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ANNUAL REVIEW	EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES	PROCEDURE FOR APPEAL AND GRIEVANCES	SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE POLICIES	GRADUATION	RULES OF CONDUCT	STATEMENT OF POLICY
DISCIPLINARY ACTION	MISCELLANEOUS	SCHEDULE OF ORGANIZATION	STUDENT/PARENT NOTIFICATION
DISTRIBUTION	NON-DISCRIMINATION	SEXUAL, RELIGIOUS & RACIAL HARASSMENT & VIOLENCE POLICY	TENNESSEN WARNING

I. STATEMENT OF POLICY

It is the position of the school district that a fair and equitable district-wide school policy will contribute to the quality of a student's whole life educational experience. Therefore, this district-wide school student handbook has been adopted as school policy.

It is the responsibility of the school board, administrators, and teachers to safeguard the health and safety of each student. The school board and district administrators will support district personnel, who, in dealing with students on disciplinary matters, act in accordance with state statute, state board of education regulations, and this policy.

II. SCHEDULE OF ORGANIZATION

Students are to be in their first period class by 8:05 a.m. and school will be dismissed at 3:08 p.m.

III. ATTENDANCE POLICIES

A. Attendance Policy

All students are expected to attend school regularly. Regardless of the reason for any absence, a written excuse, signed by the parent with the reason students are not in school, must be presented to the High School Office. If a written excuse or a phone call from parent is not received, parents will be contacted.

Students will be allowed two days excused absence for visiting colleges or vocational schools. Additional days must be approved by high school principal or counselor. Students must register their college visits in the counseling office.

A student with an unexcused absence will be required to make up the class work and the time missed at the rate of one hour for every class missed. This will be done outside of the regular class hours. Failure and/or refusal to make up time will result in suspension, not to exceed three days, followed by parental conference prior to re-admittance if deemed necessary.

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Lyon County Human Services School Truancy Procedures

Lyon County Human Services, in collaboration with schools and Lyon County Courts, have developed this truancy procedure protocol, to be incorporated into the policies and procedures of local schools. We have worked together to develop this procedure because we believe it is in the best interest of the child to attend and be academically engaged in order to be successful in school.

Unexcused absences are cumulative through-out the school year. Records regarding attendance will transfer with students who transfer between schools within Lyon County.

According to Minnesota Law, “Habitual truant” means a child under the age of 16 years who is absent from attendance at school without lawful excuse for seven school days if the child is in elementary school or for one or more class periods on seven school days if the child is in middle school, junior high school, or high school, or a child who is 16 or 17 years of age who is absent from attendance at school without lawful excuse for one or more class periods on seven school days and who has not lawfully withdrawn from school.

After five unexcused absences (as defined above), a meeting will be scheduled by the school with the truant child, parents, school personnel, and Human Services. An Attendance Plan will be developed to address the current issues.

If the Attendance Plan is not followed and the student continues to be truant, at seven unexcused absences the matter will be referred to Lyon County Attorney’s Office to be reviewed with Human Services.

Human Services will offer voluntary services to the family to assist in improving the student’s attendance. Human Services will also outline possible outcomes that may take place after the matter is referred to the county attorney’s office, they include:

A Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) petition may be filed with Lyon County Court by Human Services. The student and his/her parent(s) will need to appear before a Judge regarding the truancy petition. At that time, the CHIPS petition may be granted or a trial will be scheduled to determine the basis of the petition.

Judges can consider the following recommendations in a CHIPS hearing in regards to truancy:

1.	A child may lose their driving privileges until he or she is 18 years old.
2.	That any necessary evaluations, treatment, and counseling services be completed by the child or family.
3.	That attendance at summer school is mandatory.

Approved Absences:
If the number of absences is considered "excessive: by the building principal (10 or more absences per semester), written verification or accountability may be required in order to approve the absences.

