Student Handbook 2024-2025 (rev. 8-26-24).pdf

2024-2025 FLYER GUIDE STUDENT HANDBOOK LITTLE FALLS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Mission and Vision Little Falls Community Schools work together for each learner to achieve academic and personal growth in a collaborative, safe, and engaging environment! Table of Contents Little Falls Community High School Staff 3 Welcome 4 Statement of Purpose 4 PBIS and Flyer Pride 4 Military Families 5 Access to ISD #482 Policies 5 Pledge of Allegiance 5 Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records (ISD #482 -Policy 520) 5 Student Disability Nondiscrimination (ISD #482 - Policy 521) 5 Student Gender Nondiscrimination (ISD #482 - Policy 522) 5 PROGRAM OF STUDIES 6 Auditing Classes 6 Bell Schedule for Class Periods 6 Change of Program / Adding and Dropping Classes 7 Class Rank and Credits 7 College in the High School and PSEO 7 Grading System 8 Graduation Participation 8 Graduation Requirements 8 Honor Roll 9 Independent Study 9 Maximum Credits 9 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments 9 Testing Plan (ISD #482 - Policy 614) 10 Summary of Credit-Unit Requirements for Graduation 10 Teaching Assistants 10 STUDENT SERVICES 11 Guidance Department 11 Health Services - School Nurse 11 Medications (ISD #482 – Policy 516) 12 Immunization Requirements (ISD #482 – Policy 530) 12 Medical Passes 12 Medical Excuses from Class 12 Elevator Usage 13 Internet Use Policy (ISD #482 -- Policy 524) 13 e-Learning Plan LFCS Middle School & High School 14 Scholarship Information 16 1 Student Surveys (ISD #482 - Policy 520) 16 GENERAL INFORMATION 17 Academic Integrity 17 Attendance Verification 18 Attendance Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 503) 18 Bullying Prohibition Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 514) 21 Distribution of Non School-Sponsored Materials on School Premises (ISD #482 - Policy #505) 24 Dress and Grooming 24 Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy (ISD #482 - Polices 417 & 419) 25 Emergency Drills 26 Harassment and Violence (ISD #482 - Policy 413) 26 Hazing Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 526) 27 In-Line Skates/Skateboards/Scooters/Hoverboards 28 Leaving the Building During School Hours 29 Locked-in Study Hall Rules 29 Open Student Hall Rules 29 Parking Lot Regulations/Parking Passes 29 Poster and Sign Procedures 30 Prayer 30 Prom 30 Public Displays of Affection 30 School Breakfast and Lunch 30 Section 504 31 Student Code of Conduct (ISD #482 - Policy 506) 32 Cell Phone Expectations 34 Disciplinary Action 34 Student Lockers (ISD #482 - Policy 502) 36 Tennessen Warning to Student and Parents 36 Transportation of Public School Students (ISD #482 - Policy 707) 37 Building Security and Surveillance 37 Visitors 37 Weapons Possession Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 501) 38 Chromebook Policy 38 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAM 43 Flyer Interscholastic Activities 43 Extra-Curricular Eligibility Requirements 44 Mood-Altering Chemicals Policy 45 Co-Curricular Academic Eligibility Requirements 46 2 Little Falls Community High School Staff Principal Timothy Bjorge Asst. Principal Rusty Gwost Activities F.A.C.S. Music Social Studies Kevin Jordan Julie Slettom Camilla Larson Autumn Fosteson Elizabeth Morgan Todd Peterson David Ross Food Services Tara Schlagel Administrative Mary Bartlett Nurse Madeline Wright Lisa Anez Joanne Erickson Johanna Lichte Jill Moore Michelle Jennings Social Worker Mary Sitzman Julie Kaiser Paraprofessionals Becky Abbott Cynthia Ostendorf Kathy Brezinka Shae Edgerton Agriculture Julie Pekula Kim Czech Brent Arndt Aurora Petersen Angela Doble Special Bonnie Missy Kahl Programs Art Saari-Tholen Kayla Kitt Jolene Cherne Sara Underhill Michelle Thesing Jackie Kroll April Elke Karen Warner Donna Waldvogel Teal Line Machelle Gatts Robin Young Raquel Lundberg Cooper Grashorn Building Support Lorraine Moede Kristen Huck Janice Athmann Industrial Tracy Natvig Stacy Jurek Brian Lindquist Technology Angie Post Heidi Larsen Mike Pender Aaron Gastecki Ashley Vanderpoel Amy Rud Eric LeBlanc Kristina VanHove Kara Schilling Business Jenae Nagel Peter Suska Shannon Larson Conrad Schwinn Physical Education Aaron Bring Technology Counselor Language Arts Tara Jordan Neil Andruschak Kolbi Grant Nancy Kapsner Joel Youngberg Mark Diehl Kermit Klefsaas MaryBeth Grams Custodians Anjanette Kraus Resource Officer Scott Orians Craig Gruber Abby Schnobrich Jeremy Doroff Nate Selby Jared Kryzsko Megan Siemieniak Joel Youngberg Jeff Majerus Lisa Smith Science Kenneth Ostendorf Reid Bellig World Language Brady Peterson Math Michael Huck Joey Siemieniak Brenda Petersen Marissa Hamann Bill Mushel Joel Leonard Andy Ward ESL Steve Litke Debra Yliniemi-Ahlin Sandy Gangestad Peter Masterjohn Joey Siemieniak John Morgan 3 Welcome Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians, The staff of Little Falls Community High School welcomes you to the 2023-2024 school year! The expectations in the Flyer Guide Student Handbook are designed to keep students safe and to uphold the integrity of all in our building and school activities. All students must abide by the rules in the Flyer Guide Student Handbook. If students do not adhere to LFCHS rules, the school may issue consequences for offenses occurring on campus or off campus and for the behavior described or not described in this handbook. Some rules are condensed in this handbook; however, complete policies are available in the LFCHS Main Office and at www.lfalls.k12.mn.us. Our goal is to help you achieve your personal best! We invite you to contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions.. Mr. Timothy Bjorge, Principal, 616-2201 Mrs. Kolbi Grant, Counselor, 616-2213 Mr. Rusty Gwost, Assistant Principal, 616-2203 Mr. Jeremy Doroff, Resource Officer, 616-2208 Mr. Kevin Jordan, Activities Director, 616-2206 Mrs. Becky Abbott, Social Worker, 616-2215 Mrs. Jill Moore, High School Office Manager, 616-2202 Mrs. Shae Edgerton, Social Worker, 616-2256 Mrs. Mary Sitzmann, Attendance, 616-2200 or 2204 It is the policy of Independent School District #482 not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or physical handicap in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. Statement of Purpose The Little Falls Community High School aims to create an environment that will nurture the unique academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of the pre and early adolescent student. The staff, parents and community will provide intelligent, committed and sincere guidance so students can examine, explore, understand and accept the new responsibilities and changing relationships that accompany this period of their lives. PBIS and Flyer Pride Improving student academic and behavior outcomes is about ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible. Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) provides an operational framework for achieving these outcomes. More importantly, PBIS is NOT a curriculum, intervention, or practice, but IS a decision making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students. Flyer Pride is based on teaching students Respect, Responsibility, Positive Attitude, and Safety in all environments in the school. Throughout the year, students showing Flyer Pride can earn Flyer Pride Passes from staff and win prizes, as a way of reinforcing our Flyer Pride philosophies. Military Families 4 ISD 482 is a supporter of The Yellow Ribbon Network of Morrison County. Military families are asked to identify themselves through the military family form available in the ISD #482 or the LFCHS office. We use confidential information to assist military families in multiple ways. For more information please contact the LFCHS office or go to the ISD #482 website and click on “Military Families” under the “Parents & Community” heading. Access to ISD #482 Policies Students, parents, and guardians may obtain copies of all ISD #482 policies from the school district office located in LFCHS or on the ISD #482 website. This handbook includes summaries of important ISD #482 policies that affect LFCHS students and parents/guardians. The board of education approved this handbook at the August 21st, 2023 meeting. We may change or amend this handbook at any time during the school year. The LFCHS main office will post changes. Pledge of Allegiance Minnesota State statute provides that all public school students shall recite the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America one or more times each week. At LFCHS we will do the Pledge once each week. Students and staff may decline in the recitation of the Pledge and each student and staff member must respect that person’s right to make that choice. Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records (ISD #482 -Policy 520) The school district recognizes its responsibility in regard to the collection, maintenance and dissemination of pupil records and the protection of the privacy rights of students as provided in federal law and state statutes. The procedures and policies regarding the protection and privacy of parents and students are adopted by the school district, pursuant to the requirements of 20 U.S.C. §1232g, et seq., (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) 34 C.F.R. Part 99 and consistent with the requirements of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 and Minn. Rules Pts. 1205.0100 to 1205.2000. Student Disability Nondiscrimination (ISD #482 - Policy 521) The purpose of this policy is to protect disabled students from discrimination on the basis of disability and to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need special services, accommodations, or programs in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education. Student Gender Nondiscrimination (ISD #482 - Policy 522) The purpose of this policy is to provide equal educational opportunity for all students and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender. The school district provides equal educational opportunity for all students, and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of gender. No student will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the ISD #482 on the basis of gender. 