1. No category

2014-2015
STUDENT HANDBOOK
MOUND WESTONKA
HIGH SCHOOL
KEVIN BORG, SUPERINTENDENT
[email protected]
KEITH RANDKLEV, PRINCIPAL
[email protected]
MARTY FISCHER, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
[email protected]
JEFF PETERSON, ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
[email protected]
5905 Sunnyfield Road East
Minnetrista, MN 55364
952-491-8100
www.westonka.k12.mn.us
THIS AGENDA BELONGS TO:
NAME ____________________________________
ADDRESS ________________________________
CITY ______________ STATE _____ ZIP________
PHONE __________________________________
WESTONKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: AN INNOVATIVE SCHOOL
DISTRICTMODELING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
1
Table of Contents
PROGRAMS AND
REQUIREMENTS
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Attire and Conduct
Registering and Scheduling
Withdrawing from a class
Grading
Posting Dates
Honor Roll
Student Recognition
STUDENT SUPPORT
SERVICES
Guidance
504 Provisions
Health Services-Medication
Special Education
MEDIA CENTER
Technology Use
Chromebook Procedures
Student Login/Passwords
Computer Games
Photocopying
Canine Searches
Cards/Gambling
Cars/Parking Lot
Chemical Use/Abuse Policy
Closed Campus
Directory Information
Discipline
Displays of Affection
Dress Code
Field Trips
Fines/Outstanding Payment
Fire/Tornado Drills
Food/Beverage
Forged Notes
Hallways
Harassment
7
7
Hazing
Homeroom
Laser Pointers
Lockers
Mandatory Reporting
Non-Disclosure/Civil Rights
Pesticide Notice
Pledge of Allegiance
Posters
Saturday Detention
Security
Student Prep Period
Student Records/Data Privacy
Student Survey
Sunglasses/Face Covering
Tardy Policy
Terroristic Threats
Theft
Tobacco
Visitors
Weapons Policy
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
8
12
12
12
DANCES
13
ACTIVITIES/ATHLETICS 14
National Honor Society
Co-Curricular Participation
Co-Curricular Eligibility
School Leadership/Recognition
Academic Eligibility
Behavior at Athletic Contests
MWHS BUILDING
RULES/REGULATIONS
Academic Integrity Policy
Attendance
Backpacks/Bags
Bring Your Own Device
Bullying
Bus Behavior
Cafeteria Table Washing
14
15
15
16
15
16
16
17
19
21
32
22
33
16
2
24
24
23
24
34
4
28
34
34
17
23
17
17
33
17
21
22
21
17
26
23
22
5
17
16
32
24
12
19
6
17
20
28
26
26
17
27
WELCOME TO MOUND WESTONKA
HIGH SCHOOL
Dear Students,
The purpose of education at Mound Westonka High School is to provide a comprehensive
program in a positive environment that recognizes the uniqueness of each student’s emotional,
academic, social, and physical needs. This program will help individuals acquire knowledge,
skills, pride in self, and respect for others, all of which will enable them to be accountable, solve
problems, think creatively, continue learning, and develop maximum potential for leading
productive, fulfilling lives in a complex and changing society.
During this year you will have many exciting and interesting opportunities to learn and we hope
you will find that learning can be fun.
As you begin the school year, establish definite goals and work to your potential to achieve these
goals. You must recognize the fact that you owe it to yourself to do the very best in everything
you do, and be proud of yourself and your achievements. We hope you will enjoy being a
student in our school.
We look forward to working with you, and certainly encourage you to see us with your questions
and concerns. As a staff at MWHS, we are all committed to helping you be the very best that
you can be. Have a great year.
Mr. Randklev, Principal
Mr. Fischer, Assistant Principal
This handbook may be changed or amended during the school year. Changes will be posted in
the main office.
The complete handbook is available on the Mound Westonka High School website:
http://mwhs.westonka.k12.mn.us/
OFFICE HOURS
The Mound Westonka High School office hours:
7:00AM – 3:30PM Monday – Fridayon school days.
3
PROGRAM AND REQUIREMENTS
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
High School Graduation Requirements for Graduating Classes:
1. 23.5 credits earned in grades 9-12
2. Meet graduation testing requirements in:
a. Reading
b. Math
3. Required classes (One semester = ½ credit)
a. 4 credits in English
b. 3.5 credits in Social Studies
c. 3 credits in Science
d. 3 credits in Math (Including Statistics)
e. 0.5 credit in Physical Education (gr. 9)
f. 0.25 credits in Health (gr. 9)
g. 0.25 credits in Speech (gr. 9)
h. 1 credit in Fine Arts (gr. 9-12)
GRADUATION ATTIRE AND CONDUCT
Graduating seniors, should they choose to participate in the MWHS graduation ceremony, will
be required to wear the traditional cap and gown rented from the vendor provided by the school
district. Compliance to the MWHS Student Dress and Appearance guidelines, as outlined in the
MWHS student handbook, is expected. In addition, tennis shoes, sunglasses, or other attire
deemed distractive or disruptive by school administration or their designated representatives, will
not be allowed. If a student’s attire does not meet the school’s dress requirements, the student
will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Graduating seniors, choosing to participate in the MWHS graduation ceremony, will also be
required to follow the norms of appropriate behavior. If administration or their designated
representatives judge a student’s behavior to be inappropriate or destructive, per the guidelines
established in the MWHS student handbook, the student will not be allowed to participate in the
graduation ceremony and may be removed at the discretion of the administration or their
designated representatives.
REGISTRATION/SCHEDULING INFORMATION (952-491-8115)
! Ms. Kampa (last names A –G) at 952-491-8117
! Ms. Baumann (last names H–N) at 952-491-8116
!Ms. Simon (last names O– Z) at 952-491-8118
DIRECTORY INFORMATION (Policy # 5125)
The school district may disclose directory information of a student and information regarding
parents without prior written consent of the parent or the student. If a parent or student does not
want this information released, he/she must notify the school district by Sept. 1 of each year by
completing the Annual Opt-Out Options form included in the back-to-school mailer. For
information contact Carol Shukle, 952-491-8007.
(A complete copy of policy 5125 is available in the main office or on the district website,
westonka.k12.mn.us/About Us/School Board/Policy Manual.)
The following information is considered directory information:
Student’s: name, address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of
attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in activities, height & weight (athletic
teams), honors & awards.
Parent’s: name, address
The directory information does not include: religion, race, color, social position, nationality, and
Social Security number.
4
WITHDRAWING FROM CLASS
Students withdrawing from class after the second week of the semester will receive an “F” grade
for the semester. Extenuating circumstances that warrant exceptions will be determined by the
teacher, counselor, student, parent and administrator. NOTE: Some specific courses that have
co-curricular requirements may have different withdrawal stipulations. (Also see Notes in
Academic Eligibility Policy-AR#6145 for complete co-curricular guidelines.)
GRADING POLICY
1. Grades A,B,C,D,F, and I+ may be used and are represented by the following 4-point scale:
A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, C-=1.7, D+=1.3, D=1.0, D-=0.7,
F=0.0, I+=0.0, P=0.0, NC=0.0.
2. The I+ may be used for for situations of extended absence or other extenuating
circumstances (determined by their guidance counselor and classroom teacher).However,
the I+ shall not be used for academic deficiency.
3. If a student does receive an I+ for a given quarter, the teacher and student will agree to a
timeline for work to be completed. If the work is not satisfactorily completed, the I+ will be
changed to an F grade. If the work is satisfactorily completed, the I+ grade will be changed
to the earned letter grade.
POSTING DATES FOR GRADES
Teachers will post grades electronically every three weeks (see schedule below).
Assignments/Projects/Tests that are completed toward the end of the three week grading cycle
will be posted for the next grading cycle. Poor performance during any three week grading cycle
will result in various levels of interventions. Parents and students are encouraged to call their
teachers with questions about academic performance.
September 25
October 31-End of Quarter 1
December 11
February 12
March 20 –End of Q3
May 14
October 14
November 20
January 16—End of Q2/End of Sem 1
March 5
March 23
June 2—End of Q4/End of Sem 2
HONOR ROLL
The office of the Principal will name deserving students to a quarterly honor roll. A=3.7 and
above; B=2.7-3.69. Qualifying students must have at least 5 credit earning classes that yield a
letter grade (P and NG do not count). The student must also not receive and D’s or F’s. PostSecondary (PSEO) and most online classes are not included in the five qualifying letter grades.
But, APEX courses supported by MWHS are included.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
1. The high school shall recognize graduates earning a 3.80 grade point average, or higher,
asgraduating SUMMA CUM LAUDE.
2. The high school shall recognize graduates earning a grade pointaverage between 3.79 and
3.65 as graduating MAGNA CUM LAUDE.
3. The high school shall recognize graduates earning a grade point average between 3.64 and
3.50 asgraduating CUM LAUDE.
PESTICIDE APPLICATION NOTICE
Several health and safety-related notices are available on the district website
www.westonka.k12.mn.us under Contact Us, select Forms. Topics include asbestos management,
indoor air quality and the use of pesticides. Hard copies of these notices are also available in all
Westonka school buildings. Parents will be notified prior to pesticide applications and an
estimated schedule of pesticide applications, if planned, will be available for review at the school
main office. Parents may specifically request individual prior notice of pesticide applications by
contacting the district office at 952-491-8007.
5
STUDENT SURVEY (Policy #5200)
Westonka Schools will periodically survey students for their opinions related to a variety of
subjects, including, but not limited to, teacher performance, school climate, curriculum needs and
student behavior. Student input is an important piece in improving student services. If you
would prefer that your child NOT participate in these surveys, or if you’d like to preview the
survey, please contact the principal at 952-491-8101.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
GUIDANCE
The MWHS guidance department’s mission is to promote academic, career and personal/social
development for every student according to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
National Standards.The mission of the guidance department is accomplished through direct and
indirect services to students, parents and the school. With the primary emphasis on studentcentered services, the guidance department provides:
•
•
•
•
•
Educational and career planning
Personal/social development (support and counseling)
Referral to appropriate in-school and/or community resources
Communication/consultation with staff and parents
Tracking, maintenance and processing of student records
Meetings with a counselor can be arranged directly with the counselor or with the administrative
assistant in the counseling office. All meetings will be treated professionally and confidentially.
504 PROVISIONS
MWHS complies with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students with a physical or mental
impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such
impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment, may be evaluated for classroom
accommodations under a 504 Plan. Students and families who believe they qualify for 504
services are encouraged to contact their guidance counselor for more information.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Westonka District’s philosophy is to provide an appropriate educational program for all
students, based on their individual needs. Mound Westonka offers a complete range of services
for students with identified special needs. Our special education program is designed to be an
integrated part of the entire school. Parents and school staff work together to determine which
students require special education services. An Individualized Education Plan is designed by the
parents, teachers, and administration for each of these students. State of Minnesota criteria in the
various disability areas are used in the identification process. Students with learning disabilities,
emotional/social difficulties, speech and language concerns, sensory impairments, physical
disability or who are mentally disabled can receive services at Mound Westonka High School.
Questions or concerns may be directed to the building principal or the Director of Special
Services, 952-491-8031.
HEALTH SERVICES MEDICATION PROCEDURE
(Policy and Regulation # 5141)
Medication will be administered during school hours when necessary and if prescribed by a
doctor. Medication includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medication. The parent must
submit in writing a signed request asking the school to administer the medication. The
medication must be in its original container and not in an envelope, plastic bag, etc. Medication
cannot be carried on a person unless approved by the nurse. Medication cannot be shared with
anyone. Violation of any part of this policy can result in disciplinary action, including but not
limited to suspension and expulsion.
MEDIA CENTER
Rules Regarding Acceptable Use of Technology
Students are expected to use/access district technology and the Internet during the regular school
6
day to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district
and the district’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy #5160 and it administrative
regulations(http://schoolboard.westonka.k12.mn.us/modules/groups/group_pages.phtml?gid=159
7107&nid=204870&sessionid=2da84161a46fb55c97491d3b34b0d0de).
Use of district technology and the Internet is a privilege, not a right. It is assumed that
parents give their child access to district technology and the Internet and therefore agree to
follow the guidelines established in Policy #5160 and its administrative regulations.
The school district’s technology has a limited educational purpose which includes use of the
technology for classroom activities, educational research and professional or career
development.
STUDENTS USING DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY WILL:
Exhibit good digital citizenship by conducting themselves appropriately and following these six
principals of being a Digital Citizen:
• Respect Yourself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online
names that are appropriate; I will consider the information and images that I post online. I
will consider what personal information about my life, experiences, experimentation or
relationships I post. I will not be obscene. I will act with integrity.
• Protect Yourself. I will ensure that the information, images and materials I post online
will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details or a schedule
of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me while
online. I will protect passwords, accounts and resources.
