The following components of the Union Schools handbook are available online:
D.R. Gaul Middle School Comprehensive Discipline Program portion of the handbook.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use by StudentsStudent Chemical Health Policy
Harassment Policy
Hazing Policy
Rules and Regulations for Pupils Transported in School Buses
Student Internet Acceptable Use Guidelines
Weapons, Violence and School Safety Policy
Standards for Entering Middle School and High School
Attendance
Advisor/Advisee ProgramAfter School Activities
General Rules
Grading System
Lockers
Report Cards and Midterm Progress Reports
Attendance, Absences, and Make-up Work
Children learn best when they are in school. If you are absent, parents must notify the school by phone or in writing as to why the student is absent. It is the responsibility of the student to complete make-up work by the established deadline.
If a student is going to be absent for one day only, it is suggested that the absent child contact another student (preferably the evening before the absence) and ask a friend to obtain homework assignments. If the student is going to be absent for two or more days, homework may be requested through the office. Please make requests for homework prior to 10 a.m.. The homework may be picked up after 3 p.m. that day or, if requested, we will send the homework home via another student of the parent's choice.
If you foresee a prolonged absence (for example: family vacation, family hospitalization), please contact the office as soon as possible.
MSAD#40 will make every effort to promote and ensure regular attendance. Students are required to attend school 176 days. Excused absences are allowed and work missed during excused absences may be made up without penalty. Daily attendance of all students will be closely monitored. Unless prior arrangements are made with the school principal, a student absence will require a written explanation from the parent upon the student's return to school. In the event a student is absent from school for five or more days without sufficient reason, the principal or his/her designee will contact the parent and review school attendance requirements. Parental notification by school principal and subsequent communication with the parent will be documented and become part of the student's permanent school attendance record.
Dismissal, Sign-out Procedures
End-of-day dismissal begins after announcements. All students will remain in their classrooms until after announcements.
Parents wishing to remove any child from school during the school day must go to the office and sign their child out. Parents are asked to wait in the lobby area while awaiting the dismissal of their child(ren).
For your child's safety, students will be dismissed to only those people listed on the emergency card unless the school is otherwise notified in writing by the child's parent.
Tardiness
Arrival after 9:00 a.m. is regarded as tardiness. Continual tardiness will result in parent contact.
Breakfast Program
A breakfast program is provided at a cost of $.50 (reduced price $.30) .
Lunch
Grades K-8: A balanced school breakfast and lunch is available for students. A salad bar is provided at the same cost for Middle School students only. Collection of money will be made on Monday or the first day of the school week. If your child is absent on that day, he/she may bring the lunch money when returning to school. If paying by check, please make it payable to "Union Schools". Lunches may not be charged. However, a child without a lunch will be asked to get a school lunch which will be billed to the parent(s). Your child may bring a cold lunch and purchase milk or bring his/her own beverage. Carbonated beverages and glass containers are not allowed.
Announcements
Announcements will be made before and after school each day to all students and teachers.
Arrival (Elementary School)
Students should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. unless brought by bus. Parents are asked to help enforce this. There is no staff available for student supervision prior to 8:30 a.m.. If you come by bus, you should go directly to the gym, except for kindergarten students, who should go directly to their classroom. When you are dismissed from the gym at 8:40 a.m., go directly to your classroom. If you arrive after 8:40 a.m., you may go directly to your classroom. If you are late, please stop at the office for a pass and to order hot lunch, if so desired.
Arrival (Middle School)
Students should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. unless brought by bus. Parents are asked to help enforce this. There is no staff available for student supervision prior to 8:30 a.m.. If you come by bus, you should go directly to the gym. When you are dismissed from the gym at 8:45 a.m., go directly to your AAT. If you arrive after 8:45 a.m., you may go directly to your AAT. If you are late, please stop at the office for a pass and to order hot lunch, if so desired.
Middle school students must go upstairs via the stairs nearest the main school entrance, and not through the elementary hallways. Stop at your lockers to get your books for morning classes.
