Student Handbook

Welcome

Dear Robbinsdale Area Schools Family,

This is an important publication that sets out the rights and responsibilities we share as participants in the education of our students. While the details matter, the key messages of this Handbook come down to the following:

Students:

Try your best to come to school every day.
Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and patience.
Enjoy learning!

Families:

Know that our school and district staff are here for you, too.
Help your student understand their responsibilities to others.
Contact us with your questions or concerns.

For our part, the staff members of our district promise to:

See, hear, and know every student.
Strive to understand what makes each student unique.
Keep our schools vibrant places to learn.

When each member of our district community does these things, we know our schools, programs and activities will be vibrant, nurturing places to learn.

Thank you for your attention to this document, and have a great year.

David Engstrom
Superintendent

2022-23 Student Handbook

Rights and Responsibilities

2022-23 Student Handbook

Unified District Vision
Equity Policy

Unified District Vision

Unified District Vision
Believe. Belong. Become

The mission of Robbinsdale Area Schools is to inspire and educate all learners to develop their unique potential and positively contribute to their community.

Unified District Vision
Robbinsdale Area Schools is committed to ensuring every student graduate career, articulated skilled trades and college ready. We believe each student has limitless possibilities and we strive to ignite the potential in every student. We expect high intellectual performance from all of our students. We are committed to ensuring an equitable and respectful educational experience for every student, family and staff member, focusing on strengths related to:

Race
Culture
Ethnicity
Home or First Language
National Origin
Socioeconomic Status
Gender
Sexual Orientation
Age
Ability
Religion
Physical Appearance

The Unified District Vision Consists of Four Key Goals:

Implement policies and practices that open pathways to academic excellence for all students
Utilize culturally responsive teaching and personalized learning for all students
Engage family and community members as partners
Engage and Empower students by amplifying student voice

Learn more about the Unified District Vision.

Equity Policy

Fulfilling the Unified District Vision Through Equity

In our work to fulfill the requirements of the World’s Best Workforce and live up to our Unified District Vision (UDV), we embrace the following shared values, and adopt them as the framework for our collective efforts to prepare each student to develop their unique potential. We commit to ensuring fairness, equity and inclusion as essential principles of our district, fully integrating those principles into all our governance, leadership,
policies, programs, operations and practices. We commit to providing a district-wide culture which:

Holds high expectations of students and staff, through appreciation of varied teaching and learning styles.
Allows for individualized and systemic personal development opportunities that support teachers and students.
Intentionally utilize culturally relevant and responsive curricula, and pathways that widen access to educational opportunities and lifelong success.
Identify, develop and apply best instructional practices that have demonstrably made a positive difference for students to reduce prevalent and persistent learning outcome gaps.
Allocate the many financial, capital and human resources of RAS equitably.
Facilitate equitable access to co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, social services, tutoring, and enrichment opportunities.
Engage, and collaborate with our families, students, residents, communities, and stakeholders promoting their active involvement as an essential component of the district’s responsibility for effective and equitable governance.

The Board has the expectation all district and school site decision makers, teachers, administrators, and other staff will be accountable for building a district-wide culture of equity. The Superintendent is charged to develop a plan with measurable accountability standards and procedures that can be reported transparently to the public. The equity policy is the lens guiding existing and future policies which impact student learning and resource allocation. Our district’s policy development process will utilize insights from the equity policy.

The Equity Policy of Robbinsdale Area Schools will be reviewed annually and approved by the Board.

One student is reading while another student works on their laptop in the classroom

Safe and Civil Schools Statement

Robbinsdale Area Schools recognizes the importance of supporting a positive school climate and culture, and providing supports to students and staff across the district. We have adopted Safe and Civil Schools as the framework for enhancing learning and engagement across all school settings. The goal of Safe and Civil Schools is to support teachers and school staff to create workable, effective solutions to problem behaviors at school. In addition to the district-wide Handbook, each school has developed school-wide expectations/behavior plans, and licensed teachers have their own classroom management and discipline plan(s) aligned with the philosophy of Safe and Civil Schools. This plan includes strategies for teaching and encouraging expected behaviors. Each teacher communicates their plan to parents/guardians and students - including strategies for teaching and reinforcing behavior and strategies for providing consequences for both positive and negative behavior.

Shared Responsibilities

Increasing Safety, Engagement and Responsibility

The safety and security of all students are our highest priorities, and we are committed to providing an enriching learning environment. Our intention is to provide positive, corrective instruction to students who fail to meet behavioral expectations. To ensure a positive learning environment, students, parents and guardians, and Robbinsdale Area Schools have important roles to play.

Students

Believe that you have the capacity to be your best self and achieve your hopes and dreams.
Build and maintain positive relationships with all staff and other students.
Respect yourself, the learning environment, other students, their parents/guardians, families and all staff.
Ask for and accept help when you need assistance.
Go to school every day on time, ready to learn and give your best effort.
Learn and follow school expectations and procedures.
Use technology and equipment in a responsible way.
Personalize your learning by bringing your creativity to your assignments.
Conduct yourself in a manner to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Parents/Guardians

Believe your child has the capacity to be their best self and achieve their hopes and dreams.
Build and maintain a positive relationship with staff at the school.
Respect and support the learning environment and emphasize the importance of being prepared for school.
Ask for help when you need assistance. Advocate for your child through regular communication with school staff.
Make sure your child arrives at school every day on time and prepared to learn.
Learn, and speak with your child about the expectations and procedures at their school.
Review the technology agreement with your child.
Encourage your child’s passion to learn and grow around their own goals for college, articulated skilled trades and career.
Contact your child’s school if you observe or are aware of potentially unsafe activities or conditions.

Staff

Robbinsdale Area Schools Staff

Believe students are capable of being their best selves and achieving their hopes and dreams, and that staff have the capacity to support students.
Build and maintain positive relationships with all students and their families.
Develop a learning community and a respectful environment that supports social-emotional and academic success.
Regularly communicate with students and families. Support them when they ask for assistance.
Create a welcoming environment. Have high expectations for all students.
Teach, model and reinforce school expectations and procedures. Follow the school-wide discipline plan.
Tailor instruction for student voice and choice within a technology-rich learning environment.
Provide personalized, engaging and academically appropriate instruction, including culturally-responsive teaching which represents and invites students’ identities.
Create and monitor safe conditions in the school environment.

High school students work on a project together.

Middle school students work on a group project.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework for helping all learners succeed by matching interventions, instruction and assessment to their personalized needs. MTSS includes social and emotional learning (SEL) and academic instruction and supports.

Goals for the Student Handbook

At Robbinsdale Area Schools, our goal is to create a safe and supportive climate and culture for all of our students. Each year, the School Board of Robbinsdale Area Schools adopts a Student Handbook to provide guidelines for the teaching and implementation of expected behaviors.

Students must follow the Handbook before, during and after school while inside school buildings, on school grounds, and at school-related activities and events. Students also must follow these rules while traveling in Robbinsdale Area Schools vehicles. When misbehavior involves communication, gestures or expressive behavior, the infraction applies to oral, written or electronic communications, including but not limited to texting, emailing and social networking.