1.	Illness, injury, or hospitalization of the student. If the number of absences is considered “excessive” by the building principal (10 or more absences per semester), a doctor’s note may be required in order to be considered an approved absence.
2.	Medical, dental, and other professional appointments (not haircuts, tanning, etc.) which cannot be scheduled outside of the school hours.
3.	Family emergency, serious illness of family member, or death in the family.
4.	Religious holidays.
5.	Mandatory court appearances.
6.	Conditions beyond the student’s control. This would include inclement weather conditions but not missing the bus, ride being late, or oversleeping.
7.	Family trips taken with a parent if the principal or other administrator has approved the trip in advance. A maximum of five days in one semester, not to exceed ten days per school year, will be excused. At the principal’s discretion, an absence for a family trip which exceeds five days can be counted as excused or unexcused.
8.	Compliance with any provision of a disabled student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
9.	Any pre-approved absence which, in the principal’s opinion, will provide educational value to the student. Approval must be obtained from the principal prior to the absence.
10.	Participation in a school-sponsored activity.
11.	Suspensions. Absences from class as a result of an in-school or out-of school suspension will be considered “Exempt” and will not count as an unexcused absence.

Any absence which does not fall under any of the excused absences above will be considered unexcused.

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B. Leaving/Returning to School During School Hours

Except when escorted by a staff member, any student leaving the building during class tie must SIGN OUT in the office and SIGN IN upon return.

Teachers may not send students home or on errands which will take them out of the school building. All such requests re approved by the principal or his designee.

With a note from a teacher, a student assigned to that teacher on independent study may be sent on relevant errands out of the school building is a signed parental form is on file in the high school office. The student must still sign out in the office and check in upon return.

C. Make-Up Work

In order to make up work following an excused absence, students are allowed one day for each day missed, plus one additional day. Example, if you miss two consecutive days, you have three days to make up the work.

STUDENTS ARE TO SIGN IN AND SIGN OUT IN THE OFFICE.

IV. RULES OF CONDUCT

Disciplinary action may be taken against students for any behavior which is disruptive of good order or violates the rights of others.

School Premises include: A school building, school grounds, 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, and all school-related functions.

School officials at all times possess the right to search any school property and request personal property to be searched.

The following acts are unacceptable behavior subject to disciplinary action in the school district:

A. Truancy

As required by current Minnesota statutes, regulations of the State Department of Education, Lyon County Human Services, and the School Board of this District, students shall be in attendance each day that school is in session. The authority to decide whether an absence is excused or unexcused rests with the building administration.

For purposes of this policy, truancy is the absenting of one’s self from school or class without valid excuse and approval of the school.

Consequences:

Suspension up to five days may be imposed.

Meeting with School Board as determined by administration.

Notification to parent or guardian when child is continually truant pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 127.20

Referral to proper legal authorities when a student is a habitual truant.

B. Tardies

It is a student’s basic responsibility to get to school and class on time. If a student is tardy to a class more than three times, detention will be assigned by the teacher. Subsequent tardies will result in a conference with the principal and a notice will be sent to student’s parents.

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C. Damage to School or Personal Property or Theft

Vandalism: Damage to or destruction of school property or property of others by students is vandalism.

a. Suspension up to five days or other appropriate disciplinary action by the administration may be imposed.

b. Required to repair or pay for damages.

c. Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

Theft: Theft is the act of intentionally and without claim of right taking school property or the property of others and not making reasonable effort to find the owner.

a. Suspension up to five days or other appropriate disciplinary action by the administration may be imposed.

b. Required to make full restitution.

c. Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

D. Physical Assault

Physical assault is an act which intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another.

Suspension up to five days or other appropriate disciplinary action by the administration may be imposed.

Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

E. Verbal Assaults

Verbal assaults are abusive, threatening, profane, or obscene language either oral or written by a student toward a staff member or another student including conduct which degrades people because of their race, religion, ethnic background, physical or mental handicaps, or social-economic status.

Suspension up to five days or other appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed by the administration.

