Bath Regional Career & Technical Center
2012-2013
STUDENT/PARENT
HANDBOOK
Serving Students from
Boothbay Region High School
Lincoln Academy
Morse High School
Wiscasset High School
Since 1969
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Message from the Director
Welcome back to school. And welcome to the Bath Regional Career and Technical Center. We are here to serve the students of Boothbay Region High School, Lincoln Academy, Morse High School, and Wiscasset High School.
Formerly the Vocational Center, we are celebrating over forty years serving area students. Our name change represents the changing realities of the world of work and the demands placed on students who want to graduate ready to enter a trade or continue their education in a post-secondary program.Please keep this in mind: every one of our programs provides a path for you to go directly into high-wage employment or into a college or trade-school so that you may continue your education.
I am very excited about our programs and the opportunities we provide. BRCTC offers all of you focused real-world preparation for the workplace or continued education. Good luck and please stop by the office if you have any questions or think we can help you in any way.
Joel Austin
Director
BRCTC Mission Statement
Bath Regional Career & Technical Center prepares students to become productive members of society by encouraging an appreciation for the dignity of work and by fostering enthusiasm for careers and post-secondary education through the use of authentic and applied learning experiences.
Purpose
The purpose of this handbook is to inform students and parents of rules and procedures necessary for the safety and well being of our students and staff. In the event of a conflict between this handbook and RSU 1 Board of Education policies, the Board policies will govern.
The RSU 1Board of Directors and the Administrative Team have developed a comprehensive menu of policies which guide the operation of our organization and schools. In an effort to make these policies available for all parents and community members, they have been published on our web site. You may access these policies by going to Once there, click on the “Policy Book” link under the heading “Board of Directors”.
If you would prefer to have a paper copy of a particular policy, we would be more than happy to accommodate this request. Please contact BRCTC or the RSU 1 central office, and we will provide a copy for you.
Please note that this handbook and the District website may contain typographical mistakes, inaccuracies, or omissions, and some information may not be complete or current. The District reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. In the case of any inconsistency between the handbook or website and RSU 1 Board Policy, the Board Policy will govern.
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Table of Contents
Message from the Director2
Mission Statement2
Purpose2
Table of Contents3
Program and Staff Roster4
Bell Schedule5
Articulation Agreements/Credits/P-T Conferences5
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act6
Calendar7
Transportation8
Live Work Policy8
Student Organizations8
Grading and Attendance9
Code of Conduct11
Student Discipline 14
Suspension from BRCTC14
Searches15
Substance Abuse15
Dress Code15
Electronic Devices16
Affirmative Action/Harassment Policy16
Special Education/504 Policies17
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BATH REGIONAL CAREER & TECHNICAL CENTER
800 HIGH STREET
BATH, MAINE 04530
(207) 443-8257 FAX (207) 443-8256
LIST OF PROGRAMS
STAFF
EXT.
Joel AustinDirector1310
Pam Provost Administrative Assistant1300
Elizabeth Baldwin Culinary Arts1307
Cynthia Cygan Engineering Graphics 1408
Emily DittmannCulinary Arts1305
Karla GordonHealth Science Careers 1400
Julie KennyCommercial Arts/Student Services1419
Mark MerryWelding1005
David Minott Automotive Technology 1007
Gretchen Parlin Early Childhood Occupations1306
Katherine Powers Applied Academics1403
Anthony Trippi Carpentry 1008
Steven VachonElectrical Technology1411
Any staff member may be reached by e-mailing to the following:
First initial and last name, for example, the Director may be reached
Bell Schedule
8:15 - 10:45 ...... AM Classes
11:45 - 2:05...... PM Classes
Articulation Agreements & Dual Enrollment
All programs at BRCTC align with or articulate with a post-secondary institution, often one of the Maine Community Colleges. We are also developing agreements with Maine's University System and with at least one private, four-year university. These agreements can be as simple as providing escrow credits (from three to six for each program) to providing course credits while attending high school (dual-enrollment). Your instructor will discuss with your class what is provided in your program and how to access these credits when you complete our program.
