Student Handbook

Dear Students,

As your Superintendent, it's with immense joy and anticipation that I welcome you to a new school year. As we embark on this academic year, I want to take a moment to talk about something that's more than just a document—it's a roadmap to our shared success: our Student Handbook.

The Student Handbook is a key tool in helping us navigate our shared journey. It's not just about rules; it's about understanding how we can all contribute to a vibrant, safe, and inclusive school community. It lays down the steps we can take to achieve academic success, cultivate equity and inclusion, and promote social and emotional learning. These aren't just goals; they are commitments we make to each other, guided by our core values of integrity, inclusion, trust, and authenticity.

Achieving Academic Success

Every one of you has the potential to achieve greatness. Our commitment is to provide you with the tools, resources, and support you need to unlock that potential. The handbook outlines the academic expectations and resources at your disposal. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Cultivating Equity and Inclusion

Our diversity is our strength. We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued, understood, and included. This means ensuring that our policies, practices, and programs reflect the diversity of our community and promote equity for all students. Your voice is crucial in this process. We encourage you to share your ideas, experiences, and perspectives to help us build a more inclusive school community.

Promoting Social and Emotional Learning

Understanding and managing our emotions, feeling empathy for others, establishing positive relationships, and making responsible decisions are key skills that will serve you throughout your life. Our handbook emphasizes the importance of social and emotional learning as we believe in nurturing not just academic but also emotional intelligence.

In closing, I want to remind you that you're not alone on this journey. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Let's embrace this year with enthusiasm, determination, and a commitment to excellence in all that we do.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead!
 
Marcy Doud
Superintendent 

This Student Handbook is intended to help students, parents, guardians, and caregivers become familiar with Intermediate District 287 and serve as a reference while you or your student attends a District 287 school. 

The information contained in this Handbook is subject to revision based on law or school board changes, such as the adoption of new or revised policies. School rules will always be regulated by federal and state laws as well as District 287 policies and procedures.  

This Handbook may need to be updated throughout the year if changes to policy or law are made. Any given revision of the Handbook may not be the most recent policy and should be read for generalized informational purposes, not as the final word on any policy or rule. 

The mission of Intermediate District 287 is to be the premier provider of innovative specialized services to ensure that each member district can meet the unique learning needs of its students.

When parents, guardians, and caregivers are involved with their students' schooling, students learn more and achieve better outcomes. We encourage families to become involved in their student’s education as early as the admissions process, and they should always feel free to contact the staff and administration about their student’s progress.

Intermediate District 287 is committed to fostering and embracing diversity at all levels of the organization. In fact, our Strategic Priorities prioritizes racial equity and excellence as top outcomes for District 287. 

• We recognize that each student brings their own unique capabilities, experiences and characteristics. 
• We believe in treating each person with respect and dignity. 
• We strive to create and encourage a supportive and understanding environment in which all individuals realize their maximum potential by recognizing and celebrating our differences. 
• We recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of our students and the communities we serve. Our diversity encompasses differences in race, ethnicity, gender, language, age, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, physical and mental ability, thinking styles, experience, and education. 
• We believe the array of perspectives that results from such diversity promotes a more responsive and creative professional learning community. 
• We recognize that racism, ageism, sexism and other forms of discrimination are problems both for our organization and society.
• We are committed to tackling racial and cultural stereotypes and microaggressions within and outside our organization. 
• We have clear reporting procedures for any discrimination or harassment combined with follow-up procedures designed to prevent future incidents. 
• We will continue to combat discrimination in the wider community through partnerships with member districts and community-based groups.

Intermediate District 287 has developed and implemented an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan. Walkthrough inspections of District 287 buildings are performed annually and as needed to detect issues that could lead to IAQ problems and to prevent future problems from occurring.

District 287 utilizes a professional pest control service for the prevention and control of pests in and around District 287 buildings. The methods used are designed to minimize risk to human and environmental health and to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Nevertheless, the long-term health effects on children from the application of such pest control products, or the class of products to which they belong, may not be fully understood. An estimated schedule of pest control inspections and possible treatments is available on the Indoor Air Quality, Pest Control, Asbestos Management annual notice. Upon request, District 287 will provide prior notification of pest control applications. 

District 287 buildings are inspected regularly for asbestos-containing materials. Based on inspection results, plans have been developed and implemented to safely manage asbestos-containing materials at the affected location. 

For more information, please contact District 287 Senior Manager of Health, Safety, and Security  Jacob Horejsh at 763-550-7129, or jchorejsh@district287.org.