F. Threats and Disruptions

Dangerous Threats: Threats to normal school operations, school activities, staff, or students, including but not limited to the reporting of dangerous or hazardous situations that do not exist, are unacceptable behavior.

a. Suspension up to ten days may be imposed with notification of authorities.

b. Other appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed as deemed necessary by the administration.

School Disruptions: Any student who disturbs or interrupts school or school-sponsored activities will be subject to disciplinary action.

a. Suspension up to five days may be imposed depending on situation.

b. Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

c. Other appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed as deemed necessary by the administration.

G. Trespassing

Violation of trespass statute will result in immediate notification of legal authorities.

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H. Weapons

The School Board of District 414 recognizes the need to assure a safe school environment for students, staff, and the public. Safe and secure schools lead to effective teaching/learning situations. No student, adult, or visitor shall use or possess a weapon when in a school location.

For the purpose of this policy:

A weapon is: Any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, any device or instrument designed as a weapon, or through its use is capable of producing significant bodily harm or death. Also, any device or instrument that is used to threaten or cause bodily harm or death. Examples, but not limited to, include: guns (including pellet guns, look-alike guns, non-functioning guns that could be used to threaten others), knives, clubs, metal knuckles, nun chucks, throwing stars, explosives, stun guns, ammunition, mace.

Possession: Means having a weapon on one's person or in an area subject to one's control.

Consequences: Confiscation of the weapon, notification of the police department, immediate suspension for five (5) days, a recommendation that the student be expelled from school for a period of at least one year.

Amnesty: Any student who discovers he or she has accidentally brought a device listed above to school and voluntarily turns it into the office or to a teacher will not be considered to have carried a weapon into school. The parent of the student must come into the office to retrieve the object from the principal.

For educational or instructional purposes, the principal may make exceptions to this on a case-by-case basis. All such requests must be made in advance by the teacher or advisor.

Reference: Minnesota Statute: 127.282
Minnesota Statute: 127.48 (Police)
18 U.S.C. 92l (Arms)

I. Alcohol

Students are prohibited from using, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages at school, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored activities.

Suspension up to five days.

Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

Other disciplinary action may be imposed as deemed necessary by the administration.

J. Drugs

Students are prohibited from using, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or narcotics at school, school-sponsored activities, or on school grounds.

Suspension up to five days.

Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

Other disciplinary action may be imposed as deemed necessary by the administration.

K. Use and/or Possession of Tobacco

Tobacco use by students is prohibited at school, at school-sponsored activities, and on school grounds.

Tobacco use will result in suspension of one to two days.

Notification of authorities by discretion of administration.

L. Extra-Curricular Activities - Rules

Eligibility rules of MSHSL and Minneota Public School will apply to Extra-Curricular Activities.

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M. Failure to Identify Oneself

Failure to provide proper identification upon request of a staff member is unacceptable behavior and may result in disciplinary action being taken.

N. Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating or plagiarizing to unfairly gain academic advantage or to defraud the education process is unacceptable. When discovered, each overt act of cheating or plagiarism will be referred by the teacher to the principal and carries the following consequences:
     a. First offense - Zero on the assignment/test and a call to the parents.
     b. Second offense - Zero on the assignment/test, call to the parents, and detention.
     c. Third offense - Zero on the assignment/test, call to the parents, and suspension.

O. Unacceptable Behavior

The violation of any state, local, or federal law is unacceptable behavior and can result in disciplinary action being taken.

P. The Following Constitute Unacceptable Behavior:

Willful conduct which materially and substantially disrupts the right of others to an education;

Willful conduct which endangers school district employees, the pupil or other pupils, or the property of the school;

Willful violation of any rule of conduct specified in this discipline policy; or

Violation of the School District Sexual Harassment or Anti-Discrimination Policy or other policies enacted by the School Board.

Disrespectful or insubordinate

Q. Reasonable Force

Allows the use of reasonable force by a teacher, school employee, bus driver, or other agent of a school district when it is necessary under the circumstances to restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another. This does not authorize corporal punishment, which is prohibited by M.S. 121A.58, nor aversive and deprivation procedures, which are prohibited by M.S. 121A.67.

