The primary function of educational institutions is to help students achieve success in the classroom through the student’s education. A major component of student success is the acceptance of responsibility for their own learning through commitment and dedication towards academics. As a student participant, academic eligibility is of utmost importance in order to maintain the privilege of being involved in extracurricular activities. For students to be eligible for activities at Pierz Healy High School, the following criteria must be followed. This applies to students in Grades 7-12:

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at Pierz Healy High School students must be passing all classes. Grade checks will be made every five weeks and/or the end of each semester. If a student is not passing all classes at this time, he/she will be ineligible for contests for one week, and will not be eligible again until they are passing all their classes. Checks will be made on a weekly basis (every Friday or last day of the week) for the ineligible person to regain eligibility. End of the year failures will not affect eligibility the following school year.

ADDING AND DROPPING CLASSES

Schedule changes are not permitted unless there are extraordinary circumstances. In the event that a change is unavoidable, requests must be done within the following timelines. Semester 1-schedule change requests must be made within the first three (3) days of the semester. Semester 2 schedule change requests must be made no

later than six (6) school days prior to the beginning of Semester 2. Schedule changes will only be made with the counselor or administrative approval.

GPA CALCULATION

Cumulative GPAs are figured beginning with student’s 9th grade courses. This GPA is calculated using semester grades only. Honor graduates are students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater after the 1st semester of their senior year.

GRADE CHANGES

An instructor is the only one with authorization to change a grade.

GRADUATION PARTICIPATION

It is the policy of Pierz Healy High School that a student must be on schedule to graduate as of the second Wednesday in May of the graduating year in order to participate in graduation ceremonies. This means all required and elective credits must be completed and/or scheduled to be completed by this date. Students not passing their courses in the 2nd semester must be within 2 credits of graduating to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Any senior involved with vandalism, destruction of property, or egregious behavior may not be allowed to participate in any school sponsored activities, student trips, awards night, graduation, or grad bash. The high school principal has the authority to deny any student participation in the above activities.

HEALY CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Junior High Promotion/Retention Requirements and Summer School:

Students have the opportunity to take up to 14 Credits their 7th and 8th grade school years. Of those 14 credits 8 are from the core curricular areas. If a student fails two credits from English, Math, Social Studies or Science OR a total of 5 credits they will be retained in that grade or be required to successfully complete summer school. Parents can also request summer school for their 7th or 8th grade child. Summer School dates and times will be determined on an annual basis.

The credits are identified in the following classes:

7th Grade: Credits

English 7 2

CC2 – Math 7 2

Life Science 7 2

Social 7 2

Physical Education 2

Instrumental Music 2

Choral Music 2

Family & Consumer Science .5

AVID 7 .5

STEM 7 .5

Art 7 .5

8th Grade: Credits

English 8 2

CC3 – Math 8 2

Physical Science 8 2

Geography 8 2

Physical Education 2

Instrumental Music 2

Choral Music 2

General Music

Health 8 .5

AVID 8 .5

Metier .5

Art 8 .5

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (GRADE 9-12):

High School Graduation Requirements (Grades 9-12): 53 Credits to Graduate with a High School Diploma The number of credits must include the following:

● 6 Math credits (Geometry, Algebra II, and 2 semesters of Math elective courses)

● 6 Science credits (Chem/Physical Science 9, Biology, 2 semesters of Science elective courses) ● 8 English credits (English 9, English 10, and 4 semesters of English elective courses) ● 7 Social Studies credits (American History, Civics, World History, Economics)

● 1 Health credit

● 2 Physical Education credits

● 2 Fine Art credits

1 Career Readiness Class

● 20 Elective credits

A student who has failed to make up any of the required courses from grades 9-12 will not be eligible for graduation. A student must be enrolled in at least 14 credits of courses in each year of school.

HONOR ROLL

Two honor rolls will be published per year. Students must be enrolled in 3 classes or more per semester to be published. Each one will be calculated off the semester grades and figured using the following numerical values:

A = 4.000, A- = 3.667, B+ = 3.333, B = 3.000, B- = 2.667, C+ = 2.333, C = 2.000,

C- = 1.667, D+ = 1.333, D = 1.000, D- = 0.667, F = 0.000

For students to be placed on the A Honor Roll, a grade average of 3.667 and above must be obtained. The B Honor Roll will contain students with a grade average of 3.000 and above. When calculating the grade average, two credit courses will be counted double the value of a one-credit course.

HONORS POLICY & CLASS RANKING

Cumulative GPA determines honor graduation status at the end of fall semester during a student’s senior year. Pierz Healy High School will use Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude to recognize students. Foreign exchange students will not be included as an honor student.

Honor Level Cumulative GPA Graduation Cord Summa Cum Laude 3.900-4.000 Gold

Magna Cum Laude 3.700-3.899 Red

Cum Laude 3.500-3.699 White

INVESTIGATIONS

Students must cooperate in all investigations, including MSHSL violation inquiries. Failure to cooperate will result in an assumption of guilt of any accusation against the student and may include more serious consequences.

MINNESOTA HONOR SOCIETY

Membership in the MHS is the highest honor Pierz Healy High School can bestow upon a student. Academically eligible sophomores and juniors will be invited to make applications in February of the current school year.

Eligibility requirements include:

● GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

● Participation in two school sponsored extracurricular activities

● Service involvement within the community

Teachers, coaches and advisors evaluate and rate all applicants based upon the four criteria of scholarship, leadership, service and character. A faculty council makes the final decision of acceptance. Students are notified of the decision in March with an induction ceremony held in late April of the school year.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES

In order to be excused from Phy-Ed for more than two days the student must present a written excuse from the family doctor. This should include a list of activities the child may participate in. When returning to Phy-Ed after being withheld for medical reasons, a statement from a physician is also required. For daily exclusion from Phy-Ed, for recovering from illness or injury, a note must be written from the parent.

REPORT CARDS AND GRADING

Grading is determined on a semester basis. Report cards will be made available online at the end of each semester. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled three times per year.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES

Athletics:

Our program is built on participation. You and everyone on your team are given the opportunity to play and to improve your skills. Registration for these activities takes place at the beginning of each season.

Falls Sports: Football

Volleyball Tennis

Winter Sports: Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Wrestling

Spring Sports: Baseball

Softball

Boys Golf

Boys Cross Country Dance Girls Golf

Girls Cross Country Boys Hockey Boys Track

Girls Hockey Girls Track

Girls Gymnastics

Other Extra-Curricular Activities:

Drama, Yearbook, Peer Helpers, Knowledge Bowl, EPIC, Pioneer Letter Club, Knowledge Bowl, BPA (Business Professionals of America), FFA, Art Club, Science Club, Video Club, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Pop Choir, Minnesota Honor Society, Student Council, Speech, Clay Target, Robotics, Spanish Club, One-Act Play.

Athletic Ticket Prices

Single Student Season Pass $25.00

Single Adult Season Pass $65.00

Family Season Pass $105.00

Adult Single ticket $6.00

Student Single ticket $3.00

Activity Fees

Grades 9 – 12: 1st Sport - $80, 2nd Sport - $80, 3rd Sport - $30

Grades 7 – 8: 1st Sport - $50, 2nd Sport - $50, 3rd Sport - Free

BEFORE SCHOOL-AFTER SCHOOL

Students are only permitted the use of the building outside of school hours when they are under the supervision of a staff member. All dates for any such activities must be cleared through the office. All students who are not properly supervised must be out of the building by 3:30 p.m. Students waiting for rides must wait in the MAC lobby or outside.

CAR DRIVING

Students are encouraged not to drive cars to school as experience has shown it is more desirable for students to use the school provided transportation. However, students who drive must park their cars in the parking lot at school. Students are not to park against the curb in the front of the school during the school day. With ten

or more buses bringing students into Healy High, it will cause considerable difficulty and traffic congestion if students are not parked in the designated area.

We wish to make it clear that the school does not allow or authorize any driving by a student during school hours. Violators are acting against school policies and regulations.

Cars may be searched if necessitated by sufficient serious reason in compliance with school district policy.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Students exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms should be kept home from school. If these symptoms appear while a child is in school, parents will be asked to come and take the child home. The Child will not be permitted to ride the bus home.

1. Temperature over 100.4 degrees F.

2. Vomiting and Diarrhea (2 or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea)

3. Mouth sores accompanied by drooling/excessive saliva

4. Sore, red, eyes with purulent discharge.

5. Suspicious rash

6. Sore throat accompanied by a temperature of 100 degrees.

Students diagnosed with a communicable disease will be required to stay home according to the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health. If a student has been exposed to a communicable disease and is showing signs and symptoms of the disease they will also be asked to stay home until seen by a physician and diagnosis is determined.

Students experiencing a temperature over 100 degrees F or vomiting/diarrhea should remain out of school until 24 hours after the fever is gone without fever reducing medication and 24 hours after vomiting/diarrhea has stopped.

In the event of an epidemic or pandemic, exclusion criteria may change.

DANCES (Homecoming, Snow Daze, Etc.)

Dances (Homecoming, Snow Daze, etc.)

Dances are school-age dances and are a positive aspect of our school environment. All school policies are enforced at dances. Students who violate school policies at dances will not be permitted to attend any future dance for the remainder of the school year, including prom. Infractions are dealt with in accordance with school discipline policy. For safety purposes, doors are locked at 10 pm and once a student leaves a dance he/she will not be readmitted and a parent or guardian will be notified.

Pierz Prom is open to juniors and seniors and their approved guests. All guests must be pre-approved by the building principal. Juniors and seniors are allowed to invite students that are at least in 10th grade and in good standing at their school and under 21 years of age. Those approved to attend prom receive a breathalyzer before the grand march and are locked in until midnight. All school policies are enforced to ensure the safety of those in attendance.

DRIVING/PARKING LOT

Any student driving during the school day without authorization from the Principal's Office is subject to detention or suspension.

Parking Lot Access: Students should not exit the building without permission, even to access their vehicles. Please use the designated entry (northwest and south end of parking lot) and the designated exit (south end of the parking lot) at the start and end of the day. Students who wish to go to the parking lot during school hours are required to request permission to do so from a secretary or principal and to use door 7 or door 2 for exit and entry. After a student has received permission, he/she must check out and into the office. Failure to complete the above process may result in a consequence. Students who park in a non-student parking spot without permission. Students are required to park within designated vehicle lines in the lot.

Vehicles parked on school property may not have visible stickers and/or accessories with improper sayings or pictures or that promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, nudity, violence, gang-related symbolism, offensive language or pictures (sexual, racial, or religious harassment; profanity).

Students who do not follow the rules of the parking lot, they are subject to lunch detention, ISS, and losing the privilege of parking on school property.

Patrols and Inspections

School officials may conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and other school district locations and routine inspections of the exteriors of the motor vehicle of students. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Reckless driving:

If students are driving recklessly, with excessive speed, without regard to road conditions, etc. they may be banned from parking on any school property. In addition, law enforcement will be contacted as necessary.

Parking on school property is a privilege, which means all vehicles parked on school grounds are subject to search with use of dogs or other reasonable cause.

Search of the Interior of a Student’s Motor Vehicle

The interior of a student’s motor vehicle, including the glove and trunk compartments, in a school district location may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law and/or school policy or rule. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness.

Such searches may be conducted without notice, without consent and without a search warrant. A student will be subject to loss of parking privileges and to discipline if the student refuses to open a locked motor vehicle or its compartments under the student’s control upon a school official’s request.

E- LEARNING DAY PLAN

Pierz E-Learning Day Plan (Canceled School Day) (Revised 4/23)

Pierz School District #484

In the Event of a School Closing, Pierz School District #484, will run an E-Learning Day for teachers and students.

• No more than 5 days total per school year.

• If there is a 2 hour late start that turns into a snow day, parents will be notified by 6:20am if we are changing to an E- Learning day.

• The district will identify E-Learning days through announcements.

• If the postponement is determined after 6:20 AM the morning of, no E-Learning Day will be allowed due to statute and a student contact day may be added to the school year if state revenue is being impacted by the missed student time.

• If, after, 5 E-Learning Days are implemented, the School Board may determine to add additional student days if state revenue is being impacted by the missed student time.

