Staff Directory

Schedules

Attendance/Absences

Important Procedures

Kindergarten Calendar

Report Cards

Agenda Handbook/Assignment Notebooks

Family/School Practitioner

Title I

Parent Involvement Policy

Pets in School

No Homemade Treats

Student Teachers/Interns

Policy for Overdue Obligations

Cafeteria

Student Council

School Safety Patrol

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Student Dress

Tobacco-Alcohol-Drugs

Lost & Found

Lockers

Valuables in School

Privacy & Access to School Records

Release Time

School Behavior Guidelines

Sportsmanship Policy

Playground Guidelines

Bus Policy

Medication Policy

Weapons Policy

Section 504 Policies and Procedures

Discrimination Policy

Grievance Procedure

Harassment and Violence

Notification of Rights Under FERPA

Activity Card

Acceptable Use Policy for Networked Resources

STAFF DIRECTORY
 

NOON HOUR SCHEDULE

*All eating times are tentative

ATTENDANCE

Minnesota Statute 120A.22 states “Every child between seven and 16 years of age must receive instruction.”  This law must, and will, be strictly enforced.  The importance of regular attendance cannot be over-emphasized! It is extremely difficult to successfully keep up with class work if attendance is irregular.  Consistent school attendance is one means by which a student develops responsibility and self-discipline.  A very careful and complete record of all absences and tardies is kept in the office.  If under the age of 16, truancy petitions will be filed with the county attorney on any student who accumulates seven unexcused absences.

ABSENCES

Definition:  A student will be considered absent when he/she is missing from school for any day or part of a day.  Half days are determined as (1) the time school starts in the morning until 10:00 a.m.; or (2) leaving before 1:30 p.m.  If a child is ill, it is best for him or her to remain at home than to expose others.

Reporting Procedure:  Before the absence or on the morning of the student’s absence the parent or guardian is requested to call the elementary office to inform the school of the student’s absence.

Parents shall call the school before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.  If the school does not receive a call, the student will be recorded as unexcused and the school will attempt to contact the parent or guardian.  If the parent or guardian is unable to be reached by phone, the parent or guardian shall contact the school the next day or send written notice with the student upon his/her return excusing the absence.  (Refer below for excused absences.)  Failure to follow the above guidelines will result in an unexcused absence.

Although class assignments can be made up, essential classroom experiences are irreplaceable.  Success at school and in careers requires promptness, responsibility, and dependability.  The school holds firmly to the belief that good attendance is necessary to complete schoolwork satisfactorily.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Valid excuses for absences are:

1.  Illness or medical or dental appointment

2.  Death of a family member, close relative, or close friend

3.  Sickness or death in the family necessitating the help or presence of student at home.

4.  Official school functions.

5.  Co-curricular events.

6.  Absence due to conditions beyond the student’s control, such  as weather, bad roads, family vacations etc.

7.  Work at home or outside work if the need is justifiable.

8.  Permission for a student absence may be granted for other reasons by the principal upon prior request by the parent or guardian.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Absences for reasons other than defined above will be determined by the administration as excused or unexcused.

TARDINESS

Any student arriving at school after 8:20 should report to the office before going to the classroom.

REQUEST TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY

A request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal. The time and reason for leaving should be included. When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours.

A child will be released only to the parents unless the school has been notified by the parent that permission has been granted for someone else to pick up the student.

IMPORTANT PROCEDURES

Change of residence or phone number:  If you change your address, home telephone number, or work number, please notify the secretary at once.

Visitors to the building:  All visitors to Canby Public Schools are asked to report to the office when they arrive at the building and pick up a “visitor button.”  Parents are always welcome and may visit at any time. Students from other schools or friends of Canby students must have permission from the office to visit a classroom, along with arrangements with the classroom teacher.

Emergency information:  Keep us up-to-date on any changes of phone numbers in order that we may reach you quickly in case of an emergency.

Inclement weather guidelines:   It is the right and responsibility of parents to decide if a student should attend school under abnormal weather conditions. In bad weather, parents may pick up their child from school at any time during the day.

In the early morning hours, during inclement weather, the following radio stations will be notified of school closings or late starts:

WCCO - (830 AM) Twin Cities, KMHL - (1400 AM) Marshall, KKCK - (99.7 FM) Marshall, KARZ - (107.5 FM) Marshall, KARL - (105.1 FM) Marshall, KDMA (1460 AM) Montevideo, KMGM (105.5 FM) Montevideo,  KKRC (93.9 FM) Montevideo, KLOH (1050 AM/98.7FM) Pipestone, KLQP (92.1 FM) Madison, KS93 (92.9 FM) Watertown, Q102 (102.5 FM) Willmar, KCGN (101.5 FM) Ortonville, KELO (11) & KSFY (13)  Sioux Falls, KSAX - (42) Alexandria, KSTP (5 ) Mpls., and KMSP (9) Eden Prairie .

The stations above are listed in general order of notification in the event of emergency school closing. Generally, the stations are called by 6:00 a.m. Sometimes, however, in the event of widespread inclement weather, telephone lines to the respective stations are busy, so the order of notification and the time of the call may not always be followed.

A two-hour late start means weather conditions will be reviewed and a decision will be made to stay with the late start or to dismiss for the entire day. Parents are advised to listen for last minute changes. In the event of a two-hour late start, morning ECSE and ECFE classes will not run and breakfast is not served if school is late.

Worsening weather conditions may force the early closing of schools. If this should happen, the above radio stations will carry this information. On such a day, our phone lines become jammed.  Do not plan for your child to contact you by phone. Be prepared in advance. We will follow your instructions on the emergency form if the busses cannot take students home. 

