Handbook

• Main Office: 952-975-7300
• Health Room: 952-975-7370
• Scheduling: 952-975-7324
• Student Management: 952-975-7335
• Attendance: 952-975-7301
• Guidance: 952-975-7330
• Student Activities: 952-975-7400
• Transportation: 952-975-7500
• Translation Available:
  • Warbixin muhiim ah. Wac Ahmed Noor in laguu turjubaano 952-975-7069.
  • Especialista en Comunicaciones Heriberto Vargas llame al 952-975-7068 para Traducciones Importantes.

The Mission of Eden Prairie Schools is to inspire each student to learn continuously so they are empowered to reach personal fulfillment and contribute purposefully to our ever-changing world.

We believe that education is important, that teachers are professionals, and that the school is a valid institution of learning. Education provides for physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth for each unique middle school student. Developmentally, middle school students are in varied stages of physical change and they experience emotional uncertainties including an increasing sense of isolation, as well as a need to belong. Intellectually, they eagerly test new skills and knowledge while also seeking security and encouragement. Our school responds with a positive learning environment that provides for individual differences. In addition, middle school is a transition between elementary school and high school. CMS offers a nurturing learning environment that encourages growing independence and exploration while students develop habits, attitudes, skills, appreciations, and ideas essential for a lifetime of learning. We provide a caring, exciting, challenging, and comforting environment. We strive to provide a model for responsible adult behavior while allowing for the activity of youthful enthusiasm. Our expectation of all CMS students is that they are Safe, Responsible and Kind in and out of school.

CMS is a vital part of the total community. We encourage a partnership among school, home, and the greater community through involvement, cooperation, responsibility, and communication. CMS empowers its staff to have a substantial impact on the system of learning, and we encourage cooperation, collaboration, innovation, and support among staff members.

The Critical Components of the CMS Program Include:

●      Instructional Excellence: We provide experiences where the atmosphere, materials, pace, and flexibility focus each student on success in learning. We vary content presentation, use the 4Cs of Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity, and differentiate to meet the unique needs of each student. We recognize students for achievement, growth, leadership, and service.

●      Exploration: We provide a wide range of intellectual, physical, and cultural activities with opportunities to take risks, discover, and experiment. We encourage participatory learning, divergent, as well as, convergent thinking, and exploration of a variety of co-curricular activities, career options, and subject areas. The CMS staff encourages this belief through the use of innovation and exploration within a 21st century context of learning.

●      Comprehensive Curriculum: We value the integration of learning in English, math, social studies, science, fine arts, and physical education. We recognize, celebrate, and encourage creativity in both basic skills and exploratory learning experiences. We value the process of learning, as well as, the end result. We encourage continued exploration into a new, evolving curriculum.

●      Continual Pursuit of Personal Goals and Aspirations: We strive to develop self-directed, lifelong learners who enthusiastically accept the challenge of their future with confidence and competence. Students assume increasing responsibility for their own academic, social, and personal learning. Students learn to solve problems, make decisions, manage time, set goals, work in groups, respond to change, and cope with positive and negative experiences.

●      Contribution to Community (local to global): We encourage and model honesty, safety, responsibility, kindness, cooperativeness, creativity, and competency. We expect students to respect themselves and others, accept ambiguity, recognize human equity, and understand global and multicultural concepts. We support positive student involvement in school, home, community, and world projects.

●      Guidance: We are a caring community. We seek to create a more intimate environment attuned to each student’s needs. The focus on creating smaller communities fosters stable, close, respectful relationships with adults and peers. Within the school, teachers, advisors, counselors, social workers, support staff, and administrators serve as resources for meeting students’ personal needs. Finally, we recognize that all adults in the school model appropriate behaviors and attitudes.

Advisor occurs daily and serves as a home base for students to build relationships with one another and their teacher. During this period, students engage in lessons focused on social-emotional learning and academic success. Collectively, they build a sense of community, strengthen organizational skills and learn about daily/weekly events.

Each student is assigned to a Student Support Team (SST) that includes a counselor, social worker, administrative dean, and associate principal. This team provides academic, individual, and group support. Students are referred via staff, parents/guardians, friends and/or self. The Student Support Team is adept at handling a multitude of issues pertaining to adolescent development. Some of these issues may include depression, eating disorders, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, stress management, or school success. If parents/guardians or students need information, support, or skill-building during the year, please consult the students’ assigned support team member. The first point of contact on a SST is the counselor or social worker.

Section 504 is a provision of the Federal Rehabilitation Act that ensures access to a free and appropriate public education for individuals with a qualifying disability by prohibiting discrimination based on a disability. An individual is eligible for accommodations under Section 504 if the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. If you have questions, please reach out to the appropriate Student Support Team member assigned to your student.

Special Education programs and related services are provided to eligible students with disabilities at all grade levels and are based on the individual needs of students. Parents who suspect that their child may have a disability should contact the appropriate Student Support Team member assigned to their student, an administrator or the Special Education Lead. For questions about special education, please contact our Special Education Lead at (952) 975-7300.

Central Middle School offers an extended-day Targeted Services program in Reading and Math. The Reading and Math classes are designed to build academic skills, develop organizational strategies, and build relationships. Targeted Services classes are taught by licensed teachers. Research indicates that students who attend extended-day programs make greater academic progress during the school year. Students are recommended by teachers for these programs based on assessment results and/or social emotional needs. Targeted Services help students acquire and master basic skills in math, reading, writing, organization, time management, and test taking.

Central Middle School is dedicated to providing a personalized school experience for each student. We create an environment focused on each students' needs by dividing our students and staff into teams. Each grade level consists of four teams, each team includes about 150-180 students, and seven to nine teachers. Students are randomly placed on teams and remain on their team for the entire school year. Teaming exists to strengthen relationships with teachers and peers and provides a smaller community within a large school. Teaming allows teachers to collaborate to provide individualized learning experiences for each student.

Central Middle School serves as a bridge between elementary Talent Development services and the many advanced and/or enriched offerings at the high school level.  Similar to our elementary schools, CMS offers enrichment and extensions to learning. Prior to registration for each school year, a parent/guardian informational meeting about Talent Development programs will be held at Central Middle School.

Other rigorous academic options Include:

• Extension Opportunities: CMS offers many co-curricular activities to engage gifted learners including academic contests and teams, student government, cultural experiences, music ensembles, arts programs, speech and drama activities, publications, and service groups.
• Mastery of Standards: Central Middle School is committed to providing students with the appropriate course placement. Most often, course placement is determined by previous coursework; however, when prior learning is unclear, students may be assessed on their mastery of standards to determine course placement.
• Additional Opportunities: Qualified students who are above grade-level in particular content areas may take appropriate courses at Eden Prairie High School. Students may have to forgo some desired courses due to differing daily schedules at each school.