Purpose: Utilize blended learning strategies and technology tools to provide a continuation of learning, thus minimizing the disruption to academic progress that is caused by emergency school closures. While E-Learning Days cannot replace face-to-face instruction, it is a way that staff and students can continue moving forward with their current content.

Implementation Plan: The following steps and procedures will occur on an E- Learning Day:

Teachers will:

• Teachers will post detailed expectations for the day by 9:00 am. Where the information will be located will be communicated prior to utilizing an E-Learning Day.

o All E-Learning plans are available on the district website under Parent Resources

and Pioneer and Healy landing pages.

https://mn50010880.schoolwires.net/site/default.aspx?PaaelD=215

• Teachers will design E- Learning day assignments with realistic expectations, timelines and consideration regarding students' workload. Students should expect about 15-20 minutes of work per class. • Teacher prep time for the E- Learning day will be from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. including paraprofessionals. • Teachers will be available via email and voicemail during the E- Learning Day from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Teachers are allowed a duty free lunch.

• Teachers will provide a certain amount of flexibility/accommodations for students unable to work from home (when contacted by the student). Teachers will accept completed student work on the E- Learning Day to account for attendance.

• K-4 students will turn in their packets at the beginning of the day following the E-Learning day. • Special education staff will work with students on an IEP to provide accommodations as warranted in their plan, based upon that child's activities on that date.

• Paraprofessionals will be assigned by Principals and communicate with teachers to determine what students receive additional academic support. Students will have access to support via paraprofessional' s classroom meeting, teacher assigned breakout room or email.

Students will:

• Participate in E-Learning Day activities.

• Complete the E- Learning Day activities in a timely manner and on the day of instruction while the teacher is available. This counts as a regular school day.

• Contact the teacher via email (on the E- Learning Day) if a student is unable to complete E- Learning activities on the E- Learning day (internet difficulties, etc.)

• Elementary student work on the E- Learning Day must be completed and turned in on the next school day. Failure to complete and turn in work from an E-Learning day may result in the student considered Absent on that date.

• Middle and high school student work on the E- Learning Day must be completed and turned in on the E-Learning school day. Failure to complete and turn in work from an E-Learning day may result in the student considered Absent on that date.

• Notify each of your teachers via email if they do not have internet on the E- Learning Day. All work must still be completed in order to meet attendance requirements.

• Communicate questions for teachers via email, voicemail, and Google classroom. Teachers will be available from 9:00-3:30 to answer questions.

Parents will:

• I will help my child with E- Learning Day activities if they need help or help my child email the teacher for clarification.

• I will remind my child to complete E- Learning Day activities on the E- Learning Day. • I will contact the school, and have my student(s) contact their teachers, on the E-Learning Day if the internet Is unavailable or it will be an unexcused absence.

Other Expectations:

• All staff who work under the Teacher Contract must submit an E- Learning Day Action Plan to the building principal by 9:00 am.

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS

The age of majority for most purposes in Minnesota is 18 years of age. All students, regardless of age, are governed by the rules of the students provided in school district policy and this handbook.

EQUAL ACCESS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES

The school district has created a limited open forum for secondary students to conduct non curriculum-related meetings during non instructional time. The school district will not discriminate against or deny equal access or a fair opportunity on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings. These limited open forum meetings will be voluntary and student initiated; will not be sponsored by the school employees or agents; employees or agents of the school will be present at religious meetings only in a non participatory capacity; the meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and nonschool person will no direct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups. All meetings under this provision must follow the procedures established by the school district.

FAMILY & RELIGION NIGHT

Pierz Healy High School will not schedule any contests on Wednesdays after school where the students have not returned from the event or completed the event prior to 6:30PM. Any coach or advisor who schedules a meeting or practice on a Wednesday night that is not completed by 6:30PM must have the permission and pre-approval of the Activities Director. In the case where this practice must occur, the student is encouraged to notify the coach or advisor of a religious or family commitment and the coach or advisor will honor that commitment.

If emergency situations require the district to schedule a contest on a Wednesday night, or a practice that extends past 6:30PM, the Activities Director will attempt to notify the religious educational community about the event and provide information as needed regarding which students are potentially impacted.

The District will continue scheduling Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday when possible to avoid conflicts with activities on other nights of the week.

FEES

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state, federal, and local funds at no charge to a student. Students are expected to provide their own pencils, pens, paper, erasers, notebooks, and other personal items. Students may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including (not an inclusive list):

● Admission fees or charges for extracurricular activities, where attendance is optional and where the admission fees or charges a student must pay to attend or participate in an extracurricular activity are the same for all students, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in a public or a home school.

● Cost for materials for a class project that exceeds minimum requirements and is kept by the student. ● Security deposits for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment.

● Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

● Items of personal use or items pertinent to the district’s educational program.

● Admission fees or costs to attend or participate in optional extracurricular activities that a student has an option to purchase such as student publications, class rings, annuals, and graduation announcements.

● Field trips considered supplemental and programs.

● Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance.

● Use of musical instruments owned or rented by the school district.

● A school district-sponsored driver or motorcycle education training course.

● Transportation to and from school for students living within two miles of school.

● Transportation of students to and from optional extracurricular activities or post-secondary instruction conducted at locations other than school.

Students will be charged for textbooks, workbooks, and library books that are lost or destroyed. The school district may waive a required fee or deposit if the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay. For more information, contact the Principal, Corey Egan (grades 7-9) or Beth Cooper (grades 10-12).

FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORM

A field trip permission form must be completed and returned to the school in order for students to participate off-campus activities.

FIRE & LOCKDOWN DRILLS

Lock down & fire drills are conducted 5 times each per school year. Each student is responsible for knowing the rules and procedures for all locations in the building.

Here are some general rules for fire drills to be observed.

1. Leave books and wraps where they are when the alarm sounds.

2. Instructor leads the group out of the room.

3. Each room should choose 2 class members who will be responsible for closing windows and doors and to help anyone with special needs.

4. Be alert to any commands in case some exit is shut off. This will necessitate a minimum of talking so that such commands may be heard.

5. Running, pushing or crowding is not necessary. A brisk walk is sufficient and more orderly. 6. Above all, do not loiter, stop at the drinking fountain or enter lavatories; sometime there may be a real fire and loiters may suffer unnecessary injuries.

7. Instructors will bring their emergency clipboards.

FUNDRAISING

All fundraising activities conducted by student groups and organizations and/or parent groups must be approved in advance by the Activities Director, Dave Rocheleau. Participation in non approved fundraising activities is a violation of school district policy. Solicitations of students or employees by students for nonschool-related activities will not be allowed during the school day.

GIFTS TO EMPLOYEES

Employees are not allowed to solicit, accept, or receive a gift from a student, parent, or other individual or organization of greater than nominal value. Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to write letters and notes of appreciation or to give small tokens of gratitude if moved to do so.

LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES

Any articles found on the grounds or in the building should be taken to the high school office. Lost articles should be reported. Money or other valuables should not be left in coat pockets or your lockers. Experience has shown that this sometimes results in serious losses, which are very difficult to recover. If students have no place to keep valuables or large sums of money, they may check them temporarily in the office or with a teacher who has a safe place to hold them.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Healy High School will maintain a closed lunch period, which means that no students will be allowed to leave the school grounds or to go home for lunch. Lunch is to be eaten in designated areas only. Lunch times will vary by classroom. Students will be notified of their assigned lunch time on the first day of school. (Note: Lunch schedules may change at semester breaks for some students. Notice will be given at the start of each semester).

District 484 participates in the Minnesota Free Meals Program. All students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch.

The District asks that all families keep a positive balance in their account in order to fund the daily expenditures within the program as well as limit the prospects of an account becoming too negative.

The following policy outlines the manner in which the food program will be implemented: 1. Each family has a jointly shared lunch account.

2. At no time when the account is negative will the student(s) be allowed to take any extras, charge second meals or charge a snack item.

3. When that account reaches a balance of $5.00 or less the School District will call parents and remind them that the account has a low balance. Once the balance is negative, phone calls will continue daily until the account is positive.

Please refer to our webpage for the complete School Meals Policy 534.

If a student loses their Lunch ID card a replacement fee of $3.00 will be charged. If a student reports that their Lunch ID card has been stolen and/or is being misused they are to report it to the District Office and a new Lunch ID number and card will be issued without charge for the first stolen card.

LUNCH ROOM

All students will walk to the commons area and take a seat at a table, waiting to be released by a staff member.

Students are responsible to return their own trays to the kitchen when they are done eating and return to their seat. All students are responsible for their tray and garbage. Students will be expected to stay in the lunchroom area during their lunch shift. We will ask students to help clean their tables at the conclusion of their lunch shift.

Inappropriate behaviors that cause a disruption within the lunchroom will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behaviors such as chanting, yelling, throwing food, popping bags/milk cartons, etc. are all considered behaviors that are not acceptable in a high school cafeteria. Students who participate in these behaviors will be immediately sent to the office.

Consequences will be as follows:

● 1st offense – Parents are contacted and lunchroom detention will be assigned the following day

● 2nd offense – Parents are contacted and student will go to the Solutions Room to create a plan

● 3rd offense – Discretion of Administration, including a parent meeting

NON DISCRIMINATION

The school district is committed to inclusive education and providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, including

gender identity and expression, or age in its programs and activities. The school board has designated George Weber, Superintendent as the district’s human rights officer to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination.

NOTICE OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR BY STUDENTS

The school district will give notice to teachers and other appropriate school district staff before students with a history of violent behavior are placed in their classrooms. Prior to giving this notice, district officials will inform the student’s parent or guardian that the notice will be given. The student’s parents/guardians have the right to review and challenge their child’s records, including the data documenting the history of violent behavior.

NURSE’S ROOM (ILLNESS & ACCIDENTS)

Students who are not feeling well are expected to report to the nurse's office. The nursing staff will determine if they need to go home or return back to class based on assessment. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO TEXT OR PHONE PARENTS TO PICK THEM UP. The nursing staff will communicate with the parent or guardian.

All students are asked to list their family physician’s name and emergency contact information with the office. It is important that this information is kept up to date so someone can be reached in case of an emergency. In lieu of a nurse, the use of the nurse’s room will be limited to those waiting for their parents. Students will not be allowed to “rest up” in this room. IN CASE OF ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTS DURING A CLASS, REPORT DIRECTLY TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR IN CHARGE. The instructor will notify the high school office.

In the event of an epidemic or pandemic, exclusion criteria may differ from standard practices. Nursing staff will communicate these changes via the District Nurse page of the school website.

PARENT/GUARDIAN AND TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent and teacher conferences will be held on the dates below. For more information, contact the principal (Corey Egan, Grades 7-9 or Beth Cooper, Grades 10-12)

Conferences are held from 4:00-7:30 p.m.

● October 8, 2024

● October 9, 2024

● December 11, 2024

● March 5, 2025

OFF-CAMPUS PASSES - (e-hallpass)

Notes for permission to go off campus must be brought to the office before school. You will be issued an E-Hall pass to leave the building with parent permission. You must sign out in the office prior to leaving for any reason. Students leaving without signing out will be considered truant and face consequences for truancy as well as disciplinary action. The school will not allow students to leave to get food for sporting events or pick up supplies for classes.

If you return to school during the day, sign in on the sign-in sheet in the office and obtain an E-Hall pass to class.

PASSES – e-hallpass

If a student needs to go from one room to another at any time during the day, he/she must create an E-Hall pass and request teacher approval.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America daily. Any person who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reason may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice. Students will also receive instruction in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag.

Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

RELIGIOUS RELEASE TIME

Students are released to attend religious instruction.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

School closings due to inclement weather will be announced via School Messenger to all staff and students, District Webpage, Facebook, and the Little Falls Radio Stations.

SCHOOL DISTRICT DOESN'T INSURE STUDENTS

Pierz School District 484 does NOT provide health or accident insurance for any student. The school does make a very low cost "Student Accident Insurance Plan" available to students, but each student must sign up and pay for the plan by visiting

www.sas-mn.com/enronline/pierz.html. Contact the District Office for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE AVAILABLE

Parents: This coverage offers you the opportunity to supplement your family insurance with no deductible coverage. If you do not have medical insurance you can now add our Major Expense Benefit to the full-time coverage at a very reasonable cost. This insurance is only available through the school.