Break
Students usually have a break and are encouraged to bring a nutritious, easily consumed snack. Juice and snacks will be available for minimal cost at break.
Conferences/Teacher Contact
Communication between staff, parents and students is encouraged and supported. Parents, teachers, or children should feel free to schedule a conference at any time throughout the year. Please call the school to make arrangements for an appointment with your child's teacher. Often times, teachers can communicate easily with parents via e-mail (the School's web site is shakespeare.mvhs.sad40.k12.me.us.)
Daily Assignments and Homework
Daily assignments are an indication of how well students are doing in school. Parents should review the papers brought home. Homework, either a specific assignment or work that was not completed in school, will be sent home. Parents should contact the teacher(s) if they have questions or concerns about the work.
Here are some ways you can help yourself do well in school:
1. Get enough sleep
2. Eat healthy meals
3. Get plenty of exercise
4. Eat a good breakfast before school
5. Review your work with a parent when you finish
6. Remember to bring your books and work to school and home
7. Find a quiet, comfortable place to do your homework
8. Write down assignments
Dances (Grades 6-8)
Dances will be held on designated evenings from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Students exhibiting inappropriate behavior will not be allowed to attend the next dance and other disciplinary action may be taken.
Those eligible: 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in good standing with our school.
Those ineligible: Students absent from school the day of the dance.
Students that have outstanding detentions.
Students that have overdue library books.
Students that owe lunch money.
Students that are on the discipline ladder.
Admission: The usual price is $2.50/person; refreshments are available at an additional cost.
Students will: Behave appropriately following the general school rules at all times.
Wear clothing which is acceptable in school.
Be picked up by an adult no later than 9:15 p.m. or will not be allowed to attend the next dance.
Have attended school the day of the dance.
Remain off school grounds if they are not attending the dance or are ineligible. Parents will be called to pick up their child in either of these events and the student may forfeit the privilege to attend dances for the remainder of the year.
Remain in the school building during the dance.
Students will not: Arrive prior to 6:15 p.m.
Leave dance unless a parent/adult comes in, identifies himself/herself to a chaperone and requests to take the student home.
Leave dance without permission or cause any disturbance or they will not be allowed to attend any dances for the remainder of the school year.
Dance (End of Year, 8th Grade)
An 8th grade student may bring a guest to the 8th grade dance. The guest must be a 6th, 7th, or 8th, grader and the name must be given to the principal 5 school days prior to the dance. The principal or designee will call the guest's school to determine if the guest is eligible. If the guest is in good standing both behaviorally and academically at their school, the guest may attend the dance.
Dress Code
What is worn in school often influences behavior and attitudes. Most neat appearing clothes are acceptable for school wear. An exception to this would be crop tops or other such garments that expose bare skin around the midriff. Hats should be removed upon entering the building. The wearing of a heavy coat all day is discouraged. Footwear must be worn. It is important to note that all undergarments must be concealed at all times. Shirts, jackets, or other garments bearing writing that is suggestive, vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate to school health teachings or rules are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, apparel that advertises all drugs, including those of alcohol or tobacco.
Failure to dress in an appropriate manner may result in a request to cover the offending clothing and to not wear it again. A phone call to parents may occur and as a last resort, an office referral may be issued.
For safety reasons, chains and aerosol sprays are not allowed in the school.
Enrichment Activities
A variety of programs are available for interested students. Please refer to weekly newsletters for upcoming opportunities.
Field Trips
Permission slips are needed for all trips. Permission slips will be sent home before the trip and must be returned to the teacher, signed by the parent. Students without permission slips will remain at school.
Fire Drills
There will be several fire drills each year. The fire exit plan is posted by the door of each classroom and should be memorized. Students will be held responsible for knowing how to exit any classroom. In order to have a safe and orderly drill, students are to remain absolutely quiet during a fire drill. Students are to obey all directions given by the staff, and are to be serious during a drill. Inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action.
