Wabasso High School Secondary

Student Handbook

2004-2005

  INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 640

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This is your copy of the 2004-2005 Secondary Handbook.  It contains information, rules and regulations for grades 7 through 12.  It is the official handbook for the junior/senior high school.

Please read this handbook thoroughly with your child(ren), complete the form below and have your child return it to the classroom teacher at your earliest convenience.

The high school staff, site-based team and administration are ready to serve you in every way that we can to insure that your child has  successful experiences in the school/learning environment.  No question or concern is insignificant to us.  Do not hesitate to contact us.  It is our desire to build the best positive environment for our young people.  We rely on and are most appreciative of your help in this effort.

THIS HANDBOOK IS SUBJECT TO AND MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. 

The latest version of this handbook, including any changes made during the school year, is available at our web site www.wabassoschool.com.

Due to changes that may be made, the electronic version of the handbook posted on the web site is the official version.

All of the rules in this handbook reflect three guiding principles.  These are:

       Each person at Wabasso High School is expected to:

       1.       respect others and property of others

       2.       respect your school and all property that is in it

       3.       respect one's self and one's own education

Our school will be greater as these principles become the basis for all our actions.

Welcome and join with us in anticipation for an exciting, rewarding and enjoyable 2004-2005 school year!

 Sincerely,

Site-Based Management Team

DarrenAnderson-Elementary/ Secondary Physical Education and Health Teacher

Cheryl Baune – Paraprofessional

Susan Bierl-Parent

David Blank – Business Teacher

Linda Carlson – Kindergarten Teacher

Jolene Henriksen-Parent

Amy Iverson – Teacher on Special Assignment/Attendance Officer

JoeKemp-Social Studies Teacher/ Athletic Director

Sharon LeGare-1^st Grade

Mavis Salfer-Parent

Linda Schumacher-Parent

Gary Thomas – School Counselor

Shelly Wotschke-Parent

Table of Contents

Click on any topic to take you to that section of the handbook

Secondary Staff Listing 

What Should I do if?

Homework Hotline Numbers

Schedules

            Junior and Senior High Schedule               

General Information                                 

            School Closings                                 

            Emergency Drills                           

            Internet Usage                               

            Lunch Program                                

Attendance

            General Statement of Attendance            

            Absence                                        

            Make up work                                 

            Participation in Co-curricular activities               

            Tardiness                                      

            Truancy                                        

Health Issues

            Health Services                                 

            Medication                                    

            Illness at School                         

Behavior/Rules

            Assault                                          

            Behavior in the Cafeteria                     

            Bullying           

            Card Playing     

            Cell Phones/CD Players/Headphones     

            Cheating          

            Closed Campus during Noon Hour     

            Damage to school or personal property   

            Dances                

            Dress and Grooming  

            Early Detection and Referral of Potential Beh. Prob.     

            Freedom of Expression 

            Gum and Soft Drinks     

            Hallway Behavior    

            Harassment           

            Hazing               

            Passes            

            Royalty Eligibility   

            Sexual Misconduct     

            Student Lockers     

            Student Responsibilities     

            Student Rights     

            Dangerous, Harmful and Nuisance substances      

            Detention        

            Suspension      

            Threats and Disruptions

            Traffic Regulations

            Violation of Federal, State or Local Law     

            Consequences    

The Academic Program

            Announcements     

            Club Meetings    

            Co-Curricular and Classroom Activities  

            College/Vocational School Visits     

            Course Offerings  

            Extended School Year     

            Failure Policy     

            Graduation Honor Students    

            Graduation Requirements     

            Guidance        

            Incomplete Grades     

            Marking System     

            National Honor Society     

            Pass/No Credit Policy     

            Post-Secondary Enrollment 

            Recording of Classroom Activities  

            Restricted List

            Student Council     

The Athletic Program

            Activity Tickets     

            Spectator’s Code     

            Student Fees for Sports and Activities  

            Sunday Practice   

            Wabasso High School Eligibility Rules     

            Minnesota State High School League Rules     

Discrimination Policy     

Transportation

            Parent and Guardian Involvement     

            School Bus Rules     

Appendices

            Data Privacy     

            Grievance Procedure

            Asbestos Notification

            Indoor Air Quality Notice     

            Pesticide Notice     

            Notification of Rights under FERPA     

            Student Pregnancy and Parental Status     

            Sexual Harassment and Violence Report Form                   

2004-05

SECONDARY STAFF

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are tardy for school:

Report to the office.