SCHOOL LOCKERS

Each student is assigned a locker. It is to be used only by that student. Students should not leave valuables and/or money in their locker. Students in Grades 7-12 can purchase a lock from the school district. The lock belongs to the student and is to be used throughout the school career. Students assume responsibility for their locker. Students should not provide their combination to other students. Locks: The school will provide combination locks at the request of the student(s). The district does not allow students to bring personal locks. Staff need access to all lockers in emergencies and will cut locks if necessary, to access a locker.

In compliance with the school district policy #502, student lockers may be searched without a student’s knowledge when reasonable and sufficient reasons are warranted. Lockers are property of the school district. Please refer to Policy 502.

Care of lockers: Students are responsible for the care of their lockers. Any mechanical or structural failure should be reported to the office immediately. Students who kick or abuse lockers will receive a consequence commensurate with the level of abuse. Students who violate the above policy will be assigned detention. Repeat offenders could lose their locker privileges.

SECURITY CAMERAS

Pierz Healy High School does have a number of security cameras in, and outside, the building. These are monitored frequently and law enforcement agencies will be provided access to the cameras and the information recorded from them.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The student council is a group of selected representatives from each grade 7-12. These are elected in the spring of the year. Purposes of the group are:

1. To create better relationships between students and faculty.

2. To promote better leaders for the present and future.

3. To promote better school spirit.

4. To encourage participation of more students in school activities.

5. To promote democratic citizenship.

6. To promote better scholarship.

STUDENT RECORDS

Student records are classified as public, private, or confidential. State and federal laws protect student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents/guardians and eligible students with certain rights. For the purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older or who is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education. For more information on the rights of parents/guardians and eligible students regarding student records, see “Student Records” (Appendix 3). A complete copy of the school district’s “Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records” policy may be obtained at the High School Office.

STUDENT SURVEYS

Occasionally, the school district utilizes surveys to obtain student opinions and information about students. The district uses this information for the purpose of improving student experiences within our schools.

TELEPHONE USE

The office phone may be used for local calls. If a student needs to make a long-distance call, they can use their cell phone in the office only with advanced permission from the office staff. Students will not be called from class to answer an incoming call except in an extreme emergency.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE POLICY

At Pierz Healy High School regular school attendance is considered one of our highest priorities. Children are highly unlikely to be successful in their academic pursuits in school without regular school attendance. Vast research has proven regular school attendance is a necessary component and a strong indicator of success in future work endeavors. We strive to partner with parents to ensure students attend school.

Students are allowed up to 10 absences per semester. Parents are required by law to provide a reason for school absences, either by phone or by written and signed note. Absences not accompanied by a parent excuse are considered unexcused. Students who have an absence that is unexcused from the previous day will be called to the office to verify their absence with their parent/guardian. The student will contact their parents to have the parent excuse the absence. If the student is unable to contact the parent or talk to the parent at that time, they will have until Period 1 of the following morning to provide an excuse for the absence before the absence is considered unexcused.

Skipped classes:

● Students who intentionally skip a class period or more will be sent to the Solutions Room to create a plan

All absences meeting the “exceptions” criteria listed below will not be counted toward the 10 allowed absences. Absences beyond 10 will all be considered unexcused, and therefore counted toward truancy, unless they meet the “exceptions” criteria described below.

Missing class time for more than 10 minutes for any reason that does not meet the criteria for excused absences will be considered an absence for that day in that class. Parents will be notified after six (6) absences with a letter.

Exceptions – The only absences that are not counted toward this policy are absences that are excused: 1. School Sponsored Activity

2. Court Appearance

3. Illness accompanied by Doctor written validation. Physicians' excuse for absence must be provided to the high school office within 3 days of returning from an absence or they will not be honored. 4. College Visits pre-approved by the School Administration. Pre-approved visits are limited to two (2) per semester.

5. Religious activities pre-approved by the School Administration.

6. School meetings with a counselor, principal, or other school staff that is approved by the Principal. 7. Funeral.

Truancy

The State of Minnesota and Morrison County have laws pertaining to regular school attendance and truancy. Professional ethics and moral responsibility dictate that Pierz Healy High School will adhere to these laws and report truancy violations to the appropriate agencies. Students are considered by law to be “habitual truants” if they have 7 or more unexcused absences in any 12-month period of time. Truancy is reported to the Morrison County Attorney’s office, which works in close consultation with Morrison County Social Services and law enforcement to ensure regular school attendance for all children in the County.If you have questions regarding truancy laws or attendance policies, please call the high school office and we will be happy to assist you.

Tardies to Class --

Time Management is an important life skill. We expect students to be in class on time. Students that are habitually tardy to class may be assigned Time Management Skill Building time with a staff member or administrator. In the event that Time Management Skill Building does not curb tardiness, students may be subject to disciplinary action.

BULLYING PROHIBITION POLICY

ISD #484 Policy 514 – complete policy can be found on District Website

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 a student’s ability to learn and/or a teacher’s 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, the school district intends to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond to, and to remediate and discipline for 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, reprisal, retaliation, and other similar disruptive and detrimental behavior.

“Bullying” means intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and:

1. An actual or perceived imbalance of power exists between the student engaging in the prohibited 21

conduct and the target of the prohibited conduct, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; or

2. Materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges.

The term, “bullying” specifically includes cyberbullying:

“Cyberbullying” means bullying using technology or other electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of a sign, signal, writing image, sound, or data, including a post on a social network Internet website or forum, transmitted through a computer, cell phone, or another electronic device. The term applies to prohibited conduct which occurs on school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, on school transportation, or on school computers, networks, forums, and mailing lists, or off school premises to the extent that it substantially and materially disrupts student learning or the school environment.

“On school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, or on school transportation” 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.

Malicious and Sadistic Conduct Policy

Malicious and sadistic conduct will not be tolerated. "Malicious and sadistic conduct" means creating a hostile learning environment by acting with the intent to cause harm by intentionally injuring another without just cause or reason or engaging in extreme or excessive cruelty or delighting in cruelty.

Reporting Procedure

Any person who believes they have been the victim of malicious and sadistic conduct or has knowledge of conduct which may constitute malicious or sadistic conduct shall report the incident immediately to the principal. Students can report malicious and sadistic conduct information to administration and School Resource Officer in person, by accessing the TipLine using the Sartell-St. Stephen Schools App on their phone or on the tipline page of the school website.The principal will conduct an investigation regarding the incident. Any disciplinary or legal action will take place at the conclusion of the investigation. Consequences for such substantiated behavior may include but are not limited to conference and warning, detention, suspension, a recommendation to expel, and/or referral to appropriate social service or legal agencies.

BUS PENALTIES FOR INFRACTIONS

A student who becomes a discipline problem on the bus will be deprived of the privilege of riding the bus.

First Offense: Driver will make a concerted effort to contact the parent. Driver will inform the administration in writing. Warning letter to parent from administration.

Second Offense: Driver will contact the administration in writing. Suspension from transportation for three (3) days. Letter to parents from administration.

Third Offense: Driver will contact the administration in writing. Suspension for not more than one quarter. Letter to parents from administration.

Fourth Offense: Driver will contact the administration in writing. Suspension from transportation for the remainder of the school year. Letter to parents from administration. If this violation

happens late in the school year, administration may extend the suspension from

transportation into the following school year.

Note: Administration has discretionary authority in all disciplinary matters.

Vandalism to Bus: Students damaging school buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make arrangements to pay) within two weeks may result in the loss of

riding privileges until damages are paid. The school district may also pursue other

available options including the involvement of law enforcement.

Criminal Conduct: In cases involving criminal conduct (for example; assault, weapons possession, or vandalism) the superintendent, law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will be informed and appropriate consequences imposed.

Bullying: There will be zero tolerance for bullying or other intimidating/threatening behaviors. All appropriate measures will be taken to assure compliance including immediate suspension from riding privileges pending appropriate safeguards being in place and/or a satisfactory assurance of compliance.

Sexual Harassment: There will be zero tolerance for sexually harassing behaviors. All appropriate measures will be taken to assure compliance including immediate suspension from riding

privileges pending appropriate safeguards being in place and/or a satisfactory assurance of compliance.

BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

Rules on the Bus

A. Riding a bus is a privilege.

B. Pupils must obey the bus drivers and follow their instructions. Drivers are fully in charge of buses and pupils.

C. Pupils must be promptly on time at the designated bus stops. Buses cannot wait for tardy students.

D. Pupils must stay off the roadway at all times while waiting for buses.

E. Pupils must cross in front of a bus when crossing a road or highway, never in the back of a bus. F. Pupils need to keep books/backpacks in their lap, not on their back. This will allow pupils to sit properly in the seat. Backpacks should be removed during the bus ride and placed in the lap.School projects and fundraisers need to fit on students' laps during bus rides. If the project or product is too large, parents need to arrange alternative ways to pick up items for students. G. Pupils must keep their hands, head, property and objects inside the bus.

H. Pupils must not move about in the aisles or needlessly change seats in the bus. Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion.

I. There must not be any unreasonable loud talking, shouting, or singing in the bus. Radios and CD players must also be kept at a reasonable level.

J. Any student causing trouble by teasing, fighting, scuffling, or using unfit language will not be tolerated on the bus.

K. Emergency doors must not be tampered with except in legitimate emergencies. L. Throwing articles of any kind in a bus is dangerous and will not be tolerated.

M. Lighting of matches or lighters will not be tolerated.

N. Any student disfiguring or mutilating a bus or any other properties will be required to pay for the damage, and may be suspended from riding the bus. Any damage to a bus or any other

properties should be reported to the driver at once.

O. Pupils must help to keep the buses clean, sanitary and orderly. Pupils who litter on the bus may be assigned to cleanup duties.

P. Smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages or use of drugs is strictly prohibited.

Q. Students will be assigned seats and be required to sit in their assigned seats.

R. No spitting on the floor or at others.

S. The bus driver will maintain a daily log notebook and will mark down names of students who do not observe the above rules. Names referred to the school administration by the bus driver will result in notification to the parent that children may be removed from the bus service.

CELL PHONES / EARBUDS / ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Purpose:

The purpose of this cell phone policy is to promote a focused and productive learning environment, ensure student safety, and minimize distractions during instructional time for students at Healy Secondary. This policy outlines the appropriate use of cell phones/ earbuds/ smart watches/ and electronic devices within the school premises.

Guidelines

1. During School Hours:

a. Students must keep their cell phones/ earbuds/ and electronic devices in their lockers from the beginning of the school day until the end of the last class period.

b. Cell phones/ earbuds and electronic devices should not be accessed, used, or displayed during instructional hours, including in classrooms, during lectures, and while engaging in academic activities.

c. Students are allowed to have their cell phones/ earbuds/ and electronic devices on their person and use them before and after school, during passing time, and during lunch breaks.

d. Absolutely no cell phones/ earbuds and electronic devices are allowed out in the bathrooms and/or locker rooms

e. Cell phone use during permitted times should be respectful, responsible, and in line with the school's code of conduct.

Results of cell phone, earbuds, or electronic device violations will be as follows:

1st violation = Student picks the phone up in the office at the end of the day

2nd violation = Student will go to the Solutions Room, phone is checked into the office for 2 days 3rd violation = Student will go to the Solutions Room, phone is checked into the office for 5 days 4th violation = Discretion of administration

VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY ON DEVICES

Due to privacy and the best interest of our students, photography, live streaming, and video recording of any kind is completely banned from bathrooms and locker rooms. If a student takes part in this act, the student will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students are not to take part in taking pictures of or recording other people without their explicit consent. For example, a student should not video record the actions of another or staff member and post it on social media without the permission of the recorded person. Students are subjected to disciplinary action at the discretion of the administrator if they should record or photograph another student without consent.

