Welcome Camden Scholars!

Our school has a new name and a renewed focus on creating a community of trust, high expectations and success for both staff and students.

We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.  Together, we can build a strong foundation for a successful academic year.

Let’s come together as a school community and make this year a remarkable year.  Join us in breaking ground and setting the stage for a year filled with growth, achievement, and positive experiences!  Please submit this form, once you have gone through the student handbook.

In collaboration,

Principal Liza Anderson Schmid, Assistant Principal Josh Cattledge, and Assistant Principal Josh Pool

Camden Main Office

612-668-2000

Principal

Liza Anderson Schmid

612-668-1923

Liza.Anderson-Schmid@mpls.k12.mn.us

Assistant Principal

Joshua Pool

612-668-1921

Joshua.Pool@mpls.k12.mn.us

Assistant Principal

Joshua Cattledge

612-668-1945

Joshua.Cattledge@mpls.k12.mn.us

Athletic Director

Michael Landers

612-668-1947

Michael.Landers@mpls.k12.mn.us

Special Education Coordinator

Rachael Flanery

612-668-1938

Rachael.Flanery@mpls.k12.mn.us

Attendance, Registration, Transcripts

MaryAnn Torres

612-668-1924

Maryann.Torres@mpls.k12.mn.us

Counseling Office

Nick Walker (Last Name A-G)

612-668-1971

Shawn Crenshaw (Last Name H-P)

612-668-1967

Ola Lloyd (Last Name Q-Z)

612-668-1958

Lisa Dornacker (Class of 2030, Career & College Readiness)

612-668-2019

Restorative Advocate Office

LaRhonda Lloyd (Last Name A-G)

612-668-1982

Katrinka Zackery (Last Name H-P)

612-668-1961

Stacy Manuel (Last Name Q-Z)

612-668-1970

Travis Mitchell (All Students)

612-668-1975

Social Work Team

Gustavo Sagrado (Last Name A-G)

612-668-1981

Sydney Baldwin (Last Name H-P)

612-668-1956

Sarah Ortiz (Last Name Q-Z)

612-668-2017

Health Office

Summer PaVon

612-668-1968

Kyra Jordan

612-668-2007

Engagement Team

Alfreda Riddley, African American

612-668-1933

Leslie Luces Saavedra , Español

612-668-2006

Tong Ge Yang, Hmoob 

612-668-1949

Shmyra Melton, Check and Connect

612-668-XXXX

TBD, Check and Connect

612-668-XXXX

TBD, Check and Connect

612-668-XXXX

Website

https://camden.mpschools.org/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/MPS.Camden/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mps_camden/

Campus Portal gives students and families access to class schedules, attendance, grades, test results, transcripts, and teacher contact information. To set up an account, follow instructions here: https://source.mpls.k12.mn.us/student-and-parent-portal

Infinite Campus Student/Parent Log In

Talking points is an app used by both teachers and families. It automatically translates messages from English to families' home languages. Families can use standard text messages or the talking points app to respond to messages from teachers.

Student Announcements are shown multiple times a week. If you need an announcement to be made, please connect with our Community & Family Liaisons. Scan QR code to see the current announcements!

https://camden.mpschools.org/about/calendar

Response Protocol

Definition

Student Responsibilities

All Clear

All Clear

Continue with your learning day, remember no running in the hallways.

HOLD

HOLD is initiated for internal or nearby conditions that necessitate restricted hallway access. During this protocol, scholars must stay in their designated classrooms, where instruction proceeds as usual. Movement remains limited until staff announce an All Clear, signaling the resolution of the incident.

• Go to your assigned learning space or supervised location without delay.
• Stay in your current room until an All Clear is signaled by staff.
• Keep engaging with your academic lessons and school work.
• Comply with all staff guidance and expectations immediately.
• Avoid the hallways and do not ask for passes; you must have authorized supervision to move.
• Maintain a respectful attitude and stay dedicated to your studies.
• Ensure voices remain low so everyone can hear important updates.

Scholars are to remain in their classrooms until the regular bell schedule is restored or an All Clear is given. If the HOLD protocol overlaps with a scheduled passing period, administrative staff will provide specific guidance regarding transitions.

Secure

SECURE is activated for external circumstances or risks located beyond the school perimeter. This protocol requires everyone to stay within the facility while outer entrances are locked. Academic activities proceed normally while the situation is monitored.

Lockdown

A LOCKDOWN is used when there is an immediate threat or danger inside the school building or on school grounds. During a LOCKDOWN, all students and staff take immediate action to secure their location and remain quiet until law enforcement or school administrators provide further instructions.

Evacuate

Follow your teacher and class out of the building and cross the street. Be prepared to take attendance with your teacher.  Stay with your class on the sidewalk until staff call code green. Return to your classroom with your teacher.

Shelter

Follow your teacher and class to the area designated in your tornado plan. This is usually the most interior room, on the lowest floor without windows.

School Responsibilities

We, as Camden HS Staff, will support students’ learning in the following ways:

● Provide high quality, culturally relevant curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables our students to meet the Minnesota State Standards.

