78
LA CRESCENT SECONDARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2017-2018 www.isd300.k12.mn.us

2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    1

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

LA CRESCENT SECONDARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK

2017-2018

www.isd300.k12.mn.us

Page 2: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

TABLE OF CONTENTS Belief Statement 5 Equal Educational Opportunities 5 High School Mission Statement 5 Middle School Mission Statement 5 Middle School Vision Statement 5 Board of Education 5 Administration 5 Academic Dishonesty 6 Academic Eligibility 6 Academic Reports 6 Admission Fees for Activities 6 Athletics 7 Attendance/Absences/Outpass 7 Auditorium Behavior 8 Backpacks 8 Bell Schedule 5/6 8 Bell Schedule 7/12 9 Blended Class 9 Bus Behavior 10 Cars and Motor Vehicles 10 Cell Phone/Texting 10 Classroom Visitation 10 Commons 10 Damage to School Property 11 Deliveries 11 Directory Information 11 Lancer Pride Behavior Referral Procedure 12 Displays of Affection 13 Dress Code 13 Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy 14 Eighteen Year Olds 14 Emergency Procedures 14 Family Vacation 14 Food and Drink 14 Gambling 14 Graduation Ceremony Eligibility 14 Graduation Requirements 15 Guest Device 15 Health Guidelines 16 Health Screening 16 Homework Policy 16 Homework Policy for Late Assignments 16 Honor Roll 17

Incomplete Grades 18 Internet and Computer Use 18 Interrogations 18 Lockers 18 Media Center 19 Medication Guidelines 19 MN Post Secondary Options Program 19 Movies 20 Noon Hour Restrictions 20 Online Parent Information 20 Online Privileges 21 Parent/Student Teacher Conferences 21 Personal Belongings 21 Pesticide Notice 21 Pledge of Allegiance 22 Posters and Signs 22 Pride Cards 22 Promotion & Retention of Students 25 Schedule Changes/Request 25 School Closing 26 School Dances & Fun Nights-MS 26 School Hours 27 School Meals 27 Free & Reduced Meal Application 27 Payment Options 27 View Acct. Balance/Manage Acct. 28 Cash or Check 28 Closed Campus 28 Special Services 29 Children with Special Needs 29 Guidance Counselor 29 Instructional Media Center 29 School Nurse 29 School Psychologist 29 Speech Pathologist 30 Study & Co-Curricular Trips 30 Textbooks & Supplies 30 Treats 30 Visitor’s Pass MS 30 Visitor’s Pass HS 30 Wheeled Apparatus 31 Handicap Accessible Exits 31

2

Page 3: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Illness 17 Immunizations 17

POLICIES Attendance Policy 32 Bullying 34 Bus Transportation 38 Discipline for Students 39 Dismissal 45 Harassment & Violence 52 Hazing Prohibition 58 Mandate Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse 60 Notice of Nondiscrimination 65 Vocational OpportunitiesAnnual Verification 65 Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Discrimination 66 Investigation 67 Appeal 67 School District Action 68 Retaliation 68 Conflict of Interest 68 Dissemination of Policy 68 Right to Alternative Complaint Procedure 68 Removal of Students from Class 69 Student Records 71 Student Sex Nondiscrimination 72 Trespassing Ordinance 74 Weapons Policy 75

3

Page 4: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

September 5, 2017 Students and Parents: Welcome to La Crescent Secondary School. This handbook is provided to help you become familiar with the opportunities and expectations of our school. Everyone at La Crescent Secondary School is committed to helping students grow and learn successfully. Maintaining a safe and orderly learning atmosphere is essential to the process of maximizing each student’s growth. We believe this is best accomplished by developing a shared sense of responsibility and feeling of community. The handbook is designed to assist us by clearly defining expectations, guidelines, and rules that are necessary to maintain a safe and orderly learning atmosphere. At La Crescent Secondary School, we believe in focusing our energy on developing productive and desirable behaviors that will promote learning. Behaviors are mutually selected by students and staff, and are listed as our school’s expectations. You and your child will be given a form, for both of you to sign, after you have read the contents of the handbook. Please return the signed form indicating that you and your child have read the contents of the handbook. Policies and procedures in this handbook may be changed during the course of the year with board approval. If a change is made, you will be notified. La Crescent Secondary School will present a variety of experiences for your child with new classes, teachers, opportunities, and challenges. We extend an invitation for you to get involved in school and its many activities. This is your school, a great place to live, learn, and grow together. Be proud of your school, and become an active participant in the educational process. Students are responsible for the information provided in the handbook, which includes all school policy statements as well as information that will be helpful in meeting the expectations of the school. Best wishes for a great year. Sincerely, Steve Smith La Crescent Secondary Principal 5-12

4

Page 5: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

LA CRESCENT-HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS

BELIEF STATEMENTS We believe all students are able to learn. We believe in an equal opportunity for ongoing learning in a safe environment. We believe learning is a human right. We believe developing self-esteem is essential for students to reach their full potential.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Every pupil of the district will have equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance or disability. No student shall be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, athletics, counseling, employment assistance, and extracurricular activities.

HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT The mission statement of the La Crescent-Hokah School District, an innovative education system, is to prepare all learners to think critically when solving problems, and to thrive in a changing society by utilizing all resources to meet their diverse needs.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

In partnership with families and community we educate and prepare the whole person to be a responsible

and productive learner.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

Working to provide a positive educational community, which allows individuals to develop their unique

talents and abilities.

DISTRICT #300 BOARD OF EDUCATION Aaron Abnet 507-450-9731 [email protected] Chrissie Alioto 507-895-8856 [email protected]

Nathan Byom 507-895-2336 [email protected]

Eric Morken 895-2783 [email protected]

Jill Rodeberg 414-531-6747 [email protected]

Dr. Kent Summerfield 507-6436978 [email protected]

Wade Welper 507-8957525 [email protected]

Full School Board [email protected]

ADMINISTRATION Kevin Cadille, Superintendent 507-8954484 [email protected] Steve Smith, Principal Grades 5-12 507-895-4484 [email protected] Jeff Copp, Asst. Principal/Activities Director 507-895-4484 [email protected]

5

Page 6: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism, copying of, allowing students to copy assignments or tests. Plagiarism is a form of cheating in which a student appropriates the ideas or exact words of someone else without giving proper credit. Consequences for plagiarism can include, but are not limited to an administrative referral or a zero on the plagiarized assignment.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Academic Eligibility will start with the second week of each new semester. Students must be making satisfactory academic progress to participate in extra-curricular activities. Grades are checked each Tuesday at the end of the school day. Any student with an “F” will retain eligibility to practice and compete during a two week process of academic improvement (Mandatory Flex Time). If after this two week period the student continues to have an “F” grade in ANY class, the student will be ineligible to perform until the next grade check shows the grade report shows no “F” grades in any subject. Students will be able to attend practices. NOTE: Students may be held from practices at the discretion of the building principal. Students who end a semester with an F will be held from competitions/performances and travel until eligibility is checked on the second week of the semester. Students can earn back eligibility by completing a credit recovery contract/summer school (MS), or an approved curriculum (Oddessyware HS) or summer school. . Students in special classes must be making satisfactory progress toward the Student’s Individual Education Plan as determined by the case manager and administrator. Online Student Eligibility: Students must submit or display proof of progress (with 10% of pro-rated progress) or passing grade by Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. to the Activities Office in order to maintain eligibility. If no proof of either kind of passing grade or progress is shared, the student will be ineligible for one week. Co-Curricular (Band/Choir) Eligibility: The director of any co-curricular performance tour shall provide the Board of Education and the Activities Office with a plan (when presenting to the Board for approval) for how students not in good academic standing (with any “F” grades) will recover their good standing before attending a trip. The director, student, parents and teachers will be expected to collaborate on this process before students go on any trip.

ACADEMIC REPORTS Report cards are issued after the completion of the grading period. Semester grades are determined by averaging all semester assignments. Final semester grades will be given out at conferences or mailed home. Concerns about individual student achievements will be addressed with students and parents/guardians as needed.

ADMISSION FEES FOR ACTIVITIES Admission to all athletic events is either by individual or season ticket. Admission fees are subject to change Individual tickets: Students $ 4.00

Adults $ 6.00 Season tickets: Students $ 35.00 Adults $ 65.00 Season ticket holders will be admitted to all home games of football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics. This does not include tournament playoff games and hockey games.

6

Page 7: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

ATHLETICS GRADES 7-12

The co-curricular program of La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools forms a very useful part of the school's curriculum. By participation, the student is able to develop additional skills, knowledge, and attitudes. It is the philosophy of La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools that every team serves as ambassadors for our school. Students who participate in the athletic program must have a physical examination before reporting for practice. Students must also agree to abide by the training rules. Students participating in Minnesota High School League sponsored activities are to meet academic standards as determined by MSHSL and La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools. Students must be in attendance or at a school sponsored activity for at least a half day (check into school by 10:24 a.m.) to be eligible to practice or participate in that day’s activity (practice or contest). All students participating in an athletic activity will need to sign the appropriate Minnesota State High School League forms. Students will have to pay an activity fee before they will be allowed to practice, participate, or perform.

ATTENDANCE Once a child enrolls in kindergarten, that student is subject to the compulsory attendance provisions of Minn. Stat. 120.101 and Minn. Stat. 127.20. The Compulsory Attendance Law is primarily found in Minnesota Statute (Section 102.105) “requires that every child entering kindergarten this school year must graduate from high school or remain in high school or in an alternative program until age 16. Only those who have been accepted in the military or an institution of higher learning can leave school before they are 16 years old.”

Absences Parents should call 8954484 prior to 8:00 A.M. on the day of an absence and clearly state the reason why the child is not in school. Voice mail is available twentyfour hours a day. Parents finding it necessary to have their child excused during the school day must call to request the student released. If a child is reported absent and the parent/guardian has not notified the school, an attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian. A parent/guardian may seek an excused absence from school for his/her child. The school will determine whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Any absence, excused or unexcused, will require that students make up all assignments missed, or they must complete alternative assignments as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher. For further information on attendance please refer to “Attendance Regulations” under the policy section of this handbook.

Outpass Parents finding it necessary to have their child released during the school day must call the school prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the outpass to request student release. Procedures for calling are the same as calling for an excused absence, with the exception that the caller should leave the time of the outpass, whether or not the student will be returning to school. Outpasses will be granted for the same reasons as excused absences. If a student has an outpass for a reason deemed to be unexcused, and the student still chooses to leave, the student will be dealt with according to the Student Code of Conduct. Students who miss any school time due to a medical/dental appointment will be required to turn in to the attendance secretary, a verification slip from their doctor/dentist confirming that they had an appointment. That verification needs to be turned in to the attendance secretary when the student returns to school. If he/she does not return to school on that day, the verification is to be turned in to the attendance secretary the next

7

Page 8: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

school day. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up his/her outpass in the high school office before leaving the building. Examples of unexcused absences or outpasses are: hair appointments, babysitting, tanning appointments, employment, lunch outside the school, shopping, skipping school, modeling shoots, country/rock concerts, staying home to do homework, staying home after athletic events because too tired, hunting without a family member, or other things easily done after school. Skip days are not sanctioned by the school. Students taking part in skip days will be dealt with according to the Code of Student Conduct. Any absence from school without parental approval is considered truancy and will be dealt with according to the Code of Student Conduct. Prom time has become an especially difficult time for the school. Please make arrangements for things such as tuxedo pickups and formal pickups to occur after school. If any establishment cannot facilitate doing so after school hours, perhaps parents could consider an alternative supplier. Job interviews should be scheduled during study hall/commons, lunch hour, or after school. In the event of an unexcused absence or outpass, a student will not receive credit for missed work. If truancy becomes a problem and is not corrected by the parent and the student, a letter will be sent to the county attorney. This letter may result in a court appearance for truancy and neglect (if applicable).

AUDITORIUM BEHAVIOR Students shall be expected to behave appropriately in the auditorium at all times.

● Sitting with both feet on the floor. ● No food, gum or drinks are permitted in the auditorium. ● No talking is permitted while there is a performance going on. ● Clapping when appropriate. ● Students will sit with advisory. ● Students should walk while in the auditorium. ● Cell phones/electronic devices use is prohibited during performances/presentations.

BACKPACKS

School officials will be allowed to search backpacks for reasonable cause. School officials are defined as anyone who is employed by the school. Because of the size of the classrooms and the number of students in classrooms, backpacks will not be allowed in the classroom due to health and safety issues. Backpacks are to remain in the student’s locker.

BELL SCHEDULE GRADES 5-6 Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday Wednesday Early Release Day 1st Bell 7:50 a.m. 1st Bell 7:50 a.m. 1st hour 7:55-8:15 a.m. 1st hour 7:55-8:15 a.m. 2nd hour 8:18-8:48 a.m. 2nd hour 8:18-8:48 a.m. 3rd hour 8:52-10:06 a.m. 3rd hour 8:52-9:56 a.m. 4th hour 10:10-11:10 a.m. 4th hour 10:00-10:53 a.m. Lunch 11:14-11:41 a.m. Recess 11:45 a.m.-12:02 p.m.

Lunch Recess

10:57-11:22 a.m. 11:26-11:44 a.m.

5th hour 12:06-1:06 p.m. 5th hour 11:48 a.m.12:41 p.m. 6th hour 1:10-2:10 p.m. 6th hour 12:45-1:35 p.m. 7th hour 2:15-3:00 p.m. 7th hour 1:40-2:20 p.m.

8

Page 9: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

BELL SCHEDULE GRADES 7-12 Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday Wednesday Early Release 1st Bell 7:50 a.m. 1st Bell 7:50 a.m. 0 hour 7:55-8:28 a.m. 0 hour 7:55-8:28 a.m. 1st hour 8:32-9:17 a.m. 1st hour 8:32-9:12 a.m. 2nd hour 9:21-10:06 a.m. 2nd hour 9:16-9:56 a.m. 3rd hour 10:10-10:55 a.m. 3rd hour 10:00-10:40 a.m. 4th hour 10:59-11:44 a.m. (HS Class) Lunch 7-8 10:59-11:24 a.m. Study hall 7-8 11:29-11:44 a.m.

4th hour 10:44-11:24 a.m. (HS Class) Lunch 7-8 10:44-11:08 a.m. Study hall 7-8 11:12-11:24 a.m.

5th hour 11:48 a.m.-12:33 p.m. (MS Class) Lunch 9-12 (A) 11:48 a.m.-12:13 p.m. Study Hall 9-12 (B) 11:48 a.m.-12:03 p.m. Lunch 9-12 (B) 12:08-12:33 p.m. Study Hall 9-12 (A) 12:18-12:33 p.m.

5th hour 11:28 a.m.-12:08 p.m. (MS Class) Lunch 9-12 (A) 11:28 a.m.-11:52 a.m. Study Hall 9-12 (B) 11:28-11:40 a.m. Lunch 9-12 (B) 11:44 a.m.-12:08 p.m. Study Hall 9-12 (A) 11:56 a.m.-12:08 p.m.

6th hour 12:37-1:22 p.m. 6th hour 12:12-12:52 p.m. 7th hour 1:26-2:11 p.m. 7th hour 12:56-1:36 p.m. 8th hour 2:15-3:00 p.m. 8th hour 1:40-2:20 p.m.

BLENDED CLASSES

Blended classes are classes that meet some of the time in the classroom and some of the time online. The teachers will be available in the classroom during the times the class meets for the online days. The students will have homework to complete during the days they are not meeting face to face with the teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all the classroom and online expectations. Set online and face to face days will be established at the beginning of each course. Parents and/or teachers reserve the right to mandate a student to be in class every day.

Rules for blended classes ● Not necessary to sign in on online days for attendance ● MUST WEAR (on lanyard, shoelace, or string) blended online student card on online

days – NOT IN WALLETS ● MUST STAY ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. ONLY STUDENTS WITH PRIDE

CARDS CAN LEAVE CAMPUS ON FOOT. ● Keep same lunch shift ---NO EATING FOOD ANY PLACE OTHER THAN IN THE

CAFETERIA – no eating in halls ● 7th Hour Only – must sign out in the office if leaving on foot or in a vehicle. ● Seniors with PRIDE CARDS that have 1st hour Blended and 2nd hour Commons can stay

home provided they sign out in the Senior Privilege Book the day before and have a parent permission slip on file.

● All homework must be turned in according to each individual teacher’s expectations or blended cards will be revoked.

● Students who choose to stay at school may be in the classroom, media center, halls, or commons while being respectful to others.

● All privileges will be removed if students are not responsible. ● If you need further clarification, please check with the Attendance Secretary.

9

Page 10: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

BUS BEHAVIOR Bus service is provided by the Ready Bus Line and is available at no charge to students who qualify. Transportation requests should be directed to the district office. Pickup and drop off times are mailed to parents in August of each year.

CARS AND MOTOR VEHICLES—(High School) Reckless driving, unauthorized driving during school day, sitting on/in cars during the school day, and parking in unauthorized areas will be dealt with according to the Code of Student Conduct. A.T.V.'s, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and other motorized vehicles are not authorized to be used on school property. School property includes the parking lots, the athletic fields, and adjoining areas. Due to safety concerns during bus loading on the north end of the building, students caught driving through that area after 2:24 p.m. and up until 3:30 p.m. will be dealt with according to the Student Code of Conduct. Students must park in designated student parking only. Students parking in the staff parking area will automatically be assigned consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct. Overflow parking shall take place on South 14th Street or at the Community Arena. A parking diagram is located at the back of this handbook and in the high school office.

CELL PHONES/TEXTING Students must have the teacher’s permission to use their cell phone to call/text during class periods. The telephone in the office is for students to make calls to parents or they may ask permission in the office to use their cell phone to call/text if needed during school hours. Cell phones will have an open policy and with this free access they may be used at student lockers and in hallways.

CLASSROOM VISITATION

We encourage parents/guardians to visit their child’s class/es. Simply follow the guidelines below so you and your child gain the most you can from this time:

1. We request that you call your child's teacher to schedule a classroom visit at least a day ahead. The teacher can suggest appropriate choices of times.

2. Experience tells us that an observation session of an hour or so will present a good picture to you of how your child is performing.

