Affirmative Action/Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of Independent School District 318 (ISD 318) not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disabilities, or national origin in its educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments. Furthermore, ISD 318 believes that all individuals should be treated with respect and dignity. The District will investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment violates Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 363.01-14, Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Inquires regarding compliance with Title IX or sexual harassment may be directed to:

Student Recognition Programs

Students are recognized for a variety of accomplishments at the Middle School. Some of the recognition programs include the Student Honor Roll, Citizenship and Academic Awards, Perfect Attendance Awards, and our Awards Day program for each grade level where students are recognized by teachers for their classroom achievements.

Statement of Rights

Parents and eligible students have the following rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, the Confidentiality of Information sections of the regulations implementing the Education of all Handicapped Children Act of 1975, and the Data Management Policy of ISD 318.

1. The right, if asked to provide private or confidential data, to be informed of:
   • the purpose and intended use of the data within the school system;
   • whether he/she may refuse or is legally required to supply the requested data;
   • any known consequences and
   • the identity of other persons or entities authorized by state or federal law to receive the data.
2. The right to inspect and review the student's education record.
3. The right to explanations and interpretations of the record.
4. The right to have a representative of the parent or eligible student inspect and review the records.
5. The right to exercise a limited control over other people's access to the student's education record.
6. The right to seek to correct the student's education record; in a hearing if necessary.
7. The right to report violations of the rules and regulations, cited above, to the Department of Education.
8. The right to be informed of the above rights.

Parents wishing access to, or copies of, student record policies and administrative procedures should present their request to the Building Principal or the Superintendent of Schools. Non-custodial parents have the same rights regarding school records as custodial parents unless such access is prohibited by a court order.

Insurance

School District 318 does not carry insurance for individual students in the case of physical injury. Families must carry their own medical plan. However, you may inquire in the office for a dental plan and also a student accident insurance program that is available to the student at a cost.

Student Emergency Information Card

Parents will receive a Student Emergency Information Card to complete during the first week of school. At any time during the school year when an address or telephone number changes, the school office should be informed. Parents who fail to complete this information card accurately may be asked to refrain from sending their student to school until the card is complete and accurate.

Bad Weather Conditions

Do not call the school to ask whether or not we have school!

Notice will be given to broadcast any school closings over radio station KOZY (1320 AM) as early as possible in the morning.

Assume we will have school unless announced otherwise.

Telephone

The office telephones are not for student use. In case of an emergency the office staff will allow a student to call home, but this judgment will be strictly up to the office staff. Forgetting gym clothes, band instruments, and other materials does not constitute an emergency.

A courtesy telephone is located in the Commons across from the office window. This phone may be used for personal calls by the students. Calls will be limited to three minutes in length. Using this phone is not an excuse for being tardy to class. Using the phone during class time requires a pass from a classroom teacher.

Candy/Beverage/Gum

Be responsible for cleaning up after yourself and make appropriate use of trash cans and drinking fountains. If you make the inappropriate choice to eat candy or have a beverage in the hallway or classroom, there may be disciplinary action taken. No open beverage containers are allowed in lockers.

The Middle School is a Gum-Free school.

PE Uniform Policy

For the health and safety of all out students, the PE Department requests its students wear a standard physical education short and shirt. This uniform is mandatory for all students.

• Black cotton/poly shorts
• 6 in. inseam (at least)
• Must have drawstring
• Gray shirt
• Shirt must be free of any logos or writing unless said writing is related to Grand Rapids .
• Uniforms which meet above criteria may be purchased at the parent's discretion.
• As a service project Robert J. Elkington Middle School Youth Council will have uniforms available for sale.
• PE teachers will require student and PE instructor names on the inside seam or waist band of all garments.

Lockers

Each student will be assigned a school locker at the beginning of the school year. The following rules pertain to the use of that locker.

Each student will have his or her own locker combination, which should not be shared with other students. Students will be assessed a $5.00 fee for a locker change needed as a result of negligence on the part of the student.

