: a) to empower students to take ownership of their behavior and learning
b) to incorporate self-assessment in learning
c) to provide opportunities for community service
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Students:
I would like to personally welcome you to Hodgkins Middle School. It is a privilege to be part of your childs education for the 2006/ 2007 school year. We hope that you feel that Hodgkins is your school and that you take an active role in maintaining its traditions, creating new traditions and high standards. You will have many opportunities and challenges both academically and personally this year. It is the goal of the Hodgkins faculty to foster an environment that is safe, nurturing and respects the individual.
As a student at Hodgkins, it is our expectation you make the most of you opportunities, both academically and socially. You need to put forth your level best in each and every class, develop a solid rapport with your teachers, become involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior at all times. It is our hope you will become a school leader at Hodgkins Middle School.
Please take this opportunity to read and review this handbook with your child. The Hodgkins handbook explains our policies and expectations. It is our hope this information will be helpful during our childs educational middle school career.
We are excited about the upcoming school year and look forward to meeting each of you soon.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Boston
Principal
MAINE LEARNING RESULTS
When the Maine legislature adopted the Maine Learning Results in 1996, it established learning standards for all Maine students educated at public expense. The goal of the Maine Learning Results is to have each student leave school as:
· A Clear and Effective Communicator
· A Self-Directed and Life-long Learner
· A Creative and Practical Problem-Solver
· A Responsible and Involved Citizen
· A Collaborative and Quality Worker
· An Integrative and Informed Thinker
In order to help achieve that goal, learning standards were established in Career Preparation, English/Language Arts, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Modern and classical Languages. Science and Technology, Social Studies, and Visual and Performing Arts. Augusta's curriculums have all been written to meet those standards.
Beginning with the class of 2007, graduation will be determined by student achievement of the Maine Learning Results in these areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology and Health and Physical Education. By 2010, student achievement of the Maine Learning Results in these additional areas: Career Preparation, Visual and Performing Arts and Modern and Classical Languages will also be included in graduation requirements.
Band Chorus Musicals
Baseball Basketball Cheerleading
Cross Country Field Hockey Soccer
Softball Track Wrestling
Hodgkins Middle School
Athletic Eligibility Requirements
To remain academically eligible to play sports, a student must have achieved a passing grade in all subjects for the most recent mid-trimester and/ or trimester reports. A student deemed ineligible will miss at least one regular season contest or a week, whichever is longer. Students deemed ineligible will have to report for academic support through their teachers, after school. If this time runs concurrent with practice, they miss practice. The students progress will be checked at the end of the first week of ineligibility and if the student is still failing, they will be placed on a second week of ineligibility. If a student is failing after three weeks of ineligibility, either consecutively or within one athletic season, they will remain ineligible for the remainder of the athletic season.
To become eligible for participation, once a student has been academically suspended, the student must bring a weekly progress report, signed by their teachers, to the Principals Office, Assistant Principals or the Guidance Counselor. One of the three signatures is required before the student will be allowed to participate in athletics. These forms may be obtained from the main office.
Club / Academic
Chess Club Civic Oration Civil Rights Team
French Club Math Team Newspaper
Student Council Yearbook D.I. Team
The Augusta School System is committed to providing equal education opportunities to all students in both academic and extracurricular areas. All our students deserve the chance to participate in the entire range of activities offered regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age or handicap. A copy of the Affirmative Action Plan is available in each school office and in the Superintendent's office. Affirmative Action inquiries may be made to:
Personnel Director
Central Office
RR 7, Box 2525
Augusta, Maine
Telephone # 626-2468
Beginning the first week of October and ending the first week of May.
Students may stay after-school if they are participating in a co-curricular activity.
Students staying after school for any other reason must have a staff sponsor, note from home.
Students may not participate in any after-school activities on a day that they are absent from school.
AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Students staying after school for any reason, other than participation on a co-curricular or athletic team, must follow these guidelines:
If these guidelines are not followed, the student will lose the privilege of staying after school until further notice.
Buses arrive between 7:15 A.M. and 7:20 A.M. Students are to remain seated on the bus until the driver dismisses them at 7:20 A.M. to enter school. Once students leave the bus they are to enter the school building immediately. Do not leave school grounds.
Walkers enter school through the gymnasium entrance. Students are to arrive at school no earlier than 7:20 A.M. Once students are on school grounds they are not to leave.
