BaxterAcademy for Technology and Science
Foreword
Thepoliciesandproceduresdescribedinthishandbookaredesignedtopromotethegeneralwelfareoftheentirestudent body.Respectforotherpeople,regardforpublicproperty,andconsiderationoftherightsandwelfareofallstudents shouldbetheguidepostsforstudents’actionsandreactions.Theseagreementsensurethattheschoolrunssmoothlyandis aplaceofmutualrespectandhighexpectationswhereeachstudentcanlearnandgrow.Federalandstatelaws,school policies,regulations,andpracticesaresubjecttochangefromyeartoyear.Wereviewthehandbookannuallytobesure weareincompliancewithlawsandareallonthesamepage.
Toensurethatallstudentsandparentsunderstandthesepoliciesandprocedures,werequirethatallstudents reviewthishandbookannuallyandcompletetheBaxterAcademy2024-2025StudentHandbookAcknowledgement Form.
Thishandbookisnotmeanttobeanall-inclusivelistconcerningthestudentcodeofconduct Rather,thesearethemost commonguidelinesandresponsibilitiesexpectedofstudents.SchoolBoardpolicyalwayssupersedesanyschoolrulesor guidelinesoutlinedinthishandbook.ForaccesstoallBaxterAcademypoliciesseetheBoardPoliciesDocument.
SchoolContacts
Foracademicquestions,pleasereachouttoyourchild’sadvisororguidancecounselor Forotherinformation, contactthefrontofficetobedirectedtotheappropriatestaffmember
Forgeneralquestions:front.office@baxter-academy.org
Front Office
MichelleDoherty
207-699-5500ext.401 front.office@baxter-academy.org
Assistant Principal
AlexWaters
207-699-5500ext.301 alex.waters@baxter-academy.org
Head of School
CicyPo
207-699-5500ext.300 cicy.po@baxter-academy.org
Executive Director
AnnaKlein-Christie
207-699-5500,ext.600
anna.kleinchristie@baxter-academy.org
Business Manager
JasmineHolland
207-699-5500
jasmine.holland@baxter-academy.org
IT Manager
AmosCooper
207-699-5500ext.410
amoscooper@baxter-academyorg
Data Manager and Enrollment Coordinator
TylerBeaulieu
207-699-5500ext.409
tylerbeaulieu@baxter-academyorg
School Counselor
EmilyKelly
207-699-5500ext.504
emilykelly@baxter-academyorg
School Counselor
CharlieKoch
207-699-5500ext505 charliekoch@baxter-academyorg
Special Education Director
LauraParks
207-699-5500,ext500 lauraparks@baxter-academyorg
Board of Directors:
ThornDickinson,Chair
RuthDeanP’19,ViceChair
NikCharov,Treasurer
Dr.DanMickoolP’22,Secretary
JanaLapoint
Dr.JustinRichards
KathleendeSilva AprilTheberge
For a full list of School Contacts, please see the staff directory on the Baxter Academy website. 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
StatementofInclusion
ItisthepolicyofBaxterAcademyforTechnologyandSciencetoensureequalemploymentandeducationalopportunities regardlessofsex,color,nationalorigin,maritalstatus,religion,age,ordisabilityinaccordancewithallfederalandstate legislation
BaxterMissionandVisionStatement
Inquiry leads learning atBaxterAcademyforTechnologyandScience,apubliccharterhighschoolfreetoMaine students.Ourproject-basedSTEMcurriculumemphasizesreal-worldproblemsolvingandispairedwithahumanities programthatconnectsideasacrossdisciplinesandcultivatesstrongcommunicationskills Studentsdesigninnovative projectsthroughFlexFriday,auniqueprogramrequiringinitiative,perseverance,andcollaboration,aswellasreflection ontheworkanditsimpactinthecommunity
Baxter’s vision articulates clear pedagogical underpinnings We teach students to access their agency, work hard, envision new possibilities, act in service to our local and global communities, and to collaborate with love and care for each other Baxter’s STEM focus educates students to: Choose work that inspires their imagination; Persevere through setbacks; Innovate with conscience, curiosity and creativity; Solve real world problems; For a strong Maine future.
“Baxpectations”ortheProfileoftheBaxterGraduate
InspiredbytheMaineGuidingPrinciples, upon graduation,everyBaxterstudentwillbeableto:
● demonstrateinitiativeandperseveranceintheirlearning
● collaborateeffectivelyandethicallyasateammember
● askcreativequestionstoguideresearch
● frameproblemsandusedesignmethodstodevelopsolutions
● analyze,evaluate,synthesize,andapplydata
● acquireandapplythinkingandknowledgeacrossfields
● writeeffectivelyinavarietyofformats
● presentworkpubliclyinanorganizedandpurposefulway
● reflectonandarticulatetheirgrowthasalearner,aswellastherelevanceandimpactoftheirwork
● demonstrateresponsibleandethicalbehavior,aswellasproactiveparticipationinthecommunity
Baxtitution
TheBaxtitutionisasetofprinciplesthatinformhowwebuildcommunity,includingacademicanddisciplinarypolicies These guidelinesandexpectationsweresetbythecommunityinitsfoundingyearandaredetailedwithinthecontentsofthehandbook
● Community:BaxterAcademyisaninclusiveschoolthatacceptsvaryingpersonalitytypesandsocialgroups.We acceptthegreatnessofeachindividual.Webuildcommunitythroughacademicinquiry,groupprojects,games, creativepursuits,andexpeditions.Studentsandteacherswatchoutforeachotherandspeakupwhennecessary.
● Tolerance:Baxterstudentswillacceptandappreciateeachother’sdifferencesandwillnotcriticizeeachother negatively.
● Safety:BaxterStudentswillstrivetocreateandupholdasafeandcomfortableenvironment.Theywillnotdo anythingthatputsthemselvesoranyoneelseinphysicaloremotionaldanger.
● Bullying:Baxterstudentswillhonorandrespectthe physicalspaceandemotionalwell-beingofothers.Atnopoint willBaxterstudentsharassorinsultothermembersofthecommunity,onlineoroffline,asthiscanleadtoverbalor physicalabuse
● Productivity:Baxterstudentswillusetheirtimewiselyandbeabletoshowevidenceoftheirproductivity Bydoing this,Baxterstudentswillberecognizedforalltheamazingworktheyproduce
● Teamwork:Baxterstudentsareexpectedtobeconscientiousteam-membersandactiveparticipantsindefiningthe cultureoftheschool Asagroup,theBaxterAcademycommunitywillworktogethertoachievesuccessbycreating aninclusivelearningenvironmentthatacceptsvaryingpersonalitytypes
● Professionalism:Baxterstudentsandteacherswillbepolite,self-aware,respectful,andresponsiblewhile representingtheschoolinthesurroundingcommunity Insidethebuilding,Baxterstudentsandteacherswill maintainaprofessionaldemeanor Behavior,dress,andlanguagemustbeappropriatetoaprofessionalenvironment Baxterstudentsandteacherswillremainawareofthepeoplearoundthemandwillbeattentiveandconscientious whendiscussingsensitivetopicsinschool
● Technology: Baxterstudentswillusetheircomputersandotherdevicesinanappropriatemanner Usageguidelines willdependonschoolpolicy,aswellastheindividualteacherandlearningenvironment TechnologyuseatBaxter shouldnotinterfereordistractfromstudentlearning.Baxterstudentswillbemindfulthattheyarerepresentingtheir schoolcommunitywhileusingtechnology.
● Student-Teacher Interaction:Baxterstudentsandteacherswillhaveagoodattitudeandwilltreateachotherwith respect.Studentswillnotgivetheteachersahardtimeaboutassignments.Teacherswillupdatetheironline materialsandgradesregularly.Ifabsent,studentswillcheckclasswebsitesorclassroomsandcompleteallrelevant work.Theyarealsoexpectedtoalertteachersiftheyneedsupportontheirassignmentsoriftheyareunableto completethemontime.
● Academic Honesty:StudentsatBaxterAcademyareexpectedtohonortheprinciplesofacademicandpersonal integrity BaxterAcademystudentswillnotpresentothers’workastheirown Ifastudentusessomeoneelse’s work,theymustprovideacitation
● Class Time/Free Time Behaviors:Inclass,Baxterstudentsandteacherswillremainontaskwhileengagingin productiveandrelevantwork Duringfreetime,allstudentsandteacherswillusetheirtimeinwaysthatare considerateandethicalwithoutengaginginactivitiesinappropriateforschool
● Bus conduct: WhileonBaxterAcademybuses,studentswilladheretothefollowingrules:
○ Studentswillkeeptheirvolume,includingmusic,ataquietconversationlevel.
○ Studentswilluselanguageappropriatetotheschoolenvironment.
○ Studentswillrespecteachother’spersonalspace.
○ Studentswillpickupafterthemselves.
○ Studentswillrespectthedriver’sauthority,adheringtoallrulesfordisciplineandconductthatareexpectedwithinthe schoolbuilding.
BaxterDispositionsofLearning
Learning at Baxter is always connected to the larger context of our community and world and our role in it. Educators and students are challenged to frame all learning with the following set of questions. These are dispositions for learning and agency. At Baxter deep, transformational learning is facilitated by this framework.
S:Whatstoriesareatplay?
P:Whatispossibleiniterationorinnovationhere?
A:WhatassetsdoIbringtothis?
C:Whatisthecommunityimpact?
E:Whatengagesmycuriosity?
HabitsofWorkAndLearning(HOWLs)
HabitsofWorkandLearning(HOWLs)arehabitsandskillsthat,whenregularlypracticed, promotestudents’ academicgrowthandsuccessinhighschoolandbeyond.Yourteachersandadministratorswillholdyou accountableforHabitsofWorkandLearning. HOWLsaregroupedintotwocategories:Obligationto CommunityandObligationtoSelf.Yourteacherswillvaryinthewaysthattheyteachandholdyou responsiblefortheseskills,butthischartisabasicguidetowhatwemeanbyHabitsOfWorkandLearning. CommentsonyourprogressreportwillreflectHOWLs.
TwoPillarsofHabitsOfWorkAndLearning
ObligationtoCommunity ObligationtoSelf
Showingupfor eachother.