In addition to the above, we would like to add that if school closes early due to inclement weather, there will be no after school activities at the elementary school.

Fire drills and tornado drills:  The purpose of the fire drills is to teach self-control in a crisis so that a panic will be prevented in case of fire. Our concern is to get all students out of the building in an orderly fashion. Students should keep in line and follow their teacher. Do not run! Do not try to take wraps, books or materials with you. Further instructions will be given by your teachers and should be followed carefully. Fire drills will be held periodically without advance notice.

Anyone falsely activating the fire alarm system in the building will be subjected to legal action. Every attempt will be made to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. To tamper with the alarm system is a serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly.

In the event of a tornado - all staff and students are to familiarize themselves with the general areas of the building that have been designated as tornado shelters. All rooms have rules posted with instructions relative to tornado warnings.

Use of the school phones:  The school phone is for business purposes. Children with a legitimate reason may use the phone with a note from their teacher.

REQUEST FOR STUDENT

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

All Minnesota school districts are part of a state-wide computer reporting system which uses the student social security number to record information about your child. This information is, in turn, provided to the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning.¹ This Department is required by law to collect and store information about each pupil, each staff member, and each educational program.²

Therefore, we ask that you, the parent, provide your child’s social security number although you are not legally required to do so.

The Department of Children, Families and Learning uses this information to determine how much money your school district receives from the state and federal government. This information is also used to judge the quality of the state’s educational programs, to improve instruction, to follow trends in student enrollment, and to track student participation in various programs.

Your child’s school district will share this information with the Department of Children, Families and Learning. The Department of Children, Families and Learning will share the information with the Department of Human Services to allocate additional funding and improve instruction.

As a parent, you do not have to provide your child’s social security number. If you choose not to provide the number, the school district staff might need to submit another type of report to receive money distributed by the state or federal government.

¹ The former Minnesota Department of Education was incorporated into the newly created Department of Children, Families and Learning on October 1, 1995.

² Minnesota Statutes Sections 121.932 and 124.17

KINDERGARTEN CALENDAR

The Canby Elementary School Kindergarten program is an all day, every day schedule.  The kindergarten students begin school on Wednesday, September 5 and continue through the end of the school year.

REPORT CARDS

Grade 1-6 Report cards are handed out quarterly which is every nine weeks.  Kindergarten report cards will be handed out three times a year, following the second, third, & fourth quarters.  The final report cards will be mailed out within a week after school.

AGENDA HANDBOOK/ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS

Students in grades 4-6 will have an Agenda Assignment Notebook.  The notebook will be used daily by the student and the staff with the emphasis being to help the student plan their day and their assignments.

This notebook serves three purposes:

  1. To teach students organizational skills so that they will be able to successfully compete in tomorrow’s job market.

  2. To teach students how to efficiently, yet effectively use written communication skills to communicate with their parents, with their teacher, and themselves.

  3. To help students be organized so that they can successfully complete their assignments, thereby insuring their self-esteem.

This notebook will help the student get organized so that he/she will be able to successfully complete his/her homework. Parents are encouraged to DAILY check their child’s notebook so that unfinished work does not become an issue. Please contact your child’s teacher or the building principal if you have concerns or questions on this topic.

FAMILY/SCHOOL PRACTITIONER

A school mental health worker is available to work with students.  This person will be involved with small, large,  and one-on-one groups.  Students with serious situations will be referred to the school mental health worker.   Parent permission is not needed for a child to be referred or served.  However, parents will be contacted on more serious issues by the mental health worker.  If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the building principal.

TITLE I

Title 1 is a federally-funded education program that provides extra assistance in the areas of math and reading.  Canby Elementary operates a school-wide Title 1 program, so all students are eligible to receive extra assistance in these areas.  The Canby Elementary Title 1 program focuses on total school improvement in order to create a stronger school for all students.

Should you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY

APPROVED BY THE CANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION ON APRIL 8, 2003

The Canby School District #891 recognizes that a child’s education is a responsibility shared by the school and family during the entire period the child spends in school.  To support the goals of the school district to educate all students effectively, the schools and parent must work as knowledgeable partners.

The Board will support the development, implementation and regular evaluation of a parent involvement that involves parents in a variety of roles.  The parent involvement program will be comprehensive and will include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Support to parents as leaders and decision makers in advisory roles.

2. Promotion of clear  two-way communication between the school and the family as to school programs and children’s progress.

3. Assistance to parents and or guardians to develop parenting skills to foster positive relationships at home that support children’s efforts and provide techniques designed to assist their children with learning at home.

4. Involvement of parents, with appropriate training, in instructional and support roles at school. 

5. Provision of access to and coordination of community and support services for children and families.

  These forms of involvement are not mutually exclusive and require a coordinated school wide effort.

PETS IN SCHOOL

Due to student and staff allergies and other health conditions, pets are only allowed in school under specified circumstances.  Please contact the elementary principal or school nurse before allowing your child to bring a pet to school so that the proper paperwork on the pet is available to the school and the proper guidelines are followed.

NO HOMEMADE TREATS

Only commercially prepared treats are allowed in school if the treats are to be shared with other classmates.

STUDENT  TEACHERS/INTERNS

On occasion a student teacher or a student intern will be helping in our building. They work under the close supervision of the regular classroom teacher. They are there to both assist the regular teacher and to learn from them. Students are to treat the student teacher/intern with the same respect as they would their regular teacher.

POLICY FOR OVERDUE OBLIGATIONS

Students are required to complete commitments and pay obligations due to using the facilities, materials or participating in programs offered at Canby Public Schools.  These include but are not limited to over due lunch account balances, unpaid class dues, and book fines.

