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BEMS Handbook 2008-2009 in pdf format
September, 2008
Dear Student:
Whether you have been in our system for several years or are entering Bonny Eagle Middle School for the first time, the staff and administration wish you the best for the upcoming year. Please know that although all of us are here to help and encourage you in any way we can, much of your potential success rests upon the choices that you make for yourself.
The purpose of this handbook is to explain many of the questions both students and parents have concerning the day-to-day operation of our school. In addition, many of the important rules for student conduct are also included. Should there be any unforeseen conflict between district policy and the rules in this handbook, the district policy will always apply. Our rules are intended to be reasonable, practical, and aligned with the Vision, Mission, Strategic Goals and Core Beliefs written on page 1 of this handbook. We hope that by providing information on our expectations for your behavior you will be better prepared to make the right decisions while here at school. Please read the contents carefully and share them with your parents. It also will serve throughout the year as your hall pass. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask your teachers, guidance counselor, or any administrator.
The second part of this handbook contains a Student Planner. Please use this to organize your assignments, set personal goals, and to keep an accurate record of all school work. If you have questions about how to use your planner most effectively, ask your teacher or guidance counselor for assistance.
Being a good student is not easy! It is a difficult job which requires hard work and commitment. Nevertheless, making the most of your public school education today is one of the best ways that you can assure your personal success tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Ansel E. Stevens Jr.
Principal
Your Rights and Responsibilities
All students in Maine have the right to a free and full education from ages 5-20 in grades K-12 . The law requires you to attend school until age 17 unless conditions specifically listed in Maine Statute (20 MRSA/911) are met. In general, Maine state law requires that students attend classes for 175 days of the year.
All public schools that receive federal funds must provide free, appropriate education to each qualified handicapped student regardless of the nature or severity of the person’s handicap (20 MRSA/3111,Ch.403 and P.L. 94-142).
In addition, the 119th Legislature amended Title 20-A, Section 6001-B, Transfer of Education Records, to read:
“A school administrative unit shall include in the written notice to parents or guardians of every student enrolled in the school administrative unit that education records must be sent to a school administrative unit to which a student applies for transfer.”
Please know that Bonny Eagle Middle School adheres to these regulations.
All parents and students share the responsibility to make sure students attend school.
Your responsibility as a student is to attend all classes at Bonny Eagle Middle School and to follow the rules outlined in this student handbook. In doing so, you must observe the three primary rules of our school:
Bonny Eagle Middle School and M.S.A.D. #6 reserves the unlimited right to change the terms of this handbook at any time, without notice, for practical necessary reasons. If an unintentional or unforeseen conflict arises between the student handbook and the Board Policy, the Board Policy will prevail.
MSAD #6 Student Code of Conduct
Ethical and responsible student behavior is an essential part of the educational mission of our schools. To that end, the Board has developed this System-Wide Code of Conduct with input from school staff, students, parents, and the community. The Code defines our expectations for student behavior and provides the framework for a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment.
Article 1 - Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior
The Code of Conduct is intended to support and encourage students to meet the following statewide standards for ethical and responsible behavior:
Article 2 - Code of Conduct
All students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and all related Board policies and school rules. The Code applies to students:
Article 3 - General Behavior Expectations and Discipline Policies
The following expectations for student behavior are fundamental to a safe, orderly and respectful environment in our schools. Each student should:
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences depend upon the seriousness of the violation and the students prior disciplinary record. Consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses. Behavior that also violates the law may be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Article 4 - Expectations
The following is a summary of MSAD6 expectations for student behavior. In many cases, the Board has adopted policies that address these expectations in greater detail. Students, parents, and others should refer to the policies and student handbooks for more information about the expectations and consequences. In case of an inconsistency between the Code of Conduct, Board policies and/or school handbooks, Board policies will prevail.
A. Violence and Threats
Students shall not engage in violent or threatening behavior. Prohibited behavior includes fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property, or threats, intimidation, or harassment. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. see (Behavior) (Violence and Threats)
B. Weapons
Students shall not possess or use weapons of any kind (examples include but are not limited to firearms, explosives, and knives). Students also shall not use 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 include but are not limited to bats, lighters, tools, and toy weapons). Firearms violations will result in expulsion in accordance with state and federal statutes; other weapons violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. see (Behavior)
C. Hazing
Hazing is prohibited. Maine law defines injurious hazing as any action or situation, including harassing behavior, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in a public school. No students shall plan, encourage, or engage in such activities in connection with any school program or activity, including extracurricular, co-curricular, and athletic activities. Students who engage in hazing activities are subject to suspension, expulsion, and/or other appropriate disciplinary measures. See (Behavior) (Hazing)
D. Discrimination and Harassment/Sexual Harassment
Students should not discriminate against other students on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability. Nor should students harass one another on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, or national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Sexual harassment is also prohibited. Harassment is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. See (Behavior) (Harassment Policy)
E. Drug and Alcohol Use
Students shall not distribute, possess, use, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, drug, or look-alike substance as described in Board policy. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from school. See (Behavior) (Health, Medications)
F. Tobacco Use
Students shall not smoke, use, possess, sell, or distribute any tobacco products. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school. See (Behavior)
G. Conduct on School Buses
Students must comply with all Board policies and school rules while on school buses. Students who violate these policies and rules on a school bus may have their riding privileges suspended or revoked, and may also be subject to additional disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, depending upon the particular violation. See (Bus Conduct)
H. Computer/Internet Use
Students may use school computers, networks, and Internet services only for educational purposes. Students shall comply with all policies and rules governing acceptable use. Unacceptable use may result in suspension or cancellation off computer privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action. See (E-mail & Internet) (Laptops)
I. Athletic/Extra Curricular Activities
Students must follow all Board policies and school rules while participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. Students who violate Board Policies and/or school rules may be subject to suspension or removal from the team/activity as well as additional disciplinary action under applicable Board policies and/or school rules. See (Eligibility)
Article 5 - Removal of Disruptive/Violent/Threatening Students
1. Students who are disruptive, violent, or threatening death or bodily harm to others may be removed from classrooms, school buses, or other school property when necessary to maintain order and safety. The staff member who orders the student removed should arrange to have the student escorted to the office or other designated location.
2. If a student does not comply with a staff member’s order to leave, the staff member will contact an administrator, or, if not available, another suitable person, wo shall respond promptly.
3. Staff members should not use force or restraint, except only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm. Staff members are not required to take action that puts them at risk of serious injury.
4. The responding administrator will take appropriate action. If the student fails to obey verbal directions, force or restraint may be used only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm or to quell a disturbance. Whenever practicable, law enforcement should be called to restrain or physically remove the non-compliant student. The administrator may invoke the school unit’s crisis response plan if appropriate. (See Behavior, Threat to Live policy)
Article 6 - Special Services
1. Referral. The school unit has adopted policies and procedures for determining when a student shall be referred for special services. (See Special Ed., section #504 Information and Referrals)
2. Review of Individual Educational Plan. The school shall schedule a PET meeting to review the IEP of a student who has been removed from class when: a) school officials and/or the parent believes the student may present a substantial likelihood of injury to himself/herself or others; b) The class removals are sufficient to constitute a change in the students special education program; or c) school officials or the parent believes that the student’s behavior may warrant a change in educational programming.
3. Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint. MSAD #6 also has established a policy on the use of time out rooms and therapeutic restraints as required by Maine statute.
Article 7 - Referrals to Law Enforcement Authorities
The Superintendent and administrators have the authority to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when there is a substantial threat to the safety of the schools, students or staff. The Superintendent/administration may also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state, or federal statute. All serious offenses, as determined by the Superintendent, must be reported to law enforcement authorities.
Article 8 - Dissemination of System-Wide Code of Conduct
The System-Wide Student Code of Conduct shall be distributed to staff, students, and parents through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators.
Legal References: 20-A MRSA.§𨵖 (11); 1001 (15)
Bonny Eagle Middle School is managed by three administrators. Mr. Gleason supervises grade six and part of grade eight. Ms. Howard supervises grade seven and part of grade eight. Mr. Stevens is responsible for the overall operation of the school.
When you call school, the phone will probably be answered by our receptionist, Mrs. Hopkins. She can connect you with an administrator or direct your call to the correct person. For sixth grade information, ask for Mrs. Parent. For guidance, student records, or report card information, ask for Mrs. Plante. For scheduling information, ask for Mrs. DeRoche.
Unless they have been assigned a detention, students may stay after school, but only if they have arranged to do so in advance, have a note signed by a parent or guardian, are with a teacher, administrator, or other adult for the entire time and have a signed after school late bus pass. During this time they must be with a responsible adult from the school staff. On certain days listed below, students may also stay after to use the library. Under no circumstances should a student leave school grounds while staying after school unless he or she is participating in a BEMS sport or activity and is under the direct supervision of a staff member.
Spectators wishing to stay after to watch a game must do the following:
Bring in a note from home
Get teacher’s signature on the note saying they will stay with the student until the game begins
Bring note to office, signs the after school register, and gets a pass from the secretary
Generally, every Tuesday and Thursday the library will be open until 4:00 P.M. for students who have assignments to work on. Students who wish to stay and use the library need to obtain a pass from a classroom teacher and make a reservation ahead of time. This can be done by seeing either the librarian or the aide in the library.
Any student who abuses after school privileges will not be allowed to stay after school unless they have special permission from an administrator. Parents of that student will be notified of this restriction.
An activity bus leaves school at 4:05 P.M. on Monday through Thursday. Students must take this bus or leave with their parent before that time. Please note, these bus routes do not always drop students off at their usual stops. Students may have to walk from central drop-off points.
Agenda books are required and given to all BEMS students at the beginning of the year. The first copy is free. After that, a nominal fee may be charged.
These organizers are intended to serve three important purposes:
In order to participate in school athletics (middle and high school levels), your students MUST have had a physical examination by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner and be medically cleared to participate. Written documentation must be provided to the school prior to the student participating in interscholastic athletics. The physical examination MUST have been completed within the last 2 years.
At BEMS all absences are documented as excused or inexcusable. A student is determined to be habitually truant if absent from school the equivalent of ten full days or for half a day on seven consecutive school days within a six month period for other than excusable absence (20 MRSA/194,Ch.105). Such student and parent are liable for disciplinary action by the school.
Maine state law allows absences for the following reasons: 1. personal illness, 2. appointments with health professionals, 3. observance of religious holidays, 4. family emergencies, and 5. planned absences for personal or educational purposes which have been approved in advance by an appropriate administrator.
With the exception of those who are home-schooled, when school is in session, students must be in attendance for a full day to participate in any sport or activity. This provision includes meetings, practices, dances, concerts, and competitions. Exceptions will be made for school-sponsored field trips, bereavement, and doctor’s or dental appointments with a note. Special exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the principal.
When families wish to have their children excused for family trips, requests should be written to the principal in advance. Students are expected to make up the work they miss within two weeks of their return.
When your child needs to be absent, please call school before 9:00 A.M.. If you do not call, you will need to send a written excuse with your child when he or she returns to school. This note must be given to the office. At that time the attendance will be updated from inexcused to an excused absence as determined by Maine Law. Please allow twenty-four hour notice for request of missed work.
The office staff sometimes calls home when students are absent. However, it is impossible to call in every case. Parents who need to be called when their child is absent should contact the guidance office and ask to be placed on the call priority list.
Bonny Eagle Middle School recognizes academic achievement and good citizenship in many ways. Special awards given to students include the following:
Students may use backpacks to bring books and possessions to and from Bonny Eagle Middle School. Students must store them in their lockers at all times while they are in the building.
Every student is entitled to attend school free from harassment, threats, or fear. Students who harass others will be referred to a building or district level harassment officer for consultation and appropriate consequences will be rendered.
Our expectations for proper school behavior are reasonable and based on common sense. They focus on three cardinal rules: Respect others, Respect property, and Respect yourself.
Our discipline system is based on due process and has a beginning, middle, and end. It is intended to help students change inappropriate behaviors as they face consequences that become increasingly more severe. These measures range from informal talks with the student, to phone calls home, to after school detentions, to different forms of suspension, and, in extreme cases, to expulsion from school. The following is a hierarchy of examples of unacceptable behaviors and some possible consequences for them.
Level I Behavior infractions at this level are almost always intermittent and not considered serious. They are usually handled by the teacher who is present, and, in some cases, parents may be called as well. These offenses are duly noted or recorded so that the teachers will know when violations are becoming too repetitive. These records are eliminated from the teacher files at the end of each quarter.
Examples of Level I violations include, but are not limited to, the following infractions: disrupting class, failing to do required work, minor cheating or copying someone else’s work (first offense), chewing gum, running in the halls, participating in inappropriate public displays of affection, inappropriate language, wearing hats, minor dress code violations and using walkmans or headphones in school without teacher permission for a class activity.
Consequences of Level I violations include, but are not limited to, informal talks, short time-outs in another room or hall, calls home, teacher detention, loss of privileges for special activities, and conferences with other school officials.
Level II Behavior infractions at this level are more serious or chronic. As in Level I, these matters are usually handled by the teacher who is present as well. They are recorded for future reference and contact with home is always established at this point. Depending on the nature of the offense, a referral may also be made to the appropriate administrator.
Examples of Level II violations include, but are not limited to, the following infractions: minor disrespect to others; roughhousing or horseplay; frequent tardiness; class-cutting; failing to attend teacher detention; forging materials; possession of inappropriate reading materials; harassing other students; minor violations of inappropriate touching; inappropriate public displays of affection; minor vandalism; minor theft (taking a pencil, notebook, etc.); chronic or more serious dress code violations; minor religious, racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment; and extended patterns of Level I offenses.
Consequences for Level II violations include, but are not limited to, an informal warning, a conference with a school official, a call or conference with parents, teacher or office detention, restitution, loss of special activity privileges, and in-school suspension.
Level III Behavior infractions at this level are serious and always require guardian notification. In most cases referrals to appropriate administrators are made as well. At this level instances are recorded and kept in the main office as reference for the remainder of the school year.
Examples of Level III violations include, but are not limited to, first offenses to the following infractions: chronic computer violations; leaving school grounds; chronic or more serious examples of inappropriate touching; bullying; fighting; threats to life; theft; serious vandalism; possession of lighters or matches, possession of tobacco in any form; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol; possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs (including prescription and nonprescription drugs - please see: Medications); possession of fireworks or incendiary devices; possession of weapons or any instrument used as a weapon; possession of stink bombs; hoe-downs; serious disrespect or insubordination to any school official; posting a false alarm; and finally any serious or repeated pattern of religious, racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment at school or during school-sponsored activities.