CHROMEBOOK USAGE POLICY

The use of the Chromebooks as a technology resource is a privilege, not a right. This policy is provided to make all users aware of the responsibilities associated with efficient, ethical, and lawful use of Chromebooks. If a

person violates any of the User Terms and Conditions named in this policy, privileges may be terminated, access to this technology resource may be denied, and the appropriate disciplinary action shall be applied. This policy applies to all Chromebooks under the Pierz School District domain and to the use of the @pierzschools.org accounts handed out to students.

The Pierz ISD #484 Code of Conduct shall be applied to all student violations.

Students are solely responsible for the Chromebooks issued to them and must adhere to the following: ● Students must comply with the Acceptable Usage Policy found in the handbook.

● Students must bring their Chromebooks to school every day and make sure it is fully charged. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

● Loaning or borrowing Chromebooks to other students is prohibited

● Students must promptly report any problems with their Chromebook to media center staff. ● Students may not remove or interfere with the serial number and other identification tags.

● Students may not attempt to remove or change the physical structure of the Chromebook, including the keys, screen cover or plastic casing.

● Students may not attempt to install or run any operating system on the Chromebook other than the Chrome OS operating system supported by the district.

● Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials is prohibited.

● Any action that violates existing school policy or public law is prohibited.

● Access or use of any other email program or account other than the one issued by the Pierz School District or CIS/PSEO-assigned email is prohibited (e.g., Hotmail, Yahoo, personal Gmail accounts are prohibited use on the Chromebook).

● Use of chat rooms/sites selling term papers, book reports and other forms of student work is prohibited ● Playing Internet/Computer Games at school is prohibited

● Background themes and Profile ID’s need to be appropriate. Teachers have the right to have a student change it whenever needed. (Violent or provocative scenes will not be allowed.)

● Changing of computer settings such as wiping the Operative system and using the Chromebook “guest” account is prohibited.

● Spamming/Sending mass or inappropriate emails is prohibited.

● Gaining access to other student’s accounts, files, and/or data, or password sharing is prohibited.

● Use of the school’s internet/Email accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity is prohibited.

● Vandalism/Neglect. Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware (taking keyboard keys out, scratching laptop’s screen, etc.), software or data, including, but not limited to changing or using hardware to run other operating systems such as Linux or other forms of OS, damage software components of school equipment will not be allowed. Chromebooks must be kept in the same condition as when the Chromebooks were distributed to students. Repairs will be made to Chromebooks reported as faulty or broken.

● Transmission or accessing materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or otherwise intended to harass or demean recipients. "Cyberbullying” is prohibited.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programs

Purpose:

The protocol is designed to guide the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs, such as ChatGPT, across all educational activities within the school. While AI can significantly enhance the educational experience by supporting learning and creativity, its improper use may undermine academic integrity and learning objectives. By adhering to these guidelines, our school community can leverage AI technologies to enrich our educational environment while upholding our commitment to academic excellence and integrity. This policy encourages all stakeholders to engage with AI tools thoughtfully, responsibly, and ethically.

Policy Guidelines:

The use of AI programs for graded classwork must receive prior approval from the course teacher. This ensures that the integration of AI tools into assignments, if permitted, is pedagogically sound and meets our educational objectives.
AI programs should be used to supplement and enhance learning, not to replace student effort or traditional learning methods. Users must engage with these tools ethically, respecting copyright and privacy laws.
Work produced with the aid of AI must be original and include proper attribution when AI-generated content is used. The school does not tolerate plagiarism, regardless of whether the content is generated by AI or obtained through other means.

AI should serve as an educational tool to assist learning and understanding, not as a substitute for critical thinking or personal academic effort.
It's crucial that the use of AI remains aligned with the educational goals.
Ask, “If I asked a human being to do the work AI is doing for me, would it still be okay?” If “No” or “I’m not sure,” then you should avoid the use of AI.

Students must maintain the highest levels of academic integrity when using AI tools. This includes honesty in how AI-generated work is presented and used within the school's academic and administrative frameworks.
Users must respect privacy and data security guidelines when using AI programs, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and that AI tools are used in compliance with data protection regulations.
Assignments or projects created with the assistance of AI are subject to review. Students may be required to verbally explain their work and the extent of AI's role in it to ensure understanding and original contribution.
Teachers will teach about ethical use of AI, share the AI detector(s) they plan to use (could vary over the course of the semester/ year) and clarify to the best of their ability to what extent students will be permitted to use AI on any or all assignments prior to the assignment.

Consequences for AI Violation

Violations of this protocol will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

1st Violation: Warning and mandatory educational session on ethical AI use. Redoing the assignment or accepting a grade that reflects the inappropriate use of AI, possible lunch detention, Solutions, Process or other action.

2nd Violation: Loss of AI tool access privileges for a specified period, parent/guardian notification, and a solutions and reflective assignment on the importance of academic integrity. Redoing the assignment or accepting a grade that reflects the inappropriate use of AI. Students in MSHSL activities may face Code of Conduct violation.

Repeated Violations: At administrative discretion, including, but not limited to, students who take a 0 on the assignment, students in MSHSL activities may face Code of Conduct violation.

DETENTION

Detention can be assigned to a student for violating the attendance policy, as well as, for behavioral disruptions or infractions. The Administration has the discretionary authority to assign when and how much detention will be served. Detention can be assigned and served in the following ways or times:

1. After School Detention - Tuesday through Thursday from 3:20 PM to 4:05PM. Students who do not show up to serve an assigned after school detention will serve ½ day of In School Suspension and will still be required to serve their after-school detention which will be assigned the next day detention is held.

2. Teacher Detention—Classroom teachers may assign detention to students for specific incidents or concerns that arise in their class. Students are expected to follow through with the teacher's expectations. If a student or parent disagrees with the assigned teacher detention, they are expected to discuss it with the teacher and principal as needed to resolve any

concerns.

CONDITIONS:

1. Students will be notified at least 24 hours prior to having to report.

2. Students must be in the detention room by 3:20 p.m. with study materials.

3. Failure to complete detention by the assigned due date will result in an assignment to noon detention until the after-school detention is served.

4. A student who behaves inappropriately during detention will be asked to leave the detention room and the detention time will be doubled.

5. Students who are absent from school on the day that a detention assignment is due are expected to complete the assigned time when they return to school.

6. Detention time will be spent in quiet study - no talking or visiting, no wandering around the room, no lavatory leave, no eating, no sleeping, no cd players, ipods, etc. Any violation will refer to (4) above. 7. Students must provide for transportation home.

DRESS CODE

The dress of a student reflects the quality of the school, of their conduct and their school work. All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are appropriate for the school/work environment. Clothing choices that are considered inappropriate for school setting and not allowed include but are not limited to:

● Clothing or jewelry with suggestive, vulgar, or other offensive sayings, pictures, etc.

● Clothing that displays cleavage, spaghetti strap tank tops, backless garments, halter tops, no exposed undergarments or midriffs.

● Clothing and accessories with improper sayings or pictures or that promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, nudity, violence, gang-related symbolism, offensive language or pictures (sexual, racial, or religious harassment; profanity).

● Hoods, bandanas, or other headgear that covers the ears must be removed and placed in lockers before the start of classes. Baseball caps and stocking hats that do not cover the ears are allowed, as long as they abide by the dress code. Upon approval of school administration, head coverings may be worn for special events, medical, or religious reasons.

● Short skirts and short shorts must have leggings underneath.

● No cut shirts showing the rib cage.

● Gang affiliated signs, symbols, jewelry, tattoos, and clothing that represent

acknowledged gangs or gang activity is prohibited.

Students will be required to change or be referred to the office. If in doubt, don't wear it! Note: This policy may be amended without notice to prohibit any attire that is deemed disruptive to the learning environment.

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES

All E-Cigarettes, and any device that looks or operates in a similar manner, are considered to be a tobacco product for purposes of student discipline and are not allowed on school property. Any tobacco product or nicotine delivery system is also not allowed on school property. Students in possession of any type of product will have consequences the same as if they have tobacco in possession. In addition, the device or product(s) will not be returned to the student and may be turned over to law enforcement.

EMPLOYMENT CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS

The school district has adopted a policy, the purpose of which is to promote the physical, social, and psychological well-being of its students. Pursuant to this policy, the school district shall seek criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district. The school district also shall seek criminal history background checks for all individuals, except enrolled students, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid. These positions include, but are not limited to, all athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors. The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for other volunteers, independent contractors and student employees.

EPINEPHRINE AUTO INJECTORS (Epi-pens)

The nurse’s office has on hand unassigned epinephrine auto injectors. These epi-pens are available for administration to students who have not experienced or have not been diagnosed with a known severe allergic reaction. With standing orders from the medical director, if a student is suspected to be having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), school district nursing staff and other employees trained in the administration of epi-pens, will administer the epi-pen. Per the standing order, after administration 911 will be called to transport the student to an emergency medical facility and parents/guardian will be notified.

IMMUNIZATION

School District #484 will follow the Minnesota immunization law which states that all children attending school must be fully protected from the following communicable diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, haemophilus influenzae type B, rubella, rubeola, mumps, Hepatitis B, varicella, and meningitis.

Parents will be notified of any immunization deficiency via phone, mail, or email. Students who are not fully protected will be allowed the necessary time period between doses. After that time students not complying with this law will be restricted from attending classes until proof of immunization is received by either the building principal or school nurse. This requirement will take effect beginning with the first day of each school year. Students who are new to the district are allowed 30 days for transfer of records.

If a child will not be receiving the immunizations required by law due to medical, religious, or conscientiously held beliefs, a notarized exemption form must be on file in the school health office. The form must specifically indicate which vaccines the child will not receive.

Failure to get immunizations without documentation could result in your child being disallowed from our schools.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

The following rules will be enforced in ISS:

● Students must report to the office by the beginning of hour 1 daily until suspension is completed. ● Should a student be absent from school the day assigned for suspension, suspension is to be made up the following day.

● Students will work on school subjects and other assigned work throughout the day.

● Students will be provided with a bag lunch.

● Students violating the above rules will be given one warning. Failure to comply will result in removal 27

from ISS. Students who are removed from ISS will be sent home for the remainder of the day. The absence will be classified as unexcused and will count towards the ten-day attendance rule. A student who is removed from ISS will repeat the ISS day when he/she returns to school the following day.

● Suspended (ISS/OSS) students may not practice or compete in school activities for the duration of a suspension assignment.

LOITERING

Students are expected to be present with their assigned class and at that class location at all times during the school day. Students will be expected to present a teacher approved pass to be anywhere other than the classroom. Loitering during school hours will be counted as a tardy or an unexcused absence at the discretion of the administration. Loitering after school hours may result in detention or other consequences at the discretion of the administration.

LOSS OF LUNCHROOM PRIVILEGES

Students may lose lunchroom privileges and be assigned noon lunch detention for disciplinary reasons. Students will still be offered lunch at their designated lunch hour.

Noon Detention Rules

1. Students must report to noon detention. Failure to report on time may extend the detention time. 2. Should a student be absent from school the day assigned for noon suspension, the assignment will be completed the following day.

3. Students are expected to use the noon detention time to complete schoolwork.

4. Students will not talk or make distracting noises.

MEDIA CENTER EXPECTATIONS

District 484 offers a media center to students for research as well as furthering their information literacy skills. The media center is open from 7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Media center staff is available to assist with research, book selection, computer program questions, and more.

Media Center Rules

A. Media Center use is a privilege.

B. Students must obey the media center staff and follow their instructions.

C. Cell Phones will be parked in the phone garage at the entrance of the media center.

D. Students must keep the media center and maker space clean. Borrowed items must be returned to their proper location.

E. Students must have an E-Hallpass to enter the media center. A media center staff member must sign passbooks when the student enters the media center and again right before they leave to return to their classroom.

F. Students in the media center are not allowed to leave the media center. No going to lockers, bathrooms, etc. without written permission from media center staff.

G. While using computers in the media center students must follow the acceptable usage policy. H. Any students causing trouble by teasing, fighting, scuffling, or using unfit language will be asked to leave the media center.

I. Items borrowed from interlibrary loan will need to be returned by the due date. If not returned by the due date and a fine occurs, that student who borrowed the material is responsible for the fine. J. Students that disfigure or mutilate any media center properties will be required to pay for the damage.