• Respect Others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to
antagonize, bully, harass or stalk other people. I will show respect for other people in my
choice of websites, I will not visit sites that are degrading, pornographic, racist or
inappropriate. I will not abuse my rights of access and I will not enter other people's
private online accounts and websites.
• Protect Others. I will protect others by reporting abuse, not forwarding inappropriate
materials or communications. I will avoid unacceptable materials and conversations.
• Respect Intellectual Property. I will request permission to use copyrighted or otherwise
protected materials. I will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media etc. I
will acknowledge all primary sources. I will validate information.
• Protect Intellectual Property. I will request to use the software and media others produce.
I will use free and open source alternatives rather than pirating software. I will purchase
my music and media, and refrain from distributing these in a manner that violates their
licenses.
STUDENTS USING DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY WILL NOT:
• Leave computers or devices unsupervised or leave any district technology logged into any
Westonka Public Schools-managed system; download and/or install unauthorized software.
(Unauthorized software is any software not explicitly approved by the Technology
Department.)
• Use offensive, obscene, abusive, profane, pornographic, lewd, vulgar, threatening, racially
or sexually offensive, harassing, inflammatory, or defamatory speech.
• Harass, bully, or threaten, anyone.
• Use or distribute the account or password information of any individual.
• Misrepresent themselves/others or forge electronic mail messages.
• Create and/or distribute unsolicited advertisements or other commercial material, political
advocacy, chain letters, or pyramid schemes.
• Violate the rights of others, including their privacy rights.
• Access, download, or create harmful, indecent, sexually oriented, pornographic,
threatening, violent, offensive, and/or illegal material.
• Use district technology for personal business or financial gain.
7
• Destroy data, programs, networks, or any other system or component of a system, or create,
upload, download, or spread a computer virus or worm, either intentionally or recklessly.
• Intentionally degrade or disrupt systems and/or equipment.
• Delete data belonging to another user.
• Damage technology hardware or software.
• Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities (“hacking”).
• Use district technology for illegal activities, including copyright infringement.
• Reveal the personal address, phone number, or other personal information of any
individual, including district students and employees.
• Use district technology while access privileges are suspended or revoked or before access
privileges have been granted.
• Attempt to override, bypass, or otherwise change the Internet filtering software or other
network configurations.
• Connect personal devices to the Westonka Public Schools network without permission
from the technology department.
DISCIPILINARY ACTIONS
Disciplinary actions for such violations may include, but are not limited to:
• Conference between the user and relevant staff;
• Parent contact (for student violations);
• Reprimand;
• Confiscation of inappropriate item(s);
• Restoration/Restitution;
• Student discipline pursuant to District discipline policies and procedures, including but not
limited to warning, suspension and expulsion.
INTERNET SAFETY
The Westonka Public Schools attempt to provide students with the best educational practices and
resources. Many of our teachers are incorporating web-based applications and sites to enhance
student education, engage students in the curriculum, and spark creativity/collaboration amongst
peers. Through the use of web-based apps such as but not limited to Wordpress and Blogger,
Google Docs, Prezi, Evernote, and Dropbox students/teachers can expand the classroom by
participating in collaborative practices that enable students to learn the appropriate and safe ways
to use the Internet. These practices provide both an outstanding education opportunity for our
academic areas as well as an opportunity to help students prevent poor online actions and
communications.
CHROMBOOK PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
AND PARENTS
The Westonka Public Schools will address the changing needs of today’s students by
transforming the method by which curriculum is delivered to students and to personalize the
learning experience for students through EDGE21, aWestonkapreschool–grade 12 technology
integration program. The EDGE21 program includes a1:1 technology device program in which
students in grades 5–12 will use a Chromebook at school and outside of school as the primary
way to access curriculum. Students will also utilize the device to interact with teachers and
complete projects and homework assignments. Grade 8 and 9 students will participate in the
program during the 2014-2015 school year. Students in grades 8-12 will participate in the
program during the 2015-16 school year.
RECEIVING YOUR CHROMEBOOK
1. 2013-2014 Implementation Schedule
Grade 8 and 9 students will receive their Chromebook at the start of the
2014-15 school year.
2. Parent/Guardian Orientation and Distribution
All parents/guardians are required to attend an orientation meeting and sign
8
the Westonka Use of Technology Chromebook Agreement (AR 5160:1a)
before a Chromebook can be issued to their student. Orientation meeting
dates/times will be communicated with parents andposted on Mound
Westonka High School’s website.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR CHROMEBOOK
Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the
school. Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to Media Center as
soon as possible so that they can be taken care of properly. District-owned Chromebooks
should never be taken to an outside computer service for any type of repair or maintenance.
Students should never leave their Chromebooks unattended except locked in their hallway
locker.
1. General Procedures
• No food or drink should be next to Chromebooks.
• Cords, cables, and removable storage devices mustbe inserted carefully into Chromebooks.
• Chromebooks should not be used or stored near pets.
• Chromebooks should not be used with the power cord plugged in when the cord may be a
tripping hazard.
• Chromebooks must remain free of writing/drawing or stickers/labels.
• Heavy objects should never be placed on top of Chromebooks.
• Chromebooks are not allowed in the cafeteria or in P.E. locker rooms.
2. Cases
Each student will be issued a protective case for his/her Chromebook that
should be used whenever theChromebook is being transported or not in use.
Although the cases are reinforced to help protect the Chromebooks, they are
not guaranteed to prevent damage. It remains the student’s responsibility to
care for and protect his/her device.
3. Carrying Chromebooks
• Always transport Chromebooks with care and in Westonka-provided protective cases.
• Never lift Chromebooks by the screen.
• Never carry Chromebooks with the screen open.
4. Screen Care
The Chromebook screen can be damaged if subjected to heavy objects,
rough treatment, some cleaning solvents, and other liquids. The screens are
particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure.
• Do not put pressure on the top of a Chromebook when it is closed.
• Do not store a Chromebook with the screen open.
• Do not place anything in the case that will press against the cover.
• Make sure there is nothing on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, or
disks).
• Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber/anti-static cloth.
5. Asset Tags
• All Chromebooks will be labeled with a district asset tag.
• Asset tags may not be modified or tampered with in any way.
• Students may be charged up to the full replacement cost of a Chromebook for tampering
with a district asset tag or turning in a Chromebook without a district asset tag.
USING YOUR CHROMEBOOK AT SCHOOL
Students are expected to bring a fully charged Chromebook to school every day and bring their
Chromebooks to all classes unless specifically advised not to do so by their teacher.
1. If a student does not bring his/her Chromebook to school
• A student may stop in the media center and check out a loaner for the day.
9
• A student borrowing a Chromebook must sign a loaner agreement & will be responsible for
any damage to or loss of the issued device.
• The media center will document the number of times a loaner is issued to each student for
not having his/her own Chromebook at school and will send reports to the main office for
those students that have more than two occurrences during the school year.
• Not bringing your Chromebook to school may result in disciplinary action.
• The students that obtain a loaner will be responsible for returning the borrowed device to the
media center before 3:30 p.m.
• If a loaner is not turned in by 3:30 p.m., the media center will submit a report to the main
office and a designated person in the main office will work on retrieving the loaner.
2. Chromebooks being repaired
• Loaner Chromebooks may be issued to students when they leave their school-issued
Chromebook for repair.
• A student borrowing a Chromebook must sign a loaner agreement and will be responsible
for any damage to or loss of the loaned device.
• Chromebooks on loan to students having their devices repaired may be taken home.
• Students will be contacted when their devices are repaired and available to be picked up.
3. Charging Chromebooks
• Chromebooks must be brought to school each day with a full charge.
• Students should charge their Chromebooks at home every evening.
4. Sound
• Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from a teacher.
• Headphones may be used at the discretion of the teachers.
• Students should have their own personal set of headphones for sanitary reasons.
5. Printing
• Students will be encouraged to digitally publish and share their work with their teachers
and peers when appropriate.
• Printing stations will be available in the library and other various locations. Because all
student workshould be stored in an Internet/cloud application, students will not print directly
from their Chromebooksat school.
USING YOUR CHROMEBOOK OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL POLICY
Students are encouraged to use their Chromebooks at home and other locations outside of school.
A WiFi Internet connection will be required for the majority of Chromebook use however;some
applications can be used while not connected to the Internet. Students are bound by the
Westonka Public School’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy #5160 and its
administrative regulations that support the implementation of the policy.
CONTENT FILTER
The district utilizes an Internet content filter that is in compliance with the federally mandated
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All Chromebooks, regardless of physical location
(in or out of school), will have all Internet activity protected and monitored by the district. If a
website is blocked in school, then it will be blocked out of school. If an educationally valuable
site is blocked, students should contact their teachers or the media center staff to request the site
be unblocked. Consider any additional parental controls through home internet providers.
REPAIRING / REPLACING YOUR CHROMEBOOK
1. Estimated Costs (subject to change)
The following are estimated costs of Chromebook parts and replacements:
1. Replacement - $280
2. Screen - $160
3. Keyboard - $60
4. Chromebook AC Charger - $35
5. Case - $30
2. Optional Insurance (subject to change)
10
1.
2.
3.
Some items may be covered by your homeowners/renters policy. Please check with
your insurance agent.
The district has contracted with a third party insurance agency to provide optional
coverage. You can access information on this insurance at
http://bit.ly/westonkachromebooks
NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY
Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a
Chromebook, regardless of whether that use is for district-related or personal purposes, other
than as specifically provided by law. The District may, without prior notice or consent, log,
supervise, access, view, monitor, and record use of student Chromebooks at any time for any
reason related to the operation of the District. By using a Chromebook, students agree to such
access, monitoring, and recording of their use.
STUDENT DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
1. Accessing/Posting Inappropriate Material
Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading,
scanning or displaying materials (including photos of students and staff)
that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually
suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal is a
violation of this agreement.
2. Photos and Video
Students are not to take pictures or videos of staff or students without staff
permission. Any student use of cameras in the Westonka Public Schools
should be part of a class or club activity. Unapproved camera use is a
violation of this agreement. Violating copyrights, copying or downloading
copyrighted materials without the owner's permission is a violation of this
agreement.
3. Malicious Use/Vandalism
Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school unit's technology,
networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking
activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses, is a violation of this
agreement.
4. Classroom Expectations
Failure to follow teacher direction in regards to the use of
devices/tools/websites during class is a violation of this agreement. If you
have any further questions regarding this document and our plans for
technology integration, you are encouraged to contact your school
principal so he/she can address any questions you may have.
5. Hacking or “Jailbreaking”
No student shall obtain or try to obtain other students’ accounts, files, and/or
data. Students are NOT to remove orattempt to remove or circumvent the
management system installed on each iPad. Using or possessing hacking
software is a violation of this agreement. Students who attempt to hack or
“jailbreak” any EPS iPad will be in violation of this agreement.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Where the school administration determines that an authorized student user has violated the
district’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy #5160 or it’s administrative regulations, any
other District policy or procedure, and/or State or federal law, he/she may revoke or suspend the
user’s access rights. All student users, whether authorized or unauthorized, may be subject to
disciplinary actions and criminal and/or civil liability to the extent authorized by law.
Disciplinary actions for such violations may include by are not limited to:
• Conference between the user and relevant staff;
11
•
•
•
•
•
Parent contact (for student violations);
Reprimand;
Confiscation of inappropriate item(s);
Restoration/Restitution;
Student discipline pursuant to District discipline policies and procedures, including but not
limited to warning, suspension and expulsion.
Access to Westonka Public Schools’ owned technology is a privilege and not a right. At any
point access to devices, internet and district technology can be revoked.
STUDENT LOGINS AND PASSWORDS
Novell Log-In: First Name (space) Last Name
Novell Password: Student ID
Schoology Log-In: [email protected]
Schoology Password: 00Student ID
Destiny Online Library Catalog Log-In: First Name (space) Last Name
Destiny Online Library Catalog Password: Student ID
Google Apps Log-In: [email protected]
Google Apps Password: 00Student ID
Turnitin.com: [email protected]
Turnitin.com Password: Student created
GAMES ON COMPUTERS
Unless a part of a classroom activity, playing games on any school computer is not allowed.
Computers need to be available for academic purposes.
STUDENT PHOTOCOPYING POLICY
Photocopies Pertaining to Class Assignments:
• Students must obtain additional copies of classroom materials from the teacher assigning
the work.
• Students wishing to have copies made of classroom materials must have a pass from the
classroom teacher authorizing these copies to be made.
Photocopies of Media Center Resources:
• Photocopying decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the MWHS Media Center
staff.
• The MWHS Media Center reserves the right to refuse to process some orders.
• Copies will be made of Media center materials for student research purposes in accordance
with US copyright laws.
• Photocopying will be denied if it is determined that it violates U.S. Copyright Laws.
