BaxterAcademy for Technology and Science
StudentHandbook
Foreword
Thepoliciesandproceduresdescribedinthishandbookaredesignedtopromotethegeneralwelfareoftheentirestudent body.Respectforotherpeople,regardforpublicproperty,andconsiderationoftherightsandwelfareofallstudents shouldbetheguidepostsforstudents’actionsandreactions.Theseagreementsensurethattheschoolrunssmoothlyandis aplaceofmutualrespectandhighexpectationswhereeachstudentcanlearnandgrow.Federalandstatelaws,school policies,regulations,andpracticesaresubjecttochangefromyeartoyear.Wereviewthehandbookannuallytobesure weareincompliancewithlawsandareallonthesamepage.
Toensurethatallstudentsandparentsunderstandthesepoliciesandprocedures,werequirethatallstudents reviewthishandbookannuallyandcompletetheBaxterAcademy2025-2026StudentHandbookAcknowledgement Form.
Thishandbookisnotmeanttobeanall-inclusivelistconcerningthestudentcodeofconduct Rather,thesearethemost commonguidelinesandresponsibilitiesexpectedofstudents.SchoolBoardpolicyalwayssupersedesanyschoolrulesor guidelinesoutlinedinthishandbook.ForaccesstoallBaxterAcademypoliciesseetheBoardPoliciesDocument.
SchoolContacts
Foracademicquestions,pleasereachouttoyourchild’sadvisororguidancecounselor Forotherinformation, contactthefrontofficetobedirectedtotheappropriatestaffmember
Forgeneralquestions:front.office@baxter-academy.org
Front Office
MaryCardillo
207-699-5500ext.401 front.office@baxter-academy.org
Assistant Principal
PaulSantamore
207-699-5500ext.301 paul.santamore@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
JeremyFloyd
207-699-5500ext.504
jeremyfloyd@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
AcademicPoliciesandReporting
HowdoIstructureawaytohonemy knowledgeandskillsforupcoming presentationsofmywork?
BaxterGrading5.0for2025-2026 isouracademicevaluationbycourseandstandardsaspublishedinourupdatedcourseof studies Consistentandregularcommunicationenablescollaborationbetweenhome,students,educators,careteam,andschool leaders.Educatorswillupdatethecourseaspectsoftheirgradebooksweeklyataminimum,andattendancewithin5minutesofthe startofeachclassdaily.Standardswillberecordedatthemid-semesterprogressreportandsemesterend.TheBaxtercareteampulls coursegradesregularlyforthewholeschooltoprovideappropriatesupporttohelpallofourstudentssucceed Theprogressreports highlightedinyellowareadditionalreports 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
AcademicReportingCalendar
Coursegradesareentered/updatedataminimumweekly Attendancewillnowbeaddedtothesereports
New additional reports for this year (in yellow)
DatesCovered
GradesPostedby8:00AM TypeofRecord*
PR August25–September30 Tuesday,September30
Progress Report1 August25–October24 Tuesday,October28
PR August25–December5 Tuesday,December5
Semester1 August25–January16 Wednesday,January21
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
Snapshot Evaluationbycourse CommentsaboutHOWLs
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
ReportCard
Appearsontranscript FFnarrative Evaluationbycourseandstandard
PR January21–Feb24 Tuesday,February24
Progress Report2 January21–March20 Tuesday,Mar24
PR January21–April28 April28
Senior Grades January21-May22 Friday,May22
Semester2 YearLong End January21-June5 Tuesday,June9 12PM
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
Snapshot Evaluationbycourse CommentsaboutHOWLs
Snapshot-EvaluationbyCourse
SeniorGradesduetoconfirmgraduation
ReportCard
Appearsontranscript FFnarrative Evaluationbycourseandstandard
Grading at Baxter
Version5.0 (for2025-2026academiccalendaryear)V
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 a 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
1.0
The student is minimally prepared for 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
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
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, and synthesis in the application of the course
Advancing (400 level course)
AD
CB
The student demonstrated complexity, sophistication, originality, depth, and synthesis in the application of the 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
EN
The student has acquired a deeper understanding of the standard, well on the way to the 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 the Assessment (BA) of rubric expectations Some students may also earn an evaluation of No Evidence
We use numbers to communicate grades clearly to secondary institutions, students, and families. This is how the rest of the world sees our GPA.