5 PROGRAM OF STUDIES Auditing Classes Students may audit classes in which they had previously earned credits. This means retaking the class in order to earn a better grade. The better grade will replace the existing grade. If students earn no credit in a class, they may repeat the class for credit; however, the original grade (F) will still appear on their academic transcripts. Bell Schedule for Class Periods Warning Bell 7:55 Period 1 8:00 - 8:50 Advisory 8:54 - 9:10 Period 2 9:14 - 10:04 Period 3 10:08 - 10:58 1st Lunch/Period 4 Lunch 10:58 - 11:28 Period 4 11:28 - 12:18 Period 4/2nd Lunch Period 4 11:02 - 11:52 Lunch 11:52 - 12:22 Period 5 12:22 - 1:12 Period 6 1:16 - 2:06 Period 7 2:10 - 3:00 LFCHS does not have open lunch periods and students are required to eat lunch at school. Students may not order outside food or have food delivered during the school day. 6 Change of Program / Adding and Dropping Classes We discourage changing courses after school opens or at quarter/ semester change. Students should decide on courses when they are registering in the spring; however, if students have a good reason for making a change, they should discuss it with their teachers. If the teachers think that a change is necessary, students should see the counselor. All changes must happen prior to the start of the new quarter/semester. Schedule changes after the new grading period require approval from the principal's office. 1. Students will be able to change their schedules one week prior to the beginning of the semester. Any change after the first week of the semester will be on an individual basis only, but never after the end of the second week. Schedule changes after the start of the quarter/semester must be principal approved. 2. If students drop a course after the fifth day of the semester, they will receive an F for the course. They will attend locked-in study hall for the remainder of the semester, during that class period. 3. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will carry a minimum of five credit hours of classes per semester; seniors will carry a minimum of four credit hours of classes per semester with approval of the principal. 4. Any time students drop below five classes, they will be considered for an alternate educational program. Class Rank and Credits The number of courses passed and grade earned, not the length of time students have been in high school, will determine class rank and credit. Students will need to earn a total of 50 credits to graduate. Classifications will be determined at the end of the school year. College in the High School and PSEO Central Lakes College (CLC) provides an opportunity for students to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities to do college-level work. This program gives college-bound students a unique opportunity to gauge their ability to do college work in introductory freshman level courses prior to full-time college study. Seniors must have a 2.5 GPA, and juniors must have a 3.0 GPA to be eligible to receive college credit. These courses count as college credit and high school credit. The college courses offered here at the LFCHS are: Accounting I, Algebra, Art Appreciation, Biology/Human Anatomy, Calculus, Chemistry, English Composition I & II, English Literature, Environmental Biology, Introduction to Business, Money Management skills, Physics, Political Science, Pre-Calculus, Spanish III, Spanish IV, Vocational Welding I, and Wind Symphony. For current information on the PSEO program, please reference our current Registration Booklet found on the Little Falls High School webpage at: http://lfchsregistration.weebly.com or visit the Minnesota Department of Education website at: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/ccs/pseo/ 7 Grading System LFCHS issues report cards at the end of each quarter. Parents/guardians should examine report cards carefully and check with a counselor or the principal if they want additional information or if they want to arrange for a conference. Grade Points for a four-point grading system: A = 4.00 B = 3.00 C = 2.00 D = 1.00 A- = 3.67 B- = 2.67 C- = 1.67 D- = 0.67 B+ = 3.33 C+= 2.33 D+ = 1.33 F/IF = 0.00 Grading Policy (Grade = % earned) A = 93 - 100 B = 83 - 86 C = 73 - 76 D = 63 - 66 A- = 90 - 92 B- = 80 - 82 C- = 70 - 72 D- = 60 - 62 B+= 87 - 89 C+ = 77 - 79 D+ = 67 - 69 F = 0 - 59 E - Grade for excellent effort but may fall short because of academic ability (GPA-1.00) IF - Incomplete /failure - not finished with or outstanding work or test (GPA-0.00) M - Medical Excuse - does not earn credit and the grade does not count on GPA or class rank. S - Satisfactory - counts toward credit but not GPA U - Unsatisfactory - does not count toward credit or GPA ***Students who have an Incomplete Fail (IF) on their report cards at the end of a marking period must make up the work within 2 weeks of the close of the marking period. If a student does not make up the work within two weeks, the IF(s) become permanent on the student's transcript. Graduation Participation It is the policy of LFCHS that a student must be on schedule to graduate as of the second Wednesday in May of the graduating year in order to participate in graduation ceremonies. This means students must pass or be on schedule to pass all required and elective courses by this date. Students enrolled in Little Falls Community High School are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremonies only if they are passing all required and elective courses needed to graduate. Any senior student involved with vandalism, destruction of property, or inappropriate behavior directed towards the school building, grounds, or any staff, will not be able to participate in any graduation activities. This includes honors reception, baccalaureate, graduation, grad bash, etc. Graduation Requirements State Credit Requirements – All students must meet state statute requirements for graduation. Local Credit Requirements -- Students must successfully complete the required number of semester credits, which consists of a combination of requirements and electives. Basic Outline for Graduation Requirements 9th Grade 10th Grade English 2 Credits English 2 Credits Mathematics 2 Credits Mathematics 2 Credits Physical Education 1 Credit Phy. Ed/Health 1 Credit Physical Science 2 Credits Biology 2 Credits Social Studies 2 Credits Social Studies 2 Credits 8 Art/Music 1 Credit Electives 5 Credits Steps 4 Success.5 Credit Total 14 Credits Electives 3.5 Credits Total 14 Credits 11th Grade 12th Grade English 2 Credits English 2 Credits Mathematics 2 Credits Economics 1 Credit Science 1 Credits Mathematics 1 Credit Chemistry 1 Credit (Applied Higher Algebra minimum) Social Studies 2 Credits Electives 10 Credits Electives 6 Credits Total 14 Credits Total 14 Credits Honor Roll LFCHS determines the honor roll at the end of each semester. Students on the A honor roll will have earned a GPA of 3.70 and higher. Students on the B honor roll will have earned a GPA of 3.00 to 3.69. Students must be earning a minimum of five credits. Independent Study Students interested in independent study can get information from the counselor. 1. Students should make arrangements for independent study the semester prior to actual experience. Students can get the forms from the counselor’s office. 2. Students may not take an independent study in place of any required course. 3. The supervising teacher will provide an ongoing evaluation. Students may take a maximum of four combined units of teaching assistant/study hall/independent study per year with no more than one unit per quarter. For additional units, students must petition the LFCHS principal. Maximum Credits The maximum number of credits a student can take in any one semester is seven. Students wishing to take more than seven per semester must petition with the LFCHS principal. Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments Parent/Guardian Guide to Statewide Testing When is the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) Administered? Based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. Math and reading assessments are given annually in grades 3-8 and in high school grades 10 (reading), and 11 (mathematics). The science MCA is administered in grads 5, 8, and high school. Majority of students take the MCA. MTAS is an option for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. 9 March…………..……………Grade 10 MCA Reading March…..……………………Grade 11 MCA Math April ………..……………… Grade 10 MCA Science What if I choose not to have my student participate? Parents/guardians have a right to not have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. Minnesota Statutes require the Department of Education to provide information about statewide assessments to parents/guardians and include a form to complete if they refuse to have their student participate. This information and the Parent/Guardian Refusal form is available on our district website, site level office’s, and can be obtained by clicking the link ABOVE. The form includes an area to note the reason for the refusal to participate. Testing Plan (ISD #482 - Policy 614) It is the policy of ISD #482 to implement procedures for testing, test security, reporting, documentation, and notification to students and parents/guardians, and student record keeping in accordance with Minnesota law. Summary of Credit-Unit Requirements for Graduation Classes on the semester plan each carry one credit. Block classes are 2 credit courses. Students will earn 1 credit each quarter for block classes. Classes in a nine-week period each carry 0.5 credit. Students must take physical education for one credit each in the 9th grade and in the 10th grade. Health is part of the 10th grade physical education class. Teaching Assistants Students must have had at least two classes in the department in which they are assisting and must be a junior or senior and have teacher approval. The main purpose of the TA is for the student to help other students and provide peer tutoring. Students may obtain an application form from the counselor and will need to get parents’/guardians’ signatures on that form. Students should then return the form to the counselor for final approval. Students must complete a TA log and submit to the supervising teacher. Students may take a maximum of four combined units of TA/study hall/independent study per year with no more than one unit per quarter. Requests for additional units must petition the LFCHS principal. 