Progressive Discipline Approach

Understanding discipline as a “teachable moment” is fundamental to a positive approach to discipline. The goal of progressive discipline is preventing recurrence of negative behavior by helping students learn from their mistakes. Essential to the implementation of progressive discipline is assisting students who have engaged in unacceptable behavior to:

understand why the behavior is unacceptable and the harm it has caused;
understand what they could have done differently in the same situation;
take responsibility for their actions;
learn pro-social strategies and skills to use in the future;
model and practice replacement strategies; and
understand the progression of consequences with recurring behavior.

Appropriate disciplinary responses should emphasize prevention and effective intervention, foster resiliency, prevent disruption to students’ education, and promote positive school culture. Every reasonable effort must be made to correct student behavior through school-based interventions such as restorative practices.

Supports and interventions are essential because inappropriate behavior or violations of the Student Handbook may be symptomatic of more serious problems that students are experiencing. It is, therefore, important that school personnel be sensitive to issues that may influence the behavior of students and respond in a manner that is most supportive of their needs.

Determining the Disciplinary Response

School officials must consult this document when determining disciplinary measures. In determining how best to address inappropriate behavior, it is necessary to evaluate the totality of the circumstances surrounding the behavior. The following must be considered prior to determining the appropriate disciplinary measures:

The student’s age, maturity, culture, and developmental level
The student’s disciplinary record including the nature of any prior misbehavior, the number of prior instances of misbehavior, and the disciplinary and guidance intervention measures applied for each
The nature, severity and scope of the behavior
The circumstances/context in which the conduct occurred
The frequency and duration of the behavior
The number of persons involved in the behavior
The social-emotional status/needs of all persons involved in the behavior
The student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), if applicable
The student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), BIP and/or 504 Accommodation Plan, if applicable

Restorative Practices

The district’s vision is to provide a system of practices that will increase student engagement and build academic and social achievement. Restorative practices allow a school community to build relationships, problem solve, repair harm, and learn. Practices include collaborative negotiation, circle process, peer mediation, conflict resolution, and formal restorative conferencing. In this approach, relationships are the most important way we learn about the world and ourselves. A restorative practice school and community believes:

Everyone in the school community is good, wise and powerful.
We are all connected to one another.
All of us want to be in good, healthy relationships with others.
We all have talents and gifts we bring to school.
It takes time, habits, and support to build and maintain positive relationships.

Core Values of the Student Handbook

The Student Handbook features three core values that guide expectations in each of the four levels of expectations and corrective strategies. The core values are reflective of our Unified District Vision.

Core Values:

Be safe
Be engaged
Be responsible

Each level features examples of expected behaviors and examples of infractions of these three core values. When teaching students the expectations for conduct, these core values can be used to design pro-social skills instruction and to develop replacement behavior strategies.

An elementary teacher works with a student one-on-one

Additional Expectations and Guidelines

Student Dress Code

Student dress code expectations are outlined in: Administrative Procedure 504AP: Student Dress and Appearance.

Appropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to the following:

Clothing appropriate for the weather.
Clothing that does not create a health or safety hazard.
Clothing appropriate for the activity (i.e. physical education or the classroom).

Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Clothing that shows intimate parts.
Clothing bearing a lewd, vulgar or obscene message.
Apparel promoting products or activities that are illegal for use by minors.
Objectionable emblems, badges, symbols, signs, words, objects, or pictures on clothing or jewelry communicating a message that is racist, sexist or otherwise derogatory to a protected minority group, evidences gang membership or affiliation, or approves or advances any form of religious, racial, or sexual harassment and/or violence against other individuals as defined in Board Policy 413: Harassment and Violence.
Any apparel or footwear that would damage school property.
Masks, face paint or clothing limiting or preventing identification of a student.
Clothing worn in a manner that displays undergarments.

Transportation Expectations and Consequences

Transportation expectations and consequences are based on the Board Policy 709: Student Transportation and are mandated by state statute. The school district bus safety rules are posted on every bus. Students are expected to follow the same behavioral standards while riding school buses as are expected on school property or at school activities, functions or events. Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. The school district’s general student behavior rules are in effect for all students on school buses, including nonpublic school students. Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the school district under adopted administrative discipline procedures. All school rules are in effect while a student is riding the bus or at the bus stop. In addition, all school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the school district’s transportation personnel. Serious misconduct will be reported to the Department of Public Safety and may be reported to local law enforcement.

Rules at the Bus Stop

Get to your bus stop five minutes before your scheduled pick up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students.
Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop.
Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.
Use appropriate language.
Stay away from the street, road or highway when waiting for the bus.
Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus.
After getting off the bus, move away from the bus.
If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.
No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.
No use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

Rules on the Bus

Immediately follow the directions of the driver.
Sit in your seat facing forward.
Talk quietly and use appropriate language.
Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.
No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay.
Do not throw any object.
No eating, drinking, or use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Do not bring any weapons or dangerous objects on the school bus.
Do not damage the school bus

Students who do not follow the rules will receive consequences as required by the district’s Student Handbook. Students may lose their bus privileges as a result of progressive discipline.

Alternative Education Services Procedures

If a student is suspended for more than five school days, the student is entitled to alternative educational services that will allow the student to progress toward meeting graduation requirements. A suspension for more than five school days must have prior approval from the superintendent/designee, with a reason for the longer suspension.

Alternative educational services are defined in Minn. Stat § 121A.41 as the following: “Alternative educational services” may include, but are not limited to, special tutoring, modified curriculum, modified instruction, other modifications or adaptations, instruction through electronic media, special education services as indicated by appropriate assessment, homebound instruction, supervised homework, or enrollment in another district or in an alternative learning center under section 123A.05 selected to allow the pupil to progress toward meeting graduation standards under section 120B.01, although in a different setting.

Generally, Robbinsdale Area Schools provides alternative educational services according to the following schedule:

Length of Suspension	School Services Provided	Administrator Provided or Designee Responsibility	Parent/Guardian Responsibility
Up to five school days	Current classroom work and homework will be made available as soon as possible.	Arrange for collection of classroom work and homework from teachers.	Pick up classroom work and homework from the school administrator or arrange to have it delivered home. Return completed work upon student's return to school.
Six to 10 school days	Current classroom work and homework will be made available no later than the sixth school day of suspension.	Arrange for collection of classroom work and homework from teachers.	Pick up classroom work and homework from the school administrator or arrange to have it delivered to home. Return completed work to the school administrator.
Up to 15 school days (only pending expulsion or when a student constitutes a substantial and immediate danger)		Arrange for instruction through electronic media as soon as a determination has been made to refer student for expulsion.	Assist school administrator in establishing a schedule for the delivery of homebound services.

The school principal is responsible for ensuring the school attempts to provide required alternative educational services. Parents/guardians also have the responsibilities set forth above. Parents who have concerns about the school’s compliance with these procedures should contact the school principal or the Assistant Superintendent.

Additional information related to special education students: Robbinsdale Area Schools may have additional obligations to special education students that are not explained here. For more information about the rights of special education students, see the Procedural Safeguard Notice Parental Rights for Public School Special Education Students or contact the school principal, your student’s case manager, or the Special Education Director at 763-504-8070.