STUDENT PREP PERIOD (SPP)
Students have the option of registering for a student prep period. The purpose of a student prep
period is to help plan, prepare, and study for classroom activities. To ensure that each student is
given every opportunity for this to happen, a strict policy of silent study will be enforced by each
prep period monitor. As long as you follow the prep period rules, you will be allowed to listen to
personal electronic devices (music only). You have several options during your student prep
period:
1. Silent Study
2. Pass to work with a teacher. You must bring this pass to SPP at the beginning of the
period.
STUDENT PREP PERIOD/MEDIA CENTER RULES
1. Students are to be in assigned prep period when bell rings; if not, a tardy or absence will
result.
12
2. Students are to bring study materials and be working. After being warned, failure to bring
study materials or to be working could result in Saturday detentionfor each day without
study materials or not working.
3. No passes to lockers.
4. Students are to remain in the assigned prep period and in the seats assigned to them.
5. No passes are to be issued to students to leave the prep period to see a teacher. Students
need passes in advance to be released to see teachers.
Media Center guidelines:
1. Each student who wants to use the Media Center from the classroom
must have a pass from the teacher assigning the work.
2. Student prep period teachers will make the final decision as to which students will be
allowed to come to the media center during their prep period based on student need.
Students must arrive with the library pass. All students must have checked their name
and have written a reason for being in the media center.
3. Once students come to the media center from a student prep period, they must stay
there. If they need to take a test, speak with a teacher, etc., they must do this from
his/her student prep period.
4. The media center is also a quiet study area. Students should be working quietly and not
disruptive to others.
5. Student should not be sent to the media center if any of the following situations apply
to that student:
● Student name appears on the progress report list. Students must
remain in SPP until the next progress report is issued and his/her
name is no longer on the list.
● Student accumulates five or more unexcused absences from
student prep period
Prep Period Attendance Policy (unexcused absences):
#1 – Saturday detention (assigned by prep period teacher)
#2 – Saturdaydetention (assigned by prep period teacher)
#3 – Saturdaydetention (assigned by prep period teacher)
#4 and following – Class removal to office with possible suspension and/or meeting with
Assistant Principal or designee and phone call home.
(If a student aide reaches five unexcused absences in prep period, he/she will lose all student aide
positions with no credit.)
DANCES
DANCES OTHER THAN PROM
Dances are designated for particular grades, usually 8th and 9th and 10th-12th. You must attend
the dance that is designated for your grade level. The only exception is that a 9th grader can
attend a 10th-12th grade dance if each parent (9th grade and 10th-12th grade) writes a note granting
permission. Under no circumstance is an 8th grade student allowed to attend a 10th-12th grade
dance.
PROM
Only juniors and seniors are invited to prom. Sophomores are welcome to attend only if invited
by a junior or senior as a date. A note from each parent (sophomore and junior/senior) must be
turned into the Assistant Principal’s office prior to the dance. The due date and time will be
announced. Eighth and ninth graders are not allowed to attend prom under any circumstances.
ATTENDING A DANCE WITH A VISITOR
If you would like to bring a visitor with you to a dance, you must obtain a “permission form”
from the Assistant Principal which is to be filled out by the student, the visitor, his/her parent,
13
and his/her school’s administrator. The form is available in the office or the high school’s
website at www.westonka.k12.mn.us. This form must be turned in by the date stated on
announcements. The visitor must bring a picture ID to the dance to gain admittance.If this form
is not completed, the visitor will be denied entrance into the dance.
GOOD NIGHT RULE
Once a student leaves a school dance, he/she must leave the school grounds or rental facility, and
will not be allowed to re-enter the dance. Violators will be subjected to suspensions, banning
from future dances and other events, and will be referred to the police for trespassing.
ACTIVITIES
DECA
Musical
Science Olympiad
Quiz Bowl/Academic
Challenge
Jazz Band
Know America
Madd Jazz Singers
Trap Shooting League
National Honor SocietyPop
Singers
Spanish Club
SpeechTeam
Theatrical Productions
Student Senate
Math League
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY COURSE GUIDELINES
Members of the junior and senior class who have achieved a cumulative scholastic grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale may be invited to apply for provisional membership of
National Honor Society during the first quarter of the school year. Candidates will be evaluated
on the basis of scholarship, service, leadership, and character when being considered for
admittance. Candidates’ course work shall approximate that regarded as a College Preparatory
Program and are listed below:
Subject
Social
Studies
11th Grade
Advanced Modern History & Advanced
Ancient History
AP World History
12th Grade
Advanced Government & Advanced
Economics
AP Government
English
Honors American Literature
Adv. Composition
AP Literature
Math
FST
Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Adv. Astronomy/Meteorology & Adv.
Geology & Paleontology
AP Biology
AP Physics
Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
Science
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Adv. Astronomy/Meteorology & Adv.
Geology & Paleontology
AP Biology
AP Physics
Both NHS candidates and initiated members must be enrolled in the suggested courses in at least
3 of the 4 core subject areas. Candidates who are enrolled in additional rigorous courses, such as
AP Drawing and College in the Schools Spanish, will appear as stronger candidates in the
application process.
ATHLETICS
Fall
Winter
Spring
14
B/G Cross Country
B/G Soccer
Girls Swim and Dive
Girls Tennis
Volleyball
Football
Cheerleading
Swim and Dive
BowlingAdapted Floor Hockey
Trap
B/G Basketball
Dance Team
Girls Gymnastics
B/G Hockey
Wrestling
Wrestling Cheerleading
B/G Alpine Skiing
Girls Lacrosse
Baseball
B/G Golf
B/G Track and
Field
Boys Tennis
Softball
Adapted Softball Adapted Soccer Boys
B/G Nordic Ski
CO-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION - MINIMUM GPA
All students wishing to participate in co-curricular activities must be making normal progress
toward graduation, and earning the prescribed number of credits as established by school board
policy. Contact the Activity Director’s Office (952-491-8108) for details.
CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
Co-curricular activities are an important and integral part of the total educational program at
Westonka Public Schools. They are intended to serve the physical, social, creative and
vocational interests of students. Co-curricular activities are defined as organized, optional
athletic, expressive and club activities which occur outside of the regularly scheduled school day.
Eligibility: In accordance with Minnesota State High School League guidelines, all high school
students wishing to participate in co-curricular activities must be making satisfactory progress
towards graduation.
Participation:Students will be allowed to participate in a co-curricular
event/performance/practice only if they have attended school for the entire school day on the day
that the event/performance is held.
Exceptions: Students who believe they should be exempted from these policy guidelines should
follow the district’s grievance procedure (policy and administrative regulation #5146).
MSHSL Violations:All MWHS students agree to the MSHSL rules once they enter MWHS
either in 8th grade or by transferring to MWHS. The consequences related to a violation of any
of these rules are to be carried out if the student chooses to participate in co-curricular activities
during their MWHS years. A student who is not directly involved at the time of the offense will
need to serve the penalty when he/she does decide to participate in a MWHS co-curricular
activity.
REQUIRED NUMBER OF CREDITS:
Grade 8:Semester 1- Promotion from Grade 7, Semester 2- Passing grade in at least 5 classes.
Grade 9:Semester 1-Promotion from Grade 8; Semester 2- 2.5 high school credits.
Grade 10:Semester 1-5.0 Credits, of which .5 must be in English and .5 must be in Social
Studies. Semester 2-7.5 credits.
Grade 11:Semester 1-10.0 credits, of which 1.0 must be in English, 1.0 must be in Social Studies,
1.0 must be in Science, 1.0 must be in Math, and 1.0 must be in PE/Health. Semester 2-13.0
credits.
Grade 12:Semester 1-15.5 Credits, of which 2.0 must be in English, 2.0 must be in Social
Studies, 1.5 must be in Science, 1.5 must be in Math, and 1.5 must be in PE/Health. Semester 218.5 credits.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY – AR #6145
Threshold: If a student fails one or more classes in a quarter, he or she will be academically
ineligible.
Penalty: The student will be ineligible for two weeks (14 days) or two contests, whichever is
greater, for the current sports season. During that time, the student-athlete cannot play in games.
Participation and attendance at practice in week one of the suspension will be flexible based on
15
academic needs and a discussion with the coach. Participation and attendance at practice in
week two will be expected.
Please Note:
1. One or more F’s in the 4th quarter will constitute a 2-game suspension in the fall athletic
season.
2. If a student has one or more F’s at the end of a quarter or semester where the class schedule
then changes, he or she must be passing all classes after two weeks at the start of the next
quarter to become eligible again.
3. During the suspension period, a student will not be able to accompany the team on a road
trip if the trip requires an early release from school.
4. Unlike the Chemical Eligibility Penalty, this penalty applies only to the current sports
season.
SCHOOL SPONSORED LEADERSHIP/RECOGNITION ACTIVITIES:
Students involved in academic, leadership, or recognition activities sponsored by MWHS who
violate Section 205.00, Section 206.00, or Section 209.00 of the MSHSL Official Handbook will
be ineligible and/or placed on probation for a period of time as determined by the specific
leadership activity/recognition. MSHSL policies regarding dismissal of citations and any appeal
process will apply to these violations. Such activities include, but are not limited to: Link Crew,
Student Senate, and Captainship. **Dance Courts: Students are ineligible to represent MWHS
on any dance court for 12 full calendar months from the time the violation is enforced.
GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVIOR AT ATHLETIC CONTESTS
The following rules and guidelines are expectations of all participants and spectators of a
Westonka-sponsored event:
1. No throwing of objects onto the playing or performance surface.
2. All signs and locations for those signs must be pre-approved by the site supervisor. Only
signs of a positive nature will be admitted.
3. No profane or abusive cheers, gestures, spitting, or chanting by individuals or groups will be
tolerated.
4. Fighting on contest premise is prohibited.
5. Use or possession of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted.
6. Official cheerleaders and mascot only will be allowed on the floor. The mascot must stay in
the area of the cheerleaders. No other leaders of cheers will be allowed on the floor.
7. Noisemakers of any kind, including air horns, are not allowed.
Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disciplinary action, which could include
any or all of the following: warning, suspension from attending future events, detention,
suspension from school, and/or expulsion from school. This decision will be made by the
Activities Director in consultation with the Principal and/or Assistant Principal, if needed.
MWHS BUILDING RULES AND REGULATIONS
CAFETERIA TABLE WASHING
Every student at MWHS is required to wash tables during their assigned lunch period for their
assigned week during the school year. The students will be given notice through locker slips,
scrolling announcements, and emails when their week is assigned. Failure to wash tables can
and may result in additional days washing and/or Saturday detention.
POSTERS
No posters can be hung in the school building without approval of the principal, assistant
principal or activities director or designee. Please use designated areas to hang approved posters.
Posters hung outside of designated areas will be removed and discarded.
VISITORS
Students are not allowed to have visitors with them during the school day. Exceptions to this can
only be made through the principal or assistant principal or designee.
16
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are part of the educational process and may be a part of a specific course. In most
cases, field trips are not mandatory and students can be given an alternative assignment. It is
important to note, however, that all school rules and regulations must be followed during the
entire length of the field trip. The same consequences apply as if the violation occurred on
school grounds.
FOOD/BEVERAGE
In an attempt to keep our building clean, no food or beverage (other than water) is allowed in any
academic area and/or carpeted area.
HALLWAYS AFTER SCHOOL
After the regular school day, please clear the hallway as soon as possible. Custodians need to
clean the building to get ready for evening activities and the next school day. Please go to the
cafeteria, media center, outside, report to rehearsal or practice, or go home.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (M.S. 121A. 11)
The Westonka Board of Education mandated that each school recite the pledge of allegiance
regularly in each classroom. We do this through our morning announcements. Anyone who
does not wish to participate in reciting the pledge of allegiance for any personal reason may elect
not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice.
FIRE, TORNADO, SECURITY DRILLS
Periodically throughout the school year, MWHS will conduct drills related to fire, tornado, and
security issues. We practice these so we can be prepared in the event of a real situation. Our
continued safety depends on the regular practice for these situations. Please consult with your
teacher if you have specific questions.
SUNGLASSES AND FACE COVERINGS
For security reasons, we need to be able to visually identify all students and staff. Therefore,
sunglasses are not allowed in the school building. Also, masks or other face coverings are not
allowed to be worn on school grounds at any time, unless these items are part of a school activity.
LASER POINTERS
To ensure the safety of each student, no laser pointers are allowed in school except as an aide by
teachers/staff in the classroom.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Mound Westonka High School strives to hold our students to a rigorous curriculum of learning,
and also places equal emphasis on the students’ right to an ethical learning environment. Giving
or receiving information on an assessment without the permission of the teacher violates that
measure of learning and defeats the educational process. As a result, we have created this
academic integrity policy which prohibits cheating, plagiarism, and academic stealing.
Cheating
Cheating is defined as willfully giving or receiving unauthorized information on an assessment in
order to gain an unfair advantage over others. Assessments measure the learning a student have
achieved over a period of time and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Copying from another student or allowing another student to copy one’s work.