Preparation
Deadlines& Expectations
Discourse& Communication
DoIshowengagementduringclass times?DoIactivelyengagein teamworkwhencalleduponand evenstepuptolead?
AmIclearaboutwhatIneedto cometothenextclassasamember ofmylearningcommunity?
AmImeetingdeadlinesand expectations,andholdingmyself accountableforwhatIam responsiblefor?
DoIengageindiscourse(listening, sharing,andfacilitating)andto practiceprofessionalnormsof respectfulandclearwriting communication?
Careforpeers
AmIselfawareandgroupawarein learningenvironments?AmI practicingpositivesocial management?
Responsiblefor meetingmy commitments
SelfAcceptance Heterogeneity
Advocacy
NoteTaking
HowdoImaintainpositivesocial emotionalwellness,includingbynot accruingoverduedeadlinedebt?
DoIacceptmyselfformyunique characterandneeds,butalsoto understandthatIlive,serve,andworkin acommunity?
HowdoIidentifythehelpIneed,to knowwheretolook,andtoaskand negotiateforit?
HowdoImaintainrecordsand processingnotesformylearningsothat Icantakeownershipformyown learning?
StudySkillsFor Assessment
HowdoIstructureawaytohonemy knowledgeandskillsforupcoming presentationsofmywork?
AcademicPoliciesandReporting
Studentscanlearnspecificallyaboutstandardsrequirements,courserequirementsandpathwaysforlearninginourCourse ofStudies.InadditiontotherequirementssetoutintheCourseofStudies,andtheBaxtitution.The Baxpectations articulatesaprofileofskillsthatallBaxterstudentswillhaveachievedthroughtheworkoftheirhighschooljourney.This profileinformsallofouracademicgoalsandaccountabilitystructures.
AcademicReportingCalendar
Gradeswillbepostedonthefollowingschedule:
PR August26-October2
Tuesday,October2
Progress Report1 August26-October25 Tuesday,October29
PR August26-December3 Tuesday,December3
Semester1 August26-January17
Wednesday,January22
PR January21-Feb25 Tuesday,February25
Progress Report2 January21-March21 Tuesday,Mar25
PR January21-May2 May2,2024
Senior Grades January21-May23 Friday,May23 8:00
Semester2 YearLong End January21-June6 Tuesday,June10 12PM
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
Snapshot Evaluationbycourseandstandards CommentsaboutHOWLs
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
ReportCard Appearsontranscript FFnarrative Evaluationbycourseandstandard
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
Snapshot Evaluationbycourseandstandards CommentsaboutHOWLs
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
SeniorGradesduetoconfirmgraduation
ReportCard Appearsontranscript FFnarrative Evaluationbycourseandstandard
GradingatBaxter
Version44b(for2024-2025academiccalendaryear)
Academic records give a view of a student’s journey and growth Students and families can access records to view regular updates provided by educators in PowerSchool Formal progress reports are issued mid-semester Report cards issued at each semester’s end will be used for transcripts
evaluation by course
Students earn a grade for each course based on their progress toward meeting the requirements of the graded elements.
Transcends Course Expectations
4.0
3.5
The student pushed beyond course expectations in skill and/or content mastery and potentially reached higher standards of the course and added deep personal and community connection
Better than Meets Course Expectations
The student is well prepared and well practiced for the next course in the sequence, and may have already exhibited some of the skills and/or content mastery expected in the next course
Meets Course Expectations
3.0
2.5
The student is prepared for the next course in the sequence and has met expectations in the graded elements of the course
Satisfies Course Expectations with Greater Proficiency
The student may advance to the next course in the sequence The student could use greater practice in a skill and/or demonstrate greater knowledge or content mastery on graded elements
Satisfies Course Expectations
2.0
evaluation by standard
Student learning is determined by progress toward the standards associated with a course The level of achievement depends on the complexity of the course.
Excelling (400+ level course)
The student demonstrated a high level of complexity, sophistication, originality, depth, synthesis in application of course.
Advancing (400 level course)
AD
CB
The student demonstrated complexity, sophistication, originality, depth, synthesis in application of course
Competency Benchmark (300 level course)
The student has consistently demonstrated understanding at the level required for all Baxter graduates
Progressing (200 level course)
PR
1.0
The student is minimally prepared for the next course in the sequence The student likely needs to make up shortcomings in some graded elements
Does Not Satisfy Course Expectations
The student is not sufficiently prepared for the next course in the sequence. The student will need to repeat the class
GPAs are determined by course evaluations
We use numbers to communicate grades clearly to secondary institutions, students, and families This is how the rest of the world sees our GPA
EN
The student has acquired a deeper understanding of the standard, well on the way to benchmark, but is not quite there
Entering (100 level course)
The student has demonstrated a basic or introductory understanding of the skills and content of the standard
Students may offer evidence that is Beyond Assessment (BA) of rubric expectations Some
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
students may also earn an evaluation of No Evidence (NE). For 300 level courses the standards target is competency benchmark; a student who earns competency benchmark on standards for a 300 level course would not be assessed lower than a 3 by the end of the course Likewise, for full year classes
Graduation is determined by successful completion of course of studies, which holds the appropriate standards
FlexFriday
At Baxter Academy, students engage in the real work of the real world Studentsdirecttheirownlearningthroughinquiry Theypursuetheirinterestsanddevelopcriticalskillsincludingthecapacitytocollaboratewithothersandaskingforhelp whenneeded Theyconfrontandovercomefailuretocreatesolutionsfortheircommunity Theysucceednotjustbyhigh schoolstandardsbutbythestandardsoftheirfuturedisciplinesandprofessionals At Baxter, the real world truly starts nowandourFlexFridayprogrambringsallofthistolife TheFlexFridayprogramisoneimportantwaythatstudents realizethegoalssetforthintheBaxtitution:Initiative,Perseverance,Collaboration,Inquiry,Investigation,Problem Solving,InformationProcessing,Integration,Writing,Communication,ReflectionandCivicAwareness OnFridays,Baxterstudentsworkonselfdirected,long-termprojectsthatarerelevanttoeachstudent’sinterestsand goals FlexFridayservestwoimportantrolesinBaxterAcademy’scurriculum First,byprovidingasubstantialperiodof timeforstudentstoworkonlarge‐scale,real‐worldproblems Theseproblemsallowstudentstoapplytheknowledgeand skillsgainedintheclassroomtotangibleandsignificantchallenges Second,FlexFridayalsooffersanopportunityfor studentstogobeyondthetraditionalcurriculumtoperformlengthyexperiments,immersethemselvesinprojectdesignor research,and,througherroranalysis,learnfromfailure Becauseallstudentshavethesametimeavailable,groupsof studentsareabletocoalescearoundprojectsofcommoninterestandworkcollaborativelywithoutschedulingdifficulties Teachers,freedfromotherteachingobligations,areabletofocusonadvisingstudentsastheyworkthroughtheirprojects, assistingwithskilldevelopmentandmakingsuretheyasktherightquestions,followthroughontheirworkplans,and collaborateeffectivelywithinworkgroups.Theblocksoftimefacilitatedevelopmentofresearchskillsandworkwith expertsthroughcollaboratingbusinessesandotherinstitutions.
AssessmentofFlexFriday
FlexFridayisarequiredcourseforeachyearastudentisenrolledatBaxter.StudentworkinFlexFridayisrecorded ontranscriptsasanarrativedescribingtheproject,anumbergrade(1-4),andstudentsprogresstowardsstandards.Flex FridaystandardsarebasedonMaineGuidingPrinciples whicharethefoundationforour“Baxpectations.”Oneof 1 fourrubrics,eachassociatedwithacleardeliverable,willguidestudentsforsuccessfulcompletionofFlexFriday: 1.Research 2.Engineering/Design 3.Maker/Fabrication/Arts 4.Internship SeetheFlexFridayHandbookforproposaldocuments,rubricsandmoreinformationabouttheprogram.
GuidanceforStudentsonEmailCommunicationwithTeachers
Themostimportantrelationshipsweprotectatourschoolisthatbetweenstudentsandtheireducators.Studentsare encouragedtobeincommunicationwiththeirteachersregardingneedforadditionalhelp,questions,orconcerns. Baxterteachesstudentstobeemailresponsiveandtouseprofessionalemailcommunications.Yourclassroomteacher isthepersonmostabletoanswerspecificquestions.Baxterteacherswillstrivetorespondtoparentcommunications (e-mailsorphonecalls)within48hours.
1 TheguidingprinciplesoftheMainelearningstandardsarethecross-curricularskillbasedstandardsstudentsareexpectedto acquirethroughtheireducation Maine’sguidingprinciplesalsoinformtheprinciplessetforthintheBaxtitution 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
hey- what is the project about? thanks
Your emails should have a professional and respectful tone
Dear Mr Jones,
I was wondering if you could help me with the assignment.
Thanks, Baxter Lancaster
Remember that your teacher may have 80 or more students and multiple courses. Be specific in reminding your teacher of the context or reason for your email.
Dear Ms Jones,
I want to do well on my upcoming project I have a few questions Do you have time for a conversation regarding my progress?
Thank you, Baxter Lancaster
Dear Mr Jones,
In class on Wednesday last week when we were talking about the novel 1984, you gave us an assignment related to “tone.” Can we meet sometime in the next few days to talk about your expectations for that project?
Thanks, Baxter Lancaster
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is our student information system (SIS) UsingPowerSchool,youcancheckattendancerecords,view yourcoursegradeandacademicprogressinyourclassesandmore Teacherswillupdatepowerschooldailyfor attendanceandonaminimumofweeklyforacademics FamiliescanfinddirectionsforPowerSchoolaccessonour website
FamilyEngagement
Familyengagementisanimportantelementofpositiveschoolcultureandstudentacademicsuccess Baxteracademy welcomesfamilysupportbothformalandinformalinpromotingschoolinitiativesaswellasthemissionofBaxter Academy.Furthermore,highqualityparent-teachercommunicationshelpstobuildtrustandaccountability.
BacktoSchoolNight,FamilyConference,StudentLedConferences(SLCs).