Consequences for Level III offenses are serious and include, but are not limited to, office detentions, conferences with parents, loss of privileges, restitution, in-school suspension, or out-of-school suspension. Please Note: For health and safety reasons at Bonny Eagle Middle School, a one to ten day suspension is required for students who make a threat to life; participate in a fight; possess tobacco, drugs, alcohol, fireworks, devices that could be used to terrorize, or weapons at school or during school-sponsored activities. When the administrator handling the offense believes that state law has been violated, the Buxton Police will be advised. Parents will be notified when such reports are made and have the right to be present when their child is being questioned by the police.
Level IV Behavior infractions at this level are the most serious. They require referral to a principal, parents, and other responsible authorities. Depending on the time, place, and manner of the offense, the Superintendent of Schools may require an expulsion hearing before the MSAD #6 Board of Directors.
Examples of Level IV offenses include, but are not limited to, serious computer violations; repeated referrals for leaving school grounds; gross insubordination; gross disrespect to others; bullying; fighting; repeated or very serious incidences of inappropriate touching; threats to life; bomb threats (including educational and legal consequences); false alarms; theft; serious vandalism; possession or use of dangerous weapons; possession of a device that could be used to terrorize; possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription and nonprescription drugs - please see: Medications); possession of drug paraphernalia, or tobacco in any form; repeated referrals for fighting; repeated and serious referrals of religious, racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment at school or during any school-sponsored activity.
Consequences for Level IV offenses are the most severe. After an administrator determines that a student has committed any of these offenses, that individual will be asked to pay restitution (when applicable), suspended up to 10 days, and referred to the Buxton Police if a state law is broken. Please note: Under federal law and M.S.A.D. #6 Board Policy any student who possesses a gun or distributes drugs or alcohol to other students shall be referred to the Board of Directors for an expulsion hearing. Also a second offense involving any student who possesses or uses alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at school or during any school-sponsored activity will be referred to the Board of Directors for an expulsion hearing. Finally, any student who engages in a second serious fight or chronically exhibits other behaviors which could reasonably be considered detrimental to the peace and usefulness of BEMS will be referred to the Board of Directors for expulsion . Under federal law any student who possesses a firearm or causes injury or accompanies use of a weapon with a threat to cause injury will be referred to the Board of Directors for an expulsion hearing.
Note: Anytime after 2 suspensions students may be asked to meet with parents, middle school administrators, and the superintendent or the assistant superintendent to determine whether the student will be brought to the Board of Directors for an expulsion hearing.
BOOST (Behavioral Options Offering Success Training) Purpose: To provide assistance to the behaviorally challenged students with emphasis on improving coping skills required for the student's successful return to the formalized classroom.
Goal: Students will make a complete, successful return to regular classes.
Objectives:
Curriculum: For students who are scheduled for academic classes in BOOST, the regularly assigned curriculum will be provided from the regular classroom, or when necessary, a modified program may be instituted.
Referral: Referrals to BOOST are made through grade level principals. The building principal makes the final decision of placement.
Criteria:
Guidelines:
Students who eat breakfast at school should use the sixth grade entrance and proceed directly to the cafeteria as soon as they arrive in the building. The duty teacher will try to get them all back to homeroom by 7:35 a.m.
Bullying behavior, including unwanted physical contact, acts or communications of any kind that:
Principals will consider time, place, and manner of each offense. After a proper investigation and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, they may discipline, suspend, and/or recommend for expulsion students who violate this policy. (Ref. #JICK Board Policy)
For health and safety reasons, students are expected to follow the rules explained by the bus driver and listed in the Bus Regulations for MSAD #6 Students. Chronic offenders will have their riding privileges suspended in accordance with district bus policy.
Bus Policy
Any student violating discipline/safety rules while riding on any M.S.A.D. #6 transportation vehicle is subject to the following corrective action process:
In order to visit friends or go to a different place than usual at the end of the day, students may sometimes ride a different bus. To do so, a student needs a written request signed by his or her parent. To continue to promote a safe learning environment, these requests should be presented to the main office before school in the morning by 10:00 a.m., so they can be formally processed as quickly as possible. Passes may be denied after 10:00 a.m. If there is room on the bus and the request can be honored, the student will be given a pass to present to the driver. Otherwise, the student will need to ride the regularly assigned bus.
Students staying after school must have a signed late-bus pass in order to ride the activity bus.
Rules
When students arrive, they should go to the serving line to pick up their food. They should find a place to sit and stay there until they finish eating. No more than six individuals should be seated at any small table or four per booth. Students may not change seats; table hopping and roaming around are not permitted.
All food, paper products, and utensils are kept on the table.
When students finish eating, they should clean up their area and take care of their tray, then go back to their seats and wait to be dismissed by the person on duty.
If the lights go out, students are being signaled to be quiet for an announcement. Students, please listen. As a rule, students may not bring food or drink, except bottled water, out of the cafeteria. Students should be courteous to all students and staff members.
The School Nutrition Program has an accounting system that allows parents to prepay into individual student accounts. Monday is the primary money collection day. Prepayment envelopes returned after 9:30 a.m. will be credited on the following day.
School Lunch Forms: In addition to the a-la-carte selections which children may purchase, regular school lunch and breakfast are available. A letter, along with the new school year application, is sent home with the prices included on the first day. You may also download an application form from the district website.
If you feel you are eligible for free or reduced lunch rates, we encourage you to complete the application and return it to school. All applications are kept confidential.
The Superintendent may authorize canine patrols to take place anywhere on school property if he/she deems it advisable to maintain school safety or if there is a reasonable suspicion that drugs, weapons, and/or other illegal substances or items will be found. Canine patrols may include school lockers and/or student vehicles in school parking lots.
Cell Phones and Paging Devices
Students shall not be in possession of paging devices while school is in session, unless the student is in attendance in the capacity of an active member of a volunteer fire fighting organization or a volunteer emergency medical service organization. A “paging device” is a telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor (ie., beepers, cellular phones, etc.) (Ref. #JICJ Board Policy)
A staff member who discovers a student in possession of a paging device, in violation of this policy, shall report the violation to an administrator, who will confiscate the paging device.
Co-Curricular Activities Offered
Baseball, Spring, Gr. 7 & 8 Boys
Basketball, Winter I, Grades 7 & 8 Girls
Basketball, Winter I, Grade 7 & 8 Boys
Field Hockey, Fall, Grades 7 & 8
Cheering, Winter I, Grades 7, & 8
Civil Rights Team, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Community Service, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Cross Country, Fall, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Drama, Fall, Grades 6, 7, & 8
History Day, Spring, Grade 8
Indoor Track, Winter II, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Math Team, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Newspaper, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Outdoor Track, Spring, Girls & Boys, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Soccer, Fall, Grades 7 & 8 Girls
Soccer, Fall, Grades 7 & 8 Boys
Softball, Spring, Grade 7 & 8
Wrestling, Winter II, Grades 6, 7, & 8
Student Council, Grade 6
Student Council, Grades 7 & 8
Yearbook, Grades 6, 7, & 8
*Information on each of these activities will be provided through announcements during homeroom.