UMTYMP: University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) provides a highly accelerated math program in the evening for exceptional math students. Students in this program will have a study period instead of a math class at CMS.  Registration is in the spring. Find more information at http://www.mathcep.umn.edu/umtymp

For questions about Talent Development, please contact our Talent Development Programming Specialists 6-8 at (952) 975-7300.

Student Support Plan for Advanced and Enriched Classes:

Students taking Advanced and/or Enriched courses should earn at least a C- on final term grades. If a student earns below a C-, the expectation is that the teacher, student and parent/guardian are in communication about what improvements need to be made and what goals need to be met moving forward. The Student Support Team will assess whether the goals are met and what subsequent action is needed.

Grades should convey the learning, specifically the mastery of content, done in each class.

A student’s class grade will be comprised of 30% formative and 70% summative assessments.

Our students are afforded opportunities to demonstrate mastery of content. Upon completion of a reasonable proof of practice as determined by each department, teachers will allow students to retake a summative assessment once. The retake must be completed no later than one week after the specific unit of study. The retake assessment may be in an alternate format for demonstrating mastery of content. Any retake is worth 100% value. * All coursework must be finalized by the last student contact day for Quarter 4.

Students receive quarterly letter grades for their performance. Parents/guardians can see students’ current letter grades through Campus and will be shared at conferences. The letter grades are determined in each class as follows:

• A: 93-100%
• A-: 90-92%
• B+: 87-89%
• B: 83-89%
• B-: 80-82%
• C+: 77-79%
• C: 73-76%
• C-: 70-72%
• D+: 67-69%
• D: 63-66%
• D-: 60-62%
• F: 0-59% 

Students of the Quarter are recognized four times throughout the school year by CMS staff. The students selected demonstrate a positive contribution to our school community through grades, attendance, behavior and citizenship. Families receive an email communication when their student is nominated. Students and their families are invited to attend a celebration in recognition of their student’s accomplishment.

Central Middle School believes that it is essential for students to develop good study and homework habits. We also believe parents/guardians should play a vital role in this area by monitoring student academic progress and assignments in Infinite Campus and Schoology.

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to cheating on school assignments or tests, plagiarism or collusion. If a student chooses to cheat and/or plagiarize on their schoolwork, they compromise their integrity and project an inaccurate picture of their performance. As such, administrative and/or academic consequences may be assigned.

Guiding principles

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, music, video and code. Generative AI models are trained on large datasets of existing content and learn to identify the patterns and relationships in that data. Once a model is trained, it generates new data that is similar to what it knows while continuing to learn based on user inputs.

Eden Prairie Schools recognizes that there are both potential benefits and risks as the use of generative AI continues to grow.

The future is undeniably digital, and at the heart of this transformation is AI. As we step into this exciting era, it's crucial for our future leaders, our students, to be well-versed in the intricacies of AI. From enhancing creative projects to understanding the ethical implications, AI literacy will empower our students to be proactive citizens in an interconnected global society.

• Students should skillfully integrate generative AI tools into their learning journey. This includes utilizing AI for brainstorming, research, problem-solving, understanding varying perspectives, and evaluating writing quality.
• Students should rigorously scrutinize outputs generated by AI systems. Embracing transparency in their AI usage is key, and they must be adept at differentiating between credible and non-credible information.
• It's crucial for students to discern biases in AI and understand the datasets on which AI models are trained. This ensures they're well-equipped to question and understand the implications of AI outputs.
• In their AI learning journey, students need to distinguish between authentic understanding of core concepts and skills versus mere imitation. Establishing firm guidelines on plagiarism is essential, particularly as generative AI emerges as a common tool in academia.
• Emphasizing the balance, students should understand that while AI can enhance our capacity to identify patterns and tackle tasks, it's the depth of human connection and judgment that remains central to genuine collaboration.

Student expectations

As a student in Eden Prairie Schools, it is important to approach the use of generative AI tools responsibly and ethically. Students will be expected to adhere to the following guidelines for generative AI use in the classroom:

• Open communication with teachers
  • Before using generative AI tools, it’s important to be clear about the purpose of the assignment, and whether generative AI can or should be used to enhance or support your learning.
• Protect your privacy
  • Generative AI tools use data provided through your submissions to generate responses. Therefore providing your personal information can lead to privacy and security issues - do not put your private information (name, age, location, photo, etc.) into a generative AI tool.
• Proper acknowledgment and citation
  • Follow your teacher’s guidelines for attributing AI-generated content. It’s essential to give credit where it’s due and acknowledge the role of generative AI in your work. Students cannot claim AI-generated content as their own.
• Fact checking and proofreading
  • Generative AI utilizes databases that are often dated and incomplete. Information generated from these tools must be checked for accuracy, bias, or potentially harmful material.
  • AI is for school assignments only
  • AI has numerous and varied capabilities. During the school day, AI should be used for school assignments only and any misuse will result in appropriate consequences.

Consistent with our overall approach to academic integrity, students who willingly disregard these guidelines in their academic work may be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to:

• First offense: Redo or retake the assessment or assignment following coaching/re-teaching of expectations, a parent/guardian contacted, possible loss of privileges.
• Second offense: Parent/guardian conference, loss of privileges, consideration of suspension and/or removal from class
• Third offense: Administrative conference to determine next action and eligibility for course credit.

Eden Prairie Schools communicates important information and announcements through email, phone calls, and text. Our communication department uses student contact information in Campus. If you need to update your Campus information, please log in using your username and password. Questions can be directed to (952) 975-7094 or helpline@edenpr.org.

When critical incidents affect our schools, we act immediately. Depending on the unique circumstances of each incident, that can involve gathering facts, collaborating with the police department and other important partners, creating messages that follow legal and ethical guidelines, and potentially distributing those messages to families through multiple channels. Because each situation is different, the approach taken to manage and communicate about it will be determined based on its individual circumstances. That means families may not be notified of every critical incident that happens in a school.