R. Misbehavior on Bus

Upon the first offense reported by the bus driver to the Manager of 4.0 Bus Service, the student will be warned that subsequent offense will mean removal from the bus until parents come for a conference. This information will be sent to parents in a warning letter. If a second offense does occur and resulting parent's conference does not correct the misbehavior, any further offense will result in automatic removal from bus until reinstatement by Board action. It should be noted that the Manager of 4.0 Bus Service can remove a student from the bus at any time depending upon the severity of the incident involved.

S. Fire Alarms (Improper Activation Of)

Students will be suspended for two (2) days and/or other appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed by the administrator.

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T. Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Student Computer and Internet Use Rules
These rules implement Board policy—Student Computer and Internet Use. The rules are intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses but do not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users. Failure to comply with Board policy and these rules may result in loss of computer and Internet access privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.
	A.	*Computer Use is a Privilege, Not a Right*
		Student use of the school’s computers beyond classroom use, networks, and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action. The building principal shall have final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be denied or revoked.
	B.	*Acceptable Use*
		Student access to the Minneota Public School District computers, networks, and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with Minneota Public School District’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals. The same rules and expectations govern student use of computers as apply to other student conduct and communications. Students are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific instructions from the teacher or other supervisor when accessing Minneota Public School District’s computers, networks, and Internet services.
	C.	*Prohibited Use*
		The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving Minneota Public School District’s computers, networks, and Internet services and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:
		1.	Accessing/Transmitting Inappropriate Materials--accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, and/or illegal.
		2.	Illegal Activities--Using Minneota Public School District's computers, networks, and Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other Board policies, procedures and/or school rules; such as encouraging the use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances;
		3.	Violating Copyrights--Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner's permission;
		4.	Plagiarism--representing as one's own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher, and Web site must be identified.
		5.	Copying Software--Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator
		6.	Non-School Related Uses--Using the Minneota Public School District's computers, networks, and Internet services for non-school related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising, or solicitation purposes, or any other personal use;
		7.	Misuse of Password/Unauthorized Access--Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords without permission and/or accessing other users' accounts; forging or attempting to forge electronic mail messages;
		8.	Malicious Use/Vandalism--Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the Minneota Public School District's computers, networks, and Internet services, including hacking activities and creating/uploading of computer viruses; malicious use of school computers would also include generating and posting unauthorized images of students and staff members.
		9.	Unauthorized Access to Chat Rooms/News Groups--Accessing chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the teacher, supervisor, or administrator.
	D.	*No Expectation of Privacy*
		Minneota Public School District retains control, custody, and supervision of all computers, networks, and Internet services owned or leased by Minneota Public School. Minneota Public School District reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectations of privacy in their use of school computers and stored files.
	E.	*Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages*
		The student and/or the student’s parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating the Minneota Public School District for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the Minneota Public School District and related to violations of policy and/or these rules, including investigations of violations.
	F.	*School Unit Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs, or Illegal Use*
		Minneota Public School District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.
	G.	*Student Security*
		A student shall not reveal his/her or any other student/classmate’s full name, address, or telephone number on the Internet. Students should never meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their supervisor if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate, or make them uncomfortable in any way.
	H.	*System Security*
		The security of the Minneota Public School district’s computers, networks, and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the teacher, supervisor, or system administrator. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have his/her privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.
	I.	*Parental Permission Required*
		Students and their parent/guardian are required to sign and return the Minneota High School Student Handbook before being allowed to use school computers beyond classroom use.
	J.	*Cyber Bullying*
		The misuse of technology including, but not limited to teasing, intimidating, defaming, threatening or terrorizing by sending or posting email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures of images, or Web site postings, including blogs, also may constitute an act of bullying regardless of whether such acts are committed on or off school district property and/or with or without the use of school district resources.
Adopted: May 17, 2004