K. Students need to return any item that they have checked out or borrowed by the due date. If the item is not returned after the student has been reminded, the student will need to pay for

replacement of the item.

Students who do not follow the rules and do not use the information, technology, and resources appropriately will be deprived of the privilege of using the media center.

Administration, as well as media center staff have discretionary authority in all disciplinary matters.

MEDICATIONS

The Minnesota legislature has set rules for administration of medication by school personnel. A licensed school nurse, administration, or designated trained staff member will administer prescribed for a student under the following conditions:

1. Must only be done with the written order of a medical provider.

2. Medication will only be administered with parent/guardian permission

3. Medication to be administered must be brought to the school health office in the original container and appropriately labeled.

4. Medication must be FDA approved for children.

These four criteria must be met before the district can give a child prescription medication in school. If they are not, we will not be permitted by law to administer the medication. District designated staff may give ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any other over the counter medication with written permission. Medications must be delivered to the school health office in the original container.

High school students may keep over the counter medications with them if the district self-carry agreement has been signed by both the student and parent/guardian, and is on file in the school health office. This privilege may be revoked if medication is being used improperly.

All Schedule II medications need to be brought to school by a parent or guardian. These medications must not be transported to school with a student. Please contact the school nurse if you have questions or concerns regarding this.

Over the counter medications or Prescription medications that are less than 14 days in duration 1. Annual written parent permission.

2. Medication is brought from home in the current, properly labeled pharmacy or original over the counter container. The school district will not provide medication.

3. Dosage will not exceed that which is on the label.

OFF-CAMPUS BEHAVIOR

Students may be held accountable for off-campus behaviors. These behaviors could include, but are not limited to: illegal activity, inappropriate use of social media, inappropriate texting, etc. School officials are professionally obligated to investigate and/or contact law enforcement if any behaviors affect the school climate, the learning environment for any student, or if behaviors are illegal. Disciplinary action will follow school policy and past practice, which includes the possibility of violating Minnesota State High School League rules under the code of conduct.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Pierz Schools welcome all students to enroll in our district and sincerely hope all students have a successful educational experience while here. While we invite all students to enroll, we also continue to hold a high standard of expectation. When an open enrolled student meets the criteria of MN Statute 124D, the district may terminate that student’s enrollment at the conclusion of the school year. Refer to our Open Enrollment policy #509.

Pierz Healy High School will not accept any open enrolled students within 10 school days of the end of a grading period, unless that student is enrolling as a result of a change of home address.

RCD (RESPONSIBILITY CENTERED DISCIPLINE)

Misbehavior by one student can disrupt the learning process for many other students. In addition, students must learn to practice good safety habits, value academic honesty, respect the rights of others, and obey the law. For detailed information on the Student Code of Conduct and consequences for violations

Responsibility Centered Discipline is a system that teachers use to have corrective conversations with students in a positive and constructive manner. This corrective conversation using five components to allow teachers and students to recognize how to make minor changes to a behavior is known as “Give ‘Em 5.”

https://www.givemfive.com/

RCD: Helping schools build systems that help students learn to take responsibility for their behaviors, and thus, create an environment that brings out the best in everyone.

Another key component to a student taking “Responsibility” for their behavior(s) is a safe space to process a change or new way to handle a situation in the future. This place is called a Solutions Room. (Explained further below)

PARENT RIGHT TO KNOW

If a parent requests it, the school district will provide information regarding the professional qualifications of his/her child’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following:

1. whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

2. whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional licensing status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;

3. the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree;

4. whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition, the school district will provide parents with information as to the level of achievement of their child in each of the state academic assessments. The school district will provide notice to parents if their child has been assigned to, or taught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.

PIONEER P.R.I.D.E.

Part of an effective RCD (Responsibility Centered Discipline) school system is a core set of beliefs for all students and staff to adhere to

SOLUTIONS ROOM

The Solutions Room is a designated area for students to address behaviors. This designated area will be used for students to create a specific Plan, Strategy, or Behavior Change to build the necessary skills to improve the targeted behavior in the future. The Solutions Room will be accompanied with a staff member to assist and support the student in creating the plan, strategy, or behavior change.

● Students are creating a Plan, Strategy, or Behavior Change to get back to class

• The student’s plan will need to be approved by administration

● No academic work will be completed in the Solutions Rooms

● Students will only be working on the specific behavior change

● Communication to parent/guardian will occur

REMOVAL FROM CLASS

Appropriate behavior in the classroom is an essential component of an effective learning environment. All Pierz Healy High School Staff strive to provide a highly effective learning environment where all students have the opportunity to be successful.

When circumstances warrant a student’s removal from class, the teacher will call the office to notify them. The student will be sent to the office where the Solutions Room process will begin. The teacher will contact parents to discuss classroom expectations and corrections in behavior for the student.

Additional removals from class may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

1. Conference with administration

2. Removal from class for multiple days

3. Student, teacher, and school administrator meet to discuss solution

4. A meeting with student, teacher, parent, and administration

5. Discussion about an alternative setting for the student’s education

VISITORS

Parents, citizens, alumni and other adult visitors are welcomed and encouraged to visit our schools. The Pierz ISD #484 recognizes the multiple benefits of a partnership that needs to exist for students to succeed in our schools, and visits are an appropriate vehicle and enhance that partnership.

All visitors will wear a badge or button so that students and staff will be aware that they have checked in with the office. The office will make every effort to see that classes are not interrupted while in session for the admission of guests.

However, the superintendent and the administration of the district reserve the power to decline to give permission for or to withdraw permission for parents, citizens, alumni and other members of the public to visit the schools of the district if such action is deemed necessary to ensure the physical or emotional safety of the students of the district or to prevent disruption of the district’s educational programs.

Visitors must, however, first come to the office in compliance with the school visitor procedure so that they may be directed to the teacher, student or class they wish to see. They will be shown every courtesy.

For the protection of everyone, all employees are asked to courteously direct all visitors who are not wearing a visitor’s badge or button to the office. For the same reason, all agents, repair persons, etc., must report to the building office and receive a visitor’s badge or button before approaching any person within the building.

Parents wishing a conference with a teacher should not expect to interrupt the teacher’s class but should telephone the school in advance to arrange an appointment.

In the event of an emergency, which requires that parents have immediate contact with their student, parents may either call or go to the office to:

1. Explain the circumstances of the emergency; and

2. Request that their student be called to the office to meet with them and/or talk to them on the telephone.

Building administrators are given the discretion, where circumstances dictate and on a case-by-case basis, to adopt and enforce more specified and/or restrictive rules to govern visits to the schools. The superintendent is to be advised of each such instance.

USE OF METAL DETECTING WANDS

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors by addressing the use of wands for detecting vaping devices and weapons on school premises. The use of wands will be carried out with utmost respect for individual privacy and in adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

The school acknowledges the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone within its premises. To effectively address the concerns of vaping and weapons possession, the school may employ the use of handheld detection wands when there is reasonable suspicion of these activities. This policy outlines the procedures for conducting wand searches, respecting individual rights, and ensuring the safety of all stakeholders involved.

Procedures:

1. Reasonable Suspicion:

The use of wands for detecting vaping devices or weapons shall only be conducted when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may be in possession of such items. Reasonable suspicion may arise from information provided by credible sources, observable behavior, or any other reliable indication that vaping or weapons may be

present.

2. Privacy and Sensitivity:

Wand searches shall be conducted with strict adherence to privacy and sensitivity standards. Searches shall be performed by trained staff members, with utmost respect for the student's dignity and privacy.

3. Witness Present:

A witness, preferably another staff member or school administrator, shall be present during the wand search to ensure transparency and accountability.

4. Temporary Isolation:

If a student is suspected of possessing a vaping device or weapon, they may be temporarily isolated in a designated area until the search is completed, ensuring that the privacy of the student is respected.

5. Parental/Guardian Notification:

If a wand search results in the discovery of a vaping device or weapon, the student's parent/guardian shall be promptly notified, following the school's notification procedures.

6. Disciplinary Actions:

In the event that a vaping device or weapon is found in a student's possession, the school will apply appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the school's code of conduct and applicable laws. The severity of the disciplinary actions will be based on the circumstances of the case and the school's established policies.

7. Education and Prevention:

The school shall continue to implement ongoing educational programs and prevention initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and the consequences of possessing weapons on school premises.

8. Student Refusal

If a student refuses a metal detecting wand search, or refuses to reveal items found by the metal detecting wand, administration will attempt to notify the parent of the child, and the child may be dismissed from the school for a duration of time decided upon by the school administrator.

Review and Amendment:

This policy shall be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with applicable laws and regulations. Amendments may be made as needed to address new concerns, best practices, or changes in legislation.

DISTRICT WIDE POLICIES

ACADEMIC/SCHOOL REGULATIONS

A. Tardiness

Excessive tardiness on the part of activities participants may lead to

disciplinary action taken by the school principal, which could include

suspension from activities.

B. Daily Class Attendance

A student involved in athletics or activities must be in school a minimum of a half-day to be eligible to participate or practice in that day’s activities.

Exceptions:

1. The absence is due to a school-sponsored event, i.e. field trip or

Knowledge Bowl competition.

2. The student will be allowed to be absent any part, or all, of the school day, and still retain eligibility for that day’s practice or event, providing that the school receives a note from a doctor verifying that the absence was for a medical appointment.

C. Academic Eligibility

1. To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at Pierz Healy High School students must be passing all classes. Grade checks will be made on the 5th week of the quarter and at quarter break. If a student is not passing all classes at this time he/she will be ineligible for contests for one week, and will not be eligible again until they are passing all their classes. Checks will be made on a weekly basis (every Friday or last day of the week) for the ineligible person to regain eligibility.

PENALTIES

A. Vandalism

Theft or malicious destruction of any school or individual equipment or property is not to be tolerated. The school reserves the right to assess monetary damages for the destruction or theft of property or equipment.

1. First Violation: The individual will be suspended from the squad for five (5) school days. At the end of this period, following counseling by the head coach and school

administrator, a decision regarding further competition will be made.

2. Second Violation: Suspension for the remainder of the sports season and a referral of the student to the school administration.

B. Chemical Use

Use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, electronic cigarettes or their

likeness, drugs, marijuana, narcotics or other hallucinating agents by extra-curricular

participants or co-curricular participants are prohibited year-round, including school

vacations.

1. Athletics

a. First Violation: After a violation has been determined, the student shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks, 14 calendar days, of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. No exception is

permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. The two

weeks shall begin on the date that the violation is confirmed by the Activities Director. b. Second Violation: After a second violation has been determined, the student shall lose eligibility for the next six (6) consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks, 21

calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. The three

weeks shall begin on the date the violation is confirmed by the Activities Director.

c. Third Violation: After determination of the third or subsequent violations, the student shall lose eligibility for the next twelve (12) consecutive interscholastic contests or four

weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant. The four weeks shall begin on the date the violation is confirmed by the Activities Director.

If the student on her/his own volition becomes a participant in a chemical dependency program or treatment program, and is assessed as chemically dependent and completes treatment, the student may be certified for reinstatement in Pierz Healy High School activities after a minimum period of six weeks after entering the program. Such certification must be issued by the director or a counselor of a chemical dependency treatment center.

2. Fine Arts

a. First Violation: After the confirmation of the first violation, the student shall lose eligibility for the next public appearance or scheduled event in which the student is a

participant. (i.e. concerts, performances, contests, trips) The violation is confirmed when the Activities Director has informed the student that he/she has violated a MSHSL by

law and is now under the penalty.

NOTE: Pep Band appearances are considered one-half a public appearance.

b. Second Violation: After confirmation of the second violation, the student shall lose eligibility for next two public appearances, or scheduled events in which the student is a participant.

c. Third Violation: After confirmation of the third or subsequent violations, the student shall be declared ineligible for the next three public appearances, or scheduled events

in which the student is a participant, or the remainder of the school year, whichever is

greater.

ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Students of District 484 will be required to use a variety of information and technology resources to complete their classroom and distance learning assignments. Using technology resources includes such things as word processing a report, drawing a picture, or creating a multimedia presentation. Accessing information includes looking up materials on the online catalog, using CD-ROMs, and accessing the Internet.