*All sports participants and activities will be given a seasonal late bus pass.
** With the exception of those who are home-schooled, when school is in session, students must be in attendance for a full day to participate in any sport or activity. This provision includes meetings, practices, dances, concerts, and competitions. Exceptions will be made for school-sponsored field trips, bereavement, and doctor’s or dental appointments with a note. Special exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the principal.
There is a school counselor assigned to each grade. Mrs. Stevens is the sixth grade counselor, Mr. Grant is the seventh grade counselor, and Ms. Harmon is the eighth grade counselor. These three counselors, a full-time substance abuse counselor, and a part-time social worker are available to assist with any in-school or out-of-school problems which a student wishes to discuss.
Generally, students meet with the counselors individually. However, the counselors may invite students to meet in small groups when they feel a group experience would be helpful.
Contacts with the counselors are usually initiated by students. However, parents should feel free to call if they have any questions or would like some assistance.
Bonny Eagle Middle School has worked closely with state and local law enforcement officials, fire and rescue personnel, and other schools in our district to develop a comprehensive crisis response plan. In accordance with its provisions our school conducts routine safety drills throughout the year. Students are expected to cooperate with teachers and follow their instructions during these drills.
The regular school day at Bonny Eagle Middle School begins at 7:10 and ends at 2:15. Since teachers do not begin their work day until 7:10 AM, parents should not leave their children at school before that time.
Students who stay after school to participate in activities should always be under the direct supervision of a teacher. (See After School)
Dances and activities are a privilege. School dances are held each year for students in seventh and eighth grade clans only. Because of limited capacity and our discomfort with supervising students we do not know, guests are not allowed to attend. Dances are from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Parents are reminded it is important to pick children up promptly at 9:00 p.m.
With the exception of those who are home-schooled, when school is in session, students must be in attendance for a full day to participate in any sport or activity. This provision includes meetings, practices, dances, concerts, and competitions. Exceptions will be made for school-sponsored field trips, bereavement, and doctor’s or dental appointments with a note. Special exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the principal.
At Bonny Eagle Middle School we believe that proper dress helps foster an atmosphere which is conducive to learning. The health and safety of all our students is another primary concern. Although most neat appearing apparel is acceptable for school wear, exceptions are made for clothing or accessories that could, by themselves, cause a distraction for teaching or learning, jeopardize the health or safety of students, promote illegal drugs or alcohol, or show language or messages that are inappropriate for school. We ask that parents assist their children and adhere to the guidelines listed below:
Clothing and Dress
Generally, coats and outside clothing should not be worn in classrooms under ordinary circumstances.
Tank tops, or tops with spaghetti straps, are not appropriate for students to wear at school unless they are worn over or under another sleeved shirt. Low cut shirts, low cut blouses, pajamas, and tight fitting clothing are not appropriate for school. All shirts and blouses must cover the midriff and avoid exposing undergarments or skin. Any clothing with large holes or tears which expose skin is also inappropriate.
Shirts, hats, (except for religious or medical reasons) or other items such as key chain tags are not allowed if they advertise alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs or gang affiliation. All sexual, violent, or otherwise inappropriate pictures or printed messages are also prohibited.
Shorts and skirts should be of reasonable, modest length (mid-thigh or below). Students may only wear shorts to school before Thanksgiving and beginning April 1. Administration reserves the right to waive these dates when the forecast temperatures are predicted to exceed 70 degrees. Wearing spandex or lycra shorts or pants is discouraged except when worn under other shorts or skirts.
Hats (except for religious or medical reasons) and other head coverings may be worn outside school buildings only. These must be removed anywhere inside the building.
Accessories
Footwear with rollers (ie: heelies, wheelies), bandanas, large bracelets, spiked jewelry, large chains, or other such jewelry that can pose a safety hazard to students should not be worn at school. Wallet chains must be used appropriately. If they are used improperly, they will be confiscated and will only be returned to the student’s parents.
Students are not allowed to leave school during the day unless a parent or someone who has the parent’s permission picks them up at the main office. Students may be allowed to leave on their own only if a parent has made a specific request in writing. This request should be turned in to the main office. For appointments during the day, students should bring in a written request for early dismissal to the office and a pass for dismissal from class will be issued. The student shows the pass to their teacher and is allowed to report to the office at the time indicated. This will ensure that your student is ready and waiting for you when you arrive to sign them out.
Parents or guardians taking children from school for any reason must sign students out at one of the school offices. This procedure is in effect until 4:15 p.m.. The sixth grade students may be dismissed through the sixth grade office (by the bell tower) and the seventh and eighth grade students may be dismissed through the main office (by the clock tower).
In special situations after consultation with a building level administrator, students may also be dismissed with individuals listed on the Student Emergency Card.
Electronic Devices, Headsets, Radios, Laser Lights
Although we encourage students to not bring certain items to school, upon entering the building music players, radios, headsets, Gameboys, etc. must be stored in backpacks or lockers. They may not be played in school without the express permission of a classroom teacher.
For health and safety reasons, students may not bring laser lights to school, unless being used under the supervision of a teacher for a class project.
Eligibility for Sports and Activities
In order to participate in sports, clubs, or intramurals, students must maintain a 1.5 grade point average and can not be failing more than one subject. For the purposes of determining eligibility, the subject areas will include exploratories, language arts, math, science, and social studies. In all sports, students are required to fill out a green card and return it to the athletic director. All students are eligible in September but can lose their eligibility as a result of the first report card. Students who make a team and lose their eligibility can regain it as soon as they get a mid-term progress report or a report card which meets the minimum grade requirements.
Students who make a team or are participating in an activity such as drama may not quit in the middle of the season to join another club or activity.
When uniforms are issued, team members are expected to take good care of them and return them in good condition at the end of the season. Students with uniform or financial obligation to the athletic department will not be allowed to participate until given permission from the athletic director.
Interscholastic athletes are required to have a physical examination every two years. On the off years parents are asked to complete a “health history update.” This information is included on the green card which must be completed every year to participate in sports.
Teachers and staff at BEMS may be contacted by using the following formula:
Firstinitial_lastname@sad6.k12.me.us
To use this address change the firstname_last name to your child’s teacher’s name (first and last) with an underscore (_) in between.
Our Home Page address is: http://www.sad6.k12.me.us
Much important information can be found on our home page such as teachers and clans, lunch menus, sports and activities. Individual clans have links inside the BEMS link on our Home Page. Some of these sites have important clan announcements and homework assignments.
The use of the E-mail and Internet is a privilege. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The accepted rules of network etiquette include, but are not limited to the following:
Never share your password with another student.
Be polite: Do not make threats or get abusive in your messages to others. (Violators are subject to prosecution.)
Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
Do not vandalize the computers or system in any way.
If an MSAD #6 user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be terminated and future access could possibly be denied.
Consumption of food and beverages (with the exception of bottled water) is not permitted in the halls during school hours. (see Cafeteria or Hallway rules.) In special circumstances, to promote learning, a teacher may waive this rule inside his/her own classroom. For no reason should food or beverage be consumed while operating computers or laptops.
For health and safety reasons, no glass bottles are allowed in school.
The M.S.A.D. #6 Board of Directors recognizes fundraising for student activities can be a positive educational experience; and therefore, should be done by the students who will directly benefit from the funds raised. The purpose for which a fundraising project is undertaken shall be related to a specific educational program. It shall not be in the category of materials, equipment, or activities which are considered basic to the educational program and normally funded by the District, unless approved in advance by the Superintendent of Schools or the Board of Directors.