Each student will be responsible for the condition of the locker. (Any student damaging a locker will be responsible for the repair cost.)

Each student will keep only his/her own possessions in his/her locker.

• Students are prohibited from using any locker other than the one assigned to them.

No student will have in the locker any possessions that are contrary to school rules, dangerous to others, or that the student has been specifically told not to bring to school. Students are advised that the school reserves the right to inspect the contents of the lockers and to remove anything contrary to schools rules and/or detrimental to the school or students.

• All lockers are school property and are subject to inspection at any time by school officials and/or law enforcement officials to include general sniff searches by dogs.

It is the responsibility of the student and their locker partner to report locker problems to the office.

Student Book Bags & Bag Room

Book bags may be used by students carrying belongings to and from school. They must be kept in lockers during the school day. A bag room is available next to the office for larger items brought to school.

Student's Personal Property

1. Students, not the school, are responsible for their own personal property. The following recommendations may assist students in protecting their personal property:
2. Do not bring valuables to school. Radios, tape players, cell phones and pagers, CD's and other entertainment devices are not allowed in school before, during, or after hours. Such devices will be confiscated and held for parents to pick up.
3. Do not bring more money to school than is needed for your materials or lunch. Pay for class fees and expenses by check.
4. Do not leave wallet, purse, calculators, etc., unattended.
5. Check for all items before leaving a class area – if something is missing report it to your teacher.
6. Label personal possessions and school supplies for easier identifications.
7. Students who find the property of others should turn it in to the office. Lost and Found articles are collected in the bag room. Students may check this area periodically for items reported missing.

Semester Attendance Policy

The philosophy of RJEMS is that consistent and punctual attendance is of vital importance for completing an education. Attendance is a shared responsibility and requires cooperation and communication among students, parents, and school. It is our goal to promote the growth of the student from the parent-school imposed discipline to student's self-discipline. RJEMS is adopting a semester attendance policy similar to the High School. It must be emphasized that grades are not the only indicator of classroom learning or success. Students will receive letters of concern by the time a student reaches their 10th absence. A mandatory meeting will also be required after 15 absences to discuss attendance.

Students will be expected to attend classes regularly and to be on time in order to receive maximum benefit from the instructional program, to develop habits of punctuality, respect, self-discipline, and responsibility, and assist in keeping disruptions of the educational environment to a minimum. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only impedes their own studies, but also interferes with the progress and attitudes of fellow students.

Students who have good attendance records are more likely to achieve higher grades, enjoy school life to a greater degree, and have more employment opportunities after leaving school. Perspective employers expect promptness and regular attendance from employees and are reluctant to hire persons who have not established good habits of responsibility and self-discipline. We are committed to foster these patterns in a positive manner.

Student Absences

1. Our school encourages parents to plan family trips around the school calendar.
2. Severe illnesses, injury, or family emergencies are acceptable excuses for school absenteeism. Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours, if at all possible, but will be excused during the school day if no other time can be scheduled.
3. Arrangements for make-up work are the responsibility of the student. Because of the nature of instructional activities in some classes, make-up work may not always be available. For absences of two or more days, homework may be requested while the student is recuperating at home. Please call the office before 9:00 AM to request work to be picked up between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM .
4. For excessive absences of 3 or more days, the school may require a doctor's excuse. Failure to furnish a doctor's excuse upon request will result in these absences being considered unexcused.
5. Call 327-5804 when calling in student absences.
   

Pre-Arranged Absences

The Principal may excuse a student if he believes that such an absence will not be harmful to the student's education. In order to have such a request honored by the Principal, the parent must put the request in writing and send it with the student to the school office at least one day in advance of the proposed absence. The student will then be issued a Pre-Absence Form to be taken to his/her teachers for the proper signatures acknowledging that they know the student will be absent and will make up the work as previously arranged with each instructor. If a student does not complete a pre-absence form, the absence will be unexcused.

Excused Absence Procedures

A parent must call the school attendance line at 327-5804  by 9:00 AM each day a child is unable to attend school to give the reason for their absence.  To be more consistent with the high school attendance policy, we will NOT accept notes from home.