Students upon entering the building are to report to their homeroom for attendance and must receive permission before going to breakfast.
Morning Announcements:
1) Every morning at approximately 7:25 a.m. members of our student body will lead us in the pledge of allegiance followed by morning announcements by the principal. During this time, students are to be with their advisors or eating breakfast and are to listen quietly while the announcements are being read.
2) First period starts at 7:30 a.m.
Dismissal:
1) At 1:55 p.m., students are to proceed to their advisors room to store their iBooks, or sign them out, gather materials from their locker and prepare for afternoon announcements. Students should not be in the hallways for any reason and are to listen respectfully.
2) Afternoon announcements will be read at 1:55 p.m. followed by dismissal.
Student attendance at assemblies is a privilege. Anyone not acting in an appropriate manner will be dismissed immediately and may be excluded from future assemblies.
A few simple rules to follow are:
School attendance is extremely important. The Augusta School Department permits excused absences from school for the following reasons only:
1. Personal illness.
2. Appointments with health professionals that cannot be made outside the regular school day.
3. Observances of a recognized religious holiday during a regular school day.
4. Emergency family situations.
5. Planned absences for personal or educational purposes, which have been approved in advance.
Parents are asked to call the school at 626-2490 prior to 8:30 a.m. any day their child will be absent.
On a daily basis, the office will attempt to call homes of absent students whose parents did not call the school.
When a student is absent from school without prior permission of his or her parent or guardian
or a school official, that student is considered truant. Prolonged unexcused absences from school may result in referrals to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, local law enforcement agencies and/or the Maine Department of Human Services.
Students are tardy after 7:30 a.m. and must report to the office upon their entrance to school. Two warnings for unexcused tardiness are given per trimester. Subsequent unexcused tardiness results in office detention(s) being assigned.
Dismissal from school occurs at 2:00 p.m. Students requiring early dismissal from should present a written parental request to the office prior to 7:30 a.m. on the day that the early dismissal is requested. When a request for early dismissal is approved, a dismissal pass will be issued to the student. That pass must be show to their teachers and the main office, when he/she leaves. Dismissal passes issued by the school nurse must also be shown to the main office. A student will not be dismissed solely upon his/her verbal request. Students absent from school or who are dismissed early from school will not be able to participate or be a spectator in activities after school (unless for medical reasons).
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
The "Guiding Principles" of our school include honesty, respect, responsibility and safety. While discipline does not appear as a subject, it is important for a positive environment at school. We want students to have the opportunity to be as successful as they can be.
Before you say or do something, ask yourself the following four questions:
1. Is it honest?
2. Is it responsible?
3. Is it respectful?
4. Is it safe?
If you can answer "yes" to all four of these questions, then say or do what you planned. If you can't, please make another plan!
1. BASIC BUILDING RULES
We expect students to:
-Be honest
-Cheating, lying, stealing, plagiarizing and gambling are not acceptable behavior.
-Be responsible
-Practice punctuality (Report to school and classes on time.)
-Be in assigned areas.
-Use school and personal books, equipment and supplies appropriately
-Keep an appropriate noise level
-Come to class prepared
-Be respectful
-Be polite and courteous
-Use appropriate language
-Refrain from public displays of affection (kissing, hugging, hand holding, etc.)
-Contribute to a safe school environment
-NO running, throwing objects, or physical abuse
-Keep your hands and feet to yourself
-Stay to the right as you pass in the hallways
-Store your book bag in your locker
-Behave appropriately on the school bus
-Aggressive physical behavior
-Weapons possession
-Vandalism or theft
-Profanity
-Use, possession or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
-Harassment Verbal, physical or sexual
-Defiant and disrespectful behavior
Suspension is the usual consequence for severe infractions. The length will be determined by the administration. A suspended student is not allowed on the school grounds or at any school activity during a suspension.
Academic work made up within teacher prescribed time limits will receive 100% credit.
When suspension is necessary, parents will be notified. A conference with the assistant principal or principal is mandatory before the student returns. Police will also be notified, if necessary.
Students with multiple suspensions may be referred to the Superintendent.
3. OFFICE REFERRAL
Warning will be issued before a student is asked to leave the classroom. If sent to the office, parents will be called when necessary and detention arrangements made.
4. OFFICE DETENTION
· This is held from 2:00-2:30 each day.