3. We encourage you to make your visit alone. Preschool youngsters can be quite distracting to a learning situation.

4. If you have any further questions about visitation, contact the principal. 5. Stop in the office before going to the classroom to receive a visitor badge.

COMMONS --(High School) Commons is available to students in grade 10, 11, and 12 who have earned at least a 2.5 G.P.A. in the previous semester. Freshmen students who have earned PRIDE Cards second semester, need commons teacher’s permission to be in commons, or they risk losing PRIDE Card privileges. Students may be placed in commons on a need for space basis. Since commons is an earned privilege, study hall students are NOT allowed in commons unless it is to meet with the teacher supervising the commons during that period. An advance pass from the respective commons teachers is required. Any student needing tutoring from another student in commons should

10

Page 11: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

prearrange with their study hall teacher to have that commons student go to study hall to help the study hall student.

DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY If damage is done to school property by a student, they will be held responsible for the cost of the repair or replacement to the school property.

DELIVERIES

The La Crescent Secondary School Office will no longer accept outside deliveries from food vendors for students. Florist deliveries will be accepted in the high school office until 2:20 p.m. each day. Glass containers or latex balloons will not be accepted. The school is not responsible for the condition of the flowers is students fail to pick them up.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

“Directory information” means information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to: the student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status (i.e. fulltime or parttime), participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. It also includes the name, address and telephone number of the student’s parent(s). Directory information does not include personally identifiable data, which references religion, race, color, social position or nationality. In order to refuse the release of this information without prior consent, the parent or eligible student must make a written request to the responsible authority, building principal, by October 1 st of each year. This written request must include the following information.

1. Name of student and parent, as appropriate; 2. Home address; 3. Student’s grade level; 4. School presently attended by student; 5. Parents’ legal relationship to student, if applicable; 6. Specific category or categories of information which are not to be release to military recruiters

without prior consent; 7. Specific category or categories of information which are not to be released to the public,

including military recruiters. Prior to the start of each school year, the school district shall publish a notice indicating this policy in the official district newspaper a notice indicating this policy. In addition, parents will be notified through the annual school registration process. For students enrolling after the notice is published, this policy will be given to the student’s parents or eligible students at the time and place of enrollment. The designation of any information as directory information about a student or parents will remain in effect for the remainder of the school year unless the parent or eligible student provides the written notification provided herein. Copies of this policy may be obtained by parents and eligible students at the district office.

11

Page 12: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

12

Page 13: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION Inappropriate displays of affection that are distracting to others will not be tolerated, as determined by staff.

DRESS CODE Each student has the right to determine personal dress within guidelines, which is, that clothing is not to distract from the educational process. Students have the responsibility to dress appropriately for school and all other school sponsored functions unless otherwise noted. Footwear must be worn except for approved activities. Unless authorized, jackets are not to be worn during the school day and backpacks are not to be in the classroom. Students have the responsibility for wearing safety or special purpose equipment whenever it is required. Staff members will have the final say for appropriateness. Examples of inappropriate dress include: 1. Clothing advertising illegal substances for juveniles (This will include the promotion of alcoholic

beverages and/or tobacco products). 2. Clothing containing obscene, discriminatory or profane language or pictures. 3. Clothing containing gang symbols or clothing worn in a manner to identify gang membership. 4. Headgear (cap, hat, bandanas, etc.) other than for religious or medical reasons in the school building. Headgear must be removed upon entering the building and stored in the student's locker. 5. Bare or exposed midriffs or backs, low cut necklines, or exposed undergarments which distract

from the educational process as determined by staff. (Guidelines are as follows: no tank tops or muscle shirts of any kind, no halter tops, and no one shoulder strap tops. Skirts and shorts

will of a length mid-thigh or longer). Shoulders should be covered. 6. Chains and collars or bracelets with metal studs. 7. All shirts and tops are to be full length. There should be no skin showing from the top of

a student’s pants to the bottom of a student’s top/shirt while sitting or standing. The front of shirts or blouses should be higher than a line drawn across the armpits. No midriffs, crop tops or pajamas are allowed. Pants and trousers are to be worn around the waist. A general rule of thumb to follow is that the bottom of shorts and skirts should be longer than the tips of the fingers, when arms and fingers are held straight and extended next to the body. Leggings/yoga pants should be worn as an undergarment only (must cover up). Administration reserves the right to determine if clothes are appropriate. The following is a list of unacceptable/inappropriate clothing: excessive holey, ripped pants, halter tops (unless a blouse is covering it), tube tops (unless a blouse is covering it), sleeveless tops and shirts, any blouse or shirt that is sheer, see-through, or transparent (i.e., fishnet or sheer fabrics), or any top cut inappropriately low in the front or with the back exposed. This list is NOT an all-inclusive list.

8. Inappropriate or revealing clothing will be addressed on an individual basis if the preceding guidelines are not adhered to. Examples include, but are not limited to short shorts and short skorts. Students deemed to be wearing inappropriate attire will be asked to remove or cover up such apparel and the offense will be dealt with according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Staff members that address inappropriate clothing issues with a student will complete a brown slip, which indicates that they have given the student a verbal warning for wearing inappropriate clothing. Staff members MUST tell students that they have been issued a brown slip warning for inappropriate clothing and it will be recorded in the student’s computer discipline file. Should a student be issued a second brown slip for wearing inappropriate clothing, that infraction, and any

13

Page 14: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

subsequent infractions, will be subject to the Student Code of Conduct for Inappropriate Clothing (G-20).NOTE: All of the above, with the exception of #6, are deemed to be a Step 3 on the Student Code of Conduct.

DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO POLICY The illegal use and/or sale of any prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco are prohibited on school grounds, as well as at or before school sponsored activities. Consequences for possession or use of alcohol or drugs, may range from suspension to expulsion, as well as a police referral.

EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD STUDENTS--(High School) In our society students who have reached the age of maturity enjoy most of the legal rights of adult citizens. It is suggested that any 18 year old students who wish to exercise their adult privileges see the principal prior to using this right. As a student in a public high school, school rules and regulations requiring parental involvement take precedence over the rights of the eighteen year old student.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE Fire, lockdown, and severe weather drills are conducted according to state law. Evacuation plans are posted in each room and the students learn and practice these routes.

FAMILY VACATIONS All planned student absences due to family vacations are to be approved ahead of time through the office. Students are responsible for obtaining any missed work from their respective teachers. Assignment forms are available in advance in the office. Families are ENCOURAGED to take note of the school calendar and utilize existing breaks already built into the school calendar, if possible.

FOOD AND DRINK In order for all students to enjoy a clean, pleasant environment, students must consume all food and drink in kitchen or cafeteria, or food and drink items will be taken away. There is to be no opened food items in the hallways. Students may bring only water in clear bottles to drink during classes. Brain research shows that drinking plenty of water throughout the day stimulates learning potential. Colored drinks may be purchased in the kitchen and are not allowed outside the lunchroom.

GAMBLING

Any form of gambling is not allowed in school. Card playing is allowed only for educational purposes within classes.

GRADUATION CEREMONY ELIGIBILITY –(High School) A student must be no more than 2.5 credits short of the total credits required for graduation to participate in commencement exercises. Any exception to this requirement must have approval of the principal. HONORS:

14

Page 15: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

To qualify as a high honor graduate, a student must have achieved a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and to qualify as an honor graduate, a student must have achieved a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS--(High School) Successful completion of each semester class earns one credit toward graduation. Credits earned in grades 9-12 apply toward graduation requirements. In addition, all students must successfully pass the state tests. All students will be required to take a minimum of 6 credits per semester. Exemptions may be made for students’ who have exceeded minimum requirements and are enrolled in college courses, or AP classes. A request for an exemption must be made through the Counseling Department and approved by the High School Principal.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION Language Arts 8 Credits Social Studies 8 Credits (State Requirements) Science 6 Credits (State Requirements) Mathematics 6 Credits (State Requirements) Arts 2 Credits (State Requirements) Health 1 Credit Physical Education 1 Credit Electives 16 Credits

Total Credits 48 Credits

GUEST DEVICES ON DISTRICT NETWORK (POLICY 804) The La Crescent Hokah School District created a Guest network in 2012 for personal devices of students, staff and visitors to be connected to district’s wireless infrastructure. Guest devices will meet all software specifications before connecting to the network. Examples of required software may include, but are not limited to, anti-virus/anti-malware, security patches, and any other software required for maintaining compliance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) while on the district network. Devices incapable of installation of the required software will not be allowed on the district network. Individuals using guest devices are still required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy (524) while on the district network. Guest Device users may be required to pay a nominal fee for setting up access and purchasing software used to decrease possibility of virus transfer from guest devices as well as licensing costs related to Acceptable Use and CIPA compliance while on the school district network. This network is open (unauthenticated) and is segmented from the rest of the district wireless network. Bandwidth is restricted to 2MB on this network and Internet filtering restrictions are stringent. District’s goal is to make most of the bandwidth available for instructional needs of students and staff. One Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) per student is allowed to be added to district’s BYODINST (authenticated) wireless network. On this network bandwidth is not restricted and many teacher recommended websites are allowed for student use. There is a third wireless network called PROD, which has all the

15

Page 16: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

district owned mobile devices. 802.11B is turned off and hence very old devices cannot connect to the district’s wireless network.

HEALTH GUIDELINES In order to provide for the health and wellbeing of all students, the nursing department has developed the following health guidelines which can be used to identify when a student’s health may require him/her to stay at home or be sent home from school. ● Fever: Temperature greater than 100. Student s may return to school after being fever free for 24

hours. ● Vomiting: At least twelve hours after vomiting stops before returning to school. ● Diarrhea: Until uncontrolled diarrhea stops. (Uncontrolled diarrhea is defined as an increased number of stools, compared with a person’s normal pattern, along with watery stools, and/or decreased stool form that cannot be contained by the diaper or use of the toilet.) ● Contagious Disease: Strep throat, impetigo, or pink eye a child should not return to school until after

treatment with antibiotics for twentyfour hours or at doctor’s discretion.. ● Rash: Rash that is open and draining or a rash accompanied by a fever. ● Chicken Pox: Until all the blisters have dried into scabs. Usually five to seven days. ● Students with special health needs may have additional guidelines listed on an individual health plan.

HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAMS Vision and Hearing screening will be done for students in fifth, seventh, tenth grade. Both of these screenings occur in the fall of the school year with the help of volunteers.

HOMEWORK POLICY –(Middle School)

Purpose: Homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline and lifelong learning habits. It is the intention of the La Crescent Middle School staff to assign relevant, challenging and meaningful homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives. Homework should provide students with the opportunity to apply information they have learned, complete unfinished class assignments, and develop independence. Homework assignments include:

Practice exercises to follow classroom instruction

Preview

assignments to prepare for subsequent lessons

Extension

assignments to transfer new skills or concepts to new situations

Creative

activities to integrate many skills toward the production of a response or product

HOMEWORK POLICY FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS--(Middle School)

Students are expected to turn work in on time. Students who turn in late assignments will receive any of the following based upon individual teacher discretion or grade level policy. Policies can include but are not limited to consequences such as: ● partial credit ● no credit ● missed reward activity ● communication with parents

16

Page 17: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

● full credit with a coupon ● noon or afterschool detention Responsibilities of Parents: ● Set a regular, uninterrupted study time each day. ● Establish a quiet, well lit study area. ● Monitor student’s organization and daily list of assignments. ● Help student work to find the answer, not just get it done. ● Be supportive when the student gets frustrated with difficult assignments. ● Contact teacher to stay well informed about the student’s learning process. ● Contact teacher if your child is spending an inordinate amount of time doing homework. Responsibilities of Students: ● Write down assignments in assignment notebook. ● Be sure all assignments are clear; don’t be afraid to ask questions if necessary. ● Set aside a regular time for studying. ● Find a quiet, well lit study area. ● Work on homework independently whenever possible, so that it reflects student ability. ● Produce quality work. ● Make sure assignments are done according to the given instructions and completed on time.

HONOR ROLL To be eligible for the “A” honor roll the student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. To be eligible for the “B” honor roll the student must have a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49.

ILLNESS

If a student becomes ill, they will receive a pass to report to the nurse’s office. If the illness is serious, parents will be notified by the nurse or office staff and the students will be issued an outpass to go home. Students are not to call or text parents about not feeling well unless a nurse or office staff are present. Parent’s DON’T excuse students to leave the building. All students must have an outpass from the office or nurse prior to leaving the building, as parents do not excuse students to leave the building.

IMMUNIZATIONS Minnesota Statutes Section 121A.15 requires that all children who are enrolled in a Minnesota school be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella, allowing for certain specified exceptions. Additionally, the law requires students entering grades 7-12 to provide proof of a second dose of Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), second dose of a Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine, a booster for Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoid (Tdap) that has been given after the age of eleven and the Meningococcal (MVC) Vaccine. If your child is not up to date on their immunizations, the health office needs one of the below statements on file: * A statement signed by a physician or staff of an immunization clinic stating that the student has commenced a schedule of the immunizations, and the dates of the initial immunizations and planned dates for further immunizations are included. * A statement signed by a physician stating that the immunization is contra-indicated for medical reasons, or that laboratory confirmation of the presence of adequate immunity exists. * A notarized statement signed by the student's parent or legal guardian stating that the prescribed

17

Page 18: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

immunizations are contrary to conscientiously held beliefs of the parent or guardian. The immunization form with an area for the Notarized Statement is found on the health service page of the district website.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

An incomplete should be made up within two weeks after the end of the grading period, or the grade will be submitted as an F, unless the teacher makes other arrangements with the administration. Incompletes that have been extended, with teacher and administrative approval, must be completed by the end of the following semester in order to receive credit. However, a student may be granted extended time to complete the work in case of prolonged illness, etc. This permission will be given by the principal in consultation with the teacher.

INTERNET/COMPUTER USE Internet/Computer/Network access is available to our La Crescent-Hokah Schools and community. The school district’s goal in providing these services to students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. The proper use of the Internet, and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of students, parents and employees of the school district. Student misuse of computer equipment, the Internet, or the district computer network will be addressed through the student code of conduct. PARENTS WHO DO NOT WISH THEIR CHILD TO HAVE INTERNET ACCESS MUST NOTIFY THE MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE IN WRITING. A complete copy of this policy may be obtained by parents and eligible students at the office of the superintendent.

INTERROGATIONS

School administrators and teachers have the right to interrogate students regarding their conduct and/or the conduct of others. Students have the right against self-incrimination in instances where a criminal offense may be involved.

LOCKERS

School lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student's personal possessions, the school authorities must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials. “Personal possessions” includes but is not limited to purses, backpacks, book bags, packages, and clothing. Each student is issued a locker at the beginning of the school year and cautioned against giving the combination to others. The sharing of lockers is discouraged because friendships change. Students are responsible to keep lockers clean and free of marks. Students will be charged for any damage to lockers. Locker inspection will be held to insure that lockers are clean and in good repair. There is a $5.00 charge if a student requests a change in locker combination. Materials or pictures deemed inappropriate by school staff are not permitted in school lockers. Physical Education Lockers: Each student will be provided with a combination lock for their gym locker free of charge. The locks are to be returned at the end of the school year. Failure to return the lock will result in a fine.

18

Page 19: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

A complete version of this policy, number 502. may be found at the school district office or on the district website (www.isd300.k12.mn.us).

MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is one of the centers of academic life at La Crescent Secondary School. Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks. Reference material may be checked out for a shorter time. Some books are not to be removed from the Media Center. If in doubt, check with the Media Center personnel. Students with overdue materials may not check out additional materials until all overdue materials are returned. NOOK READERS – The Media Center has 11 Nooks available for checkout to students. The Nook permission box must be checked on the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement before a Nook can be loaned to a student. The Nooks are checked out for a two week period and can be renewed.

MEDICATION GUIDELINES Medications: Parents/Guardians are to notify the school if their child(ren) must take medication during the school day. The school nurse or trained designated personnel will dispense medication through the health office. For Prescription Medication: Both a physician and parent must complete a Medication Physician’s Order and Parent Authorization Form before any prescription medication will be given in school. These forms are available in the school offices as well as area clinics and on the district website. This includes Inhalers and Epi-Pens. Medication must in the original, labeled container. Over-the-counter medication requires only a parent signature on the authorization form. medication. Over-the-counter medication must be in the original container with the child’s name on it. For safety reasons, an adult must bring all medication to school. Inhalers for asthma or allergy kits may be carried with the student if there is doctor and parent’s permission and the health office is notified. The health office does not have a stock supply acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other over the counter medications available to students. Students in grades 9-12 are permitted to self-carry non-prescription pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) medication if parents fill out and sign a medication authorization form. This completed form will be kept in the health office. The dosages are not to exceed the recommended dosage on the bottle and must be kept the original containers. New authorization/agreement forms will need to be submitted and signed each year.

MINNESOTA POST SECONDARY OPTIONS PROGRAM (High School) Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Under state statute, postsecondary institutions are not allowed to charge students with fees for items that are necessary for participating in a course. Most PSEO courses are only open to high school students during their junior and senior year, with each participating college and university setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis, beginning in their junior year of high school. For full-time PSEO students who begin in their

19

Page 20: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

junior year, it is possible to graduate from high school with enough college credits for an Associate’s Degree. More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education website : http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/CollReadi/PSEO/

POST SECONDARY ALTERNATIVES The Board believes that any 10th, 11th or 12th grade student capable of doing college level work should be permitted to do so. The high school counselor must pre-approve course(s) to receive credit towards graduation. All grades are included in official transcript.

MOVIES –(Middle School) At times, the middle school will show G or PG movies related to curriculum without notice to parents. If a PG13 movie is planned, a note will go home with students, grades five through seven, requesting parent signature for students to be allowed to watch the PG13 movie. The note must be returned with parent signature or the student will not watch the PG13 movie.