10 STUDENT SERVICES Guidance Department The primary purpose of our counselors and social workers is to empower students to gain independence and provide resources. Students facing problems of personal, educational, or career nature should feel free at all times to use the services of the guidance office. The following list includes some of the areas in which students might seek the services of the department: To discuss personal problems and to seek a solution To help with the selection of school subjects and plan a program of study To request a change in class schedules To obtain information pertaining to colleges To obtain information on specific vocations and apprenticeship opportunities To obtain information pertaining to the armed forces To apply for college entrance examinations To obtain information on scholarships and loans for post-secondary education To obtain help in the interpretation of standardized test results To assist students in participating in post-secondary education option programs Health Services - School Nurse A student’s health can play an important role in his/her ability to learn. All students are required to complete and return an up-to-date confidential health form at the beginning of the school year, even if there are no health changes from the previous school year. We have a school health paraprofessional in the building from 8:00am until 3:15pm on a daily basis. The school health paraprofessional is available as a resource for health information, to assist with interpreting doctor’s notes, to provide health counseling, and to provide first aid and emergency care until parent/guardian or emergency medical services arrive. Students requesting to go to the health office must obtain a pass from their teacher. If students arrive in the health office during passing time, they will be asked to return to their teacher prior to being admitted to the health office. When a student suddenly becomes ill or injured, parent/guardian will be contacted by the school health paraprofessional or other designated staff member as soon as possible. Guidelines for staying home from school can be found on the school website under - Departments - Nursing Services. If your child is ill, please call the school DAILY to report the illness. Providing your ill child’s symptoms and/or diagnosis is also appreciated and helps identify patterns of illness in school. Keep your child home if they have any of the following symptoms: Fever of 100°F or greater ○ They should stay home until 24 hours after their temperature has returned to normal (without the use of fever-reducing medications). Vomiting or Diarrhea ○ They should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode. Rash that might be disease related or unknown cause ○ Check with your health care provider before sending to school. 11 On antibiotics for any reason ○ Keep them at home until they’ve had a full 24 hours of medication. Symptoms of severe illness such as: unusual fatigue, uncontrolled cough, difficulty breathing. Any illness in which your child is unable to participate and function properly in school. Medications (ISD #482 – Policy 516) The school district acknowledges that some students may require prescribed medication during the school day. The school district’s licensed school nurse, trained health clerk, principal, or teacher will administer prescribed medications in accordance with law and school district procedures, as summarized below. Prescription Medications: Prescription medications require written parent permission AND a signed order from the physician or health care provider (form available from nurse). With the exception of certain emergency medications, ALL prescription medications will be kept in the school nurse’s office and administered by certified or trained school staff. For the protection of all district students, controlled substances MUST be delivered by a parent or responsible adult and are not allowed to be carried or transported by students. If you are uncertain whether the medication is a controlled substance, please check with your doctor, pharmacist or school nurse. Prescription medications must be supplied in the original, pharmacy labeled bottle. Non-prescription/Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Written parent permission/request is required for OTC medication use in school (form available from nurse). With appropriate documentation, secondary students (grades 7-12) that are deemed responsible are allowed the privilege of carrying and self-administering approved OTC medications. Approved OTC medications include, but are not limited to: Tylenol, ibuprofen, Tums, Midol/Pamprin, Lactaid, etc. and must be approved by the school nurse. Any medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are NOT allowed to be carried by students at any time. OTC medications must always be kept in the original bottle and must not be expired. The privilege for students to carry and self-administer can be revoked at any time for failure to comply with agreed procedures. Any child who is denied the privilege to carry and self-administer OTC medications will have his/her medications available in the nurse’s office to be administered by certified or trained school staff. Immunization Requirements (ISD #482 – Policy 530) All students must provide proof of immunization or appropriate documentation exempting students from such immunization and such other data necessary to ensure that the students are free from any communicable diseases as a condition of enrollment. Medical Passes Students requesting dental or medical passes must present an appointment slip from the doctor’s office or a request signed by one of their parents/guardians. Students may obtain medical and dental passes between 7:40 and 8:00am. Students must follow the school procedure to leave the building during school hours, which involves informing the teacher before leaving, checking out in the office and signing out at Door 1. Any student leaving school without a pass will be marked unexcused. 12 Medical Excuses from Class Students with medical excuses from any class will be placed in locked-in study hall during that medical excused period. Elevator Usage Only authorized students may use the elevators. Students may obtain FOBs for the elevator from the office; there is a $10.00 replacement fee for lost FOBs. Authorized staff may use the elevator when needed. Internet Use Policy (ISD #482 -- Policy 524) 1. Educational Purpose The LFCHS Internet has a limited educational purpose. Activities that are acceptable include classroom activities, career development, and high-quality personal research. Our Internet connection is not a public access service or a public forum. LFCHS has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material students’ access or post through the system. Students must follow the rules set forth in the LFCHS code of conduct in using the LFCHS Internet connection and devices. 2. Unacceptable Uses The following uses of ISD #482’s Internet and devices are considered UNACCEPTABLE: a. Any use that compromises personal safety and privacy b. Any use that compromises system security c. Any use of inappropriate language d. Any use that compromises respect for privacy e. Any use that exceeds reasonable resource limits f. Any use of plagiarism g. Any copyright infringement h. Any inappropriate access to material 3. Disciplinary Actions Internet access at LFCHS has restrictions and, therefore, ISD #482 may restrict students’ speech for valid educational reasons. Students should expect only limited privacy in the contents of students’ personal files or records of web research. The principal has the right to eliminate any expectation of privacy by providing notice to the students. Students’ parents/guardians have the right to request to see the contents of students’ email files. LFCHS reserves the right to revoke students’ internet access. 4. Limitation of Liability ISD #482 makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the Internet will be error-free or without defect. ISD #482 will not be responsible for any damage students may suffer, including but not limited to loss of data or interruptions of service. ISD #482 is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through the Internet. ISD #482 will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. Students’ parents/guardians can be held financially responsible for any harm to the system as a result of intentional misuse. 13 Little Falls Community Schools #482 e-Learning Plan (Middle School & High School) For the 2024-2025 school year, the first school closing due to inclement weather during the school year will be a ‘No Make-Up’ day, as indicated on the 2024-2025 school district calendar. In the event of a 2nd school closure due to inclement weather, Little Falls Community Schools will operate with an e-Learning Day for students and staff. What is an e-learning day? According to MN Statute, section 120A.414, an "e-Learning Day" means a school day where this district offers complete access to online instruction provided by students' individual teachers due to inclement weather. District assumptions for e-learning: The district will not use more than two (2) consecutive e-Learning Days and no more than five (5) e-Learning days per school year. The district will identify e-Learning Days through announcements via Skylert and local news outlets. Any canceled days after five (5) e-Learning Days due to inclement weather will be added to the end of the school district calendar. Frequently asked questions: When must teachers be available? ○ LFCS teachers will be available to assist students and parents from 9:30 am-3:30 pm on an e-Learning day. The only time staff are unavailable is during their Prep Time when preparing for upcoming school days or at lunchtime. When must teachers have assignments posted? ○ Assignments will be posted by 9:30 am on an e-Learning Day. Will attendance be taken for an e-Learning Day? ○ Yes, students who choose not to participate in the e-Learning day are reported absent. According to MN statutes 