Grading System
Student progress is reported by mid quarter progress reports and report cards. Report card slips must be signed by a parent and returned to the classroom teacher. The grading system used is as follows:
Kindergarten
Grades 1 & 2
Grades 3 - 6
Grades 7 & 8
Often
S - Demonstrates success
A 90-100
B 80-89
A 93-100
B 85-92
Sometimes
N - Needs improvement
C 70-79
D 60-69
C 77-84
D 70-76
Seldom
C - Area of concern
F below 60
F below 70
Academic Honor Roll
The Union Elementary School will have an Academic Honor Roll for students in grades 3-6. Below are the criteria:
Grades 3 & 4 A's and B's in the core subjects; must have an "S" in Art, Music, and Phys. Ed.
Grades 5 & 6 High Honors: All As in core subjects; an "S" in Art, Music, and Phys. Ed.; an A" in Band
Honors: As and Bs in the core subjects; an "S" in Art, Music, and Phys. Ed.; a "B" or better in Band
The D R Gaul Middle School will have an Academic Honor Roll for students in grades 7 and 8.
Grades 7 & 8 High Honors: All As in all subjects
Honors: All As and Bs in all subjects
Harassment/Hazing
We believe that students should give and receive respect. MSAD#40 has a harassment policy and a hazing policy, copies of which are found later in this handbook.
Medications
If medication must be administered during school hours, a form entitled "Authorization for Medication(s) to be Taken During School Hours" must be completed by the child's physician as well as the parent/guardian. This form can be obtained from the school office. In order for school personnel to administer any medication, whether it is over-the-counter medication or prescription medication, this form must be completed by the physician and returned to the school. In addition, the medication "must be in the original container and clearly labeled with the name of the student, name of the medication, name of the physician, date of original prescription and instructions for administration", as quoted from the District policy regarding the administration of medication.
It is requested that parents bring the student's medication to the office where it will be kept in a locked closet and administered by school personnel. Parents must also be aware that MSAD#40 School District does not have a Registered Nurse at each school.
Parents are encouraged to come to the school to administer medication to their child if it is at all possible. It is the intent of the Health Office that medication be administered to students at school only if no other options are available.
Newsletter
Every Friday (or last school day of the week) a newsletter and schedule of events will be sent home with each child. Parents should encourage their child to bring this newsletter home and post it on the refrigerator or a bulletin board. Students, there will be lots of school information in the newsletter, so please ensure that it does get home.
"No School" Announcements
In case of bad weather or other emergencies, a "no school" decision will be made as early as possible. The "no school" announcement will be made over the following radio and television stations:
WBLM (Portland) 102.9 FM WQSS (Camden) 102.5 FM
WRKD (Rockland) 1450 AM WCSH TV (Portland) Channel 6
WMCM (Rockland) 103.3 FM WGAN TV (Portland) Channel 13
WABK (Augusta) 104.3 FM
In the event school is dismissed prior to the normal time, announcements will be made over the above-listed radio and television stations. It is the parents responsibility to stay abreast of any early dismissal announcements.
At the beginning of the school year, an "Early Dismissal" form will be sent home to parents to be completed and returned to the school. Please use this opportunity to inform the school as to where your child will be sent in the event of an early dismissal. In addition, please make sure the school is made aware of any changes that may take place during the school year. The office personnel rely on the information that is provided and it is imperative that it be kept up-to-date in order to ensure the safe delivery of your child to the appropriate location.
Organized Sports
* 6th graders are eligible if too old for little league
Sport
Intramurals
Cross Country
Soccer
Basketball
Cheerleading
Wrestling
*Baseball
*Softball
Grades
6-8
5-8
6-8
7-8
7-8
6-8
7-8
7-8
When
All year
Fall
Fall
Winter
Winter
Spring
Spring
Spring
Recess (Elementary School only)
Weather permitting, children go outside on the playground for an outdoor recess. All children will go outside each day where supervision is provided. Children should dress properly for outdoor play, especially in the winter.
School Pictures
School pictures are taken in the fall. It is important to note that there is no obligation to purchase a package; however, pictures have to be taken for yearbook and school record purposes.