FamiliescomeinforBacktoSchoolNighttomeettheirstudent’seducatorsatthestartofthefallsemester Inaddition, parentshaveachancetoconferencewiththeirstudent’steachersafterfirstquarterprogressreportshavebeensent Theninthespring,studentspresenttheirlearningprogressandachievementstotheirfamiliesandadvisorsinStudent LedConferences(SLCs) Inadditiontoconferences,parentsareencouragedtocontacttheirstudent’steacherifthere areacademicquestionsorconcerns Also,yourstudent’sadvisorcanhelpdirectyourquestionsandprovidepertinent insight
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
AttendancePolicies
Regularattendanceatschoolisessentialforcontinuityoflearning.TheeducationalprogramsatBaxterAcademyare designedforeachstudent’sin-schoolparticipationandinvolvement.Regularclassroomattendanceisnecessaryifa studentistogainmaximumbenefitfromtheschoolexperience.Studentswhoareabsentcannotreceivethebenefitsof thediscussions,activities,andotherexperiencesavailableonlyintheclassroomsetting.Theselostminutesorhours fromclasshaveatremendouseffectonachievement Irregularattendancenegativelyaffectsstudentachievement Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoinquireaboutandtomakeupanyworkmissedduringanabsence.
AbsencePolicy
Absencesarerecordedasexcusedorunexcusedbytheattendancesecretaryandbyeachindividualclassroomteacher. ParentsmustcalltheschoolAttendanceOfficeat207-699-5500oremailtheFrontOfficeat front.office@baxter-academy.org.Parentsshouldnotifytheschoolofstudentabsencespreferablybetween7:30and 8:15a.m. Notice,givenONLYbyaparentorlegalguardianmustbeprovidedwhenastudentistardy,ortobe dismissed.Areasonmustbeprovidedinthenote. Ifthereisnonote,theabsence/tardy/dismissalwillberecordedas unexcused.Notesmaybeverifiedbyaphonecalltoparentsbytheschool.
Truancy
Studentsyoungerthan17yearsofage,withmorethansevenconsecutiveunexcusedabsences,or10cumulative unexcusedabsences,willbedeclaredtruantaccordingtoMaineStateLaw Anystudentdeterminedtobetruantwill meetwithmembersoftheStudentCareTeamtodeterminethecauseofthetruancyandassesstheeffectofthe student’sabsenceaswellasanyfutureabsences Ifitisdeterminedthatanegativeeffectexists,theStudentCare Team,consistingofschoolcounselor(s),academicleader(s),socialworker(s),andtheSpecialEducationDirector,is requiredtodevelopaninterventionplanthatmayincludetheitemsfoundinTitle20-A,5051-A.Shouldthis interventionplanfailtocorrectthehabitualtruancy,theHeadofSchoolshallfollowtheprocedureoutlinedinTitle 20-A,5051-A,whichincludesservinganoticebymailtoparentsorlegalguardians,andreferringthetruantstudentto locallawenforcement.
ExcusedAbsences
Foranabsencetobeexcused,aparentorguardianmustcontactthefrontofficetoreporttheabsence.Thefollowing reasonsqualifyasexcusedabsences,inaccordancewithMaineLaw.Absenceforreasonsnotlistedbelowqualifyas unexcusedabsences.
1. Personalillness;includingthoseillnessesthatmayfallunderanindividual’splan.
a. Studentswhoaresickformorethan7consecutivedaysmusthaveanotefromtheirphysician.
2. Anappointmentwithahealthprofessionalthatmustbemadeduringtheregularschoolday.
a Studentswhoneedtomissclassonaregularbasisduetoprofessionalappointments,collegeclasses, etc,needtoseekpermissionfromtheAssistantPrincipalorHeadofSchool,whowilldeterminethe statusoftherequestandcommunicatewiththeattendancesecretaryforcontinuousrecordkeeping.
3. Observanceofarecognizedreligiousholidaywhentheobservanceisrequiredduringtheregularschoolday.
4. Afamilyemergency.
5. AplannedabsenceforapersonaloreducationalpurposethathasbeenapprovedbytheAssistantPrincipalor HeadofSchool.PriortoapprovalofaplannedabsencestudentmustfilloutthisPlannedAbsenceForm.
6. Educationdisruptionresultingfromhomelessness,unplannedpsychiatrichospitalization,unplanned hospitalizationforamedicalemergency,fostercareplacement,youthdevelopmentcenterplacementorsome otherout-of-districtplacementthatisnototherwiseauthorizedbyeitheranindividualizededucationplanor othereducationplanoranadministrativeagreement
ChronicAbsenteeism
Studentsandfamiliesshouldknowthatexcusedabsencescounttowardschronicabsenteeism Studentswhohave missed10%ofschooldaysarecountedaschronicallyabsentandwillbecalledinforameeting
UnexcusedAbsences
InaccordancewithMaineLaw,anyreasonsotherthanthosegivenabovewillbecountedasunexcused,regardlessof guardianpermission.Thisincludesfailuretoprovideacceptabledocumentationorpropercallstotheattendanceoffice. Studentsmaynotcallthemselvesoutunless;
1. ThestudenthasbeenlegallyemancipatedbycourtdecreeOR
2 ThestudentismorethaneighteenyearsofageANDislivingonhis/herownANDhaspriorapprovalfrom his/herparentsANDschooladministration
Tardiness:SchoolBeginsat8:25
Baxtervaluesshowingupforeachotherontime;however,Baxterunderstandsthatonrareoccasionsastudentmay arrivelatebecauseofadoctor’sappointment,afamilyemergencyorotherexcusedneed.Theprocessforanystudent arrivinglateistocheckinatthefrontofficeandtopickupalatepass.Nostudentwillbeadmittedtoaclasswithouta latepass.Uponenteringtheirclassafterthebellrings,studentswillbemarkedastardyinPowerschool.
Studentswhoareconsistentlytardytoschoolinasemester,willconferencewithacounselorand/oradministratorand insomeinstancesbegivenadisciplinaryconsequence.Thecriteriaforanexcusedtardyisthesameasdefinedabove forabsences,becausetardinessisconsidereda“short-termabsence”fromschool.Allregulationsthatapplyto absenteeismalsoapplytotardiness Over-sleeping,missingthebus,trafficcongestion,etc willnotbeexcused,nor doesanote,inandofitself,excusetardiness
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
Leavingclass:
Ifastudentaskstoleaveclasstheyneedtoadheretotheirteacher’sguidelinesandexpectationsforleavingclass.Ifa studentfailstoreturntoclassorisgoneforanunreasonableamountoftime,theywillbemarkedabsent/unexcused fromclass
Anytime/AnywhereLearning
InaccordancewithBaxter’smissiontoencouragestudentstoengageinreal-worldlearning,andkeepinginmindthat Baxter’sstudentscomefromdiverselocations,theadministrationrecognizestheneedtoincludeAnytime/Anywhere LearningaspartoftheeducationalexperienceatBaxterAcademy BaxterhasprogramsbuiltinforAnytime/Anywhere Learninginthecalendaroftheschoolyear.Additionally,studentsengagedininternshipsfortheirFlexFridayprogrammay workoffcampuswiththeapprovalofFlexFridayeducatormentorsandtheirFlexFridayapprovalcommittee.Ifastudent appliesforanAALlearningday,theyarerequiredtosubmitastatementofpurposeandevidenceoftheirlearningtothe AssistantPrincipaltoreceivecreditforthedayofschool.
Dismissals
Afterarrivingatschool,studentsmaynotleaveschoolgroundspriortotheendoftheschoolday,outsideoflunchtime andFlexFridayactivitythathasbeenagreeduponbytheclusterleaderandtheattendancesecretary,unlesstheyhave beenproperlydismissedwithanotefromaparentorlegalguardian Theschoolisresponsibleforallstudentsduring schoolhours Onceonschoolgrounds,studentsmaynotleavethebuildingatanytime,otherthanlunch,withoutthe permissionofaschooladministratorandtheparent Ifstudentsleaveschoolwithoutadministrative/parental permission,theywillbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction
Tobeofficiallydismissedfromschoolforillnessorinjury,astudentmustgotothemainofficeforadismissalnote A parent/guardianwillbecontactedbeforeallowingthestudenttogohome Intheeventofanemergency,etc parents/guardiansmaydismissastudentbycallingthemainoffice.
DismissalProcedurefor18-YearOldStudents
Studentswhoare18yearsold(orolder)maynotsigntheirownnotesdismissingthemselvesfromschoolforany reasonorauthorizingtheirownabsencesortardiness,etc,orinanywayactinplaceoftheirparent(s)orguardians
Studentswhoare18butstilllivingwiththeirparents/legalguardiansareconsideredtobeunderthejurisdictionofthe legalparent/guardian
Studentswhoare18yearsold(orolder)whomaintainindependentresidenceandfinancialresponsibility (independentlyfromtheirparents,relatives,orguardians)mustproducelegalproofoftheirstatus Uponthisproof,the administrationwillthendeterminetheproceduresthatgovernastudent’srightsandresponsibilitieswithintheschool setting
SchoolClosings&SnowDayLearningProgram
Baxter students come from more than 60 towns across Maine Decisionstodelayorcancelschoolaremadeona case-by-casebasisbytheadministrativeteaminconsultationwithtransportationservices.Safetraveltoandfrom schoolforallstudentsistoppriority.Onsuchdays,schoolmaybecanceledorschoolmaytakeplaceremotely.
BaxterAcademypilotedthestate’sfirstremoteSnowDayLearningprogramwithMaineDOEsupportandthismodel hassincebeenadoptedbymultipleschoolsstatewide.Onremotelearningdays,studentsareexpectedtocomplete theseassignmentsfromhome.Baxtermusthaveatleast80%studentparticipationtoearnbackuptofivesnowdays onourschoolcalendar.Noticesofcancellations,delays,snowdaylearning,orotherchangestothedailyschedulewill besentoutusingtheSchoolMessengersystem.
DailySchedule
Therewillbetimesthatourtypicaldailyschedulewillbealteredduetocommunitywideeventsandmeetings.Any majorchangestoourregularschedulewillbecommunicatedtotheBaxterCommunity.
ProfessionalDress
Studentsareencouragedtousesoundjudgmentandreflectrespectforthemselvesandothersindress,inkeepingwith thegoalsofBaxterAcademytoprovideasafe,healthyandnon-discriminatoryenvironmentforeducatingstudentsfor maximumacademicandsocialdevelopment.Studentsarenotallowedtowearclothingthatpromotesviolence, exclusion,hate,disrespectordrug/tobacco/alcoholuse.
