6-12 Handbook

A student must successfully complete 54 credits to graduate and complete all courses required of their graduating class. In addition, students are required to take graduation exams required by the State of Minnesota. Eden Prairie High School expects students to make continuous progress toward graduation. Seniors will be allowed to participate in commencement exercises only if they have completed and passed all graduation requirements or are fewer than two credits deficient. Students who are deficient in credits may make them up by enrolling for extra classes or attending an approved night school, summer school, or independent study program. It is strongly recommended that the student confer with his/her counselor regarding progress toward graduation.

Credit for Prior Learning provides students the opportunity to demonstrate prior learning. A student may test out of most courses if s/he is able to demonstrate prior knowledge and mastery of the course outcomes. Each department determines the appropriate assessments and acceptable level of performance. A student may not test out of any course in which s/he has been or is currently enrolled. Testing will occur twice a year. All applications for this procedure must be completed by November 1 for terms 3 and 4 and April 1 for terms 1 and 2 of the next school year. Science courses require earlier application dates – see the Gifted and Talented Coordinator for more information. Credit for Prior Learning may not be used towards the Honors Diploma. Forms for the Credit for Prior Learning process are available from the Gifted and Talented Coordinator.

●      Class drops will be allowed only for students who have not met course prerequisites and/or are significantly misplaced as suggested by previous course grades.
●      Students in grades 9-10 are expected to carry a full schedule throughout the school year. This means they will have a class every period of the school day.
●      Students in grades 11-12 are expected to carry a minimum of 3 classes each term. 

Independent Coursework is an option offered to allow a student to design his/her own learning plan, creating an option for credit. The goal of the program is to give students a learning opportunity which fits individual needs while maintaining a quality experience. This option is not intended for courses regularly offered in the EPHS Course Offerings Guide, and teachers are under no obligation to supervise students in this program. EPIC forms are available from the Gifted and Talented Coordinator.

EPHS staff are under no obligation to assist students taking non-EPHS courses. Examples of non-EPHS courses include: Post-Secondary Enrollment Option courses, Credit for Prior Learning, non-EPHS online courses, non-EPHS Advanced Placement courses, or Self-Study.

A student who has received a “D+” or lower has the option of re-taking the same course. The student may not earn credit multiple times for the same course. The student is responsible for requesting that the higher grade replace the lower grade on the transcript (i.e., the lower grade is eliminated from the transcript.) Registration will be on a space available basis. Students failing the preceding term of a multiple term class may continue in the course at the discretion of the teacher.

Grade level requirements for EPHS courses are listed in the Course Offerings Guide. Students may ask for a grade level waiver on a case-by-case basis by meeting each of the following criteria:

●      a severe scheduling conflict or other extreme need, as determined by an EPHS counselor or administrator;
●      a high class ranking equivalent to Post-Secondary Enrollment Option status for the University of Minnesota (the student must have a GPA of 3.70 or higher);
●      completion of all other prerequisites for the course;
●      a strong teacher recommendation from the student’s most recent teacher in the subject area in question for the waiver;
●      several examples of where the student has shown strong interactive or discussion skills in a class or activity (especially highlighting interaction or discussion with older students); AND,
●      an early request (i.e., during the spring registration period for the following school year) so that staffing levels can be addressed, or a later request if space is available in the class in question.

EPHS reserves the right to deny a grade level waiver if related administrative issues cannot be reasonably resolved. Forms to request a grade level waiver are available from the Gifted and Talented Coordinator.

Guiding Vision

At Eden Prairie High School, our shared mission is to ensure that all students can answer “Yes!” to our three guiding questions: Do I belong here? Is this meaningful? Can I do this? Our grading practices and procedures directly contribute to students’ ability to answer yes to these questions. Our grading and evaluation process plays an important role in realizing our mission.  We are committed to implementing evidence-based grading practices that align with the following principles:

• Grading practices will be equitable, mathematically accurate, bias-resistant, motivating for students, and supportive of a hope and a growth mindset
• Grades should reflect student mastery of essential learning

Grading Scale

Letter grades are determined in each class as follows using a 4.0 non-weighted grading system:

• A: 93-100%
• A-: 90-92%
• B+: 87-89%
• B: 83-86%
• B-: 80-82%
• C+: 77-79%
• C: 73-76%
• C-: 70-72%
• D+: 67-69%
• D: 63-66%
• D-: 60-62%
• IF: 0-59%