120A.22, subdivision 12, student absences will be marked excused or unexcused at the building level upon receipt of communication from home. Attendance will be taken each period by the classroom teacher. Consideration for Special Education and EL Students: ○ Case managers check in with students on their caseload by 10:00 am to discuss the work that needs to be completed at home. Is there a deadline for work completed on an e-Learning Day? ○ Yes, students will have two (2) days to complete the work after the e-Learning Day. When will staff/families be notified of an e-Learning Day? ○ According to Minnesota Legislation, parents and students will be notified of e-Learning days at least two hours before the regular school start time. What about students who don’t have access to the internet? ○ Elementary teachers will utilize ‘choice boards’ to accommodate students who do not have access to the internet. Middle School and High School teachers will work with students to provide other opportunities. Middle School and High School e-learning Plan (Grades 6-12) 14 Teachers will: Post all lessons on Google Classroom by 9:30am To the extent possible, lessons will be a continuation of what is currently being covered in the classroom Be available for questions via school email, classroom application or school voicemail from 9:30-3:30 Record attendance in Skyward for each class period during an e-Learning Day Students will: Access their assignments in Google Classroom Complete work provided by teachers Connect with teachers to ask questions or get feedback on assignments Complete work within two (2) school days after returning to school. Parents will: To the extent possible, help their child with e-Learning Day activities Connect with their child’s teacher if they have questions Make sure their child completes the assigned work for an e-Learning Day. LFCS Secondary e-Learning Schedule 2023-2024 Middle School High School PERIOD TIME PERIOD TIME 1 9:30 - 10:00 1 9:30 - 10:00 2 10:20 - 10:50 2 10:15 - 10:45 3 11:10 - 11:40 3 11:00 - 11:30 Lunch / Study Break 11:40 - 12:40 Lunch / Study Break 11:30 - 12:30 4 12:40 - 1:10 4 12:30 - 1:00 5 1:30 - 2:00 5 1:15 - 1:45 6 2:30 - 3:00 6 2:00 - 2:30 7 N/A 7 2:45 - 3:15 Little Falls High School Main Office: 320-632-2000 15 Little Falls Middle School Main Office: 320-616-4200 CEC Main Office: 320-632-7950 Scholarship Information LFCHS has many scholarships available to students through a variety of resources. Through the guidance office, students may obtain information regarding applications for available scholarships. There are also other sources of information about financial aid available in the guidance office. Feel free to contact the counselor for this information. All scholarships are considered through an application process. Student Surveys (ISD #482 - Policy 520) Occasionally, IDS #482 utilizes surveys to obtain student opinion and information about students. ISD #482 may conduct student surveys as the district determines necessary. Surveys, analyses, and evaluations conducted as part of any program funded through the U.S. Department of Education must comply with 20 U.S.C. § 1232h. 16 GENERAL INFORMATION ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Integrity is essential to excellence in both education and life. Assessments and other schoolwork are measures of students’ academic performance. Honesty is necessary to ensure an accurate measurement of students’ academic knowledge. Each assessment must demonstrate what the students know or can do in order for the students and their families to have a clear and accurate accounting of the students’ mastery of the material. When students choose to violate the academic integrity policy, it is a behavior infraction. As a result, the teachers will need to find an alternative way to assess the students’ knowledge. It is at this point that all parties – parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and students – work to identify the root cause of the behavior and to help the students learn from the experience in a caring, consistent, and instructive way. Definitions Cheating: to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something Collusion: secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose Plagiarism: the act of using another person’s words or ideas without giving credit to that person CLASSIFICATIONS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY As a guiding principle, academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on school assessments (formative or summative), plagiarism or collusion. Additional classifications may be added as needed. Academic dishonesty includes: copying homework or allowing someone to copy students’ homework letting students’ partner(s) do all the work and just putting students’ names on the final project. sharing test questions and/or answers to what is on a test with other students either verbally or electronically (e.g. cell phones, Chromebooks, earphones, calculators with memory systems, and other personal devices) looking on another’s test/quiz or allowing another to copy a test/quiz. submitting another’s work as students’ own with or without the other person’s knowledge. (plagiarism) working with others on an assignment that is designed to be done individually. looking up answers on the internet using AI (artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT) to write essays or answer questions on assessments 1st Offense: 2nd Offense: 3rd Offense: -No grade on the assignment -No grade on the assignment -Parent/guardian contact by -Parent/guardian contact by -Parent/guardian contact by teacher teacher teacher -Discipline referral -Discipline referral -Discipline referral -Removal from class -Drop of one letter grade -Drop/Fail (loss of credit) 17 Attendance Verification Students who have been absent from school must have their absence verified by parent/guardian via calling the attendance line or providing a written note. Unverified absences will be deemed as unexcused. Attendance Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 503) The Little Falls Community School Board believes that regular school attendance directly relates to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communication between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of students. The purpose of this policy is to encourage regular school attendance. This policy is intended to be positive, not punitive. This policy also recognizes that class attendance is a joint responsibility of the students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators. This policy will assist students in attending class. Please note the excessive absences actions explained in the attendance policies below. Students are allowed 9 total absences a semester. Parents are required by law to provide a reason for school absences by phone or a written/signed note from a parent/guardian. Unverified absences not accompanied by parental notification are deemed unexcused. Students that have an unverified absence from the previous day will be called to the office to verify their absence with a parent/guardian. Until the absence is verified by a parent, it will be deemed unexcused. Students aged 18 and over who are not emancipated may not act as parent/guardian for the purposes of attendance and may not provide their own approval for absences. ATTENDANCE DEFINITIONS 1. Excused Absences A. To be considered an excused absence, the student's parent/guardian may need to verify, in writing or by phone, the reason for the student's absence from school. B. The following reasons shall be sufficient to constitute excused absences: 1. student illness 2. serious illness in the student's immediate family 3. a death in the student's immediate family or of a close friend or relative 4. medical, dental treatment or counseling appointment 5. court appearances occasioned by family or personal action 6. religious instruction 7. physical emergencies such as fire, flood, storm, etc. 8. official school field trip or other school-sponsored outing 9. removal of students pursuant to suspension. (students may complete make-up work) 10. family emergencies 11. active duty in any military branch of the United States 12. family vacations, if pre-approved by administration 13. parent request 14. personal trips to visit colleges, approved by administration 18 C. Expectations of Excused Absences: 1. Students whose absences are excused are required to make up all assignments missed or complete alternative assignments, as the classroom teacher deems appropriate. 2. Students must make up any work missed during an excused absence as the classroom teacher requires. Students will have a minimum of two school days to every one school day absent. Students who know in advance they will be gone must contact the classroom teachers to make up new work before they leave. Homework not completed within this period may result in no credit; however, the building principal or the classroom teacher may extend the time allowed for completion of make-up work in the case of an extended illness or other extenuating circumstances. 2. Excessive Absences A. Students may have a maximum of nine absences in a semester. LFCHS will notify parents/guardians when students reach five, seven, and nine total absences in the following manner: 1. When any absences exceed five (excused, parent/guardian request, or unexcused absences) per grading period, the principal/designee will contact students and parent/guardians about students’ absences via phone. 2. Upon reaching seven, as stated above, the principal/designee will notify the parents/guardians in writing and discuss the absences with parents/guardians and students. 3. A student reaching nine absences, as stated above, will require a parent/guardian meeting. A contract, which stipulates the terms of attendance for the student to earn credit, will require signatures. The contract will include: a. Verification of illness by a medical doctor or school nurse. b. A plan to make up missed time in the form of time before or after school, Saturday school or any time designated by the classroom teacher. B. Students with a history of poor attendance may be immediately placed on an attendance contract. C. After nine total absences (excused or unexcused), each absence will result in being documented as unexcused. In a case in which this happens, the Truancy Division of Morrison County will be involved with the school to create interventions and plans moving forward to improve the student’s attendance. D. Absences due to school related activities will not count toward the total number of absences. Students will make up all required work, and the school related absences will not have a negative impact on their class grade. 