Parents of students with outstanding obligations will be required to pick up their student’s report cards in the district office.

In addition, students with outstanding obligations will not be allowed to participate in Prom, Homecoming or Commencement exercises.

Elementary Paid Breakfast, $0.50

Elementary Lunch, $1.50                                     

Lunch reduced, $.40

Milk/Juice, $.30

Adult Lunch, $2.80

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria serves lunch daily. The full lunch is a balanced meal. It consists of:  2 oz. Meat or meat alternate,

       1/2 cup vegetable,

       1/4 cup fruit,

       2 slices of bread,

       & 1/2 pint of milk

The portion sizes are in compliance with the USDA school lunch meal pattern requirements. In an attempt to reduce food waste, amendments to the National School Lunch act introduced the offer versus serve provision. It allows schools to count a meal reimbursement providing it contains at least three of the five food items, and all five were offered. This means that a student can choose three out of the five items, instead of taking all five when they do not intend to eat them. Students may bring their lunch from home and buy their milk. Lactose reduced milk will be made available upon receipt of a written request from a parent/guardian of a student who is lactose intolerant.

The school breakfast program will be operated from 7:50 am to 8:20 am. Breakfast will not be served if school runs 1 or 2 hours late. It is important that students arrive at school early enough so that breakfast can be consumed without the student being late for class. A typical breakfast consists of four food items and is based on USDA breakfast requirements consisting of the following:     

1/2 cup serving fruit/vegetable,

1 oz. Serving meat/meat alternate &

1 oz. Serving bread/bread alternate and/or

2 - 1 oz. Meat/meat alternate or 2 -1 oz. Bread/bread alternate

1/2 pint of milk.

The offer verses serve provision allows students to choose all four breakfast food items or refuse one food item they do not intend to eat.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Students in grades 3-6 are eligible to be involved in the Elementary Student Council. There will be one representative from each of the grade 3-6 classrooms. The students will vote on who serves from their respective classroom. A paraprofessional staff member will supervise this group and help them plan activities for the Student Council.

SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL

All sixth graders are eligible to serve as safety patrol members. This job is extremely important to the safety of all children. The students learn to exhibit responsible behavior both on their post and during the school day. Special activities are planned for these students at the end of the school year. Students need to sign up with the Principal or Safety Patrol Supervisor in the spring of their 5th grade year to be on the School Safety Patrol Team. Captain candidates, who are nominated by the grade 5 teachers and the principal, will attend Legionville Camp during the summer. The supervisor will notify the students of their duty times at the beginning of the school year.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/teacher conferences for all parents will be held:

October 11   1:30 - 8:00 p.m. 

February 21  1:30 -8:30 p.m.

STUDENT DRESS

Children who are dressed in appropriate clothing appear to have more success in school. Inappropriate, revealing clothing is not allowed.  Shorts may be worn as weather permits.  Hats, bandannas, and sunglasses are to be removed in the building and kept in lockers.  Clothing with inappropriate or suggestive words or pictures is not allowed.  Makeup is not to be worn by elementary students unless it is a special dress up day.

TOBACCO - ALCOHOL - DRUGS

The following policy exists regarding the involvement of students with tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

1. The use, possession, or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs on school property or in connection with any school activity is prohibited. Violations of this prohibition shall result in a parent conference. When violations involve controlled drugs, the police may be notified. The student will be suspended from school and may be recommended for expulsion. See M.S. 1978, 127.29. Policy adopted by the Board of Education 10/80.

2. Any student who smokes on school premises will be subject to the penalties stated in item 1.

3. Any student who consumes, possesses or is detected as showing the effects of consumption of alcoholic beverages on school property or premises will be subject to the penalties stated in Item 1.

4. All procedures will be governed by MSBA 127.26 - 127.40.

   * First offense:  Illegal substance confiscated; student sent to office; Follow the MSBA 127.26-127.40 policy

LOST & FOUND

Please write your name on everything possible to assist us in identifying lost and found articles. We have many caps, watches, bracelets, jackets, gloves and scarves in the lost & found that are never claimed. If you are missing something, please check the lost & found room. Articles found in and around school should be turned into the office where the owners may claim their property by identifying it.

LOCKERS

Section 11. (127.47) (School Locker Policy.)

Subdivision 1. (policy.) It is the policy of the State of Minnesota that “school lockers are the property of the school district. At no

time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student’s personal possessions, the school authorities must provide notice of the search whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.”

Subdivision 2. (dissemination.) The locker policy must be disseminated to parents and students in the way that other policies of general application to students are disseminated. A copy of the policy must be provided to a student the first time after the policy is effective that the student is given the use of the locker.

Lockers are for your use and convenience. This should make it much easier for you to store your books and wraps. These lockers were installed for your convenience and should be treated by you as a valued possession. The lockers will not stand any kicking or other type of abuse, and will scratch easily. You may from time to time, notice a loose bolt or nut in your locker. Please report this information to the office.

VALUABLES IN SCHOOL

Please do not bring valuables or unnecessary money to school. If it is necessary to do so, please check it in with the principal for safe keeping. Wallets and purses should never be left lying around. The school cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen articles.

PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO SCHOOL RECORDS

All students’ records will be treated in accordance with the provision of Public Law 93-380, passed by Congress in 1974, and Chapter 479 of the 1974 Session Laws of the State of Minnesota.

The school has on file information about students in the form of reports and files.  Most of this information is not public information.  Written requests are required to release most information to other people, agencies, or schools, with the exception of another public school in which you have already enrolled after transferring from this school.  Written consent can be given by using a form available in the office of the principal or high school counselor, or by writing a letter to the office, requesting the transfer of such records.