● Hold caregiver-teacher conferences during which this Title 1 Compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievements.

● Provide caregivers with frequent reports on their student’s progress, and the overall progress at Camden HS.

● Provide caregivers reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer, chances to participate in their student’s class, and to observe classroom activities.

Caregiver Responsibilities

We, as caregivers, will support our scholar’s learning in the

following ways:

● Make sure my scholar attends class at least 95% of the time and is on time.

● Make sure my scholar understands the school expectations regarding cell phone use

● Make sure that my scholar is making good use of their leisure time.

● Help/Volunteer at the school whenever possible.

● Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences when offered.

● Check my scholars academic progress and school work completion using ParentCampus weekly.  Check in with the classroom teacher when my student is not making progress.

● Participate as appropriate in decisions relating to my scholar’s education.

● Encourage my scholar to participate in school sports, clubs, and activities.

● Keep up-to-date with communications from the school and make sure I communicate my thoughts about school happenings.

● Serve as much as possible on Camden parent organizations such as the Booster Club, Site Council, and District-wide groups.

Student Responsibilities

We, as students, will share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement in

the following ways:

● Attend classes daily and be on time to each class period.

● Be respectful to Camden staff and scholars.

● Do my schoolwork every day and ask for help when I need it.

● Share all notices and information I receive with my caregivers.

● Check my academic progress and school work completion using StudentCampus weekly.  

• Check in with the classroom teacher when I am not making progress.

● Participate as much as possible in school sports, clubs, and activities.

● Stay informed by reading website and newsletter

District, School and Educator Responsibilities: Creating the Conditions for All Students to Succeed 

Every educator in Minneapolis Public Schools is responsible for creating the conditions necessary for students to succeed academically, socially and behaviorally. At the core of our philosophy for supporting students is our belief in holding students to high expectations and our commitment to providing them with a high level of support.

One strategy for providing this high level of support is our district’s commitment to broadly implementing proactive classroom strategies that are rooted in Anti-Racist Social Emotional Learning. These strategies are especially important for educators when supporting students through minor behavior incidents in the classroom.

For more information on proactive classroom strategies for improving student discipline, please visit this guide from the Ant-Racist Social Emotional Learning team.

In addition to the proactive classroom strategies, Minneapolis Public Schools is committed to providing resources, supports and opportunities to support the whole student. To achieve this,  Minneapolis Public Schools has several departments that are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Black, Indigenous, Latine and LGBTQIA students.  If you are interested in learning more about these departments and how they partner with schools to proactively support student engagement, specifically for students of historically marginalized identities, please reach out to:

American Indian Education Department

Equity and School Climate Department

Office of Black Student Achievement

Office of Latine Achievement

All Day Absences

Before 10am on the day of student’s absence, parent or guardian must call or email our

ATTENDANCE LINE: 612-668-1924 / maryann.torres@mpls.k12.mn.us

Lines are open 24 hours a day.

Only messages left by the student's parent or guardian will be processed.

Tardies

Caregiver(s) must call 612-668-2000 with the reason why the student is late and the time they will arrive at school. Excessive tardies within the building are monitored and are subject to the following interventions:

• 1:1 intervention with the students’ l Restorative Advocate or Social Worker
• Parent Contact and/or meeting
• Community Service
• Small Group Skill Instruction
• Loss of Social Privileges (dances, games, after-school events etc.)

Leaving School Early

1. Caregiver(s) must write a note or email or call the attendance office requesting an early release. Note must include:

1. Student’s full name
2. Reason for early release
3. Parent signature and phone #

2. The day of, student must bring note to room #104 immediately upon entering the building.
3. Passes to leave the building are issued to students only before 1st hour.
4. Please make every effort to follow this procedure, as we are unable to call classrooms to have students released early.                                

School Activities

If a student is not in class, teachers are required to mark them absent, even if the student is scheduled to attend a school activity. The staff member in charge of the activity is responsible for confirming which students attended the activity with the Attendance Office. Once confirmation is received by the attendance clerk, the student’s absence will be excused. Please allow up to 3 days for school activity absences to be excused.

After School Expectations

1. Students who are not participating in an afterschool activity are to be out of the building by 3:15 pm each day.
2. By 3:15pm, all students participating in after school athletics or programming should be in their supervised afterschool space and the supervisor should be present.
3. If no supervisor is present, it is not appropriate for anyone to be in a classroom, gym, weight room, media center, dance, auditorium…etcThere is no reason for anyone to be unsupervised in the halls.

Family Activity/Vacation

Whenever possible, family vacations should be taken when school is not in session. A family vacation is defined as a trip the family takes overnight and the student(s) would be unable to come to school for part or all of the next school day(s). When circumstances require a student to miss school for a family vacation, the parent/guardian must notify and obtain approval from the school Principal prior to the absence. Failure to notify the school prior to the vacation may be counted as an unexcused absence.

A Family Vacation/Activity form must be completed 10 days in advance of 1st day absence.  Please see the attendance clerk in the main office (room 103) for this form.