Credits
BRCTC is not a credit granting institution. Sending high schools determine the number of credits students receive for successful completion of a BRCTC program. Refer to your high school’s handbook or speak to your guidance counselor.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parents/guardians are urged to communicate with their son’s/daughter’s instructor regarding any questions or concerns. For your convenience it is recommended that you contact the instructor before 8:00 a.m. and after 2:05 p.m. at 443-8257 (for teacher extensions see page 3)
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Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students”.
Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:
School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and,
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification is left to the discretion of the school.
For addition information or technical assistance, you may call (202) 260-3887. Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
Or you may contact the Family Policy Compliance Office, U. S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.
Morse High School does not discriminate in its education and employment programs on the basis of religion; age; race; color; national origin; gender; marital or parental status and disability and complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American’s Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Inquiries regarding Title VI, Title IX, 504 and ADA may be made to the RSU #1 Affirmative Action Officer, Karen Curley, Bath Middle School, telephone 443-8270.
Transportation to and from BRCTC Programs
Each sending school provides transportation to and from the Technical Center. Students are NOT permitted to drive to and from the Center. BRCTCdoes nothave a parking area for student parking. Students are not allowed to park in the staff parking lot.Unauthorized parking is subject to ticketing or towing.
Safety
Safety is extremely important at BRCTC. Some of our programs involve the use of potentially dangerous equipment. Students may also be required to work in elevated areas (i.e. on scaffolding and roofs). For safety reasons it is necessary that students conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner when using such equipment. The proper use of tools and equipment will be taught to all students participating in these programs. The opportunity for students to use the tools and equipment will be an earned privilege. Students may lose their privilege if they do not conduct themselves in a safe manner. Students enrolled in any program where safety glasses are needed will be provided with a pair of industrial rated safety glasses. Students are required to use them at appropriate times. Students will be responsible to replace lost or destroyed safety glasses.
Live-Work Policy
Prior approval for any live-work brought in by students and/or others is required. A signed Applied Learning Projects Policy form holds harmless BRCTC and the RSU 1 School Department on any projects undertaken. A copy is available in the BRCTC office.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are an important part of life at BRCTC. These organizations help develop leadership skills, social skills and “employment marketability”. Competitions, conferences and fun are all part of Chapter activities. See your instructor for information on how to join the organizations listed below.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national student organization for students enrolled in trade, industrial, technical, health and other career education areas.
SkillsUSA offers leadership, citizenship and character development programs and activities to complement student skill training. SkillsUSA programs help students better prepare for the labor market and continued education. SkillsUSA emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, high standards and trade ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety as well as partnerships with business and industry. Students are motivated to learn and excel through chapter activities, which are integral to their curriculum and work together to improve school, workplace and community. Local, district, state and national competitive events give members the opportunity to compete for recognition and awards in their chosen skill and in leadership events.
National Technical Honor Society
NTHS is an organization for outstanding students enrolled in occupational, vocational or technical programs. Students who achieve certain academic criteria are eligible for nomination into the NTHS. Those students that are nominated receive special recognition for their outstanding achievement at BRCTC.
Students must have an A in their classes at BRCTC and no grade below B- at their home school during their time at BRCTC.
For information please contact your instructor.
BRCTC GRADING/ATTENDANCE POLICY
Grading System
A =90– 100outstandingB = 80 - 89high average
C =70 - 79satisfactoryD = 60 - 69 unsatisfactory
F = 0 - 59failure
An incomplete is given only when illness or an emergency has not allowed you to complete your assignments. A maximum of 2 weeks will be allowed for you to complete all assigned work. Progress reports will be issued when an instructor is concerned with the quality of a student's work or possible failure of the class.
Student’s grades will be calculated as follows:
Attendance 20%
Portfolio10%
Classroom/Lab70%
Only exceptions to the above formula will be for those classes that have national certifications syllabus and grading systems they are required to follow. Excessive absences (five or more absences in a grading period) will trigger an attendance contract for the student and may lead to dismissal from the program.