Tardiness

The Middle School expects each student to be punctual to school and to class. Tardiness disrupts the learning environment, causes an increase in school theft and vandalism, and creates an unsafe school environment.

Three (3) tardies to class will result in one (1) unexcused absence. Three tardies in one day will also count as one day of unexcused absence. Unexcused absences due to tardies could be grounds for suspension or a truancy petition.

Town Passes

1. Have your parent call for your town pass.
2. Get your town pass from the office before 8:30 a.m. on the day it is needed.
3. Have the doctor's secretary or receptionist sign the time you are returning from your appointment.
4. When returning from appointment check in at attendance with your town pass.
5. It is very important that both the parent and the student know that the check-out time to see a doctor or dentist is only for the time spent for the appointment.

Music Lessons

Private music lessons are scheduled during band, choir, music, lunch, or study hall. A note from home requesting that a student be allowed to leave school for music lessons should be brought to the office so arrangements can then be made with the teacher involved. Private music lessons are not allowed during regular classes.

Counselors

Two counselors are available for grades 6, 7, and 8. They are located in rooms 110 and 111. Students should make an appointment with the counselor before school, before lunch, or after school. Appointments should be scheduled during a study hall.

Schedule Changes

Students may not make a schedule change two weeks after the beginning of each quarter.

FIELD TRIPS

Students who do not attend a scheduled school field trip are still required to attend school.  Not showing up will result in an unexcused absence.

Grading and Quarterly Honor Rolls

Grades are awarded to Middle School students according to their class performances. These grades then earn a set number of points that result in their G.P.A. (Grade Point Average). These points in most classes are as follows:

A+…4.00      B+…3.25      C+… 2.25      D+…1.25

A…..4.00      B…..3.00      C……2.00      D…...1.00

A-….3.75      B-….2.75     C-…..1.75      D-….0.75

E…..0.50      F……0.00

At the end of each quarter, students with a G.P.A. of 3.75 or higher are placed on the A Honor Roll. Those with 3.00 to 3.74 are placed on the B Honor Roll.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Report cards and mid-quarter progress reports are posted and available on the Parent Portal.  Those wishing a mailed copy must fill out a form in the office. The last report card for the year will be mailed in June. Progress reports are normally issued at the mid-point of each marking period. All students receiving the grade Incomplete (I), will have 3 weeks to make up missing assignments. If not made up with this time, the Incomplete will change to an F grade.

PARENT PORTAL

Parents wishing to go online to access mid-quarter, quarter grades and teacher web books may call 327-5805 for setup and password information.

Student Dress

Robert J. Elkington Middle School recognizes that parents are basically responsible for their children's dress and general appearance. We believe that how students look and dress can make a difference in how they feel and how others feel. This means clean and neat clothing, which fits their style, is appropriate for learning and does not interfere with the learning of others. The Middle School has established some guidelines to aid parents and students in selecting the proper attire for school.

Examples of clothing which are not acceptable include, but are not limited to:

• Clothing which advertises cigarettes, alcohol, or promotes chemical use.
• Clothing which displays profanity or which shows the human body in a sexually offensive way.
• Clothing which implies racism.
• Gang-related clothing, including, but not limited to, bandanas, jackets, hats/caps.
• Shirts or blouses which display skin above the waist.
• Pants which are worn low to display any parts of the buttock (sagging).
• Jewelry which promotes chemical usage or that could be dangerous to oneself or others.
• Clothing which is perceived as too tight or shows excessive amounts of skin.
• All hats, caps, and coats must remain in student lockers throughout the school day. (Lunch recess is the exception to this rule.)

Locker Damage

Lockers may be damaged by kicking, putting paper in locking mechanism, over-stuffing, etc. A student who has damaged a locker may be charged a minimum $25.00 vandalism fee.

Regulated Behaviors

The administration of Robert J. Elkington Middle School recognizes that it is all but impossible to list behaviors that are unacceptable in a learning environment such as ours. By necessity, the administration must reserve the right to disallow any behaviors or dress that, in our best judgments, is deemed unacceptable.