Below is additional information about each stage of this process:

• Gather the facts: School and district leadership work closely with the Eden Prairie Police Department and other partners when a critical incident affects a school. We do not make decisions based solely on rumor or conjecture. Each threat is swiftly and thoroughly investigated to determine its credibility. That process can take time, because it can involve search warrants, interviews, home visits, and more.
  • This can be a difficult time for families. You may have heard of a situation from your student, but as it is investigated, you likely will not receive much information from official sources like the school, district or police department. This is intentional, because communicating before we have all of the facts can delay or impede the investigation and unnecessarily escalate a situation. We rely on you to trust us, and have patience, during this time.
  Create messages that follow legal and ethical guidelines: State and federal law, as well as district policy, restrict what information is public about students and investigations. When it comes to students, very little information can be shared publicly — and districts must comply with data practices and investigatory requirements. That means we are often unable to share any information about a student who is involved in an incident, including whether they are a student at our school, whether they are attending on a certain day and any disciplinary action they will receive.
  • Even if that weren’t the case, though, there are instances in which we wouldn’t want to share all of the information. We exist to support children — and the fact of the matter is, children are learning and growing every day. Along the way, they make mistakes. Students will be held accountable, and they still deserve dignity even when their mistakes are big. Keeping them accountable for their actions — which we do, according to our handbook and district discipline policies — is different than sharing information about their mistakes publicly.
  • In a moment when you don’t have all the information you want to have, please know we are making decisions to keep our students and staff safe, hold people accountable for their actions, and when possible, help them to learn from their mistakes. To do this most effectively — and legally — we cannot share most of the details that could make some families feel more fully informed.
• Distribute messages to affected families: Once we gather facts and develop appropriate messages for each unique situation, we begin a second period of reviewing those messages for any inaccurate or misleading information, having them reviewed by partners and our legal advisors to be sure we comply with legal requirements, and determine who should receive a message. At times, it is only a small group of individuals directly impacted; other times, it may be the entire school community.
  • If a message needs to go to the entire school community or a large group of people, it must be loaded into our mass communication systems and sent. Whenever possible, we try to have translations in Spanish and Somali sent with our messages so that more families have access to the information. While you wait to receive a message, there are often dozens of school leaders, district administrators, law enforcement and legal professionals working as fast as they possibly can to get information to you. It matters to us that you are informed quickly, and we ask for grace and understanding as we make that happen.

Here are our requests for students and families:

• Trust us to keep your children safe. We all receive extensive training and practice emergency response so we are prepared to manage these situations. Our decisions are based on facts and deep situational understanding.
• Have conversations with your children about social media and their digital citizenship, and actively monitor their online activity.
• Continue to keep us informed any time you learn of information that could affect student or school safety. We take all reports seriously, investigate them, and take appropriate action.
• Show grace and practice empathy. Being a school staff member can be one of the most rewarding and the most challenging careers — and our Eden Prairie Schools staff go far above and beyond for our students, families, and one another. In critical situations, we ask for our community to support our staff members just as they support our students each and every day.

The best way to contact students during the school day is to email their school email account, which can be found on the Campus parent portal. If the situation is emergent or you are unable to connect through email, please call the main office at 952-975-7300 and a message will be sent back to your student’s classroom. Please refrain from texting your student as students are not allowed to use their cell phones during the school day.

Items that are dropped off by a parent/guardian in the office for a student should be marked with the student’s name. We will not interrupt class for deliveries. Students should pick up these items during passing time or after school. Students are not allowed to receive food purchased from outside vendors during the school day.

Email is one of the most timely and efficient ways for your teacher, principal, and the district administration to communicate with families. To ensure that we have your current email address, log in to Campus to verify that your information is correct. If you cannot access your parent portal, please contact the technology help desk at (952) 975-7395.

As a community of learners, CMS parents/guardians, staff and students work together to build a positive learning environment. Communicating with students and parents/guardians about student progress, school events, and classroom activities builds and maintains the learning environment. All Central Middle School staff respond to requests for information and assistance in a timely and professional manner. Here are some tips for communicating effectively with staff:

• Utilize email and voicemail whenever possible to contact staff; you can expect a response within one working day.
• Call the staff member in advance to schedule a face-to-face meeting.
• Strive to resolve a conflict directly with a staff member first; you are welcome to contact building administration if you are dissatisfied with the resolution.

District families will be notified of any emergency school closures through the emergency phone system and district emails. If you don’t see or hear any announcement, assume that school will be in session.

Additional Resources:
Website: www.edenpr.org
Radio: WCCO radio (830 AM)
Phone: (952) 975-7000
TV Channels: 4, 5, 9, and 11

If school is dismissed early, students will be told to go home on their regular buses – please be sure your student has a backup plan in place. Students may not remain at school. If school is dismissed early, the building will be closed for after-school and evening activities (such as sports, PTO meetings, and community education classes). If your student goes to an after-school program at a location other than school, please check with them regarding their closing policy.

Central Middle School's website is located at www.edenpr.org/cms. The website provides information about:

• Student Life - Calendars, School menus, CMS mornings, Counseling, FAQ, PTO, School supplies, and Transportation
• Academics - Registration, Curriculum night, iLearn, AVID, and conferences
• Activities - Athletics, Fine Arts, Academic activities, Leadership activities, Activity bus, and yearbook
• Enrollment - Enroll in grades 1-12, Find my school, and Update family information
• Contact CMS - Administrative team, Main office, Attendance line, Health room, Transportation, Parent technology helpline, and staff directory

Campus is a student information system (SIS) that provides families access to school calendars, student grades, attendance, schedule, locker, food service, fees, myPaymentsPlus, and messages. Eden Prairie Schools use Campus contact information when sending out communications or if a staff person needs to connect with families.

Each classroom teacher and student utilizes Schoology, a Learning Management System (LMS) that helps organize course content including: assignments, course resources, tests, quizzes, etc. Teachers may include more specific information regarding their class activities, homework, links to the internet and other information in Schoology as well. Teachers and students will set expectations about how to use Schoology at the beginning of the year. We encourage parents/guardians to enroll in Schoology also, as it is another way to be informed about your student’s education.

If you need assistance with accessing any of these online resources, please contact our helpline at 952-975-7094 or email helpline@edenpr.org.

Eden Prairie Schools recognizes the importance of families and staff working together. Students and their parents/guardians will have opportunities to meet with teachers during the school year. Conferences are held in the fall and the spring. At the conference, students may develop a plan for improvement. Please note, we encourage families not to wait for conferences to discuss serious concerns; instead, please contact your student’s teacher, a member of the Student Support Team or advisor to determine a solution.

Curriculum Night is hosted in September. At Curriculum Night, families follow their student’s schedule with presentations about class curriculum presented by each teacher. Curriculum Night has set times for presentations and follows a bell schedule.

We strongly recommend all CMS students use a 2-3 inch binder, a planner (traditional or digital), and the tools available in their student Schoology accounts to assist with organization throughout the year. Binders provide students with a systematic way to keep track of essential school materials and class assignments. Planners are a place for students to set goals, create timelines to complete schoolwork, and practice effective study habits. Schoology is one location to keep track of class resources, assignments, and messages from teachers and peers.

Because of space and safety concerns, students are not allowed to carry backpacks during the school day. Students may use a backpack to transport books and belongings to and from school. Backpacks must remain in the student’s locker between 9:20 a.m. and the end of the school day. Handbags smaller than a school textbook may be carried at school. Exceptions to this policy may be granted to students with special circumstances.