3. Unexcused Absences A. The following are examples of absences which will not be excused: 1. truancy (an absence by students that was not approved by parents/guardians and/or LFCHS) 2. any absence for which the student failed to comply with any reporting requirements of LFCHS's attendance procedures 3. absences resulting from accumulated unexcused tardies (seven tardies equal one day of unexcused absence) B. Consequences of Unexcused Absences 1. Administration determines consequences of unexcused absences to school. 19 2. Student suspensions shall not be counted in a student's total accumulated unexcused absences and will be handled in accordance with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. 121A.40-121A.56. 3. In cases of recurring unexcused absences, the administration of the LFCHS follows the Morrison County Response to Truancy Program: a. After the third accumulated unexcused absence in a grading period, a student's parents/guardians will be notified that their child is nearing a total of four unexcused absences and that their child is considered a continuing truant student. b. After the fourth accumulated unexcused absence, LFCHS will notify the Morrison County Attorney’s Office and the parents/guardians of the fact that LFCHS has submitted their child’s name as a continuing truant and that the county will establish an attendance intervention meeting. c. After the seventh accumulated unexcused absence, LFCHS will again notify the Morrison County Attorney’s Office and the parents/guardians, this time with a truancy referral form. Upon review by the County Truancy Intervention Program director and a determination of habitual truancy, the student and parents/guardians are referred to the Truancy Diversion Program. 4. Tardiness A. Definition: Students must be in their assigned area at designated times. Failure to do so constitutes tardiness. B. Procedures for reporting tardiness: 1. Students who are tardy to first hour must report to the high school office for a pass. Students tardy to 2-7 hours will be recorded by the classroom teacher and reported to the attendance office thru Skyward. C. Excused Tardiness Valid excuses for tardiness are: 1. student illness 2. serious illness in the student's immediate family 3. a death in the student's immediate family or of a close friend or relative 4. medical or dental treatment 5. court appearances occasioned by family or personal action 6. physical emergencies such as fire, flood, storm, etc. 7. any tardiness for which the student has been excused in writing by an administrator or faculty member D. Unexcused Tardiness 1. An unexcused tardy is failing to be in an assigned area at the designated time class period commences without a valid excuse 2. The classroom teacher determines the consequences of the first 2 tardies. 3. Teachers will contact high school administration after a student’s 3rd tardy. The principal’s office determines consequences of tardiness to school and/or class. 4. If a student arrives 10 minutes late to class without an excused pass and has not checked in with the teacher prior, they will be marked absent and sent to locked in for the hour. 20 5. Participation in Extracurricular Activities and School-Sponsored On-the-Job Training Programs A. This policy applies to all students involved in any extracurricular activity scheduled either during or outside the school day and any school-sponsored on-the-job training programs. B. School-initiated absences will be accepted and participation permitted. C. Students may not participate in any activity or program if they have an unexcused absence from any class during the day. D. If students are suspended from any class, he or she may not participate in any activity or program that day. E. If students are absent from school for medical reasons, he or she must present a physician's statement or a statement from the student's parents/guardians clearing the student for participation that day. Bullying Prohibition Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 514) I. PURPOSE A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with students’ abilities to learn and/or teachers’ abilities to educate students in a safe environment. ISD #482 cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school district and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the control of the school district in its normal operations, ISD #482 intends to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond to, and to remediate and discipline those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented. The purpose of this policy is to assist ISD #482 in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence, reprisal, retaliation, and other similar disruptive and detrimental behavior. II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY Any act of bullying, including malicious or sadistic, by either an individual student or a group of students, is expressly prohibited on school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, and on school transportation. This policy applies not only to students who directly engage in an act of bullying but also to students who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying. This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place constitutes bullying or other prohibited conduct that interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the school district or the safety or welfare of students or materially or substantially interferes with students’ educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. This policy also applies to an act of cyber bullying regardless of whether such act is committed on or off ISD #482 property and/or with or without the use of ISD #482 resources. a. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of ISD #482 shall permit, condone, or tolerate bullying. 21 b. Apparent permission or consent by bullied students does not lessen or negate the prohibitions of this policy. c. Retaliation against a victim, good faith reporter, or witness of bullying is prohibited. d. False accusations or reports of bullying against another student are prohibited. e. A person who engages in an act of bullying, reprisal, retaliation, or false reporting of bullying or permits, condones, or tolerates bullying shall be subject to discipline or other remedial responses for that act in accordance with ISD #482’s policies and procedures, including ISD #482’s discipline policy (see MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506). The school district may take into account the following factors: i. the developmental ages and maturity levels of the parties involved ii. the levels of harm, surrounding circumstances, and nature of the behavior iii. past incidences or past or continuing patterns of behavior iv. the relationship between the parties involved v. the context in which the alleged incidents occurred f. Consequences for students who commit prohibited acts of bullying may range from remedial responses, positive behavioral interventions, and/or non-exclusionary discipline intervention up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. ISD #482 shall employ research-based developmentally appropriate best practices that include preventative and remedial measures and effective discipline for deterring violations of this policy and foster student, parent/guardian, and community participation. g. Consequences for employees who condone bullying or engage in an act of reprisal or intentional false reporting of bullying may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or discharge. h. Consequences for other individuals engaging in prohibited acts of bullying may include, but not be limited to, exclusion from ISD #482 property and events. i. ISD #482 will act to investigate all complaints of bullying reported to ISD #482 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 For purposes of this policy, the definitions included in this section apply. a. “Bullying,” means intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive. Bullying is an actual or perceived imbalance of power that exists between students engaging in the prohibited conduct and the target of the prohibited conduct, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern. Bullying materially and substantially interferes with students’ educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. The term “bullying” specifically includes cyber bullying as defined in this policy. b. “Cyber bullying” means bullying using technology or other electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of signs, signals, writing, image, sound, or data, including a post on a social network Internet website or forum, transmitted through a computer, cell phone, or other electronic device. The term applies to prohibited conduct that occurs on school premises; on ISD #482 property; at school functions or activities; on school transportation; on school computers, networks, forums, and mailing lists; or off school premises to the extent that it substantially and materially disrupts student learning or the learning environment. c. “Immediately” means as soon as possible and in no event longer than 24 hours. d. “Intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct” means, but is not limited to, conduct that does the following: 1. causes physical harm to students or students’ property or causes students to be in reasonable fear of harm to person or property; 22 2. under Minnesota law, violates students’ reasonable expectation of privacy, defames students, or constitutes intentional infliction of emotional distress against students; or 3. is directed at any student or student because of a person’s actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, sex, marital status, familial status, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, academic