· It is assigned by the assistant principal or principal for office referrals, tardies, truancies, cutting teacher detention and poor behavior for a substitute teacher.
Suspension may be necessary if lack of cooperation continues or if students fail to serve their office detentions.
5. TEACHER DETENTION
Served the next day. If the detention is not served, the office will be notified and the student will stay with the teacher the following day, with the possibility of additional detention time assigned.
Suspension may be necessary if lack of cooperation continues or students fail to serve their teacher detentions.
Students who ride bicycles to school are to put them in the rack behind school immediately upon arrival at school. Bicycles are to be locked to the bicycle rack.
BOMB THREATS
The Augusta School Department has a "zero tolerance" policy regarding bomb threats. Students involved in bomb threats should be aware that this is a felony offense and that law enforcement officials will be notified. Expulsion from school may occur as well as consequences received through the legal system. There may be consequences for aiding another student in a bomb
threat and failure to report a possible bomb threat. Students will be evacuated from the school building if necessary. Parents will be notified through the local news media. Any days missed due to bomb threats will be made up; this may take the form of extended regular school day(s) or attendance on Saturday(s).
Students are to leave school grounds immediately upon the close of school. Students may remain on school grounds with permission granted by Hodgkins Middle School staff members. If students remain after school, it is expected that they will be in designated areas, supervised by faculty members/coaches. Students who do not behave appropriately after school will be asked to leave the building. Parents will be notified.
Riding on the bus is a privilege that may be revoked. Consequences for misbehavior on the bus will generally be:
City of Augusta School Department
Guidelines for Bus Behavior
MINORS VIOLATIONS (not intended to be all inclusive):
1. Creating excessive noise.
Bus Notes
In order for a student to ride on a different bus than their normally assigned to, he/she must have a signed note from their parent/ guardian. In addition, the student is to be referred to the main office with the note for parent signature verification and the note will be stamped with the principals signature. Students will be allowed on the bus until this process has been completed.
CONSEQUENCES:
1ST Offense (All students) Verbal warning from bus driver
2nd Offense (All students) Before being allowed to ride, a written notice signed by parent
with a copy to the Principal.
3rd Offense (Grades K-6 only) Discuss with Principal, notify parent, one-day riding
suspension.
3rd Offense (Grades 7-12 only) Discuss w/ Principal, notify parent, one-week riding
suspension.
If a student is suspended from riding the bus, a one-day grace may be given to allow time for the parents to be notified. For the duration of the suspension, parents are responsible for transportation to and from school.
SERIOUS VIOLATIONS (not intended to be all inclusive):
1. More than three minor violations.
2. Illegal acts (including possession or use of drugs, liquor, tobacco, etc.)
3. Lighting matches or smoking.
4. Threats or threatening gestures.
5. Fighting, pushing or tripping.
6. Spitting on or directly at any a person.
7. Destroying property.
8. Possessing dangerous articles.
9. Other similar types of behavior.
CONSEQUENCES (Effective immediately) (Grades K-6):
1st Offense Discuss with Principal, notify parent, one-week suspension from riding.
2nd Offense Notify Principal, parent conference required, two-week suspension from riding.
3rd Offense Referral to Superintendent, notify parent, suspended from riding pending
decision.
CONSEQUENCES (Effective immediately) (Grades 7-12):
1st Offense Discuss with Principal, notify parent, one-week suspension from riding.
2nd Offense Discuss with Principal, parent conference required, two-week suspension
from riding.
3rd Offense Discuss with Principal, notify parent, one-week suspension from riding.
4th Offense Superintendent referral, notify parent, suspended from riding pending
decision.
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS:
1st offense, notice to Principal.
2nd offense, notify Principal, parent conference required. Decision for suspension will be made with parental involvement. Depending upon the offense, alternative transportation may be provided.
Each violation on the same trip will be considered individually.
Any questions, please contact David Chapman at 626-5569.
Thank you for supporting "good bus behavior".
Students who are late to a class with an acceptable reason should go to that class with a pass from the person detaining them. That classroom teacher will hold students who are late to class for an unacceptable reason accountable.
Habitual tardiness will be dealt with by the office and may result in detention.
The Augusta School Department wishes to resolve issues and conflicts in a timely and cooperative manner. We encourage parents and students to bring concerns forward for early resolution. Students will not suffer negative repercussions as a result of their parents' or their own expressions of concern. A parent or student should begin the discussion with the staff member closest to the source of the concern. For example, if a parent has an issue with the amount of homework assigned, he/she should first speak with the teacher.