Some information is considered public information for the purpose of creating programs for activities, honor roll, graduation, etc.  If information below is not considered Directory Information, your child may not be able to be listed for any extra-curricular or co-curricular activities, honors, awards, programs, etc.  Directory Information is information about a student which may be released to the public without prior parent or student consent unless the parent or student, if the student is 18 or older, has objected in writing to the release of one or more categories of such information.

Directory Information will include the following:

   Student’s name

   Student’s address

   Student’s phone number

   Student’s gender

   Date of birth

   Names of student’s parents

   Participation in officially recognized activities and past statistics

   Grade levels completed

   Weight & height of members of athletic teams

   Dates of attendance

   Degrees and awards received

   The most previous education institution attended

   Photo of student if available

   Other similar information

According to the Federal Law, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, school districts are required to provide the name, address, and telephone listing of secondary students to military recruiters upon request unless the parent has requested, in writing, the information not be released to military recruiters without prior consent.

In order to make any or all of the Directory Information “private” (i.e. subject to consent prior to disclosure), the parent/guardian of student or the student, if 18 or older, must make a written request to the principal within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Student Handbook.  This written request must include the following information:

1.  name of student

2.  name of parent or guardian,

3.  home address and phone number

4.  decision regarding military recruiters if student is a junior or senior

Parents may choose the specific category or categories of Directory Information, which is not to be made public without prior written consent. However the school recommends that a choice be made on an all or nothing basis.  In other words choose to make all of the above data private or all of the above data public.

You and/or your parent/guardian may see the contents of these records and have copies made of anything in the school record, at a cost to you of ten cents per sheet, but you are not permitted to take the original record out of the office. 

(For example, sending transcripts to colleges, universities, or vocational schools)

Release time

Friday morning 8:15 to 9:15 is release time. Students involved in this program may report directly to their church on Friday mornings. This program runs approximately one hour and all students must report to their classes after dismissal from release time. Please remind your children to return directly to school from release time. They should arrive at school by 9:30.

School BEHAVIOR guidelines

Students are expected to follow all the following rules all of the time:

1.    Respect Yourself

2.    Respect Others

3.    Respect Things

These are the general behavior guidelines. Individual teachers will establish guidelines for their own classrooms. Repeated violations will result in:

1.  Infraction #1:  Peer Mediation or Noon Detention (30 minutes)

2.  Infraction #2:  Peer Mediation or Noon Detention (30 minutes)

3.  Infraction #3:  One hour of after school detention

4. Infraction #4:  One hour of after school detention, plus a parent conference, which will include the principal.

5. Infraction #5:  One day of In School Suspension, plus a parent conference, which will include the principal.  The student will also be referred to the Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) to explore alternatives.

6.  Infraction #6:  Refer to principal office for discipline (e.g. loss of field trips or special events)

SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY

Sports are often centered around winning and losing.  Fans, newspapers, activity directors, athletes and coaches often get caught up in wins and losses.  Competitiveness is very important in sports.  It teaches young athletes about striving towards success, setting goals , reaching those goals and not reaching goals.  It teaches young people how to handle success and more importantly how to handle defeat.  Life is not full of success each and every day.  Sports will teach student athletes how to overcome failure and adversity.  Games will always have a winner and a loser.  We will teach our student athletes to be gracious winners and losers.    Therefore; sportsmanship is one of the most important aspects of extra-curricular activities at Canby High School.

Procedure for handling unsportsmanlike behavior at events

1. First Warning:  Person will be asked to correct the problem behavior.

2. Second Warning:  Person will be asked to leave the event voluntarily.

A. A letter will be sent to the person addressing the problem behavior.

B. Sportsmanship information will be enclosed with the letter.

C. Suspension from future home events would be determined by athletic director through consultation with other school administration.

3. Third Warning:  If a person does not leave voluntarily, appropriate authorities will be contacted and the person will be arrested on trespassing charges.

A. A letter will be sent to the person addressing the problem behavior.

B. Sportsmanship information will be enclosed with the letter.

C. A meeting will be scheduled with the individual to discuss the situation.

D.  Suspension from future home events will be determined by the activities director through consultation with other school district administration.

4.  Order of progression may not be followed depending on the act of poor sportsmanship that was committed.  The school district reserves the right to move immediately to step three.

5.  The school district reserves the right to suspend spectators who violate district policies from attending home events.  Suspensions may range from a one game suspension to an indefinite suspension.

*Any spectator who continually practices poor sportsmanship will be requested not to attend future Canby athletic events.    

PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES

1. No contact sports, rough housing, or horseplay.

2.  Use the equipment properly & safely.

3.  No food on the playground.

4.  Treat others with respect and use appropriate and respectful language.

5.  Appropriate winter wear is mandatory.  Boots must be worn when there is snow or mud in order to be on the playground.

6.  Students are not allowed to be in the hallways before school and during noon.

7.  Students must ask permission before re-entering the building for any reason.

BUS POLICY

II.   Conduct on school buses and consequences for misbehavior

Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to follow the same behavior standards while riding school buses as are expected on school property or at school activities, functions or events. All school rules are in effect while a student is riding the bus or at the bus stop.

The school buses are provided for your transportation to and from your home and school. Because of the routing, it is impossible to allow extra passengers to use a certain bus at will. Consequently, no students are to ride a bus other than their assigned bus without written permission from the office. Students who wish this permission should contact the office.   The note from parent is to be signed by the office. Permission will be granted in cases of family emergency, but not for parties or social events.

Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the building principal or the principal’s designee. In addition, all school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the district’s transportation safety director. Serious misconduct will be reported to the department of public safety and may be reported to local law enforcement.