Return to top of page U. Hazing Prohibition
	Purpose The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.
	General Statement of Policy No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone, or tolerate hazing. Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy. This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and during and after school hours. A person who engages in an act that violates school policy or law in order to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject to discipline for that act. The school district will act to investigate all complaints of hazing and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.
	Definitions “Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to: Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body. Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student. Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student. Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student, or discourages the student from remaining in school. *Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves violation of state or federal law or of school district policies or regulations. “Student organization” means a group, club, or organization having students as its primary members or participants. It includes grade levels, classes, teams, activities, or particular school events. A student organization does not have to be an official school organization to come within the term of this definition.
	Reporting Procedures Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy. The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of hazing at the building level. Any person may report hazing directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent. Teachers, administrators, volunteers, contractors, and other employees of the school district shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances, or events which might include hazing. Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing, shall inform the building principal immediately. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades, or work assignments.
	School District Action Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district. The school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others pending completion of an investigation of hazing. *Upon completion of the investigation, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the Minneota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, school district policies and regulations.
	Reprisal The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged hazing or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such hazing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.
	Dissemination of Policy This policy shall appear in each school’s handbook and in each school’s Building and Staff handbooks. Legal References: Minn. Stat.127.465 (Hazing Policy) Minnesota Stat. 127.26 to 127.39 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act)

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V. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

A. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to:
	Meeting with the teacher, counselor, or principal;
	Detention*;
	Loss of school privileges;
	Loss of extra-curricular and co-curricular participation (MSHSL and District Policy);
	Parental conference with school staff;
	Modified school programs;
	Removal from class*;
	Suspension* - prohibiting a student from attending school for a period of no more than ten school days. If suspension is longer than five days, the principal will provide the superintendent with a reason for the longer suspension.
	Exclusion*; and
	Expulsion*;
	Referral to proper legal authorities;
	Restitution for damages incurred;
	School board involvement;
	In-school suspension.
*These terms are defined in the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act.
B. Early Intervention
	All attempts to identify and correct possible behavioral problems before they become serious in nature and disrupt the educational progress of the student or students will be undertaken by the staff working with the administration and parents.
C. Removal from Class
	1.	Removal from class is the short-term exclusion of a student from school during which the school retains custody of the student. Students removed from class shall be the responsibility of the principal or his lawful designee. The removal of a student from class shall not exceed five class periods. The decision as to removal shall ultimately be up to the principal. The removal from class may be imposed without an informal administrative conference where it appears that the student is disruptive and/or will create an immediate and substantial danger to himself or to persons or property around him. The length of time of the removal from class shall be at the discretion of the principal after consultation with the teacher.
	2.	Suspension is the short-term exclusion of the student from school during which the school is relieved of custody of the child. Suspension, exclusion and expulsion shall be utilized in accord with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act.
Nothing in this policy is intended to conflict with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act. Parents and students shall be notified in writing of violations of the rules of conduct and resulting disciplinary actions as required by the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act.

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VI. SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

A. Handicapped Pupils
	Special consideration may be given a student for which an IEP is written should he/she be removed from class. Consideration may be given following review of the IEP to further assessment. The teacher and principal shall decide if action shall be taken and notify the parent.
B. Behavioral problems that arise and are of causal effect due to the handicapping condition shall be dealt by:
	1.	Teacher-student conference;
	2.	Teacher-parent conference
	3.	Teacher-parent-principal conference;
	4.`	Referral to child study team for further evaluation and modification of program if deemed necessary.
C. Suspension, Exclusion and Expulsion of Handicapped Students
	1.	Handled according to Minnesota Rule 3525.2470 and Minnesota Statute, Sections 127.26 to 127.39 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act).
D. Behavioral problems not of a causal effect due to the handicapping condition shall be handled as outlined in this policy.