If a resolution cannot be found, the next step is to contact the principal.
Science French Physical Education
Language Arts Life Skills Chorus (Elective)
Math Art Band (Elective)
Social Studies Music
The Augusta School Department has a crisis team to provide direction, support, coordination of resources and effective communication to students, staff and the community in the event of an incident, which might impact on the learning environment. This incident could include but is not limited to natural disaster, death of a student or faculty member, car or school bus accident and threats of or actual harm to students or staff from another source.
In order to provide the Augusta Crisis Team with timely information, the Augusta Police Department will notify the crisis team of a crisis affecting the school population. The superintendent of schools will be notified first by the Augusta Police Department. If the superintendent is unavailable, the chair of the crisis team will be notified.
It is the responsibility of the Augusta School Department to protect the rights of all students. School staff members sometimes face a dilemma between their responsibilities to assure the safety of students and their desires to respect the rights of parents. In situations involving divorced or estranged parents, the following policy will be in effect until or unless an official court order is received by the school.
1. Both natural parents have the right to:
Ψ Only a legal document (e.g., the final divorce decree which includes specific denial of visitation rights or a restraining order denying visiting rights) can prevent a parent from participating in the activities named above. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to notify the school principal of any restrictions on school related rights and to provide a certified copy of any legal action.
2. For the school's purposes, the parent who resides with the child is considered the resident parent. In situations where the divorce decree grants joint custody, if the student resides with one parent during the school week, that parent shall be considered the resident parent for purposes of this policy.
Ψ Only the resident parent has the right to visit a student at school or remove the student from school property. A student will be released to a non-custodial parent only with the permission of the resident parent. If a question arises as to who is the parent in residence, the school principal should require a notarized statement from the parent attesting to custody.
DANCES
1. Unless otherwise announced, dances are for Hodgkins Middle School students only.
3. Students will not be allowed to enter the dance 1/2 hour or more late unless they have brought a note from their parents and it is approved by administration.
Detention period is a time when the student is assigned to stay after school for any infraction of acceptable student behavior. Students should fully understand that adults who work at the school have the authority to correct misconduct at any time. Teachers may also award detentions if students do not hand in assignments on time.
Transportation home after detention is the students responsibility in conjunction with parents. Late bus passes will not be provided for students who have been detained for misconduct reasons.
Failure to report for two assigned detentions will be considered grounds for suspension.
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.
school property.
clothing that exposes underwear or private body parts, including clothing
that is so tight that private body parts are visible, and skirt lengths that are shorter than 5 inches above the top of the kneecap).
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, may be disciplined.
Possession, use or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students is prohibited on school grounds or at any school activity. Disciplinary sanctions which may include expulsion or referral for prosecution may be imposed on students who violate this standard of conduct. Compliance with the above standards of conduct is mandatory and failure to adhere to the standards is a violation of this policy. A copy of the Augusta School Department Student and Staff Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Policy (JFCI) may be requested from the Hodgkins Middle School office.
Hodgkins Middle School students have rights. They also have the responsibility to respect the
rights and property of others. If a student fails to do this, disciplinary action will follow. In disciplinary cases, each student is entitled to due process. This means students must:
· Be informed of the accusations against them
· Have the opportunity to accept or deny the accusations
· Have explained to them the factual basis for the accusations
· Have a chance to present an alternative factual position if the accusation is denied
Students are not to bring radios, tape/CD players, head sets, pagers, cell phones, laser pointers, electronic games or other electronic devices to school. These will be taken from students. Staff members may, at times, allow their use at school on special occasions.
These cards are on file for each child in the school office. It is very important that:
The Board of Education recognizes that the first-hand learning experiences provided by field trips and other special events ( other educational experiences requiring absence from or cancellation of regular classes) are a most effective and worthwhile means of learning. It is the desire of the Board to encourage field trips and special events as an integral part of the school program. This policy applies to trips, which have been approved by the school principal. Any trip not having the approval of the principal cannot be considered sanctioned by the Augusta School Department.
Safety is a primary concern for us on all field trips. If there are concerns about student behavior on a field trip, parents will be contacted to develop an appropriate plan. This may include the requirement of parental supervision of the student on the field trip or exclusion of the student from the field trip.