2. Talking, using gestures, and/or signals during a test or quiz.
3. Using study aids, notes, books, or other information on assignments or tests without
permission.
4. Passing test or quiz information between classes to other students in a different class period
with the same teacher.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as using another person’s words without giving credit to the author.
Plagiarism may include, but is not limited to, the following:
17
1. Submitting an assignment written in whole or part by someone else (parent, student, Internet
site, etc.) as your own work.
2. Using direct quotations or sections of paraphrased material without giving credit to the
source.
3. Borrowing the ideas, sequence of information or examples of someone else without giving
proper acknowledgement.
4. Buying or selling essays.
Academic Stealing
Academic stealing is defined as taking another student’s assignment or a teacher’s instructional
materials without permission. This may include, but not limited to, the following:
1. Copying and distributing tests or quizzes to another student(s).
2. Stealing the teacher’s edition of a textbook or test answer key.
3. Stealing another student’s homework.
Note: Stealing and distribution of a test are severe violations of the academic integrity policy.
As a result, the offenses will be cumulative. Example: 1st offense may happen in 8th grade and
2nd offense in 10th grade.
Violation of any aspect of this policy will result in the following consequences:
1st Offense
1. The student will receive a zero on the assessment.
2. The student will receive a class removal and will meet with the teacher and the Assistant
Principal or designee. The student will have a chance to explain the transgression in this
meeting.
3. A letter will be sent home to notify the parents/guardians of the situation and/or the teacher
will follow-up with a phone call. The student’s counselor will be notified.
2nd Offense
1. The student will receive a zero on the assessment and an “F” for the quarter.
2. The student will receive a class removal and will meet with the student’s parents/guardians,
the teacher, and the cheating committee, if necessary.
3. A follow-up letter will be sent home to the parents/guardians.
3rd Offense
1. The student will be dropped from the class and receive an “F” for the semester.
Note: Each offense will be cumulative during every school year. For example, the first offense may happen
in English and the second offense in Math class. The consequences will be applied to the course where the
offense took place.
Changing a Grade in School Records
If a person alters school records or gets another student to alter a grade kept in school records all
students involved will be held to the following consequences:
1st OffenseThe student will receive an “F” for the semester. If the class is needed for graduation,
the student must retake it.
2nd Offense
A second violation could lead to expulsion from the Westonka School District.
Please Note: Students who violate this academic integrity policy will not be eligible for the “A”
or “B” Honor Roll for the quarter in which the violation occurred.
ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS / DATA PRIVACY
Access to student’s records is limited to parents, legal guardians, and professional staff. A
parent/guardian who wishes to examine or obtain a copy of a student’s record may do so upon
18
prior notice to the office. The maintenance and release of student records are strictly dictated by
federal law and district policy.
ATTENDANCE POLICY (Grades 9-12) (Per Semester)
At Mound Westonka High School, a student with twounexcused absences from the same class
will receive notice stating that she/he has twounexcused absences.If the student reaches
fiveunexcused absences, she/he will be dropped from the class with a grade of “F” and be
assigned to a student prep period. Missing class ten or more minutes is considered an absence.
Parents/guardians will be notified when their son or daughter has two unexcused absences in a
class.
If a student reaches 12 total absences (excused and/or unexcused), he/she will not receive credit
for the class, and will be assigned to a student prep period. Students will receive notification
when she/he reaches sixtotal absencesand a parent will be notified. Please notify your Guidance
Counselor if there are extenuating circumstances which may result in absences or 12 or more.
EXCUSING AN ABSENCE
If your son/daughter is absent from school, please call the high school at 952-491-8100 and
follow the prompts. Please leave your message on this voice mail and the reason for the absence.
Also, please send a signed note with your son/daughter upon his/her return to school. You can
also fax a note to the high school at 952-491-8103. These written notes/faxes must be received
in the main office within three days after an absence or the absence is will remain
unexcused.Remember, all notes, calls, and faxes are petitions asking the school to excuse an
absence.
Students must report to the nurse’s office to be excused from school prior to leaving school due
to illness. If you feel ill, please come to the nurse’s office and the nurse or designee will work
with you and your parent/guardian to assess the illness and whether or not you will go home.
EXCUSED, UNEXCUSED, OR EXEMPT ABSENCES
Always strive for perfect attendance. However, there may be a situation where an absence may
occur. There are three absence categories listed below. This is not meant to be a complete list –
they are merely examples. If there is a question as to which category a specific absence may fall
into, please check with the main office or a guidance counselor.
Excused Absences
Examples are as follows: visits to school nurse, illness, medical appointments, family vacations,
family counseling, funerals, hospitalization, and college visits.
Please note: Any absence as a result of a medical appointment, counseling appointment, college
visit, or any other professional appointment must be verified with a note from the clinic where
the student was seen, if the absence exceeds the allowable number of absences and a plan has
been in place allowing for excessive absences by a guidance counselor. Also note: Family
vacations/personal reasons are limited to five school days per school year – this includes college
visits.
Unexcused Absences
Examples are as follows: Car problems, oversleeping, alarm problems, power outages, traffic
congestion, skipping, leaving without checking out in the main office, failure to have note within
three school days of the absence, missing school to study or work on a school assignment/project,
missing any part of the school day because of the previous evening’s co-curricular activity,
and/or missing any part of the school day to prepare for an upcoming co-curricular activity
and/or suspensions for failure to serve Saturday Detention.Staff members have discretion to issue
a detention to the student for an unexcused absence.
Exempted Absences
These absences do not count toward the number of days allowed per the attendance
policy.Examples are as follows: Court appearances, religious holidays, participant in a schoolsponsored activity, and certain suspensions.
19
Please note: Any absence which is a result of a court appearance must be confirmed by a note
from the courthouse.
MAKE-UP FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES
Absence from school or school activities does not excuse a student from achieving the general
objectives of a course of study. The student, therefore, is responsible for completing work
missed during excused absences. Excused absences as such will not have a direct effect on
students’ grades but failure to make up missed work will have a negative effect on grades.
Upon a student’s return to school, three days are allowed for make-up work. Additional days for
make-up work are at the discretion of the teacher. The student is responsible for requesting
make-up work. Previously announced projects and test/quizzes must be turned in or taken on the
date of the student’s return to school. Additional make-up time can be granted at the discretion
of the teacher.
MAKE-UP FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
If the student’s absence is unexcused, he/she will not have the opportunity to make up homework,
tests, quizzes, and any other assignments or assessments.
WHEN SCHOOL IS CLOSED
If school is closed due to weather of other emergency, students are expected to go to their teacher’s websites
to access assignments or other information. This will help to minimize the loss of instructional/learning time.
ATTENDANCE AT STATE COMPETITIONS
Supporting our teams when they are a State entrant is a privilege and an honor. Therefore, the
following system of accountability is in place. First, you must have a note excusing the absence
turned in to the office no later than the day before the event. Second, you must check-in with the
designated staff member at the event site. If these conditions are met, the absence will be
considered excused and will count toward the excused number of absences stated in the
attendance policy. If these conditions are not met, then the absence will be considered
unexcused and will count toward the unexcused number of absences stated in the attendance
policy.
TARDY POLICY
It is critical that students are in class every day on time in order to maximize their learning. As a
result, MWHS has the following classroom tardy policy. A tardy is defined as being less than 10
minutes late to class. This policy is the same for each teacher and each course throughout
MWHS.
Tardy #1—Warning from teacher
Tardy #2—Warning from teacher
Tardy #3—Detention issued by teacher
Tardy #4—Disciplinary Referral from class #1 (Teacher contacts
parent/guardian)
Tardy #5—Detention issued by teacher
Tardy #6—Disciplinary Referral from class #2(Teacher contacts
parent/guardian)
Tardy #7—Detention issued by teacher
Tardy #8—Removal from class#3 (Removal from class and placed
in SPP. The student will also receive an “F” grade for the
course and may have to repeat the course ifnecessary.
Teacher contacts parent/guardian.)
ADVISORY PERIOD TARDY POLICY
Tardy #1—Warning to student
Tardy #2—Warning to student
Tardy #3—Detention issued to student by advisor
20
Tardy #4—Referral #1 from advisory to School Connections
Coordinator
Tardy #5—Detention issued to student by advisor
Tardy #6—Referral #2 from advisory to School Connections
Coordinator
Tardy #7—Detention issued to student by advisor
Tardy #8—Referral #3 from advisor to Assistant Principal
HOMEROOM
Students in grades 10-12 will be assigned to a Homeroom each school day. The purpose of
Homeroom is to provide an opportunity for students to take advantage ofseveral of different
opportunities during this time:
1. Silent Study
2. Work in the Media Center computer lab (must have a pass from teacher)
3. Work with a teacher to get extra help/make up tests/etc. (must have a pass from teacher)
If you do not have a pass to leave your homeroom, you will be expected to bring materials to
work on during the entire homeroom period as it will be a silent environment.
Attendance will be taken and detentions will be issued for tardies and unexcused absences.
Behavior issues will result in class removals and be handled as follows:
Removal # 1: Conference with Assistant Principal or designee. Student will receive a re-entry
form to be signed by a parent/guardian.
Removal # 2 and following: Conference with Assistant Principal or designee. Student may be
suspended for one or more school days.
**More severe disciplinary consequences may be assigned due to the severity of the disciplinary
action. This decision is at the sole discretion of the Assistant Principal or designee.
BACKPACKS/BAGS
Backpack/Bag use is limited to before and after school hours. Before school begins, you must
store your backpack/bag in your locker and leave it there for the entire school day. Our goal is to
insure school safety, decrease crowding in the classrooms and hallways, and improve
organization. Violation of this policy is grounds for discipline. For clarification sake, the
following is the guideline used at MWHS for backpacks/bags: any backpack/bag that is large
enough to hold a standard size textbook or notebook is a violation of this policy.
Violation of this policy will result in the following:
1st Offense:Warning by teacher/administrator. Student will return
backpack/bag to locker.
2nd Offense:Student will receive Saturday detention.
3rd Offense: Student may receive suspension and/or additional Saturdaydetention hours.
HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE (Policy #4110)
Mound Westonka High School is committed to providing all students and staff with a safe and
civil school environment in which all members of the school are treated with dignity and respect.
To that end, Mound Westonka High School has in place policies, procedures, and practices that
are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and
procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment when they occur. Mound Westonka
High School prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization based on real or
perceived race, sex, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sexual
orientation, physical appearance, and/or personality characteristics. This policy is in effect while
students are on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned
and/or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school sponsored activities; and
while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient
management and welfare of the school district.For the full Policy 4110 Harassment and Violence,
please see the appendix at the back of the handbook.
BULLYING (Policy #5140)
21
Mound Westonka High School is committed to providing all students and staff with a safe and
civil school environment in which all members of the school are treated with dignity and respect.
To that end, Mound Westonka High School has in place policies, procedures, and practices that
are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and
procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment when they occur. Mound Westonka
High School prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization based on real or
perceived race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, sex, age,
marital status, familial status, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, sexual orientation,
gender identity and expression, academic status, disability, or status with regard to public
assistance. This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the
school district; while on school-owned and/or school-operated vehicles; while attending or
engaged in school sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct
directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Bullying
as set forth above is defined as "unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived
power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time." It can
involve any written or verbal expression, physical act or gesture by a student that is intended to
cause or is perceived as causing distress to one or more students and which substantially
interferes with another student's or students' educational benefits, opportunities, or performance.
Bullying may include, but is not limited to: Verbal (teasing, name calling, gossiping, rumor
starting, rumor spreading, verbal cruelty, threats, intimidation, humiliating, embarrassing,
racial/ethnic slurs, cyber-bullying; Physical (humiliating, embarrassing, pushing, shoving,
pinching, kicking, tripping, fighting, destruction of property, extortion, obscene gestures); or
Social (purposeful exclusion, laughing at a student who is being bullied, rumor spreading) The
full copy of Policy 5140 is available in the main office or on the district
websitewww.westonka.k12.mn.us/AboutUs/SchoolBoard/PolicyManual
See also MN Statute 121A.031, the Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Act, Section 3.
Consequence can include, but not limited to, verbal warnings, meetings with parents, detention,
suspension, and/or expulsion. Incidents are cumulative and consequence will be more significant
based on how significant the bullying is and/or the number of incidents a student is involved with
a bullying situation.
HAZING (Policy #5109)
Definition: ‘‘Hazing’’ means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into
committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person, in order for the student to be
initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.
Example: Includes, but not limited to, beating, confinement, forcing of consumption of alcoholic
beverages, and intimidation.
This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and during and after school
hours. For the full Policy 5109 Hazing, please see the appendix.