Students can opt for a Pass/No Credit system:  P = 60% and above NC = below 60%

Determining grades

• The academic performance category will account for at least 85% of a final grade (15% maximum for academic practice).
•  
• Final term grades will be rounded up for point values of .5-.9 and rounded down for point values of 0-.4.
• No Extra Credit factored into grade.
• Students can retake/redo assessments in the academic performance category.
• Any re-take/re-do is worth 100% value.
• Pursuant to our guiding vision, behaviors will not be factored into a student's grade. Examples of this guiding principle include but are not limited to:
  • Attendance should not be directly included in grade calculations.
  • For assessments on Essential Learning Targets, points should not be added or subtracted for timeliness of work completion.
• Student scores in the academic performance and academic practice categories will reflect student mastery of course Essential Learning Targets.

The guidelines for the pass/no credit option are:

• The student must continue to meet all classroom expectations after choosing the P/NC option or the option will be revoked, and the student will be graded on an A - F scale. This includes completion of daily work, projects, and quizzes/tests. Class attendance is mandatory.
• The passing grade for all departments will be 60 percent of the accumulated points or grades for the term.
• Students may exercise the option for up to two courses each year with no more than one per term.
• Many colleges and universities request courses be taken for the grade.
• Students should initiate this request with their counselor by the second school day following parent/guardian - teacher conferences each term. 

Non--passing grades will be Incomplete (“I”). In collaboration with the student and family, the counselor, administrative dean, associate principal and teacher will determine the best pathway to complete the course. Incomplete grades are temporary placeholders indicating that a student has yet to demonstrate proficiency.

Eden Prairie High School strives to establish high ethical standards for all students in order to create a positive and stimulating learning environment. Integrity is essential to excellence both in education and life. Assessments and other schoolwork are measures of a student's academic performance. Honesty is required to ensure an accurate measurement of a student's academic knowledge. Student work must be evaluated on what the student knows or can do in order for the student and his/her family to have a clear and accurate accounting of the student's mastery of the material. When a student chooses to cheat and/or plagiarize on their schoolwork, they both compromise their integrity and project an inaccurate picture of their performance. As such, academic integrity violations will include both academic and disciplinary responses.

Plagiarism is the taking of someone else’s product, words, ideas, or data and representing them as if they are one’s own work. When a student submits work for credit that includes the product, words, ideas, or data of others, the source must be acknowledged by the use of complete, accurate, and specific references. By placing one’s name on work submitted for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgements. On written assignments, if verbatim statements are included, the statements must be enclosed by quotation marks or set off from regular text as indented extracts. A student will avoid being charged with plagiarism if there is an acknowledgement of sources of information whenever one:

●      Quotes another person’s actual words, or replicates all or part of another’s product.
●      Cutting and pasting another person’s actual words.
●      Uses another person’s ideas, opinions, work, data, or theories, even if they are completely paraphrased in one’s own words.
●      Borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials - unless the information is common knowledge.

Incompletes can be given to students who did not complete coursework due to extenuating circumstances that are beyond their control. If students are missing Essential Learning items in Academic Performance category at the end of a term, the student grade may be reported as an incomplete until the student completes those items. When a student earns a grade of (I) Incomplete, it will be reflected in the computation of his/her new GPA as a zero. This zero stays until the grade is changed. In order to resolve an incomplete, the student must make arrangements with the teacher to complete the missing work. If an incomplete is not completed by these arrangements the student has these options:

1. Contract with their teacher to finish it: If a student contracts with a teacher, the teacher stipulates what must be done and a deadline (at least 3 weeks after the end of the term) for completion of work. If a student contracts with teacher, and does not complete by the contracted deadline, the “I” turns into an “F.” 
2. Enroll in an in-school credit recovery class: If a student enrolls in the in-school credit recovery class, they must finish the incomplete by the end of the term of enrollment. If they do not, the “I” turns into an “F.” This option is only available if the original class is able to provide materials to allow credit recovery. If the teacher can provide rubrics to correct the assessments associated with the incomplete, then the credit recovery teacher can do this. If not, then the original teacher will evaluate the work.
3. Enroll in a summer school class: If a student enrolls in the summer school credit recovery class, s/he needs to complete credit in summer school. If the course is not completed, the original grade of “I” will convert to an “F.” This option is only available if the original class is able to provide materials to allow credit recovery. If the teacher can provide rubrics to correct the assessments associated with the incomplete, then the credit recovery teacher can do this. If not, then the original teacher must evaluate the work.