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VII. MINNEOTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SEXUAL, RELIGIOUS, AND RACIAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY

Minneota Public School District's policy is to maintain a work and education environment for students and employees that is free from discrimination and other offensive or degrading remarks or conduct. The district and this school will not tolerate inappropriate remarks about or conduct related to a student or employee's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, marital status, disability, age, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual preference or identity.

The district and this school also will not tolerate sexual, religious, or racial violence of any kind. 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. Religious or racial violence is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, religion or race.

Prohibited behavior includes requests to engage in illegal, immoral or unethical conduct or retaliation for making a report about such conduct. One kind of prohibited behavior is sexual harassment. Sexual harassment involves unwelcome behavior that can include sexual remarks or compliments, sexual jokes, sexual innuendo or propositions, sexually suggestive facial expressions, kissing, touching, gestures or sexual contact.

1.	You cannot be required to submit to sexual harassment in order to obtain or keep your job or obtain an education.
2.	Accepting or rejecting sexual harassment cannot be used as a factor in decisions affecting your job or your education.
3.	Unwelcome sexual conduct or language that unreasonably interferes with a person's ability to do a job or receive an education, is prohibited.
4.	Unwelcome sexual conduct or language that intimidates, is hostile or offends a person at work or while receiving an education is prohibited.

If you believe you are subject to offensive or discriminatory behavior of any kind, you should immediately report the behavior to the building principal verbally or in writing. If you prefer, you may report to the superintendent, the human rights officer, as well. Finally, students always have the option of reporting to any responsible adult in the school.

The school will investigate all reports of offensive behavior promptly, fairly and completely. The school will handle each report discretely and respond to the report based upon its facts. The school may resolve the report by requiring the offender to apologize, transfer, seek counseling or training, be suspended, be dismissed, lose privileges, or face other appropriate discipline.

This policy applies to every student, employee, teacher, administrator, and board member in the district.

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VIII. TENNESSEN WARNING

The Minnesota Government Data Privacy Act provides you with certain rights. These rights include, but are not limited, to the following:

*Whenever a government agency asks you to provide private or confidential data about yourself, you must be told:

1.	the purpose and intended use of the data requested;
2.	whether the individual may refuse to supply or is legally obligated to supply the data;
3.	any known consequences of supplying or not supplying the data; and
4.	the identity of other persons authorized to receive the data.

IX. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A. Guidelines for Extra-Curricular Activities
	The eligibility rules of the Minnesota State High School League and those of the Board of Education will apply to all extra-curricular activities at Minneota Junior and Senior High School. Students are directed to the pamphlet titled "Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Minneota High School Student Activities."
B. Activities
	Your high school includes many groups aside from regular classroom activities in which you may participate. You are urged to take part in some of them. Besides being entertaining and satisfying, these activities broaden your interests and help you to develop many extra skills. Some of the activities are as follows:
		Band/Choir	Mock Trial	Student Council	Speech	Knowledge Bowl
		MathCounts	Musicals/Plays	FCCLA	Peer Helpers	Cheerleaders
		Annual Staff	Athletics: Volleyball, Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Wrestling, Dance Team, Softball, Baseball, Track and/or Golf
Return to top of page C. Student Behavior at Home or Away Events
	Students attending events at Minneota High School who in the opinion of the supervisory staff are creating a problem or involved with a group causing a problem will be either ejected from the event or in the case of young children, elementary through ninth grade, attending a football contest or home event at the High School, the parents will be notified through either the crow’s nest or scorer's table to come and get them. If their parents are not there, they will be ejected from the event. Students in grades 10-12 will be automatically ejected from the contest. Parents, in both cases, will be further notified by letter as to the incident along with a period of time their son or daughter will not be allowed to attend home events or ride buses to away events. Students attending an away event who are involved in inappropriate behavior will be denied the privilege of riding fan buses to future away contests for a period of time to be determined by administration. Behavior involving alcohol and/or drugs will be dealt with according to policy.