Pierz School District strives to provide the resources they need to meet the challenges of today’s educational environment and expect students to use those resources in a responsible and respectful manner. Please read the Acceptable Use Agreement below. It is important that you and your child fully understand the agreement. If you have questions, please contact Roxanne Welle at the High School (468-6458 ext. 1408) or Dustin Hoeper (Ext. 1410). Jenny Dalsted at Pioneer Elementary (468-6458 ext. 2208.)

Violation of this agreement, at any time, will result in termination of privileges.

Guidelines

1. I agree to show respect for school property by using materials and equipment in an appropriate manner. A. I agree not to vandalize equipment in any way.

B. I agree not to load programs.

C. I agree to notify a teacher if damage of any kind occurs.

“Fines may apply to any individual who, through vandalism or carelessness, causes damage to, or destroys

school property beyond normal wear and tear. Students shall be held financially responsible for satisfactory repair or replacement of such damaged or stolen school property.

D. Creation of any document with insulting or harassing text or pictures

will not be tolerated.

E. Vandalizing others' data will not be tolerated.

F. Show respect for copyrighted material. I agree not to plagiarize copyrighted material and when using copyrighted material, I agree to give credit to the author/creator.

2. I agree to use the Internet/Network in a constructive manner.

A. I agree to verify websites for authentic information.

B. I will be allowed to do personal interest searches on the Internet as long as

searches follow school guidelines. Ex: no pornography, no obscenity, etc.

C. I agree to immediately exit any site, which is inappropriate for school and notify a teacher.

D. I agree to use social media, chat rooms, or blogs with permission from a classroom instructor.

E. I agree to use my school assigned GoogleDocs account to transfer information to and from school for school use only.

F. I agree to NEVER give personal information to anyone over the Internet unless this is teacher approved. (such as filling out forms with name, age, address, school, phone

number, parent’s name, etc.) and no ordering/purchasing items.

G. I agree not to download programs (such as games, REAL AUDIO, Quicktime, etc.). If a program is needed for a class project, I must have assistance from Media/Tech

personnel.

H. I am advised not to give my password and username to other students for my own protection.

I. I agree not to play computer games at school unless it’s an educational game assigned by my teacher.

J. I agree not to stream music and/or video for personal use during the school day. (7:30- 4:30) I understand that I can stream items for classroom projects during the school day with prior approval of a teacher or media center staff.

As a student of Pierz School District 484, my parents and I understand that I have a responsibility to use information and technology resources appropriately. I have read the guidelines and I agree to follow them at all times in every situation at school.

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

As a result of federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act- AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos-containing building materials. The Pierz School District has a goal to be in full compliance with this law and is following the spirit, as well as, the letter of the law. As a matter of policy, the district shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.

In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by the Pierz School District were inspected by an EPA accredited inspector and an independent laboratory analyzed samples. Based on the inspection, the school prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, the Pierz School District has completed the 3-Year Re-inspections required by AHERA. Our district buildings, where asbestos-containing materials were found, are under repair, removal and Operations and Maintenance.

This past year Pierz School District conducted the following with respect to its asbestos containing building materials: *Continued the Operations and Maintenance Program.

Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos. MacNeil Environmental, Inc will accomplish this under contract.

Short-term workers (outside contractors- i.e., telephone repair workers, electricians and exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact. All short-term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing work to be given this information.

The Pierz School District has a list of the location(s); type(s) of asbestos containing materials found in that school building and a description and timetable for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the school office. Copies are available at 25 cents per page. Questions related to the plan should be directed to Scott Bacher, with MacNeil Environmental, Inc., at 1-800-232-5209 ext. 621 or by contacting Pierz ISD 484 at 320-468-6458.

CHAPTER 14-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This Act clarifies that any person who introduces or possesses an alcoholic beverage on any public elementary or secondary school ground or in any elementary or secondary building is guilty of a misdemeanor.

DISTRIBUTION OF NON SCHOOL- SPONSORED MATERIALS ON SCHOOL PREMISES BY STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to protect the exercise of students’ and employees’ free speech rights, taking into consideration the educational objectives and responsibilities of the school district.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. The school district recognizes that students and employees have the right to express themselves on school property. This protection includes the right to distribute, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner, non-school sponsored material.

B. To protect First Amendment rights, while at the same time preserving the integrity of the educational objectives and responsibilities of the school district, the school board adopts the following regulations and procedures regarding distribution of non-school sponsored material on school property and at school activities.

II. DEFINITIONS

A. “Distribution” means circulation of dissemination of material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale, accepting donations for copies, or posting or displaying material.

B. “Non-school sponsored material” or “unofficial material” includes all materials or objects

intended for distribution, except school newspapers, employee newsletters, literary

magazines, yearbooks and other publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school. Examples of non-school sponsored materials include but are not limited to leaflets, brochures, buttons, badges, flyers, petitions, posters, and underground newspapers whether written by students or employees or others, and tangible objects.

C. “Obscene to minors” means:

1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to

whom distribution is requested;

2. The material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; an

3. The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

D. “Minor” means any person under the age of eighteen (18).

E. “Material and substantial disruption” of a normal school activity means:

1. Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, “material and substantial disruption” is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program.

2. Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without

limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods)

“material and substantial disruption” is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures

of property, conduct inappropriate to the event, participation in a school boycott,

demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out, or other related forms of activity.

In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of

disruption can be forecast, including past experience in the school; current events

influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened

disruption relating to the written material in question.

F. “School activities” means any activity sponsored by the school including, but not limited to, classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays, and in-school lunch periods.

G. “Libelous” is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual’s reputation or to lower that individual in the esteem of the community.

III. GUIDELINES

A. Students and employees of the school district have the right to distribute, at reasonable times and places as set forth in the policy, and in a reasonable manner, non-school sponsored material. B. Requests for distribution of non-school sponsored material will be reviewed by the administration on a case-by-case basis. However, distribution of the materials listed below is always prohibited. Material is prohibited that:

1. is obscene to minors;

2. is libelous or slanderous;

3. is pervasively indecent or vulgar or contains any indecent or vulgar language or

representations, with a determination made as to the appropriateness of the material

for the age level of students to which it is intended;

4. advertises or promotes any product or service not permitted to minors by law;

5. advocated violence or other illegal conduct;

6. constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or

harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a

person’s race, religious or ethnic origin);

7. presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and

orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the

commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

IV. TIME, PLACE, AND MANNER DISTRIBUTION

A. No non-school sponsored material shall be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.

B. Distribution of non-school sponsored material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entranceways of the school, and school parking lots. Distribution shall not impede entrance to or exit from school premises in any way.

C. No one shall coerce a student or staff member to accept any publication.

V. PROCEDURES

A. Any student or employee wishing to distribute or post material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the principal at least 24 hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:

1. Name and phone number of the person submitting the request and, if a student, the room number of his or her first-period class.

2. Date(s) and time(s) of day intended display or distribution.

3. Location where material will be displayed or distributed.

4. If intended for students, the grade(s) of students to whom

the display or distribution is intended.

B. Within one school day, the principal will review the request and render a decision. The principal will use an approval stamp on all submitted materials to indicate that the submission was approved. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied or limited, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial or limitation.

C. If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within one school day, the person shall contact the office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person.

D. If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent. If the person does not receive a response within three (3) school days (not counting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of submitting the appeal, the person shall contact the office of the Superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person.

E. Permission or denial of permission to distribute material does not imply approval or disapproval of its contents by either the school, the administration of the school, the school board, or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

VI. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

A. Distribution by any student of material prohibited herein or in violation of the provision of time, place and manner of distribution as described above will be halted and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the school district’s student discipline policy.

B. Distribution by any employee of non-school sponsored material prohibited herein or in violation of the provisions of time, place and manner of distribution as described above will be halted and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, in accordance with any individual contract, collective bargaining agreement, school district policies and procedures, and/or governing statute.

C. Any other party violating this policy will be requested to leave the school property immediately and, if necessary, the police will be called.

VIIII. NOTICE OF POLICY TO STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted in school buildings.

IX. IMPLEMENTATION

The school district administration may develop any additional guidelines and procedures necessary to implement this policy for submission to the school board for approval. Upon approval by the school board, such guidelines and procedures shall be an addendum to this policy.

DISTRICT WIDE STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

I. 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.

II. 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 the nurturance of the maturing process for 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.

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 education experience. This discipline policy is adopted in accordance with and subject to the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. State. 121A.40 through 121A.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 and 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.

III. 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.

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.

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.

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.

G. Students. All students shall be held individually responsible for their behavior and for knowing and obeying the Code of Student Conduct and this policy.

H. 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.

IV. STUDENT RIGHTS

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

V. 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 of 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 and verbal manner and;

N. to recognize and respect the rights of others.

VI. CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

A. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior subject to disciplinary action by the school district. 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, school-sponsored activities or trips, 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 premises or events, and all school-related 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. Hazing;

5. Attendance problems including, but not limited to, truancy, absenteeism,

tardiness, skipping classes, or leaving school grounds without permission;

6. Violent opposition to authority;

7. Using, possessing or distributing tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, including electronic cigarettes or their likeness;

8. Using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances or look-alike substances;

9. Using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances or look-alike substances, except as prescribed by a physician;

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

11. Using, possessing or distributing weapons, or look-alike weapons or other dangerous objects;

12. Violation of the school district Weapons Policy;

13. Possession of ammunition including, but not limited to, bullets or other projectiles designed to be used in or as a weapon;

14. Possession, use of distribution of explosives or any compound or mixture, the primary or common purpose or intended use of which is to function by explosion;

15. Possession, use of 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;

16. 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;

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

18. 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;

19. Possession of nuisance devices or objects which cause distractions including, but not limited to pagers, radios and phones;

20. Violation of school bus or transportation rules or the school bus safety policy; 21. 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; 22. Violation of directives or guidelines relating to lockers or improperly gaining access to a school locker;

23. Possession or distribution of slanderous, libelous or pornographic materials; 24. 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; 25. Criminal activity;

26. Falsification of any records, documents, notes or signatures.

27. 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; 28. Scholastic dishonesty which includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a school assignment, plagiarism or collusion;

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

30. Sexual and/or racial abuse and/or harassment;

31. 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;

32. Committing an act which inflicts great bodily harm upon another person, even

though accidental or a result of poor judgment.

33. Violations against persons, including, but not limited to, assault or threatened assault, fighting, harassment, interference or obstruction, attack with a weapon or look-alike

weapon, sexual assault, illegal or inappropriate sexual conduct, or indecent exposure;

34. 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;

35. Physical or verbal threats, including, but not limited to, the staging or reporting

of dangerous or hazardous situations that do not exist;

36. 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;

37. Violation of school rules, regulations, policies or procedures;

38. 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.

VII. DISCIPLINARY ACTION OPTIONS

It is the general policy of the school district 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. Parent contact;

C. Parent conference;

D. Removal from class;

E. In-school suspension;

F. Suspension from extracurricular activities;

G. Detention or restriction of privileges;

H. Loss of school privileges;

I. In-school monitoring or revised class schedule;

J. Referral to in-school support services;

K. Referral to community resources or outside agency services;

L. Financial restitution;

M. Referral to police, other law enforcement agencies, or other appropriate authorities; N. Petition County Court for juvenile delinquency adjudication;

O. Out-of-school suspension under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act;

P. Preparation of an admission or readmission plan;

Q. Expulsion under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act;

R. Exclusion under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act;

S. Other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the school district.

HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and 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, including gender identity or expression, or disability.

Note: The Minnesota Human Rights Act defines “sexual orientation” to include “having or being perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one’s biological maleness or femaleness.” Minn. Stat 363A.03, Subd. 44

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. The policy of the school district is to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and 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, including gender identity or expression, 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, including gender identity or expression, or disability, as defined by this policy. (For purposes of this policy, school personnel including 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, including gender identity or expression, 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, including gender identity or expression, 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.

III. 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, including gender identity or expression, 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, 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 sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression.

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:

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, and familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, or disability.

IV. 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, including gender identity or expression, 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 receive a report of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy shall inform the building 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.

