Student Handbook » Academic Information

Academic Information

The thrust of any school, including Marion Community Schools, is to assist students in academic growth, as well as prepare them to be contributing and productive citizens within this or any community. With that in mind, the following responsibilities are EXPECTED.
 

Role of the Student

It is the expected responsibility of the student to:
  • Attend school regularly.
  • Come into the school and classroom with a positive attitude and willingness to learn and try.
  • Complete assignments as given, and turn them in on time. If the assignment is unclear, the student should ask for clarification from the teacher. All students should make sure that they have a clear understanding of the homework material before leaving school for the day. Students must also understand when an assignment is due and what needs to be completed.
  • Develop good study habits, both in and out of school.
  • Be organized. Students should have a plan for remembering assignments and taking home the books and materials needed to complete school assignments.
  • Effectively use the study time available during each school day.
  • Abide by all school policies, regulations, rules, and state and federal laws.
 

Role of the Teacher

It is the expected responsibility of the teacher to:
  • Be at school regularly.
  • Communicate expectations to students and parents.
  • Provide a safe and caring environment.
  • Provide clear instruction to all students, recognizing individual needs.
  • Assess students regularly for the purpose of measuring progress and refining instruction.
  • Provide homework assignments which are an extension of daily lesson instruction.
  • Expect the very best of all students while being sensitive to and celebrating the individual differences, needs, and abilities of each student.
  • Provide timely and meaningful communication to students and parents/caregivers.
  • Abide by all school policies, regulations, rules, and state and federal laws.
 

Role of the Parent

It is the expected responsibility of the parent to:
  • See that the child attends school regularly and is punctual with his/her attendance.
  • Visit school regularly.
  • Show interest in the child's lessons and encourage the child to work hard for academic improvement.
  • Help the child understand the role education plays in preparing them for a successful adult life.
  • Provide an appropriate time and place for the child to complete daily homework.  
  • Work as a team member with school personnel at all times and especially when academic progress or student behavior is in question. (See Board Policy 5601 for more information.)
  • Abide by all school policies, regulations, rules, and state and federal laws.
 

Role of the Administrator

It is the expected responsibility of the building administrator to:
  • Be at school regularly.
  • Communicate the philosophy and purpose of education to teachers, parents, students, and community.
  • Serve as the instructional leader.
  • Analyze academic progress and work with the staff for successful curriculum implementations.
  • Work as a team member with all involved parties who have the success of students as a primary goal.
  • Be an advocate for children and encourage daily achievement.
  • Abide by all school policies, regulations, rules, and state and federal laws.
Well-planned field trips can extend the learning process far beyond the normal confines of the regular classroom. Field trips to enrich students’ educational experiences may be scheduled throughout the school year. Field trip requests must be approved at the district level. (See Board Policy 2340).
 
Parents will be notified when these trips occur and will be requested to grant permission for their child to leave the school premises. Most field trips carry a cost for transportation and admission.
>> Click here for information about Marion Community Schools' high ability programming
All students will have homework responsibility that is age and grade level appropriate. Parents are encouraged to provide a study area at home where children can complete homework responsibilities.
 
Students and/or parents/guardians should arrange for make-up work when they return to school following a brief absence. If a student is ill for three days or longer, parents/guardians may request homework by calling the school office to get in touch with the teacher. Assignments will be arranged within 24 hours after notification has been received. 
 
Homework is an important component of education, and is defined as “lessons to be studied or schoolwork to be done outside of the classroom.” It provides a means of extending the available classroom time and can assist in strengthening student self-discipline. It can also serve as an important tie between parents and the school by providing a means by which parents can become more involved in the education of their child. (Board Policy 2330)
>> Click here to view Board Policy 5410: Grade Advancement
Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher(s). However, please understand that teachers will return your call or respond to your message as soon as possible. Parents can also meet with teachers or sit in on classes, but arrangements must be made through the school office. Please contact your school office for more information. You can also send messages to individual teachers here on our website.
Parents / guardians can access their student’s current grades and attendance via Infinite Campus online. Students can also access their own information. Click here to access Infinite Campus via desktop or mobile app. 
 
Please note: The information to access your student’s report is confidential and should not be shared.
 
If you do not have Internet access, you may contact your student’s school to arrange access to your student’s report. You may also visit the YMCA or the Marion Public Library to gain Internet access via public computers.
Parent involvement is crucial to the success of students. Parents who would like to volunteer at school or on field trips should contact their school office for information. 
 

Volunteer Approval Procedures

Classroom / Event / Athletic Program Volunteers
 
All volunteers who have unsupervised access to students or who have repeated contact with students must be approved by the building principal. No volunteer should have any contact with students prior to approval by the principal and notification of the HR Department.
 
 
Title 1 is a federally funded program provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or high percentages of children living in low-income households to help meet the academic needs of all children.
 
>> Click here to view information about Marion’s Title 1 programming (including Parent Involvement Policy and School-Family Compact)
 
 
Report cards are provided to students and parents at the end of each grading period. Please refer to the current school calendar here for grading period dates.

>> Use the links at right or below to navigate to other sections of the Student Handbook.