(NE) For 300-level courses, the standard target is the competency benchmark.
Graduation is determined by successful completion of the 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
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
207-699-5500
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
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
1 TheguidingprinciplesoftheMainelearningstandardsarethecross-curricularskillbasedstandardsstudentsareexpectedto acquirethroughtheireducation.Maine’sguidingprinciplesalsoinformtheprinciplessetforthintheBaxtitution. 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
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
AttendancePolicies
Regularattendanceatschoolisessentialforcontinuityoflearning TheeducationalprogramsatBaxterAcademyare designedforeachstudent’sin-schoolparticipationandinvolvement Regularclassroomattendanceisnecessaryifa studentistogainmaximumbenefitfromtheschoolexperience Studentswhoareabsentcannotreceivethebenefitsof thediscussions,activities,andotherexperiencesavailableonlyintheclassroomsetting Theselostminutesorhours fromclasshaveatremendouseffectonachievement Irregularattendancenegativelyaffectsstudentachievement Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoinquireaboutandtomakeupanyworkmissedduringanabsence.
AbsencePolicy
Absencesarerecordedasexcusedorunexcusedbytheattendancesecretaryandbyeachindividualclassroomteacher. ParentsmustcalltheschoolAttendanceOfficeat207-699-5500oremailtheFrontOfficeat frontoffice@baxter-academyorg Parentsshouldnotifytheschoolofstudentabsencespreferablybetween7:30and 8:15am 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
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
207-699-5500
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
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.
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
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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
SchoolCalendar,DailySchedule,Cancellations
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
2:40 Buses Leave
Therewillbetimesthatourtypicaldailyschedulewillbealteredduetocommunitywideeventsandmeetings.Any majorchangestoourregularschedulewillbecommunicatedtotheBaxterCommunity.
ProfessionalDress
Studentsareencouragedtousesoundjudgmentandreflectrespectforthemselvesandothersindress,inkeepingwith thegoalsofBaxterAcademytoprovideasafe,healthyandnon-discriminatoryenvironmentforeducatingstudentsfor maximumacademicandsocialdevelopment.Studentsarenotallowedtowearclothingthatpromotesviolence, exclusion,hate,disrespectordrug/tobacco/alcoholuse.
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
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 shouldcompletethelinkedGoogleFormonourwebsite.Oncetheformhasbeenfilled,youwillbegrantedaccesstoa contactdatabaseofotherinterestedpartiesandcanmakearrangementsfromthere.
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
Dropoffpriorto8:15a.m.o publicbusloadingatthislo KennebecSt
Thisislocatedatthebacko usedformonitoredexitson
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AFTERNOONDROPOFF
Studentswhoarewalking,bicycling,orusingpublic transportationwillbedismissedfirst. StudentswhotakeBaxter’sschoolbuseswillnotbe
SchoolBuses
BaxterAcademyprovidesfourcharteredschoolbusesforstudentscommutingfrommorethansixtytowns.Themost currentschedulingcanbefoundonourwebsiteunderTransportation.
PublicTransportation
UmoTouchPassAppforPublicBusTransit
PortlandMetro,MetroBreez,SouthPortlandBusService,andBSOOBTransit(Biddeford,Saco,OldOrchard Beach)areallunderthesamepaymentstructureviatheUmoTouchPassapp.Studentsdownloadtheappandset upausernameandpassword.Then,theywillnotifytheschooloftheirusernameandwewillswitchtheiraccount tobepaidforbyBaxter.AregistrationformcanbefoundonourwebsiteunderTransportation.
BSOOBTransit
IfyouareastudentlivinginBiddeford,Saco,Scarborough,OldOrchardBeach,orSouthPortland,youqualify forUmoTouchpassatnocosttoyou Therearequarterlypassesavailableforthosewhoridethebuseverydayand punchpassesforthosewhomaybemoreinfrequentriders
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
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DigitalCopy
Baxterisapioneerindigitalplatformsandwetakeprideinourleadershipasacommunitytosupportsafe,generative, productiveuseofdigitaltechnologyandinformationliteracy Inthelargercontext,Americanshavetherightsto freedomofexpression;however,ourschoolcommunityalsohasalegalandethicalresponsibilitytoupholdsafety, forwardacademicprogress,andevenkindness BaxterAcademyprovidesstudentswithwirelessandwiredinternet accessinadditiontoLenovolaptopswithMicrosoftWindows,Office365,andAdobeCreativeCloud Thistechnology isavailabletostudentsfromSeptember2024throughJune2025 Pleasecarefullyreadthedigitalcitizenship expectations.Unacceptableuseoftechnologymayresultinarevocationorsuspensionofprivileges. Thereare7componentsofourdigitalcitizenshipexpectations:
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.