NOON HOUR RESTRICTIONS –(High School)

The La Crescent Senior High School campus is a closed campus. Students are required to stay on school property during noon hour. No outpass, either daily or occasional, will be issued to go home for lunch, except with PRIDE Card privileges as stated under the PRIDE Card section in this handbook. Students with PRIDE Cards are to eat their assigned lunch shift only and must vacate the cafeteria except for their assigned lunch shift time. Since classes are in session while other students have lunch, the following restrictions are made to avoid disturbing those who are teaching and learning: Inside: All areas inside the high school portion of the building are accessible during lunch hour recess except down by the band room and auditorium. Middle school areas are off-limits. Students should be mindful of classes or computer labs that may be in use, specifically rooms 1-9. Outside: The west, north, and south sides of the building are off limits to students without permission. Students may use the sidewalk, steps, and grass area between the building and the parking lot on the east side of the building. Students in the grassy area on the east side of the building should not go north beyond the end of the handicap ramp. Cell Phones: Students will be allowed to use their cell phones during lunch hour and during collaborative if they are not in a mandatory assigned collaborative. Students working in collaborative or in an assigned collaborative workspace cannot use their cell phones; except, if teacher approval to access web-based research in their classroom.

ONLINE PARENT The La Crescent-Hokah School District is working hard towards using technology as a tool for improving communication between parents and school. We invite parents to stay on top of their student’s academic progress, attendance, and lunch account information at school by utilizing Skyward’s Parental Access. Parental Access is an opportunity to go online and find information about your student’s schedule, attendance record, lunch account, and academic information. We expect that this will provide you with timely information and at the same time reduce the cost of labor, paper and postage for us. There is no cost to you for this service. Some important items to remember:

● Our district website is: www.isd300.k12.mn.us.

20

Page 21: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

● Your Parental Access user name is the first five letters of your last name, the first three letters of your first name, followed by 000, 001, or 002, or whatever was assigned to you when enrolling your student(s). If you need help recovering your username or password, please feel free to contact the secondary office at 507-895-5021.

● You will only have one username and password. This will access all of your children, even though they may be at different building levels, i.e., high school and middle school. This password will remain the same throughout your student’s school years. It will not change each year. Families new to the district will be issued this password when they register their student(s).

● If for some reason you should need to change your password or have questions regarding the use of Parental Access, you should contact the secondary school office at 507-895-5021.

ONLINE PRIVILEGES If you have a first hour assigned on-line class you may come in for 2nd hour. If you have a 7th hour assigned on-line class you may check out in the office and leave after 6th hour in a vehicle. If you have assigned online classes for periods 2 through 6 you must be in school in study hall or commons. You are NOT to be leaving school grounds.

PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Paren-tStudent-Teacher conferences are held twice yearly. Specific details regarding times and locations will be sent to parents as the dates approach.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS Students are responsible for their personal property and are not to bring valuables to school. Possession of items which cause distractions, including, but not limited to mp3 players, cell phones, laser lights, ipods, CD players, etc. or large sums of money to school are not allowed or used in the school buildings. Electronic devices such as: cell phones, mp3 players, ipods, CD players, cameras, and video cameras may be used by students during the school day at the teacher’s discretion, otherwise your electronic devices should not be seen and not heard during the school hours. The best way to prevent loss or damage to items is to leave them at home. Any item deemed inappropriate, distracting, or unsafe will be confiscated, and taken to the office. The first time depending on the item the student may pick it up afterschool to take home and the second time the item will be returned only if a parent comes to school and reclaims it within five school days. There will be no cameras or video cameras used in the locker rooms. Students may not wear or carry jackets or backpacks to classes unless designated by an academic plan. Jackets and backpacks must be stored in lockers at all times.

PESTICIDE NOTICE

Our school district utilizes a licensed, professional pest control service firm for the prevention and control of rodents, insects and other pests in and around the district’s buildings. Their program consists of:

1. inspection and monitoring to determine whether pests are present, and whether any treatment is needed.

2. recommendation for maintenance and sanitation to help eliminate pests without the need for pest control materials;

3. utilization of nonchemical measures such as traps, caulking and screening; and application of EPA registered pest control materials when needed.

21

Page 22: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Occasionally, it may be necessary for district personnel to apply pest control materials to selected areas. This will generally occur during the summer months when school is no longer in session. Since these applications are dependent on need, as well as weather conditions, a schedule of anticipated applications may not be available. When these circumstances occur, all parents requesting notification will be contacted prior to application. Pests can sting, bite, cause contamination, damage property, and spread disease; therefore, we must prevent and control them. The longterm health effects on children from the application of such pest control materials, or the class of materials to which they belong, may not be fully understood. All pest control materials are chosen and applied according to label directions per federal law. An estimated schedule of interior pest control inspections and possible treatments is available for review or copying at each school office. A similar estimated schedule is available for application of herbicides and other materials to school grounds. Parents of students may request to receive, at their expense, prior notification of any application of a pest control material, should such an application be deemed necessary on a day different from the days specified in the schedule.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Purpose The school board recognizes the need to provide instruction in the proper etiquette, display, and respect of the United States flag. The purpose of this policy is to provide for recitation of the pledge of allegiance and instruction in school to help further that end. Legislation requires the school district to have the pledge of allegiance spoken at least once per week during school hours. If you as a parent/guardian do not want your child to participate in the pledge of allegiance, please submit a written letter to the appropriate building level. If you have more than one child and they are at different levels, please submit a letter to each level. Thank you for your assistance. General Statement of Policy Students in this school shall recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America one or more times each week. The recitation shall be conducted:

A. By each individual classroom teacher or the teacher’s surrogate: or B. Over a school intercom system by a person designated by the school principal or other person

having administrative control over the school. Exceptions Any student or teacher may decline to participate in recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Instruction Students will be instructed in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag and in practice exercises.

POSTERS AND SIGNS

The information hallway, which is designed to help students find information about upcoming events at school and in the community is located in the east hall by the cafeteria. Posted information needs prior approval and signature by the Student Council.

PRIDE CARD –(High School)

PRIDE is an acronym for Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort. The PRIDE Card was developed to promote students taking responsibility for their own actions and subsequently

22

Page 23: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

receiving more privileges after they have demonstrated they are responsible youths. Students must demonstrate a high level of consistency in three separate areas. The areas the students must qualify in are: Attendance * 4 or fewer absences for the previous semester

Students may appeal for extenuating circumstances. Doctor, dentist, and orthodontist appointments with written verification are examples of absences that may be acceptable reasons for missing. Common colds, flu, etc. are examples of absences that will count toward the total of 4. Students who do not qualify one semester are encouraged to attempt to qualify the next semester. Not everyone will qualify for the card. Appropriate appeal forms for students who miss more than four days may be picked up and returned to the high school principal for approval.

Discipline * Cannot be on a Step 3 or higher on the last day of the previous semester. * Anyone that attains a step 3 infraction on the school step system loses PRIDE Card privileges for the duration of the semester. They may qualify the next semester. * Failure to turn in a card will constitute a discipline infraction with a step 3 weighting. * Parents are reminded that truancy is a step 3 violation and would result in the loss of a student’s card. Students are encouraged to be on time. * Cards may be pulled for lesser amounts of time for violations that do not attain a step 3. Example: Student with a card in an unauthorized area may lose their card for several days with a step two violation. * Any staff member may pull a card at any time. Academic * Has a grade point average for the previous semester of 3.0 or higher * Consistency –

1. A student’s previous three semester grade point averages may not have dropped more than one time. 2. A student’s previous three semester grade point averages may not have a greater differential than .30 between the lowest grade point average and the highest grade point average.

* Improvement – 1. A student’s grade point average went up 1.0 from the previous semester. The student must have attained a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average for the previous semester to be considered for the qualification.

2. Any student that shows a consistent increase in the previous three semester grade point averages may qualify for a PRIDE Card.

All students hoping to qualify for a PRIDE Card under the academic “consistency” or “improvement” categories outlined above, must complete the necessary appeal forms and follow the appeal process. All foreign exchange students in our school will have the opportunity to receive a PRIDE Card under the same guidelines as our regular students after they have been here one semester. New students and freshmen students need to be here one semester to qualify

23

Page 24: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

before applying for a Pride card. Only a faculty member that had the student in an academic class the previous semester may sign an appeal form for a student. This card also allows students free admittance to most home athletic events. Students would still have to pay for events such as the state-sponsored tournaments the school hosts. The card also allows open campus privileges during any study hall, commons, or lunch. Students with a PRIDE Card may leave the school grounds, but they may not be in any type of a motorized vehicle. Students must be in attendance for roll call for study hall or commons and then may leave. PRIDE Card students are to use the east (cafeteria) exits and west (media center) exits only. The student must wear only the current semester PRIDE card on a lanyard around their neck during the times(s) they are taking advantage of a privilege that the card allows, i.e., leaving commons or study hall after roll is taken. Any other old PRIDE Cards must be removed or they will be confiscated. They should wear that card the whole hour they are away from commons or study hall. Failure to display the card on a lanyard around their neck will result in their card being revoked for one week for the 1st offense and the card being pulled permanently for the 2nd offense. If a student who has a PRIDE card gives that card to another student to use, the card will be revoked for the remainder of the semester. Students with a PRIDE Card in last hour commons or study hall may leave in a motorized vehicle after they check out with their respective teacher and come to the office for an outpass. At no other time during the day may a student be in a vehicle without an outpass and that includes vehicles off school premises. It is not possible to stop and check every student who leaves the grounds, but it is possible for parents to dictate whether their son or daughter leaves the grounds. Please take the time to inform your son or daughter your feelings in regard to them leaving the grounds or having people over during these times. If you are greatly concerned, please pull their card and give it back to them when you feel you are comfortable with their ability to make good decisions. PRIDE card replacement will be done in the high school office. The charge will be $5.00 per replacement for a card and $5.00 per replacement of lanyard that the card is attached to.

Revocation of Pride Card Due to Insufficient Academic Progress Any student that has any combination of two D’s or one F at a grading period (4 ½ weeks, 9 weeks, 13 ½ weeks) will have their PRIDE Card revoked for the remainder of the semester. Any student who has had their PRIDE Card revoked due to insufficient academic progress but has raised their grades and does not have a combination of two D’s or F’s at the next grading period (9 week or 13 ½ weeks) will have their PRIDE Card reinstated. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the office to get their PRIDE Card reinstated.

Senior Pride Card Privileges Seniors who qualify for a PRIDE Card will be allowed the PRIDE Card privileges listed below. However, the following criteria must be met in order to exercise those privileges: 1. The senior must have been issued a PRIDE Card for that semester. 2. The senior must be on track with credits to graduate. 3. A parent approval form must be completed and on file with the office before exercising

this privilege. 4. Schedule changes will NOT be made in order to accommodate this privilege. 5. Seniors exercising this privilege may not come in and out of the building during that time.

24

Page 25: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

6. Any senior that is late to class because of exercising this privilege will have their PRIDE Card revoked for the remainder of the semester.

7. Any senior that does not sign out with the office as outlined below, will have their PRIDE Card revoked for the remainder of the semester.

The following privileges will apply to 12th grade students who have a PRIDE Card: 1. A senior who has commons two consecutive periods (Periods 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 4 and 5, or 5

and 6) does not have to report to commons for those two periods if they have signed out of the office prior to leaving for those two periods.

2. A senior who has commons the first period or first and second period(s) does not have to report for that time period if they have signed out with the office the previous day or some time during the period (s) they will be gone.

3. A senior who has commons the last period and/or the last two period(s) must sign out of the office some time during that day indicating that they will be gone during that time period.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS

The La Crescent-Hokah School District recognizes that there are students who, for one reason or another, do not make the necessary progress to achieve the standards expected of their particular grade level. Meeting the needs of these students is a continuing concern of parents, teachers, board members, and administrators. It is recognized that retaining a student in the same class or grade level is a way of helping some students achieve standards of performance expected at their grade level. The decision to retain should be made after careful consideration of the individual needs and abilities of the student following appropriate promotion/retention procedure. Students will be required to pass all coursework in order to be promoted to the next grade level. If a student fails a class, credit recovery will be required to ensure that all students’ needs are being addressed. Possible credit recovery opportunities could include but are not limited to:

● Afterschool Study Group ● Summer school ● Individual Learning Contract (between student and teacher)

If a student does not meet the minimum expectation for each subject during the grading period, the student and parent will be notified of the deficiency and a plan will be developed to remediate the failed credit.

SCHEDULES CHANGES/ REQUEST TO DROP CLASS Middle School: Schedule change/drop request forms are available in the secondary school office. Students may only make a schedule change request within the first two weeks of the semester/trimester. All other requests will be considered on an individual basis. High School: Student schedule changes will be made through the Guidance Office. Approval of schedule changes will be given on the merit of each individual case and will not be automatically approved. A student needs to meet one of the following criteria in order to have a schedule change made: 1. Post Secondary entrance requirements. 2. Graduation issues. 3. Special education issues. 4. Dropping the second semester of a sequential course if the student failed the first

semester.

25

Page 26: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

5. Prior to the beginning of a semester, the student can change from a commons or study hall to a class if there is room in the class and the class is the same hour as the commons or study hall.

6. Administration reserves right to make schedule changes for students depending on course availability and class size.

Dropping a course after the end of one (1) week of a semester will result in a withdrawal fail (WF) on the student’s transcript. WF’s are calculated into the student’s cumulative GPA as an “F”. Students must maintain six (6) credits per semester. The administrator/counselor department reserves the right to allow a student to drop a class based upon extraordinary circumstances.

SCHOOL CLOSING School closing shall be determined by the school administration. Notification of closings will be sent out by phone messages from the superintendent or administration to each household. Also whenever weather conditions dictate that the school must be closed, such announcements will be made over radio and TV stations: La Crosse Radio Group (Ice Cube) Includes CC106.3, WLFN (1490 AM), Classic Rock (100.1 FM), ESPN (105.5 FM), Magic 105 (104.9 FM), The Eagle (102.7 FM) Midwest Family(Snowflake) Includes WIZM (1410 AM), WKTY Broadcasting (580 AM), WIZMFM (93.3 FM), WRQT (95.7FM), KQYB (98.3FM) and KCLH (94.7FM) WXOW TV –Winona, Minnesota KAGE/KWNO –(95.3 FM/1230 AM). If school is dismissed early due to weather conditions or other emergencies announcements will be made over these radio and TV stations. When school is closed prior to the start of the school day, all practice sessions are cancelled. Each family will be contacted regarding a school closing by the school district automated phone system.

SCHOOL DANCES AND FUN NIGHTS --(Middle School)

1. School dances are open to La Crescent Middle School students and their approved guests. Student’s guest must have approval two days prior to the dance.

2. Middle School dances are for students in grades 58 only. 3. All school rules apply to dances and fun nights (including dress code). 4. Any student causing mischief deemed unsuitable by the supervisor will be asked to phone his/her parents and have them pick him/her up. 5. A student may not return after leaving the event without permission of the supervisor. 6. There will be a minimum of seven chaperones per dance. Of those, four must be staff members. 7. There will be a minimum of twenty-five chaperones for fun night. There will be ten staff and fifteen parents. 8. The lights at a dance must be at an acceptable level. Exit lights must remain on. In addition,

exits must not be blocked in any way, i.e. with tables or chairs. 9. Tickets will be sold only at the entrance. 10. There will be only one dance or fun night at any given time in the building. 11. No student will be allowed to enter a dance after 8:00 p.m. without advance permission or at the

supervisor’s discretion.

26

Page 27: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

SCHOOL HOURS School hours are from 7:55 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday school hours are 7:55 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. It is preferred that students not be dropped off prior to 7:30 a.m., as students dropped off prior to 7:30 a.m. will be unsupervised. Students are not to remain in the building after 3:15 p.m. unless supervised by a faculty member. Generally students are to be out of the school building at 3:15 p.m. Students who remain in the school building after 3:15 p.m. must be in a supervised area such as, extended day program, detention, athletics, or working with an adult.

SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM

Smart Eats! School meals are healthier than ever with more whole grains, dark green, red and orange vegetables, less sodium, larger fruit and vegetable portions and no trans fats. Our nutrition program offers both breakfast and lunch daily. Students are offered a variety of entrees, fruits, vegetables, salads and milk, plus ala carte selections. Meals meet strict nutrition guidelines. Students must have a fruit or vegetable on their plate when they leave the lunch and breakfast line each day. Students will be offered a full cup of fruit a breakfast, and must select at least ½ cup. The school district has transitioned to a new menu system. This system is web based and can be found by selecting the menus link on the district website. This new system will enable parents and students to see nutrition information and photos for all menu items. You can even download a menu app! We know good nutrition is linked to classroom performance and school meals are the best value in town, more economical than bringing it from home! We are also proud to serve many locally produced Farm 2 School menu items. We hope that you join us for breakfast and lunch! We serve education every day. Supervision/Program Management Cafeteria Lyn Halvorson, SNS Supervisor of School Nutrition 608-789-7625 Terri Williams, Manager 507-895-5065 Marilyn Volden, School Nutrition Specialist 608-789-7625 Free and Reduced Meal Applications Application forms for the Free or Reduced price meals are available in the school office and online at www.isd300.k12.mn.us It is also published in the Houston County News Back to School issue. A new application must be filled out each year because income guideline qualifications change annually. Qualifying students can eat breakfast and lunch. The Minnesota Legislature has made it possible through funding that all reduced students no longer need to pay for a lunch. Lunch for reduced students is now free. Payment Options – Webstore, Cash or Check For your convenience, we accept debit card payments for food purchases. VISA or MASTERCARD will be accepted online through the La Crescent-Hokah webstore. Webstore

● Go to www.isd300.k12.mn.us ● Click Parents then click on Parent Student Access. ● Log into Skyward using your Family Access information (provided by your school secretary). ● Choose which child you wish to make a payment for (if you have more than one student). ● Click on Food Service and then the Make Online Payment button. ● Enter the amount you wish to apply to this account and click on the Pay with RevTrack button.

27

Page 28: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

The first time you access RevTrack, you will be asked to create a username and password. This is not your Family Access username and password. Set up your personal account. The school district does not keep track of this information, nor does it have access to any personal account information you provide. Enter your credit card or debit card information and then your email address and a password that you choose. **Keep a record of your password.** View Account Balance/Manage Account View past payments, purchases, and current balance or edit your account information. We encourage parents to keep their email current. We use email as a way to inform parents regarding their students’ lunch account balance. Cash or Checks Money for the meals can be deposited in a wall mounted safe just outside the servery or sent into the cafeteria. The checks are collected and entered in your child’s account each morning.