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE (EOE)/CIVIL RIGHTS INFORMATION
The District does not discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, sex, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation,
or disability in the full utilization of or benefit from the educational institution or the services
rendered thereby to any person in violation of Minnesota Statutes Section 363A.13. The District
will ensure physical and program access for disabled persons in accordance with Minnesota
Statutes Section 363A.13.
The District does not, on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital
status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission,
disability, sexual orientation, or age, (1) refuse to hire or to maintain a system of employment
which unreasonably excludes a person seeking employment, (2) discharge an employee, or (3)
discriminate against a person with respect to hiring, tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading,
conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment, in violation of Minnesota Statutes Section
363A.08.
22
The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational program or activity
which it operates, in admission to such programs, or in employment. The District is required by
Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discriminate in such a manner.
The District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in violation of Section 504 and 34
C.F.R. Part 104. The District does not discriminate in admission to or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its program or activity on the basis of disability. The following persons have
been designated to coordinate and handle inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination
policies including Title IX, Section 504/ADAAA and human rights.
Meredith Boo
5901 Sunnyfield Rd. E.
Minnetrista, MN 55364
952-491-8031
Westonka Policies specifically pertaining to Civil Rights include 4220 Employee Sex
Nondiscrimination; 4108 Employee Disability Nondiscrimination; 5220 Student Sex
Nondiscrimination; and 5108 Student Disability Nondiscrimination. Copies of these policies are
available at the school office or on the district website, westonka.k12.mn.us/About Us/School
Board/Policy Manual.
Further information on this discrimination statement can be obtained from the Office of Civil
Rights or the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
MANDATORY REPORTING
Police officers are required, by state statute, to notify school districts of off-campus alcohol and
chemical use and possession and other criminal activity. These notifications impact eligibility
requirements. If the school receives this report regarding a student, the Activities Director or
designee will be notifying him/her of the consequences.
FINES/OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS
Students may be assessed fines and/or replacement and/or repair costs for late, damaged, or
missing media center books, classroom textbooks, classroom material, or other school property
and equipment. These fines must be paid or the following consequences apply: No use of the
media center other than with a class, no parking permit issued or revoking of current permit, and
discontinuance in co-curricular activities. When the fine is paid, reinstatement will occur.
CARS/PARKING LOT
It is a privilege to drive a car to school. This privilege can be taken away if a student refuses to
obey the following rules:
• Parking permit must be displayed on rear-view mirror.
• Obtain a parking permit from the office at a cost of $175.00, no later than five days after
school has begun.
• Park within the painted lines.
• No parking in handicap spots, in fire lanes, on lawns, in visitor spaces, on snow banks, in
staff areas, or any other area not marked for parking. Parking in staff lots or visitor spaces
will result in 2nd offense consequences. No warning will be given.
• No reports by staff members or police officers of reckless driving.
• No parking on Sunnyfield Road.
• No parking on any school-owned property other than the designated student parking lot.
• If you forget your parking tag, you must purchase a 1-day pass for $2.00 in the main office.
Forgetting to do this or failure to display it properly will result in a $5.00 fine. You have 24
hours to pay this $5 fine or your vehicle will have a tire block placed on it. A $20 removal
fee is required before the block is removed.
• Copying of parking permits will result in an automatic tow (see 3rd offense), and suspension
from school, with permanent loss of parking privileges.
• Replacement permits cost $10.00.
• Parking permits cannot be transferred to another student.
23
• Students using their vehicles to leave school grounds without permission will be subject to
revocation of their parking permit and are subject to be searched upon their return.
• If a student parking permit is revoked, there will be no refund granted.
Upon breaking any of the parking lot rules, the following consequences apply:
1st Offense: Verbal and/or written warning.
2nd Offense: Tire block will be placed on the vehicle’s tire. A $20 removal fee will be required
before theblock is removed.
3rd Offense: Car will be towed.
4th Offense: Car will be towed and student will no longer be allowed
to drive to school.
Note: MWHS administration or designee reserves the right to issue more severe consequences
based on the details of the infraction.
Note: The above policy does not preclude the law enforcement agencies from issuing their own
consequences.
SECURITY
Many steps have been taken to ensure student safety. These steps must be followed closely by
students and staff to continue to ensure this safety. For that reason, all doors to the building,
except the main office doors, will be locked during the school day. Any student that props a
door open or opens a locked door for anyone during the school day may be suspended. These are
significant security breaches.
CANINE SEARCHES
In taking seriously every school board initiative to keep our school safe and free of illegal
substances, and in collaborating with local law enforcement, parent and student groups, trained
canines will randomly search the parking lot and student locker areas, main hallways, classrooms,
and other common areas inside and around the building before, during and after school hours. If
a canine identifies your vehicle, locker and/or belongings as having chemicals in it, your vehicle,
lockerand possessions will be searched and the appropriate consequences will be applied. This
initiative continues our ongoing effort to provide a safe, secure learning environment for all
students, faculty, and staff.
REFUSAL TO BE SEARCHED
Refusing to allow an administrator or his/her designee to conduct a reasonable search of your
person, vehicle, or possessions is a very serious act of insubordination. This act is an admission
of guilt and grants the school district permission to seek an expulsion.
CARDS/GAMBLING
Cards or card playing or any type of gambling are not allowed in school or on school grounds.
Cards that are confiscated will not be returned.
CHEMICAL USE AND ABUSE POLICY (Policy #2400)
Possession and/or being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs on school property or at a
school-sponsored event are illegal under Minnesota State Law and School District Policy. If a
staff member has any reason to suspect an illegal act or violation of this policy has occurred an
administrator is then authorized to search the student and/or his/her locker, vehicle or property
including cell phone and other electronic devices and confiscate any contraband. An
administrator or designee may notify parents and police as soon as possible.
The following definitions and guidelines are from Administrative Regulation #2400:
A. “Chemical abuse” means use of any psychoactive or mood-altering chemical substance,
without medical approval, in a manner that induces mental, emotional, or physical
impairment and causes socially dysfunctional or socially disordering behavior, to the extent
that the student’s normal function in academic, school, or social activities is chronically
impaired.
24
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
“Chemicals” includes but is not limited to alcohol, toxic substances, and controlled
substances.
“Alcohol” includes any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, or other
intoxicating liquor.
“Controlled substances” include narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic drugs amphetamines,
barbiturates, marijuana, anabolic steroids, or any other controlled substance as defined in
Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812, including
analogues, look-alike drugs, and simulated substances.
“Toxic substances” includes glue, cement, aerosol paint, butane or a butane lighter, or any
similar substance declared to the central nervous system and to have a potential for abuse by
a role adopted by the commission of health under chapter 14.
“Use” includes to sell, buy, manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, or to be under
the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances, whether or not for the purpose of
receiving remuneration or consideration.
“Possess” means to have on one’s person, in one’s effects, or in an area subject to one’s
control.
“School location” includes any school building or on any school premises; on any schoolowned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and
from school or school activities; off-school property at any school-sponsored or schoolapproved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are
under the jurisdiction of the School District; or during any period of time such employee is
supervising students on behalf of the School District or otherwise engaged in School
District business.
“Paraphernalia” is defined as any equipment, product, or material that is modified for
making, using, or concealing drugs, including look look-alike paraphernalia items.
Students violating this policy will be subject to any or all of the following: suspension, expulsion,
referral for a chemical use assessment by an outside agency, parent conference, police referral
and manifestation determination for special education students if needed. The following are the
specific corrective measures for each offense.
1st Offense:
1. Suspension for a minimum of five days, referral to police and guidance counselor and
referral to the Activities Director for applicable High School League sanctions.
2. Where appropriate, a chemical dependency assessment will be recommended at the
parent’s/health provider’s expense.
3. Additionally, students will lose parking privileges for a minimum of one quarter.
2nd Offense:
1. Immediate 10-day suspension. If needed,The Core Discipline Committee will convene to
determine a recommendation for an expulsion of up to 12months. This determination will
be decided by building administration.
2. Upon successful completion of a chemical dependency treatment program or another
appropriate counseling program, the expulsion may be reduced per administration approval.
Parents/Guardians are fully responsible for all treatment care expenses.
3. In addition, parking privileges at MWHS will be permanently revoked for the remainder of
the student’s high school career.
NOTE: Violations are cumulative beginning at the time the student initially enrolls at MWHS.
Selling/Trafficking Alcohol or Drugs or Paraphernalia
A student found to be selling/trafficking chemicals, alcohol, controlled substances, and/or toxic
substances, including prescription drugs, on school property or at a school sponsored event may
automatically be recommended for expulsion for up to 12 months as determined by school
administration. If needed, the Core Discipline Committee will convene to assist in a disciplinary
recommendation. In addition, parking privileges will be permanently revoked for the remainder
of the student’s high school career.
25
References to Drugs/Alcohol
A student making references in any format to drugs/alcohol, including but not limited to verbal,
hand written, or embedded into a class assignment/project may receive a class removal, detention,
or suspension.
TOBACCO AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
Possession and use of tobacco by students, staff, visitors, and tenants is strictly prohibited in
school buildings and vehicles, on school property, and at school or district-sponsored events or
activities, which are under district jurisdiction. For the purposes of this policy, tobacco included
all forms of tobacco, included but not limited to chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, “water
vapor cigarettes”, e-cigarettes and look-alike products.
Discipline Procedures for Tobacco Violations
1stOffense:
1. 1-Day Suspension (administration or designee may assign this day as a
school service suspension)
2. Referral to School Resource Officer.
3. Parent Notification.
2ndOffense:
1. 2-Day Suspension.
2. Required parent conference with Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal.
3. Referral to School Resource Officer.
4. Parent Notification.
3rdOffense:
1. 3-Day Suspension.
2. Outside chemical health assessment, if recommended by Student Concerns.
3. Referral to School Resource Officer.
4. Parent Notification.
4thOffense:
1. 5-Day Suspension with referral to Core Discipline Committee for discussion of
consequences, which could include expulsion.
2. Referral to School Resource Officer.
3. Parent Notification.
THEFT
Theft is defined as “taking someone else’s property that is not your own and that you do not have
permission to take or use.” The consequences for theft are as follows:
1stOffense: Minimum 3-day suspension from school, referral to School Resource Officer,
replacement or payment of stolen goods, parking permit will be revoked until replacements or
payments are complete, participation in co-curriculars will be suspended until replacements or
payments are complete and high school league eligibility requirements are fulfilled.
2ndOffense: Minimum 5-day suspension from school with possible referral to the core discipline
committee for possible further consequences, and all other consequences stated in 1st violation.
Please Note:The administration reserves the right to increase these consequences based on the
severity of the offense.
LOCKERSSee appendix for full policy (Policy #5156)
Lockers are school property. They are loaned to the students for storing books, backpacks, other
educational materials and clothing necessary for our climate. Locks provide a minimum of
security. Please do not give your combination to any other student. Also, do not put any object
in your locker’s locking mechanism which disables the lock. This can damage your locker. You
are responsible for damage to your locker. The school is not responsible for anything stolen
from your locker. Students should not keep money or other valuables in their lockers. School
officials may open and inspect lockers for any reason. Searches of lockers can be conducted at
any time without the presence of the student.
26
Please Note: Lockers are not absolutely safe. As a result, the following guidelines are in place:
• Do not place any item in your locker that disables the locking mechanism. Doing so can
result in damage to the locker and easy access to your locker. Also, detention will be
assigned.
• Do not leave valuables in your locker. The school is not responsible for lost/stolen property.
There is a locked, secured room available for the storage of your athletic bags during the
school day.
• Do not share your locker with another student. You are responsible for what is in your
locker including writing and stickers, etc.
Violation of these locker guidelines can result in verbal warnings, Saturday detention, and/or
suspension
PHYSICAL EDUCATION LOCKER
You must lock your belongings. MWHS is not responsible for lost or stolen items when you fail
to lock your belongings. If you are enrolled in a Physical Education class, you must pay a $5
deposit for the use of a pad lock. This $5 deposit will be returned to the student at the end of the
school year provided the lock is returned in working condition.
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
To ensure all students’ safety, personal possessions can be searched with reasonable cause at any
time. This includes backpacks, purses, clothing, vehicles, cell phones, MP3 players, your person
and other possessions.
ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATIONS
District administrators and designees will investigate situations where student conduct may
violate school policy and law. Students who are interviewed will be told the allegations and
asked to provide information that may be private data. That data will be shared with school
personnel who have a need to know and outside agencies if necessary or required by law.
WEAPONS (Policy #1512)
No student or employee shall possess a weapon when in the school building, on school grounds,
or on any school-sponsored trip or activity. ‘‘Possession’’ refers to having a weapon on one’s
person or in an area subject to one’s control including lockers and vehicles on school property or
at a school trip/activity.
‘‘Weapons’’are identified in three categories:
1. A ’weapon” meansany object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use
is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflect selfinjury including, but not limited to, any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; air guns;
pellet guns; BB guns; all knives; blades; clubs; metal knuckles; numchucks; throwing stars;
explosives; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stun guns; ammunition; poisons; chains;
arrows; and objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon.