Discipline Guidelines for Students with Disabilities and Early Childhood

Summary of Required Action Described in Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act and IDEA

	IEP Team Meeting Required	Manifestation Determination Required	*Functional Behavioral Assessment Plan Required	Provision of Services	Notify	Other Notes
Student removed for 1 school day or less	No (1)	No (1)	No (1)	No	IEP Case Manger	Counts toward the 10 cumulative days
Student suspended for less than 10 consecutive school days	No (1)	No (1)	No (1)	No	IEP Case Manager, Special Education Supervisor	Five days of Alternative Education Services
Student suspended for 10 consecutive school days	Yes	Yes	No (1)	Yes	IEP Case Manager, Special Education Supervisor	FBA and BIP must be reviewed
Student removed for 10 cumulative school days in a school year or more (Every day after the 10th day of suspension, the IEP team must follow this process)	Yes	Yes (on or prior to the 10th day)	Yes	Yes	IEP Case Manager, Special Education Supervisor	FBA must be completed. IEP must include a Positive Behavior Plan Must be afforded special education services/ supports to make progress toward graduation
Student placed on in-school suspension	No (2)	No (2)	No (2)	Yes	IEP Case Manager, Special Education Supervisor
Parent requests a manifestation determination following any removal for disciplinary reasons	Yes	Yes	No (1)	No	IEP Case Manager, Special Education Supervisor
Student suspended from the bus	Depends (3)	Depends (3)	Depends (3)		IEP Case Manager, Special Education Supervisor

Unless the removal brings the total number of cumulative days to more than 10 or the parent requests a meeting.
An in-school suspension or district modified learning center placement would not be considered a part of the days of removal as long as the student is afforded the opportunity to continue to appropriately progress in the general curriculum, continue to receive the services specified on his or her IEP, and continue to participate with non-disabled students to the extent they would have in their current placement.
If bus transportation is part of the student’s IEP, a bus suspension would be treated as a removal unless the school provides transportation in some way, because that transportation is necessary for the student to obtain access to the location where all other services will be delivered. If bus transportation is not part of the student’s IEP, a bus suspension typically would not be a removal.

*If one is not completed, the team must convene to evaluate and implement into the student’s IEP.

Students with Disabilities and Students with an Individual Education Program (IEP)

When a student with a disability has been suspended for five consecutive school days or after the 10th cumulative school day within the school year, the IEP team must meet to hold a manifestation determination meeting. The team will determine if the behavior is related to the student’s disability.

A dismissal for one school day or less is a day of suspension if the student with a disability does not receive regular or special education instruction during that dismissal period. A student with a disability shall be provided alternative educational services to the extent a suspension exceeds five consecutive school days. Before initiating an expulsion or exclusion, the district, relevant members of the student’s IEP team, and the student’s parent or guardian shall, consistent with federal law, determine whether the student’s behavior was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s disability, and whether the student’s conduct was a direct result of a failure to implement the student’s individualized education program. When a student with a disability who has an IEP is excluded or expelled for misbehavior that is not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the district shall continue to provide special education and related services during the exclusion or expulsion. Minn. Stat. § 121A.43

Students with Disabilities/Section 504 Students

Students covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may be disciplined for behavior related to their disabilities, unless the discipline would result in a significant change of placement. A qualified student with a disability may not be suspended for more than five consecutive school days or 10 cumulative school days without a manifestation determination conducted by the student’s 504 team.

Discipline Guidance for Early Childhood

This Handbook establishes discipline policies for students in grades K-12. Robbinsdale Area Schools recognizes students enter early childhood programs at varying school readiness levels and from a variety of backgrounds, and thus early childhood students demonstrate a wide range of developmentally “typical” behaviors and skills. Early childhood education staff should use supportive environments, proactive measures, positive reinforcement, and responsive strategies to guide and teach expected student behavior. Children in early childhood education programs may not be suspended or expelled without approval by the Assistant Superintendent.

Levels of Corrective Strategies

Level 1 Expectations and Corrective Strategies

Level 1 interventions are generally addressed by school staff members when a student has minimal or no prior violations. The staff response is to teach and practice the expected behavior so students learn and demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors. Staff members are expected to use a variety of teaching and management strategies.

District-Wide Expectations (What is expected of students)	Expected Behaviors (What students should do)	Infractions of Expectations (What students should not do)	Choices to Address Student Infractions (These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)
Be safe	Use considerate communication Follow school-wide behavioral expectations and abide by classroom rules, routines and procedures	Engage in Inappropriate Communication Use Disruptive Behavior	Restorative Practices Making amends to those harmed or offended Verbal correction Providing a reflective activity Re-teaching behavioral expectations Creating a behavior contract that includes expected student behaviors and consequences for infractions and/or incentives for demonstrating expected behavior School community service Loss of privileges In-class time-out Removal from class to another supervised classroom (less than one hour) Mediation Detention, during which the student completes school work Alternative in-school educational programming, during which school work is completed, for less than half a day In-school suspension, during which school work is completed, for more than half a day Restitution
Be engaged	Follow school-wide schedule expectations and arrive on time to class Listen to adults and follow directions	Exhibit Chronic Tardiness (Grades 6-12) Fail to Follow Directions
Be responsible	Be honest Use communication devices according to school policy	Engage in Fraud/Provide False Identification Use Electronic Communication Devices in Violation of School Policy

District-Wide Expectations

(What is expected of students)

Expected Behaviors

(What students should do)

Infractions of Expectations

(What students should not do)

Choices to Address Student Infractions

(These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)

Be safe

Use considerate communication
Follow school-wide behavioral expectations and abide by classroom rules, routines and procedures

Engage in Inappropriate Communication
Use Disruptive Behavior

Restorative Practices
Making amends to those harmed or offended
Verbal correction
Providing a reflective activity
Re-teaching behavioral expectations
Creating a behavior contract that includes expected student behaviors and consequences for infractions and/or incentives for demonstrating expected behavior
School community service
Loss of privileges
In-class time-out
Removal from class to another supervised classroom (less than one hour)
Mediation
Detention, during which the student completes school work
Alternative in-school educational programming, during which school work is completed, for less than half a day
In-school suspension, during which school work is completed, for more than half a day
Restitution

Be engaged

Follow school-wide schedule expectations and arrive on time to class
Listen to adults and follow directions

Exhibit Chronic Tardiness (Grades 6-12)
Fail to Follow Directions

Be responsible

Be honest
Use communication devices according to school policy

Engage in Fraud/Provide False Identification
Use Electronic Communication Devices in Violation of School Policy

Level 1 Definition of Terms

Chronic Tardiness (Grades 6-12)
Students are expected to follow school-wide schedule expectations and arrive on time to class. Students must not habitually arrive at class after the bell or signal that class has started.

Disruptive Behavior
Students are expected to follow school-wide behavioral expectations and abide by classroom rules, routines and procedures. Students must not interrupt the learning of others or behave in a manner that causes disruption to the school environment. If a teacher or other school adult is prevented from starting an activity or lesson, or has to stop what they are doing to try to stop the student’s behavior, the behavior is considered disruptive. For example, if a student causes a disruption in the classroom by talking, making noises, throwing objects, play-fighting, or otherwise distracting one or more classmates, the student is engaging in disruptive behavior.

Electronic Communication Devices
Electronic devices may be brought to school only in accordance with school policy. Students must use communication devices according to their school’s policy (a school may choose to develop a specific plan related to the authorized use of electronic devices). Electronic communication devices must be turned off during school hours unless allowed by school policy.