Students may have their personal electronic device/cell phones at school as long as they are kept turned off and in their lockers during the school day. Students are not allowed to use personal devices at school unless they are explicitly invited to do so by a staff member for health or educational purposes. If a personal electronic device/cell phone becomes a distraction in any school environment, it will be confiscated and we will follow our CMS cell phone policy. Failure to comply will result in further action. CMS is not responsible for lost or stolen devices/cell phones. We do provide phones in each of our classrooms that students may use before and after school. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call the main office, and we will contact the student or relay a message. Please do not call your student’s cell phone during the day. The personal electronic device/electronic item policy and expectations still apply if students are talking with family members.

Some bus drivers allow use of personal electronic devices, iPads, and cell phones while on the bus, but still must store them out of sight while at Central Middle School. If students store valuable items in their lockers, they assume any risk of theft that may result. Students will be informed of the expectations for their school issued iPad. If a student violates these expectations, a consequence will be assigned.

Field trips provide a positive learning experience that takes place outside the walls of the regular classroom. A field trip accomplishes or reinforces an identifiable academic, social, emotional, or physical goal/outcome that is limited to middle school curriculum or philosophy. Planning considerations will include:

• Consistency and timing between teams.
• Balance in curricular areas and outcomes such as an academic experience, cultural awareness, community service, real life experience, and team building.
• Identified insights and experiences not otherwise available in the classroom

Field trips effectively use all resources available including:

• Financial
• Opportunity cost (field trip benefit vs. missed class time)
• Allocation of time
• Consideration of facility space available

Food and drinks in classrooms are at the teacher’s discretion. Small snacks are allowed during passing time and expectations are communicated by site administration. Any items for consumption brought from home needs to be consumed only by the person who brought it. Students are responsible for cleaning any trash from food. Sharing food and drinks is not permitted at CMS.

If a student finds a lost item, they should turn it into the main office. Students may claim lost articles in the “Lost and Found” before or after school. Please remember that valuable items should not be brought to school. Each quarter break, CMS will donate any items left in “Lost and Found”.

The CMS mobile school store is open before school Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00-9:25am. Students may purchase quality merchandise such as school supplies, at reasonable prices.

Students are not allowed to sell products at school for personal profit. Any marketing ventures must be approved by the Central Middle School administration.

At the Open House events in August and September, students will have a picture taken for a school ID and will receive the ID by the end of September. Students should carry their current school ID with them at all times. You will need your ID to borrow books from the library, ride the activity bus, and present to staff whenever asked. If students lose their school ID, they may purchase a new one in the Media Center.

Students will be issued an iPad at the beginning of the school year to use for academic purposes. Students and parents/guardians will sign an iLearn Agreement outlining the school district policies for appropriate iPad use. While at school, students are not allowed to use games and/or social media or non-educational apps as the iPad is to be used as an educational tool. Students and families will be expected to be in compliance with all iLearn rules and guidelines while in possession of the school issued device. Students who violate the rules and guidelines of the iLearn Agreement will be subject to school consequences.

Students will be assigned a locker with a combination lock. It is a student’s responsibility to keep the locker closed and locked when not using it. The best way to prevent locker theft is to lock lockers. Students should not share a combination or locker with anyone (even a friend). Lockers are provided for student convenience but are not to be considered secure. Therefore, students should not leave items of value in their lockers unless they are willing to accept the risk of loss. School lockers are the property of the school district. School authorities may conduct inspections of lockers for any reason and at any time without notice or consent. If a student defaces or damages a locker, they will be responsible for cleaning it or paying for damages. More information can be found under the Search Policy heading in this handbook.

A Physical Education locker will be assigned to students during the quarter they have Phy. Ed. The same rules that exist for a regular locker apply to the Phy. Ed. locker as well.

Breakfast:

Each morning, students may receive a grab-and-go breakfast in the cafeteria and must consume it before 9:25 am.

Lunch:

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students. A student bringing a lunch from home may receive a free milk. Lunch menus are available online. A la carte items may be purchased.

Each student is assigned an account with a personal identification number (PIN). A la carte items will be paid for by a student entering the PIN on a keypad at the end of the serving line and saying their first and last name to the cashier. Families must pay for a la carte items in advance by sending a check to school payable to Eden Prairie Schools or electronically through the Infinite Campus parent/guardian portal. If you have questions or need help with logging into the portal, please call the helpline at (952) 975-7094. Money remaining in a student’s account at the end of the year will be transferred to the next year’s account, even if they are moving on to a different Eden Prairie Schools building.

Lunch is a scheduled period for each student and all school rules apply.

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
• Follow directions from both kitchen and lunchroom staff.
• Do not cut in line.
• Stand in line only if buying a meal.
• Please keep money in student accounts as they are not allowed to charge.
• Be on time.
• Students are not allowed to leave the lunchroom without permission.
• Be responsible for keeping the table and surrounding area clean.
• Return to your seat and stay seated after disposing of your garbage.

Administrative staff will determine consequences for inappropriate behavior in the cafeteria.

Parents/guardians who wish to eat lunch with their child should pre-arrange a day in advance by calling the front desk receptionist at (952-975-7300).

• Engaging and relevant learning experiences and development of life skills
• Learning experiences that encourage cooperation, collaboration, and innovation
• Use current technology to create, research, communicate and produce academically sound products
• Demonstrate respect, self-control, ethical behavior and empathy as classmates and members of our communities
• Being responsible citizens in our schools and communities, as well as the digital world

Being a responsible citizen in our schools, communities and the digital world requires responsibilities adapted for a changing world. We embrace the following conditions of being a digital citizen:

• Respect yourself. I will select names that are appropriate. I will consider the information and images I post online.
• Protect yourself. I will protect my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities.
• Respect others. I will NOT use technology to bully or tease other people.
• Protect others. I will protect myself and others by reporting abuse, and not forwarding inappropriate or harmful materials or communications.
• Respect & protect intellectual property. I will suitably use and cite and all content use intellectual property (websites, books, media, software, etc.) according to the copyright or creative commons licensing.

Access to Eden Prairie Schools’ owned technology is a privilege and not a right. At any point access to devices, Internet and the like can be revoked.

As listed below, but not limited to:

Personal Safety

Do not send any message that includes your personal information such as: home address, personal phone numbers and/or last name for yourself or any other person. Do not send information regarding your schedule (where you are/will be, timing, dates, etc.).  Do not send any inappropriate or sexually suggestive pictures of yourself or others.

Password Protection

Never share your password, steal or use another person’s password. If a password is lost or compromised, the student or teacher should call the technology Help Desk. A technology support specialist will help resolve the password issue.

Privacy

Students and families need to know that files stored on school devices are not private. Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for educational purposes only. Eden Prairie Schools (EPS) has the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, without prior notice, any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access including transmitted and received information. All information files are the property of EPS and no user shall have any expectations of privacy regarding such files.