A.   School bus and bus stop rules.

The school district school bus safety rules are to be posted on    every bus. If these rules are broken, the school district’s discipline procedures are to be followed. Consequences are progressive and may include suspension of bus privileges. It is the school bus driver’s responsibility to report unacceptable behavior to the school district’s transportation office/school office. The Transportation Director will contact the building principal who will investigate.

B.  Rules at the bus stop.

1. Get to your bus stop 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students.

2. Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop.

3. Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.

4. Use appropriate language.

5. Stay away from the street, road or highway when waiting for the bus. Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus.

6. After getting off the bus, move away from the bus.

7. If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.

8. No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.

9. No use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

C.   Rules on the bus.

1. Immediately follow the directions of the driver.

2. Sit in your seat facing forward.

3. Talk quietly and use appropriate language.

4. Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.

5. Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.

6. No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.

7. Do not throw any object.

8. No use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

9. Do not bring any weapon or dangerous objects on the school bus.

10. Do not damage the school bus.

11. Eating on the bus is at the discretion of the bus driver.

D.   Consequences.

Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will apply to all regular and late routes. Decisions regarding a student’s ability to ride the bus in connection with co-curricular events (for example, field trips or competitions) will be in the sole discretion of the school district. Parents or guardians will be notified of any suspension of bus privileges.

1. Elementary (PreK-6)

1st offense - warning

2nd offense - 3 school day suspension from riding the bus

3rd offense - 5 school day suspension from riding the bus

4th offense - 10 school day suspension from riding the bus/meeting with parent

Further offenses - individually considered. Students may be suspended for longer periods of time, including the remainder of the school year.

Note:  When a student goes 60 calendar days without a report, the student’s consequences may start over at the first offense.

2. Secondary (7-12)

1st offense - warning

2nd offense - 5 day suspension from riding the bus

3rd offense - 10 day suspension from riding the bus

4th offense - 20 day suspension from riding the bus/meeting with parent

5th offense - suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the year

3. Other discipline

Based on the severity of a student’s conduct, more serious consequences may be imposed at any time. Depending on the nature of the offense, consequences such   

4. Records

Records of school bus/bus stop misconduct will be forwarded to the individual school building and will be retained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Reports of serious misconduct will be provided to the department of public safety. Records may also be maintained in the transportation office.

5. Vandalism/bus damage

Students damaging school buses will be responsible for the damages. Failure to pay such damages (or make arrangements to pay) within two weeks may result in the loss of bus privileges until damages are paid.

6.  Notice

Students will be given a copy of school bus and bus stop rules during school bus safety training. Rules are to be posted on each bus and both rules and consequences will be periodically reviewed with students by the driver.

7.  Criminal conduct

In cases involving criminal conduct (for example; assault, weapons, possession or vandalism), the superintendent, local law enforcement officials and the department of public safety will be informed.

1.  Become familiar with district rules and policies, regulations and principles of school bus safety.

2.  Assist students in understanding safety rules and encourage them to abide by them.

3.  Recognize the parents’ responsibilities for the actions of their children.

4.  Support safe riding practices and reasonable discipline efforts.

5.  When appropriate, assist students in safely crossing local streets before boarding and after leaving the bus.

6.  Support procedures for emergency evacuation, and procedures in emergencies as set up by the school district.

7.  Respect the rights and privileges of others.

8.  Communicate safety concerns to school administrators.

9.  Monitor bus stops, if possible.

10. Support all efforts to improve school bus safety.

B.  Parent and guardian notification

A copy of the school district bus and bus stop rules will be provided to each family at the beginning of the school year or when a child enrolls, if this occurs during the school year. Parents and guardians are asked to review the rules with their students.

MEDICATION POLICY

Our medication policy, according to Minnesota statute 126.202, and approved by the school board in 1988, is as follows:

1. Medications should be ordered by a physician (forms will be left at our local clinic). This form is also to be signed by the parent.

2. Medications (including all over the counter medications) should be brought to school by the parent the first day it is to be administered. Medications must be in the original container with an appropriate label. Please ask your pharmacist for a bottle for school use only.

In some cases, this policy may be an inconvenience, but we must comply with the law. More importantly, we wish to promote the safety of our children. We ask for your cooperation.

WEAPONS POLICY

Minnesota State Crime Bill 1995

Section 10.(127.282) (Expulsion for possession of firearm.)

(a) Notwithstanding the time limitation in section 127.27, subdivision 5, a school board must expel for a period of at least one year a pupil who is determined to have brought a firearm to school except the board may modify this expulsion requirement for a pupil on a case-by-case basis. For the purposes of this section, firearm is as defined in the United States Code, title 18, section 921.

(b) Not withstanding chapter 13, a student’s expulsion or withdrawal or transfer from a school after an expulsion action is initiated against the student for a weapons violation under paragraph (a) may be disclosed by the school district initiating the expulsion proceeding. Unless the information is otherwise public, the disclosure may be made only to another school district in connection with the possible admission of the student to the other district.

Section 12. (127.48) (Policy to refer firearms possessor.)

Each school board must have a policy requiring the appropriate school official to, as soon as practicable, refer to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system, as appropriate, any pupil who brings a firearm to school unlawfully.

Possession of a Weapon

“Possession” refers to having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control on school property or at a school activity.