Failure to Follow Directions
Students are expected to follow the instructions of school staff. School staff include administrators, teachers, educational assistants (EAs), secretaries, security personnel, custodians, bus drivers, lunchroom workers, school volunteers, etc. If students do not obey the instructions and/or directions given by school staff, the behavior may be considered disobedient.

Fraud/False Identification
Students are expected to be honest. Students must not sign or give a name other than their own.

Inappropriate Communication
Students are expected to speak considerately to others. Examples of inappropriate communication include put-downs, swearing, threatening, making fun of, or negatively talking about a person or their family.

Level 2 Expectations and Corrective Strategies

Level 2 violations will generally result in interventions and/or disciplinary responses that involve the school administration. These actions aim to correct behavior by stressing the seriousness of the behavior while keeping the student in school.

District-Wide Expectations (What is expected of students)	Expected Behaviors (What students should do)	Infractions of Expectations (What students should not do)	Choices to Address Student Infractions (These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)
Be safe	All communication in the school is to be conducted with kindness Resolve conflicts peacefully Associate with peers and adults who engage in safe, respectful and responsible behavior Protect your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others Obey the law regarding combustibles	Engage in Harassment Inappropriate Use of Electronic Technology Engage in Inappropriate Physical Contact (No bodily harm) Using Tobacco/Smoking Use/Possess Combustibles - Elementary	Restorative practices Making amends to those harmed or offended Verbal correction Providing a reflective activity Re-teaching behavioral expectations Creating a behavior contract that includes expected student behaviors and consequences for infractions and/or incentives for demonstrating expected behavior Parent/guardian notification Parent/guardian conference Loss of privilege School community service Monetary restitution Consecutive day removal (up to five) to another supervised classroom during a designated subject Mediation Detention, during which the student completes school work Alternative in-school educational programming, during which school work is completed, for less than half a day In-school suspension time, during which school work is completed, for more than half a day Referral to behavioral interventionist for tobacco/chemical infraction Potential police notification
Be engaged	Be at school during all school hours	Be Truant (Grades 6-12)
Be responsible	Take care of school property Use your own belongings unless explicit permission from the owner is given to borrow an item Do your own work Be honest	Engage in Property Damage/Vandalism (Under $500) Engage in Minor Theft/Possession of Stolen Property (Under $500) Cheating Gambling

District-Wide Expectations

(What is expected of students)

Expected Behaviors

(What students should do)

Infractions of Expectations

(What students should not do)

Choices to Address Student Infractions

(These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)

Be safe

All communication in the school is to be conducted with kindness
Resolve conflicts peacefully
Associate with peers and adults who engage in safe, respectful and responsible behavior
Protect your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others
Obey the law regarding combustibles

Engage in Harassment
Inappropriate Use of Electronic Technology
Engage in Inappropriate Physical Contact (No bodily harm)
Using Tobacco/Smoking
Use/Possess Combustibles - Elementary

Restorative practices
Making amends to those harmed or offended
Verbal correction
Providing a reflective activity
Re-teaching behavioral expectations
Creating a behavior contract that includes expected student behaviors and consequences for infractions and/or incentives for demonstrating expected behavior
Parent/guardian notification
Parent/guardian conference
Loss of privilege
School community service
Monetary restitution
Consecutive day removal (up to five) to another supervised classroom during a designated subject
Mediation
Detention, during which the student completes school work
Alternative in-school educational
programming, during which school work is completed, for less than half a day
In-school suspension time, during which school work is completed, for more than half a day
Referral to behavioral interventionist for tobacco/chemical infraction
Potential police notification

Be engaged

Be at school during all school hours

Be Truant (Grades 6-12)

Be responsible

Take care of school property
Use your own belongings unless explicit permission from the owner is given to borrow an item
Do your own work
Be honest

Engage in Property Damage/Vandalism (Under $500)
Engage in Minor Theft/Possession of Stolen Property (Under $500)
Cheating
Gambling

Level 2 Definition of Terms

Cheating
Students are expected to do their own work. Students must not use, submit or attempt to obtain data or answers dishonestly, or by deceit, collusion, or means other than those authorized by the teacher. Examples of acts of cheating/ plagiarism include any appropriation, literary theft, falsification, counterfeiting, piracy, fraud, or unsupervised possession of any federal-, state- or district-mandated tests. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, copying word for word from references such as books, magazines, research materials or the internet.

Inappropriate Use of Electronic Technology
Students are expected to use technology and other resources in a safe and responsible manner. Students must not make, produce or distribute videos, images, sound recording or other mediums that show behavior prohibited by the Student Handbook Rights and Responsibilities on school property or at school events, including using school-owned or personal electronic devices (e.g., laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, e-readers, cellphones or video or still cameras). Depictions of such conduct on social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, or any other similar websites are prohibited. Any representations of prohibited behavior must be immediately turned over to the principal or the principal’s designee. Reproduction and distribution of these items will result in disciplinary action.

Gambling
Students should choose games which align with the expected behaviors in the Student Handbook Rights and Responsibilities. Students must not play games of cards, chance or dice for money or other items, except if such games are played at a school-sponsored activity for educational purposes.

Harassment
All communication in the school is to be conducted with kindness. Students must not use words (written, verbal, electronic), gestures, photographic images, drawings, or any form of communication to harass another person. This includes harassment based on race, gender, religious beliefs, nationality, disability or sexual orientation. See Board Policy 413: Harassment and Violence for more detailed information.

Minor Theft/Possession of Stolen Property (Under $500)
Students must use only their own belongings unless explicit permission from the owner is given to borrow an item. Students must not take anything that does not belong to them. Students must not have anything that they know, or have reason to know, has been stolen. Students must not use school-owned or personal equipment to conduct illegal activity

Physical Contact (No bodily harm)
Students must get help when needed to solve problems nonviolently. Students must not engage in non-serious but inappropriate physical contact, such as pushing, play fighting, and intimidation.

Property Damage/Vandalism (Under $500)
Students must take care of school property. Students must not damage, break, destroy or misuse school property or anything that belongs to someone else.

Tobacco/Smoking
Students are expected to protect their own health and safety and that of others. Students must not possess, smoke or use any kind of tobacco product or associated paraphernalia including e-cigarettes and vaping.

Truancy (Grades 6-12)
Students are expected to be at school. Students may not receive an “unexcused absence” for a half day or more.

Use/Possession of Combustibles - Elementary
Students must obey the law regarding combustibles. Students must not use or be in possession of substances/objects capable of causing bodily harm and/or property damage (matches, lighters, firecrackers, gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.).

Level 3 Expectations and Corrective Strategies

Level 3 violations will generally result in interventions and/or disciplinary responses that involve the school administration. These actions aim to correct behavior by stressing the seriousness of behavior while providing access to educational programming.