Online Etiquette

Follow the guidelines of accepted behaviors within your schools’ handbook. Use appropriate language and graphics. Swearing, vulgarities, suggestive, obscene, belligerent, harassing, threatening, or abusive language of any kind is not tolerated. Do not use this device to make, distribute or redistribute jokes, stories, to bully anyone, or pass along obscene material or material which is based on slurs or stereotypes relating to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion or sexual orientation.

Blogging and/or PodcastingUse of blogs, podcasts or other Web 2.0 tools are considered an extension of the classroom. Whether at home, or in school, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is also inappropriate in all uses of blogs, podcasts or other Web 2.0 tools.

Plagiarism/Copyright/Licensing

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words or ideas as your own. Students are required to give proper credit to all Internet sources used in academic assignments, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music and text. Plagiarism of Internet resources will be treated in the same manner as any other incidences of plagiarism, as stated in your school’s handbook. In addition, students must adhere to the copyright laws of the United States (P.L 94-553) and the Congressional Guidelines that delineate it regarding software, authorship and copying information. All students should also adhere to the Creative Commons licenses where the author/artist denotes what media may be shared, remixed or reused.

Proxies

The use of anonymous proxies and VPNs to get around content filtering is strictly prohibited and is a direct violation of this agreement.

Tech Support

If technical difficulties arise with the iPad, or non-conforming content is discovered, the iPad will be restored by Tech staff. If the Technology staff needs to restore the iPad, the District is not responsible for the loss of content put on the iPad by the student.

Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, phishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials (including photos of students and staff) that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal is a violation of this agreement.

Photos and Video:

Students are not to take pictures or videos of staff or students without staff permission. Any student use of cameras in Eden Prairie Schools should be part of a class or club activity. Unapproved camera use is a violation of this agreement.

Posting Disruptive Videos/Photos:

Students must not make or disseminate content (while on or off school property) recordings, photographs, or videos of other students or individuals, including school employees, if the recording will substantially disrupt and interfere with the work and discipline of the school, or the ability of a student to attend school or participate fully in its activities. Any making or dissemination of content must not disrupt the civil and respectful atmosphere toward teachers, other employees, and students alike. Content considered disruptive include, but is not limited to, recordings that are demeaning, derogatory, or sexually suggestive toward a student or employee. This policy applies to District-issued and personal devices that are used to make the recording.

Malicious Use/Vandalism:

Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school unit's technology, networks and internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses, is a violation of this agreement. No student shall obtain or try to obtain other students’ accounts, files, and/or data. Students are NOT to remove or attempt to remove or circumvent the management system or modify the operating system and software installed on each iPad. Using or possessing hacking software is a violation of this agreement. Students who attempt to hack or “jailbreak” any EPS iPad will be in violation of this agreement.

iPad General Precautions

• The iPad is Eden Prairie Schools’ property.
• The iPad must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not issued and placed onto the device by EPS staff.
• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the iPad to prevent damage.
• Never expose an iPad to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or prolonged periods of time in rooms that are not at a normal room temperature.
• iPads must be kept in a secure location at all times; it is the student’s responsibility to know where their iPad is at all times. Do NOT leave unsupervised or lend to friends or family members outside of your home. During times when the iPad is not needed, place the iPad in a secure location within the classroom.

iPad Cases

Acknowledging the importance of a protective case for the iPad, Eden Prairie Schools invested in purchasing protective cases for all of the iPads. iPads need to be in the EPS issued protective case.

• The iPad should ALWAYS be in its protective case, including the screen protector.
• The iPad should be charged (EPS provides a charger) and brought to school ready to use each day.
• Do NOT place your iPad in a book bag that contains food, liquids, heavy or sharp objects.

iPad Screen & Cleaning

• The screens are sensitive to pressure and therefore can be damaged; they are scratch resistant, not scratch proof.
• The screens are made of glass and can either break or shatter.
• Do NOT use liquids to clean the iPad. This includes, but is not limited to: window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
• PLEASE USE: A soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.

iPad Care

• Only labels or stickers approved and placed onto the iPad by EPS staff are acceptable.
• Never leave an iPad unattended. It is your responsibility to keep your iPad stored in a safe, secure, temperature appropriate space.
• Do NOT dismantle or attempt to repair the internal workings of the iPad or the iPad case.
• If your iPad is not working, take your iPad to the Tech Support office as soon as possible and have an EPS technology support specialist examine it. If your iPad needs to be worked on for an extended period of time, you will be issued a temporary iPad until yours is working properly.

Earphones

Eden Prairie Schools does not provide earphones; however, they are requested as part of the school supply list.

• Earphones shall not be used within or on school property unless a teacher specifically requests or allows students to do so.
• If allowed to use earphones, the appropriate level is when only the person wearing the earphones can hear the sound.

Storing Documents
There will be limited storage on the device, and academic files take priority over personal. Several backup options exist to cloud storage or personal computers. Students should back up their files.

Applications and Content
Students may only install apps provided to them through Self-Service on their iPad.  If an app is needed, which is not available in Self-Service, students should work with their teacher to request it be added.  Additional content used should have an educational purpose. Content that does not have an educational purpose and is disruptive to the educational process, will be blocked or removed from the device.

Student Discipline
If a student violates any part of the above policy, they will be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary action for a violation may include restrictions for downloading apps, checking the iPad in and out of school each day, having all iPad privileges revoked, or other actions deemed appropriate.

In instances where the student has put their own safety or the safety of others at risk (i.e. bullying), iPad privileges will be revoked immediately.

We understand that instances of damage, destruction, or loss of the assigned iPad may occur. These instances will be dealt with on a case-by case basis. Incidents of gross negligence or repeated incidents may result in financial restitution or a student may be provided with an alternative device that performs all the essential functions that are needed to engage in learning.  The fee schedule is:

o   Device Damage: This includes the screen, dents, cracks and any other type of accidental damage.

• Cost: $50

o   Device Accessories: This would include cases, charging cable, charging bricks, etc.

• Cost: $25

o   Intentional Damage:  Students who intentionally damage the device will be charged the full replacement price of the device. Students who alter, remove or change school issued protective measures (cases) and incur damage to the device, will be charged the full replacement cost of the device.