Fire Drills, Lockdowns, and Emergency Exits

Minnesota state law mandates that every school must hold a required number of emergency drills during the school year. Fire drill regulations are posted in each room and students should follow the specified route on leaving the building, and do so in an orderly manner. Lockdowns follow the individual classroom procedures.

Hall or Lavatory Passes

It is necessary to have a hall pass or a lavatory pass to be in the hallways while classes are in session.

You must only go to where the pass specifies and have a pass with you at all times. Any student in the hallway without a pass will be sent to the principal's office.

Closed Campus

Robert J. Elkington Middle School has a closed campus and you are to remain on school grounds from the time you arrive in the morning until you are dismissed at 3:12 PM to walk home or leave on the bus. If you need to leave school for an appointment, pick up a town pass from the secretary before 8:30 AM . If you return to school on the same day, you will need to check in with the secretary. If you choose to leave campus without permission, there will be disciplinary actions taken.

For your safety, the doors are locked shortly after 8:30 AM . You may enter only by the main door near the Commons.  Anyone entering the building is asked to report to the office for a " Visitor Pass ".

Class Offerings

Grade 6

• Reading
• English
• Science
• Social
• Math
• Physical Ed/Health
• Band, Choir or Both
• B Lunch

Grade 7

• English
• Science
• Social
• Math
• Computer
• Technology Ed
• Physical Ed
• Band, Choir or Both OR General Music
• C Lunch

Grade 8

• English
• Science
• Social
• Math
• Art
• FACS
• Physical Ed 
• Health
• Band, Choir or Both OR General Music
• A Lunch

Failing Classes

Students who are failing two or more core classes during the school year may be asked to attend a meeting with their parents and school officials to help improve their academic performance.

Students who fail classes or do not complete required work may be retained, be required to attend summer school, or complete correspondence courses before advancement to the next grade level will be made.

Help for Homework

Parents or students should contact their respective counselors when looking for help with homework. Teachers and/or parents may request counselors to look at a possible referral to our after-school Learning Academy .

Textbooks & Materials

If materials assigned to a student are lost, a fine will be levied by the teacher or principal according to the present value of the lost article.

Library

The Library/Media Center is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day and provides many different forms of information for grades 6-8. Additional resources can be accessed through cooperative efforts with other libraries and agencies. The library also has computers for student use. Students may sign up in the library helpers during study hall times. Please feel free to ask the librarian any questions you may have regarding the library. Students leaving the library for any reason will be issued a pass by the library staff.

Lunch Program

Applications for free and reduced price lunches are available in the office throughout the school year. It is important to complete these forms even if your student may choose not to eat hot lunch.

Each family is issued a Family Account. Each student is issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Student may not use any other student PIN. This is a pre-payment system. School lunches must be paid in advance.

Deposits can be made to the student's school Meal Account on Wednesday mornings at 8:00 AM . Families may also mail deposits to:

ISD 318 Food and Nutrition Department
800 NW Conifer Drive
Grand Rapids , MN 55744

Lunch for the 2006-2007 school year is $1.85. Reduced lunch is $0.40. Charge for milk is $0.50.

Breakfast Program

Students must have a PIN or may pay cash for breakfasts. Breakfasts are $1.40. Breakfasts are available from 8:00 AM to 8:25 AM every morning.

Hot Bar/Speed Line/Salad Bar

Students may construct their own type A lunch by choosing from a variety of menu items and lunch options.

All speed line lunches include milk, except the Ala Carte line.

Ala Carte Line

This is a cash only line. PIN numbers cannot be used.

Lunch Rules & Procedures

Lunch is served in three separate groups at varied times. These lunch sessions are designated as A (grade 7), B (grade 6), or C (grade 8) on the student schedules.