Withdrawing from School

1. Parent must call our main number (612-668-2000) or come in with the following information:

1. The last date student will attend Camden HS
2. Name of new school, location of new school, and contact information of new school

2. On the last day the student will attend class at Camden HS, they must bring to school:

1. All textbooks & technology
2. Camden ID/bus card
3. then report to room 104 before 1st hour.

3. Students will remain on-roll at Camden High School until a request for their records is received from their new school. Failure to immediately enroll in a new school could result in a truancy court referral.

Academic Programs

Camden High School is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Middle Years (MYP) Programme for all 9th and 10th graders and the full Diploma Programme, and a candidate school for the IB Career Programme diploma as well. IB World Schools share a commitment to highest-quality, global-minded education. IB courses are open to ALL Camden students, without barriers.

In addition to college credit earned through IB courses, Camden also offers courses with college credit options through CTE, the Education Pathway with MCTC, among others.

Camden also has a Hmong Dual Language Program for students who would like to develop their Hmong language skills. Students who have taken part in our dual and world language program are qualified to take the Bilingual Seal, an assessment that examines language proficiency in a language other than English. If students reach a specific language proficiency level, they are eligible to receive free college semester credits

See the full Camden Course Catalog on our website for the wide range of courses

available at CHS.

Academic Integrity Policy 

Academic Honesty Policy

E-Learning

When we have Severe Weather or other community emergency, MPS may call an E-Learning Day.

E-Learning Schedule:

In Google Classroom:

There are three main tabs at the top of your Google Classroom webpage: stream, classwork, and people. You really only need to worry about the first two.

• Stream: The stream tab will be exclusively for announcements relating to our class. Assignments will NOT be posted here.
• Classwork: All important information about assignments and course guidelines will be located under this tab.
• People: You can see your classmates here

Class Work Section:

• On the left hand side of your screen, you will see a list of topics. Course Information will be at the bottom. This tab contains our Syllabus, Course Expectations, and Teacher Contact Information.
• Above the Course Information tab you will find our weekly work. Each week will be listed in its own tab with the week number and date.  For example, Week 1 will be titled as follows: Week 1: September 8-10th
• All learning resources, content, and graded assignments are posted to Google Classroom under the Classwork Tab.

Assignment Expectations

• Teachers will post a learning activity and attendance question for their classes daily. You are responsible for completing the learning activity independently which also is used to mark your attendance.

Attendance

• There are two ways for you to be marked present. Either you complete the learning activity for the day, or you can attend office hours and work with the teacher.

Graduation requirements for Class of 2026 - 2027

Graduation requirements for Class of 2028 and Beyond

How to Calculate GPA and/or Why it Matters

GPA Calculator

Your GPA is the average of the grades attained in each course starting the first quarter of your 9th grade year. Letter grades have their own point system (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0). Think of your GPA like your high school credit score! The higher it is, the more benefits you’ll be able to access.

There are a number of opportunities that will require a specific high school GPA in order to take advantage of: High School Athletics 2.0, Post-Secondary Options (PSEO) 2.5, and numerous college scholarships require at least a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Course Catalog

Course Catalog Use this link to view available courses at Camden HS.

Grading Scale: Standards Based Grading

IB Assessment Policy

All Camden educators should be familiar with our Standards Based Assessment and Grading practices and should regularly communicate them to their own students and support overall communication and implementation of the practices.

Proficiency on MN Standards learning targets will be the major way in which students are assessed in math. Students are expected to achieve a proficient score on each learning target.

Grading at Camden High School is based on students demonstrating their understanding and application of the MN State Standards.  Standards-based grading  helps to ensure that our assessments and student grades are a direct reflection of student learning. Grading practices will be consistent across the building to support clear communication. These practices include

• 80% of students' grades will be based on summative assessments, which include things like tests, projects, essays, and lab reports that show what students have learned.
• Students will always have at least 1 opportunity to retake or redo a summative assessment like a test or project within 2 weeks of teachers returning it to them. Students should expect that teachers will ask them to complete additional learning or practice before they redo. (Note:  If a student resubmits an assignment for a CIS, IBDP, MCTC course, the retake may not be reflected in the IBDP, MCTC or CIS course final grade, but will be reflected in the Camden grade.)

• Camden Re-take ticket 
• Camden Assessment Postponement Form

• All assignments will be graded with a score of 0-8 so that scoring and feedback is consistent across classrooms. Grading modifications may be made for students with IEP or 504 plans based on the student’s IEP/504 plan. The chart below shows what each of the numbers will mean in each classroom.

Missing & Late Work

All formative work should be turned in prior to students completing and submitting the summative assessments.  Formative assignments are practice and should predict how a student will do the summative work.  When students do not complete formative work, we are not able to assist with correcting misunderstandings, clarifying understanding or academic interventions.

We adopted 4 principles to guide our Standards Based Assessment and Grading work

1. All grades should be based on at least 80% summative assessment work and assessment tasks should vary during each grading period.