2. No person shall possess, use or distribute any object, device or instrument having the
appearance of a weapon and such objects, devices or instruments shall be treated as
weapons including, but not limited to, weapons listed above which are broken or nonfunctional, look-alike guns; toy guns; and any object that is a facsimile of a real weapon.
3. No person shall use articles designed for other purposes (i.e., lasers, or laser pointers, belts,
combs, pencils, files, scissors, etc.), to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate and such use
will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon.
Exceptions
The exception listed below is stated for the purposes of protecting those that fall into the specific
exception listed. As with any exception, the administration reserves the right to carry out
disciplinary action if other facts and/or evidence is revealed in the investigative process.
27
A student who finds a weapon on the way to school or in a school location, or a student who
discovers that he or she accidentally has a weapon in his or her possession, and takes the weapon
immediately to the principal’s office shall not be considered to possess a weapon. If it would be
impractical or dangerous to take the weapon to the principal’s office, a student shall not be
considered to possess a weapon if he or she immediately turns the weapon over to an
administrator, teacher or head coach or immediately notifies an administrator, teacher or head
coach of the weapon’s location.
Minimum corrective action shall include initial suspension for a minimum of five days,
confiscation of weapon, notification of police, parent notification, and may include referral to the
core discipline committee for possible consequences.
Pursuant to Minnesota law, a student who brings a firearm, as defined by federal law, to school
will be expelled for one year. The school board may modify this requirement on a case-by-case
basis.
TERRORISTIC THREATS
A terroristic threat is threatening directly or indirectly, to commit a crime of violence with the
purpose to terrorize/scare another or to cause evacuation or lockdown of a building. Threats are
any verbal, written or physical threat, sign, or act which conveys intent to cause harm or violence,
even if made in jest. Consequences for these actions may be suspension and/or expulsion as
determined by the administration and the Core Discipline Committee.
DISCIPLINE
One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear
as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the training that develops selfcontrol, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper
consideration for other people.
DISCIPLINE REGULATIONS (GENERAL)(A.R. 5150)
The following are the general discipline guidelines. The administration has discretion in
deciding disciplinary action for all incidents.
A.
Description of levels of seriousness and suggested action. (This is not a description of
sequence. Cases may originate at any of the four levels.)
Level I -- Disciplinary actions will be handled between teacher and the student. This will
usually be a one-to-one discussion between the student and teacher calling attention to the
seriousness of the offense and the possible consequences if it continues.
Examples of behavior (not all-inclusive):
• tardy to class
• being rude/discourteous to others
• minor arguments or fighting
• disrespectful to school property
Recommended action to be taken:
• contact with parents
• temporary class removal
• assign Saturday detention
• referral to Guidance
• teacher consultation with staff
• recommendation for Level II
Level II-- Disciplinary action at this level will usually take place between teacher and
principal (or representative). Parents and additional staff (including Special Services) will
be involved as appropriate.
Examples of behavior (not all-inclusive):
• continued occurrence of any behavior
specified in Level I
• truancy
• smoking
• destruction of property
• theft
Recommended action to be taken:
•
•
•
•
Saturday detention
class removal
parent conference
referral to school resource officer
• recommendation to Special Services
• suspension
• recommendation for Level III action
28
Level III -- Disciplinary action at this level will activate the Building Discipline Committee.
Principal, teacher, parents and Special Services staff will be involved as appropriate.
Examples of behavior (not all-inclusive):
• continued occurrence of a behavior in Level
I or II
• physical attack on a student or teacher
(assault)
Recommended action to be taken:
• suspension
• evaluation of case, development of in-house
plan of action
• conference with parents
• referral to school resource officer
• referral to outside agency*
• referral to superintendent and School Board
for expulsion
Level IV -- Disciplinary action at this level involves the Superintendent and the School
Board. This level is activated at the request of the building level discipline committee and
principal.
Possible action to be taken:
• follow-through with expulsion with referral to Special Services
• deny expulsion and refer back to Building Discipline Committee
B. Definitions
1. Remove - to put out, take out or change that which is, in the educator’s judgment,
necessary. It is immediate and temporary.
2. Exclude - to keep out after removal (“class removal” may be interpreted in
implementation guidelines).
3. Chronic discipline problem - regular and continued disturbance of the educational
atmosphere, whichin the educator’s judgment, has passed the nuisance stage and requires
a higher level of disciplinary consideration.
4. Natural consequences - that which results without interference from anyone, representing
the pressure of reality. Example: If a student oversleeps, he will be late for school. If his
parents give him a ride after missing the bus, this is not a logical consequence.
5. Logical consequences - structured events, which logically follow which do not represent
punitive action or a power play.
C. Resultant Action
1. Detention
a. Detention is defined as requiring a student to remain outside of normal school hours
as a disciplinary action or because of some misbehavior on the part of the student. A
student may be detained for disciplinary action or academic need. Reasons for
detaining will be clarified in the implementation guide at divisional levels.
b. Detention may be given by a principal or a teacher.
c. In grades one through five, children may not be kept after school without first
contacting the parents. In the secondary schools, an effort will be made to contact
the parents after five incidents of detention. Suspension can occur after ten
detentions.
d. Detention shall be given top priority to work and after-school activities. Exceptions
can bedetermined by the teacher, principal or designated representative.
2. Temporary School Removal
a. Dismissal – Exclusion of a student from school for one day or less.
b. Suspension
1) Definition - A suspension is defined as exclusion of a student, not to exceed 5
consecutive school days or 10 days with approval of the Superintendent, from
regular curricular activities as per Pupil Fair Dismissal Act of 1974, and
participation in extra-curricular activities as set forth by the Minnesota State High
School League. It is the policy of the School Board that suspension may be
exercised by a principal or representative when it is determined that temporary
removal is necessary for the interests of the educational program, the student
involved, or other students.
29
2) Procedure - Effort will be made to notify the student’s guardian or parents by
telephone of a suspension by the suspending official or his representative or agent
at the time the suspension is made.
In the event that the student’s parents or guardians are not available for
notification of the suspension at the time of suspension, the student will remain in
the building for the remainder of the day. If the student is 18 or older, he/she may
be released from school without prior parent contact.
A written notice containing the grounds for suspension and a brief statement of
the facts, shall be personally served upon the pupil at or before the time the
suspension is to take effect. In the event a pupil is suspended without an informal
administrative conference on the grounds that the pupil will create an immediate
and substantial danger to persons or property around him, the written notice shall
be served either personally or by U.S. mail upon the pupil and his parent or
guardian within 48 hours of the suspension. (M.S. 127.30, Sub. 2)
A parent conference may be required prior to readmitting the student.
3) Possible reasons for suspension:Serious misconduct of such nature that interferes
with legal and personal rights of others, specifically a right to an education, and
which presents a danger to the health, safety, welfare, and morals of any person,
including the offender, in the school or at related school activities.
" Bullying
" Class removals
" Continuous/Chronic Disobedience
(insubordination)
" Defiance of authority
" Disrespect toward staff members and/or fellow
students
" Drug use or possession (including
prescriptions)
" False fire alarm/bomb threat
" Fighting
" Hazing
" Inappropriate behavior at school sponsored
activities
" Inappropriate Internet use
" Inciting others to violence of disobedience
(insubordination)
" Possession of a weapon
" Profanity/Obscenity
" Refusal to follow reasonable orders of a staff
member
" Refusal to work (academic non-participation)
" Repeated Truancy
" Sexual, racial or religious harassment
" Skipping detention
" Smoking or possession of tobacco on/at school
grounds/functions (A.R.1511)
" Ten detentions
" Theft
" Throwing objects in classrooms, hallways or
cafeteria
" Vandalism
" Violation of dress code
3. Expulsion
a. Definition - Expulsion is defined as the exclusion by the School Board of a student
for more than 10 consecutive school days from curricular activities and participation
in extra-curricular activities.
b. Procedure - The procedure for expulsion is available upon request.
c. Possible Reasons for Expulsion
" Any commission of a crime in a school building
or on school grounds.
" Arson or attempted arson.
" Assault upon a student, a member of the faculty,
administration, or other school employees or
officials.
" Attacking another student with a knife and/or
dangerous weapon.
" Continued refusal to work - chronic academic
non-participation.
" Deliberate and open defiance of authority.
" Gross vulgarity or obscenity.
" Repeated suspension.
" Evidence of intoxication, possession, sale or use
of narcotics, unauthorized drugs or alcohol in a
school building or on school grounds.
" Refusing to allow an administrator or designee to
search his/her person, vehicle, or possessions.
" Serious misconduct of such nature that interferes
with the legal and personal rights of others,
specifically a right to an education, and, which
presents a danger to the health, safety, welfare and
morals of any person, including the offender, in
the school or at related school activities.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL – M.S.121A.45
30
A pupil may be dismissed on any of the following grounds:
a. Willful violation of any reasonable school board regulation. Such regulation must be clear
and definite to provide notice to pupils that they must conform their conduct to its
requirements.
b. Willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to an education, or the ability
of school personnel to perform their duties, or school sponsored extra-curricular activities.
c. Willful conduct that endangers the pupil or other pupils, or surrounding persons, including
school district employees, or property of school.
UNACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Some behavior is inappropriate and destructive. Such unacceptable student behavior includes
but is not limited to threatening acts - either physical or verbal; physical or verbal assault;
fighting or scuffling; inappropriate dress; drugs(use, sales, paraphernalia, possession) theft;
disruption to school procedure, personnel, or students; statutory crime; vandalism; forgery;
cheating; insubordination; truancy; obscene, profane, degrading or inflammatory language that
may be considered intimidating, harassing or bullying. The above mentioned behaviors are
examples of behaviors that are considered inappropriate. It is the authority of building teachers
and administrators to develop and implement classroom and building rules and policies.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Student behavior that interrupts or prevents teaching and learning will not be tolerated. Students
behaving inappropriately may beremoved from the class (class removal). Procedures follow:
1st Removal - Student completes application to re-enter class.Teacher contacts parent/guardian.
Administrator or designee may assign suspension.
2nd Removal from the same class –possible suspension from class or school. Administrator or
designee and teacher contact parent/guardian.
3rd Removal from the same class - permanent removal from that class. Teacher contacts
parent/guardian. The student will receive an “F” for the class (semester) and be assigned to a
student prep period. Administrator or designee may assign suspension.
Please note: Failure to report to the office upon a class removal is subject to further discipline
and possible detention and/or suspension.
COMPLIANCE WITH DIRECTIVES OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Students shall obey all reasonable directives of administrators, teachers, substitute teachers,
teacher’s assistants, bus drivers, support staff, custodians, food services personnel and all other
school personnel who are authorized to give such directives. Directives which are reasonable
are:
1. Request for name and grade;
2. Directives to go or accompany a staff member to the school office;
3. Directives to cease an activity.
Refusal to comply with a reasonable directive is insubordination may result in detention and/or
suspension and possible assistance by the school resource officer.
OBSTRUCTION OF AN INVESTIGATION
Students who willfully obstruct the investigation of a school official by withholding information
in response to direct questions, by giving information known to be false, or by failing to report
violations of school rules (drugs, weapons, violence, etc.) present a potential danger to student
and staff safety may be subject to suspension or expulsion from school.
REASONABLE FORCE
A teacher, school employee, school bus driver or other agent of a district may use reasonable
force in compliance with Minnesota Statute §121A.582 and other laws.
SUSPENSIONS/DISMISSALS
If you are suspended from school, you are not allowed to be on school district grounds or at any
school-sponsored activities until your suspension/dismissal has been completed. This includes
31
all activities on weekends and school breaks.
Please Note: When a student is suspended, he/she cannot be on school grounds for the entire
calendar day including the day he/she is informed of the suspension (including all sports and
activities). Violating this may result in further consequences and may be reported to the police
for trespassing.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Mound Westonka High School does not have a formal in-school suspension room. However, an
administrator or designee will occasionally assign an in-school suspension in certain
circumstances to be served in a designated area within the school or on school grounds. Students
are expected to study silently during an in-school suspension or complete school service project.
Failure to do so may result in an out-of-school suspension or longer-term in-school suspension.
Also, a student who has received an in-school suspension must leave the school grounds at the
completion of the school day. He/She is not allowed to participate in any co-curricular activity
on the day of an in-school suspension, including the day he or she is informed of the disciplinary
action.
SATURDAY DETENTION POLICY
The purpose of Saturday Detention is to assign a time, outside of the academic week, for students
to serve a consequence for violating certain school rules. When a detention is received, a student
has two Saturdays to serve the detention. Saturday detention starts at 8:00 am on Saturday and
runs until 12:00 pm. All students must show up by 8:00 am to receive credit for time served.