Students will have the opportunity while at Hodgkins to participate in school related field trips such as Quebec, Washington D.C., and grade level activities. We participate in such events for educations, cultural and community building opportunities. Students must abide by the following guidelines/ criteria in order to participate:
· Academic Expectations students must be passing all classes to be eligible to participate.
· Behavioral Expectations students must exhibit appropriate and safe behavior throughout the school year.
Students who do not meet these standards will jeopardizing their opportunity to attend any trip. Administration and teachers as to eligibility will make the final decision. There is a financial cost to the parent for their son/ daughter to participate on a field trip; these funds are used to secure their spot. Money may or may not be refunded depending on the given situation.
While attending field trips, students are reminded that they representing their school and community. They are expected to follow school rules at all times and to remember to have fun.
Fire drills are necessary so that everyone knows how to exit the building safely and quickly.
Teachers will explain exiting procedures. Do Not Run! Once everyone is outside, attendance
will be taken by classroom. When directed by a staff person, return to the building in an orderly fashion.
Students may make an appointment with the guidance counselor in person or by seeing the secretary in the main office. Once an appointment has been arranged, the student will receive a guidance pass to show to the teacher BEFORE leaving class for the guidance office.
Gum, candy and beverages present numerous health and clean-up issues. They should not be in the building and will be addressed by staff on an individual basis.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner. Loud, boisterous behavior, running, pushing, or other unsafe behavior will not be tolerated. Always keep to the right while passing in the hallways. There should be no more that two students walking side by side, which will allow students to pass in a safe manner.
(full policy is available at the superintendents office and at each of the school offices)
It is the intent of the City of Augusta Board of Education to provide and maintain an environment that is supportive of academic progress, personal goals, dignity and the self -esteem of every employee and student in the system, in an environment in which students can work free from harassment of a verbal, visual, physical or sexual nature. Harassment of or by board members, administrators, employees, parents, students, vendors and their employees, volunteers, and others doing business with the Augusta schools is prohibited. It is the policy of the Board of Education that harassment will not be tolerated.
"Harassment" is engaging in vexatious comment or conduct that is known or might reasonably be known to create a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment for the victim.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, racial, ethnic, religious, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, sexual harassment, and conduct made with the intent to deter the free exercise or enjoyment of any rights or privileges secured, now or in the future, by the Constitution of Maine or the United State Constitution. Further, sexual harassment shall include, but not be limited to, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Harassment may include, but not be limited to, suggestive or obscene letters or notes, invitations; derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, stories, assault, displaying sexual objects, touching, impeding or blocking movement, leering, gestures, pictures or objects that are offensive, tend to alarm, annoy, abuse or demean certain individuals and/or groups.
Harassment, including sexual harassment, can occur employee to student, student to employee, student-to-student, employee-to-employee, male-to-female, female-to-male, male-to-male and female-to-female.
Acts of harassment are not only a violation of this policy but may also constitute unlawful discrimination under state and federal laws.
All employees and students should take special note that retaliation against an individual who has complained about harassment, including sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of any complaint is unlawful, in violation of this policy and will also not be tolerated, i.e., retaliation is in and of itself a form of harassment and will be dealt with accordingly.
The Board of Education finds that student-to-student harassment has the potential of severely and permanently affecting the students involved. Addressing and correcting student-to-student harassment must have the highest priority possible in the school district.
The Board is concerned that any procedures that are implemented will be carried out consistently, fairly and impartially. At each level in the school system, due process required by law will be observed -no more and no less.
The Board recognizes that harassment between students cannot be corrected unless the parents of the students involved become involved with the process.
EMPLOYEE- TO-STUDENT HARASSMENT
Any complaint of employee-to-student harassment will be brought immediately to the attention of the superintendent for appropriate action. Law enforcement authorities will be notified immediately of any alleged harassment or abuse, either physical or sexual, to conduct the investigation if it appears that a criminal law may have been violated.
CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING THIS POLICY
The Board of Education mandates that prompt, equitable and remedial action will be taken within its authority on confirmed reports, complaints or grievances alleging harassment that come to the
attention of the school department, either formally or informally. Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement and suspected child abuse will be reported to law enforcement and/or Maine Department of Human Services Child Protective Services. Employees and students found to have been subjected to harassment would have appropriate school district services made available to them.
Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to the investigation procedure which may result in