Weapons

Articles designed or commonly used to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate other persons. Examples are:

     (A)  Firearms — loaded or unloaded

     (B)  Knives

     (C) Clubs

Minimum Corrective Activities

     (1)  Initial suspension for up to 5 days

     (2)  Confiscation of weapon

     (3)  Notification of police

     (4)  Recommendation to the Superintendent of expulsion

SECTION 504 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I.    Non-Discriminatory Policy Statement

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

SECTION 504 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I.    Non-Discriminatory Policy Statement

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

1. Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);

2. Has a record of such impairments; or

3. Is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill obligations under Section 504, the Canby School District is responsible for nondiscrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and its learners. No discrimination against any person with a disability shall knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices of the Canby School District.

The Canby School District has responsibilities under Section 504, which include the obligation to identify, evaluate, and, if the learner is determined to be eligible under Section 504, afford access to appropriate educational services. If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

If there are questions, please feel free to contact your building principal. The phone numbers are (507)223-2003 (Elementary) and (507)223-2002 (High School).

II.  Notice of Nondiscrimination

A.  The notice of nondiscrimination shall include a statement of non-discrimination by the Canby School District and should be included on recruitment materials and publications containing general information.

B. Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the Canby School District Board of Education to provide a free and appropriate public education to each student with a disability within the school’s jurisdiction.

It is the intent of the district to ensure that learners who have disabilities within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

Any person having inquiries concerning the Canby School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Section 504 is directed to contact their building principal, who has been designated as the Section 504 Coordinator.

III. Grievance Procedures

A.  Grievance procedures will be adopted from the Total Special Education Systems (TSES):  Policies and Procedures manual which is published by the SW/WC Service Cooperative (formerly ECSU). The specific sections referring to grievance procedures will include:

8.2  Conciliation Conference

8.3  Mediation Process

8.4  Impartial Due Process Hearing

8.5  Hearing Appeal Process

8.6  Complaint Investigation

B. Grievances may be filed with the Canby School District or directly with the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Canby Public Schools               Office for Civil Rights, Region V

504 Coordinator                       US Department of Education

601 4th St. W.                         401 South State Street

Canby, MN  56220                  Room 700C, 054010

(507)223-2003 (Elem,)            Chicago, IL  60605-1202

(507)223-2002 (H.S.)              (312)886-3456

IV. Identification of Learners

A.  The Canby School District will use child find procedures as defined in the TSES: Policies and Procedures manual, Section 1(Identification System) to identify students Eligible for Section 504 accommodations.

V.  Evaluation and Placement Procedures

A.  Referral

1. Referral of a student to the Section 504 Coordinator will come from the Child Study Committee upon determining a student ineligible for special education services. This will ensure that a comprehensive evaluation was completed evaluating eligibility for services under IDEA.

2. Referrals initiated by parents, community agencies, or other sources should be conveyed to the Child Study Committee for consideration before proceeding with a Section 504 assessment.

B.  Evaluation Procedures

1. If evaluation procedures are necessary, they shall be completed by the Child Study Committee through the process of a comprehensive evaluation to determine special education eligibility.

2. The Canby School District will use evaluation standards and procedures defined in the TSES: Policies and Procedures manual, Section 3 (Assessment) to evaluate students. The specific sections which address this include:

       3.0        Assessment Definition

       3.2.3     Multidisciplinary Assessment Team

       3.2.4     Nondiscriminatory Assessment Procedures

       3.2.5     Assessment Materials

       3.2.6     Review of Learner’s Functioning in Environments

       3.2.7     Braille Instruction Assessment

       3.2.8     Secondary Transition Assessment

       3.2.9     Behavioral Intervention Assessment

       3.2.10   Infant and Toddler Evaluation/Assessment

C. Placement Procedures

1. Placement decisions shall draw upon information obtained from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, teacher recommendations, physical conditions, social or cultural background, and adaptive behavior.

2. Information which is obtained shall come from the Child Study Committee’s comprehensive evaluation and shall be documented by that team. This team will also determine the eligibility of the student for Section 504 accommodations.

3. Placement recommendations and decisions shall be made by a group of  persons knowledgeable about the child, evaluation data, and placement options.

4. If a student qualifies under 504, a 504 plan will be written up by the homeroom teacher(s), with input from the parents, building administrator, and others who work with the student. A typed copy, signed by the parent and the building administrator will be given to the parent and the teacher(s) involved.  The building administrator will also keep a file for 504 cases.

5. Annual Review. Each year a new 504 plan must be rewritten for each 504 student at the beginning of the school year.

Any revisions needed must be re-typed and resigned.  New  signatures are required annually. Elementary 504 plans should be passed to the 504 Coordinator in the secondary building when the student reaches grade 7.

D.  Review Procedures

1. An annual review of the students progress will be completed as identified in Section 4.7.2A of the TSES: Policies and Procedures Manual.

VI. Procedural Safeguards

A.  Due Process Procedural Safeguards will be adopted from the TSES: Policies and Procedures manual, Section 8.1.  Sections which apply to Individual Education Plans or Behavior Intervention plans are excluded as they do not apply to Section 504 rules (8.1.1.3C, 8.1.2.3, 8.1.6).

B. Notification of Procedural Safeguards will be distributed through the “Parents Rights and Procedural Safeguards” pamphlet distributed by the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning, along with an inclusion summarizing the guidelines of Section 504.

DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Board Resolution of intent to comply with all state and federal laws on discrimination:

WHEREAS:  It is the policy of the Board of Education of District 891 to comply with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and all requirements imposed by subsequent regulation, AND

WHEREAS:  These laws and regulations are designed to guarantee that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status, with regard to public assistance, benefits of any educational program conducted by the District or employment within the District, AND

WHEREAS:  Part of the support for educational programs and the employment of required personnel comes from federal and state financial assistance, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED:  In order to implement the provisions of this resolution, the Board of Education assigns the responsibility for the implementation of the provision of Civil Rights Laws to Title IX Coordinators for the District who shall be Loren Hacker, Superintendent of Schools and Laurie Yackley, Office Manager, AND FURTHER,

BE IT RESOLVED:  That the Title IX Coordinators, Superintendent of Schools and Office Manager, shall take the necessary action steps to assure the compliance of state and federal government laws and regulations.