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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,sucha screativecommons Unauthorizedalteration,takingorpublishingofstudent,teacherorschoolmaterials,including thosegeneratedbyartificialintelligenceisprohibited.Anotherstudent,parentorotheradultmaynotwriteormake
changestostudentwork Allworksubmittedmustbethatoftheindividualstudent Participatinginacademic dishonestywithpeersisalsoaviolationofBaxtercodeofconduct
5.DigitalImageUse
Imagesarepowerfulcommunicationtools;permissionfromtheoriginalissuermustbe obtainedbeforeyoucanuse,share,repost,oraltertheimage.
Neitherstillphotographynorvideocapturingandtransmissionisallowedwithoutpermission Facultymembersand administrationmayrequirephotographytomeetaneducationalgoal Aswithothersocialmediaposts,photographs 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 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101
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.
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.
● 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
185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
pleasecontactthespecialeducationofficeat207-699-5500 Foradditionalinformation,pleasecontacttheFamily PolicyComplianceOffice USDepartmentofEducation,400MarylandAvenue,WashingtonDC 20202
SpecialEducationandSection504
Forpertinentpolicyinformationregardingspecificspecialeducationpoliciesandproceduresseethewebsite.
StudentIDs
BaxterAcademyprovidesstudentswithIDs AllBaxterstudentsareeligibleforlibrarycardsfromthePortlandPublic Library,whichcanbeacquiredbyshowingaBaxterID
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
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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 (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 185LancasterSt.Portland,Maine04101 207-699-5500
forageverification TheMaineDepartmentofLaborprocessesworker’spermitsintheordertheyarereceived The frontofficemakeseveryefforttosubmitpermitsinatimelymannerandsendsapprovedworker’spermitsbacktothe studentwhentheyarereturnedfromthestate
Over-the-CounterMedications-ProvidedifNeeded
PrescriptionmedicationsmustbestoredandadministeredatthefrontofficebyBaxterfacultyorstaffwhoaretrained annually Parentsmustcompleteamedicationform,keptonfile Themedicationformcanbefoundonourwebsiteat baxter-academyorg/medications Undernocircumstancesshouldanystudenttakemedicationnotadministeredby authorizedschoolpersonnel
BaxterAcademyiswillingtoprovidelimitedmedicationtoyourchildwithyourpermission Belowisalistof medicationsavailableatBaxterAcademy Ifyouhavenotsignedthepermissionformduringyourinitialregistration, yourchildwillnotbeadministeredanyoftheseavailableoptionswithoutaphonecalltotheparent/guardianfirst
MedicationsAvailable: Indication:
Acetaminophen/Tylenol
Benadryl
CalciumCarbonate(Tums)
AntibioticOintment
HydrocortisoneCream
Ibuprofen/Advil
ThroatLozenges/CoughDrops
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
Itchreliefforskinrashes,poisonivy/oak/sumac Dosingperlabel
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
V Makingknowinglyfalseaccusationsofbullyingbehavior
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
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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. 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
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
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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
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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
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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 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.
2 Baxterhasadoptedprinciplesandproceduresforacademicintegrityfromothereducationalinstitutions,inparticularHighTech HighScienceandTechnologyCharterSchools.
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● 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
2025-2026StudentHandbookAcknowledgementForm
ThankyoufortakingthetimetoreadtheBaxterAcademyforTechnologyandScience2024-2025StudentHandbook
Toensurethatallstudentsandparentsunderstandthesepoliciesandprocedures,werequirethatallstudentsannually reviewthishandbookandcompletetheStudentHandbookAcknowledgementForm(2025/2026)
Pleasedosobyclickingthelinkabove