2. No grade penalties will be assigned for late work.  (See resources below for support in addressing this issue.)

3. There is no extra credit.  Enrichment or other evidence of high quality work that is related to the standards is preferred

4. Students should have more than one opportunity to show mastery.  This can occur through giving opportunities to re-assess, by strategically rotating or cycling through standards on assessments, or in other ways.

As a Standards Based Learning School, we expect students to keep a focus on learning.  If you are not successful on an assessment or not ready for an assessment, please work with your teacher to complete the appropriate form below, so you are able to demonstrate your best learning.

• Camden Retake ticket 
• Camden Assessment Postponement Form

Plan to earn a grade

In the event a student earns a D, F or NC (no credit), they have the option of completing a contract with the teacher by filling out the form below:

Plan to Earn a Grade

Student Schedule Options

Zero Hour

Students who want to take Drivers Education or Theory of Knowledge (ToK), may choose to take it as a zero-hour class in addition to a regular 6-period day. Students taking zero-hour classes must arrive no later than 7:40am.

Release Period

Seniors with extenuating circumstances can make a request for a release period. Please submit this Release Period Request.

Schedule Changes

Schedule change requests are accepted via the Request for Schedule Change - Student Driven  during the first week of each semester. Complete and submit the schedule change request. Requests will be reviewed.  Your grade level counselor will let you know if it is approved.

Student Aide

A senior at Camden may apply to be a Student Academic Aide for one semester, one period, during their senior year. The purpose of a Student Academic Aide is to support the learning of students at Camden.    Please submit this Student Aide Period Request.

Behavior Level

Incident Summary

Potential Responses

1

Level 1 behaviors are behaviors toward another student, staff, volunteer or visitor or repeated, chronic or significant classroom managed incidents  

In addition to the suggested interventions for classroom managed behaviors, interventions may involve support from other educators (Deans, Restorative Advocates, social workers, counselors or administrators). Students are to miss no more than 15 minutes of instructional time for Level 1 incidents

2

Level 2 behaviors are behaviors that target others, cause minor harm to others and/or interfere with the learning environment beyond what is developmentally appropriate or expected for students

If further intervention is needed after attempting non-exclusionary interventions, in-school removals from instruction are the preferred response for Level 2 incidents. Administrative Removals (removal less than 1.0 days) may be utilized in response to Level 2 behaviors.

3

Level 3 behaviors create safety concerns for the student and/or others and/or cause significant disruptions to the learning environment

When in-school removals are not safe for the student or others, out of school suspensions may be used for students older than 3rd grade. Out of school suspensions may be between 1.0 and 4.0 days.

4

Level 4 behaviors are extreme behaviors that create significant safety concerns for the student or others and/or extreme school-wide disruptions to the learning environment

If it is determined that an incident meets Level 4 criteria, administration must contact the Expulsions and Transfers Office (ETO) regarding next steps and possible recommendations for administrative transfer, recommendation for expulsion and/or knife/weapon letters.

RESPECT YOURSELF,

RESPECT OTHERS, &

RESPECT SCHOOL SPACES

Hallway/

Building

• Use Time Wisely
• Appropriate conversations
• Use time wisely

• Be mindful of personal boundaries
• Treat others how they want to be treated

• Stay in your class
• Elevators are only for people that cannot use stairs
• Posters must be approved

Classroom

• Arrive on time
• Prepared & ready to learn!
• Turn your phone off and put it away
• Advocate for yourself

• Calm voices & body
• Help others who ask/need
• Do your work & your work only

• Follow classroom expectations/routines
• Clean up your area

Cafeteria

• Calm body & voice
• Use time wisely

• Respect personal boundaries
• Wait patiently
• Be polite

• Food stays in cafeteria
• Clean up after yourself

Bathrooms

• Bathroom business only
• Wash hands & clean up after yourself

• Be mindful of time
• One person per stall

• Bathroom business only
• Keep sanitary
• Garbage in garbage
• Report concerns to staff

POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS 

Parent Contact

Parent Conference

Confiscation of device(s)

Referral to House Team (Psychologist, Social Worker, Administrator, etc.)

Referral to community agency

Loss of Social Privileges (dances, games, after-school events etc.)

Out of school removal

Reminder/Redirection

Guided Conversations

Reflective Essay

Community Service

Small Group Skill Instruction

Restorative Circle

Mediations

Skill Practice/Role Play

Care of School and Personal Property

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, Chromebook, iPads, supplies (locks), and furniture supplied by the school. Students who damage school or personal property will be required to pay for the damage.

Classroom Engagement - Hall Sweeps

Camden students and staff are expected to be in their assigned classroom and ready to learn when the bell rings and stay in the class until the bell rings or the educator dismisses them, whichever happens later.  The bell does not dismiss students, the educator does.

• Students arriving when the bell rings or after the bell rings will be marked Tardy.
• Students leaving class early without a pass from their assigned educator will be marked Tardy.
• Students who do not attend at least 80% of the assigned class period will be marked Absent Unexcused.