status related to student performance, disability, or status with regard to public assistance, age, or any additional characteristic defined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). However, prohibited conduct need not be limited to any particular characteristic defined in this paragraph or the MHRA. e. “On school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, on school transportation” means all ISD #482 buildings, school grounds, and school property or property immediately adjacent to school grounds, school bus stops, school buses, school vehicles, school-contracted vehicles, or any other vehicles approved for these locations and events; ISD #482 does not represent that it will provide supervision or assume liability at these locations and events. f. “Prohibited conduct” means bullying or cyberbullying as defined in this policy or retaliation or reprisal for asserting, alleging, reporting, or providing information about such conduct or knowingly making a false report about bullying. g. “Remedial response” means a measure to stop and correct prohibited conduct; prevent prohibited conduct from recurring; and protect, support, and intervene on behalf of a student who is the target or victim of prohibited conduct. h. “Student” means students enrolled in public or parochial school. IV. REPORTING PROCEDURE a. Any person who believes he or she has been the target or victim of bullying or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying or prohibited conduct under this policy shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate ISD #482 official designated by this policy. People may report bullying anonymously; however, ISD #482 may not rely solely on an anonymous report to determine discipline or other remedial responses. Anonymous bullying reports can be made on the school district website. b. ISD #482 encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal or building supervisor of each building or available in the ISD #482 office. Oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. c. The building principal, the principal’s designee, or the building supervisor (hereinafter the “building report taker”) is the person responsible for receiving reports of bullying or other prohibited conduct at the building level. Any person may report bullying or other prohibited conduct directly to a school district human rights officer or the superintendent. If the complaint involves the building report taker, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the superintendent or the school district human rights officer by the reporting party or complainant. d. Reports of bullying or other prohibited conduct are classified as private educational and/or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data and will not be disclosed except as permitted by law. The building report taker, in conjunction with the responsible authority, shall be responsible for keeping and regulating access to any report of bullying and the record of any resulting investigation. V. RETALIATION OR REPRISAL ISD #482 will take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who commits an act of reprisal or retaliates against any person 23 who asserts, alleges, or makes a good faith report of alleged bullying or prohibited conduct; who provides information about bullying or prohibited conduct; who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation of alleged bullying or prohibited conduct; or who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing related to such bullying or prohibited conduct. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, harassment, or intentional disparate treatment. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline the individual(s) who engaged in the prohibited conduct. Remedial responses to the prohibited conduct shall be tailored to the particular incident and nature of the conduct and shall take into account the factors specified in section II.e. of this policy. Distribution of Nonschool-Sponsored Materials on School Premises (ISD #482 - Policy #505) ISD #482 recognizes that students and employees have the right to express themselves on school property. This protection includes the right to distribute, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner, non-school-sponsored material. Any students or employees wishing to distribute non-school-sponsored materials as defined in Policy 505 should contact their building principal. Dress and Grooming LFCHS supports students’ rights to select clothing to wear as long as the clothing is not disruptive to the learning environment, unsafe, or inappropriate in its display of messages or symbolism. The way a student dresses is an act and a reflection upon oneself, one’s family, and one’s community. In general, appearance and clothing should be appropriate for school and supportive of the learning environment. Students may not wear or use face paint, masks, or clothing that prevents the accurate identification of students. Clothing must be in compliance with ISD #482’s sexual harassment policy and drug, alcohol, and tobacco policy. Students wearing items that are not in compliance will need to change immediately. Students with coats in school are required to store them in their lockers. Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to, the following: Clothing bearing a message that is lewd, vulgar, obscene, or containing messages referring to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gang-related symbolism, nudity, violence, offensive language, direct and hurtful sayings to a specific person or group, or inappropriate pictures will not be allowed. Headgear of any kind – this includes, but is not limited to hats, caps, hoods, bandanas, etc. Students must remove headgear when the 8:00 a.m. bell rings and may not wear them until they have left the building at 3:05 p.m. Exceptions to this policy include observance of religious freedoms consistent with Federal Law. Any clothing or accessories that can be harmful to another student or staff member is prohibited (spiked jewelry, etc.) Any clothing bearing “hate symbols” determined by law. Any clothing that causes a substantial disruption to the school learning environment (this is deemed by administration). 24 Drug, Alcohol, & Tobacco/Vaping Policy (ISD #482 - Polices 417 & 419) The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, including electronic nicotine cigarettes (e-cigarettes/vapes), and THC/marijuana vapes is wrong, harmful, and non law abiding. Students shall not possess, use, transfer, conceal, sell, attempt to sell, deliver, or be under the influence of narcotics, drugs, alcohol, or materials/substances representing to be a drug or controlled substance or use chemical substances which can affect psychological functioning or affect the educational system. Students shall not engage in drug use/abuse or possess paraphernalia specific to the use of chemicals. Students who use prescription drugs authorized by a licensed physician do not violate this policy if students conform to the appropriate school policies. These substances all have legal age limits, which none align with the age of high school students. Consequences for drug/alcohol violation: 1st Offense Five-day suspension Five days locked-in study hall and/or detention Inform the School Resource Officer Participation in an awareness group or other approved awareness activity Re-admittance conference with parents and administrators 2nd Offense Five-day suspension Ten days locked-in study hall and/or detention Inform the School Resource Officer Re-admittance conference with parents and administrators 3rd Offense Ten-day suspension Locked-in study hall and/or detention Inform the School Resource Officer Meeting with parents/guardians, building principal(s), and at least one member of the building pre-assessment team for a re-admittance conference. Consequences for tobacco/vaping violation: 1st Offense Three-day suspension (in or out)/Tobacco Education Online Program 2nd Offense Three-day suspension (in or out)/Referral to Morrison County’s Tobacco Education Program 3rd Offense Five-day suspension (in or out)/Tobacco Citation from Morrison County 25 Principals have the option to designate time outside the regular school day as in-school suspension time. Subsequent offenses may result in removal from the regular day program. Assistance will be provided to those students wishing to participate in a tobacco wellness program. These penalties for drug, alcohol, and tobacco policy violations are in addition to the penalties imposed by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules and regulations and Morrison County. Emergency Drills The law requires that public schools are to practice fire drills during the school year. Each teacher has detailed directions for the orderly conduct of these fire drills. The teachers will explain the procedure to their respective classes. Minnesota state statute requires that public schools practice a tornado response drill. Tornado drills are traditionally conducted in the spring. School safety and crisis intervention are an ongoing issue; therefore, we will practice building lockdowns throughout the course of the school year. During these drills, students are to remain in their classrooms or flee from an active threat. All of these drills are conducted under the supervision of a trained staff member. The building will be closed while we are practicing these emergency drills. After these drills, staff will hold conversations with their students to answer any questions and reassure them. Students that need extra support are encouraged to seek help from the guidance office. Harassment and Violence (ISD #482 - Policy 413) It is the policy of ISD #482 to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from religious, racial, and sexual harassment and violence. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of ISD #482 to harass a student or employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature or communication regarding religion or race as defined by this policy. (For purposes of this policy, employees include school board members, district employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, and persons subject to the supervision and control of the district). It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee to inflict, threaten to inflict, or attempt to inflict religious, racial, or sexual violence upon any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel. ISD #482 will investigate all complaints (formal, informal, verbal, written) of religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence. ISD #482 will take appropriate action against any student or employee who is found to have violated this policy. 1. Sexual Harassment Definition: Sexual harassment consists of unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, or other verbal, written, or physical communication that is not welcomed by both parties. 2. Racial Harassment Definition: Racial harassment consists of unwelcome physical, written, or verbal communication related to an individual’s race. 3. Religious Harassment Definition: Religious harassment consists of unwelcome physical, written, or verbal communication related to an individual’s religion. 26 4. Sexual Violence Definition: Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression or force of the threat thereof, which involves touching another person’s intimate parts or forcing a person to touch another person’s intimate parts. Intimate parts, as defined by Minnesota Statutes Section 609.341, include the primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breasts, as well as clothing of these areas. 5. Racial Violence Definition: Racial violence is an unwelcome physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of race. 6. Religious Violence Definition: Religious violence is an unwelcome physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of religion. 7. Assault Definition: Assault is defined as: a. an act perpetrated with the intent to cause fear, bodily harm, or death b. the intentional infliction or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another c. the threat to inflict bodily harm upon another with the ability to carry out the threat Hazing Policy (ISD #482 - Policy 526) GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY 1. No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other district employee shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing. 2. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other district employee shall condone hazing. 3. Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy. 4. This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and before, during, and after school hours. 5. 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 disciplinary action for the act. 6. ISD #482 will investigate all complaints of hazing and will take appropriate disciplinary action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other district employee who is found to have violated this policy. DEFINITIONS: “Hazing” means committing an act against a student or staff member or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization or for any other purpose. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to: 1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body 2. Any type of activity that damages or compromises the functions of the human body such as sleep deprivation, sustained exposure to harmful weather conditions, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics, or any 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 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 or that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame, or humiliation that adversely 27 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 violates state or federal law or ISD #482 policies or regulations. “Student organization” refers to a group, club, or organization where students are the primary members or participants. Members of/participants in classes, teams, activities, and particular school events are all held to the same expectation. A student organization does not have to be an official school organization to be held to the terms of this definition. REPORTING PROCEDURES: All people who believe they have been the victim of hazing or any people with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute hazing shall report the alleged act to the building principal, the school district’s human rights officer, or the superintendent. Teachers, administrators, volunteers, contractors, and other ISD #482 employees shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances, or events that might include hazing. Any such person who receives a report, observes behaviors, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute hazing shall inform the building principal immediately. Upon the submission of a good faith 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. SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTIONS: 1. Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, ISD #482 shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district. 2. ISD #482 may take immediate steps at its discretion to protect the complainant, reporter, student(s), or others pending completion of an investigation of hazing. a. Upon completion of the investigation, ISD #482 will take appropriate action, which may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. b. Disciplinary consequences will be of an appropriate severity so as to deter future violations and prohibit the behavior. Action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements and applicable statutory authority including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act and ISD #482 policies and regulations. 3. ISD #482 will discipline or take appropriate action against any student 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 related to such hazing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment. In-Line Skates/Skateboards/Scooters/Hoverboards The use of in-line skates, skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters inside the school building or on the campus are prohibited. 28 Leaving the Building During School Hours Students cannot leave school without obtaining a pre-approved pass from the office. Students must obtain the pass before they leave school. If this procedure is not followed, the absence will be marked unexcused and disciplinary action will take place. Students should not come to the office for passes between classes or at any other times during the day except in cases of emergency. Students requesting permission to leave the building during the school day must have a written request or phone call to the attendance line from a parent/guardian. This should take place before school starts at 8:00 AM. ANY STUDENT LEAVING THE BUILDING WITHOUT A PASS WILL BE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED AND SUBJECTED TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Locked-in Study Hall Rules Students placed in locked-in study hall for non-disciplinary reasons may be allowed the normal privileges of going to the restroom or to another area of the building as long as they have a pass. Students will receive permission from the monitor before leaving the room for any reason and will sign out and take the hall pass. Open Study Hall Rules Open study hall is a privilege for students who are in good academic standing and who exhibit appropriate behavior. Students who are not on track to graduate or who have received a failing grade are not eligible for open study hall and will be placed in a supervised study hall. Open study hall expectations: 1. Students must be present for attendance. 2. Students must stay in the acceptable open study hall area deemed appropriate by the study hall monitor. 3. Students should dispose of garbage and keep the area clean. 4. Students are not allowed to leave the building during open study hall for any reason without permission from the principal’s office. Failure to follow the expectations of an open study hall will result in the student serving locked-in study hall or other disciplinary action handed down by the building principal. Students may take a maximum of four combined units of teacher assistant (TA), study hall, and independent study each year and no more than one unit per quarter. Additional hours may be granted with approval of the high school principal’s office. Parking Lot Regulations Using the student parking lot, which is considered school district property, is a privilege. Parking privileges, therefore, may be revoked and student vehicles subjected to search. 1. All students who drive to school must park in the west student parking lot and have their parking lot pass visible in the driver side rear window. Parking passes are available in the high school office for $10.00. 2. Cars may be towed if they are parked in non-designated areas, which include the staff parking lot and fire lanes. Cars may be towed if the parking lot pass is not visible. 3. No person shall drive or operate any motorized vehicle in the parking lot in any manner that will endanger another person’s safety or property. 29 4. Students who want to access the parking lot during school hours must get written permission from the office and/or an escort to their vehicle. 5. Any student misusing parking privileges will be denied the use of the parking lot and their parking lot pass will be revoked. 