District-Wide Expectations (What is expected of students)	Expected Behaviors (What students should do)	Infractions of Expectations (What students should not do)	Choices to Address Student Infractions (These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)
Be safe	All communication in the school is to be conducted with kindness Resolve conflicts peacefully Obey laws regarding fire safety Seek help when needed to solve problems nonviolently Interact safely with peers Bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities Maintain a safe and productive learning environment Abide by speed limits and traffic signals Maintain appropriate boundaries with peers Obey the law regarding combustibles Protect your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others Respect other people and their decisions Be kind to other people	Bullying Fighting* False Fire Alarms or Bomb Reports/ Tampering with Fire Alarm System Engage in Group Violence* Engage in Harmful Physical Contact* Hazing Engage in Physical Contact with Staff Possession/Use of Other Weapons or Objects, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, with no intent Property Damage/Vandalism (Over $500) Engage in Substantial Disruption Reckless Driving Engage in Sexually Inappropriate Behavior Use/Possession of Combustibles - Secondary Use/Possession of Drugs, Alcohol or Other Controlled Substances Engage in Extortion/Robbery Make Threats	Restorative practices Making amends to those harmed or offended Verbal correction Providing a reflective activity Re-teaching behavioral expectations Creating a behavior contract that includes expected student behaviors and consequences for infractions and/or incentives for demonstrating expected behavior Parent/guardian notification Parent/guardian conference Alternative in-school educational programming, during which school work is completed, for less than half a day In-school suspension, during which school work is completed, for more than half a day Monetary restitution Out-of-school suspension (partial day and up to five days) Potential police notification Removal from classroom Referral to behavioral interventionist for tobacco/chemical infraction Collaborative conversation meeting at District Office Administrative review
Be responsible	Stay in designated areas of the school to which they have been assigned Use your own belongings unless explicit permission from the owner is given to borrow an item	Trespassing, Including During Periods of Dismissal or Suspension Committing Major Theft/Possessing Stolen Property (Over $500)

District-Wide Expectations

(What is expected of students)

Expected Behaviors

(What students should do)

Infractions of Expectations

(What students should not do)

Choices to Address Student Infractions

(These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)

Be safe

All communication in the school is to be conducted with kindness
Resolve conflicts peacefully
Obey laws regarding fire safety
Seek help when needed to solve problems nonviolently
Interact safely with peers
Bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities
Maintain a safe and productive learning environment
Abide by speed limits and traffic signals
Maintain appropriate boundaries with peers
Obey the law regarding combustibles
Protect your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others Respect other people and their decisions
Be kind to other people

Bullying
Fighting*
False Fire Alarms or Bomb Reports/ Tampering with Fire Alarm System
Engage in Group Violence*
Engage in Harmful Physical Contact*
Hazing
Engage in Physical
Contact with Staff
Possession/Use of Other Weapons or Objects, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, with no intent
Property Damage/Vandalism (Over $500)
Engage in Substantial Disruption
Reckless Driving
Engage in Sexually Inappropriate Behavior
Use/Possession of Combustibles - Secondary
Use/Possession of Drugs, Alcohol or Other Controlled Substances
Engage in Extortion/Robbery
Make Threats

Restorative practices
Making amends to those harmed or offended
Verbal correction
Providing a reflective activity
Re-teaching behavioral expectations
Creating a behavior contract that includes expected student behaviors and consequences for infractions and/or incentives for demonstrating expected behavior
Parent/guardian notification
Parent/guardian conference
Alternative in-school educational programming, during which school work is completed, for less than half a day
In-school suspension, during which school work is completed, for more than half a day
Monetary restitution
Out-of-school suspension (partial day and up to five days)
Potential police notification
Removal from classroom
Referral to behavioral interventionist for tobacco/chemical infraction
Collaborative conversation meeting at District Office
Administrative review

Be responsible

Stay in designated areas of the school to which they have been assigned
Use your own belongings unless explicit permission from the owner is given to borrow an item

Trespassing, Including During Periods of Dismissal or Suspension
Committing Major Theft/Possessing Stolen Property (Over $500)

Level 3 Definition of Terms

Bullying
Communication should be conducted with kindness. Bullying is intimidating, threatening, abusive or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and:

There is an actual or perceived imbalance of power between the student engaging in prohibited conduct and the target of the behavior, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; or
Action materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services or privileges. This includes using technology or other electronic communication that disrupts students’ learning or the school environment. See Board Policy 514: Bullying Prohibition for more information.

Extortion/Robbery
Students are expected to respect other people and their decisions. Students must accept “no” for an answer when making a request of another person. Extortion means getting money or a promise by using threat or force. Students must not make a person do anything he or she does not want to do by using threat or force. Students must not take another person’s property. Students must not take or attempt to take from another person any property by force or threat of force.

False Fire Alarms or Bomb Reports/Tampering with Fire Alarm System
Students must obey laws regarding fire safety. Students must not set off a fire alarm at any time unless there is an emergency. Destroying or damaging a fire alarm is prohibited. Students must not falsely call or make a report to 911 or other emergency personnel.

Fighting
Conflicts must be resolved peacefully. Students must not physically fight with another person. Fighting involves the exchange of mutual physical contact, e.g., shoving, kicking, hair pulling, biting and hitting, with or without injury (i.e., mutual combat).

Group Violence
Students should interact in a positive manner with their peers. Students must not plan, instigate or participate with another or others, in an incident of group violence.

Hazing
Students should interact safely with peers. Hazing is committing an act or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a school or school group. See Board Policy 526: Hazing Prohibition for a more detailed definition and information.

Harmful Physical Contact
Students must seek help to solve problems nonviolently. Students must not engage in physically aggressive behavior that creates a substantial risk or results in injury.

Major Theft/Possession of Stolen Property (Over $500)
Students must use only their own belongings unless explicit permission from the owner is given to borrow an item. Students must not take anything that does not belong to them. Students must not possess anything that they know, or have reason to know, has been stolen. Students must not use school-owned or personal equipment to conduct illegal activity

Physical Contact with Staff
Students must seek help to solve problems nonviolently. Students must not engage in physical contact toward staff. Students who engage in physical contact toward staff may have up to a five-day suspension pending a school investigation. Students may be recommended for an administrative review/hearing based on the outcome of the investigation.

Possession of Other Weapon or Object, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, with no intent
Students are expected to bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities. Students must keep dangerous weapons out of school. “Other weapon” includes any device or instrument – including any non-conventional weapon – which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce bodily harm or substantial bodily harm, or fear of any degree of bodily harm.

Other weapons include but are not limited to knives with blades under 2.5 inches, fake knives, look-alike weapons, clubs, metal knuckles, chains, poisons, arrows, bats, nunchucks, throwing stars, stun guns, mace and other propellants, and other objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon, etc.

Property Damage/Vandalism (Over $500)
Students must take care of school property. Students must not damage, break, destroy or misuse school property.

Reckless Driving
Students must abide by speed limits and traffic signals. Students must not drive on school property in such a manner as to endanger persons or property

Sexually Inappropriate Behavior
Maintain appropriate boundaries with peers. Students must not engage in sexual behavior, including but not limited to, sexual intercourse, displaying or distributing sexually explicit materials, indecent exposure, and other sexual contact.

Substantial Disruption
Students are expected to help maintain a safe and productive learning environment. Students must not engage in or cause disruptive behavior that creates a substantial risk of (or results in) injury or that significantly disrupts learning (e.g., throwing chairs, causing the evacuation of classrooms, eloping to unsafe areas).

Threats
Students are expected to be kind to other people. Students may not make any oral, written or physical threat, sign, or act that conveys intent to cause harm or violence, even made in jest.

