JJJ/JJIC - Academic Eligibility

JJJ/JJIC - ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

1. Introduction
   The Regional School Unit 21 Board of Directors maintains that this policy is intended to support the physical, social and emotional well being of students and to promote healthy, enriching and safe co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities for all students. Participation in the district’s co-curricular and extracurricular activities is a privilege, subject to compliance with eligibility rules and conduct expectations. As representatives of the schools, students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times.
    
2. Definitions:
   1. “Extracurricular activities,” for the purpose of this policy, are school-sponsored activities for which participants are selected by staff supervising the activities,  including those teams, both athletic and academic, that participate in interscholastic competition.
   2. “Co-curricular activities,” for the purpose of this policy, are activities that are sponsored by the school, are directly related to the curriculum and support achievement of the learning standards established by law, Board policy and/or administrative action.   Examples of such activities include the math club, science fairs and foreign language clubs.
       
3. Eligibility Requirements 

1. Maine Principals Association (MPA) and Other Sponsoring Organization's Requirements
   In addition to the academic eligibility requirements summarized below, students participating in school athletics must also meet all eligibility requirements of the MPA for participation in athletics (see applicable sections of handbook on MPA website: http://www.mpa.cc/). For other activities, such as admittance into the National Honor Society, any eligibility requirements of the applicable organization must also be met.
2. Academic Eligibility
   1. Covered Activities
      This eligibility policy applies to all extracurricular and co-curricular activities supported by an advisor stipend. 
   2. Criteria for Eligibility.
      A student is deemed academically eligible if he/she/they pass four full-time courses or an equal program to four courses each quarter.
   3. Two Special Situations: 
      1. All 9th grade students will begin the year as eligible for covered activities, and
      2. Eligibility at the end of the year will be determined by year-end grades, not fourth quarter or semester grades.
   4. The guidance department will prepare a list of ineligible students and provide notices to all students who are deemed ineligible within one week of the posting of grades.  In addition, these students will be provided with information for registration for summer school, as appropriate and if they qualify. Students who take coursework during the summer for credit will have those courses noted on their transcript.
   5. Ineligibility means no participation in any form of:
      1. Contests/performances/athletic events;
      2. Practices/rehearsals;
      3. Tryouts/auditions/running for office;
      4. Clubs/meetings; and/or
      5. Elected or appointed student offices.
   6. Length of Ineligibility.
      Ineligible students and the parents/guardians of those students will be notified of their status by an email and by mail from the school sent no later than one week after the quarter date. Ineligibility will commence from the date of the email and will continue until the next quarter date.
   7. Principal's Discretion for Exemptions
      While the eligibility requirements for extracurricular and co-curricular activities largely follow the MPA guidelines, the principal has the discretion to grant exemptions from ineligibility for extracurricular and co-curricular activities in special circumstances (non-athletic activities).  Situations dealing with athletic participation must meet the MPA eligibility requirements, and are not an option under this principal’s exemption.
      
      These exemptions may include but are not limited to:

1. Medical or family emergencies that have significantly impacted a student’s academic performance; and/or
2. Unique academic or personal situations that justify temporary eligibility adjustments.

All exemption requests must be submitted in writing to the principal, including supporting documentation when applicable. The principal’s decision will be made in consultation with relevant school personnel and communicated to the student and parents/guardians in a timely manner.

2. Attendance Expectations
   1. Participants are expected to come to school ready to learn on all scheduled school days. With the exception of one of the unexcused absences mentioned below, any student who misses any portion of the school day may not participate in athletic, co-curricular, or extra-curricular activities that day. In order to participate in a game, practice or other activity, a student must arrive at school (or their school-approved program) no more than 15 minutes after the start of classes and remain in school for the entire day. The only exceptions are for pre-scheduled medical appointments, driver's license tests or other similar appointments, as determined by the building administrator.
      1. The MPA requires that student-athletes have regular attendance and actively participate in team practices and competitions.
   2. A student who misses an athletic practice in order to receive extra academic help or make-up work in academic subjects will not be penalized in regard to game playing time status.
   3. Any school disciplinary consequence such as detention has priority over participation in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities. 
   4. Students suspended from school shall not practice, participate, attend or compete in athletic activities, co-curricular, or extra-curricular activities during the suspension.

Cross References:   

IKF - Graduation Requirements

JIC - Student Code of Conduct

JICI - Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities Code of Conduct for Middle and High School Students

JK - Student Discipline

JKD - Suspension of Students

JE - Student Attendance

JJIBB - Sportsmanship

Adopted: 07/07/08
Reviewed: 04/26/10
Revised: 06/16/2025