Since fundraising is not basic to the educational curriculum, on-task school time will not, as a rule, be used to plan or execute fundraising activities. The most educationally beneficial means of fundraising involves student talents and interests. Door-to-door sales or the sale of commercial products shall be prohibited. Each request to undertake fundraising must name a faculty advisor and state explicitly the goal and value of the activity or material to be founded.
Funds or contributions from community organizations or individuals will be accepted for approved projects or materials. (Ref. #JJEA Board Policy)
At BEMS all clans may hold one fundraiser (subject to principal and supt. approval) in addition to the regular magazine drive.
The sale of foods of low nutritional value described in MSAD #6 Wellness Policy (Ref. #JL Board Policy) are not permitted during the regular school day.
All forms of gambling are prohibited in school, including playing cards. In specific circumstances teachers may design lessons using cards as educational materials.
The GATES (Gifted and Talented Education Services) Program at the middle school has two main components for math and language arts. The primary component consists of advanced study of regular classroom curriculum and acceleration, with the GATES teacher being the teacher of record. The second part includes enrichment for differentiated learning. This will include math, science, social studies, and language arts. Students identified for the GATES program may participate in one or both of these components.
Screening is done by a committee of faculty that considers the student's performance and test scores for inclusion in the GATES program.
The GATES staff reviews objective test scores annually, which includes, but is not limited to, the NWEA and the MEA. Students may be referred annually by self-nomination, peers, teachers, GATES staff and parents.
These nominations will be reviewed and considered for admission to the GATES Program by April 1st for inclusion in the GATES Program the following fall. When a decision regarding admission to the GATES Program has been made, an appeal must be made within two weeks of notification.
BEMS has separate sections for grades 6, 7, and 8. Students are expected to remain in their assigned rooms or in the neighboring hallways during breaks or class changes except for breakfast, lunch, exploratory classes, or with an agenda book pass signed by a staff member. Grade 8 students must use stairways specified by their teachers. Consumption of food and beverages (with the exception of bottled water) is not permitted in the halls during school hours.
Harassment Policy - 4 step process
Because we want to create a safe learning environment at Bonny Eagle Middle School, all forms of harassment (sexual, religious, racial, and ethnic) are prohibited. Generally, when individuals harass others, the following steps are taken:
Step 1. Student informs teacher and the teacher intervenes. . . if harassment continues. . . . .Step 2. Meeting with students involved - together or separate (Administrator and Harassment Officer)
Step 3. All of above, but meeting involves person(s) doing harassing, with parents and someone from law enforcement to explain legal implications, rights. Usually formal discipline - in or out-of-school suspension... if harassment continues. . . . .
- Discuss/review harassment policy, implications
- Discuss expectations, plan for future
- Formal report made by Harassment Officer (record)
- Parents of students involved notified by an administrator
- Formal discipline? (at discretion of administrator) . . . if harassment continues. . . . .
Step 4. Above repeated, victim’s parents informed by law enforcement of legal rights (file complaint, restraining order). Can suspend for up to 10 days.
In serious instances, steps 1, 2, or 3 could be eliminated, at the discretion of the administrator or the harassment officer.
Maine statute defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation, including harassing behavior, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in a public school.”
It is the policy of the Board that injurious hazing activities of any type, either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with this school unit, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times.
No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of M.S.A.D. #6 shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate injurious hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in injurious hazing activities. (Ref. JCAD Board Policy)
Persons not associated with M.S.A.D. #6 who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to ejection from school property and/or other measures as may be available under the law.
Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy, may be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate measures. In the case of an organization affiliated with M.S.A.D. #6 which authorizes hazing, penalties may include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on school property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the school unit.
These penalties shall be in addition to any civil or criminal penalties to which the violator or organization may be subject.
The Superintendent shall assume responsibility for administering this policy. In the event that an individual or organization disagrees with an action - or lack of action - on the part of the Superintendent as he/she carries out the provisions of this policy, that individual or organization may appeal to the Board. The ruling of the Board, with respect to the provisions of this policy, shall be final.
OSHA regulations restrict the use of many chemicals, cleaning agents, and other substances in school. Therefore, for health and safety reasons Bonny Eagle Middle School does not permit students to bring spray bottles and/or cans to school. This would include perfumes, colognes, etc. A MSDS notebook is kept in the main office and custodial office as a reference for all chemicals kept in the building. (Ref. #EBAA Board Policy)
Immunization Requirements
The Maine immunization program, Division of Disease Control’s immunization requirements for students are the following immunizations:
Medication:
Medication means prescribed drugs and medical devices that are controlled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are ordered by a health care provider. It includes over-the-counter medications prescribed through a standing order by a health care provider.
Although the Board discourages the administration of medication to students during the school day when other options exist, it recognizes that in some instances a student’s chronic or short-term illness, injury, or disabling condition may require the administration of medication during the school day.
In the event that no reasonable alternative exists, a parent may request in writing that medication be administered to the student during the school day. The parent will obtain a copy of M.S.A.D. #6’s Request Permission to Administer Medications in School form from the school nurse. This form must be completed by the parent and health care provider prescribing the medication and returned to the school before any medication, including prescribed and non-prescribed “over-the-counter” medications (such as Tylenol/Acetaminophen or Motrin/Ibuprofen/Advil) will be administered at school. If the nurse has any questions or concerns; he/she will contact the parent and/or health care provider, as appropriate. The nurse may consult with the building administrator and/or school physician as necessary to resolve the situation.
Any change in a medication order requires the completion of a new Request Permission form. Requests are valid for the current school year only.
The parent is responsible for notifying the school nurse if a medication is discontinued and removing any remaining medication. All medications not removed by the parent at the end of the school year will be properly disposed of by the school nurse.
The student’s parent will deliver any medication to be administered by school personnel to the school in its original container, along with the Request Permission form. In the event that delivery is not practical, the parent must contact the school nurse to make alternate arrangements.
Only a limited supply of medication will be kept at the school.
Medication records will be maintained as part of a student’s health record and made available to parents in accordance with the Board’s policy on student education records (Policy JRA).
To the extent legally permissible, school staff may be provided with such information about a student’s medication(s) as may be in the best interest of the student.
Under special medical circumstances, students may be allowed to possess and self-administer a specific prescription. Any such request will be reviewed and approved or disapproved by the school nurse in consultation with the building administrator and school physician.
A student’s authorization to possess and self-administer any medication may be revoked by the building administrator after consultation with the school nurse and the student’s parent if the student demonstrates an inability to responsibly possess and self-administer such medication.
Sharing, borrowing or distribution of medication is prohibited. The student’s authorization to self-administer medication may be revoked and the student may be subject to disciplinary consequences for violation of this policy under the Board’s policy on student alcohol and drug use, JICH - Drug and Alcohol.
M.S.A.D. #6 reserves the right to inspect any medications in a student’s possession.
The medication procedures outlined above are in accordance with the M.S.A.D. #6 policies referenced below:
Latex Policy:
M.S.A.D. #6 recognizes allergic reactions to latex have become an increased health risk, sometimes life- threatening. Therefore, no latex gloves or latex balloons are permitted in schools.
