Academic Honesty

As our global world becomes more interconnected and our students have increasing access to online learning platforms and instantaneous information sharing, we believe that teaching students the importance of academic honesty is an integral part of our work at Portland High School. This work includes providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to ensure the integrity of their academic work, as well as understanding the consequences of academic dishonesty in high school and beyond. In every course, PHS teachers review basic definitions and expectations around plagiarism and cheating and provide students with common “pitfalls” in their content area. Our library staff also serves as a central resource for students about how to appropriately and effectively use resources to enhance their learning, research, and projects. Connected to Bulldog Belief #4, the following practices guide students and staff members in the area of academic honesty:

Led by the PHS librarian, students will learn about the definitions of plagiarism and cheating, as well as common examples and “pitfalls” of cheating in the digital-age during English Classes (as well as in AEP and ELL 3 courses). 9th graders will also review academic honesty practices in Freshman Seminar Classes in the spring semester.

Expectations: Per Board Policy JICD- Academic Honesty

1.  All school work completed by a student must be the student’s own work, except when clearly credited to another source in accordance with teacher and/or school standards.

2.  The use of generative AI, may be allowed or prohibited in certain circumstances depending on the lesson plan, as determined by the teacher. Generative AI is defined as a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that can create content, including text, images and audio.  Any permitted use must include proper attribution and citation of the generative AI used.      

3.  A student shall not copy another student’s work on a test, class work, homework assignment or project and present it as the student’s own work.

4.  A student shall not present anyone else’s work (such as a parent/legal guardian, sibling, material obtained on the internet, from generative AI, or from any other source) as the student’s own work. This includes work prepared for classes in the Portland Public Schools, work prepared for any outside classes that earn Portland Public Schools credits, and application materials for post-secondary institutions and employment.

5.  A student shall not possess, access or use any information during a test that is not permitted by the teacher. This includes, but is not limited to, books, “cheat sheets,” or information stored in or accessible through a cell phone, computer or any other electronic device. All electronic devices must be turned off and stored while a student is in class unless use is authorized by the teacher for instructional purposes.

6.  A student shall not invent or make up data, sources or any other information.

7.  A student shall not plagiarize. A student shall not copy the words or ideas (even if in different words) from a source without giving the source proper credit and citation, in the form required by the teacher and/or school. A “source” is the work of another person, whether in print, on the internet, generative AI, in audio, video, digital or any other form.

8.  A student shall not access, download, copy or distribute school materials such as tests or answer keys without explicit authorization from a teacher.

9.  A student shall not help another student to violate this policy (examples include, but are not limited to, providing answers; doing another student’s work; giving tips on how to cheat on a test; etc.).

10.  Parents are encouraged to show interest in and discuss school assignments with their children, but are asked to keep in mind that assignments should constitute their children’s own work.

11.  At their discretion, school employees may utilize software, web sites or other available technological tools to detect plagiarism

Consequences:

 

1.  A student who violates this policy shall receive no credit for the work on which the violation occurred. The teacher shall notify the student’s parent/guardian about the violation and enter the violation into the Google form.

2.  The building principal shall be notified of each violation and disciplinary measures may be imposed depending upon the circumstances of the particular case.

3.  In addition to disciplinary measures, other consequences may include the following:

a.   Removal from the National Honor Society (if applicable).

b.  Removal from the Honor Roll (if applicable).

c.   Removal of college or other recommendations (if applicable).

d.  Any other consequence deemed appropriate by the principal based upon the nature and seriousness of the violation.

 

Add-Drop Period for Courses

An add/drop period is scheduled for five days at the beginning of each semester. This allows for students to make adjustments to their schedule to better fit their interests and goals. After the add/drop period, students may drop a class only as a last resort and if the remaining schedule includes at least 12 credits. The following process applies in this case:

1. The student must meet with their school counselor to discuss the proposed change, and receive a Schedule Change Form, if appropriate.
2. The student must meet with the teacher affected by the change, ask for approval and return, if applicable, any books or materials owed. If a teacher disagrees with the proposed change it should be noted on the form.
3. The student must discuss the change with their family. If applicable, a parent or guardian must sign the Schedule Change Form.
4. The student must return the completed Schedule Change form to their school counselor before any change is made.