Ifyouareworkinginaninternshiporareotherwiseoffcampusforschoolrelatedwork,youneedtorespectthe professionaldressexpectationsupheldatyourinternshiporworksite Forexample,yourinternshipatalegaloffice mayrequiredifferentattirethanwhatyouwouldweartoschool
LunchProgram
InadditiontostudentrefrigeratorsandmicrowaveslocatedinourGreatRoom,BaxterAcademyoffersmealoptions fromlocalrestaurantsinthePortlandarea.Studentsmayorderlunchthroughouronlinelunchprogramatleastone weekinadvance Freeandreducedlunchapplicationsareavailableforthoseinneedbycontactingthefrontoffice Ourlunchoptionsforthe2024-25schoolyeararelistedonourwebsiteandaresubjecttochange
Ifyourchildpre-orderstheirlunchandhasnotpickeditupbytwenty-fiveminutesafterthestartoflunch(due toanyreasonincludingabsence),wewillselltheirlunchtoanotherstudent.
Ifyourchild’spre-orderedlunchissold,theywillnotbecharged,andthelunchchargewillbetransferredtothe studentpurchasingthelunch
Iftheyareabsentorfailtopickuptheirpre-orderedlunchforanyreasonandtheirlunchisNOTsold,theywillstillbe requiredtopayforthismeal.
Therearethingsyoucandotohelpthisprocess:
• Ifyouknowyourchildwillbeabsentaheadoftime,letthefrontofficeknowinthemorningperthe attendancepolicy
• Makesureyourchildorderstheirlunchbytheorderingdeadline.Baxterordersallitsfoodoneweekin advanceandcannotmakechangesonceordershavebeensenttovendors,soitistoyourbenefittomakesure yourchildisaccuratelyorderingthelunchpriortothedeadline
• Encourageyourchildtopickuptheirlunchatthestartoflunch!Wecanholdlunchesforstudentswho aregoingout,butifyourchildisworkingonaprojectandlosestrackoftime,wewillnotholdluncheslonger thantwenty-fiveminutesintolunchwithoutyourchildfirstnotifyingusthattheywillbecomingback
• Beawarethatyourchildmayhavealunchbalanceevenifthey’venever“ordered”Ifyourchildforgets alunchthatdayandpicksupthelunchofanabsentstudent,orgetsasoupcard,theywillbechargedforthat meal
If you think your child will be purchasing lunch, please log in to PowerSchool and make an initial deposit of at least $25 to ensure your student starts the year with a positive balance
Lunchchargeswillbereflectedinyourstudent’sMySchoolBucksaccount.Youareresponsibleformakingsureyour childmaintainsapositivelunchbalanceandcanlogintoloadadditionalfundstotheaccountatanytime.Formore informationaboutthebilling/paymentsystem,pleaseseeStudentPaymentInformationlocatedinthispacket.
We’vedoneourbestwithourlunchprogramtomakesurestudentshaveaccesstoavarietyofoptionsatreasonable prices.Thankyouforunderstandinghowourpolicieshelpensurefairnessforallstudentsorderinglunch.
Transportation StudentParking
Studentsarrivingbyprivatevehicleordrivingthemselvesmustcompletetherequiredstudentdriverregistrationform andbepreparedtopayamonthlyparkingfeeforuseofastudentparkinglot
StudentPick-UpandDrop-OffbyPrivateVehiclePolicy
ToensurestudentsafetyandtopromotesmoothtransportationflowaroundBaxterAcademy,asrequiredbytheCityof Portland,allparentsandstudentsmustadheretotherulesforstudentdrop-offandpick-upbyprivatevehicleat185 LancasterStreet Pleasesigntheformlocatedintheintakepackettoattestthatyouhaveread,understand,andwill abidebyourpolicy Amapofpick-uplocationsisappendedtothisdocument
Carpoolarrangementsareencouragedandcanbemadebystudentsorparentsontheirowntime Interestedparties shouldcompletethelinkedGoogleForm.Oncetheformhasbeenfilled,youwillbegrantedaccesstoacontact databaseofotherinterestedpartiesandcanmakearrangementsfromthere.
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Please, for the safety of our students, DO NOT pass buses with stop signs out and lights flashing. Not only is this a danger to students, it is against state law. Violations of this and other traffic safety laws will be reported to the Portland Police Department.
MORNINGDROPOFF
StudentsbeingdroppedoffatBaxterAcademyare requiredtoexitthevehicleonthecurbsideandenter thebuildingasquicklyaspossible Ifabus approachesthebusloading parentsmustmakewayfor offloadstudents
BaxterAcademystaffwille Pick-Up&Drop-O Lancaster St
8spacesavailablefordropo school Pleasebeawareofs unloadingatthislocation ElmSt
Dropoffpriorto8:15am o publicbusloadingatthislo KennebecSt
Thisislocatedatthebacko usedformonitoredexitson
SchoolBuses
BaxterAcademyprovidesf forstudentscommutingfrom Themostcurrentscheduling
PublicTransportati
UmoTouchPassAppforP PortlandMetro,MetroBre Beach)areallunderthesa upausernameandpasswo tobepaidforbyBaxter A
BSOOBTransit
Ifyouareastudentlivingin forUmoTouchpassatnoco punchpassesforthosewho
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine
AFTERNOONDROPOFF
Studentswhoarewalking,bicycling,orusingpublic transportationwillbedismissedfirst. StudentswhotakeBaxter’sschoolbuseswillnotbe
SouthPortlandBus
IfyouareastudentlivinginSouthPortland,youqualifyforUmoTouchpassatnocosttoyou.Studentsreceivethis passonamonthlybasis.Thosewholosethispassmustpaythecostofafullreplacement.
GreaterPortlandMetro
IfyouareastudentlivinginBrunswick,Falmouth,Freeport,Portland,Westbrook,orYarmouthyouqualifyfor UmoTouchpassatatnocosttoyou.Physicalpasscardsarealsoavailableforstudentswhodon’twishtousetheapp.
LakesRegionExplorer
Ifyouareastudentlivinginoraroundthefollowingareas,youqualifyforaLakesRegionExplorertransportation passatnocosttoyou:Bridgton,Naples,SouthCasco,Raymond,andNorthWindham.
Note: Check the latest bus schedule before signing up At the time of this writing, the first PM bus did not depart until after 5 PM Make sure the schedule works for your family
CascoBayFerry
IfyouareastudentcommutingfromPeak’sIslandoranotherislandintheCascoBay,youqualifyforaCascoBay Ferrypassatnocosttoyou.AregistrationformcanbefoundonourwebsiteunderTransportation.
Skateboarding/Bikes
Bicycles,longboards,skateboards,andscootersmustnotbeusedinsideandmaynotbeusedduringschoolhoursincludingatlunch.BicyclesshouldbelockedupatthebikeracksprovidedonLancasterSt.Boardsmustbestoredon designatedshelvesinsidetheschool.Studentsusingbicycles,longboards,skateboards,orscooterstotraveltoand fromschoolmustabidebyallstateandmunicipallaw.Studentsmaynotuseskateboardsonsidewalks,mustyield rightofwaytopedestrians,andmustalwaysdemonstratecourteousbehavior.Studentswhofailtocomplywiththis policymayfacedisciplinaryactionincludingtheconfiscationoftheirskateboardsetc.
BaxterDigitalCitizenshipExpectations
DigitalCopy
Baxterisapioneerindigitalplatformsandwetakeprideinourleadershipasacommunitytosupportsafe,generative, productiveuseofdigitaltechnologyandinformationliteracy.Inthelargercontext,Americanshavetherightsto freedomofexpression;however,ourschoolcommunityalsohasalegalandethicalresponsibilitytoupholdsafety, forwardacademicprogress,andevenkindness.BaxterAcademyprovidesstudentswithwirelessandwiredinternet accessinadditiontoLenovolaptopswithMicrosoftWindows,Office365,andAdobeCreativeCloud.Thistechnology isavailabletostudentsfromSeptember2024throughJune2025.Pleasecarefullyreadthedigitalcitizenship expectations.Unacceptableuseoftechnologymayresultinarevocationorsuspensionofprivileges.
Thereare7componentsofourdigitalcitizenshipexpectations:
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1.Professionalism
Studentsmustunderstandprofessionalismintheiracademiclivesasdistinctlydifferent fromtheirsociallives.
Studentsshouldmaintainprofessionalismduringclasstime.TheBaxterNetiquetteguidewascreatedforZoom classes,butitsspiritholdstruewithotherplatforms.Stayontopicinthechat,onlyusereactiontoolswhenappropriate andavoidvirtualbackgroundsthatmaydistractotherstudents Professionalismisrevealedinourwrittenandspoken languagepatterns,tone,habitsofwork,andengagementwithmaterials Studentsshoulduseappropriatedigital communications,includingemailandotherrelevantplatforms,toconverseprofessionally Remotelearningrequiresa distinctlevelofgenerosity Studentsshouldask:Howarewecontributingtothiscommunityandmakingitbetter? Whenweturnourcamerasoff,weareattendingtoourownneeds;whenweturnourcamerason,wearehelpingto buildourcommunity
Studentswillrespectworktools Studentsarefullyresponsibleforthecareofschoolissueddevicesandtheirpersonal devices.StudentswilluseBaxternetworkandschoolrelatedplatforms,studentswillonlyaccesssitesthatarerelevant totheireducationalexperience.
2 Safety/IdentityProtection
Studentsmustprotecttheircredentialstoprotecttheiridentity.Studentsmustrespect theprivacyofallcommunitymembers.
Studentsshouldneversharetheirschool-providedorpersonalcredentialsonlineorin-personexceptwiththeirparents orguardianorunderthedirectionoftheirteachersifnecessary Baxterfacultyandstaffwillneveraskforastudent’s credentials Ifaccesstoaschool-providedaccountisnecessarybystaff,thestudent’spasswordwillbechangedanda newoneprovided
Studentshavearighttoprivacyandtomaintainthesecurityofpersonalinformationinthedigitalcommunity. This processbeginsbyindividualscontrollingwhatpersonalinformationtheysharethroughthelocalnetworkandInternet. Studentsmustalsoberesponsibleforwhatinformationtheyshareaboutothers.Studentsneedtorequestpermission beforepostinganyinformationaboutsomeoneelse.