1. Lunchroom supervisors and custodians must be obeyed by all students.
2. All food must be eaten while sitting down in the lunchroom.
3. When a student finishes eating, he should clean his eating area.
4. Students will be expected to go outside after eating lunch. They should bring their coats and jackets with them to the lunchroom if the weather is chilly. They will not be allowed to go back into the building to get them after lunch. You may not wear your hat in the cafeteria.
5. Exit by the southwest door only. Students are not allowed to remain in the lunchroom to wait for the bell.
6. No student may leave the school grounds without permission of a Principal.

Health Information and School Nurse

The licensed practical nurse's office is in the main office area, Room 117. The phone number is 327-5700, ext. 1211. Nurse's hours are from 8:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Illness or Injury

Students who become ill or injured during school must report to their teacher and then will be sent to the office. it is imperative that the student check out with the nurse or attendance secretary.  The student will be allowed to go home with a parent, guardian, or other individuals listed on the emergency card.

If the incident is serious and the parent or emergency contact cannot be reached, 911 will be called.

Medications

All prescription or non-prescription medications must come from home. Any medication that needs to be taken during school hours must come to school in the original pharmacy bottle (not baggies, envelopes, etc.) and must be registered. A parent and physician must sign a completed medication release form before a child will be allowed to take medication during school.

Vision and Hearing Testing

Vision and hearing testing will be done at the request of a parent or teacher anytime during the school year. Results will be shared with the parent by note or by phone.

Immunizations

Since immunizations are no longer offered in school, parents will be notified when their child is in need of any immunizations. Students not properly immunized may not be allowed to attend Middle School until immunization is up to date.

Scoliosis Screening

Children in grades 5-9 are screened for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in the fall and spring of the school year. Parents will be notified if a physician's exam is suggested.

Health Updates

If parents have questions regarding the health and well-being of their child, they should feel free to call the nurse's office or send a note explaining how the nurse may be of assistance.

Athletic Forms

Students must have all the proper forms completed before they may participate in any District 318 extra-curricular activities. Forms may be picked up in the office. Proper forms include:

• MSHSL Rules Form (two sides signed by parent and student)
• Insurance Waiver Form (signed by parent)
• Physical Examination Form (need exam every three years or may need one every year for an ongoing health situations)
• Payment of Activity Fee and receipt obtained from Middle School office.

Student Visitors

Students may not have friends or relatives from another school visit the Middle School.

Trespassing

Minnesota Statues 609.609 makes it a misdemeanor for any person or persons to be found in a school building unless the persons:

1. Are enrolled students or their parents;
2. Have reported to the school office or have permission to be in the building.
3. Are attending an event to which the public is or the individuals are invited.

Detention

The Principals or classroom teachers may assign detention after a violation of rules has been reported. After-school detention us held Monday and Wednesday from 3:20 PM to 4:20 PM in a designated room. You are to take your jacket and books to the detention room, as you will not be allowed to return to your locker after detention. You must leave the building immediately after detention.

You must bring a book to read or have homework. Make sure you bring enough work to keep you occupied for the entire detention period. Time is to be spent on school work, not drawing or writing notes.

If you do not report to your scheduled detention you will be called to the office to be assigned a makeup detention date. Failure to attend the makeup date will result in assignment of one day of in-school suspension. All school rules apply to detention time.

Classroom Disruptions

Middle school students know that the best discipline is self-discipline. We are proud of the opportunities and activities and we have to show that we can make responsible choices. Over the years, we have established traditions of courtesy, cooperation, friendliness and an attitude of respect for people and property.

In the event that you need help with self-discipline, you will receive appropriate consequences for your behavior. Your parents will be notified and other consequences (depending upon behavior) will include after school detention, office conference, discipline hearing, short-term suspension, or long-term suspension. The consequences you receive will depend on the nature and seriousness of the inappropriate behavior, and the number of previous misbehaviors. At any time a severe infraction may result in immediate detention of discipline hearing.

Substitute Teacher Discipline Referrals

Substitute teachers should be accorded the same respect by students as their regular classroom teachers. Any student sent to the office for discipline reasons by a substitute teacher or referred by a substitute teacher to the regular teacher for a discipline incident may receive one day of in-school detention.