During the first eight weeks of school, changes made to any year-long class (four weeks for a semester class) will not be recorded on the transcript. If a student drops a year-long class after the first quarter (or a semester course after four weeks), a WP (withdraw pass) or WF (withdraw fail) will be recorded on the student's transcript. If a student withdraws during the last four weeks of a class, W (withdraw) and the current grade will appear on the transcript and the grade will factor into the student’s GPA.

Age 20

PHS students are subject to all school rules and regulations regardless of age and parental/guardian signatures for specific activities/forms will be required of all students. Any student who turns 20 years old prior to July 1st may not attend Portland High School or participate in graduation exercises, however, students can continue to work towards their graduation requirements through other institutions and programs (Adult Education, USM, SMCC, etc.) and, upon completion of all requirements, they may receive a Portland High School diploma if they had 25 or more credits earned prior to leaving/aging out. If they had less than 25 credits, they will receive a diploma from the program they entered after leaving PHS.

Course Offerings

A detailed, full-listing of courses and learning opportunities at PHS can be found here. Students should work with their teachers, school counselors and families to make personalized and challenging decisions about course selection.

• Advanced Placement Courses: The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students the opportunity to engage in college level courses and possibly earn college credit while attending Portland High School. At the conclusion of the course, students have the opportunity to take the corresponding AP exam in May, on a date set by the College Board. Students who earn a score of three (3) or higher on the AP exam may be eligible for advanced placement or course credits at many colleges and universities in the United States. Any student who is capable of and wishes to take advanced placement courses is permitted to do so. It is important to note that AP courses require students to make a commitment to meeting individual course requirements, which include, but are not limited to, completing summer work, meeting certain prerequisites for enrollment, and devoting considerable homework time to independent reading, writing and research assignments.
• Honors Level Courses: Honor level courses are open to all students and offer a challenging educational environment. Students will tackle reading materials that are above grade-level, are pushed to write with technical skill and fluency, and expected work independently on a variety of papers, projects, research assignments, and class presentations. Strong critical thinking, literary analysis, and independent interpretation are important at the honors level.
• College Preparatory Courses: College preparatory courses seek to make students competitive for future educational and career choices. Students are asked to read a variety of grade-appropriate literary selections and to develop the ability to critically analyze them. Course work emphasizes the refinement of writing, speaking and listening skills through the regular assignment of essays, projects, and in-class presentations. Daily homework reinforces classroom instruction and students are expected to become independent learners.
• Alternative Credit Option/Alternative Education Program: Alternative Credit Option (ACO/AEP) is a program that offers the four core subject areas for students who are struggling to stay on track to graduate in four years. Following a humanities model, students are able to receive English and Social Studies credit in the same class. Students can also access a science curriculum which ranges from Earth Science to Physics while also studying current scientific issues in Fundamentals of Science. The Alternative Math program is individualized for each student and can range from Pre-Algebra to Algebra 2. In addition to the core academic classes, ACO Independent allows students enrolled in ACO the opportunity to recover credit with access to instructional support. A flexible and supportive atmosphere is maintained in this program but there is a strong emphasis placed on student responsibility. The program format minimizes social pressures in the academic setting but group discussions are an expectation and an integral part of the courses. Students will be expected to apply to and pursue post-secondary opportunities.
• Independent Study Courses: Portland High School students may take up to four credits of independent study to be counted as elective credit toward their graduation requirements. Independent studies must be approved by the school principal.

Credit for Outside Courses/Early College

11th and 12th grade students attending Portland High School sometimes opt to take courses at nearby colleges.

• Students are eligible to participate in the Early Studies Program at USM if they are at least 16 years old, have a B average and meet SAT/PSAT score requirements.
• Students are eligible to participate in the SMCC Tuition Assistance Program if they have a B average and a qualifying Accuplacer and/or SAT score.
• Students are eligible to participate in the Saint Joseph's College of Maine which also offers an Early Scholars Program.
• These programs may carry a minimal financial cost to students if they take the course during the academic year. Early college grades will be posted on the PHS transcript but are not counted toward GPA.