• “A” Honor Roll: Term GPA of 3.66 or above.
• “B” Honor Roll: Term GPA of 2.66 – 3.65.

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 click 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.

Families with students attending Eden Prairie Schools receive print and electronic publications from the district and EPO. To ensure you’re receiving electronic newsletters from the district and EPHS, log onto the district website, www.edenpr.org. You can update your email address and cell phone number yourself by logging into the parent portal and click 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.

As a community of learners, EPO parents/guardians, teachers, 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 staff members respond to requests for information and assistance in a timely and professional manner. Some tips for communicating effectively with teachers:

●      Log in to the Parent Portal to access academic or attendance information.
●      Utilize email and voicemail whenever possible to contact teachers; you can expect a response within two working days.
●      Call the teacher in advance to schedule a meeting if you would like to discuss something with the teacher regarding your student.
●      Strive to resolve a conflict directly with a teacher first; you are welcome to contact building administration if you are dissatisfied with the resolution.

Email is one of the most cost-effective, timely, efficient ways for your teacher, principal, and the district administration to communicate with families.  Families with students attending Eden Prairie Schools receive print and electronic publications from the district. To ensure you’re receiving electronic newsletters from the district and EPO, log onto the district website, www.edenpr.org. You can update your email address and cell phone number yourself by logging into the parent portal and click 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.

The Eden Prairie School District recognizes the importance of families and teachers working together. Students and their parents/guardians will have several opportunities to meet with teachers during the school year. Student Progress Reports include a letter grade, specific reasons for that grade (for example, test scores, missing work, etc.), and space for comments about behavior, performance, and attitude. Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter. At EPO, we recognize the importance of frequent updates. EPO teachers will have, at a minimum, monthly check-ins with families to report student progress. EP Online does not follow the same system as other EP Schools. The monthly check-ins are similar to conferences at other EP Schools. Monthly check-ins after formal progress reports have been issued or standardized tests have been administered can focus on discussing any questions parents/ guardians may have at that time.

Students’ names and photographs may appear in school district publications. If you do not wish to have your child’s information included in any publications, please indicate this on the annual “Directory Release Form” located on the parent portal by October 1. If you need a hard copy of the form, please contact your child's teacher. Hard copies of the form should be turned into the school office by October 1. More information is available under the Directory Information heading in this handbook.

Students and parents/guardians have access to student information by logging onto the Eden Prairie Schools website at www.edenpr.org. Within that website, the following student information is available: attendance, grades, final report cards, and unofficial transcripts. In addition, the daily bulletin, the Eagles Nest (newsletter), calendar information, and time sensitive news releases are available. If there are problems logging into the website, call 952-975-7094 or email helpline@edenpr.org. 

Each academic department has a webpage that includes teacher emails, available courses, and essential learning targets for each course. Teachers will include more specific information regarding class activities, homework, links to related course information, and other information via a Schoology course. Teachers and students will set expectations about how to use the Schoology course at the beginning of each term. 

The school will charge an appropriate replacement fee for textbooks, workbooks, library books, and school-owned equipment lost, stolen or damaged by students. School-issued property is the student’s responsibility until returned. Students have the responsibility to safeguard the materials or equipment at all times until returned. Stolen property cannot be reimbursed by the school district. 

●      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 hurtful materials or communications.
• Respect & protect intellectual property. I will suitably use and cite all content and 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.).

Password Protection

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

Privacy

Students and families need to know that files stored on school computers 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 acceptable. 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 Podcasting

Use 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 district policy. 

Accessing/Posting Inappropriate Material

Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, 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 district policy.

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 district policy.

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 district policy.

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/MacBook Air. Using or possessing hacking software is a violation of this agreement. Students who attempt to hack or “jailbreak” any EPS iPad/MacBook Air will be in violation of district policy.

Tech Support

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

• 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.
• Never throw or slide a iPad. If the iPad is in your backpack or another carrying case, do NOT throw or slide the case/backpack.
• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the iPad to prevent damage.
• Never expose a iPad to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or prolonged periods of time in rooms that are not at a normal room temperature.
• iPad 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. For students learning at home, do NOT leave the iPad unsupervised, or lend to friends or family members outside of your home. During times when the iPad is not needed, place it in a secure location.