Astudentshallnotrevealtheirfullname,address,ortelephonenumberontheInternetwithoutpriorpermissionfroma supervisingteacher.StudentsshouldnevermeetpeopletheyhavecontactedthroughtheInternetwithoutparental permission.Studentsshouldinformtheirsupervisingteacheriftheyaccesscontentormessagesthataredangerous, inappropriate,ormakethemuncomfortableinanyway.
3.Permanence
Everytimeyoulogontotheinternet,useyourcellphone,ordoanythingdigitallyyou areleavingadigitaltrailthatdoesn’tgoaway,includingforfutureemployersand collegeadmission.
Whatyoupostshapesyourdigitalidentityandreputation Yourpostscreateapermanentrecordthroughcookiesand cache Evenwhenyou“delete”apostitistraceable Fewifanysitesareprivate Whensharinganythingonthe internet,studentrightstofreedomofspeechareinrelationtotherightofBaxterAcademytoprotectthesafetyofour communityandouracademicprogram Thereshouldbenoexpectationofprivacy–emailisanofficialandpermanent recordthatisaccessibletoschoolpersonnel.
Considerthefollowingquestionswhenposting:
1.WhyamIpostingthis?
2.IswhatI'mpostingtrue?
3.IstheopinionIamexpressinginthispostlikelytochangeorvaryinthefuture?
4.HowmightthispostbeinterpretedbyacollegerecruiterorcompanyIapplyto?
5.Isthispostgoingtohelporhurtmeorothers?
6 Whatwillothersfeelwhentheyseethispost?
7 AmIreactingtomyemotionswhileIamposting?
8 Arethesepostscreatingmoredramaorless?
9 AmIonlypostingthistogetlikesandshares?
10 IsthereanotherwaytocommunicatewhatI'mtryingtosaywithoutusingsocialmedia?
4.AcademicIntegrity
Academicintegrityrequireshonestpracticesinouruseofdigitalinformation.
AtBaxter,plagiarism(takinganother’sworkasone’sown),andunattributeduseofcopyrightedmaterialsare prohibited;studentsmustcitesourceandsharelicenses.Furthermore,studentsmustseekreliableandappropriate sources.Weencouragefamiliaritywithopensources,suchascreativecommons.Unauthorizedalteration,takingor publishingofstudent,teacherorschoolmaterials,includingthosegeneratedbyartificialintelligenceisprohibited Anotherstudent,parentorotheradultmaynotwriteormakechangestostudentwork Allworksubmittedmustbethat oftheindividualstudent ParticipatinginacademicdishonestywithpeersisalsoaviolationofBaxtercodeofconduct
5 DigitalImageUse
Imagesarepowerfulcommunicationtools;permissionfromtheoriginalissuermustbe obtainedbeforeyoucanuse,share,repost,oraltertheimage.
Neitherstillphotographynorvideocapturingandtransmissionisallowedwithoutpermission Facultymembersand administrationmayrequirephotographytomeetaneducationalgoal Aswithothersocialmediaposts,photographs 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
andvideospostedtotheinternetwhichareharmfulorthreateningtoanotherperson,theschool,ortheacademic programmayberestrictedbyschooladminsitration
6 SchoolSecurity
Thesecurityoftheschool’stechnology,networks,andInternetservicesisahigh priority;thisiseverybody’sjob.
Viruses,malware,ransomware,identitytheft,andphishingarearesultofinsufficientsecuritypractices Byfollowing theguidelinesinthisdocumentyoucangreatlyreduceyourriskoffallingvictimtotheseproblems
AnyuserwhoidentifiesasecurityproblemmustnotifytheITManagerorPrincipalimmediately Theusershallnot demonstratetheproblemtoothers Anyuserwhoattemptsorcausesabreachofsystemsecurityshallhavetheir privilegesrevokedandmaybesubjecttoadditionaldisciplinaryorlegalaction
BaxterAcademy’snetworkshouldbeusedforeducationalpurposesasdeterminedbyschoolpersonnel
-Accessingordownloadingexplicitorillegalcontentisstrictlyforbidden.
-TheITManagerreservestherighttoblockInternetcontentthat’sdeemeddistractingorbandwidth-heavy. StudentsshouldpracticesafetechniqueswhendownloadingfilesfromtheInternet.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedto:
-Visitingtrustedandreputablesoftwarewebsites.
-Downloadingfilesonlyfromtrustedsources.
-Installingsoftwareonlyfromtrustedsources.
7.AuthenticityandDigitalLiteracy
Internetresourcesvaryinfactfulnessandgoodintentions.
Wearecommittedtothegrowthoflifelongdigitalliteracy Wewillnotintentionallypushouthoaxesorharms
A violation of any of these standards of digital citizenship may result in a student having their privileges revoked and the student may be subject to additional disciplinary or legal action, as determined by Baxter Academy for Technology and Science’s administration
Campus-wideTechnologyExpectations
SocialMediaandCellPhonePolicy
Baxter celebrates the importance of innovative technology inourlearningcultureandworkplaces.However,while personalcommunicationdevicescanbeusefultoolsforsolvingproblemsandcreatingconnections,theycanalsoact asbarrierstoeducationalandsocialengagementwhenusedinappropriatelyoratinappropriatetimes.OnA-Eschedule days,weexpectscheduledclasstimesandclassroomspaces(includingAdvisory,I&E,FlexFridayCheckIn,etc.)to becellphone-free(thisincludessmartwatches,smartrings,etc.).Exceptionsmaybeauthorizedbyteachersfor academicpurposesduringclasstimes.Cellphonesareallowedduringpassingperiodsandlunch.FlexFridaycell phoneusewillbeallowedatthediscretionofthestudents’teacher.Exceptionsintheclassroommaybegrantedby teachersforacademicpurposes.
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Studentsmayfacedisciplinaryactionforfailuretocomplywithschoolpoliciesoncellphonesandsocialmedia
TechSupport
TheITManagerprovidestechsupportonafirstcomefirstservebasistobothschool-issuedlaptopsandpersonal devices..Anyproblemswithschool-issuedlaptopsthattakeanextendedamountoftimetofixwillrequirea reinstallationoftheoperatingsystem.Thiswillresultinalossofanydatasavedonthedevice.
● StudentsareresponsibleforbackinguptheirownfilesbeforeWindowsisreinstalled.
● StudentsmustleavetheirlaptopwiththeITManageruntiltheinstallationiscomplete. Physicaldamagetoschool-issuedlaptopswillbeassessedonapercasebasis.IftheITManagercanrepairthe damage,thecomputerwillbereturnedtothestudentassoonastherepairiscomplete Studentswithpersonal computersareeligibletoreceivesoftwareandsupportfortheircomputer Thisdoesnotcomewithanywarrantyeither impliedorspecifiedandshouldbeundertakenatthestudent’sownrisk Anydamageordatalossincurredduring servicebytheITManagerorasaresultofschoolsoftwareisstrictlytheresponsibilityofthestudentandtheirfamily
CareofSchoolTechnology
Allschooltechnologyshouldbetreatedcarefullytominimizedamageduetonegligence ADHESIVESTICKERS SHOULDNEVERBEPLACEDONSCHOOL-ISSUEDLAPTOPS.StudentuseofBaxterAcademy’stechnology andnetworkservicesisaprivilege,notaright.Unacceptableuseoractivitymayresultinsuspensionorcancellationof privilegesaswellasadditionaldisciplinaryorlegalaction.
● Thestudentorthestudent'sparent/guardianshallberesponsibleforcompensatingtheschoolforanylosses, costs,ordamagesincurredbytheschoolrelatedtoviolationsofthesepoliciesandprocedures,including investigationofviolations.
● BaxterAcademyassumesnoresponsibilityforanyunauthorizedchargesmadebystudents,includingbutnot limitedtocreditcardcharges,longdistancetelephonecharges,electronicpaymentservices,equipmentand linecosts,orforanyillegaluseofitscomputerssuchascopyrightviolations
● Studentsareexpectedtoreturntheirlaptopinagoodworkingcondition
SchoolIssuedLaptops
PersonalComputerUse
IfyouarebringingyourowncomputerandwishtohaveBaxterAcademysoftwareloadedontoitforyouruseduring theschoolyear,yourcomputermustmeettheseminimumspecifications
● WindowsLaptopwithi5processororequivalent
● 8GBRAM
● Atleast100GBstoragespace TechnologyFee
Likemanyareaschools,BaxterAcademychargesatechnologyusefeetofamiliestokeepthecostofrepairsdownon school-issuedlaptopsandsupportthespecializedsoftwareavailabletostudents.
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● Feescanbewaivedforfamiliesonfreeorreducedlunch.
● Theusefeeisnotinsurance
● Ifastudentneedstheirschool-issuedlaptopphysicallyrepairedandthedamageisduetonegligenceoris out-of-warranty,thefirstrepairwillbecovered,unlessitisfoundtobeatotalloss.Afterthefirstrepair,afee willbeassessedforeachadditionalrepair.
OpenCampus
Open Campus is a privilege forstudentsandanopportunityforthegreatercommunitytoseewhatwonderful citizensteenagerscanbe Thisisanopportunityforstudentstobeaforceforgoodinthelocalcommunity Open Campusdoesnotimplythatstudentsarefreetotravelwherevertheywish,howevertheywish,orwhenevertheywish
● AlltravelduringopencampuslunchisbyfootONLY Useofbikes,scooters,longboards,skateboards,orother transportisnotallowed
● Studentsarerequiredtostayintheopencampusboundary Acurrentmapofourcampusboundariesandplacesof interestcanbefoundonourwebsiteatbaxter-academyorg/opencampus
● Studentsoutontheopencampusareexpectedtospeakandbehaveappropriatelyandwithawarenessofothers aroundthem
● Studentsshouldgooutinpairsoragroup
● Studentsareexpectedtowatchoutforoneanother IfastudentatBaxterseemsconfusedorconcerned,pleaseask themiftheyareokay Theschoolnumberis207-699-5500 Callanytimeandwe’llhelp
● Studentsmustbebackinthebuildingontime,andthereforeneedtoplanlunchexcursionsaccordingly
Students can lose open campus privilege or face disciplinary action for these non inclusive reasons: disrespectful behaviors, not returning to class on time, not abiding by Baxter expectations or city laws and/or ordinances.
Visitors
All visitors must be pre-approved by administration.Avisitorisdefinedasanyindividualwhoisnotcurrently enrolledatoremployedbyBaxterAcademyoritssubcontractorswhoarrives,byinvitationorotherwise,atthe school’scampusfacility.Visitorrequestsmustbemadeaminimumoftwoschooldaysbeforethevisit.When approvingrequests,priorityisalwaysgiventopreservingthelearningenvironmentofourcurrentstudents.Atnotime arestudentsfromotherschoolsallowedto“drop-in”or“visit,”withoutaspecificacademicpurposeandprior approval.Allpre-approvedvisitorsarerequiredtosigninatthefrontoffice,wearavisitorbadgelanyardwhileon schoolgrounds,andmustbeaccompaniedbyamemberofstaffatalltimesifinthefacilitywhenstudentsarepresent. Visitorsarerequiredtoadheretoallpoliciesandproceduresoftheschoolatalltimes
Parentvisitsduringschoolhoursshouldfirstbearrangedwiththeteacher,frontoffice,orschooladministrator Ifa meetingorconferenceoutsideofthedesignatedconferencescheduleisdesired,anappointmentshouldbesetand confirmed Theserequestsshouldbemadewithin48hoursnoticewheneverpossible
StudentFeePolicy
Asanon-profitpubliccharterschool,BaxterAcademydoesnotreceivethesamesupplementaryfundingprovidedto manytraditionalpublicschools Despitethis,wedoourbesttoprovidearichschoolexperience,oftenpayingforsome standardstudentservicesoutofpocket Asaresult,itisevenmoreimportantthatallfeesassessedtostudentsarepaid promptlybyfamilies.
Studentsshouldexpectfeesfor:
● Technologyuse
● Electiveservicessuchasstudentparking
● Replacementbuspasses
● Fieldtripsorextracurricularactivities
● Damagetoschoolpropertyduetovandalism
● Lunchandsnackitems
● Optionalstudentpurchasessuchasyearbooksorschoolstoreitems
FeesmaybereducedorwaivedforthosewhohavecompletedtheFree&ReducedMealApplicationandhavebeen approved Eachtimeafeeischarged,youmayrequestafeewaiverbycontactingtheCFO
Asanonprofit,wewelcometax-deductibledonationsforscholarshipstohelpwithstudentfeesforthoseinneed.
StudentServices&Activities
TheStudentServicesprogramatBaxterstrivestomeettheuniqueneedsandencouragetheindividualgoalsofall students Thisisaccomplishedthroughthecombinedeffortsofstudents,families,theschool,andthecommunity
StudentRecords:AnnualNotificationofRights
TheFamilyandEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)affordsstudentsandparents18yearsofageorolder (eligiblestudents)certainrightswithrespecttothestudent’seducationalrecords.Toreviewacompletecopyofthelaw pleasecontactthespecialeducationofficeat207-699-5500.Foradditionalinformation,pleasecontacttheFamily PolicyComplianceOffice.USDepartmentofEducation,400MarylandAvenue,WashingtonD.C.20202.
SpecialEducationandSection504
Forpertinentpolicyinformationregardingspecificspecialeducationpoliciesandproceduresseethewebsite.
StudentIDs
BaxterAcademyprovidesstudentswithIDs AllBaxterstudentsareeligibleforlibrarycardsfromthePortlandPublic Library,whichcanbeacquiredbyshowingaBaxterID
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SchoolCounselors
TheschoolcounselorsatBaxterAcademyoverseemorethanjustpersonalandsocialcounselingforstudents Their dutiesincludeacademicadvising,college/careeradvising,standardizedtestingandwellnessprogramming The counselorsareheretohelpstudentssetgoalsandproblem-solvetobesuccessful Studentsareassignedtheirschool counselorbyadvisoryandarealsotheretohelpadvisorseffectivelyguideandassiststudents.
SocialWorkers
Theschool’ssocialworkerisasupportivememberoftheBaxtercommunity Theyareresponsibleforindividualand groupsocialworkservices,asdeterminedbythestudent’sIndividualEducationPlan Theysupportstudents’academic progressandgrowthbyworkingwiththemontheirphysical,emotional,andmentalhealth Thesocialworkermay makereferralsandconductclinicalassessmentsasneeded Theyalsocoordinatewithotherserviceprovidersfor studentsinvolvedinmultipleprograms,andassistincrisismanagementandfollowupwithstudents
ChildFind
BaxterAcademyiscommittedto"childfind"anditsrequirementthatschoolsfindallchildrenwhohavedisabilities andwhomaybeentitledtospecialeducationservices Onceastudentisidentifiedasastudentwithdisabilitiesor specialneeds,thespecialeducationandsupportiveservicesdeemedappropriateforthatstudentshallbedefinedbythe student’sIEPTeaminawrittenIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP) TheIEPshallbethebasisforalleducational programmingandplacementdecisionsforthestudentwithdisabilities EachIEPshallbedevelopedinaccordance withtheleastrestrictiveeducational(LRE)alternativecriteriasetforthinMaineSpecialEducationRegulations
ExtracurricularOpportunities
Internships,Partnerships,andOtherOff-siteLearningOpportunities
BaxterAcademydevelopsandmaintainsrelationshipswithorganizationswhereourstudentscaninternandbe exposedtovariousenrichingexperiencesinsouthernMaine Wearerebuildingourlistofinternshipssites,workshops, volunteeropportunities,andotherprogramsavailabletoBaxterstudents Additionally,Baxtereducatorsand administratorsoftensharetheirpassionsandconnectionstoorganizationsdoingworkinSTEMfieldsandbeyondin theirclasses Updatesontheseopportunitieswillbefoundonthewebsite,inourweeklyfamilyemails,andthrough communicationstostudents
Baxter-sponsoredextracurricularactivities
ExtracurricularactivitiescanbefoundonBaxter’swebsite Dances
DancesorotherextracurricularBaxter-sponsoredactivitiesmaybeheldperiodicallyduringtheyear AllBaxter studentsandguestsarerequiredtofollowallschoolrules,policies,andproceduresduringdancesorother extracurricularactivities.ParticipationincertainBaxter-sponsoredextracurricularactivities(includingdancesand certainfieldtrips)iscontingentonstudentsconsistentlymeetingbehavioralexpectationsandbeingingoodstanding wherestudentlifeandBaxterconductisconcerned.Additionally,attendanceatextracurricularschoolfunctions
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(NatureImmersion,electivefieldtrips,prom,etc)iscontingentuponstudentsbeingingoodacademicstandingand consistentlyattendingclasses
Atadance,eachBaxterAcademystudentmaybringaguestiftheyarepre-approvedbytheadministration Guest permissionformsareavailableinthefrontofficeandmustbesubmittednolaterthanthedaybeforethedance Guests mustbeenrolledinahighschoolorundertheageof21,andmustbeingoodstandingathisorherownschooland havewrittenconsentfrombothsetsofparents TheHeadofSchoolreservestherighttolimitaccesstoextracurricular eventsbasedonanassessmentofwhatisbestforthewell-beingofBaxteranditsstudents
FieldTrips
StudentsparticipatinginBaxtersponsoredfieldtripsmustfilloutandcompletethefieldtripwaiverformnolaterthan twodaysinadvancefordaytripsandfivedaysinadvancefortripsoccurringoutsidenormalschoolhours Allschool policiesmustbefollowedontrips.StudentswhodisruptlearningduringfieldtripsorwhofailtocomplywithBaxter behaviorexpectationswillfacedisciplinaryaction,whichmayincludeexclusionfromthefieldtrip.
SportsandOtherExtracurricularActivitiesNotSponsoredByBaxter
ManystudentsatBaxterAcademyparticipateinextracurricularsportsandactivities.Studentsareeligibleto participateinsportsattheirhomedistrictandwellnesscreditcanbeearnedforthosestudentswhochoosetodoso. Studentsandfamiliesneedtocommunicatewiththemainofficeregardinganyabsencesrelatedtoextracurricular sportsandactivities Formorethantwoextra-curricularrelatedabsencesordismissalsstudentsshouldemailthe AssistantPrincipalforapprovalandtomakearrangements Parentsareencouragedtoregularlychecktheirstudent’s attendanceusingPowerSchooltoensurethatstudentsarecorrectlymarkedoutfortheseabsences Studentsmissing classareresponsibleformakingupmissedwork Shouldacademicperformancesuffer,theadministrationmayrevoke astudent’spermissiontoparticipateinextracurricularactivities
WorkPermits
Studentsundertheageof16whoholdjobsoutsideofschoolarerequiredtohaveaworkpermit Employmentmust notinterferewithastudent’sabilitytoparticipatefullyinschool.Inordertoqualifyforaworkpermit,studentsmust becurrentlyenrolledinschool,passingthemajorityoftheirclassesandnotundersuspensionorhabituallytruant.The frontofficereceivesworker’spermitapplications.Studentsshouldbringacompletedworkpermitapplication(found ontheBaxterAcademywebsite)alongwiththeirpassportorcertifiedcopyoftheirbirthcertificatetothefrontoffice forageverification.TheMaineDepartmentofLaborprocessesworker’spermitsintheordertheyarereceived.The frontofficemakeseveryefforttosubmitpermitsinatimelymannerandsendsapprovedworker’spermitsbacktothe studentwhentheyarereturnedfromthestate.
Over-the-CounterMedications-ProvidedifNeeded
PrescriptionmedicationsmustbestoredandadministeredatthefrontofficebyBaxterfacultyorstaffwhoaretrained annually Parentsmustcompleteamedicationform,keptonfile Themedicationformcanbefoundonourwebsiteat baxter-academy.org/medications.Undernocircumstancesshouldanystudenttakemedicationnotadministeredby authorizedschoolpersonnel.
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BaxterAcademyiswillingtoprovidelimitedmedicationtoyourchildwithyourpermission Belowisalistof medicationsavailableatBaxterAcademy Ifyouhavenotsignedthepermissionformduringyourinitialregistration, yourchildwillnotbeadministeredanyoftheseavailableoptionswithoutaphonecalltotheparent/guardianfirst.
MedicationsAvailable:
Acetaminophen/Tylenol
Benadryl
CalciumCarbonate(Tums)
AntibioticOintment
Indication:
headache;toothache;menstrualcramps;sorethroat;musclepain;earache. Maybegivenevery4hours.Parent/guardianwillbecontactedifmorethan onedoseinadayoronedailydosefor3consecutivedaysisgiven.Dosing perlabelinstructionsandweight.
Tobeadministeredatonsetofsystematicreactioncharacterizedbyrash, edema,and/ormildtomoderaterespiratorydistressduetoenvironmental, food,orinsectallergies Parent/Guardianwillbenotified Further emergencycarewillbefacilitatedaswarrantedbycondition Dosingper labelinstructionsandweight
Acidindigestion;heartburn;sourstomach Dosingperlabel
Usedtopreventandtreatminorskininfectionscausedbysmallcuts, scrapes,orburns Dosingperlabel
HydrocortisoneCream Itchreliefforskinrashes,poisonivy/oak/sumac Dosingperlabel
Ibuprofen/Advil
ThroatLozenges/CoughDrops
Headache;toothache;menstrualcramps;sorethroat;musclepain;earache Maybegivenevery4hours
Parent/guardianwillbecontactedifmorethanonedoseinadayorone dailydosefor3consecutivedaysisgiven Dosingperlabelinstructions andweight
Temporaryreliefofcough,painassociatedwithsorethroat,soremouth. Dosingperlabel.
BullyingandHarassmentPolicies
BaxterAcademyforTechnologyandSciencemustbeasafeandsecurelearningenvironmentforallstudents Itisthe intentofBaxterAcademytoprovideallstudentswithanequitableopportunitytolearn Tothatend,wehavea significantinterestinprovidingasafe,orderly,andrespectfulschoolenvironmentthatisconducivetoteachingand learning
Thefollowingbehaviorsareprohibited:
I Bullying
II Cyberbullying
III HarassmentandSexualHarassment
IV. Retaliationagainstthosereportingsuchdefinedbehaviors;and 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
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Anypersonwhoengagesinanyoftheseprohibitedbehaviorsthatconstitutesbullyingshallbesubjecttoappropriate disciplinaryactions
FormoreinformationregardingthispolicyandfordefinitionspleaseseeBoardPolicyJICK-E3adoptedJanuary2017
BullyingandCyberbullying
Bullyingandotherformsofpeermistreatmentaredetrimentaltotheschoolenvironmentaswellasstudentlearning, achievementandwell-being.Peermistreatmentinterfereswiththemissionoftheschoolstoeducatetheirstudentsand disruptstheoperationsoftheschools.Bullyingandotherformsofpeermistreatmentaffectnotonlystudentswhoare targetsbutalsothosewhoparticipateinandwitnesssuchbehavior.Thesebehaviorsmustbeaddressedtoensure studentsafetyandaninclusivelearningenvironment.
Anystudentwhoengagesinconductthatconstitutesbullyingissubjecttodisciplinaryconsequenceswhichmay includesuspensionand/orexpulsion.Astudent’sbullyingbehaviormayalsobeaddressedthroughotherbehavioral interventions.
DiscriminationandHarassment
BaxterAcademyprohibitsdiscriminationorharassmentofstudentsbasedonrace,color,gender,sexualorientationor perceivedsexualorientation,religion,socioeconomicclass,ancestryornationalorigin,age,disability,genderidentity, genderexpression,orgeneticinformation. Examplesofprohibitedharassmentincludebutarenotlimitedto:
1 Unwelcomesexualadvances,gestures,commentsorcontact
2 Threats
3 Offensivejokes
4 Ridicule,slurs,derogatoryactionsorremarks
SexualHarassment
Sexualharassmentincludesbutisnotlimitedtounwelcomesexualadvances,requestsforsexualfavorsorpressureto engageinsexualactivity,physicalcontactofasexualnature,gestures,comments,orotherphysical,writtenorverbal conductthatisgender-basedthatinterfereswithastudent’seducation.Schoolemployees,fellowstudents,volunteers, andvisitorstotheschool,andotherpersonswithwhomstudentsmayinteractinordertopursueschoolactivitiesare requiredtorefrainfromsuchconduct.
BaxterAcademyisapubliccharterschoolthatcomplieswithTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972(Title IX),20USC §§1681etseq,anditsimplementingregulations,34CFR Part106,whichprohibitsdiscriminationon thebasisofsexineducationprogramsoractivitiesoperatedbyrecipientsofFederalfinancialassistance
Sexualharassmentofstudents,whichincludesactsofsexualviolence,isaformofsexdiscriminationprohibitedby TitleIX SexualviolenceisdefinedbytheUS DepartmentofEducationanditsOfficeforCivilRights(OCR)as referringtophysicalsexualactsperpetratedagainstaperson’swillorwhereapersonisincapableofgivingconsent
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
207-699-5500
TitleIXprotectsstudentsfromsexualharassmentinaschool’seducationprogramsandactivities ThismeansthatTitle IXprotectsstudentsinconnectionwithalltheacademic,educational,extracurricular,athletic,andotherprogramsof theschool,whetherthoseprogramstakeplaceinaschool’sfacilities,onaschoolbus,ataclassortrainingprogram.
ComplaintProcedure
Complaintsaboutharassmentordiscriminationofstudents,andquestionsaboutschoolharassmentanddiscrimination policies,shouldbereferredtotheTitleIXCoordinator OurTitleIXCoordinatoristheAssistantPrincipal TheTitle IXCoordinatorensurestheschooliscompliantwithdiscriminationandharassmentpoliciesandlaws,includingTitle IX,coordinatestheinvestigationanddisciplinaryprocess,andreviewscompliancetoensuretheschoolfulfillsitslegal obligations Acomplaintmaybemadetoanyadultinthebuilding,andthatadultisobligatedtoreportthecomplaintto theTitleIXCoordinator. ComplaintsmaybebroughttotheTitleIXCoordinator(oranyotherschoolemployee)to initiateaTitleIXinvestigationregardlessofwhereorwhen(duringastudent’sBaxtercareer)theallegedprohibited behavioroccurred.
AdditionalinformationaboutBaxterAcademy’spolicyandproceduresforpreventingdiscriminationandharassment ofstudentscanbefoundinBaxterAcademyPolicyACAA,StudentDiscriminationandHarassment,andPolicy ACAA-R,StudentDiscriminationandHarassmentComplaintProcedures,whichareavailableontheBaxterAcademy website.
Asubstantiatedchargeagainstastudentwillsubjectthemtodisciplinaryaction,whichmayincludesuspensionor expulsion.
DisciplinePolicyatBaxterAcademy
BaxterAcademy’sdisciplinepolicywascreatedfromtheperspectivethatallbehavioriscommunication.Asa community,wehelpeachothertocommunicateeffectively,whichmeansholdingstudentsaccountablefortheir behaviorandbeingproactiveaboutaddressingtheissuesthatviolatecommunitynormsandexpectations.
Studentsareexpectedtoconductthemselvesinaresponsiblemannersoasnottointerferewiththeorderlyeducational processandthesafeoperationoftheschool Disciplineisprogressive,theteacherorstaffmemberwhoobservesthe inappropriatebehaviorbystudentstypicallyaddressesthebehaviorindividually Theresponsemaybeadiscussion withthestudent,contactwithparents,ortherevocationoflunchprivileges
Non-exclusionaryDiscipline:ConsequencesforviolationofBaxter’sCodeofConductaredesignedtocorrectand addresstherootcausesofastudent'sspecificmisbehaviorwhileretainingthestudentinclassorschool Restorative schoolpracticesaimtorepairtheharmdonetorelationshipsandpersonsfromthestudent'smisbehavior.Some examplesofnonexclusionarydisciplineconsequencesare:meetingwiththestudentandthestudent'sparents;required reflectiveactivities;mediationwhenthereismutualconflictbetweenpeers;counseling;angermanagement;health counselingorintervention;mentalhealthcounseling;participationinskillbuildingwork,suchassocial-emotional cognitiveskillsbuilding,resolutioncirclesandrestorativeconferencing;andcommunityservice. 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
ExclusionaryDiscipline:Incasesofsevereorrepeatedinfractions,studentsmaybereferredtoanadministratorfor furtheraction Inthesecases,disciplinaryactionmayincludesuspension(in-schoolandout-ofschool),ahearing beforetheBaxterBoardofDirectors,orexpulsion. Safety of the entire community will always be prioritized in issues of discipline BaxterpoliciesrelatedtoexpulsionandsuspensionfollowthedictatesestablishedbyMaineLawTitle 20-A§1001. Duties of school boards, sub section 8-A to 9-C.
Ultimately, Baxter teachers, administration, and board members want students to have a chance to learn from their misbehaviors, and ideally to be restored to the community, the offended party, and themself. Disciplinary consequences aim to uphold this vision for accountability and student growth.
BehaviorsthatviolateBaxterAcademy’sCodeofConductincludebutarenotlimitedto:
● Inappropriateuseoftechnology,classroomdisruption,inappropriatebehavior(minor), publicdisplaysof affection(minor),clothing(minor),skippingclassorwandering
● BullyingorCivilRightsViolations
● SexualHarassmentandAbuse
● Theftofintellectualorphysicalproperty
● Threats
● Fighting
● Vandalism
● Possession,distributionoruseofillegalsubstance(s)ordrugparaphernalia
● Extremeorhabitualinappropriatebehavior(ie.obsceneorlewdbehavior,consistentPDA,inappropriate speech,etc.)