X. MISCELLANEOUS

A. Automobiles
	When any vehicle is driven to school by a student, it should be parked in an orderly manner in the parking lot north of the school building. Students should not park on either side of Monroe Street in front of the school. This parking is reserved for school staff. Violation of this policy will result in detention assigned by the principal. Students are not encouraged to drive or ride in any motorized vehicles during the school day without the express permission of your parents. Arriving late to morning or afternoon classes will result in detention and/or noon hour restriction.
	Students must follow all traffic laws for the State Of Minnesota.
	“Exhibition” driving is dangerous and is not allowed. This includes but is not limited to: peeling out, excessive speed, chicken, etc.
	Be considerate of all who use the parking lot.
	*No “double” parking. Park between the painted lines.
	*No littering.
	The parking lot is school property so your vehicle and anything in your vehicle is “fair game” for a search.
	*No illegal drugs or alcohol.
	*No weapons. (This includes any hunting weapons.)
	If you get caught drinking or smoking in your car on school property, you will be suspended.
		1 - 5 days for alcohol/illegal drugs and/or 1 - 2 days for tobacco
	If you get caught drinking or using illegal drugs by law enforcement, you will lose the right to participate in school activities for a set amount of time.
	Students cannot leave school to go to their car unless accompanied by a staff member.
Return to top of page B. Building and Grounds
	Student will be permitted in the school building before and after school or at night if he/she is actively participating in a school activity. The appearance of the buildings and grounds reflects the character of the people within the building. Please help us to maintain a clean, bright, and cheerful appearance. No one is allowed in the building unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member or coach/advisor. The supervising faculty member or coach/advisor shall be the first to arrive and the last to leave the building.
C. Changing Schedules
	Students need to make an appointment with the counselor to request a change in their class schedule. Any student who wishes to change classes must do so within four days after the start of each semester. If the request is approved, a drop/add slip will be given to the student. Students need to get the proper signatures before the drop/add period is over and resubmit the form to the counselor. The change will not be made unless the slip is returned with the proper signatures within the 4 day drop/add window.
D. Counseling and Guidance
	Colleges, technical, and private school representatives visit with Seniors and Juniors on a continuing basis during the school year. Also available are representatives from the Armed Services which include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Minnesota National Guard. Students are to sign up and secure passes 24 hours in advance from the counselor to visit representatives. Early in October, the college oriented testing programs begin and continue during the year. Tests include the American College Testing Program (ACT), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for Junior students. Immediately in the fall, Seniors should begin applying for colleges and technical schools as well as looking into scholarships. In January, we will offer financial aid meetings for seniors and their parents. In March, Seniors may begin applying for the local Dollars for Scholars program. Students in Grades 11-12 will meet with the counselor in order to discuss graduation requirements, career choices, class schedules, and post-high secondary plans. Students in Grades 9-10 will meet with the counselor during the school year to discuss graduation requirements and post secondary plans. Students are encouraged to visit with the counselor or principal about graduation requirements, career choices, class schedules, as well as personal issues. The Counselor and High School Principal can also help students when referrals are necessary for Health and Community Services, Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Speech Therapy, post-high school educational and occupational information.
E. Mid-Term Reports
	Mid-term reports will be sent home to parents approximately half way through each nine week period for those students who are having academic difficulty. The report will include the reasons for the unsatisfactory work, any suggestions for improvement, as well as positive reinforcement for work or performance being accomplished.
F. Dress Code
	The responsibility for the appearance of our students rests with the parents and the students themselves. Every student must come to school clean and neat in his/her person and suitable dress and with his/her clothes properly repaired. The health, safety and rights of the entire student body, as well as of the individual, shall be of paramount consideration. The Administration may send students home to be suitably prepared for school or may require them to use school facilities for the task. No inappropriate/immodest clothing (ie. bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, exposed undergarments) at school or school-related functions. No bra straps showing. Shirts must be at least one inch wide at the shoulder. Skirt/short length should be no shorter than the finger tips when arms are at your sides. No holes will be allowed in pants (this includes the style called