If you have been absent:

Bring a note signed by a parent/guardian to the office when you return.  If you have been to a

doctor or dentist, you must bring a signed note from their office.

If you have found something:

Bring it to the office before or after school.

If you lose a library book or textbook:

After checking lost and found

articles, see the appropriate teach to pay for the lost book and/or get a new one.

If you want to change your schedule:

See the Counselor.

If you wish to be placed in limited physical education for reasons of health:

Bring a request from your doctor to the school nurse.

If you must accompany your parents/guardians on a trip when school is in session:

Make arrangements in advance in the main office.  School assignments

             must be completed and turned in before the absence for the trip.

If you have questions about school policies or procedures:

See the Counselor, administration or student council.

If you want to try out for one of the athletic teams:

                   See your physical education teacher or the coach.

If you feel sick or hurt yourself during school:

             Get a pass or approval from your teacher, then go directly to the nurse's office.

If you want to know where to find a teacher at any time during the day:

            Consult the schedule posted on the main hall bulletin board.

If you want to make an appointment with the Counselor:

             Contact the Counselor and arrange for an appointment.

If you wish to make a phone call:

There is a student phone in the main hall. This phone can be used to make local calls and toll free calls.

If you move to a different address during the school year:

            Report your new address to the office.

  HOMEWORK HOTLINE NUMBERS                                                 

Local                           342-7400

Toll free                      1-877-342-7400

SCHEDULES

TIME SCHEDULE AND BELLS

A bell will ring at 8:05 a.m.  Students are to then proceed to their first period class.   Students shall not enter school before 8:05 a.m. except during inclement weather. Buses will not be allowed to unload until 8:05 a.m. and students not on the buses will stay in the entryways for the high school and elementary.  Students are not allowed in the gym before school begins.  Students are not to be in the building after 3:10 p.m. unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHEDULE

                                                                  BEGINS      ENDS

            1st Bell                                         8:05 a.m.

            1^st Period                                      8:14 a.m.       9:02 a.m.

            2^nd Period                                      9:05 a.m.      9:53 a.m.

            3^rd Period                                      9:56 a.m.       10:44 a.m.

            4^th Period

             (Grades 7-8-9)        Lunch                  10:47 a.m.     11:20 a.m.

                                             Class                  11:23 a.m.     12:11 p.m.

             (Grades 10-11-12)   Class                  10:47 a.m.     11:35 a.m.

                                              Lunch                  11:38 p.m.     12:11 p.m.        

            5^th Period                                      12:12 p.m.     1:02 p.m.

            6^th Period                                      1:05 p.m.       1:53 p.m.

            7^th Period                                      1:56 p.m.       2:44 p.m.

           Homeroom                               2:47 p.m.      3:04 p.m

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

In the event of inclement weather or other events, which interferes with normal school operations and transportation, the Superintendent will call off school at the earliest possible time.  KLGR (1490 AM), KMHL (1400 AM) and WCCO (830 AM and TV) will announce school closings.  Please call the school only when absolutely necessary during these times.  It ties up the lines, inhibits calling out and interferes with the school from receiving weather and road information.