✓ Make checks payable to La Crescent School Nutrition Program. ✓ Write your student’s name and grade on the check. ✓ Send only one check per family if there is more than one child—simply indicate the

names/grades/amounts at the bottom of the check for how you want the total check divided. Prepayment is required. Students may be given a two day grace period (not to exceed $7.00) before meal service is stopped. The School District of La Crescent may file a claim with small claims court or utilize the services of a collection agency and/or legal counsel to secure collection on unpaid debts not paid within thirty days, unless an alternative payment plan has been approved by the principal. The charges for filing claims with small claims courts or for securing the services of a collection agency shall be added to the unpaid debt due the district.

MS/HS Meal Prices for 2017-2018 Breakfast

Students-$2.85 Adults-$3.65

All reduced—No charge Lunch

Students--$1.50 Adult $2.00

All reduced—No charge Closed Campus The La Crescent-Hokah Middle School campus is a closed campus. Students are required to stay on school property during noon hour. No outpasses, either daily or occasionally, will be issued to go home for lunch. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities

28

Page 29: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 8778339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 6329992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 202509410; (2) fax: (202) 6907442; or (3) email: [email protected]. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 7202600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 202509410 or call 18007953272 (voice) or (202) 7206382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SPECIAL SERVICES Children with Special Needs: Children with disabilities, determined and established by referrals and testing, receive special services on a regular basis. Guidance Counselor: The counselor works with children individually or in small groups. Early intervention into developmental problems of children can help reduce the risks associated with adolescence. Consultation for parents is also available. Instructional Media Center (IMC): All children are given the opportunity to learn the value of the IMC as a learning tool and to see it as a place to visit and explore. The materials (tapes, books, magazines, computer access) in it are carefully chosen to meet the needs and interests of students and to compliment the curriculum. School Nurse: The health office is staffed by a full time health assistant who is trained to care for for students who may become ill or injured during the school day. A registered nurse divides her time between the schools. She is available for consultation and planning for students who may need health plans and procedures during the school day. School Psychologist: Psychological services are available to children who may require the services of a specialist in solving the many problems that a classroom teacher alone cannot handle. This includes a complete group testing program in the areas of readiness, intelligence, and achievement as well as individual testing when needed. The school psychologist also works closely with students, parents, and teachers in dealing with the social emotional and academic needs of all students.

29

Page 30: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Speech Pathologist: Classroom teachers refer children with speech problems for testing and identification. These children are offered classes to correct their problems on a regularly scheduled basis by a Speech Pathologist.

STUDY TRIPS AND COCURRICULAR TRIPS Study trips are an extension of the classroom experience. Students participating must ride to and from the activity in school authorized transportation unless parents speak personally with the sponsor in charge of the activity. The same applies to students participating in co-curricular events. The school does not assume responsibility for cost of hospitalization or injury while students are participating in a school sponsored activity. Students may not be allowed to participate on study trips if their behavior has been an issue this will be determined on an individual basis by a team of teachers and the principal. Students may surrender the fees paid if unable to attend the field trip for any reason. College Visits: Senior and junior students will be allowed two excused post secondary campus visits per school year. Sophomore and freshmen students will need guidance department pre-approval. Job Shadows: All job shadows must be pre-approved by the guidance department. There will be a limit of two per school year.

TEXTBOOKS/CHROMEBOOKS AND SUPPLIES Textbooks are loaned to students for use during the school year. However, it does not absolve students from the responsibility of taking care of the books in their possession. Books that show abnormal wear at the end of the quarter or school year will result in a fine, which students must pay. The school will charge an appropriate replacement fee for textbooks, workbooks, physical education locks or library books lost or destroyed by students. Items to be supplied by the student vary from grade to grade and the teacher will notify students as to their needs. If a student should have a library book, textbook, band uniform, etc. not turned in by the end of the last day of school, a fine letter with an amount owed will be sent to the parent/guardian. If the item is not returned or the fine paid by the date stated on the letter it is the option of the school district to turn this fine over to the small claims court.

TREATS Treats brought to school to share must be of a commercial variety. This is a state law.

VISITOR'S PASS Middle School: At least one day in advance, students wishing to host a guest must present to administration the appropriate visitor's request signed by their parent. Only one student guest per grade per day will be allowed. Grade level is the grade of the hosting student. High School: The only way a visitor will be allowed in our school is if that student is a perspective new student. The counselor’s office would then pair that student with someone in the same grade. At least one day in advance students must present to the administration for approval the appropriate visitor request form signed by their parent. All other visitors will be required to sign in the main office and pick up a visitor badge to wear for the duration of their visit.

30

Page 31: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

WHEELED APPARATUS Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, or any other wheeled apparatuses should be used only to and from school. Bicycles must be left in the bicycle racks and always locked during school hours and neither, bikes or skateboards should be ridden anytime during the school day. La Crescent Middle School and High School Handicapped Accessible Exits

(Ramps and Wheelchairs)

The following exits are handicapped accessible and are equipped with electronic power switches: Exit 4North/West entrance (faculty parking lot) Exit 8West main entrance (Middle School) Exit 16Auditorium

The following exits are handicapped accessible with ramps but do not have electronic power switches on the doors:

Exit 1B -East main entrance north of the smokestacks Exit 5 –West 6th grade middle school wing Exit 6 –West 7th grade middle school wing Exit 7 –West 8th grade middle school wing Exit 9 – West- between media center and art room Exit 10 –West industrial shop room

Exit 11West choir room

Exit 12West band/choir hallway The following exits are not handicapped accessible (no ramps for wheelchairs). In case of fire/tornado, do not use these exits. Manual transfer lifts for students may be used with trained staff in a real emergency.

Exit 1A –East main entrance south of the smokestacks Exit 2 –East/North corner of the building Exit 3 –North/East corner of the building Exit 13 –South end of the building to 14th street Exit 14 –South end of the building to 14th street Exit 15 –South end of the building to 14th street

31

Page 32: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

POLICIES

ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance Regulations

Once a child enrolls in kindergarten, that student is subject to the compulsory attendance provisions of Minn. Stat. 120.101 and Minn. Stat. 127.20. The Compulsory Attendance Law is primarily found in Minnesota Statute (Section 102.105) “requires that every child entering kindergarten this school year must graduate from high school or remain in high school or in an alternative program until age 16. Only those who have been accepted in the military or an institution of higher learning can leave school before they are 16 years old.”

Absences Parents should call 8954484 prior to 8:00 A.M. on the day of an absence and clearly state the reason why the child is not in school. Voice mail is available twentyfour hours a day. Parents finding it necessary to have their child excused during the school day must call to request the student released. If a child is reported absent and the parent/guardian has not notified the school, an attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian. A parent/guardian may seek an excused absence from school for his/her child. The school will determine whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Any absence, excused or unexcused, will require that students make up all assignments missed, or they must complete alternative assignments as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher. 1. Excused Absences Absences generally considered to be excused are: ♦ Illness. ♦ Serious illness in the student’s immediate family. ♦ A death in the student’s immediate family or of a close friend or relative. ♦ Medical or dental treatment (excused when slip from medical or dental office is turned into the

middle school office). ♦ Family vacations: prior notification MUST be made with the school office. We strongly encourage

parents/guardians to plan trips and vacations that coincide with school vacations. Students are responsible for obtaining any missed work from their respective teachers. The student may miss in-class information or activities that cannot be made up, which could influence their grade.

♦ Court appearances occasioned by family or personal action. ♦ Religious instruction not to exceed three hours in any week. ♦ Physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood, storm, etc. ♦ Official school field trip or other school sponsored outing. ♦ Removal of a student pursuant to a suspension. Suspensions are to be handled as excused absences,

and students will be permitted to complete makeup work. ** For cases other than personal serious illness in the home or death in the family, arrangements for absence MUST be made in advance. Any absence that was foreseen but was not cleared through the office will be considered unexcused. 2. Excessive absences We monitor your child’s attendance at school and will watch for students who have a pattern of frequent absences. The average middle school student is gone 4 days per year. Our policy allows 10 days/70 class periods of absences. We will notify parents/guardians by a phone call and/or letter when a child has missed 6 days/42 class periods of school to give parents/guardians notification of their child’s attendance status. While we recognize that situations may occur that cause your child to miss days of school, we also

32

Page 33: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

want to help parents/guardians recognize the importance of supporting your child’s education. A. Due to illnesses: For any absences related to illness that are verified by a doctor, please provide the school office with a written verification. Absences related to illness in the first 10 days that are verified by a medical slip will not count against the 10 absences. Parents are encouraged to always get a written verification from the doctor’s office when seeing a doctor. Any illnesses not verified by doctor’s slip after 10 days will be unexcused. B. Other absences:

For any absences related to vacations and family emergencies students will be excused at the principal’s discretion. Absences due to doctor/dental/counseling appointments/court dates must be verified by a written verification from the office attended. If written verification is turned into the office, it will not be counted against the 10 absences. Any absences not verified by written verification from office attended after 10 days will be unexcused. Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule reoccurring appointments to avoid missing the same class on a regular basis. When a student’s cumulative attendance record reaches 10 days/70 class periods absences and they are not documented by written verification slips, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian requesting that all further absences be verified with a written verification slip. Failure to do this will result in a meeting with the building principal and the middle school counselor. A plan/contract for improved school attendance will be developed. A complete version of this policy, number 503, may be found at the school district office (895-4484) or on the district website www.ISD300.k12.MN.US . 3. Unexcused Absences The following absences are generally considered to be unexcused and unacceptable: *visiting relatives and friend *child not immunized *missed the bus *helping at home *work *cold weather *staying home to care for a family member *shopping *truancy

*inadequate/inappropriate clothing *too tired *haircuts *overslept **Consequences for Unexcused Absences: Each unexcused absence will result in… Truancy – “Continuing Truant” means a child who is subject to the compulsory instruction requirements of Minn. Stat. section 120A.22 and is absent from instruction in a school, as defined in Minn. Stat. section 120A.05 without valid excuse within a single year for:

1. three (3) days if the child is in elementary school; or 2. one (1) or more class periods on three (3) days if the child is in middle school

or high school. Upon a child’s initial classification as a continuing truant, the designated school official shall notify the child’s parent or legal guardian by first class mail or other reasonable means, of the following:

1. The child is a truant. 2. The parent or guardian should notify the school if there is a valid excuse for the child’s absences. 3. The parent or guardian is obligated to compel the attendance of the child at school pursuant to Minn. Stat. section 120A.22 and 120A.34. 4. This notification serves as the notification required by Minn. Stat. section 120A.34. 5. Alternative educational programs and services may be available in the district.

33

Page 34: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

6. The parent or guardian has the right to meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss solutions to the child’s truancy.

7. If the child continues to be truant, the parent and child may be subject to juvenile court proceedings under Minn. Stat. section 260C. 8. If the child is subject to juvenile court proceedings, the child may be subject to suspension, restriction, or delay of the child’s driving privilege pursuant to Minn. Stat. Section 260C.201. 9. It is recommended that the parent or guardian accompany the child to school and attend

classes with the child for one day. Truancy – “Habitual Truant” means a child under the age of 16 years who is absent from attendance at school without lawful excuse for seven days if the child is in elementary school or for one or more class periods on seven school days if the child is in middle school or high school, or a child who is 16 or 17 years of age who is absent from attendance at school without lawful excuse for one or more class periods on seven school days and who has not lawfully been withdrawn from school by a parent or guardian under Minn. Stat. section 120A.22. A student who is determined to be a habitual truant will have a truancy petition filed with the county court system.

BULLYING PROHIBITION POLICY

PURPOSE A safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to educate students in a safe environment. The school district cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school district and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the control of the school district in its normal operations, it is the school district’s intent to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond, remediate, and discipline those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented. The purpose of this policy is to assist the school district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence, and other similar disruptive behavior. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY A. An act of bullying, by either an individual student or a group of students, is expressly

prohibited on school district property or at school related functions. This policy applies not only to students who directly engage in an act of bullying but also to students who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying. This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place constitutes bullying that interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the school district or the safety or welfare of the student, other students, or employees. The misuse of technology including, but not limited to, teasing, intimidating, defaming, threatening, or terrorizing another student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district by sending or posting email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings, including blogs, also may constitute an act of bullying regardless of whether such acts are committed on or off school district property and/or with or without the use of school district resources.

B. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone, or tolerate bullying.

34

Page 35: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

C. Apparent permission or consent by a student being bullied does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.

D. Retaliation against a victim, good faith reporter, or a witness of bullying is prohibited. E. False accusations or reports of bullying against another student are prohibited. F. A person who engages in an act of bullying, reprisal, or false reporting of bullying or permits, condones, or tolerates bullying shall be subject to discipline for that act in accordance with school district’s policies and procedures. The school district may take into account the following factors:

1. The developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved; 2. The levels of harm, surrounding circumstances, and nature of the

behavior; 3. Past incidences or past or continuing patterns of behavior; 4. The relationship between the parties involved; and 5. The context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Consequences for students who commit prohibited acts of bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. Consequences for employees who permit, condone, or tolerate bullying or engage in an act of reprisal or intentional false reporting of bullying may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or discharge. Consequences for other individuals engaging in prohibited acts of bullying may include, but not be limited to, exclusion from school district property and events and/or termination of services and/or contracts.

F. The school district will act to investigate all complaints of bullying and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.

[Note: As the purpose of the policy is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, school districts should review those individuals in their district who may have responsibility for its students, whether formal or informal, to ensure that this purpose is met. Accordingly, school districts may wish to exclude or add certain individuals as being subject to its policy. For example, if a school district is providing visitors with extensive contact with students, the school district may wish to include visitors as individuals subject to the policy to ensure the access the school district has permitted is not being abused. Alternatively, a school district may wish to remove contractors from the policy if the individuals with whom it contracts have little or no contact with students to avoid unnecessary application of the policy.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this policy, the definitions included in this section apply. A. “Bullying” means any written or verbal expression, physical act or gesture, or pattern thereof, by a student that is intended to cause or is perceived as causing distress to one or more students and which substantially interferes with another student’s or students’ educational benefits, opportunities, or performance. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, conduct by a student against another student that a reasonable person under the circumstances knows or should know has the effect of: 1. Harming a student or group of students; 2. Damaging a student’s or a group of students’ property; 3. Placing a student or a group of students in reasonable fear of harm to

person or property;

35

Page 36: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

4. Creating a hostile educational environment for a student or a group of students; or

5. Intimidating a student or a group of students. B. “Immediately” means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours. C. “On school district property or at school-related functions” means all school district buildings, school grounds, and school property or property immediately adjacent to school grounds, school bus stops, school buses, school vehicles, school contracted vehicles, or any other vehicles approved for school district purposes, the area of entrance or departure from school grounds, premises, or events, and all school-related functions, school-sponsored activities, events, or trips. School district property also may mean a student’s walking route to or from school for purposes of attending school or school-related functions, activities, or events. While prohibiting bullying at these locations and events, the school district does not represent that it will provide supervision or assume liability at these locations and events.

REPORTING PROCEDURE A. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying or any person with

knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy. A person may report bullying anonymously. However, the school district’s ability to take action against an alleged perpetrator based solely on an anonymous report may be limited.

B. The school district encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each building or available from the school district office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well.

C. The building principal, the principal’s designee, or the building supervisor (hereinafter building report taker) is the person responsible for receiving reports of bullying at the building level. Any person may report bullying directly to a school district human rights officer or the superintendent. If the complaint involves the building report taker, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the superintendent or the school district human rights officer by the reporting party or complainant.

D. A teacher, school administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other school employee shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances, or events that might include bullying. Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying shall inform the building report taker immediately. School district personnel who fail to inform the building report taker of conduct that may constitute bullying in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action.

E. Reports of bullying are classified as private educational and/or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data and will not be disclosed except as permitted by law.

F. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of bullying will not affect the complainant’s or reporter’s future employment, grades, or work assignments, or educational or work environment.

G. The school district will respect the privacy of the complainant(s), the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the school district’s obligation to investigate, take appropriate action, and comply with any legal disclosure obligations.

36

Page 37: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION A. Upon receipt of a complaint or report of bullying, the school district shall undertake or

authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district.

B. The school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others pending completion of an investigation of bullying, consistent with applicable law.

C. Upon completion of the investigation, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to try to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements; applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act; school district policies; and regulations. D. The school district is not authorized to disclose to a victim private educational or personnel data regarding an alleged perpetrator who is a student or employee of the school district. School officials will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of students involved in a bullying incident and the remedial action taken, to the extent permitted by law, based on a confirmed report.

REPRISAL The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such bullying. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, harassment, or intentional disparate treatment. TRAINING AND EDUCATION

A. The school district annually will provide information and any applicable training to school district staff regarding this policy.

B. The school district annually will provide education and information to students regarding bullying, including information regarding this school district policy prohibiting bullying, the harmful effects of bullying, and other applicable\ initiatives to prevent bullying.

C. The administration of the school district is directed to implement programs and other initiatives to prevent bullying, to respond to bullying in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim, and to make resources or referrals to resources available to victims of bullying.

D. The school district may implement violence prevention and character development education programs to prevent and reduce policy violations. Such programs may offer instruction on character education including, but not limited to, character qualities such as attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, selfdiscipline, patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness.

NOTICE The school district will give annual notice of this policy to students, parents or guardians, and staff, and this policy shall appear in the student handbook.

37

Page 38: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Legal References: Minn. Stat. § 120B.232 (Character Development Education)

Minn. Stat. § 121A.03 (Sexual, Religious and Racial Harassment and Violence) Minn. Stat. § 121A.0695 (School Board Policy; Prohibiting Intimidation and Bullying) Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act) Minn. Stat. § 121A.69 (Hazing Policy)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of School District Employees) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 414 (Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 415 (Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 423 (EmployeeStudent Relationships) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 501 (School Weapons Policy) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 507 (Corporal Punishment) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination) 5146 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 522 (Student Sex Nondiscrimination) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 525 (Violence Prevention) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 526 (Hazing Prohibition) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 529 (Staff Notification of Violent Behavior by Students) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 709 (Student Transportation Safety Policy MSBA/MASA Model Policy 711 (Videotaping on School Buses) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 712 (Video Surveillance Other Than On Buses) BUS TRANSPORTATION

BUS TRANSPORTATION IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT Minn. Stat. (Section 1,6). Sec. 6 states that riding a school bus is a privilege and not a right. A district may revoke a student's bus riding privileges under a local discipline policy, which is not subject to laws governing suspension and expulsion. Sec. 1 specifies that a school district is not obligated to provide transportation for a student whose bus riding privileges have been revoked due to violating the district's policy, or who fails to meet the student safety competencies to be developed by the training in Sect. 4. Provisions must be made for students with disabilities. As a bus passenger and student of District 300, students are expected to do the following: 1. Remain seated, load and unload in an orderly fashion, and be polite to my fellow students. 2. Keep the bus clean and not bring any food or pop on the bus. 3. Not bring guns, animals, skateboards, or dangerous objects on the bus. 4. Not swear, fight, throw objects, make loud noises, smoke, harass, or personally offend

any of my fellow students.