This policy announcement is part of the action steps to be carried out, one of which is to notify students, parents, employees, and school district patrons of the School Board’s intent to carry out non-discriminatory programs and policies. A second step also requires that a grievance procedure be adopted. This has been done and any person alleging any discrimination should ask the Office Manager or Superintendent of Schools for a copy of the grievance procedure.

From time to time other information will be printed in the newspaper or mailed out with respect to discrimination in school policy.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

A.  Any person who has a complaint alleging that the school district is not complying with this policy or alleging any actions prohibited by this policy shall present the complaint in writing   along with the reasons for such a complaint to the person designated to handle complaints.

B.  The person designated to handle complaints shall investigate the complaint and determine whether the school district is in fact in violation of state or federal law prohibiting discrimination. A decision shall be made by the designated official and such decision shall be communicated to the complainant within 15 days of the initial reception of the complaint.

C.  If the designated official finds that the complaint is justified the designated official shall initiate action to rectify the complaint.

D.  If the designated official finds that the complaint is not justified the designated official shall so notify the complainant in written communication.

E.   If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings of the designated official, an appeal may be made to the Board of Education. The appeal must be requested in a written communication to the Superintendent of Schools no later than 15 days after receipt of the written decision of the designated official.

F.   A hearing before the Board of Education shall occur no later than 30 days after receipt of a written request for such hearing. The complainant may testify and may request that others testify in the complainant’s behalf. The designated official will present the findings of the investigation called for in Step B. The Board shall reach a decision and notify the complainant of its findings no later than 15 days after the hearing.

HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE

I.    GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

It is the policy of Independent School District #891 to  maintain a learning and working environment that is free from religious, racial or sexual harassment and violence. The School District prohibits any form of religious, racial or sexual harassment and violence.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel of the School District to harass a pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel through conduct or communication of a sexual nature or regarding religion and race as defined by this policy. (For purposes of this policy, school personnel includes school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors or persons subject to the supervision and control of the District.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel of the School District to inflict, threaten to inflict, or attempt to inflict religious, racial or sexual violence upon any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel.

The School District will act to investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence, and to discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who is found to have violated this policy.

II.  RELIGIOUS, RACIAL AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE DEFINED

A.   Sexual Harassment; Definition.  Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:

(i)   submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment, or of obtaining an education; or

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

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

Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to:

(i)   unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse;

(ii)  unwelcome pressure for sexual activity;

(iii) unwelcome, sexually motivated or inappropriate patting, pinching or physical contact, other than necessary restraint of pupil(s) by teachers, administrators or other school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property;

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

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

(vi)  unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender.

B.  Racial Harassment; Definition.  Racial harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual’s race when the conduct;

(i) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment;

(ii)   has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance; or

(iii)  otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.

C.  Religious Harassment; Definition.  Religious harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct which is related to an individual’s religion when the conduct:

(i) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment;

(ii)   has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance; or

 (iii)  otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.

D.   Sexual Violence; Definition.  Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression or force or the threat thereof which involves the touching of another’s intimate parts, or forcing a person to touch any person’s intimate parts. Intimate  parts, as defined in Minnesota Statues Section 609.341, include the primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breast, as well as the clothing covering these areas.

Sexual violence may include, but is not limited to:

(i) touching, patting, grabbing or pinching another person’s intimate parts, whether that person is of the same sex or opposite sex;

(ii)   coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce or force the touching of anyone’s intimate parts;

(iii)  coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another; or

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

E.   Racial Violence; Definition.  Racial violence is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, race.

F.    Religious Violence; Definition.  Religious violence is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, religion.

G.   Assault: Definition.  Assault is:

(i) an act done with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death;

(ii)   the intentional infliction of or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another; or

(iii)  the threat to do bodily harm to another with present ability to carry out the threat.

III. REPORTING PROCEDURES    

Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence by a pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel of the School District, or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence toward a pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate School District official designated by this policy. The School District encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the Principal  of each building or available from the School District office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. Nothing in this policy shall prevent any person from reporting harassment or violence directly to a District Human Rights Officer or the Superintendent.

A.   In Each School Building.  The building Principal is the person responsible for receiving oral or written reports of   religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence at the building level.  Any adult School District personnel who receives a report of religious racial or sexual harassment or violence shall inform the building Principal immediately.

Upon receipt of a report, the Principal must notify the School District Human Rights Officer immediately, without screening or investigating the report. The Principal may request, but may not insist upon, a written complaint. A written statement of the facts alleged will be forwarded as soon as practicable by the Principal  to the Human Rights Officer. If the report was given verbally, the Principal shall personally reduce it to written form within 24 hours and forward it to the Human Rights Officer. Failure to forward any harassment or violence report or complaint involves the building Principal , the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the Superintendent or the School District Human Rights Officer by the reporting party or complainant.

B.   In the District.  The School Board hereby designates Loren Hacker, Superintendent, and Randy Jacobson, Board Chair as the School District Human Rights Officer(s) to receive reports or complaints of religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence. If the complaint involves a Human Rights Officer, the complaint shall be filed directly with the Superintendent.

The School District shall conspicuously post the name of the Human Rights Officer(s), including mailing addresses and telephone numbers.