Trespassing, Including During Periods of Dismissal or Suspension
Students must stay in designated areas of the school to which they have been assigned. Students must have permission from a building administrator, or be escorted by a parent/caregiver or emergency contact person, to enter a building other than their own. Students must not return to any school while assigned to the Alternative Education Services programs, or under expulsion or removal, except with permission from a building administrator and under escort by a parent/caregiver or emergency contact person. During Alternative Education Services placement, students may not go to any school, or school activity, other than the school to which they are assigned, except with specific permission and supervision as described in this paragraph. Minn. Stat § 609.605, subd. 4

Use/Possession of Combustibles - Secondary
Students must obey the law regarding combustibles. Students must not use or be in possession of substances/objects capable of causing bodily harm and/or property damage (matches, lighters, firecrackers, gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.).

Use/Possession of Drugs, Alcohol or Other Controlled Substances
Students are expected to protect their own health and safety and that of others. Students must not bring alcohol or illegal drugs to school or school activities. Students must not use, be under the influence of, or buy or sell alcohol or illegal drugs. This section also applies to any substance made to look like, or represented to be, illegal drugs or alcohol and any related paraphernalia. Students are permitted to bring prescribed or over-the-counter medication to school only with permission from parents/guardians and with the authorization and supervision of their health care provider and school administrator or administrator’s designee. Prescribed or over-the-counter medication is for the student’s use only. A student must not sell or give prescribed or over-the-counter medication to anyone at school.

Level 4 Expectations and Corrective Strategies

These interventions may involve the removal of the student from the school environment because of the severity of the behavior. They may involve the placement of the student in a safe environment that provides additional structure to address behavior. These interventions focus on maintaining the safety of the school community and ending self-destructive and/or dangerous behavior.

Due to the severity of the behavior, police notification has the potential to be used for all Level 4 offenses.

District-Wide Expectations (What is expected of students)	Expected Behaviors (What students should do)	Infractions of Expectations (What students should not do)	Choices to Address Student Infractions (These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)
Be safe	Seek help when needed to solve problems nonviolently Bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities Obey laws regarding fire safety Students are expected to be kind to other people	Engage in Assault (must meet the threshold of the definition below) Possession/Use of a Dangerous Weapon Other than a Firearm Possession/Use of a Firearm Possession/ Use of Other Weapon or Object, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, with use or intent to use Engage in Arson Engage in Threats of Violence	Restorative practices Out-of-school suspension (partial day and up to five days) Administrative transfer Monetary restitution Interim alternative educational placement Referral to behavioral interventionist for tobacco/chemical infraction Potential police notification Administrative hearing in lieu of expulsion Expulsion referral
Be responsible	Students must protect the safety and the rights of others	Selling Drugs or Controlled Substances Sexual Assault

District-Wide Expectations

(What is expected of students)

Expected Behaviors

(What students should do)

Infractions of Expectations

(What students should not do)

Choices to Address Student Infractions

(These are not intended to be the only choices or sequential)

Be safe

Seek help when needed to solve problems nonviolently
Bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities
Obey laws regarding fire safety
Students are expected to be kind to other people

Engage in Assault
(must meet the threshold
of the definition below)
Possession/Use of a Dangerous
Weapon Other than a Firearm
Possession/Use of a Firearm Possession/
Use of Other Weapon or Object,
not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, with use or intent to use
Engage in Arson
Engage in Threats of Violence

Restorative practices
Out-of-school suspension (partial day and up to five days)
Administrative transfer
Monetary restitution
Interim alternative educational placement
Referral to behavioral interventionist for tobacco/chemical infraction
Potential police notification
Administrative hearing in lieu of expulsion
Expulsion referral

Be responsible

Students must protect the safety and the rights of others

Selling Drugs or Controlled Substances
Sexual Assault

Level 4 Definition of Terms

Arson
Students must obey fire safety laws and keep school property safe. Students must not plan and/or participate in malicious burning of property. The use of a combustible or flammable liquid is prohibited. Minn. Stat § 609.561 - 609.5632 (arson in 1st through 5th degrees)

Assault
Students must get help when needed to solve problems nonviolently. Students must not commit an act with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death, or intentionally inflict or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another.
Minn. Stat § 609.224

Possession/Use of a Dangerous Weapon Other than a Firearm
Students are expected to bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities. Students may not bring dangerous weapons to school. A “dangerous weapon other than a firearm” is defined as:

Any device or instrument designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm;
Any device modified so that it may be used as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm;
Any combustible or flammable liquid or other device or instrumentality that, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm;
Any fire that is used to produce death or great bodily harm;
Any knife with a blade equal to or greater than 2.5 inches in length;
Any replica firearm, BB or pellet gun.

Minn. Stat § 609.02, subd. 8 (def. great bodily harm)
Minn. Stat § 609.02, subd. (def. of dangerous weapon)
Minn. Stat § 609.66, subd. 1d, 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2) (def. dangerous weapon)

Possession/Use of a Firearm
Students are expected to bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities. Students may not bring firearms to school. Firearms are banned from all property owned or controlled by Robbinsdale Area Schools. A firearm is defined in Minn. Stat. § 609.666, subd. 1(a) as a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled a projectile by the force of explosion or by the force of combustion.

Possession/Use of Other Weapon or Object, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, with use or intent to use
Students are expected to bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities. Students may not bring weapons to school. “Other weapon” includes any device or instrument – including any non-conventional weapon – which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce bodily harm or substantial bodily harm or fear of any degree of bodily harm. Other weapons include but are not limited to knives with blades under 2.5 inches, fake knives, look-alike weapons, clubs, metal knuckles, chains, poisons, arrows, bats, nunchucks, throwing stars, stun guns, mace and other propellants, and other objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon, etc.

Minn. Stat § 609.02, subd. 7 & 7a (def. great bodily harm, substantial bodily harm)
Minn. Stat § 609.713, subd. 3 (b)(2)(def. replica firearm)

Selling Drugs or Controlled Substances
Students are expected to bring objects and materials to school that are required for learning and participating in activities. Students may not sell or distribute legal or illegal drugs, synthetic drugs/imitations, alcohol, or other controlled substances. Students may be referred for a chemical use assessment.

Minn. Stat § 152.01, subds. 1-22 (definition of controlled substances)
Minn. Stat § 152.02
Minn. Stat §§ 152.021-152.025 (controlled substance crimes in the 1st through 5th degrees)

Sexual Assault
Students must protect the safety and rights of others. Students must not sexually attack nor sexually abuse another person. Students must not engage in non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or indecent exposure with another person.

Threats of Violence
Students are expected to be kind to other people. Threatening directly or indirectly to commit any crime of violence with intent to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly or vehicle, or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience, is prohibited.

Minn. Stat § 609.713 (def. of terrorist threats)

Support Options

Administrative Transfer and Safety Committee

The Robbinsdale Area Schools Administrative Transfer and Safety Committee exists for the purpose of ensuring students are enrolled in an environment appropriate for learning to occur. It is the responsibility of the Administrative Transfer and Safety Committee to determine the most appropriate course of action, including approving the administrator’s request for administrative transfer and selection of the new enrollment location, or work in partnership with school administrators at the middle and high schools. The Administrative Transfer and Safety Committee uses a variety of criteria, including this Handbook, Minnesota state statutes, a review of the student’s records, enrollment data, and past practice, to determine the most appropriate placement for the student. If a student receives an administrative transfer, the receiving school staff will implement practices to positively support the student’s transition (e.g., assigning a buddy, Check and Connect, behavior contract). The Administrative Transfer and Safety Committee meets during the school year and strives to ensure that each request is vetted with the best interests of the student, family and staff in mind. Members of the Administrative Transfer and Safety Committee include but are not limited to staff from the following Robbinsdale Area Schools departments: Cabinet members, Building Administrators, Achievement and Integration, Special Education and Federal Programs.