D. In the District. The school board hereby designates the Superintendent 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 harassment or violence prohibited by this policy 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.

V. 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 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.

VI. SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION

A. 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. 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.

VII. 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, harassment, or intentional disparate treatment.

VIII. 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.

IX. 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.

X. 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, self-discipline, patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, resourcefulness, and/or sexual abuse prevention.

F. This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with state and federal law.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Pierz School District is proud to be taking a leadership role in providing a safe, comfortable and productive environment for our students and staff so that we achieve our core mission—educating students. Our school will follow the EPA guidance to improve our indoor air quality by preventing as many IAQ problems as possible, and by quickly responding to any IAQ problems that may arise. Good air quality requires an ongoing commitment by everyone in our school because each of us daily makes decisions and performs activities that affect the quality of the air we breathe.

School staff, students and parents can obtain checklists or self-help information so they can properly evaluate their child’s home or other out of school situation by contacting the school. Staff and parents can also obtain information about school facility construction, maintenance and

housekeeping practices, chemicals used, mold and HVAC related information, chemical producing academic subjects, and pesticide and herbicide applications to determine the extent to which school activities contribute to a child’s symptoms by contacting the school.

The Pierz School District Indoor Air Quality contact person is Jeremy Skwira, Buildings and Grounds.

If there are any questions regarding the school’s IAQ Program, please feel free to call the school at 320-468-6458.

LEAD IN DRINKING WATER PLAN

Pierz Public Schools is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for our employees and students. In accordance with Minnesota Statute 121A.335, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Pierz Public Schools has conducted and continues to conduct lead in drinking water testing. All taps within the district that are used for drinking or cooking are sampled and tested for lead on a five-year cycle beginning in Fiscal Year 2019. You can view a copy of our water testing results at the district business office or on our website at www.pierzschools.org . Anyone interested in discussing the district Lead in Drinking Water program or test results can contact Tracey Artner, Business Manager, at 320-468-6458 ext. 1904 or tartner@pierzschools.org.

LOCKER/PERSONAL BELONGING SEARCH

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide for a safe and healthful educational environment by enforcing the school district’s policies against contraband.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. Lockers and Personal Possessions Within a Locker

Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, 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 officials 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 officials 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 officials must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.

B. Desks

School desks are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of desks provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of desks may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

C. Personal Possessions and Student’s Person

The personal possessions of students and/or a student’s person may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school rules. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness. Metal detecting wands may also be used if necessary.

D. It shall be a violation of this policy for students to use lockers and desks for unauthorized 45

purposes or to store contraband. It shall be a violation for students to carry contraband on their person or in their personal possessions.

III. DEFINITIONS

A. “Contraband” means any unauthorized item possession of which is prohibited by school district policy and/or law. It includes but is not limited to weapons and “look-alikes,” alcoholic beverages, controlled substances and “look-alikes,” overdue books and other materials belonging to the school district, and stolen property.

B. “Personal possessions” includes but is not limited to purses, backpacks, book bags, packages, and clothing.

C. “Reasonable suspicion” means that a school official has grounds to believe that the search will result in evidence of a violation of school district policy, rules, and/or law. Reasonable suspicion may be based on a school official’s personal observation, a report from a student, parent or staff member, a student’s suspicious behavior, a student’s age and past history or record of conduct both in and out of the school context, or other reliable sources of information.

D. “Reasonable scope” means that the scope and/or intrusiveness of the search is reasonably related to the objectives of the search. Factors to consider in determining what is reasonable include the seriousness of the suspected infraction, the reliability of the information, the necessity of acting without delay, the existence of exigent circumstances necessitating an immediate search and further investigation (e.g., to prevent violence, serious and immediate risk of harm or destruction of evidence), and the age of the student.

IV. PROCEDURES

A. School officials may inspect the interiors of lockers and desks for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

B. School officials may inspect the personal possessions of a student and/or a student’s person based on a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school rules. A search of personal possessions of a student and/or a student’s person will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness.

C. As soon as practicable after a search of personal possessions within a locker pursuant to this policy, the school officials must provide notice of the search to students whose possessions were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.

D. Whenever feasible, a search of a person shall be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex. A second school official of the same sex shall be present as an observer during the search of a person whenever feasible.

E. A strip search is a search involving the removal of coverings or clothing from private areas. Mass strip searches, or body cavity searches, are prohibited. Strip searches will be conducted only in circumstances involving imminent danger.

F. A school official conducting any other search may determine when it is appropriate to have a second official present as an observer.

G. A copy of this policy will be printed in the student handbook or disseminated in any other way which school officials deem appropriate. The school district shall provide a copy of this policy to a student when the student is given use of a locker.

V. DIRECTIVES AND GUIDELINES

School administration may establish reasonable directives and guidelines which address specific needs of the school district, such as use of tape in lockers, standards of cleanliness and care, posting of pin-ups and posters which may constitute sexual harassment, etc.

VI. SEIZURE OF CONTRABAND

If a search yields contraband, school officials will seize the item and, where appropriate, turn it over to legal officials for ultimate disposition.

VII. VIOLATIONS

A student found to have violated this policy and/or the directives and guidelines implementing it shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the school district’s Student Discipline Policy, which may include suspension, exclusion, or expulsion, and the student may, when appropriate, be referred to legal officials.

MCA REGULATIONS

Parent/Guardian Guide to Statewide Testing

This document provides basic information to help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their children, schools and communities.

Why statewide testing?

Minnesota values its educational system and the professionalism of its educators. Minnesota educators created the academic standards, which are rigorous and prepare our students for career and college.

The statewide assessments are how we as a state measure that curriculum and daily instruction in our schools are being aligned to the academic standards, ensuring all students are being provided an equitable education. Statewide assessments results are just one tool to monitor that we are providing our children with the education that will ensure a strong workforce and knowledgeable citizens.

Why does participation matter?

A statewide assessment is just one measure of your student’s achievement, but your student’s participation is important to understand how effectively the education at your student’s school is aligned to the academic standards.

● Students who do not participate will receive a score of “not proficient”.

● Students who receive a college-ready score on the high school MCA are not required to take a remedial, non credit course at a Minnesota State college or university in the corresponding subject area. ● Educators and policy makers use information from assessments to make decisions about resources and support provided.

● Parents and the general public use assessment information to compare schools and make decisions about where to purchase a home or to enroll their children.

● School performance results that are publicly released and used by families and communities are negatively impacted if students do not participate in assessments.

Academic Standards and Assessments

What are academic standards?

The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards are the statewide expectations for student academic achievement. They identify the knowledge and skills that students must achieve in a content area and are organized by grade level. School districts determine how students will meet the standards by developing courses and curriculum aligned to the academic standards.

What is the relationship between academic statewide assessments and the academic standards?

The statewide assessments in mathematics, reading, and science are used to measure whether students, and their school and district, are meeting the academic standards. Statewide assessments are one measure of how well students are doing on the content that is part of their daily instruction. It is also a measure of how well schools and districts are doing in aligning their curriculum and teaching the standards.

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) ● Based on the Minnesota Academic Standards; given annually in grades 3-8 and in the high school in reading and mathematics; given annually in grades 5, 8 and in high school for science. ● Majority of students take the MCA.

● MTAS is an option for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for English Learners

● Based on the WIDA English Language Development Standards

● Given annually to English learners in grades K-12 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. ● Majority of English learners take ACCESS for ELLs.

● Alternate ACCESS for ELLs is an option for English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

Why are these assessments effective?

Minnesota believes that in order to effectively measure what students are learning, testing needs to be more than answering multiple-choice questions.

● To answer questions, students may need to type in answers, drag and drop images and words, or manipulate a graph or information.

● The reading and mathematics MCAs are done adaptive, which means the answers a student provides determine the next questions the students will answer.

● The science MCA incorporates simulations, which require students to perform experiments in order to answer questions.

All of these provide students the opportunity to apply critical thinking needed for success in college and careers and show what they know and can do.

Because test content represents the academic standards as completely as possible, preparing for and taking the assessments uses the very same knowledge, processes and strategies included in the standards.

Are there limits on local testing?

As stated in 120B.301, for students in grades 1-6, the cumulative total amount of time spent taking locally adopted district wide or school wide assessments must not exceed 11 hours per school year.

In an effort to encourage transparency, the statute also requires a district or charter school, before the first day of each school year, to publish on its website a comprehensive calendar of standardized tests to be administered in the district or charter school during that school year. The calendar must provide the rationale for administering each assessment and indicate whether the assessment is a local option or required by state or federal law.

What if I choose not to have my student participate?

Parents/guardians have a right to not have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. Minnesota Statutes require the department to provide information about statewide assessments to parents/guardians and include a form to complete if they refuse to have their student participate. This form follows on the next page and includes an area to note the reason for the refusal to participate. Your student’s district may require additional information.

A school or district may have additional consequences beyond those mentioned in this document for a student not participating in the state-required standardized assessments. There may also be consequences for not participating in assessments selected and administered at the local level. Please contact your school for more information regarding local decisions.

Where do I get more information?

Students and families can find out more on our Statewide Testing page (education.state.mn.us>Students and Families>Statewide Testing).

When do students take the assessments?

Each school sets their testing schedule within the state-testing window. Contact your student’ school for information on specific testing days.

● The MCA and MTAS testing window begin in March and ends in May.

● The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs testing window begins at the end of January and ends in March.

When do I receive my student’s results?

Each summer, individual students' reports are sent to the school districts and are provided to families no later than fall conferences. The reports can be used to see your child’s progress and help guide future instruction.

How much time is spent on testing?

Statewide assessments are taken one time each year; the majority of students test online. On average, the amount of time spent taking statewide assessments is less than 1 percent of instructional time in a school year. The assessments are not timed and students can continue working as long as they need.

Why does it seem like my student is taking more tests?

The state required tests are limited to those outlined in this document. Many districts make local decisions to administer additional tests that the state does not require. Contact your district for more information.

Minnesota Statutes, section 120B31, subdivision 4a, requires the commissioner to create and publish a form for parents and guardians to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. Your student's district may require additional information.

School districts must post this form on the district website and include it in district student handbooks.

Parent/Guardian Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Assessments

To opt out of statewide assessments, the parent/guardian must complete this form and return it to the student's school.

To best support school district planning, please submit this form to the student's school no later than January 15 of the academic school year. For students who enroll after a statewide testing window begins, please submit the form within two weeks of enrollment. A new refusal form is required each year parents/guardians wish to opt the student out of statewide assessments. Date (This form is only applicable for the 20 to 20 school year.)

Student's Legal First Name Student's Legal Middle

Initial

Student's Legal Last Name Student's Date of Birth

Student's District/School Grade

Please initial to indicate you have received and reviewed information about statewide testing.

I received information on statewide assessments and choose to opt my student out. MDE provides a

Parent/Guardian Guide to Statewide Testing on the MDE website (Students and Families > Statewide

Testing). Reason for refusal:

Please indicate the statewide assessment(s) you are opting the student out of this

school year: MCA/MTAS Reading MCA/MTAS Science

MCA/MTAS Mathematics ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS for

ELLs Contact your school or district for the form to opt out of local assessments.

I understand that by signing this form, my student will receive a score of "not proficient" and he/she waives the opportunity to receive a college-ready score that could save time and money by not having to take remedial, noncredit courses at a Minnesota State college or university. My school and I may lose valuable information about how well my student is progressing academically. In addition, opting out may impact the school, district, and state's efforts to equitably distribute resources and support student learning.

Parent/Guardian Name (print)

Parent/Guardian Signature

To be completed by school or district staff only. Student ID or MARSS Number

NOTICE TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS

It is the policy of the Board of Education of District Number 484 to comply with federal and state law prohibiting discrimination and all requirements imposed by or pursuant to regulations issued thereto, to the end that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or in employment, or recruitment, consideration, or selection: therefore, whether full-time or part-time under any education program or activity operated by the district for which it receives federal financial assistance.

OMNIBUS DATA PRACTICES ACT

This act has been changed recently to include the following: Secondary institutions must release to military recruiting officers the names, addresses, and home telephone numbers of students in grades 11 and 12 within 60 days after the date of the request unless parents and students refuse this release.