Students will stay until their detention hours are served. Failure to serve detentions in the time
allowed will result. In case of family emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, a
parent/guardian must call the detention hotline at 952-491-8295 by 6:45 am to have the absence
excused. It is at the discretion of administration or designee to excuse this absence.
Detentions are completed online and copies of your detention will be emailed to a student's
school email address and to the parents' primary email address. Students will be told if he/she
received a detention if it was from a specific teacher in one of your classes. However, if it is a
detention from a Homeroom unexcused absence, students will need to check his/her school email
to know that he/she received it. Students should be checking their school email on a regular
basis.A complete list of Saturday Detention dates are available in the office or on the high school
website www.mwhs.westonka.k12.mn.us/
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD)
Mound Westonka H.S. has a BYOD policy. We allow personal electronic devices (laptops,
netbooks, cell phones, IPads, MP3 players and other similar devices) to be brought into the
school building and into the classroom.
Please be aware of the following when using a personal electronic device:
1. Use of these devices are for educational purposes ONLY. Use of these devices is at the
sole discretion of the classroom teacher and/or staff member.
2. Students must comply with the directives of the classroom teacher and/or staff member
when instructed to put any personal electronic device away.
3. Student use of personal electronic devices must support the instructional activities occurring
in the classroom and/or lab.
4. Students must not use any personal electronic device to violate school district policy,
including, but not limited to, harassment, bullying, disrupting the learning environment,
cheating, infecting the Westonka network, violation of the Westonka Acceptable Use and
Safety Policy (Policy #5160), violation of any school district policy or administrative
regulation, etc.
Violation of this policy will result in consequences ranging from detention to suspension to a ban
on bringing personal electronic devices to school.Teachers and staff have the right to take away
any personal electronic device that are being used or there is a suspicion of being used for noneducational purposes. Failure to give the electronic device to a teacher or staff members is an act
32
of insubordination and can result in a suspension.
Administration officials or designees have a right to search personal electronic devices if they are
being used in violation of school rules and policies. Search and seizure rules apply to these
devices just like any other item brought into the school building.
Classroom teachers will issue consequences if a student does not comply with classroom rules
related to personal electronic devices. Consequences can include verbal warnings, detentions,
and class removals. The class removal procedure will be followed with every class removal.
Students who bring their personal electronic devices do so at their own risk. Mound Westonka
High School assumes no responsibility for the loss or theft of these devices. Students should
take reasonable steps to protect against theft and damage to their personal electronic devices.
Students will not receive technical help or service for their personal electronic device from
school personnel.Printing from a personal electronic device is not permitted.
Students should charge their personal electronic devices prior to school each day. Charging
capabilities are very limited at school.
RECORDING DEVICES
Any device that takes video images (motion or still) are not allowed in locker rooms or
bathrooms at any time, for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, cameras
(video, still, and digital). If found, these devices will be confiscated and may not be returned.
Any misuse of these devices will be dealt with significantly according to applicable policies. A
violation of this policy is a violation of other right to privacy.
BUSES
Students have a right to ride a school bus unless he/she violates the rules. The rules are the same
as would be expected in any school classroom. The bus driver is responsible to deliver students
home safely and is, therefore, the authority on the bus. Not following the rules will result in the
following consequences:
1st Offense: Saturday detention.
2nd Offense: Saturday detention.
3rd Offense: Off the bus for 5 school days.
4th Offense: Off the bus for 10 school days.
5th Offense: Off the bus the remainder of the school year.
The administration reserves the right to assign more significant consequences.
FORGED NOTES
If a school document or student note has a forged signature on it, the student faces the following
consequences:
1st Violation
1. Two hours of detention.
2. Parent/Guardian will be notified.
2nd Violation
1. 1-day suspension from school.
2. Parent/Guardian will be notified.
3. The student will no longer be allowed to provide handwritten notes. All absences must be
excused by phone call only. All other school documents must be signed in-person or
permission must be granted by phone.
EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS AND SCHOOL RULES
33
All students, regardless of their age, must abide by the school’s rules and regulations.Students
who are 18 or older can receive permission from their parents to write their own attendance notes.
However, as professional appointments (doctor, dentist, and counselor) must be confirmed by a
note from the professional’s office or clinic.
CLOSED CAMPUS
We have a closed campus. Students must check out in the high school office before leaving the
building for any reason. If a student does not check out before leaving the building, the absence
will be unexcused no matter the reason for the absence. If a student is gone for the entire day or
checks out before leaving, he/she has three days to excuse the absence. Any note/call received
after this period will leave the absence unexcused.
STUDENT DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Students will be expected to keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed at all times. Any
form of dress which is considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distractive or disruptive
in appearance and detrimental to the purpose of conduct of the school will not be permitted.
1. No short shorts or short skirts. A guideline to follow is to place your hands at your side,
your shorts or skirt should be past your fingertips. Holes in jeans are not allowed if they are
above the “fingertip” line.
2. No shirts or tops that show cleavage.
3. No shirts or tops with open backs or off the shoulder.
4. No tube tops or strapless apparel.
5. Stomachs must not be seen.
6. Underwear/undergarments or items that have the appearance of undergarments must not be
seen or exposed.
7. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
8. Shirts advertising alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or those with obscene, questionable or
suggestive printing on them will not be permitted. Any imprint or print that has an
appearance of anything stated here will not be allowed.
9. No pajama attire allowed in school, including pajama tops, pants, and robes.
Students who are in violation of the dress code will be reported to the nurse, assistant principal or
designee. The school official will do the following:
1st Violation: The student will change his/her attire and/or coverit up. If the student is unwilling
to dothis,he/she will be senthome.
2nd Violation: The student will change his/her attire and/orcover it up. If the student is unwilling
to dothis, he/she will be sent home. Parent/guardianwill be notified. A detention will beissued.
3rd Violation: The student will be sent home and/or detention will be assigned.
Parent/guardianwill be notified.
4th Violation: The student will be suspended for a minimum ofone school day.
Future violations will result in longer-term suspensions.
The following are not allowed in the school building or on school grounds. This is due to
concern for student safety and insurance reasons.
" In-line skates
" Roller skates
" Skateboards
" Metal cleats/taps on shoes or " Scooters
" Snowmobiles
boots
" Shoes with wheels
" Spiked belts, jewelry
PHYSICAL DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
Displays of affection in school or on school grounds, including buses, are not acceptable.
Students are asked to refrain from holding hands, kissing, embracing/hugging, feelings parts of
the body, etc. Teachers and staff members are instructed to correct students if their behavior is
not acceptable and to refer them to the office if needed. Consequences include one or more of
the following: warning, phone call home, Saturday detention, and/or suspension.
34
Appendix
HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY 4110
1. PURPOSE
2. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and violence on
the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public
assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.
3. II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
A. The policy of the School District is to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and
violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with
regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability. The School District prohibits any form of harassment or
violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with
regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.
B. A violation of this policy occurs when any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the School District
harasses a student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel or group of students, teachers, administrators, or
other school personnel through conduct or communication based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability, 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.)
C. A violation of this policy occurs when any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the School District
inflicts, threatens to inflict, or attempts to inflict violence upon any student, teacher, administrator, or other school
personnel or group of students, teachers, administrators, or other school personnel based on a person’s race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation,
or disability.
D. The School District will act to investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of harassment or
violence based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status
with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability, and to discipline or take appropriate action against any
student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated this policy.
4. III.
DEFINITIONS
A.
A.
“Assault” is:
an act done with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death;
the intentional infliction of or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another; or
the threat to do bodily harm to another with present ability to carry out the threat.
B.
“Harassment” prohibited by this policy consists of physical or verbal conduct, including, but not limited to, electronic
communications, relating to an individual’s or group of individuals’ race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age,
marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability when the conduct:
has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment;
has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance;
or
otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.
C.
“Immediately” means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours.
D.
Protected Classifications; Definitions
1.
“Age” means the person is over the age of majority, except under Minnesota Statutes Section 363A.13 which shall be
deemed to protect any individual over the age of 25. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.03, subd. 2.
2.
“Disability” means any condition or characteristic that renders a person a disabled person. A disabled person is any
person who:
has a physical, sensory, or mental impairment which materially limits one or more major life activities;
has a record of such an impairment; or
is regarded as having such an impairment.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
E.
“Familial status” means the condition of one or more minors being domiciled with:
their parent or parents or the minor’s legal guardian; or
the designee of the parent or parents or guardian with the written permission of the parent or parents or guardian. The
protections afforded against harassment on the basis of family status apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the
process of securing legal custody of an individual who has not attained the age of majority.
“Marital status” means whether a person is single, married, remarried, divorced, separated, or a surviving spouse and, in
employment cases, includes protection against harassment on the basis of the identity, situation, actions, or beliefs of a
spouse or former spouse.
“National origin” means the place of birth of an individual or of any of the individual’s lineal ancestors.
“Sex” includes, but is not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth.
“Sexual orientation” means having or being perceived as having an emotional, physical, or sexual attachment to another
person without regard to the sex of that person or having or being perceived as having an orientation for such attachment,
or having or being perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one’s biological maleness
or femaleness. “Sexual orientation” does not include a physical or sexual attachment to children by an adult.
“Status with regard to public assistance” means the condition of being a recipient of federal, state, or local assistance,
including medical assistance, or of being a tenant receiving federal, state, or local subsidies, including rental assistance or
rent supplements.
Sexual Harassment; Definition
35
1. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct
or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of employment or
an education; or
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
that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s
employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment.
2. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:
unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse of a sexual nature;
unwelcome pressure for sexual activity;
unwelcome, sexually motivated, or inappropriate patting, pinching, touching, or physical contact, other than necessary
restraint of student(s) by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or
property;
unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt threats
concerning an individual’s employment or educational status;
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
unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender.
F. Sexual Violence; Definition
1. Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression or force or the threat thereof which involves the touching of another’s
intimate parts, or forcing a person to touch any person’s intimate parts. Intimate parts, as defined in Minn. Stat. §
609.341, includes the primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breast, as well as the clothing covering these
areas.
2. Sexual violence may include, but is not limited to:
a. touching, patting, grabbing, or pinching another person’s intimate parts, whether that person is of the same sex or the
opposite sex;
b. coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force the touching of anyone’s intimate parts;
c. coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another; or
d. threatening to force or coerce sexual acts, including the touching of intimate parts or intercourse, on another.
G. Violence; Definition
i. Violence prohibited by this policy is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another or group of individuals because
of, or in a manner reasonably related to, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status,
status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.
5.
IV.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
A.
Any person who believes she or he has been the victim of any harassment or violence prohibited by this policy by a
student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of the School District, or any person with knowledge or belief
of conduct which may constitute harassment or violence prohibited by this policy toward a student, teacher, administrator,
or other school personnel or group of students, teachers, administrators, or other school personnel should report the
alleged acts immediately to an appropriate School District official designated by this policy. The School District
encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each building or
available from the School District office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. Nothing in this policy
shall prevent any person from reporting harassment or violence directly to the District Human Rights Officer or to the
superintendent.
B.
In each school building: The school principal or designee is the person responsible or receiving oral or written reports of
harassment or violence prohibited by this policy at the building level. Any adult School District personnel who receives a
report of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy shall inform the school principal or designee immediately. If a
complaint involves the school principal, the complaint shall be made or filed by the reporting party or the complainant
directly with the District Human Rights Officer, who will assume responsibility for the investigation. School District
personnel who fail to inform the school principal or designee of a report of harassment or violence in a timely manner
may be subject to disciplinary action.
C.
Upon receipt of a report, the school principal or designee must notify the School District Human Rights Officer
immediately, without screening or investigating the report. The school principal or designee 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
school principal or designee to the Human Rights Officer. If the report was given verbally, the school principal or
designee shall personally reduce it to written form within 24 hours and forward it to the Human Rights Officer. Failure to
forward any harassment or violence report or complaint as provided herein may result in disciplinary action against the
school principal or designee.
D.
In the District: The School District designates the Director of Special Services as the School District Human Rights
Officer with responsibility to oversee administration of these procedures and to monitor compliance and to receive
reports or complaints of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy. If a complaint involves the Director of Special
Services, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the superintendent.
E.
The School District shall conspicuously post the name of the Human Rights Officer, including mailing addresses and
telephone numbers.
F.
Submission of a good faith complaint or report of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy will not affect the
complainant’s or reporter’s grades, activities, future employment, or work assignments.
G.
A willful filing of a false report will constitute grounds for disciplinary action.
H.
Use of formal reporting forms is not mandatory.
I.
Reports of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy are classified as private educational data and/or personnel
data and/or confidential investigative data and will not be disclosed except as permitted by law. The School District will
respect the privacy of the complainant(s), the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as
36
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.
6.
V.
INVESTIGATION
A.
By authority of the School District, the Human Rights Officer, upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging harassment
or violence prohibited by this policy, shall immediately undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation may
be conducted by School District Officials or by a third party designated by the School District.