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. 
  • The iPad should be charged (EPS provides a charger) and 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 can break or shatter; care should be taken to protect the screen from damage.
• 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.
• Contact the help desk if your iPad is not working. The help desk number is 952-975-7094.

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 backup their files.

Applications and Content

• Students, with the support and permission of parents, may install apps or other content having an educational purpose on their iPad. Applications or content that does not have an educational purpose and is disruptive to the educational process or at home will be removed from the device.

Student Discipline

• If a student violates any part of the above policy, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary action for a violation will range from the student needing to check their iPad in and out of school each day for a period of time, to having all iPad privileges revoked.

Traveling with the Device

• Devices are only supported inside of the United States. It is advised for all families traveling outside of the United States to provide personal devices. Schoology and other software used by EP Online may experience blocking when traveling outside of the United States of America due to the restrictions placed on the device and/or region of the world. 

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

We understand that instances of damage, destruction, or loss of the assigned iPad. These instances will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Incidents of gross negligence or repeated incidents may result in financial restitution from the family, up to the cost of the entire device if warranted. If the device is damaged beyond repair or lost, the cost of replacement is $300. Samples of approximate repair and replacement cost of individual parts are listed below. If there is damage that can be repaired the student will be charged for the actual cost of repair.

Repair/Replacement

• Replacement iPad - $300
• iPad Brick - $13
• iPad Cable - $7
• iPad Glass Damage - $100
• iPad Case Replacement - $32

• The MacBook Air is Eden Prairie Schools’ property.
• The MacBook Air must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not issued and placed onto the device by EPS staff.
• Never throw or slide a MacBook Air. If the MacBook Air is in your backpack or another carrying case, do NOT throw or slide the case/backpack.
• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the MacBook Air to prevent damage.
• Never expose a MacBook Air to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or prolonged periods of time in rooms that are not at a normal room temperature.
• MacBook Airs must be kept in a secure location at all times; it is the student’s responsibility to know where their MacBook Air is at all times. Do NOT leave unsupervised, or lend to friends or family members outside of your home.

Transporting MacBook Air Cases

• Acknowledging the importance of a protective case for the MacBook Air, Eden Prairie Schools invested in purchasing protective cases for all of the MacBook Airs. These cases are suitable for transporting the device to and from school and EPS policy is that all MacBook Airs need to be in the EPS issued protective case.
  • The MacBook Air should always be in its protective case during transit.
  • The MacBook Air should be charged (EPS provides a charger) and ready to use each day.
  • Do NOT place your MacBook Air in a book bag that contains food, liquids, heavy or sharp objects.

MacBook Air Screen & Cleaning

• The screens are sensitive to pressure and therefore can be damaged; they are scratch resistant, not scratch proof.
• The screens can break or shatter; care should be taken to protect the screen from damage.
• Do NOT use liquids to clean the MacBook Air. This includes, but is not limited to: window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.

MacBook Air Care

• The Technology department is able to detect when unauthorized programs and apps are downloaded, and those devices will be “wiped” and reinstalled with approved programs and apps. EPS is not responsible for any lost content stored on the device, including but not limited to: documents, photos, music, etc.
• Never leave a MacBook Air unattended. It is your responsibility to keep your MacBook Air stored in a safe, secure, temperature appropriate space.
• Do NOT attempt to try to repair the internal workings of a MacBook Air yourself.
• If your MacBook Air is not working, call the help desk. If your MacBook Air needs to be worked on for an extended period of time, you will be issued a temporary MacBook Air until yours is working properly.

Repair/Replacement

• Laptop Replacement:
  • First Incident - $350, 
  • Subsequent incidents - $700
• Screen Damage - $350
• Keyboard Damage - $140
• Hard Drive Damage - $400
• Charger - $79
• Major Scratches and Dents - $100
• Laptop Case Replacement - $30

Earphones

Eden Prairie Schools does not supply earphones to students.

Storing Documents

There will be limited storage on the device and academic files take priority over personal. Eden Prairie Schools STRONGLY recommends backing up important files and content daily. Several backup options exist, including cloud storage or personal computers. Students should backup their files, services, personally allocated storage space on the school district’s network, flash drives and external hard drives. 

Apple ID

Each student needs to have an Apple ID. Our recommendation is that the account is linked to a parent’s account, and/or that parents have password information. Information on creating an Apple ID is provided at back to school nights and on the school website.