the "scratched look" where threads are showing). There will be no wearing or displaying of symbols, decals, hats, scarves, or other articles of clothing, that, in the opinion of the school officials, depicts, displays, or in any other manner makes reference to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, obscenities, gangs, or other inappropriate designs. In extra-curricular activities, involving teams and groups, the individual's appearance shall not distract from that of the group, nor when representing the school, shall an extra-curricular participant deviate from generally acceptable standards of appearance. Coats are not allowed in class. Teachers may make individual exceptions based on student need. Students may not wear hats in the school except on special occasions by the Principal's permission. School officials reserve the right to confiscate any inappropriate clothing items. Failure or refusal to comply with a directive to remove/change the article of clothing can result in suspension from school. Consequences for violating this policy are as follows: First offense: warning, change into appropriate clothes, parents will be notified. Shirts will be provided for students to wear for the day. The shirt should be returned to the office at the end of the day. If a student wears inappropriate shorts, skirts, or pants, the student's parents will need to bring appropriate clothes for their child to school or the child will need to borrow shorts/pants from another student. Second offense: Detention for 30 minutes, change into appropriate clothes, parents will be notified. Shirts will be provided for students to wear for the day. The shirt should be returned to the office at the end of the day. If a student wears inappropriate shorts, skirts, or pants, the student's parents will need to bring appropriate clothes for their child to school or the child will need to borrow shorts/pants from another student. Third offense: Detention for 60 minutes, change into appropriate clothes, parents will be notified. Shirts will be provided for students to wear for the day. The shirt should be returned to the office at the end of the day. If a student wears inappropriate shorts, skirts, or pants, the student's parents will need to bring appropriate clothes for their child to school or the child will need to borrow shorts/pants from another student. Fourth offense: One day of In-School Suspension, change into appropriate clothes, parents will be notified. Shirts will be provided for students to wear for the day. The shirt should e returned to the office at the end of the day. If a students wears inappropriate shorts, skirts, or pants, the student's parent will need to bring appropriate clothes for their child to school of the child need to borrow shorts/pans from another student.
Return to top of page G. Fund Raising
	The raising of money for any cause without prior approval or consent of the building principal is not allowed. Final approval for fund raising will be determined by the Minneota School Board.
H. Honor Students
	Beginning with the class of 2008, students graduating with a cumulative GPA of 3.33 or above will be classified as honor students. These students will fall into two classifications which are distinctive honors and honors. Graduates with an average GPA between 3.66 - 4.0 will graduate with distinctive honors while graduates with a GPA between 3.33 - 3.65 will graduate with honors. Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be recognized at graduation. Class rankings will be based on students' cumulative performance for eight semesters, Grades 9-12.
I. Insurance
	STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS TO THE OFFICE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE OCCURRENCE SO THAT A WRITTEN REPORT CAN BE FILED.
J. Illness or Injury
	In case of illness or injury in which it does not seem advisable for the child to remain in the classroom, the parents will be contacted by telephone to come to school and pick up their child. In cases where parents are not available by telephone, emergency numbers which parents have given to the school will be used and these people will be asked to come to school to pick up the child. If parents are contacted, but for some reason they are unable to pick up their child or to authorize someone else to do so, the school will provide transportation as permitted by available personnel or equipment. If not available, the child will remain at school during school hours and will return home by his/her regular means (bus or walk) except in such cases in our opinion medical aid is needed immediately, an ambulance will be called at the parents' expense and the child will be sent to the emergency room at one of the hospitals. No student will be sent home unless there is an adult to assume responsibility for their welfare.
K. Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student's Person
	A.	Pursuant to Minnesota statute MS 121A.72, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practical after the search of a student's personal possessions, the school authorities must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.
	B.	The policy above for school lockers also applies equally to student's desks or personal possessions as defined herein. 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.
	C.	It shall be a violation of this policy for students to use lockers and desks for unauthorized purposes or to store contraband on their person or in their personal possessions.
		Definitions: