The School
Mount Desert Island High School is a comprehensive 4 year public high school with an enrollment of approximately 571 students, 70 faculty members, and 20 support staff. It is a Regional Community High School serving not only Mount Desert Island, but also 5 surrounding mainland communities and 4 outer island communities. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and by the State of Maine.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Mount Desert Island High School community is to provide a safe, supportive environment in which all members are held to high academic and ethical standards. The faculty staff, and administration, supported by the community, guide students as they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, self directed learners and healthy, productive citizens.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

ABSENCES

Parents have the legal obligation to see to it that their children attend school the entire school year. "All persons having children under their control shall cause them to attend school as provided in this section" (State of Maine Laws Relating to Public Schools - 1978 Section 911, Paragraph 8, Page 128).

Consistent and regular attendance is one of the primary requirements for a successful school year. In many classes, the most valuable learning takes place through presence in class for discussion and exchange of ideas. Credit is given for this participation. Daily, regular attendance is important. The school finds that one of the most common questions asked by prospective employers of former students is in regard to their daily attendance. This is an indication of their responsibility and persistence in their work.

1. Reasons for a student to be absent, as stated in school laws, include the following:
2. Personal illness (documentation may be requested by the responsible school official).
3. Appointments with health professionals that cannot be scheduled outside of school time.
4. Observance of recognized religious holidays which require observance during school time.
5. Emergency family situations.
6. Planned absences for personal/educational purposes which are approved ahead of time and should be in writing to the Assistant Principal five (5) school days in advance. NOTE: There are no authorized "skip days" approved by the school. These are acts of truancy.

• The learning process diminishes greatly when students are out of school, but we do recognize cultural vacations are important to students and family. Any vacation for more than five days places undue hardship on students. Teachers are finding it nearly impossible to organize make-up work for those students who miss school frequently; therefore, we are asking parents to assist school officials in promoting school attendance.

There are four ways for a parent to excuse a student:

1. A note from the parent is brought into the office by the student before his/her absence.
2. A phone call is made by the parent to the General Office before 3:30 p.m. on the day of the absence.
3. The parent comes into the office with the student on his/her return to school.
4. A note signed by the parent the day when the student returns to school, stating the reason for the absence.

If a note is not received within five school days of a students absence, then the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

If one of these four methods is not used, the student will be considered unexcused. If a student is found to be truant, he/she shall be assigned a Saturday session.

Twice a day an automated computer calling program will place phone calls notifying parents of students who have been marked absent and have not been marked excused for that day. 67

I. UNEXCUSED ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS

A. Unexcused attendance violations are defined as:

1. Absent unexcused all day.

2. Unexcused tardy to school resulting in tardiness to class over 15 minutes.

3. Tardy unexcused to individual class during the school day (over 15 minutes).

4. Class cuts (including classes missed unexcused due to tardiness to school).

5. Leaving school without permission.

B. Consequences for excessive unexcused violations are defined as:

1. Two violations during a term: notice sent home outlining policy.

2. Three violations during a term: letter home and a meeting with the Assistant Principal or his/her designee.

a. Meeting will discuss absences, causes of problem, and remediation.

b. Student and parents will be made aware of potential loss of credit.

3. Five unexcused attendance violations during a term: will result in loss of credit for that semester.

When credit has been lost, the student may remain in that class and audit for the remainder of the term. Parents and students will be notified by certified mail when a loss of credit has occurred. Loss of credit may be appealed to the Attendance Committee by contacting the Assistant Principal.

II. EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM

• A student will lose credit in a course when he/she has accumulated a total of ten absences in a given class for excessive absenteeism provision. Parents and students will be notified by certified mail when a loss of credit has occurred. Loss of credit may be appealed to the Attendance Committee by contacting the Assistant Principal. A student may make up to three days under this excessive absenteeism provision by attending a regular scheduled Saturday detention session held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. by arrangement with the Assistant Principal.

III. ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE

A. Assistant Principal, 1 Guidance Person and 1 School Nurse.

B. Duties:

1. Meet as needed to hear appeals regarding loss of credit.

B. TARDINESS

• A tardy is defined as being less than 15 minutes late to any particular block. A student arriving late will be excused if the parent calls the office excusing the tardiness for one of the reasons considered excusable by The State of Maine (see previous page) and including poor driving conditions. A student who arrives to school by bus and is tardy will not be excused unless the bus is late and is the reason for the tardy. Students with an unexcused tardy to the first period of the day will receive a homeroom tardy for that day. Should a student accumulate 4 homeroom tardies during the semester, they will be assigned a 1-hour office detention. If a student continues to accumulate homeroom tardies for the semester, he/she will receive a detention according to the following schedule:

Total of 4,6,8, and 10 tardies = 1 hour office detention

Total of 12, 14 tardies = 2 hour Friday detention

Total of 16, 18, 20, etc. = 4 hour Saturday detention

NOTE: Tardies will reset to zero at the midyear mark. Students who have a study hall during the first period will be assigned a homeroom tardy if they come to school late during the first period even if it is more than 15 minutes late. Individual teachers are also permitted to hold students accountable for tardiness to their first period class through regular disciplinary procedures. 68

Revised: August 1999

Revised: June 2000

Revised: July 2001

Revised: July 2002

Revised: June 2003

C. CHECKING IN

Students coming to school late are required to check into school through the main office as soon as they arrive to school. Any student who comes late to school and does not check in with the office will be treated as skipping class.

D. STATE ATTENDANCE LAW

Any student wishing to withdraw from school must follow the procedure described in the Maine State Law:

• School Committee may waive Attendance law following a hearing with the child and parent if a child has been found to be a chronic truant.
• Age 15 - Completed Grade 9, has permission from parents and approval of School Committee, must meet annually with school officials (209 MRSA 991.1).
• Age 17 - Pupil may withdraw from school.

ACCREDITATION

• NEASC Website
• NEASC Report
• NEASC reaccreditation letter forcommendations and recommendations
• Survey data collected from students, parents, and faculty as part of the NEASC accreditation process.
• MEA School Report 11th Grade Dec. 2002
• MEA School Report 11th Grade March 2003
• MEA Test Questions March 2003

DRESS CODE

STUDENT DRESS

The School Committee expects students to use sound judgment and display respect for themselves and others in their dress and grooming. In keeping with the goals of the schools to provide a safe, healthy and non-discriminatory educational environment where students can achieve academic and social growth, the following are specifically prohibited at school and school functions:

• Clothing or accessories that promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any illegal activity;
• Clothing that contains messages or graphics that are obscene, vulgar or sexual or violate the Committee’s discrimination and harassment policies;
• Clothing that is revealing (e.g., tops that reveal the midriff or that are low-cut; excessively short skirts; clothing that exposes underwear or private body parts);
• Clothing, footwear, insignia or accessories that are intended to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang (a group associated with violent or illegal activity);
• Clothing or accessories that pose a safety hazard to the student or others, or which may damage school property.
• Clothing or accessories that administrators determine are inconsistent with the fundamental values of public school education.

Special clothing may be required for health and safety reasons for students participating in physical education classes, classes involving machinery or other hazards and co-curricular activities.

The wearing of sunglasses in school is prohibited unless prescribed by a physician.

Individual teachers may prohibit the wearing of hats within their specific classrooms.

School administrators will give due consideration to whether messages displayed by students are protected by the first amendment. School administrators will make the final judgment on the appropriateness of any student’s dress. Students who violate the dress code will be sent to the school office to change or request appropriate clothing from home. Students who refuse to comply with a request to change, or who repeatedly violate the dress code, may be disciplined.

Individual schools may implement more specific and restrictive dress with the approval of the Superintendent.

GRADING SCALE - CLASS RANK

A = 93-100

B = 85-92

C = 77-84

D = 70-76

F = Failing

Cumulative average and rank in class are computed on a 4 point scale.

Class rank is computed for the entire class without regard to program of study. All subjects except courses with a Pass/Fail grade are included in the computations.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Twenty Three Credits in grades 9 - 12 to include:

• English………………. 4 credits
• Social Studies……….. 3 credits (One must be in U.S. History)
• Mathematics…………. 3 credits
• Science………………. 3 credits
• Physical Education…… 1 credit
• Health……………….. .5 credit (Required during the sophomore year)
• Fine Arts…………….. 1 credit

Life Skills 1 credit to include two courses from two different Life Skills areas including Business, Family Education, or Technology.

Computer Proficiency - All students must meet the performance standards set by MDIHS.

Portfolio Requirements - Students must demonstrate achievement of the Learning Results by “meeting the standards” on portfolio tasks, which are part of their course work. The portfolio tasks consist of essential knowledge and skills that all MDIHS graduates must have.

Senior Exhibition and Community Service Requirements - Students must design and produce a Senior Exhibition to demonstrate depth of knowledge in a particular subject. They must also complete 20 hours of community service.

HONORS COURSES, ADVANCED PLACEMENT, AND ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The purpose of honors classes at Mount Desert Island High School is to provide students who have a strong aptitude and interest in a particular subject area the opportunity for in-depth exploration and study. Because of the rigorous nature of honors courses, students must make a commitment to invest the time and effort required of a challenging academic program. Courses with honors designation are offered sophomore, junior and senior year.

Students enter Mount Desert Island High School with a variety of backgrounds and educational experiences. Ninth grade is a transitional year for students, both academically and socially. A goal of the ninth grade program is to provide students with equitable academic opportunities that challenge them while at the same time respect the formative nature of their first year in high school.

Criteria for Selection

• Each subject area selection committee will use at least three of the following criteria to evaluate applicants:
• past academic achievement
• contents of application portfolio
• contents of graduation portfolio
• results of entrance essay exams
• results of placement exams
• MEA results
• teacher recommendation
• interview with student
• approval of learning area leader
• letter of application
• prerequisite courses

How to apply

Before applying for an honors class, students should discuss the application process with their teacher, advisor, or guidance counselor.

Portfolio Application

The portfolio gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the following qualities considered essential for honors students:

• Strong skills in the subject area
• Commitment to learning

To assist students in preparing their portfolios, a portfolio workshop will be held after school. Ask your teacher for more information.

Appeals Process

• A student who has applied for an honors class but who has not been accepted may appeal the decision of the selection committee by writing to Joanne Harriman, Union 98 Director of Curriculum.

Academic Standards

• Students who do not maintain honors grades (B- or better) in an honors course must reapply the next year.

Important Dates for English Students:

• Last Monday in March – English Portfolio Workshop, Room 100, 2:30
• Third Tuesday in April – English Essay Exam, Room 100, 2:30
• First Friday in May – Portfolios due to Room 100
• May 16 – Notification of acceptance mailed to English students

Honors and Advanced Placement Courses:

• Mathematics
• Honors Geometry, 10
• Honors Algebra, 10, 11
• Pre-Calculus, 11
• Calculus, 12
• Advanced Placement Calculus, 12
• Advanced Placement Statistics, 12
• Science
• Honors Biology, 10
• Honors Chemistry, 11
• Advanced Placement Chemistry, 11
• Honors Physics, 12
• Advanced Placement Biology, 11
• Social Studies
• Honors World Studies, 10
• Honors U.S. History, 11
• Advanced Placement U.S. History, 11
• English
• Honors British Literature, 10
• Honors American Literature, 11
• Advanced Placement English, 12
• Art
• Advanced Placement Art, 11, 12

Enrichment Opportunities

The purpose of enrichment activities is to provide students with experiences that extend beyond the classroom to bring their learning to life. Enrichment activities vary in intensity and length of commitment. See the Guidance Department for information about the following opportunities.

Jackson Laboratory Internship Program: Open to juniors and seniors, this two-level program is designed to give students either experiential or in-depth exposure to the field of scientific research. Acceptance based on a selection process.

Courses at College of the Atlantic: See the Guidance Department for course schedule and information on tuition discounts.

Astor Enrichment Grants: Open to all MDIHS students for unique enrichment opportunities. Applications available at Guidance Dept.

Music Boosters Scholarships: Available to exceptional music students to attend various summer music programs.

Internships: Developed in partnership with community organizations and businesses offering students the opportunity for an in-depth experience in an area of their interest.

Ecuador Field Studies: An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on the history and culture of the Andean region inpreparation for a three-week exchange program in Ecuador. Open to juniors and seniors with at least two years of Spanish.

Close-up Washington: A week-long government studies program in Washington promoting understanding of the democratic process. Acceptance based on a selection process. October deadline.

Travel Abroad: Each year during April vacation, world language, humanities, or art teachers complement their programs with trips abroad.

Visiting Writers Program: Students arrange to work with visiting writers through their English teacher.

New England Young Writers’ Conference: A competitive four-day writing conference at Middlebury College. November deadline.

Senior Exhibition: An opportunity for seniors to execute a long-term and deep investigation in an area of their choice. Participants share their final product in a public exhibition.

Math Team: An opportunity for students to expand their math skills and to compete in county and state competitions.

Tropical Rain Forest Ecology: A science course which combines study here with a 10-day field trip to a bilingual nature center in Costa Rica. Open to 10-12, acceptance based on application and selection process.

LINC—Arts: Internships, apprenticeships, mentors, and independent study in music, drama, visual arts, dance, and creative writing available through the Maine Alliance for Arts Education.