38

Page 39: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

5. Follow all directions from my bus driver. If a student is responsible for any vandalism, that student will pay for any damage and/or lose his/her bus privileges. All offenses will be the responsibility of the school principal.

Violation of these rules will result in the following disciplinary action: First Offense: Discussion between principal and student, and parent

notification. Second Offense: Third Offense:

Notification to parents. Loss of bus privileges for up to 5 days.

Fourth Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 5 to 10 days. Fifth Offense: Loss of bus privileges for 10 to 90 days. In addition to the above, the expectations for student behavior/student code of conduct in the school setting will apply to the bus as well. At any point in time, the building principal may choose to advance the disciplinary action to a higher level of offense relative to the nature of the student’s behavior. If student behavior on the school bus is of such a degree that loss of bus privileges beyond the policy is deemed necessary, the principal must confer with the superintendent before a final decision is made. If, in the determination of the driver, a student needs to be removed from the bus immediately because of behavior problems, the local police may be called to help with the removal. If parents are not immediately available to transport their child home that student will be taken to the police station and held until parents are available. Other State Department rules and regulations also hold bus drivers responsible for the care and protection of student passengers. They direct and authorize drivers to maintain order among the pupils at all times and to report all cases of disobedience, improper conduct or speech.

DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS

PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students are aware of and comply with the school district’s expectations for student conduct. Such compliance will enhance the school district’s ability to maintain discipline and ensure that there is no interference with the educational process. The school district will take appropriate disciplinary action when students fail to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct established by this policy. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY The school board recognizes that individual responsibility and mutual respect are essential components of the educational process. The school board further recognizes that nurturing the maturity of each student is of primary importance and is closely linked with the balance that must be maintained between authority and self-discipline as the individual progresses from a child’s dependence on authority to the more mature behavior of self-control. All students are entitled to learn and develop in a setting which promotes respect of self, others and property. Proper positive discipline can only result from an environment which provides options and stresses student self-direction, decision making and responsibility. Schools can function effectively only with internal discipline based on mutual understanding of rights and responsibilities.

39

Page 40: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Students must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner that maintains a climate in which learning can take place. Overall decorum affects student attitudes and influences student behavior. Proper student conduct is necessary to facilitate the education process and to create an atmosphere conducive to high student achievement. Although this policy emphasizes the development of self-discipline, it is recognized that there are instances when it will be necessary to administer disciplinary measures. It is the position of the school district that a fair and equitable district-wide student discipline policy will contribute to the quality of the student’s educational experience. This discipline policy is adopted in accordance with and subject to the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40121A.56. In view of the foregoing and in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 121A.55, the school board, with the participation of school district administrators, teachers, employees, students, parents, community members, and such other individuals and organizations as appropriate, has developed this policy which governs student conduct and applies to all students of the school district. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY A. The School Board. The school board holds all school personnel responsible for the

maintenance of order within the school district and supports all personnel acting within the framework of this discipline policy.

B. Superintendent. The superintendent shall establish guidelines and directives to carry out this policy, hold all school personnel, students and parents responsible for conforming to this policy, and support all school personnel performing their duties within the framework of this policy. The superintendent shall also establish guidelines and directives for using the services of appropriate agencies for assisting students and parents. Any guidelines or directives established to implement this policy shall be submitted to the school board for approval and shall be attached as an addendum to this policy.

C. Principal. The school principal is given the responsibility and authority to formulate

building rules and regulations necessary to enforce this policy, subject to final school board approval. The principal shall give direction and support to all school personnel performing their duties within the framework of this policy. The principal shall consult with parents of students conducting themselves in a manner contrary to the policy. The principal shall also involve other professional employees in the disposition of behavior referrals and shall make use of those agencies appropriate for assisting students and parents. A principal, in exercising his or her lawful authority, may use reasonable force when it is necessary under the circumstances to correct or restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another.

D. Teachers. All teachers shall be responsible for providing a well planned teaching/learning environment and shall have primary responsibility for student conduct, with appropriate assistance from the administration. All teachers shall enforce the Code of Student Conduct. In exercising the teacher’s lawful authority, a teacher may use reasonable force when it is necessary under the circumstances to correct or restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another.

E. Other School District Personnel. All school district personnel shall be responsible for contributing to the atmosphere of mutual respect within the school. Their responsibilities relating to student behavior shall be as authorized and directed by the superintendent. A school employee, school bus driver, or other agent of a school district, in exercising his

40

Page 41: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

or her lawful authority, may use reasonable force when it is necessary under the circumstances to restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another.

F. Parents or Legal Guardians. Parents and guardians shall be held responsible for the behavior of their children as determined by law and community practice. They are expected to cooperate with school authorities and to participate regarding the behavior of their children. Students. All students shall be held individually responsible for their behavior and for knowing and obeying the Code of Student Conduct and this policy. Community Members. Members of the community are expected to contribute to the establishment of an atmosphere in which rights and duties are effectively acknowledged and fulfilled.

STUDENT RIGHTS All students have the right to an education and the right to learn.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES All students have the responsibility: A. For their behavior and for knowing and obeying all school rules, regulations,

policies and procedures; B. To attend school daily, except when excused, and to be on time to all classes and

other school functions; C. To pursue and attempt to complete the courses of study prescribed by the state

and local school authorities; D. To make necessary arrangements for making up work when absent from school; E. To assist the school staff in maintaining a safe school for all students; F. To be aware of all school rules, regulations, policies and procedures, including

those in this policy, and to conduct themselves in accord with them; G. To assume that until a rule or policy is waived, altered or repealed, it is in full

force and effect; H. To be aware of and comply with federal, state and local laws; I. To volunteer information in disciplinary cases should they have any knowledge

relating to such cases and to cooperate with school staff as appropriate; J. To respect and maintain the school’s property and the property of others; K. To dress and groom in a manner which meets standards of safety and health and

common standards of decency and which is consistent with applicable school district policy;

L. To avoid inaccuracies in student newspapers or publications and refrain from indecent or obscene language;

M. To conduct themselves in an appropriate physical or verbal manner; and N.To recognize and respect the rights of others.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT A. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior subject to disciplinary action by the school district. These examples are not intended to be an exclusive list. Any student who engages in any of these activities shall be disciplined in accordance with this policy. This policy applies to all school buildings, school grounds, and school property; schoolsponsored activities or trips; school bus stops; school buses, school vehicles, school contracted vehicles, or any other vehicles approved for school district

41

Page 42: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

purposes; the area of entrance or departure from school premises or events; and all schoolrelated functions. This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the school district or the safety or welfare of the student, other students, or employees.

1. Violations against property including, but not limited to, damage to or

destruction of school property or the property of others, failure to compensate for damage or destruction of such property, arson, breaking and entering, theft, robbery, possession of stolen property, extortion, trespassing, unauthorized usage, or vandalism;

2. The use of profanity or obscene language, or the possession of obscene materials; 3. Gambling, including, but not limited to, playing a game of chance for stakes; 4. Violation of the school district’s Hazing Prohibition Policy; 5. Attendance problems including, but not limited to, truancy, absenteeism,

tardiness, skipping classes, or leaving school grounds without permission; 6. Opposition to authority using physical force or violence; 7. Opposition to authority using physical force or violence; 8. Using, possessing, or distributing tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia; 9. Using, possessing, distributing, intending to distribute, making a request to

another person for (solicitation), or being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances or lookalike substances;

10. Using, possessing, distributing, intending to distribute, making a request to another person for (solicitation), or being under the influence of narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances, or lookalike substances, except as prescribed by a physician, including one student sharing prescription medication with another student;

11. Using, possessing, or distributing items or articles that are illegal or harmful to persons or property including, but not limited to, drug paraphernalia;

12. Using, possessing, or distributing weapons, or lookalike weapons or other dangerous objects;

13. Violation of the school district Weapons Policy; 14. Violation of the school district’s Violence Prevention Policy; 15. Possession of ammunition including, but not limited to, bullets or other

projectiles designed to be used in or as a weapon; 16. Possession, use, or distribution of explosives or any compound or mixture, the

primary or common purpose or intended use of which is to function as an explosive;

17. Possession, use, or distribution of fireworks or any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation;

18. Using an ignition device, including a butane or disposable lighter or matches, inside an educational building and under circumstances where there is a risk of fire, except where the device is used in a manner authorized by the school;

19. Violation of any local, state or federal law as appropriate;

42

Page 43: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

20. Acts disruptive of the educational process, including, but not limited to, disobedience, disruptive or disrespectful behavior, defiance of authority, cheating, insolence, insubordination, failure to identify oneself, improper activation of fire alarms, or bomb threats;

21. Violation of the school district’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy; 22. Possession of nuisance devices or objects which cause distractions and may

facilitate cheating including, but not limited to, pagers, radios, and phones, including picture phones;

23. Violation of school bus or transportation rules or the school district’s Student Transportation Safety Policy;

24. Violation of parking or school traffic rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, driving on school property in such a manner as to endanger persons or property;

25. Violation of directives or guidelines relating to lockers or improperly gaining access to a school locker;

26. Violation of the school district’s Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student’s Person Policy;

27. Violation of the school district’s Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles; Patrols, Inspections, and Searches Policy;

28. Possession or distribution of slanderous, libelous or pornographic materials; 29. Violation of the school district’ Bullying Prohibition Policy; 30. Student attire or personal grooming which creates a danger to health or safety or

creates a disruption to the educational process, including clothing which bears a message which is lewd, vulgar, or obscene, apparel promoting products or activities that are illegal for use by minors, or clothing containing objectionable emblems, signs, words, objects, or pictures communicating a message that is racist, sexist, or otherwise derogatory to a protected minority group or which connotes gang membership;

31. Criminal activity; 32. Falsification of any records, documents, notes or signatures; 33. Tampering with, changing, or altering records or documents of the school district

by any method including, but not limited to, computer access or other electronic means;

34. Scholastic dishonesty which includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a school assignment or test, plagiarism, or collusion, including the use of picture phones or other technology to accomplish this end;

35. Impertinent or disrespectful language toward teachers or other school district personnel;

36. Violation of the school district’s Harassment and Violence Policy; 37. Actions, including fighting or any other assaultive behavior, which causes or

could cause injury to the student or other persons or which otherwise endangers the health, safety, or welfare of teachers, students, other school district personnel, or other persons;

38. Committing an act which inflicts great bodily harm upon another person, even though accidental or a result of poor judgment;

43

Page 44: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

39. Violations against persons, including, but not limited to, assault or threatened assault, fighting, harassment, interference or obstruction, attack with a weapon, or lookalike weapon, sexual assault, illegal or inappropriate sexual conduct, or indecent exposure;

40. Verbal assaults, or verbally abusive behavior, including, but not limited to, use of language that is discriminatory, abusive, obscene, threatening, intimidating or that degrades other people;

41. Physical or verbal threats including, but not limited to, the staging or reporting of dangerous or hazardous situations that do not exist;

42. Inappropriate, abusive, threatening, or demeaning actions based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, national origin or sexual orientation;

43. Violation of the school district’s Distribution of NonschoolSponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees Policy;

44. Violation of school rules, regulations, policies, or procedures, including, but not limited to, those policies specifically enumerated in this policy;

45. Other acts, as determined by the school district, which are disruptive of the educational process or dangerous or detrimental to the student or other students, school district personnel or surrounding persons, or which violate the rights of others or which damage or endanger the property of the school, or which otherwise interferes with or obstruct the mission or operations of the school district or the safety or welfare of students or employees.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION OPTIONS The general policy of the school district is to utilize progressive discipline to the extent reasonable and appropriate based upon the specific facts and circumstances of student misconduct. The specific form of discipline chosen in a particular case is solely within the discretion of the school district. At a minimum, violation of school district rules, regulations, policies or procedures will result in discussion of the violation and a verbal warning. The school district shall, however, impose more severe disciplinary sanctions for any violation, including exclusion or expulsion, if warranted by the student’s misconduct, as determined by the school district. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: A. Student conference with teacher, principal, counselor or other school district personnel,

and verbal warning; B. Confiscation by school district personnel and/or by law enforcement of any item, article,

object, or thing, prohibited by, or used in the violation of, any school district policy, rule, regulation, procedure, or state or federal law. If confiscated by the school district, the confiscated item, article, object, or thing will be released only to the parent/guardian following the completion of any investigation or disciplinary action instituted or taken related to the violation.

C. Parent contact; D. Parent conference; E. Removal from class; F. Inschool suspension; G. Suspension from extracurricular activities; H. Detention or restriction of privileges;

44

Page 45: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

I. Loss of school privileges; J. Inschool monitoring or revised class schedule; K. Referral to inschool support services; L. Referral to community resources or outside agency services; M. Financial restitution; N. Referral to police, other law enforcement agencies, or other appropriate authorities; O. A request for a petition to be filed in district court for juvenile delinquency adjudication; P. Outofschool suspension under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act; Q. Preparation of an admission or readmission plan; R. Saturday school; S. Expulsion under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act; T. Exclusion under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act; and/or U. Other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the school district.

DISMISSAL

A. “Dismissal” means the denial of the current educational program to any student, including exclusion, expulsion and suspension. Dismissal does not include removal from class.

The school district shall not deny due process or equal protection of the law to any student involved in a dismissal proceeding which may result in suspension, exclusion or expulsion.

The school district shall not dismiss any student without attempting to provide alternative educational services before dismissal proceedings, except where it appears that the student will create an immediate and substantial danger to self or to surrounding persons or property.

B. Violations leading to suspension, based upon severity, may also be grounds for actions leading to expulsion, and/or exclusion. A student may be dismissed on any of the following grounds: 1. Willful violation of any reasonable school board regulation, including those

found in this policy; 2. Willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to an education, or

the ability of school personnel to perform their duties, or school sponsored extracurricular activities; or

3. Willful conduct that endangers the student or other students, or surrounding persons, including school district employees, or property of the school.

C. Suspension Procedures 1. “Suspension” means an action by the school administration, under rules

promulgated by the School Board, prohibiting a student from attending school for a period of no more than ten (10) school days; provided, however, if a suspension is longer than five (5) school days, the suspending administrator shall provide the superintendent with a reason for the longer term of suspension. This definition does not apply to dismissal for one (1) school day or less where a student with a

45

Page 46: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

disability does not receive regular or special education instruction during that dismissal period.

2. If a student’s total days of removal from school exceed ten (10)cumulative in a school year, the school district shall make reasonable attempts to convene a meeting with the student and the student’s parent or guardian before subsequently removing the student from school and, with the

permission of the parent or guardian, arrange for a mental health screening for the student at the parent or guardian’s expense. The purpose of this meeting is to attempt to determine the pupil’s need for assessment or other services or whether the parent or guardian should have the student assessed or diagnosed to determine whether the student needs treatment

for a mental health disorder. 3. Each suspension action may include a readmission plan. The plan shall include,

where appropriate, a provision for implementing alternative educational services upon readmission and may not be used to extend the current suspension. A readmission plan must not obligate a parent or guardian to provide psychotropic drugs to their student as a condition of readmission. School administration must not use the refusal of a parent or guardian to consent to the administration of psychotropic drugs to their student or to consent to a psychiatric evaluation, screening, or examination of the student as a ground, by itself, to prohibit the student from attending class or participating in a schoolrelated activity, or as a basis of a charge of child abuse, child neglect, or medical or educational neglect. The school administration may not impose consecutive suspensions against the same student for the same course of conduct, or incident of misconduct, except where the student will create an immediate and substantial danger to self or to surrounding persons or property or where the school district is in the process of initiating an expulsion, in which case the school administration may extend the suspension to a total of fifteen (15) days.

4. A child with a disability may be suspended. When a child with a disability has been suspended for more than five (5) consecutive days or ten (10) cumulative school days in the same year, and that suspension does not involve a recommendation for expulsion or exclusion or other change in placement under federal law, relevant members of the child’s IEP team, including at least one of the child’s teachers, shall meet and determine the extent to which the child needs services in order to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals in the child’s IEP. That meeting must occur as soon as possible, but no more than ten (10) days after the sixth (6th) consecutive day of suspension or the tenth (10th) cumulative day of suspension has elapsed.

5. The school administration shall implement alternative educational services when the suspension exceeds five (5) days. Alternative educational services may include, but are not limited to, special tutoring, modified curriculum, modified instruction, other modifications or adaptations, instruction through electronic media, special education services as indicated by appropriate assessments, homebound instruction, supervised homework, or enrollment in another district or in an alternative learning center under Minn. Stat. § 123A.05 selected to allow the pupil to progress toward meeting graduation standards under Minn. Stat. §

46

Page 47: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

120B.02, although in a different setting. 6. The school administration shall not suspend a student from school without an

informal administrative conference with the student. The informal administrative conference shall take place before the suspension, except where it appears that the student will create an immediate and substantial danger to self or to surrounding persons or property, in which case the conference shall take place as soon as practicable following the suspension. At the informal administrative conference, a school administrator shall notify the student of the grounds for the suspension, provide an explanation of the evidence the authorities have, and the student may present the student’s version of the facts. A separate administrative conference is required for each period of suspension.

7. After school administration notifies a student of the grounds for suspension, school administration may, instead of imposing the suspension, do one or more of the following: a. strongly encourage a parent or guardian of the student to attend school

with the student for one day; b. assign the student to attend school on Saturday as supervised by the

principal or the principal’s designee; and c. petition the juvenile court that the student is in need of services under

Minn. Stat. Ch. 260C. 8. A written notice containing the grounds for suspension, a brief statement of the

facts, a description of the testimony, a readmission plan, and a copy of the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40121A.56, shall be personally served upon the student at or before the time the suspension is to take effect, and upon the student’s parent or guardian by mail within fortyeight (48) hours of the conference. (See attached sample Notice of Suspension.)