At Camden High School, we sweep the halls often to ensure that all students are in their assigned class.  During a hall sweep all Camden staff not teaching, move students to the following locations:

• Basement → By room 001 & 008, Stairwell 13
• First Floor → By room 120, stairwell 13
• Second Floor → By room 221, stairwell 13
• Third Floor → By room 318, stairwell 13

In that area, students will connect with the floor Behavior Interventionist and the following will occur.

• First Time = Complete a Reflection Sheet.
• Second Time = Complete a Reflection Sheet and contact home by grade level advocate
• Third Time = Complete a Reflection Sheet, contact home by grade level advocate, and Lunch Detention in room 221.
• Fourth Time = Complete a Reflection Sheet, contact home by grade level advocate, and In School Suspension in room 220.
• Fifth Time = Family/School Meeting with Restorative Advocate, Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, student, and caregivers, creation of a Student Success & Plan and In School Suspension in room 220.

After completing the Reflection Sheet, students will be escorted to class by a Support Staff member.

Communication Plan

Purpose

To foster positive, transparent, and culturally responsive communication between Camden High School and families, ensuring that all interactions support student success and strengthen the home-school partnership.

“Through a school-wide focus on family & school communication and responsiveness, Camden will become a school community where families are engaged, valued, and welcomed.” - Camden Staff and All Stakeholders

1. Communication Goals

• Ensure families receive timely, clear, and accessible information about their child’s education.
• Foster two-way communication where families feel heard and valued.
• Use inclusive language that reflects respect for diverse family structures and cultural backgrounds.
• Provide multiple channels for communication to accommodate different family needs.

2. Key Communication Strategies

A. Proactive & Consistent Messaging

• Monthly newsletter w/ School Updates: Send newsletters via email, text, Talking Points and the school website summarizing key events, deadlines, and important announcements.
• Classroom Teachers will communicate with families of students earning a C- or Less, at least once every two weeks via TalkingPoints, phone, or email.
• Caregivers will check the ParentCampus and TalkingPoints communications weekly.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Offer virtual and in-person options to discuss student progress.

B. Culturally Responsive Communication

• Language Accessibility: Provide translations in Spanish and other languages spoken by Camden High families.
• Respect for Family Diversity: Use inclusive terms (e.g., “caregivers” instead of only “parents”).
• Community Events: Host culturally relevant workshops and celebrations to strengthen school-family relationships.

C. Two-Way Engagement & Feedback

• Open-Door Policy: Encourage families to reach out with concerns and suggestions.
• Surveys & Check-Ins: Gather feedback through periodic surveys and town halls.
• Parent Advisory Council: Establish a group that meets regularly to discuss school policies and initiatives.

D. Accessible & Flexible Communication Channels

• Text & Email Alerts: Use an SMS system for urgent updates and reminders.
• School Website & Social Media: Regularly update platforms with news, event details, and student achievements.
• Dedicated Family Liaison: Assign a staff member to address family concerns and help navigate school processes.

3. Implementation & Accountability

• Staff Training: Provide professional development on effective family communication and cultural responsiveness.
• Communication Protocols: Develop guidelines for when and how staff should engage with families.
• Annual Review: Evaluate the plan’s effectiveness through family and staff feedback, making adjustments as needed.

Dress Expectations

Camden High School’s Site Council, administration, and teachers believe community members’ dress and personal appearance is important for success in high school, college, and the workplace. We expect our community members to present themselves in a manner that will be respectful and appropriate.

(a) Community members must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and shoes.

(b) Shirts and dresses must have fabric in the front and on the sides (under the arms).

(c) Clothing must cover undergarments (waistbands and straps included).

(d) Fabric covering breasts, genitals and buttocks must not be see-through.

(e) Hats, masks and other headwear must allow the face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the face and ears to be visible to school staff. Ski masks are not allowed to be worn on school property.

(f) Clothing and footwear must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, and other activities where unique hazards exist.

(g) Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

(h)Any clothing/accessories with phrases, slogans or artwork that is vulgar, sexually suggestive, profane or promotes violence, encourages disrespect, indecency, racism or hate, or makes reference to drugs, tobacco, alcohol or gangs is not permitted.

(I)Coats and jackets must be kept in each student’s school issued locker during the student school day.

Any community member not following these expectations will be required to change their clothing or go home to change.

Fundraising

To request approval for a fundraiser, community members will complete the fundraising request at least 3 weeks prior to starting the fundraiser.  All money from fundraisers and dances must be turned in to the School Secretary daily and kept in the safe.

Fundraiser requests will be reviewed by the school Principal with considerations of equity, policy/law, and finance parameters. The school Principal will provide rationale for why a request was or was approved.

ID + Bus Card (Go-To card)

All students (and staff!) are expected to wear their ID when at school. Please show your ID when requested as it is a regular part of procedures. For example, entry to building, entry to lunch, etc. If you forget or lose your ID, a staff member at the front door will guide you in getting a temporary ID for the week. For lost/stolen IDs, please fill out this form to request a new ID. Students can also go to room 104 before or after school to request and pick up IDs.