Smoking and Drugs
Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are not allowed on school property. It is against the law to use or possess drugs and a violation of school policy for a student to appear on school property, or at any school-sponsored activity, under the influence of drugs.
If it is believed that you are using, carrying, selling or transferring drugs, your desk, locker and all personal property will be searched, as described in the MSAD#40 Policy Manual.
It is also against school board policy for anyone to smoke on school grounds for any reason.
Special Education Services
A variety of services are available for qualifying students.
Telephone
Students are not allowed to use the office phone unless it is an emergency. A pay phone is available in the entryway by the office - local calls are 25 cents each. Students may only use this phone upon arrival and lunch time. Parents wishing to talk to their son or daughter should call during the child's lunch time. Parents, please ensure that your child knows where to reach you or another family member should an emergency arise.
Toys
Bringing radios, tape/cd players, pagers, cell phones, finger boards, laser pointers, dolls, toys, or other "non-school gear" is not allowed in school. These items tend to get lost, broken, stolen, and can disrupt school. The school will not be responsible for such items.
Union School Parent Teacher Club (PTC)
This group is composed of parents, teachers, administrators and friends interested in the Union Elementary School and D. R. Gaul Middle Schools. Our primary purpose is to act as a support system, to obtain and process information, serve as a communication network, and help create high standards of excellence by becoming active participants in the lives of our youths.
The Union PTC members perform duties and serve the school whenever and wherever the need arises. The PTC has also sponsored many educational assemblies, "Family Fun Night" and after school activities.
New members are always welcome. Watch for the newsletter for meeting dates and times.
Volunteers, Parents, and Guests
All volunteers and visitors must sign in at the office and wear volunteer/visitor tag before going to any classroom. Upon entering the building, all visitors must report to the office, which is the first door on the right. Please do not go directly to any classroom without approval from the office.
During the course of the year, people are encouraged to donate Box Tops for Education, Campbell Soup Labels and flip-tops from aluminum cans. In the past, the school has been able to obtain playground and recess equipment. The aluminum tabs are collected and donated to the Shriners.
New volunteers are always welcome. We would like to invite you to join us to help provide opportunities for the students. Volunteering is a rewarding experience. Share the experience. Share the pride. Together we can make a difference. For further information, please call the school at 785-4330. We look forward to hearing from you.
Walkers
We do not encourage anyone to walk or ride a bicycle to school because of the volume of traffic and the 50 mile per hour speed limit on Route 17. If you do walk or ride a bicycle, you must bring a note from home.
Library (Elementary School)
Grades K-6 will have access to the library. Books may be taken out of the library for a one week period. Parents are also welcome to come into the library to check books out for two weeks. Book fairs are held in the fall and spring of each year for students and parents to purchase new books.
Library (Middle School)
The library is a resource center and is open to all students. Students will be admitted to the library only with a pass. Middle school students sign out books for a two-week period. All books may be renewed with the librarian's permission. The student is responsible for returning the book in the same condition as it was when checked out. Loss or damage to the book is the financial responsibility of the student. Reference books and magazines will be loaned at the discretion of the librarian. The librarian or another authorized person is responsible for checking out books. No books should leave the library without authorization. Books being returned should be placed in the "return box" or area. Students with overdue library materials will not be allowed to check out other materials until they have returned the overdue materials.
MSAD #40 Library Consortium
Purpose: Provide greater sharing of library resources for patrons, especially learners in MSAD# 40, and a wider network of support for library staff and trustees.
Participants: School and public libraries within the MSAD#40 towns of Friendship, Union, Waldoboro, Warren, and Washington. This agreement will allow borrowing privileges for all patrons of these libraries within acceptable guidelines.
Guidelines: 1) Students and patrons of any library within MSAD#40 may register with any other library to borrow within limits set by each. (Identification may be required at the time of registration.) 2) Interlibrary loans must be originated at the patron's own town library. 3) All materials must be returned to the lending library by the patron. 4) Patrons must be in good standing to receive consortium privileges.
