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Academics  

Science Celebration Night 2009
Science Celebration Night 2009

At MCI there is no one way to learn anything - we help our students learn how to learn!

2009-10 Scholarship Information is now online.  Seniors:  Please complete and return the 2010 MCI Scholarship Application by April 7, 2010.

Academic and Career Counseling
The Academic Office staff, located on the first floor of Founders Hall, work in creative ways to help students find a challenging course of study. Each advisor will help students explore career goals and will work individually with students in their college search and in the application process.
The advisors also work with students to develop plans for life after MCI. This includes presentations in classrooms, coordinating opportunities for students to explore other programs and job shadows, and extensive assistance with the college application process.

Academic Integrity
Cheating, copying homework, and plagiarism are acts of academic dishonesty, and considered major offenses. Teachers will report acts of academic dishonesty to the Dean of Academics and the Dean of Students. A first offense will result in a grade of zero for the particular assignment or test and a suspension. Additionally, an act of plagiarism will result in the assignment being redone, with no credit awarded. The student will meet with the teacher involved, the Dean of Academics and the Dean of Students to discuss the seriousness of the offense. A subsequent offense will result in an automatic Disciplinary Hearing. Each student will sign an academic integrity pledge when they sign a statement that they have read and understood the Student Handbook.

Grading System
At MCI a grade of 60 is passing and 75 is college recommended. Letter grade equivalents are [60-69 = D] [70-79 = C] [80-89 = B] [90-100 = A]. Students whose work is below 60 are failing and should seek extra help from teachers or the Academic Office. Also, MCI uses an effort grade to help students and parents/guardians determine a student’s progress, as follows: 1 = superlative, 2 = commendable, 3 = acceptable, 4 = poor, 5 = unacceptable, 6 = needs to complete missed work.

Honor Roll Criteria
Highest Honors - Average of 90 or better, no grade below a 90
High Honors - Average of 85, no grade below 80
Honors - Average of 80, no grade below 80
Honor Roll Students are eligible for Honors Study.
This designation, announced quarterly, allows students to take their study halls in the Student Union.

Student Assessment and Testing
Students at Maine Central Institute take a variety of nationwide or statewide tests during their four years. Sophomores and juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Juniors take the SAT and augmentation tests in math and science. The TOEFL test is given to international students on the MCI campus. Students can sign up for the ACT at nearby locations.

Math Clinic
Normally the math clinic is held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons following school. Students should check with their math teacher early in the year to determine the locations, time and teachers involved in supporting the clinic.

Writing Clinic
Normally, the Writing Clinic is held after school on Mondays. Students should check with their English teacher should they need assistance with their writing skills.

Computer Labs
Students have access to computers in several locations on campus to use for research, homework and word processing. Locations include the Library, Academic Office, and Study Hall.

William H. Powell Memorial Library
The library is open daily to all students for signing out books, researching, reading, studying or using one of the available computers. The library hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. most days. Some after school and evening hours are also scheduled.

Bookstore
The Bookstore, located in the basement of Weymouth Hall, issues and collects all textbooks, sells necessary classroom supplies, lunch tickets and MCI souvenirs. The bookstore hours are 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Course Planning Guide
In addition to the required courses for graduation, there are elective courses for you to select from, depending on your future plans. Most careers now expect additional education beyond high school. By taking classes at MCI that meet admissions requirements for many colleges and technical schools, you will ensure more opportunities for yourself down the road.
Step 1 – talk with your family and Academic/Career Advisor about your future plans.
Step 2 – research the admissions requirements for any post-secondary education, training or career programs you are interested in- we can help you get started in the Academic Office
Step 3 – use a worksheet and course catalog to help you map out the course selection that best fits your goals.

4 Year Graduation Plan
MCI requirements for graduation include 4 English credits, 3 history credits, 4 science credits, 4 math credits, 1 physical education credit, ½ health credit, 1 fine art credit (can be earned by taking four complete years of Humanities English and History), and1/2 computer credit. You must have a total of at least 20 credits to graduate and successfully complete the Manson Essay and a Senior Project. All students must take a minimum of 5 classes each semester.

If you are considering taking classes at the Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center during your junior and senior years, we need to plan your schedule carefully during your freshman and sophomore years to be sure you are eligible for application to that program.

Course Options
The Academic Office staff at MCI welcomes the opportunity to work with students, parents, educational consultants, the English as a Second Language department and special education case managers to determine course placement. Please contact the Academic Office at (207) 487-4453 with any questions or concerns. Elective courses will be offered subject to instructor availability and student interest.

Freshmen
All first year students take six courses, including Humanities English and History, Math, Integrated Science, Physical Education (1/2 credit) and Learning and Computer Essentials (1/2 credit). Students may take seven courses (no study hall) if recommended by middle school teachers and with parent permission.

Humanities English I CP or Humanities English I/Honors
Humanities History I CP or Humanities History I/Honors
Integrated Science I or IS I-Honors
Math – level recommended by middle school teacher
Computer Essentials
Physical Education
Electives – Foreign Language, Broadcasting, Ballet, Music, Drama, Art

Sophomore Year
All sophomores take Humanities English and History, Math, Biology, and ½ credit of health. An additional ½ credit of Physical Education required for graduation should be taken during the sophomore year. An additional elective course is strongly recommended. Students may take seven courses (no study hall) if recommended by their Academic Advisor and with parent permission. Sophomores may choose College Preparatory (CP) or non-CP levels of humanities classes with teacher recommendation.

Humanities English II CP or Humanities English II/Honors or Humanities English II
Humanities History II CP or Humanities Hitory II/Honors or Humanities History II
General Biology, Biology-CP
Math – level recommended by teacher
Health I
Physical Education 2
Electives – Foreign Language, Computer Technology, Ballet, Music, Theater Production, Art, Child Development, Psychology
and Broadcasting/Video Production. Additional electives are also available in science, humanities and math. Juniors and seniors will be given preference.

Junior Year
All juniors take Humanities English and History, math and science. Students should review their transcripts with an Academic Advisor before selecting junior year courses to ensure that all requirements for graduation are being met. All Juniors complete a Manson Essay as part of Humanities English. Juniors may apply for participation in Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center programs, including Cooperative Education, at the end of their sophomore year. Juniors should also take the remaining required ½ PE credit if not already earned. Juniors may request to take CP, non-CP or Honors English and History, or to take college classes for academic challenge and enrichment.

Humanities English III CP or Humanities English III/Honors or Humanities English III
Humanities History III CP or Humanities History III/Honors or Humanities History III
Science elective
Math – level recommended by teacher
Electives – Art, Foreign Language, Computer Technology, Ballet, Music, Theater Production, Child Development, Psychology and Broadcasting/Video Production. AP courses are offered in art, math, English and history. Additional electives in humanities, math and science may be selected.

Senior Year
All seniors take English, math and science. Students taking Humanities English also take Humanities History. Honors History and Advanced Placement (AP) English are also offered. All seniors must successfully complete a Senior Project as a graduation requirement (completed as part of the English and History courses). Students should review their transcripts with an Academic/Career Advisor before selecting senior year courses, to ensure that all requirements for graduation are being met. Seniors not already taking classes at Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center programs, including Cooperative Education, may apply at the end of the junior year.

Humanities English IV CP, AP Language & Composition or Senior Seminar
Humanities History IV CP or Humanities History IV/Honors
Science elective
Math – level recommended by teacher
Electives – Art, Foreign Language, Computer Technology, Ballet, Music, Drama, Child Development, Psychology and Broadcasting/Video Production. AP courses are offered in science, math, art and English. Additional electives in humanities, math and science may be selected.

Independent Study
Advanced students may work with a teacher/mentor to design a personalized independent study course. Department Chairs and the Dean of Academics must approve applications. Forms and guidelines are available in the Academic Office.

College Courses
MCI students may apply to take college courses at Colby College and Thomas College, both located in Waterville. Though tuition is free for eligible students, students must supply their own transportation, and pay for books and fees. Students interested in other college course options should contact the Academic Office.

Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center
SAD 53 participates in a partnership that enables students with junior and senior standing to pursue vocational training in eight trades. A Cooperative Education program that teaches employability skills and supervises career-focused employment is also available.

Alternative Credits
Students may request permission to apply up to two credits to Adult Education, Alternative School, college courses, correspondence school, Job Corps or summer school toward graduation requirements. The Dean of Academics will award credits on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the Department Chair. The request must be made before enrolling in a course outside of MCI.


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Maine Central Institute
295 Main Street
Pittsfield, ME 04967
207-487-3355