Early College Transcripts

For students taking Early College courses, the course(s) will appear on their high school transcript and the course grade will appear on the high school transcript as reported by the college. Unlike AP and AP4ALL courses, the early college grade will not be included in GPA or class rank.

Early Graduation

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the variety of courses available to them and to spend four years completing their high school experience. In special circumstances, it is possible to meet graduation requirements in less time. Any student who is contemplating graduation in less than four years must meet with their school counselor to discuss their plan and then obtain approval from the Principal (reference Board Policies NESPN/NSBA Code: JEA and NEPN/NSBA Code: IKF).

Exams

Mid-year and final exams are administered each year during examination schedules. These exams count up to 20% of the semester grade. Families and students must prioritize attendance during the exam days. If a student has an excused absence on the date of a scheduled exam, the student and family should communicate with the teacher (and appropriate Assistant Principal if need be) and create a plan to satisfy make-up expectations on the first day the student returns to school.

Exchange Programs

Students who wish to participate in an exchange program during their high school career should notify the Principal and meet with their school counselor for academic planning. After the program has ended, the student is responsible for submitting their transcript as proof of coursework during the program. Counselors will update the student’s PHS transcript accordingly; most grades will be converted to Pass/Fail unless clear grades are identified on an official transcript from the exchange school/program.

Extra Help

As part of the new 2021-22 schedule, each teacher will be available three times a week during Student Learning Center/Block 5 (from 1:50-2:50) to offer individual and small group support to students, as well as to offer some enrichment and deeper learning opportunities. Teachers are available for help before school and after school on specific days by appointment.

Full-Time Student Status

In order to be considered as a full-time student at Portland High School, a student must carry and attend a minimum of five academic courses each semester. Athletic eligibility is based on students being enrolled as full time students.

Graduation Requirements

The Board of Education has established that each PPS student must earn 41 Credits/21 Units of Proficiency to participate in graduation exercises and receive a high school diploma. The 41 Credits/21 Units of Proficiency are typically earned over a four-year period. All course credits and requirements must be completed in order for students to participate in senior farewell and graduation exercises. Students earn two credits for completion of a year-long course and one-credit for completion of a semester-long course.

Graduation requirements are as follows: Accrue at least 21 Units of Proficiency (UP) by demonstrating proficiency for all standards taught in a course or eligible learning experience.

 Content area requirements for UPs are as follows:

• 4 UPs in English -- (4 English classes and the equivalent of 8 credits)
• 3 UPs in Math -- (3 math classes and the equivalent of 6 credits)
• 3 UPs in Science/Technology -- (3 science classes and the equivalent of 6 credits)
• 3 UPs in Social Studies -- (3 SS classes and the equivalent of 6 credits)
• 1 UP in each of: Arts, PE, and Health
• 5 Student Choice UPs
• Capstone

As noted above, an UP is awarded when a student has demonstrated proficiency on every standard in a course or eligible learning experience (a learning experience is an educational experience that differs in format from a course offered at a Portland Public Schools). Learning experiences may include: early college/dual enrollment courses, career and technical education programming, online/virtual learning, apprenticeships, internships, fieldwork, community service, exchange programs, independent study, alternative education/”at-risk” programming, adult education courses, or other Portland Public Schools approved measures of proficiency.

Other considerations: In order to be considered a full-time student, 12th graders must maintain a schedule equivalent to twelve credits (6 classes). It is strongly recommended that college preparatory students have a minimum of two years of a world language. World language credit is considered elective credit. If a student fails a required course, it is essential that the student immediately develop a plan with their school counselor for maintaining progress towards graduation. Repeating the course, attending summer school, and/or enrolling in a college course are possible course make-up options (reference Board Policies IKF and IKF-R to see the comprehensive graduation requirements for Portland Public School students).