Over a students’ time in Eden Prairie Schools, each time the student damages a device, it will be tracked throughout their career. If a student damages a device in elementary school, that will be recorded and will follow the student through middle and high school. If more than one device is damaged during their career, there will be additional charges added to each recurring incident. For example:

• First damaged device - No multiplier
• Second damaged device - Damage cost x 2
• Third damaged device - Damage cost x 3

Expectations of Adults and Students

Philosophy of Behavioral Expectations for Adults and Students

Adults will:

1. Create a balanced approach for all learning
2. Create a climate for learning that includes:

●      Opportunities for students to explore and construct their learning through choice, practice, trial, error, and reworking.
●      Knowing the students culturally, and individually, by being fully cognizant of their strengths and interests.
●      Co-creating classroom routines and procedures that maximize learning bell-to-bell.
●      Creating a climate that respects difference and allows for multiple perspectives without hurting others.
●      Fostering opportunities for students to determine responsibility in meeting academic, social, and emotional expectations in monitoring their self-control.

Students will:

1. Participate fully in the learning experience, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities, from the moment they are on the bus until they return home, at all district activities and events.
2. Participate actively in the learning experience by being fully engaged, fully prepared, raising engaging questions, and effectively and positively communicating with all students and staff.
3. Participate actively in the learning experience by sharing information about themselves—strengths, weakness, and culture to create common bonds in curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities.
4. Participate actively in the learning experience by respecting differences while asserting perhaps a divergent viewpoint, doing so without harm to the other students, staff, and property.
5. Demonstrate empathy (knowing others) to build fruitful relationships that create a cohesive learning opportunity for all and through self-control behave in an ethical manner from the moment they are on the bus until they are returned home.

If a student demonstrates a lack of responsibility, respect, empathy or self-control and disrupts the learning of other students, adults may apply non-exclusionary practices such as, but not limited to::

• Re-direct, work with, and ensure the student fully understands the expectations.
• Create an accountability system with the student and parent/guardian with clear consequences or processes for resolution for additional violations.
• Work in partnership with family, students, staff and other adults to determine additional strategies and/or consequences.
• Refer to peer mediation, conflict resolution or other proven processes.
• Determine if there are extenuating physical, emotional or mental supports needed.
• Submit an office referral as deemed necessary.

1. Abuse, Verbal or Written

The use of language or actions that are obscene, intimidating or that degrades other people or incites other people is prohibited.

Guidelines for Potential Consequences:

a. First Offense: Expectations review. (unless sexual or racial abuse/threats), restorative mediation, parent/guardian contact.
b. Second Offense: Expectations review and ISS, restorative mediation, parent/guardian meeting.
c. Third Offense: Up to 5-day suspension. Parent/guardian meeting.

2. Academic Integrity

Plagiarism and cheating are not allowed in our educational environment. Honesty and integrity are essential to excellence in education. See Generative AI section for additional information.

Guidelines for Potential Consequences:

a. First Offense: Parent/guardian contacted by teacher. Loss of privileges. Plan for success developed in partnership with the teacher. Administrative and/or academic consequences may be assigned.
b. Second Offense: Parent/guardian contacted by teacher. Documentation. Loss of privileges. Plan for success developed in partnership with the teacher. Possible conference with administration to determine next action. Administrative and/or academic consequences may be assigned.
c. Third Offense: Administrative conference to determine next action. Administrative and/or academic consequences may be assigned.

3. Activity Bus
Students must demonstrate appropriate behaviors on the school activity bus.

Guidelines for Potential Consequences:

a. First Offense: Dean conference, parent/guardian contact
b. Second Offense: Dean conference, parent/guardian contact, possible bus suspension. Detention.
c. Third Offense: Dean conference, parent/guardian meeting, bus suspension.
d. Additional offenses will result in more lengthy bus suspension.

4. Alcohol/Chemicals, Possession, Use or Under the Influence of
The possession, use, distribution, delivery, transfer, sale or purchase of any controlled substance at school is strictly prohibited.

Guidelines for Potential Consequences:

a. First Offense: Up to 3-day suspension, confiscation, police referral, chemical health referral.
b. Second Offense: Up to 5-day suspension, police referral.
c. Third Offense: Suspension pending review by school & district administration for recommendation for expulsion. Police referral.

5. Attendance/Unexcused
Students are expected to be in school and in each class unless otherwise excused by a staff member or parent/guardian. Refer to the Attendance Section below for more details as well as guidelines for potential consequences.

6. Bullying/Cyberbullying

***Bullying defined:

Intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and:

a. 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 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, service, or privileges.

• In-School Suspension (ISS) – Students may be prohibited from attending a class or activity for a period of time not to exceed five days for each violation of school district rules, regulations or policies.
• Mediation - Bringing two or more parties involved in a conflict together to settle the dispute.
• Restitution - A student could choose to fix a problem or mistake, or to set things right. Restitution may be done instead of a consequence or along with a consequence.
• Suspension - An action taken by school administrators under the district’s discipline policy, which prohibits a pupil from attending school for a period of no more than 10 school days. The suspension period may be extended by an additional five days with a parent conference. A re-entry conference must occur before the pupil returns to school. This conference will include the pupil and  their parent/guardian and any school official deemed necessary.
• Expulsion - An action taken by the school board to prohibit an enrolled student from further attendance for a period up to 12 months from the date the student is expelled.
• Exclusion - An action taken by a school board to prevent enrollment or re-enrollment of a pupil for a period which will not extend beyond the school year.
• Removal From Classroom - An action taken by a teacher, principal or other school district employee to prohibit a student from attending a class or activity for a period of time not to exceed (5) days.
• Malicious and sadistic conduct - Creating a hostile learning environment by acting with the intent to cause harm by intentionally injuring another without just cause or reason or engaging in extreme or excessive cruelty or delighting in cruelty.

When an Administrative Dean meets with a student to discuss problem behavior, it is considered an office visit. Parents/guardians will be notified when a student is assigned a consequence.

• Meeting with the student, parent/guardian, administrator and classroom teacher to develop a behavior contract that is agreed upon by all parties
• Parent will shadow their student for a school day
• Suspension

Any actions taken by a teacher, principal or other school district employee to prohibit a student from attending a class or activity for a period of time not to exceed (5) days. Removal from class is, but not limited to:

• Willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to an education, including conduct that interferes with a teacher’s ability to teach or communicate effectively with students in a class or with the ability of other students to learn;
• Willful conduct that endangers surrounding persons, including school district employees, the student or other students, or the property of the school;
• Willful violation of any school rules, regulations, policies or procedures, including the Code of Student Conduct in this policy; or
• Other conduct, which is at the discretion of the teacher or administration, requires removal of the student from class.

Procedures for Return to Class

• The student will return to class after a plan has been established and discussed with the appropriate  staff member.
• Parents will be notified of students' removal from class.
• Parents of  students with IEP’s will be contacted by the child’s case manager.

Procedures for notifying students and families of violation of the Rules of Conduct and of Resulting Disciplinary Actions

• Student will meet with a staff member 
• Staff will notify parents regarding incident and assign appropriate consequence 

A team meeting will be held for a student identified as having a disability or a perceived disability, who is being removed from class, to review if an assessment or further assessment is needed and if a review of the adequacy of the current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or if a referral for special education services is needed.