Student Discipline

If a student violates any part of the above policy, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary action for a violation will range from the student needing to check his or her MacBook Air in and out of school each day for a period of time, to having all MacBook Air privileges revoked.

In instances where the student has put his/her own safety or the safety of others at risk, MacBook Air privileges will be revoked immediately.

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:

• Providing opportunities for students to explore and construct their learning through choice, practice, trial, error and reworking
• Knowing their students culturally, and individually, by being fully cognizant of their strengths and interests
• Co-creating classroom rituals 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

1. Attend each class every day.
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, team, other leader, 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 for other students, adults will:

• Re-direct, work with, and ensure the student fully understands expectations
• Work in partnership with family, student, staff and other support staff to determine additional strategies and/or consequences 
• Determine if there are extenuating physical, emotional or mental challenges
• Submit disciplinary referral as if deemed necessary

• Students’ parents/guardians and eligible students under federal law generally have the right to view their school records according to state and federal laws.
• Students have the right to privacy regarding any school records. Any disclosure of information from student records will be consistent with legal requirements and the discipline policy established by the school district.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible for following established building and district procedures regarding access to their school records.

Students have the opportunity to wear clothing of their choosing and to engage in personal grooming which is not potentially disruptive to the education process, which does not pose a threat to the health or safety of other students and which is not lewd, vulgar, obscene, sexually explicit or discriminatory.

Responsibilities:

Students are responsible for dressing in such a manner that is not disruptive or likely to disrupt the learning environment, is not a health and safety hazard, is not obscene, is not sexually explicit, discriminatory or associated with threat/hate groups, including gangs. Clothing, headwear and accessories which displays references to alcohol, chemicals, tobacco or other products which are illegal for use by minors is not permitted. See Section 15 (below) of the Student Management Guidelines.

• Students have the right of equal opportunity to participate in all school activities and school education programs for which they are eligible within limits.

• Students are responsible for following the rules and regulations of the school-sponsored activity in which they participate or others participate. Students may not discourage the participation of other students.

• Students have the right to due process as defined in the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act when involved in a violation of district rules. Included is the opportunity to hear the nature of the violation and to give their account of the situation.
• Students have the right to be informed of all current school policies, rules and regulations that apply to them.
• Students have the right to be informed of all classroom expectations.
• Students have the right to be treated respectfully by district employees and other students.
• Students have the right to be free from corporal punishment by school personnel.
• Students have the right to be free from unreasonable physical contact from teachers and other district personnel. Reasonable force to restrain or correct a student from injuring self or other persons, however, is allowable.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible for treating all persons respectfully, responding to all directives or inquiries from staff, and for following rules and regulations that apply to them.
• Students are responsible for being knowledgeable about and following all school policies, rules and regulations that apply to them.
• Students are responsible for being knowledgeable about and meeting all classroom expectations and evaluation procedures that apply to them.
• Students are responsible for treating others including other students and district employees in a respectful manner. Students also are expected to treat the property of others and the district responsibly.
• Students are responsible for refraining from using force or physical contact for the purposes of inflicting physical and emotional harm on another.
• Students are responsible for respecting the space and freedom of those around them. Students also are responsible for not engaging in conduct that threatens to injure themselves, other persons and property.

• Students have the right to free speech so long as such speech does not violate the rights of others or the responsibilities listed below.
• Students have the right of assembly within the reasonable time, place and manner restrictions of the school district. Those restrictions will be made available to all students before they are enforced.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible for expressing opinions, publishing written materials and distributing literature in such a manner that is not defaming, obscene, discriminatory, sexually explicit, associated with threat/hate groups, including gangs, or contains references to alcohol, chemicals, tobacco, or other products which are illegal for use by minors, that does not interfere with the rights of others or disrupt the school environment and follows school regulations regarding time, place and manner.
• Students are responsible, when assembling, for exhibiting appropriate behavior and following the reasonable time, place and manner restrictions of the school district.

• Students have the right to be free from sexual harassment and violence, racial harassment and violence, religious harassment and violence, and harassment and violence based on any other protected characteristic, as denoted in District Policy 413, arising out of the physical or verbal conduct of other students, school personnel and others.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible for being aware of school district policies regarding harassment and for maintaining an environment free from harassment, intimidation and abuse. Students are also responsible for reporting to a teacher, staff or administrator incidents of physical, sexual and verbal harassment, intimidation and/or abuse that they have experienced or of which they are aware.