Starting 25-26 school year, bus passes will be separate from student IDs. Students will need to carry both cards if they take public transportation. Check out MPS Go-To Cards for more information. Fill out this form to request a new or replacement bus card. Students can also go to room 104 before or after school to request and pick up bus cards.

High school students who are eligible for a free Go-To Card:

Students who qualify for educational benefits, regardless of where they live in their school attendance area. Students who are within the attendance area of their school, but outside the walk zone. Students who are enrolled in a city-wide program (for example: Hmong Language Pathway) and outside the walk zone of their school. Students must reside in Minneapolis.

All students who do not qualify for a free card can purchase one at a discounted rate by stopping by the main office. Payments can be made in full for the entire school year ($388) or before the start of each quarter ($97.00). Only cash payments are accepted. Cards are active through the end of the school year.

Lockers

The school provides a locker to each student to store materials needed for schoolwork.

You can find your locker on your Infinite Campus Student Portal. View the Locker Slides for more info.

• All students are required to leave their backpacks and coats/jackets in their lockers throughout the school day.
• Students will use the school-issued lock; no personal locks will be permitted.
• Lockers may not be shared between students.
• Students may go to their lockers before school, between classes, and after school.
• Money and other valuables should NEVER be left in the locker.
• The school does not accept responsibility for items stored in lockers.
• Any damage or loss should be reported immediately to a Restorative Advocate or Administrator.
• The school reserves the right to search any locker, at any time, for any reason, without warning or consent. Items which are found in a locker that violate the law or school policy, will be confiscated and held until parent and/or authorities are notified. For further explanation of this process, please refer to the section in this handbook entitled Search of Students/Locker/Desks, Motor Vehicles.
• Students are responsible for taking care of their lockers and locks.  Students are responsible for cleaning their lockers and any damage done to their locker.  If locks are lost, students must pay $10.00 to replace it.

If you are having an issue with your locker/lock, fill out the Locker Support Form.

Lunch

Each student is assigned a lunch time based on their Period 4 class.  Students may only attend one lunch.  If a student does not want to be in the lunchroom during their assigned lunch, they may go to the Media Center, College and Career Center, or approved classroom.  The student must have a pass to these spaces and show it to the lunchroom staff.  

If a teacher/staff member would like to host a student or group of students for lunch, they must meet with their department administrator to go through the Expectations for Hosting Lunch prior to issuing passes and hosting students lunch.

• Student must log in their student ID # when going through the lunch line
• Students should stay seated during lunch
• Students must clean up their lunch area prior to being dismissed from lunch

Open Campus

Juniors and seniors may have open campus lunch if they meet the eligibility requirements and have permission from their caregiver.  The eligibility requirements are:

• The most current quarter or mid-quarter grade must be above a 2.5 GPA
• The most current quarter or mid-quarter attendance must be 90% attending or higher
• The student must be on track to graduate.
• Student/Parent contact must be returned.

Students will receive an Open Campus Lunch pass from their Restorative Advocate.  This must be shown each day upon leaving and reentering along with their school ID.  Students must leave within the first 5 minutes of lunch and re enter through Door 1.  Students cannot bring food or drink back into the building.  Staff reserves the right to confiscate the Open Campus Lunch Pass for conduct not in line with school policy.  Students can apply for Open Campus here and pick up their Contract from their Restorative Advocate in room 221, 222 or 223.

Parking

All students driving to school must request a parking pass.  These are provided at no cost.  Student parking is located in the parking lot adjacent to the athletics field on the corner of Morgan Ave and 43rd Street. Students driving to school are expected to park in this lot and have their parking pass displayed on the rear view mirror of their vehicle.

Pass Process

Students are expected to use the restroom, or go to lockers, during their five minute passing time. Students are expected to have a hall pass if they are out of their classroom during instructional time. If a student needs to leave the classroom, a teacher may write them a pass. Teachers will not issue a pass during the first or last 10 minutes of class. Only one student is able to be out of each classroom with a pass at a time.

Personal Electronic Device/Cell Phone Expectations

Research shows that cell phone/social media use has layers of negative consequences for adolescents.  There is an addictive quality that causes students to miss out on real life because they are compelled into virtual life. There is a distraction quality that causes students to miss learning because they are paying attention to their phones instead of their lessons.  There is a social-emotional quality that is causing an epidemic of anxiety and depression in our adolescents.

Student personal electronic devices, phones, headphones, and earbuds are expected to be turned off and put away in the classroom's lockable phone storage locker when entering the classroom. Students may not use personal devices or phones (including headphones & earbuds) during class time.  If this is not followed:

• The teacher will redirect the student and ask them to put the phone away in the storage locker and follow up with a communication home to the family.
• The teacher will call for a Behavior Interventionist to pick up the phone.  The student can pick it up at 3:12pm at Door 1.  The teacher will follow up with a communication home.
• The third time this occurs, a parent/guardian/caregiver will need to pick up the phone/device.  The student’s grade level Restorative Advocate will contact home.
• If this continues to be an issue, the restorative advocate and/or grade level administrator will create a morning phone check in plan with the student and their family.