Habits of Work and Learning (HOWLs)

At PHS, we separate out Habits of Work and Learning from students’ academic grades. In each course, students will be assessed on Habits of Work and Learning in the areas of Preparedness and Engagement in Learning. These scores will appear in the grade book and may count toward the students’ overall grade in a class.

Infinite Campus: Monitoring Academic Progress

Infinite Campus (IC) is our web-based student information portal where students and families can get up-to- date information about student attendance, grades and academic progress, as well credit status towards graduation. You can can access the IC account by following these steps:

• Step 1: Go to this link: http://www.portlandschools.org
• Step 2: Click on “Infinite Campus Portal” under Parent/Student
• Step 3: Enter the student's username & password (see your school counselor if you need this information)

Infinite Campus also has two new and improved mobile apps: Campus Student (for students) and Campus Parent (for parents and guardians). You can download the apps for real-time access to grades, assignments, attendance, schedules, announcements and more. When you go to your App Store, search for "Campus Student"or "Campus Parent". If you are using the old Infinite Campus app on your mobile device, please download the new app. The old app was removed from the app store in the summer of 2019. If you have any additional questions about IC, please direct them to inquiry@portlandschools.org. Also, If you do not have a login to access Infinite Campus, contact Cathie Martin at martic@portlandschools.org

National Honor Society (NHS)

11th and 12th graders who meet the academic standard for entry into the National Honor Society will receive application packets. Students must complete and return packets by the stated deadline to be considered for NHS induction and the induction usually occurs in late April. Scholarship, character, leadership and service make up the four criteria for selection. If a student is not inducted, and feels that the decision is unjust, the student may file an appeal with the principal. The principal’s decision in the appeal is final.

Process of Selection: The PHS Faculty Council will make an educated decision based on the four criteria for selection into the NHS: scholarship, character, leadership and service.

• Scholarship: Students must have a rolling cumulative GPA (5 semesters for juniors and 7 semesters for seniors) of a 93 or above.
• Service:
  • Service to school or community: Students must participate in at least 2 Portland High or community activities to be considered. One of those activities must be a Portland High activity (please note that Key Club counts towards community service).
• Leadership: Students must show that they are a leader in the school and/or community.
  • Sample activities that count towards showing leadership: Class Officer, Executive Board, Officer/Leader (suggestion) of a Club or Activity at PHS, Student Council, School Board Representative, Team Captain, Youth Engagement Program Leader/Facilitator, Interpreter for students, staff or family, Open House/8th grade recruiting help
  • Classroom, workplace, and non formalized leadership roles will be included on the application as a check off and including a brief description.
• Character: Any student, who has not followed the PHS code of conduct, and/or has been suspended during their time at PHS, will not be automatically excluded. Students may be considered by the faculty council for NHS if they have shown consistent behavioral improvement.
  • Staff will give input towards a student’s character. Staff may reflect on how a student conducts themself in class, on a sports team or club, during an activity or out in the community.

Parent -Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are normally held during each semester of the school year. Specific information is sent home about the schedule and process, which families can access online. Parents/guardians may always request additional conversations/meetings with teachers and/or staff members throughout the year by reaching out directly to the appropriate staff members. Assistant principals, school counselors, and case managers can also help to coordinate student support meetings.

Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS)

Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) is open to all students in grades 9-12. PATHS courses are designed for all students who are serious about gaining new skills and knowledge through applied “minds-on/hands-on learning”. These classes are designed for career bound and college (post-secondary) bound students and are an extension of their high school schedule. PATHS classes count toward PHS graduation requirements, similar to any other PHS course. PATHS programs combine classroom theory and instruction, extensive labs, shop projects and community-based internships to give students real life experience towards a career path.

Students are bussed to and from PATHS from PHS. Interested students should see their school counselor to arrange a visit and complete an application. Specific questions about programs offered can be answered by calling the PATHS counseling office at P.A.T.H.S (874-8165) or visiting the website at paths.portlandschools.org.