On occasion, it may be necessary to use emergency bus routes.  This announcement will be made over the radio.  Please refer to your school packet for your specific emergency bus route information.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

      BOMB EVACUATION

The school district is required by law to have a plan to evacuate the buildings in the event of a bomb threat.  Listed below is the procedure, which shall be followed.  The interoffice staff will knock on the door and say, "There is a safety matter that requires us to evacuate the building immediately."  Do not touch anything in the room including light switches or electrical equipment such as to turn off computers, typewriters, etc.  Also do not use the telephone or pick up or touch any strange looking devices.  You are to go to your normal outdoor location as if it were a fire drill.  Do, however, make certain you are at least 100 yards away from the building.  Remain there until you are told differently what to do.

      FIRE DRILLS

A continuous chirping noise and bright flashing lights sound the fire alarm.  Students, teachers, and all members of the staff must leave the building when the alarm is sounded, using exits designated for the room in which they are located at the time.  In order to simulate possible conditions of a real fire, one or more exits may be blocked in which case alternate exits will be used.

INTRUDER RESPONSE

An announcement will be made indicating that staff and students should take defensive response positions until an “All Clear” announcement is made.  Staff should keep all students in their presence with them until the end of the response.  They should lock all doors and insure that students cannot be observed through windows in the door or classroom.   Staff should take roll and list extra students present and assure that students are kept quiet and calm.

      TORNADO DRILL

The drill runs in conjunction with the statewide Tornado Awareness Week and Drill.  Upon notification of a tornado, staff should escort their students to the designated area and assume the proper protective position.  An “All Clear” announcement will be made when it is safe to return to the classroom.

INTERNET USAGE

The district will monitors all Internet usage and has installed filters to screen out inappropriate material.  The district will take disciplinary action against the intentional access of inappropriate material and will continue to monitor and take steps to prevent unintentional accessing.  

All students must sign an Internet Appropriate Use Agreement, which must be on file with the school prior to using school computers to access the Internet.  Students may not access personal e-mail accounts using school computers.  Students and parents must each fill out a form before the start of the school year.  All forms should be signed and returned to the student’s Social Studies teacher.  Until all forms are returned, the student will not be allowed to use the Internet at school.  

LUNCH PROGRAM

A school lunch program is available to all students in the school. The full cost of a secondary lunch is $1.75 per meal.  One-half pint of milk is available with the lunch program.  There is a charge for another milk at $.30 per milk carton.  Each student is assigned an identification number that is used in the lunch line.   Lunch money is kept in a family account and all students in your family draw from this one account.  Students will be verbally notified when the account balance is $5 per student which still allows each student to eat three more times.  When the account balance reaches $0, students, grades 7-12 will not be allowed to eat until money has been deposited in the family account. 

ATTENDANCE

 STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY:

I.    PURPOSE

A.     Independent School District No. 640 believes that regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student. The purpose of this policy is to encourage regular school attendance.  It is intended to be positive.

B.     This policy also recognizes that class attendance is a joint responsibility to be shared

      by the student, parent or guardian, teacher, Attendance Director and School    

      Administrator.  This policy will assist students in attending class.

II.      GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

      A.      Responsibilities

            1.      Student's Responsibility

            It is the student's right to be in school.  It is also the student's responsibility to attend all assigned

            classes and study halls every day that school is in session and to be aware of and follow the correct

            procedures when absent from an assigned class or study hall. Finally, it is the student's

            responsibility to request any assignments missed due to an absence.

            2.      Parent or Guardian's Responsibility

            It is the responsibility of the student's parent or guardian to ensure the student is attending school, to

            inform the school in the event of a student’s absence, and to work cooperatively with the school and

            the student to solve any attendance problems that may arise.

            3.      Teacher's Responsibility

            It is the teacher's responsibility to take daily attendance and to maintain accurate attendance records in

            each assigned class and study hall.  It is also the teacher's responsibility to be familiar with all

            procedures governing attendance and to apply these procedures uniformly.  It is also the teacher's

            responsibility to provide any student who has been absent with any missed assignments upon request. 

            Finally, it is the teacher's responsibility to work cooperatively with the student's parents or guardian and the student to solve any attendance problems that may arise.