School Resource Officers (SRO)

School Resource Officers (SRO’s) are sworn officers from our communities. SRO’s work with the school community to provide the safest learning environment possible. An SRO’s primary function is law enforcement. School administrators will consult with SRO’s when a crime has been committed in the school. If a student violates a district policy that also violates a law, a contact may be made with local law enforcement for possible intervention. SRO’s also serve as a resource to the instructional program in a school when information is requested regarding law enforcement or how first responders serve their community.

Threat Assessment

The multi-disciplinary District Crisis Team or a representative of the team will evaluate threats of violence to self or others and threatening behaviors, and determine the probability that a person will carry out a threat. Threat assessments involve three major components: identification of the threat, assessment of the seriousness of the threat, and management through intervention plans. All threats will be considered serious and will be properly investigated. Law enforcement including School Resource Officers may be contacted to aid in the threat assessment. The purpose of a threat assessment is to guide a site-based threat assessment team through an information-gathering process that will result in a supervision plan to maximize student safety. The District Crisis Team shall provide training, resources and on-site assistance when requested.

Speak Up

In 2022 the district introduced Gaggle Speak Up, which is a confidential safety tip line for students. It provides a mechanism for students to share concerns regarding school safety.

How it works: Students confidentially report concerns through email to speakup@rdale.org, or a phone call or text message to 763-272-7461. Gaggle Safety Team professionals monitor the tip line every day around the clock (it's not monitored by district staff in order to maintain confidentiality), and contact district administrators as necessary. If and when there is a report, school staff work collaboratively with families and students to address identified concerns.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your student’s principal.

Students Experiencing Homelessness

The McKinney-Vento Act provides homeless and highly mobile students with certain rights so they have access to opportunities which will help them meet the same high academic standards expected of all students in our district.

Homeless students live in any of the situations listed below:

Children and youth who are sharing the housing of others
Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations
Living in emergency or transitional shelters
Abandoned in hospitals
Awaiting foster care placement
Living in a public or private place not designated for humans to live
Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, etc.
Migratory children living in any of the above circumstances

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children experiencing homelessness have the right to:

Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there
Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best interest; the school of origin is the school the child attended when she/he was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin
Enroll in school immediately
Participate fully in school activities
Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services

Resources

Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal to Student Participation in State-Wide Testing Form

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment, Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), are the state-wide tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may take the MTAS.

The ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are English language proficiency assessments used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. These assessments are used to monitor English learners’ progress as they develop academic language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

PLEASE NOTE: Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment scores are used in determining course placement at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. A student’s MCA score could potentially save families significant money by demonstrating that students do not need to take noncredit-bearing developmental courses. For more information, please visit MDE’s website.

Test Security Information for Students

As part of a culture of academic integrity, families and students are reminded of the importance of test security. Students are expected to keep test content secure and act with honesty and integrity during test administration. The District expects students to do the following:

Students should do their own best work to show what they know and can do.
Students should not accept help finding answers to test items.
Students should not give answers to other students.
Students should not tell others what is on the test.
There may be consequences if students do not follow directions or if they behave dishonestly

Cell Phones

Students may NOT use cellphones, wearable technology (e.g., smart watches, fitness trackers) or any other device (except the school-owned device being used for testing) at any time during testing, including during breaks. Students are not to use these devices even when testing is completed. If a school-wide testing is scheduled for a block of time, devices should not be used during that block of time, even if that student has completed their testing.

Test monitors are expected to inform students that they cannot receive or view calls, texts or alerts during test administration. If a student has a cell phone or other electronic device in a testing room, the following procedures will be followed:

Student must turn their cell phone (or other device) OFF (not just silenced, as personal alarms could still be active).
Student is given an envelope. The envelope must cover the contents of the phone (device) - it cannot be a clear envelope.
Student places phone (device) in envelope, seals the envelope and stores the envelope where it will be inaccessible during testing.
If a student receives a notification (e.g., ringtone, vibration) during testing, the student must hand the phone (device, which should be in an envelope) to the Test Monitor.

Students also may not wear or access wearable technology during testing if the device can electronically send or receive information. If one of these devices is worn during testing, the student’s test must be invalidated because the device is visible and accessible, regardless of whether it was used.

Test Security Concerns

Frequently Asked Questions: Why State-wide Test Results Matter

Minnesota’s statewide tests are objective, standardized measures of student achievement on academic or proficiency standards. Students, families, teachers and administrators use statewide test results as part of a comprehensive system for evaluating learning. For answers to frequently asked questions explaining the purpose for statewide testing and why it is important to ensure the integrity of test scores, please see Frequently Asked Questions: Why Statewide Test Results Matter, to select them in English, Somali or Spanish.

Additional Resources

Board Policy 531: Pledge of Allegiance

Approved: May 7, 2012

I. PURPOSE
The school board recognizes the need to display an appropriate United States flag and to provide instruction to students in the proper etiquette, display, and respect of the flag. The purpose of this policy is to provide for recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and instruction in school to help further that end.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
Students in this school district shall recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America one or more times each week. The recitation shall be conducted:
A. By each individual classroom teacher or the teacher ’s surrogate; or
B. By each individual classroom teacher or the teacher ’s surrogate; or

III. EXCEPTIONS
Anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so. Students and school personnel must respect another person’s right to make that choice.

IV. INSTRUCTION
Students will be instructed in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag, and in patriotic exercises.

Legal References:
Minn. Stat. § 121A.11, Subd. 3 (Pledge of Allegiance)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.11, Subd. 4 (Instruction)

Board Policy 531: Pledge of Allegiance

Safe and Acceptable Use of the Network/Internet

The school district is providing students with access to the school district computer, voice and video systems, which includes Internet access. The proper use of the district’s electronic equipment, systems and Internet access, and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of students, parents and employees of the school district. The purpose of the system is more specific than providing students with general access to the Internet. Students are expected to responsibly use the district’s electronic equipment, systems and Internet access in compliance with Board Policy 524: Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy.

Acknowledgment and acceptance of the student behavior handbook constitute notice and acceptance of Board Policy 524: Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy.

Student/Family Use Agreement: Digital Devices (2022-23)

Robbinsdale Area Schools provides access to a digital device to every student in grades K-12. This device will be used to connect schools with students and families, allow students to express themselves in new and exciting ways, and to personalize the learning experience for each student.

Digital Devices
The digital device is usually a Chromebook or an iPad. Internet access is needed for most student work to be saved and shared. If your student does not have internet access, please contact your school for information on low-cost internet options for your family. Various locations in the community also provide free wireless internet, including public libraries. Media Centers have a limited number of hotspots (mobile internet wifi devices). Digital devices and accessories are the property of Robbinsdale Area Schools and must be returned to Robbinsdale Area Schools at the end of each school year or upon withdrawal from school. Fines will be assessed for negligent damage or a lost device, charger or case. Devices and accessories not returned on the date of student withdrawal from school will be reported as stolen to the local police department.