If any 11th and 12th graders would like to refuse the release of this data to military recruiters, the student must inform the high school office in writing.

PESTICIDE NOTICE

A Minnesota state law went into effect in 2000 that requires schools to inform school staff, students and parents if they apply certain pesticides on school property.

Specifically, this law requires schools that apply these pesticides to maintain an estimated schedule of pesticide applications and to make the schedule available to employees and parents for review or copying at the school office.

State law also requires that you be told that the long-term health effects on children from the application of such pesticides or the class of chemicals to which they belong may not be fully understood.

If there are any questions regarding the Pierz School District Pest Management program or you would like more information on the pesticide application schedule, please feel free to call the school’s head custodian, Jeremy Skwira, at 320-468-6458.

PUBLICITY

Pierz Healy School routinely publishes photographs of students in our newspaper Education Today, as well as the Morrison County Record and our district website and social media. In addition, the school typically provides routine demographic information to respected entities (law enforcement, college recruiters, military personnel, etc.) Any parents or guardians who do not wish to have their child’s photograph posted or information provided as stated in the above manners, for any reason, may fill out a request form in the principal’s office.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

Pierz Schools recognizes the importance of social media as a means of communication. The District encourages the appropriate use of social media as a means to communicate, whether as an individual or as a school or District program, if such use is helpful in reaching our various constituents.

The District acknowledges that its employees have the right under the First Amendment as private citizens to speak out on matters of public concern. However, the District has the right to regulate the speech of employees in specific circumstances. Accordingly, it is essential that employees conduct themselves in such a way that their personal and/or educational use of social media does not adversely affect their position with the District.

The purpose of these guidelines is to establish protocols for the use of social media by employees and to outline expectations for its use. Social media includes websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media tools.

Expectations for all use of social media (personal and educational)

● Pierz Schools’ employees’ behavior on social media should reflect the same standards of honesty, respect and consideration they are expected to adhere to in all forms of communications and interactions. ● Do not submit or post confidential or protected information about the District, its students, alumni, or employees. You should assume that most information about a student is protected from disclosure by both federal law (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state law (MN statute 13.32 Educational Data). ● Disclosure of confidential or protected information may result in liability for invasion of privacy or defamation and result in disciplinary action up to, and including, discharge from employment.

● Report, as required by law, any information found on a social networking site that falls under the mandatory reporting guidelines.

● Do not use language that could be considered defamatory, obscene, proprietary, or libelous, or that constitutes an incitement to imminent violence or a true threat.

● Do not post or otherwise publish content that is or could reasonably be perceived as bullying, discrimination, or harassment in violation of District #484 policy.

● Exercise caution with regards to exaggeration, colorful language, guesswork, copyrighted materials, legal conclusions, and derogatory remarks or characterizations.

● Consider whether a particular posting puts your professional reputation and effectiveness as a District employee at risk.

● Be cautious of security risks when using third-party applications within a social media site. ● Be alert to the possibility of phishing scams that arrive through a social media site.

Expectations for the personal use of social media

In addition to Section I, above, employees using social media for personal (non-District- related) purposes are expected to:

● Refrain from accepting current Pierz Schools students as “friends” on personal social media sites and apps. ● Be aware that people classified as “friends” have the ability to download and share your information with others. ● Remember that once something is posted to a social media site it may remain available online even if you think it is removed.

● Assume that anything you post to a personal social media site can be accessed by anyone and will be available forever.

● Sharing school or District social media posts to your personal social media page (i.e., sharing a district Facebook announcement to your personal Facebook page) is acceptable and encouraged if it is something of interest to you. ● Set and maintain appropriate social media privacy settings. Be aware that social media sites can change their privacy policies and standards at any time, possibly exposing posts that employees believed were private to the public.

● Avoid using a social media site to post content which may be considered defamatory or obscene, and do not post content which violates copyright or other intellectual property laws.

● Never use a social media site to post information about a District #484 student or employee in a way that is or could be reasonably perceived as discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise derogatory.

● Never use a social media site to post or otherwise publish confidential or protected information about the District, its students, or its employees. Disclosure of confidential or protected information may result in liability for invasion of privacy or defamation.

● As a member of the Pierz School’s community, all staff are expected to act professionally on social media. If you wish to post any content of your classes, practices, or in-school interactions on social media, please send to Heidi Thielen for proper review to be posted to the District accounts. Never use photos of students on your own personal accounts.

Expectations for the educational use of social media

In addition to Section I, above, employees using social media for educational (school or District-related) purposes are expected to:

● Comply with all District policies and state laws on the use of district-owned hardware, software and networks apply, as relevant, to the use of social media for a school, class or program.

● Notify your building administrator if you wish to establish a social media site for a school, class or program. That request and set up will be handled by the communications team.

● If using Facebook, create an organization page for your school, class or program; do NOT use a personal Facebook page for school-related purposes.

● Establish expectations for acceptable use on your social media site that are compliant with the District’s expectations for acceptable use (see example at end of document).

● Do not post anything on a school or District affiliated social media page that advocates for or against a political candidate or ballot initiative.

● Refrain from posting or otherwise publishing images that include students who have opted-out of the district publications. Building secretaries will have this information.

o To ensure the safety of our community, Pierz Schools will never knowingly post or release information that is considered private and confidential. This includes posting conversations, names, personal schedules, addresses, personal phone numbers, etc. without noted consent.

o Unless otherwise opted-out, students are automatically opted-in to the district’s publications. Photos of students will not be posted on Pierz Schools social media accounts if a parent specifically opts their child(ren) out of such communications.

● Pay close attention to the site’s security settings and allow only approved participants access to the site. ● Remember that behavior inappropriate in school or the classroom should be considered inappropriate online. ● Seek consent before using the Pioneer logo or school-specific logos or mascots. The use of the District logo should be approved by the building principal.

● Employees found to have engaged in inappropriate use of social media or other electronic communication may be subject to disciplinary action by the District, up to and including termination.

Expectations for Pierz School’s Students

● As a student of Pierz Schools, you are expected to employ responsible behavior, and any disrespect to the school or to your peers — in addition to posting photos of other students without consent — will result in disciplinary action

Establishing a school or District-related social media site

Anyone who wishes to establish a social media site for a district office, school, class or program must first notify their building principal or supervisor. If you have questions on content you would like posted to the district’s social media pages please contact:

Heidi Thielen: hthielen@pierzschools.org

Sarah Funk: sfunk@pierzschools.org

Acceptable Use Guideline Example

The following acceptable use guideline is posted to the school district’s Facebook page, and provides an example that can be adopted for other district-related social media sites (i.e., Facebook pages for Band, FFA, etc):

Pierz Public Schools has created this Facebook page to serve as an additional means to share news, provide information, and facilitate communications within our school district community. We thank all of the Facebook users who “like” our page and contribute to our online community. Messages posted to this Facebook page do not necessarily represent the views of Pierz Schools. The District reserves the right to remove comments and/or report users who post comments which, in the school district’s sole discretion, bully, intimidate, or harass any individual;

contain obscenity, nudity or gratuitous violence; are commercial solicitations; are factually erroneous, libelous, or wildly off-topic; are from anonymous blog trolls; constitute incitement to violence or violation of law or District policy, or which constitute true threats; or that otherwise violate State law, school district policy, or the social media site’s own policies.

UNPAID MEAL CHARGE POLICY

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students receive healthy and nutritious meals through the school district’s nutrition program and that school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day and minimize identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals as well as to maintain the financial integrity of the school nutrition program.

II. PAYMENT OF MEALS

A. Students have use of a meal account. When the balance reaches zero, a student may charge no more than $20.00 to this account. When an account reaches this limit, a student shall not be allowed to charge further meals or any a la carte items/snacks until the negative account balance is paid. Families may add money to their lunch account several ways:

1. Pay Online: Families must have an email address and have set up their account using their Family Key letter to pay online. If they have not already set up their lunch account online, contact Stephanie in the District Office at 320-468-6458 ext. 1905. The website to pay online is: https://lobby.edutrak.com/

2. Families may mail a check made payable to Pierz ISD 484, 112 Kamnic Street, Pierz MN 56364.

3. Families may drop off or send a check/cash with their student to either the High School or Elementary building.

B. If the school district receives school lunch aid under Minn. Stat. § 124D.111, it must make lunch available without charge to all participating students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals regardless of account balance.

C. A student with an outstanding meal charge debt will be allowed to purchase a meal if the student pays for the meal when it is received.

D. The school district may provide an alternate meal that meets federal and state requirements to a student who does not have sufficient funds in the student’s account or cannot pay cash for a meal. The school district will accommodate special dietary needs with respect to alternate meals. The cost of the alternative meal, $1.45, will be charged to the student’s account or otherwise charged to the student.

E. When a student has a negative account balance, the student will not be allowed to charge a snack item.

F. Each family has one jointly shared lunch account.

III. LOW OR NEGATIVE ACCOUNT BALANCES – NOTIFICATION

A. The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify families when meal account balances are low or fall below zero.

B. Families will be notified of a low balance once the balance reaches $5.00 or less. Once the balance is negative, families will be notified on a daily basis until the account is paid in full.

Families will be notified by automated phone calls and emails from the school. A letter will be mailed home to the family if no response or action has been taken to bring the lunch account into the positive and an alternative meal may be provided to the child(ren) until the account is paid in full.

A balance notification email will go out to all families at the end of the week who have provided an email address.

C. Reminders for payment of outstanding student meal balances will not demean or stigmatize any student participating in the school lunch program.

IV. UNPAID MEAL CHARGES

A. The school district will make reasonable efforts to communicate with families to resolve the matter of unpaid charges. Where appropriate, families may be encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meals for their children.

B. The school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt. Unpaid meal charges are designated as delinquent debt when payment is overdue, the debt is considered collectable, and efforts are being made to collect it.

C. Negative balances of more than $50.00 not paid prior to the end of the month will be turned over to the principal’s designee for collection. Collection options may include, but are not limited to, use of collection agencies, claims in the conciliation court, or any other legal method permitted by law.

D. The school district may not enlist the assistance of non-school district employees, such as volunteers, to engage in debt collection efforts.

V. COMMUNICATION OF POLICY

A. This policy and any pertinent supporting information shall be provided in writing (i.e., mail, email, back-to-school packet, student handbook, etc.) to:

1. all households at or before the start of each school year;

2. students and families who transfer into the school district, at the time of enrollment; and

3. all school district personnel who are responsible for enforcing this policy.

B. The school district may post the policy on the school district’s website, in addition to providing the required written notification described above.

WEAPON’S POLICY

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to assure a safe school environment for students, staff and the public.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

No student or nonstudent, 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.

DEFINITIONS

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 self-injury including, but not limited to, any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; air guns; pellet guns; BB guns; all

knives; blades; clubs; metal knuckles; nunchucks; throwing stars; explosives; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stun guns; 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 non-functional, look-alike 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, school-contracted 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.

III.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 any school personnel 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 (or student where specified) falls within one of the following categories:

1. active licensed peace officers;

2. military personnel, or students or non-students participating in military training, who are on duty performing official duties;

3. persons authorized to carry a pistol under Minn. Stat. § 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;

4. persons who keep or store in a motor vehicle pistols in accordance with Minn. Stat. §§ 624.714 or 624.715 or other firearms in accordance with §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; (2) unloaded and in the closed trunk; or (3) a handgun carried incompliance with §§624.714 and 624.715.

5. firearm safety or marksmanship courses or activities for students or non students conducted on school property;

6. possession of dangerous weapons, BB guns, or replica firearms by a ceremonial color guard; 7. a gun or knife show held on school property;

8. possession of dangerous weapons, BB guns, or replica firearms with written permission of the principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school or the director of a child care center; or

9. 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 in 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.

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. §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.

IV. CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENT WEAPON POSSESSION/USE/DISTRIBUTION A. The school district 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. out-of-school suspension;

2. confiscation of the weapon;

3. immediate notification of police;

4. parent or guardian notification; and

5. Assembly of available crisis team members for determination of the degree of

consequences warranted by the violation.

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 takes a “Zero Tolerance” position on the possession, use for 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.

V. 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