If a student has been removed from class due to suspected chemical abuse while on school premises, staff will immediately notify the school’s administration and a chemical abuse pre-assessment team member(s) or  designated staff member.

Staff will provide support and interventions to students.

A variety of district-level committees and advisory councils, such as the Curriculum Advisory Council, Finance Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Council, and Community Education Advisory Council, are important ways parents can help shape district policies, procedures, and programs. For more information, log onto www.edenpr.org or call (952) 975-7150.

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at Central Middle School is comprised of parents/guardians and staff working together to enhance your child’s school experience. The group sponsors family-oriented social activities during the year and also organizes parent/guardian volunteer programs. The PTO plans events and fundraisers and uses associated proceeds to supplement programs at CMS that directly benefit students. Please know that most PTO volunteers who are volunteering during the school day must also go through the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program process.

We believe each person has individual gifts, interests and talents, which is why we are passionate about incorporating volunteers into our district classrooms and programs. Community Education oversees the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program, which places community members, older students wanting to give back, and parent volunteers (including field trip chaperones) in one-time or ongoing volunteer roles across the district.

The Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program works with teachers and other building staff members to identify needs for volunteers. Placements are then made based on the availability, strengths, and interests of vetted volunteers. A wide variety of opportunities are available within and outside of the school day, including, but not limited to, lunchroom or recess support, guest speakers, media center volunteers, general classroom support, special event workers, and evening homework helpers/tutors.

All volunteers must start by submitting an application at www.edenpr.org/volunteer. Our Outreach and Engagement Supervisor will then connect to share next steps or discuss your interests and current opportunities. Most student-facing roles require a background check and brief orientation prior to the volunteer being placed. Financial assistance and reimbursement are available to ensure the background check fee is not a barrier to volunteering.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires school districts to annually notify parents/guardians and staff about the presence of asbestos in district facilities as well as planned abatement activities. Eden Prairie Schools performs routine six-month periodic inspections of all asbestos-containing building material to ensure materials are in good condition. Records of these inspections are available for viewing in each building maintenance office and the Facilities and Safety Department at the Administrative Services Center. Anyone is welcome to review these plans with prior notice during normal working hours Monday through Friday. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the district’s Asbestos Designated Person, Kyle Fisher, at 952-975-7126.

The Parents’ Right-To-Know Act that was passed by the Minnesota Legislature requires schools to notify parents/guardians and staff regarding pesticide application in schools. The district uses Orkin Pest Control to conduct planned pesticide applications during the school year. Applications will be done as needed but will always be on the fourth Thursday of each month while school is not in session. However, the schedule may change due to inclement weather. Parents, guardians, and staff may request to be notified of any changes in the application schedule by contacting any of the school offices. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities and Safety Department at 952-975-7121.

Eden Prairie Schools has developed an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Program as required by the Minnesota Department of Education. The program includes information for concerned parents, guardians, and staff regarding the IAQ in our schools as well as an overall building walkthrough inspection that is conducted in all school district buildings annually. The program also includes a written set of procedures that describe ways to correct the identified IAQ problems, prevent future problems, and respond to emergencies and concerns. The district’s Indoor Air Quality Coordinator is Jim Anderson, Facilities and Safety Director. He can be reached at 952-975-7126.

The school district will seek criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district. The school district also will seek criminal history background checks for all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid. These positions include, but are not limited to, all athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors. The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for other volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees.

As part of its policy, the district has specified a procedure for a parent/guardian, or adult student 18 years or older to review the content of instructional materials, address concerns, and propose alternative instruction for an individual student. The procedure spells out three action steps beginning with an informal meeting of the adult and responsible staff members. If the concern is not resolved, it will be taken to the building principal. If resolution cannot be reached, the parent/guardian/adult/student will be asked to complete a form and a meeting involving representatives of the district and site Learning and Teaching staff will be convened.

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state, federal, and local funds at no charge to a student. Students are expected to provide their own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks. Students may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including (not an all-inclusive list):

●      Cost for materials for a class project that exceeds minimum requirements and is kept by the student.
●      Security deposits for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment.
●      Field trips considered supplementary to the district’s educational program.
●      Admission fees or costs to attend or participate in optional extracurricular activities and programs.
●      Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance.
●      Use of musical instruments owned or rented by the school district.
●      A school district-sponsored driver or motorcycle education training course.
●      Transportation of students to and from optional extracurricular activities or post-secondary instruction conducted at locations other than school.

Students will be charged for textbooks, workbooks, and library books that are lost or destroyed. The school district may waive a required fee or deposit if the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay. For more information, contact your school’s principal.

If a parent/guardian requests it, the school district will provide information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following:

1. Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional licensing status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
4. Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition, the school district will provide parents/guardians with information as to the level of achievement of their child in each of the state academic assessments. The school district also will provide notice to parents/guardians if, for four or more consecutive weeks, their child has been assigned to or taught by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America weekly. Any person who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reason may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice. Students will also receive instruction in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act requires school districts to notify parents/guardians and students that certain information from student records may be released and made public without the written consent of the parents or students 18-years-of-age or older. This information is called “directory information.” Directory information includes name, residential mailing address, telephone number, date and place of birth, grade in school, major field of study, participation in officially organized activities and sports, weight and height of athletic team members, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous school attended, and photos. These publications could include district-initiated publications such as calendars, newsletters, annual reports, and brochures. They also include school-initiated publications such as student newspapers and yearbooks. In addition, media, including weekly community newspapers, metro daily papers, and television stations may ask to take photos of district students. Parents/guardians or students of majority age who do not want directory information released for internal and/or external use must notify the district in writing by October 1.

Eden Prairie Schools has adopted a policy about the rights of parents and students with respect to school records. This policy complies with federal and state laws guaranteeing the right to examine and challenge the contents of student records. The Minnesota Legislature has said that all school records are deemed private. This means that the district cannot release any information without permission except directory information. A summary of census information along with grades and attendance data is stored electronically when students leave the school system.

The school district occasionally administers surveys to students as part of our of improvement processes. Consistent with Policy 520, parents/guardians are notified any time a standardized survey is administered. Parents/guardians can contact their principal for more information on survey content, purpose, and participation.

Eden Prairie Schools believes each student, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, (including gender identity or expression) or disability deserves the right to be educated in an environment that does not interfere with their educational opportunities or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. To that end, acts of bullying towards another student or groups of students will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in a swift and serious manner. According to the Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Act bullying means any intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive in nature. Furthermore, 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. The act of cyber-bullying which refers to bullying others by using technology or other electronic devices, or retaliation for asserting, alleging, reporting, or providing information about bullying or knowingly making a false report about bullying in any form are prohibited as well. Bullying does not refer to a one-time argument or disagreement between students.