Major Offenses

There is a zero tolerance for the following behaviors:

• Fighting (if you get hit and hit back, you are fighting. If you don't hit back, you are a victim and will not be punished.
• Drug Use
• Insubordination (defined as "Failure to submit to the reasonable directives of District 318 employees.")
• Sexual Harassment
• Swearing and/or other abusive language.
• Other (Any behavior which is large enough to bring instruction to a halt.)
1. Student will be immediately removed from class and sent to the office.
2. Teacher will document behavior on Student Incident Form.

Behavior Expectations

-Robert J. Elkington Middle School-

Be Prompt and Prepared

1. Be on Time.
2. Come with appropriate materials.
3. Come with assignments completed.

Respect Authority

1. Listen to authority.
2. Follow direction promptly.
3. Accept responsibility for your behavior.

Respect the Rights of Others

1. Use appropriate voices.
2. Listen to the speaker.
3. Respect the opinion and point of view of others.
Respect the right of others to learn.

Display Appropriate Social Skills

1. Accept disagreement, teasing, criticism and compliments gracefully.
2. Display courtesy.
3. Display tact.

Behavior Consequences

-Robert J. Elkington Middle School-

First Infraction

Warning/time after class (with interaction between student and teacher.) If infraction is severe, automatic suspension.

Second Infraction

Student will be written up by the classroom teacher. Teacher will notify parent by phone or by mail.

Third Infraction

Student will be removed from class for the remainder of the hour and next day (class day).

Fourth Infraction

Removal from class. Mandatory Parent Conference, Behavior Contract (teacher, student, principal, parent.)

Note – Severe Clause: move to step 2, 3, 4.

*Student will not be allowed to participate in any school related activities that day, which includes games and performances.

THESE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE IN EFFECT THE DURATION OF CLASS.

Disciplinary Procedures

Students need to be aware of the following:

1. The Middle School is tobacco free. Students who choose to be in the company of students who are using tobacco must understand that they will be suspended also.
2. Students are not permitted to display overt affection in the school building or on the school grounds.
3. Absolutely no running in the hallways.
4. Students are not allowed in the parking lots. The cost of any damage to cars will be charged to the students involved.
5. All after-school and evening athletics and activities are subject to the rules of the school.
6. Any student caught going through lockers must understand that he/she will automatically assume responsibility for any items missing from these lockers.
7. Any student with four or more discipline violations will not be eligible to participate in school programs.

Search and Seizure

The school Principal and other administrators may conduct a search of a student if they believe the student has drugs, weapons, alcohol, or other materials in violation of the school rules or state law. The search may include inspection of clothing, purses, wallets, knapsacks, and other personal property. The search may also include an inspection of school property including student lockers, desks, and other areas in which items may be kept.

Independent School District 318 Acceptable Use Of Electronic Policy

Middle School Discipline Code

When groups of people live and work together in a community, rules are necessary for the protection of everyone.  Our Middle School is a relatively large community of students who must live by a few simple, easy to understand and readily acceptable rules.  Below is a summary of the violations of school rule and the consequences that shall be imposed should you choose not to abide by the rules.  Please remember that it is virtually impossible to list every behavior that would be unacceptable.

Other Violations

Violation	Minimum Disciplinary Action
Harassment	possible detention/suspension/expulsion
Fire equipment	pay cost; contact police; possible expulsion
Arson	expulsion; refer to police
Bomb threat	suspension; possible expulsion; refer to police
Fireworks in school	suspension; possible expulsion; refer to police
Forgery	detention; parent/guardian conference; refer to police
Spitting	detention
Cheating	fail test/assignment; teacher may recommend detention/suspension
Cell phone, pager, radio, tape player, CD's	confiscate
Squirt guns	confiscate/detention/suspension
Laser pointers	confiscate/detention/suspension
No pass in hallway	detention
Gang activity	detention/suspension
Wallet chains/Belt chains	confiscate/detention/suspension
Lunchroom disturbances	clean tables/detention/in-school detention

The previous lists do not include all inappropriate behaviors.  Any inappropriate behaviors not listed will be dealt with on an individual basis. Police will automatically be notified when a law is broken!