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

D.   Use of formal reporting forms is not mandatory.

E.   The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the School District’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations.

IV. INVESTIGATION

By authority of the School District, the Human Rights Officer, upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence, shall immediately undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation may be conducted by School District officials or by a third party designated by the School District.

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

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the School District should consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances.  In addition, the School District may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, pupils, teachers, administrators or other school personnel pending completion of an investigation of alleged religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence.

The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable. The School District Human Rights Officer shall make a written report to the Superintendent upon completion of the investigation.  If the complaint involves the Superintendent, the report may be filed directly with the School Board. The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this policy.

V.  SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION

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

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

VI. REPRISAL

The School District will discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who retaliates against any person who reports alleged religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence or any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation, or who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such harassment or violence. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.

VII.   RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse which may include filing charges with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, initiating civil action or seeking redress under state criminal statutes and/or federal law.

VIII. HARASSMENT OR VIOLENCE AS ABUSE

Under certain circumstances, alleged harassment or violence may also be possible abuse under Minnesota law.  If so, the duties of mandatory reporting under Minn. Stat. §626.556 may be applicable. Nothing in this policy will prohibit the School District from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged harassment, violence or abuse.

IX.  DISSEMINATION OF POLICY AND TRAINING

A.  This policy shall be conspicuously posted throughout each school building in areas accessible to pupils and staff   members.

B.  This policy shall appear in the student handbook.

C.  The School District will develop a method of discussing      this policy with students and employees.

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

HAZING PROHIBITION

I.   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.

II.   GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

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

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

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

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

E. A person who engages in an act that violates school policy or law in order to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject to discipline for that act.

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

III. DEFINITIONS

A.  “Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person, in order for the student to initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.  The term hazing includes, but is not limited to:

1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking or placing a harmful substance on the body.

2. Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.

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

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

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

B. “Student organization” means a group, club or organization having students as its primary members or participants.  It includes grade levels, classes, teams, activities or particular school events.  A student organization does not have to be an official school organization to come within the terms of this definition.

IV. REPORTING PROCEDURES

A.  Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy.

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

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

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

V.  SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION

A.  Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district.

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

C. Upon completion of the investigation, the school district will take appropriate action.  Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge.  Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior.

School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, school district policies and regulations.

VI. 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.

VII. DISSEMINATION OF POLICY

[NOTE:  Proper reference should be made to the appropriate handbooks in each school  district.]

This policy shall appear in each school’s student handbook and in each school’s Building and Staff handbooks.

Legal References:     Minn. Stat. & 127.465 (Hazing Policy)

               Minn. Stat. & 127.26 to 127.39 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act)

Cross Reference:       MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension and Dismissal of School District Employees)

               MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)      

               MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline)

               MSBA/MASA Model Policy 525 (Violence Prevention [Applicable to Students and Staff])

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA

For Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  These rights are:

(1)The right to inspect and review the student’s education records with 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.  Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate.

Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate.  They should write the School principal (or appropriate school official), clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate.  If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interest.  A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

(Optional) Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  (NOTE:  FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW

Washington, DC  20202-4605

ACTIVITY CARD

Canby High School will provide elementary students with an Activity Card if the student wishes to purchase one. The Activity Card is optional and includes the following benefits:  Admission to all home athletic contests, (except tournaments), class plays, assembly programs, band and choir concerts, and other benefits as announced. The cost of the activity card is $20.00 and may be purchased at the High School Principal’s office. An adult may also purchase an activity card at the High School office for $35.00.

A student may be restricted from attending home athletic events if their behavior so warrants.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR NETWORKED RESOURCES

Canby Elementary School

The intent of Canby Elementary School is to provide information resources that will further educational goals and objectives including books, videos, CDROM, networked resources, the internet (which is now available to students and staff) and any other format. Some materials accessible via the internet may contain items that are inappropriate for educational uses, however, we believe that the benefits to students from access to the internet far exceed any disadvantages. Elementary students may be required to access the internet to fulfill curriculum requirements as governed by District 891’s existing Selection and Evaluation Policy. The following guidelines have been developed to make sure the use of the internet remains   educational.

Guidelines for the Use of Networked Resources

1. Use of the internet must support the educational objectives of Canby Elementary School.

2. Use of the internet is a privilege not a right. Inappropriate use of school computers or computer networks and equipment will result in cancellation of those privileges. The principal will deal with each misuse on an individual basis.

3. Users will follow the rules of “Netiquette”

  A. Be polite, use appropriate language - abusive messages are unacceptable.

  B. DO NOT reveal your personal address or phone number or  those of another person.

  C. Be aware that e-mail is not guaranteed to be private.

  D. Users must respect copyright laws.

4. Staff members may review files and communications to insure   that users are using the resources responsibly.

5. Any attempts to change program settings or destroy another persons’ information is considered vandalism. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges.

6. Canby Public School District is not responsible if the guidelines listed above are not followed.

7. Student work or photographs may be placed on the Canby Elementary Web Site.  Students will be identified by first name only.

Access to the Internet for students in Grades K-2 will be limited to sites selected by staff members. With staff supervision and/or permission, students in Grades 3-6 will be allowed direct access to the Internet. Appropriate training for all students will be provided in the use of the Internet.

User Agreement and Parent Permission Form

I have read the guidelines listed above and discussed them with my parent(s). I understand I must follow these guidelines or lose my privilege to access networked resources.

User Signature __________________________      Date _________

I have read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy. I understand the potential for my child to access inappropriate information and that the staff of District 891 will attempt to restrict access to that information, but ultimately my child is responsible for following the guidelines for acceptable use of networked resources.

Parent Signature _________________________      Date _________