Additionally, M.S.A.D. #6 encourages the purchase of non-latex products. Ref. # NEPN/NSBA Code: GBGAD/JHF
Animal Policy:
It is the intent of M.S.A.D. #6 to provide a healthy learning environment for all students. The District recognizes that animals have been part of the learning experience at school for many years and they have beneficial and therapeutic effects for some students including acceptance, bonding, caring, and teaching of responsibility. However, for students with certain health conditions, animals can trigger reactions that, in some cases, can be severe. Potential consequences could include allergic reactions, scratches and bites, infections, and infestations. (Please refer to Board Policy NEPN/NSBA Code: IMG)
Vision and Hearing Checks:
School volunteers, under the direction of the school nurse, perform vision checks on all students in grade 7. Any students who do not pass the screening will be rechecked by a school nurse and parents are notified if any concerns are found.
Spinal Screening:
School nurses screen for spinal curvatures on all girls in grades 6 and 8 and boys in grade 8. If parents do not wish to have their student screened, please make sure to notify the clinic in writing.
Homework information is available through the agenda book, the clan connection web page, and Homework Hotline. Please check with your child’s teachers to see which method(s) they regularly use.
Please allow twenty-four hour notice for requests of missed work.
Students who become ill or are injured at school should report their problem to any staff member so they can be sent to the clinic.
School accident insurance is available for all students at a nominal fee to parents. Information is sent home on the first day of school but can also be obtained at other times of the year by calling the school office.
All students at Bonny Eagle Middle School are encouraged to participate in after school activities. Our school offers programs for boys and girls of different interests and abilities.
There are intramural activities for any 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who would like to participate. Staff members supervise various intramural activities on many Monday through Thursday afternoons from 2:15 to 4:00 P.M. Students have the opportunity to take the activity busses home at 4:05 P.M. with a bus pass. Students do not need to have a school physical to participate in intramurals but must meet the eligibility requirements. With the exception of those who are home-schooled, when school is in session, students must be in attendance for a full day to participate in any sport or activity. This provision includes meetings, practices, dances, concerts, and competitions. Exceptions will be made for school-sponsored field trips, bereavement, and doctor’s or dental appointments with a note. Special exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the principal.
Students who are not selected for an interscholastic team can transfer to any of several intramural sports being offered during that season.
Intramural activities offered:
| Art Club | Health Club |
| ATV/Snowmobile Safety Club | Environmental Awareness Club |
| Intramural Basketball | Ski Club |
| Book Club | Study Club |
| Craft Club | Swim Club |
| Dance Club | Intramural Teens in Motion |
| Garden Club |
All students and parents can be held liable for intentional or negligent damage of the laptop computers. Students who intentionally damage, misuse, or leave the laptops unattended will be held responsible. Consequences include phone calls home, temporary loss of privileges and/or restitution for replacement or repair. All students are expected to use desktops/laptops and follow the MLTI Rules given them at the start of the year. Any student visiting or downloading information from inappropriate websites will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as stated under the Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 offenses.
Students are advised that all lockers at BEMS are the property of M.S.A.D. #6. For health and safety reasons school officials reserve the right to inspect them at any time.
Students are reminded they should never share their lockers or give their combinations to others. If a student has any difficulty opening or securing a locker, he or she should report the problem to their homeroom teacher, the school custodian, or Mrs. DeRoche in the main office. The school does not accept responsibility for items taken or stolen from lockers.
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are now required to take the Maine Educational Assessment. Our school must achieve a 95% participation rate or we will automatically be designated a “needs improvement” school. For this reason please refrain from planning any family vacations during the month of March.
When school is canceled because of a snowstorm or other emergency, announcements are made on several radio and TV stations including: Channel 6 (WCSH-TV), Channel 13 (WGME-TV), Channel 8 (WMTW-TV), WGAN/WMGX/WPOR/WYNZ, WBLM/WJBQ/WCYY/WCLZ/WHOM, and WRED/WJAB/WLOB.
There are mornings when the roads are not ready for the school busses even though the storm has ended or is ending. On some of these days, the superintendent may decide to have a one hour delay. This will also be announced on radio and TV. Busses will pick up one hour later, breakfast will be served one hour later, and school will start one hour later. Dismissal time will not be affected.
The Parent Community Council meets the second Wednesday of the month, four times a year, in the Middle School library at 6:30 PM. Announcements are sent home with students approximately one week before each meeting.
Parent conferences are held in the fall and spring of each year. Notices are sent out in late October and early March.
The mission of the Pathfinder II Program is to improve the academic performance, raise the expectations and expand the opportunities for the success of its students. This holistic approach reinforces the inclusion process while building self-esteem, responsibility, and dignity in all its members. It utilizes existing school services, academic programs and the entire staff without making any student participant feel isolated or insignificant. It builds self-confidence through the effort and vigor of new and challenging experiences. It demonstrates respect for teachers and individual differences by understanding oneself. Achievements have no limits. It places responsibility for academic improvement and discipline on its participants. But above all, this program provides an opportunity for poorly motivated students to immerse their energies. Students must complete 50 - 80 hours of wilderness training after regular school hours before they qualify for the expedition level. Upon successful completion of these specific skills and documented academic improvement from their teachers, students are now allowed to leave their school on a five-day expedition into MaineÕs beautiful wilderness to test their skills with peers and staff. Since nearly all the students would like to be on this expedition, the Pathfinders II students feel good about their accomplishments. It is hoped that they can never again settle for previously lower levels of performance.
The Pathfinder I Program is offered exclusively for grade 6 students. Although itÕs mission is the same, it does not offer the outdoor adventure experience. Instead, it offers a series of challenge activities for students after school.
Students must sign out of their classrooms and use the agenda book as their pass. In most circumstances, teachers may permit only one person to leave the room at a time. Special group passes are only available for library or computer lab visits.
Each student is required to take physical education. Classes will meet two times a week. For safety and hygiene reasons, it is required that clothes worn for physical education not be worn during other classes. Tee shirts and shorts with elastic waistbands as well as sweat pants, wind pants, and sweatshirts are acceptable. Sneakers (tied or fastened securely) and athletic socks are also required. All students are to be dressed in gym clothes for all their physical education classes unless they have a written medical excuse from their doctor. A gym locker with a lock will be provided for each student.
Interscholastic athletes are required to have a physical examination every two years. On the off years parents are asked to complete a “health history update.”
Plagiarism, copying someone else’s work and taking credit for it as your own, is cheating and is not permitted at Bonny Eagle Middle School. Depending on the severity and specific nature of the case, students caught plagiarizing will have parents notified by a teacher, be reassigned work, or be assigned detention. In extreme cases students may be referred to an administrator for further disciplinary action.
Students should not expect their lockers to be completely private. The school reserves the right to search or clean lockers without warning. Upon request, parents may also inspect their child's locker.
Students should have the same expectation for their laptops and any computer files which they keep on the school's computers. Student files are periodically scanned to make sure that they only contain appropriate material.
From time to time Bonny Eagle Middle School celebrates its students’ accomplishments by publishing pictures, quotes, writings, and other articles of interest through local media and M.S.A.D. #6 publications. These may include television, radio, newspaper, yearbook, M.S.A.D. #6 Web Page, and local bulletin boards. We feel this is an excellent way to promote positive school happenings, develop self-esteem in our students, and instill a sense of school pride within the communities we serve. If you choose not to have your son’s or daughter’s picture made public, please notify the principal in writing through a letter or the appropriate form sent home in the first day packet.
| Grade 6 |
|---|
| Language Arts |
| Science |
| Social Studies |
| Mathematics |
| Art (every day for one quarter) |
| Health (every day for one quarter) |
| Introduction to Foreign Language (every day for one quarter) |
| Physical Education (three times each week) |
| Band or Chorus (optional) |
| Music Encounters (Thursday and Friday for one quarter) |
| Grade 7 |
|---|
| Language Arts |
| Science |
| Social Studies |
| Mathematics |
| Introduction to Drafting (one quarter - every day) |
| Introduction to French (one quarter - every day) |
| Health (one quarter - every day) |
| Art (one quarter - every day) |
| Physical Education (twice each week) |
| Band and Chorus (optional) |
| Grade 8 |
|---|
| Language Arts |
| Science |
| Social Studies |
| Mathematics |
| Art (everyday for one quarter) |
| Intro to Spanish (everyday for one quarter) |
| Intro to Woodworking (everyday for one quarter) |
| Health (everyday for one quarter) |
| Physical Education (twice each week) |
| Band or Chorus (optional) |
Questioning and Searches of Students
School administrators are under no obligation to notify a student’s parents/guardians prior to questioning a student regarding alleged violations of Board policies, school rules, and/or federal/state laws.
School administrators will inform the student of the reasons for the questioning and provide an opportunity for the student to respond to any allegations. School administrators will make a reasonable effort to question the student in a location out of the sight and hearing of other students.
If a student fails to cooperate, lies, misleads, or threatens any person during questioning, he/she may be subject to additional disciplinary action.
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report cards are sent home with students at the end of each of the first three quarters. The fourth quarter report card is mailed home. At mid-term, teachers send home progress reports for all students. Parents are encouraged to call the appropriate teacher or guidance counselor if they do not receive reports or see multiple failures.
Report cards will go home quarterly for all grades. Because of snow days and other variations in the schedule, report card dates may vary. They will be issued every 44 school days which will be approximately: early November, mid - January, early April, and one week after school ends. Progress reports should be sent home with students early-October, mid-December, early-March and mid-May.
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Beginning September, 2007, Bonny Eagle Middle School parents will have access to their child’s grades through a special portal option in our student information system. More information will be sent home regarding how to access this information.
Grade 6
If a student fails three or more subjects* for the year, he or she will be recommended for retention. After being notified by teachers and the grade 6 school counselor, parents may choose to move the student to grade 7, to retain the student in grade 6, or in rare cases, or assign the student to grade 7 on a probationary basis. This placement will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the parents, teachers, a grade level school counselor, and an appropriate administrator at the end of the first quarter.
Grade 7
If a student fails three or more subjects* for the year, he or she will be recommended for retention. After being notified by teachers and the grade 7 guidance counselor, parents may choose to move the student to grade 8, to retain the student in grade 7, or in rare cases, or assign the student to grade 8 on a probationary basis. This placement will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the parents, teachers, a grade level guidance counselor, and an appropriate administrator at the end of the first quarter.
Grade 8
If a student fails three or more subjects* for the year, he or she will be recommended for retention. After being notified by teachers and the grade 8 school counselor, parents may choose to move the student to grade 9 only after successful completion of an approved summer school program or to retain the student in grade 8.
Note: Experience shows that students who are retained in the upper grades usually drop out before completing high school. Students are unlikely to succeed after retention if they have been retained before, are more than a year older than their classmates, are in a special education program, have social problems, or if their parents oppose retention.
* The yearly average for the students’ various exploratory classes counts as a subject. Physical education makes up one third of that average and the other exploratory classes together make up the other two thirds.
Searches of Students, Personal Property in Student’s Immediate Possession
School administrators are authorized to search students and/or personal property in students’ immediate possession, when, in their judgment, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a student has violated or is violating Board policies, school rules, federal/state laws, or is interfering with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school.
All searches of students and/or their personal property, will be authorized and conducted by a school administrator in the presence of a witness, except where the circumstances render the presence of a witness impractical. A reasonable effort will be made to conduct searches out of the sight and hearing of other students.
Searches should be reasonable related to the suspected violation and no more intrusive than necessary to discover the evidence for which the search was instigated. Searches may include pat downs and searches of the student’s outer clothes (e.g., pockets, jacket, shoes, hat) and personal belongings (e.g., purse, backpack, gym bag, lunch bag). The student may be given the opportunity to open any closed items or items that are not easily accessible to visual search. If the student refuses, the administrator will open and search the items. If the search produces a reasonable suspicion of the presence of evidence, a broader search may be justified. If a strip search appears to be necessary, law enforcement authorities will be contacted.
Searches which disclose evidence that a student has violated Board policies or school rules will be addressed through school disciplinary procedures. Evidence of violation of federal/state laws may result in school disciplinary action and/or be forwarded to law enforcement authorities for possible investigation/prosecution.
Special Education/Section #504
Bonny Eagle Middle School provides special education and Section #504 services to all students who qualify under state and federal guidelines. Any parent who wishes to refer their child or have more information on our special education services or the referral process should ask a guidance counselor, administrator, or any special education teacher, for a copy of our parent handbook.
B.O.O.S.T. - Behavioral Options Offering Success Training (see B.O.O.S.T. page 10)
Counseling Services -
Possibilities - This position is School Based Clinician licensed by the State of Maine to provide counseling services. This service provides the same level of counseling as would be received at an outside agency, but is located in the school for the convenience of families while allowing continuous feedback between the clinician and the school. Typical referrals are for emotional +/or behavioral problems. This service is reimbursed by the student's family insurance. As a Possibilities Affiliate, Maine Care clients are always welcome, as are most private insurance programs. Students can be seen individually or with family members as needed. Students can be seen for up to two hours a week, and after school hours are also available.
Referrals from teachers should go through the guidance office. That said, teachers are always welcome to talk over concerns with the clinician to help determine if a referral is warranted. Students and parents can also self-refer by contacting the clinician directly. In all cases parental permission is required.
School Counselors - The goal of our school counseling program is to work with you and your childto facilitate academic, social, and personal growth. The combined effort of school andhome enhances school success for our students. We welcome you to contact us wheneveryou have a question or concern. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators refer studentsfor our services.
School Social Worker - Ongoing individual counseling for students who are recommended through the IEP Team process. This program is reserved exclusively for special education students.
Substance Abuse Counselor -The role of the Substance Abuse Counselor is to provide counseling services to students whose lives have been affected by the use of drugs and alcohol, either their own or those around them. Many students seek services to deal with use by their families. Other students are referred to the counselor after having been caught with a drug or alcohol in school. In these instances, the counselor will administer a ÒJASSAEÓ (which stands for Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse EvaluationÓ), This is a survey that screens for present or potential problems with substances. If the JASSAE determines that services outside of the school are necessary, the state will pay for these services if the studentÕs family does not have health insurance. Students also seek services around the use of substance by themselves, friends, or to gain more information about substances and their effects.
The Substance Abuse Counselor also spends time in the classroom as a guest speaker on various substance abuse related topics and help coordinate guest speakers from the outside. The Counselor also assist the Guidance Department when needed with general counseling services.
Students are referred by Administration, Guidance, Teachers and other school staff, Parents, by friends, and through self-referral.
The BEMS Substance Abuse Counselor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
G.A.T.E.S. - (see Gifted and Talented Program, page 17)
Pathfinder Program - (see Pathfinder Program, page 22)
S.A.T. - Student Assistance Team (See Student Assistance Teams page 26)
Section #504 - (See Special Education/Section #504 above)
Special Education Services (see above, page 25)
Voyageur Hiking Program (see page 28)
The M.S.A.D. #6 School Board expects all staff members, including teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators, and others to maintain the highest professional, moral, and ethical standards in their conduct with students. For the purpose of this policy, staff members also include school volunteers.
School Policy: The interactions and relationships between staff members and students should be based upon mutual respect and trust; an understanding of the appropriate boundaries between adults and students in an educational setting; and consistent with the educational mission of the schools.
Students and/or their parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to notify the principal (or other appropriate administrator) if they believe a teacher or other staff member may be engaging in conduct that violates this policy.
(Ref. #GBEBB Board Policy)
Student Assistance Teams (SAT’s)
It is the policy of M.S.A.D. #6 to assist all students in achieving success in a safe school environment. The Student Assistance Team (SAT is a group of district professionals who develop strategies to assist students with problems which may interfere with healthy, productive learning. SAT’s are school-based teams which serve as resources for teachers, parents, and principals in addressing the needs of students. Interventions of the SAT can be an effective pre-referral for special education but are not requirements of the special education due process, programs, or services.
The SAT would provide assistance in the following categories:
Academic: Disorganized, failure to complete work, failure to start work, not working up to potential, daydreams, doesn’t seem to listen, other academic concerns.School Behavior: Communication concerns (i.e., talks too much or too little), disruptive, no friends, poor social skills, argumentative, truancy, problem relating with peers and/or adults.
Emotional and/or Home Issues: Home-school concerns, disruptions at home making homework difficult, home worries interfering with school achievement, seems unhappy or depressed most of the time, physically and/or verbally aggressive, negative, swears, other inappropriate language or comments.
SAT Procedure: After receiving a referral from a teacher, principal, or parent, the SAT assigns a team leader to gather more information and to contact key people. The team then meets to strategize and come up with a plan of action. A follow-up meeting is set for a later date to monitor the progress of the student.
Typical strategies may include study buddies, peer helpers, behavioral contracts, class modifications, guidance counseling, homework plans, etc. (Ref. JLDBB Board Policy)
FERPA stands for the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. It is federal legislation that protects the privacy and confidentiality of student information and records. This act details how parents, agencies, institutions and other persons are able to access information contained in school files. School personnel who are directly involved with a child’s educational program are able to peruse the child’s record when planning educational programs. Only directory information (name, grade, etc.) is ever shared with the public. All employees must keep all information regarding all students confidential unless acquired through legal guidelines. For more information, please contact Jen Donlon at the Superintendent’s Office.
Release of Student Information:
As per M.S.A.D. #6 policy, "Directory information" including the student's name, school activities, awards, and height and weight (when appropriate for athletic events) is released to the news media and for such publications as the school yearbook, honor roll, programs for student activities, etc.. If you do not want this information sent, please notify the school in writing by September 30, 2006.
The school also forwards educational records to any school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll upon the written request, via signature on a release of records form by the parent or guardian.
Students who arrive after the beginning of homeroom period (7:35 A.M.) are considered tardy. Any student who arrives late must report to the main office or grade six office (if student is a 6th grader) and receive a pass before going to class. Excused tardies will be issued when the student is accompanied by a parent or the student brings in a note. Students signing in at the office without parent or note will be marked unexcused until notification from the parent is received.
Because calls interrupt teaching and learning time, we do not page students for phone calls. Special exceptions are made for emergencies. In most cases we try to deliver all incoming calls for students in the form of a message.
During the past few years, taxpayers have had to pay tens of thousands of dollars to replace textbooks which students have lost or damaged. The average cost of a book is between $55 and $75.
Textbooks are loaned to students for use during the school year. Students are required to sign a receipt for every textbook they receive. They are expected to take good care of these books and return them in good condition at the end of the year. The school will need to bill parents for lost or damaged books.
Parents are asked to make sure that their children cover their books and write their names on the inside front cover. Without a name in it, a lost book can not be claimed.
Bonny Eagle Middle School has implemented many security measures, yet a substantial number of thefts occur each year. Unfortunately, the school can not take responsibility for items which are lost or stolen. Administrators and teachers do investigate these matters and administer appropriate consequences when a theft occurs. In severe cases, the Buxton police will also be notified.
Perhaps the best solution to this problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Experience has shown us that students should not bring valuable possessions to school (i.e., boom boxes, music players, sports cards, game cards, cameras, Gameboys, or large sums of money). It is important to write a student’s name with a permanent marker in his or her jacket, hat, sneakers, etc. This helps settle disputes over ownership of identical items and helps the office staff find the owners of lost items. It also helps in the recovery of stolen items.
Common sense dictates that certain items should not be brought to school at all. Such items are usually impounded and will only be returned to parents (i.e., knives, matches, lighters, water guns, adult-only magazines, toys, etc.).
Every student is provided with two lockers for his or her personal use. All hall and gym lockers have built-in locks. Our lockers are not as secure as one might expect. Students should never share their lockers or combination with others. Valuables should not be left in a locker.
§5053-A. Enforcement
Vandalism is a serious offense and students are held responsible under the rules specified in the Behavior Section of this Student Handbook. BEMS reserves the right to bill students/parents for the cost of replacing and/or repairing any school property that is damaged or vandalized.
Students shall not engage in violent or threatening behavior. Prohibited behavior includes fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property, or threats, intimidation, or harassment. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. see (M.S.A.D. #6 Student Code of Conduct) (Behavior)
All visitors at BEMS must report directly to the Main Office or Grade 6 Office to register. Generally, because our school is large, we do not encourage students from other schools to visit with staff or students. In most cases, for safety and educational reasons, parents wishing to meet students at school should wait in the office. Special exceptions can be made for educational purposes when advance notice is provided to the principal.
The Voyageur Hiking Program at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton Maine is a coed, therapeutic outdoor program incorporating Adventure Based and Wilderness Therapy philosophy. Students in this program work on the following skills and issues in real life situations through an outdoor, adventure based program: personal responsibility, getting along with peers, working effectively in a group, communication, problem solving, achieving success, increasing self-esteem and task completion.
This approach focuses on placing students in activities that challenge negative behaviors and reward positive behaviors. These group activities provide opportunities for change and learning in an environment that provides natural rewards and consequences for their behavior. Expeditions/hikes are more than field trips, they involve breaking out of old habit patterns and therefore offer opportunities to try out new behaviors. The Staff is responsible to keep the students safe and has the last word on any and all safety issues.
The Hiking Program is not a club nor is it a reward for good behavior. Students have been recommended for the program by their PET, and it is part of their Individual Educational Program (IEP). Students have goals for the Hiking Program that are scored and can be reviewed in the student's Special Education file
The program is coordinated by Loren Johnston, the program Social Worker who is licensed as a Social Worker, certified as a Guidance Counselor and is a Registered Maine Guide. He also has Wilderness First Responder certification, Ropes Course training and Adventure Program Management Training through Project Adventure.