9. The school administration shall make reasonable efforts to notify the student’s parent or guardian of the suspension by telephone as soon as possible following suspension.

10. In the event a student is suspended without an informal administrative conference on the grounds that the student will create an immediate and substantial danger to surrounding persons or property, the written notice shall be served upon the student and the student’s parent or guardian within fortyeight (48) hours of the suspension. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing.

11. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the student may be suspended pending the school board’s decision in an expulsion or exclusion proceeding, provided that alternative educational services are implemented to the extent that suspension exceeds five (5) days.

D. Expulsion and Exclusion Procedures 1. “Expulsion” means a school board action to prohibit an enrolled student from

further attendance for up to twelve (12) months from the date the student is expelled. The authority to expel rests with the school board.

2. “Exclusion” means an action taken by the school board to prevent enrollment or reenrollment of a student for a period that shall not extend beyond the school year. The authority to exclude rests with the school board.

47

Page 48: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

3. All expulsion and exclusion proceedings will be held pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. §§121A.40121A.56.

4. No expulsion or exclusion shall be imposed without a hearing, unless the right to a hearing is waived in writing by the student and parent or guardian.

5. The student and parent or guardian shall be provided written notice of the school district’s intent to initiate expulsion or exclusion proceedings. This notice shall be served upon the student and his or her parent or guardian personally or by mail, and shall contain a complete statement of the facts; a list of the witnesses and a description of their testimony; state the date, time and place of hearing; be accompanied by a copy of the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40121A.56; describe alternative educational services accorded the student in an attempt to avoid the expulsion proceedings; and inform the student and parent or guardian of their right to: (1) have a representative of the student’s own choosing, including legal counsel at the hearing; (2) examine the student’s records before the hearing; (3) present evidence; and (4) confront and crossexamine witnesses. The school district shall advise the student’s parent or guardian that free or low cost legal assistance may be available and that a legal assistance resource list is available from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

6. The hearing shall be scheduled within ten (10) days of the service of the written notice unless an extension, not to exceed five (5) days, is requested for good cause by the school district, student, parent or guardian.

7. All hearings shall be held at a time and place reasonably convenient to the student, parent or guardian and shall be closed, unless the student, parent or guardian requests an open hearing.

8. The school district shall record the hearing proceedings at district expense, and a party may obtain a transcript at its own expense.

9. The student shall have a right to a representative of the student’s own choosing, including legal counsel, at the student’s sole expense. The school district shall advise the student’s parent or guardian that free or low cost legal assistance may be available and that a legal assistance resource list is available from MDE. The school board may appoint an attorney to represent the school district in any proceeding.

10. If the student designates a representative other than the parent or guardian, the representative must have a written authorization from the student and the parent or guardian providing them with access to and/or copies of the student’s records.

11. All expulsion or exclusion hearings shall take place before and be conducted by an independent hearing officer designated by the school district. The hearing shall be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Testimony shall be given under oath and the hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas and administer oaths.

12. At a reasonable time prior to the hearing, the student, parent or guardian, or authorized representative shall be given access to all school district records pertaining to the student, including any tests or reports upon which the proposed dismissal action may be based.

48

Page 49: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

13. The student, parent or guardian, or authorized representative, shall have the right to compel the presence of any school district employee or agent or any other person who may have evidence upon which the proposed dismissal action may be based, and to confront and cross examine any witnesses testifying for the school district.

14. The student, parent or guardian, or authorized representative, shall have the right to present evidence and testimony, including expert psychological or educational testimony.

15. The student cannot be compelled to testify in the dismissal proceedings. 16. The hearing officer shall prepare findings and a recommendation based solely

upon substantial evidence presented at the hearing, which must be made to the school board and served upon the parties within two (2) days after the close of the hearing.

17. The school board shall base its decision upon the findings and recommendation of the hearing officer and shall render its decision at a meeting held within five (5) days after receiving the findings and recommendation. The school board may provide the parties with the opportunity to present exceptions and comments to the hearing officer’s findings and recommendation provided that neither party presents any evidence not admitted at the hearing. The decision by the school board must be based on the record, must be in writing, and must state the controlling facts on which the decision is made in sufficient detail to apprise the parties and the Commissioner of Education (Commissioner) of the basis and reason for the decision.

18. A party to an expulsion or exclusion decision made by the school board may appeal the decision to the Commissioner within twenty-one (21) calendar days of school board action pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 121A.49. The decision of the school board shall be implemented during the appeal to the Commissioner.

19. The school district shall report any suspension, expulsion or exclusion action taken to the appropriate public service agency, when the student is under the supervision of such agency.

20. The school district must report, through the MDE electronic reporting system, each expulsion or exclusion within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the action to the Commissioner. This report must include a statement of alternative educational services given the student and the reason for, the effective date, and the duration of the exclusion or expulsion. The report must also include the student’s age, grade, gender, race, and special education status. The dismissal report must include state student identification numbers of affected students. 21. Whenever a student fails to return to school within ten (10) school days of the termination of dismissal, a school administrator shall inform the student and his/her parent or guardian by mail of the student’s right to attend and to be reinstated in the school district.

ADMISSION OR READMISSION PLAN A school administrator shall prepare and enforce an admission or readmission plan for any student who is excluded or expelled from school. The plan may include measures to improve the student’s behavior, including completing a character education program consistent with Minn. Stat. § 120B.232, Subd. 1, and require parental involvement in the admission or readmission process, and may indicate the consequences to the student of not improving the student’s

49

Page 50: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

behavior. The readmission plan must not obligate parents to provide a sympathomimetic medication for their child as a condition of readmission. NOTIFICATION OF POLICY VIOLATIONS Notification of any violation of this policy and resulting disciplinary action shall be as provided herein, or as otherwise provided by the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act or other applicable law. The teacher, principal or other school district official may provide additional notification as deemed appropriate. STUDENT DISCIPLINE RECORDS It is the policy of the school district that complete and accurate student discipline records be maintained. The collection, dissemination, and maintenance of student discipline records shall be consistent with applicable school district policies and federal and state law, including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13. DISABLED STUDENTS Students who are currently identified as disabled under IDEA or Section 504 will be subject to the provisions of this policy, unless the student’s IEP or 504 plan specifies a necessary modification. Before initiating an expulsion or exclusion of a student with a disability, relevant members of the child’s IEP team and the child’s parent shall, consistent with federal law, conduct a manifestation determination and determine whether the child’s behavior was (i) caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the child’s disability and (ii) whether the child’s conduct was a direct result of a failure to implement the child’s IEP. If the student’s educational program is appropriate and the behavior is not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school district will proceed with discipline – up to and including expulsion – as if the student did not have a disability, unless the student’s educational program provides otherwise. If the team determines that the behavior subject to discipline is a manifestation of the student’s disability, the team shall conduct a functional behavioral assessment and implement a behavioral intervention plan for such student provided that the school district had not conducted such assessment prior to the manifestation determination before the behavior that resulted in a change of placement. Where a behavioral intervention plan previously has been developed, the team will review the behavioral intervention plan and modify it as necessary to address the behavior. When a student who has an IEP is excluded or expelled for misbehavior that is not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school district shall continue to provide special education and related services during the period of expulsion or exclusion. OPEN ENROLLED STUDENTS The school district may terminate the enrollment of a nonresident student enrolled under an Enrollment Option Program (Minn. Stat. § 124D.03) or Enrollment in Nonresident District (Minn. Stat. § 124D.08) at the end of a school year if the student meets the definition of a habitual truant, the student has been provided appropriate services for truancy (Minn. Stat. Ch. 260A), and the student’s case has been referred to juvenile court. The school district may also terminate the enrollment of a nonresident student over the age of sixteen (16) enrolled under an Enrollment Options Program if the student is absent without lawful excuse for one or more periods on fifteen (15) school days and has not lawfully withdrawn from school. DISTRIBUTION OF POLICY The school district will notify students and parents of the existence and contents of this policy in such manner as it deems appropriate. Copies of this discipline policy shall be made available to all students and parents at the commencement of each school year and to all new students and

50

Page 51: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

parents upon enrollment. This policy shall also be available upon request in each principal’s office. REVIEW OF POLICY The principal and representatives of parents, students and staff in each school building shall confer at least annually to review this discipline policy, determine if the policy is working as intended, and to assess whether the discipline policy has been enforced. Any recommended changes shall be submitted to the superintendent for consideration by the school board, which shall conduct an annual review of this policy.

Legal References: Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)

Minn. Stat. § 120B.02 (Educational Expectations for Minnesota Students) Minn. Stat. § 120B.232 (Character Development Education) Minn. Stat. § 121A.26 (School Preassessment Teams) Minn. Stat. § 121A.27 (School and Community Advisory Team) Minn. Stat. § 121A.29 (Reporting; Chemical Abuse) Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act) Minn. Stat. § 121A.575 (Alternatives to Pupil Suspension) Minn. Stat. § 121A.582 (Reasonable Force) Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.60121A.61 (Removal From Class) Minn. Stat. § 123A.05 (Area Learning Center Organization) Minn. Stat. § 124D.03 (Enrollment Options Program) Minn. Stat. § 124D.08 (Enrollment in Nonresident District) Minn. Stat. Ch.125A (Students With Disabilities) Minn. Stat. Ch. 260A (Truancy) Minn. Stat. Ch. 260C (Juvenile Court Act) 20 U.S.C. §§ 14001487 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004) 29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq . (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, § 504) 34 C.F.R. § 300.530(e)(1) (Manifestation Determination)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 501 (School Weapons) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 502 (Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student’s Person) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 503 (Student Attendance) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 505 (Distribution of NonschoolSponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 525 (Violence Prevention) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 526 (Hazing Prohibition) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 527 (Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles; Patrols, Inspections, and Searches) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 610 (Field Trips) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 709 (Student Transportation Safety Policy)

51

Page 52: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE

[Note: State law requires that school districts adopt a sexual, religious, and racial harassment and violence policy that conforms with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 363A. This policy complies with this statutory requirement but, in addition, addresses other classifications protected by state and/or federal law. While the recommendation is that school districts incorporate the other protected classifications, in addition to sex, religion, and race, into this policy, they are not required to do so. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will maintain and make available Model Policy 413 – Harassment and Violence in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 121A.03. Each school board must submit a copy of the policy the board has adapted to the Commissioner of MDE.] PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to maintain learning and working environment that is free from harassment and violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, and marital status, and familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY A. The policy of the school district is to maintain learning and working environment that is

free from harassment and violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, and marital status, and familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability. The school district prohibits any form of harassment or violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, and familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.

B. A violation of this policy occurs when any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the school district harasses a pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel or group of pupils, teachers, administrators, or other school personnel through conduct or communication based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability, as defined by this policy. (For purposes of this policy, school personnel include school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, or persons subject to the supervision and control of the district.)

C. A violation of this policy occurs when any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the school district inflicts, threatens to inflict, or attempts to inflict violence upon any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel or group of pupils, teachers, administrators, or other school personnel based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.

D. The school district will act to investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of harassment or violence based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability, and to discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated this policy.

52

Page 53: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

DEFINITIONS A. “Assault” is:

1. an act done with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death;

2. the intentional infliction of or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another or 3. the threat to do bodily harm to another with present ability to carry out the threat.

B. “Harassment” prohibited by this policy consists of physical or verbal conduct, including, but not limited to, electronic communications, relating to an individual’s or group of individuals’ race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability when the conduct: 1. has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

working or academic environment; 2. has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an

individual’s work or academic performance; or 3. otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic

opportunities. C. “Immediately” means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours. D. Protected Classifications; Definitions

1. “Age” means the person is over the age of 25 years. 2. “Disability” means any condition or characteristic that renders a person a

disabled person. A disabled person is any person who: a. has a physical, sensory, or mental impairment which materially limits

one or more major life activities; b. has a record of such an impairment; or c. is regarded as having such an impairment.

3. “Familial status” means the condition of one or more minors being domiciled with: a. their parent or parents or the minor’s legal guardian; or b. the designee of the parent or parents or guardian with the written

permission of the parent or parents or guardian. The protections afforded against harassment on the basis of family status apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of an individual who has not attained the age of majority.

4. “Marital status” means whether a person is single, married, remarried, divorced, separated, or a surviving spouse and, in employment cases, includes protection against harassment on the basis of the identity, situation, actions, or beliefs of a spouse or former spouse.

5. “National origin” means the place of birth of an individual or of any of the individual’s lineal ancestors.

6. “Sex” includes, but is not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth.

7. “Sexual orientation” means having or being perceived as having an emotional, physical, or sexual attachment to another person without regard to the sex of that person or having or being perceived as having an orientation for such attachment,

53

Page 54: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

or having or being perceived as having a self image or identity not traditionally associated with one’s biological maleness or femaleness. “Sexual orientation” does not include a physical or sexual attachment to children by an adult.

8. “Status with regard to public assistance” means the condition of being a recipient of federal, state, or local assistance, including medical assistance, or of being a tenant receiving federal, state, or local subsidies, including rental assistance or rent supplements.

E. Sexual Harassment; Definition 1. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when: a. submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or

condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining employment or an education; or

b. submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment or education; or

c. that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment.

2. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: a. unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse; b. unwelcome pressure for sexual activity; c. unwelcome, sexually motivated, or inappropriate patting, pinching, or

physical contact, other than necessary restraint of pupil(s) by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property;

d. unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual’s employment or educational status;

e. unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual’s employment or educational status; or

f. unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender.

F. Sexual Violence; Definition 1. Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression or force or the threat thereof which involves the touching of another’s intimate parts, or forcing a person to touch any person’s intimate parts. Intimate parts, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 609.341, includes the primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breast, as well as the clothing covering these areas. 2. Sexual violence may include, but is not limited to:

54

Page 55: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

a. touching, patting, grabbing, or pinching another person’s intimate parts,

whether that person is of the same sex or the opposite sex;

b. coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force the touching of anyone’s intimate parts;

c. coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another; or

d. threatening to force or coerce sexual acts, including the touching of intimate parts or intercourse, on another.

G. Violence; Definition Violence prohibited by this policy is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another or group of individuals because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.

REPORTING PROCEDURES A. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or violence on the

basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability by a pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the school district, or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute harassment or violence prohibited by this policy toward a pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel or group of pupils, teachers, administrators, or other school personnel should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy. The school district encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each building or available from the school district office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. Nothing in this policy shall prevent any person from reporting harassment or violence directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.

B. In Each School Building. The building principal, the principal’s designee, or the building supervisor (hereinafter building report taker) is the person responsible for receiving oral or written reports of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy at the building level. Any adult school district personnel who receives a report of religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence prohibited by this policy shall inform the building principal report taker immediately. If the complaint involves the building report taker, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the superintendent or the school district human rights officer by the reporting party or complainant. School district personnel who fail to inform the building report taker of a report of harassment or violence in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action.

C. Upon receipt of a report, the building report taker must notify the school district human rights officer immediately, without screening or investigating the report. The building report taker may request, but may not insist upon, a written complaint. A written statement of the facts alleged will be forwarded as soon as practicable by the building report taker to the human rights officer. If the report was given verbally, the building report taker shall personally reduce it to written form within 24 hours and forward it to the human rights officer. Failure to forward any harassment or violence report or complaint as provided herein may result in disciplinary action against the building report taker.

55

Page 56: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

D. In the District. The school board hereby designates, Linda Kerrigan, as the school district human rights officer(s) to receive reports or complaints of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy. If the complaint involves a human rights officer, the complaint shall be filed directly with the superintendent.

E. The school district shall conspicuously post the name of the human rights officer(s), including mailing addresses and telephone numbers.

F. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades or work assignments.

G. Use of formal reporting forms is not mandatory. H. Reports of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy are classified as private

educational and/or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data and will not be disclosed except as permitted by law. The school district will respect the privacy of the complainant(s), the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the school district’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to comply with any discovery or disclosure obligations.

INVESTIGATION A. By authority of the school district, the human rights officer, upon receipt of a report or

complaint alleging harassment or violence prohibited by this policy, shall immediately undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation may be conducted by school district officials or by a third party designated by the school district.

B. The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.

C. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the school district should consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances.

D. In addition, the school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, pupils, teachers, administrators or other school personnel pending completion of an investigation of alleged religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence prohibited by this policy.

E. The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable. The school district human rights officer shall make a written report to the superintendent upon completion of the investigation. If the complaint involves the superintendent, the report may be filed directly with the school board. The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this policy.

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION A. Upon receipt of a report, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may

include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer,

56

Page 57: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

remediation, termination or discharge. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, Minnesota and federal law, and school district policies.

B. The result of the school district’s investigation of each complaint filed under these

procedures will be reported in writing to the complainant by the school district in accordance with state and federal law regarding data or records privacy.

REPRISAL The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged harassment or violence prohibited by this policy or any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation, or who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such harassment or violence. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment, or intentional disparate treatment. RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse which may include filing charges with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, initiating civil action, or seeking redress under state criminal statutes and/or federal law. HARASSMENT OR VIOLENCE AS ABUSE A. Under certain circumstances, alleged harassment or violence may also be possible abuse

under Minnesota law. If so, the duties of mandatory reporting under Minn. Stat. § 626.556 may be applicable.

B. Nothing in this policy will prohibit the school district from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged harassment, violence or abuse. DISSEMINATION OF POLICY AND TRAINING A. This policy shall be conspicuously posted throughout each school building in areas

accessible to pupils and staff members. B. This policy shall be given to each school district employee and independent contractor at

the time of entering into the person’s employment contract. C. This policy shall appear in the student handbook. D. The school district will develop a method of discussing this policy with students and

employees. E. The school district may implement violence prevention and character development

education programs to prevent and reduce policy violations. Such programs may offer instruction on character education including, but not limited to, character qualities such as attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, selfdiscipline, patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness.