Intermediate District 287 shall not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race; color; religion; creed; age; sex; disability; criminal record; sexual orientation; gender identity/expression; gender, familial, or marital status; national origin; immigration status, and status with regard to public assistance in its admission, treatment, discipline, or access to its programs and activities.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, in education programs or activities. Title IX states that:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Intermediate District 287’s Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Kevin Witherspoon, Director of Human Resources. Dr. Witherspoon can be contacted at kjwitherspoon@district287.org 763-550-3133, or the District Service Center, 1820 Xenium Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55441. There is a Title IX Policy on District 287’s website for more information.

Requests for accommodations, including interpreters, should be directed to Melissa Brateng, Director of Special Education, Student Support and Itinerant Services, at 763-550-7232 or mabrateng@district287.org. Requests for language assistance, such as translation services for written documents, are handled by the Communications Department. Please contact Rachel Prost, Communications Specialist, at rkprost@district287.org or 763-550-7219.  

You may contact Kevin Witherspoon, Director of Human Resources, to file a complaint about any of the items covered in this Nondiscrimination Notice, at 763-550-3133 or kjwitherspoon@district287.org. You may also file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights.

Intermediate District 287 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These federal laws require that organizations which receive federal funds make their programs and activities accessible to all individuals. 

Laws related to the non-discrimination of students may be accessed online on the District 287’s website by following the links above or by requesting a paper copy from the Director of Human Resources at 763-550-3133 or kjwitherspoon@district287.org.

The rights of all students are guaranteed under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act of 1974. Procedures, as provided in the Act, shall be followed. When a student is faced with a dismissal proceeding, which may result in suspension, expulsion, or exclusion, Intermediate District 287 shall afford the safeguards of due process and/or equal protection under the law as applicable.

Intermediate District 287 believes in putting students first. We strive to create and maintain our schools as places that are safe and free from threats or the influence of people or groups that promote violence or threaten the physical or emotional safety of our community. 

District 287 will make a good faith effort to promote healthy human relationships and foster a learning environment that is physically and psychologically safe for all students in order to nurture a supportive learning community.

Students are not required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Under Minnesota Law, children must attend school from the time they are enrolled until they are age 18, unless they are legally withdrawn from school at age 17. A parent or guardian must make a child attend school according to Minnesota Statutes Sec. 120A.22. Unexcused absences interfere with student achievement and may result in interventions to improve attendance.

If a student has so many absences (even parent/guardian-approved) that they are excessive and interfere with the student’s educational program, they may be interpreted as truancy and follow-up procedures will be implemented. All instances of truancy may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

A student is tardy if they are not at school at the official start time. Students who leave the building early with permission from their parent/guardian must check out in the front office of their school.

Frequent absences will result in more frequent contacts with parents or guardians to determine the causes of absences and to collaboratively work towards solutions for more frequent attendance and more successful schooling.

Student Expectations

• Attend school on a regular basis and report to assigned classes on time.
• Report immediately to Intermediate District 287 staff any threat, act of intimidation, bullying, hazing, harassment, physical or verbal abuse, or assault. 
• Follow federal and state laws as well as District 287 policies, including those relating to weapons, drugs, and tobacco/vaping devices. 
• Be truthful in investigations conducted by District 287 and/or law enforcement. 
• Follow all District 287 policies and procedures, including the use of District 287 technology and use of personal devices on school grounds.
• Use District 287 property and supplies with permission and in ways that do not intentionally waste or destroy them. 
• Students have the right to choose their manner of dress unless it presents a clear danger to the student’s health or safety, causes an interference with school work or creates classroom or school disorder. 
• Follow reasonable staff instructions, especially when related to protection of student privacy and safety.

Unacceptable behaviors which may result in school and/or legal consequences:

• Bringing any device or weapon to school which is known to be dangerous to one’s self or others or using any device found at school or on school property in a manner which may be dangerous or threatening to others (for example: scissors used as a weapon). 
• Students who possess, use or distribute a weapon when in Intermediate District 287 location in violation of District 287 policy shall be subject to discipline and any other appropriate action. In accordance with Minnesota law, District 287 will inform the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system in cases involving the unlawful possession of firearms. 
• Inflicting physical or emotional harm through violence or threats of violence including religious, racial, or sexual violence.
• Physical or verbal aggression that causes, attempts, or threatens to cause physical injury to another person, District 287 property, or property of others. 
• Harassment of another person through conduct or communication(s) of a sexual nature or regarding race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity/expression,  sexual or affectional orientation, familial or marital status, disability, immigration status, or national origin. For example, unwelcome sexual behavior could include staring that makes another person uncomfortable, comments about people’s clothing, or talking about people’s body parts/shape. Unwelcome behavior could also include distributing digital or physical material (text, pictures, etc) that harasses staff or students
• Sending harassing emails or instant messages, and sending or posting harmful or obscene text or images using cell phones, the Internet, or any other communications device, means, or method.
• Bullying
• Using, being under the influence, possessing, selling or distributing illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
• Students found to be in violation of District 287’s Student Conduct and Discipline Policy may be subject to one or more of the following interventions: 
• appropriate actions to ensure the personal safety of the student and others, including, but not limited to, a referral to the school's chemical pre-assessment team;
  • community or county-based services;
  • drug or alcohol assistance or rehabilitation programs;
  • contact with law enforcement officials; 
  • disciplinary actions consistent with District 287 policies. 
• Smoking or using tobacco, in any form, including electronic delivery devices for nicotine or vaping, on school premises, in District 287 vehicles, or at school-sponsored activities. 
• Possession, use, sale or distribution of fireworks on school grounds.
• Stealing or taking school property or the personal property of others.
• Damaging or destroying school property, equipment, or the personal property of others.
• Hazing
• Truancy, absenteeism, tardiness, skipping classes, leaving school grounds or a school event without permission, or failing to leave the building at the end of the school day.  
• Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and forging, altering, or misusing District 287 grading documents or records 
• Gambling 
• Entering unauthorized areas of the school building.

These and other behaviors that disrupt the rights of others to an education or that endanger the student, other individuals, or the property of the school or others may also result in discipline, such as removal from class or activity; opportunity to pause and reflect; referral to administration; confiscation of contraband; loss of credit for a project, assignment or test; suspension; referral to law enforcement authorities; and/or expulsion/exclusion.

Administrators at each site are able to use discretion when determining discipline for each individual student. When a student has a disability, discipline will follow special education laws and regulations as well as their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Intermediate District 287 strictly adheres to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requirements. During the school year, students will be educated concerning appropriate online behavior, safety and cyberbullying awareness and response, consistent with the Technology Responsible Use Policy. "Cyberbullying" means bullying using technology or other electronic communication, which may include but is not limited to communication and sharing of text, images, or video via phone, internet, or social networks. More information can be found in the District 287’s Bullying Policy.

At all 287 school sites, every student, staff, visitor, and vendor will be required to enter through one or two main entry point, or points. Every person will be required to walk through a weapons detection system once they have entered a 287 facility. If screening staff are notified, via an ipad alert/video, of a possible weapon identified by the system, school staff may ask that specific person to step aside for a more detailed search of their belongings to identify what the system identified as a possible weapon. This is a precaution intended to prevent people from bringing weapons or other illegal items into school. Staff participating in the screenings are specially trained and work to respect the privacy and comfort of each person while ensuring that each person is safe to enter the building. Contact the Building Principal and/or Senior Manager of Health, Safety, and Security with questions or concerns about the building’s procedure.

Intermediate District 287 property can be searched at any time (lockers, cubbies, electronic devices, etc). Searches of District 287 property may be conducted by District 287 authorities for any reason and at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a law, school rule, or Intermediate District 287 policy has been violated, a student or students may be asked to empty their pockets, purse, backpack, etc., so that their personal possessions may be searched. This precaution is designed to help ensure a safe and healthy environment that is conducive to learning.

Maintaining the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, and visitors while on Intermediate District 287 property and the protection of District 287 property are important functions of the District. The school board recognizes the value of video cameras/electronic surveillance systems as one part of carrying out these functions.

District 287 buildings and grounds may be equipped with video cameras. Video surveillance may occur in any District 287 building or on any District 287 property. Video recordings will be viewed by a limited group of District 287 personnel on a random basis and/or when problems have been brought to the attention of District 287. A video recording of the actions of students may be used as evidence in any disciplinary action brought against any student arising out of the student’s conduct in District 287 buildings or on District 287 grounds.

Video surveillance of public areas for security purposes will be conducted in a manner consistent with existing District 287 policies/procedures, including the Non-Discrimination Policy, the Sexual Harassment Policy, and other relevant policies/procedures. Video surveillance is used in public areas by the Health, Safety, and Security Department to deter crime and assist in protecting District 287 community and property.

Video recordings will be released only in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. Sect. 1232g, and the rules and/or regulations promulgated thereunder.

Intermediate District 287 sites are secure. Access to wings within the school, classrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces is only allowed with the use of a staff key card. To access these spaces, students are required to be with a staff member. Exceptions to this are only when staff classroom doors are intentionally propped open, such as in our Alternative Learning Centers.