Letter of Introduction
Boothbay Region High School is committed to offering a comprehensive educational program that allows students to have exposure to a wide variety
of content areas and experiences.
The courses a student takes can have resounding effects on their secondary school success and their options for post secondary endeavors.
I urge parents and students to have in-depth discussion around their goals for after high school and which courses will enable these goals to be achieved.
Please use the administrative, guidance, and instructional faculty members as resources for any questions you have. We are here to serve you as best we can.
Please note that due to a number of factors the courses in this document may change, we try very hard to minimize this and will be sure to communicate
to students and parents should the needs arise.
Please feel free to contact us anytime.
Sincerely,
Dear Parents and Students,
Dan Welch
Principal
Boothbay Region High School: Statement of Purpose
We believe that all students have the ability to learn and that learning is an individual growth experience which occurs at different rates and
in unique patterns throughout a person's life. High expectations will lead students to develop the academic, intellectual, and life skills to
participate constructively in society. The school environment should foster positive self-esteem, encourage respect for diversity, and promote
self-awareness and appreciation of the world. Education is a team responsibility which begins with the family, extends to the school, and
encompasses the entire community.
Section I: Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Load
Students must carry seven courses per semester and may not have more than one study hall or free period.
Seventy-two credits are needed for graduation thus, in order to be scheduled to graduate in four years it is recommended
that students accumulate 18 credits each year.
Grade 9 = 18 credits
Grade 10 = 36 credits
Grade 11 = 54 credits
Grade 12 = 72 credits
Weighted Grades
Boothbay Region High School uses a system of weighted grades. Recorded grades for each course will be given a specific weight,
depending on the level of difficulty and the work load in that course.
There are three weight levels:
Level 1 = the majority of BRHS classes
Level 2 = Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry, Calculus, Anatomy/Physiology, CP Chemistry, CP Physics, CP Biology.
Level 3 = Advanced Placement and college-level classes.
***Courses with additional weight will have a positive impact on honor roll, grade point average and class rank.
Bell Schedule
BRHS utilizes an eight period rotational schedule. Six periods meet daily with 2 dropped for the day.
The 2 dropped periods are different each day. A detailed description of this is included within our
student handbook, the "Keel".
Add-Drop Procedures/policies
All students will receive their schedules for the following year during the late spring. It is recommended that changes in these schedules
be made as soon as possible and prior to the start of the new school year.
All changes must be made through the guidance office and students should make arrangements with the guidance counselor to adjust their schedules.
Courses cannot be dropped without the approval of the student's parent/guardian. Once the school year begins, changes can be made during
the 1-week add/drop period;
exceptions beyond the add/drop period require serious justification of change be made by the student's parent/guardian and at least one
of the following: impacted teacher, administrator and/or the guidance counselor. Any courses dropped after the 1-week add/drop period will appear on your
transcript with the grade earned to that point.
Failed Courses
A student who fails a course required for graduation must make that course up in order to receive credit.
Course work, in some cases, may be made up through summer school, night school, a correspondence course, PLATO, or by repeating the course.
The guidance counselor or the principal must approve all make-up courses taken outside of the normal high school day, in advance.
Attendance
Attendance is required of all students. Students who are absent more than 15% of the class time may be denied credit.
The principal may grant an attendance waiver. Students who have unexcused absences will not be given credit for work missed during
the time of the unexcused absence.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a diploma and graduate from Boothbay Region High School, all students must successfully complete 72
credits which includes a minimum course of study consisting of the following:
English = 12 credits
Social Studies = 9 credits
Math = 9 credits
Science = 9 credits
Fine Arts = 3 credits
Health = 1.5 credits
Physical Ed. = 3 credits
The PE requirement may be met through athletic participation.
One credit per season of athletics, up to three, will be awarded for the completion of a season as an athlete.
NOTE: Starting with the class of 2016 sportŐs participation will no longer be able to fulfill the PE requirement.
Retaking Courses
Once a student has successfully taken and passed a course, they cannot take that course again.
Guidance and Counseling
Students are encouraged to meet with the counselor whenever they have questions or concerns regarding the academic program
or other aspects of school life. Whatever the student's goal or needs, the services and materials of the guidance office are available to all.
Course selection should be given serious consideration and be in alignment with the student's needs and interests.
The guidance office is available to help students with their schedules and teachers are able
to make recommendations on the next appropriate course in their subject matter.
Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns. The guidance office is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the guidance counselor
can be reached by calling 633-2421.
Parents are also invited to contact the guidance office with questions or concerns about their students.
Course Selection
No student may have more than one study hall, with the exception of students who have numerous labs and approval
of the principal.
Freshmen: 21 Credits
Freshman students must take Health (1 semester), Skills for Success (1 semester),
English 9, World Cultures, Freshmen Science, and an appropriate math course.
College bound students should take 3 credits of a foreign language. Remember, a minimum of 21 credits must be selected.
The freshman year is a good time to select from the fine arts and technology education electives.
Those eighth grade students who have completed Algebra I may take Geometry or who have completed Geometry should take Algebra II as a freshman.
Sophomores: 21 Credits
Sophomore students must take 3 credits of English, a Biology class, the appropriate math, and U.S. History 1.
The remainder of the schedule should be filled with courses which meet individual student needs. The sophomore year is a good time to select courses
to meet the art or physical education requirements.
Sophomores should continue to challenge themselves as much as possible to build a solid foundation for the remainder of high school.
Students who have selected to study foreign language
should continue in their studies; four-year colleges expect to see a minimum of two years of study in the same foreign language.
The Bath Regional Career and Technical Center Program may be available to sophomores
on a space available basis - please see guidance if interested.
Juniors: 21 Credits
Juniors must take American Literature and United States History 2 and may choose to take their third year of math and science.
The third year of science should be a physical science and it is strongly recommended that students take math up through
Algebra II (in this sequence: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II). The Bath Regional Career and Technical Center programs,
early studies programs at colleges, and pre-apprenticeship work opportunities become available to students in their junior year.
Students seeking to take courses outside of BRHS or pursue other educational opportunities should meet with the guidance counselor for more information.
Selection of courses is particularly important over the next two years
and selection should be based on student's interests and plans for after high school.
Seniors: 21 Credits
Seniors must take 3 credits of English and satisfy any remaining graduation requirements.
A fourth year of all core subjects is recommended as it is important to a student's preparation
for work or college. Selection of courses continues to be very important and varies greatly depending on the
student's post-secondary plans. Questions concerning senior schedules or graduation
requirements should be directed to the guidance office.
Admission Guidelines for Colleges
Students should keep in mind academic requirements for college when planning their schedules.
To ensure that entrance requirements are met, parents and students should check the catalog of the school in which there
is an interest. Academic requirements for admission into four-year colleges include the following:
English = 12 credits (4 years)
Math = 9-12 credits (3-4 years). Must complete at least Algebra II
Science = 9-12 credits (3-4 years)
Social Studies = 9-12 credits (3-4years)
Foreign Lang. = 6-12 credits (2-4 years of the same language)
In addition to the minimum, specific programs have more rigorous expectations, particularly within the areas of science and math.
Check with the guidance office if unsure. It is advised that students take the college-preparatory level when
available to best prepare for success at four-year college. We also recommend pursuing four years of study for
all core classes.
Independent Study Programs
Independent Study Programs are designed to meet the needs of students when they cannot be satisfied through the
regular curriculum or schedule. The student will need to discuss the appropriateness of the Independent Study with parents,
the guidance counselor, and the faculty member involved. All Independent Study Programs will need the approval
of the principal.
Advanced Placement Programs
Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses are offered. Students taking these courses will be prepared to sit for the
A.P. examination in May. Students scoring well on the A.P. exam may be eligible to receive college credit.
Students will be responsible for bearing the cost of the A.P. examination(approximately $90). A.P. courses may be developed
as Independent Study Programs depending upon the need of the student and availability of faculty to teach the program.
Work Study / Mentorship Program
This is an opportunity to explore a career, earn school credit and connect with a business or non-profit in our community.
Students may choose from a variety of available options and will report to their worksite on a regular basis, learn skills, keep a daily
journal, write self reflections every six weeks, and receive site evaluations from their community mentors. A portfolio and Powerpoint
presentation at the end of their mentorship will complete the program.
Early College Programs
Juniors and seniors are eligible to participate in one of several early college programs, earning college credit while also earning high school credit.
The cost for these programs are the responsibility of the student, but are often reduced by State and college subsidies. College classes count toward the six required classes students are expected to take
at BRHS and they are an excellent way to get a jump start on college or explore courses not traditionally offered in high school.
If you are interested in learning more about these options, please see the guidance counselor.