Responsible Use and Care of Devices
Please handle the device with care and ensure that your student:

Brings the device to school every day, fully charged.
Stores and charges the device in a secure, protected location.
Uses the case provided and exercises care when the device is transported.
Reports any problems or damage to a teacher or library media center staff immediately.

Your student will be held responsible for adhering to Board Policy 524: Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy and Board Policy 514: Bullying Prohibition as outlined in the Student Handbook. The Common Sense Media organization provides information related to digital citizenship and guides for discussing technology use in the family.

The Common Sense Media organization provides information related to digital citizenship and guides for discussing technology use in the family

Parent Use Agreement: Digital Device (2021-22)

Acuerdo de los padres sobre el uso de dispositivos digitales (2021-22)

Heshiiska Adeegsiga Waalidka: Aaladda Dijitaalka ah (2021-2022)

2022-23 Device Protection Plan and Damage/Replacement Costs

Device Protection Plan

To protect families from unknown expenses that may occur from theft or accidental damage while the device is in the care of your child, the district is offering a device protection plan. The charge for the device protection plan is $25.00 per school year per student ($5.00 per year per student for families who qualify for educational benefits). If you have questions about the device protection plan, please contact a school administrator.

The DPP covers the first accidental damage. Deductibles apply to all following claims.
The charger and case are not covered by the device protection plan.
- There is a $20 fine for a lost charger and a $25 fine for a lost case.
If your device is stolen, you must provide evidence that a police report was filed.
Damage caused by abuse is not covered by the DPP.
Hotspots are not covered by the DPP.
- There is a $40 fine for a lost hotspot and a $5 fine for a lost hotspot charger.

Device Protection Plan: $25
Or $5 per student for families who qualify for free/reduced lunch

Damage Deductible

First occurrence (per school year): with device protection plan - no cost; without device protection plan - $60.
Two or more occurrences (per school year)*: with device protection plan - $25 (each); without device protection plan - $60 (each).
*Also generates a "tech misuse" discipline referral.
Please note: intentional damage is not covered by device protection plan. Full repair or replacement costs may be assessed to the student.

Theft or Loss Deductible

Theft with a police report (per occurrence school year): with device protection plan - $50 (each); without device protection plan - $100 (each).
Loss due to negligence (per occurrence per school year): with device protection plan - $100 (each); without device protection plan - $150 (each).

How to Reach Us

Robbinsdale Area Schools
Main Number: 763-504-8000
Education Service Center 4148 Winnetka Avenue North, New Hope

Student Services
Phone: 763-504-8027

Early Childhood Family Education
Phone: 763-504-4170

Early Childhood Preschool
Phone: 763-504-5330

Food Services/Nutrition Services
Phone: 763-504-8050

Robbinsdale Virtual Academy
Phone: 763-504-8700

Transportation
Phone: 763-504-8107

Schools

Elementary Schools

Forest Elementary
6800 47th Avenue North, Crystal
Main Number: 763-504-7900

Lakeview Elementary
4110 Lake Drive, Robbinsdale
Main Number: 763-504-4100

Meadow Lake Elementary
8525 62nd Avenue North, Brooklyn Park
Main Number: 763-504-7700

Neill Elementary
6600 Medicine Lake Road, Crystal
Main Number: 763-504-7400

Noble Elementary
2601 Noble Avenue North, Golden Valley
Main Number: 763-504-4000

Northport Elementary
5421 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center
Main Number: 763-504-7800

Sonnesyn Elementary
3421 Boone Avenue North, New Hope
Main Number: 763-504-7600

Zachary Lane Elementary
4350 Zachary Lane, Plymouth
Main Number: 763-504-7300

Middle Schools

Plymouth Middle School
10011 36th Avenue North, Plymouth
Main Number: 763-504-7100

Robbinsdale Middle School
3730 Toledo Avenue North, Robbinsdale
Main Number: 763-504-4800

Sandburg Middle School
400 Sandburg Lane, Golden Valley
Main Number: 763-504-8200

High Schools

Armstrong High School
10635 36th Avenue North, Plymouth
Main Number: 763-504-8800

Cooper High School
8230 47th Avenue North, New Hope
Main Number: 763-504-8500

Robbinsdale Academy-Highview
2400 Sandburg Lane, Golden Valley
Main Number: 763-504-8703

Robbinsdale Virtual Academy
Phone: 763-504-8700

Magnet Schools

FAIR School Crystal (grades 5-8)
3915 Adair Avenue North, Crystal
Main Number: 763-971-4501

FAIR School Pilgrim Lane (grades K-4)
3725 Pilgrim Lane North, Plymouth
Main Number: 763-504-8400

Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School (RSIS) (grades K-5)
8808 Medicine Lake Road, New Hope
Main Number: 763-504-4400

School of Engineering and Arts (SEA) (grades K-5)
1751 Kelly Drive, Golden Valley
Main Number: 763-504-7200

School of Engineering and Arts (SEA) Crystal (grade 6)
3915 Adair Avenue North, Crystal
Main Number: 763-971-4501

Links to Additional Information

Unified District Vision
The Unified District Vision: High Intellectual Performance through Equity is the current strategic plan for Robbinsdale Area Schools. Adopted in 2014, this plan is a commitment by the entire community to prepare all students to be career, articulated skilled trades and college ready.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Handbook
The Multi-Tiered System of Supports Handbook provides information on the district’s framework for helping all students succeed by matching instruction, interventions and assessment to the personalized needs of students.

Student Services
The Robbinsdale Area Schools Student Services website includes helpful information on activities and athletics, alternative programs, behavior resources, health resources, targeted services and Section 504 plans.

Pupil Fair Dismissal Act
The Pupil Fair Dismissal Act includes the policies, grounds and procedures for dismissing students from public schools in Minnesota (Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40-121A.56).

Minnesota State High School League
Robbinsdale Area Schools participates in the Minnesota State High School League. The League exists to provide competitive, equitable and uniform opportunities for high school students to learn valuable lessons through participation in athletics and fine arts. Policies regarding eligibility, sportsmanship, chemical health and scholarship recognition are listed on the League’s website.

Minnesota Department of Education: Parental Rights
State laws governing parental rights related to topics in pre-K through grade 12 education.

Health Services
Robbinsdale Area Schools Health Services Department seeks to create and sustain a school environment that promotes and supports student health, well-being and academic achievement. Research shows healthy students are better learners. The school district will follow all Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education recommendations concerning COVID restrictions, quarantining and use of PPE during the COVID pandemic.

Transportation
The Transportation department is committed to providing a positive, safe experience for those who ride the district school buses. School bus schedule information is mailed to families in the Robbinsdale Area School district before the first day of school. Additional transportation information can be found on the department’s website.

Harassment, Violence, Discrimination or Bullying Report Form
If you or someone you know has experienced harassment, violence, discrimination or bullying at school or at any school-related event for any reason, you may make a report to have the incident(s) investigated by the District. Any student, parent/guardian or district employee may complete this form and return it to any administrator, counselor or student services advocate.

Special Education
Robbinsdale Area Schools special education programs and services are designed to meet the needs of children and youth ages birth through 21 years with various disabilities. The Special Education Department has information and resources for families along with district practices.

School Board Policies and Procedures

Additional policies and procedures can be found in the School Board section of this website. Below is a list of relevant policies to the Student Academic and Behavior Handbook Rights and Responsibilities with a link to the policy.