6. PARKING LOT SPEED LIMIT IS 10 MILES PER HOUR Poster and Sign Procedures No signs or posters are to be posted or distributed in the building without appropriate approval of the high school’s administration. Any posters or signs promoting activity that is considered unhealthy or potentially harmful to students or school personnel may not be posted. Any posters or signs with information that contradicts ISD #482 rules and policies will not be posted. The school will not advertise for-profit items or activities unless they have a direct relationship with a school activity. These postings will be limited to the areas determined by high school administration. Prayer State and Federal law have made provisions for praying in school. When students leave an instructional setting to pray, the prayer practice must be central to faith tradition not personal preference. Little Falls Community Schools - District 482 reserves the right to place reasonable time, place and manner restrictions upon any request for release from an instruction or non-instructional activity. LFCHS may require a valid note from a parent or guardian before a student may be allowed to leave instructional time for prayer. The time limit for leaving an instructional setting for prayer shall not exceed fifteen minutes for each release (10 minutes for prayer and 5 minutes for passing). LFCHS reserves the right to deny any student release from instructional time for prayer or other religious observation if the student abuses the privilege. Prom Any junior or senior who attends Little Falls Community High School is eligible to attend prom. Potential guests include and are limited to any sophomore who attends Little Falls Community High School or any junior or senior who is enrolled in an accredited high school program. Public Displays of Affection Excessive public displays of affection are considered inappropriate in the school setting. The principal's office determines consequences for students who do not show Flyer Pride, as applied to public displays of affection. School Breakfast and Lunch LFCHS food service program is dedicated to providing high quality, nutritious meals each day school is in session. Studies show that school meals contribute substantially to an increase in school performance and higher test scores. There is a specific link between nutrition and learning. Breakfast is provided daily to ALL students (K-12) at NO COST. Breakfast is served in the morning before school begins and is served until 8:15 AM. Lunch is provided daily to all students (K-12) at NO COST. Additional A la carte items (prices vary), extra lunches ($2.70), milk (50 cents) will need to be purchased in addition to. 30 Lactose-reduced milk is provided upon written or verbal request from a parent or guardian. Juice is not considered a substitute for milk. Food Service information can be found at www.lfalls.k12.mn.us. Click on “Food and Nutrition” or call the director of food service at (320)-632-2030. Section 504 Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a civil rights act that protects the rights of people with disabilities. The law states that no person with a disability can be excluded from or denied benefits of any program receiving federal financial assistance. This includes all public schools. With passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Congress required all school districts to make their programs and activities accessible to and usable by all individuals with disabilities. Section 504 management is the responsibility of the general education program rather than the special education program. No state or federal funding is provided to assist in complying with Section 504. All costs are the obligation of the local school district. To determine eligibility, a team of individuals who are familiar with the student must evaluate the student, and the results must be shared at a team meeting involving parents/guardians. If it is determined that a student has a disability under Section 504, the school must develop and implement the delivery of all needed services and/or accommodations. Responsibilities of... 1. Student and parents: a. Be involved in meetings b. Participate in identifying the accommodations and evaluating what is working and what is not c. Become knowledgeable about the disability and what can be done to succeed 2. Schools: a. Provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) b. Provide written assurance of nondiscrimination c. Provide grievance procedures to resolve complaints d. Annually identify and notify all qualified district students with disabilities and their parents of the district’s responsibilities under Section 504 e. Provide services or facilities f. Conduct a self-evaluation of policies, programs, and practices to make sure discrimination is not occurring Coordination of Section 504: Each school building in ISD #482 has a 504 coordinator. The coordinator is typically the building principal or a general education teacher. Please contact the school the child attends to access the 504 building coordinator. Please note the 504 building coordinator at LFCHS is Kolbi Grant. 31 Student Code of Conduct (ISD #482 - Policy 506) The school board recognizes that individual responsibility and mutual respect are the cornerstones of a positive educational experience. The school board further recognizes that nurturing each student as he or she matures is equally important. As children grow, they learn the importance of balancing their need for authority and self-discipline. Once students reach adulthood, they become less dependent on others and more dependent on themselves. All students have the right to an education and the right to learn. With this in mind, students should be aware of their responsibilities: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: All students have the responsibility to: 1. Understand and obey all school rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 2. Attend school daily, except when excused, and to be on time to all classes and school functions. 3. Pursue and attempt to complete the courses of study prescribed by the state and local school authorities. 4. Make necessary arrangements with school personnel for making up work when absent from school. 5. Assist school personnel in maintaining a safe school for all students. 6. Assume that until a rule or policy is waived, altered, or repealed, it is in full force and effect 7. Be aware of and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. 8. Volunteer information in disciplinary cases should they have any knowledge relating to such cases and to cooperate with school personnel as appropriate. 9. Respect and maintain the school’s property and the property of others. 10. Dress and groom in a manner which meets standards of safety, health, and decency and which is consistent with ISD #482 policies. 11. Avoid using indecent and obscene language in actions, speech, and writing. 12. Recognize and respect the rights of others. STUDENT CONDUCT: The following are examples of unacceptable behavior subject to disciplinary action by ISD #482. This list is not exclusive. Any student who engages in any of these activities shall be disciplined in accordance with this policy. This policy applies to all school buildings, the school grounds, and school property; school-sponsored activities or trips; school bus stops; school buses; school vehicles; school-contracted vehicles; or any other vehicles approved for school district purposes; school entrances and exits; and all school-related functions. This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place interferes with the mission or operations of the school district or the safety or welfare of students or employees. The following are considered violations in conduct: 1. Damage to or destruction of school property or the property of others, failure to compensate for damage or destruction of such property, arson, breaking and entering, theft, robbery, possession of stolen property, extortion, trespassing, unauthorized usage, or vandalism 2. The use of profanity or obscene language or the possession of obscene materials 3. Gambling including, but not limited to, playing a game of chance for monetary stakes 4. Hazing 5. Attendance problems including, but not limited to, truancy, absenteeism, tardiness, skipping classes, or leaving school grounds without permission 6. Opposition to authority with use of physical force or violence 32 7. Using, possessing, or distributing chewing tobacco, cigarettes, tobacco vapes, THC vapes, and/or any paraphernalia pertaining to items listed above. 8. Using, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances or look-alike substances 9. Using, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances or look-alike substances, except as prescribed by a physician, including one student sharing prescription medication with another student 10. Using, possessing, or distributing items that are illegal or harmful to people or property including, but not limited to, drug paraphernalia 11. Using, possessing, or distributing weapons or look-alike weapons or dangerous objects 12. Violation of the ISD #482 weapons policy 13. Possession of ammunition including, but not limited to, bullets or other projectiles designed to be used as a weapon 14. Possession, use, or distribution of explosives or any compound or mixture whose primary purpose or intended use is to cause an explosion 15. Possession, use, or distribution of fireworks or any substance or combination of substances prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation 16. Using an ignition device, including a butane or disposable lighter or matches inside an educational building and under circumstances where there is risk of fire except where the device is used in a manner authorized by the school 17. Violation of any local, state, or federal law as appropriate 18. Acts disruptive of the educational process including, but not limited to, disobedience, disruptive or disrespectful behavior, defiance of authority, cheating, insolence, insubordination, failure to identify oneself, improper activation of fire alarms, or bomb threats 19. Violation of school bus or transportation rules or the school bus safety policy 20. Violation of parking or school traffic rules and regulations including, but not limited to, driving on school property in such a manner as to endanger persons or property 21. Violation of directives or guidelines relating to lockers or improperly gaining access to a school locker 22. Possession or distribution of slanderous, libelous, or pornographic materials 23. Student attire or personal grooming which creates a danger to health or safety or creates a disruption to the educational process including clothing which bears a message which is lewd, vulgar, or obscene; apparel promoting products or activities that are illegal for use by minors; or clothing containing objectionable emblems, signs, words, objects, or pictures communicating a message that is racist, sexist, or otherwise derogatory to a protected minority group 24. Criminal activity 25. Falsification of any records, documents, notes, or signatures 26. Tampering with or changing records or school district

Student Handbook 2024-2025 (rev. 8-26-24).pdf

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