Rank in Class

Class rank or standing is determined by calculating the average of all courses taken by the student, starting in their 9th grade year through their year of graduation. A system of weighted grades is used in this process (Advanced Placement and honors classes receive more weight than other courses). School counselors can provide students and families with more detailed information about how class rank/standing is calculated. Please note that home-schooled students are not computed in class rank/standing.

• Valedictorian/Salutatorian Selection: The Valedictorian of the graduating class is the student who earns the highest grade point average over their high school career. The Salutatorian is the student with the second highest grade point average. Grade point averages are determined by calculating a weighted average of student grades for the first seven semesters of high school. Only students who have been enrolled and have attended PHS for two consecutive years prior to graduation are eligible for the designation of Valedictorian or Salutatorian.
• Brown Medal Selection: Beginning with the graduating class of 2022, Brown Medals will be given to the 10 students with the highest grade point average in the graduating class.

Report Cards

PHS does not print and distribute student report cards, but all academic progress is available any time through Infinite Campus. Students and families can request a printed progress report, report card, or transcript at any time during the academic year, and periodic progress reports are emailed to families throughout the year.

SAT and PSAT Testing

At PHS we offer the PSAT to all 11th graders in the fall during the school day and the SAT to 11th graders in the spring during the school day. If students wish to take these exams more than once, they should connect with their school counselor to explore other regional testing sites, or visit the College Board website. 11th graders and families should also be aware that the Maine Department of Education requires students to participate in the NWEA Math and English tests in both the fall and spring in order to monitor school-wide academic progress across the state. These exams will take place during class periods.

Senior Privilege

Eligible seniors are able to take advantage of early release/late arrival when they have a study hall during the first or last period of the day. A "Senior Privilege Form” must be completed, signed and approved by the appropriate Assistant Principal. This privilege can be revoked at any time by an administrator or a parent/guardian. In order to maintain the privilege, a student must maintain an 85 average or above in all classes and have a strong attendance record. If a teacher schedules a student during Student Learning Center, it is the student’s obligation to attend and failure to do so could result in the privilege being revoked. Also, requests for course schedule changes will not be accommodated to build in more open blocks just for the purposes of adding privilege blocks. Additionally, all seniors are required to attend class meetings and assemblies.

Special Education Services

Identified students may earn a regular diploma by fulfilling state and local requirements as specified by the goals and objectives of their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students who demonstrate proficiency in Portland Public Schools’ graduation standards, as specified in the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plans (IEP), will be awarded diplomas.

Study Halls

Many PHS students have study halls within their 8-block schedule. Students are encouraged to make effective use of study hall time for completing homework, studying for exams, completing research, and accessing teachers (if available), social workers, and school counselors as needed. The following behavioral expectations are expected during study halls:

• One student at a time is allowed to sign out of a study hall for bathroom use; when a student returns another, another student may leave.
• If a student is planning to meet with a specific teacher for extra help during a study hall, they must present a pass from that teacher to the study hall teacher before signing out.
• If a student is planning to go to the library during a study hall, they must sign out and maintain appropriate behavior in that setting, otherwise they will not be allowed to use the library during their study hall block.
• In accordance with Bulldog Belief #1, students should be respectful and courteous to each other during study halls, maintaining a quiet and distraction-free study environment.
• Students should be aware that study hall teachers and staff are a valuable resource; students are encouraged to ask them for help and support with their academics.
• During student halls, cards games, games of chance, and gambling are not allowed.

Textbooks

At PHS, some of our courses require the use of textbooks, workbooks and novels - such books are loaned to students for use during the academic year. Textbooks should be covered, and all books should be kept clean and handled with care. Students are responsible for the books, are expected to return them at the end of the semester or year, and will be required to pay for the book(s) if they are lost or damaged.

WINNME

Every student and staff member at PHS has a WINNME account, which can be accessed on Chromebooks and smartphones. WINNME can serve many helpful purposes, but at PHS we use it primarily to schedule students for academic support and enrichment during Student Learning Center/Block 5. Students will be reminded to check WINNME for scheduling and communication during their advisory period, and advisors can help students if they are having trouble setting up or accessing their WINNME accounts.