● ViolationoftheCodeofAcademicIntegrity
MajorInfractions
ThefollowinginfractionsmaybereferredtothePortlandPoliceDepartmentforpossiblelegalaction.Major infractionsremainonastudent'srecordthroughoutthestudent'sschoolcareer.Amajorinfractionwillresultinan immediatereferraltotheBoardofDirectorsforpossiblelong-termaction.Majorinfractionsincludetheoffenses belowandanyotheroffenseschooladministratorsconsiderseriousenoughtowarrantlongtermaction:
● Possession,distribution,oruseofillegalsubstance(s)ordrugparaphernalia
● Possessionofaweapon
● Fighting
● SexualHarassmentandAbuse
● Verbalorphysicalthreatstothecommunity
● Theft
● Hackingandothercybercrimes
● Vandalism
● Tamperingwith,disabling,impedingaccessto,renderinginoperable,orotherwisedamaginganyitemsor equipmentrelatedtosafetyandsecurityincludingbutnotlimitedtoalarms,locks,sensors,signage,cameras, firesuppressionsystems,electronicdefibrillationandotherlife-savingequipment
TobaccoUseandPossessionPolicy
Inordertopromotethehealth,welfareandsafetyofstudents,staffandvisitorsandtopromotethecleanlinessof BaxterAcademyfacilities,theBoardofEducationprohibitssmokingandallotheruseoftobaccoortobaccolike products,includingbutnotlimitedto,cigarettes,cigars,spitandsmokelesstobacco,chew,snuff,snus,electronic cigarettes,vaporizers,vapeproducts,andotherelectronicnicotinedeliverysystems
Allschoolbuildingsandpropertyshallbetobacco-freeatalltimes(24hoursperday,365daysayear) Thisincludes alldayswhenschoolisnotinsessionandallfunctionstakingplaceonschoolgrounds,suchasathleticeventsorother activitiesnotassociatedwith,orsponsoredby,BaxterAcademy.Thepolicyappliestoeveryoneonschoolgrounds, includingstudents,schoolstaff,parents,andvisitors.Thepolicyextendstoschoolbuses.
Possessionofanytobaccoproductsisprohibitedbyanyone(adultorminor)ondistrictproperty,inschoolvehicles, andatschool-sponsoredfunctionsatanytime.Thesale,distribution,dispensing,orpromotionoftobaccoproductsand paraphernaliaisprohibitedonschoolpropertyandatallschoolfunctions.Thispolicywillbecommunicatedthrougha varietyofeffortstoeducatestudents,schoolstaff,parents,andvisitors.Tobacco-freesignswillbepostedinhighly visibleareasatfacilityentrancesandthroughouttheschoolproperty,includingathleticfacilities.Thepolicywillbe listedontheschoolwebsiteandprintedinemployee,student,andadulteducationbookletsonanannualbasis
EveryoneisrequiredtocomplywithBaxterAcademy’stobacco-freepolicy Enforcementofthispolicywillfollowthe standardproceduresoftheschoolforeachaudience Allschoolstaffareexpectedtoenforcethepolicyunderthe directionoftheHeadofSchool TheHeadofSchoolshallreportanyviolationsofthispolicy/procedure,aspromptly aspracticable,totheExecutiveDirector
Weapons
Inanefforttoensureasafeenvironmentforstudentsandemployees,allpersonsareprohibitedfromthefollowing conductatalltimesonschoolpremises,inanyvehicleonschoolproperty,schoolbus,oratanyschool-sponsored activity.
Possessingorusingarticlescommonlyemployedordesignedtoinflictbodilyharmand/ortointimidateotherpersons willresultinanoutofschoolsuspensionfor10consecutiveschooldaysandarecommendationtotheexecutive directorforanexpulsionhearing.Examplesofsucharticlesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:firearms,ammunition, explosives,“brassknuckles”,switchblades,butterflyknives,chains,clubs,andkungfu“stars”.
Useofanyobjectasaweapon,althoughnotnecessarilydesignedtobeaweapon,toinflictortothreatenbodilyharm and/ortointimidate,coerceorharasswillresultinasuspensionandpossibleexpulsion.Examplesofsuchobjects include,butarenotlimitedto:belts,otherarticlesofclothing,combs,pencils,files,compasses,scissors,paintballguns andrealisticreplicasor“trainers”ofweapons(includingsometoys).
Studentsfoundinpossessionofafirearmonschoolproperty(includinginstorageareas,bookbags,schoolbusesor vehiclesparkedonschoolproperty)willberecommendedtotheBaxterBoardofDirectorsforanexpulsionhearingin
accordancewithstateandfederalstatutes
Potentiallydangerousmulti-toolssuchas“Leathermans”,andothersimilaritems,mustbestoredinaschool designatedtoolroomandmayonlybeusedundersupervisionbyateacher Undernocircumstancescanastudenthave thesetypesoftoolsintheirpossessionintheschoolexceptwhenworkinginasupervisedworkareasuchasthatinthe fablab Studentsarenotpermittedtobringsuchtoolsintothebuilding
Theprohibitiononweaponsalsoappliestoitemsthattaketheformofweapons,eveniftheyarenotintendedtobe usedasweapons(thisincludesitemssuchassquirtguns).
Items,equipment,orsoftwaredesignedorcapableofcircumventing,damaging,disabling,orotherwisereducingthe efficacyofschoolsafetyequipmentareconsideredtobeweaponizedtoolsunderthispolicyandareexplicitly prohibited.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedtolockpicks,boltcutters,RFsignaldisruptors,etc.Theseitemsare notpermittedwithinthefacilityunderanycircumstances.
Anyindividualwhofinds,sees,orhearsofaweapononschoolpropertymustnotifytheneareststaffmember immediately
Searches
TheBoardofDirectorsseekstomaintainasafeandorderlyenvironmentintheschool.WhilestudentshavetheFourth Amendmentrighttobefreefromunreasonablesearches,thisrightisdiminishedintheschoolenvironmenthowever, becauseoftheuniqueneedtomaintainasafeatmospherewherelearningandteachingcanoccur.Schoolsmuststrikea balancebetweenthestudent'srighttoprivacyandtheneedtomaintainschoolsafety.BaxterAcademyadministrators areauthorizedtoquestionorsearchstudentsinaccordancewiththispolicyandaccompanyingadministrative procedures.
Studentsmaynotbring,possess,orstoreatschoolanyitemsorsubstanceswhichareprohibitedbylaw,Board policies,orschoolrules,orwhichinterferewiththeoperations,discipline,orgeneralwelfareoftheschool Studentuse ofallschoolstoragefacilities,includingbutnotlimitedtolockers,desks,andparkinglots,isaprivilegegrantedbythe school Allstoragefacilitiesareschoolpropertyandremainunderthecontrol,custody,andsupervisionoftheschool Studentshavenoexpectationofprivacyinschoolstoragefacilitiesorforanyitemsplacedinsuchstoragefacilities BaxterAcademyadministratorshavetheauthoritytoinspectandsearchstoragefacilitiesandtheircontentsona randombasis,withorwithoutreasonablesuspicion,andwithoutnoticeorconsent Notethatduringtheschoolday,the schoolgroundsincludeareasaccessedbystudentsusingtheirOpenCampusprivilege
Aschoolofficialmayconductalegalsearchofastudent’spersonorastudent’spossessionsonschoolpropertyifthat schoolofficialhasreasonablesuspicionofaninfractionthathasbeen,isbeing,orsoontobeanticipated.Such searchesonschoolpropertymaybeconductedwithoutnotice,consentorasearchwarrant.Ifastudentdoesnot consenttoasearch,theywillbeassumedinpossessionofwhatisbeingsearchedforandtherequisitedisciplinewill befollowed.Anyillicitobjectand/orsubstancediscoveredwillbeconfiscatedandtheschoolresourceofficerand/or 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
properauthoritieswillbecontacted BaxterAcademyproceduresonstudentquestioningandsearchesarefurther detailedwithinourschoolboardpolicies
RestraintandSeclusionPolicy
TheStateofMainerequiresschooldistrictstofollowapolicyonrestraintandseclusion Pleaseseeboardpolicies withintheschoolwebsiteformoreinformation
CodeofAcademicIntegrity2
Baxterstudentsaremindfulofthevaluesunderlyinganhonestandtrueeducation,andthechallengesposedbya continuouslyevolvingworldand,inparticular,theimmediateaccesstoresourcesfoundontheInternet. Baxter studentsagreetoacceptpersonalresponsibilityforhonorablebehaviorinalloftheiracademicendeavors,toassistone anotherinmaintainingandpromotingpersonalintegrityandethicalstandardsandtofollowtheprinciplesand standardssetforinthisCodeofAcademicIntegrity.
ViolationsoftheCodeofAcademicIntegritymaytakeseveralforms Plagiarismandcheatingaretwoexamplesof violationsoftheCodeofAcademicintegrity Plagiarismistypicallydescribedasduplicationofanother’swork withoutfullacknowledgementofthedebttotheoriginalsource,howeveritalsoincludesanyofthefollowing:
● Directduplicationbycopying(orallowingtobecopied)another’swork,whetherfromabook,article,website, anotherstudent’sassignment,includingfromanartificialintelligencesourceetc.
● Duplicationinanymannerofanother’sworkduringanexam.
● Paraphrasingofanother’sworkclosely,withminorchangesbutwiththeessentialmeaning,formand/or progressionofideasmaintained.
● Piecingtogethersectionsoftheworkofothersintoanewwhole.
● Submittingone’sownworkwhichhasalreadybeensubmittedforassessmentpurposesinanothersubject.
● Producingassignmentsinconjunctionwithotherpeople(e.g.anotherstudent,tutor),whichshouldbeyour ownindependentwork.
● Representingworkwhosecontentisproducedbyartificialintelligence(AI)toolsasyourownworkproduct Cheatingresultsinalossofintegrityonthepartoftheindividualcommittingtheactandontheeducationalprocess thatisunderminedbytheactofcheating;anditisaviolationoftheCodeofAcademicIntegrity Ifyouareunclear aboutanassignmentoritsmethodology,orthepermissibleboundsofassistanceforcompletingyourwork,please speaktoyourteacher(s)andaskforclarification ConsequencesforviolatingtheCodeOfAcademicIntegrity:
● FirstOffense:Studentwillreceiveazeroontheassignment,teacherwillnotifyparentsandmakeareportto theAssistantPrincipal
● SecondOffense:Studentwillreceiveazeroontheassignment,teacherwillnotifyparentsandfileareport withtheAssistantPrincipal Thestudentwillfacefurtherdisciplinaryactionincludingpossiblesuspension
● ThirdOffense:ThestudentmeetsbeforetheHeadofSchoolandAssistantPrincipaltoconsiderexpulsionor otherlesserpenalties
2 Baxterhasadoptedprinciplesandproceduresforacademicintegrityfromothereducationalinstitutions,inparticularHighTech HighScienceandTechnologyCharterSchools. 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