The school district recognizes that students and employees have the right to express themselves on school property. This protection includes distributing nonschool-sponsored material, subject to school district regulations and procedures, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner.

The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

It is the policy of the school district to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability. The school district prohibits any form of harassment or violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, (including gender identity or expression) or disability.

Hazing is prohibited. No student will plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing. Students who violate this rule will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school district’s “Student Discipline” policy.

Users are expected to use Internet access through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses which might be acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited-purpose network. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the district filters Internet access. Students are directed to inform staff immediately if they receive any image or communication that is inappropriate.

The school district is committed to inclusive education and providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. If you have questions about this policy, please contact your principal.

●      Disability Nondiscrimination: The school district shall not engage in contractual or other arrangements that have the effect of subjecting its qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to discrimination on the basis of disability. The school district shall not exclude or otherwise deny equal jobs or job benefits to a qualified individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or association.

●      Student Sex Nondiscrimination: The school district provides equal educational opportunity for all students, and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex. No student will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the school district on the basis of sex. Read more on the TitleIX page.

The school district will give notice to teachers and other appropriate school district staff before students with a history of violent behavior are placed in their classrooms. Prior to giving this notice, district officials will inform the student’s parent or guardian that the notice will be given. The student’s parents/guardians have the right to review and challenge their child’s records, including the data documenting the history of violent behavior.

School officials may, without a search warrant, search a student and/or their personal possessions based on a reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that a school official has grounds to believe that the search will result in evidence of a violation of school district policy, rules, and/or law. Personal possessions include, but are not limited to purses, backpacks, book bags, packages, clothing, cell phones, and vehicles. Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, school lockers and student desks are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers and desks provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers and student desks may be conducted by school authorities for any reason, at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

School district students and staff have the right to learn and work in an environment that is tobacco-free. School policy is violated by any individual’s use of tobacco or tobacco-related devices in a public school, on school grounds, in any school-owned vehicles, or at any school events or activities. Students may not possess any type of tobacco or tobacco-related device in a public school, on school grounds, in any school-owned vehicles, or at any school events or activities. Any student who violates this policy is subject to school district discipline. Contact the school principal or another staff member if you have questions or wish to report violations.

The district has adopted a weapons policy. Anyone who has reason to believe a weapon is on a school site, bus, or at a school-sponsored activity has a duty to report that information to the site administrator, police officer, or any adult supervisor. Possession is defined as, but not limited to, having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control in a school environment. Weapons are defined as any object, device, instrument, or substance designed as a weapon or through its use capable of threatening or producing bodily harm, or which may be used to inflict self-injury, including, but not limited to: firearms, loaded or unloaded, functional or non-functional, look-alike or facsimile or having the appearance of a weapon; all knives; objects designed to be worn over fists or knuckles; blackjacks, clubs, nunchucks or throwing stars; explosive or incendiary devices; bows and arrows, slingshots, razors; poison chemicals including mace, pepper gas, or similar sprays; firearm muffler, silencer, or ammunition; any object modified to serve as a weapon; articles designed for other purposes such as pencils or scissors but used to inflict bodily harm or intimidate others.

Violation of the weapons policy may result in one or more of these consequences: out-of-school suspension, confiscation of the weapon; notification of the police, recommendation for expulsion or exclusion from school for up to one year. Students with disabilities who violate the policy will be disciplined in accordance with the requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Eden Prairie Schools has adopted a Wellness Policy to encourage students and staff to eat nutritiously and incorporate physical activity into a healthy lifestyle. A Wellness Advisory Committee was convened to monitor implementation of Wellness policies and guidelines, and to make recommendations to the district. Guidelines for healthy snacks, treats, and lunches from home were created. School district practices that have changed as a result of the policy include: lunch was moved after recess to discourage hurried eating, no pop is sold where students are present during the school day, classroom birthday treats are discouraged, staff is encouraged to model healthy behaviors, food and beverage rewards are discouraged, healthy snacks from home are encouraged (a snack guideline is available at each site), classroom/holiday parties should be limited and not centered around food, and staff are encouraged to create opportunities for physical activity for students.

This handbook does not cover all situations.  The administration reserves the right to sanction students for violating school rules and expectations not specifically covered in this publication.  Sanctions may include, but are not limited to a warning, Think Tank visit, detention, after-school detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, exclusion, expulsion, community/school service, parent involvement, and loss of privileges. Any and all of the material in this handbook is subject to amendment by the school administration or the Board of Education at any time.

The district has the ability to call and email all district families. In order to help ensure that you receive  these important messages, please go to www.edenpr.org and make sure that we have the correct email  address and phone numbers for us to use. You can update your email address and cell phone number  yourself by logging into the parent portal and clicking on "Family Members". Make the necessary changes  and click "Update" in each cell that you change. If you have moved or changed your primary home  phone number, please contact your students' schools to have that information updated in the system. Contact us with questions at (952) 975-7094 or helpline@edenpr.org.

State law requires schools to have 11 emergency drills each school year, including fire drills, lockdown drills, and tornado drills. School staff train students on procedures required to observe each drill. During drills, staff will act immediately to assist students, visitors, and volunteers in evacuation to a safe location. During emergency procedures or evacuation, students, visitors, and volunteers are required to:

• Follow all emergency directions given by school officials.
• Report to designated area for attendance and further instruction.
• Report any suspicious activity/behavior, concern or information immediately to school officials.

Eden Prairie School Juvenile Liaison Officers are connected with each school. Some have offices on campus, others visit regularly to develop relationships with students and teach safety programs. Officers may assist school staff with student behavior incidents when laws have been violated. Juvenile Liaison Officers and the Facilities Department work cooperatively to review district crisis management plans and site emergency procedures so that there is a coordinated response to emergencies by the school district and emergency responders.

All visitors, volunteers, and parents visiting any Eden Prairie school must enter through the main door and follow the procedures at the Welcome Desk. These procedures include providing a driver’s license for a security check and receiving a printed name tag. Please check out before exiting the building. It is the responsibility of all adults in the school to explain the check-in procedures and to direct any visitors to the front office to complete this procedure. In addition, it is not permissible for any adult or child to open other entry doors to allow a visitor to enter a school building. No student "shadowing" is permitted unless approved through administration.

CMS school hours are 9:25-4:07. Students are not permitted to loiter around the building before or after school. Students may enter the building beginning at 9:05 am. If a student needs to enter the building prior to this time they must be enrolled in CMS Mornings, our before school program or have a signed note from a classroom teacher. Any student staying after school must be enrolled in an after school activity. Violation of these expectations will result in school consequences.