Attendance
Attending Bath Regional Career & Technical Center programs is much the same as going to work. Students receive “hands on” career training. Therefore, regular attendance is necessary for successful mastery of the skills and knowledge taught in all programs. Missed learning/instructional opportunities cannot always be recreated.
Absence Notification
-All students should notify their instructor in the event of an absence.
-All students must provide parent/guardian/sending school verification to the BRCTC office upon returning to class (student verification is allowed ONLY when approved by sending school administration.)
-Prior notification/documentation is required in the event of a planned pre-approved absence.
Instructors will contact the parent/guardian when absences become excessive.
Tardiness
Students arriving late, anything over five minutes, to a BRCTC class must first report to the BRCTC office to sign in.
Parents will be notified by the program instructor if tardiness is recurrent.
Excessive tardiness may result in disciplinary action.
Early Dismissal
All early dismissals from class require advance parent/guardian and sending school approval, when practicable.
Students must notify their instructor and sign out in the BRCTC office prior to leaving school.
Leaving class/school grounds without prior office approval may result in disciplinary action.
It is our belief that one of the most important factors relating to success is attendance. The following policy was developed to help ensure that students realize the importance of their presence on a daily basis. The “hands on” learning experiences that are such an essential part of every program are not replaceable. Therefore, it is most important that student have good attendance. In addition, learning to make good decisions and setting priorities are skills which lead to successful experiences not only in school but in future endeavors.
Excused Absences:
Absences may be excused for:
Personal illness
Appointments with health professionals that cannot be made outside of school hours.
Observances of recognized religious holidays – when the observance is required during a regular school day.
Emergency family situations.
Planned personal or educational purposes, and approved by the Director in advance.
Suspension by Director or by sending high school administrator.
Make-up Procedures
Make-up work is a student’s responsibility. It is up to the discretion of the teacher to determine whether student should make-up work after school, spend comparative time on a written assignment or perform another type of make-up task.
Students must complete make-up within five (5) school days or less from the last absence.
SYSTEM-WIDE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Ethical and responsible student behavior is an essential part of the educational mission of our schools. To that end, the Board has developed this System-Wide Code of Conduct with input from school staff, students, parents and the community. The Code defines our expectations for student behavior and provides the framework for a safe, orderly and respectful learning environment.
Article 1 - Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior
The Code of Conduct is intended to support and encourage students to meet the following statewide standards for ethical and responsible behavior:
Compassion
Courage
Fairness
Honesty
Integrity
Perseverance
Respect
Responsibility
Article 2 - Code of Conduct
All students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and all related Board policies and school rules. The Code applies to students; on school property,
while in attendance at school, on a job site, or at any school-sponsored activity, or
At any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operation, discipline or general welfare of the school.
Article 3 - General Behavior Expectations and Discipline Policies
The following expectations for student behavior are fundamental to a safe, orderly and respectful environment in our schools. Each student should:
1. Be courteous to fellow students, staff and visitors.
2. Respect the rights and privileges of other students and school staff.
3. Obey all Board policies and school rules governing student conduct.
4. Follow directions from school staff.
5. Cooperate with staff in maintaining school safety, order and discipline.
6. Attend school regularly.
7. Meet school standards for grooming and dress (see Policy JFCA - Student Dress Code).
8. Respect the property of others, including school property and facilities.
9. Refrain from cheating or plagiarizing the work of others.
10. Refrain from vulgarity, profanity, obscenity, lewdness and indecency.
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences depend upon the seriousness of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record. Consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses. Behavior that also violates the law may be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Article 4 – Expectations
The following is a summary of the school unit’s expectations for student behavior. In many cases, the Board has adopted policies that address these expectations in greater detail. Students, parents and others should refer to the policies and student handbooks for more information about the expectations and consequences. In case of an inconsistency between the Code of Conduct, Board policies and/or school handbooks, Board policies will prevail.