• Students have the opportunity to receive a comprehensive appropriate education.
• Students have the opportunity to attend school in a safe environment that is free from disruptive behavior by others.
• Students have the opportunity to make up school work missed during an excused absence.
• Students have the right to necessary home/hospital instruction as regulated by state guidelines when absent for an extended period.

• Students are responsible for daily attendance, for completing class assignments on time and for bringing appropriate materials required for class use.
• Students are responsible for behaving in such a manner that does not pose a potential or actual danger to themselves or others and that is not disruptive to the learning process for others.
• Students are responsible for obtaining and completing make-up work assigned for periods of absence.
• Students are responsible for completing work assigned as part of the home/hospital instructional process.

• Students have the right to be free from discrimination based upon race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance or disability.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible for treating other students and district employees in a nondiscriminatory manner.

• Students generally have the right to privacy of their persons and personal property when engaging, participating or pursuing curricular activities on a school location. In such instances, a student’s person or personal property may only be searched by school officials if there is reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of a school rule or of the law.
• Students have the opportunity to utilize school lockers, desks and other designated areas for storing appropriate items of personal property subject to the understanding that such areas are within the exclusive control of the school district and that such areas may be searched for any reason, at any time without permission, consent or requirement for a search warrant in accordance with the school district’s locker policy.
• Students have the right to privacy regarding information which is collected or maintained about them because they are a student. Such information will be released in accordance with state and federal law. Matters of child neglect, physical or sexual abuse must be reported to the proper authorities according to state law. Matters involving criminal behavior may also be reported to the proper authorities.

• Students are responsible for refraining from bringing onto school location or to school-sponsored events any item or material that is in violation of school district policy, school rules, or state and federal laws if the item(s) would cause, or tend to cause, a disruptive activity or endanger the health and safety of students or other people.
• Students are responsible for keeping their lockers free of any items that are illegal or that are prohibited under school rules and district policies.
• Students are responsible for reporting matters of abuse or illegal activity to school personnel.

• Students have the right to feel safe in the school building, on campus, and at school sponsored events.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible for reporting any safety concerns regarding themselves or others. Students are expected to report any concerns to any responsible adult in the building, such as a teacher, counselor, security monitor, dean, or advisor, who will then notify the building principal or designee of the allegation.

• Students have the opportunity to form and participate in student government which is open to all members of the student body being represented. The purpose of the existence of student government is to represent and to be responsive to the needs of all students.

Responsibilities:

• Students are responsible, when forming a student government, for establishing purposeful bylaws. The student government is responsible for communicating with the student body, faculty and administration and being aware of and complying with any policies of the school district that may affect the formation of procedural aspects of the student government.

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/guardians can help shape district policies, procedures, and programs. For more information, log onto www.edenpr.org or call (952) 975-7150.

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 Head of School. 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 Teaching and Learning staff will be convened.

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.

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 to and from school for students living within two miles of school.
●      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. 

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.

If a parent requests it, the school district will provide information regarding the professional qualifications of his/her 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 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 if, for four or more consecutive weeks, their child has been assigned to or taught by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

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. 

Parent/guardians or students of majority age who do not want directory information released for internal and/or external use should indicate this on the annual “Directory Release Form” located on the parent portal by October 1. If you need a hard copy of the form, please contact your child's school. Hard copies of the form should be turned into the school office 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. 

Occasionally, the school district utilizes surveys to obtain student opinions and information about students. If you have questions related to the rights of parents/guardians and eligible students about conducting surveys, contact your Head of School. 

Link to guide.

Please contact your child's teacher(s) if they will not be at school due to illness.

Eden Prairie Schools does not carry accident, disability, or medical insurance for students. Coverage is through the student’s family medical coverage, including the cost of ambulance services. The district does carry public/general liability coverage for district premises and/or employee negligence. MinnesotaCare health insurance is available for those families who qualify based on monthly income and family size. Questions about this plan can be directed to the school nurse or social worker.

The school district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Acts of bullying, in any form, by either an individual student or a group of students, is prohibited on school district property or at school-related functions.

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, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled students. 

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, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, 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.

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 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.

If for any reason EP Online students are attending school events or visiting school property the following weapons policy is in place.

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.