F. This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with state and federal law. Legal References: Minn. Stat. § 120B.232 (Character Development Education)

Minn. Stat. § 121A.03, Subd. 2 (Sexual, Religious, and Racial Harassment and Violence Policy) Minn. Stat. Ch. 363A (Minnesota Human Rights Act) Minn. Stat. § 609.341 (Definitions) Minn. Stat. § 626.556 et seq. (Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors)

57

Page 58: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

20 U.S.C. §§ 16811688 (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq. (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) 29 U.S.C. § 794 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, § 504) 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights) 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act) Puller v. Indep. Sch. Dist. No. 701, 528 N.W.2d 273 (Minn. Ct. App. 1998)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 102 (Equal Educational Opportunity)

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 401 (Equal Employment Opportunity) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 402 (Disability Nondiscrimination Policy) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of School District Employees) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 406 (Public and Private Personnel Data) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 414 (Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 415 (Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 522 (Student Sex Nondiscrimination) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 525 (Violence Prevention) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 528 (Student Parental, Family, and Marital Status Nondiscrimination)

HAZING PROHIBITION

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times. General Statement of Policy A. No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school

district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid or engage in hazing. B. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district

shall permit, condone or tolerate hazing. C. Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions

contained in this policy. D. This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and during and after

school hours. E. A person who engages in an act that violates school policy or law in order to be initiated

into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject to discipline for that act.

58

Page 59: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

F. The school district will act to investigate all complaints of hazing and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.

Definitions

A. “Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to: 1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding,

electronic shocking or placing a harmful substance on the body. 2. Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather,

confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.

3. Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.

4. Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from remaining in school.

5. Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves violation of state or federal law or of school district policies or regulations.

B. “Student organization” means a group, club or organization having students as its

primary members or participants. It includes grade levels, classes, teams, activities or particular school events. A student organization does not have to be an official school organization to come within the terms of this definition. Reporting Procedures A. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with

knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy.

B. The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of hazing at the building level. Any person may report hazing directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.

C. Teachers, administrators, volunteers, contractors and other employees of the school district shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances or events which might include hazing. Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall inform the building principal immediately.

D. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades, or work assignments.

59

Page 60: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

School District Action A. Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, the school district shall undertake or

authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district.

B. The school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others pending completion of an investigation of hazing.

C. Upon completion of the investigation, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, school district policies and regulations.

Reprisal The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged hazing or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such hazing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.

MANDATED REPORTING OF CHILD NEGLECT OR PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE

PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to make clear the statutory requirements of school personnel to report suspected child neglect or physical or sexual abuse. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY A. It is the policy of the school district to fully comply with Minn. Stat. § 626.556 requiring

school personnel to report suspected child neglect or physical or sexual abuse. B. It shall be a violation of this policy for any school personnel to fail to immediately report

instances of child neglect, or physical or sexual abuse when the school personnel knows or has reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years.

DEFINITIONS A. “Accidental” means a sudden, not reasonably foreseeable, and unexpected occurrence or

event which: 1. is not likely to occur and could not have been prevented by exercise of due care;

and 2. if occurring while a child is receiving services from a facility, happens when the

facility and the employee or person providing services in the facility are in compliance with the laws and rules relevant to the occurrence of event.

B. “Child” means one under age 18. C. “Immediately” means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours.

60

Page 61: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

D. “Mandated Reporter” means any school personnel who knows or has reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused, or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years.

E. “Neglect” means the commission or omission of any of the acts specified below, other than by accidental means: 1. failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary

food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child’s physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so; including a growth delay, which may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

2. failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so;

3. failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate for a child after considering factors such as the child’s age, mental ability, physical condition, length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for his or her own basic needs or safety or the basic needs or safety of another child in his or her care;

4. failure to ensure that a child is educated in accordance with state law, which does not include a parent’s refusal to provide his or her child with sympathomimetic medications,

5. prenatal exposure to a controlled substance used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the child’s birth, or medical effects or developmental delays during the child’s first year of life that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance;

6. medical neglect as defined by Minn. Stat. § 260C.007, subd. 4, clause (5); 7. chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person

responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child’s basic needs and safety; or

8. emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect in the child’s behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range for the child’s age and stage of development, with due regard to the child’s culture.

Neglect does not include spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease where the person responsible for the child's care in good faith has selected and depended on those means for treatment or care of disease, except where the lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health. F. “Physical Abuse” means any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care other than by accidental means; or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized by Minn. Stat. § 121A.67 or § 245.825. Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury. Abuse does

61

Page 62: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed by Minn. Stat. § 121A.582. Actions which are not reasonable and moderate include, but are not limited to, any of the following that are done in anger or without regard to the safety of the child: (1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child; (2) striking a child with a closed fist; (3) shaking a child under age three; (4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18 months of age; (5) unreasonable interference with a child’s breathing; (6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subd. 6; (7) striking a child under age one on the face or head; (8) purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or punish the child, or giving the child other substances that substantially affect the child’s behavior, motor coordination, or judgment or that result in sickness or internal injury, or subject the child to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the substances; (9) unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under Minn. Stat. § 609.379 including, but not limited to, tying, caging, or chaining; or (10) in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child’s care that is a violation under Minn. Stat. § 121A.58.

G. “School Personnel” means professional employee or professional’s delegate of the school district who provides health, educational, social, psychological, law enforcement or child care services.

H. “Sexual Abuse” means the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child (as defined in Minn. Stat. § 609.341, subd. 15), or by a person in a position of authority (as defined in Minn. Stat. § 609.341, subd. 10) to any act which constitutes a violation of Minnesota statutes prohibiting criminal sexual conduct. Such acts include sexual penetration as well as sexual contact. Sexual abuse also includes any act involving a minor which constitutes a violation of Minnesota statutes prohibiting prostitution, or use of a minor in a sexual performance. Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse.

I. “Mental Injury” means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to the child's culture.

J. “Person responsible for the child’s care” means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full time or short term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.

K. “Threatened injury” means a statement, overt act, condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury. Threatened injury includes,

but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person responsible for the child’s care who has subjected the child to, or failed to protect a child from, egregious harm, or a person whose parental rights were involuntarily terminated, been found palpably unfit, or one

62

Page 63: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

from whom legal and physical custody of a child has been involuntarily transferred to another.

REPORTING PROCEDURES A. A mandated reporter as defined herein shall immediately report the neglect or physical or sexual abuse, which he or she knows or has reason to believe is happening

or has happened within the preceding three years to the local welfare agency, police department or county sheriff, or agency responsible for assisting or

investigating maltreatment. B. If the immediate report has been made orally, by telephone or otherwise, the oral report

shall be followed by a written report within 72 hours (exclusive of weekends and holidays) to the appropriate police department, the county sheriff, local welfare agency, or agency responsible for assisting or investigating maltreatment. The written report shall identify the child, any person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect of the child if the person is known, the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect and the name and address of the reporter.

C. A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to know of the deprivation of parental rights or the kidnapping of a child shall report the information to the local police department or the county person mandated by Minnesota law and this policy to report who fails to report may be subject to criminal penalties and/or discipline, up to and including termination employment.

D. Submission of a good faith report under Minnesota law and this policy will not adversely affect the reporter's employment, or the child's access to school.

E. Any person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false report under the provisions of applicable Minnesota law or this policy shall be liable in a civil suit for any actual damages suffered by the person or persons so reported and for any punitive damages set by the court or jury, and the reckless making of a false report may result in discipline. The court may also award attorney’s fees.

[Note: The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of child maltreatment in schools. Although a report may be made to any of the agencies listed in Section IV. A., above, and there is no requirement to file more than one report, if the initial report is not made to MDE, it would be helpful to MDE if schools also report to MDE.

INVESTIGATION A. The responsibility for investigating reports of suspected neglect or physical or sexual

abuse rests with the appropriate county, state, or local agency or agencies. The agency responsible for assessing or investigating reports of child maltreatment has the authority to interview the child, the person or persons responsible for the child’s care, the alleged perpetrator, and any other person with knowledge of the abuse or neglect for the purpose of gathering the facts, assessing safety and risk to the child, and formulating a plan. The investigating agency may interview the child at school. The interview may take place outside the presence of a school official. The investigating agency, not the school, is responsible for either notifying or withholding notification of the interview to the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child's care. School officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation or assessment has been concluded.

63

Page 64: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

B. When the investigating agency determines that an interview should take place on school property, written notification of intent to interview the child on school property will be received by school officials prior to the interview. The notification shall include the name of the child to be interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and a reference to the statutory authority to conduct an interview on school property.

C. Except where the alleged perpetrator is believed to be a school official or employee, the time and place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the discretion of school officials, but the local welfare or law enforcement agency shall have the exclusive authority to determine who may attend the interview. The conditions as to time, place, and manner of the interview set by the school officials shall be reasonable and the interview shall be conducted not more than 24 hours after the receipt of the notification unless another time is considered necessary by agreement between the school officials and the local welfare or law enforcement agency. Every effort must be made to reduce the disruption of the educational program of the child, other students, or school employees when an interview is conducted on school premises.

D. Where the alleged perpetrator is believed to be a school official or employee, the school district shall conduct its own investigation independent of MDE and, if involved, the local welfare or law enforcement agency.

E. Upon request by the MDE, the school district shall provide all requested data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are in the possession of a school facility, pursuant to an assessment or investigation of a maltreatment report of a student in school. The school district shall provide the requested data in accordance with the requirements of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.

MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL RECORDS CONCERNING ABUSE OR POTENTIAL ABUSE A. When a local welfare or local law enforcement agency determines that a potentially

abused or abused child should be interviewed on school property, written notification of the agency’s intent to interview on school property must be received by school officials prior to the interview. The notification shall include the name of the child to be interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and a reference to the statutory authority to conduct the interview. The notification shall be private data. School officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notice or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation has been concluded.

B. All records regarding a report of maltreatment, including any notification of intent to interview which was received by the school as described above in Paragraph A, shall be destroyed by the school only when ordered by the agency conducting the investigation or by a court of competent jurisdiction.

PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE AS SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR VIOLENCE Under certain circumstances, alleged physical or sexual abuse may also be sexual harassment or violence under Minnesota law. If so, the duties relating to the reporting and investigation of such harassment or violence may be applicable. DISSEMINATION OF POLICY AND TRAINING A. This policy shall appear in school personnel handbooks.

64

Page 65: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

B. The school district will develop a method of discussing this policy with school personnel. This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with state law.

Legal References: Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)

Minn. Stat. § 121A.58 (Corporal Punishment) Minn. Stat. § 121A.582 (Student Discipline; Reasonable Force) Minn. Stat. § 121A.67 (Aversive and Deprivation Procedures) Minn. Stat. § 245.825 (Use of Aversive or Deprivation Procedures) Minn. Stat. § 260C.007, subd.4, clause (5) (Child in Need of Protection) Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subd.6 (Definitions–Dangerous Weapon) Minn. Stat. § 609.341, subd. 10 (Definitions–Position of Authority) Minn. Stat. § 609.341, subd. 15 (Definitions–Significant Relationship) Minn. Stat. § 609.379 (Reasonable Force) Minn Stat. § 626.556 et. seq. (Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors) 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 415 (Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of

Vulnerable Adults)

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION La CrescentHokah School District 300 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person(s) have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies;

Steve Smith 1301 Lancer Blvd

La Crescent, MN 55947

Jeff Copp 504 South Oak St.

La Crescent, MN 55947

Kevin Cardille 703 South 11th St

La Crescent, MN 55947

VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ANNUAL NOTIFICATION

La CrescentHokah School District offers a variety of vocational opportunities through the Business Education, Industrial Technology and Family and Consumer Science Departments. The purpose of this notice is to inform students, parents, employees and the general public that these opportunities are offered regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability. Admission in the specific courses is determined by grade level, and in some cases, completion of prerequisite courses. The district has designated the following individuals to coordinate compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

65

Page 66: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Section 504 Coordinator: Alternate Section 504 Coordinator:

Name: Abby Kemp Name: Steve Smith

Office Address: 1301 Lancer Blvd. Office Address: 1301 Lancer Blvd

Office Ph. Number: 507-895-4484 *5467 Office Ph. Number: 507-895-4484 *5060

Email Address: [email protected] Email Address: [email protected]

Title IX Coordinator: Alternate Title IX Coordinator:

Name: Jeffrey Copp Name: Steve Smith

Office Address: 1301 Lancer Blvd Office Address: 1301 Lancer Blvd

Office Ph. Number: 507-895-4484 *5022 Office Ph. Number: 507-895-4484 *5060 Email Address: [email protected] Email address:[email protected]

A brief summary of program offerings are as follows:

Business Education: Accounting I & II; Computer Applications; Desktop Publishing; Computer Exploration/Ethics; Game

Programming; TV and Video Production; Digital Image Editing; Adobe Illustrator; Marketing; Personal Resource Management; Lance I & II Family and Consumer Science:

Cooking 101; Consumer Clothing; Child Development/Parenting; Family Living Industrial Technology:

Computer Assisted Design; Motorcycle Fabrication; Beginning metal Shop; Advanced Metal Shop; Small

Engines and Go Carts; Beginning Wood Shop; Advanced Wood Shop; Construction; Electricity; Automotive Repair and Customizing; Beginning Home and Care Maintenance; Design and Production;

Bicycle Repair and Maintenance; Furniture and Repurposing

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION The following grievance procedure applies to claims of sex, disability, and racial discrimination:

A. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of unlawful discrimination or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute unlawful discrimination shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy. The complaint must be filed within 90 calendar days of the alleged violation.

B. The Human Rights Officer is responsible for receiving oral or written complaints of unlawful discrimination toward an employee or student. However, nothing in this policy shall prevent

any person from reporting unlawful discrimination toward an employee or Student directly with the Human Rights Officer, the school board or other school district official. C. While the school board has designated the Human Rights Officer to receive complaints of

unlawful discrimination, if the complaint involves the Human Rights Officer, the complaint shall be made to the superintendent. D. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Human Rights Officer shall immediately notify the Superintendent. If the superintendent is the subject of the complaint, the Human Rights Officer shall immediately notify the school board. E. The Human Rights Officer may request but not insist upon a written complaint. Alternative means

66

Page 67: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

of filing a complaint, such as through a personal interview or by tape recording, shall be made available upon request for qualified persons with a disability. If the complaint is oral, it shall be reduced to writing within 24 hours and forwarded to the superintendent. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. The school district encourages the reporting party to complete the complete the complaint form for written complaints. It is available from the principal of each building or the school district office.

F. The school district shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses, consistent with the school district’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and comply with any discovery or disclosure obligations.

INVESTIGATION ISD Human Rights Officer is Kevin Cardille, Superintendent.

[email protected] (507) 895-4484

A. The Human Rights Officer, upon receipt of a complaint alleging unlawful discrimination shall promptly undertake an investigation if deemed appropriate. The investigation may be

conducted by the Title IX coordinator for complaints of sex discrimination or the Section 504 Coordinator for complaints of disability discrimination, or a school district official or neutral third party designated by the Title IX coordinator or Human Rights Officer. The

investigation shall be completed within 30 days of the complaint, unless impracticable. B. The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of other methods deemed pertinent by the investigator. B. In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the school

district shall consider the facts and the surrounding circumstances such as the nature of the behavior, past incidents or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incident occurred.

The school district may take immediate steps to protect the parties involved in the complaint process,pending completion of an investigation of alleged unlawful discrimination. C. Upon completion of the investigation, the school district investigator shall make a written report

to the Human Rights Officer. If the complaint involves the Human Rights Officer, the report may be filed directly with the superintendent or school board. The report shall include the facts, a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated, whether a violation of this policy has occurred as well as a description of any proposed resolution which may include alternative dispute resolution.

D. The district shall comply with federal and state law pertaining to retention of records.

APPEAL If the grievance has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, s/he may appeal to the Human Rights Officer within ten (10) school days of receipt of the findings of the school district investigation. The school district investigator shall conduct a review of the appeal and within ton (10) school days of receipt of the appeal, shall affirm, reverse, or modify the findings of the report. The decision of the school district investigator is final but does not preclude pursuit of alternative complaint procedures noted in the section entitled “Right to Alternative Complaint Procedures.”

67

Page 68: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION A. Upon conclusion of the investigation and receipt of the findings, the school district shall take appropriate action. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, expulsion, transfer, remediation or termination. School district action taken for violation of this policy shall be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, Minnesota and federal law and school district policies. B. The result of the school district’s investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures shall be reported in writing to the complainant by the school district in accordance with state and federal law regarding data or records privacy.

RETALIATION The school district shall take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who retaliates against any person who reports alleged unlawful discrimination toward an employee or student or any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation or hearing relating to such unlawful discrimination. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation or harassment.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST If there is a conflict of interest with respect to any party affected by this policy appropriate action shall be taken, such as, but not limited to, appointing or contracting with a neutral third party investigator to conduct the investigation or recusal from the process by the person for whom a conflict or potential conflict of interest exists.

DISSEMINATION OF POLICY The school district shall adopt and publish these procedures.

RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse, which may include filing charges with agencies listed below or initiating action in state or federal court.