            4.   Site Based Team (Administration) Responsibility

a.       It is the Attendance Director’s responsibility to require students to attend all assigned classes and study halls. It is also the Attendance Director’s responsibility to be familiar with all procedures governing attendance and to apply these procedures uniformly to all students, to maintain accurate records on student’s attendance and to prepare a list of the previous day's absences stating the status of each.  Finally, it is the Attendance Director’s responsibility to inform the student, parent or guardian of the student's attendance and to work cooperatively with them and the student to solve attendance problems.

b.     In accordance with the regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and                            the Minnesota Compulsory Instruction Law, Minn. Stat. 120.101, the students of the school district are REQUIRED to attend all assigned classes and/or study halls every day school is in session, unless the student has completed the studies ordinarily required in the tenth grade and has elected not to enroll or has a valid excuse for absence.

ABSENCE

School personnel will call the student’s home in the event of an absence.  A sick child should be kept home.  Please phone the office in the event of a prolonged illness. The student is responsible for the class work, which is missed.  (See Schoolwork Make-up.)

When a student returns to school following an absence, the student must report to the main office before entering classes with a note from home which:

1.      Gives the name of student who was absent

2.      Is dated

3.      Gives the days of absence

4.      Gives the reason for the absence

5.      Is signed by the parent/guardian

Minnesota requires mandatory education and allows schools to determine whether a parental excuse is acceptable or not.  Please limit your excuses to illness, medical and dental appointments, religious/legal requirements and family emergencies.  If you are uncertain if an absence will be approved, call the school at 342-5114 prior to the absence.

Approved, pre-arranged absences will be allowed for family emergencies.  Pre-arranged means that a note from the parent must be received in the school office prior to the start of school one day before the absence.  The student will be notified prior to the end of that school day if the absence is approved.

Students must be in school by the beginning of third hour to participate in co-curricular events, unless the absence has been pre-arranged and is an approved absence.

When a student has been or plans to be absent, s/he will receive either an approved or an unapproved absence.  A written excuse from parents/guardians does not necessarily mean an approved absence.  The final decision as to whether the absence is approved or unapproved will be made by school staff.

Approved Absences:

An approved absence will be issued for the following:

A.     Illness of the pupil.  If a student is medically unable to attend school. 

B.  Serious illness or death of a member of the immediate family.

C.   Attendance at funerals of relatives and close friends.  If pre-approved.

D.  Emergencies calling for the services or presence of pupils at home.  Parents/Guardians must request approval but the final decision rests with the Administration as to whether this absence is excused or not.

E.   Impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe.

F.   Observance of religious holidays.  If pre-approved.

G.    Attending church services.  If pre-approved.

H.     Doctor, dental, or driver's license appointments.   If pre-approved.  Please schedule these appointments, whenever possible, after school, Saturday or during vacation periods.  For a medical appointment absences to be approved, a slip from the medical providers office must be submitted to the office upon return to school.  The excused absence will only be for the amount of time needed to complete the appointment.

I.        Family trips or vacations.  Trips or vacations should be planned to correspond with school vacations.  Students will be allowed to accompany their parents/guardians on family trips.  However, students must make arrangements in advance with the school regarding such trips.  Students must have a note from home indicating the days to be missed.  Family trips will only be counted as approved absences if pre-approved, all schoolwork due during the absence is completed prior to the trip, and suitable additional work to make-up for the absence is completed on time. 

J.   Court Appearances.  If pre-approved.

K.  Quarantine.

L. Visiting colleges, vocational schools, military recruiters and employers.   If pre-approved.  Senior   

     students are allowed two days, and fourth quarter juniors one day, for the purpose of visiting a college  

     or vocational school, applying for a job or appointment with the armed services.

M. Educational activities as determined by the Administration.  Arrangements must be made through the   

     main office in advance.