Bus Discipline Policy

The bus driver will use the present discipline procedure for bus control:

First Offense

The bus driver will notify the student why he/she is being removed from the bus for one day.

Second Offense

The student will be suspended from riding the bus for one week.

Third Offense

The student will be suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the District 318 Transportation Department at 326-2520.

Reasonable Force

A teacher, school employee, school bus driver or other agent of the District may use reasonable force in compliance with Minnesota Statutes 121A.582 and other laws.

Weapons Policy

It is the policy of the School District to maintain a position, safe, secure learning and working environment. In striving to attain such an environment, the District takes the position of no tolerance for weapons in our schools, except as specifically stated in the following administrative rules.

All weapons or instruments that have the appearance of weapons are prohibited within all school environments and the school zone, except for educational purposes as authorized in advance by the building Principal or designee. School environments include, but are not limited to, District-owned buildings; leased or rented facilities; school sponsored activities; field trips; school vehicles; school sponsored activities; field trips; school vehicles and school buses-rented or owned; and school bus stops. Anyone found to be in possession of a weapon in any area defined in the policy before, during, or after school hours is subject to administrative and/or legal action.

Out-of-school Suspension

Students suspended out of school become the sole possession of their parents. Suspended students are not to be on school property during their suspension.

Personal Vehicle Procedures

Students with driver's licenses are discouraged from driving personal vehicles to school. Students who must drive due to employment or other circumstances must notify the office each day they drive a personal vehicle to school. Under no circumstances are students to transport other students in personal vehicles during the school day.

Pets

Students/parents must arrange in advance and have the approval of a principal before any pets may be brought to school because of the concern for students' allergies and health and safety issues.

Data Privacy

Personally identifiable student data will not be disclosed from the student's education records without the parent(s) or student's (if 18 years old or older and thus an "eligible student") consent, except to the extent that FERPA and/or the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act authorizes disclosure without consent. One such exception is disclosure to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the School District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff; a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School District has contracted to perform tasks; or a parent or student serving in an official capacity, such as committees or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review and/or access educational data/students records in order to fulfill his or her responsibilities.

Learning Academy

School District 318 provides a special opportunity for students in grades 6-8 to improve their math, reading and/or writing skills by participating in the Learning Academy Program. Learning Academy is a year-round program, with registration in the fall for after school programming during the school year and registration in the spring for summer programming. The program uses a variety of learning experiences and hands on activities to improve your child's learning. In addition, the smaller student-to-teacher ratio provides more opportunities to individualize instruction to meet your child's needs. If you are interested in learning more about the Learning Academy Program, contact your child's principal or classroom teacher.

Middle School Activities

Fall Athletics

• Cross Country Running (6-8)
• Football (7-8)
• Girl's Swimming (6-8)
• Girl's Tennis (6-8)
• Volleyball (7-8)
• Soccer (8)

Winter Athletics

• Boy's Basketball (7-8)
• Girl's Gymnastics (7-8)
• Girl's Basketball (7-8)
• Slalom Skiing (7-8)
• Cross Country Running (6-8)
• Boy's Swimming (6-8)
• Wrestling (6-8)

Spring Athletics

• Baseball (6-8)
• Boy's Tennis (6-8)
• Softball (6-8)
• Golf (7-8)
• Boy's Track (6-8)
• Girl's Track (6-8)

Before participation will be allowed, the following must be returned to the Middle School Office:

1. Signed form purchasing insurance or a signed waiver of insurance because of adequate coverage.
2. MN State High School League Parent's Permit and Health Questionnaire.
3. Physical examination, required every three years.
4. Activity fee paid in full.

Non-Athletic Activities

• Academic Triathlon (6-8)
• Geography Bee (6-8)
• Math Counts (7-8)
• Youth Council (6-8)
• Knowledge Bowl (6-8)
• Math Masters (6)