Middle School - Additional Information
Advisor/Advisee Program
We believe at the D.R. Gaul Middle School that it is essential to meet the needs of every student, and an Advisor/Advisee Program will strengthen our commitment to meeting those needs. Objectives of the program include assisting students to establish realistic goals, to develop an understanding of themselves, to make plans that relate directly to their needs and interests, and to improve communications between students and teachers. Advisory provides the time and a system for developing one-to-one relationships as an integral part of the school program. It means that the school acknowledges the importance of teachers and students knowing each other as people.
Advisor/Advisee Teams give all students an opportunity to become active members of a group. Through establishment of Advisor/Advisee Teams, every student as an individual belongs with someone in a special group.
Advisor/Advisee Teams meet every day first thing in the morning, and prior to dismissal. The Advisor/Advisee Program will give teachers and students a chance to get to know one another, and some specific activities may take place during the periods; such as:
Check on homework assignments Review of policies
Attendance records Team building activities
Academic counseling Review crisis response
After-School Activities
If students participate in after-school activities beginning right after school, they may not leave the school or school grounds and then return. If a student is a spectator at an after-school activity, that student must have a signed spectator form turned in to the office or they must take the usual route home and return when the activity begins. The school cannot and will not be responsible for the supervision of spectators.
Coaches or advisors are responsible for students involved in an activity from dismissal until the activity is over. Parents are responsible for transportation arrangements as soon as the activity is over. Students who cannot arrange for transportation at the end of the activity will be considered ineligible to participate for the next activity. Watch the weekly newsletter and schedule of events which will state the starting and finishing times for games and/or activities.
General Rules
A pass is always required outside the classroom except at lunch time or when the entire class or student body is involved. Late passes are to be written by the teacher making the student late. It is the student's responsibility to request this pass if the student feels he/she cannot get to class within a reasonable time.
Books and duffel bags will be of normal size and will have to fit easily into the small lockers we have. These bags are for transporting materials between school and home only. Due to the large number of students in the middle school, backpacks are not to be brought to classes.
If a student requires special consideration for bathroom or elevator privileges, a note from home or a physician is requested.
Student traffic in the corridors and on the stairs should always keep to the right. Single file on the stairs is a must. Students are to use the stairs nearest the Art Room only, unless there is a school emergency, such as a fire drill.
Individual classroom rules will be established by teachers, explained fully to all classes meeting in that room, and enforced by teachers at all times.
No gum chewing or candy consumption by students is permitted upstairs during normal school hours unless there is a "special activity" and permission is given.
Students must remain within the building unless permission to leave has been given by the office, the principal, or his/her designee.
Grading System
Students will be graded in all subject areas. Each subject carries an equal weight regardless of how many times that subject meets per week or year. The following ranks will be issued by teachers:
A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 77-84 D = 70-76 F = below 70
Conferences with teachers are recommended at any time. Please call your son's or daughter's Advisor to schedule an appointment.
Lockers
Each student is assigned a locker by his/her home base teacher and may only use that locker. Students are to go to their lockers only during the following times: prior to going to AAT; during break; at lunch time; before and after physical education; before a "special activity"; and with specific permission from a staff member.
The lockers will be the responsibility of the student for the entire year. Lockers are the property of the school and are subject to inspection at any time. Students are reminded to have their names on everything and not to bring valuable items to school. No food or wet clothing is to be left in the lockers.
Only school-issued locks are to be used on the lockers. A deposit of $7 is required in order for a student to receive a combination lock. When the lock is returned at the end of the school year, the deposit of $7 will be returned. Students are encouraged to use these locks, but are not required to do so.
Report Cards and Midterm Progress Reports
Report cards are issued at the end of each ranking quarter (four times a year). Report cards for the four ranking terms will be given to the students approximately one week after the close of the ranking term. Progress reports are issued every 4-5 weeks into each ranking term. Parents should look for a report from the school every 4-5 weeks during the school year. These reports are given to the student; they are not mailed. Report cards will be sent home in November, February, April, and June.
The Midterm Progress Reports will serve as a notice of the quality of work being done in school. These notices must be signed by a parent or guardian and the bottom portion returned to school the following day.