B.
The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant(s), the individual(s) against whom the
complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the
complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.
C.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the School District should consider the
surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past continuing patterns of behavior, the
relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular
action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding
circumstances.
D.
In addition, the School District may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant(s), students,
teachers, administrators or other school personnel pending completion of an investigation of alleged harassment or
violence prohibited by this policy.
E.
The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable. The School District Human Rights Officer or his/her designee
shall make a written report to the superintendent upon completion of the investigation If a complaint involves the
superintendent, the report will be given to the School Board. The report will include a determination of whether the
allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this policy.
7.
VI.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION
A.
Upon completion of an investigation, the School District will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not
limited to, an apology, warning, counseling or training, a change in the behavior intervention plan, 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, state and federal law and School District
policies.
B.
The results of the School District’s investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures will be reported the
complainant by the School District in accordance with state and federal law regarding data or records privacy.
8.
VII.
REPRISAL
A.
The School District will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, or other school
personnel who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of an alleged violation of this policy or any
person who testifies, assists or participants in an investigation, or who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or
hearing relating to an alleged violation of this policy. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation,
reprisal, harassment, or intentional disparate treatment.
9.
VIII.
RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
A.
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.
10. IX.
HARASSMENT OR VIOLENCE AS ABUSE
A.
Under certain circumstances, alleged harassment or violence may also be possible abuse under Minnesota law. If so, the
duties of mandatory reporting under Minnesota Statutes Section 626.556 may be applicable.
B.
Nothing in this policy will prohibit the School District from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged
harassment, violence or abuse.
11. X.
DISSEMINATION OF POLICY AND TRAINING
A.
All students, teachers, administrators and other school personnel of the School District are responsible for creating an
environment that is free of harassment and violence, and for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the spirit
and intent of this policy.
B.
Principals and other supervisors are responsible to ensure that this policy is conspicuously posted throughout each school
building in areas accessible to students and staff members and that it is printed in each school’s student handbook. The
posting shall include the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the school principal or designee, or the
administrator of the department as well as the name, address, and telephone number of the District Human Rights Officer.
C.
This policy shall be given to each School District employee and independent contractor at the time of entering into the
person’s employment contract.
D. The School District will develop a method of discussing this policy with students and employees.
E.
Teachers and administrators will make a concerted effort to establish and maintain a climate that encourages students and
employees to communicate questions and concerns about harassment or violence; to recognize and intervene on incidents
of harassment and violence; to take immediate corrective action on incidents of harassment and violence; and to take
immediate corrective action to eliminate incidents of harassment or violence prohibited by this policy.
F. The School District may implement violence prevention and character development education programs to prevent and
reduce policy violations. Such programs may offer instruction on character education including, but not limited to,
character qualities such as attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, self-discipline,
patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness.
G. This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with state and federal law.
HAZING POLICY 5109
12.
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.
37
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
.
19.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
20.
.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
A.
B.
26.
27.
.
A.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
No student, teacher, administrator, coach, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct,
encourage, aid or engage in hazing.
No teacher, administrator, coach, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone or
tolerate hazing.
Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.
This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property, at a school-sponsored function and during and after
school hours.
A person who engages in an act that violates school policy or law in order to be initiated into or affiliated with a student
organization shall be subject to discipline for that act.
The school district will act to investigate all complaints of hazing and will discipline or take appropriate action against
any student, teacher, administrator, coach, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district who is found to
have violated this policy.
DEFINITIONS
“Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a
substantial risk of harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or
for any other purpose. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to :
Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking or placing a harmful
substance on the body.
Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics
or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical
health or safety of the student.
Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or
substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health
or safety of the student.
Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects a student to extreme mental stress,
embarrassment, shame or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the
student from remaining in school.
Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves a violation of state or federal law or of
school district policies or regulations.
“Student organization” means a group, club or organization having students as its primary members or participants. It
includes grade levels, classes, teams, activities or particular school events. A student organization does not have to be an
official school organization to come within the terms of this definition.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct
which may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated
by this policy.
The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of hazing at the building level. Any person may
report hazing directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.
Teachers, administrators, coaches, 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. School district personnel who fail to inform the building principal of conduct that may constitute hazing in
a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action.
Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment,
grades or work assignments.
Reports of hazing are classified as private educational and/or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data and
will not be disclosed except as permitted by law. The school district will respect the privacy of the complainant(s), the
individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the school
district’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to comply with any discovery or disclosure
obligations.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION
Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school
district officials or a third party designated by the school district.
The school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others
pending completion of an investigation of hazing.
Upon completion of the investigation, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not
limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination or discharge. Disciplinary
consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior. School
district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective
bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, school district
policies and regulations.
The school district is not authorized to disclose to a victim private educational or personnel data regarding an alleged
perpetrator who is a student or employee of the school district. School officials will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of
students involved in a hazing incident and the remedial action taken, to the extent permitted by law, based on a confirmed
report.
REPRISAL
The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, coach, 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
38
I.
28.
29.
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 or intentional disparate treatment.
DISSEMINATION OF POLICY
This policy shall appear in each school’s student handbook and in each school’s building and staff handbooks.
The school district will develop a method of discussing this policy with students and employees.
SEARCH OF STUDENT LOCKERS POLICY 5156
PURPOSE
A. The purpose of this policy is to provide for a safe and healthy educational environment by enforcing the school district’s
policies against contraband specifically with regard to lockers.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
Lockers and Personal Possessions Within a Locker.
i. Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district
relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers
may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a
search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school officials
have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. The search of
personal possessions will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness. As soon as practicable after the search of a
student’s personal possessions, the school officials must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were
searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.
B.
It shall be a violation of this policy for students to use lockers for unauthorized purposes or to store contraband. It shall
be a violation for students to carry contraband in their personal possessions within a locker.
.
DEFINITIONS
“Contraband” means any unauthorized item possession of which is prohibited by school district policy and/or law. It
includes but is not limited to weapons and look-alikes, alcoholic beverages, controlled substances and look-alikes,
overdue books and other materials belonging to the school district, and stolen property.
“Personal possessions” includes but is not limited to purses, backpacks, bookbags, packages, clothing, and electronic devices,
but are not limited to cell phones, computers, external storage devices and other mobile devices.
“Reasonable suspicion” means that a school official has grounds to believe that the search will result in evidence of a
violation of school district policy, rules, and/or law. Reasonable suspicion may be based on a school official’s personal
observation, a report from a student, parent or staff member, a student’s suspicious behavior, a student’s age and past
history or record of conduct both in and out of the school context, or other reliable sources of information.
“Reasonable scope” means that the scope and/or intrusiveness of the search is reasonably related to the objectives of the
search. Factors to consider in determining what is reasonable include the seriousness of the suspected infraction, the
reliability of the information, the necessity of acting without delay, the existence of exigent circumstances necessitating
an immediate search and further investigation (e.g. to prevent violence, serious and immediate risk of harm or destruction
of evidence), and the age of the student.
“Weapon” means any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or
producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury including, but not limited to, any firearm, whether
loaded or unloaded; airguns; pellet guns; BB guns; all knives; blades; clubs; metal knuckles; numchucks; throwing stars;
explosives; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stunguns; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; and objects that have
been modified to serve as a weapon.
.
PROCEDURES
C.
Portions of this policy may be printed in the student handbook and shall be disseminated to parents and students in the
way other policies of general application to students are disseminated. The school district shall provide a copy of this
policy to a student the first time the student is given use of a locker.
DIRECTIVES AND GUIDELINES
D. School administration may establish reasonable directives and guidelines which address specific needs of the school district,
such as use of tape in lockers, standards of cleanliness and care, posting of pictures and posters which may constitute
sexual harassment, etc.
.
SEIZURE OF CONTRABAND
E. If a search yields contraband, school officials will seize the item and, where appropriate, turn it over to legal officials for
ultimate disposition.
I.
VIOLATIONS
F.
A student found to have violated this policy and/or the directives and guidelines implementing it shall be subject to
discipline in accordance with the school district’s Student Discipline Policy, which may include suspension, exclusion, or
expulsion, and the student may, when appropriate, be referred to legal officials.
RULES REGARDING ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECNOLOGY
Students are expected to use/access district technology and the Internet during the regular school day to further educational
and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and the district’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety
Policy #5160 and it administrative regulations
(http://schoolboard.westonka.k12.mn.us/modules/groups/group_pages.phtml?gid=1597107&nid=204870&sessionid=2da84
161a46fb55c97491d3b34b0d0de). Use of district technology and the Internet is a privilege, not a right. It is assumed
that parents give their child access to district technology and the Internet and therefore agree to follow the guidelines
established in Policy #5160 and its administrative regulations.
The school district’s technology has a limited educational purpose which includes use of the technology for classroom
activities, educational research and professional or career development.
STUDENTS USING DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY WILL:
39
Exhibit good digital citizenship by conducting themselves appropriately and following these six principals of being a Digital
Citizen:
1. Respect Yourself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate; I will
consider the information and images that I post online. I will consider what personal information about my life,
experiences, experimentation or relationships I post. I will not be obscene. I will act with integrity.
2. Protect Yourself. I will ensure that the information, images and materials I postonline will not put me at risk. I will not
publish my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate
behavior directed at me while online. I will protect passwords, accounts and resources.
3. Respect Others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass or stalk other
people. I will show respect for other people in my choice of websites, I will not visit sites that are degrading,
pornographic, racist or inappropriate. I will not abuse my rights of access and I
will not enter other people's private
online accounts and websites.
4. Protect Others. I will protect others by reporting abuse, not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications. I will
avoid unacceptable materials and conversations.
5. Respect Intellectual Property. I will request permission to use copyrighted or otherwise protected materials. I will
suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media etc. I will acknowledge all primary sources. I will validate
information.
6. Protect Intellectual Property. I will request to use the software and media others produce. I will use free and open source
alternatives rather than pirating software. I will purchase my music and media, and refrain from distributing these in a
manner that violates their licenses.
STUDENTS USING DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY WILL NOT:
• Leave computers or devices unsupervised or leave any district technology logged into any Westonka Public Schoolsmanaged system;
• Download and/or install unauthorized software. Unauthorized software is any software not explicitly approved by the
Technology Department;
• Use offensive, obscene, abusive, profane, pornographic, lewd, vulgar, threatening, racially or sexually offensive,
harassing, inflammatory, or defamatory speech;
• Harass, bully, or threaten, anyone;
• Use or distribute the account or password information of any individual;
• Misrepresent themselves or others or forge electronic mail messages;
• Create and/or distribute unsolicited advertisements or other commercial material, political advocacy, chain letters, or
pyramid schemes;
• Violate the rights of others, including their privacy rights;
• Access, download, or create harmful, indecent, sexually oriented, pornographic, threatening, violent, offensive, and/or
illegal material;
• Use district technology for personal business or financial gain;
• Destroy data, programs, networks, or any other system or component of a system, or create, upload, download, or spread
a computer virus or worm, either intentionally or recklessly;
• Intentionally degrade or disrupt systems and/or equipment;
• Delete data belonging to another user;
• Damage technology hardware or software;
• Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities (“hacking”);
• Use district technology for illegal activities, including copyright infringement;
• Reveal the personal address, phone number, or other personal information of any individual, including district students
and employees;
• Use district technology while access privileges are suspended or revoked or before access privileges have been granted;
• Attempt to override, bypass, or otherwise change the Internet filtering software or other network configurations; or
• Connect personal devices to the Westonka Public Schools network without permission from the technology department.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
• Disciplinary actions for such violations may include, but are not limited to:
• Conference between the user and relevant staff;
• Parent contact (for student violations);
• Reprimand;
• Confiscation of inappropriate item(s);
• Restoration/Restitution;
• Student discipline pursuant to District discipline policies and procedures, including but not limited to suspension
and expulsion; and
• Employee discipline pursuant to District employment policies, procedures, and any relevant collective bargaining
agreement, including but not limited to suspension without pay, notice to remedy, and dismissal.
INTERNET SAFETY
The Westonka Public Schools attempt to provide students with the best educational practices and resources. Many of our
teachers are incorporating web-based applications and sites to enhance student education, engage students in the curriculum,
and spark creativity and collaboration amongst peers. Through the use of web-based apps such as but not limited to
Wordpress and Blogger, Google Docs, Prezi, Evernote, and Dropboxstudents and teachers can expand the classroom by
participating in collaborative practices that enable students to learn the appropriate and safe ways to use the Internet. These
practices provide both an outstanding education opportunity for our academic areas as well as an opportunity to help students
prevent poor online actions and communications.
40
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires that parents and guardians of children under the age of 13
provide written consent for the accessing and use of many online services. Please see the main office for a consent form
to fill out and sign.
41