N. Work requirements for approved absences.  Students whose absences are approved are                                                    required to make up all assignments missed or to complete alternative assignments as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher.  Work missed because of absence must be made up at the discretion of the teacher for each day missed from the date of the student’s return to school.  Any work not completed within this period shall result in “no credit” for the missed assignment.  However, the Site Council or the classroom may extend the time allowed for completion of make-up work in the case of an extended illness or other extenuating circumstances.

Except in cases of illness or emergency for which advance approval cannot be obtained, an absence will only be approved as excused if the student has notified the school in advance and arranged in advance to make up all work that will be missed.

For every hour that a student is absent without approval, two hours of detention will be assigned.

Unapproved Absences.

The following are examples of absences that will not be approved:

A. Truancy.  An absence by a student which was not approved by the parent/guardian

                     and/or the school district.

B.  Any absence in which the student failed to comply with any reporting requirements of

      the school district's attendance procedures.                                                

C.  Work at home, unless prior approval by the Site Council Team.   

D.  Work at a business, except under a school-sponsored work release program.

E. Vacations with family, unless prior approval by Site Council Team.

F.  Absences resulting from cumulated unapproved tardies (eight tardies equal one

      unapproved absence).

G. Any other absence not included under the attendance procedures set out in this policy.

Consequences of Unapproved Absences.

(1) Absences resulting from official suspension will be handled in accordance with the

Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. § 127.26-127.39.

(2) Days during which a student is suspended from school shall not be counted in a

student's total cumulated unapproved absences.

(3) In cases of recurring unapproved absences, the administration may request the

county attorney file a petition with the juvenile court, pursuant to Minnesota

Statutes.

(4) Students with unapproved absences shall be subject to discipline in the following

manner:

(a)                From the first through the third cumulated unapproved absence in a quarter, the student will receive a detention for each class period missed.  Parents/guardians will be notified.

(b) After the third unapproved absence in a quarter, a student will be suspended from school.  Parents/guardians will be notified and required to attend a conference.  The student will be reported to the County

Truancy Officer. 

(c)     Upon reaching seven incidences of unapproved absences at any time during the school year, a truancy petition will be filed with the county authorities.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students who are absent for any reason other than unapproved absences will have twice the number of days they were absent to make up missed work.  For example, a student who is absent three days will have six days to turn in missed work.  A teacher may choose to refuse work turned in after this deadline in which case the student will receive no credit for it.

Students who miss turning in schoolwork due to unapproved absences will have one day to make up missed work.  For example, if a student misses a day for an unapproved reason, s/he will be expected to turn in the work on the day following their return to school or the very next day the student is present.  Work turned in after that is late and the student will receive no credit for it.

Participation in Co-Curricular Activities and School-Sponsored On-The Job Training Programs.

1.   This policy applies to all students involved in any co-curricular activity scheduled either

      during or outside the school day and any school-sponsored on-the-job training programs.

2.   School-initiated absences will be accepted and participation permitted.

3.   A student may not participate in any activity or program if he or she has an unapproved

      absence from any class during the day.

4.   If a student is suspended from any class, he or she may not participate in any activity or

      program that day.

5.   If a student is absent from school due to medical reasons, he or she must present a

      physician's statement or a statement from the student's parent or guardian clearing the

      student for participation that day.  The note must be presented to the coach or advisor

      before the student participates in the activity or program.

Tardiness

All students are expected to be in their classroom or study halls on time during the school day.  A student is either late with an approved excuse or tardy.

If students are late t 1^st hour, they need to report to the receptionist’s office for a pass.  Three tardies (unapproved, late arrivals) during 1^st hour in any quarter will result in 1 hour of detention.

If students are tardy 2^nd through 7^th hours, they need to bring a pass from their previous teacher, administration or the receptionist to get into class.  This teacher needs to mark the attendance slip for that hour with “L” for arriving late with an approved excuse or “T” for arriving late with an unapproved excuse.

Approved Tardiness.  

Valid excuses for tardiness are:

A.  Illness.

B.   Serious illness in the student's immediate family.

C.  A death in the student's immediate family or of a close friend or relative.

D.  Medical or dental treatment.