Students may use phones/devices during passing time and at lunch, as well as before and after school.  They may not be used in the halls or other spaces during class time. Phones may never be used in the bathrooms and locker rooms.

Technology

Students are expected to bring their school issued MPS Chromebook and charger to school everyday.  The Universal Access to Technology program at MPS is in place to provide all students with an appropriate learning-level device, which they are able to use both at home and at school. Students in most grade levels will take these devices to and from school each day. This program is essential in ensuring learning-level appropriate access to technology is available for all students. For more information go to: https://mplsk12mnus.finalsite.com/departments/it/student-tech-support#studentdevices  For lost/Stolen/Broken Chromebooks, Replacement Chargers, and/or Password Reset; speak to a teacher/staff to receive a new device. Subject to Admin approval.

Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug/Controlled Substances/Vapes/Carts

Possessing, using or distributing any Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug/Controlled Substances/Vapes including, but not limited to: cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/vapes/carts, marijuana, narcotics, etc. are strictly prohibited.

• Camden High School has Vape/Smoke detectors located throughout the building.

Students that are vaping or smoking during the school day in the school building, on school property, or at a school sponsored event the following will occur:

1. 1:1 intervention with the students’ grade level Restorative Advocate and morning check in and bag check with House members.
2. Small Group Intervention regarding the health impacts of first hand and second hand smoke and vaping after school, students are added to the no pass list and have continued morning check ins and bag check with House members.
3. Referral to an MPS Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counselor and sent home for the rest of the day.
4. Family/School Meeting with Restorative Advocate, Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, student, and caregivers, creation of a Student Success & Plan and In School Suspension.

Students who are identified as distributing any of the substances above will be suspended and referred to the MPS Office of Expulsion and Admin Transfers.

All athletes will also be held to the Minnesota State High School League rules and procedures.

Weapons

Possessing, using or distributing a weapon including but not limited to: Mace/noxious substance/pepper spray, knife, blunt object, sharp object, stun gun, taser or using an object/ lookalike/toy as a weapon are strictly prohibited

Report of a student or community member having a weapon on school property is taken very seriously.  The Camden Administrative team will consult with MPS Emergency and Safety Management (EMSS) and MPS law enforcement and appropriate next steps will be taken to ensure the safety of our school community.  Confiscated weapons of any kind will not be returned.

For a full list of services and student groups,

please refer to our Camden Resource Guide 

Athletics, Activities & Clubs

Athletics and Activities provide student-athletes with the opportunity to work together in a group of competitive sports that involve physical exertion and skill, such as running, jumping, throwing, and walking. Student-athletes will be involved in a program or event, including practice and competition, during which youth athletes participate or practice to participate in an organized athletic game or competition against another team, club, or individual.

• Here is the link to the Student and Parent Athletic Manual Handbook.
• Here is a link to Camden specific Clubs, Activities & Athletics

Counselors

Counselors provide academic support to students by helping them select their courses, tracking student grades and progress towards graduation.  They also provide college and career planning, share study skills, and help with personal/social issues. Counselors will meet with students 1:1 to solve concerns about the student’s grades and classroom performance as well as contacting parents to share updates and get feedback.

CCC 

The Career and College Center provides 1 on 1 advising for students interested in a range of post-secondary pathways. Ms. India and Mr. Kong supports students with college applications, creating student and parent FSA ID, FAFSA and MN Dream ACT completion, scholarship applications, and researching post-secondary pathways. The CCC also hosts Career and College Rep Visits in the CCC. Events are shared in our Camden Student Announcements, Junior and Senior Google Classrooms, talking points and CCC Newsletters. If you ever want to contact the Career and College Center, fill out this google form and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

Community ED

Adult and family classes, activities, tours and events.  Find details at www.mplscommunityed.com by using the search term Camden.  All are low cost or free.

Boys and Girls Club

Boys & Girls Club Beacons provides a variety of after-school programs focusing on character and leadership, healthy lifestyle, performing arts and college/career readiness programs.  Some current programs include Beauty Shop, Open Gym, Barbershop, Cooking, Study Skills, Social Soul Food, Boys Group, Know Your Hood, Hoops & Homework, Kickback Fridays and Youth Empowerment  Studios which offer paid internships.

Check & Connect

Check & Connect works to improve student engagement in school by focusing on   attendance concerns, providing individualized academic and social/emotional support, and assisting with credit recovery.  Frequently collaborating with school social workers, they problem-solve with students, create and monitor student goals, provide weekly check-ins, and work with students after school.  Student attendance is monitored frequently and families are informed about the truancy process.

Media Center

Our media specialist connects students and staff with quality information and resources to meet their academic and personal needs in a warm, inviting, and safe space. Everyone can receive help in finding and using information in many formats. Students can access the Media Center before or after school or with their class if the teacher brings them.  When you are away from school, information can be accessed on our Library Media Website at https://sites.google.com/mpls.k12.mn.us/henrylibrary.