Claims of discrimination may also be pursued through the following agencies where appropriate:

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Region V

500 W. Madison Street Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661 Tel: 312-730-1560

TDD: 312-730-1609

MN Department of Human Rights 190 E 5th Street

St. Paul, MN 55101 800-657-3704 651-296-5663

TDD 651-296-1283

68

Page 69: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

For complaints of employment discrimination: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

330 S. 2nd Avenue Suite 430

Minneapolis, MN 55401 800-669-4000 612-335-4040

TDD 612-335-4045 This documents provides general information and is not to be a substitute for legal advice. Changes in

the law, including timelines for filing a complaint, may affect your rights. Legal References:

34 C.F.R. Section 104.7(b) (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) 34 C.F. R. Section 106.8(b) (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)

Resources: U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights, Region V 500 W. Madison Street Suite 1475

Chicago, IL 60661 Tel: 312-730-1560

TDD: 312-730-1609 Reading Room, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights:

http://www2ed.gov/about/offices/lsit/ocr/publications.html

REMOVAL OF STUDENTS FROM CLASS A. Teachers have the responsibility of attempting to modify disruptive student behavior by such means as conferring with the student, using positive reinforcement, assigning detention or other consequences, or contacting the student’s parents. When such measures fail, or when the teacher determines it is otherwise appropriate based upon the student’s conduct, the teacher shall have the authority to remove the student from class pursuant to the procedures established by this discipline policy. “Removal from class” and “removal” mean any actions taken by a teacher, principal, or other school district employee to prohibit a student from attending a class or activity period for a period of time not to exceed five (5) days, pursuant to this discipline policy. Grounds for removal from class shall include any of the following: 1. Willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to an education,

including conduct that interferes with a teacher’s ability to teach or communicate effectively with students in a class or with the ability of other students to learn;

2. Willful conduct that endangers surrounding persons, including school district employees, the student or other students, or the property of the school;

3. Willful violation of any school rules, regulations, policies or procedures, including the Code of Student Conduct in this policy; or

4. Other conduct, which in the discretion of the teacher or administration requires removal of the student from class. Such removal shall be for at least one (1) activity period or class period of instruction for a given course of study and shall not exceed five (5) such periods. B. If a student is removed from class more than ten (10) times in a school year, the school district shall notify the parent or guardian of the student’s tenth removal from

69

Page 70: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

class and make reasonable attempts to convene a meeting with the student’s parent or guardian to discuss the problem that is causing the student to be removed from class.

Procedures for Removal of a Student from a Class. 1. Classroom rules, once established, are to be posted in each room. 2. The teacher has the responsibility to act on infractions of classroom rules. In

cases where corrective actions prove ineffective, the teacher may remove the student from the classroom and assign him/her to the timeout area in the office. 3. Teacher will fill out a behavioral form and turn into the office. If student is removed from class the teacher will call the office and then fill out a behavioral form and turn it into the office.

Responsibility for and Custody of a Student Removed From Class. 1. A student removed from class for disruptive behavior must report to the

assigned time-out area. 2. The student must take the shortest, most direct, and most appropriate route to the

office. 3. The student may report unescorted to the office, unless the teacher deems

otherwise. 4. The student may do school work while in the timeout area. 5. Control over and responsibility for a student removed from class will be

the administrator or other designated employee. Procedures for Return of a Student to a Class after removal.

1. The student may return to class the day after he/she is removed, but must serve the consequences according to the discipline code. When necessary as determined by the teacher or the administrator, a conference involving the student and his/her parents may be required.

Procedures for Notification. 1. Student will be notified of rule violations and resulting consequences through the computerized discipline code system. Parents are notified as necessary through the student’s teacher.

Impaired Students; Special Provisions. 1. Special provisions for impaired students are noted in a previous paragraph entitled

Discipline of Special Education students. Procedures for Detecting and Addressing Chemical Abuse Problems of Students.

1. To detect and address chemical abuse issues a chemical abuse preassessment team is established, and teacher may report to the team any concerns about students by placing themselves on the agenda for any weekly meeting.

Procedures for Immediate and Appropriate Interventions tied to Violations of the Code of Student Conduct.

1. When a staff member that has reasonable suspicion of chemical use must contact the chemical abuse preassessment team. The staff member will escort the student to the office or to the nurse for a full assessment.

2. If a teacher has an ongoing concern of chemical abuse a referral will be made to the district student services team.

Procedures Determined Appropriate for Encouraging Early Involvement of Parents/Guardians in Attempts to Improve a Student’s Behavior.

1. Beyond the informal calls and communication which may occur at any time

70

Page 71: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

between school and home, if a student receives five (5) infraction slips within a fourteen day period, a conference is held with the student, his/her parents, and school staff in order to correct the situation and determine appropriate consequences.

Any Procedures Determined Appropriate for Encouraging Early Detection of Behavioral Problems.

Procedures utilized for early detection of behavioral problems include the following: 1. Phone contacts with parents by teachers. 2. Student referral to counselor. 3. Parent referral to/from counselor. 4. Grade level team meetings. 5. Contact with outside agencies, when appropriate. 6. Student referral to principal. 7. Student referral to preassessment team.

STUDENT RECORDS

The records of the school concerning an individual student shall be used for the promotion of the student's welfare. Student records shall be available to parents, legal guardians, and the student upon written request. Requests To Review Records 1. A request to see the files must be submitted on an official form by the parent, guardian, or

eligible student. 2. Upon receiving the request, authorized personnel will schedule an inspection and review of the

records. 3. The parent/student shall examine the student's file in the presence of the principal and/or designee of the superintendent. No one will be permitted to take a record from the building. Challenges To Content of Records 1. If the parent/student challenges any part of the record, the principal and teacher, if applicable,

should review the part of the record being challenged and may by mutual agreement with the person making the challenge, destroy, delete, or add the information in question.

2. If the principal, and teacher (if applicable), do not agree regarding the challenge, the parent/student may request a hearing. In all instances where challenges are made, principals are to notify the superintendent. Release of Information 1. Information from records may be released to officials of other school systems in which the

student intends to enroll. Parents may, upon request, receive a copy of the record and have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record as previously described.

2. In cases where a student has applied for financial aid, records may be available to an educational institution, government agency, or organization offering such aid in accordance with above procedure.

3. Except at the written request and authorization of the parent/student, records will not be released to prospective employers or any person or agency not specifically named in the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act" and the accompanying federal regulations.

71

Page 72: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

STUDENT SEX NONDISCRIMINATION PURPOSE Students are protected from discrimination on the basis of sex pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The purpose of this policy is to provide equal educational opportunity for all students and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY A. The school district provides equal educational opportunity for all students, and does not

unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex. No student will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the school district on the basis of sex.

B. It is the responsibility of every school district employee to comply with this policy. The school board hereby designates Dave Schulte, Activities Director, La Crescent Middle & High School, 1301 Lancer Blvd., La Crescent, MN, 507/8955022, as its Title IX coordinator. This employee coordinates the school district’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX.

C. Any student, parent or guardian having questions regarding the application of Title IX and its regulations and/or this policy should discuss them with the Title IX coordinator. Questions relating solely to Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education. In the absence of a specific designee, an inquiry or complaint should be referred to the superintendent or the school district human rights officer.

REPORTING GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES A. Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of unlawful sex discrimination by

a teacher, administrator or other school district personnel, or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute unlawful sex discrimination toward a student should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy or may file a grievance. The school district encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each building or available from the school district office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. Nothing in this policy shall prevent any person from reporting unlawful sex discrimination toward a student directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.

B. In Each School Building. The building principal is the person responsible for receiving oral or written reports or grievances of unlawful sex discrimination toward a student at the building level. Any adult school district personnel who receives a report of unlawful sex discrimination toward a student shall inform the building principal immediately.

C. Upon receipt of a report or grievance, the principal must notify the school district human rights officer immediately, without screening or investigating the report. The principal may request, but may not insist upon a written complaint. A written statement of the facts alleged will be forwarded as soon as practicable by the principal to the human rights officer. If the report was given verbally, the principal shall personally reduce it to written form within 24 hours and forward it to the human rights officer. Failure to forward any report or complaint of unlawful sex discrimination toward a student as provided herein may result in disciplinary action against the principal. If the complaint involves the building principal, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the superintendent

72

Page 73: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

or the school district human rights officer by the reporting party or complainant. D. The school board hereby designates, Kevin Cardille, La Crescent Hokah School District,

703 So. 11th St., La Crescent, MN, 507/895-4484, as the school district human rights officer(s) to receive reports, complaints or grievances of unlawful sex discrimination toward a student. If the complaint involves a human rights officer, the complaint shall be filed directly with the superintendent. [Note: In some school districts, the Title IX coordinator and human rights officer may be the same. If so, a school district need only insert “its Title IX coordinator” in the blank without designating a name, office address, and telephone number which are provided elsewhere in the policy. If they are different, or if more than one human rights officer is designated, this information should be inserted and kept up to date. Also, in some school districts, the superintendent may be the designated human rights officer. If so, an alternative individual should be designated by the school board for complaints involving the superintendent.]

E. The school district shall conspicuously post the name of the Title IX coordinator and human rights officer(s), including office mailing addresses and telephone numbers.

F. Submission of a good faith complaint, grievance or report of unlawful sex discrimination toward a student will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades or work assignments.

G. Use of formal reporting forms is not mandatory. H. The school district will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the school district’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform to any discovery or disclosure obligations. INVESTIGATION A. By authority of the school district, the human rights officer, upon receipt of a report,

complaint or grievance alleging unlawful sex discrimination toward a student shall promptly undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation may be conducted by school district officials or by a third party designated by the school district.

B. The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.

C. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the school district should consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances.

D. In addition, the school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, pupils, teachers, administrators or other school personnel pending completion of an investigation of alleged unlawful sex discrimination toward a student.

E. The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable. The school district human rights officer shall make a written report to the superintendent upon completion of the

73

Page 74: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

investigation. If the complaint involves the superintendent, the report may be filed directly with the school board. The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this policy.

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION A. Upon conclusion of the investigation and receipt of a report, the school district will take

appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination or discharge. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, Minnesota and federal law and school district policies.

B. The result of the school district’s investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures will be reported in writing to the complainant by the school district in accordance with state and federal law regarding data or records privacy.

REPRISAL The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who retaliates against any person who reports alleged unlawful sex discrimination toward a student or any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation, or who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such unlawful sex discrimination. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment. RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse which may include filing charges with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, initiating civil action or seeking redress under state criminal statutes and/or federal law, or contacting the Office of Civil Rights for the United States Department of Education. DISSEMINATION OF POLICY AND EVALUATION A. This policy shall be made available to all students, parents/guardians of students, staff

members, employee unions and organizations. B. The school district shall review this policy and the school district’s operation for

compliance with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on a continuous basis. Legal References: Minn. Stat. § 121A.04 (Athletic Programs; Sex Discrimination)

Minn. Stat. Ch. 363 (Minnesota Human Rights Act) 20 U.S.C. §§ 16811688 (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Implementing Regulations of Title IX)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 102 (Equal Educational Opportunity) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 528 (Student Parental, Family, and Marital Status Nondiscrimination)

TRESPASSING ORDINANCE The City Council of the City of La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota, hereby ordains: Section I. That the laws of the State of Minnesota defining trespass and prescribing punishment for convictions of violations of such regulations, as contained in Section 609.605, Minnesota General Statutes, as amended, are hereby incorporated herein by this reference as if set out hereat in full.

74

Page 75: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Section II. ADDITIONAL ACTS CONSTITUTING TRESPASS. In addition to the acts defined as trespass under and pursuant to the laws of the State of Minnesota and acts and omissions elsewhere defined in the City Code as constituting trespass, "trespass" as here intended and defined is extended to include and define as trespassers all persons who, without bona fide purpose, infringe upon any public school property between the time from one half hour before until one half hour after all scheduled school hours and all supervised extracurricular activity, who have been directed by school authority to leave such premises unless and until the presence thereon of any such person is thereafter authorized in writing. Section III. School authority shall include all administrative faculty or other personnel who the School Board, by resolution, shall designate as having the authority to invoke the provisions of Section II supra. Section IV. Following the due passage and enactment hereof, the foregoing provisions shall be codified and become a part of the City of La Crescent City Code and the citation thereof is Chapter 3, Article 4. Subsections 3.34 through 3.38.

WEAPONS POLICY Purpose The purpose of this policy is to assure a safe school environment for students, staff and the public. General Statement of Policy No student or non-student, including adults and visitors, shall possess, use or distribute a weapon when in a school location except as provided in this policy. The school district will act to enforce this policy and to discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, school employee, volunteer, or member of the public who violates this policy. Definition

A. “Weapon.” 1. A “weapon” means any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or

through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict selfinjury including, but not limited to, any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; airguns; pellet guns; BB guns; all knives; blades; clubs; metal knuckles; numchucks; throwing stars; explosives; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stunguns; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; and objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon.

2. No person shall possess, use or distribute any object, device or instrument having the appearance of a weapon and such objects, devices or instruments shall be treated as weapons including, but not limited to, weapons listed above which are broken or nonfunctional, lookalike guns; toy guns; and any object that is a facsimile of a real weapon.

3. No person shall use articles designed for other purposes (i.e., lasers or laser pointers, belts, combs, pencils, files, scissors, etc.), to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate and such use will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon.

B. “School Location” includes any school building or grounds, whether leased, rented, owned or controlled by the school, locations of school activities or trips, bus stops, school buses or school vehicles, schoolcontracted vehicles, the area of entrance or departure from school premises or events, all locations where school related functions are conducted, and anywhere students are under the jurisdiction of the school district.

C. “Possession” means having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control in a school location.

75

Page 76: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Exceptions A. A student who finds a weapon on the way to school or in a school location, or a student

who discovers that he or she accidentally has a weapon in his or her possession, and takes the weapon immediately to the principal’s office shall not be considered to possess a weapon. If it would be impractical or dangerous to take the weapon to the principal’s office, a student shall not be considered to possess a weapon if he or she immediately turns the weapon over to an administrator, teacher or head coach or immediately notifies an administrator, teacher or head coach of the weapon’s location.

B. It shall not be a violation of this policy if a non-student falls within one of the following categories: 1. licensed peace officers, military personnel, or students participating in military

training, who are performing official duties; 2. persons authorized to carry a pistol under Minn. Stat., Section 624.714, while in

a motor vehicle or outside of a motor vehicle for the purpose of directly placing a firearm in, or retrieving it from, the trunk or rear area of the vehicle;

3. persons who keep or store in a motor vehicle pistols in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections 624.714 and 624.715 or other firearms in accordance with Section 97B.045;

a. Section 624.714 specifies procedures and standards for obtaining pistol permits and penalties for the failure to do so. Section 624.715 defines an exception to the pistol permit requirements for “antique firearms, which are carried or possessed as curiosities or for their historical significance or “value.”

b. Section 97B.045 generally provides that a firearm may not be transported in a motor vehicle unless it is (1) unloaded and in a gun case without any

portion of the firearm exposed; or (2) unloaded and in the closed trunk or (3) a handgun carried in compliance with Sections 624.714 and 624.715.

4. firearm safety or marksmanship courses or activities conducted on school property;

5. possession of dangerous weapons, BB guns, or replica firearms by a ceremonial color guard;

6. a gun or knife show held on school property; or 7. possession of dangerous weapons, BB guns, or replica firearms with written

permission of the superintendent. 8. persons who are on unimproved property owned or leased by a child care center, school or school district unless the person knows that a student is currently present on the land for a school related activity.

C. Policy Application to Instructional Equipment/Tools. While the school district takes a firm “Zero Tolerance” position on the possession, use or distribution of weapons by students, and a similar position with regard to non-students, such a position is not meant to interfere with instruction or the use of appropriate equipment and tools by students or non-students. Such equipment and tools, when properly possessed, used and stored, shall not be considered in violation of the rule against the possession, use or distribution of weapons. However, when authorized instructional and work equipment and tools are used in a potentially dangerous or threatening manner, such possession and use will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon.

76

Page 77: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

D. Firearms in School Parking Lots and Parking Facilities. A school district may not prohibit the lawful carry or possession of firearms in a school parking lot or parking facility. For purposes of this policy, the “lawful” carry or possession of a firearm in a school parking lot or parking facility is specifically limited to non-student permit holders authorized under Minn. Stat., Section 624.714, to carry a pistol in the interior of a vehicle or outside the motor vehicle for the purpose of directly placing a firearm in, or retrieving it from, the trunk or rear area of the vehicle. Any possession or carry of a firearm beyond the immediate vicinity of a permit holder’s vehicle shall constitute a violation of this policy.

CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENT WEAPON POSSESSION/USE/DISTRIBUTION A. The school district and the school takes a position of “Zero Tolerance” in regard to the

possession, use or distribution of weapons by students. Consequently, the minimum consequence for students possessing, using or distributing weapons shall include: 1. immediate outofschool suspension; 2. confiscation of the weapon; 3. immediate notification of police; 4. parent or guardian notification; and 5. recommendation to the superintendent of dismissal for a period of time not to

exceed one year. B. Pursuant to Minnesota law, a student who brings a firearm, as defined by federal law, to

school will be expelled for at least one year. The school board may modify this requirement on a case by case basis.

C. Administrative Discretion. While the school district and the school takes a “Zero Tolerance” position on the possession, use or distribution of weapons by students, the superintendent may use discretion in determining whether, under the circumstances, a course of action other than the minimum consequences specified above is warranted. If so, other appropriate action may be taken, including consideration of a recommendation for lesser discipline.

CONSEQUENCES FOR WEAPON POSSESSION/USE/DISTRIBUTION BY NON-STUDENTS A. Employees.

1. An employee who violates the terms of this policy is subject to disciplinary action, including nonrenewal, suspension, or discharge as deemed appropriate by the school board.

2. Sanctions against employees, including nonrenewal, suspension, or discharge shall be pursuant to and in accordance with applicable statutory authority, collective bargaining agreements, and school district policies.

3. When an employee violates the weapons policy, law enforcement may be notified, as appropriate.

B. Other Non-students. 1. Any member of the public who violates this policy shall be informed of the

policy and asked to leave the school location. Depending on the circumstances, the person may be barred from future entry to school locations. In addition, if the person is a student in another school district, that school district may be contacted concerning the policy violation.

2. If appropriate, law enforcement will be notified of the policy violation by the member of the public and may be asked to provide an escort to remove the member of the public from the school location.

77

Page 78: 2017 - 2018 · LA CRESCENT- HOKAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL GOALS B E L I E F S T AT E M E NT S W e b e l i e ve a l l s t ude nt s a re a bl e t o l e a rn

Legal References: Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act) Minn. Stat. § 121A.44 (expulsion for possession of firearm) Minn. Stat. § 121A.05 (referral to police) Minn. Stat. § 609.66 (dangerous weapons) Minn. Stat. § 609.605 (trespass) Minn. Stat. § 609.02, Subd. 6 (definition of dangerous weapon) Minn. Stat. § 97B.045 (transportation of firearms) Minn. Stat. § 624.714 (carrying of weapons without permit; penalties) Minn. Stat. § 624.715 (exemptions; antiques and ornaments) 18 U.S.C. § 921 (definition of firearm) In re C.R.M. 611 NW2d 802 (Minn. 2000)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension and Dismissal of School District Employees) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 525 (Violence Prevention)

78