**JJG - CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS** **Last Updated Date:** 05/27/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 The middle school and high school may participate in a regional, state or national contest or activity providing it is on the current approved list of either the Massachusetts Association of Secondary School Administrators or the National Association of Secondary School Administrators. If the contest or activity is sponsored locally, the decision to participate will be made by the principal with the superintendent being informed of the decision before the activity or contest occurs. The decision to participate in a approved regional, state or national contest or activity or a selected local contest or activity should be based on the following: 1.   Participation will be supportive of the objectives of the school and will provide a good experience for the students. 2.   The contest or activity should be a part of a balanced program in which too great a stress is not placed on any one aspect of the school program to the detriment of other parts of the school program. 3.   The contest or activity should not place undue burdens on students or teachers. Teachers should not be required to judge or select contestants at any stage of a contest. 4.   Participation in essay contests is not required. Should a school agree to participate, it should simply announce the contest but not promote it. 5.   This policy is not meant to apply to an athletic contest such as a football or basketball game which is organized by a recognized school league.