Media Center Expectations

• All students must sign in at the front desk and show their Media Center pass which shows the periods they should be in the Media Center.
• Only students with a Media Center pass (CTE and PSEO online classes or release hour) can be in the Media Center during class time.  
• When in the Media Center, students should be working. Phones are not permitted.
• All students must sign out at the front desk and leave the Media Center at the end of every period. If students should be in the media center the next hour they can sign back in using the same process.
• Students must have a Media Center lunch pass to be in the Media Center during lunch.

Ask the Media Specialist if you have questions.

NAZ

Our Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) Family Achievement Coach works primarily with a caseload of scholars whose families live in North Minneapolis. NAZ works to close achievement gaps and end generational poverty on the north side in collaboration with partner organizations who can provide additional support to families. The NAZ Family Achievement Coach builds relationships with families and provides support to heads of households to ensure that their children of color graduate from high school prepared for college by helping them set goals and create achievement plans. They do this through check-ins with scholars during the school day and regularly communicating with parents and/or guardians. Students who would benefit the most from NAZ are having low school engagement and would benefit from a wrap-around relationship.

Restorative Advocates

Our restorative advocates work to develop and implement behavior expectations in the building.  They work with staff and students to address discipline problems as they arise and are responsible for documentation.  They are frequently in communication with families to explain concerns and problem-solve ways to resolve conflict. During the year they engage in conflict resolution between students and work to prevent larger challenges by addressing issues as early as they are identified.  They hold Conference to Repair Harm (CoRH) meetings when staff and students need to meet to share how they were impacted by an incident and problem-solving solutions.   Students can request a Conference to Repair Harm by completing this form.

School Psychologist

School psychologists address student concerns through expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior. They look into both building level concerns (e.g. positive school climate, equity in special education) and individual student concerns.  Identification of possible disabilities and helping those with an identified need to have access to appropriate learning environments is a priority.  They are available to consult with families and teachers on possible supports/interventions available to promote student success.

School Nurse

The school nurse provides first aid, medication and/or treatment administration, emergency services, and nursing assessment services to all students. Health education is also provided for any medical questions or concerns for students and families. The school nurse collaborates with teachers, social workers, counselors, school psychologists and the school-based clinic to help meet the student’s needs. They will contact parents/families if the students are sent home or if there is a significant medical concern. They will also communicate with parents/families to update medical information about a student, request medication consent, clarify reports on students’ annual health inventories, and offer contacts to community resources.

School Based Clinic

The School Based Clinic provides physical, mental, and sexual health services to students at no cost. Their staff includes a physician assistant, multiple mental health therapists, a health educator, a registered dietician, and a medical assistant. Some of the services offered at the clinic include sports physicals, wellness checks, mental health visits, birth control prescriptions and education, STI testing and education, pregnancy testing, nutrition education, and others.

Social Workers

Camden Social Workers provide academic, social, emotional, and behavioral support to students through individual and group interventions. Social workers assist students and families with a variety of concerns, including mental health needs, housing instability, academic challenges, peer relationships, and other barriers that may impact student success.

As experts in school and community resources, social workers help connect students and families to services and supports both within the school and throughout the community.

Community Resources

• YSN (Youth Services Network) App: Download the YSN app to access information about housing, food assistance, mental health services, and other community resources.

Mental Health Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis:

• COPE Mobile Crisis Team: 612-596-1223
  Call for a trained crisis responder to come to your location.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Online Chat: Visit https://988lifeline.org/chat/

McKinney-Vento: Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Instability

What is McKinney-Vento?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This may include students and families who are:

• Living in shelters
• Staying in motels or hotels due to lack of permanent housing
• Sharing housing with relatives or friends because they cannot find or afford adequate housing
• Living in cars, abandoned buildings, parks, or other temporary locations

Student and Family Rights Under McKinney-Vento

Students who qualify under McKinney-Vento have the right to:

• Remain enrolled in their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming homeless or highly mobile)
• Receive transportation assistance to their school of origin, when eligible
• Enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have:

• Proof of residency
• Immunization records
• School records
• Guardianship documents
• Other required paperwork

• Access educational services and supports available to McKinney-Vento students

These rights remain in effect for the entire school year in which the student or family experienced homelessness, even if stable housing is obtained during that school year.

If you believe your family may qualify for McKinney-Vento services or have questions about available supports, please contact your grade-level social worker.

MPS Behavior Contract

All MPS students are required to review and sign the MPS Student Behavior Contract each

• Student Behavior Presentation

• English Version
• Hmong Version
• Somali Version
• Spanish Version

MPS Student Rights and Responsibilities

This handbook is Minneapolis Public Schools’ guide to student behavior. Minneapolis Public Schools’ School Board creates and adopts policies to guide the actions of everyone in the district. The goal of Minneapolis Public Schools is to provide students with a safe environment conducive to learning. Minneapolis Public Schools also recognizes that removal from instruction can work against academic achievement and should be avoided whenever possible.  The guidelines and regulations regarding student behavior and discipline in this handbook fulfill Regulation 5200A.